BBC news data
The BBC News dataset provides a rich collection of real-world news articles spanning multiple categories like politics, health, tech, and more. Designed for advanced NLP and AI applications, it includes titles, publication dates, article summaries, and clean body text in CSV format. Ideal for tasks such as text classification, news summarization, fake news detection, headline generation, and fine-tuning language models.
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Multi-Source Coverage
Data aggregated from multiple credible sources: BBC, The Guardian, Sky News, Le Monde, ABC News, Al Jazeera, and more.
Editorial-Grade Language
Written and edited by professional journalists, ideal for fine-tuning language models with factual, structured writing.
Cross-National Perspective
News from UK, Australia, Europe, and Middle East — perfect for training globally aware models.
Article-Level Structuring
Each row includes article title, summary, body text, author, publication time, language, and section/category.
Multilingual Readiness
Supports English, French, German, and Arabic with optional translation mapping fields.
Summarization-Ready
Clean summary (standfirst) fields present in many articles to support summarization tasks.
Topic Richness
Includes major categories like health, science, politics, climate, world, technology, and culture.
Ready for LLMs
Formatted to feed into large language models for retrieval-augmented generation, prompt-tuning, or classification.
Bbc News Dataset Sample
The sample CSV includes 10–20 article records per source, with only basic fields (title, body text, summary, date). For full access with all structured metadata, contact our support team.
| title | url | published_at | author | publisher | short_description | header_image | category | raw_description | description | uniq_id | scraped_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExxonMobil fined by US for Ukraine sanctions violations | https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40673791 | 2017-07-20 | BBC News | The oil giant must pay $2m for engaging with Russia despite US sanctions on that country over Crimea. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/D28E/production/_97020935_gettyimages-475619134.jpg | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">US authorities have fined Exxon Mobil $2m (£1.5m) for violating sanctions against Russia while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was its chief executive.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Exxon dealt with Igor Sechin, the president of Russian oil giant Rosneft, who was blacklisted, the US Treasury Department said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Exxon has challenged the finding, calling it "fundamentally unfair". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The US imposed sanctions against Russia in March 2014 as Russia annexed Crimea and tension rose in Ukraine. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In April 2014, the US added Mr Sechin to the list of people blocked under the rules.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18010123">Ukraine profile - Timeline</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Exxon signed eight legal documents with Mr Sechin in May 2014 and did not disclose the activities voluntarily, the Treasury Department said. It described it as an "egregious case". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Exxon, citing administration statements, on Thursday said it believed the sanctions targeted Mr Sechin as an individual and not in his professional role at Rosneft. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It said the Treasury Department had been reviewing the issue for several years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">As head of Exxon, Mr Tillerson signed deals with Rosneft, leading Russia to award him the Order of Friendship in 2013. At Exxon, he spoke against sanctions.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Texas-based Exxon was forced to wind down drilling after sanctions were imposed.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Tillerson's ties to Russia prompted controversy when US President Donald Trump named him as his choice to lead the State Department. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The US in April said it would not waive sanctions to allow Exxon to resume drilling in Russia.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">US sanctions exposed Exxon to up to $1bn in losses by the end of 2014, Exxon said.</p></div></div> | US authorities have fined Exxon Mobil $2m (£1.5m) for violating sanctions against Russia while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was its chief executive.Exxon dealt with Igor Sechin, the president of Russian oil giant Rosneft, who was blacklisted, the US Treasury Department said.Exxon has challenged the finding, calling it "fundamentally unfair". The US imposed sanctions against Russia in March 2014 as Russia annexed Crimea and tension rose in Ukraine. In April 2014, the US added Mr Sechin to the list of people blocked under the rules.Ukraine profile - TimelineExxon signed eight legal documents with Mr Sechin in May 2014 and did not disclose the activities voluntarily, the Treasury Department said. It described it as an "egregious case". Exxon, citing administration statements, on Thursday said it believed the sanctions targeted Mr Sechin as an individual and not in his professional role at Rosneft. It said the Treasury Department had been reviewing the issue for several years.As head of Exxon, Mr Tillerson signed deals with Rosneft, leading Russia to award him the Order of Friendship in 2013. At Exxon, he spoke against sanctions.But Texas-based Exxon was forced to wind down drilling after sanctions were imposed.Mr Tillerson's ties to Russia prompted controversy when US President Donald Trump named him as his choice to lead the State Department. The US in April said it would not waive sanctions to allow Exxon to resume drilling in Russia.US sanctions exposed Exxon to up to $1bn in losses by the end of 2014, Exxon said. | cab55b95-19cd-598e-931e-b507000192db | 02/24/23 | |
| Pussy Riot member on hunger strike moved to hospital | https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-22689940 | 2013-05-28 | BBC News | Maria Alyokhina, the jailed Pussy Riot member who went on hunger strike last week, is taken to hospital in her prison colony in the Urals town of Berezniki. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/67750000/jpg/_67750000_67749999.jpg | Entertainment & Arts | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A member of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot who went on hunger strike in jail last week has been taken to hospital.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Maria Alyokhina was moved to a hospital in her prison colony in the Urals town of Berezniki, the husband of one of her bandmates told the Associated Press.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Alyokhina began her protest after being barred from attending a parole hearing.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She and two other members of the Pussy Riot group were jailed after staging an anti-Vladimir Putin protest in a Moscow cathedral in February 2012.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">One, Yekaterina Samutsevich, had her sentence suspended on appeal last October. Another, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, was denied parole last month.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In a letter published by her lawyers earlier this week, Alyokhina claimed prison officials were attempting to turn fellow inmates against her by holding a security crackdown in advance of the parole hearing.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Alyokhina previously spent five months in solitary confinement after claiming that officials deliberately lodged her with hardened criminals and encouraged them to intimidate her.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Pussy Riot trio were jailed for two years last August after being convicted of a breach of public order motivated by religious hatred.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The prosecution prompted worldwide condemnation, with Sir Paul McCartney among those calling for the band members to be freed.</p></div></div> | A member of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot who went on hunger strike in jail last week has been taken to hospital.Maria Alyokhina was moved to a hospital in her prison colony in the Urals town of Berezniki, the husband of one of her bandmates told the Associated Press.Alyokhina began her protest after being barred from attending a parole hearing.She and two other members of the Pussy Riot group were jailed after staging an anti-Vladimir Putin protest in a Moscow cathedral in February 2012.One, Yekaterina Samutsevich, had her sentence suspended on appeal last October. Another, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, was denied parole last month.In a letter published by her lawyers earlier this week, Alyokhina claimed prison officials were attempting to turn fellow inmates against her by holding a security crackdown in advance of the parole hearing.Alyokhina previously spent five months in solitary confinement after claiming that officials deliberately lodged her with hardened criminals and encouraged them to intimidate her.The Pussy Riot trio were jailed for two years last August after being convicted of a breach of public order motivated by religious hatred.The prosecution prompted worldwide condemnation, with Sir Paul McCartney among those calling for the band members to be freed. | b3d3101f-f85b-54e7-9a95-f8f5ec5bda87 | 02/24/23 | |
| 'Seriously injured' takeaway attack victim sought | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-20780955 | 2012-12-19 | BBC News | A man who was assaulted, slammed into a window and thrown to the floor outside a Southampton takeaway shop is sought by police. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/64849000/jpg/_64849829_64849827.jpg | Hampshire & Isle of Wight | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A man who was attacked, slammed into a shop window and thrown to the floor outside a takeaway restaurant is being sought by police.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Southampton officers believe the man, thought to be in his 20s, was seriously injured in the assault in Bedford Place, which was caught on CCTV.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It happened outside Caspian's takeaway at about 03:45 GMT on Sunday but he never reported it to police.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Two men, aged 20 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of assault.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The 22-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and both have been released on bail.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A second man was also assaulted outside the takeaway and suffered cuts, bruises and a dislocated shoulder.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Police urged the other victim, or anyone who recognises him, to get in touch.</p></div></div> | A man who was attacked, slammed into a shop window and thrown to the floor outside a takeaway restaurant is being sought by police.Southampton officers believe the man, thought to be in his 20s, was seriously injured in the assault in Bedford Place, which was caught on CCTV.It happened outside Caspian's takeaway at about 03:45 GMT on Sunday but he never reported it to police.Two men, aged 20 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of assault.The 22-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and both have been released on bail.A second man was also assaulted outside the takeaway and suffered cuts, bruises and a dislocated shoulder.Police urged the other victim, or anyone who recognises him, to get in touch. | 54a071b2-d8a9-58a7-8f01-22b98a0af2bf | 02/24/23 | |
| Brough carer used 71-year-old as 'cashpoint' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-48639886 | 2019-06-14 | BBC News | Laura Brunskill suggested the victim was a cannabis user when quizzed over financial irregularities. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/11E7A/production/_107383337_brunskill.jpg | Cumbria | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A carer who stole thousands of pounds from the vulnerable pensioner she was employed to look after has been jailed. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Laura Brunskill used the 71-year-old dementia sufferer as a "cashpoint", Carlisle Crown Court heard, taking a total of £3,440 from her account.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The 23-year-old, of Lady Anne Drive, Brough, even suggested the victim had a cannabis habit when financial irregularities came to light.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She later admitted four counts of theft, and was jailed for a year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The court was told concerns over irregularities in the "frugal and thrifty" woman's financial affairs led police to Brunskill.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It emerged that the carer, who was later sacked, used the cash on luxuries including tickets for Peter Kay and Ed Sheeran concerts, and a Cape Verde holiday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Brunskill's lawyer, Brian Williams, said his client was remorseful for offences, committed between June and December 2017, and which were "completely and utterly baffling" and "out of character".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Judge Andrew Jefferies QC said it was "remarkable breach of trust". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said: "Only immediate custody is appropriate in this case to punish you for what is a terribly mean offence."</p></div></div> | A carer who stole thousands of pounds from the vulnerable pensioner she was employed to look after has been jailed. Laura Brunskill used the 71-year-old dementia sufferer as a "cashpoint", Carlisle Crown Court heard, taking a total of £3,440 from her account.The 23-year-old, of Lady Anne Drive, Brough, even suggested the victim had a cannabis habit when financial irregularities came to light.She later admitted four counts of theft, and was jailed for a year.The court was told concerns over irregularities in the "frugal and thrifty" woman's financial affairs led police to Brunskill.It emerged that the carer, who was later sacked, used the cash on luxuries including tickets for Peter Kay and Ed Sheeran concerts, and a Cape Verde holiday.Brunskill's lawyer, Brian Williams, said his client was remorseful for offences, committed between June and December 2017, and which were "completely and utterly baffling" and "out of character".Judge Andrew Jefferies QC said it was "remarkable breach of trust". He said: "Only immediate custody is appropriate in this case to punish you for what is a terribly mean offence." | b09c82d3-7d4a-561e-9a19-5a2dd827e78e | 02/24/23 | |
| World War Two: Pilot's daughter thanks man who found dog tag in Essex | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-53601954 | 2020-08-08 | By Charlie Jones | BBC News | The tag was found 40 years ago, but social media has now helped track down a late pilot's relative. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/90D1/production/_113837073_0d9c3890-baf3-4681-978d-ae019db0c078.jpg | Essex | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The daughter of a US pilot whose World War Two dog tag was found at an airfield 40 years ago has thanked the man who discovered it.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mark Manning found Lt Col Eugene Timony's tag in Boxted, Essex in 1980.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He posted about it on Facebook last month and a local history enthusiast tracked down the serviceman's daughter, Marissa Timony, in Texas.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She said she was pleased people in the UK were interested in the wartime exploits of her late father.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Thank you for your support of keeping history alive," she wrote in an email to Mr Manning. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Lt Col Timony, who was from Lakewood, Ohio, flew a P-47 aircraft, known as a Thunderbolt, and shot down two enemy planes while flying out of Boxted airfield, near Colchester. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He survived the war, during which he flew in 76 missions, and went on to fight in Korea and Vietnam, before he died aged 69.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Each serviceman was issued with two tags during the war. Mr Manning believes the tag may have been a duplicate held by the administration department on the airbase, which was built for the United States Air Force in 1943 and briefly used after the war by the RAF until it was closed in 1947.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said it felt like history had been brought to life by finding the pilot's daughter. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's a very personal possession and totally unique. It has been really nice to learn more about him," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"These chaps were heroes, they are the great aerial warriors of the past and they deserve recognition."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Manning is hoping the tag can be displayed at Boxted Airfield Museum, which Ms Timony agreed would be a nice idea.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He found several others dog tags at the same time, which he has kept in a box. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He managed to reunite one of the other tags with its owner, Col Walker Mahurin, of the USAF, fifteen years ago.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I still have several others in the box and this has really encouraged me to have another look at them and work out who they belonged to," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Find BBC News: East of England on </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewseast/">Facebook</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.instagram.com/bbceastofengland/">Instagram</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> and </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/bbclookeast">Twitter</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">. If you have a story suggestion email </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="mailto:eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk">eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk</a></p></div></div> | The daughter of a US pilot whose World War Two dog tag was found at an airfield 40 years ago has thanked the man who discovered it.Mark Manning found Lt Col Eugene Timony's tag in Boxted, Essex in 1980.He posted about it on Facebook last month and a local history enthusiast tracked down the serviceman's daughter, Marissa Timony, in Texas.She said she was pleased people in the UK were interested in the wartime exploits of her late father."Thank you for your support of keeping history alive," she wrote in an email to Mr Manning. Lt Col Timony, who was from Lakewood, Ohio, flew a P-47 aircraft, known as a Thunderbolt, and shot down two enemy planes while flying out of Boxted airfield, near Colchester. He survived the war, during which he flew in 76 missions, and went on to fight in Korea and Vietnam, before he died aged 69.Each serviceman was issued with two tags during the war. Mr Manning believes the tag may have been a duplicate held by the administration department on the airbase, which was built for the United States Air Force in 1943 and briefly used after the war by the RAF until it was closed in 1947.He said it felt like history had been brought to life by finding the pilot's daughter. "It's a very personal possession and totally unique. It has been really nice to learn more about him," he said."These chaps were heroes, they are the great aerial warriors of the past and they deserve recognition."Mr Manning is hoping the tag can be displayed at Boxted Airfield Museum, which Ms Timony agreed would be a nice idea.He found several others dog tags at the same time, which he has kept in a box. He managed to reunite one of the other tags with its owner, Col Walker Mahurin, of the USAF, fifteen years ago."I still have several others in the box and this has really encouraged me to have another look at them and work out who they belonged to," he said.Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk | 1112b19b-432e-5060-9ac7-9f8bee26f7aa | 02/24/23 |
| Coronation Street to go live for 50th anniversary | https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-11164737 | 2010-09-02 | BBC News | Coronation Street is to broadcast a live episode as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, soap bosses confirm. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | Entertainment & Arts | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Coronation Street is to broadcast a live episode as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, soap bosses have confirmed.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The ITV1 series, which marks its half-century in December, will screen the special instalment later this year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A spokeswoman for the soap said: "Everyone is very excited, if not to say a little nervous."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The soap previously screened a live episode for its 40th anniversary, which also featured the Prince of Wales.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The spokesperson said they felt the live show was a fitting way to "celebrate such a prestigious anniversary."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Producer Phil Collinson revealed earlier this year that key characters will be killed off in a tram crash which occurs in Weatherfield in December.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is not clear whether the disaster will occur during the live programme.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Last month, a theatre show called Corrie! opened at The Lowry in Salford as part of the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In February, EastEnders also broadcast a live episode to mark its 25th anniversary.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More than 16 million people tuned in to watch.</p></div></div> | Coronation Street is to broadcast a live episode as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, soap bosses have confirmed.The ITV1 series, which marks its half-century in December, will screen the special instalment later this year.A spokeswoman for the soap said: "Everyone is very excited, if not to say a little nervous."The soap previously screened a live episode for its 40th anniversary, which also featured the Prince of Wales.The spokesperson said they felt the live show was a fitting way to "celebrate such a prestigious anniversary."Producer Phil Collinson revealed earlier this year that key characters will be killed off in a tram crash which occurs in Weatherfield in December.It is not clear whether the disaster will occur during the live programme.Last month, a theatre show called Corrie! opened at The Lowry in Salford as part of the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations.In February, EastEnders also broadcast a live episode to mark its 25th anniversary.More than 16 million people tuned in to watch. | 0fd79503-a889-55d8-a892-1ea04e1ccbb6 | 02/24/23 | |
| Coronavirus: 'My three-week battle in three hospitals' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-52847838 | 2020-06-01 | By Will Leitch | BBC News | Jack McCullough self isolated for 10 days before he was admitted to hospital on Mother's Day. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/FB77/production/_112557346_jackmccullough.jpg | Northern Ireland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The clapping and whooping of three small boys surrounding their dad, who is in a wheelchair, has been viewed thousands of times on social media.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Standing outside their home, they're supporting healthcare workers.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Jack McCullough has reason to applaud with his sons.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the video he is wrapped up against the cold and looks weak. He's just spent three weeks in hospital recovering from Covid-19 in three different hospitals.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's taking much longer than he expected.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr McCullough, from Dromore in County Down, works mostly at home in the IT industry.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He's been posting his thanks to every medical team he knows took care of him in Craigavon, the Mater Hospital and the Nightingale Hospital at Belfast City .</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In another video, posted on the Southern Health Trust's facebook page, Jack recounted his experience from when he was admitted to hospital on Mother's Day.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When I meet him, socially-distanced in his back garden almost six weeks later, he's still weak.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Even now I go for a short walk and I'm completely exhausted," he explained.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I did lose about two stone in hospital, unfortunately not as much off my stomach as I would have liked. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"That was mostly muscle mass, so I need to start really trying to build all that up again." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr McCullough started feeling ill in March and spent 10 days isolating in his home office, separate from his wife, mother-in-law, and three young sons. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His condition worsened and when he had trouble breathing, was finally admitted to Craigavon hospital where the staff quickly moved him to ICU.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"So I phoned my wife," he told me. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I said: 'I'm going to be unconscious in the morning. I'm being moved into ICU, put on a ventilator.'</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"And that was it. The next thing I knew that was just over two weeks later I woke up in the City Hospital in Belfast."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It was after three weeks in hospital that he was finally discharged, although he remembers very little about it.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Together in their garden, Mr McCullough and his wife Mary-Frances flick through the diary she kept during that time, noting all the developments, the letters she sent him, the setbacks and moments of hope.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But when he got home at Easter, there was still the recovery.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Doctors will tell you there is still a great deal to learn about Covid-19, not least the time it takes to recover from a bad case of it.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dr Michael McKenna, a GP in west Belfast, says a long recovery time is to be expected.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The normal phase for people with a viral illness who need ventilator support is two, three, possibly four days at tops," he says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We're seeing these individuals needing 14, 15 up to 20 days on a ventilator and that itself is very incapacitating. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"You become very quickly de-conditioned by your hospital stay and that takes an inordinate amount of time to recover from."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In his garden, Jack McCullough told me how difficult the recovery was, even after he got home.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I had a bedroom downstairs," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"My mother was ill several years ago and I bought a second hand wheelchair just to help us get her around, so that was in the shed, so we got the wheelchair out. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Mary-Frances was wheeling me back and forth to the toilet, into the kitchen to get something to eat and it's only a few metres. It's not that far, but that's what we had to do."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dr McKenna said doctors cannot always tell who will recover the most quickly.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's hard to know, because many of these people will previously be fit and well, so it's difficult to pick a group. It's likely that it is related to the impact that it has on your immune system."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is now summer time, but Jack McCullough admits he still is easily exhausted.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He has been taking the time to try to process what happened to him, and how he learns from it.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"At the time in ICU while I was unconscious, I have memories," he explained.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"My memory was: 'I need to get home; I just need to get home.' </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"So being able to be home with my family and with my kids, even if we can't go out, even if I can't do the stuff that I would like to do, just being here, that is more precious than anything else, and I think that gives us a fresh perspective. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It certainly has given me that and our family that, a fresh perspective in, you know, what's really important in life."</p></div></div> | The clapping and whooping of three small boys surrounding their dad, who is in a wheelchair, has been viewed thousands of times on social media.Standing outside their home, they're supporting healthcare workers.Jack McCullough has reason to applaud with his sons.In the video he is wrapped up against the cold and looks weak. He's just spent three weeks in hospital recovering from Covid-19 in three different hospitals.It's taking much longer than he expected.Mr McCullough, from Dromore in County Down, works mostly at home in the IT industry.He's been posting his thanks to every medical team he knows took care of him in Craigavon, the Mater Hospital and the Nightingale Hospital at Belfast City .In another video, posted on the Southern Health Trust's facebook page, Jack recounted his experience from when he was admitted to hospital on Mother's Day.When I meet him, socially-distanced in his back garden almost six weeks later, he's still weak."Even now I go for a short walk and I'm completely exhausted," he explained."I did lose about two stone in hospital, unfortunately not as much off my stomach as I would have liked. "That was mostly muscle mass, so I need to start really trying to build all that up again." Mr McCullough started feeling ill in March and spent 10 days isolating in his home office, separate from his wife, mother-in-law, and three young sons. His condition worsened and when he had trouble breathing, was finally admitted to Craigavon hospital where the staff quickly moved him to ICU."So I phoned my wife," he told me. "I said: 'I'm going to be unconscious in the morning. I'm being moved into ICU, put on a ventilator.'"And that was it. The next thing I knew that was just over two weeks later I woke up in the City Hospital in Belfast."It was after three weeks in hospital that he was finally discharged, although he remembers very little about it.Together in their garden, Mr McCullough and his wife Mary-Frances flick through the diary she kept during that time, noting all the developments, the letters she sent him, the setbacks and moments of hope.But when he got home at Easter, there was still the recovery.Doctors will tell you there is still a great deal to learn about Covid-19, not least the time it takes to recover from a bad case of it.Dr Michael McKenna, a GP in west Belfast, says a long recovery time is to be expected."The normal phase for people with a viral illness who need ventilator support is two, three, possibly four days at tops," he says."We're seeing these individuals needing 14, 15 up to 20 days on a ventilator and that itself is very incapacitating. "You become very quickly de-conditioned by your hospital stay and that takes an inordinate amount of time to recover from."In his garden, Jack McCullough told me how difficult the recovery was, even after he got home."I had a bedroom downstairs," he said."My mother was ill several years ago and I bought a second hand wheelchair just to help us get her around, so that was in the shed, so we got the wheelchair out. "Mary-Frances was wheeling me back and forth to the toilet, into the kitchen to get something to eat and it's only a few metres. It's not that far, but that's what we had to do."Dr McKenna said doctors cannot always tell who will recover the most quickly."It's hard to know, because many of these people will previously be fit and well, so it's difficult to pick a group. It's likely that it is related to the impact that it has on your immune system."It is now summer time, but Jack McCullough admits he still is easily exhausted.He has been taking the time to try to process what happened to him, and how he learns from it."At the time in ICU while I was unconscious, I have memories," he explained."My memory was: 'I need to get home; I just need to get home.' "So being able to be home with my family and with my kids, even if we can't go out, even if I can't do the stuff that I would like to do, just being here, that is more precious than anything else, and I think that gives us a fresh perspective. "It certainly has given me that and our family that, a fresh perspective in, you know, what's really important in life." | 90bd0879-2e11-51a6-b6ae-ab52c6e0b14b | 02/24/23 |
| Azerbaijan journalist Khadija Ismayilova jailed in Baku | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34116812 | 2015-09-01 | BBC News | Investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova is sentenced to seven and a half years in jail by a court in Azerbaijan for embezzlement and tax evasion. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/73B4/production/_85302692_khadija.jpg | Europe | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Leading Azerbaijan journalist Khadija Ismayilova has been sentenced to seven and a half years in jail for embezzlement and tax evasion.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A renowned investigative reporter, she had focused on businesses and offshore bank accounts allegedly linked to the family of President Ilham Aliyev.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Human rights organisations have complained that the trial was politically motivated.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Two prominent activists were jailed last month on similar charges.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Leyla Yunus and her husband Arif were given jail terms of eight and a half years and seven years, respectively. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34001405">Ismayilova: Giving Azerbaijan's government a headache</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Azerbaijan government said at the time the couple's court process had been open and free and that judicial independence and the rule of law were "fully guaranteed".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Responding to the latest verdict, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland linked the cases and spoke of a worrying trend against human rights activists and journalists. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said the developments had a "chilling effect on freedom of expression in the country".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Human Rights Watch condemned the sentence as "outrageous".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Amnesty International accused the government of stepping up "its brutal crackdown" on journalists, political and human rights activists - "indeed anyone who dares to publicly raise a critical voice".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Although President Aliyev is accused of jailing opponents and clamping down on dissent, Azerbaijan has been openly courted by the West thanks to substantial gas reserves seen as a possible alternative to Russian supplies.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Addressing the court on Monday, Ismayilova, 39, said it was not a coincidence that she had been charged with embezzlement and tax evasion as these were the crimes she had written and spoken about as a journalist.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She was cleared of a separate charge of inciting a former colleague to suicide because, she said,<a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/27218180.html"> she had refused to bow to government blackmail and had come out stronger</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Arrested in December last year, Ismayilova had become a recognised daily talk show presenter at Radio Azadliq, RFE/RL's Azeri service.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In 2011, intimate pictures and a video emerged of her with her boyfriend which had been captured by a hidden camera. A letter with the pictures warned her to stop investigating alleged government corruption.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Government officials and pro-government media outlets have accused her of being "pro-Armenian" or an "international agent".</p></div></div> | Leading Azerbaijan journalist Khadija Ismayilova has been sentenced to seven and a half years in jail for embezzlement and tax evasion.A renowned investigative reporter, she had focused on businesses and offshore bank accounts allegedly linked to the family of President Ilham Aliyev.Human rights organisations have complained that the trial was politically motivated.Two prominent activists were jailed last month on similar charges.Leyla Yunus and her husband Arif were given jail terms of eight and a half years and seven years, respectively. Ismayilova: Giving Azerbaijan's government a headacheThe Azerbaijan government said at the time the couple's court process had been open and free and that judicial independence and the rule of law were "fully guaranteed".Responding to the latest verdict, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland linked the cases and spoke of a worrying trend against human rights activists and journalists. He said the developments had a "chilling effect on freedom of expression in the country".Human Rights Watch condemned the sentence as "outrageous".Amnesty International accused the government of stepping up "its brutal crackdown" on journalists, political and human rights activists - "indeed anyone who dares to publicly raise a critical voice".Although President Aliyev is accused of jailing opponents and clamping down on dissent, Azerbaijan has been openly courted by the West thanks to substantial gas reserves seen as a possible alternative to Russian supplies.Addressing the court on Monday, Ismayilova, 39, said it was not a coincidence that she had been charged with embezzlement and tax evasion as these were the crimes she had written and spoken about as a journalist.She was cleared of a separate charge of inciting a former colleague to suicide because, she said, she had refused to bow to government blackmail and had come out stronger.Arrested in December last year, Ismayilova had become a recognised daily talk show presenter at Radio Azadliq, RFE/RL's Azeri service.In 2011, intimate pictures and a video emerged of her with her boyfriend which had been captured by a hidden camera. A letter with the pictures warned her to stop investigating alleged government corruption.Government officials and pro-government media outlets have accused her of being "pro-Armenian" or an "international agent". | c98d75f3-99de-5779-9c20-6c88c22eef72 | 02/24/23 | |
| Bharti Singh: Indian comedian arrested after cannabis found in raid | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55027644 | 2020-11-21 | BBC News | Bharti Singh has been taken in for questioning after cannabis was found during a raid on her home. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/147E3/production/_115593938_mediaitem115593934.jpg | India | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Indian comedian Bharti Singh has been arrested after cannabis was found during a raid on her home.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said 86.5g (3oz) of the drug was found in the house she shares with husband, screenwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The pair, who co-host the reality show India's Best Dancer, were taken in for questioning.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The raid was part of an investigation into allegations of illegal drug use in the entertainment industry.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The investigation emerged from a high-profile inquiry into the death of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June and has led to multiple raids on figures from the TV and film world. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Rajput, 34, was found dead in his flat in Mumbai on 14 June. Police at the time said he had killed himself.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"[Ms Singh] and her husband have been detained for questioning about possession of narcotics substances," Sameer Wankhede, one of the investigating officials, told the ANI news agency.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The PTI news agency quoted an official stating that Ms Singh's name came up during an interview with a drug pusher. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Upon leaving her home in Mumbai, Ms Singh told reporters: "They have called us for some questioning, that's all."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Top Bollywood actors including Deepika Padukone, Rakulpreet Singh and Shraddha Kapoor have been questioned as part of the recent investigation. </p></div></div> | Indian comedian Bharti Singh has been arrested after cannabis was found during a raid on her home.The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said 86.5g (3oz) of the drug was found in the house she shares with husband, screenwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa.The pair, who co-host the reality show India's Best Dancer, were taken in for questioning.The raid was part of an investigation into allegations of illegal drug use in the entertainment industry.The investigation emerged from a high-profile inquiry into the death of the actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June and has led to multiple raids on figures from the TV and film world. Rajput, 34, was found dead in his flat in Mumbai on 14 June. Police at the time said he had killed himself."[Ms Singh] and her husband have been detained for questioning about possession of narcotics substances," Sameer Wankhede, one of the investigating officials, told the ANI news agency.The PTI news agency quoted an official stating that Ms Singh's name came up during an interview with a drug pusher. Upon leaving her home in Mumbai, Ms Singh told reporters: "They have called us for some questioning, that's all."Top Bollywood actors including Deepika Padukone, Rakulpreet Singh and Shraddha Kapoor have been questioned as part of the recent investigation. | 0f989524-21a2-5782-8b4f-4c0f6507df75 | 02/24/23 | |
| Sepa spends nearly £800,000 on cyber attack response | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-56612867 | 2021-04-02 | By Andrew Picken | BBC News | The environment watchdog had more than 4,000 of its digital files stolen and released on the internet by hackers. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/12FB6/production/_99705777_15049520-3c66-4806-8606-b4b491c224cc.jpg | Scotland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Scotland's environmental watchdog has spent nearly £800,000 on its response to a major cyber attack, new figures show. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55443350">more than 4,000 of its digital files stolen by hackers</a> on Christmas Eve.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The files were released on the internet when Sepa refused to pay a ransom.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The public body has warned it could be next year before its systems have fully recovered from the attack. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Figures released to BBC Scotland under freedom of information laws show a total of £790,000 has been spent on Sepa's response and recovery actions so far. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This includes £458,000 on stabilising the watchdog's business IT platform.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sepa has restored the majority of its key services, such as flooding forecasting, but it is expected a full recovery from the attack will take up the remainder of 2021-22. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Terry A'Hearn, Sepa's chief executive, said: "Whilst we initially lost access to our data and systems, what we didn't lose was the expertise of our 1,200 staff. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Since Christmas Eve, teams across the agency have been working flat-out to support our people, partners and customers and to restore our systems services as quickly as possible. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Our clear recovery strategy is gradually seeing systems being restored. By Easter, over 70% of staff will be back online and we're engaging data recovery specialists and are confident that we will recover the most important data."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sepa rejected a ransom demand for the attack, which was claimed by the international Conti ransomware group.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Contracts, strategy documents and databases were among the 4,000 files released.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The data has been put on the dark web - a part of the internet associated with criminality and only accessible through specialised software.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Some of the information stolen was already publicly available but other files, including data about staff and suppliers, was not.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sepa told BBC Scotland a total of 54 people had been in touch to ask if their data was among the files stolen. This includes 27 current and former staff members. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Police Scotland is investigating the crime and has previously indicated the likely involvement of international serious and organised crime.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Det Insp Michael McCullagh said: "Police Scotland is continuing to work closely with Sepa to investigate and provide support in response to this incident.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The actions of the criminals behind this crime show a blatant disregard for public safety, evident in this sickening attack on an organisation like Sepa. This type of crime and its impacts can be significant.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I would urge caution in the viewing and downloading of any data published by cyber criminals. The likelihood of those files being infected and making you their next victim is high."</p></div></div> | Scotland's environmental watchdog has spent nearly £800,000 on its response to a major cyber attack, new figures show. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had more than 4,000 of its digital files stolen by hackers on Christmas Eve.The files were released on the internet when Sepa refused to pay a ransom.The public body has warned it could be next year before its systems have fully recovered from the attack. Figures released to BBC Scotland under freedom of information laws show a total of £790,000 has been spent on Sepa's response and recovery actions so far. This includes £458,000 on stabilising the watchdog's business IT platform.Sepa has restored the majority of its key services, such as flooding forecasting, but it is expected a full recovery from the attack will take up the remainder of 2021-22. Terry A'Hearn, Sepa's chief executive, said: "Whilst we initially lost access to our data and systems, what we didn't lose was the expertise of our 1,200 staff. "Since Christmas Eve, teams across the agency have been working flat-out to support our people, partners and customers and to restore our systems services as quickly as possible. "Our clear recovery strategy is gradually seeing systems being restored. By Easter, over 70% of staff will be back online and we're engaging data recovery specialists and are confident that we will recover the most important data."Sepa rejected a ransom demand for the attack, which was claimed by the international Conti ransomware group.Contracts, strategy documents and databases were among the 4,000 files released.The data has been put on the dark web - a part of the internet associated with criminality and only accessible through specialised software.Some of the information stolen was already publicly available but other files, including data about staff and suppliers, was not.Sepa told BBC Scotland a total of 54 people had been in touch to ask if their data was among the files stolen. This includes 27 current and former staff members. Police Scotland is investigating the crime and has previously indicated the likely involvement of international serious and organised crime.Det Insp Michael McCullagh said: "Police Scotland is continuing to work closely with Sepa to investigate and provide support in response to this incident."The actions of the criminals behind this crime show a blatant disregard for public safety, evident in this sickening attack on an organisation like Sepa. This type of crime and its impacts can be significant."I would urge caution in the viewing and downloading of any data published by cyber criminals. The likelihood of those files being infected and making you their next victim is high." | e6415aed-9d6d-59b1-8e87-8d47c659d51c | 02/24/23 |
| What the papers say | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-17024682 | 2012-02-14 | BBC News | Headline stories from Tuesday's newspapers | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | Northern Ireland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Journalist Fionola Meredith takes a look at what is making the headlines in Tuesday's newspapers.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk">Belfast Telegraph's</a> top story is the life sentence handed down to Lindsay White, who kicked a homeless Polish man to death. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The headline is "Evil beyond belief". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Education is the focus in the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.irishnews.com">Irish News</a>. It claims that 28 Catholic second-level schools will disappear over the next few years, as part of the biggest ever shake-up of education. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It says that five face imminent closure, while dozens more will be amalgamated. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's understandable that communities feel attached to their schools, says the paper, but a declining population and funding cuts mean that tough decisions have to be taken. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Over at the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.newsletter.co.uk">News Letter</a>, there is surprise and disbelief at the news that Rangers football club could be entering administration. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The current Scottish premier league champions are facing an outstanding tax bill of at least £49m, possibly a great deal more, by the time penalties and charges are added on.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The London papers report on the release of the radical preacher Abu Qatada.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There is much debate over how long he was detained without charge, and the terms of his possible deportation, with the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk">Guardian</a> and the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk">Daily Mail</a> taking opposing views.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk">Daily Telegraph</a> has a front page picture of Amanda Knox, the American student convicted then cleared of murdering her British room-mate. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It reports that a multi-million dollar bidding war has broken out for her memoirs. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Knox has promised to deliver the truth about the death of Meredith Kercher in Perugia, in Italy, five years ago. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The red-tops focus on Whitney Houston, with much speculation about the cause of her death.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And there are plenty of Valentine's stories, given the day that's in it.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Guardian carries an unusual front page picture of a woman and a young girl shopping for gifts to celebrate Valentine's day in Baghdad. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It also has an opinion piece by author Jeanette Winterson, who says that a world ruled by money has failed, and it's time to reclaim love, in its widest sense, and use it as the basis for a more humane society. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Love isn't a commodity," she says, "so it's never in short supply." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Meanwhile, the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.irishtimes.com">Irish Times</a> has its own response to what it calls "the annual day of commercially charged romance". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Today, it publishes a Matrimonial Map, 200 years after it was printed in County Cork. It shows that the course of true love was never plain sailing. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Accompanying instructions advise lovers to avoid the "whirlpool of impetuosity" and the "rocks of jealousy". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">If they manage all that, they will hopefully pitch up at the "Bay of Delights".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And finally, the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk">Daily Telegraph</a> reports on a secret side effect of the shipping forecast.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">As the paper says, in this age of satellite navigation, captains and sailors still rely on the Radio 4 shipping forecast to guide them safely through the waves. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But now the voice behind the late night broadcast has revealed what many insomniacs already know. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Peter Jefferson, who read the forecast for 40 years, says he was regularly informed by listeners: "You've been sending me off to sleep for years". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The paper's editorial agrees - what better motivation to snuggle under the duvet than to hear it is a severe gale 9 in Faroes, Bailey and south-east Iceland?</p></div></div> | Journalist Fionola Meredith takes a look at what is making the headlines in Tuesday's newspapers.The Belfast Telegraph's top story is the life sentence handed down to Lindsay White, who kicked a homeless Polish man to death. The headline is "Evil beyond belief". Education is the focus in the Irish News. It claims that 28 Catholic second-level schools will disappear over the next few years, as part of the biggest ever shake-up of education. It says that five face imminent closure, while dozens more will be amalgamated. It's understandable that communities feel attached to their schools, says the paper, but a declining population and funding cuts mean that tough decisions have to be taken. Over at the News Letter, there is surprise and disbelief at the news that Rangers football club could be entering administration. The current Scottish premier league champions are facing an outstanding tax bill of at least £49m, possibly a great deal more, by the time penalties and charges are added on.The London papers report on the release of the radical preacher Abu Qatada.There is much debate over how long he was detained without charge, and the terms of his possible deportation, with the Guardian and the Daily Mail taking opposing views.The Daily Telegraph has a front page picture of Amanda Knox, the American student convicted then cleared of murdering her British room-mate. It reports that a multi-million dollar bidding war has broken out for her memoirs. Ms Knox has promised to deliver the truth about the death of Meredith Kercher in Perugia, in Italy, five years ago. The red-tops focus on Whitney Houston, with much speculation about the cause of her death.And there are plenty of Valentine's stories, given the day that's in it.The Guardian carries an unusual front page picture of a woman and a young girl shopping for gifts to celebrate Valentine's day in Baghdad. It also has an opinion piece by author Jeanette Winterson, who says that a world ruled by money has failed, and it's time to reclaim love, in its widest sense, and use it as the basis for a more humane society. "Love isn't a commodity," she says, "so it's never in short supply." Meanwhile, the Irish Times has its own response to what it calls "the annual day of commercially charged romance". Today, it publishes a Matrimonial Map, 200 years after it was printed in County Cork. It shows that the course of true love was never plain sailing. Accompanying instructions advise lovers to avoid the "whirlpool of impetuosity" and the "rocks of jealousy". If they manage all that, they will hopefully pitch up at the "Bay of Delights".And finally, the Daily Telegraph reports on a secret side effect of the shipping forecast.As the paper says, in this age of satellite navigation, captains and sailors still rely on the Radio 4 shipping forecast to guide them safely through the waves. But now the voice behind the late night broadcast has revealed what many insomniacs already know. Peter Jefferson, who read the forecast for 40 years, says he was regularly informed by listeners: "You've been sending me off to sleep for years". The paper's editorial agrees - what better motivation to snuggle under the duvet than to hear it is a severe gale 9 in Faroes, Bailey and south-east Iceland? | 3781f702-c06d-51f7-b4cc-79dcdc046aa7 | 02/24/23 | |
| How the UAE emerged as a regional powerhouse | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-54235209 | 2020-09-22 | By Frank Gardner | BBC News | From a mission to Mars to military expeditions, what is driving the UAE to punch above its weight? | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/1475E/production/_114560838_gettyimages-1016080740.jpg | Middle East | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">2020 has been quite a year for the United Arab Emirates - the small but super-rich and mega-ambitious Gulf nation.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It has sent a mission to Mars; struck a historic peace deal with Israel; and managed to get sufficiently ahead of the curve on Covid-19 that the former British protectorate has retooled factories and sent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the UK by the planeload. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It has also found itself embroiled in a costly strategic struggle for influence with Turkey as it stretches its tentacles as far afield as Libya, Yemen and Somalia. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So with its 50th anniversary since its independence coming up next year, what exactly is the UAE's global game and who's driving it?</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's May 1999 and the Kosovo war has been raging for over a year. I am standing at a wash basin inside a makeshift hut at a well-defended camp on the Albanian-Kosovo border, a place packed with Kosovar refugees. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The camp has been set up by the Emirates Red Crescent Society and the Emiratis have arrived with a full coterie of cooks, halal butchers, telecoms engineers, an imam, and a contingent of troops who are patrolling the perimeter in desert-camouflage Humvees mounted with heavy machine-guns.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">We had flown up the previous day from Tirana in Puma helicopters flown by UAE Air Force pilots through the twisting, rugged ravines of north-east Albania. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The man now brushing his teeth at the basin next to me is tall, bearded, bespectacled. I recognise him as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, a graduate of Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the driving force behind the UAE's expanding military role. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Could we do a TV interview, I ask? He is not keen, but agrees. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The UAE, he explains, has entered into a strategic partnership with France. As part of a deal to buy 400 French Leclerc tanks, the French are taking a brigade of Emirati troops "under their wing", training them up in France to deploy alongside them in Kosovo. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">For a country that had only gained its independence less than 30 years earlier it was a bold move. There, in that remote corner of the Balkans, we were more than 2,000 miles (3,200 km) from Abu Dhabi, yet the UAE clearly had ambitions far beyond the shores of the Gulf. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It had become the first modern Arab state to deploy its military in Europe, in support of Nato.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Next came Afghanistan. Unknown to most of the UAE's population, Emirati forces began quietly operating alongside Nato there soon after the fall of the Taliban in a move sanctioned by the now Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In 2008, I visited a contingent of their special forces at Bagram Airbase and saw how they operated. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Travelling in Brazilian and South African armoured vehicles, they would drive into a remote and impoverished Afghan village, distribute free Korans and boxes of sweets, then sit down with the elders. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"What do you need?" they would ask. "A mosque, a school, wells drilled for drinking water?" The UAE would put up the money while the contracts went out to local tender. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Emiratis' footprint was small, but wherever they went they used money and religion to try to reduce the widespread local suspicion of the often heavy-handed Nato forces. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In Helmand province they also fought alongside British forces in some intense firefights. The former US Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, later dubbed the UAE "Little Sparta", in reference to this relatively little-known country, with a population of less than 10 million, punching well above its weight.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Then came Yemen and a military campaign that has been fraught with difficulties. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman took his country into Yemen's disastrous civil war in 2015, the UAE joined in, sending its F-16 fighters to conduct air strikes against the Houthi rebels and sending its troops to the south. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the summer of 2018 it landed troops on the strategic Yemeni island of Socotra and amassed an assault force at a leased base at Assab in Eritrea, baulking at the last minute from sending them across the Red Sea to retake the port of Hudaydah from the Houthis. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The war in Yemen has now dragged on for almost six years, there are no clear winners and the Houthis remain firmly entrenched in the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The UAE's forces have taken casualties, including more than 50 in a single missile strike, resulting in three days of national mourning back home. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The UAE's reputation has also been damaged by its association with some unsavoury local militias linked to al-Qaeda and reports from human rights campaigners that UAE associates locked dozens of prisoners inside a shipping container, where they suffocated to death in the heat. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The UAE has since reduced its involvement in Yemen's inconclusive and destructive conflict, but it continues to stretch its military tentacles far and wide in a controversial bid to push back Turkey's growing influence across the region. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So while Turkey has a substantial presence in the Somali capital Mogadishu, the UAE is supporting the breakaway territory of Somaliland and has built a base at Berbera on the Gulf of Aden.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In war-torn Libya, the UAE has joined Russia and Egypt in supporting the forces of Khalifa Haftar in the East against those in the West who are supported by Turkey, Qatar and others. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This September, the UAE sent ships and fighter jets to the island of Crete for joint exercises with Greece, as that country squared up for a possible confrontation with Turkey over drilling rights in the eastern Mediterranean.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And now, after a sudden, dramatic announcement from the White House, there is a wide-reaching UAE-Israel alliance, putting an official seal on years of covert co-operation. (Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE has been quietly acquiring intrusive Israeli-made surveillance software to keep an eye on its citizens). </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">While the alliance embraces a wide spectrum of healthcare, biotech, cultural and trade initiatives, it also has the potential to create a formidable strategic military and security relationship, harnessing Israel's cutting-edge technology with the UAE's bottomless pockets and global aspirations. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The two countries' common enemy, Iran, has condemned the accord, as have Turkey and the Palestinians, accusing the UAE of betraying Palestinian aspirations for an independent state.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Abu Dhabi's ambitions do not end there. With US help, it has become the first Arab nation to send a mission to Mars. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In a $200m (£156m; 170m euros) programme dubbed "Hope", its spacecraft is already hurtling through space at 126,000km/h (78,000mph) after taking off from a remote Japanese island. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is due to reach its destination, 495 million km away, in February. Once there, it will map the atmospheric gases that surround the red planet, sending the data back to Earth. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We want to be a global player," says the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash. "We want to break barriers and we need to take some strategic risks to break these barriers." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, there are concerns that by moving so fast and so far, the UAE risks overreaching itself. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"There's little doubt the UAE is the [Arab] region's most effective military power," says Gulf analyst Michael Stephens.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"They are able to deploy forces far overseas in ways that other Arab states simply cannot do. But they are also limited by size and capacity, and taking on so many problems at once is risky, and in the long run could end up backfiring."</p></div></div> | 2020 has been quite a year for the United Arab Emirates - the small but super-rich and mega-ambitious Gulf nation.It has sent a mission to Mars; struck a historic peace deal with Israel; and managed to get sufficiently ahead of the curve on Covid-19 that the former British protectorate has retooled factories and sent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the UK by the planeload. It has also found itself embroiled in a costly strategic struggle for influence with Turkey as it stretches its tentacles as far afield as Libya, Yemen and Somalia. So with its 50th anniversary since its independence coming up next year, what exactly is the UAE's global game and who's driving it?It's May 1999 and the Kosovo war has been raging for over a year. I am standing at a wash basin inside a makeshift hut at a well-defended camp on the Albanian-Kosovo border, a place packed with Kosovar refugees. The camp has been set up by the Emirates Red Crescent Society and the Emiratis have arrived with a full coterie of cooks, halal butchers, telecoms engineers, an imam, and a contingent of troops who are patrolling the perimeter in desert-camouflage Humvees mounted with heavy machine-guns.We had flown up the previous day from Tirana in Puma helicopters flown by UAE Air Force pilots through the twisting, rugged ravines of north-east Albania. The man now brushing his teeth at the basin next to me is tall, bearded, bespectacled. I recognise him as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, a graduate of Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the driving force behind the UAE's expanding military role. Could we do a TV interview, I ask? He is not keen, but agrees. The UAE, he explains, has entered into a strategic partnership with France. As part of a deal to buy 400 French Leclerc tanks, the French are taking a brigade of Emirati troops "under their wing", training them up in France to deploy alongside them in Kosovo. For a country that had only gained its independence less than 30 years earlier it was a bold move. There, in that remote corner of the Balkans, we were more than 2,000 miles (3,200 km) from Abu Dhabi, yet the UAE clearly had ambitions far beyond the shores of the Gulf. It had become the first modern Arab state to deploy its military in Europe, in support of Nato.Next came Afghanistan. Unknown to most of the UAE's population, Emirati forces began quietly operating alongside Nato there soon after the fall of the Taliban in a move sanctioned by the now Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed.In 2008, I visited a contingent of their special forces at Bagram Airbase and saw how they operated. Travelling in Brazilian and South African armoured vehicles, they would drive into a remote and impoverished Afghan village, distribute free Korans and boxes of sweets, then sit down with the elders. "What do you need?" they would ask. "A mosque, a school, wells drilled for drinking water?" The UAE would put up the money while the contracts went out to local tender. The Emiratis' footprint was small, but wherever they went they used money and religion to try to reduce the widespread local suspicion of the often heavy-handed Nato forces. In Helmand province they also fought alongside British forces in some intense firefights. The former US Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis, later dubbed the UAE "Little Sparta", in reference to this relatively little-known country, with a population of less than 10 million, punching well above its weight.Then came Yemen and a military campaign that has been fraught with difficulties. When Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman took his country into Yemen's disastrous civil war in 2015, the UAE joined in, sending its F-16 fighters to conduct air strikes against the Houthi rebels and sending its troops to the south. In the summer of 2018 it landed troops on the strategic Yemeni island of Socotra and amassed an assault force at a leased base at Assab in Eritrea, baulking at the last minute from sending them across the Red Sea to retake the port of Hudaydah from the Houthis. The war in Yemen has now dragged on for almost six years, there are no clear winners and the Houthis remain firmly entrenched in the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country.The UAE's forces have taken casualties, including more than 50 in a single missile strike, resulting in three days of national mourning back home. The UAE's reputation has also been damaged by its association with some unsavoury local militias linked to al-Qaeda and reports from human rights campaigners that UAE associates locked dozens of prisoners inside a shipping container, where they suffocated to death in the heat. The UAE has since reduced its involvement in Yemen's inconclusive and destructive conflict, but it continues to stretch its military tentacles far and wide in a controversial bid to push back Turkey's growing influence across the region. So while Turkey has a substantial presence in the Somali capital Mogadishu, the UAE is supporting the breakaway territory of Somaliland and has built a base at Berbera on the Gulf of Aden.In war-torn Libya, the UAE has joined Russia and Egypt in supporting the forces of Khalifa Haftar in the East against those in the West who are supported by Turkey, Qatar and others. This September, the UAE sent ships and fighter jets to the island of Crete for joint exercises with Greece, as that country squared up for a possible confrontation with Turkey over drilling rights in the eastern Mediterranean.And now, after a sudden, dramatic announcement from the White House, there is a wide-reaching UAE-Israel alliance, putting an official seal on years of covert co-operation. (Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE has been quietly acquiring intrusive Israeli-made surveillance software to keep an eye on its citizens). While the alliance embraces a wide spectrum of healthcare, biotech, cultural and trade initiatives, it also has the potential to create a formidable strategic military and security relationship, harnessing Israel's cutting-edge technology with the UAE's bottomless pockets and global aspirations. The two countries' common enemy, Iran, has condemned the accord, as have Turkey and the Palestinians, accusing the UAE of betraying Palestinian aspirations for an independent state.Abu Dhabi's ambitions do not end there. With US help, it has become the first Arab nation to send a mission to Mars. In a $200m (£156m; 170m euros) programme dubbed "Hope", its spacecraft is already hurtling through space at 126,000km/h (78,000mph) after taking off from a remote Japanese island. It is due to reach its destination, 495 million km away, in February. Once there, it will map the atmospheric gases that surround the red planet, sending the data back to Earth. "We want to be a global player," says the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash. "We want to break barriers and we need to take some strategic risks to break these barriers." However, there are concerns that by moving so fast and so far, the UAE risks overreaching itself. "There's little doubt the UAE is the [Arab] region's most effective military power," says Gulf analyst Michael Stephens."They are able to deploy forces far overseas in ways that other Arab states simply cannot do. But they are also limited by size and capacity, and taking on so many problems at once is risky, and in the long run could end up backfiring." | d8066c64-335a-5bce-b1e5-3c9e9a6b4fb2 | 02/24/23 |
| Primary school league tables: Best results | https://www.bbc.com/news/education-25342354 | 2013-12-12 | BBC News | All of the pupils assessed in reading, writing and maths in these 164 primary schools in England achieved at least the sort of results the government says they need to thrive in secondary school - known as good Level 4. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | Family & Education | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">All of the pupils assessed in reading, writing and maths in these 164 primary schools achieved at least the sort of results the government says they need to thrive in secondary school - known as good Level 4. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This is defined as achieving a Level 4B or above in reading and maths and a Level 4 or higher in the writing teacher assessment.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They are then ranked on the average point scores they achieved. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">This year's data for England's primary schools is available on the Department for Education's </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/download_data.html">website</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, along with a guide to the </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/metadata.html">terms </a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">used.</i></p></div></div> | All of the pupils assessed in reading, writing and maths in these 164 primary schools achieved at least the sort of results the government says they need to thrive in secondary school - known as good Level 4. This is defined as achieving a Level 4B or above in reading and maths and a Level 4 or higher in the writing teacher assessment.They are then ranked on the average point scores they achieved. This year's data for England's primary schools is available on the Department for Education's website, along with a guide to the terms used. | df0f0801-a5ce-55ae-b98f-6b135ec71a5c | 02/24/23 | |
| Newark MP Robert Jenrick sends 40,000 Christmas cards | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-30512784 | 2014-12-17 | BBC News | A Nottinghamshire MP who won his seat this summer is criticised for sending 40,000 Christmas cards to constituents. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/79793000/jpg/_79793499_robertjenrickandcard.jpg | Nottingham | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">An MP who won his seat this summer has been criticised for sending 40,000 Christmas cards to constituents.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Conservative MP for Newark, Nottinghamshire, Robert Jenrick, was elected in June and posted the cards last week, at an undisclosed cost.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Residents said the cards were "not value for money" and a way of seeking votes ahead of next year's election.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Jenrick, who says he supports local causes, said the cards were to inform constituents of how to contact him.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The card designed by local schoolchildren, and posted in a House of Commons envelope, was delivered through an unaddressed Royal Mail service, <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/Business_Price_Guide_Oct2014b.pdf">starting from 5p</a> per item.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Jenrick said he paid for the cards out of his own pocket and delivered some by hand.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Newark resident John Franks said: "No other MP in Newark has done this before. There's no value for money for that quantity."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Another resident, Graham Tomlinson, said: "I don't think sending that amount is justified.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It is pre-election and you can see what is happening."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Caitlin Milazzo, from the University of Nottingham's School of Politics, agreed there was probably some political motive.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"As someone who has taken his seat recently, he has a significant challenge facing him," she said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He wants to be a household name and people to recognise him.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"There's nothing wrong with increasing your profile in the community and that's something he really needs."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Of other Nottinghamshire MPs Anna Soubry posted 3,500 cards this year, John Mann sent out 16,000 and Chris Leslie said he would be sending electronic cards.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sherwood MP Mark Spencer, who posted 400 cards, said: "Over the next five months people are going to get enough paper from me so they don't need any more.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He (Mr Jenrick) wants to raise his profile and I think that's a good way of doing it."</p></div></div> | An MP who won his seat this summer has been criticised for sending 40,000 Christmas cards to constituents.Conservative MP for Newark, Nottinghamshire, Robert Jenrick, was elected in June and posted the cards last week, at an undisclosed cost.Residents said the cards were "not value for money" and a way of seeking votes ahead of next year's election.Mr Jenrick, who says he supports local causes, said the cards were to inform constituents of how to contact him.The card designed by local schoolchildren, and posted in a House of Commons envelope, was delivered through an unaddressed Royal Mail service, starting from 5p per item.Mr Jenrick said he paid for the cards out of his own pocket and delivered some by hand.Newark resident John Franks said: "No other MP in Newark has done this before. There's no value for money for that quantity."Another resident, Graham Tomlinson, said: "I don't think sending that amount is justified."It is pre-election and you can see what is happening."Caitlin Milazzo, from the University of Nottingham's School of Politics, agreed there was probably some political motive."As someone who has taken his seat recently, he has a significant challenge facing him," she said. "He wants to be a household name and people to recognise him."There's nothing wrong with increasing your profile in the community and that's something he really needs."Of other Nottinghamshire MPs Anna Soubry posted 3,500 cards this year, John Mann sent out 16,000 and Chris Leslie said he would be sending electronic cards.Sherwood MP Mark Spencer, who posted 400 cards, said: "Over the next five months people are going to get enough paper from me so they don't need any more."He (Mr Jenrick) wants to raise his profile and I think that's a good way of doing it." | 8fb1d43c-dfb0-57bc-ad29-8a06d7ba1895 | 02/24/23 | |
| Coronavirus: Middlesbrough cancer therapists start 'kindness calls' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-52521777 | 2020-05-03 | BBC News | Volunteers change tactics while being unable to work from their Middlesbrough base during lockdown. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/919F/production/_112097273_maxine2.jpg | Tees | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Cancer support workers and therapists unable to see patients face-to-face have been making "kindness calls" to offer a different kind of care.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They made the change while being unable to work from their Trinity Holistic Centre base in Middlesbrough during the coronavirus lockdown.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Volunteer Maxine Nicholson says it is "essential" the work continues.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Therese Milner from Stockton, who is in remission from lymphoma, said it was "nice to know somebody else cares".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"They've been a big help to me, they really have," she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The centre normally provides emotional support, advice, counselling and complementary therapies.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Nicholson, who volunteers alongside her job as a cancer support worker at James Cook Hospital, first went to the centre as a patient when she had breast cancer.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Despite the fact we've lost all our usual income we didn't want to furlough the staff because we wanted to launch this new service," she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Without these calls "some of the patients might suffer emotionally with nobody to talk to".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They make a weekly phone call of whatever length needed to patients already on their database and to people referred by other agencies.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We can just talk if it's just talking they want," Ms Nicholson said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"But we can offer telephone counselling, mindfulness we can even get financial advice for them and we can offer support on local Covid-19 services."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Some therapists have also spoken to patients in hospital with coronavirus who are missing their families.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/BBCNEandCumbria">Twitter</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/bbcneandcumbria">Facebook</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> and </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.instagram.com/bbcneandcumbria/">Instagram</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">. Send your story ideas to </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="mailto:northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk">northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">.</i></p></div></div> | Cancer support workers and therapists unable to see patients face-to-face have been making "kindness calls" to offer a different kind of care.They made the change while being unable to work from their Trinity Holistic Centre base in Middlesbrough during the coronavirus lockdown.Volunteer Maxine Nicholson says it is "essential" the work continues.Therese Milner from Stockton, who is in remission from lymphoma, said it was "nice to know somebody else cares"."They've been a big help to me, they really have," she said.The centre normally provides emotional support, advice, counselling and complementary therapies.Ms Nicholson, who volunteers alongside her job as a cancer support worker at James Cook Hospital, first went to the centre as a patient when she had breast cancer."Despite the fact we've lost all our usual income we didn't want to furlough the staff because we wanted to launch this new service," she said.Without these calls "some of the patients might suffer emotionally with nobody to talk to".They make a weekly phone call of whatever length needed to patients already on their database and to people referred by other agencies."We can just talk if it's just talking they want," Ms Nicholson said."But we can offer telephone counselling, mindfulness we can even get financial advice for them and we can offer support on local Covid-19 services."Some therapists have also spoken to patients in hospital with coronavirus who are missing their families.Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. | ac7af6c1-558c-5a2c-9ae4-8aac14864d1b | 02/24/23 | |
| Your pictures on the theme of 'uphill' | https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-51575345 | 2020-02-20 | BBC News | Each week, we publish a gallery of readers' pictures on a set theme. This week it is "uphill" | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/107D1/production/_110973576_050cd8ac-66a2-464a-810e-074d0ec23b83.jpg | In Pictures | 82d66af7-5afc-5bdd-84d3-16f72413626b | 02/24/23 | |||
| Opemipo Jaji: Alleged schoolgirl rapist 'attacked before' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-22099879 | 2013-04-10 | BBC News | A teenager accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in a park had attacked another schoolgirl a year before, a court hears. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/53545000/jpg/_53545991_006677211-1.jpg | London | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A teenager accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in a park had attacked another schoolgirl a year before, a court has been told.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Opemipo Jaji, 18, admitted sexually assaulting and robbing the girl in 2011, the Old Bailey heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He is on trial accused of raping a girl after following her home from school on a bus and dragging her into a park in Enfield, north London, last November.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Jaji, of Edmonton, denies rape.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He followed the girl, dragged her into Jubilee Park and subjected her to a three-hour ordeal, the Old Bailey heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her glove had been stuffed in her mouth and she had been stripped and assaulted.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The girl ran home dishevelled and bleeding and later underwent surgery for her injuries, the court heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Jaji said he was not the attacker, although he was on the same bus.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He claimed her DNA found on his bag, trainer shoe and the waistband of his boxer shorts was from when he went into the park later that evening, the jury heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Rosina Cottage, QC, prosecuting, said it was "not a coincidence" that Mr Jaji had sexually assaulted and robbed a girl before.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Miss Cottage said a tie had been placed in that girl's mouth by Mr Jaji.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She added: "He had an interest in pre-pubescent girls and sexual acts with pre-pubescent girls."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Jaji had been arrested a few days later after CCTV was viewed, and his bedroom searched.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A book about a little girl being sexually assaulted was found, along with adverts for child care vacancies and a picture of a little girl in Australia marked FC - a possible reference to Facebook, the court heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There was also an article about missing schoolgirl April Jones.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The court was told the alleged victim had caught a bus in Enfield Town with her friend at 16:30 GMT.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"> Miss Cottage said: "She got on the bus with her friend and they were giggling and chatting.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Also on the bus was a young male, the defendant. He watched her get off the bus and followed her.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He dragged her into a local park in the dark and raped her. She ran home bleeding and injured. Her blood and DNA were found on his clothes and bag."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Miss Cottage said the girl had been expected home by 17:00 GMT and her parents rang police by 17:30 after she failed to turn up.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The girl appeared at 20:00 "dishevelled, dirty and panicky".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"She had a crop-top bra in her hand and said she had been attacked," Miss Cottage said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The girl said her attacker "had kept making fists and cracking his knuckles".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She said when they were in the park, he kept asking for her phone - which she did not have - her Oyster travel card and her keys.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">At one point, he threatened to stab her if she moved and caught her when she tried to run away, the jury was told.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He had also threatened to film her and send copies to children at her school, she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The trial was adjourned until Thursday.</p></div></div> | A teenager accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in a park had attacked another schoolgirl a year before, a court has been told.Opemipo Jaji, 18, admitted sexually assaulting and robbing the girl in 2011, the Old Bailey heard.He is on trial accused of raping a girl after following her home from school on a bus and dragging her into a park in Enfield, north London, last November.Mr Jaji, of Edmonton, denies rape.He followed the girl, dragged her into Jubilee Park and subjected her to a three-hour ordeal, the Old Bailey heard.Her glove had been stuffed in her mouth and she had been stripped and assaulted.The girl ran home dishevelled and bleeding and later underwent surgery for her injuries, the court heard.Mr Jaji said he was not the attacker, although he was on the same bus.He claimed her DNA found on his bag, trainer shoe and the waistband of his boxer shorts was from when he went into the park later that evening, the jury heard.But Rosina Cottage, QC, prosecuting, said it was "not a coincidence" that Mr Jaji had sexually assaulted and robbed a girl before.Miss Cottage said a tie had been placed in that girl's mouth by Mr Jaji.She added: "He had an interest in pre-pubescent girls and sexual acts with pre-pubescent girls."Mr Jaji had been arrested a few days later after CCTV was viewed, and his bedroom searched.A book about a little girl being sexually assaulted was found, along with adverts for child care vacancies and a picture of a little girl in Australia marked FC - a possible reference to Facebook, the court heard.There was also an article about missing schoolgirl April Jones.The court was told the alleged victim had caught a bus in Enfield Town with her friend at 16:30 GMT. Miss Cottage said: "She got on the bus with her friend and they were giggling and chatting."Also on the bus was a young male, the defendant. He watched her get off the bus and followed her."He dragged her into a local park in the dark and raped her. She ran home bleeding and injured. Her blood and DNA were found on his clothes and bag."Miss Cottage said the girl had been expected home by 17:00 GMT and her parents rang police by 17:30 after she failed to turn up.The girl appeared at 20:00 "dishevelled, dirty and panicky"."She had a crop-top bra in her hand and said she had been attacked," Miss Cottage said.The girl said her attacker "had kept making fists and cracking his knuckles".She said when they were in the park, he kept asking for her phone - which she did not have - her Oyster travel card and her keys.At one point, he threatened to stab her if she moved and caught her when she tried to run away, the jury was told.He had also threatened to film her and send copies to children at her school, she said.The trial was adjourned until Thursday. | 42f7dded-cb8d-5d50-9197-9cfdcf9332e8 | 02/24/23 | |
| An enhanced BBC Scotland in a renewed BBC? | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-35296357 | 2016-01-12 | By Brian Taylor | BBC News | In all, the latest Holyrood hearing about the future of the BBC lasted nearly three hours. Around half the full duration of the new serial, War and Peace, on BBC One. But with roughly the same degree of complexity. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | Scotland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">In all, the latest Holyrood hearing about the future of the BBC lasted nearly three hours. Around half the full duration of the new serial, War and Peace, on BBC One. But with roughly the same degree of complexity. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, intriguingly, there was rather more peace in the Holyrood committee room than one might have anticipated. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The advance billing was primarily of conflict. The BBC, it was said, was failing to serve Scotland. Not enough output made it to the network. Licence fee payers north of the Border got a raw deal. Plus continuing disquiet, emanating from the SNP in particular, about news coverage. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">To be clear, there was exceptionally close questioning directed at the BBC bosses - the Director General Tony Hall, the Managing Director for Finance Anne Bulford, and the Director Scotland Ken MacQuarrie. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In that regard, the committee convener Stewart Maxwell was to the fore - but was ably supported by members such as Chic Brodie, Mary Scanlon and Liam McArthur. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In particular, the SNP's Gordon MacDonald - a former management accountant - plainly relished a return to his old profession, pursuing his financial inquiries with thoroughly admirable diligence, reminiscent of an indefatigable terrier. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">George Adam even contrived to work in a reference to his beloved Paisley. Steven Moffat - he of Dr Who and Sherlock - is apparently a Buddy (<i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">and, who knows, a buddy</i>.) Mr Adam followed this up with sharp questioning about money and power. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But still the overall tone was business-like rather than overtly adversarial. It seemed to me that the committee scented the prospect of a negotiated settlement which could be distinctly to Scotland's advantage. That impression has not lessened from subsequent conversations. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That tone persisted in the evidence session with the Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop. She stressed she was not seeking a fight. She wanted a deal - which would bring investment and jobs to Scotland. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Things, she suggested, were moving in that direction. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">To the detail. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sundry MSPs parsed these numbers. What were those top-up costs? How were they justified? Why was investment per head still greater in Wales and Northern Ireland than in Scotland? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In particular, those network programmes made in Scotland. How did they qualify to be Scottish? Were many of them not just "lift and shift" - that is, programmes envisioned elsewhere but transferred to Scotland? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The argument flowed back and forth. It was argued forcibly that programmes with a Scottish base contribute to jobs and development here. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, Tony Hall acknowledged that it was now time to move to a new phase: with further power in Scotland allied to programmes which offered a more sustained and authentic portrait of Scotland. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Further, the Director General confirmed a review of news, due to report in the Spring - which might include such familiar concepts as a Scottish Six, a TV programme encompassing Scottish, UK and global news. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ken MacQuarrie was questioned about earlier ideas such as new Scottish TV and radio channels. Those, he said, had never formed part of a formal plan. They were notions around during the earliest stages of preparing for the Charter Review, itself due to be completed by the end of this year. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Tony Hall suggested the focus now - particularly in the light of the relatively constrained licence fee settlement - might more usefully be upon programmes, rather than delivery mechanisms. On governance, he said that he favoured a unitary board for the BBC with a distinctive Scottish presence.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In essence, his argument was for an enhanced BBC Scotland offer within a renewed BBC. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">To be clear, once more, there remains deep scepticism among the MSPs. Across parties but particularly in SNP ranks. This has by no means, by no means, been entirely assuaged. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But they heard the BBC executives, led by Tony Hall, seeking to address their concerns, moving to acknowledge issues surrounding funding, commissioning and decision-making. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So where now? I believe those three elements - funding, commissioning and decision-making - will form the core of the committee report. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I believe further that the committee members will seek to sound a positive note, amid the scepticism, urging the BBC to act in a fashion which could generate investment and jobs for Scotland. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I believe, further, that the committee report next month - unanimous if that can be achieved - might then form the subject for a full Parliamentary debate, applying pressure to the BBC to deliver.</p></div></div> | In all, the latest Holyrood hearing about the future of the BBC lasted nearly three hours. Around half the full duration of the new serial, War and Peace, on BBC One. But with roughly the same degree of complexity. However, intriguingly, there was rather more peace in the Holyrood committee room than one might have anticipated. The advance billing was primarily of conflict. The BBC, it was said, was failing to serve Scotland. Not enough output made it to the network. Licence fee payers north of the Border got a raw deal. Plus continuing disquiet, emanating from the SNP in particular, about news coverage. To be clear, there was exceptionally close questioning directed at the BBC bosses - the Director General Tony Hall, the Managing Director for Finance Anne Bulford, and the Director Scotland Ken MacQuarrie. In that regard, the committee convener Stewart Maxwell was to the fore - but was ably supported by members such as Chic Brodie, Mary Scanlon and Liam McArthur. In particular, the SNP's Gordon MacDonald - a former management accountant - plainly relished a return to his old profession, pursuing his financial inquiries with thoroughly admirable diligence, reminiscent of an indefatigable terrier. George Adam even contrived to work in a reference to his beloved Paisley. Steven Moffat - he of Dr Who and Sherlock - is apparently a Buddy (and, who knows, a buddy.) Mr Adam followed this up with sharp questioning about money and power. But still the overall tone was business-like rather than overtly adversarial. It seemed to me that the committee scented the prospect of a negotiated settlement which could be distinctly to Scotland's advantage. That impression has not lessened from subsequent conversations. That tone persisted in the evidence session with the Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop. She stressed she was not seeking a fight. She wanted a deal - which would bring investment and jobs to Scotland. Things, she suggested, were moving in that direction. To the detail. Sundry MSPs parsed these numbers. What were those top-up costs? How were they justified? Why was investment per head still greater in Wales and Northern Ireland than in Scotland? In particular, those network programmes made in Scotland. How did they qualify to be Scottish? Were many of them not just "lift and shift" - that is, programmes envisioned elsewhere but transferred to Scotland? The argument flowed back and forth. It was argued forcibly that programmes with a Scottish base contribute to jobs and development here. However, Tony Hall acknowledged that it was now time to move to a new phase: with further power in Scotland allied to programmes which offered a more sustained and authentic portrait of Scotland. Further, the Director General confirmed a review of news, due to report in the Spring - which might include such familiar concepts as a Scottish Six, a TV programme encompassing Scottish, UK and global news. Ken MacQuarrie was questioned about earlier ideas such as new Scottish TV and radio channels. Those, he said, had never formed part of a formal plan. They were notions around during the earliest stages of preparing for the Charter Review, itself due to be completed by the end of this year. Tony Hall suggested the focus now - particularly in the light of the relatively constrained licence fee settlement - might more usefully be upon programmes, rather than delivery mechanisms. On governance, he said that he favoured a unitary board for the BBC with a distinctive Scottish presence.In essence, his argument was for an enhanced BBC Scotland offer within a renewed BBC. To be clear, once more, there remains deep scepticism among the MSPs. Across parties but particularly in SNP ranks. This has by no means, by no means, been entirely assuaged. But they heard the BBC executives, led by Tony Hall, seeking to address their concerns, moving to acknowledge issues surrounding funding, commissioning and decision-making. So where now? I believe those three elements - funding, commissioning and decision-making - will form the core of the committee report. I believe further that the committee members will seek to sound a positive note, amid the scepticism, urging the BBC to act in a fashion which could generate investment and jobs for Scotland. I believe, further, that the committee report next month - unanimous if that can be achieved - might then form the subject for a full Parliamentary debate, applying pressure to the BBC to deliver. | 5c917a86-d1fb-570c-ba47-d195643db225 | 02/24/23 |
| Man appears in court charged with street cleaner murder | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-19467473 | 2012-09-03 | BBC News | A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a popular west London street cleaner. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/62598000/jpg/_62598488_nat_14193675.jpg | London | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a west London street cleaner.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Piotr Mikiewicz, 40, was stabbed on Wednesday afternoon in Rylett Road, Shepherd's Bush, and died the next day.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Roger Philip Buckingham, of Bentworth Road, Shepherd's Bush, was charged with murder and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He was remanded in custody until 10 December when he is due at the Old Bailey.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He is also charged with burglary at an address in Rylett Road, possession of an offensive weapon and theft of a motor vehicle.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Two other men and three women who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail until a date in October. </p></div></div> | A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a west London street cleaner.Piotr Mikiewicz, 40, was stabbed on Wednesday afternoon in Rylett Road, Shepherd's Bush, and died the next day.Roger Philip Buckingham, of Bentworth Road, Shepherd's Bush, was charged with murder and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court.He was remanded in custody until 10 December when he is due at the Old Bailey.He is also charged with burglary at an address in Rylett Road, possession of an offensive weapon and theft of a motor vehicle.Two other men and three women who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail until a date in October. | 14100fb4-00e6-53c3-9f4f-66f6caf67a05 | 02/24/23 | |
| Bristol police admit they may need to use safety cameras to enforce 20mph zone | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-25744284 | 2014-01-16 | BBC News | Police admit they may be forced to use safety camera vans to enforce new 20mph zones being introduced in parts of Bristol. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/72171000/jpg/_72171078_photo.jpg | Bristol | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Police have admitted they may be forced to use safety camera vans to enforce new 20mph zones being introduced in parts of Bristol.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Pilot zones were set up in Bedminster and east Bristol three years ago but up to August <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-23711861">it had not issued any 20mph speeding fines</a> in those areas.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said the force would use a "tiered approach" to enforcement.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He added road layouts could also be altered to slow down traffic.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Community speedwatch schemes, in which members of the public use hand-held speed detectors, could also be used.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The new 20mph limit on many roads in the centre of Bristol and in Clifton, Cotham, Bishopston and Redland comes into force on 20 January.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">An academic at the University of the West of England (UWE) said the 20mph zones needed "clear and unequivocal police support" for them to work.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The UWE researchers analysed an online YouGov survey which asked 500 adults their attitudes towards 20mph limits in the city.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/UWENews/news.aspx?id=2716">Prof Alan Tapp warned of a "vicious circle"</a> in which motorists who wanted to comply were put off by other drivers. </p></div></div> | Police have admitted they may be forced to use safety camera vans to enforce new 20mph zones being introduced in parts of Bristol.Pilot zones were set up in Bedminster and east Bristol three years ago but up to August it had not issued any 20mph speeding fines in those areas.An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said the force would use a "tiered approach" to enforcement.He added road layouts could also be altered to slow down traffic.Community speedwatch schemes, in which members of the public use hand-held speed detectors, could also be used.The new 20mph limit on many roads in the centre of Bristol and in Clifton, Cotham, Bishopston and Redland comes into force on 20 January.An academic at the University of the West of England (UWE) said the 20mph zones needed "clear and unequivocal police support" for them to work.The UWE researchers analysed an online YouGov survey which asked 500 adults their attitudes towards 20mph limits in the city.Prof Alan Tapp warned of a "vicious circle" in which motorists who wanted to comply were put off by other drivers. | fde9fcf9-b1ef-5144-a205-b52922d5082b | 02/24/23 | |
| Warrant issued for baby murderer over second death | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-13644290 | 2011-06-03 | BBC News | A European arrest warrant is issued for a woman convicted of murdering her newborn son in relation to an earlier baby's death. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/52674000/jpg/_52674672_ineta_dzinguviene_bbc_only.jpg | NE Scotland, Orkney & Shetland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A European arrest warrant has been issued for a woman convicted of murdering her newborn son in relation to an earlier baby's death.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ineta Dzinguviene, 26, a Lithuanian national, was found guilty of murdering her son with clear plastic food wrapping on the day he was born.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The baby, later named Paulius Dzingus, was found in a bag in Fraserburgh in April last year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Lithuanian authorities have sent a warrant about the death of a baby girl.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It followed the discovery in April last year of a body.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Judge John Beckett QC told Dzinguviene the jury at the High Court in Livingston had found her guilty last month of a "dreadful crime".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said the only punishment - after the majority verdict - was life imprisonment.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He deferred sentence for reports until 9 June at the High Court in Glasgow.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Gintare Satkauskaite, of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Lithuania, told BBC Scotland a European arrest warrant had now been sent to Scotland requesting the surrender of Dzinguviene "with a view of criminal prosecution".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Crown Office said the warrant had not yet been received.</p></div></div> | A European arrest warrant has been issued for a woman convicted of murdering her newborn son in relation to an earlier baby's death.Ineta Dzinguviene, 26, a Lithuanian national, was found guilty of murdering her son with clear plastic food wrapping on the day he was born.The baby, later named Paulius Dzingus, was found in a bag in Fraserburgh in April last year.The Lithuanian authorities have sent a warrant about the death of a baby girl.It followed the discovery in April last year of a body.Judge John Beckett QC told Dzinguviene the jury at the High Court in Livingston had found her guilty last month of a "dreadful crime".He said the only punishment - after the majority verdict - was life imprisonment.He deferred sentence for reports until 9 June at the High Court in Glasgow.Gintare Satkauskaite, of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Lithuania, told BBC Scotland a European arrest warrant had now been sent to Scotland requesting the surrender of Dzinguviene "with a view of criminal prosecution".The Crown Office said the warrant had not yet been received. | 008c5c9a-8da7-538f-99c0-680c0675a291 | 02/24/23 | |
| UK library visits fall by 7.5 million | https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-15569890 | 2011-11-03 | BBC News | The number of visits to UK libraries has continued to fall, dropping by more than 7.5 million to 314.55 million in 2010-2011, annual figures show. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | Entertainment & Arts | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The number of visits to UK libraries has continued to fall, dropping by more than 7.5 million to 314.55 million in 2010-2011, annual figures show.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.cipfa.org.uk/press/press_show.cfm?news_id=61555">The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy data</a>, covering the year to 31 March 2011, shows a drop in the number of static and mobile public libraries from 4,612 to 4,579.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And they show a 2.9% drop in the number of book loans to 300.22 million.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Campaigners say more than 400 public libraries are threatened with closure.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A number of local councils plan to close them to save money after being given a 27% cut in central government funding over four years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The figures show a drop of 22.77 million over five years in the number of visits to UK libraries to 314.55 million in 2010-2011.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That figure represents a 6.7% drop.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The total number of books held by libraries dropped by about a million from the previous year to 98.24 million while there was also a drop in the stock of CDs, DVDs and other materials.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There was, however, a rise of about 300,000 in the number of loans of children's fiction books - to 81.57 million.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And there was an increase of about 180,000 - to 17.65 million - in the number of children's fiction books available for loan.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The number of visits to library websites, meanwhile, fell from 120.4 million in 2009-2010 to 114.77 million in 2010-2011 despite rises in previous years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Last month, campaigners launched an appeal against a High Court decision to allow the closure of six libraries in north-west London by Brent Council.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Earlier this month, the court ruled the council could go ahead with the plans to save £100m.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Meanwhile, figures from Nielsen BookScan data suggest that sales of printed books in October fell 7% from the same month last year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sales of biographies and memoirs - including those written by celebrities - were down 43% on October 2010.</p></div></div> | The number of visits to UK libraries has continued to fall, dropping by more than 7.5 million to 314.55 million in 2010-2011, annual figures show.The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy data, covering the year to 31 March 2011, shows a drop in the number of static and mobile public libraries from 4,612 to 4,579.And they show a 2.9% drop in the number of book loans to 300.22 million.Campaigners say more than 400 public libraries are threatened with closure.A number of local councils plan to close them to save money after being given a 27% cut in central government funding over four years.The figures show a drop of 22.77 million over five years in the number of visits to UK libraries to 314.55 million in 2010-2011.That figure represents a 6.7% drop.The total number of books held by libraries dropped by about a million from the previous year to 98.24 million while there was also a drop in the stock of CDs, DVDs and other materials.There was, however, a rise of about 300,000 in the number of loans of children's fiction books - to 81.57 million.And there was an increase of about 180,000 - to 17.65 million - in the number of children's fiction books available for loan.The number of visits to library websites, meanwhile, fell from 120.4 million in 2009-2010 to 114.77 million in 2010-2011 despite rises in previous years.Last month, campaigners launched an appeal against a High Court decision to allow the closure of six libraries in north-west London by Brent Council.Earlier this month, the court ruled the council could go ahead with the plans to save £100m.Meanwhile, figures from Nielsen BookScan data suggest that sales of printed books in October fell 7% from the same month last year.Sales of biographies and memoirs - including those written by celebrities - were down 43% on October 2010. | 6309d179-0ce9-5971-ad75-07962e4e1b78 | 02/24/23 | |
| Rake attacker Stephen Leonard revealed as 1979 child killer | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-46622433 | 2018-12-26 | By Phil Shepka | BBC News | Stephen Chafer, who tried to kill a woman this month, stabbed a three-year-old to death in 1979. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/12499/production/_104950947_160ccc97-a9a2-4f3e-bb72-4315f7bd9067.jpg | Cambridgeshire | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A man who nearly decapitated a dementia sufferer in a row over garden tools is a child killer who was released from prison in 2017, the BBC can reveal.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Stephen Chafer was 17 when he sexually assaulted and stabbed to death three-year-old Lorraine Holt in Derby.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He was released in 2002, returned to prison in 2013 for arson - but then released again on licence in 2017.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Now known as Stephen Leonard, the 57-year-old was convicted this month of trying to kill a woman in Peterborough.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The fact Stephen Leonard and Stephen Chafer are the same man has not previously been reported. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Lorraine's father Jim Holt, who was friends with Chafer, said the decision to release him had "destroyed a family".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Because all of this has happened it's brought all of [Lorraine's death] back, not just to me, but to the whole of my family," he told BBC News.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Somebody said to me the other day 'he's an animal'. And I said 'don't disrespect animals'."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Lorraine was out playing in the snow in the back garden of her family home in Sinfin Lane, Derby, on 20 January 1979 - but wandered off.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Chafer, who was related to her through marriage, had been out drinking during the afternoon and came across her sitting in the snow crying while he was walking to their house.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The then teenager gave Lorraine some sweets and carried her to the grounds of the local vicarage, where he put his hand over her mouth and sexually assaulted her before stabbing her 39 times.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He later pleaded guilty to murder and was jailed, before being released 23 years later in 2002.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More than 10 years later Chafer - by now known as Leonard - removed the fire alarms at his flat, part of a block of nine in Peterborough, and set it alight.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He admitted arson with being reckless whether life would be endangered and was sentenced to 26 months in prison, but was released on licence on 9 August 2017.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Then on 23 June 2018 he went to the home of Faye Mills, a 60-year-old woman with dementia whom he had known for about 15 years, in Peterborough.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It was there that an argument over a garden rake "caused a flick of the switch in his head", prosecutor Charles Falk told Cambridge Crown Court.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He hit her over the head with the tool before grabbing a knife and stabbing her in a "frenzied" attack.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Falk said: "He inflicted multiple stab wounds all over her body and almost decapitated her and then tried to stab her neighbour who intervened, after hearing her screams."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37999316">The mystery of the milk carton kids</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-46645782">Builder found £76m lottery ticket in van</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-46578052">Railings crash leave police speechless</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The extent of her injuries, which included a "slash" across the neck, made it "almost inexplicable" she lived and when police officers arrived they thought she was dead, Cambridge Crown Court heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The attack, Mr Falk said, left Ms Mills with "life-changing injuries from which she will never fully recover".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A jury found him guilty of attempted murder and he will be sentenced on 4 January for that offence.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Speaking to the BBC after learning of the new conviction, his first victim's father Mr Holt said he hoped authorities would "lock him up and keep him locked up because if he comes out again he'll destroy another family".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He won't go away because he gets a buzz off it, that's my personal opinion," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Back in 2000, Mr Holt submitted a petition to then Home Secretary Jack Straw to extend Chafer's time in jail. He spent an extra two years incarcerated.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Holt, who now lives in Nottingham, said: "I knew he was out and knew at the back of my mind he would re-offend.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Then I hear from the police and he's back inside for arson and I'm like 'so you've had him twice and you've let him go?'.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"And now this has happened to the Mills family."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Asked what he would say to the Parole Board who agreed his release, Mr Holt said: "I'd ask them why did you let him out - on what excuse, when you'd been warned?"</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A Parole Board spokesman said it was rare for released offenders to go on to commit serious further offences.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Whilst this represents an extremely small proportion of cases considered, we do take each case extremely seriously and work with others in the criminal justice system to ensure that lessons are learned to help to prevent further tragedies," he added.</p></div></div> | A man who nearly decapitated a dementia sufferer in a row over garden tools is a child killer who was released from prison in 2017, the BBC can reveal.Stephen Chafer was 17 when he sexually assaulted and stabbed to death three-year-old Lorraine Holt in Derby.He was released in 2002, returned to prison in 2013 for arson - but then released again on licence in 2017.Now known as Stephen Leonard, the 57-year-old was convicted this month of trying to kill a woman in Peterborough.The fact Stephen Leonard and Stephen Chafer are the same man has not previously been reported. But Lorraine's father Jim Holt, who was friends with Chafer, said the decision to release him had "destroyed a family"."Because all of this has happened it's brought all of [Lorraine's death] back, not just to me, but to the whole of my family," he told BBC News."Somebody said to me the other day 'he's an animal'. And I said 'don't disrespect animals'."Lorraine was out playing in the snow in the back garden of her family home in Sinfin Lane, Derby, on 20 January 1979 - but wandered off.Chafer, who was related to her through marriage, had been out drinking during the afternoon and came across her sitting in the snow crying while he was walking to their house.The then teenager gave Lorraine some sweets and carried her to the grounds of the local vicarage, where he put his hand over her mouth and sexually assaulted her before stabbing her 39 times.He later pleaded guilty to murder and was jailed, before being released 23 years later in 2002.More than 10 years later Chafer - by now known as Leonard - removed the fire alarms at his flat, part of a block of nine in Peterborough, and set it alight.He admitted arson with being reckless whether life would be endangered and was sentenced to 26 months in prison, but was released on licence on 9 August 2017.Then on 23 June 2018 he went to the home of Faye Mills, a 60-year-old woman with dementia whom he had known for about 15 years, in Peterborough.It was there that an argument over a garden rake "caused a flick of the switch in his head", prosecutor Charles Falk told Cambridge Crown Court.He hit her over the head with the tool before grabbing a knife and stabbing her in a "frenzied" attack.Mr Falk said: "He inflicted multiple stab wounds all over her body and almost decapitated her and then tried to stab her neighbour who intervened, after hearing her screams."The mystery of the milk carton kidsBuilder found £76m lottery ticket in vanRailings crash leave police speechlessThe extent of her injuries, which included a "slash" across the neck, made it "almost inexplicable" she lived and when police officers arrived they thought she was dead, Cambridge Crown Court heard.The attack, Mr Falk said, left Ms Mills with "life-changing injuries from which she will never fully recover".A jury found him guilty of attempted murder and he will be sentenced on 4 January for that offence.Speaking to the BBC after learning of the new conviction, his first victim's father Mr Holt said he hoped authorities would "lock him up and keep him locked up because if he comes out again he'll destroy another family"."He won't go away because he gets a buzz off it, that's my personal opinion," he said.Back in 2000, Mr Holt submitted a petition to then Home Secretary Jack Straw to extend Chafer's time in jail. He spent an extra two years incarcerated.Mr Holt, who now lives in Nottingham, said: "I knew he was out and knew at the back of my mind he would re-offend."Then I hear from the police and he's back inside for arson and I'm like 'so you've had him twice and you've let him go?'."And now this has happened to the Mills family."Asked what he would say to the Parole Board who agreed his release, Mr Holt said: "I'd ask them why did you let him out - on what excuse, when you'd been warned?"A Parole Board spokesman said it was rare for released offenders to go on to commit serious further offences."Whilst this represents an extremely small proportion of cases considered, we do take each case extremely seriously and work with others in the criminal justice system to ensure that lessons are learned to help to prevent further tragedies," he added. | 73b3b4f9-d9e6-5350-9480-926ae754cf27 | 02/24/23 |
| 'Turned away' stroke patient John Mallalieu gets apology | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-25460623 | 2013-12-20 | BBC News | An NHS official apologises after a stroke patient was apparently turned away from a Nottinghamshire hospital. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/71787000/jpg/_71787750_photo.jpg | Nottingham | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">An NHS official has apologised after a stroke patient was diverted away from a Nottinghamshire hospital.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">John Mallalieu, 89, was in an ambulance near King's Mill Hospital when it was diverted to a unit 14 miles away in Nottingham, his wife Ruth has said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Mallalieu is now "in a terrible state" in intensive care, she added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dr Mark Jefford, from the Newark and Sherwood Clinical Commissioning Group, said he would co-ordinate a thorough investigation into what happened.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mrs Mallalieu said she was told that a consultant at Kings Mill Hospital, in Sutton in Ashfield, would see her husband as long as he got there by 17:00 GMT on Friday 6 December.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But the ambulance had to turn around and head to Nottingham City Hospital when it appeared they would miss the deadline by a few minutes, she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dr Jefford, the clinical lead of the local commissioning group, said: "I'd like to apologise on behalf of the whole NHS and local health community for the experience that Mr and Mrs Mallalieu have received.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"No matter what the outcome of the investigation clearly it has been a stressful journey and stressful time for the family.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He added: "Clearly in this situation whatever the outcome [of the investigation] we've failed in terms of not providing the best experience for Mr and Mrs Mallalieu."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs King's Mill, said its stroke service is run from 08:00 on Monday to 18:00 GMT on a Friday. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It added that it takes about one hour to treat a patient so the agreed cut off time for receiving new patients is 17:00 GMT.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dr Jefford said he would be drawing together conclusions from investigations by the trust, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.</p></div></div> | An NHS official has apologised after a stroke patient was diverted away from a Nottinghamshire hospital.John Mallalieu, 89, was in an ambulance near King's Mill Hospital when it was diverted to a unit 14 miles away in Nottingham, his wife Ruth has said.Mr Mallalieu is now "in a terrible state" in intensive care, she added.Dr Mark Jefford, from the Newark and Sherwood Clinical Commissioning Group, said he would co-ordinate a thorough investigation into what happened.Mrs Mallalieu said she was told that a consultant at Kings Mill Hospital, in Sutton in Ashfield, would see her husband as long as he got there by 17:00 GMT on Friday 6 December.But the ambulance had to turn around and head to Nottingham City Hospital when it appeared they would miss the deadline by a few minutes, she said.Dr Jefford, the clinical lead of the local commissioning group, said: "I'd like to apologise on behalf of the whole NHS and local health community for the experience that Mr and Mrs Mallalieu have received."No matter what the outcome of the investigation clearly it has been a stressful journey and stressful time for the family.He added: "Clearly in this situation whatever the outcome [of the investigation] we've failed in terms of not providing the best experience for Mr and Mrs Mallalieu."Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs King's Mill, said its stroke service is run from 08:00 on Monday to 18:00 GMT on a Friday. It added that it takes about one hour to treat a patient so the agreed cut off time for receiving new patients is 17:00 GMT.Dr Jefford said he would be drawing together conclusions from investigations by the trust, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. | 31e7dcfd-73a1-5a75-819d-ff89fc6590bc | 02/24/23 | |
| California debt: What options are available? | https://www.bbc.com/news/business-18295974 | 2012-06-01 | By James Melik | BBC News | California's governor is proposing cuts in public spending and tax hikes, but how with the citizens respond? | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/60657000/jpg/_60657032_vallejopolice.jpg | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">In May 2008, too much borrowing and too much spending tipped Vallejo over the edge and it became the largest California city ever to file for bankruptcy.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, the budget problems of Vallejo are dwarfed by those of California as a whole.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is a giant economy - if it stood alone, it would be the eighth-biggest economy in the world.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In Vallejo, the situation was blamed on exorbitant salaries and benefits for fire fighters and police officers, which accounted for 80% of the city's budget.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A police lieutenant earns about $200,000 (£130,000) a year before benefits, whereas the average wage for an FBI agent, who typically has to have a law degree, is about 30% less.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">At the time, Mayor Osby Davis told Business Daily: "When somebody has their foot on your neck, you don't ask, 'Will I get up.' You get up and do what you can to keep it from happening again. And our city is going to get up and it is going to thrive." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The city emerged from bankruptcy in November 2011 after restructuring its debts. City councillor Marti Brown explains how the authorities have tackled some of the problems they had.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We have cut our staffing levels and some of the services we provide," she says. "And we also introduced a 1% sales tax after it was passed in a referendum."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">California's governor Jerry Brown recently revealed that the state deficit is almost twice as big as first thought and is currently standing at $16bn (£10.3bn).</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">States do not have the option to file for bankruptcy as Vallejo did, so he says he is going to cut the budget and hopefully raise taxes.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The tax, and some pretty drastic cuts, will be subject to voter approval in November," he says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He proposes $8.3bn of cuts in public services in California to help close the deficit.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The public sector needs more than it is currently getting. You can't squeeze blood out of a turnip and I am going to make this budget balance," he asserts.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His plan is to put the measures to a referendum in order to bypass the assembly, where he has met stiff opposition and has been unable to get them through.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The governor says the new proposal for the coming fiscal year, which begins on 1 July, seeks to end the state's deficit and balance the state's budget for the next few years without borrowing money.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's better to take our medicine now and get the state on a balanced footing," he says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Professor John Ellwood at the University of California, Berkeley says California's main problem is that people do not want to pay higher taxes.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The reason California taxes are so low is mostly because to raise them through the legislative process requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of the legislature and then the governor signing it," he says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Republican members of the legislature refuse to vote for higher taxes, while Democrats account for 60% of the members, well short of the necessary two-thirds majority.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But California has what is called the direct initiative, where citizens can create constitutional amendments and pass laws.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"On the November ballot, there will be two measures to raise taxes," Dr Ellwood explains, "and it only takes a simple majority for them to be accepted."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The motions will be for a higher personal tax and a temporary rise in the sales tax.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"If those pass, California will begin to raise its fiscal base," he says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"If they don't pass, then we will have continued cuts," he adds.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, he thinks that many Americans believe there is so much waste, fraud and abuse in the public sector that there is no need to raise taxes, so it will be interesting to see how the citizens of California respond.</p></div></div> | In May 2008, too much borrowing and too much spending tipped Vallejo over the edge and it became the largest California city ever to file for bankruptcy.However, the budget problems of Vallejo are dwarfed by those of California as a whole.It is a giant economy - if it stood alone, it would be the eighth-biggest economy in the world.In Vallejo, the situation was blamed on exorbitant salaries and benefits for fire fighters and police officers, which accounted for 80% of the city's budget.A police lieutenant earns about $200,000 (£130,000) a year before benefits, whereas the average wage for an FBI agent, who typically has to have a law degree, is about 30% less.At the time, Mayor Osby Davis told Business Daily: "When somebody has their foot on your neck, you don't ask, 'Will I get up.' You get up and do what you can to keep it from happening again. And our city is going to get up and it is going to thrive." The city emerged from bankruptcy in November 2011 after restructuring its debts. City councillor Marti Brown explains how the authorities have tackled some of the problems they had."We have cut our staffing levels and some of the services we provide," she says. "And we also introduced a 1% sales tax after it was passed in a referendum."California's governor Jerry Brown recently revealed that the state deficit is almost twice as big as first thought and is currently standing at $16bn (£10.3bn).States do not have the option to file for bankruptcy as Vallejo did, so he says he is going to cut the budget and hopefully raise taxes."The tax, and some pretty drastic cuts, will be subject to voter approval in November," he says.He proposes $8.3bn of cuts in public services in California to help close the deficit."The public sector needs more than it is currently getting. You can't squeeze blood out of a turnip and I am going to make this budget balance," he asserts.His plan is to put the measures to a referendum in order to bypass the assembly, where he has met stiff opposition and has been unable to get them through.The governor says the new proposal for the coming fiscal year, which begins on 1 July, seeks to end the state's deficit and balance the state's budget for the next few years without borrowing money."It's better to take our medicine now and get the state on a balanced footing," he says.Professor John Ellwood at the University of California, Berkeley says California's main problem is that people do not want to pay higher taxes."The reason California taxes are so low is mostly because to raise them through the legislative process requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of the legislature and then the governor signing it," he says.The Republican members of the legislature refuse to vote for higher taxes, while Democrats account for 60% of the members, well short of the necessary two-thirds majority.But California has what is called the direct initiative, where citizens can create constitutional amendments and pass laws."On the November ballot, there will be two measures to raise taxes," Dr Ellwood explains, "and it only takes a simple majority for them to be accepted."The motions will be for a higher personal tax and a temporary rise in the sales tax."If those pass, California will begin to raise its fiscal base," he says."If they don't pass, then we will have continued cuts," he adds.However, he thinks that many Americans believe there is so much waste, fraud and abuse in the public sector that there is no need to raise taxes, so it will be interesting to see how the citizens of California respond. | 7130e1ac-8104-5033-aaed-d5469fb1af32 | 02/24/23 |
| George Floyd: 10 things that have changed since his death | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-53007952 | 2020-06-12 | BBC News | 10 things that have changed in the US and UK since the death of George Floyd. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/2A55/production/_112873801_georgetop.jpg | Newsbeat | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">It's almost three weeks since George Floyd's death.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There have been protests around the world over the way police treat black people and highlighting racism and inequality in societies.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His family say they don't want his death to be in vain.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Radio 1 Newsbeat has been looking at 10 things that have already changed since George Floyd died.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">People are protesting with one message - Black Lives Matter.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They have marched in the past when other black people have been killed by police, but this time it's different.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There have been demonstrations in all 50 US states, including in places like <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article243271936.html">Anna, a small village in Illinois</a> - described locally as one of "the most racist places".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Cities in 50 countries have also held demonstrations. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There's a portrait of George Floyd on the side of a bombed-out building in Syria's Idlib province.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the UK and the US statues and monuments of people with links to slavery are being toppled by demonstrators.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In Bristol, the statue of a 17th Century slave trader <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-52965803">Edward Colston was dumped in the harbour.</a> It has since been fished out and will be <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-53004748">put in a museum</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53005243">In the US statues of Christopher Columbus</a> have been defaced or taken down. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Some argue removing statues is erasing history - others say they belong in museums rather than seeming to celebrate individuals.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Lots of the world's biggest brands have been quick to pledge their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But some companies like L'Oreal Paris have faced criticism.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When it posted support, the transgender model Munroe Bergdorf responded, saying the brand "threw me to the wolves".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She was sacked by L'Oreal in 2017 for posting about "the racial violence of white people".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">At the time the company said her comments "are at odds" with their values but the new boss <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52984555">Delphine Viguier has apologised</a> for the way the situation was handled. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder and manslaughter over George Floyd's death - <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52915019">three other former officers face charges of aiding and abetting murder.</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Other high-profile cases where black men died in police custody haven't led to officers being convicted.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">According to the Attorney General in Minnesota - Keith Ellison, "it's not going to be easy to get a conviction", in the George Floyd case.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Only one officer in Minnesota has been convicted of killing a civilian while serving in the role.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Minneapolis city council forced the police department to ban chokeholds and neck restraints.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Unannounced police raids, known as "no-knock warrants" have been scrapped in Louisville - where <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52956167">Breonna Taylor died.</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She was at home in bed when police officers entered her apartment. She died after being shot eight times.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Defunding the police is another change protestors want - they argue too much cash is given to the police and it should be reduced. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would divert money from the city's police department to social services.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The George Floyd's memorial fund smashed its $1.5m (£1.19m) goal and became the most donated GoFundMe page on the website.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Millions of donations were also made to other causes related to racism.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Take the Minnesota Freedom Fund, for example. a small project created to help low income people cover the cost of bail - which can cost thousands.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Jameela Jamil, Harry Styles and Chrissey Teigan were amongst the celebrities donating to bail out protestors. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More people are speaking out about the everyday racism and discrimination they have faced.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Radio 1's Clara Amfo was praised for speaking openly about the impact George Floyd's death had on her and her mental health.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She said what happened had reinforced a feeling among black people "that people want our culture, but they do not want us".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"In other words, you want my talent, but you don't want me," Clara added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Leona Lewis posted on her Instagram talking about a past experience where the singer says she and her dad were racially targeted in a shop.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She says she was told she was told she was "not allowed" to touch stuff in the store. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When the woman in the shop tried to apologise, Leona confronted her. "I said, 'you're a racist'."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">On Tuesday 2 June a series of black tiles were posted across social media as part of a protest called Blackout Tuesday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Its intention was to 'black out' usual activity and take the time to learn about the Black Lives Matter movement. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It started off within the music industry with support from record labels and radio stations.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It was later criticised as the posts filled the BlackLivesMatter hashtag- hiding posts with important information and updates about the on-going protests.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Black Lives Matter Plaza is now the name of the street in Washington DC leading up the White House.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52941254">The mayor there changed the name</a> because she wasn't happy with the way President Trump reacted to the protests.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Mayor of New York says a street in each borough will be renamed "Black Lives Matter."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">TV shows that contain "racially insensitive" or inappropriate characters are being removed from streaming services - although many argue we shouldn't judge comedy from previous eras by today's standards.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52983319">Little Britain and Come Fly with Me were pulled from iPlayer and Netflix</a> because their use of Black face.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Mighty Boosh and The League Of Gentlemen were also removed from Netflix.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Keith Lemon recently posted an apology for playing black characters in Bo 'Selecta and showed his support for Black Lives Matter.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Follow Newsbeat on </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.instagram.com/bbcnewsbeat/">Instagram</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsbeat/">Facebook</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/BBCNewsbeat">Twitter</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> and </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1Ef-K5jpnRsmVY5hCBhOw">YouTube</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">.</i></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Listen to Newsbeat </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_one">live</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wkry/episodes/player">here</a>.</p></div></div> | It's almost three weeks since George Floyd's death.There have been protests around the world over the way police treat black people and highlighting racism and inequality in societies.His family say they don't want his death to be in vain.Radio 1 Newsbeat has been looking at 10 things that have already changed since George Floyd died.People are protesting with one message - Black Lives Matter.They have marched in the past when other black people have been killed by police, but this time it's different.There have been demonstrations in all 50 US states, including in places like Anna, a small village in Illinois - described locally as one of "the most racist places".Cities in 50 countries have also held demonstrations. There's a portrait of George Floyd on the side of a bombed-out building in Syria's Idlib province.In the UK and the US statues and monuments of people with links to slavery are being toppled by demonstrators.In Bristol, the statue of a 17th Century slave trader Edward Colston was dumped in the harbour. It has since been fished out and will be put in a museum.In the US statues of Christopher Columbus have been defaced or taken down. Some argue removing statues is erasing history - others say they belong in museums rather than seeming to celebrate individuals.Lots of the world's biggest brands have been quick to pledge their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.But some companies like L'Oreal Paris have faced criticism.When it posted support, the transgender model Munroe Bergdorf responded, saying the brand "threw me to the wolves".She was sacked by L'Oreal in 2017 for posting about "the racial violence of white people".At the time the company said her comments "are at odds" with their values but the new boss Delphine Viguier has apologised for the way the situation was handled. Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder and manslaughter over George Floyd's death - three other former officers face charges of aiding and abetting murder.Other high-profile cases where black men died in police custody haven't led to officers being convicted.According to the Attorney General in Minnesota - Keith Ellison, "it's not going to be easy to get a conviction", in the George Floyd case.Only one officer in Minnesota has been convicted of killing a civilian while serving in the role.Minneapolis city council forced the police department to ban chokeholds and neck restraints.Unannounced police raids, known as "no-knock warrants" have been scrapped in Louisville - where Breonna Taylor died.She was at home in bed when police officers entered her apartment. She died after being shot eight times.Defunding the police is another change protestors want - they argue too much cash is given to the police and it should be reduced. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would divert money from the city's police department to social services.The George Floyd's memorial fund smashed its $1.5m (£1.19m) goal and became the most donated GoFundMe page on the website.Millions of donations were also made to other causes related to racism.Take the Minnesota Freedom Fund, for example. a small project created to help low income people cover the cost of bail - which can cost thousands.Jameela Jamil, Harry Styles and Chrissey Teigan were amongst the celebrities donating to bail out protestors. More people are speaking out about the everyday racism and discrimination they have faced.Radio 1's Clara Amfo was praised for speaking openly about the impact George Floyd's death had on her and her mental health.She said what happened had reinforced a feeling among black people "that people want our culture, but they do not want us"."In other words, you want my talent, but you don't want me," Clara added.Leona Lewis posted on her Instagram talking about a past experience where the singer says she and her dad were racially targeted in a shop.She says she was told she was told she was "not allowed" to touch stuff in the store. When the woman in the shop tried to apologise, Leona confronted her. "I said, 'you're a racist'."On Tuesday 2 June a series of black tiles were posted across social media as part of a protest called Blackout Tuesday.Its intention was to 'black out' usual activity and take the time to learn about the Black Lives Matter movement. It started off within the music industry with support from record labels and radio stations.It was later criticised as the posts filled the BlackLivesMatter hashtag- hiding posts with important information and updates about the on-going protests.Black Lives Matter Plaza is now the name of the street in Washington DC leading up the White House.The mayor there changed the name because she wasn't happy with the way President Trump reacted to the protests.The Mayor of New York says a street in each borough will be renamed "Black Lives Matter."TV shows that contain "racially insensitive" or inappropriate characters are being removed from streaming services - although many argue we shouldn't judge comedy from previous eras by today's standards.Little Britain and Come Fly with Me were pulled from iPlayer and Netflix because their use of Black face.The Mighty Boosh and The League Of Gentlemen were also removed from Netflix.Keith Lemon recently posted an apology for playing black characters in Bo 'Selecta and showed his support for Black Lives Matter.Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. | e1a3113b-7775-55b8-b546-95990405b1c0 | 02/24/23 | |
| Top Scottish officer emerges as Met chief front-runner | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14535026 | 2011-08-15 | BBC News | The chief of Strathclyde Police is emerging as the front-runner to be the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the BBC learns. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/54620000/jpg/_54620987_004509957-1.jpg | UK | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The chief constable of Strathclyde Police is emerging as the front-runner to be the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the BBC understands.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Former Met assistant commissioner Stephen House applied for the job after Home Office officials contacted him, says BBC correspondent Danny Shaw.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sir Paul Stephenson stood down amid the phone-hacking scandal and applications to be his successor close on Wednesday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Acting Met deputy commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe is also seen as a contender.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He is a former chief constable of Merseyside and was an inspector of constabulary before being drafted into the Met. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr House, 54, was born in Glasgow and moved to London with his family in the 1960s.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He became a police officer in 1981, serving in uniform and operational roles with the Sussex, Northamptonshire and West Yorkshire forces. He joined the Met in 2001, where he headed the specialist crime directorate, before taking on his current role as head of Scotland's largest police force in 2007.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The new Met Commissioner will be appointed on the recommendation of the Home Secretary, who must take into account the views of the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the Metropolitan Police Authority.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sir Paul resigned in July after facing criticism when it emerged the Met hired former News of the World executive Neil Wallis - who has been questioned by police investigating hacking at the paper - as an adviser.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Sir Hugh Orde, was considered among the favourites to become commissioner. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Home Secretary Theresa May was said to be very unhappy after Sir Hugh rejected suggestions that the restoration of calm after the riots in England last week was due to political intervention, says the BBC's Danny Shaw.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Acting Commissioner of the Met, Tim Godwin, may also apply for the top job but his chances have not been helped by the government's view that the force got its tactics wrong during the initial disturbances in London, our correspondent added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Meanwhile, police sources think it "very unlikely" that Sara Thornton, widely praised by the prime minister for her work as chief constable of Thames Valley Police, would apply, our correspondent added. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Government sources also indicated that there was no chance of Bill Bratton, the former Los Angeles and New York police chief brought in as a consultant by ministers, getting the top job, because it would send out the wrong signal to officers in Britain. </p></div></div> | The chief constable of Strathclyde Police is emerging as the front-runner to be the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the BBC understands.Former Met assistant commissioner Stephen House applied for the job after Home Office officials contacted him, says BBC correspondent Danny Shaw.Sir Paul Stephenson stood down amid the phone-hacking scandal and applications to be his successor close on Wednesday.Acting Met deputy commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe is also seen as a contender.He is a former chief constable of Merseyside and was an inspector of constabulary before being drafted into the Met. Mr House, 54, was born in Glasgow and moved to London with his family in the 1960s.He became a police officer in 1981, serving in uniform and operational roles with the Sussex, Northamptonshire and West Yorkshire forces. He joined the Met in 2001, where he headed the specialist crime directorate, before taking on his current role as head of Scotland's largest police force in 2007.The new Met Commissioner will be appointed on the recommendation of the Home Secretary, who must take into account the views of the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the Metropolitan Police Authority.Sir Paul resigned in July after facing criticism when it emerged the Met hired former News of the World executive Neil Wallis - who has been questioned by police investigating hacking at the paper - as an adviser.The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Sir Hugh Orde, was considered among the favourites to become commissioner. But Home Secretary Theresa May was said to be very unhappy after Sir Hugh rejected suggestions that the restoration of calm after the riots in England last week was due to political intervention, says the BBC's Danny Shaw.The Acting Commissioner of the Met, Tim Godwin, may also apply for the top job but his chances have not been helped by the government's view that the force got its tactics wrong during the initial disturbances in London, our correspondent added.Meanwhile, police sources think it "very unlikely" that Sara Thornton, widely praised by the prime minister for her work as chief constable of Thames Valley Police, would apply, our correspondent added. Government sources also indicated that there was no chance of Bill Bratton, the former Los Angeles and New York police chief brought in as a consultant by ministers, getting the top job, because it would send out the wrong signal to officers in Britain. | d153c637-fe00-59cf-ab98-dcef397714e2 | 02/24/23 | |
| Anne McIntosh MP calls for reduction on rural fuel costs | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-17450204 | 2012-03-20 | BBC News | A North Yorkshire MP is calling for a reduction in fuel prices in rural areas. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/59200000/jpg/_59200799_fuel.jpg | York & North Yorkshire | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A North Yorkshire MP is calling for a reduction in fuel prices in rural areas.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">MP Anne McIntosh said Ryedale, Thirsk, Malton and Filey had some of the highest prices in England.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She wants to reduce fuel costs "to ease the burden on hard pressed and vulnerable people" living in these areas.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Treasury announced a 5p-a-litre reduction on petrol and diesel for parts of Scotland, last November.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms McIntosh, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, is lobbying for a similar scheme in her constituency.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms McIntosh said: "In Ryedale we have the highest fuel prices, particularly diesel prices are 147 pence [per litre], you can't pay less at the moment.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The cost of fuel is pushing up the price of delivering goods to the small shops, it's threatening the future of small shops, pushing the price up of food and food stuffs for our farm animals and it's making life extremely difficult for hard pressed families.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We do need some relief - a rural fuel duty rebate for businesses and all the local communities living in Ryedale, Thirsk, Malton and Filey."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Tony Kemp, who runs a taxi firm in Pickering, said his profits have been "slashed" because of the rising costs.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We're spending about £4,500 more on diesel for the same amount of work coming and, obviously, that can't continue," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Treasury has not commented on Ms McIntosh's bid to get the prices reduced.</p></div></div> | A North Yorkshire MP is calling for a reduction in fuel prices in rural areas.MP Anne McIntosh said Ryedale, Thirsk, Malton and Filey had some of the highest prices in England.She wants to reduce fuel costs "to ease the burden on hard pressed and vulnerable people" living in these areas.The Treasury announced a 5p-a-litre reduction on petrol and diesel for parts of Scotland, last November.Ms McIntosh, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, is lobbying for a similar scheme in her constituency.Ms McIntosh said: "In Ryedale we have the highest fuel prices, particularly diesel prices are 147 pence [per litre], you can't pay less at the moment."The cost of fuel is pushing up the price of delivering goods to the small shops, it's threatening the future of small shops, pushing the price up of food and food stuffs for our farm animals and it's making life extremely difficult for hard pressed families."We do need some relief - a rural fuel duty rebate for businesses and all the local communities living in Ryedale, Thirsk, Malton and Filey."Tony Kemp, who runs a taxi firm in Pickering, said his profits have been "slashed" because of the rising costs."We're spending about £4,500 more on diesel for the same amount of work coming and, obviously, that can't continue," he said.The Treasury has not commented on Ms McIntosh's bid to get the prices reduced. | 2169af41-f575-52b5-9511-73e36533c91f | 02/24/23 | |
| Germany 'could boost' tourism in the Highlands | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13577737 | 2011-05-27 | BBC News | Germany's forecasted fast recovery from recession could help tourism in the Highlands, a new report says. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/53034000/jpg/_53034112_germanflag_bbc_464.jpg | Highlands & Islands | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Germany's forecasted fast recovery from recession could help tourism in the Highlands, according to a new report.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The latest briefing note on tourism in the Highland area said an expanding middle class in China, India and Russia may also boost visitor numbers.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, the report produced for Highland Council said that overall a modest growth in tourism was expected over the next few years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More than 14,000 people are employed in tourism in the Highlands.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The briefing note said that figure rose to 18,400 when tourism-related self employed people were added to the figure.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Germany, Europe's largest economy, grew 1.5% in the first three months of 2011, according to reports earlier this month.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The country represents the largest numbers of overseas tourists to the Highlands after the USA.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The briefing note also showed that most tourists to the region - 80% - come from the UK with 55% of them from Scotland.</p></div></div> | Germany's forecasted fast recovery from recession could help tourism in the Highlands, according to a new report.The latest briefing note on tourism in the Highland area said an expanding middle class in China, India and Russia may also boost visitor numbers.However, the report produced for Highland Council said that overall a modest growth in tourism was expected over the next few years.More than 14,000 people are employed in tourism in the Highlands.The briefing note said that figure rose to 18,400 when tourism-related self employed people were added to the figure.Germany, Europe's largest economy, grew 1.5% in the first three months of 2011, according to reports earlier this month.The country represents the largest numbers of overseas tourists to the Highlands after the USA.The briefing note also showed that most tourists to the region - 80% - come from the UK with 55% of them from Scotland. | b5248727-8d74-5202-9ba2-3ac7583af3df | 02/24/23 | |
| Ex-IRA woman Dolours Price's funeral takes place | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-21230312 | 2013-01-28 | BBC News | The actor Stephen Rea has carried the coffin of his ex-wife, Dolours Price at her funeral in west Belfast. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/65551000/jpg/_65551754_pricereapa.jpg | Northern Ireland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The actor Stephen Rea has carried the coffin of his ex-wife, Dolours Price at her funeral in west Belfast. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Price, who was jailed for her part in the IRA bombing of the Old Bailey in 1973, died on Wednesday. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Among the mourners on Monday was prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The PSNI has been involved in a legal process in the US to seize interviews Price gave about her time in the IRA to Boston College.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She was found dead at her home in Malahide, County Dublin, on Wednesday night.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">About 200 mourners were at the funeral service at St Agnes' Church in the Andersonstown area. The cortege then made its way to Milltown Cemetery.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The 62-year-old, along with her sister Marian Price and the Sinn Fein MLA, Gerry Kelly, was jailed for her part in an IRA bomb attack on the Old Bailey in London in 1973.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More than 200 people were injured and a man, who suffered a heart attack when the bomb exploded, subsequently died.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Price sisters were given life sentences and went on hunger strike, demanding to be allowed to serve their jail term in Ireland.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In recent years Price had aligned herself with dissident republicans and was an outspoken critic of the IRA leadership and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In media interviews before she died, she alleged that during her time in the IRA, Mr Adams had been her commanding officer.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She also claimed that she drove Belfast mother-of-10 Jean McConville to the place where she was murdered by the IRA in 1972.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dolours Price was born in 1951 and was originally from Belfast.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">After her release on compassionate grounds in 1980, she married the actor Stephen Rea. The couple have two sons but divorced in 2000.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She was also the catalyst for a transatlantic legal battle over secret testimony she gave to an American college about her time in the IRA.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Over a decade ago, she was one of 26 former IRA members to give a series of interviews to Boston College, as part of its oral history research project into the Troubles in Northern Ireland.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Recordings were carried out with both loyalist and republican paramilitaries, on the understanding that they would be made public only once interviewees had died.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In 2011, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13391130">launched a legal bid</a> to force the college to hand over the transcripts, as part of their investigation into the murder of Jean McConville.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The 37-year-old mother was abducted from her Belfast home and shot in the head in 1972.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mrs McConville was one of the so-called Disappeared, people who were murdered and secretly buried by the IRA.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her body was found more than 30 years later on a beach in County Louth.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The researchers at Boston College fought the PSNI action, arguing that surrendering the transcripts would put lives at risk and compromise future oral history projects as a confidentiality agreement had been broken.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is not yet known how Dolours Price died but police in Dublin have confirmed they are investigating the death of a woman at a house in St Margaret's Road in Malahide.</p></div></div> | The actor Stephen Rea has carried the coffin of his ex-wife, Dolours Price at her funeral in west Belfast. Price, who was jailed for her part in the IRA bombing of the Old Bailey in 1973, died on Wednesday. Among the mourners on Monday was prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy.The PSNI has been involved in a legal process in the US to seize interviews Price gave about her time in the IRA to Boston College.She was found dead at her home in Malahide, County Dublin, on Wednesday night.About 200 mourners were at the funeral service at St Agnes' Church in the Andersonstown area. The cortege then made its way to Milltown Cemetery.The 62-year-old, along with her sister Marian Price and the Sinn Fein MLA, Gerry Kelly, was jailed for her part in an IRA bomb attack on the Old Bailey in London in 1973.More than 200 people were injured and a man, who suffered a heart attack when the bomb exploded, subsequently died.The Price sisters were given life sentences and went on hunger strike, demanding to be allowed to serve their jail term in Ireland.In recent years Price had aligned herself with dissident republicans and was an outspoken critic of the IRA leadership and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.In media interviews before she died, she alleged that during her time in the IRA, Mr Adams had been her commanding officer.She also claimed that she drove Belfast mother-of-10 Jean McConville to the place where she was murdered by the IRA in 1972.Dolours Price was born in 1951 and was originally from Belfast.After her release on compassionate grounds in 1980, she married the actor Stephen Rea. The couple have two sons but divorced in 2000.She was also the catalyst for a transatlantic legal battle over secret testimony she gave to an American college about her time in the IRA.Over a decade ago, she was one of 26 former IRA members to give a series of interviews to Boston College, as part of its oral history research project into the Troubles in Northern Ireland.Recordings were carried out with both loyalist and republican paramilitaries, on the understanding that they would be made public only once interviewees had died.In 2011, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched a legal bid to force the college to hand over the transcripts, as part of their investigation into the murder of Jean McConville.The 37-year-old mother was abducted from her Belfast home and shot in the head in 1972.Mrs McConville was one of the so-called Disappeared, people who were murdered and secretly buried by the IRA.Her body was found more than 30 years later on a beach in County Louth.The researchers at Boston College fought the PSNI action, arguing that surrendering the transcripts would put lives at risk and compromise future oral history projects as a confidentiality agreement had been broken.It is not yet known how Dolours Price died but police in Dublin have confirmed they are investigating the death of a woman at a house in St Margaret's Road in Malahide. | e161d6e6-6c7e-5b10-a21e-1702ea19d26f | 02/24/23 | |
| Swansea landmark bridge lifted into place | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-56307466 | 2021-03-06 | BBC News | Traffic was stopped overnight to allow the 160ft foot and bike crossing to be installed. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/C10A/production/_117481494_copr4-nc.png | Wales | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A bridge linking Swansea city centre to a £135m indoor arena and the coast has been lifted into place.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Copr Bay Bridge is 160ft (49m) long and crosses Oystermouth Road, with council officials hoping it will become a landmark for the area.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Two mobile units lifted the pieces into place, with the road underneath closed overnight. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The bridge is expected to open to cyclists and pedestrians ahead of the arena's completion later this year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"With its bold design that will complement the striking façade of the arena, the bridge will become a landmark for the city and an emblem nationally and internationally of a city that is going places," said council leader Rob Stewart.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Swansea-born artist Marc Rees designed the pattern on the bridge's side panels featuring 2,756 laser-cut origami shapes.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's been a difficult time recently, especially for the cultural sector, so the bridge installation is timely as we need a positive and aspirational symbol," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The work to ease the bridge into place was carried out by contractors using two remote controlled mobile transporter units which lowered the structure into position.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It was then lowered on pneumatic jacks pre-installed on its abutments to fine tune its position before being fixed in place. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The bridge will lead to the entrance of the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52838688">3,500 seat arena</a> on one side, with a further development planned on the other.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Design director Friedrich Ludewig called it "a true piece of international innovation", adding: "The iconic arch stabilises the super-slender bridge deck and creates a new urban space floating over the road."</p></div></div> | A bridge linking Swansea city centre to a £135m indoor arena and the coast has been lifted into place.The Copr Bay Bridge is 160ft (49m) long and crosses Oystermouth Road, with council officials hoping it will become a landmark for the area.Two mobile units lifted the pieces into place, with the road underneath closed overnight. The bridge is expected to open to cyclists and pedestrians ahead of the arena's completion later this year."With its bold design that will complement the striking façade of the arena, the bridge will become a landmark for the city and an emblem nationally and internationally of a city that is going places," said council leader Rob Stewart.Swansea-born artist Marc Rees designed the pattern on the bridge's side panels featuring 2,756 laser-cut origami shapes."It's been a difficult time recently, especially for the cultural sector, so the bridge installation is timely as we need a positive and aspirational symbol," he said.The work to ease the bridge into place was carried out by contractors using two remote controlled mobile transporter units which lowered the structure into position.It was then lowered on pneumatic jacks pre-installed on its abutments to fine tune its position before being fixed in place. The bridge will lead to the entrance of the 3,500 seat arena on one side, with a further development planned on the other.Design director Friedrich Ludewig called it "a true piece of international innovation", adding: "The iconic arch stabilises the super-slender bridge deck and creates a new urban space floating over the road." | b05a55d3-8461-5972-a5bb-c65c601c257b | 02/24/23 | |
| Miami building collapse: What do we know about the victims? | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57609104 | 2021-06-25 | BBC News | Ninety-seven people have been confirmed dead and only one victim remains unaccounted for. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/0443/production/_119119010_4e641ed2-d428-4d2a-bd4d-586e8efeb6fa.jpg | US & Canada | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Rescue workers have now recovered all but one of the victims of the tower block that collapsed in Surfside, Florida, on 24 June. Ninety-seven people have been confirmed dead and only Estelle Hedaya is yet to be identified. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The search for victims was extremely slow, as rescuers had to sort through the rubble in sweltering heat and high humidity. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Here is what we know about the victims.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Antonio Lozano, 83, and his wife Gladys, 79, were among the first to be confirmed dead after their son Sergio Lozano gave officials a DNA sample. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They were about to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary in July and had known each other for more than 60 years. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The couple used to joke that neither wanted the other one to die first, because they did not want to be apart from each other. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Lozano could see his parents' apartment from his own home and heard the crash of the collapse. When he ran to the window, he could no longer see their apartment. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He told reporters that he took some comfort in the knowledge that they "went together and went quickly".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Guara family - dad Marcus, 52, mum Anaely Rodriguez, 42, and daughters Lucia and Emma, 11 and four respectively - lived on the eighth floor. On Tuesday, 6 July, they were among the first of the victims to be buried.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Guara - whose remains were found days before those of his family - was described as "helpful and friendly" by college friend Mike Spring, while <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252499473.html">cousin Peter Milian told the Miami Herald</a> he was "a great brother, uncle, cousin, son, and loved his daughters passionately".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"A family's been erased," <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/a-family-has-been-erased-relatives-mourn-parents-young-sisters-killed-in-surfside/2485719/">Mr Milian told NBC 6 </a>after rescuers found the bodies of Anaely Rodriguez and her daughters.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Manuel LaFont, 54, lived on the eighth floor of the building.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr LaFont's two children, a 10-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, had been spending time with him that day, but were picked up by their mother - Mr LaFont's ex-wife - just hours before the collapse.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"My children were born again, and I was born again as well," she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252399898.html">Mr LaFont would often be found playing baseball with his young son</a>, the Miami Herald reports. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Stella Cattarossi, the seven-year-old daughter of a Miami firefighter, was inside the building with her mother, grandparents and aunt when it collapsed. Her body was identified on 2 July.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her mother, Graciela Cattarossi, 48, and her grandparents Graciela, 86, and Gino Cattarossi, 89, were also killed.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her aunt, Andrea, who was visiting from Argentina, has also been confirmed dead. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Stella's father has been working with the rescue efforts and was on scene when she was found, local media report. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The first victim to be officially named was Stacie Fang. She was the mother of Jonah Handler, a 15-year-old who was pulled from the rubble hours after the collapse, as he begged rescuers: "Please don't leave me."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In a statement, her family expressed thanks for the outpouring of sympathy and support they had received. "There are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Stacie," it read.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Hilda Noriega, 92, was the oldest victim of the tragedy.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her grandson Michael described Ms Noriega as "larger than life" and "92 years old going on 62". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the hours after the collapse, Mr Noriega rushed to the scene with his parents. They later told US media how they found a birthday card and family photographs in the rubble. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The family released a statement in which they said they had lost the "heart and soul" and "matriarch" of the family but would "get through this time by embracing the unconditional love Hilda was known for".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Bhavna Patel, a 38-year-old British and US citizen, and her husband Vishal Patel, 42, were both confirmed dead on 2 July. The body of their one-year-old daughter, Aishani was identified the following week. She was the youngest victim.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Bhavna was pregnant, a tweet from a relative said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Umma Kannayan is a family friend of the Patels. She told the BBC's Will Grant that they were a "very loving" family who were closely involved in their religious community. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Aishani was like the little baby of the temple," she said. "It feels like you've lost a part of yourself."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The sister of Paraguay's first lady, Silvana López Moreira, was confirmed dead on 8 July. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The remains of Sophia López Moreira, her husband Luis Pettengill and their three children - ages 3, 6 and 9 - have all been found.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The first lady travelled to Florida to be with her family amid the search. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Their nanny, Leidy Luna Villalba, was found on 7 July. She had arrived in Miami hours before the building collapsed. It was her first time travelling outside of Paraguay. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She sent a message to her cousin when she arrived, telling him she was excited to explore the city. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her mother, Juana de Villalba, told media in Paraguay: "She's the primary breadwinner of our family and she went to Miami for work. She went for us. My heart is broken".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Harry Rosenberg, 52, who was confirmed dead on 8 July, relocated to Miami from New York following the loss of his wife, Anna, to cancer and both of his parents to Covid in the past year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He recently told a fellow congregant at a local synagogue he was entering the "next chapter" of his life. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A close friend told Associated Press that Harry had spent three years taking care of his ill wife.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He had only recently bought a second-floor unit in Surfside - big enough to welcome friends and family.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Brad Cohen, 51, is one of several members of the Jewish community to have died. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His brother Gary, 58, who was visiting from Birmingham, Alabama, also lost his life. He had come to Florida so that the pair could see their father, who is ill, in nearby Boynton Beach.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The hardest thing has been seeing the devastation of my 12-year-old daughter, she is very close to her father," Brad's wife, Soraya Cohen, told the BBC.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The disappearance of one Jewish couple prompted an emotional reaction on social media.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Several people queried the whereabouts of Myriam Caspi Notkin and Arnie Notkin, an elderly couple who lived on the third floor of the collapsed building, but their bodies were both recovered on 9 July.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They married about 20 years ago after both being widowed. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252354058.html">Speaking to the Miami Herald newspaper</a>, Fortuna Smukler said Mr Notkin was a beloved member of the community. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Smukler said Mr Notkin taught physical education at a local primary school in South Beach for years, and is remembered by many students.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He was such a well-liked PE teacher from people's past," she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He had students who became famous, and he had to tell me about them, <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/27/friends-family-describe-dead-and-missing-in-florida-condo-collapse.html">how they were good or mischievous</a>," she added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Magaly Ramsey received a call from her mother, Magaly Delgado, the night before the collapse.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"My mother called me at around 10 o'clock on Wednesday night, but I was at a conference and I couldn't answer her," <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-internacional-57607087">Ms Ramsey told the BBC</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I'll call her tomorrow, she thought. On 1 July, Miami-Dade police <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article252530773.html">announced they had recovered Magaly's remains. </a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Magaly said her mother, an 80-year-old of Cuban origin, was idolised by her two grandsons. "My kids adored her," she told ABC News.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She added that her mother had been concerned about shaking from nearby construction work. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"She did complain of a lot of tremors and things... she sometimes was concerned about what may be happening to her building," she told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Kevin Spiegel was on a business trip in California when he heard about the collapse. He and his wife Judy, 66, had lived in an apartment on the sixth floor for more than four years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mrs Spiegel's daughter, Rachel, was last in contact with her mother the night before, the New York Times reported.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The newspaper said Judy had texted her to say that she had finally found the Disney dress that her four-year-old granddaughter wanted.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A devoted grandmother, Judy had been helping with picking up the children from school, Rachel said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"My mum is just the best person in the world. She is so caring and loving," Rachel told CNN. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Alfredo Leone, 48; and his son Lorenzo, 5, were among those found nearly three weeks after the tragedy.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The boy's mother, Raquel, had been visiting her mother in Colorado at the time of the collapse. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Family members have been paying tribute to Estelle Hedaya, 54, the only victim who remains unidentified.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her brother Ikey told CBS he took comfort in the fact that she was "the apex at everything in her life".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said he was not bothered by her being the last person unaccounted for because it meant that God had chosen her, although he admitted the wait had been very tough on their parents.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I know my sister is in the right place now," he said.</p></div></div> | Rescue workers have now recovered all but one of the victims of the tower block that collapsed in Surfside, Florida, on 24 June. Ninety-seven people have been confirmed dead and only Estelle Hedaya is yet to be identified. The search for victims was extremely slow, as rescuers had to sort through the rubble in sweltering heat and high humidity. Here is what we know about the victims.Antonio Lozano, 83, and his wife Gladys, 79, were among the first to be confirmed dead after their son Sergio Lozano gave officials a DNA sample. They were about to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary in July and had known each other for more than 60 years. The couple used to joke that neither wanted the other one to die first, because they did not want to be apart from each other. Mr Lozano could see his parents' apartment from his own home and heard the crash of the collapse. When he ran to the window, he could no longer see their apartment. He told reporters that he took some comfort in the knowledge that they "went together and went quickly".The Guara family - dad Marcus, 52, mum Anaely Rodriguez, 42, and daughters Lucia and Emma, 11 and four respectively - lived on the eighth floor. On Tuesday, 6 July, they were among the first of the victims to be buried.Mr Guara - whose remains were found days before those of his family - was described as "helpful and friendly" by college friend Mike Spring, while cousin Peter Milian told the Miami Herald he was "a great brother, uncle, cousin, son, and loved his daughters passionately"."A family's been erased," Mr Milian told NBC 6 after rescuers found the bodies of Anaely Rodriguez and her daughters.Manuel LaFont, 54, lived on the eighth floor of the building.Mr LaFont's two children, a 10-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, had been spending time with him that day, but were picked up by their mother - Mr LaFont's ex-wife - just hours before the collapse."My children were born again, and I was born again as well," she said.Mr LaFont would often be found playing baseball with his young son, the Miami Herald reports. Stella Cattarossi, the seven-year-old daughter of a Miami firefighter, was inside the building with her mother, grandparents and aunt when it collapsed. Her body was identified on 2 July.Her mother, Graciela Cattarossi, 48, and her grandparents Graciela, 86, and Gino Cattarossi, 89, were also killed.Her aunt, Andrea, who was visiting from Argentina, has also been confirmed dead. Stella's father has been working with the rescue efforts and was on scene when she was found, local media report. The first victim to be officially named was Stacie Fang. She was the mother of Jonah Handler, a 15-year-old who was pulled from the rubble hours after the collapse, as he begged rescuers: "Please don't leave me."In a statement, her family expressed thanks for the outpouring of sympathy and support they had received. "There are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Stacie," it read.Hilda Noriega, 92, was the oldest victim of the tragedy.Her grandson Michael described Ms Noriega as "larger than life" and "92 years old going on 62". In the hours after the collapse, Mr Noriega rushed to the scene with his parents. They later told US media how they found a birthday card and family photographs in the rubble. The family released a statement in which they said they had lost the "heart and soul" and "matriarch" of the family but would "get through this time by embracing the unconditional love Hilda was known for".Bhavna Patel, a 38-year-old British and US citizen, and her husband Vishal Patel, 42, were both confirmed dead on 2 July. The body of their one-year-old daughter, Aishani was identified the following week. She was the youngest victim.Bhavna was pregnant, a tweet from a relative said. Umma Kannayan is a family friend of the Patels. She told the BBC's Will Grant that they were a "very loving" family who were closely involved in their religious community. "Aishani was like the little baby of the temple," she said. "It feels like you've lost a part of yourself."The sister of Paraguay's first lady, Silvana López Moreira, was confirmed dead on 8 July. The remains of Sophia López Moreira, her husband Luis Pettengill and their three children - ages 3, 6 and 9 - have all been found.The first lady travelled to Florida to be with her family amid the search. Their nanny, Leidy Luna Villalba, was found on 7 July. She had arrived in Miami hours before the building collapsed. It was her first time travelling outside of Paraguay. She sent a message to her cousin when she arrived, telling him she was excited to explore the city. Her mother, Juana de Villalba, told media in Paraguay: "She's the primary breadwinner of our family and she went to Miami for work. She went for us. My heart is broken".Harry Rosenberg, 52, who was confirmed dead on 8 July, relocated to Miami from New York following the loss of his wife, Anna, to cancer and both of his parents to Covid in the past year.He recently told a fellow congregant at a local synagogue he was entering the "next chapter" of his life. A close friend told Associated Press that Harry had spent three years taking care of his ill wife.He had only recently bought a second-floor unit in Surfside - big enough to welcome friends and family.Brad Cohen, 51, is one of several members of the Jewish community to have died. His brother Gary, 58, who was visiting from Birmingham, Alabama, also lost his life. He had come to Florida so that the pair could see their father, who is ill, in nearby Boynton Beach."The hardest thing has been seeing the devastation of my 12-year-old daughter, she is very close to her father," Brad's wife, Soraya Cohen, told the BBC.The disappearance of one Jewish couple prompted an emotional reaction on social media.Several people queried the whereabouts of Myriam Caspi Notkin and Arnie Notkin, an elderly couple who lived on the third floor of the collapsed building, but their bodies were both recovered on 9 July.They married about 20 years ago after both being widowed. Speaking to the Miami Herald newspaper, Fortuna Smukler said Mr Notkin was a beloved member of the community. Ms Smukler said Mr Notkin taught physical education at a local primary school in South Beach for years, and is remembered by many students."He was such a well-liked PE teacher from people's past," she said."He had students who became famous, and he had to tell me about them, how they were good or mischievous," she added.Magaly Ramsey received a call from her mother, Magaly Delgado, the night before the collapse."My mother called me at around 10 o'clock on Wednesday night, but I was at a conference and I couldn't answer her," Ms Ramsey told the BBC.I'll call her tomorrow, she thought. On 1 July, Miami-Dade police announced they had recovered Magaly's remains. Magaly said her mother, an 80-year-old of Cuban origin, was idolised by her two grandsons. "My kids adored her," she told ABC News.She added that her mother had been concerned about shaking from nearby construction work. "She did complain of a lot of tremors and things... she sometimes was concerned about what may be happening to her building," she told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Kevin Spiegel was on a business trip in California when he heard about the collapse. He and his wife Judy, 66, had lived in an apartment on the sixth floor for more than four years.Mrs Spiegel's daughter, Rachel, was last in contact with her mother the night before, the New York Times reported.The newspaper said Judy had texted her to say that she had finally found the Disney dress that her four-year-old granddaughter wanted.A devoted grandmother, Judy had been helping with picking up the children from school, Rachel said. "My mum is just the best person in the world. She is so caring and loving," Rachel told CNN. Alfredo Leone, 48; and his son Lorenzo, 5, were among those found nearly three weeks after the tragedy.The boy's mother, Raquel, had been visiting her mother in Colorado at the time of the collapse. Family members have been paying tribute to Estelle Hedaya, 54, the only victim who remains unidentified.Her brother Ikey told CBS he took comfort in the fact that she was "the apex at everything in her life".He said he was not bothered by her being the last person unaccounted for because it meant that God had chosen her, although he admitted the wait had been very tough on their parents."I know my sister is in the right place now," he said. | 9a3fbb20-bd90-506d-86a5-8764fdf751b9 | 02/24/23 | |
| Cotswold District Council apologises over tax dispute with resident | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-58346802 | 2021-08-26 | BBC News | Cotswold District Council has been criticised over its handling of a man's plea for help paying tax. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/E6BD/production/_120296095_cdcbuilding.png | Gloucestershire | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A council has "apologised unreservedly" over its handling of a man's plea for help in paying tax during the pandemic. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said Cotswold District Council showed "repeated unacceptable problems with communication".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The man had requested help with council tax payments due the impact of Covid but continued to receive reminders from the authority, causing him distress.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Councillor Mike Evemy said: "We have learnt from it to improve in future."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The ombudsman's investigation found the council did not give the man clear information about when the payment plan would end or that he would face recovery action, irrespective of keeping to payments.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It also said the council did not clearly explain its debt recovery policy and acted contrary to the information it provided in that it would stop further reminders.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"People falling on hard times in the Cotswolds are being placed at a significant disadvantage by the council not making them aware of its council tax discretionary relief scheme, and not prompting them to apply when they say they need help," said the ombudsman's Michael King.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When the man asked the council to write off his debt, he was told he did not have exceptional circumstances but the council did not provide any reasons for its decision, the report found.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Cotswold District Council was told it should apologise to the man, pay him £300 for his distress and reconsider his request to write off his arrears.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Finance cabinet member Mr Evemy said the council apologised for any distress and uncertainty caused.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We always aim to be understanding and support our residents sympathetically. Unfortunately, in this situation we didn't get that right," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Follow BBC West on </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/pointswest">Facebook</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/bbcbristol">Twitter</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> and </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.instagram.com/bbcwest">Instagram</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">. Send your story ideas to: </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="mailto:bristol@bbc.co.uk">bristol@bbc.co.uk </a></p></div></div> | A council has "apologised unreservedly" over its handling of a man's plea for help in paying tax during the pandemic. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said Cotswold District Council showed "repeated unacceptable problems with communication".The man had requested help with council tax payments due the impact of Covid but continued to receive reminders from the authority, causing him distress.Councillor Mike Evemy said: "We have learnt from it to improve in future."The ombudsman's investigation found the council did not give the man clear information about when the payment plan would end or that he would face recovery action, irrespective of keeping to payments.It also said the council did not clearly explain its debt recovery policy and acted contrary to the information it provided in that it would stop further reminders."People falling on hard times in the Cotswolds are being placed at a significant disadvantage by the council not making them aware of its council tax discretionary relief scheme, and not prompting them to apply when they say they need help," said the ombudsman's Michael King.When the man asked the council to write off his debt, he was told he did not have exceptional circumstances but the council did not provide any reasons for its decision, the report found.Cotswold District Council was told it should apologise to the man, pay him £300 for his distress and reconsider his request to write off his arrears.Finance cabinet member Mr Evemy said the council apologised for any distress and uncertainty caused."We always aim to be understanding and support our residents sympathetically. Unfortunately, in this situation we didn't get that right," he said.Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk | 3f7b650a-b262-5fe3-963b-e89ad2dd398d | 02/24/23 | |
| Warning over Rushden Lakes shopping centre planning decision delay | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-27143617 | 2014-04-27 | BBC News | A delay in coming to a decision on a £50m Northamptonshire development could allow in speculative housing plans, a councillor warns. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/74450000/jpg/_74450534_74450531.jpg | Northampton | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A government delay in coming to a decision on a £50m Northamptonshire development could allow in speculative housing plans, a councillor has warned.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The decision on Rushden Lakes shopping centre was expected in February, but no ruling has yet been made.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Terry Freer, of the joint planning committee for the county, said that was delaying the drawing up of a regional plan.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The government said the case remained "under careful consideration".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Freer, who is chairman of the joint planning committee, said: "We want to ensure houses are built in the right place with access to industry, access to schools and access to shopping."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said the Rushden Lakes development - with shops, housing and leisure facilities - would change what was put in the regional plan.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Rushden Lakes is purely speculative and not in our current plan. We can't finish the new plan until we factor in Rushden Lakes," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Without a regional plan to say where housing should go, speculative developers would have a greater chance at gaining permission to build homes on sites unsuitable for houses, he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "The secretary of state is not in a position to reach a decision on this application and the case remains under careful consideration."</p></div></div> | A government delay in coming to a decision on a £50m Northamptonshire development could allow in speculative housing plans, a councillor has warned.The decision on Rushden Lakes shopping centre was expected in February, but no ruling has yet been made.Terry Freer, of the joint planning committee for the county, said that was delaying the drawing up of a regional plan.The government said the case remained "under careful consideration".Mr Freer, who is chairman of the joint planning committee, said: "We want to ensure houses are built in the right place with access to industry, access to schools and access to shopping."He said the Rushden Lakes development - with shops, housing and leisure facilities - would change what was put in the regional plan."Rushden Lakes is purely speculative and not in our current plan. We can't finish the new plan until we factor in Rushden Lakes," he said.Without a regional plan to say where housing should go, speculative developers would have a greater chance at gaining permission to build homes on sites unsuitable for houses, he said.A department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "The secretary of state is not in a position to reach a decision on this application and the case remains under careful consideration." | 5ea8ef13-fde5-51b2-a991-ca6a75034ad8 | 02/24/23 | |
| Man jailed for setting fire to a mobile home in Sittingbourne | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-48600769 | 2019-06-11 | BBC News | William Smith Snr is sentenced to more then seven years for his part in disorder in Kent. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/126B1/production/_101214457_police_bluelightresponse.jpg | Kent | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A man has been jailed for setting light to a mobile home in Kent.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">William Smith Snr, 54, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, and damaging property recklessly as to endanger life following the blaze at Stockbury Valley in Sittingbourne on 5 May 2018.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Smith, of Miller Close, Kemsley, was sentenced to seven years and four months at Maidstone Crown Court.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His son, also William Smith, was sentenced at a previous hearing for his role in the disorder.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In December, Smith Jnr pleaded guilty to affray and was jailed for 19 months.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">At the same hearing another relative, Eli Smith, of Lewis Close, Faversham, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and nine months.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Smith Snr had sentencing delayed while psychiatric reports were prepared.</p></div></div> | A man has been jailed for setting light to a mobile home in Kent.William Smith Snr, 54, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, and damaging property recklessly as to endanger life following the blaze at Stockbury Valley in Sittingbourne on 5 May 2018.Smith, of Miller Close, Kemsley, was sentenced to seven years and four months at Maidstone Crown Court.His son, also William Smith, was sentenced at a previous hearing for his role in the disorder.In December, Smith Jnr pleaded guilty to affray and was jailed for 19 months.At the same hearing another relative, Eli Smith, of Lewis Close, Faversham, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and nine months.Smith Snr had sentencing delayed while psychiatric reports were prepared. | c7e0e021-80b8-5049-ba34-c31a29bc51e0 | 02/24/23 | |
| India gang rape victim's family meets president to seek justice | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-25636930 | 2014-01-07 | BBC News | The parents of a 16-year-old Indian girl who died after being gang-raped and burnt in Calcutta meet the president to seek his help in their fight for justice. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/72120000/jpg/_72120630_72120629.jpg | India | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The family of a 16-year-old Indian girl who died after being gang-raped and set on fire in the eastern city of Calcutta have met the president to seek his help in their fight for justice.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A family member later told reporters the president had promised to help. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The family also met the head of the National Commission for Women and asked for an inquiry by the federal police.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The gruesome crime and the police's alleged mishandling of the case have led to days of protests in Calcutta.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The girl was raped on two separate occasions near her the town of Madhyamgram, first on 26 October, then when she was returning from filing a police complaint the next day. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Six men accused of raping her were arrested soon after. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Nearly two months later on 23 December, the girl was admitted to hospital with burns but succumbed to her injuries on New Year's Eve. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The investigating officer, Madhav Santosh Nimbalkar, told the media that the girl had told him that she had been set on fire by two people, allegedly close to the suspected rapists. Two men were later arrested.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Last week, the girl's father told BBC News: "Till my last breath, the sole aim of my life will be to get justice for her."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her mother said her daughter had asked her to "make sure [the] people who did this to me are hanged". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The family has accused the police of a cover-up and of wanting to keep the case quiet.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The incident comes a year after the brutal gang rape of a student in Delhi that triggered huge protests across the country and forced the government to introduce tougher anti-rape laws.</p></div></div> | The family of a 16-year-old Indian girl who died after being gang-raped and set on fire in the eastern city of Calcutta have met the president to seek his help in their fight for justice.A family member later told reporters the president had promised to help. The family also met the head of the National Commission for Women and asked for an inquiry by the federal police.The gruesome crime and the police's alleged mishandling of the case have led to days of protests in Calcutta.The girl was raped on two separate occasions near her the town of Madhyamgram, first on 26 October, then when she was returning from filing a police complaint the next day. Six men accused of raping her were arrested soon after. Nearly two months later on 23 December, the girl was admitted to hospital with burns but succumbed to her injuries on New Year's Eve. The investigating officer, Madhav Santosh Nimbalkar, told the media that the girl had told him that she had been set on fire by two people, allegedly close to the suspected rapists. Two men were later arrested.Last week, the girl's father told BBC News: "Till my last breath, the sole aim of my life will be to get justice for her."Her mother said her daughter had asked her to "make sure [the] people who did this to me are hanged". The family has accused the police of a cover-up and of wanting to keep the case quiet.The incident comes a year after the brutal gang rape of a student in Delhi that triggered huge protests across the country and forced the government to introduce tougher anti-rape laws. | 727ae160-441e-5953-8ebb-09dfd43c43ec | 02/24/23 | |
| Near field communication transforms travel in Japan | https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13216267 | 2011-04-28 | By Michael Fitzpatrick | BBC News | Travelling Japan armed only with a phone - near field communication technology has revolutionised the country's travel industry. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/52397000/jpg/_52397509_fujiclose624.jpg | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Ama Chan is aiming her mobile at small, square, printed, barcode tattoo that resembles a splattered space invader. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">You will find their like plastered all over Japan. This one is printed on a Tokyo bus stop, so she clicks the camera shutter and peers happily at the result. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her prize? A timetable appears instantly on the phone's screen, plus the estimated arrival time of the next bus. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When the oddly retro-style bus arrives, she uses her phone to pay by swiping at the front as a Londoner might flutter an Oyster smartcard on entering the Tube.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This is travel Tokyo-style.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And although these types of convenient dodges are slowly appearing in the West (those information-laden barcode tattoos are known as QR codes in the UK, and e-wallets are appearing on phones outside Japan), the country has been experimenting with such technology for more than five years now, and more advanced travel guiding tech besides.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So where better to examine the props that will dominate all our traveller and travel industry tomorrows? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Granted, an Anglo-Saxon smartphone, an iPhone, a Google phone and their ilk can be handy on the road but they lack, so far, many of the tools so useful to travellers in Japan on their so-called feature phones.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">With the right clam-shell, iridescent "keitai", subscribers get a seriously high-resolution camera, a projector, and the all-important radio chip that works as a train/air/entrance ticket/boarding pass. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This radio tag can also check you into hotels and even open the room's door for you.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They also act as e-wallets. With up to 50,000 yen credit siphoned into the phone, customers use it to buy groceries at convenience stores, pay the taxi driver and persuade Japan's ubiquitous vending machines to cough up.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Japan's leading airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has been using such e-wallets to compete with the country's formidably fast trains for more than five years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The major drawback of flying compared to train travel is, of course, the time spent at the airport," says ANA spokesman Ryosei Nomura.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"With ANA's all-in-one ticket and boarding pass in your phone, you can arrive and board your plane within 15 minutes."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dubbed SKiP, the service relies on Osaifu-Keitai (literally "wallet mobile") technology developed by comms giant NTT. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">As the NFC [near field communication] chip-based tech relies on dedicated readers which are available only in a few other countries besides Japan, the service so far applies just to domestic flights. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Users could even conceivably buy their air ticket using their phone at a convenience store with such readers. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The system has a number of advantages over plastic smart cards, too, such as being able to automatically recharge credit via the internet, says Mr Nomura.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">With GPS in mobiles as standard, years ahead of the UK, the keitai has also evolved into a seriously useful navigation tool here. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Something called the Total Navigation site does exactly what it says on the tin, using 3D-rendered info on your screen. Hold it in your grip and the phone vibrates telling you when to turn. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Just as well: you need all the hand-holding you can get in the vastness of a capital without street names like Tokyo.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Tech also comes to the aid of the linguistically challenged. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Despite the cosmopolitan nature of Tokyo, menus are invariably in Japanese. So to have a phone that snaps a potential meal and describes in English what it is - mock-up meals are only sometimes displayed in the window - is obviously a godsend.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">With some restaurant businesses this is catching on, as Japan looks to foreign tourists for badly needed revenue. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Other applications allow you to bring up menus, reviews and translations by other users just by focusing your mobile's camera at the restaurant itself.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Visitors to Japan can try out some of these services by renting domestic phones at the airports. Unfortunately, not all such resources are available on the airport pick-up phones.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But your correspondent was able to attempt a cashless journey from Tokyo through Kyoto to Fukuoka in the south starting with Ana's SKiP service for flights. No maps, no guides, just the omnipotent keitai.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The all-in-one nature of the mobile makes this possible, as does Japan's bent for convenience.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Such cramped, intensely urban, highly stressful lifestyles have made the Japanese super-reliant on, and worshipful, of convenience, says Ama Chan. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Keitai are the totems of that reverence and have become touchstones for survival. The keitai rules. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Travellers of the near future may want to emulate the light-footed Japanese, shearing off excess baggage such as guidebooks, laptops, camera - even books - and depending solely on the Swiss army knife of the road warrior - the keitai.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency has started the ball rolling with an iPhone rental service that knows where guests are and beams text, video and graphics to inform, help and guide them. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Of course many overseas visitors bring their smartphones with them, but most don't have a data plan that makes it economic sense to use their phone for downloads," says the hotel's manager Ken Yokoyama. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The next step was to augment the service with tips from the concierge.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"After that we would like to develop a phone-based service that will think and act like a concierge, to give simple advice - where to eat, for example. The next step after that will be to totally personalise that service."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Yokoyama envisages a massive database covering all Kyoto'a concierge knowledge melding into one serious, well-informed, location-specific travel application laid within the compass of the traveller's hand.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Augmenting city guides will not stop there. Something called "augmented reality" (AR) is already evolving into a valuable tool for travellers.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Like the iPhone, such AR apps know where users are, and beam location relevant info to their phones. This is viewed superimposed on the camera viewfinder on the mobile's screen. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">London already has Tube help in this form, while others such as Layar can perform the neat trick with restaurants, mentioned earlier.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Japan's version of this application, Sekai (World) camera, works the same magic, but adds tagging and social networking.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Like other AR apps it calculates your position, then using the camera, displays location-specific information graphically on top of your real-world view. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But the genius of Sekai Camera is that individuals and businesses can add their own information. They just point a smartphone camera at the landscape, adding "tags" that can include text, images, and sound that can be picked up by others in the area later.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Tags can translate into coupons from businesses (a free Guinness when you stop at a bar serving the black stuff, for example) or travel tips from friends. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Such apps are not just confined to Japan. They are available now at a smartphone near you.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Japan still holds the lead with applications of tech for travel. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The country's hotel industry is also benefiting from a dash of hi-tech gloss. Check into the entirely swish 9h (nine hours) capsule hotel in Kyoto and you might experience the teched-up future of budget hotels. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ultra-futuristic, the Kubrick-inspired pods go for about 4000 yen a night via their website.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Kyoto might be rich in heritage but this doesn't stop it over-dosing like the rest of urban Japan on hi-tech treats. For evidence, visitors might want to check out the phone chargers available in even the most venerable temples.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The futuristic travel experience that 9h offers (perhaps a model for a Mars trip accommodation?) includes a pod, not a bedroom, with a "Sleep Ambient Control System", that "lulls to a comfortable sleep". The same system awakens guests with light, not an alarm clock. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Spartan, functional, but fun for a night.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">For sci-fi visions of how we might travel smarter in the future Japan obviously has plenty to show us. But the West is catching up fast. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Smartphones such as the iPhone and their apps are changing the way we travel, and how the travel industry attracts and aids such tourists. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Where most, outside of Japan, are still adjusting to life seen through the prism of the mobile, in Japan it is now second nature. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">These early adopters are worth watching just to see how the tech will usher in new services for getting about and how to capitalise on our new-found travel touchstone - the mobile.</p></div></div> | Ama Chan is aiming her mobile at small, square, printed, barcode tattoo that resembles a splattered space invader. You will find their like plastered all over Japan. This one is printed on a Tokyo bus stop, so she clicks the camera shutter and peers happily at the result. Her prize? A timetable appears instantly on the phone's screen, plus the estimated arrival time of the next bus. When the oddly retro-style bus arrives, she uses her phone to pay by swiping at the front as a Londoner might flutter an Oyster smartcard on entering the Tube.This is travel Tokyo-style.And although these types of convenient dodges are slowly appearing in the West (those information-laden barcode tattoos are known as QR codes in the UK, and e-wallets are appearing on phones outside Japan), the country has been experimenting with such technology for more than five years now, and more advanced travel guiding tech besides.So where better to examine the props that will dominate all our traveller and travel industry tomorrows? Granted, an Anglo-Saxon smartphone, an iPhone, a Google phone and their ilk can be handy on the road but they lack, so far, many of the tools so useful to travellers in Japan on their so-called feature phones.With the right clam-shell, iridescent "keitai", subscribers get a seriously high-resolution camera, a projector, and the all-important radio chip that works as a train/air/entrance ticket/boarding pass. This radio tag can also check you into hotels and even open the room's door for you.They also act as e-wallets. With up to 50,000 yen credit siphoned into the phone, customers use it to buy groceries at convenience stores, pay the taxi driver and persuade Japan's ubiquitous vending machines to cough up.Japan's leading airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has been using such e-wallets to compete with the country's formidably fast trains for more than five years."The major drawback of flying compared to train travel is, of course, the time spent at the airport," says ANA spokesman Ryosei Nomura."With ANA's all-in-one ticket and boarding pass in your phone, you can arrive and board your plane within 15 minutes."Dubbed SKiP, the service relies on Osaifu-Keitai (literally "wallet mobile") technology developed by comms giant NTT. As the NFC [near field communication] chip-based tech relies on dedicated readers which are available only in a few other countries besides Japan, the service so far applies just to domestic flights. Users could even conceivably buy their air ticket using their phone at a convenience store with such readers. The system has a number of advantages over plastic smart cards, too, such as being able to automatically recharge credit via the internet, says Mr Nomura.With GPS in mobiles as standard, years ahead of the UK, the keitai has also evolved into a seriously useful navigation tool here. Something called the Total Navigation site does exactly what it says on the tin, using 3D-rendered info on your screen. Hold it in your grip and the phone vibrates telling you when to turn. Just as well: you need all the hand-holding you can get in the vastness of a capital without street names like Tokyo.Tech also comes to the aid of the linguistically challenged. Despite the cosmopolitan nature of Tokyo, menus are invariably in Japanese. So to have a phone that snaps a potential meal and describes in English what it is - mock-up meals are only sometimes displayed in the window - is obviously a godsend.With some restaurant businesses this is catching on, as Japan looks to foreign tourists for badly needed revenue. Other applications allow you to bring up menus, reviews and translations by other users just by focusing your mobile's camera at the restaurant itself.Visitors to Japan can try out some of these services by renting domestic phones at the airports. Unfortunately, not all such resources are available on the airport pick-up phones.But your correspondent was able to attempt a cashless journey from Tokyo through Kyoto to Fukuoka in the south starting with Ana's SKiP service for flights. No maps, no guides, just the omnipotent keitai.The all-in-one nature of the mobile makes this possible, as does Japan's bent for convenience.Such cramped, intensely urban, highly stressful lifestyles have made the Japanese super-reliant on, and worshipful, of convenience, says Ama Chan. Keitai are the totems of that reverence and have become touchstones for survival. The keitai rules. Travellers of the near future may want to emulate the light-footed Japanese, shearing off excess baggage such as guidebooks, laptops, camera - even books - and depending solely on the Swiss army knife of the road warrior - the keitai.In Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency has started the ball rolling with an iPhone rental service that knows where guests are and beams text, video and graphics to inform, help and guide them. "Of course many overseas visitors bring their smartphones with them, but most don't have a data plan that makes it economic sense to use their phone for downloads," says the hotel's manager Ken Yokoyama. "The next step was to augment the service with tips from the concierge."After that we would like to develop a phone-based service that will think and act like a concierge, to give simple advice - where to eat, for example. The next step after that will be to totally personalise that service."Mr Yokoyama envisages a massive database covering all Kyoto'a concierge knowledge melding into one serious, well-informed, location-specific travel application laid within the compass of the traveller's hand.Augmenting city guides will not stop there. Something called "augmented reality" (AR) is already evolving into a valuable tool for travellers.Like the iPhone, such AR apps know where users are, and beam location relevant info to their phones. This is viewed superimposed on the camera viewfinder on the mobile's screen. London already has Tube help in this form, while others such as Layar can perform the neat trick with restaurants, mentioned earlier.Japan's version of this application, Sekai (World) camera, works the same magic, but adds tagging and social networking.Like other AR apps it calculates your position, then using the camera, displays location-specific information graphically on top of your real-world view. But the genius of Sekai Camera is that individuals and businesses can add their own information. They just point a smartphone camera at the landscape, adding "tags" that can include text, images, and sound that can be picked up by others in the area later.Tags can translate into coupons from businesses (a free Guinness when you stop at a bar serving the black stuff, for example) or travel tips from friends. Such apps are not just confined to Japan. They are available now at a smartphone near you.But Japan still holds the lead with applications of tech for travel. The country's hotel industry is also benefiting from a dash of hi-tech gloss. Check into the entirely swish 9h (nine hours) capsule hotel in Kyoto and you might experience the teched-up future of budget hotels. Ultra-futuristic, the Kubrick-inspired pods go for about 4000 yen a night via their website.Kyoto might be rich in heritage but this doesn't stop it over-dosing like the rest of urban Japan on hi-tech treats. For evidence, visitors might want to check out the phone chargers available in even the most venerable temples.The futuristic travel experience that 9h offers (perhaps a model for a Mars trip accommodation?) includes a pod, not a bedroom, with a "Sleep Ambient Control System", that "lulls to a comfortable sleep". The same system awakens guests with light, not an alarm clock. Spartan, functional, but fun for a night.For sci-fi visions of how we might travel smarter in the future Japan obviously has plenty to show us. But the West is catching up fast. Smartphones such as the iPhone and their apps are changing the way we travel, and how the travel industry attracts and aids such tourists. Where most, outside of Japan, are still adjusting to life seen through the prism of the mobile, in Japan it is now second nature. These early adopters are worth watching just to see how the tech will usher in new services for getting about and how to capitalise on our new-found travel touchstone - the mobile. | 4f736913-7ee2-5222-b1e4-008892deb811 | 02/24/23 |
| Clive Sullivan Rugby League World Cup ball tribute | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-humber-59580522 | 2021-12-08 | BBC News | The "Sully Ball", to be featured in all the tournament's games, is named after Clive Sullivan. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/8BF7/production/_122013853_img_20201016_0001.jpg | Humberside | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The official ball for next year's Rugby League World Cup is to be named in honour of trailblazer Clive Sullivan, organisers have announced.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sullivan, who was Welsh and the first black sportsman to captain a British national team, lifted the trophy after Great Britain won the 1972 World Cup.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His widow, Ros Sullivan, said the "Sully Ball" tribute was "fantastic, we are so proud".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The ball is to be used in all 61 RLWC2021 matches next year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In all, Sullivan played 17 times for Great Britain and 15 times for Wales at rugby league.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He died of cancer, aged 42, in Hull in 1985.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Designed with the help of the Sullivan family, the ball was unveiled at the MKM Stadium, the home of Hull FC, for whom he played as well as for local cross-city rivals Hull KR.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When the World Cup tournament kicks off, it will be 50 years since Sullivan lifted the trophy after he had scored a superb individual length-of-the-field try.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, said Sullivan was "a true British sporting icon".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He was a pioneer in our sport and the captain of the last British Rugby League World Cup-winning team."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ros Sullivan said: "I think that just shows what rugby league is all about - that colour didn't come into it, you got picked on merit.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The years have flown by. When he came back, it was dark, there was no reception. It wasn't really celebrated as it should have been.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We put banners up outside and he walked in and had the World Cup in his bag. Clive went back to work the next day and took the cup in to show his workmates."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sullivan, originally from Cardiff, scored a record 250 tries for Hull FC and 118 for Hull KR.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He also won the Challenge Cup with both teams.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The World Cup 2022 tournament was originally scheduled for this year but was delayed over Covid travel difficulties for Australia and New Zealand.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The competition will feature a men's, women's and wheelchair tournament and it kicks off at St James' Park in Newcastle on 15 October.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Follow BBC Yorkshire on </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/BBCYorkshire/">Facebook</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">, </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/bbclooknorth">Twitter</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> and </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.instagram.com/bbcyorkshire/">Instagram</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">. Send your story ideas to </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="mailto:yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk">yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">.</i></p></div></div> | The official ball for next year's Rugby League World Cup is to be named in honour of trailblazer Clive Sullivan, organisers have announced.Sullivan, who was Welsh and the first black sportsman to captain a British national team, lifted the trophy after Great Britain won the 1972 World Cup.His widow, Ros Sullivan, said the "Sully Ball" tribute was "fantastic, we are so proud".The ball is to be used in all 61 RLWC2021 matches next year.In all, Sullivan played 17 times for Great Britain and 15 times for Wales at rugby league.He died of cancer, aged 42, in Hull in 1985.Designed with the help of the Sullivan family, the ball was unveiled at the MKM Stadium, the home of Hull FC, for whom he played as well as for local cross-city rivals Hull KR.When the World Cup tournament kicks off, it will be 50 years since Sullivan lifted the trophy after he had scored a superb individual length-of-the-field try.Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, said Sullivan was "a true British sporting icon"."He was a pioneer in our sport and the captain of the last British Rugby League World Cup-winning team."Ros Sullivan said: "I think that just shows what rugby league is all about - that colour didn't come into it, you got picked on merit."The years have flown by. When he came back, it was dark, there was no reception. It wasn't really celebrated as it should have been."We put banners up outside and he walked in and had the World Cup in his bag. Clive went back to work the next day and took the cup in to show his workmates."Sullivan, originally from Cardiff, scored a record 250 tries for Hull FC and 118 for Hull KR.He also won the Challenge Cup with both teams.The World Cup 2022 tournament was originally scheduled for this year but was delayed over Covid travel difficulties for Australia and New Zealand.The competition will feature a men's, women's and wheelchair tournament and it kicks off at St James' Park in Newcastle on 15 October.Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. | 33996a4b-84b2-57ee-9fe2-57d4bfc3ea84 | 02/24/23 | |
| Scotland and England: growing closer, living apart | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-35391751 | 2016-01-23 | By Douglas Fraser | BBC News | Scotland needs more homes built. The shortage is becoming a big part of the Holyrood election debate. But if you think Scots have problems, look south. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/0232/production/_87326500_87326499.jpg | Scotland business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The more Scotland has diverged politically from the rest of Britain, the more it has become economically similar.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's one of those paradoxes of the 21st century, which was underlined this week by the Resolution Foundation.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The think tank - based in London, with a focus on jobs and income for low and middle-earners - had a right good go at the Scottish economy.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Its most interesting conclusion was that Scottish median income has passed that of the rest of the UK.<a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-35337529"> I wrote last weekend about why that might be, and whether it's still true (to save you time: probably not).</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The report showed that household income, since 2007, has increased slightly faster than in London. Only the East Midlands has seen faster growth.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But the general thrust of the analysis is that Scotland has closed quite a few gaps, not just on pay, but Gross Domestic Product, or total income per head. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It has closed the "jobs gap" - the dip in the employment rate below the pre-recession peak - though the think tank pointed out that it still has a way to go to catch up with England on unemployment and job creation, and that self-employment is much lower than in England.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">On a measure of under-employment, at which Scotland was in a better position in 2008, the sharp rise and slower decline has left Scotland close to the UK average.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The proportion of people aged over 50 and still working has risen more steeply in Scotland, nearly matching the UK rate.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The churn of workers voluntarily leaving jobs to get employment elsewhere, has tracked that of England. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So Scotland is no longer an outlier. It is no longer England's poor relation. In some ways, it is more typical of the UK than any region of England - and most of all, London.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But in one area, there's a huge difference - housing.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">We've heard quite a lot about housing in the past week.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Office for National Statistics (ONS) issued its measure of prices in the year to November. It found London and south-east England up by 9.8%, and Scotland up by 0.4%. <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-35352853">It was far behind every region of England except the north-east.</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35351295">The UK average, according to the ONS, was a rise of 7.7%, to reach an average price of £288,000.</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The official register for England and Wales includes cash purchases of homes, and has a lower figure - house prices up by 6.4%, and a much average price.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The nearest comparison, from Registers of Scotland, covers the year to last September. Reflecting on actual transactions rather than surveys, <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-34647775">it found prices falling 0.5%, and the average price at below £170,000</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Survey evidence looking ahead suggests the housing cost gap will keep growing this year, though things might slow up a bit.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35135639">BBC news online found estimates of the increase in UK prices during 2016 of between 2% and 6%</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, reported this week that its members in Scotland reckon prices will rise this year, but they're far from being unanimous on that.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Comparing those expecting a rise with those foreseeing a fall, there was a 24% majority for higher prices. However, that does not tell us how much higher the surveyors expect them to be.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A more specific question put to RICS members at the UK level found an expectation of London prices rising at 5% per year in the next five years, and 4.5% across the whole UK.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That may look good if you're a home owner. But it brings the concern that those selling up and moving out of high-cost regions are able to inflate prices in lower-cost ones.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's obviously much less appealing if you want to get on the property ladder. That has been made more difficult in recent years by tougher tests of mortgage applicants than before the financial crash.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Uncertainty about the market, slow wage inflation, higher deposits on mortgages, a fall in the number of new homes being built, along with graduate debt and rising private rents making it harder to save: they have all combined to build a significantly higher obstacle to home ownership.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That helps explain why the proportion of people living in their own homes has fallen. The Resolution Foundation report says it is down in Scotland from 47% to 38% since the start of last decade.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The proportion in the private rented sector has more than doubled, from 10% to 22%.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That is linked to the most significant point made in the Resolution report - about the link between home prices and earnings. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The report has compared the average house price with the average male earnings around the UK. It finds that average house costs 5.9 times more than earnings.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In London, it is 9.1 times higher. In Scotland, it is 4.1 times.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That is relatively good news for Scots. The share of income required to afford a home is much less, leaving more money for other things......with even hard-pressed Londoners more likely to put at least something aside.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In London two years ago, every local authority area had the average home-owner with a mortgage spending more than a third of net income on housing. In Scotland, none did.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the private rented sector, all of London's local authority areas had average housing costs above a third of income. For south-east and the east of England, more than a quarter did. In Scotland, that was the case in only one local authority area (or 3%).</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And while prices have been rising fast, and may continue to do so at that RICS estimate of 5% per year, no-one expects average wages to rise as fast. That ratio is set to increase.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's no surprise, then, that Londoners are most concerned about what happens when interest rates on mortgages go up, as they must eventually. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">According to a Bank of England survey last year, a third of UK home-owners with mortgages are concerned about their household finances when that happens.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In London and the West Midlands, it was 37%. Scotland had the lowest level of concern, at 27%.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That puts the pre-Holyrood election debate about Scotland's housing "crisis" into some context. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Demographics point to more demand for homes, and pressure for house-building if prices are not to go up fast. But for now, from the household finance point of view, it is much less of a concern than for the southern neighbours.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Viewed from London, where monetary policy is set, the pressure from house prices is intense. The push for more house-building is a higher priority. And the risk of another price bubble is rising.</p></div></div> | The more Scotland has diverged politically from the rest of Britain, the more it has become economically similar.It's one of those paradoxes of the 21st century, which was underlined this week by the Resolution Foundation.The think tank - based in London, with a focus on jobs and income for low and middle-earners - had a right good go at the Scottish economy.Its most interesting conclusion was that Scottish median income has passed that of the rest of the UK. I wrote last weekend about why that might be, and whether it's still true (to save you time: probably not).The report showed that household income, since 2007, has increased slightly faster than in London. Only the East Midlands has seen faster growth.But the general thrust of the analysis is that Scotland has closed quite a few gaps, not just on pay, but Gross Domestic Product, or total income per head. It has closed the "jobs gap" - the dip in the employment rate below the pre-recession peak - though the think tank pointed out that it still has a way to go to catch up with England on unemployment and job creation, and that self-employment is much lower than in England.On a measure of under-employment, at which Scotland was in a better position in 2008, the sharp rise and slower decline has left Scotland close to the UK average.The proportion of people aged over 50 and still working has risen more steeply in Scotland, nearly matching the UK rate.The churn of workers voluntarily leaving jobs to get employment elsewhere, has tracked that of England. So Scotland is no longer an outlier. It is no longer England's poor relation. In some ways, it is more typical of the UK than any region of England - and most of all, London.But in one area, there's a huge difference - housing.We've heard quite a lot about housing in the past week.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) issued its measure of prices in the year to November. It found London and south-east England up by 9.8%, and Scotland up by 0.4%. It was far behind every region of England except the north-east.The UK average, according to the ONS, was a rise of 7.7%, to reach an average price of £288,000.The official register for England and Wales includes cash purchases of homes, and has a lower figure - house prices up by 6.4%, and a much average price.The nearest comparison, from Registers of Scotland, covers the year to last September. Reflecting on actual transactions rather than surveys, it found prices falling 0.5%, and the average price at below £170,000.Survey evidence looking ahead suggests the housing cost gap will keep growing this year, though things might slow up a bit.BBC news online found estimates of the increase in UK prices during 2016 of between 2% and 6%.RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, reported this week that its members in Scotland reckon prices will rise this year, but they're far from being unanimous on that.Comparing those expecting a rise with those foreseeing a fall, there was a 24% majority for higher prices. However, that does not tell us how much higher the surveyors expect them to be.A more specific question put to RICS members at the UK level found an expectation of London prices rising at 5% per year in the next five years, and 4.5% across the whole UK.That may look good if you're a home owner. But it brings the concern that those selling up and moving out of high-cost regions are able to inflate prices in lower-cost ones.It's obviously much less appealing if you want to get on the property ladder. That has been made more difficult in recent years by tougher tests of mortgage applicants than before the financial crash.Uncertainty about the market, slow wage inflation, higher deposits on mortgages, a fall in the number of new homes being built, along with graduate debt and rising private rents making it harder to save: they have all combined to build a significantly higher obstacle to home ownership.That helps explain why the proportion of people living in their own homes has fallen. The Resolution Foundation report says it is down in Scotland from 47% to 38% since the start of last decade.The proportion in the private rented sector has more than doubled, from 10% to 22%.That is linked to the most significant point made in the Resolution report - about the link between home prices and earnings. The report has compared the average house price with the average male earnings around the UK. It finds that average house costs 5.9 times more than earnings.In London, it is 9.1 times higher. In Scotland, it is 4.1 times.That is relatively good news for Scots. The share of income required to afford a home is much less, leaving more money for other things......with even hard-pressed Londoners more likely to put at least something aside.In London two years ago, every local authority area had the average home-owner with a mortgage spending more than a third of net income on housing. In Scotland, none did.In the private rented sector, all of London's local authority areas had average housing costs above a third of income. For south-east and the east of England, more than a quarter did. In Scotland, that was the case in only one local authority area (or 3%).And while prices have been rising fast, and may continue to do so at that RICS estimate of 5% per year, no-one expects average wages to rise as fast. That ratio is set to increase.It's no surprise, then, that Londoners are most concerned about what happens when interest rates on mortgages go up, as they must eventually. According to a Bank of England survey last year, a third of UK home-owners with mortgages are concerned about their household finances when that happens.In London and the West Midlands, it was 37%. Scotland had the lowest level of concern, at 27%.That puts the pre-Holyrood election debate about Scotland's housing "crisis" into some context. Demographics point to more demand for homes, and pressure for house-building if prices are not to go up fast. But for now, from the household finance point of view, it is much less of a concern than for the southern neighbours.Viewed from London, where monetary policy is set, the pressure from house prices is intense. The push for more house-building is a higher priority. And the risk of another price bubble is rising. | d38682e2-6380-5d28-8b07-5cfcec108b8b | 02/24/23 |
| Missing rare breed sheep reappear in Gloucestershire | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-14281257 | 2011-07-25 | BBC News | A flock of rare sheep that vanished from a field in Gloucestershire reappear 24 hours later. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/54259000/jpg/_54259753_dsc04314.jpg | Gloucestershire | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A flock of rare sheep that vanished from a field in Gloucestershire have reappeared 24 hours later.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">On Sunday, Terence Pritchard reported 12 of his 13 Castlemilk Moorit sheep missing after a neighbour reported hearing a "commotion" in their field.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But on Monday, the neighbour visited the Redmarley field to find all the sheep were back.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Pritchard said: "We cannot explain it. How did they find their way back?"</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Assisted by the local farming community, Mr Pritchard had searched several square miles on Sunday and found nothing.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He feared the sheep had been stolen with just one of the flock managing to escape the thieves' clutches. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Rare Breeds Survival Trust consider the Castlemilk Moorit breed to be "vulnerable" and have between 500-900 registered females breeding in the UK.</p></div></div> | A flock of rare sheep that vanished from a field in Gloucestershire have reappeared 24 hours later.On Sunday, Terence Pritchard reported 12 of his 13 Castlemilk Moorit sheep missing after a neighbour reported hearing a "commotion" in their field.But on Monday, the neighbour visited the Redmarley field to find all the sheep were back.Mr Pritchard said: "We cannot explain it. How did they find their way back?"Assisted by the local farming community, Mr Pritchard had searched several square miles on Sunday and found nothing.He feared the sheep had been stolen with just one of the flock managing to escape the thieves' clutches. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust consider the Castlemilk Moorit breed to be "vulnerable" and have between 500-900 registered females breeding in the UK. | 3df9f462-389c-5640-9761-c8de957d3897 | 02/24/23 | |
| Thailand murders: Amnesty International call for police torture probe | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35178204 | 2015-12-24 | BBC News | Amnesty International calls for an independent investigation into allegations two Burmese men, convicted of murdering two UK tourists, were tortured by Thai police. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/6D90/production/_85484082_6ba4166a-8fdd-4130-8c4e-b392c65889f5.jpg | UK | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into allegations that two Burmese men, convicted of murdering two UK tourists, were tortured by Thai police.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Champa Patel from Amnesty said the police in Thailand had a "long and disturbing" history of using torture.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Convicted murderers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo now face the death penalty.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A Thai court ruled on Thursday that they killed Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The British backpackers' bodies were found on a Koh Tao island beach in September 2014.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Miss Witheridge, from Hemsby, Norfolk, had been raped before she was killed, while Mr Miller, of Leeds, had been hit over the head before drowning in the sea.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Lawyers for the defendants - both aged 22 and migrants from Myanmar - have said they will appeal.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The accused, both bar workers, retracted their initial confessions, claiming police had tortured them, an allegation supported by human rights campaigners.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35170419">A flawed and muddled investigation</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35175072">Families talk of 'senseless' killings</a></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But standing outside court shortly after the verdict Mr Miller's brother Michael said justice had "been delivered", and described the evidence against Lin and Phyo as "absolutely overwhelming".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He also called for campaigners to respect the court's decision.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Mr Patel, who is Amnesty International's director for south-east Asia, said the torture claims required an independent investigation, which the police themselves should not be in charge of.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The Thai police force has a long and disturbing track record of using torture and other forms of ill-treatment to extract 'confessions'," he added. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"This is far from an isolated case. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The Thai authorities must start taking concrete steps to stamp out torture, not just paying lip service to doing so," he added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The human rights campaign group also said that in its own investigation of the case, the Thai National Human Rights Commission found the allegations of torture to be credible.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Earlier, Miss Witheridge's family said they needed time "to digest the outcome of the trial verdict".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">During the trial prosecutors said DNA evidence collected from cigarette butts, a condom and the bodies of the victims, linked Lin and Phyo to the deaths.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But lawyers defending the accused argued DNA from a garden hoe - allegedly used as the murder weapon - did not match samples taken from the men.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">They also claimed evidence had been mishandled by police and the pair's confessions were the result of "systematic abuse" of migrants in the area.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Thailand has not carried out any executions since 2009, when two executions took place, according to a death penalty database collated by Cornell Law School in the US.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The victims met on Koh Tao while staying in the same hotel. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The family of Mr Miller attended the hearing but relatives of Miss Witheridge did not travel to Thailand for the verdicts.</p></div></div> | Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into allegations that two Burmese men, convicted of murdering two UK tourists, were tortured by Thai police.Champa Patel from Amnesty said the police in Thailand had a "long and disturbing" history of using torture.Convicted murderers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo now face the death penalty.A Thai court ruled on Thursday that they killed Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24.The British backpackers' bodies were found on a Koh Tao island beach in September 2014.Miss Witheridge, from Hemsby, Norfolk, had been raped before she was killed, while Mr Miller, of Leeds, had been hit over the head before drowning in the sea.Lawyers for the defendants - both aged 22 and migrants from Myanmar - have said they will appeal.The accused, both bar workers, retracted their initial confessions, claiming police had tortured them, an allegation supported by human rights campaigners.A flawed and muddled investigationFamilies talk of 'senseless' killingsBut standing outside court shortly after the verdict Mr Miller's brother Michael said justice had "been delivered", and described the evidence against Lin and Phyo as "absolutely overwhelming".He also called for campaigners to respect the court's decision.But Mr Patel, who is Amnesty International's director for south-east Asia, said the torture claims required an independent investigation, which the police themselves should not be in charge of."The Thai police force has a long and disturbing track record of using torture and other forms of ill-treatment to extract 'confessions'," he added. "This is far from an isolated case. "The Thai authorities must start taking concrete steps to stamp out torture, not just paying lip service to doing so," he added.The human rights campaign group also said that in its own investigation of the case, the Thai National Human Rights Commission found the allegations of torture to be credible.Earlier, Miss Witheridge's family said they needed time "to digest the outcome of the trial verdict".During the trial prosecutors said DNA evidence collected from cigarette butts, a condom and the bodies of the victims, linked Lin and Phyo to the deaths.But lawyers defending the accused argued DNA from a garden hoe - allegedly used as the murder weapon - did not match samples taken from the men.They also claimed evidence had been mishandled by police and the pair's confessions were the result of "systematic abuse" of migrants in the area.Thailand has not carried out any executions since 2009, when two executions took place, according to a death penalty database collated by Cornell Law School in the US.The victims met on Koh Tao while staying in the same hotel. The family of Mr Miller attended the hearing but relatives of Miss Witheridge did not travel to Thailand for the verdicts. | 264a89fd-6bbf-58ba-85d3-7699465d41a2 | 02/24/23 | |
| Remembrance Day: Wales falls silent to honour war dead | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-37952921 | 2016-11-13 | BBC News | Services are held across Wales to honour those killed in war as part of Remembrance Sunday, with a national event taking place in Cardiff. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/0187/production/_92419300_2.jpg | Wales | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Services have been held across Wales to honour those killed in war as part of Remembrance Sunday. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The national service was held in Cardiff, with a march from King Edward VII Avenue to the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Among the other towns and cities holding services were Aberystwyth, Bangor, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Volunteer Brian Thomson, 64, from Holyhead, Gwynedd, represented the RNLI at the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37965546">service at London's Whitehall</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">First Minister Carwyn Jones was among those attending the event in Cardiff, while Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns was at a <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37965546">ceremony at the Cenotaph in London</a>. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Jones said: "It is important we take the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, paying the ultimate price for our freedom.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Those who fought bravely for our futures must never be forgotten." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Among the crowd in Cardiff was couple Robert and Wendy Barnett, from Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, who are both former members of the armed forces.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's important to remember former colleagues at this time," said Mr Barnett, a former member of the Royal Logistic Corps.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">For the third year, falling poppies will be projected on to Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben in London, from dusk on Remembrance Sunday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In addition, this year will see a series of war poems alongside them from the poet laureate or national poet from the four nations of the United Kingdom.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35686908">National poet of Wales</a>, Caernarfon-based Ifor ap Glyn, will see his poem Terasau projected as part of this.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Glyn said: "Terasau was inspired by a visit to the military cemeteries of the Somme, the humbling scale of loss and the near impossibility of 'knowing' the men who lie there."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">On Friday, Wales fell silent on Armistice Day, which marks the <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15492752">ending of World War One</a>, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Royal British Legion's area manager for Wales, Ant Metcalfe, said: "This year marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, which ended on 18 November 1916.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The impact of the battle was felt deeply in every community in Wales, particularly the casualties at the battle of Mametz Wood, where around 4,000 men from the 38th (Welsh) Division died or were injured. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The Royal British Legion ensures the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country will live on."</p></div></div> | Services have been held across Wales to honour those killed in war as part of Remembrance Sunday. The national service was held in Cardiff, with a march from King Edward VII Avenue to the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens.Among the other towns and cities holding services were Aberystwyth, Bangor, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport.Volunteer Brian Thomson, 64, from Holyhead, Gwynedd, represented the RNLI at the service at London's Whitehall.First Minister Carwyn Jones was among those attending the event in Cardiff, while Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns was at a ceremony at the Cenotaph in London. Mr Jones said: "It is important we take the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, paying the ultimate price for our freedom."Those who fought bravely for our futures must never be forgotten." Among the crowd in Cardiff was couple Robert and Wendy Barnett, from Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, who are both former members of the armed forces."It's important to remember former colleagues at this time," said Mr Barnett, a former member of the Royal Logistic Corps.For the third year, falling poppies will be projected on to Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben in London, from dusk on Remembrance Sunday.In addition, this year will see a series of war poems alongside them from the poet laureate or national poet from the four nations of the United Kingdom.National poet of Wales, Caernarfon-based Ifor ap Glyn, will see his poem Terasau projected as part of this.Mr Glyn said: "Terasau was inspired by a visit to the military cemeteries of the Somme, the humbling scale of loss and the near impossibility of 'knowing' the men who lie there."On Friday, Wales fell silent on Armistice Day, which marks the ending of World War One, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.The Royal British Legion's area manager for Wales, Ant Metcalfe, said: "This year marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, which ended on 18 November 1916."The impact of the battle was felt deeply in every community in Wales, particularly the casualties at the battle of Mametz Wood, where around 4,000 men from the 38th (Welsh) Division died or were injured. "The Royal British Legion ensures the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country will live on." | b1e915f5-853a-5eb6-9ae9-19ae742159a3 | 02/24/23 | |
| US researcher Robert Ferrante guilty of poisoning wife | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29964075 | 2014-11-08 | BBC News | A jury in Pittsburgh finds neuroscientist Robert Ferrante guilty of murdering his wife by lacing her energy drink with cyanide. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/78848000/jpg/_78848151_024440667.jpg | US & Canada | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A US neuroscientist has been found guilty of murdering his wife by lacing her energy drink with cyanide.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Prosecutors said former University of Pittsburgh researcher Robert Ferrante concocted the plan to kill Autumn Klein after she pressured him to have a second child.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ferrante now faces a mandatory life sentence.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Klein's relatives burst into tears upon hearing the guilty verdict in the Pittsburgh court.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Justice for Autumn," said her mother, Lois Klein, outside the court.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The jury deliberated for 15 hours over two days before finding Ferrante, 66, guilty of first-degree murder.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ferrante hung his head when the verdict was read out. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Police said Ferrante had given the supplement to his wife on 17 April 2013. She died three days later.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Prosecutors described him as a "master manipulator" and said he may also have acted out of fear that she was having an affair or was planning to divorce him.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ferrante had denied poisoning his wife, saying he had bought the cyanide for stem cell experiments. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Police said Ferrante used a university credit card two days before Ms Klein fell ill to buy more than 8oz (220g) of cyanide.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">His lawyers made the case that Ms Klein, 41, might not have been poisoned at all, citing three defence experts who said poisoning couldn't be conclusively proved.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The prosecution, however, maintained that a test on Ms Klein's blood had revealed a lethal level of cyanide. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The blood was drawn while doctors tried for three days to save her life, although the results were not known until after she had died and her body was cremated.</p></div></div> | A US neuroscientist has been found guilty of murdering his wife by lacing her energy drink with cyanide.Prosecutors said former University of Pittsburgh researcher Robert Ferrante concocted the plan to kill Autumn Klein after she pressured him to have a second child.Ferrante now faces a mandatory life sentence.Ms Klein's relatives burst into tears upon hearing the guilty verdict in the Pittsburgh court."Justice for Autumn," said her mother, Lois Klein, outside the court.The jury deliberated for 15 hours over two days before finding Ferrante, 66, guilty of first-degree murder.Ferrante hung his head when the verdict was read out. Police said Ferrante had given the supplement to his wife on 17 April 2013. She died three days later.Prosecutors described him as a "master manipulator" and said he may also have acted out of fear that she was having an affair or was planning to divorce him.Ferrante had denied poisoning his wife, saying he had bought the cyanide for stem cell experiments. Police said Ferrante used a university credit card two days before Ms Klein fell ill to buy more than 8oz (220g) of cyanide.His lawyers made the case that Ms Klein, 41, might not have been poisoned at all, citing three defence experts who said poisoning couldn't be conclusively proved.The prosecution, however, maintained that a test on Ms Klein's blood had revealed a lethal level of cyanide. The blood was drawn while doctors tried for three days to save her life, although the results were not known until after she had died and her body was cremated. | 71126c07-173d-50cb-a1ca-97a1073b2021 | 02/24/23 | |
| Spain Prestige oil spill disaster case in court | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-19952329 | 2012-10-15 | BBC News | The trial begins in Spain of the captain of the Prestige oil tanker that sank in 2002, causing the country's worst environmental disaster. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/63503000/jpg/_63503036_63503035.jpg | Europe | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The trial has begun in northern Spain of the captain of the Prestige oil tanker that sank in 2002, causing the country's worst environmental disaster.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Apostolos Mangouras, who is Greek, is being tried with two other crew members and a Spanish official in A Coruna.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Some 50,000 tonnes of oil leaked into the Atlantic when the Prestige broke up off the north coast, polluting thousands of miles of coastline.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Lawyers took nearly eight years to investigate the disaster.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The case has taken a further two years to reach trial. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Investigators said it was complicated by the range of nationalities involved. The ship flew under the Bahamas flag, but was insured in UK as part of a Swiss fleet with a largely Greek crew. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is expected that Tuesday's hearing will be dominated by procedural questions, with the accused unlikely to take the stand until next month. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Mangouras is accused of causing environmental damage and disregarding the law. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The tanker's Greek chief engineer, Nikolaos Argyropoulos, is also accused, along with Filipino first mate Irineo Maloto, who is not in Spanish custody. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The fourth defendant is Jose Luis Lopez-Sors who, as head of the Spanish merchant navy at the time, allegedly ordered the ship out to sea when it was losing fuel. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Prosecutors are calling for a 12-year prison sentence for Mr Mangouras, should he be found guilty.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Fishermen and local authorities affected by the spill are also demanding around 2.2bn euros (£1.8bn) in damages.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Court documents are believed to put the total damage from the spill at nearly 4bn euros.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Bahamas-flagged Prestige was owned by a Liberian-based company called Mare Shipping and chartered by a Swiss-based oil trader called Crown Resources.</p></div></div> | The trial has begun in northern Spain of the captain of the Prestige oil tanker that sank in 2002, causing the country's worst environmental disaster.Apostolos Mangouras, who is Greek, is being tried with two other crew members and a Spanish official in A Coruna.Some 50,000 tonnes of oil leaked into the Atlantic when the Prestige broke up off the north coast, polluting thousands of miles of coastline.Lawyers took nearly eight years to investigate the disaster.The case has taken a further two years to reach trial. Investigators said it was complicated by the range of nationalities involved. The ship flew under the Bahamas flag, but was insured in UK as part of a Swiss fleet with a largely Greek crew. It is expected that Tuesday's hearing will be dominated by procedural questions, with the accused unlikely to take the stand until next month. Mr Mangouras is accused of causing environmental damage and disregarding the law. The tanker's Greek chief engineer, Nikolaos Argyropoulos, is also accused, along with Filipino first mate Irineo Maloto, who is not in Spanish custody. The fourth defendant is Jose Luis Lopez-Sors who, as head of the Spanish merchant navy at the time, allegedly ordered the ship out to sea when it was losing fuel. Prosecutors are calling for a 12-year prison sentence for Mr Mangouras, should he be found guilty.Fishermen and local authorities affected by the spill are also demanding around 2.2bn euros (£1.8bn) in damages.Court documents are believed to put the total damage from the spill at nearly 4bn euros.The Bahamas-flagged Prestige was owned by a Liberian-based company called Mare Shipping and chartered by a Swiss-based oil trader called Crown Resources. | ae3cdeb3-eb6b-5f14-a648-9ed98b14c9e8 | 02/24/23 | |
| RHS Wisley's 'stressed' trees get early autumn colour | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-surrey-14613500 | 2011-08-22 | BBC News | A dry spring has forced autumn to come early for some trees, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/54733000/jpg/_54733553_54733552.jpg | Surrey | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">With still a month to go until the official end of summer, some trees have already started to turn to their autumnal colour.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">An exceptionally hot and dry spring has prompted the change, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The colour, seen on trees such as maples and birches, is due to the dry soil.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The RHS has seen yellowing and some red and brown tints on leaves at its gardens in Wisley, Surrey.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And according to Guy Barter, chief horticultural adviser at the RHS, other areas of the country including the East and West Midlands and East Anglia, are also experiencing the problem.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said: "When plants run out of water they become stressed and they reallocate resources and green leaves to more important parts of the plant. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"By the end of summer they are under a lot of stress and their leaves are going limp and starting to colour. It's a way to stay alive."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Barter said this had been particularly evident on leaves in the middle of the trees, which the tree can afford to lose without stopping much photosynthesis.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The damp summer we've had fools gardeners because they see the rain coming down and think this must be good," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"But when rain falls on warm foliage a lot of it runs off and is rapidly used by plants."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He added that the early colouring should not damage the trees in the long term.</p></div></div> | With still a month to go until the official end of summer, some trees have already started to turn to their autumnal colour.An exceptionally hot and dry spring has prompted the change, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).The colour, seen on trees such as maples and birches, is due to the dry soil.The RHS has seen yellowing and some red and brown tints on leaves at its gardens in Wisley, Surrey.And according to Guy Barter, chief horticultural adviser at the RHS, other areas of the country including the East and West Midlands and East Anglia, are also experiencing the problem.He said: "When plants run out of water they become stressed and they reallocate resources and green leaves to more important parts of the plant. "By the end of summer they are under a lot of stress and their leaves are going limp and starting to colour. It's a way to stay alive."Mr Barter said this had been particularly evident on leaves in the middle of the trees, which the tree can afford to lose without stopping much photosynthesis."The damp summer we've had fools gardeners because they see the rain coming down and think this must be good," he said."But when rain falls on warm foliage a lot of it runs off and is rapidly used by plants."He added that the early colouring should not damage the trees in the long term. | fc8d6a2e-8e29-5a94-a076-ee76846fcdce | 02/24/23 | |
| Why going sockless could be a health risk | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-41553477 | 2017-10-09 | BBC News | It may be fashionable but it's being claimed going sockless is not good for your feet. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/48E7/production/_98236681_gettyimages-461677302.jpg | Newsbeat | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">If you wear shoes without socks, you could be at risk of more than just smelly feet.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The College of Podiatry says there's been a rise in fungal infections in young men because of the sockless trend.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Podiatrist Emma Stephenson says she's seeing more 18-25 year-old men with problems associated with wearing shoes without socks and ill-fitting shoes.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The bare ankle look is popular with celebrities on the red carpet. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Singer Sam Smith is often seen showing off his "mankles". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's a common look on the catwalk and in fashion magazines with models wearing brogues and trainers without socks. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Tinie Tempah has won style awards and can usually be found on the front row at London Fashion Week.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The musician is often spotted going sockless - but does he know about the possible health implications?</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The average feet sweat about half a pint a day," Emma Stephenson tells Newsbeat.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Too much moisture and warmth can lead to fungal infections such as athlete's foot."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And according to Emma, the consequences can be pretty unpleasant.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"One of the worst incidents I've seen is a 19 year-old man who worked in a car wash. He had very sweaty feet and trench foot."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Of course, it takes a brave person to tell someone like UFC champion Conor McGregor that he might have some fungal-based feet issues when he's off duty.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But if you still want to go with the naked foot and shoe look, here are three handy tips from Emma.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Everything in moderation. Try and minimise how long you wear shoes without socks.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Spray some antiperspirant on the sole of your foot before you put your shoes on.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Look out for any areas that start to become painful -and seek advice.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2">Find us on Instagram at </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://instagram.com/bbcnewsbeat">BBCNewsbeat</a><i class="ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2"> and follow us on Snapchat, search for </i><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.snapchat.com/add/bbc_newsbeat">bbc_newsbeat</a></p></div></div> | If you wear shoes without socks, you could be at risk of more than just smelly feet.The College of Podiatry says there's been a rise in fungal infections in young men because of the sockless trend.Podiatrist Emma Stephenson says she's seeing more 18-25 year-old men with problems associated with wearing shoes without socks and ill-fitting shoes.The bare ankle look is popular with celebrities on the red carpet. Singer Sam Smith is often seen showing off his "mankles". It's a common look on the catwalk and in fashion magazines with models wearing brogues and trainers without socks. Tinie Tempah has won style awards and can usually be found on the front row at London Fashion Week.The musician is often spotted going sockless - but does he know about the possible health implications?"The average feet sweat about half a pint a day," Emma Stephenson tells Newsbeat."Too much moisture and warmth can lead to fungal infections such as athlete's foot."And according to Emma, the consequences can be pretty unpleasant."One of the worst incidents I've seen is a 19 year-old man who worked in a car wash. He had very sweaty feet and trench foot."Of course, it takes a brave person to tell someone like UFC champion Conor McGregor that he might have some fungal-based feet issues when he's off duty.But if you still want to go with the naked foot and shoe look, here are three handy tips from Emma.Everything in moderation. Try and minimise how long you wear shoes without socks.Spray some antiperspirant on the sole of your foot before you put your shoes on.Look out for any areas that start to become painful -and seek advice.Find us on Instagram at BBCNewsbeat and follow us on Snapchat, search for bbc_newsbeat | a9cb9ec4-da85-5c8c-a5c5-b1e958217d40 | 02/24/23 | |
| Sedbergh School master 'stroking feet' case 'unusual' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-39634841 | 2017-04-18 | BBC News | Christopher Griffin denies six counts of sexual assault. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/C121/production/_92714494_carlislecrowncourt.jpg | Cumbria | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A boarding school housemaster "sexually touched" the feet of two sleeping pupils, Carlisle Crown Court has heard.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Reverend Christopher Griffin, 57, is accused of six counts of sexual assault, alleged to have been committed at Sedbergh School in Cumbria in 2015 and 2016.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Griffin, now of New Road, Ingleton, North Yorkshire, denies the charges.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Opening the case, the prosecution described it as an unusual one, due to the nature of the allegations.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Kim Whittlestone said: "The prosecution case is that while he believed they were asleep at night he would enter their rooms and he would touch, stroke and massage their feet and lower legs."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Both those he is alleged to have targeted were male and over the age of 16.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The first complainant told the court it would happen "at least once a week", and it made him feel "not safe and sort of helpless."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said he would try to stop it by "wrapping myself in the blanket so my feet would not be free".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Giving evidence via videolink, the second witness said Mr Griffin squeezed and stroked his feet, and he could feel his breath on them.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He texted a friend: "Pretty freaked out. Griff just came into my room and held my feet."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Miss Whittlestone said the housemaster had been at the school for a considerable time and was said to be well liked by staff and pupils.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The trial continues.</p></div></div> | A boarding school housemaster "sexually touched" the feet of two sleeping pupils, Carlisle Crown Court has heard.The Reverend Christopher Griffin, 57, is accused of six counts of sexual assault, alleged to have been committed at Sedbergh School in Cumbria in 2015 and 2016.Mr Griffin, now of New Road, Ingleton, North Yorkshire, denies the charges.Opening the case, the prosecution described it as an unusual one, due to the nature of the allegations.Kim Whittlestone said: "The prosecution case is that while he believed they were asleep at night he would enter their rooms and he would touch, stroke and massage their feet and lower legs."Both those he is alleged to have targeted were male and over the age of 16.The first complainant told the court it would happen "at least once a week", and it made him feel "not safe and sort of helpless."He said he would try to stop it by "wrapping myself in the blanket so my feet would not be free".Giving evidence via videolink, the second witness said Mr Griffin squeezed and stroked his feet, and he could feel his breath on them.He texted a friend: "Pretty freaked out. Griff just came into my room and held my feet."Miss Whittlestone said the housemaster had been at the school for a considerable time and was said to be well liked by staff and pupils.The trial continues. | 61785152-050b-5a25-a6f0-04399dd1474d | 02/24/23 | |
| Pacer trains: 'They're so awful I learned to drive' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-50127729 | 2019-10-22 | BBC News | The BBC asked readers to share their experiences of using Pacer trains in the north of England. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/14B73/production/_109315848_2669d552-0632-4c12-80fa-2f01d5be632e.jpg | England | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Political leaders in the north of England have called for rail fares to be reduced to reflect the poor state of the 1980s-built Pacer trains still being used across the region. The BBC asked readers for their experiences of the services.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Bouncy suspension, noisy engines, too warm or too cold, strong smells and diesel fumes, the list of complaints people have about Pacer trains is long.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The thought of getting the Pacer train to work fills Andy Barratt, in particular, with dread.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She says the smell and fumes of the diesel engine trigger her asthma, the cramped seats hurt her back and incessant noise as it rattles and bounces along the track drills into her head.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">For the past two years she has been commuting from her home in the Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire, to her job in Sheffield city centre on Pacer trains run by Northern.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She claims the 25-minute journey has affected her asthma and anxiety so much that she has had to go part-time in her work at the University of Sheffield and has learned to drive just so she doesn't have to catch the train.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's awful," she says, "I just cannot face getting the train."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Barratt says her asthma was exacerbated by diesel fumes and and her "vigorous" coughing led her to being hospitalised.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She says her anxiety has also been made intolerable by the trains, which she claims normally consists of two carriages during the busiest hours.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Just thinking about it raises my anxiety so badly," she says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"There are so many people and it is getting worse because they are building lots of new estates near the stations and people are being sold this life where they can commute on the train, but the train is not expanded to cope."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Often she is "pushed and shoved" in a jostling crowd of people, some of whom get quite angry, she says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">If she does get a seat it is "claustrophobic" with not enough leg room and the "seats too close together".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"You cannot win," she says. "I just cannot carry on with the trains, my heart just races.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I have got noise cancelling headphones but I can still hear the engines, it's like having a drill at the side of your head."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Her season pass costs about £88 a month but, she says, "no amount I pay is improving the system."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I do not want to drive into work, I want to get the train but it needs to be so much better," she says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Public transport gives people hope, link to education, jobs and opportunities. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I see young people having this opportunities taken away because of the poor public transport."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Northern is replacing its rolling stock but said<a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/northern-responds-to-pacer-retention-criticism"> delays in construction of the new trains by CAF</a> means a "small number" of Pacer trains will still need to be used into 2020.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Managing Director David Brown agreed the trains needed replacing, saying: "Nobody in Northern wants to retain the Pacers but it's something we've been forced into doing because our new trains, which are fantastic, are arriving slightly slower than we'd expect."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The BBC asked people for their experiences of the Pacer trains, and the vast majority said they were not fit for purpose.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"My experience of Pacer trains has always been thank God I only had to suffer a short journey," said Michael Ashworth, adding: "They rode so bad at speed you had to hang on."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Jack Lyon used Pacer trains, which he called the "clickety-clack express", for three years to get from Liverpool to Salford for university.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said: "Pacers are always cramped, damp and too cold or hot and bouncy at speed." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Daniel Miller said he found it impossible to listen to music through his earphones as "they don't go loud enough to block out the noise from the engine".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Gary Goodenough said the Pacers, or "nodding donkeys" as he calls them, are "very bumpy" and "not good for people with back conditions or neck issues".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Barry Miller said they were "noisy and "smelly" with diesel fumes, while another commenter said the noise was "unbearable" and "exhaust fumes" were "often intaking into the carriage".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Some were "nostalgic" about the trains while others called them "outdated".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Not all are opposed to the Pacers, though.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Robert Hodgson said they were "good" because "you can open the windows for ventilation" which is "especially useful in summer or when the train is delayed". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Good for viewing the scenery," he added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Love them," said Hugh Macknight from Newcastle, adding: "Communal, cheap, straightforward, comfortable."</p></div></div> | Political leaders in the north of England have called for rail fares to be reduced to reflect the poor state of the 1980s-built Pacer trains still being used across the region. The BBC asked readers for their experiences of the services.Bouncy suspension, noisy engines, too warm or too cold, strong smells and diesel fumes, the list of complaints people have about Pacer trains is long.The thought of getting the Pacer train to work fills Andy Barratt, in particular, with dread.She says the smell and fumes of the diesel engine trigger her asthma, the cramped seats hurt her back and incessant noise as it rattles and bounces along the track drills into her head.For the past two years she has been commuting from her home in the Dearne Valley, South Yorkshire, to her job in Sheffield city centre on Pacer trains run by Northern.She claims the 25-minute journey has affected her asthma and anxiety so much that she has had to go part-time in her work at the University of Sheffield and has learned to drive just so she doesn't have to catch the train."It's awful," she says, "I just cannot face getting the train."Ms Barratt says her asthma was exacerbated by diesel fumes and and her "vigorous" coughing led her to being hospitalised.She says her anxiety has also been made intolerable by the trains, which she claims normally consists of two carriages during the busiest hours."Just thinking about it raises my anxiety so badly," she says."There are so many people and it is getting worse because they are building lots of new estates near the stations and people are being sold this life where they can commute on the train, but the train is not expanded to cope."Often she is "pushed and shoved" in a jostling crowd of people, some of whom get quite angry, she says.If she does get a seat it is "claustrophobic" with not enough leg room and the "seats too close together"."You cannot win," she says. "I just cannot carry on with the trains, my heart just races."I have got noise cancelling headphones but I can still hear the engines, it's like having a drill at the side of your head."Her season pass costs about £88 a month but, she says, "no amount I pay is improving the system.""I do not want to drive into work, I want to get the train but it needs to be so much better," she says."Public transport gives people hope, link to education, jobs and opportunities. "I see young people having this opportunities taken away because of the poor public transport."Northern is replacing its rolling stock but said delays in construction of the new trains by CAF means a "small number" of Pacer trains will still need to be used into 2020.Managing Director David Brown agreed the trains needed replacing, saying: "Nobody in Northern wants to retain the Pacers but it's something we've been forced into doing because our new trains, which are fantastic, are arriving slightly slower than we'd expect."The BBC asked people for their experiences of the Pacer trains, and the vast majority said they were not fit for purpose."My experience of Pacer trains has always been thank God I only had to suffer a short journey," said Michael Ashworth, adding: "They rode so bad at speed you had to hang on."Jack Lyon used Pacer trains, which he called the "clickety-clack express", for three years to get from Liverpool to Salford for university.He said: "Pacers are always cramped, damp and too cold or hot and bouncy at speed." Daniel Miller said he found it impossible to listen to music through his earphones as "they don't go loud enough to block out the noise from the engine".Gary Goodenough said the Pacers, or "nodding donkeys" as he calls them, are "very bumpy" and "not good for people with back conditions or neck issues".Barry Miller said they were "noisy and "smelly" with diesel fumes, while another commenter said the noise was "unbearable" and "exhaust fumes" were "often intaking into the carriage".Some were "nostalgic" about the trains while others called them "outdated".Not all are opposed to the Pacers, though.Robert Hodgson said they were "good" because "you can open the windows for ventilation" which is "especially useful in summer or when the train is delayed". "Good for viewing the scenery," he added."Love them," said Hugh Macknight from Newcastle, adding: "Communal, cheap, straightforward, comfortable." | 9bc6d8af-e135-5156-b288-345b5d78b108 | 02/24/23 | |
| Drugs firms reach $260m US opioid settlement | https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50121708 | 2019-10-21 | BBC News | Four drugs companies avoid a trial over their role in the US opioid crisis by striking a deal. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/FA97/production/_109315146_opioids_getty.jpg | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Four drugs companies have reached a $260m (£200m) deal with two Ohio counties over their role in fuelling the US opioid crisis.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The agreement averts a trial that had been scheduled to start in Cleveland.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The counties had been seeking billions from Israel-based drugmaker Teva and drug distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A trial for Walgreens Boots Alliance, which had also been accused, will be rescheduled.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The last-minute deal was announced on Monday by the judge overseeing the trial in Cleveland. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Talks over a bigger settlement, which would have resolved claims brought by thousands of other cities, counties and states, had collapsed on Friday. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The companies, which have denied wrongdoing, are accused of ignoring suspicious orders and downplaying the risks of opioid painkillers, which have been linked to about 400,000 overdose deaths in the US between 1997 and 2017.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In Monday's deal, they did not admit guilt. But McKesson Corp, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen Corp agreed to pay $215m, while Teva is paying $20m and will contribute $25m worth of treatment medication. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Later on Monday, Teva also said it had reached an "agreement in principle" for a global settlement, which would see it pay $250m and donate treatment medication worth an estimated $23bn over 10 years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The case involving Ohio's Summit and Cuyahoga counties had been closely watched as the first of thousands of similar ones to go forward. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The two jurisdictions have already struck deals worth more than $66m with firms that include Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma and Allergan.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish called Monday's deal "a very good development" that will provide money for recovery programmes and other assistance.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"This settlement helps us address the mitigation of the terrible damage that's been caused," he said. "There's still more to go. And we're going to continue to work on it." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The opioid crisis cost the US more than $630bn from 2015 through 2018 in healthcare and policing expense, lost income and other costs, according to recent estimates by the US Society of Actuaries.</p></div></div> | Four drugs companies have reached a $260m (£200m) deal with two Ohio counties over their role in fuelling the US opioid crisis.The agreement averts a trial that had been scheduled to start in Cleveland.The counties had been seeking billions from Israel-based drugmaker Teva and drug distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson.A trial for Walgreens Boots Alliance, which had also been accused, will be rescheduled.The last-minute deal was announced on Monday by the judge overseeing the trial in Cleveland. Talks over a bigger settlement, which would have resolved claims brought by thousands of other cities, counties and states, had collapsed on Friday. The companies, which have denied wrongdoing, are accused of ignoring suspicious orders and downplaying the risks of opioid painkillers, which have been linked to about 400,000 overdose deaths in the US between 1997 and 2017.In Monday's deal, they did not admit guilt. But McKesson Corp, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen Corp agreed to pay $215m, while Teva is paying $20m and will contribute $25m worth of treatment medication. Later on Monday, Teva also said it had reached an "agreement in principle" for a global settlement, which would see it pay $250m and donate treatment medication worth an estimated $23bn over 10 years.The case involving Ohio's Summit and Cuyahoga counties had been closely watched as the first of thousands of similar ones to go forward. The two jurisdictions have already struck deals worth more than $66m with firms that include Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma and Allergan.Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish called Monday's deal "a very good development" that will provide money for recovery programmes and other assistance."This settlement helps us address the mitigation of the terrible damage that's been caused," he said. "There's still more to go. And we're going to continue to work on it." The opioid crisis cost the US more than $630bn from 2015 through 2018 in healthcare and policing expense, lost income and other costs, according to recent estimates by the US Society of Actuaries. | 4b12912c-1885-529b-a57b-0ea163dc11a9 | 02/24/23 | |
| Team Sturgeon breathes a sigh of relief | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-56281854 | 2021-03-04 | By Nick Eardley | BBC News | Nicola Sturgeon's team believes no real punches were landed in eight hours of questioning by MSPs. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/BFE8/production/_117382194_066019023.jpg | Scotland politics | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A collective sigh of relief went around Nicola Sturgeon's team after she finished eight hours of questioning by MSPs.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The conclusion among Team Sturgeon was that there were no real punches landed; nothing which would be highly damaging - even fatal - for the first minister's position. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">That was the message from the Scottish Government ministers despatched on Thursday morning to make the first minister's case.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Constitutional Affairs minister Mike Russell praised the first minister's resilience on BBC radio, arguing Ms Sturgeon was honest about the mistakes made but clear that she would learn from them. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Russell said Scots were in awe of her performance. Even the first minister's critics accepted she put in a good shift. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The ship, it is thought, has been steadied a bit. A vote of no confidence in the first minister won't pass at this stage - several people around Holyrood think the Scottish Tories moved too early. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But in the words of a senior ally of Ms Sturgeon: "I'm not under any illusion the story is going to go away - it's not."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Opposition parties are still asking questions - and want more answers. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Firstly, over Ms Sturgeon's meetings with Alex Salmond.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The first minister previously said she forgot a meeting in Holyrood on 29 March 2018, where it is claimed she was first told about allegations against Mr Salmond. At that meeting, a private discussion with Mr Salmond was planned for a few days later at Ms Sturgeon's home.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Ms Sturgeon originally told parliament she had found out about the allegations at the latter meeting - on the 2 April. There is still an allegation on the table that Ms Sturgeon broke the ministerial code by not revealing the first meeting earlier.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It also matters because if 2 April was government business - ie to discuss a government investigation - why did Ms Sturgeon not report it to senior civil servants? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Sturgeon says she didn't want to compromise the investigation being carried out by the government, but others believe there are still holes in the story. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Why, opposition sources ask, did Ms Sturgeon not report her further private meetings with Mr Salmond when it was clear he was asking her about government business? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There's also the question of whether the name of a complainant was revealed by a Scottish government official. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Sturgeon doesn't think it was.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She says Mr Salmond knew one of the names because he had previously apologised for his actions and found the other through looking at social media. But Mr Salmond's account of this is different - and appears to be backed up by others.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the coming hours and days, you can expect to see more legal advice given to the Scottish government. Will it show anything new? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The committee continues to pore over messages between senior SNP figures, which Mr Salmond believes show there was a plot to "get" him. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So far, there doesn't appear to be a smoking gun, but Mr Salmond is adamant there is something there. Ms Sturgeon has said the idea is absurd. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Salmond has also sent supporting documents to the committee. Who would rule out hearing more from him in the coming days? </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A lot in this case comes down to whom you believe - and your interpretation of complicated events. It isn't black and white. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">There will, however, have to be some sort of finality to all of this before the election on 6 May.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The committee still intends to publish a full report on its long, complex inquiry before the Scottish parliament breaks up for the election. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The chances of a unanimous report seem pretty slim, but what will be said about the first minister's decisions?</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Most crucial, however, will be the report from Ms Sturgeon's independent adviser on the ministerial code. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">James Hamilton QC is continuing to speak to witnesses this week, but there's an expectation he too will deliver his conclusions this month. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This is likely to be the big moment where we get as close to a conclusion as possible. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Sturgeon talked about the Hamilton conclusions several times during her evidence. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Senior figures in government believe that while the committee can be accused of having political motivations - Mr Hamilton can't and in that sense his conclusions can't be challenged.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When will that report come? Nobody really seems to know for sure. </p></div></div> | A collective sigh of relief went around Nicola Sturgeon's team after she finished eight hours of questioning by MSPs.The conclusion among Team Sturgeon was that there were no real punches landed; nothing which would be highly damaging - even fatal - for the first minister's position. That was the message from the Scottish Government ministers despatched on Thursday morning to make the first minister's case.Constitutional Affairs minister Mike Russell praised the first minister's resilience on BBC radio, arguing Ms Sturgeon was honest about the mistakes made but clear that she would learn from them. Mr Russell said Scots were in awe of her performance. Even the first minister's critics accepted she put in a good shift. The ship, it is thought, has been steadied a bit. A vote of no confidence in the first minister won't pass at this stage - several people around Holyrood think the Scottish Tories moved too early. But in the words of a senior ally of Ms Sturgeon: "I'm not under any illusion the story is going to go away - it's not."Opposition parties are still asking questions - and want more answers. Firstly, over Ms Sturgeon's meetings with Alex Salmond.The first minister previously said she forgot a meeting in Holyrood on 29 March 2018, where it is claimed she was first told about allegations against Mr Salmond. At that meeting, a private discussion with Mr Salmond was planned for a few days later at Ms Sturgeon's home.But Ms Sturgeon originally told parliament she had found out about the allegations at the latter meeting - on the 2 April. There is still an allegation on the table that Ms Sturgeon broke the ministerial code by not revealing the first meeting earlier.It also matters because if 2 April was government business - ie to discuss a government investigation - why did Ms Sturgeon not report it to senior civil servants? Ms Sturgeon says she didn't want to compromise the investigation being carried out by the government, but others believe there are still holes in the story. Why, opposition sources ask, did Ms Sturgeon not report her further private meetings with Mr Salmond when it was clear he was asking her about government business? There's also the question of whether the name of a complainant was revealed by a Scottish government official. Ms Sturgeon doesn't think it was.She says Mr Salmond knew one of the names because he had previously apologised for his actions and found the other through looking at social media. But Mr Salmond's account of this is different - and appears to be backed up by others.In the coming hours and days, you can expect to see more legal advice given to the Scottish government. Will it show anything new? The committee continues to pore over messages between senior SNP figures, which Mr Salmond believes show there was a plot to "get" him. So far, there doesn't appear to be a smoking gun, but Mr Salmond is adamant there is something there. Ms Sturgeon has said the idea is absurd. Mr Salmond has also sent supporting documents to the committee. Who would rule out hearing more from him in the coming days? A lot in this case comes down to whom you believe - and your interpretation of complicated events. It isn't black and white. There will, however, have to be some sort of finality to all of this before the election on 6 May.The committee still intends to publish a full report on its long, complex inquiry before the Scottish parliament breaks up for the election. The chances of a unanimous report seem pretty slim, but what will be said about the first minister's decisions?Most crucial, however, will be the report from Ms Sturgeon's independent adviser on the ministerial code. James Hamilton QC is continuing to speak to witnesses this week, but there's an expectation he too will deliver his conclusions this month. This is likely to be the big moment where we get as close to a conclusion as possible. Ms Sturgeon talked about the Hamilton conclusions several times during her evidence. Senior figures in government believe that while the committee can be accused of having political motivations - Mr Hamilton can't and in that sense his conclusions can't be challenged.When will that report come? Nobody really seems to know for sure. | fe72ecde-10e8-5c69-bcd7-e6bd159d0d9f | 02/24/23 |
| Can Oddbins regain its fizz? | https://www.bbc.com/news/business-15335469 | 2011-10-19 | By Will Smale | BBC News | As wine store chain Oddbins officially relaunches the business under new ownership, can it return to its former glory? | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/56122000/jpg/_56122835_img_5955.jpg | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The new owners of Oddbins are hoping to return the High Street wine merchant to its former sparkle.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We want to bring back that old Oddbins spirit, but in a fresh new way," says Oddbins managing director Ayo Akintola.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We want to make buying wine fun and interesting again."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Once adored by thirsty oenophiles, back in the 1980s and 1990s Oddbins was for many wine lovers the place to go if you wanted to buy an interesting bottle or two.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">With an eclectic range of wines from around the world, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, during its glory years Oddbins was a world away from the supermarkets and their focus on big brands.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Oddbins stores were enjoyable places to visit, where you could happily browse the shelves, get some advice, and pick up a vinous gem.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Until it all went sour.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sold to French drinks company Castel Group in 2002, the best located Oddbins stores were turned into Castel's Nicolas brand, which sells only French wine.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Oddbins shops that remained were starved of investment, staff became demoralised, and the range of bottles they sold dramatically cut.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Very quickly, the reasons for going to Oddbins disappeared.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And with the big supermarkets greatly increasing their range and quality of wines - at the same time as opening smaller convenience outlets - Oddbins started to be gunned down.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Bought in 2008 by Simon Baile, the son of a previous owner, Oddbins limped on with its number of outlets falling to 85 from 250 at its historic peak.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Oddbins avoided going bust like rival First Quench Retailing, the owner of Threshers and Wine Rack, but without sufficient investment to turn around the business, its losses mounted.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Until in April of this year when it was forced to go into administration, owing HM Revenue & Customs £8.5m.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Within weeks, Oddbins and 37 of its stores were bought for an undisclosed sum by EFB Group, the wine firm owned by multi-millionaire investor Raj Chatha.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Following a review of the business, Oddbins is being officially relaunched this week, with stores getting a subtle makeover and 500 new lines of wine.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Speaking at an Oddbins branch in Kennington, south London, its head of buying, Emma Nichols, is confident the chain has a bright future.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Yes we want to return to the glory days, the Oddbins brand has a lot of much loved heritage, but we will also be making it relevant to now," she says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">To do this, Oddbins is returning to its traditional focus on the more unusual wines you cannot easily find at supermarkets - but also at the the most competitive possible prices.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We won't be doing the big price reductions and deals like the supermarkets, that is unachievable," adds Ms Nichols. "What we will do is honestly offer the best possible wines we can sell at each price point.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"What excites me most as a buyer, is finding gems that we can sell for say six or seven pounds a bottle.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We will also be seeking much more customer feedback on what wines they want us to stock."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Nichols adds that Oddbins currently has no plans to expand.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Yet with Oddbins often struggling to turn a profit under its previous owners, such as then Canadian drinks group Seagrams from 1984 to 2002, can EFB make it a success?</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Rosie Davenport, editor of Off Licence News, says: "Oddbins plans to turn itself into a niche wine seller that is completely different to the supermarkets.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"That is simply the only way it is going to work.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The demise of First Quench showed that if you simply sell the same big wine brands as the supermarkets you can't compete.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Oddbins actually has a huge opportunity. Yes there have been some high profile casualties among the independent wine retailers, but others are thriving.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"There are many, many wine lovers out there who do not want to buy from a supermarket."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, wine writer Malcolm Gluck is less optimistic.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The new owners have to quickly understand all the mistakes made by the previous Oddbins regimes - and not replicate them." he says.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Most importantly it has to get the locations right, and not open too many new shops.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Back in the day, Oddbins stores were a real pleasure to shop in, but it seems to me that it never made any money - it was a conceit rather than a real business.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Most people will continue to just get their wine from a supermarket, it is as simple as that."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Yet Oddbins is confident, and its staff, one of its strongest weapons in the past, are upbeat.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Caroline Glover, manager of Oddbins' Balham branch, said: "Morale is very high again, we've got all the new stock in, plus we are very excited about the new look of the stores.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"And we are very busy again."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Christophe Bernard, a worker at the Kennington shop, adds: "We have got plenty of loyal customers, and it is very good to be able to show them that the Oddbins they love is back."</p></div></div> | The new owners of Oddbins are hoping to return the High Street wine merchant to its former sparkle."We want to bring back that old Oddbins spirit, but in a fresh new way," says Oddbins managing director Ayo Akintola."We want to make buying wine fun and interesting again."Once adored by thirsty oenophiles, back in the 1980s and 1990s Oddbins was for many wine lovers the place to go if you wanted to buy an interesting bottle or two.With an eclectic range of wines from around the world, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, during its glory years Oddbins was a world away from the supermarkets and their focus on big brands.Oddbins stores were enjoyable places to visit, where you could happily browse the shelves, get some advice, and pick up a vinous gem.Until it all went sour.Sold to French drinks company Castel Group in 2002, the best located Oddbins stores were turned into Castel's Nicolas brand, which sells only French wine.The Oddbins shops that remained were starved of investment, staff became demoralised, and the range of bottles they sold dramatically cut.Very quickly, the reasons for going to Oddbins disappeared.And with the big supermarkets greatly increasing their range and quality of wines - at the same time as opening smaller convenience outlets - Oddbins started to be gunned down.Bought in 2008 by Simon Baile, the son of a previous owner, Oddbins limped on with its number of outlets falling to 85 from 250 at its historic peak.Oddbins avoided going bust like rival First Quench Retailing, the owner of Threshers and Wine Rack, but without sufficient investment to turn around the business, its losses mounted.Until in April of this year when it was forced to go into administration, owing HM Revenue & Customs £8.5m.Within weeks, Oddbins and 37 of its stores were bought for an undisclosed sum by EFB Group, the wine firm owned by multi-millionaire investor Raj Chatha.Following a review of the business, Oddbins is being officially relaunched this week, with stores getting a subtle makeover and 500 new lines of wine.Speaking at an Oddbins branch in Kennington, south London, its head of buying, Emma Nichols, is confident the chain has a bright future."Yes we want to return to the glory days, the Oddbins brand has a lot of much loved heritage, but we will also be making it relevant to now," she says.To do this, Oddbins is returning to its traditional focus on the more unusual wines you cannot easily find at supermarkets - but also at the the most competitive possible prices."We won't be doing the big price reductions and deals like the supermarkets, that is unachievable," adds Ms Nichols. "What we will do is honestly offer the best possible wines we can sell at each price point."What excites me most as a buyer, is finding gems that we can sell for say six or seven pounds a bottle."We will also be seeking much more customer feedback on what wines they want us to stock."Ms Nichols adds that Oddbins currently has no plans to expand.Yet with Oddbins often struggling to turn a profit under its previous owners, such as then Canadian drinks group Seagrams from 1984 to 2002, can EFB make it a success?Rosie Davenport, editor of Off Licence News, says: "Oddbins plans to turn itself into a niche wine seller that is completely different to the supermarkets."That is simply the only way it is going to work."The demise of First Quench showed that if you simply sell the same big wine brands as the supermarkets you can't compete."Oddbins actually has a huge opportunity. Yes there have been some high profile casualties among the independent wine retailers, but others are thriving."There are many, many wine lovers out there who do not want to buy from a supermarket."However, wine writer Malcolm Gluck is less optimistic."The new owners have to quickly understand all the mistakes made by the previous Oddbins regimes - and not replicate them." he says."Most importantly it has to get the locations right, and not open too many new shops."Back in the day, Oddbins stores were a real pleasure to shop in, but it seems to me that it never made any money - it was a conceit rather than a real business."Most people will continue to just get their wine from a supermarket, it is as simple as that."Yet Oddbins is confident, and its staff, one of its strongest weapons in the past, are upbeat.Caroline Glover, manager of Oddbins' Balham branch, said: "Morale is very high again, we've got all the new stock in, plus we are very excited about the new look of the stores."And we are very busy again."Christophe Bernard, a worker at the Kennington shop, adds: "We have got plenty of loyal customers, and it is very good to be able to show them that the Oddbins they love is back." | f7dcac7e-ffbe-5e5f-a568-3562115871e9 | 02/24/23 |
| Emerging economies 'to enjoy food production boom' | https://www.bbc.com/news/10320149 | 2010-06-15 | BBC News | Brazil, India, China and Russia will enjoy an agricultural boom over the next decade as output stagnates in Western Europe. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The emerging economies of Brazil, India, China and Russia will enjoy an agricultural boom over the next decade as production stalls in Western Europe, a report says. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Agricultural output in the Bric nations will grow three times as fast as in the major developed countries, the joint United Nations-OECD study said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Livestock and crop prices will stay above long-term averages, it added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And rising incomes and urbanisation in developing states will drive growth.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Developing countries will provide the main source of growth for world agricultural production, consumption and trade," the report said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"As incomes rise, diets are expected to slowly diversify away from staple foods towards increased meats and processed foods that will favour livestock and dairy products.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"For virtually all commodities, the projected growth in imports and exports of developing economies [over the next decade] exceeds that of the OECD area," said the report.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">While overall world net production of commodities is forecast to grow 22%, production among the 30 members of the OECD is estimated at 10%. Production in western Europe alone will stagnate.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">This OECD growth rate is almost three times slower than the growth rate of Bric countries, which is forecast to expand 27%. The report also identifies Ukraine as likely to see rapid agricultural growth over the next few years.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Crop prices, in real terms, will rise between 16% to 40% "above their average for the decade".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And average dairy prices are expected to be 16% to 45% higher, with butter prices showing most gains.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Brazil is forecast to see by far the fastest growth in agriculture, with a expansion of more than 40% through to 2019.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">China and India are expected to see growth of 26% and 21% respectively to 2019. Projections for Russia and Ukraine were 26% and 29%.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Food prices in 2007-08 soared, sparking protests and riots, as demand for biofuels diverted commodities into energy production.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The UN-OECD's annual Agricultural Outlook said it did not expect to see a similar food price shock in the coming years. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, the report warned that a sharp rise in energy prices could again impact on the food industry.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"A further increase in oil prices could be expected to increase input and production costs, having an impact on crop supplies, prices and trade flows, and reinforce feedstock demand for biofuels."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Looking beyond the next decade, the report forecasts global food production to expand by 70% by 2050.</p></div></div> | The emerging economies of Brazil, India, China and Russia will enjoy an agricultural boom over the next decade as production stalls in Western Europe, a report says. Agricultural output in the Bric nations will grow three times as fast as in the major developed countries, the joint United Nations-OECD study said.Livestock and crop prices will stay above long-term averages, it added.And rising incomes and urbanisation in developing states will drive growth."Developing countries will provide the main source of growth for world agricultural production, consumption and trade," the report said."As incomes rise, diets are expected to slowly diversify away from staple foods towards increased meats and processed foods that will favour livestock and dairy products."For virtually all commodities, the projected growth in imports and exports of developing economies [over the next decade] exceeds that of the OECD area," said the report.While overall world net production of commodities is forecast to grow 22%, production among the 30 members of the OECD is estimated at 10%. Production in western Europe alone will stagnate.This OECD growth rate is almost three times slower than the growth rate of Bric countries, which is forecast to expand 27%. The report also identifies Ukraine as likely to see rapid agricultural growth over the next few years.Crop prices, in real terms, will rise between 16% to 40% "above their average for the decade".And average dairy prices are expected to be 16% to 45% higher, with butter prices showing most gains.Brazil is forecast to see by far the fastest growth in agriculture, with a expansion of more than 40% through to 2019.China and India are expected to see growth of 26% and 21% respectively to 2019. Projections for Russia and Ukraine were 26% and 29%.Food prices in 2007-08 soared, sparking protests and riots, as demand for biofuels diverted commodities into energy production.The UN-OECD's annual Agricultural Outlook said it did not expect to see a similar food price shock in the coming years. However, the report warned that a sharp rise in energy prices could again impact on the food industry."A further increase in oil prices could be expected to increase input and production costs, having an impact on crop supplies, prices and trade flows, and reinforce feedstock demand for biofuels."Looking beyond the next decade, the report forecasts global food production to expand by 70% by 2050. | 928b999a-a3fc-5a5d-a82d-c4189885e50f | 02/24/23 | |
| Boy of three dies after being hit by car in Stanmore | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-36442086 | 2016-06-03 | BBC News | A three-year-old boy dies after he was struck by a car in a street in north-west London. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/EE63/production/_89872016_lowther-rd_google.jpg | London | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A three-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a car in a street in north-west London.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Officers were called at about 17:51 BST on Thursday to Lowther Road, near Queensbury Tube station in Stanmore.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The child died while being taken to hospital, Metropolitan Police said. London's Air Ambulance and paramedics were called to the scene.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The woman driver of the car stopped at the scene. There have been no arrests, police said.</p></div></div> | A three-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a car in a street in north-west London.Officers were called at about 17:51 BST on Thursday to Lowther Road, near Queensbury Tube station in Stanmore.The child died while being taken to hospital, Metropolitan Police said. London's Air Ambulance and paramedics were called to the scene.The woman driver of the car stopped at the scene. There have been no arrests, police said. | 189d3d97-8374-590a-b3dc-6fd22d63b06d | 02/24/23 | |
| Bournemouth beaches receive seaside awards | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-18068544 | 2012-05-15 | BBC News | Six coastal areas in Bournemouth are given major awards to recognise high standards and water quality. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/60237000/jpg/_60237409_hi014364231.jpg | Dorset | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Six coastal areas in Bournemouth have been given major awards to recognise high standards and water quality.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne Beach have been given the coveted Blue Flag status.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Bournemouth Pier Beach and Boscombe Pier Beach have been given Quality Coast awards.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Blue Flag is given for the highest standards of water quality, safety, and cleanliness. The Quality Coast award is given for facilities and cleanliness.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Campaign group Keep Britain Tidy is responsible for the Blue Flag scheme in England and the Quality Coast Awards.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Bournemouth borough council's director of tourism Mark Smith said: "These awards have come at a great time, especially as many UK residents are choosing to holiday at home this year. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"With its excellent reputation and host of year-round activities, Bournemouth provides the perfect 'staycation'".</p></div></div> | Six coastal areas in Bournemouth have been given major awards to recognise high standards and water quality.Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne Beach have been given the coveted Blue Flag status.Bournemouth Pier Beach and Boscombe Pier Beach have been given Quality Coast awards.The Blue Flag is given for the highest standards of water quality, safety, and cleanliness. The Quality Coast award is given for facilities and cleanliness.Campaign group Keep Britain Tidy is responsible for the Blue Flag scheme in England and the Quality Coast Awards.Bournemouth borough council's director of tourism Mark Smith said: "These awards have come at a great time, especially as many UK residents are choosing to holiday at home this year. "With its excellent reputation and host of year-round activities, Bournemouth provides the perfect 'staycation'". | 14189555-ad2a-54da-ae5d-cd0c8af83d60 | 02/24/23 | |
| Les Ross murder: New lead in Corby club boss case | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-30512073 | 2014-12-17 | BBC News | Police reveal a witness has come forward in the case of Corby club owner David "Les" Ross who was beaten to death in a hotel room. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/64856000/jpg/_64856999_lesreed.jpg | Northampton | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Police have announced a "major new lead" in an investigation into the murder of a club owner beaten to death in his hotel room.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">David "Les" Ross, 39, had opened the Rubix nightclub in Corby in the weeks before he was killed on 17 December 2012 in a Village Inn Express.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A witness has come forward to report seeing a man at the hotel entrance an hour before Mr Ross was assaulted.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The man is described as wearing dark clothing and having gingery-brown hair.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Det Ch Insp Martin Kinchin, of the East Midlands Major Crime Team, revealed the new lead on the second anniversary of the murder.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Ross had been staying at the hotel in The Jamb, Corby after damage had been caused at his home in Chelveston Drive.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He had been alone in his hotel room at about 07:30 GMT when he was attacked.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Last year police said they believed former taxi driver and doorman Mr Ross had been intimidated by organised criminals intent on taking over his share of the Rubix.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Several people have been arrested and bailed in the inquiry, but no-one has been charged with his murder. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Det Ch Insp Kinchin said a number of people with "key information" had previously decided not to come forward.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said: "Some of these people now recognise this crime will not be solved without their involvement.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"In particular this includes a witness who describes a man at the entrance of the hotel about an hour before Les was assaulted."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said the man was not a guest or employee of the hotel.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Mr Ross should have been celebrating achieving his dream, the opening of the successful Rubix nightclub, but instead he was a man in fear and lying low," he said.</p></div></div> | Police have announced a "major new lead" in an investigation into the murder of a club owner beaten to death in his hotel room.David "Les" Ross, 39, had opened the Rubix nightclub in Corby in the weeks before he was killed on 17 December 2012 in a Village Inn Express.A witness has come forward to report seeing a man at the hotel entrance an hour before Mr Ross was assaulted.The man is described as wearing dark clothing and having gingery-brown hair.Det Ch Insp Martin Kinchin, of the East Midlands Major Crime Team, revealed the new lead on the second anniversary of the murder.Mr Ross had been staying at the hotel in The Jamb, Corby after damage had been caused at his home in Chelveston Drive.He had been alone in his hotel room at about 07:30 GMT when he was attacked.Last year police said they believed former taxi driver and doorman Mr Ross had been intimidated by organised criminals intent on taking over his share of the Rubix.Several people have been arrested and bailed in the inquiry, but no-one has been charged with his murder. Det Ch Insp Kinchin said a number of people with "key information" had previously decided not to come forward.He said: "Some of these people now recognise this crime will not be solved without their involvement."In particular this includes a witness who describes a man at the entrance of the hotel about an hour before Les was assaulted."He said the man was not a guest or employee of the hotel."Mr Ross should have been celebrating achieving his dream, the opening of the successful Rubix nightclub, but instead he was a man in fear and lying low," he said. | e692a263-e58f-5098-ad97-a73ff73df25f | 02/24/23 | |
| South Sudan: UN seeks to end Juba violence | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36761375 | 2016-07-11 | BBC News | The UN Security Council calls on warring factions in South Sudan to end the recent fighting, amid fears of a return to civil war. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/6AEE/production/_90347372_mediaitem90347371.jpg | Africa | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The UN Security Council has called on warring factions in South Sudan to immediately end the recent fighting and prevent the spread of violence.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In a unanimous statement, the council condemned the fighting "in the strongest terms" and expressed "particular shock and outrage" at attacks on UN sites.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It also called for additional peacekeepers to be sent to South Sudan.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More than 200 people are reported to have died in clashes since Friday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The fighting broke out when troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar began shooting at each other in the streets of the South Sudanese capital, Juba.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Relations between the two men have been fractious since independence in 2011. Despite a peace deal last year ending a civil war, each side accuses the other of bad faith.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The weekend's violence later escalated, with tanks, helicopter gunships and troops using rocket-propelled grenades involved. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Those killed include a Chinese UN peacekeeper. Several other peacekeepers and a number of civilians are reported to have been injured in crossfire.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A UN spokeswoman in Juba, Shantal Persaud, said the latest fighting had caused hundreds of internally displaced people to take refuge in UN premises.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She said both South Sudanese leaders were responsible for implementing last year's peace agreement, which included a permanent ceasefire and the deployment of forces away from Juba.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Information Minister Michael Makuei told the BBC that the situation in the city was now "under full control" and civilians who had fled should return to their homes.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Machar's military spokesman, Col William Gatjiath, accused officials loyal to the president of lying, and said there had been at least 10 hours of clashes on Sunday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The situation in South Sudan is uncontrollable because Salva Kiir and his followers are not ready to follow the peace agreement," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In a statement on Sunday, the US state department said it strongly condemned the latest outbreak of fighting in Juba. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Spokesman John Kirby said Washington had ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from the US embassy in Juba.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Kiir and Mr Machar had met at the presidential palace on Friday and issued a call for calm.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Calm was apparently restored on Saturday but heavy gunfire broke out again on Sunday near a military barracks occupied by troops loyal to Mr Machar.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">July 2011 </b>- South Sudan becomes an independent country, after more than 20 years of guerrilla warfare, which claimed the lives of at least 1.5 million people and displaced more than four million.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">December 2013 </b>- Civil war breaks out after President Salva Kiir sacks the cabinet and accuses Vice-President Riek Machar of planning a coup. The war is fought broadly between the country's biggest ethnic groups - the Dinka, led by Mr Kiir, and the Nuer, under Mr Machar.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">More than 2.2 million people are displaced by the fighting. Famine puts the lives of thousands at risk. Tens of thousands of people are reported killed, and Mr Machar flees the country.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">August 2015 </b>- President Kiir signs a peace deal with rebels after a threat of sanctions from the UN.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">April 2016</b> - Mr Machar returns to South Sudan to take up his job as first vice president in a new unity government led by President Kiir. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The move marks "the end of the war and the return of peace and stability to South Sudan", Mr Kiir says.</p></div></div> | The UN Security Council has called on warring factions in South Sudan to immediately end the recent fighting and prevent the spread of violence.In a unanimous statement, the council condemned the fighting "in the strongest terms" and expressed "particular shock and outrage" at attacks on UN sites.It also called for additional peacekeepers to be sent to South Sudan.More than 200 people are reported to have died in clashes since Friday.The fighting broke out when troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar began shooting at each other in the streets of the South Sudanese capital, Juba.Relations between the two men have been fractious since independence in 2011. Despite a peace deal last year ending a civil war, each side accuses the other of bad faith.The weekend's violence later escalated, with tanks, helicopter gunships and troops using rocket-propelled grenades involved. Those killed include a Chinese UN peacekeeper. Several other peacekeepers and a number of civilians are reported to have been injured in crossfire.A UN spokeswoman in Juba, Shantal Persaud, said the latest fighting had caused hundreds of internally displaced people to take refuge in UN premises.She said both South Sudanese leaders were responsible for implementing last year's peace agreement, which included a permanent ceasefire and the deployment of forces away from Juba.Information Minister Michael Makuei told the BBC that the situation in the city was now "under full control" and civilians who had fled should return to their homes.Mr Machar's military spokesman, Col William Gatjiath, accused officials loyal to the president of lying, and said there had been at least 10 hours of clashes on Sunday."The situation in South Sudan is uncontrollable because Salva Kiir and his followers are not ready to follow the peace agreement," he said.In a statement on Sunday, the US state department said it strongly condemned the latest outbreak of fighting in Juba. Spokesman John Kirby said Washington had ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from the US embassy in Juba.Mr Kiir and Mr Machar had met at the presidential palace on Friday and issued a call for calm.Calm was apparently restored on Saturday but heavy gunfire broke out again on Sunday near a military barracks occupied by troops loyal to Mr Machar.July 2011 - South Sudan becomes an independent country, after more than 20 years of guerrilla warfare, which claimed the lives of at least 1.5 million people and displaced more than four million.December 2013 - Civil war breaks out after President Salva Kiir sacks the cabinet and accuses Vice-President Riek Machar of planning a coup. The war is fought broadly between the country's biggest ethnic groups - the Dinka, led by Mr Kiir, and the Nuer, under Mr Machar.More than 2.2 million people are displaced by the fighting. Famine puts the lives of thousands at risk. Tens of thousands of people are reported killed, and Mr Machar flees the country.August 2015 - President Kiir signs a peace deal with rebels after a threat of sanctions from the UN.April 2016 - Mr Machar returns to South Sudan to take up his job as first vice president in a new unity government led by President Kiir. The move marks "the end of the war and the return of peace and stability to South Sudan", Mr Kiir says. | 83f2b6dd-b751-576a-9abf-9d6fe44375ae | 02/24/23 | |
| Not Top Gear, but Idris Elba has new TV driving show | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-33239509 | 2015-06-23 | By Natalie Jamieson | BBC News | Idris Elba: No Limits will see the Luther star tackle rally driving and land speed records in his latest TV show. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/14D70/production/_83806358_33948_ep_rally_driving_068_sm.jpg | Newsbeat | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">"I'm Idris Elba and I'm addicted to speed," are the first words spoken by Idris on his new TV driving show.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's not Top Gear, but if BBC bosses needed any further inspiration to find Chris Evans's co-hosts, then Idris Elba: No Limits comes at a handy time.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The four-part series for the Discovery Channel starts on Monday 6 July at 9pm.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Each episode shows Idris tackling a different driving discipline as he takes on rally driving, aerobatics, drag racing and land speed records.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Rally driving was always on the TV back in the day when I was a kid," says Idris.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It was like rainy weather watching when I wasn't allowed to play out."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He explains how before acting roles in Luther and Thor came along, the young Idris reaped the benefits from his dad working at the Ford factory in Dagenham.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He used to bring me home old steering wheels and stuff," smiles Idris.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I used to have it on my lap just pretending to be a rally driver."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When he left school, despite not initially wanting to join his dad's chosen career, an early lack of acting jobs meant Idris did join his dad at Ford.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I ended up doing the night shift for about two years," Idris recalls. "I used to make Fiestas."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The first hurdle Idris Elba faces in the TV show is training to get his rally driver's licence so he can compete in the Circuit of Ireland.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">No huge spoilers, but Idris does come off the track in his first lesson and says he needs to change his driving habits which he likens to "those of a boy racer".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Idris was recently seen in the Avengers: Age of Ultron, and in March he filmed a new two-part episode of Luther, which will be on BBC One later this year.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">During filming last month, the actor and DJ broke an <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/32595719/idris-elba-breaks-flying-mile-record-held-by-sir-malcolm-campbell-since-1927">88-year speed record</a> called the "flying mile".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It was originally set by Sir Malcolm Campbell in 1927 at Pendine Sands in south Wales.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Idris Elba achieved an average speed of 180.361mph during the attempt in his Bentley Continental GT Speed compared to Sir Malcolm Campbell's 174.8mph in his Napier-Campbell Blue Bird.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Follow <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/BBCNewsbeat">@BBCNewsbeat</a> on Twitter, <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://instagram.com/bbcnewsbeat">BBCNewsbeat</a> on Instagram and <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Radio1Newsbeat">Radio1Newsbeat</a> on YouTube and you can now follow <b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">BBC_Newsbeat</b> on Snapchat</p></div></div> | "I'm Idris Elba and I'm addicted to speed," are the first words spoken by Idris on his new TV driving show.It's not Top Gear, but if BBC bosses needed any further inspiration to find Chris Evans's co-hosts, then Idris Elba: No Limits comes at a handy time.The four-part series for the Discovery Channel starts on Monday 6 July at 9pm.Each episode shows Idris tackling a different driving discipline as he takes on rally driving, aerobatics, drag racing and land speed records."Rally driving was always on the TV back in the day when I was a kid," says Idris."It was like rainy weather watching when I wasn't allowed to play out."He explains how before acting roles in Luther and Thor came along, the young Idris reaped the benefits from his dad working at the Ford factory in Dagenham."He used to bring me home old steering wheels and stuff," smiles Idris."I used to have it on my lap just pretending to be a rally driver."When he left school, despite not initially wanting to join his dad's chosen career, an early lack of acting jobs meant Idris did join his dad at Ford."I ended up doing the night shift for about two years," Idris recalls. "I used to make Fiestas."The first hurdle Idris Elba faces in the TV show is training to get his rally driver's licence so he can compete in the Circuit of Ireland.No huge spoilers, but Idris does come off the track in his first lesson and says he needs to change his driving habits which he likens to "those of a boy racer".Idris was recently seen in the Avengers: Age of Ultron, and in March he filmed a new two-part episode of Luther, which will be on BBC One later this year.During filming last month, the actor and DJ broke an 88-year speed record called the "flying mile".It was originally set by Sir Malcolm Campbell in 1927 at Pendine Sands in south Wales.Idris Elba achieved an average speed of 180.361mph during the attempt in his Bentley Continental GT Speed compared to Sir Malcolm Campbell's 174.8mph in his Napier-Campbell Blue Bird.Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube and you can now follow BBC_Newsbeat on Snapchat | 2f120729-ead4-5d09-80ed-44ab7163002b | 02/24/23 |
| Two arrested after suspicious house fire in Llanelli | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-14965471 | 2011-09-18 | BBC News | Two men are arrested after a suspicious house fire in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, as Dyfed-Powys Police continue inquiries. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | South West Wales | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Two men have been arrested after a suspicious house fire in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dyfed-Powys Police said the fire was thought to have been started deliberately at a house in Caersalem Terrace at 20:00 BST on Saturday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Fire crews attended and were able to put out the flames, although the house suffered extensive damage.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Anyone who may have information has been asked to contact Llanelli CID on 101.</p></div></div> | Two men have been arrested after a suspicious house fire in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.Dyfed-Powys Police said the fire was thought to have been started deliberately at a house in Caersalem Terrace at 20:00 BST on Saturday.Fire crews attended and were able to put out the flames, although the house suffered extensive damage.Anyone who may have information has been asked to contact Llanelli CID on 101. | b1142089-4c3e-58d2-992e-61dfef03440a | 02/25/23 | |
| Sir Keir Starmer urges 'openness' on lockdown exit plans | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-52247299 | 2020-04-10 | BBC News | The new Labour leader also says the government must make arrangements if Boris Johnson needs to recuperate. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/10D97/production/_111751096_mediaitem111751095.jpg | UK Politics | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The new Labour leader has appealed for "transparency and openness" on plans to end lockdown measures in the UK.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sir Keir Starmer said it was "not realistic" to put a date on the move, but believed "the principles" should be shared by the government. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He also said ministers should be clear about who was in charge if Boris Johnson was recuperating for some time.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is deputising for the prime minister while he is treated in hospital.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Raab said on Thursday that a decision on whether to ease lockdown measures would not come until "the end of next week".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sir Keir said: "We need to know how long he [Mr Johnson] is going to be out of action and the government needs to put in place sensible arrangements, if it's likely to be weeks, and it could be. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We need robust replacement arrangements in place and we need to know what they are, as soon as possible."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has called on Mr Raab to name a replacement to run the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) while he is covering for the PM.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She said coordinating the fight against coronavirus will "rightly demand the full attention of Dominic Raab and his team".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But Ms Nandy said it was a "global crisis and demands a global response", with leadership from the FCO. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">After Mr Johnson brought in tougher measures to try to control the spread of the virus, he confirmed the move would be reviewed three weeks later - or this coming Monday.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Speaking at the daily press briefing, Mr Raab would not confirm the government's plans.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But he stressed that the lockdown restrictions would have to stay in place until evidence showed the UK had moved beyond the peak of the virus.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Raab said: "After all the efforts everybody has made, after all the sacrifices so many people have made let's not ruin it now."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sir Keir said he "completely understands" why the government cannot provide a timetable yet.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But he said the public "need these questions answered" and, by being transparent, the government was "much more likely to get their trust". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He added: "That's why I'm pushing the government to publish and tell people what is the exit strategy, the principles, not the precise timing."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A No 10 spokesman confirmed work was taking place across Whitehall on the exit strategy, but said they would not set out the details until the right moment.</p></div></div> | The new Labour leader has appealed for "transparency and openness" on plans to end lockdown measures in the UK.Sir Keir Starmer said it was "not realistic" to put a date on the move, but believed "the principles" should be shared by the government. He also said ministers should be clear about who was in charge if Boris Johnson was recuperating for some time.Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is deputising for the prime minister while he is treated in hospital.Mr Raab said on Thursday that a decision on whether to ease lockdown measures would not come until "the end of next week".Sir Keir said: "We need to know how long he [Mr Johnson] is going to be out of action and the government needs to put in place sensible arrangements, if it's likely to be weeks, and it could be. "We need robust replacement arrangements in place and we need to know what they are, as soon as possible."Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has called on Mr Raab to name a replacement to run the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) while he is covering for the PM.She said coordinating the fight against coronavirus will "rightly demand the full attention of Dominic Raab and his team".But Ms Nandy said it was a "global crisis and demands a global response", with leadership from the FCO. After Mr Johnson brought in tougher measures to try to control the spread of the virus, he confirmed the move would be reviewed three weeks later - or this coming Monday.Speaking at the daily press briefing, Mr Raab would not confirm the government's plans.But he stressed that the lockdown restrictions would have to stay in place until evidence showed the UK had moved beyond the peak of the virus.Mr Raab said: "After all the efforts everybody has made, after all the sacrifices so many people have made let's not ruin it now."Sir Keir said he "completely understands" why the government cannot provide a timetable yet.But he said the public "need these questions answered" and, by being transparent, the government was "much more likely to get their trust". He added: "That's why I'm pushing the government to publish and tell people what is the exit strategy, the principles, not the precise timing."A No 10 spokesman confirmed work was taking place across Whitehall on the exit strategy, but said they would not set out the details until the right moment. | 52ee65ec-6332-5c67-b3da-13d560366929 | 02/25/23 | |
| BP: Gulf of Mexico oil spill 'shared responsibility' | https://www.bbc.com/news/business-21599916 | 2013-02-27 | BBC News | A BP executive tells a US court the oil giant was not solely responsible for the 2010 oil spill, on the second day of a trial to determine liability. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/64154000/jpg/_64154680_ymgphwhl.jpg | Business | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">A senior BP executive has told a US court that the oil giant was not solely responsible for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Rig operator Transocean and contractor Halliburton must also bear portions of the blame for the explosion and resulting spill, Lamar McKay said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The trial, in New Orleans, will determine liability for the spill.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">BP could face a huge fine, despite agreeing in 2012 to pay $4.5bn (£2.9bn) to settle criminal charges.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">An unfavourable trial verdict could see the firm liable for the biggest civil fine in history, of up to $17.6bn.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It has also paid $7.8bn in a settlement with people and businesses affected.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In the first testimony from a high-ranking BP executive, Mr McKay stressed that all those involved in the Deepwater Horizon disaster should take some of the blame.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">While BP was extracting the oil from underneath the Gulf of Mexico when the Macondo well exploded, the Deepwater Horizon rig itself was owned by Transocean. Cement used to seal the well was provided by Halliburton.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Macondo explosion killed 11 men and released an estimated four million barrels of oil into the Gulf over 84 days. Since the leak was plugged, the debate over who was responsible has raged on.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I think that's a shared responsibility, to manage the safety and the risk,'' Mr McKay told the court.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Sometimes contractors manage that risk. Sometimes we do. Most of the time it's a team effort.''</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said the explosion was a "tragic accident" resulting from a "risk that was identified".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">An expert witness testifying on behalf of the plaintiffs - the US Department of Justice and the US states affected by the spill - countered that the disaster was a direct result of poor management and heavy cost-cutting at BP.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"It's a classic failure of management and leadership in BP," said Robert Bea, an engineering professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who previously worked as a safety expert for BP.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He described BP as "too lean" following rounds of cost-cutting that led up to the disaster.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">On the first day of the trial, a lawyer for the justice department said the disaster resulted from BP's "culture of corporate recklessness".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Despite BP's attempts to shift the blame to other parties," Mike Underhill said, "by far the primary fault for this disaster belongs to BP".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">One of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, Jim Roy, said BP had put "production over protection, profits over safety".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Roy also attacked the rig's operator, Transocean, saying the company's safety official on the rig had received little training: "His training consisted of a three-day course. Amazingly, he had never been aboard the Deepwater Horizon." </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He did not spare contractor Halliburton, either, saying it deserved some of the blame for providing BP with cementing of the Macondo well that was "poorly designed, not properly tested and was unstable". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The trial will determine the causes of the spill, and assign responsibility to the parties involved, including BP, Halliburton, Transocean, and Cameron, which manufactured the blowout preventer meant to stop oil leaks.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Later, it will determine how much oil actually leaked, which will lead to the calculation of how much the oil companies owe in civil fines.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is expected to be one of the biggest and costliest trials in decades.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">BP chief executive Bob Dudley has said he firmly believes the company was not grossly negligent. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The trial could last for months, but the risks are so great for BP that it may try to reach a settlement, analysts suggest.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Robert Percival, an environmental law professor at the University of Maryland, said: "The risk for both sides is so great - for BP it's their name, reputation and future contracts with the US government. For the US government it's all the resources they're spending on the trial - particularly if BP is not found grossly negligent."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The second part of the trial, set to begin in early autumn, will attempt to determine how much oil was leaked, which would then determine the size of the federal fine.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The Department of Justice intends to demonstrate BP was grossly negligent, which puts the maximum penalty at about $17.6bn.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, on top of that, the Gulf states of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida are demanding an additional $34bn in damages under the Oil Pollution Act, citing uncertainty over the long-term effects of the spill on their coastline as well as economic losses and property damage. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But BP has said it will "defend vigorously" against the claims, saying the methodologies used to calculate them were "seriously flawed".</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Once the world's second-biggest oil company, BP has fallen to fourth place among the "oil majors" after selling off billions of dollars worth of assets to set aside money to cover liabilities related to the disaster. </p></div></div> | A senior BP executive has told a US court that the oil giant was not solely responsible for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.Rig operator Transocean and contractor Halliburton must also bear portions of the blame for the explosion and resulting spill, Lamar McKay said.The trial, in New Orleans, will determine liability for the spill.BP could face a huge fine, despite agreeing in 2012 to pay $4.5bn (£2.9bn) to settle criminal charges.An unfavourable trial verdict could see the firm liable for the biggest civil fine in history, of up to $17.6bn.It has also paid $7.8bn in a settlement with people and businesses affected.In the first testimony from a high-ranking BP executive, Mr McKay stressed that all those involved in the Deepwater Horizon disaster should take some of the blame.While BP was extracting the oil from underneath the Gulf of Mexico when the Macondo well exploded, the Deepwater Horizon rig itself was owned by Transocean. Cement used to seal the well was provided by Halliburton.The Macondo explosion killed 11 men and released an estimated four million barrels of oil into the Gulf over 84 days. Since the leak was plugged, the debate over who was responsible has raged on."I think that's a shared responsibility, to manage the safety and the risk,'' Mr McKay told the court."Sometimes contractors manage that risk. Sometimes we do. Most of the time it's a team effort.''He said the explosion was a "tragic accident" resulting from a "risk that was identified".An expert witness testifying on behalf of the plaintiffs - the US Department of Justice and the US states affected by the spill - countered that the disaster was a direct result of poor management and heavy cost-cutting at BP."It's a classic failure of management and leadership in BP," said Robert Bea, an engineering professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who previously worked as a safety expert for BP.He described BP as "too lean" following rounds of cost-cutting that led up to the disaster.On the first day of the trial, a lawyer for the justice department said the disaster resulted from BP's "culture of corporate recklessness"."Despite BP's attempts to shift the blame to other parties," Mike Underhill said, "by far the primary fault for this disaster belongs to BP".One of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, Jim Roy, said BP had put "production over protection, profits over safety".Mr Roy also attacked the rig's operator, Transocean, saying the company's safety official on the rig had received little training: "His training consisted of a three-day course. Amazingly, he had never been aboard the Deepwater Horizon." He did not spare contractor Halliburton, either, saying it deserved some of the blame for providing BP with cementing of the Macondo well that was "poorly designed, not properly tested and was unstable". The trial will determine the causes of the spill, and assign responsibility to the parties involved, including BP, Halliburton, Transocean, and Cameron, which manufactured the blowout preventer meant to stop oil leaks.Later, it will determine how much oil actually leaked, which will lead to the calculation of how much the oil companies owe in civil fines.It is expected to be one of the biggest and costliest trials in decades.BP chief executive Bob Dudley has said he firmly believes the company was not grossly negligent. The trial could last for months, but the risks are so great for BP that it may try to reach a settlement, analysts suggest.Robert Percival, an environmental law professor at the University of Maryland, said: "The risk for both sides is so great - for BP it's their name, reputation and future contracts with the US government. For the US government it's all the resources they're spending on the trial - particularly if BP is not found grossly negligent."The second part of the trial, set to begin in early autumn, will attempt to determine how much oil was leaked, which would then determine the size of the federal fine.The Department of Justice intends to demonstrate BP was grossly negligent, which puts the maximum penalty at about $17.6bn.However, on top of that, the Gulf states of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida are demanding an additional $34bn in damages under the Oil Pollution Act, citing uncertainty over the long-term effects of the spill on their coastline as well as economic losses and property damage. But BP has said it will "defend vigorously" against the claims, saying the methodologies used to calculate them were "seriously flawed".Once the world's second-biggest oil company, BP has fallen to fourth place among the "oil majors" after selling off billions of dollars worth of assets to set aside money to cover liabilities related to the disaster. | 729cf770-54e8-5d99-befb-ee0cecc1cd35 | 02/25/23 | |
| US sanctions on Nicaragua's Vice-President Rosario Murillo | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46367041 | 2018-11-27 | BBC News | Rosario Murillo, wife of President Ortega, and her security adviser are accused of human rights abuses. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/1581B/production/_104519088_049081104.jpg | Latin America & Caribbean | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The US has imposed sanctions on Nicaragua's Vice-President Rosario Murillo, the wife of President Daniel Ortega, accusing her of corruption and serious human rights abuses.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She is believed to have held influence over a youth organisation that the US says engaged in extra-judicial killings, torture and kidnapping.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Sanctions were also imposed on the presidential couple's security adviser.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ms Murillo has ruled Nicaragua jointly with Mr Ortega for more than a decade.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She is accused of controlling the police and the youth wing of the governing Sandinista Liberation Front.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">On Tuesday, the US Treasury said it was using a new executive order issued by US President Donald Trump to punish Ms Murillo, accusing her of undermining Nicaragua's democracy.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Meanwhile her aide - and the president's security adviser - Néstor Moncada Lau was accused of carrying out orders by paying armed groups to attack protestors during months of anti-government disturbances earlier this year. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The sanctions will ban US individuals, banks and other entities from carrying out transactions with the pair, who will also have any assets that fall under US jurisdiction frozen.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Nicaragua has been through huge upheaval this year. In April, anti-government protesters demanded that the socialist president, Mr Ortega, step down over unpopular pension reforms. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">However, he refused to negotiate and instead sent in the security forces.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Hundreds were then killed in the space of weeks.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Earlier this month, opposition activist <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-latin-america-46221916/maradiaga-nicaragua-s-human-rights-in-severe-crisis">Félix Maradiaga told the BBC that human rights in Nicaragua were at the "most severe crisis in generations"</a>. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mr Maradiaga was forced to flee his country in July after receiving death threats.</p></div></div> | The US has imposed sanctions on Nicaragua's Vice-President Rosario Murillo, the wife of President Daniel Ortega, accusing her of corruption and serious human rights abuses.She is believed to have held influence over a youth organisation that the US says engaged in extra-judicial killings, torture and kidnapping.Sanctions were also imposed on the presidential couple's security adviser.Ms Murillo has ruled Nicaragua jointly with Mr Ortega for more than a decade.She is accused of controlling the police and the youth wing of the governing Sandinista Liberation Front.On Tuesday, the US Treasury said it was using a new executive order issued by US President Donald Trump to punish Ms Murillo, accusing her of undermining Nicaragua's democracy.Meanwhile her aide - and the president's security adviser - Néstor Moncada Lau was accused of carrying out orders by paying armed groups to attack protestors during months of anti-government disturbances earlier this year. The sanctions will ban US individuals, banks and other entities from carrying out transactions with the pair, who will also have any assets that fall under US jurisdiction frozen.Nicaragua has been through huge upheaval this year. In April, anti-government protesters demanded that the socialist president, Mr Ortega, step down over unpopular pension reforms. However, he refused to negotiate and instead sent in the security forces.Hundreds were then killed in the space of weeks.Earlier this month, opposition activist Félix Maradiaga told the BBC that human rights in Nicaragua were at the "most severe crisis in generations". Mr Maradiaga was forced to flee his country in July after receiving death threats. | e9aae2c4-f642-5486-94a5-8cd1e99bd6be | 02/25/23 | |
| Large crowd at Bristol immigration removal protest | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-45993645 | 2018-10-26 | BBC News | About 100 people shouting "cops go home" join protesters trying to stop a man being detained. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/60A8/production/_104044742_de26.jpg | Bristol | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">About 100 people shouting "cops go home" joined a protest as immigration enforcement officers tried to remove a man allegedly in the country illegally.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The group gathered in Chelsea Road, in the Easton area of Bristol, after a "small number" of protesters had used vehicles to block the road.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Police said the group was attempting to stop the man from being taken away.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Avon and Somerset Police said the situation was "resolved in the early hours" and the man had been detained.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A force spokesman confirmed officers had been called at about 22:15 BST on Thursday by immigration officials who had detained the man and were trying to take him away.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"We will always facilitate peaceful and lawful protest and we are pleased to say that thanks to the support from our community leaders, and people living locally, the situation was resolved," he said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"At around 5am this morning the immigration enforcement officers were able to leave the area [with the man] without incident or injury and without the necessity for any arrests."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A Home Office spokesman said following an intelligence-led visit to a business in Chelsea Road, a 49-year-old man from Pakistan was arrested "as checks revealed he had overstayed his visa". </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He remains in immigration detention pending his removal from the UK."</p></div></div> | About 100 people shouting "cops go home" joined a protest as immigration enforcement officers tried to remove a man allegedly in the country illegally.The group gathered in Chelsea Road, in the Easton area of Bristol, after a "small number" of protesters had used vehicles to block the road.Police said the group was attempting to stop the man from being taken away.Avon and Somerset Police said the situation was "resolved in the early hours" and the man had been detained.A force spokesman confirmed officers had been called at about 22:15 BST on Thursday by immigration officials who had detained the man and were trying to take him away."We will always facilitate peaceful and lawful protest and we are pleased to say that thanks to the support from our community leaders, and people living locally, the situation was resolved," he said."At around 5am this morning the immigration enforcement officers were able to leave the area [with the man] without incident or injury and without the necessity for any arrests."A Home Office spokesman said following an intelligence-led visit to a business in Chelsea Road, a 49-year-old man from Pakistan was arrested "as checks revealed he had overstayed his visa". "He remains in immigration detention pending his removal from the UK." | fca84ef0-5dbc-56f1-9867-58e6824b7a27 | 02/25/23 | |
| How Instagramâs influencers changed the model industry | https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56592913 | 2021-04-02 | By Cristina Criddle | BBC News | Models have increasingly been asked to shoot their own photographs during the pandemic. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/119D3/production/_117774127_models.png | Technology | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Alexina Graham has been a successful fashion model for more than a decade - appearing in glossy magazines and walking the coveted Victoriaâs Secret catwalk.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, her work stopped.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âI didnât work at all in March and April,â she told BBC News.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Over the past year, models have been asked to create their own content - shooting photos and promoting brands on personal social-media accounts.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âSocial media is one of the main aspects of our job now,â Ms Graham said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âTo shoot content every week, edit it all together and get it out there takes a long time.â</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">LâOréalâs brand ambassador, actress Eva Longoria, even filmed herself dying her own hair in lockdown.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âIt was a first for us to shoot a campaign with one of our spokesmodels in this way,â Lex Bradshaw-Zanger, chief marketing officer at LâOréal UK and Ireland, said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âThe advert has been used across digital, social and television and has been received very positively â with salons shut, Evaâs experience with home hair colouring was something many people could relate to.â</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The beauty brand has long used influencers - but since the pandemic, it has invested even more of its budget into influencer marketing.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A survey by influencer marketing agency Takumi suggests 73% of brands have done the same.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And modelling agencies told BBC News they had been flooded with requests for models who could shoot their own content.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âProduction just stopped when the pandemic hit," Evolve Model Management director Elizabeth Rose said, "and all these brands were freaking out about how to get all of these clothes online - they still needed to sell clothes.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âRegular models werenât able to produce content that was good enough for the brands, so a lot of brands switched to influencers.â</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And now, some High Street fashion brands have told Evolve they plan to make home shooting a permanent feature.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When Nathan Hopkinson noticed his bookings falling last year, he invested the extra time spent at home into boosting his social-media presence.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âI saw it as an opportunity to put my all into my social platforms,â he said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âI started posting on TikTok regularly - and the rewards have been immense.â</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Since March last year, he has gained more than 270,000 followers on TikTok and 130,000 on Instagram.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âIâve had way more interest from high-end clients,â he added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Authenticity is at the core of this trend, as influencers attract followers who feel connected to the person, rather than the brand.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âBrands enjoy the direct and highly engaged relationship I have with my audience,â Shu Lin, a travel vlogger who has seen an increase in interest from fashion brands during the pandemic, said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âWith the rise of users on social platforms, as both a creator and consumer, we're wanting to see content that's less polished and more reflective of the everyday experience.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âIt's great to see the fashion industry embrace diversity more in the marketing of their products as it's more representative of consumers in real life.â</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Influencers also give brands more value for money, according to Victoria Magrath, a blogger with more than one million Instagram followers, who has worked for luxury designer brands, including Dior, Armani and Tiffany & Co.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âInfluencers can provide fresh and unique content, without the hassle of organised a shoot with upwards of five crew members, hiring a location and hiring a model,â she said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Being able to style themselves, take and edit photographs meant âthe costs are significantly lowerâ, while well created content could ârival magazine editorialsâ and deliver more accurate results than print advertising.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âInstagram insights, or blog analytics, for example, can pinpoint how many people were on a particular page, for how long, what they clicked on and where they navigated to next,â Ms Magrath added.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Technology platform Launchmetrics specialises in analysing data from social media to provide detailed research on return on investment(ROI) for luxury brands.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Every day, it monitors 20,000 brands, 50,000 media outlets and 100,000 influencers to calculate the value of a social-media post.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And it estimates:</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âThis shift caused by social media is that the consumer does not want edited content,â chief marketing officer Alison Bringe said. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âThey want to know the story behind the product."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Models1, one of the largest modelling agencies in Europe, has even hired a full-time social-media editor to support its staff.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âItâs difficult for models to become influencers, because they work for several different competing brands,â managing director John Horner said .</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âA model is not a specialist - they have to be a chameleon.â</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And struggling to photograph themselves at home was damaging their self-confidence. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âInfluencers to some extent are devaluing the industry because they arenât models or experts in fashion or beauty,â Mr Horner said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Clients had grown savvy to influencers who âendorse so much stuff the value of their content is beginning to be questionedâ.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And, both modelling agencies said, brands should not pin all their hopes on content creators.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">âThereâs a very small pool of people who look good enough to be models," Ms Rose said, "and thereâs an even smaller pool of people who can content create - brands cannot limit themselves.â</p></div></div> | Alexina Graham has been a successful fashion model for more than a decade - appearing in glossy magazines and walking the coveted Victoriaâs Secret catwalk.But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, her work stopped.âI didnât work at all in March and April,â she told BBC News.Over the past year, models have been asked to create their own content - shooting photos and promoting brands on personal social-media accounts.âSocial media is one of the main aspects of our job now,â Ms Graham said. âTo shoot content every week, edit it all together and get it out there takes a long time.âLâOréalâs brand ambassador, actress Eva Longoria, even filmed herself dying her own hair in lockdown.âIt was a first for us to shoot a campaign with one of our spokesmodels in this way,â Lex Bradshaw-Zanger, chief marketing officer at LâOréal UK and Ireland, said. âThe advert has been used across digital, social and television and has been received very positively â with salons shut, Evaâs experience with home hair colouring was something many people could relate to.âThe beauty brand has long used influencers - but since the pandemic, it has invested even more of its budget into influencer marketing.A survey by influencer marketing agency Takumi suggests 73% of brands have done the same.And modelling agencies told BBC News they had been flooded with requests for models who could shoot their own content.âProduction just stopped when the pandemic hit," Evolve Model Management director Elizabeth Rose said, "and all these brands were freaking out about how to get all of these clothes online - they still needed to sell clothes.âRegular models werenât able to produce content that was good enough for the brands, so a lot of brands switched to influencers.âAnd now, some High Street fashion brands have told Evolve they plan to make home shooting a permanent feature.When Nathan Hopkinson noticed his bookings falling last year, he invested the extra time spent at home into boosting his social-media presence.âI saw it as an opportunity to put my all into my social platforms,â he said. âI started posting on TikTok regularly - and the rewards have been immense.âSince March last year, he has gained more than 270,000 followers on TikTok and 130,000 on Instagram.âIâve had way more interest from high-end clients,â he added.Authenticity is at the core of this trend, as influencers attract followers who feel connected to the person, rather than the brand.âBrands enjoy the direct and highly engaged relationship I have with my audience,â Shu Lin, a travel vlogger who has seen an increase in interest from fashion brands during the pandemic, said.âWith the rise of users on social platforms, as both a creator and consumer, we're wanting to see content that's less polished and more reflective of the everyday experience.âIt's great to see the fashion industry embrace diversity more in the marketing of their products as it's more representative of consumers in real life.âInfluencers also give brands more value for money, according to Victoria Magrath, a blogger with more than one million Instagram followers, who has worked for luxury designer brands, including Dior, Armani and Tiffany & Co.âInfluencers can provide fresh and unique content, without the hassle of organised a shoot with upwards of five crew members, hiring a location and hiring a model,â she said.Being able to style themselves, take and edit photographs meant âthe costs are significantly lowerâ, while well created content could ârival magazine editorialsâ and deliver more accurate results than print advertising.âInstagram insights, or blog analytics, for example, can pinpoint how many people were on a particular page, for how long, what they clicked on and where they navigated to next,â Ms Magrath added.Technology platform Launchmetrics specialises in analysing data from social media to provide detailed research on return on investment(ROI) for luxury brands.Every day, it monitors 20,000 brands, 50,000 media outlets and 100,000 influencers to calculate the value of a social-media post.And it estimates:âThis shift caused by social media is that the consumer does not want edited content,â chief marketing officer Alison Bringe said. âThey want to know the story behind the product."Models1, one of the largest modelling agencies in Europe, has even hired a full-time social-media editor to support its staff.âItâs difficult for models to become influencers, because they work for several different competing brands,â managing director John Horner said .âA model is not a specialist - they have to be a chameleon.âAnd struggling to photograph themselves at home was damaging their self-confidence. âInfluencers to some extent are devaluing the industry because they arenât models or experts in fashion or beauty,â Mr Horner said.Clients had grown savvy to influencers who âendorse so much stuff the value of their content is beginning to be questionedâ.And, both modelling agencies said, brands should not pin all their hopes on content creators.âThereâs a very small pool of people who look good enough to be models," Ms Rose said, "and thereâs an even smaller pool of people who can content create - brands cannot limit themselves.â | d3e04a6b-4233-54a5-b824-4e1e90a6d9ef | 02/25/23 |
| Peter McShane drilled holes in neighbour's roof | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-14892029 | 2011-09-12 | BBC News | An 86-year-old man clambered onto his neighbour's roof and drilled holes to let in the rain as part of a feud, a court hears. | https://static.files.bbci.co.uk/ws/simorgh-assets/public/news/images/metadata/poster-1024x576.png | South West Wales | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">An 86-year-old man clambered onto his neighbour's roof and drilled holes to let in the rain as part of a feud, a court was told.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Ex-soldier Peter McShane climbed onto the roof of the property in Pembroke Dock in darkness armed with a drill and other tools, magistrates heard.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The drilling caused £3,000 of flood damage the next time it rained.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">McShane admitted criminal damage and will be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court at a later date.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The court on Monday heard that McShane started drilling through the roof while his neighbours were away from home.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Magistrates heard McShane, who needs two walking sticks, admitted to police he was "barmy" at the time, and had even blocked up guttering to increase the rain flow into the property.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">David Weale, prosecuting, said: "It was a deliberate and conscious act. He is no fool and knew this would cause water damage.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"The neighbours found water running down the walls of their property and some electrical goods were damaged."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Mark Layton, defending, said: "It was part and parcel of a broader number of issues that were troubling Mr McShane.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He never came to the court's attention until he was in his 80s.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Old age affects people in different ways but in Mr McShane's case he seems to have become bitter and resentful."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Last year, McShane received a 34-week suspended jail sentence and a curfew order after he admitted making a bogus bomb and seven other charges. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He planted the hoax bomb outside an NHS dentist in Pembroke Dock after he was charged £183 for dental work in 2007. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Dozens of homes were evacuated and traffic diverted while army bomb disposal experts arrived to examine the package.</p></div></div> | An 86-year-old man clambered onto his neighbour's roof and drilled holes to let in the rain as part of a feud, a court was told.Ex-soldier Peter McShane climbed onto the roof of the property in Pembroke Dock in darkness armed with a drill and other tools, magistrates heard.The drilling caused £3,000 of flood damage the next time it rained.McShane admitted criminal damage and will be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court at a later date.The court on Monday heard that McShane started drilling through the roof while his neighbours were away from home.Magistrates heard McShane, who needs two walking sticks, admitted to police he was "barmy" at the time, and had even blocked up guttering to increase the rain flow into the property.David Weale, prosecuting, said: "It was a deliberate and conscious act. He is no fool and knew this would cause water damage."The neighbours found water running down the walls of their property and some electrical goods were damaged."Mark Layton, defending, said: "It was part and parcel of a broader number of issues that were troubling Mr McShane."He never came to the court's attention until he was in his 80s."Old age affects people in different ways but in Mr McShane's case he seems to have become bitter and resentful."Last year, McShane received a 34-week suspended jail sentence and a curfew order after he admitted making a bogus bomb and seven other charges. He planted the hoax bomb outside an NHS dentist in Pembroke Dock after he was charged £183 for dental work in 2007. Dozens of homes were evacuated and traffic diverted while army bomb disposal experts arrived to examine the package. | f43fd7c5-ec68-5d78-b469-8572d019d80f | 02/25/23 | |
| Orange Order says it uses land funds to 'counter republicans' illegal proceeds' | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-31505614 | 2015-02-17 | By Declan Lawn | BBC News | The Orange Order says it is using land funds to counter republicans using the proceeds of illegal diesel smuggling, a BBC Spotlight investigation reveals. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/media/images/81061000/jpg/_81061359_drewnelson.jpg | Northern Ireland | <div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Several months ago, I met a man in rural County Tyrone with an interesting story to tell about a property transaction he was involved with. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">We can't reveal his real name, because he says that his story is about an issue that is still too sensitive to talk about openly. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The issue is land; who owns it, who can buy it, and the role that religion and politics continues to play when it comes to property in rural parts of Ulster. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In Tuesday night's BBC NI's <a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b052y3jd">Spotlight</a> programme, we refer to our source as Danny.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A number of years ago, Danny and his wife were looking for a farm to buy. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When one came onto the market that they liked, Danny approached a local estate agent to enquire about buying it. But even as he did so, he knew there might be a problem.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I went into the estate agent and my first question was can this farm be sold to anyone? Because I am Catholic, and I knew that the farm had previously belonged to a Protestant person."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">As a local himself, Danny was aware of a practice known as "colour-coding", in which one side of the community would be prevented from buying land which was being sold by someone from the other side. Danny says that initially the estate agent told him that in this case, there would be no problem.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But when Danny said that he had the resources to buy the property that very day, the estate agent's attitude quickly changed:</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"He got flustered and he said 'hold on, hold on to your money for a minute'.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">He said 'I need to go back to the family and talk to them'. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"I had to put my cheque book back in my pocket and I left his office and he said, 'look, I will get back to you in a day or two'. And the next thing I noticed the property was off the market, out of his window, and not in the paper. " </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Danny cannot prove that he was the victim of "colour-coding", but he believes that he was. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The very nature of the practice means that in the vast majority of cases, the victims of bias in land transactions will never be able to know for sure.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">So how widespread is the issue of religious or political bias when it comes to land sales?</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Spotlight has spoken to people in the property industry in Northern Ireland from both sides of the community, from solicitors to estate agents to farmers, who say that it remains widespread to this day.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And at times, it is not just long-established tribal custom that keeps land in the "right" hands. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">During the course of our investigation, we also heard that when it comes to land sales in rural parts of Northern Ireland, the Orange Order can sometimes have a role to play.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">For years, the Orange Order has been accused of controlling secretive "land funds" which have been used by individual Orange Lodges to protect Protestant land in their communities.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">And when we met the Orange Order to discuss the issue, Grand Secretary Drew Nelson both admitted to the existence of such funds, and defended their use.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"There are some funds in existence which do that type of work and that is something that strategically we regard as one of the roles of the institution, to help Protestant communities that are in distress, particularly around border areas, or areas where Protestants are in the minority."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">When I put it to Mr Nelson that the existence of such funds was in danger of artificially skewing the property market in Northern Ireland, he offered a rationale which some may find surprising: that vast proceeds of illegal diesel smuggling were flooding into the coffers of republicans in rural areas, and that this was itself resulting in an unfair playing field when it came to the purchase of land.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">In that context, the use of land funds might be seen to be a legitimate tactic in a proxy battle over the ownership of the land. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It is one of many revealing admissions in a frank and at times startling interview, and it draws back the curtain on a truth only occasionally acknowledged; that in rural Northern Ireland, the politics of the land is as old as the hills.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">This episode of Spotlight will be broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland at 22:40 GMT on Wednesday, 18 February and is also </b><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b052y3jd">available to watch </a><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">on BBC iPlayer.</b></p></div></div> | Several months ago, I met a man in rural County Tyrone with an interesting story to tell about a property transaction he was involved with. We can't reveal his real name, because he says that his story is about an issue that is still too sensitive to talk about openly. The issue is land; who owns it, who can buy it, and the role that religion and politics continues to play when it comes to property in rural parts of Ulster. In Tuesday night's BBC NI's Spotlight programme, we refer to our source as Danny.A number of years ago, Danny and his wife were looking for a farm to buy. When one came onto the market that they liked, Danny approached a local estate agent to enquire about buying it. But even as he did so, he knew there might be a problem."I went into the estate agent and my first question was can this farm be sold to anyone? Because I am Catholic, and I knew that the farm had previously belonged to a Protestant person."As a local himself, Danny was aware of a practice known as "colour-coding", in which one side of the community would be prevented from buying land which was being sold by someone from the other side. Danny says that initially the estate agent told him that in this case, there would be no problem.But when Danny said that he had the resources to buy the property that very day, the estate agent's attitude quickly changed:"He got flustered and he said 'hold on, hold on to your money for a minute'.He said 'I need to go back to the family and talk to them'. "I had to put my cheque book back in my pocket and I left his office and he said, 'look, I will get back to you in a day or two'. And the next thing I noticed the property was off the market, out of his window, and not in the paper. " Danny cannot prove that he was the victim of "colour-coding", but he believes that he was. The very nature of the practice means that in the vast majority of cases, the victims of bias in land transactions will never be able to know for sure.So how widespread is the issue of religious or political bias when it comes to land sales?Spotlight has spoken to people in the property industry in Northern Ireland from both sides of the community, from solicitors to estate agents to farmers, who say that it remains widespread to this day.And at times, it is not just long-established tribal custom that keeps land in the "right" hands. During the course of our investigation, we also heard that when it comes to land sales in rural parts of Northern Ireland, the Orange Order can sometimes have a role to play.For years, the Orange Order has been accused of controlling secretive "land funds" which have been used by individual Orange Lodges to protect Protestant land in their communities.And when we met the Orange Order to discuss the issue, Grand Secretary Drew Nelson both admitted to the existence of such funds, and defended their use."There are some funds in existence which do that type of work and that is something that strategically we regard as one of the roles of the institution, to help Protestant communities that are in distress, particularly around border areas, or areas where Protestants are in the minority."When I put it to Mr Nelson that the existence of such funds was in danger of artificially skewing the property market in Northern Ireland, he offered a rationale which some may find surprising: that vast proceeds of illegal diesel smuggling were flooding into the coffers of republicans in rural areas, and that this was itself resulting in an unfair playing field when it came to the purchase of land.In that context, the use of land funds might be seen to be a legitimate tactic in a proxy battle over the ownership of the land. It is one of many revealing admissions in a frank and at times startling interview, and it draws back the curtain on a truth only occasionally acknowledged; that in rural Northern Ireland, the politics of the land is as old as the hills.This episode of Spotlight will be broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland at 22:40 GMT on Wednesday, 18 February and is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer. | bdab3e20-f3de-5a70-b353-d6d1745a1dff | 02/25/23 |
| What I wish I hadn't said to my colleague | https://www.bbc.com/news/disability-40960488 | 2017-08-29 | BBC News | When an old colleague returns to work. Maura's Asperger's syndrome means she doesn't hold back her thoughts about her friend's new hair style. | https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/399C/production/_97584741_crowd2.jpg | Disability | <div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Life with a disability can sometimes give rise to unspoken questions and sensitivities, but amid the awkwardness there can be humour. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">The following is an edited version of a sketch performed by Maura Campbell, who has Asperger's syndrome, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I come from a family of VIPs. We all have letters after our names. My husband has ADHD. And my son and I have ASD, which stands for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Autism affects how a person perceives and relates to the world around them, but I don't actually feel "disordered" as such. I think of it more as having a set of differences. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Basically, I was born with the social skills of a used teabag. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Over the years I've improved by carefully observing the humanoids in their natural habitat, mirroring other people and such, but I still have some social blind spots and I have a limited amount of social energy. Because of that, I experience high levels of social anxiety. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Like many women on the spectrum, I had a late diagnosis. I was 44 when my Asperger's syndrome - a form of autism - was confirmed so for most of my life I had absolutely no idea why I found interacting with other people so problematic. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I think my defining characteristics growing up were probably my honesty and directness. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">One night, as a senior manager in the civil service, I found myself at a dinner hosted by a national newspaper during party conference season. It was in the late 1990s.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I was seated beside a very non-descript bloke, who seemed pleasant enough. He introduced himself and manfully tried to keep a conversation going with me - small talk is not my strength. After an awkward pause I finally asked if he was a journalist. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"No," he said, "I'm an MP."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Oh, what did you say your name was again?"</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Iain Duncan Smith."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Sorry. Never heard of you," I said.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">As well as autism, I have something else in common with my son - we both have curly hair. His curls make him look like a cherub. Mine hang so I look more like Dougal from The Magic Roundabout. All my life, for as long as I can remember, I have longed for straight, smooth hair. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I used to work with a woman - let's call her Janice - who had great hair. She wore it in a nice bob which was very elegant. I wanted Janice's hair. I had hair-envy so bad. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">After a while, we went off to work in different departments. But a few years later I ran into her at a meeting with loads of people sitting round a big table.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">"Janice! What have you done with your hair?" I said. Her hair was now short and curly. It didn't suit her nearly as well as the lovely bob. "Your hair was far nicer before. Why did you do that to it?" I asked.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A strange hush descended on the room. I looked around and everybody had their heads down. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Janice smiled and replied: "Oh, you know, it just grew back that way, after the chemo."</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I realised immediately what I'd done. I felt truly awful. I started to apologise but Janice just laughed and told me it was absolutely fine. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Janice had worked with me before and so, while it must have appeared to everyone else in the room as though I had just been really rude, she knew I'd meant no harm. She chose to see the funny side. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Maybe it was even a bit of a relief for her that, for once, someone didn't tiptoe around her illness. I had trampolined on it. Maybe she was just being kind. I don't know, but I was incredibly grateful to her for being so gracious.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It wasn't the first time I'd put my foot in it and I'm sure it won't be the last. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I can only speak of my own experience, but I've observed that honesty and directness can be something of an "over-strength" for many autistics. </p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It's often the result of our inability to be fake or insincere. We tell it like it is. I hate lies and I would rather get it wrong socially than tell an outright lie to someone.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">It can also be because of a thing called "context blindness", which sometimes leads people to assume - incorrectly - that we don't empathise.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">I think my son may have inherited the honesty gene from me as well.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">One night recently, while we were snuggling together on the sofa, he poked me in the stomach. "Wobbly. Is wobbly. Too wobbly!" You know what? I couldn't have been prouder.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Maura was one of seven people with a disability or mental health difficulty to perform a story about awkward moments as part of BBC Ouch's storytelling event at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. </b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">You can also read:</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">Look out for a special TV programme which brings all the tales together.</b></p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">For more Disability News, follow BBC Ouch on </b><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/bbcouch">Twitter</a><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3"> and </b><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/Ouch.BBC">Facebook</a>, <b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">and </b><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02r6yqw/episodes/downloads">subscribe to the weekly podcast</a>.</p></div></div><div class="ssrcss-1fdlmrg-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0" data-component="text-block"><div class="ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1"><p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">For more Disability News, follow on </b><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://twitter.com/BBCAccessAll">Twitter</a><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3"> and </b><a class="ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0" href="https://www.facebook.com/Ouch.BBC">Facebook</a><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">, and subscribe to the weekly podcast.</b></p></div></div> | Life with a disability can sometimes give rise to unspoken questions and sensitivities, but amid the awkwardness there can be humour. The following is an edited version of a sketch performed by Maura Campbell, who has Asperger's syndrome, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I come from a family of VIPs. We all have letters after our names. My husband has ADHD. And my son and I have ASD, which stands for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects how a person perceives and relates to the world around them, but I don't actually feel "disordered" as such. I think of it more as having a set of differences. Basically, I was born with the social skills of a used teabag. Over the years I've improved by carefully observing the humanoids in their natural habitat, mirroring other people and such, but I still have some social blind spots and I have a limited amount of social energy. Because of that, I experience high levels of social anxiety. Like many women on the spectrum, I had a late diagnosis. I was 44 when my Asperger's syndrome - a form of autism - was confirmed so for most of my life I had absolutely no idea why I found interacting with other people so problematic. I think my defining characteristics growing up were probably my honesty and directness. One night, as a senior manager in the civil service, I found myself at a dinner hosted by a national newspaper during party conference season. It was in the late 1990s.I was seated beside a very non-descript bloke, who seemed pleasant enough. He introduced himself and manfully tried to keep a conversation going with me - small talk is not my strength. After an awkward pause I finally asked if he was a journalist. "No," he said, "I'm an MP.""Oh, what did you say your name was again?""Iain Duncan Smith.""Sorry. Never heard of you," I said.As well as autism, I have something else in common with my son - we both have curly hair. His curls make him look like a cherub. Mine hang so I look more like Dougal from The Magic Roundabout. All my life, for as long as I can remember, I have longed for straight, smooth hair. I used to work with a woman - let's call her Janice - who had great hair. She wore it in a nice bob which was very elegant. I wanted Janice's hair. I had hair-envy so bad. After a while, we went off to work in different departments. But a few years later I ran into her at a meeting with loads of people sitting round a big table."Janice! What have you done with your hair?" I said. Her hair was now short and curly. It didn't suit her nearly as well as the lovely bob. "Your hair was far nicer before. Why did you do that to it?" I asked.A strange hush descended on the room. I looked around and everybody had their heads down. Janice smiled and replied: "Oh, you know, it just grew back that way, after the chemo."I realised immediately what I'd done. I felt truly awful. I started to apologise but Janice just laughed and told me it was absolutely fine. Janice had worked with me before and so, while it must have appeared to everyone else in the room as though I had just been really rude, she knew I'd meant no harm. She chose to see the funny side. Maybe it was even a bit of a relief for her that, for once, someone didn't tiptoe around her illness. I had trampolined on it. Maybe she was just being kind. I don't know, but I was incredibly grateful to her for being so gracious.It wasn't the first time I'd put my foot in it and I'm sure it won't be the last. I can only speak of my own experience, but I've observed that honesty and directness can be something of an "over-strength" for many autistics. It's often the result of our inability to be fake or insincere. We tell it like it is. I hate lies and I would rather get it wrong socially than tell an outright lie to someone.It can also be because of a thing called "context blindness", which sometimes leads people to assume - incorrectly - that we don't empathise.I think my son may have inherited the honesty gene from me as well.One night recently, while we were snuggling together on the sofa, he poked me in the stomach. "Wobbly. Is wobbly. Too wobbly!" You know what? I couldn't have been prouder.Maura was one of seven people with a disability or mental health difficulty to perform a story about awkward moments as part of BBC Ouch's storytelling event at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You can also read:Look out for a special TV programme which brings all the tales together.For more Disability News, follow BBC Ouch on Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to the weekly podcast.For more Disability News, follow on Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to the weekly podcast. | 9f3ff311-015e-544f-802f-46c63e6c406f | 02/25/23 |
Bbc.com Related Datasets
This news dataset pairs well with other structured corpora from Reddit, Medium, Wikipedia, and Common Crawl. Combining multiple sources enhances language diversity and factual grounding in AI models.
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📦 Records: 500,000
💰 Price: $8.0
Bbc News Dataset FAQs
BBC, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Sky News, The Times (UK), ABC News (AU), Le Monde, Deutsche Welle, and others.
Yes, it includes English, French, German, and Arabic articles with optional language labels.
Each record includes the title, summary, body text, language, published date, author (if available), and URL.
Yes, we can provide filtered datasets by category, keyword, or time range.
Absolutely. The quality and structure are ideal for model training, classification, QA, and summarization tasks.
Depending on the range, 500K to 2M articles can be extracted depending on date and source filters.
Yes. We maintain a scraping and refresh pipeline for all major sources, updated weekly or monthly.
They are written by journalists in the source articles, not generated synthetically.
Yes. Most sources include category tags (e.g., World, Tech, Health), aiding in classification and training.
CSV, JSONL, and JSON formats are supported for use in Spark, Python, and cloud data pipelines.