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entertainment-arts-43627316

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-43627316

The Aces: 'Not all girl bands are the same'

Cristal Ramirez is concerned.

By Mark SavageBBC Music reporter Recently, fans have been showing up at gigs sporting tattoos dedicated to The Aces, the band she formed with her sister when she was 10. "I feel like a worried mother," she laughs. "I'm like, 'Are you sure you want that on your body for the rest of your entire life?!' Luckily, the band's name lends itself to simple tattoos - an unobtrusive diamond or spade should do the trick - but it could have been much, much worse. They were initially called The Rock-On Pigeons. "Oh my God!" Cristal squeaks. "How did you find that out? You dug! You dug deep! "But yes, we were called that - before we ever started our band, when we were like eight years old. "Why pigeons? Why not eagles? The Rock-On Eagles! What an awesome name that would have been." And presumably an awesome, Ben Affleck-style full back tattoo. "Exactly!" So what have The Aces done to inspire such devotion from their fans? It's not just their insanely catchy, 80s-indebted guitar pop (imagine Paramore on a double date with Whitney Houston and Belinda Carlisle). And it's not just their four-girls-against-the-world camaraderie. The crucial factor is their lyrics, which capture the exhilaration and exhaustion of falling in (and out of) love with unblushing clarity. Recent single Volcanic Love is a simmering proclamation of lust - "the heat you left just won't subside" - where the curlicues of Katie Henderson's guitar riff snake around Cristal's combustible vocals. At the other end of the scale is Just Like That - a scathing kiss-off to an ex who's about to be erased from existence. "You can come get all your t-shirts, cause I don't like the way I look in them," the 22-year-old seethes, "And just like that - there's nothing left of you." The song was inspired by a friend who was going through a tough break-up, says Cristal, "but we've all had those moments where you're dating someone who just doesn't treat you right. "Your family sees it so clearly - and you know it in your gut - until it finally gets to that breaking point of, 'OK, I'm done caring. If you're going to act like this, I'm done. I'm going to disappear and it'll be easy for me.'" "But even though it's a heartbreaking song, I think it's very empowering," she adds. "It's like, 'I'm out. I deserve better'. It's an empowering, mid-tempo jam." Cristal has wanted to make music for a long as she can remember. As a child, her elder brother was in "a bunch of punk and metal bands" and, obsessed with the Jonas Brothers, she would sneak into his bedroom to "borrow" his guitar. "He'd yell at me all the time, 'I know you played this guitar, your fingerprints are all over it,'" she says, "even though I always cleaned it before I left." Her younger sister Alisa decided to be a drummer, commandeering a neighbour's kit and setting up jam sessions in their garage. "We'd just always go over there and play," she recalls. "It probably drove them insane." Cristal's best friend McKenna Petty later joined on bass ("she didn't have an idea what she was doing at all") and the line-up was completed by high school friend/guitar virtuoso Katie Henderson. "We were all friends before we were in a band, hanging out, and it was a nice, easy, natural transition," says the singer. Soon, they were performing at events and assemblies around their hometown of Provo, Utah. And, because the state is largely teetotal, they could play the town's major venues while they were still at school. Early songs were "rockier" and "simpler" than the polished melodies of their debut album - but they eventually succumbed to a shared love of 80s new wave, and sketched out the playful-but-pointed pop hooks of Volcanic Love and Stuck, the latter of which they released independently in 2016. "Stuck was done in 30 minutes," says Cristal. "but I think we knew we had something really special. The response and the feedback was crazy." Within six months, the quartet had been snapped up by Red Bull Records and Lorde's manager had offered to represent them. The usual cavalcade of gigs, photo shoots and radio appearances followed, along with the superbly-titled I Don't Like Being Honest EP. But, despite playing their own instruments and writing their own songs, The Aces were inevitably dismissed as a "just a girl band", with the implication they'd been put together by an oily record executive. "I find it interesting when people come up to us and say, 'I don't usually like girl bands,'" says Katie. "We're like, 'Girl bands aren't a genre of music! We don't all play the same thing!'" "But we've also had a lot of girls come up to us at shows and be like, 'It's so bad-ass what you're doing. Me and my friend want to start a band,'" says Cristal. "That's really flattering." The group tackle sexist misconceptions head on in the video for Physical, which gleefully skewers the clichéd portrayal of girl bands as pulchritudinous sex kittens. The band are pictured smearing on inch-thick face masks in a grotty motel room; and when Cristal gets to make out with a male model, she looks utterly unimpressed by the whole experience. But Katie steals the show when, sharing a bathroom with a flaxen-haired lover, she casually spits toothpaste into her own bathwater. "The funniest thing about that is, when we were filming that shot, that's not what Charli [Rutherford, director] wanted me to do," laughs the guitarist. "She was like, 'Well, that was kind of gross, but that was kind of epic'." The visuals fit perfectly with the song, which is "about is being bored of physicality," explains Cristal. "Not even necessarily hurt by it like, 'Oh you're using me' but 'I'm bored of you - we just make out, but there's nothing behind it and I want a real relationship.' "So there's a lot of eye-rolling in the video. It's very cheeky." While the band have perfected the art of the withering put-down, they're at their most heartfelt on the single Lovin' Is Bible - which was written in New York, as news broke of the London Bridge terror attack. "It was terrifying," recalls Cristal. "We have a bunch of family that live in London and my girlfriend has family in London - so everyone was like, 'Stop the session,' and we were texting to see if they were ok." The experience made them want to write a song about spreading love and healing divisions. "A lot of people, whether they grow up religious or not, I think they can sometimes forget that above your belief system, or whatever church you're going to, you just need to love people for who they are," Cristal picks up. "Don't try to make them accept your point of view, but try to understand their point of view. "We just wanted to talk about that: Loving should be your bible. That's definitely how we try to live our lives." Fans have been keen to repay that love - and not just in the form of tattoos. "We just got off a two-month North American tour and each night I'd look out in the crowd and they'd be fully singing along to a song we haven't released yet," says Cristal. "They could be detectives, I swear," observes her sister. "Like, this fan brought us treats to our show last night and she was like, 'I'm so sorry, I know you're lactose intolerant' and I'm like, 'How do you even know that!?'" "I'm even a little bit nervous about the future," says McKenna. "It's only going to get crazier." The Aces' debut album, When My Heart Felt Volcanic, is released on Friday, 6 April. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected].

uk-politics-38639225

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-38639225

Trump interview: Is Donald helping Theresa?

Does it help?

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter On the face of it, on some of the front pages at least, it seems a slam dunk. Before Theresa May gives an important speech on Tuesday outlining her plan for the tortuous process of taking us out of the European Union, there has been a big thumbs-up for Brexit (literally- in the picture he had taken with Michael Gove) from the most powerful individual in the world. On top of that, Donald Trump, who'll be in charge from Friday, breezily promises a trade deal with the United States that can be sorted out without further ado. Since the social and diplomatic embarrassments of Nigel Farage's freelance trips to Trump Tower, Number 10 seems to have worked to get the president-elect on board, and his comments in his Times interview to former cabinet minister Michael Gove seem to illustrate success - with the groundwork prepared for a visit between Mr Trump and Mrs May soon after the inauguration. Mr Trump repeated his wholehearted support for the idea of the UK leaving the European Union, and his comments to the Times suggested he would be in the UK's corner. No prime minister would want to make an enemy of an American president, so who wouldn't want an endorsement like this? But, as officials in Brussels and leaders around the EU seek to stick together before getting down to business with the talks with the UK, the government may also be wary about being seen to be cosying up too closely to President Trump. Mrs May shares some of his analysis of many voters' disillusionment with what she describes as the "privileged few". But the similarities don't run deep, and for voters, Mr Trump appals as much as he inspires. For some in Brussels, Mr Trump's support for Brexit may only harden them against the UK. Diplomacy is a sensitive and complicated business, not used to the brashness of this billionaire. The European Commission has already piled in to say that it's not possible to make any agreements before the UK has left the EU. Even Downing Street said today it would "abide by our obligations" and committed only to early conversations. The president-elect's straightforward promise that a trade deal can be done with Mrs May without delay may come to haunt them both.

uk-politics-54162154

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54162154

Coronavirus: A testing time for ministers

No government wants scenes like this.

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter Families in Oldham, where there has been particular concern about the spread of coronavirus, are boiling over with frustration that they can't access tests. Not least a government that promised the public its testing system would be better than any other country's in the world. Not least a government that believes a properly functioning testing system is vital to keeping kids back in school and climbing out of recession as quickly as possible. Not least a government that knows testing is a crucial way to monitor and control the virus that saw such a terrible loss of life in the grim spring that we have all just lived through. The challenges are obvious. The system was scrambled together in a matter of months. There seem to be problems with capacity in labs. Huge numbers of people are now getting tested. Demand has soared, with children going back to school, and ministers having initially encouraged people to come forward. The government has been trying to move testing capacity around to areas where its most needed, promising now to deliver 100,000 tests a day to care homes, where people are particularly vulnerable. But with varying statistics, it can be hard to work out exactly what is going on. There is a mountain of anecdotal evidence of real frustration with the system, but this is what we know for sure. One Cabinet minister told me yesterday it's a "classic government problem" where demand for a public service outstrips supply. That minister was confident that "underneath the noise" the majority of people are getting the service they need and when they need it. But in the House of Commons today you couldn't help but bump into MPs from all parties full of complaints from constituents about a lack of access. Claims from Jacob Rees Mogg today, that the system is a "national success" don't exactly scream empathy with people stuck in the system. And after a painful few months for many people in all sorts of ways, public patience is not elastic. The prime minister last week even promised by early next year there could be 10 million tests a day. But overpromising and underdelivering is not a reputation any government desires.

world-africa-16908628

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-16908628

Profile: Commonwealth of Nations - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1926 - Imperial Conference: UK and its dominions agree they are "equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations." 1930 - First Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada. 1931 - British parliament enacts the Statute of Westminster, which proclaims the Commonwealth a free association of self-governing dominions united by a common allegiance to the British Crown. 1948 - Ireland leaves the Commonwealth on becoming a republic. 1949 - Commonwealth prime ministers issue the London Declaration, which changes membership from one based on common allegiance to the British Crown to one in which members agree to recognise the British monarch as head of the Commonwealth, rather than as their head of state. 1961 - South Africa withdraws from the Commonwealth after it is criticised by many members for its apartheid policies. 1965 - Commonwealth Secretariat set up in London. 1971 - Singapore Declaration of shared principles is adopted; it includes commitments to individual liberty, freedom from racism, peace, economic and social development, and international cooperation. 1972 - Pakistan leaves the Commonwealth in protest at the latter's recognition of Bangladeshi independence. Rejoins in 1989. 1977 - Adoption of Gleneagles Agreement discouraging sporting contacts with South Africa because of its apartheid policies. 1979 - Lusaka Declaration on Racism and Racial Prejudice issued. 1987 - Fiji suspended from Commonwealth following the overthrow of its government. 1989 - Pakistan rejoins. 1991 - Harare Declaration adds democracy, good government and human rights to the Commonwealth's shared principles. 1994 - South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth following the end of apartheid. 1995 - Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) set up to deal with persistent and serious violators of the Commonwealth's shared principles; Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth after it sentenced to death the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and a group of fellow activists. 1997 - Fiji reinstated after it adopts new constitution more in line with Commonwealth's shared principles. 1999 May - Nigeria reinstated after its return to civilian rule. 1999 October - Pakistan suspended because of military take-over. 2000 - Fiji suspended again after a coup by rebel leader George Speight. It is readmitted in December 2001. 2001 October - Commonwealth ministers visiting Zimbabwe say they think the government has done little to honour commitments to end a crisis over seizures of white-owned land. 2002 March - Zimbabwe is suspended for a year over President Robert Mugabe's controversial re-election. A Commonwealth observer group had strongly condemned the conduct of the poll, though observers from other African countries endorsed the elections as "transparent, free and fair". 2003 March - Zimbabwe's suspension extended to December 2003. 2003 December - Zimbabwe's suspension extended indefinitely. Zimbabwean government responds by announcing country is pulling out of Commonwealth for good. 2004 May - Pakistan readmitted. 2006 December - Fiji suspended from attending Commonwealth meetings over a military coup. 2007 November - Pakistan is suspended for a second time after President Musharraf declares a state of emergency and sacks top judges. 2008 May - Pakistan's suspension is lifted; Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group says the government has taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations. 2009 September: Fiji fully suspended from membership after military ruler refuses to schedule elections for 2010. 2009 November - Rwanda joins the Commonwealth after applying for membership in 2008. Despite having no historical ties to Britain the country was allowed in as recognition of its "tremendous progress" since the genocide of 1994, the Commonwealth Secretariat said. 2011 November - The British parliament's foreign affairs select committee recommends better representation for Crown Dependencies such as the Channel Islands in the Commonwealth. 2012 January - The Commonwealth calls for credible elections in Fiji, after military ruler Voreqe Bainimarama announces plans to end martial law and hold elections in 2014. Fiji remains suspended from the Commonwealth and is the subject of international sanctions. 2012 December - The Commonwealth adopts its first-ever formal charter, committing members to 16 core values of democracy, gender equality, sustainable development and international peace and security. 2013 October - Gambia announces its withdrawal from the Commonwealth. 2013 November - Member countries are urged to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka in November because of the host's human rights record. At the summit, Sri Lanka and Britain clash over how to deal with allegations of war crimes at the end the Sri Lankan civil war but a final communique makes no mention of the controversy. 2014 April - Canada says it is suspending twenty million dollars in funding to the Commonwealth while Sri Lanka chairs the group, because of human rights concerns in that country. 2014 September - Fiji re-instated as a member after holding parliamentary elections.

health-52878816

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-52878816

Coronavirus: How dangerous is lifting lockdown?

Lockdown is starting to ease.

By James GallagherHealth and science correspondent Across the UK we can meet more people, while in England some children are back in school and car showrooms and open-air markets have reopened. But some scientists, even those advising government, have been in mutinous mood - saying ministers are acting too soon. And the lifting of restrictions has been described as a "dangerous moment" even by England's deputy chief medical officer. So how perilous a position are we in? Things are far better than when lockdown came in. There were an estimated 100,000 new infections every day in England on 23 March, the day when Boris Johnson announced strict curbs on our daily lives. That compares with around 8,000 daily infections at the moment. "It's somewhere in the range of 10-fold fewer, but that's still considerable," Dr Adam Kurcharski from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine told the BBC. The speed at which the virus is spreading is also much slower. The R number - the average number of people each infected person passes the virus onto - was around three when lockdown came in. That meant 10 people were passing coronavirus onto 30 others. Now the R is around 0.7-0.9, meaning 10 people would be expected to pass it onto around eight others. However, a comparison by the University of Oxford suggests the UK is in one of the worst positions globally for exiting lockdown. And it is notable the government's own coronavirus alert system for England remains at "Level 4" rather than "Level 3" when social distancing restrictions would be relaxed. What's the danger? The chief science adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, warns there is "not a lot of room" for manoeuvre and the data "urges caution". R is close to one - the tipping point where cases increase again and "we are still seeing new infections every day at quite a significant rate". Relaxing lockdown means we will come into contact with more people and that increases the opportunity for the virus to spread. The restrictions being eased are expected to have a small role in spreading coronavirus, but their precise impact is unknown. Uncertainty is a particular issue with schools. The government's evidence on reopening them could not put a figure on the impact. There is also uncertainty about how we will react to the loosening of the rules. Behavioural scientists advising the government already estimate only half of people are isolating for seven days when they become sick. Why are scientists concerned? Throughout the pandemic, the scientists and politicians have been following the same script. But there is now a clear, loud and public split between some of those advising government and those "following the science". More than a dozen Sage committee members, who advise government, have spoken out, saying we should wait until test and trace is fully working and cases have come down. "Essentially, we're lifting the lid on a boiling pan and it's just going to bubble over," argued Prof Calum Semple. There is a significant consequence to lifting lockdown now - it may lock us into the current number of cases. There are approximately 8,000 infections a day. If easing restrictions raises the R number close to one, then we will continue to have around 8,000 infections every day. Waiting until cases fall further would make the virus easier to control and give more time to react if there was a "second wave". However, that requires keeping a painful lockdown for longer. What about contact tracing? There is also uncertainty about how effective contact tracing will be in the UK. The aim is to replace lockdown for all with isolation for some, by rapidly identifying and quarantining anyone who comes into close contact with someone infected. The strategy is seen as one of the key reasons some Asian countries have excelled at controlling coronavirus (South Korea has around 270 deaths compared with more than 39,000 in the UK). However, there is a danger in expecting identical results. The UK is not using GPS tracking to ensure people do as they are told, like South Korea, or taking people to quarantine centres as they do in Hong Kong. Speed is crucial in order to find contacts before they become infectious, yet there are concerns about how long home testing takes in the UK. And an analysis of South Korea's strategy, by Imperial College London, suggests mass testing when a cluster of cases appears in one area was more influential than tracing contacts. Estimates of the effectiveness of test and trace vary widely, from a 5% to a 30% reduction in infections, depending on how optimistic the number crunching. Will we get a second wave? The number of people that have been infected remains low, so any immunity is also low. That means there is the potential for a second wave, but whether it happens depends on both government decisions and how we react. The plan is to gradually introduce measures and then monitor what happens. "With a cautious, piecemeal approach, I think the risk of a major increase is not particularly high; let's not call it a second wave, let's call it a second bump," said Prof Mark Woolhouse from the University of Edinburgh. A sudden surge in cases is considered unlikely. Dr Kucharski said: "I don't think we'll see a huge, exponential increase in numbers in a couple of weeks. "It may take some time for that to happen if transmission is in clusters; it will be late summer or autumn or even winter, depending on what happens. It may be we're in for a long haul." Follow James on Twitter

world-latin-america-37151035

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37151035

Rio Olympics: Cutest animals, and other alternative prizes

Women's marathon

Who were the sorest losers, who showed the truest sporting spirit, and which uninvited animal guests were the cutest? As the Rio Olympics has ended, take a look at our alternative prizes. Most confusing race for spectators Hang on. Didn't she just run past? The women's marathon featured one set of triplets and two sets of twins. Liina, Lily and Leila Luik competed against each other for Estonia. The country was allowed to send three marathon runners to the Games - the three it stumped for just happen to be identical. "I am happy when my sisters are doing well," one of them told the BBC back in May. We're not sure which one, though. German twins Anna and Lisa Hahner crossed the finish line holding hands in a show of sisterly love and support - or a trivialisation of the sport, if you ask some po-faced officials and newspaper columnists in their home country. The fastest of the identical sisters running in the marathon were Kim Hye-song and Kim Hye-gyong of North Korea - they ran together every single step of the way and finished at exactly the same time, down to the hundredth of a second. But because there's no space for joint results, they were logged as arriving tenth and eleventh. Hye-song's name is first in the official rankings. There's no word on how Hye-gyong feels about that. Neatest redemption Brazil football team Who could forget the merciless 7-1 drubbing that Germany's football team handed out to their hosts two years ago, at Rio's World Cup semi-finals? The Olympics gave Brazil a chance to get their own back on the world champions. The score wasn't as astounding - just 5-4 - but hey, they beat Germany on penalties. Hardly anyone ever gets to say that. Special mention has to go to Brazil's Neymar. He scored the winning penalty, just weeks after Brazil fans had been crossing his name off their shirts in disgust at a dry spell from the star forward. Brazil beat Germany on penalties to lift gold Brazil's footballers exorcise demons Worst losers Ah, this is a good one. We had a few stellar contenders here. This is what we settled on for the top spots. Gold - Coaches for the Mongolian wrestler Mandakhnaran Ganzorig Absolute scenes. Here's what happened. Ganzorig was winning. He was leading against his opponent, Ikhtiyor Navruzov of Uzbekistan, by seven points to six, and was on his way to a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling for his weight class. But he celebrated too soon - he danced around Navruzov for the last 18 seconds and, alas, the judges penalised him for not engaging in the fight. Then, after his corner appealed, the judges just gave the medal to Navruzov. Ganzorig's coaches exploded with rage, took their shoes off to throw them at the floor, and ended up stripping in protest. He didn't get the medal back. Watch the footage here (UK viewers only) Silver - Robert Bauer, German footballer Oh, dear. As his country lost to Brazil in the men's football finals, Germany midfielder Robert Bauer held seven fingers up in clear reference to that World Cup game two years ago when the shoe was so firmly on the other foot. Possibly not Bauer's finest moment. He has since apologised and we have to say, his apology was quite classy. On Instagram, he wrote: "During the game I acted emotionally. If I have offended anyone with this action, I offer 1,000 apologies. "It was a huge pleasure to play football in this country that is so receptive and with such happy people. "I congratulate all the Brazilian people for the gold medal." Classiest of all, he wrote it in Portuguese. Bronze - Hope Solo, US women's football It was 16 years since the US women's soccer team had lost at the Olympics, so you can see why it hurt. Goalkeeper Hope Solo didn't respond too magnanimously, though. After her team lost to Sweden on penalties in the quarter finals, she told reporters the Swedes had been "a bunch of cowards" and "the best team did not win". She later tweeted that "losing sucks". Athletes who failed to accept their losses Cutest animal pitch invasion Gold - Capybaras on the golf course What's a capybara, I hear you ask. Only the biggest rodent in the world. No wait, that makes them sound worse than they are. Imagine a giant guinea pig that's really good at swimming, and you have the capybara. They roamed across the Olympic golf course and were spotted in the background during training and competition. There is a lot of water around the course, so it makes sense. Silver - Owls at the golf course What else is there a lot of on the golf course? Sand. Enter the burrowing owl. These wide-eyed critters made their homes in Olympic golf bunkers - and stayed throughout the Games. Bronze - flying fish at the rowing lagoon This intrepid fish was spotted on the BBC's footage of the rowing at the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Team GB rower Lizzy Yarnold tweeted a screen-grab. Olympics venues deal with some unusual visitors Most impressive breakthrough Simone Biles, USA, gymnastics At the London Olympics in 2012, there was no Simone Biles. She was still 15 years old, waiting in the wings for her moment. And isn't this her moment. Now, she is the USA's golden girl. Biles won four gold medals and one bronze at Rio, and has captured imaginations around the world with her stunning artistic gymnastics and her smiling, bubbly personality. Why Simone Biles is the best at the Games Who is Simone Biles? Most uplifting story Yusra Mardini, refugee team, swimming - she competed in Rio a year after fleeing Syria and having to swim to save her life. Most lovable athlete Fu Yuanhui, China, swimming - her expression of joy at winning bronze and the fact she broke a sporting taboo by discussing her period won her plenty of fans in Rio. How Chinese athletes opened up on social media Marked political moments When Ethiopia's Feryisa Lilesa made a protest gesture Lilesa's gesture might mean nothing to you, but in Ethiopia it expresses solidarity with a tribal group that has suffered brutal police crackdowns. Lilesa said: "The Ethiopian government is killing my people so I stand with all protests anywhere." He said he might have to move to another country after speaking out. When the Egyptian left the Israeli hanging Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby was sent home from Rio after he refused to shake the hand of an Israeli opponent Or Sasson, the IOC said. But Egypt's judo federation said he had come home when he was scheduled to. El Shehaby had been under pressure at home to withdraw from the bout altogether and went for the softer option - but his pointed gesture was booed by the crowd. All the times locals protested against Brazil's president Brazil is in the midst of a massive political crisis. The president who expected to oversee the Games, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended from office pending an impeachment trial. Her supporters booed the interim president Michel Temer and displayed banners with the words "Fora Temer" - Portuguese for Temer Out. Newest competitors Kosovo Judoka Majlinda Kelmendi won gold. Not bad for the country's first-ever appearance at the Games - but then, Kelmendi had already competed at Olympic level. In 2012, before Kosovo was recognised at the Olympics, she fought under the Albanian flag - she has dual nationality, and the geopolitics are complicated - but did not make it past the preliminary rounds. Refugee team IOC president Thomas Bach said the 10 refugee athletes who competed under the flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were selected to "send a message of hope to all the refugees of the world". They included marathon runner Yonas Kinde, who said the team competed "as equal human beings". None of them won any medals. But runner Yiech Pur Biel, who escaped civil war and then lived in a refugee camp for 10 years, said the important of the team went beyond winning. Before Rio 2016 even began, he said: "Sport gave me a sense of belonging. Even if I don't get gold or silver, I will show the world that, as a refugee, you can do something." Most impressive individual records Gold - Michael Phelps, 23 medals (not in these Games but in total, obviously) Silver - Usain Bolt, the treble treble Bronze - the highest-achieving Olympic couple ever Most sportsmanlike behaviour Gold - Nikki Hamblin and Abbey d'Agostino, who helped each other after colliding in the 5,000m, and were rewarded for their behaviour Silver - 50km race walker Evan Dunfee of Canada, who chose not to appeal for a bronze medal, despite being eligible to do so, saying he "would not have been able to receive that medal with a clear conscience". Bronze - Lee Eun-ju and Hong Un-jong, the gymnasts from South and North Korea who posed for a selfie despite their countries' animosity

business-39424166

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-39424166

Dover delays: Could they become the norm?

Operation Stack. Every day. For perpetuity.

Simon JackBusiness editor That was the stark warning sent by the head of the Port of Dover to UK and European politicians on the eve of Article 50. That is the trigger that fires a two-year countdown for the beginning of the end of the UK's membership of the European Union and with it the border agreements that put European goods on UK shelves and vice versa. His warnings are not the ravings of a Brexit pessimist. They are a clear message to governments, both here and in France, that the cost of failure in agreeing new rules in the currently frictionless movement of stuff between here and our biggest trading partner, the EU, could be severe. The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has already highlighted customs checks as a key obstacle to trade. Tim Waggott, the CEO of the port of Dover is confident that a clear and sensible solution is available. "The answer is some form of passport for goods, a technology-based solution that effectively gives us advanced information about what is moving from where, and to where." The alternative could be grim. During French industrial action and occasional bursts of bad weather in the English Channel, this major artery of trade (17% of all traded goods in the UK arrive or leave through Dover) has suffered blockages which have clogged the bloodstream of the UK economy. Tim Waggott said the consequences would be nationwide. "The Armageddon scenario would be jobs being lost in the Midlands Engine or the Northern Powerhouse. In 2015 we saw Operation Stack in place for an unprecedented 30-plus days. We will see that every day of the year, in perpetuity, if we don't get this situation sorted." 'Transitional arrangement' It's not a question of whether you are pessimistic or optimistic about the UK's prospects outside the EU. It's not something measured against long-term ideology but now measured against the clock. If proper negotiations don't start soon, time to sort these practical border issues will slip through the hourglass. That is time that Tim Waggott doesn't believe we have and requires an early acknowledgement that we can't set sail off a cliff. "Two years isn't a long time, IT systems take a long time to deliver. Certainly we will need some sort of transitional arrangement to make this work." That idea is unpopular with many Brexiteers as it's seen to encourage procrastination - a sort of negotiating purgatory which will delay ad infinitum and ad nauseam the clean break they prefer. For those who live anywhere near Dover, Operation Stack needs no explanation - a backlog of HGV vehicles which backs on to the M20 and severely interrupts traffic in the transport intensive South East. It also costs manufacturers and retailers who rely on "just in time" deliveries of everything from car components to cabbages. No-one wants that scenario. Given the two-way trade, long queues of lorries in Dover mean long queues in Northern France. The mutually assured trade destruction that failed negotiations would bring about should sharpen pragmatic instincts on both sides of the table. The problem is time. That is one commodity already in short supply. To use Nick Clegg's analogy, European negotiations are often like a Rubik's cube. It's not done till it's all done. Nothing is agreed till everything is agreed. Add that thought to the reality that there are crucial elections in France and Germany in the next few months and it seems unlikely that the important business of trade with the UK will eclipse European leaders' first priority to stay in power. 'Terrible shame' Some business leaders see the triggering of Article 50 as an overdue call on UK business to focus on faster-growing markets beyond the EU. Sir James Dyson, of the fast-growing electrical products company that bears his surname is clear. "Europe is important but it's only a part of the market. What is much more important is the rest of the world… I am a patriot, which is why I'm keen to reconnect with the Commonwealth. These are people who supported us in the last world war and on whom we turned our backs in the 1970s (when we joined the EEC). I think that was a terrible shame." He is putting his money where his mouth is - investing £2.5bn over the next five years in new facilities in Wiltshire to double his 3,500-strong workforce and a business seeing sales grow at 40% year-on-year. Critics say that his business model suits a Commonwealth-friendly sales pitch. Dyson vacuums, fans and hairdryers may be designed in the UK but they are built in the Far East. He may be cleaning up around the world, but for businesses that rely on obstacle-free access to Europe, preventing any blockages will be of paramount importance.

business-24539212

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-24539212

The race for China's currency

Britain is late to the party.

Linda YuehChief business correspondent But the chancellor, George Osborne, sees London winning the race to be the global hub for the Chinese currency - known as the yuan or renminbi (RMB) - and says that win will be important for "generations of Britons" to come. Speaking to the BBC, the chancellor has admitted that the UK has been slow when it comes to China. He blames his predecessors over the past 10-15 years for not doing enough and relying too much on Europe. But he says that he has made it his personal mission since coming to office to rebalance the economy. He's right that British exports have doubled in the past three years, but as I have written before, China is one of the top three contributors to the British trade deficit. The UK sells China much less than it buys from the world's second largest economy. On his eye-catching announcement today that London is in position to become the global trading hub for the Chinese RMB, Mr Osborne tells me that he thinks the Chinese RMB will become almost as familiar as the US dollar in his lifetime. He claims that this will benefit all of Britain, not just London, because it helps the financial services industry in places such as Edinburgh and Manchester. The announcement, though, contains just a couple of small steps. One of the steps is that the UK will be able to invest directly in China using the RMB - up to 80bn RMB initially. It will be the first place outside of Hong Kong to be able to do so under what's rather inelegantly called the RQFII (RMB Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor) scheme. The second step is that Chinese banks will begin discussions with the British regulator, the Prudential Regulatory Authority, to set up branches in Britain. The chancellor told me that it would be up to the Chinese side as to whether they will lend in the retail sector. You can see Robert Peston's thoughts on that here. These moves are not to be sniffed at in terms of progress, but there is still a long way to go before the Chinese currency is sufficiently loosened from government control. It is not a currency that can be traded freely at present. As London's position in the global foreign exchange market is one of its strengths (London accounts for 62% of the market), it is important for it to attract RMB business. The currency of the world's second largest economy may well begin to rival that of the largest economy in due course. The question will be whether the Chinese will be willing to have another country be the international hub for it when the government is promoting Shanghai as a future international financial centre. The answer to this question will matter if the chancellor is right and will affect generations of Britons.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19359111

Brazil profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1500 - Portuguese land in the area and claim it for the Portuguese crown. 1822 - Son of Portuguese king declares independence from Portugal and crowns himself Peter I, Emperor of Brazil. 1888 - Slavery abolished. Large influx of European immigrants over the next decade. 1889 - Monarchy overthrown, federal republic established with central government controlled by coffee interests. Brazil produces 65% of world's coffee by 1902. Vargas period 1930 - Revolt places Getulio Vargas at head of provisional revolutionary government. 1937 - President Vargas leads coup, rules as dictator with military backing. Economy placed under state control, start of social welfare revolution. 1939-45 - Brazil initially declares itself neutral but in 1943 joins Allies in World War II. 1945 - President Vargas ousted in military coup. New constitution returns power to states. 1951 - Getulio Vargas re-elected president, but faces stiff opposition. 1954 - President Vargas commits suicide after military gives him the options of resigning or being overthrown. 1956-61 - President Juscelino Kubitschek achieves rapid economic growth. 1960 - President Kubitschek moves capital to Brasilia. 1960 - Janio Quadros elected president, but resigns after several months, plunging country into constitutional crisis. Succeeded by left-wing vice-president, Joao Goulart. Military rule 1964 - President Goulart ousted in bloodless coup, flees into exile. Military rule associated with repression but also with rapid economic growth based on state-ownership of key sectors. 1974 - General Ernesto Geisel becomes president, introduces reforms which allow limited political activity and elections. 1985 - Tancredo Neves chosen as first civilian president in 21 years under military-run electoral college, but dies before he can be inaugurated. His vice-president Jose Sarney becomes president, and struggles to cope with inflation. 1988 - New constitution reduces presidential powers. Economic woes 1989 - Fernando Collor de Mello becomes first directly-elected president since 1960. Introduces radical economic reform, but improvements fail to materialise, and inflation remains out of control. Foreign debt payments are suspended. 1992 - President Collor resigns after being accused of corruption, of which he is later cleared. Replaced by vice-president Itamar Franco. 1994 - Fernando Henrique Cardoso elected president after helping to bring inflation under control as finance minister. He distributes land among the poor, but causes controversy over allowing indigenous land claims to be challenged. 1997 - Constitution changed to allow president to run for re-election. 1998 - President Cardoso re-elected. IMF provides rescue package after economy hit by collapse of Asian stock markets. Lula elected 2002 October - Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula, wins presidential elections to head first left-wing government for more than 40 years. 2003 August - Space rocket explodes on the ground at the Alcantara launch base, killing 21 people. 2004 April - Wave of land invasions, dubbed "Red April" by landless campaigners. 2004 October - Brazil launches its first space rocket. 2005 February - Murder of US-born missionary and campaigner for Amazon peasant farmers Dorothy Stang throws conflict over land and resources in Amazon into spotlight. Government unveils plan to protect part of region from encroachment. 2005 June-August - Corruption allegations rock the governing Workers' Party. A wave of resignations ensues. 2005 October - Voters in a referendum reject a proposal to ban the sale of firearms. 2006 October - President Lula is re-elected. 2008 May - Environment minister Marina Silva resigns, after conflicts with the government over Amazon development. 2008 July - A congressional commission rejects a bid to legalise abortion in the world's most populous Catholic nation. 2008 August - Government launches scheme offering cash payments and immunity for illegal weapons, in an effort to get 300,000 guns off the streets. 2009 July - Brazil and Paraguay reach a deal to end their long-running dispute over the cost of energy from the giant Itaipu hydro-electric plant on their border. 2009 October - The government says it is to set up a truth commission to investigate abuses committed during military rule in Brazil from 1964 to 1985. 2010 August - Brazil gives formal approval for construction of controversial hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest, expected to be the world's third largest. First woman president 2010 October - Dilma Rousseff, of President Lula's Workers' Party, wins second round run-off to become Brazil's first female president. 2011 January - Opening of road connecting Brazil's Atlantic coast with Peru's Pacific seaboard. 2011 May - Chamber of Deputies votes to ease restrictions on the amount of land farmers must preserve as forest, raising fears of further deforestation in the Amazon. 2011 June - Government launches Brasil Sem Miseria (Brazil Without Poverty) welfare scheme, aimed at lifting millions out of extreme poverty. 2012 August - Parliament approves affirmative action law for universities that requires them to reserve 50% of their places for state school students, and increases the number of spaces allotted to black, mixed-race and indigenous students. 2012 October - Brazil enacts controversial law meant to protect forests and force farmers to replant trees on scattered swathes of illegally cleared land. Aspects of the law are criticised by both the farm lobby and environmentalists. Civil unrest 2013 June - A wave of protests sweeps the country. People take to the streets in dozens of cities to demonstrate over poor public services, rising public transport costs and expense of staging the 2014 World Cup. The protests continue into the autumn. 2013 October - The rights to explore Brazil's biggest oilfield are awarded to a consortium led by the state-run energy giant Petrobas backed by French, Anglo-Dutch and Chinese firms. President under pressure 2014 October - Dilma Rousseff wins another term as president. 2015 March - Petrobras state oil company implicated in massive corruption scandal that brings hundreds of thousands onto the streets in protest at President Rousseff, who was company chairperson during the period in question. 2016 February - World Health Organisation declares a global public health emergency following an outbreak of the Zika virus centred on Brazil. 2016 August - Olympic Games are held in Rio de Janeiro. Senators vote to remove President Dilma Rousseff from office for illegally using money from state banks to bankroll public spending. Michel Temer is sworn in to serve the rest of her term to 1 January 2019. 2016 November - Violent anti-austerity protests take place outside the Brazilian Congress. 2016 December - Senate approves 20-year government spending freeze billed as the centrepiece of the government austerity reforms aimed at restoring economic health to Brazil. 2018 April - Former president Lula da Silva is imprisoned for corruption, which makes him ineligible to run for president in October. 2018 October - Far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins presidential election over Workers' Party candidate, takes office in January 2019. 2020 March - President Bolsonaro causes controversy by refusing to support measures to halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

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Are Christian converts seeking asylum getting a raw deal?

Can you reel off the Ten Commandments?

Dominic CascianiHome affairs correspondent@BBCDomCon Twitter If someone is asking the UK for protection as a refugee because they've converted to Christianity, should they know the answer? The all-party parliamentary group on international religious freedom says asylum claims from converts to Christianity are being dealt with unfairly precisely because of questions like these. It says that too often officials are asking about Bible trivia, rather than probing what someone really believes. And this "lack of understanding of religion and belief" is leading to the wrong people being rejected - meaning they could be forced out when they have genuinely been persecuted. Mohammed, an Iranian asylum seeker convert, is fighting to stay in the UK. His claim was rejected following his asylum interview. "One question they asked me was very strange - what colour was the cover of the Bible," he says. "I knew there were different colours. The one I had was red. They asked me questions I was not able to answer - for example, what are the Ten Commandments. I could not name them all from memory." When someone turns up for an asylum interview, the assessors have to decide whether what they're told adds up to a reasonably likely account. The caseworker doesn't have to be sure of every detail and in the case of religious claimants, the guidance says they're not required to ask anything other than "basic knowledge questions". Living faith But why shouldn't the Home Office, which runs the asylum system, reasonably expect claimants to know basic facts from the Bible? "The problem with those questions is that if you are not genuine you can learn the answers, and if you are genuine, you may not know the answers," says Baroness Berridge, who heads the parliamentary group behind the report. "When the system did move on to ask about the lived reality of people's faith, we then found that caseworkers, who are making decisions which can be life or death for people, were not properly supported and trained properly." There are no official figures on asylum claims on religious grounds but anecdotal evidence suggests the vast majority are probably former Muslims who have turned to Christianity. Another large group of claimants are members of the Ahmadi Muslim sect who are persecuted in Pakistan. Rev Mark Miller, who has a large congregation of Iranian converts in Stockton-on-Tees, has advised the Home Office on how to handle such claims. Many of his congregation will have first experienced the faith in secret meetings in private homes. "The asylum assessors have a real challenge on their hands," he says. "If you've come to faith in an underground house church, where you've been able to borrow a New Testament for a week and have encountered the risen Lord Jesus, you're not going to know when the date of Pentecost is. "They should be trying to understand the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge," he says. "They should be asking questions that help them to understand why someone has left behind the faith of their upbringing and the faith of their family." But isn't it still possible to play the system? Can't anyone just pretend to have found God? Mohammed in Yorkshire, like others, was baptised in Greece on his way to Britain. Recent mass conversions in Germany, have fuelled fears that it's just a big scam. Wilson Chowdhry of the British Pakistani Christian Association says he's had occasional suspicions of bogus converts - people who attend services until they've convinced the Home Office they're genuine. But he says that they are a rare sight for two reasons: there are so few converts in the first place and those who do switch can face awful prejudice in their own communities. "If you take Pakistani Christians, they're among the most severely persecuted for apostasy [the act of abandoning Islam]. There are other ways of trying to stay in the UK - you would not choose to be persecuted in your own community here, as well as at home. "I believe that there are still some suspicions [in the global church] about whether someone has converted genuinely - and when many do convert they receive little support." The Home Office is studying the parliamentary group's report. It hasn't formally commented yet other than to underline that the guidance is regularly reviewed to take into account the views of religious groups. It has no plans at present to record figures for asylum applications by converts because many claims rely on a combination of complex or overlapping factors. As for Mohammed, if he's asked again what makes a Christian, what will he tell officials? "To know whether someone is a real believer or not, you have to look at the fruit in their lives," he says. "The fruit is love and humility... when people come here wounded and in fear and trembling, what they most need is to receive love."

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49033157

'Gaukeward' squad joins fight against no-deal Brexit

The goodies have become the baddies.

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter In a taste of what and whom the still hypothetical Boris Johnson premiership is likely to face, the new rebel alliance in Parliament has shown its strength - winning a vote that would make it harder for the next PM to shut down Parliament to get round its likely opposition to leaving the EU without a deal. And in political terms, it's an all-star cast list, populated with former Remainer ministers - the new "Gaukeward" squad, so-called after the until-recently achingly loyal Justice Secretary, David Gauke. They are a currently powerful significant slice of the Conservative Party that, with years of ministerial experience between them, is willing to join forces with opposition MPs to make life harder for their next leader. One of them, Digital Minister Margot James, who is part of Jeremy Hunt's campaign, even quit her job to back the plan. Seventeen Tories voted against the government. And many others abstained, including four cabinet ministers - among them Chancellor Philip Hammond and the Remainers' darling, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart. Warming up Those ministers are highly likely to be shoved out of government next week in any case - or, as I understand it, are already planning to congratulate Mr Johnson in one breath next Tuesday, then make it clear with the next that they'd never serve under him, denying the Brexiteers the pleasure of actually witnessing them being sacked. But today's vote suggests they have no plans to go quietly. They might be losing their comfy ministerial cars and giving up the red boxes, but they will still have votes. Insiders suggests even the chancellor was ringing round this morning, pressing his colleagues to abstain. We can be sure that ministers who passionately made the case inside government against leaving without a deal are warming up to make it loudly on the benches outside. And, just as Theresa May was plagued by the lack of majority, so will her successor be. Whoever is in charge, they have almost no wriggle room in Parliament. Remember, however, this vote was not straightforwardly about blocking no deal. Rather, it was an attempt by MPs to prevent any attempt to sideline them in those circumstances by proroguing, or temporarily shutting the Commons down. It would be enormously controversial to do so, although not completely unprecedented. That's why suspending Parliament is still something that most confidants of Mr Johnson say needs to be on the table - but is absolutely not a measure they want to pursue. Today's changes are not inked in yet - the bill still needs to go up the gilded corridor back to the House of Lords. But today's results are notable because of the level of resistance, and also because there does not seem to have been a concerted push at this stage by Mr Johnson's allies to control the rebellion. One ally, frustrated at this seeming lack of effort, told me: "If he's not willing to lay down the law now, when will he be? He'll never be stronger. Hopefully he'll be braver." During his campaign, the frontrunner to be PM has made a great play of his belief that the political mood has changed, that Parliament might now be ready to allow him to take the country out of the EU without a formal arrangement in place. But the vote today suggests there are plenty of Tories who will fight hard to stop that happening, and enough who are willing to join with the opposition to preserve their right to slam on the brakes.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49085956

'Hard part' begins as Johnson wins contest

Boris Johnson will become our next prime minister.

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter A sentence that might thrill you. A sentence that might horrify you. A sentence that 12 months ago even his most die hard fans would have found hard to believe. But it's not a sentence, unusually maybe for politics, that won't bother you either way. Because whatever you think of Boris Johnson, he is a politician who is hard to ignore. With a personality, and perhaps an ego, of a scale that few of his colleagues can match. This is a man who even as a child wanted to be 'world king'. Now, he is the Tory king, and the Brexiteers are the court. The challenges are also of a historic scale. He'll take over a government with no real majority, a brew of politics and policy that over three years Whitehall and Brussels have failed to resolve. And he is a politician, who even his allies who marvel at his gifts admit, struggles to make quick decisions. One of his backers grimaced as they waited for this morning's announcement: "Now the hard part begins."

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https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43974878

Obesity and BMI: 'If I wasn't this size I wouldn't have a job'

"Sometimes bigger is better."

By Gurvinder Gill & Woody MorrisNewsbeat reporters The majority of adults in the UK are classified as overweight or obese according to national health surveys. But a plus-size model, a professional rugby player and one of the UK's strongest women tell Newsbeat it doesn't bother them that they are classed as obese or morbidly obese. They say being bigger helps them in their life and they need to be bigger for their jobs. There are question marks about the reliability and effectiveness of BMI (Body Mass Index), the measurement used to classify people's weight. However, most doctors say it works for the vast majority of people the vast majority of the time. Rebecca Roberts - UK's strongest woman 2016 Weight: 28 stone (180kg) Height: 6ft 3in (191cm) BMI: Morbidly obese Rebecca says she didn't like being bigger when she was at school. "I was called the green giant in primary school and secondary school. It made me feel really different from everyone else, I didn't embrace it, I wanted to be thinner and I wanted to be smaller." But a few years ago she realised her size could be a good thing. "It was [first] through rugby I started utilising my strength, then I started weightlifting and that's when I really knew I could use my height and weight to my advantage. Rebecca now enters lots of weightlifting competitions and has been winning. "I don't care being classified as morbidly obese because I have the opportunity to be the strongest woman that ever lived." Felicity Hayward - Plus-size model Weight: 17 stone (113 kg) Height: 5ft 8in (172cm) BMI: Obese "If I wasn't this size I wouldn't have a job." Felicity was dancing to Diana Ross in an east London bar when she was scouted to model. She's worked for brands such as Mac Cosmetics, ASOS, Accessorize, Ann Summers, Boohoo, New Look, River Island and Missguided. "I'm a plus-size model and I have to maintain being this size as it is the sample size for all the brands that I work for." Felicity says she's healthy and doesn't worry about being classified as obese. She says people always want to talk to her about her weight. "Everyone wants to be a doctor. "The thing is, I swim, I work out, my body is fine and I've carried this weight my whole life." Felicity says at school everyone was hanging up posters of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on their walls. "I was always the girl with the bigger bum and I remember being in PE and being the girl that had to wear the boys' shorts." Felicity has this message for men and women. "Your weight does not define you, there are so many amazing opportunities for you. "You need to remember self-love, brings beauty." Ehren Painter - Rugby player Weight: 20 st 6lb (130kg) Height: 6ft 4in (193cm) BMI: Obese The 20-year-old is a tighthead prop for Northampton Saints. "Being big helps me in scrums, it means I have more momentum on the hits and means that the weight baring down on the other loose head is greater." Growing up, Ehren says he embraced being bigger. "I wasn't a big baby, but by the time I went to school I was bigger than everyone else. "I was never self-conscious about my size because my dad always told me bigger is better." Ehren says he doesn't care about being classified as obese. "I'm a healthy guy, I train everyday and I have a strict diet." Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 every weekday on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra - if you miss us you can listen back here.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-15691850

Q&A: History of the 11-plus test

What was the 11-plus?

The 11-plus transfer test between primary and secondary school began in Northern Ireland in 1947. For more than 60 years it was used to decide who qualified for a place at grammar school and who didn't. Why was the 11-plus scrapped? The Burns review of the education system, published in 2001, was set up by previous education minister Martin McGuinness. During the consultation process, forms were sent to every household in Northern Ireland. They were predominantly filled in by those who had children at grammar schools and the majority of responses were in favour of retaining academic selection. However, Mr McGuinness said on the whole, the weight of opinion across all the responses was against selection, as long as an acceptable alternative was in place. When was the final test? The last tests were sat in November 2008. What has replaced the 11-plus? The Labour government, under direct rule, had planned to abolish academic selection altogether but a deal under the St Andrew's Agreement won it a reprieve. It was then left it up to the local politicians to find a solution to what should replace the official 11-plus. However, they cannot agree and so Northern Ireland is without a regulated test, although grammar schools are still permitted to use academic selection. Association of Quality Education (AQE) and a group of Catholic grammar schools therefore drew up separate grammar school entrance tests. Why are there two separate tests? After grammar schools decided to set their own tests, they split into two camps running totally different exams. The AQE is serving non-denominational grammars while the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) is providing tests mainly for Catholic grammars, along with some integrated colleges and non-denominational schools. The two not only differ on the format of the tests, but also presenting results and charging for the exams.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47881411

Israel election: 'Bibi the magician' pulls off another trick

They both won and they both lost.

Lyse DoucetChief international correspondent@bbclysedouceton Twitter Before the clock struck midnight on election day, both Benny Gantz, Israel's new political performer, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the old master, triumphantly declared victory. Mr Gantz, a tall and telegenic former military chief, strode back and forth across the stage of his Blue and White alliance's headquarters in Tel Aviv, clearly savouring this new sensation - that electricity after a bruising political battle, rather than the brutal wars he once had to fight. Mr Netanyahu, his performance perfected by years of practise, stood in a shower of glittering confetti with one arm wrapped around his beaming wife, Sara, and the other waving to his faithful supporters at the Likud party's headquarters. Then, in the cold political light of day, with nearly all the votes counted, both men's parties had each secured 35 of 120 seats in Israel's parliament, the Knesset. But, in Israeli politics, a day of voting can matter less than the weeks of wheeling and dealing it will take to forge a governing coalition. This is a country where no political party has ever ruled on its own. And this is where the maths and the man they call "Bibi the magician" converge. Mr Netanyahu now seems to have a clear advantage given the strength of right-wing and religious parties in the new Knesset. He even boosted Likud's strength in parliament. "It's a comfortable win for Bibi," says Anshel Pfeffer, a journalist with Israel's Haaretz newspaper who has written a biography of the Israeli leader. "There's no other way to put it today." "There is a very large number of Israelis who believe he is most suited to be prime minister and ensure security, despite the allegations of corruption against him." Mr Netanyahu's strong relationships with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, and his new outreach to Arab states, have played to his advantage and Israel's place on the world stage. But assembling allies will not be easy, nor without costs, after what has been called the dirtiest election campaign in Israeli history. It was also fought against the backdrop of Mr Netanyahu's possible indictment on corruption charges. Mr Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, and accused the media and left of launching a "witch hunt" against him and his family, but he will be bargaining not just for his political future when he tries to woo partners. He hopes they will either stand by him if he is charged following a final hearing or possibly pass legislation that would grant prime ministers immunity from prosecution while in office. And potential right-wing partners are visibly fuming over his tactics and tricks, including 11th-hour pleas to voters to throw all their support behind Likud or the "left is going to win". But Mr Netanyahu could look in different directions. "He has lots of options," assesses pollster Mitchell Barak, who has worked with many Israeli leaders in the past, including Mr Netanyahu. "He can go with right of centre, a narrow government, a national unity government with Gantz, or some combination." So far, Mr Netanyahu has spoken of turning to his "natural partners". Mr Gantz, who may have learned a little political lesson of not jumping in jubilation so soon, is also looking closely at this political arithmetic to see if numbers could add up differently to convince President Reuven Rivlin to see him as the man best placed to make this work. But, wherever these new numbers take Israel, Mr Gantz has made his mark. "The economy is strong, security is strong, and yet a new politician was able to build a legitimate and formidable alternative to the ruling party, within a couple of months and virtually out of nowhere," points out Yohanan Plesner, president of the non-partisan Israel Democracy Institute. "Nevertheless, the outcome clearly constitutes a fresh boost of support to Mr Netanyahu, as this election was seen as a referendum on his leadership and priorities for the nation." Mr Gantz - a career soldier who had to learn on the job, sometimes stumbling and stuttering in front of the unforgiving glare of TV cameras - carried out an effective ambush. Blue and White - which was formed only weeks ago by Mr Gantz's Israel Resilience party, the Yesh Atid party of former Finance Minister Yair Lapid, and the Telem party of former Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon - challenged the might of the Netanyahu machine. But its vague centrist platform, fuelled by an anti-Netanyahu drive, did not convince enough Israelis to gamble their future on it. In this election, other numbers are being noted. New far-right parties, seen by many Israelis as racist and homophobic, do not appear to have crossed the electoral threshold. They included the ultra-nationalist, libertarian Zehut party of Moshe Feiglin, a star of the campaign who calls for legalising marijuana, rebuilding the Third Temple on the contested holy site in Jerusalem known to Jews as Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, annexing the occupied West Bank and encouraging Palestinians there to leave. And on the left, the Labour party, which once dominated the Israeli political landscape, continued its retreat and looks likely to end up with only six seats. "The Blue and White alliance is the new old Labour party," says the former Labour MK Einat Wilf, who calls Labour "the party which used to produce prime ministers". "It's a remarkable achievement." And despite a historically low turnout among Israeli Arabs, which led to warnings of political extinction, two Arab alliances, Hadash-Taal and Balad-United Arab List, managed to secure six and four seats respectively, although that still marks a decline. The memory of Mr Netanyahu's warning, in the 2015 election, that Arabs "were voting in droves", still stings in this community, as does the "nation-state" law passed last year that says Jews have a unique right to national self-determination in the country and puts Hebrew above Arabic as the official language. The disillusion and despair in Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza will be even greater as they see the results of an election, in which they had no say, that will shape their future. "There's no difference between one party or another," comments veteran Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti, chairman of the Palestinian National Initiative. "All of them are calling for the continuation of the occupation and settlement building." Weeks remain before the final shape of Israel's 21st Knesset will be clear. And summer will bring more political heat. Mr Netanyahu could make history by becoming Israel's longest-serving prime minister, surpassing the country's founding father David Ben-Gurion. He could also become the first prime minister to be indicted in office. But this election has underlined again how Bibi knows, one way or another, how to keep fighting back.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-39137293

China congress: BBC team forced to sign confession

The plan was a simple one.

By John SudworthBBC News, Hunan We'd arranged to meet a woman in her village in China's central Hunan Province and to then travel with her by train to Beijing, filming as we went. But we never did get to meet our interviewee. The story we ended up with, however, reveals more about the exercise of power in China than any interview ever could. It is one that involves violence, intimidation and a forced confession - my first in my long reporting experience in China - in which I found myself apologising for "behaviour causing a bad impact" and for trying to conduct an "illegal interview". Yang Linghua was planning to take the train to Beijing because she is what's known in China as a "petitioner". Every year, many tens of thousands of Chinese people - denied the possibility of obtaining any justice through the local Communist Party run courts - head to the capital, taking their grievances to the "State Bureau of Letters and Calls". Corruption cases, land-grabs, local government malfeasance, medical negligence, police brutality, unfair dismissal - all are documented in the bundles of papers - the petitions - they carry with them. The system is also Communist Party run, of course, and the chances of success are tiny. But for many, it's the only chance they've got, and they often continue to petition, in vain, for years. Allegations of brutality Just like Yang Linghua's family. The BBC interviewed her sister, Yang Qinghua, three years ago on a petitioning trip to Beijing. The women allege that their land was stolen from them and their father, in the ensuing dispute, was beaten so badly he eventually died. But there's a particular reason Ms Yang was trying to reach Beijing this week. On Sunday, China begins its annual parliamentary session, The National People's Congress (NPC). The event is like a magnet for petitioners who hope to use the grand occasion to promote their cause. Beijing, though, has other ideas. It would rather keep this ragged army of the dispossessed away from its carefully choreographed piece of political theatre and so provincial officials the length and breadth of the land, are tasked with stopping petitioners making the journey. We knew that Ms Yang's sister and mother had already been placed under unofficial house arrest. But as she herself had never been to Beijing to petition before, she felt she would be free from suspicion and, at the very least, able to board a train. She was wrong. As soon as we arrived in Yang Linghua's village it was clear they were expecting us. The road to her house was blocked by a large group of people and, within a few minutes, they'd assaulted us and smashed all of our cameras. While such violence can be part of the risk faced by foreign reporters in China, what happened next is more unusual. After we left the village, we were chased down and had our car surrounded by a group of about 20 thugs. They were then joined by some uniformed police officers and two officials from the local foreign affairs office, and under the threat of further violence, we were made to delete some of our footage and forced to sign the confession. It was a very one-sided negotiation, but it at least gave us a way out - a luxury denied to the petitioners who find themselves on the receiving end of similar intimidation and abuse. A video sent to us by Yang Linghua's sister shows her being detained by some of the same people who threatened us. Warnings not to travel In the course of researching this story we spoke to one woman, now in her seventies, who has been petitioning since 1988 for a longer prison sentence for her husband's murderer. She told us that every year during the National People's Congress she is put under house arrest for 10 days. A man we contacted, petitioning over the abduction of his son, had been warned not to travel this week. He went ahead and booked his tickets anyway but was prevented from boarding the train in Guangdong Province. Even for those who do make it to Beijing, the threat of being caught remains. Outside the petitioning office this week, hundreds of "interceptors" have gathered, the squads of goons sent from each province to search out and cajole or coerce their petitioners to return home. Of course, many petitioners do still make it and are able to lodge their claims, particularly first-timers who are not yet known to the system. But the irony is, the harder China works to stem the flow during its national parliament, the more incentive there is for people to come. Most petitioners are not so naive as to believe they'll be able to get anywhere near the senior officials attending the parliament. But the desperation of their own provincial governments to catch them gives those who make it to Beijing a certain leverage. Ignored all year round, often by the same officials they're petitioning against, they suddenly find themselves on the receiving end of offers to negotiate. One petitioner showed us the text message exchanges she has had with the interceptors trying to track her down, with one even offering to take her on holiday. Anything to get her out of Beijing. We have heard nothing from Yang Linghua or her family since they disappeared. We have asked government officials in Beijing whether they can provide an assurance that they are safe and well. Meanwhile, on the eve of China's parliamentary gathering, many of its citizens - often those, it could be argued, who are most in need of parliamentary representation - face similar abuse. And despite having signed that confession I make no apology for trying to interview them.

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Iran profile - timeline

A chronology of key events:

550-330 BC - Achaemenid dynasty rules the first Persian Empire. At its greatest extent under Darius I stretches from the Aegean Sea and Libya to the Indus Valley. Advent of Islam 636 - Arab invasion brings end of Sassanid dynasty and start of Islamic rule. 9th century - Emergence of modern Persian language, written using a form of Arabic script. 1220 - Mongol forces of Genghis Khan overrun Persia, which becomes part of the Ilkhanate, ruled by descendants of Genghis' grandson Hulagu. 1501 - With the support of Shia Qizilbash warrior tribes, Shah Ismail I becomes first ruler of Islamic Safavid dynasty; Shia Islam declared state religion. 1571-1629 Apogee of the Safavid Empire under Shah Abbas I, who reforms the army, sidelines the Qizilbash and establishes first diplomatic links with western Europe. 1794 - Mohammad Khan Qajar founds the Qajar dynasty, restoring stability to Iran after half a century. 1828 - Iran cedes control of Caucasus to Russia after second Russo-Persian war. 1907 - Introduction of constitution which limits the absolutist powers of rulers. Pahlavi dynasty 1921 February - Military commander Reza Khan seizes power. 1926 April - Reza Khan crowned Reza Shah Pahlavi. 1935 - Iran is adopted as the country's official name. 1941 - The Shah's pro-Axis allegiance in World War II leads to the Anglo-Russian occupation of Iran and the deposition of the Shah in favour of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. 1951 April - Parliament votes to nationalise the oil industry, which is dominated by the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Britain imposes an embargo and a blockade, halting oil exports and hitting the economy. A power struggle between the Shah and nationalist Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq ensues. 1953 August - Prime Minister Mossadeq is overthrown in a coup engineered by the British and US intelligence services. General Fazlollah Zahedi is proclaimed prime minister, and the Shah returns from temporary exile. Campaign to modernise 1963 January - The Shah launches the 'White Revolution' programme of land reform and social and economic modernisation. During the late 1960s he becomes increasingly dependent on the SAVAK secret police in controlling opposition movements. 1978 September - The Shah's policies alienate the clergy and his authoritarian rule leads to riots, strikes and mass demonstrations. Martial law is imposed. Shah exiled, Khomeini returns 1979 January - As the political situation deteriorates, the Shah and his family are forced into exile. 1979 February - Islamic clerical opposition leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns from 14 years of exile in Iraq and France. 1979 April - The Islamic Republic of Iran is proclaimed following a referendum. 1979 November - Islamic militants take 52 Americans hostage inside the US embassy in Tehran. They demand the extradition of the Shah, in the US at the time for medical treatment, to face trial in Iran. 1980 January - Abolhasan Bani-Sadr is elected the first president of the Islamic Republic. His government begins work on a major nationalisation programme. 1980 July - The exiled Shah dies of cancer in Egypt. Iran-Iraq war 1980 22 September - Start of Iran-Iraq war, which lasts for eight years. 1981 January - The American hostages are released, ending 444 days in captivity. 1981 June - President Bani-Sadr is dismissed and later flees to France. 1985 - After the US and Soviet Union halted arms supplies, the US attempted to win the release of hostages in Lebanon by offering secret arms deals. This would later become known as the Iran-Contra affair. 1988 July - An Iran Air Airbus is mistakenly shot down by the USS Vincennes. Ceasefire 1988 July - Iran accepts a ceasefire agreement with Iraq following negotiations in Geneva under the aegis of the UN. 1989 February - Ayatollah Khomeini issues a religious edict (fatwa) ordering Muslims to kill British author, Salman Rushdie, for his novel, 'The Satanic Verses', considered blasphemous to Islam. 1989 3 June - Ayatollah Khomeini dies. On 4 June, President Khamene'i is appointed as new supreme leader. 1989 August - Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani is sworn in as the new president. 1989 November - The US releases 567 million dollars of frozen Iranian assets. Major earthquake kills thousands 1990 June - A major earthquake strikes Iran, killing approximately 40,000 people. 1990 - Iran remains neutral following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. 1990 September - Iran and Iraq resume diplomatic ties. US imposes sanctions 1995 - US imposes oil and trade sanctions over Iran's alleged sponsorship of terrorism, quest for nuclear arms, and hostility to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. 1997 May - Mohammad Khatami wins the presidential election with 70% of the vote, beating the conservative ruling elite. 1998 September - Iran deploys thousands of troops on its border with Afghanistan after the Taleban admits killing eight Iranian diplomats and a journalist in Mazar-e Sharif. Student protests 1999 July - Pro-democracy students at Tehran University demonstrate following the closure of the reformist newspaper Salam. Clashes with security forces lead to six days of rioting and the arrest of more than 1,000 students. 2000 February - Majlis elections. Liberals and supporters of Khatami wrest control of parliament from conservatives for the first time. 2000 April - The judiciary, following the adoption of a new press law, bans the publication of 16 reformist newspapers. 2001 June - President Khatami re-elected. 2002 January - US President George Bush describes Iraq, Iran and North Korea as an "axis of evil", warning of the proliferation of long-range missiles being developed in these countries. 2002 September - Russian technicians begin construction of Iran's first nuclear reactor at Bushehr despite strong objections from US. 2003 June - Thousands attend student-led protests in Tehran against clerical establishment. 2003 October - Shirin Ebadi becomes Iran's first Nobel Peace Prize winner. The lawyer and human rights campaigner became Iran's first female judge in 1975 but was forced to resign after 1979 revolution. 2003 November - Iran says it is suspending its uranium enrichment programme and will allow tougher UN inspections of its nuclear facilities. The IAEA UN nuclear watchdog concludes there is no evidence of a weapons programme. 2003 December - 40,000 people are killed in an earthquake in south-east Iran. The city of Bam is devastated. Conservative resurgence 2004 February - Conservatives regain control of parliament in elections. Thousands of reformist candidates were disqualified by the hardline Council of Guardians before the polls. 2004 June - Iran is rebuked by the IAEA for failing to fully cooperate with an inquiry into its nuclear activities. 2005 June - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Tehran's ultra-conservative mayor, wins a run-off vote in presidential elections, defeating cleric and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. 2005 August-September - Tehran says it has resumed uranium conversion at its Isfahan plant and insists the programme is for peaceful purposes. IAEA finds Iran in violation of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 2006 February - Iran resumes uranium enrichment at Natanz. 2006 August - UN Security Council deadline for Iran to halt its work on nuclear fuel passes. IAEA says Tehran has failed to suspend the programme. 2007 March - Diplomatic stand-off with Britain after Iran detains 15 British sailors and marines patrolling the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab waterway separating Iran and Iraq. 2007 October - US announces sweeping new sanctions against Iran, the toughest since it first imposed sanctions almost 30 years ago. 2008 September - UN Security Council passes unanimously a new resolution reaffirming demands that Iran stop enriching uranium, but imposes no new sanctions. The text was agreed after Russia said it would not support further sanctions. Election protests 2009 June - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is declared to have won a resounding victory in the 12 June presidential election. The rival candidates challenge the result, alleging vote-rigging. Their supporters take to the streets, and at least 30 people are killed and more than 1,000 arrested in the wave of protests that follow. 2009 August - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sworn in for second term as president, presents cabinet - the first since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979 to include women. A number of senior opposition figures are accused of conspiring with foreign powers to organise unrest and are put on trial. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says there is no proof that opposition leaders blamed for the post-election unrest were agents of foreign powers. 2009 September - Iran admits that it is building a uranium enrichment plant near Qom, but insists it is for peaceful purposes. The country test-fires a series of medium- and longer-range missiles that put Israel and US bases in the Gulf within potential striking range. More sanctions 2010 June - UN Security Council imposes fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme, including tighter financial curbs and an expanded arms embargo. 2010 September - Stuxnet - a computer worm which affects industrial systems - is reportedly detected in staff computers at the Natanz nuclear plant. Iran accuses Israel and the US of infecting its system. 2011 September - Iran announces that the Bushehr nuclear power station has been connected to the national grid. 2012 July - European Union boycott of Iranian oil exports comes into effect. 2012 September - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) quarterly report says Iran doubles production capacity at Fordo nuclear site and "significantly hampered" IAEA ability to inspect Parchin military site. 2012 October - Iran's rial currency falls to a new record low against the US dollar, losing 80% of its value since 2011 because of international sanctions. Riot police attack about 100 currency traders outside the Central Bank. Rouhani becomes president 2013 June - Reformist-backed cleric Hassan Rouhani wins presidential election. 2014 April - The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran has neutralised half of its higher-enriched uranium stockpile under a deal agreed earlier in the year. 2014 June - President Rouhani says Iran is ready to assist the Iraqi government in its battle against extremist Sunni insurgents, amid reports that Iranian Revolutionary Guards are in Iraq providing military training and advice. Nuclear deal 2015 July - After years of negotiations, world powers reach deal with Iran on limiting Iranian nuclear activity in return for lifting of international economic sanctions. The deal gives UN nuclear inspectors extensive but not automatic access to Iranian sites. 2016 January - Serious rift in relations after Saudi Arabia executes leading Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Crowd sets Saudi embassy alight. International economic sanctions on Iran lifted after UN says satisfied with progress on fulfilling nuclear agreement. President Rouhani embarks on the first European state visit of an Iranian president for 16 years. 2017 May - Hassan Rouhani wins re-election as president. 2017 June - Several people are killed in co-ordinated attacks on parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini. Islamic State group claims responsibility. 2017 December - Mass protests in several cities over economic grievances, which are acknowledged by President Rouhani and Supreme Leader Khamenei. US withdraws from nuclear deal 2018 May-June - President Trump announces the US withdrawal from the 2015 international deal on Iran's nuclear programme. Iran in turn warns that it will begin increasing its uranium enrichment capacity if the deal collapses as a result of the US move. 2018 September - Gunmen open fire on a military parade in Ahvaz in Khuzestan Province, which has a large Arab population. An Arab nationalist organisation and the Islamic State jihadist group both claim responsibility for the attack, in which 25 people were killed. 2019 March-April - Floods cause widespread damage in across the country, leaving at least 70 people dead. 2019 May-June - Tensions rise as US accuses Iran of attacking oil tankers in the Gulf, which Tehran denies. 2019 November - Fuel price hike prompts mass protests nationwide. Over 100 people are reported dead in security crackdown. 2020 January - Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, responsible for Iran's military support for the Syrian government, killed in a US air strike at Baghdad Airport, prompting Iranian threats of retaliation. 2020 February - Hardliners score big wins in parliamentary elections, amid record low turnout of 42.6%. Thousands of moderate would-be candidates were barred from running for not meeting strict election criteria.

uk-35195726

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New Year Honours 2016: Twelve famous faces

1. Barbara Windsor

Nearly 1,200 people have been named on the New Year Honours list. Just over three quarters of the recipients have been recognised for work in their local communities but here are 12 of the more famous faces. Occupation: Actress - former EastEnders and Carry On films star Honour: Damehood for services to charity and entertainment Quote: "For a girl from the East End born into a working-class family and an evacuee during World War Two, this is truly like a dream. I am so happy and blessed to say it's real." In pictures: Barbara Windsor's career 2. AP McCoy Occupation: Former champion jockey - retired in April after record-breaking career Honour: Knighthood for services to horse racing Quote: "I am overwhelmed, very honoured - I must say it came as a bit of a shock, to be honest. I am very proud of it. I am very proud for horse racing because it has been so good to me... I told close friends and family I want them to call me Sir Anthony, just close friends and family... Everyone else can call me AP or whatever they like." McCoy heads sporting honours 3. Damon Albarn Occupation: Singer-songwriter and producer - Blur frontman and Gorillaz creator Honour: OBE for services to music. 4. Sue Barker Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player Honour: OBE for services to broadcasting and charity 5. Steph Houghton Occupation: England and Manchester City football captain Honour: MBE for services to football Quote: "It is a massive step in the right direction to see that we are being recognised both at country and club level. I would never have thought of receiving an MBE in a million years because my main aim is just to play as well as you can for your team and your country, and everything else comes as a bonus." 6. Simon Weston Occupation: Falklands War veteran turned charity campaigner Honour: CBE for charitable services Quote: "To be given the CBE for charity work means a great deal to me because it's something that I have been very passionate about over the past 33 years... I hope that with me being in the public eye it can inspire others - that you can live your life and can enjoy it despite what has happened." 7. Ronnie O'Sullivan Occupation: Snooker player - five-time world champion Honour: OBE for services to snooker Quote: "It came as a great surprise to receive my OBE and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my family, friends and fans who have supported me throughout my career and made this achievement possible." 8. Denis Law Occupation: Former Manchester United and Scotland footballer Honour: CBE for services to football and charity Quote: "You do not expect anything like this... That must be inspiring for young players. Because most of the guys coming through in the football world come from working class families.... this is a bit special". CBE for football great Law 9. Idris Elba Occupation: Actor - star of BBC drama Luther Honour: OBE for services to drama Quote: "Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other. But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn't be more proud for receiving this right now. What a year. On me head son!" 10. Sian Philips Occupation: Stage and film actress - known for I, Claudius and A Little Night Music Honour: Damehood for services to drama Quote: "I idolised all the dames like Peggy Ashcroft and Edith Evans and couldn't quite believe then that we inhabited the same planet. I feel the same way now - though I also feel deeply honoured and very grateful." Sian Phillips in pictures: Star of stage and screen 11: Chris Froome Occupation: Cyclist - two-time Tour de France winner Honour: OBE for services to cycling Quote: "I am extremely humbled and very proud to receive this honour. It is obviously further recognition for the sport of cycling and it caps a fantastic year for me professionally and personally. It wouldn't be possible without the help of my teammates, coaches and of course the love and support from my family." 12: James Nesbitt Occupation: Actor - star of TV's Missing, Cold Feet and patron of a centre which supports people affected by The Troubles Honour: OBE for services to drama and the community in Northern Ireland Quote: "I've been very blessed with my work and very blessed to come from Northern Ireland, and for those two things to be on the citation was really rather gratifying." New Year Honours 2016 1,196 people honoured 76% for "outstanding" work in their communities 48% are women 24 men receive knighthoods 15 women become dames

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Ireland profile - Leaders

President: Michael D Higgins

Michael D Higgins, a veteran left-wing politician and human rights activist was elected president in 2011. He is a former Galway university lecturer and published poet who has dedicated his four-decade political career to championing Irish culture and left-wing causes worldwide. He is an Irish speaker. He also is also one of Ireland's most instantly recognized politicians, in part because of his short stature and much-imitated high voice. Mr Higgins has served as a member of both houses of parliament in the Labour Party at various times, and was minister of the arts in the 1990s. The Irish president wields little power beyond the ability to refer potentially unconstitutional legislation to the Supreme Court, but has an important symbolic role in representing Ireland at the national and international level. Prime Minister (Taoiseach): Leo Varadkar A doctor of part-Indian parentage, Leo Varadkar was elected leader of the centre-right Fine Gael party in June 2017, on the resignation of Enda Kenny. He succeeded Mr Kenny as head of a minority government later in the month. He became a party activist while still at school, and served as a county councillor until being elected to parliament in 2007. He was minister of transport, health and later social protection in Fine Gael governments in 2011-2017, and beat Simon Coveney to the party leadership when Mr Kenny stepped down after six years as prime minister. Mr Varadkar, born in 1979, is Ireland's youngest prime minister, and is also the country's first openly gay party leader, not to mention the first of Indian heritage. He has promised to "re-energise" the government, but is not expected to introduced any major changes in policy. His main tasks will be to manage the implications for Ireland of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. Mr Kenny's tenure as prime minister saw the turnaround the economy after the 2008 banking crisis, and some liberalisation of the abortion laws.

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Richard Hammond is bored in new YouTube video

Richard Hammond is bored.

The Top Gear star has quite a lot of time on his hands since the rest of the last series was cancelled following a "fracas" between Jeremy Clarkson and a producer. His latest project showcases his new, lazy lifestyle - it's a video about how bored he is. Richard Hammond video The film features Richard lying on walls, driving along motorways and herding sheep in the Lake District. And footage of hills. Lots of hills. The bizarre but very slightly Top Gear-esque film (which comes in 'uncut' 10 minute form and shorter four minute highlights) features Hammond and his dog travelling to Buttermere in the Lake District to learn the art of shepherding. Richard says almost nothing in the film, which features long walks over the hills, sullenly looking at lakes and feeding cows. Most of it appears to have been filmed on a mobile phone or bodycam, not exactly the high production values Top Gear fans will be used to, and apart from a Land Rover, cars are few and far between. What there are, however, is sheep. And drinking. And Richard being a bit hungover. We won't spoil it for you, but the best bits are the occasional off camera commentary, so listen out. Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram, Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube and you can now follow BBC_Newsbeat on Snapchat

sinhala.070615_president_speech

https://www.bbc.com/sinhala/news/story/2007/06/070615_president_speech

President's speech at ILO conference

Mr. President,

Your Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to be in your presence today in this august assembly after a lapse of many years. I have been here earlier as Minister of Labour and I have enjoyed my interaction over the years with the Organisation – and with the different delegations, whether they were government or worker delegations or employer delegations. Allow me to extend to you, Mr. President, our warmest congratulations on your election to the Presidency of the ninety sixth sessions of the International Labour Conference. I would also wish to extend our congratulations to the Director General for his impressive and comprehensive report in which he highlights the issues concerning the world of work. My visits to the ILO from time to time have been a great learning experience and a particularly enriching influence on my political career which has spanned over 36 years. My political life has been constantly influenced by the aspirations of the working classes of my country. Contacts with employers too have been quite extensive and this has given me a well rounded perspective about decent work. Indeed, the value system on which I have based my political life is anchored in the well being of the working classes. I have been impressed by the tripartite character of your organisation and this concept has been close to my heart for a considerable period of time. It is my firm belief that social dialogue based on the concept of tripartism can make a positive and substantial contribution to a country’s overall development. The value of the tripartite system was confirmed in 1944 in the Declaration of Philadelphia concerning the Aims and Purposes of the ILO, formally incorporated in its constitution. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, it must be stated that in the case of minimum wage fixation, tripartism began long years ago. In point of fact, tripartite wage fixing machinery was first introduced into labour legislation by the enactment of the Minimum Wages Indian Labour Ordinance of 1927. The second experiment in Tripartite Wage Fixing Machinery in Sri Lanka was in the year 1944 where Wages Boards were established to fix minimum rates of wages and other terms and conditions of employment of workers in different trades. Yet another example of Tripartite Consultative Bodies operating in my country would be the National Labour Advisory Council activated during my tenure as Minister of Labour in which leading trade unionists, employee representatives and government officials are represented to discuss and determine labour policy. I firmly belief that the promotion of genuinely tripartite national consultations, in which employers and workers’ organisations make a significant contribution to the formulation of economic policies would help bring about a social consensus on economic adjustment and foster partnership in development. The ILO has been in the forefront to upgrade the life of the workers of all sectors. It has been clamouring and has spear-headed the movement to ensure equal pay for equal work for women. Undoubtedly, whilst it has made tremendous improvements in the working conditions of women, it has been a critical influence to eliminate child labour. Sri Lanka has always ensured that women are provided with decent work environments, equal pay, and has been very strict about employing child labour. It is appropriate for me to say that, having gained admission to the ILO in 1948, Sri Lanka has been a party to 31 ILO Conventions including its eight core conventions. This is particularly appropriate, because Sri Lanka’s unique strength lies in the quality of its human resources. We have had a proud history of worker participation in the political life of our society. Worker activists have been elected in their own right, first to the State Council in 1931, and then to Parliament since 1948. There is no doubt that it was their activism which was substantially responsible for Sri Lanka achieving unprecedented social standards for a Third World Country. I am proud to say that Sri Lanka achieved Universal Adult franchise in 1931 and women gained the right to vote, before this right was achieved in many Western countries. In formulating our public policy, we have always tried to strike a balance among 3 objectives – macro economic management, development and welfare. We have provided a large number of welfare measures. Education has been compulsory for all children below 14 years. We have a proud inheritance of providing free education in the government schools, universities and our technical colleges. We have provided free medical care to all our citizens and we do provide certain consumables at a subsidised rate to those below the poverty line. Our compliance with global standards has gained Sri Lanka the right to market its garments under the slogan “garments without guilt”. With all these welfare measures and a sharp focus on the development of the human being, it's no wonder Sri Lanka enjoys a very high rating in the UN development index at 93. We are also on the way to achieving or surpassing many of the Millennium Development Goals. All these benefit the worker, the rural farmer and the self employed. Our government will continue to follow socially oriented policies with the interest of the working classes uppermost. It is with that in mind we launched our rural development movement "Gama Neguma" – the revival of the village - to improve the life of the rural masses who have tended to be left behind by the rapid development of the cities. This programme encompasses all aspects of rural life including livelihoods of people and will uplift rural communities. The theme of this programme is central to the aims of ILO – the empowerment of people and the provision of opportunity for the fullest development of the human personality. We are proud that our social attitudes have been conditioned by a caring culture nurtured over two millennia. Sri Lanka, as a predominantly Buddhist country, has always had a very strong compassionate approach to fellow human beings. This is a cultural dimension which we share with our neighbours. In this context, I would also like to mention that, unlike those countries that discovered human rights in the aftermath of the massive destruction caused by global wars and bloody social revolutions, caring for fellow human beings has been very much a part of our philosophy for thousands of years. This rich inheritance will be part of our policies in the future as well. Of course, in the midst of conflict there may be lapses on the part of individuals. However, our efforts are consciously directed towards addressing these lapses so that our intrinsically caring nature can dominate our policies even at the most difficult of times. One of the biggest challenges confronting our carefully developed social institutions is the threat of terrorism, which is today a matter of global concern. A ruthless terrorist group, the LTTE, continues to challenge us, determined to force us to compromise on the standards that we have developed over the years. Terrorism has no place in the contemporary world. As a government, we are not prepared, at any cost, to bow down to terrorism. Would any of your governments submit to terrorism had they been in our position? However, we are determined that in a democracy like ours where political views can be expressed freely, political objectives must be realised through negotiation and dialogue and through compromise. There can be no room for extremism, and even less for violence. My government has been able to form a coalition of 13 democratic political parties to work in harmony for the well being of the country. Most of them opposed me at the Presidential election. All Muslim parties and Tamil parties except one are in my government. We are a multi ethnic government. Such a government cannot and will not discriminate any minority groups. When I assumed the Presidency of my country in November 2005, I had already declared that I was willing to talk to the LTTE and even its leader, towards a negotiated settlement of the conflict we have been facing for over twenty years. After two weeks of my assumption of the Presidency, the LTTE commenced its killing spree, by killing a group of unarmed soldiers taking food to their colleagues. It continued killing innocent civilians and soldiers regularly. Then in April 2006, just five months into my Presidency, they attempted to kill the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army in Colombo while he was on his way home. Fortunately, the suicide bomber failed to assassinate him. Even then, our Armed Forces did not retaliate, but only took deterrent action. In June 2006, exactly a year ago, the LTTE closed an agricultural canal that provided water to nearly 30,000 acres of rice fields and 15,000 families. No amount of appeals to re-open the canal softened them, and the Armed Forces had to forcibly open the canal. Thereafter, the LTTE evicted 53,000 Muslims from the town of Mutur and later launched a massive attack on Jaffna and Trincomalee harbour. It is then that we had to clear the entire East and I am glad to say that we are now successfully resettling the people who fled their homes due to the escalation of the conflict. Today, there is a misunderstanding and false propaganda that we are involved in ethnic cleansing. This is absolutely false. I must remind this august assembly that it is the LTTE which resorted to heavy ethnic cleansing from the early nineteen eighties. They evicted all the Muslims and the Sinhalese from the North. Friends,Those countries afflicted with the menace of terrorism know very well what they have to undergo. These terrorist outfits cannot be contained easily. Our Armed Forces and the Police have had to be extra smart in containing the LTTE. I want to assure you that our Armed forces and the Police are among the most disciplined in the world, and they have great respect for human rights. Any lapses on their part will be promptly investigated and corrective action taken. But I am sad to say that there has been so much of false propaganda against the Sri Lankan Armed forces and the Police that is being taken so seriously by the rest of the world. Recently, there was much concern when we cleared some lodging houses in Colombo. On average 20,000 persons occupy these lodges and only 302 persons were the subject of this evacuation. In fact many left voluntarily. Please do not forget that over sixty per cent living in Colombo are Tamils and Muslims. Almost all suicide bombers have operated from these lodging houses, and therefore, we have had to keep an extra vigil over them. As our government declared, if any inconvenience was caused to innocent persons, we regret it very much. A Presidential Commission of Inquiry has been set up to investigate into some of the killings that had happened in the past. Its work is being observed by an International Independent Group of Eminent Persons. All the observers came on our invitation as we want to establish the truth. Very few governments would have done what we did and none has done it so far. We are open to scrutiny because we respect human rights, democracy and the freedom of the people. Unfortunately, it is our flexibility and sincerity that seems to encourage the global non governmental community to demand further involvement. We do not believe in a military solution. Therefore, I invited all democratic political parties in Parliament to form an All Party Conference, the APC. The purpose of the APC is to formulate political proposals, to ensure political reform and through that address the grievances of the minorities. An All Party Representative Committee is in the process of examining an array of proposals that have been submitted. I firmly believe that the outcome of this process will be satisfactory. We look to our friends around the world to assist in our hour of need. My party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, also submitted a set of proposals which proposed devolution to the district level. Prior to the establishment of Provincial Councils in 1988, government effectively dealt with people’s issues with a network of 25 district secretariats. In order to devolve power to the lowest level possible, the SLFP proposed the District level devolution, while creating a Grama Rajya, quite similar to the Panchyati raj system in India. We strongly believe that people at the grass-root level will be truly empowered if we adopt the district level devolution. We expect this process of finding the right solution to political reform, to continue evolving. However, we await the final outcome of the discussions at the APC – a set of reform proposals through consensus among the members of the All Party Conference. Friends,I have had the good fortune of being an employee, a trade unionist and a Labour Minister. All these opportunities and tripartism have given me the privilege of learning, of acquiring the ability to be flexible and to be practical in my thinking. That is why I am able to work with a large number of political parties within the government and provide a platform for consensual politics and governance. I also want to ensure that workers become a strong force in our societal fabric, with the ability to take part fully in all aspects of National life. Most workers are poorer than they ought to be. They are in a debt cycle which they cannot get out of. Are we sincerely addressing these issues of the worker? It is time for us to think very seriously whether all the covenants we are party to, will really help the worker to have a better life. In a rapidly changing world, we have to think again about many of the values and ideas we have inherited. Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,Our efforts must be to look at labour afresh where ILO has worked over a period of time to bring about a decent work agenda. A decent work agenda is important because it is central to peoples' lives.Work is also at the heart of politics. As a politician, these are some of the issues that I have seen which people vote on. It has been said that elections are won and lost on promises, successes and failures to deliver opportunities for work. Therefore, it is important that we have high quality in the work place. My belief is that a satisfied worker will be the key to a country's prosperity. This compels me to request the United Nations, other international organisations, the developed countries, and international lending institutions to think primarily of the worker. It is the worker who is at the centre of development. In this context, the suspension of post tsunami recovery aid by certain countries is a direct blow to the workers themselves. Lending policies and conditions for assistance need to be attuned to ensure that lives of the worker are made better. A satisfied worker will also ensure corporate profitability. A worker whether in the agricultural, industrial, commercial or any other sector, is the core of development. Most workers in the developing world come from rural environments. Unless we raise the dignity of the rural worker, the rural peasant, the rural technologist, the rural artisan, we will never be able to uplift our rural areas and of course the majority of the working class. I make a fervent appeal, therefore, to this august assembly, whose heart is with the worker, to consider these thoughts and deliberate on policies that will make the worker, a satisfied person and the environment in which he lives, mostly rural areas, to be more conducive to a pleasant and productive life. I must sincerely thank the ILO, the oldest specialized institution in the UN system, for being an organisation that has encouraged the whole world to recognize the value of the worker. This is one organisation which concentrates on the individual, his skills, his happiness, his working conditions, occupational health and safety and also the environment in which the work is done. I am also grateful to the Director General for extending this rare invitation and conferring upon me the honour to address this august assembly. I wish to say that our commitment to the ideals of the ILO, whatever challenges we may confront, remains steadfast. We will continue to look after and develop our democratic institutions and improve the life of the worker. Let me conclude by saying that we will never shirk our responsibility to ensure a better future for the working masses of Sri Lanka. We will always be guided by the caring nature that we inherited from our forefathers, as we look forward to the future. In conclusion, let me thank all those present for your kind attention and I sincerely hope there will be many more future Heads of State and Government from among the Labour ministers present here today. May the Noble Triple Gem bless you all.

entertainment-arts-45004689

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-45004689

Emily Bronte: How she inspired Kate Bush, Sylvia Plath, Lily Cole and more

Happy birthday, Emily Bronte.

The author was born on 30 July 1818 in Thornton, near Bradford, and would go on to write just one novel before her death 30 years later. That novel was Wuthering Heights. The house where Emily was born is now a cafe serving 'nduja salami and mozzarella flatbread. Her literary sisters Charlotte and Anne and brother Branwell were born there too, but the cafe is simply named Emily's. Two hundred years on, Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights still means so much to so many readers - with the work continuing to inspire other artists. Here are a few of the ways her presence is still felt in the things we read, watch and listen to. 1. Kate Bush The most famous tribute came in Bush's 1978 song Wuthering Heights, which captured the novel's haunting romance. It was Bush's breakthrough at the age of 19 and went to number one for a month. Bush was first struck by a TV adaptation of Wuthering Heights before reading the book. "I was deeply affected by it, and decided I wanted to write a song about the incredible imagery," she said. Her interest may also have been piqued by the fact she and Emily Bronte share a birthday - as well as being Emily's 200th birthday, Monday is also Kate's 60th. The singer-songwriter returned to the subject earlier this month, writing a new poem titled Emily, which has been inscribed in stone on the wiley, windy moors. 2. The Handmaid's Tale Asked on Twitter which book had changed her life, Margaret Atwood replied that it was Wuthering Heights, which she read when she was in 11th grade (aged around 16/17). The Canadian author also told The Telegraph: "When I hit high school, I read Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights, and developed what was, in those days before rock stars, a standard passion for Mr Darcy and Heathcliff." One of Atwood's most famous novels, The Handmaid's Tale, has been turned into an acclaimed TV drama, and showrunner Bruce Miller recently revealed that Ofglen's real name - Emily - is in honour of Bronte. 3. Lily Cole The actress, model and campaigner is now also a director, making a short film inspired by Heathcliff, the anti-hero of Wuthering Heights. The film, titled Balls, is a modern reimagining of the first few months of the life of the character, who was found abandoned on the streets of Liverpool. Asked why Bronte meant so much to her, she told BBC Breakfast: "The fact she wrote the book at a time when it was very, very difficult for women to be taken seriously and become authors. The fact she published it under a pseudonym has always intrigued me. "We don't know very much about her, she really is a mystery. It's purely the book - that's the reason I'm fascinated by her. That she created that work." The film is part of Cole's role as the Bronte Parsonage Museum's "creative partner" for Emily's bicentenary. Her appointment caused a row, with author Nick Holland quitting the Bronte Society in protest that the figurehead for the birthday celebrations "was a supermodel". 4. Sylvia Plath (and Ted Hughes) In 1961, Plath wrote a poem titled Wuthering Heights. Unlike Kate Bush, she wasn't re-telling Bronte's story, but instead used the imagery of the bleak moors to convey her own desolate state of mind. Two years later, the American poet took her life at the age of 30. She had been married to fellow poet Ted Hughes, who used his 1998 collection Birthday Letters to reply to some of her compositions. That book included his own poem titled Wuthering Heights, in which he drew comparisons between Plath and Bronte, writing: "You breathed it all in/With jealous, emulous sniffings. Weren't you/Twice as ambitious as Emily?" 5. Kate Mosse (and 16 other authors) To tie in with the anniversary, 16 authors including Sophie Hannah, Laurie Penny and Dorothy Koomson penned short stories inspired by Wuthering Heights for a compilation titled I Am Heathcliff. The collection was curated by best-selling author and Women's Prize For Fiction founder Kate Mosse, who described Wuthering Heights in her foreword as "a novel that changes its character and colour with every reading, yet remains uniquely and absolutely itself". Explaining the book's "ambitious and uncompromising" qualities, she wrote: "This is monumental work, not domestic. This is about the nature of life, love, and the universe, not the details of how women and men live their lives." Other ways Emily Bronte has inspired... There have been more than a dozen film adaptations in the UK, US and countries including India, Japan and Mexico. Sir Laurence Olivier earned an Oscar nomination for playing Heathcliff in 1939. Timothy Dalton took the same role in 1970; Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes starred as the doomed lovers in 1992; Tom Hardy was top of the bill in a 2009 TV version; and Kaya Scodelario was Cathy in Andrea Arnold's film two years later. In 2003, MTV introduced its version, centred on a Californian rock musician Heath, while Sir Cliff Richard created and starred as Heathcliff in a major stage musical in the mid-1990s. And the story was spoofed by Monty Python's Flying Circus, who famously showed Cathy and Heathcliff using semaphore to communicate across the moors in a 1970 sketch. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]. Around the BBC BBC - Culture - Heathcliff and literature’s greatest love story are toxic

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-parliaments-47735516

Brexit: Is Commons Speaker John Bercow reaching the end of his tether?

Have we reached peak Bercow?

Mark D'ArcyParliamentary correspondent The Speaker of the Commons seems, simultaneously, to be at the height of his power over events and close to the end of his tether. On the one hand, in a hung Parliament with Conservative and Labour Party discipline splintering under the conflicting pressures of Brexit, the Speaker's procedural rulings have real significance, as when he ruled that the government could not simply keep bringing back its twice-defeated Brexit deal. Ministers were furious, but a lot of MPs quietly agreed that the convention was that the same question could not be repeatedly put to them, in the hope that they would eventually give a different answer. But many also wondered why the same rule was not applied to other propositions, and the Speaker has been challenged again and again on this point. He has nuanced answers, but his critics don't want to hear them. He then went further and announced that he would not permit the Clerks in the Commons Table Office to accept a "notwithstanding" motion from the government, which would seek to over-ride his ruling. And that ruling has led to a great deal of solemn head-shaking on the constitutional nerd circuit, with a number of eminent commentators believing he had over-reached. A behind-the-scenes effort is under way to find a suitably elegant ladder for him to climb down. Meanwhile, his temper appears to be fraying. On Monday there was a nasty spat with Conservative ex-whip Greg Hands (one of the architects of the attempted coup against him at the end of the Coalition Parliament), which ended with the Speaker making a public apology the next day, for words spoken "in the heat of the moment". On Wednesday night, tempers frayed again with the Speaker clashing with the former Conservative chief whip, Sir Patrick McLoughlin in scenes that saw him lose control of the chamber as Conservative MPs bayed their fury. The two have form - when Sir Patrick was chief whip in the Coalition years, the two had an astonishing red-faced, finger-jabbing, stand-up row in the Chamber, and while there was no similar loss of control this time, their latest clash had a real edge to it. Once direct attacks by an MP on the Speaker were taboo. This week there have been dozens, in the chamber and online. Few Tories, from the Leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom, to lowly backbenchers, now think that they will do themselves any harm with their colleagues by having a pop. A good barometer of Mr Speaker's fortunes is the chairman of the Procedure Committee, Charles Walker. He is a close Bercow ally, one of the supporters who dragged the Speaker to the Chair in the traditional ceremony on his election. But he is also vice-chair of the 1922 Committee, the voice of Conservative backbenchers, and, as already noted, the troops are not happy with the conduct of his chum. In the past, he has been the one who coaxed the Speaker away from confrontation with his Tory critics and the issue of the "same question" rule may see another intervention. But the real salve to Conservative anger about the Speaker is the prospect that he will not be in the Chair for much longer. He is approaching a decade as Speaker, well over the nine-year term limit he promised in 2009. Would-be successors have bided their time and now prowl the corridors of Parliament lobbying for support. And if the great Commons crisis over Brexit resolves itself, the moment for change will be ripe.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40297809

Qatar crisis: Have Saudis gone too far?

Gulf residents are still in shock.

By Frank GardnerBBC security correspondent Qatar, a sovereign Arab state, is being subjected to unprecedented sanctions by its Gulf Arab neighbours, led by Saudi Arabia. The punishing economic and diplomatic measures have been taken because of allegations that Qatar has persisted in funding terrorist groups and destabilising the region, both of which it denies. So now airspace has been closed, imports stopped at borders, Qatari expatriates expelled. The veneer of Gulf Arab unity, as embodied in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), has worn off. Even if, as expected, the immediate crisis is resolved by talks, the Gulf will never be the same again. Now there are fears this action may push this region down a new and dangerous path. The Trump factor The action against Qatar has been initiated by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt - four countries ruled by Sunni Muslim leaderships that see the world through the prism of two major threats to their rule: Iran and political Islam, coupled with violent jihad. They accuse Qatar of encouraging both strands. On Iran, the quartet's complaint appears to be excessive. Qatar shares with Iran the world's largest natural gas condensate field - the offshore South Pars/North Dome Field. Geography has made them neighbours, they need to get on. But Saudi Arabia's rulers, encouraged by President Donald Trump's recent visit to Riyadh and his strong condemnation of Tehran, would prefer to see a united Gulf Arab stand against its arch rival Iran. Qatar, in their eyes, is "letting the side down". On political Islam, it is easier to see why the dynastic monarchies of the Gulf feel threatened by Qatar's actions. Qatar's ruling family, the Al-Thani's, have long supported the Muslim Brotherhood, which espouses a pan-Islamic caliphate that would ultimately do away with current rulers. Qatar has backed Islamist movements in Egypt, Libya, Syria and the Gaza Strip. They have allowed the country's satellite TV channel, Al-Jazeera, to host vocal critics of Arab leaders, although not Qatar's. The UAE Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, told me he sees the Muslim Brotherhood as an existential threat to the region. Saudi troubles On terrorism, the picture is more opaque. Saudi Arabia and its allies accuse Qatar of funding terrorist groups, notably in Syria and Iraq. A lot of people say this is a case of hypocrisy, of the pot calling the kettle black. In a failed bid to topple Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, Saudi Arabia has itself funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars to hardline Sunni fighters in Syria, some of which has ended up in the hands of so-called Islamic State. There is no denying though, that Qatar has had connections to the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front in Syria. On one of my visits to the Qatari capital, Doha, Qatari intelligence officials personally told me in 2014 how they had successfully brought about the release of hostages held by this group. That group would naturally have demanded something substantial in exchange. In April this year it has been reported that a staggering $1bn (£784m) ransom was paid by Qatar to terrorist groups in Iraq, some of it to Iran, in order to secure the release of 26 princes kidnapped while hunting a large game bird called a bustard. Qatar denies it. While the action to isolate and punish Qatar reflects a joint view held by several countries, leading the charge is the 31-year-old Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister, Mohammed Bin Salman, known as MBS. The question many are asking now is whether MBS has gone too far. Saudi Arabia already has enough trouble on its hands. Together with the UAE, it's spent the last two years fighting an inconclusive and deeply destructive war in Yemen. It's coping with a simmering insurgency in its Shia-dominated Eastern Province. It is still part of the US-led coalition against IS, a group that has already bombed several Saudi mosques and threatened more attacks only this month. The real long term cost of isolating Qatar may well turn out to be economic. To attract business and provide jobs for their swelling youth population, the Gulf Arab states need stability and a business-friendly environment. It is hard to see how this stand-off could do more to damage this. The longer it persists, the deeper the wounds, not just to Qatar and its tiny, affluent population, but to the entire region.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17480250

Ireland profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1914 - Outbreak of World War I delays implementation of new home rule legislation which would have restored the Dublin parliament following centuries of unrest over British dominion in Ireland. 1916 - Nationalists stage Easter Rising, seizing the General Post Office in Dublin and proclaiming an independent Irish republic. The rising is crushed by the British who execute its leaders, including all seven signatories of the declaration of the republic. Irish public opinion is outraged. 1919 - Led by Éamon De Valera, the nationalist movement Sinn Féin ('We Ourselves') sets up a Dublin assembly, the Dáil Éireann, which again proclaims Irish independence. A guerrilla campaign by the Irish Republican Army, or IRA, against British forces begins with heavy casualties on both sides. The Irish Free State 1921 - Anglo-Irish Treaty establishes the Free State, an independent dominion of the British crown with full internal self-government rights, partitioned from Northern Ireland which remains part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 1922 - The Dublin parliament ratifies the treaty despite the opposition of Mr de Valera and others. Civil war breaks out and hundreds are killed. 1932 - Mr de Valera becomes head of government after previous administration fails to deal with economic difficulties. From Eire to Republic of Ireland 1937 - New elections. The voters return De Valera and also approve a new constitution which abolishes the Irish Free State and proclaims Éire (Irish for Ireland) as a sovereign, independent, democratic state. 1939 - Outbreak of World War II. Éire remains neutral, but many Irish citizens join the Allied forces. 1948 - Mr de Valera loses election amid economic difficulties. John Costello becomes prime minister of broad coalition excluding Fianna Fáil. 1949 - Eire becomes Republic of Ireland and leaves British Commonwealth. 1959 - Seán Lemass becomes Fianna Fáil leader and prime minister, launches economic modernisation that sees Ireland move from mainly agricultural base and eventually join European Economic Community. 1969-1998 - Conflict in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles, which occasionally spilled over into Republic of Ireland. Becoming a modern society 1973 - Ireland joins the European Economic Community. Violence in Northern Ireland intensifies. Relations between Ireland and Britain are strained. Early 1980s - Ireland faces severe economic problems, with rising debt and unemployment. Three elections are held in the space of less than two years. 1983 - Amendment to constitution enshrines right to life of unborn child. The eighth amendment is seen as laying the foundation for Ireland's strict anti-abortion laws. 1985 - Anglo-Irish Agreement gives Republic consultative role in government of Northern Ireland. 1991 - Ireland signs the Treaty on European Union at Maastricht and receives a guarantee that its strict anti-abortion law will not be affected. 1992 - Irish voters approve loosening of the abortion law. Access to information guaranteed, travel abroad for abortion permitted. Peace process 1993 - Downing Street Declaration offers talks on future peace in Northern Ireland to all parties if violence is renounced. 1997 - Divorce becomes legal under certain circumstances. 1998 - Good Friday Agreement approved by voters in Republic and Northern Ireland, establishing cross-community power-sharing assembly in North and ending Troubles. 2001 June - Voters reject Nice Treaty, blocking expansion of European Union into eastern Europe. 2002 January - Euro replaces punt as national currency. 2002 March - Small majority of voters rejects government attempt to tighten already strict anti-abortion laws in constitutional referendum. Ahern re-elected 2002 May - Voters re-elect Fianna Fáil's Bertie Ahern as prime minister in a continuing coalition with the Progressive Democrats. Fine Gael, the main opposition party, loses over a third of its seats in parliament. 2002 October - Voters endorse Nice Treaty by comfortable margin in second referendum. 2006 December - Government launches a 20-year strategy to create a bilingual, Irish- and English-speaking society. 2007 June - Bertie Ahern forms a coalition with the Progressive Democrats, several independents and the Greens, who enter government for the first time. Mr Ahern becomes the first taoiseach (prime minister) to win a third term in office since Éamon De Valera. Cowen becomes taoiseach 2008 May - Bertie Ahern steps down as taoiseach following controversy over his financial affairs. Succeeded by deputy, Brian Cowen. 2008 June - Voters reject EU's Lisbon Treaty in a referendum. 2008 September - As the global financial crisis gathers pace, the Irish government introduces a guarantee covering the debts of the country's banks. This move ultimately sinks the economy, as Ireland does not have sufficient reserves to cover its banks' debts. 2009 February - Unemployment rate reaches 11% - highest since 1996. Some 100,000 people take to Dublin streets to protest at government's handling of economic crisis. Financial crisis hits 2009 March - Ireland loses its AAA debt rating as public finances deteriorate amid a deep recession. 2009 October - Ireland votes in favour of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in new referendum. 2009 November - A damning report criticises the Irish Catholic Church hierarchy for its handling of allegations of child abuse against 46 priests. 2010 September - The cost of bailing out Ireland's stricken banking system rises to 45bn euro (£39bn), pushing the country's budget deficit up to around a third of GDP. EU bailout 2010 November - Government agrees 85bn euro rescue package with EU and IMF, in bid to tackle huge hole in public finances. Government drafts austerity programme entailing four years of tax rises and spending cuts. 2011 February - Taoiseach Cowen calls early election. Opposition Fine Gael wins most seats, leader Enda Kenny takes office on pledge to renegotiate terms of EU/IMF bailout. 2011 May - Queen Elizabeth pays official visit to Ireland, first by British monarch since independence. Symbolises the new relationship since 1998 Good Friday Agreement. 2011 July - Ratings agency Moody's downgrades Ireland's debt rating to junk status. Vatican recalls its ambassador to Ireland amid tension over the issue of child abuse by priests. 2011 October - Michael D Higgins of Labour Party elected president. 2011 December - Taoiseach Enda Kenny unveils budget to begin cutting deficit to no more than 3% of GDP by 2015. 2012 June - Voters approve European Union fiscal treaty by 60% at referendum, endorsing government's commitment to EU-backed austerity programme. Bank deal 2013 February - The European Central Bank approves a deal to liquidate the former Anglo Irish Bank, which was nationalised in January 2009. The deal allows Ireland to defer by decades the bill for its most controversial bank bailout. Taoiseach Enda Kenny formally apologises for the Irish state's role in the Magdalene laundries - harsh institutions in which "fallen women" were forcibly detained and made to work without pay between 1922 to 1996. 2013 June - New government figures show Ireland is back in recession for the first time since 2009. 2013 July - Parliament passes legislation that for first time allows abortion in limited circumstances. 2013 December - Ireland officially exits EU/IMF bailout programme having fulfilled its conditions - the first bailed-out eurozone country to do so. 2014 April - President Michael D Higgins makes official visit to Britain, the first ever by an Irish head of state. 2014 June - Government says it will hold an inquiry into mother and baby homes operated last century by religious organisations, after claims that 800 children died at one home between 1925 and 1961. Tax loophole closed 2014 October - The first post-bailout budget introduces tax cuts, and - following criticism from the US and EU - ends a loophole that allowed foreign multinationals to pay very low tax in other countries. 2015 May - Referendum approves same-sex marriage by large margin. 2016 May - Months of political deadlock are finally broken after Fine Gael reaches an accommodation with Fianna Fáil, allowing Enda Kenny to form a minority government. Parliament re-elects him as Taoiseach. 2016 August - European Commission orders Ireland to recover up to 13bn euros (£11bn) from the technology giant Apple in back taxes, after ruling that the firm was granted undue benefits amounting to illegal state aid. The government says it will appeal against the ruling, on the grounds that it implies that Ireland is a tax haven and will harm job creation and investment. 2017 June - Leo Varadkar becomes prime minister after Enda Kenny resigns. 2020 June - Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael form a coalition with the Green Party, after the closely-fought February election put the left-wing republican Sinn Féin party in second place.

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54065903

Brexit is back - and likely to get louder

What is going on?

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter You might have thought that you had escaped any more conversation or political argy-bargy about Brexit. We have left the EU after all. And it's not as if the political establishment hasn't spent enough time tearing itself apart over the subject. The trade talks have been rumbling on, albeit not that successfully. But surely, a few hundred pages signed and sealed last year, and an election dominated by the issue meant the worst of it was done? Not necessarily. Autumn irritations are back, and on more than one Brexit front. First off and most straightforwardly, the trade talks, due to get going again in London tomorrow, are in trouble. While one diplomat told me today there's a "haggle" there to be done on the tricky issue over fishing, the two sides seem to be stuck on the question of how much the UK government wants to support its domestic industries. In short, (I promise) the UK wants the ability to support companies who might be in trouble but who are vital to the national interest. And, more enticingly to this particular Downing Street tribe, they want the possibility of putting taxpayer-funded rocket boosters under tech companies or fledgling industries that could be extremely important to the future. But if the EU is going to do a decent trade deal with the UK, they want to know their companies wouldn't have a hard time competing with British businesses who were being propped up with huge chunks of public cash. Right now, the UK doesn't want to reveal exactly how it will police so-called "state aid" in future. And the EU won't play until they know the score. So far, so stuck. If neither side is prepared to budge in this area then it's hard to see how there can be an agreement. So there are still tensions over the future trade deal which will in theory replace the UK's membership of the single market and the customs union - which have continued in practice during the 11-month transition period which runs out at the end of this year. But there is also a clash about what exactly was agreed in the past. Even occasional readers here (and welcome back after the summer!) will remember the protracted difficulties over avoiding a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. The arrangement that was struck to satisfy the political desires on both sides to do a deal was the Northern Irish protocol, which created special arrangements. The protocol was elegantly drafted enough, or had just the right amount of fudge, for it to be accepted by both sides, not withstanding it ended the grim political romance between the Tories and the DUP. Inherent contradiction But like many international deals that are concluded because the political will makes it possible, when they are about to come into force real-life problems arrive. The protocol said that Northern Ireland would officially be in the UK customs territory. But to keep its 310-mile open border with EU member Ireland, it would still have to follow some of the EU customs code. It doesn't take a genius to spot the inherent contradiction right there. In the UK, but under some of the EU's rules. And there was no tight legal definition of "unfettered access" for trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK that was promised alongside. Since the deal was passed, a so-called Joint Committee has been trying to work out how the dry language of the deal will work in practice. In keeping with Brexit tradition, that has not been a process without problems. Last night, a report in the Financial Times that ministers were plotting to in effect rewrite parts of the hard-won protocol provoked a quick and pretty outraged response from many quarters. Government sources accepted initially that plans coming in the UK Internal Market Bill on Wednesday would "override" some of the existing provisions of the protocol. It seemed initially that they were somewhat relaxed about the possibility of an audacious and highly risky move being out there, which would inevitably provoke EU outrage. But, by this morning, ministers were adamant they weren't going to tear up the protocol at all, merely they planned to tidy up some of the provisions, and sew up a few "loose ends". In such a contentious area, any unfinished business could explode into a major political disagreement. Question of control Only when we see the actual black and white in the bill on Wednesday will it be completely clear how controversial that "tidying up" will be. But it's clear that ministers want to try to define the UK's interpretation of the Irish protocol as tightly as they can in UK law, rather than waiting for the conclusions of the troubled joint approach. Funnily enough, that would give more control to Westminster rather than shared between the two sides. The government seems set on giving ministers more power to decide what would possibly be subject to duties or taxes, and give ministers more say over the definition of state aid, if a joint agreement can't be reached. Yet the wording of the legislation will be crucial and carefully watched on the other side of the Channel. It's perfectly likely that the bill when it emerges contains other plans that are more controversial still, not least in how it sets out the post-Brexit relationships between Westminster, Holyrood, Cardiff and Belfast too. This process is technically separate to the trade talks. But across the board, there's a toughening stance from the UK as the clock runs down. Just as the story about the protocol emerged, so too did a tough statement from the prime minister giving the talks only another five weeks to make progress or be pointless carrying on. That was only a day after the UK's chief negotiator, Lord Frost, issued a similar call in a Sunday newspaper warning, as the PM regularly has, that the UK would rather forgo a deal than back down. Those kind of warnings and threats are welcomed by many of the government's supporters, of course. The UK didn't vote to leave the EU only to be tangled up in its mechanisms for ever. And beyond all the talk, there is a genuine frustration in government that the EU is yet to treat the UK as if it were a fully sovereign country. That's matched on the EU side by similar irritation that the UK won't budge. But the bad tempers do not necessarily mean that a deal won't be reached. And all the blood curdling vows don't mean that in the end there won't be compromise. There are loud echoes of autumn last year. Each day it seemed Downing Street raised the temperature, by October even briefing that a deal was "essentially impossible". Less than a fortnight later, the divorce deal had been done. The prime minister had decided to give enough ground to sign. The EU conceded they would move too to get the agreement over the line. Surely, (whisper it), it might not even suit politicians to crank up the pressure to play to their different audiences from time to time? It is true that the government wants a trade deal to be struck so that it's easier for businesses to work with and around the EU come January, when we leave the single market and customs union. Tough talk But it is also true that Boris Johnson does not want to give much ground. And in both cases it could rather suit ministers to have been toughening their position, and shouting ever louder about the risks. If the talks collapse and the two sides fail to reach agreement, even if that means significant economic disruption, no one could say that the government had not made that possibility clear, even if their detractors blame them for the fallout. And if the talks succeed in the end, ministers have perhaps created something of an impression that it's all their tough talk that has won the day, even if in reality, they have backed down. The arguments over our relationship with the EU are likely to get a lot noisier before they conclude.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41351543

Helen Zille: Why South African politician will only shower every three days

How far would you go to save water?

By Pumza FihlaniBBC News Well, for the head of a provincial government in South Africa, it seems there is no sacrifice too big. Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has revealed that she showers only every third day. But it seems that what may appear at first to be a drastic, move is, in fact, a noble one. And her reason? The Western Cape - famed for its winelands, mountains and beaches - has been experiencing severe water shortages which have worsened in the last year because of a drought in the region. "I shower briefly‚ once every three days‚ and for the rest wash in the hand basin. I used to wash my hair every day‚ but now only when I shower‚ with visibly negative consequences," Ms Zille wrote in a column. "However‚ I regard oily hair in a drought to be as much of a status symbol as a dusty car." Still, Ms Zille, the founder of South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), has shocked many with the revelations of her showering schedule. Ms Zille is no stranger to controversy. She caused a storm recently after posting a tweet in which she suggested there were some positive aspects of colonialism. Of course, for some South Africans, sacrificing your shower time might seem to be a middle-class problem. Those living in Cape Town's informal settlements have to rely on a communal tap for water and bath out of a basin, while low-income households would usually have running water in the house and a bath. This latest statement, however, has some thinking that her take on water preservation is admirable. So how did we end up knowing about the hygiene habits of one of South Africa's best-known politicians? Well, Ms Zille was rebuffing a recent article by TimesLive which raised questions about the provincial department's use of tax-payers' money to install a water purification system at her official residence in Cape Town. Desperate to show that she takes the water crisis seriously, she said: "As for my husband and I‚ we try to use so little water‚ that I sometimes get worried about the hygienic and aesthetic consequences." The news might have provided some light relief on social media but for residents of the province, the water shortages are no laughing matter. The average water level of dams across the Western Cape is 35%‚ a significant drop from the 61% at the same time last year, according to the province's water affairs department. As a result, what is known as "level five restrictions" on water use are now in place - with each of its six million residents allowed to use no more than 87 litres a day. The average eight-minute shower uses 62 litres, according to a 2011 study - 70% of each person's daily allowance. Those who use too much face the possibility of a fine, with harsher measures brought in against certain businesses. But water use is difficult to keep tabs on, and so residents have been implored to "self-police". It doesn't appear to be working. Authorities say residents and businesses simply haven't been doing enough to adhere to the new rules. The province is now looking at investing in alternative methods of water supply, including recycling and extraction of ground water.

world-africa-14095300

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14095300

Sudan profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1881 - Revolt against the Ottoman-Egyptian administration. 1899-1955 - Sudan passes into joint British-Egyptian rule. 1956 - Sudan becomes independent. 1958 - General Ibrahim Abboud leads military coup against the civilian government elected earlier in the year 1962 - Civil war begins in the south, led by the Anya Nya movement. 1964 - The "October Revolution" overthrows Abboud and an Islamist-led government is established 1969 - Jaafar Numeiri leads military coup. 1971 - Sudanese Communist Party leaders executed after short-lived coup against Mr Numeiri. 1972 - Under the Addis Ababa peace agreement between the government and the Anya Nya, the south becomes a self-governing region. 1978 - Oil discovered in Bentiu in southern Sudan. 1983 - Civil war breaks out again in the south involving government forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), led by John Garang. Islamic law imposed 1983 - President Numeiri declares the introduction of Sharia Islamic law. 1985 - After widespread popular unrest Mr Numeiri is deposed by a Transitional Military Council. 1986 - Coalition government formed after elections, with Sadiq al-Mahdi as prime minister. 1989 - National Salvation Revolution takes over in military coup. 1993 - General Omar al-Bashir is appointed president. US strike 1995 - Egyptian President Mubarak accuses Sudan of being involved in attempt to assassinate him in Addis Ababa. 1998 - US launches missile attack on a pharmaceutical plant in Khartoum, alleging that it was making materials for chemical weapons. 1998 - New constitution endorsed by over 96% of voters in referendum. 1999 - President Bashir dissolves the National Assembly and declares a state of emergency following a power struggle with parliamentary speaker, Hassan al-Turabi. 1999 - Sudan begins to export oil. Southern peace, Darfur crisis 2002 - Machakos Protocol talks in Kenya lead to breakthrough agreement with southern rebels on ending civil war. Provide for south to seek self-determination after six years. 2004 January - Army moves to quell rebel uprising in western region of Darfur; hundreds of thousands of refugees flee to neighbouring Chad. Pro-government Arab Janjaweed militias carry out systematic killings of non-Arab villagers in Darfur. 2004 March - Army officers and opposition politicians, including Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi, are detained over an alleged coup plot. 2004 September - US Secretary of State Colin Powell describes Darfur killings as genocide. 2005 January - Government and southern rebels sign a peace deal. 2005 March - UN Security Council authorises sanctions against those who violate ceasefire in Darfur. Council also votes to refer those accused of war crimes in Darfur to International Criminal Court. 2005 June - Government and exiled opposition grouping - National Democratic Alliance (NDA) - sign reconciliation deal allowing NDA into power-sharing administration. President Bashir frees Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi. 2005 July - Former southern rebel leader John Garang is sworn in as first vice-president, new constitution gives large degree of autonomy to south. 2005 August - John Garang killed in plane crash, succeeded by Salva Kiir. 2006 May - Khartoum government and the main rebel faction in Darfur, the Sudan Liberation Movement, sign a peace accord. Two smaller rebel groups reject the deal. Fighting continues. 2007 July - UN Security Council approves a resolution authorising a 26,000-strong force for Darfur. Sudan says it will co-operate with the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (Unamid). 2008 May - Tension increases between Sudan and Chad after Darfur rebel group mounts raid on Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city across the Nile. Sudan accuses Chad of involvement and breaks off diplomatic relations. Intense fighting breaks out between northern and southern forces in disputed oil-rich town of Abyei. President Bashir and southern leader Salva Kiir agree to seek international arbitration to resolve dispute over Abyei. Bashir arrest warrant 2009 March - The International Criminal Court in The Hague issues an arrest warrant for President Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. 2009 July - North and south Sudan say they accept ruling by arbitration court in The Hague shrinking disputed Abyei region and placing the major Heglig oil field in the north. 2009 December - Leaders of North and South reach deal on terms of referendum on independence due in South by 2011. Darfur deal 2010 Feb-March - The Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) main Darfur rebel movement signs a peace accord with the government, prompting President Bashir to declare the Darfur war over. But failure to agree specifics and continuing clashes with smaller rebel groups endanger the deal. 2010 April - President Bashir gains new term in first contested presidential polls since 1986. 2010 July - International Criminal Court issues second arrest warrant for President al-Bashir - this time on charges of genocide. 2010 August - Mr Bashir tests ICC arrest warrant by visiting Kenya, an ICC signatory. The Kenyan government refuses to enforce the warrant. He later ignores South African court order not to leave country in 2015. South becomes independent 2011 July - South Sudan gains independence after January popular vote, but some border areas remain in dispute. 2011 December - Government forces kill key Darfur rebel leader Khalil Ibrahim. 2012 May - Sudan pledges to pull its troops out of the border region of Abyei, which is also claimed by South Sudan, as bilateral peace talks resume. 2012 June - Protests in Khartoum against austerity measures after government cuts fuel and other subsidies in response to the drop in oil revenue after the independence of South Sudan. 2013 March - Sudan and South Sudan agree to resume pumping oil, ending a shutdown caused by a dispute over fees more than a year earlier, and to withdraw troops from their borders to create a demilitarised zone. 2013 September - Another wave of demonstrations over subsidies cuts. Scores of people die in clashes. Ruling party splits 2013 October - Dissident members of ruling National Congress Party threaten split to reach out to secularists and leftists. 2013 December - President Bashir drops long-time ally and first vice president Ali Osman Taha from the cabinet in a major shake-up. 2014 May - A court in Khartoum prompts an international outcry by sentencing a pregnant woman born to a Muslim father but raised as a Christian to death for apostasy after failing to recant her Christianity. 2014 December - The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court halts investigations into war crimes in Darfur for lack of support from the UN Security Council. 2015 April - President Bashir is re-elected for another five year term. He wins nearly 95 percent of the vote in a poll marked by low turnout and boycotted by most opposition parties. 2016 November-December - Street and stay-at-home protests at IMF-prompted price hikes for basic goods. Government disperses protests, arrests opposition politicians, bans media coverage. 2017 October - US announces partial lifting of sanctions. 2018 January - Protests against bread price rises after government removed subsidies. These escalate into mass protests in December. Fall of Bashir 2019 February - President Bashir declares state of emergency and sacks cabinet and regional governors in bid to end weeks of protests against his rule, in which up to 40 people died. 2019 April - Military topples President Bashir in a coup, begins talks with opposition on transition to democracy. 2019 September - A new government takes office under Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok as part of a three-year power-sharing agreement between the military, civilian representatives and protest groups.

world-europe-17930161

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17930161

Denmark profile - Leaders

Queen: Margrethe II

Queen Margrethe became monarch only because a change in the law in 1953 allowed a woman to ascend to the throne. She succeeded on the death of her father, King Frederick IX, in 1972. Danish monarchs have a significant formal role in the government of the country. They preside over the Council of State, which signs legislation into law, and consult party leaders on the formation of each new government. In practice, however, the Council always acts on the advice of the elected government, and parliamentary arithmetic decides the composition of the cabinet of ministers. Queen Margarethe is a skilled artist, clothes designer and translator. She speaks English, French and German, in addition to her native Danish, and her work as an illustrator has been widely published. Born in 1940, she is married to a former French diplomat, now Prince Henrik, and has two sons. The 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne saw generous public expressions of affection for the highly-popular queen. Prime Minister: Lars Lokke Rasmussen Lars Lokke Rasmussen formed a minority government consisting solely of his centre-right Venstre - or Liberal - Party after elections in June 2015, ousting the centre-left government of Helle Thorning Schmidt. His party won only 34 out of 175 seats in parliament, and even lost votes to come third after Ms Thorning Schmidt's Social Democrats and the right-wing populist Danish People's Party (DPP). But centre-right bloc parties - campaigning on promises of lower taxes and tighter immigration controls - won more seats overall than the centre-left coalition, and Ms Thorning Schmidt resigned. Disagreements over the DPP's demand for a referendum on EU membership and higher public spending subsequently prevented the formation of a broader centre-right coalition, and the Liberals decided to go it alone. His government hopes to pass laws with support from different parties at different times, amid doubts that it will manage to serve out a full term. Mr Rasmussen served as prime minister in 2009-2011, when he narrowly lost an election to Ms Thorning Schmidt - Denmark's first female head of government.

business-42424698

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-42424698

Trump tax cuts: Here’s why they matter to us all

It is known as the great synchronisation.

Kamal AhmedEconomics editor@bbckamalon Twitter For the first time since the financial crisis all the global centres of economic growth are seeing an economic growth spurt. Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, was so chipper at the fund's Autumn Meeting in October she took to quoting Percy Shelley. "There is harmony in autumn," she told the assembled finance ministers in Washington, including Philip Hammond. Europe, China, Japan, the emerging Asian economies and America (the world's economic growth engine) had all seen an "accelerating cyclical upswing", the IMF said, upgrading its global growth forecast to 3.7% from 3.6%. Crunch cure? A figure that is in sharp contrast to last year's more sluggish 3.2%, which was the lowest since the financial crisis. Finally, the world is dragging itself out of its credit crunch stupor. The decision by the US Senate to pass Republican proposals for a $1.3trn (£1trn) tax cut is likely to further boost the American economy. An analysis by the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation suggests that over a decade GDP growth could increase by 0.7% compared with a baseline scenario of no change. And for an economy worth in the region of $19trn that's an awful lot of new value. As I am sure President Donald Trump will be, well, trumpeting. Money returns Corporation tax on business profits will be cut from 35% to 21%. Alongside new restrictions on shifting profits abroad, the cut is likely to lead to a major repatriation of US business profits which are at present being sheltered offshore. Individual taxes will also be cut, but more modestly. "In general, tax policy affects economic growth by changing incentives for owners of capital to invest and for potential workers to supply labour to the economy by changing the after-tax rates of return to these two factors of production," the Joint Committee said in its analysis earlier this month. Put simply, tax cuts tend to be an economic incentive to invest for businesses and to work and spend for employees. Drawbacks Of course, there have been many critics of the US tax reforms. The wealthy gain more than those less well off. And the business tax cuts are far larger than those for middle-income Americans. The cuts are also likely to add to the US deficit, although Republicans argue that greater economic growth will ultimately increase the overall tax take. There is one big take out from today's policy change - American economic growth is strengthening and this is likely to boost it further. China, much of the rest of Asia and the European continent are also seeing stronger figures. That is good news for Britain, where, although overall growth has been downgraded, exports have been boosted, helped along by the weaker pound. Manufacturing output surveys suggest order books are at their healthiest for 30 years. The great synchronisation is with us. And America's plans for tax cuts won't do anything to harm that.

uk-wales-34581934

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-34581934

Q&A: What is biomass?

What is biomass?

It is energy created by burning material - formerly a plant product. The fuel can be crops, dung, elephant grass or as in this case, wood - off-cuts like branches and roots from stripped timber and woodchip for example. It can work in the home, in communities or on the scale of a power plant, to create steam to drive turbines. Where will the wood come from to fuel the boilers? The operators Orthios say 80% of the wood will come from abroad, likely to be from Scandinavia or North America. Both the Holyhead and Port Talbot plants are next to ports. But the company also wants to "encourage locally sourced and grown forestry material". Isn't that less green then if you're transporting the material in? The company admits this does contribute to the overall "carbon footprint" of biomass fuel but shipping it in was still "remarkably efficient" and the project would deliver large carbon savings as a whole. What about emissions? Orthios says it uses advanced gasification technology to minimise exhaust gases and these will be "carefully controlled". How much electricity will be generated? The developers say the 299MW Holyhead plant will be capable of producing enough electricity to power 300,000 homes. It aims to gasify 1.8m metric tonnes of biomass a year. How widespread is biomass at the moment? It's still comparatively small in the UK - fewer than 5% of the UK's homes are heated by biomass boilers. It has been called "an untapped resource" which can be very versatile and used as a fuel for electricity, heat and transport as well as the production of industrial material. Some environmentalists say biomass can play a part but we need to focus on "home grown" resources like wind and tidal renewable energy. What is it worth to the economy? The Welsh government's Low Carbon Energy Plan last year estimated biomass already contributed £279m in sales in 2009/2010 and there is scope for more. The Holyhead plant will be built on the site of Anglesey Aluminium, which closed with 400 job losses, so it is seen as an economic boost and in line with ambitions to create an "energy island". Other biomass projects are promising jobs - including 560 in Pembrokeshire. by Cypriot-owned Egnedol. What is different about this project? The waste carbon dioxide and heat will also be used to produce food for eco-businesses next door to the power plant at Holyhead. Vegetables will be grown in water in hydroponic buildings and shellfish, like prawns, will be reared in warm water - from the power plant's excess heat - on a aquaculture farm as part of the project. When will work start? Work will start in six months time and the first phase should be ready to open in 2017. Mainly the jobs will be sourced locally - both to build the plants and the 1,000 that will operate the power plant and eco-businesses.

uk-northern-ireland-34945624

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-34945624

Are farmers getting the mental health support they need?

Talking about mental health can be tough.

By Elaine MitchellBBC News NI But a charity which helps farmers and rural families in Northern Ireland says there's been a 25% increase in the number of farmers calling them for help in the past year. Rural Support's chief executive, Jude McCann, told the BBC the most common reason for calls was financial worries. He was speaking at the Farmers Health Conference, in Cookstown, County Tyrone, on Thursday. Health organisations and government groups came together to discuss the problems facing farmers. Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has blamed falling farm gate prices for some of the stress farmers face. 'Challenging year' She says: "People are at the end of their tether. "There is no doubt about it, this has been such a financially challenging year. "The prices they're receiving are putting farmers out of business and the impact on them is obvious. I am engaging with farmers who aren't sleeping because of the worry and the stress they are under. It's just so important that we have this conversation." The conference brought together people from across the agri-health sector to try and improve the support services currently on offer. Community mental health worker, Mellissa Andrews, told delegates a more tailored support is needed to reach out to farmers. "Not everyone is comfortable going to a meditation class, or yoga or even a computer class - that's not the farmers' way," she says. "The best thing to do would be to get out there into their communities; the local shows and vintage rallies and meet them on their own level." Trigger points Cormac McKervey is agri-manager at the Ulster Bank and deals with farmers everyday. He says that although the bank has to focus on the financial side of things, they need to be aware of what support services are out there too. "There's all the social issues and the impact on the family inside the farm door, which we don't have access to. "The biggest single thing we can do is to make our staff aware of the issues and the trigger points, to be aware that maybe this farmer needs more than purely financial help. "If we can signpost them to rural support or other agencies that are trying to help them then hopefully we've done something."

world-asia-india-35299545

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35299545

A messiah for India's abandoned sick

Are you in pain?

By Soutik BiswasBBC News, Patna This is the question Gurmeet Singh usually asks when he enters a hospital ward in the northern Indian city of Patna. It is a damp and grubby facility with lime-green walls and stained tiled floors. Half a dozen gurneys for sick patients are scattered all over the ill-lit place. A fetid smell of urine and stale food fills the air. When night falls, rats slink out of a defunct fireplace and scurry for food. The food - dinner comprises rice, lentil soup and some vegetable gruel - is insipid. A doctor and a nurse come on their rounds a couple of times a day. At other times, the patients appear to be left to their fate. Appalling name The place has the appalling moniker of the ward for lawaris or the abandoned. Put simply, it treats patients who have no family or have been rejected by them. When they recover, they are usually sent away to rehab homes - or returned to the streets. For its inmates, the ward can be their home for months on end, for the streets, where they usually live and forage for food and shelter, can be a harsher place. Tonight, it appears, nobody is hurting. Unsung Indians This is the third article in a BBC series Unsung Indians, profiling people who are working to improve the lives of others. More from the series: The doctor who delivers girls for free Cancer survivor bringing joy to destitute children On a bed, lies a young woman who has had her limbs amputated after she was hit by a train. She's also pregnant. The nurses call her Manju. Questions about her family, home and the father of the baby draw a blank. Some nights ago, they found her weeping on the cold floor after she was bitten by rats. But when Mr Singh enters the ward, her face lights up, and she smiles wanly. In the bed opposite her, a bedraggled woman with wild hair and wearing a dirty green jacket over a torn cotton gown trembles all the time. Tonight, she's holding a loaf of bread that the hospital gave in the morning. One night, other inmates say, she fell off the bed and lay on the floor for a while. Across the room, Tapan Bhattacharya, 40, lies in a bed with his leg in traction. He says he landed up here with a broken femur after the auto-rickshaw he was travelling in overturned. "Can you find me a job?" he asks. "I have nobody and nowhere to go to." In another room, across the ward, two patients, Sudhir Rai and Farhan, appear to be lost in their own world, hoarding bread and fruit from breakfast and waiting for their next meal. Farhan became an amputee a fortnight ago after he was hit by a train near Patna. Sudhir does not tell me what is wrong with him. There are no doctors or bed charts to check with. There's a stream of pale blood and urine flowing on the floor under his bed. But, as soon as Mr Singh waddles into the ward, there's a frisson of excitement among its inmates. Their weary faces light up, some even manage to break into a smile. By day, Mr Singh, a genial 60-year-old man, works at the family-owned clothes shop in a bustling city market. By night, he is a veritable messiah to the residents of this foul kingdom of disease and disability, tucked away in a corner of a vast 90-year-old 1,760-bed state-run Patna Medical College and Hospital, one of the largest in the state of Bihar. For more than 20 years now, Mr Singh has been visiting the abandoned patients' ward every night with food and medicines. He hasn't been on a vacation or stepped out of Patna for the past 13 years because, he says, he cannot abandon the abandoned. The unfailing devotion to his patients is matched by Mr Singh's unchanging routine. Around nine every evening, he leaves his modest apartment - all his five brothers live on a floor in one of the city's oldest high-rises - and heads to the hospital. He picks up some money to pay for medicines - the five brothers put away 10% of their monthly earnings in a donation box at home to pay for Mr Singh's patients - that are not provided by the hospital, where treatment is free. On the way he stops at one of the many cheap hole-in-the-wall eateries that dot Patna to pick up bread, vegetables, salad, eggs and curd to feed to his patients. 'Dignity and care' Once Mr Singh reaches the ward, he enquires about the patients' condition, playing, at once, nurse, doctor, provider and kin. He goes through their prescriptions and pays for the more expensive medicines, tests, scans, and chemotherapy for cancer patients. He also donates "a lot of" blood. Then he takes out the shining steel plates, and caringly serves the food. Tonight the menu is piping hot bread, vegetables, curd and a sweet. The gruel that the hospital provides for dinner is usually left uneaten. In a bit, the patients are wolfing down their first proper meal of the day. "All they need is some dignity and some care. The government is not even able to provide that. In the past 22 years that I have been coming here, nothing has improved in this ward. Nothing," says Mr Singh. So doctors and nurses are scarce and treatment is scanty. The state of the hospital is a reflection of Bihar's dreadful public health services: hospitals have less than half the nurses they need; and only 2,289 of the sanctioned 4,851 jobs of doctors have been filled up. On the other hand, bed occupancy rates regularly exceed 100%, forcing patients to be treated on the floor. Mr Singh's involvement began some two decades ago when a woman selling plastic bags turned up at his shop carrying a badly scalded boy in her arms. "It was a hot day. I saw tears in her eyes. Then I saw her boy who had got burnt. I took them to this hospital, and found that there was nobody to treat him. The doctors were on strike. The poor and the abandoned were the worst affected. I was very angry. I decided to do something about it." Authorities want to fete him for his work and have sent him letters of admiration, but the Good Samaritan prefers to shun the spotlight. Tonight, he is busy feeding the dishevelled woman, who is having her first proper meal of the day. Then he'll tuck her under a blanket for the night. "He is like God," comes a voice from the ward, as the diminutive Sikh man puts out the light and shuts the door to keep the cold out. He will be back again tomorrow night. Are there any "Unsung Indians" you would like to see recognised? Email their story to us at [email protected] Please remember to include your contact details.

10531382

https://www.bbc.com/news/10531382

Mark Ronson back with a bang

"Alouette, gentille alouette."

By Tim MastersEntertainment correspondent, BBC News Mark Ronson is speaking French - and with good reason. The chorus of the dapper DJ's new single Bang Bang Bang incorporates the famous children's song about plucking skylarks. "I think my sixth grade French tutor - Mr Broquet - will be proud of me," says Ronson. It's a humid Wednesday in east London, and the uber-producer is taking some time out from rehearsals to talk about his new record. So how did a French nursery rhyme end up on Bang Bang Bang? Ronson hands the credit to New York-based musician MNDR (Amanda Warner). "She's super-smart and really geeky, and she builds her own keyboards," he says, with more than a hint of admiration. Several big names had tried writing over the track, but "nothing felt right", admits Ronson. Then MNDR played her version. "When the song was over, there was this silence and I asked: 'What are you saying in the chorus?' She explained it means 'I will pluck the feathers out of your head'. "At the end of the day it's bit of a bratty taunt. It's funny what people think she's saying when they first hear it." Over on Twitter, someone mistook the line "Je te plumerai la..." for "Shake your vuvuzela." Spookily, the single is released on the day of the World Cup final. Ronson can see the funny side. "If I was super-smart, like one of those marketing geniuses like Will.i.am or Puffy, I would have had a vuvuzela remix." 'No horns' Bang Bang Bang isn't just about plucking skylarks. It also features previous Ronson collaborator Q-Tip and retro synths. Ronson admits that his recent work with 80s pop gods Duran Duran has helped shape his sound of 2010. "I was working with Nick Rhodes, and when I heard the sound of these analogue keyboards I thought they would be an interesting texture to incorporate into my new album." Record Collection, due out in September, is the follow-up to 2007's Version, the album that contained Amy Winehouse's Valerie. "There's no covers, no horns," says Ronson. "Working with Duran Duran is directly responsible for the sound on this album - although it doesn't sound like Duran Duran." As a kid, Ronson was a big Duran Duran fan. No surprise then that Simon Le Bon turns up on the new album's title track. Another 80s icon - Boy George - sings on Somebody To Love Me. "It has the same blue-eyed soul element and sense of regret as Do You Really want to Hurt Me?" notes Ronson. "It's one of my favourite things I've ever done." The album also features collaborations with newer names like Rose Elinor Dougall and Theophilus London. Style icons Alongside his own album, Ronson is putting the finishing touches to the new Duran Duran album which he expects to be out around the end of 2010. "I didn't reinvent the wheel," he says of his production job. "I'm just another Duran Duran fan and know what another Duran Duran fan would want to hear. "There's bands like the Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand and The Killers who are quite vocal about the debt they have to Duran Duran. "There's nothing wrong with Duran Duran as a band going back and reclaiming that and sounding like they did in 1982 again." Ronson and his band The Business Intl will be playing at London's Lovebox festival on 17 July - directly ahead of Roxy Music. It brings the tantalising prospect of two style icons - Ronson and Bryan Ferry - bumping into each other backstage. "I've met him once or twice. He's a dude, you know?" says Ronson. But will he be swapping style tips? "I'll be silently making notes," says Ronson. "It's not hard to look at what I wear and not think I owe a certain debt to Bryan Ferry. So I'll be learning as opposed to swapping." Bang Bang Bang by Mark Ronson and The Business Intl is out on 11 July

newsbeat-10119095

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10119095

Taylor Momsen: 'Hate me if you want'

There are many faces of Taylor Momsen.

By Greg CochraneNewsbeat music reporter There's Taylor the fashion icon: The gum-chewing, torn-stockings wearing Maryland-born 16-year-old splashed over the British and Americian glossies. There's Taylor the actress: Playing the squeaky-clean-gone-bad-girl Jenny Humphrey in American drama Gossip Girl alongside heart-throbs Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick. And finally there's Taylor the rock star: The Courtney Love-esque sneering frontwoman of metal-pop band The Pretty Reckless. Music priority In her mind, she's pretty sure on which of the above she prefers. "I love acting and I'm doing it forever but music is my heart," she says. "It's what I live for, to say the least - it's kept me alive. Music is who I am. It's the priority at the moment - it's the focus. "It's not a pop record - I'm sure people were expecting one." Indeed, producers of the LA-based glamour series have given Momsen time off to concentrate on her new band The Pretty Reckless. Their single Make Me Wanna Die has already featured in blockbuster Kick-Ass, and they're readying their debut album. "I'm finishing," she says cryptically, without giving much away. "They're being very supportive with my music career." With the conclusion of the third series fast approaching - it's not entirely sure whether this will be the last fans of the show will see of her character, socialite Jenny Humphrey. "I'm not allowed to say much, but I can tell you it's very dramatic," she says of the season's finale. "Particularly with Jenny's character - there's a very dramatic ending, which I think will shock many people." She says everyone has been "super supportive" of her desire to follow her music career full-time with a few members of the cast coming to see her shows. Tabloid darling She is though, less enamoured with the coverage she receives in the American tabloids and glossy magazines - obsessing over her weight and style choices. In the UK she's also currently the face of a large high street outlet's spring/summer range. "I don't read them," she says over her tabloid presence. "I don't even care, at all. If you read them and you care then it'll just destroy you. It's stupid to care about any of it. "My whole thing is feel free to hate me - I so don't care if you hate me, but meet me, and listen to my record, and know me before you hate me. "Don't hate me for what tabloids write about me, because I guarantee it's a lie." 'Lazy' style She's also become an unlikely fashion icon, snapped up by New York based modelling agency IMG (home of Kate Moss) a couple of years ago. She's nonchalant about her new found status though. "I really just put on what's clean," she shrugs. "The easiest thing to find in the morning because I'm usually running late. "It's just turned into style - I just don't bother, I'm just too lazy." Constantly balancing her career in music, fashion and acting means Momsen hasn't really experienced the 'normal' lifestyle of a girl her age growing up. "I've done a lot but I'm still a teenager," she says finally. "I still chew gum in interviews."

entertainment-arts-35313232

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35313232

Oscars 2016: Best director nominees

LENNY ABRAHAMSON

A look at the best director nominees for the 88th Academy Awards, announced on 14 January 2016. Age: 49 Nominated for: Room, about a kidnapped woman who lives in an enclosed space with her five-year-old son. Oscar record: No previous nominations. The critics said: "Irish director Lenny Abrahamson returns after the triumph of Frank for an utterly unique tale which has seen the film-maker deservedly thrust onto the world stage." [Irish Examiner] ALEJANDRO G INARRITU Age: 52 Nominated for: The Revenant, about a frontiersman's fight for survival after a brutal bear attack. Oscar record: Won best director, best original screenplay (as co-writer) and best picture (as producer) for Birdman in 2015. Nominated for best director and best picture (as producer) for Babel in 2007. The critics said: "Few prestige directors have so fully committed to the notion of cinema as an endurance test as Alejandro G Inarritu, and he pushes himself, the audience and an aggrieved 19th Century frontiersman well beyond their usual limits in The Revenant." [Variety] TOM MCCARTHY Age: 49 Nominated for: Spotlight, in which investigative reporters at the Boston Globe uncover child abuse in the Catholic Church. Oscar record: Nominated for best original screenplay (as co-writer) for Up in 2010. The critics said: "McCarthy's earlier films marked him out as an attentive carver of mature and intelligent dramas... Spotlight, a more intricate story told on a broader canvas, represents a significant step up." [Daily Telegraph] ADAM McKAY Age: 47 Nominated for: The Big Short, in which canny investors seek to make money by betting on the 2008 financial crisis. Oscar record: No previous nominations. The critics said: "[McKay] dabbles in genuine irreverence, political energy, and a formal inventiveness here that is a delight to see, and a constant surprise." [IndieWire] GEORGE MILLER Age: 70 Nominated for: Mad Max: Fury Road, in which post-apocalyptic "road warrior" Max Rockatansky falls in with a female rebel. Oscar record: Won best animated film (as producer) for Happy Feet in 2007. Nominated for best original screenplay (as co-writer) for Lorenzo's Oil in 1993 and for best adapted screenplay (as co-writer) and best picture (as producer) for Babe in 1996. The critics said: "Miller's old-school post-apocalyptic vision dazzles the eye and engages the mind in ways that practically no contemporary blockbusters do.." [New York Post]

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Oscars 2016: Best actor nominees

BRYAN CRANSTON

A look at the best actor nominees for the 88th Academy Awards, announced on 14 January 2016. Age: 59 Nominated for: Trumbo The character: Dalton Trumbo, the Hollywood screenwriter blacklisted because of his ties to the US Communist Party. Oscar record: No previous nominations. The critics said: "[Trumbo] is played with great wit and brio by Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston... [He] is the reason for buying the movie ticket. He's furiously watchable as a man more sinned against than sinning." [Toronto Star] MATT DAMON Age: 45 Nominated for: The Martian The character: Mark Watney, a US astronaut stranded on Mars who has to rely on his wits and ingenuity in order to survive. Oscar record: Won best original screenplay for Good Will Hunting in 1998. Best actor nomination for same film. Best supporting actor nomination for Invictus in 2010. The critics said: "Damon has never seemed more at home than he does here, millions of miles adrift. Would any other actor have shouldered the weight of the role with such diligent grace?" [The New Yorker] LEONARDO DiCAPRIO Age: 41 Nominated for: The Revenant The character: Hugh Glass, a 19th Century fur trapper who seeks revenge after he is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting party. Oscar record: Three best actor nominations for The Aviator in 2005, Blood Diamond in 2007 and The Wolf of Wall Street in 2014. One best supporting actor nomination for What's Eating Gilbert Grape in 1994. Best picture nomination (as producer) for The Wolf of Wall Street. The critics said: "As Glass, DiCaprio simply endures. He gives the movie a beating heart, offering it up, figuratively speaking, alive and bloody on a platter. It - he - is the most visceral effect in the movie, revenge served warm. Bon appetit." [Time] MICHAEL FASSBENDER Age: 38 Nominated for: Steve Jobs The character: Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder and creative genius whose story unfolds backstage at three Apple product launches. Oscar record: Best supporting actor nomination for 12 Years a Slave in 2014. The critics said: "[Fassbender's] performance is so microscopically calibrated to catch your eye and heart, you suspect even his famously exacting subject would be a little overawed." [Daily Telegraph] EDDIE REDMAYNE Age: 34 Nominated for: The Danish Girl The character: Lili Elbe, the Danish artist and transgender pioneer who was born Einar Wegener in 1882. Oscar record: Won best actor for The Theory of Everything in 2015. The critics said: "Redmayne's fine bone-china features are prime movers in all of this being convincing but so is his performance, reticent, vulnerable and acutely observed. It's less flashy than The Theory of Everything but no less satisfying." [Empire]

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Chongqing's 'mobile lane'

No need to look up!

By Celia HattonBBC News, Beijing A popular tourist destination in Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, has devoted a portion of its pavement for mobile phone users too entranced by the activity on their screens to avoid other pedestrians. Another section of the pavement jokingly bans phone users. In July, National Geographic commissioned a similar stretch of pavement in Washington DC, in a brief experiment testing human behaviour. This project was initiated by Meixin, the private company that manages "Foreigners Street", the privately-owned theme park. The pavement concept is a tongue-in-cheek attempt to encourage people to think how much time they spend staring at their phones. Photos of the sidewalk attracted ridicule on Weibo, China's version of Twitter. "Am I supposed to jump to the other side of the path when I get an incoming phone call?" one user questioned. "Maybe they can even build one traffic lane especially for drunk drivers in the future," sniffed another. Indeed, the ploy seems to have created a new problem: street congestion, as hordes of people stop in their tracks to snap photos of the special pavement. Correction 17 September 2014: This post has been amended to make clear that the pavement project was a private company's initiative.

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Brazil in narrow presidential race as Silva captures imagination

Brazil is a contradictory, complex country.

Wyre DaviesRio de Janeiro correspondent It boasts the world's seventh largest economy but Brazilian society is still deeply divided and unequal. Racism and corruption are still rife yet a mixed-race woman, born into almost absolute poverty in the jungle interior, could soon be elected to lead this country of 200 million people. Marina Silva is certainly an enigma. The slight, almost frail, former environmental campaigner is adored by the foreign media and by those who relish the prospect of a genuinely "green" president in Brazil. Her detractors say she has flitted like a butterfly from cause to cause, helping to found then abandoning political movements when she became frustrated or didn't get her way. More damaging, perhaps, is the perception that she is an idealist - a "dreamer" who talks glibly about "a new way" for Brazil without providing detailed policies or putting flesh on the bone. To try to find the "real" Marina we went back to the beginning, to a time and a place far removed from modern Brazil. The Amazon state of Acre is proof of how big and complex this country really is. Until just over 100 years ago this was actually part of Bolivia but thanks in part to occupation of the land by Brazilian rubber tappers, Acre was eventually absorbed into Brazil. This is where Marina Silva grew up and where she forged the political ideals that still, to an extent, define her today. Her parents were both "seringueiros" or rubber tappers, almost the lowest rung of the ladder in a tough and traditional rural society. If there was no food on the table you went hungry and everyone, no matter if they weren't even yet in their teens, was put to work. In an unashamedly emotional television advert for the forthcoming elections, Marina Silva recounts a story to her silenced audience about watching her parents go without food, just so their children could eat. It's a real tearjerker and, on this level at least, it's easy to understand why so many people are so attracted to Marina's bandwagon. Remember, she only assumed the candidature of the Brazilian Socialist Party when her running mate, Eduardo Campos, was killed in a plane crash. She worked alongside Chico Mendes, the famous environmentalist and campaigner who was assassinated in 1988 for defending the rights of Brazil's rural workers in the face of overwhelming political and business opposition. Deep in the "mata" - the jungle - after a bumpy ride through forest tracks, more by luck than judgment, we came across Sebastiao da Silva, a small-scale farmer who still supplements his income by tapping trees for sap. Sebastiao takes me even further into the dense green canopy. There's an abundance of butterflies and an orchestra of bird noise as he sets about gouging an angular line in the bark of a tree. He places a small plastic cup to collect the white sap and then moves on to another tree. Harvesting latex is slow, physical work. Marina Silva was doing this at the age of 10. "If she becomes president, it'll be tough doing both things - protecting what we have here in the jungle and also promoting the country's development," says Sebastiao, who remembers Marina the young activist. Wiping sweat from his brow and bugs from his eyes, he adds, "but there's no doubt she can do it because she knows exactly what we need here in the interior." While few doubt Marina Silva's knowledge of, and commitment to, Brazil's rural heritage, her political opponents seriously question her ability to govern this continent-sized nation. Three and a half hours flying time from Rio Branco, we land in the capital, Brasilia. The whole point of this "new" city, inspired by the stunning architecture of Oscar Niemeyer, was to unite the vast country in the middle - not north, nor south. Holding court here, for the last fours years, has been President Dilma Rousseff. Until the untimely accident that killed Eduardo Campos last month she had a comfortable lead in the polls. Like Silva, Dilma Rousseff is not part of Brazil's traditional political or landed elite. A student activist who was imprisoned and tortured by the military government in the 1970s she, too, has earned her spurs. The two women were once ministerial colleagues under the first Workers' Party (PT) government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and this election has been interpreted by some as a battle for his legacy. Ms Rousseff is Lula's chosen successor and she claims credit for continuing his widespread social reform programmes that have elevated tens of millions of Brazilians out of poverty. But she has been unable to replicate the decade of extraordinary economic growth that helped to pay for those social reforms. The economy is stagnant and, according to some interpretations, is even in recession. Ms Rousseff shows few signs of listening to the concerns of business people and investors who want her to deregulate Brazil's highly protectionist economy - for the president, as long as unemployment and inflation remain relatively low, she's pretty happy. The opinion polls are up and down. Since Marina Silva entered the race, the new Socialist Party candidate maintained an almost constant but narrow lead over the incumbent president. But it is Ms Rousseff who enjoys more paid-for airtime and has by far the most effective party structure. It's simply too close to call. David Fleischer, professor of political science at Brasilia University has watched the "wave" of initial support for Silva, from undecided and independents turn into a "tsunami". He adds, "Dilma has been trying to get things back on track by spreading fear about Marina's alleged naivety and unworkable programme. She's also an incumbent and she has the power of the state at her disposal." The presence of other candidates in the first round, including the more business friendly Aecio Neves, means a run-off vote at the end of October is almost inevitable. But there's a long way to go between now and the end of October.

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Is extremism really getting worse?

Is extremism on the rise?

By Sean CoughlanBBC News family and education correspondent There is a widely-held narrative that we are living through a time of worsening intolerance in the UK, with people becoming more vitriolic and polarised. But Dr Julian Hargreaves, an adviser to the government's Commission for Countering Extremism, challenges the evidence. He wants research to produce a better-informed debate - systematically mapping levels of intolerance, looking at how labels such as "Islamist extremism" can skew the picture and asking whether there are other ways of looking at patterns of extremism. For instance, instead of looking at religious groups for warning signs of extremism, should we examine links with addictive, obsessive behaviour, such as drug addiction? Should there be attention to personality types as well as political beliefs? The commission, set up in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena terror attack, has the task of assessing the scale of extremism and finding ways to tackle any support for such violence. Extreme or strongly-held view? But what is "extremism"? How does it differ from strongly-held, legitimate beliefs? Nobody sees themselves as an extremist. Dr Hargreaves, a researcher specialising in Britain's Muslim communities, defines it as an attempt to "exclude or coerce" - but with the distinguishing feature of being "harmful". It does not have to be violent. He gives the example of some Muslim voices who argue on religious grounds against voting. "I would argue that's a form of extremism," says Dr Hargreaves, based at the Woolf Institute in Cambridge, a college dedicated to building bridges between faiths. "Or far-right groups with a racist message - they might not be advocating violence, but those messages can easily fuel violence." But he says extremism should not be confused with religious "fundamentalism", which can be a more orthodox, but legitimate, expression of belief. He rejects the way "the two have become interchangeable". "There are all kinds of people who are very much outside the mainstream, but whose views are by most definitions harmless," he says. Dr Hargreaves, with a research background in both criminology and religion, says it would be very "dicey territory" to adopt a perspective in which "strong religious views could be seen as extremist". He also says intolerance could sometimes be seen as a positive force - such as greater intolerance of sexism, racism or homophobia. The inquest following the London Bridge attack, which started this week, shows the appalling consequences of violent extremism. But away from the intense scrutiny following such terror attacks, Dr Hargreaves says the bigger picture can remain much less clear. Change the labels, change the trend The labels used to describe extremism can also completely change the apparent trends. The most recent figures from the Prevent counter-terror programme in England and Wales, published in December, showed a sharp fall in referrals over "Islamist extremism", down from 61% to 44% in a single year. This could be seen as a significant breakthrough against radicalisation. But what really made the difference was putting many more into another category, "mixed, unstable or unclear ideology". This reconfiguring meant that at a stroke "Islamist extremism" became a minority of the cases, with 44% of referrals. The "unstable and unclear" now accounted for 27%, while 18% related to right-wing extremism and 11% were "others", including environmental campaigns and the far left. This more "nuanced" approach, he says, made "unstable" the second biggest group, and rather than a counter-terror intervention, he says some might need mental health services or housing and employment advice. Politics or paranoia? Dr Hargreaves says there might be other ways of looking at extremism - as a way of behaving rather than a way of believing. This could include an overlap with addictions. "In a lot of cases the individuals had been referred to addiction services and had documented problems with drink or drugs," he says. There might be connections with mental health problems too. "Paranoid, psychotic delusions are not that far removed from types of grievances you often hear around people with extremist views," says Dr Hargreaves, part of the expert group for the anti-extremism commission. He says that his contribution is to keep pushing for more evidence. Segregation There will be a survey of levels of tolerance - which he says will look at whether intolerant attitudes are really increasing, rather than becoming more visible through social media. He questions the reliability of unelected "community leaders" who might have their own agendas. Claims about segregation and prejudice, such as in northern towns in England, he argues, might miss the positive local connections taking place. "It's important not to generalise. The situation on the ground can be more complicated. "Communities are muddling through in that classic British way, sometimes away from the top-down initiatives and policy strategies." He warns against "pointing fingers" at particular groups - including white, working-class communities. "Policy-makers would do well to have a little more sympathy for communities that have undergone change," he says. The values and beliefs of "socially conservative" groups should not be marginalised, he says. But how can extremism be tackled? Dr Hargreaves is not convinced by "grand narratives" about ideological battles. "It's much more useful to move away from grand, heroic language and think of these issues as being akin to public health issues. "Taking a public health approach means providing the data needed, moving beyond headlines about 'rising extremism' to think about who is at risk, where are they, what are the risks?" He says the "role of family, friends and communities is still undervalued in policy circles" - and better use should be made of moderate religious leaders. But he says relying on stereotypes about extremism is a "disservice to communities".

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Cyprus profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1914 - Cyprus annexed by Britain, after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule. Britain had occupied the island in 1878, although it remained nominally under Ottoman sovereignty. 1925 - Becomes British colony. 1955 - Greek Cypriots begin guerrilla war against British rule in pursuit of unification with Greece. 1956 - Archbishop Makarios, head of enosis campaign, deported to the Seychelles. 1959 - Archbishop Makarios returns and is elected president. Independence 1960 - Cyprus gains independence after Greek and Turkish communities reach agreement on a constitution. Treaty of Guarantee gives Britain, Greece and Turkey the right to intervene. Britain retains sovereignty over two military bases. 1963 - President Makarios raises Turkish fears by proposing constitutional changes which would abrogate power-sharing arrangements. Inter-communal violence erupts. Turkish community withdraws from power-sharing. 1964 - United Nations peacekeeping force set up. Turkish Cypriots withdraw into defended enclaves. 1974 - Military junta in Greece backs coup against President Makarios, who flees. Within days Turkish troops land in north. Greek Cypriots flee their homes. Coup collapses. Turkish forces occupy third of the island, enforce partition between north and south roughly along the "Green Line" ceasefire line drawn up by UN forces in 1963. About 165,000 Greek Cypriots flee or are driven from the Turkish-occupied north, and about 45,000 Turkish Cypriots leave the south for the north. The UN Security Council unanimously passes a resolution calling on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyrpus. Turkey refuses to do so, despite repeated UN Security Council resolutions making the same demand over the following decades. 1975 - Turkish Cypriots establish independent administration, with Rauf Denktash as president. Population exchanges agreed. 1977 - President Makarios dies, succeeded by Spyros Kyprianou. 1980 - UN-sponsored peace talks resume. 1983 - Mr Denktash suspends talks and proclaims Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey. 1994 - European Court of Justice rules that a list of goods, including fruit and vegetables, are not eligible for preferential treatment when exported by the Turkish Cypriot community directly to the European Union. 1998 - EU lists Cyprus as potential member. Government drops plans to install Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles after Turkey threatens military action. 2001 June - UN Security Council renews its 36-year mission. Some 2,400 peacekeepers patrol the buffer zone between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. 2002 January - Clerides and Denktash begin UN-sponsored negotiations after decades of stalled talks. Minds are concentrated by EU membership aspirations. 2002 November - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan presents a comprehensive peace plan for Cyprus which envisages a federation with two constituent parts, presided over by a rotating presidency. 2002 December - EU summit in Copenhagen invites Cyprus to join in 2004 provided the two communities agree to UN plan by early spring 2003. Without reunification, only the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot part of the island will gain membership. 2003 April - Turkish and Greek Cypriots cross island's dividing "green line" for first time in 30 years after Turkish Cypriot authorities ease border restrictions. 2004 April - Twin referendums on whether to accept UN reunification plan in last-minute bid to achieve united EU entry. Plan is endorsed by Turkish Cypriots but overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots. EU accession 2004 May - Cyprus is one of 10 new states to join the EU, but does so as a divided island. 2004 December - Turkey agrees to extend its EU customs union agreement to 10 new member states, including Cyprus. The Turkish prime minister says this does not amount to a formal recognition of Cyprus. 2005 August - Cypriot airliner crashes near Athens, Greece, killing all 121 passengers and crew. It is the island's worst peacetime disaster. 2006 July - UN-sponsored talks between President Tassos Papadopolous and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agree a series of confidence-building measures and contacts between the two communities. 2007 January-March - Greek and Turkish Cypriots demolish barriers dividing the old city of Nicosia. The moves are seen as paving the way for another official crossing point on what used to be a key commercial thoroughfare. 2008 January - Cyprus adopts the euro. New talks 2008 March - New left-wing President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agree to start formal talks on reunification. 2008 April - Symbolic Ledra Street crossing between the Turkish and Greek sectors of Nicosia reopened for first time since 1964. 2010 April - Dervis Eroglu, who favours independence, wins the Turkish north's leadership contest, beating pro-unity incumbent Mehmet Ali Talat. 2010 May - Re-unification talks resume with a new hardliner representing the Turkish north. 2011 May - Parliamentary polls. The the main rightwing opposition party DISY wins by a narrow margin. 2011 July - Navy chief Andreas Ioannides and 12 others die when people when impounded Iranian containers of explosives blow up at the main naval base and the country's main power plant. 2011 September - Cyprus begins exploratory drilling for oil and gas, prompting a diplomatic row with Turkey, which responds by sending an oil vessel to waters off northern Cyprus. 2012 April - The UN cancels plans for a Cyprus conference, citing lack of progress on any of the substantial differences between the two sides. Turkey's Turkish Petroleum Corporation begins drilling for oil and gas onshore in northern Cyprus despite protests from the Cypriot government that the action is illegal. Financial crisis 2012 June - Cyprus appeals to European Union for financial assistance to shore up its banks, which are heavily exposed to the stumbling Greek economy. 2013 February - Democratic Rally conservative candidate Nicos Anastasiades wins presidential election. 2013 March - President Anastasiades secures 10bn-euro bank bailout from the European Union and IMF. Laiki Bank, the country's second-biggest, is wound down and deposit-holders with more than 100,000 euros will face big losses. 2014 October - Cyprus suspends peace talks with Turkish-held Cypriots in protest against what it calls efforts by Turkey to prevent it from exploring gas fields south of the island. The EU and US express concern over the tension. 2015 February - At talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, President Anastasiades agrees to let the Russian navy have access to Cypriot ports. Reunification talks resume 2015 May - Government and Turkish Cypriot negotiators resume talks on reunification, which end inconclusively in July 2017. 2016 January - President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci make an unprecedented joint New Year television address in the midst of reunification talks. 2018 November - First new buffer-zone crossings are opened in eight years at Deryneia in the east and Lefke in the west. 2020 October - Anti-reunification nationalist Ersin Tatar wins narrow victory in Turkish Cypriot presidential election.

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From rich list to death list, China's road to wealth

Hong Weihua is a survivor.

By Nick RosenAuthor & filmmaker The former soccer player turned financier has built a conglomerate stretching from media and mining to pharmaceuticals and retailing. A decade ago, the 54-year-old was named on a list of the top 30 entrepreneurs in his native town - Shenyang in northeast China. Many of the others are now bankrupt or in jail. Away from the top-tier cities, Mr Hong's success is more than most a microcosm of modern China's rise to economic pre-eminence. Like a majority of the Chinese super-rich his wealth is hidden. Although the Hurun rich list only credits him with a fortune of $320m, researchers agree that his wealth is five times that. "But you can't put your finger on it" says Hurun's founder Rupert Hoogewerf. It's the nature of the "Wild East" of China that most assets go unrecorded. Paddy-field to palace Rupert Hoogewerf is possibly the best-known foreigner living in China today. He is the founder of the Hurun Report, publisher of magazines about private jets and yachts, private schools, and private wealth - and world-renowned for its annual listing of the richest 1,000 people in China. His views are highly sought after by Chinese radio and TV. Mr Hoogewerf, educated at Eton College in England, then at Durham University where he graduated in Chinese and Japanese, says he just happened to be "in the right place at the right time." He records the wealth of people like Hong Weihua, who, like China itself, has moved from paddy-field to palace in a single generation. Visiting his father, who could never have expected to grow old in a garden villa with a full refrigerator, Mr Hong recalled his late mother: "She was a great mother. She used to eat last when the family was very poor in the old days. She usually got nothing to eat in the end. We got something solid to eat - but she only got soup. These days, 54-year-old Hong's proudest possession is a Jade piano worth at least $2m (£1.3m), formerly the property of the late singer Michael Jackson, and before that, he says, an Empress of Russia. In his office we were joined by friends and his son Michael for dinner, and sipped shots from a $16,000 bottle of aged rice liquor. Mr Hong's enjoyment of the trappings of success is all the more acute because he has experienced near-disaster in his business dealings. A decade ago his business partner in a property development was jailed for 18 years. Ten years before that, as he began the process of building his fortune, he was nearly killed by wolves as he prospected for minerals on the Inner Mongolian border. Customised minibus Now he can reflect that he has made the most of his "second life." He is helping British supermarket chain Tesco open stores across Shenyang, and his long-standing connections with the local Communist Party mean he has access to land and finance when he wants to expand. "My supermarket is worth two billion while it's not listed in my account," he told me as we drove across town facing each other in the back of his customised minibus with a bar and mood lighting. It is that hidden wealth that defines the business environment in modern China. Rupert Hoogewerf sees his wealth list as "like the tip of an iceberg - there is a lot more underneath than you can see on the surface." Mr Hoogewerf freely admits that listing only published assets means he misses at least half of the truly wealthy in a country where it is difficult to track any assets that are not held in land or publicly listed companies. Perhaps that is the reason why his presence has been tolerated for so long in a country not known for its openness about wealth or anything else. When he first set up Hurun, he told me, he received a discreet visit from a man with no business card who just said: "We know what you are doing. It seems quite good." 'Fat pig killing list' But although the Party might find his list quite useful, those who are included in it are often not so relaxed. "There is a nickname for the rich list. It's called the death list," Mr Hoogewerf says in our interview, "...or in Chinese it is actually known as the 'fat pig killing list'. The implication is that as the Chinese get to be well known, they get ready to be taken down." Mr Hoogewerf quotes statistics to show this is a false impression, and that those on the list are no more likely to be arrested than any other businessmen in a society where incurring the Party's displeasure can mean a quick end to a promising business career. But other researchers disagree. One paper from three Chinese academics says that the proportion of entrepreneurs that are charged, investigated or arrested rises from 7% for unlisted to 17% on Hurun listing. Mr Hoogewerf strongly disputes this, saying the proportion of listees arrested is no more than 1%. Video produced by Vivum Intelligent Media Ltd International viewers can watch more on China's Super Rich on BBC World News on Saturday 24th November at 0030 and 0730 and on Sunday 25th November at 1230 and 1830. All times GMT.

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Where does Brexit vote leave Welsh economy?

It is clearly about more than money.

By Sarah DickinsBBC Wales economics correspondent Wales gets the largest amount of money from the European Union and it also returned a vote to leave. Wales' trade with EU member countries and investment from them is very significant but so too are funds from the EU itself. Since 2000, Wales has been awarded the highest levels of economic support because we have consistently been one of the poorest parts of the EU despite new members states from Eastern Europe. Wales has had £4bn in what is called structural funding from the EU since 2000 according the Welsh Government. That had been set to continue until 2020. It is now unclear what will happen but the money is allocated in seven year tranches and so may continue. The idea of the money is to help make the Welsh economy stronger and wealthier. Wales is divided into two areas: West Wales and the Valleys which is made up of 15 local authorities and East Wales, seven. West Wales and the Valleys has the highest level of what is called structural funding. It was in 2000 called Objective One . It is now called convergence funding. It is for countries in the EU with a GVA less that three quarters of the EU average GVA. So how much of this money has Wales been allocated? In the current round to 2020, it involves £1.89bn. Structural funds have come to Wales in two pots: European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The money has been used to part-fund many initiatives across Wales, for instance the Jobs Growth Wales and also upgrading of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. With the UK voting to leave the EU, Wales will clearly no longer be eligible for those funds. Pro-Brexit campaigners have been adamant that similarly significant regeneration funds would flow to Wales from the UK Treasury should the UK leave. Wales also stands out as having a higher proportion of inward investment (FDI) than the average across the UK. Many of the 1,100 foreign-owned firms that are working in Wales now - employing 150,000 people - came here to be within the European Single Market. It meant they could trade within a massive market place without trade barriers. Now, everything changes and we cannot know how that will impact existing foreign companies in Wales not those who we may have hoped to attract. This morning the chief executive of Aston Martin, which is investing hundreds of millions in Wales and creating 750 jobs in St Athan, has said that Britain must seek a tariff-free European market. Tata, which of course owns Port Talbot, Llanwern, Shotton, Trostre and Orb steel works, as well as Jaguar Land Rover, to which many Welsh firm supply, says access to markets and a skilled workforce would remain an important consideration for its businesses in Britain.

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Princess Eugenie: 'I wanted my wedding dress to show my scar'

The Dress.

By Gerry Holt & Kesewaa BrowneBBC News For many brides what to wear on their big day is one of the most important decisions they'll make. Ivory or white? A-line or mermaid? Long or short? Fitted or puffy? But for Princess Eugenie there was an extra factor at play. The Queen's granddaughter had major surgery on her back to treat a curvature of the spine at the age of 12. Sixteen years on, and the princess chose to wear a wedding dress that showed her scar, saying she hoped it would honour those who had helped her and inspire others with the condition of scoliosis. 'I think you can change the way beauty is' Ahead of the wedding, the princess spoke of the importance of showing "people your scars". And earlier this year she revealed for the first time her own X-rays from when she was treated for scoliosis as a child. "I had an operation when I was 12 on my back, and you'll see on Friday [at the wedding], but it's a lovely way to honour the people who looked after me and a way of standing up for young people who also go through this," she told ITV's This Morning. "I think you can change the way beauty is, and you can show people your scars and I think it's really special to stand up for that." What is scoliosis and why does it mostly affect young girls? Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to bend to one side, making the back appear rounded and shoulder blades stick out. It most often starts in children aged 10 to 15 but there is often no known cause. Sometimes it is caused by the bones not forming properly in the womb or other medical conditions, including cerebral palsy. Three to four children in 1,000 need treatment from a specialist. The Scoliosis Association UK says about five out of six people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are female - but it is not known why. In Princess Eugenie's case, it required corrective surgery and she had the operation at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. The princess, now 28, has previously spoken of how she felt in the weeks before her surgery, saying it was "a scary prospect for a 12-year-old; I can still vividly remember how nervous I felt". "During my operation, which took eight hours, my surgeons inserted eight-inch titanium rods into each side of my spine and one-and-a-half inch screws at the top of my neck. After three days in intensive care, I spent a week on a ward and six days in a wheelchair, but I was walking again after that," she says in her story on the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital's website. 'I thought I'd be in a wheelchair by 30' Trainee teacher Camilla Seckin also had surgery for the condition at the same hospital. "I was really terrified and really in denial about having the surgery, but I knew it was something that I had to get done. "At this point my back was at a 72-degree curvature and the prognosis was that I'd be in a wheel chair by the age of 30. "I felt very insecure about my appearance but I feel confident now and I'm not ashamed of having the condition." Camilla encourages sufferers to speak up "as it can be quite lonely if you don't". "Building a network with people who have had the surgery has really helped me. I can still do things despite my condition." 'Eugenie can inspire others who are affected' Jan Lehovsky, a spinal surgeon who was part of the team who operated on the princess, said: "Most of the patients affected by scoliosis are young girls and she's a real role model for them. "She's someone who can inspire them, which is so important for the young ladies coming through the surgery."

uk-politics-28043915

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-28043915

Cameron and EU: Defeat and then what?

"What I say is what I do."

Nick RobinsonPolitical editor That is what David Cameron says you can learn from his decision to force a vote at this EU Summit - a vote which he looks certain to lose and lose big. This is, he told me hours before 28 EU leaders meet for dinner in Ypres, just the "start of a long campaign". It is a message directed as much at voters back home as fellow European leaders. It's meant to say: "I will not compromise on my principles, I will not do last minute deals, I will not back down even when facing isolation". Many Tory voters who've defected to UKIP tell pollsters that they don't trust David Cameron to hold a referendum let alone to get a better deal for Britain in Europe. After all, they say, doesn't the prime minister keep telling people that he really wants to stay in the EU? Although this is a crisis he didn't expect - and didn't want - the prime minister is now using it to try to win credibility with those Cameron-sceptics. What will be fascinating is to see whether he takes the next logical step. Many sceptics argue that the complete failure of his negotiating strategy proves that you can never win in Europe whilst everyone believes you are determined to stay. So, might David Cameron be tempted to take the next step which he has so far resisted by declaring that if the EU will not reform in the way he wants he would be unable to recommend that Britain should stay in? It would be a public version of what Germany's Angela Merkel called his private threat that Britain would be more likely to leave if Mr Juncker is chosen as the next President of the European Commission. It would be a huge diplomatic and a political gamble. Other European leaders could react by treating Britain as if she is already heading for the exit. Some businesses may reconsider their investments in the UK. It would seem, however, to be the logical conclusion of the Tory leader's "what I say is what I do" rhetoric here.

newsbeat-51316270

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-51316270

Queen & Slim: Director Melina Matsoukas hopes for change at the Oscars

"Congratulations to those men."

By Steve HoldenNewsbeat reporter After announcing this year's Oscar nominations, Issa Rae's off-the-cuff reaction to another all-male Best Director shortlist was - for many - perfect shade. "I reposted it. She's an honest person," says Melina Matsoukas, director of new movie Queen & Slim and Issa's best friend. "She's always going to shout people out and critique the powers that be if she doesn't feel it's equal. "I love her for that," Melina tells Radio 1 Newsbeat. Melina and Issa are executive producers on Insecure, HBO's hit comedy based on Issa's web series Awkward Black Girl. In the 91-year history of the Oscars, only five female directors have ever been nominated for Best Director, and only one of them - Kathryn Bigelow - has won. Queen & Slim has been critically acclaimed and Melina was eligible for a director nomination, but it never materialised. "Yeah well…," she says, and then laughs. "In its history, there have also only been six people of colour nominated in the director category too," Melina adds. 'What needs to change is our fight' Despite three non-white actors winning Oscars in 2019 (Rami Malek, Regina King and Mahershala Ali), this year's nominations have once again highlighted an issue with diversity across many of the ceremony's top categories. In this year's acting categories, Cynthia Erivo is the only non-white nominee. Melina thinks this "exemplifies the systematic racism that's within all the institutions in our country - and worldwide. "It represents the people in power and their values and what they see and the films that they don't see... that they discredit and devalue." It's not just the Oscars that have been criticised this year. The 2020 Baftas were also called out for having no non-white stars nominated in the acting categories. "What needs to change is our fight," says Melina. "We have to come together to keep bringing volume to stories like Queen & Slim. So that they're forced to hear us." One silver lining is Melina's recent nomination in the First-Time Feature Film category at the Directors Guild of America Awards. Of the four nominees, three were female (including the winner). She's previously been nominated for a DGA award for her television work on comedy series Master Of None. Queen & Slim is Melina's debut feature film and tells the story of a first date that goes terribly wrong when a police officer is accidentally shot. The script was written by Hollywood star Lena Waithe and the cast is headed up by British stars Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith. "It was a lot of blood sweat and tears," says Melina. "The feeling now is tremendous. The process of filmmaking is quite difficult. "Seeing the impact the movie has had on our community motivates me to keep on creating." Melina is also a music video legend, directing films for Beyonce, Rihanna, Ciara, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. Her videography is extensive, with more than 50 videos stretching back more than a decade. She's won two Grammy awards for directing Rihanna's We Found Love in 2011 and Beyonce's Formation in 2016. "Don't make me choose my favourite," she says. "Music videos are my passion and something I'll always do. "It's a wonderful form of filmmaking that often gets discredited. You can be so experimental as a director and I learned my craft. "They're mini movies." Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

health-28049568

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-28049568

How can I cut down on sugar?

Let me confess. I love sugar.

Fergus WalshMedical correspondent I don't have it in tea or coffee, but I'm partial to biscuits, cakes, sweets and fruit juice, which are packed with the stuff. I guess I consume way more than the current recommended limit that 10% of my calories should come from added sugar, or the natural sugar in fruit juice. I am not alone. Every age group in the UK exceeds the current guidelines. Decay So halving the sugar limit to 5% is, to say the least, ambitious. When it comes to tooth decay, added sugar is hard to defend. More than a quarter of five year olds have tooth decay. But on the wider issue of promoting public health, the new guidelines on sugar are fundamentally about calorie control. Added sugar is a major source of calories - and given that two thirds of adults and a third of children are overweight or obese - cutting sugar consumption could make a dramatic impact on our waistlines, and the health of the nation. Obesity raises the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and many cancers. Fibre Sugary drinks deserve special attention, according to Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England: "There is something special about sugar-sweetened drinks that appears to encourage over-consumption". Among the 600 studies analysed by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) was research showing an association - but no clear link - between sweet fizzy drinks and the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It's worth pointing out that the new guidance from the independent panel excludes the sugar in whole fruit or milk. So if you cut out added sugar, what should you eat instead? "We need to reduce sugar intake but should not swap from sugar to fat", said Prof Susan Jebb of the University of Oxford. "A greater proportion of our plate should be fruit and vegetables and more fibre-rich carbohydrates and whole grain." The draft report from the SACN also recommended that the population increase our daily fibre intake to 30g a day for adults. Fruit To do that you need to eat all of the following: five portions of fruit and vegetables, two slices of wholemeal bread, a high fibre breakfast cereal, a baked potato and a portion of whole wheat pasta. Compare that to added sugar where you can hit your limit simply by drinking a can of fizzy pop. My colleagues in the health and science unit at the BBC are a friendly bunch who have got into the habit of bringing in cakes and biscuits - many of them home-made. Barely a day goes by without some calorie and fat-laden goodies being offered. Today it was those buttery-sweet French cakes known as madeleines. Yesterday there was fruit cake and some suspicious-looking yellow and pink marshmallow biscuits. Of course if you are active then the odd sugary treat is fine. After today's report perhaps a switch to some fruit might be an idea. But offered an apple or a biscuit with my cup of tea, I know it's the latter I'd choose.

world-middle-east-57085023

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57085023

Lod: Why an Israeli town's mayor is warning of civil war

"Civil war has broken out in Lod."

That is how Mayor Yair Revivo described the situation after violence exploded in the mixed Arab-Jewish Israeli town, lying 15km (9 miles) south-east of Tel Aviv. Protests by Israeli Arabs in the town turned into full-scale riots on Tuesday night. Demonstrators clashed with police and set cars and buildings ablaze, the day after a funeral for a man allegedly shot dead by Jewish residents. "This is a complete loss of control," Mr Revivo told Israel's Channel 12 News. "Synagogues are being burned. Hundreds of cars set alight... The situation is incendiary." Violence also flared in other cities and towns with sizeable Arab populations - including neighbouring Ramle, Acre, Jaffa, Jisr al-Zarqa and Umm al-Fahm. Police arrested 270 people. "The sight of the pogrom in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob, injuring people, damaging property and even attacking sacred Jewish spaces is unforgiveable," President Reuven Rivlin said on Wednesday. He added: "The silence of the Arab leadership about these disturbances is shameful, giving support to terrorism and rioting and encouraging the rupture of the society in which we live and in which we will continue to live once all this has passed." A number of Israeli Arab politicians have called for an end to the rioting. "Protests in Arab society are moving in a very dangerous direction, as popular protests have escalated into violence," Raam party leader Mansour Abbas was quoted as saying in Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday. "I call on everyone to behave responsibly and to adhere to the rule of law." The unrest follows days of high tensions in Jerusalem, with clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians at a key holy site, and escalating hostilities between Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and the the Israeli military since Monday night that have left more than 50 people dead. What happened in Lod? In recent days, Israeli Arabs have staged protests in sympathy with Palestinians in Jerusalem and Gaza. During protests on Monday in Lod - a third of whose population is Arab - an Arab resident in his 30s, Musa Hassuna, was shot dead and another person seriously injured. Haaretz cited a Jewish resident as saying an "Arab crowd tried to break into the neighbourhood", and that his neighbours "were forced to shoot in the air" because they felt in danger. Mr Hassuna's father said his son had not gone to protest and that he had been passing through the area when "they shot him at point-blank". Police arrested three suspects, who said they had acted in self-defence. Hundreds attended Mr Hassuna's funeral on Tuesday. Clashes soon broke out with the police, and Israeli media reported that two officers were injured and a police car was set on fire. As night fell the violence escalated and synagogues and businesses were attacked. Reuters news agency said there were also reports of Jews stoning a car driven by an Arab. Social media footage allegedly showed protesters firing on police with an automatic weapon. Officers responded with live rounds. "This is the first time we've seen local residents using weapons, opening fire, and the response from our units has been also using live fire in order to prevent anyone from being killed," police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said. Haaretz newspaper reports that 12 people were injured in the unrest, with one in a serious condition. Separately, a 52-year-old father and his 16-year-old daughter were killed when a Palestinian rocket fired from Gaza hit their car in Lod. Khalil and Nadin Awad were both Israeli Arabs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now declared a state of emergency in Lod, granting police more powers there. It is reportedly the first time since 1966 the government has used emergency powers over an Arab community. "It's anarchy from rioters and we cannot accept it," Mr Netanyahu told reporters on a visit to the town early on Wednesday, vowing to "restore law and order with an iron fist". "I don't feel safe exiting my home," Jewish resident Lior Benisti told Channel 12. "We wanted to go to my sister, we have two small daughters and we decided to stay in tonight even though we don't have a rocket-proof room. Better take the risk of rockets than the mayhem outside." Who are the Israeli Arabs? In total, about 21% of Israel's population are Israeli Arabs - about 1.96 million people, according to a December report by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics. During the war that surrounded the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, hundreds of thousands of Arabs were forced from or fled their homes. Those who stayed in what became Israel, and their descendants, have been granted citizenship and are known as Israeli Arabs. About 80% of Israeli Arabs are Muslim, with the rest identifying as either Christian or Druze. Most identify strongly with Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, with many calling themselves "Palestinian citizens of Israel". Israel's government says its Arab citizens have equal social and political rights, although they are exempt from compulsory military service. But Israeli Arabs themselves say they are treated as second-class citizens who face legal, institutional and social discrimination. Authorities in Lod built a 3m-high (10ft) wall through a part of the town in 2010, separating the Jewish and Arab communities. Officials said it was to reduce crime, but Israeli Arabs said it was an attempt at enforcing segregation.

uk-northern-ireland-55426938

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-55426938

Covid-19: 'There have been countless stories of loss'

2020 has been a year like no other.

By Marie-Louise ConnollyBBC News NI Health Correspondent It will be forever defined by coronavirus - the deadly disease that has cost so many lives and turned others upside down. The year began with the health service still reeling from the impact of the nurses' strike. Then on 20 January we got a hint of what was coming - coronavirus was spreading from Wuhan to other major cities in China. Eleven days later the World Health Organisation declared a global emergency. A steep learning curve Covid-19 would soon eclipse even Brexit as the biggest story across these islands, as the health implications spiralled into an economic and social crisis. During those early days, as people scrambled to understand the pandemic, internet search engines went into overdrive. Our vocabulary changed and almost overnight we all became familiar with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), lockdown, quarantine, contact tracing and the R number. It was a steep learning curve. On 27 February, journalists were huddled into a room at the Health and Social Care Board's Belfast HQ to hear confirmation of the first Covid-19 case in Northern Ireland. At that stage there was no social distancing. A hard tone to strike We became aware of the symptoms: fever, dry cough, headache and possibly shortness of breath. And we learned that those who were severely affected could die. For the media, striking the right tone was hard. While not wanting to sound alarmist or send panic through the country, the public had to understand that we were dealing with a global pandemic. Cases continued to spike across Europe and as we watched the death toll rise in Italy, on 19 March came the news everyone had been dreading. Shortly after 17:00 GMT I was contacted by a source saying Northern Ireland had its first Covid-related death. In a live studio interview, I told viewers that an elderly man had passed away with the virus. We reported that, while it was Northern Ireland's first statistic, he was also possibly a husband, father and grandfather. Stories of loss Some days stand out more than others. Addresses by the prime minister and taoiseach (Irish PM) underlined the gravity of the situation. Lockdown brought an eerie silence, hospitals began to fill up, pregnant women attended appointments alone and people continued to die with the virus. There have been countless stories of loss to tell - among them Brenda Doherty whose mum Ruthie was one of the first to die with Covid. Her family were unable to bury Ruthie in her favourite red dress or kiss her goodbye. I have interviewed Brenda several times over the past 10 months - each time it has been heartbreaking. I spent many days broadcasting from our box room lit by my little red lamp. For me, like everyone else, the small things have taken on greater importance - especially a weekly cup of tea in the garden with my parents. We've all also spent a year of having to give things up. I have watched my son miss school and his precious football. My daughter has been doing her university placement, not in Surrey, but from our box room and sitting under that same red lamp. There have been many important moments including filming in Altnagelvin Hospital at the height of the pandemic. We saw first-hand how hospital staff worked flat out caring for very sick people while keeping others alive. A lot of controversy has centred on how Covid has been tackled in care homes. Again, along with cameraman John Morrissey, I spent a day watching, listening and reporting on the lives of very vulnerable men and women in care. We end the year on a slightly more positive note. Just slightly. Promises of a vaccine became a reality on 2 December. That was a good news day. There are still mountains to climb, including another lockdown to get through and a new variant of the virus has emerged. Most of us will be glad to see the back of 2020, but look forward with hope to 2021.

world-asia-india-54026294

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-54026294

The woman trying to save India's tortured temple elephants

Sangita Iyer is on a mission.

By Swaminathan NatarajanBBC World Service As a child, the documentary maker, who was born in the Indian state of Kerala but now lives in Toronto, saw ceremonial elephants being paraded and thought they were beautiful. Later, she learned about the ordeal the animals are subjected to. "So many elephants had ghastly wounds on their hips, massive tumours and blood oozing out of their ankles, because chains had cut into their flesh and many of them were blind," Iyer told the BBC. She has made a documentary, Gods in Shackles, in an attempt to draw attention to the treatment of temple elephants she saw in India. "They were so helpless and the chains were so heavy," she said. "It was absolutely heart-breaking for me to witness this." An old tradition Hindu and Buddhist traditions give elephants an elevated status. For centuries, temples and monasteries have used them to perform sacred duties. Devotees even seek blessings from them. The reputation of some elephants outlives their time on Earth. Near Kerala's well-known Guruvayur Temple you will find a life-size concrete statue of a much loved elephant called Kesavan. Its tusks adorn the entrance of the temple. It is claimed that Kesavan circled the temple before collapsing and dying in 1976, aged 72. It is common to see people gather to mourn the death of temple elephants - even if they are not that famous. "They torture the elephants to death, and after their death they light lamps and shed crocodile tears, as though they really feel sad for these elephants," Iyer said. Ceremonial elephants are used in temples across India, but their presence is extensive in Kerala. The state is home to about a fifth of the country's roughly 2,500 captive elephants. The animals are owned by temples as well as individuals. Guruvayur temple alone has more than 50 elephants. A lucrative business Ceremonial elephants can bring in lot of money to their owners. Some animals fetch more than $10,000 dollars per festival, Iyer said. The money is paid by the festival organisers, as well as local shop owners and landlords. One of the biggest names in the business is Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran, regarded as the tallest captive elephant in Asia. Ramachandran is now 56 and partially blind. He remains the star attraction during the annual elephant parade in Thrissur and even has his own Wikipedia page. He has run amok several times due to apparent stress, and killed two people last year, prompting the local authorities to ban the use of festival elephants. But the ban was lifted after protests. Iyer, who describes herself as a practising Hindu, has been based in Canada for several years. During a trip to India in 2013, she saw elephants for the first time without their ceremonial ornaments and clothes. "These animals were brutalised using vicious weapons like bullhooks, spiked chains and long polls with a poking spike - which is used to poke elephants in their joints to trigger severe pain," she said. The condition of one bull elephant called Ramabadran was so severe that the Animal Welfare Board of India suggested a mercy killing, but the elephant was used in temple ceremonies until the very end. "It was pathetic to watch this elephant dip its paralysed trunk into a water tank," Iyer said. "It couldn't scoop up water." Experts say that restrictions imposed by temple authorities have prevented proper scientific studies of the physical and psychological condition of temple elephants. "A temple by itself can never be a good place to keep an elephant," said Dr Raman Sukumar of the Indian Institute of Science, an expert on Asian elephants. "The elephant is a highly social animal and should be only kept in social groups. Elephants should never be kept solitarily in temples, as with solitary female elephants in temples in Tamil Nadu, or with all-male groups in temples in Kerala," he said. Among Asian elephants, only males have tusks - which are preferred by temple authorities in Kerala. But female elephants are widely used in other parts of southern India. In 2014, Iyer saw a captive cow elephant and was mesmerised by it, she said. "When I first saw Lakshmi, it was love at first sight." "I put my hand beneath her neck and touched her chest. As soon as I did that, she put her trunk on my hand to smell me. They are so sensitive to smell." Iyer sprayed water on Lakshmi and fed her pineapples and bananas. A year later she was shocked when she met Lakshmi again. "I was devastated to see her eyes oozing out tears. She was taking her trunk tip and was rubbing herself and massaging herself," Iyer said. Apparently Lakshmi had taken food from her mahout (an elephant's handler) and in a fit of anger he lashed out at her mercilessly. One of the blows with the bullhook landed in her eye and blinded her. In order to make an elephant obey her mahout, handlers put the animals through a torturous training routine that takes place away from temples. "They tie and beat the elephants for 72 hours or until their spirits are broken and they obey whatever the mahouts say," Iyer said. "They are like zombies. Many elephants are just living skeletons." Authorities are now organising rejuvenation camps in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to provide rest and medical check-up for the ceremonial elephants. "Temples in a given region should collaborate in creating adequate facilities for maintaining elephants in an environment which ensures their overall welfare," said Dr Sukumar. Last year, Kerala's state government announced its intention to strengthen the rules governing captive elephants, but progress has been slow. Activists say even the existing rules are not properly implemented. The temple authorities are reluctant to change, according to Iyer. "Some are in deep denial," she said. "It is easier to deny rather than accept we are wrong and say we are willing to right the wrong."

entertainment-arts-43328996

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-43328996

Why is Netflix's Queer Eye connecting so much with viewers?

Reboots generally make people groan.

By Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter The entertainment landscape is littered with them - from Jumanji and Ocean's Eight on the big screen to Will & Grace and Roseanne on the small. Often, they're criticised as a lazy way for TV and film companies to cash in on an idea which they know already has an existing audience, regardless of how it might damage the reputation and integrity of the original. But every so often, there's an exception that proves the rule. The original Queer Eye For The Straight Guy launched in 2003, and saw five gay men give a straight man a makeover. And not just physically - they would also offer advice about how they might change their attitude or general demeanour. It was a ratings success, and ran until 2007. But Netflix's new iteration of the show has been going down a storm with critics and on social media - which is unusual for a reboot, and especially for one which has an arguably dated format. "I think it's what people really need right now," Scott Bryan, BuzzFeed's TV editor, tells BBC News. "There's not much else on TV that's so positive. You do have Bake Off, in a competitive format, but this show is very much about guys helping each other. "It's unusual to see a man opening up, crying on camera, and other guys helping him go through a difficult situation. It's very supportive and you don't see that often on TV." For the latest incarnation of Queer Eye, producers have employed a whole new "Fab Five", who each have their own specialist areas - culture, fashion, grooming, food and design. The basic format of the show remains the same, but producers have moved it from New York to America's Deep South in an attempt to reach out to more conservative men, who may not necessarily have had much contact with gay people in the past. The new episodes have helped the show rack up a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a string of high-profile fans - including Nick Grimshaw, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican and Modern Family's Jessie Tyler Ferguson. "It's a makeover show, but it's unlike any other makeover show I've ever seen," Bryan says. "With this, they spend equal, if not more, time working on the struggles of that person, it's as much about their emotional wellbeing as the physical space they live in. It makes viewers think very much about themselves, their own lives, what they need. "For example, when I watched one episode, I went to go and buy stuff for my flat because for so long I felt I'd been neglecting buying stuff for myself. And the central theme of the episode had been about how you can look after yourself as well as others." Queer Eye 2018: What the critics say People were sceptical about the Queer Eye reboot. Cast members of the original show gave it their blessing and even filmed some new footage, but Carson Kressley said the new episodes wouldn't quite be the same. "There's never a way to recreate that same magic, so it'll be a different kind of magic," he said last year when the new series was first announced. "It was a great time for us, because people were like, 'Let's see what the gays are about', so it was kind of voyeuristic and now I hope we're a little more advanced." It's certainly true that society has progressed on the gay rights front since the original series came to an end. President Obama repealed Don't Ask Don't Tell in the US in 2011 - a policy which prevented gay people from serving in the military - while, in the UK, gay marriage was legalised by the coalition government in 2014. But, as several viewers have pointed out - there's still a long way to go with the perception of LGBT people in the public eye, and there's a risk that bringing the show back could actively set the gay community back - reinforcing camp and flamboyant stereotypes. "My instinct is the new queer eye is regressive - it was nice in the early 00s but ultimately the concept is still 'gays know fashion and live healthy lives,'" wrote Christopher Evans on Twitter. "As a gay guy I find Queer Eye to be tantamount to Black Face. 'Oh, you're gay? You must know all about fancy foods and matching your belt with your shoes.' Can't believe this is on in 2018. Thought the fairy godmother gay best friend trope was outdated - guess not," added Nads. But, Bryan tells the BBC: "There's no right or wrong way to act if you happen to be gay, so I don't accept any accusation that the guys in Queer Eye are too camp or stereotypical. You live life the way you want." He also pushes back against accusations on social media that the premise of the show itself is problematic - namely that a person must change their physical appearance or elements of their personality to make either themselves or someone else happy. "They don't try to change a person too much - it's more about finding their positive qualities and enhancing them," Bryan says. "The message of the whole show is improving what you have, not changing who you are. That's what makes it stand out." The current season is relatively short - eight episodes - and a second hasn't yet been officially confirmed (we checked in with Netflix on Thursday and this was still the case). But if critical and fan reaction is anything to go by, it's difficult to imagine this is the last we've seen of Queer Eye's Fab Five. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected].

world-asia-21738115

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21738115

Anxiety in South as N Korea rhetoric escalates

North Korea knows how to make headlines.

By Lucy WilliamsonBBC News, Seoul Over the past week, newspapers here in the South have turned Pyongyang's threats into front-page spreads: its promises of "pre-emptive nuclear strikes", "all-out war" and withdrawal from the 60-year-old Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War. South Koreans normally approach these kinds of declarations with a weary stoicism, barely pausing over their cappuccinos as they absorb the latest threats from their neighbour. This time, though, the atmosphere here in Seoul is a little more anxious. While some dismiss it as just more of Pyongyang's bluster, others are worried by the volume and tone of the latest proclamations. That goes for older South Koreans, in particular, say some. "Young Koreans are very desensitized," one friend told me. "If it enters their heads at all, it dissipates very quickly, replaced with the latest celebrity (gossip). But the older generation do feel differently on security issues." "I didn't care about this issue until now," said another. "But I do worry this time around. The young North Korean leader is not strong, and I don't trust the new government here in the South." Even South Korea's Unification Ministry admits the mood has shifted. "Overall, there's a heightened sense of alert this time," a spokeswoman said. Not just because of the "more belligerent rhetoric" coming from Pyongyang, but because of the actions accompanying them. North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket in December, its apparently successful nuclear test in February and the fresh UN sanctions imposed on it this month have all added to the sense of tension on the peninsula. Joint military exercises taking place here this month between the US and South Korean forces have also antagonised the North, just as they do every year. The secretive communist state is due to begin its own large-scale military drills this week. Few people here are expecting full-blown war, but in the current climate, there is concern over accidental escalation, especially after North Korea's decision to cut the military hot-line between the two sides at Panmunjom. Even this though is not unprecedented. The telephone line at Panmunjom has been abandoned by the North before, most recently in 2010. The year before that, it also announced its withdrawal from all joint agreements involving the South. And analysts point out that an alternative military communications line, used to monitor cross-border workers at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, remains open. "I'm not so worried," another Korean friend told me. "Even though they have cut the hotline, I see their rhetoric as a plea for direct negotiations with the US." Talking tough But alongside Pyongyang's increasingly shrill denunciations, South Koreans are hearing some strong language from their own government too. The country's new president, Park Geun-hye, who was sworn into office just two weeks ago, has vowed to respond strongly to any provocation. Her government has said it will target not only the source of any attack, but also the North's top command. That tough stance, while worrying to some, is likely to be a kind of "pre-emptive rhetorical deterrence", according to analysts such as John Delury, a professor of International Studies at Seoul's Yonsei University. The idea that strong words could act as a deterrent to North Korean actions has gained traction since the lethal shelling of South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island in 2010. As a government, Prof Delury says: "You're always fighting the last battle, and the last battle for South Korea was Yeonpyeong. The perception then was that North Korea had got away with shelling the island." By talking tough, he believes Park Geun-hye wants to avoid any initial attack by the North. But, he said, "some South Koreans are worried that the wrong lessons have been learned, and that if something small happens, it could escalate because the South Korean government doesn't want to be accused of doing nothing". For all North Korea's familiar rhetoric, its past actions against the South have seemed carefully calibrated not to provoke a full-scale conflict. The question is whether the young leader in Pyongyang will correctly judge the mood of its adversaries this time around.

business-27693809

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-27693809

World Cup 2014 to be most hi-tech football event ever

Football is full of "what ifs".

By Matthew WallBusiness reporter, BBC News What if the linesman had said that Geoff Hurst's second goal for England in the 1966 World Cup final hadn't actually crossed the line? Would West Germany have won instead, depriving England of its only trophy? What if Frank Lampard's ludicrously disallowed goal against Germany in 2010 had stood? Would England have gone on to win the match? Goal-line incidents like these have left exasperated fans - and officials - crying out for technology to come to the rescue. And although solutions have been used for years in several other sports, this will be the first World Cup to feature goal-line technology (GLT). It is just one example of how this World Cup promises to be the most hi-tech and interactive yet. Cameras galore German company GoalControl has fitted 14 high-speed cameras - seven per goalmouth - to the roof of each of the 12 stadiums. These are connected to an image-processing computer that filters out non-ball-shaped objects and tracks the ball's position to within a few millimetres, the company says. When the ball crosses the goal line, the system - which has been thoroughly tested by governing body Fifa - sends a vibration to the referee's watch and the word "GOAL" appears on his screen, all in less than a second. Meanwhile, technology company Sony, which is supporting official Fifa broadcaster HBS, has installed more than 224 high-definition (HD) cameras which will capture more than 2,500 hours of sport during the tournament - more than ever before. And this will also be the first time some World Cup matches are captured in the ultra-high-definition (UHD) 4K format, which is roughly four times the resolution of current HD TV. This requires a satellite network capable of handling 100 megabits per second. While most fans won't yet be capable of receiving a 4K signal, Sony's World Cup programme manager, Mark Grinyer, told the BBC: "We've proved UHD streaming can work and we're building a 4K archive for Fifa for the first time." Connected Cup Fans - about three million attending the games and possibly four billion watching on TV - will be viewing, chatting, voting and betting simultaneously on a variety of digital devices, making it a truly multi-screen World Cup. "The ways people can watch content has exploded," says Alex Gibbons, UK and Ireland vice president for Akamai, the global content delivery network. "There are more, better connected devices than ever before, and more people watching them." Ian Foddering, UK and Ireland chief technology officer for infrastructure specialist Cisco Systems, agrees: "Two years on from the 2012 London Olympics, user expectations have increased in terms of their experience at such events. "They now typically have an expectation of ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity enabling them to share exciting moments with the world via social media." This presents practical challenges for content providers and IT companies alike. Record breaker For example, football app developer, Onefootball, has launched a dedicated free app for the tournament. Chief executive Lucas von Cranach told the BBC: "This World Cup is going to break every record in terms of digital traffic and engagement - we're expecting seven digit downloads of our Onefootball Brasil app." So how does the company prepare for such high traffic volumes? "We've built a huge content management system that can cope with major increases in traffic - the load balancing is taken care of by our cloud provider, Amazon Web Services," he says. "We couldn't do what we do without cloud computing. "But apps crash all the time," he admits . "A lot depends on the connection quality offered by the phone network provider, and that's out of our control." To get some sense of the scale of this digital World Cup, Akamai says it is expecting to handle up to 2.5 million live content streams at any one time across its network. This compares to 1.6 million during the 2010 World Cup. And daily peak data traffic could reach 25 terabits per second (Tbps), says Mr Gibbons, up from its usual peak of 15Tbps. "As the digital audience doubles, there's a tripling in complexity," he says. Odds-on favourite One activity that is likely to generate big traffic during the World Cup is betting via mobile and online. According to online payments company Skrill, nearly a third of UK adults intend to place a bet on the 2014 World Cup - nearly half of those will do it online and a quarter via mobile app. The global value of bets placed using mobile devices is forecast to reach $62bn (£37bn; 46bn euros) by 2018 - a six-fold increase on the 2013 figure, according to Juniper Research. "Mobile betting is likely to take more money than traditional bookies for the first time [at this tournament]," says Tom Levey, from app performance management company, AppDynamics. "It's the first truly digital World Cup." The company's online bookie clients will be processing hundreds of bets a second, he says. "As soon as we see peaks in traffic we advise on when and how to increase capacity. The companies can't afford to crash - minutes matter." But increasing capacity isn't simply a case of plugging in to more cloud-based computer servers, says John Bates, chief marketing and strategy officer at Software AG, an IT services company. "The biggest problem for service providers is the computational explosion associated with managing billions of transactions every second," he says. "This requires things like streaming analytics and in-memory architecture, and all this has to be done in real time." Brazilian backbone Brazilian telecoms company Oi, an official Fifa partner, has been furiously gearing up for the tournament. "The implementation and expansion of our wi-fi network has been rapidly accelerated in the last few months," a spokesperson told the BBC. "We've grown from 78,000 hotspots in April to more than 700,000 now - the largest network in Brazil." It has also increased the coverage and capacity of its 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks at key points throughout the tournament cities. That will be welcome news for visiting fans wanting uninterrupted, high-speed access to their content. But they should be wary about the cost of all this streaming content and interactivity. With every 1MB of data costing about £5 in Brazil, unwary England fans who opt out of data limits set by their network providers, could face unexpected bills running into hundreds of pounds over the tournament, price comparison service Uswitch warns. But if high phone bills, rather than goal-line incidents, are the only controversies of this hi-tech World Cup, fans will probably settle for that.

sinhala.070723_rizana

https://www.bbc.com/sinhala/news/story/2007/07/070723_rizana

'Protect' migrant workers' rights

Gov. urged to sign international agreements

International human rights watchdogs have urged Sri Lanka President to review Sri Lanka’s policy regarding the legal protection that should be available to Sri Lankan migrant workers. In an open letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said Sri Lanka should sign agreements that secure workers' rights with Middle Eastern countries. International Agreements “Many sources suggest that the relevant international agreements should be signed between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka (as well as in other countries where Sri Lankan migrant workers are employed), to secure their rights once they face criminal charges or punishments," the letter said. AHRC claims it is possible to make agreements to prosecute or punish migrant Sri Lankan citizens who work abroad under Sri Lankan law. Further it pointed out that if the cases are to be tried in a foreign land then the Sri Lankan government should ensure that its citizens get proper legal representation through the services of the receiving country. “Until such agreements are arrived at, the Sri Lankan government should provide such services and seek, if necessary, the services of other citizens and organisations, local or international to assist the government in this regard” said the AHRC. Rizana Nafeek Mentioning the case of 19-year old Rizana Nafeek, who was sentenced to death by Saudi authorities, AHRC said “the plea on behalf of this teenager received overwhelming support”. The rights watchdog has expressed its gratitude to the contributors and supporters who helped the AHRC to raise the funds need to cover the legal costs of Rizana Nafeeks’ appeal. AHRC has also appealed to the Muslim scholars on the issues involved in this case and said “we are hopeful that we will get feedback on these issues, which, hopefully, will help in her appeal”. "We hope that the case of Rizana Nafeek will awaken the government, as well as the citizens and all persons concerned with the welfare of the migrant workers and their human rights, to take the necessary action to be able to provide effective services for persons who may face difficult problems abroad in the future," the letter added. Appeal to the clan Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Hussin Bahila speaking to BBC Sandeshaya from Riyadh said that he has not officially met any of the high ranking Saudi authorities. "I personally have met several officials in Riyadh," he said. Minister Bahila added that he appealed to the head of the clan of the victim's family to obtain a pardon to Rizana. However, he denied media reports that the Sri Lankan ambassador, Adam AJ Sadeeq, was recalled to Sri Lanka due to his inability to arrange meetings between Saudi officials and the minister. "There is no link between recalling the ambassador and my visit to my Saudi”, minister told bbcsinhala.com.

world-48949534

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-48949534

What happens when an ambassador is summoned?

"The ambassador has been summoned."

By Roland HughesBBC News It's one of those lines we might use every day here at the BBC, and it sounds serious. So our apologies if we've never explained what this actually means. What does the process involve? What does it aim to achieve? Is it really that serious? We spoke to four summoned ambassadors to ask them. John Casson - former UK ambassador to Egypt In August 2015, three journalists from the al-Jazeera network were sentenced to jail in Egypt for "spreading false news". Outside court, Mr Casson spoke on Egyptian television in Arabic to condemn the sentence. Soon after, Egypt's foreign ministry said it had summoned him to attend its offices. In doing so, it used one of the few diplomatic tools a host country has when it wants to make its anger felt to another country. "I was called by the foreign ministry and was told 'We need to see you immediately,'" Mr Casson tells the BBC. "The first thing they said was, 'We are not summoning you, but we are going to tell the press we are summoning you. If it had been a summoning, we would have sent a formal diplomatic note summoning you.'" This is the way things normally work in a summoning - a formal, polite, diplomatic note is sent to the relevant country's embassy asking - but not really demanding - its representative to attend a meeting at the foreign ministry, or its equivalent. The medium of the summoning is the message, Mr Casson says. "The main thing is that it is a piece of diplomatic theatre and everybody understands their role, and acts their role," Mr Casson, who was in Cairo between 2014 and 2018, says. In London, the drama can involve being made to wait in the grand surroundings of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to understand the seriousness of the occasion. "The interesting question," Mr Casson asks, "is that if this is theatre, who is the audience?" In this case, he says the audience was the Egyptian public, who needed to understand their government was fighting back against perceived foreign interference in their judicial system. But summonings by themselves are unlikely to make the ambassador's country change its approach, Mr Casson says. "It isn't completely useless - it's a way of saying, 'Let's not build up a head of steam.' It's a symbol of serious political will but not on its own - it needs to be backed up by other stuff. It doesn't make the government think 'Crumbs'." Ichiro Fujisaki - former Japanese ambassador to the US Mr Fujisaki, a former Japanese ambassador to the United Nations, also served as its representative in Washington between 2008 and 2012. In December 2009, he was summoned by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This was notable for two reasons: this is not something the US state department does often, and Japan is a close ally of the US, so an unlikely subject of a summoning. The Washington Post reports Mrs Clinton was "blunt, if diplomatic" with Mr Fujisaki. "It was rather unusual," Mr Fujisaki says. "But I thought the American government wanted to convey their message rather rapidly." The message in question was about plans to move the US military base in Okinawa. There was just one problem: the new Japanese Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, opposed details of the move. And so, Mr Fujisaki was called to the state department in the middle of a snowstorm, when all other government buildings were shut, to hear Mrs Clinton's view: the military base was being moved, end of story. Although Mr Fujisaki was widely reported to have been summoned, he disputes the use of the word - and says no-one in the diplomatic service uses it. "A summoning sounds like you are obligated to be there, it's more legal," he says. "In this case, the government is asking you to be there, it's a request." Mr Fujisaki says the ambassador must speak to his home government so that they do not learn of the summoning through the media. The home government would then brief the ambassador on the most appropriate way to respond and what points they should make. Ambassadors can be summoned in inconvenient circumstances - as when Israel's foreign ministry called on 12 countries' representatives on 25 December 2016, when many were away for Christmas. So was making Mr Fujisaki travel across a city in a snowstorm a way of inconveniencing him, and reinforcing the state department's unhappiness? He says not. Peter Beckingham - former UK ambassador to the Philippines Mr Beckingham may be the only ambassador summoned by his hosts over a TV comedy sketch. In 2008, the BBC show Harry and Paul featured a sketch in which one character encouraged another to "mount" a Filipina maid. The sketch caused outrage in the Philippines and was called "completely disgraceful" and "distasteful". Cue the summoning by the Philippines Foreign Minister Alberto Romulo. "I knew him very well," says Mr Beckingham, who is now retired. "We had played golf on one occasion and we had been to each others' homes. "I think he probably knew the BBC was an entirely separate organisation from the British government, but he felt he had to remonstrate about that item. It was an entirely civil conversation and I remember we spent a greater time talking about British history and politics, about which he knew a great deal. "They then issued a pretty stern press release which I don't think entirely matched the conversation we had. But that was the point of the exercise - that they could say they had challenged the British government." Ilir Bocka - Albania's ambassador to Serbia Mr Bocka, the Albanian ambassador in Belgrade since 2014, is in an unusual position: he once refused a summoning by his host country. Four months into his ambassadorship, Albania's football team travelled to Serbia for a Euro 2016 qualifying match. About 40 minutes in, the match was stopped when a drone flew overhead carrying an Albanian nationalist flag. A brawl broke out, and the match was abandoned. Soon afterwards, Mr Bocka received a demarche from Serbia's foreign ministry - a polite request for him to attend, rather than an order. "This is the most common way diplomacy is done," Mr Bocka tells the BBC. "You are asked to go, normally to the director, and you have to hear what they have to say, and at the same time, you have the right to express your position." A year later, it was a different story. Before the return match in Albania's capital Tirana, the Serbian team bus was pelted with stones and window was cracked. Cue the summoning, and a cranking-up of diplomatic pressure. "They asked me to go immediately to the foreign affairs ministry but I said no," Mr Bocka says. He did not feel the stoning of a bus merited his summoning. "I knew what had happened: nothing! It was 22:00, I said 'maybe tomorrow', but they wanted to have this story on the TV, so I said 'No, I'm not coming'. I told them I wouldn't play this game." Mr Bocka acknowledges how rare it is for an ambassador to reject a summoning by his host country, and the refusal was not without consequences. For several months afterwards, he was disinvited from foreign affairs ministry events, even while his staff continued to work unhindered. But he stayed in his job, and four years later, is on good terms with his hosts again. "Our relations were damaged for a moment," he says. "But now? It's OK."

world-europe-42963058

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42963058

Macedonia: Why the row with Greece over the name runs so deep

Macedonia is rolling back on the trolling.

By Guy DelauneyBBC News, Skopje, Macedonia Its policy of "antiquisation" served for a decade as an epic act of nose-thumbing at its southern neighbour, Greece. But last summer's change of government has brought a radically different approach - and hope of a solution to one of Europe's longest-enduring diplomatic disputes. Since Macedonia declared its independence in 1991, Athens has refused to recognise its constitutional name. Greece insists that only its own northern region should be called Macedonia - and it argues that the former Yugoslav republic's use of the name implies a territorial claim and cultural appropriation. As a result, Athens blocked Macedonia's accession to Nato in 2008 - and would also veto its membership of the European Union if it refused to alter its name. 'High toll' Seemingly deciding it might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb, Macedonia went on the offensive. Airports, motorways and sports stadiums were renamed in honour of Alexander the Great and his father Philip - Greek heroes recast as Macedonian. Then came the statues. Today, visitors to the capital, Skopje, could be forgiven for thinking they had stumbled into a "weeping angels" episode of Doctor Who. Scores of statues loom from the ledges of bridges and peer down from plinths in the squares. Alexander is depicted both as a rampant warrior on a horse, and a babe in arms, cradled on his mother's knee. Find out more: Last June's change of government in Skopje has significantly changed the picture. The new administration, led by the Social Democrats, opposes antiquisation - on ground of taste as well as diplomacy. And it has already started to dismantle the policy. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has announced that Skopje's airport will no longer bear the name Alexander the Great. Nor will the motorway leading to Greece; that will now be known as Friendship Highway. Most significantly, Macedonia has indicated a willingness to compromise on the issue of its name. "The fact that our government has decided to rename the airport and the highway demonstrates that we are committed," says Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska. "It's not a show. We want to allow this country to free itself from an enormous burden that has taken a very high toll." Cuts to core of identity Athens has responded positively. Talks between the countries' foreign ministers were followed, last month, by a meeting between Mr Zaev and his Greek counterpart, Alexis Tsipras. Matthew Nimetz, the United Nations mediator who has been working on the name dispute for a quarter of a century, believed that marked a breakthrough. He said the meeting was "positive and crucial" - and remained upbeat after visiting Athens and Skopje last week. "I believe deeply that this is the right time to try to break through on this issue, solve it finally, move forward in the region with the two countries in friendship and cooperation," he said. But there are people in both Macedonia and Greece who would prefer to see the process fail. A demonstration in Athens over the weekend attracted a six-figure crowd. Their demand was clear: a new name for their neighbour should not include the word "Macedonia" at all. "These are Slavs," said one woman in the crowd, pointing at a homemade map she was carrying. "They are not Macedonians, we are Macedonians. Macedonia is Greek, no-one can take this name, no-one can use it." Even Greek people who did not join the demonstration and support a solution to the dispute point out that the issue cuts to the core of their identity. A native of Thessaloniki would call themselves "Macedonian" in the same way that someone from Burnley in the English county of Lancashire would identify as "Lancastrian". So the name of the neighbouring state is, at best, awkward and, for some people, infuriating. The M-word The official Greek position has long been for a compound name, such as New Macedonia or Upper Macedonia. But the opposition New Democracy party has seen an opportunity to use the dispute to gain political ground. And a junior partner in the governing coalition, Independent Greeks, has made clear its opposition to any solution involving the "M" word. George Tzogopoulos, an international relations expert at BESA Center, an Israeli think tank, says the demonstrators are misguided. But he is also gloomy about the outcome of the name negotiations. "I don't understand why so many people are optimistic," he says. "There are important differences between the two sides. Greece wants a name which would be used around the world, not just between the two countries. And that would require Skopje to change its constitution. "The protesters' complaint that Macedonia shouldn't even be part of the name is completely unrealistic, but if you take into account that public opinion in Greece is completely misinformed, it's a normal reaction." In Skopje, posters declaring "We Are Macedonia" have appeared on billboards opposite the National Assembly - insisting that the right to self-determination trumps Greek concerns. But protest numbers have been very small. And analyst Sasho Ordanovski is convinced that the majority now have few objections to altering the country's name. "The public in Macedonia is very realistic. People are sick and tired of not having progress in their lives. "They are thinking and talking about this issue, thinking about Nato, security, the EU - being part of the world." After 27 years of deadlock, now the question is whether the current political leaders have moved quickly enough. The longer it takes to announce concrete name-change proposals, the more time it gives the opposition to organise on both sides of the border. And that could lead to many more years of name-calling.

world-us-canada-44829972

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44829972

Four intriguing lines in Mueller indictment

Call it the Friday the 13th surprise.

Anthony ZurcherNorth America reporter@awzurcheron Twitter In painstaking detail, Robert Mueller's special counsel team laid out what it alleges was a concerted effort by the Russian military to hack the Democratic National Committee and senior-level Clinton campaign officials and disseminate private documents in order to disrupt and influence the 2016 US presidential election. The Russians also attempted to infiltrate local election systems and software, although Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says that there is no evidence that they "altered the vote count or changed any election result". The Trump White House has picked up on this line, issuing a statement reiterating that there have been no allegations of "knowing involvement by anyone on the campaign" or that the hacking "affected the election result". That isn't what Mr Rosenstein and the special counsel's court filings concluded, however. The deputy attorney general said it was "not our responsibility" to assess to what extent Russian involvement influenced the 2016 election. In fact, it is hard to deny that the hacks had a clear impact on US politics in 2016 - and exacted a heavy toll on Democrats and the Clinton campaign in particular. As a result of the hacks, the head of the Democratic National Committee was forced from office on the eve of the party's national convention - a convention whose first few days were marred by protests from Bernie Sanders supporters angry about the contents of some of those Democratic National Committee emails. John Podesta, the chair of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, had his personal correspondence exposed, including internal debates over political strategy, outlines of Mrs Clinton's greatest weaknesses and transcripts of her private speeches - excerpts of which were cited by Donald Trump in presidential debates and on the campaign stump. Indeed, Mr Trump celebrated and amplified the revelations in the hacks, which were disseminated through DCLeaks and Guccifer 2.0 - both identified as fronts for Russian military intelligence - as well as Wikileaks, which is alluded to but not named in the Mueller indictment. The hacks may not have changed the results of the 2016 election, but the effects were very real. It was as though a team's entire playbook was revealed just days before the Super Bowl. While the rules of football weren't changed and the scoreboard wasn't surreptitiously altered, that doesn't mean the outcome of the contest wasn't affected. That, then, is the big picture revelation from Mr Mueller's most recent indictment - which comes in addition to the already announced indictments and plea agreements from 20 individuals and three Russian companies. The 29-page court filing contains a variety of other details and revelations that add to the growing picture of alleged Russian election meddling which the Mueller team is outlining. 'Russia, if you're listening…" At a Florida press event on 27 July 2016, candidate Trump issued a now famous request. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," he said. "I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press." The line shocked many at the time and has been cited repeatedly since then as evidence that Mr Trump was actively encouraging Russian attempts to acquire and disseminate emails from Mrs Clinton and her team. The 27 July date makes an appearance in Mr Mueller's most recent indictment document, as well. "On or about July 27, 2016, the Conspirators attempted after hours to spearphish for the first time email accounts at a domain hosted by a third-party provider and used by Clinton's personal office," the court filing reads. "At or around the same time, they also targeted seventy-six email addresses at the domain for the Clinton campaign." While this isn't the first time Russians allegedly targeted the Clinton team, after Mr Trump's remarks the hackers escalated their efforts. "It seems clear that the indictment is trying to make the connection with language like 'after hours' and 'first time'," tweeted conservative commentator - and Trump critic - Ben Shapiro. "But even Trump publicly saying he wants the Russians to do something and them doing it isn't collusion in any real sense." It is, however, an uncanny coincidence. A political 'war map' The indictment sheet also documents a number of interactions between Americans and Russian military operatives, although it stresses that there are no allegations that those Americans knew the true identity behind the internet aliases with whom they were corresponding. A Florida blogger and state lobbyist - possibly Aaron Nevins - exchanged messages with Guccifer 2.0 and acquired a trove of documents Democrats had compiled outlining the weaknesses of the party's candidates running for congressional office in Florida. Mr Nevins told the Wall Street Journal that he had told Guccifer 2.0 in an email: "Basically if this was a war, this is the map to where all the troops are deployed." Guccifer 2.0 also sent documents to a reporter "pertaining to the Black Lives Matter" movement. In another paragraph, Mr Mueller's team notes that a congressional candidate directly asked Guccifer 2.0 for stolen documents about his opponent - a request that the hacker accommodated. A long-time Trump man in the spotlight - but not the charge sheet The Mueller indictment mentions that Guccifer 2.0 had direct communications with a person "who was in regular contact with senior members of the presidential campaign of Donald J Trump". It goes on to quote emails that match communications that Roger Stone, a Trump friend and acquaintance for decades, said he had with Guccifer 2.0 in August 2016. In those communications, Guccifer 2.0 asks Mr Stone to analyse some of his documents and offers to help the man who served as a Trump campaign aide early in his presidential bid. "It would be a great pleasure to me," the hacker wrote. In May Mr Stone told a television interviewer that he was "prepared" to be indicted by the special counsel. "It is not inconceivable now that Mr Mueller and his team may seek to conjure up some extraneous crime pertaining to my business, or maybe not even pertaining to the 2016 election," he said. "I would chalk this up to an effort to silence me." Mr Stone has denied that he had any knowing contact with Russian agents. That's an assertion that the Mueller team appears to have accepted - at least for now. A conspiracy theory put to rest? Back in May former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich suggested that the real source of the DNC hacks was Seth Rich - a former Democratic operative who was murdered in Washington, DC, in July 2016. "It turns out it wasn't the Russians, it was this young guy who, I suspect, was disgusted by the corruption of the Democratic National Committee," Mr Gingrich said. "He's been killed, and apparently nothing serious has been done to investigate his murder." It was a theory championed, as well, by conservative commentator and presidential confidante Sean Hannity - even though Washington, DC, police have concluded that the death was the result of a botched robbery. Mr Trump himself has alluded to the conspiracy theories, frequently tweeting and wondering aloud why the Democratic National Committee did not allow federal investigators to conduct a forensic examination of the hacked email server. Just over two weeks after his most recent tweet, the special counsel's office has pointed the finger of responsibility for the DNC hacks directly at the Russian military. Given that Mr Trump was informed about the indictments earlier this week, but still referred to the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" in remarks on Friday, he probably will not tone down his criticisms of the probe or suggestions of Russian innocence - but perhaps he will no longer cite the DNC server hacks quite so frequently.

uk-politics-49079002

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49079002

Tory leadership: Who will win the ultimate political prize?

Who will lead?

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter In a few hours, two veteran Tory MPs will open an envelope that will contain the name of our next prime minister. Some moments later they will deliver the congratulations or commiserations to Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt. Shortly after that they will announce the result to the Conservative crowd, and more importantly of course, to the country. The embedded expectation in Westminster is that the name will be Boris Johnson - unless the Tory party has been collectively deceiving itself in the past few weeks. If it proves so, the triumph will be extraordinary. Not because of a journey Mr Johnson has been on in the last few weeks - the controversial former foreign secretary and London mayor started out as the frontrunner. But because again and again, over many years, his own political accidents and behaviour would have ruled other politicians out. Mr Johnson's supporters would say he has found himself in some serious scrapes. His detractors would say that he has blundered his way through a high-profile career causing offence and putting his own interests ahead of the country's. It wasn't so long ago that the same received wisdom in Westminster that said he could never make it, said that he had blown too many chances - his long held public ambition would never be achieved. But it is likely that his status as Brexit's cheerleader-in-chief will see him into the job he has craved. Allies point to his decision to quit the cabinet over Theresa May's hoped-for compromise with the EU at Chequers as the moment that set him on the path to Number 10, placing him in pole position when the departing prime minister failed to persuade Parliament of the merits of her Brexit plan time and again. The Tories' dire polling in recent months meant this leadership race was a hunt for a potential political magician who might be able to pull off a risky trick. This has not been a conventional contest at all, when evidence of different candidates is measured up rationally on one side or another. It is still possible that the current foreign secretary could pull off yet another enormous political upset and win, although the Tory Party has in recent weeks taken its own pulse and found its heart beats for Mr Johnson. Nightmare to-do list Whoever it is, the next prime minister inherits the significant problems Mrs May has left behind. The Tory Party is still divided over how to dig itself and the country out of the political mess of Brexit. The next prime minister will have barely the votes in Parliament to guarantee safe passage for any proposal. Departing ministers have made clear they will hinder, rather than help their path if it involves leaving the EU without a formal comprehensive deal in place. And neither Mr Johnson nor Mr Hunt can be remotely confident for a moment that their hope to appeal to the EU will be welcomed. Even with a to-do list of nightmares, residence of Number 10 is the ultimate political prize - power many aspire to but only a tiny number are ever lucky enough to grasp.

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Oscars 2017: Best supporting actress nominees

VIOLA DAVIS

A look at the best supporting actress nominees for the 89th Academy Awards, which will take place on 26 February 2017. Age: 51 Nominated for: Fences The character: Rose Maxson, the devoted wife of Troy - played by Denzel Washington, who also directed the film, based on the 1983 August Wilson play. The pair are reprising the roles they played on Broadway in 2010. Oscar record: Nominated for best supporting actress in 2009 for Doubt and best actress in 2012 for The Help. The critics said: "Davis beautifully illuminates the ways in which Rose has learned to live with this man, to be quiet or cut him slack when it's not worth the effort of a fight, but to make it clear that she has lines she will not allow to be crossed." [The Hollywood Reporter] NAOMIE HARRIS Age: 40 Nominated for: Moonlight The character: Paula, the drug-addicted and emotionally-abusive single mother of Chiron, the boy at the centre of this coming-of-age film. Oscar record: None The critics said: "Harris, a top British actress who has played everyone from James Bond's Miss Moneypenny to activist Winnie Mandela, is especially strong here, conveying an emotional rawness that is almost too much to witness." [Los Angeles Times] NICOLE KIDMAN Age: 49 Nominated for: Lion The character: Kidman plays Sue Brierley, the adoptive mother of Saroo, who she finds as a young boy in an Indian orphanage. Oscar record: Won best actress in 2003 for The Hours and was nominated in the same category in 2002 for Moulin Rouge and 2011 for Rabbit Hole. The critics said: "Kidman's Sue has her own story to tell, and holds onto it forcefully in the domestic scenes: she can embarrass her son with pride and love, but she's also a fascinatingly strained figure, often barely keeping her grip. Right now, the best supporting actress Oscar must be hers to lose." [Telegraph] OCTAVIA SPENCER Age: 44 Nominated for: Hidden Figures The character: Dorothy Vaughan, the acting supervisor of a group of African-American women working at Nasa's Langley Research Centre in the early 1960s. Oscar record: She won the best supporting actress Oscar in 2012 for The Help. The critics said: "Spencer quietly shines as the weariest, most subtly resilient member of the trio, Dorothy Vaughan, who used her position as an unofficial supervisor to advance the status of black women in her office." [Variety] MICHELLE WILLIAMS Age: 36 Nominated for: Manchester by the Sea The character: Randi, the former wife of Lee Chandler, who returns to his home town and has to confront family tragedy. Oscar record: She was nominated for best actress in 2012, for My Week with Marilyn, and in 2011 for Blue Valentine. She was also nominated for best supporting actress for Brokeback Mountain in 2006. The critics said: "Michelle Williams, as Lee's ex-wife, Randi, doesn't have a big role, but she's never less than remarkable and, in one encounter, unforgettably beset by grief and pain." [Wall Street Journal] Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected].

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Introducing... Kassidy

The year that folk broke.

By Greg CochraneNewsbeat music reporter That's how musical analysts might neatly summarise the current favour for slacker-rock in 2010. Mumford & Sons have barn danced their way through every major British festival, Laura Marling has become a female anti-hero and, well, everyone's got a beard and a banjo. All which makes the arrival of Glasgow's Kassidy very timely. Pub 'friends' They number four - Barry, Chris, Lewis and Hamish - and met through a mixture of friends' bands and fortuitive pub encounters. "We were all the guys who were the serious ones about music in other bands," explains Hamish. Officially branded as Kassidy in late 2008 they moved into a shared house in summer 2009 and began turning the old studio building into their atmospheric HQ. "We can knock on each other's doors any time of day, any time of night," says Lewis. "We like it because it's the real way to be in a band. All move in - get yourself in one place," says Hamish. "It's what should be." Shared house Indeed, they've made the most of it. Recording tracks in bedrooms, the hall, the kitchen, any spare spot they've got. However unlike the entangled folk scene branching out from the south east, their native patch doesn't sound like it has the same camaraderie. "The Glasgow music scene is a fairly hostile place," says Hamish. "Not many people support each other. "If they do see any one of their peers - it could be their friends, it could be their family - doing anything they're not, it becomes terribly hostile and they turn against you. "For quite a few bands we've known it's a kind of dog-eat-dog world. You have to get what you want to yourself." Kassidy can't be accused of not doing that. They're releasing their second EP, The Rubbergum EP Volume 2, next week (16 August) to be followed by their debut album next year. It's a harmonic adventure into a world of cowboy boots, burnt grasslands and scattered mountain clouds recalling the likes of Kings Of Leon and Band Of Horses. In other words, very un-Glasgow. "I don't think it really matters who you're compared with," says Hamish. "If it's pigeon-holed with Mumford And Sons and Fleet Foxes that's cool. If it's pigeon-holed with Seasick Steve and White Stripes, that's fine too." "Ultimately," concludes Hamish, "the goal is to keep doing what we're doing and have fun doing it. I think it's whenever the fun leaves that people start to dislike what they've doing. "We're enjoying every moment as we go."

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Statistics at dawn: LA vs WAO

Post by @TobyMasonBBC

Nick ServiniPolitical editor, Wales Another fractious day ahead in another fractious political week it seems. This morning, the former education minister Leighton Andrews and the Wales Audit Office have taken to the airwaves to debate whether the Welsh Government's flagship student fees policy has come in millions of pounds under or over budget. It's pretty unusual for the WAO to face this kind of questioning about their reports which are by and large treated as gospel even by those who are criticised. But the response shows just what a political hot potato this policy now is, and how high the stakes. Here's an explainer on what this disagreement is about: as you might expect there are a fair few numbers. The WAO have based their analysis of there being a 24 per cent increase in the five year cost of the policy from the initial £653m estimate to £809m currently on the core assumption used to underpin the Cabinet's decision to pursue the policy in November 2010. This assumption at that point in time was from academic year (AY) 2012/13 that there would be a maximum variable tuition fee of £7,000pa at Welsh and English HEIs. This £7k model works out the annual cost of the tuition fee grant as: 2012-13: £31.5m 2013-14: £92.7m, 2014-15: 147.3m 2015-16: 182.9m 2016-17: £198.9m = £653m The reason the WAO say they have taken these figures as their starting point is that in order to audit effectively you have to have a baseline to start from when you're evaluating the cost of a policy decision. And since the £7k model was the main thrust of the 2010 Cabinet paper seeking approval for the policy, that is what they have gone with. There was a reference in that paper to the financial risks to the policy of a £9k maximum fee level - but it's not believed that this reference mentioned that those costs had been modelled and the actual costs were not provided. This was confirmed in general terms by Mr Andrews on Good Morning Wales earlier, within the bounds of the convention that former ministers don't speak in detail about private discussions while they were in office. There's no way of us checking this independently as the paper is still restricted. However, at the same time that the officials were doing the detailed modelling on the £7k assumption, they were also modelling the cost impact of £9k - this gives a total cost figure over five years of around £1.02bn. Both of these were subsequently published in 2011 following BBC Wales FOI requests. Leighton Andrews' argument is that since that £9k modelling had taken place within government at that stage, then the WAO are wrong to take the costs of the £7k model alone as the starting point for their cost inflation analysis - since the WG did have higher estimates in its possession. This, as he has pointed out robustly this morning, is acknowledged at section 1.43 of the WAO report (or "buried" as he described it). But as the report makes clear, these £9k cost risks weren't shared with the full Cabinet and the paper before them didn't rely on them as the basis for their decision. The WAO say that "certain" Cabinet members were aware of the £1bn+ cost risk of the £9k model - Plaid Cymru sources say they are fairly sure the then deputy first minister and Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones was made aware of it. Subsequent to the November 2010 Cabinet decision and announcement much clearer information became available as to the exact fees that HE institutions would be charging and therefore the £9k model was far more accurate - so then at that point the estimated cost of the policy became £1.02bn over five years. Since this forecast was made, the expected cost of the tuition fee grant has decreased from £1.02bn over five years to £809m. One of the main reasons for the decrease in the forecast cost of the TFG is that the average tuition fee for Welsh students has decreased from £9,000pa to £8,680pa for 2012-13 and from £9,000pa to £8,291pa for future years. So the reduction is due to the new £9k estimate being the absolute highest possible amount the policy could cost and it actually coming in a bit lower than that - hence the fact that Mr Andrews and the WAO are about £350m or more apart in their interpretations. If nothing else, it's a fascinating story of the inner workings of the Cabinet, and the way in which decisions with vast political and cost implications are taken.

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Hungary profile - Leaders

President: Janos Ader

A lawyer and member of the European Parliament for Hungary's governing Fidesz party, Janos Ader was elected president of Hungary in 2012 in a parliamentary vote that was boycotted by the main opposition Socialist Party. He took over from Pal Schmitt, another Fidesz loyalist who was forced to resign after a Hungarian magazine revealed that his 1992 doctoral thesis was extensively plagiarised. Mr Ader is closely associated with the controversial policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and helped draft changes to election laws and the role of the judiciary that prompted complaints from the European Commission. Prime minister: Viktor Orban Since starting his second stint as prime minister in 2010, Viktor Orban has concentrated an unprecedented amount of power in his hands while alarming other EU leaders with his brand of nationalist populism. He has described his goal for Hungary as creating an "illiberal state", and argues that authoritarian systems such as China, Turkey and Russia are a more appropriate model than Western liberal democracies. Critics say a media law introduced in 2011 undermined pluralism and created a compliant media, while a new constitution pushed through in 2012 weakened political checks and balances and entrenched the ruling party's power. Mr Orban rejects such charges, insisting that Hungary's unique character and history mean that the nature of Hungarian democracy is necessarily different from that in other countries. On foreign policy, he has been critical of the EU's tough line on Russia's annexation of the Crimea and support for rebels in Ukraine, saying that Hungary relies on cooperation with Moscow, particularly on the economy and energy. But he has stopped short of vetoing EU sanctions on Russia. Mr Orban remains popular inside Hungary on the whole, and in 2014 his government won a second consecutive term in office. His tough line in the 2015 European migrant crisis - in particular his rejection of EU quotas requiring members to accept a certain number of migrants - also went down well with many Hungarians. He first became leader of the centre-right Fidesz party in 1993, when he took the previously liberal party in a more conservative direction. After his first stint as prime minister from 1998 to 2002, he spent eight years in opposition before winning a landslide victory in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008. The crisis left Hungary facing a huge budget deficit, and the then Socialist government was forced to turn to the International Monetary Fund for assistance and implement a deeply unpopular austerity programme.

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Mistake caused 'penis map' to be put up at Toronto station

Isn't the internet great at times?

By James WaterhouseNewsbeat Reporter After the people who run buses in Toronto decided to replace a map at one of its stations, they probably weren't banking on such an enthusiastic response. Despite being drawn exactly according to the station's design, a passenger couldn't help noticing it resembled a prominent feature of the male physique. It was inevitably shared online, and now the Toronto Transit Commission's told Newsbeat they're replacing it. Spokesman Brad Ross explains: "The designers were trying to get this job done by the end of the year, the process that was in place wasn't followed. "A manager would have seen that map, and would have noticed its unique shape shall we say and had it redesigned." He adds: "We have a (new) map which will go in tomorrow. "The station design, the architectural drawings are shaped as you see them in that photo, it is phallic shaped there's no doubt about it." Brad remembers the moment a member of staff told him how it had turned out. "The image of a tweet from one of our customer service folks was sent to me, and as soon as I saw it I knew that this was going to become a bit of a story." Although he thinks the decision to replace the map was an easy one. "Honestly we could live without the constant jokes, we want the map to be functional and not to become a tourist attraction. "Some may take offence because of its likeness to the male member, and we don't want to offend anybody." Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube

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Slovenia profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1918 - After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Slovenia joins the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia. 1941 - Slovenia is occupied by Nazi Germany and Italy during World War II. 1945 - Slovenia becomes a constituent republic of socialist Yugoslavia. Independence 1990 - First multi-party elections. Milan Kucan becomes president. Overwhelming majority of Slovenes vote for independence in a referendum. 1991 - Slovenia, along with Croatia, declares its independence. The Yugoslav federal army intervenes. Slovene forces defend the country. The EU brokers a ceasefire and the Yugoslav army withdraws. 1992 - The EU and US recognise Slovenia's independence, and it joins the United Nations. First parliamentary and presidential elections in the newly independent country. Milan Kucan re-elected president. Janez Drnovsek becomes prime minister. 1996 - Slovenia signs an association agreement with the EU. EU, Nato membership 1999 - Slovenia, a member of Nato's Partnership for Peace programme, allows Nato to use its airspace during the bombing of Kosovo and Serbia. 2002 December - Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek wins presidential elections. EU summit in Copenhagen formally invites Slovenia to join in 2004. 2003 March - Referendum vote backs both EU and Nato membership. 2004 March - Slovenia admitted to Nato. 2004 May - Slovenia is one of 10 new states to join the EU. 2004 October - Centre-right Slovenian Democratic Party tops poll in general elections. Party leader Janez Jansa sets about forming coalition government. 2007 January - Slovenia becomes the first former communist state to adopt the single European currency, the euro. 2008 January - Slovenia becomes the first former communist state to assume the EU presidency. Centre-left government 2008 November - Social Democratic leader Borut Pahor becomes prime minister at the head of a centre-left coalition comprising three other parties. 2011 September - PM Borut Pahor's centre-left coalition collapses after losing confidence vote in parliament. It remains in office as a caretaker government. 2012 February - Parliament approves new and mainly centre-right government led by Prime Minister Janez Jansa. Anti-austerity protests 2012 November-December - Thousands of people take part in anti-austerity protests in Ljubljana and Slovenia's second city, Maribor. 2012 December - Centre-left former PM Borut Pahor wins presidential election at run-off vote, defeating incumbent Danilo Turk. 2013 March - The Jansa coalition collapses over disputes about austerity measures and corruption allegations. Liberal opposition leader Alenka Bratusek becomes prime minister. 2013 April - European Commission warns that urgent policy action is needed to tackle the problems of Slovenia's banks. Ratings agency Moody's cuts Slovenia's bonds to "junk" status, increasing likelihood that country will have to ask eurozone partners for bailout. 2013 May - Government unveils package of measures aimed at staving off EU bailout. 2013 November - Coalition government wins a confidence vote linked to the budget of 2014, signalling support for plans to rescue banks without recourse to an international bailout. 2014 August - Miro Cerar becomes prime minister after snap elections in July. His liberal SMC party agrees a coalition with two other centre-left parties. 2015 December - Voters in a referendum reject legislation that would have granted same-sex couples the right to marry. 2016 March - Slovenia says it will refuse transit to most migrants seeking to travel through the Balkan route to northern Europe. Maritime dispute resolved 2017 June - An international court of arbitration hands Slovenia a victory in its maritime dispute with Croatia, ruling that it should have direct access to international waters in the Adriatic Sea using a corridor crossing Croatian waters. 2018 June - Snap elections see big wins for the SDS anti-immigration party of veteran former prime minister Janez Jansa, as well as for the relatively new centre-left LMS party. 2018 September - Marjan Sarec of the LMS is sworn in as head of a centre-left minority government, after the SDS fails to form a coalition. 2020 March - Janez Jansa returns as head of a centre-right coalition government after Marjan Sarec fails in a bid to call early elections.

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A-level results: Here are all the cliches you'll see today

It's A-level results day.

Which means these things are happening right now. Pictures of impossibly happy people jumping in the air Special points if you actually catch people doing this in real life, rather than just for the benefit of a newspaper photographer. Minus points if you're the one doing it. Photographers shouting at identical twins They'll be identical. They'll be pretty. They'll have got respectable grades from a respectable school and their photos will be everywhere. An eight-year-old who got an A* in physics We don't even want to talk about this. It's nice for them but it might not be what you need to hear. A young celebrity putting their great exam results on Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram It's been the likes of Tom Daley (straight As) and Brooklyn Beckham (passed all his GCSEs) in the past. In 2017, the role fell to Malala Yousafzai, who announced that she'd got into Oxford. We can imagine the conversation: "What did you get Malala?" "Three As. And a Nobel Peace Prize." An old celebrity saying, 'Don't worry, I got rubbish grades' This year, it's Jeremy Clarkson. Last year, it was also Jeremy Clarkson. The year before that? Clarkson. In fact, every year it's Jeremy Clarkson. Looks like he has a tweet ready to go every year. Wonder if he's scheduled 2020's tweet yet? Did you know Jeremy Clarkson got a C and two Us? Teachers/family members/friends' parents asking about 'the future' Seriously? This gets tired quickly. This time should be about being relieved the whole ordeal is over, enjoying your last month with your friends and going to the pub. Especially going to the pub. Braggy parents Facebook-ing their children's results at 8am. TOO SOON Reason #7,594 why you shouldn't be friends with your mum on Facebook. People saying 'exams are getting easier' It won't take someone long to say this and, if you've spent two years working towards this day, you'll be delighted to hear their opinion. Should you wish to reply, try this... Prof Alan Smithers, director of University of Buckingham's Centre for Education and Employment Research, says: "Ofqual is propping up the grades of the new tougher A-levels, so overall the results are likely to be close to what they were last year. If, anything, they are likely to go down." All joking aside, if you didn't get the results you wanted it's not the end of the world. And you can always go to BBC Advice for information on exams and exam results. A version of this article originally appeared on Newsbeat on 18 August 2016. Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 every weekday on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra - if you miss us you can listen back here.

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House of Lords: Will the chamber really move to York?

York here we come?

Mark D'ArcyParliamentary correspondent Might MPs and peers, or maybe just the peers, move to some suitable location in York for several years, while the Victorian home of Parliament is refurbished? Much depends on how that refurbishment will proceed. Last year, MPs and Lords agreed they would move out when the work began and legislated to create the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body, to work up an outline business case (OBC) for R&R, the Restoration and Renewal project, to be agreed by both Houses of Parliament. The government now wants this decision rethought, which might mean a scaled-down programme focussed on ensuring Parliament does not burn down, or a partial emptying of the building, with some parliamentarians remaining in situ. The options listed by Boris Johnson in his letter to the Sponsor Body include moving Parliament to nearby buildings, or to York, to sit alongside a new "government hub," for a few years. Given earlier proposals from Downing Street, this might be a step towards the Lords staying there in the long term. Or it might not. Boris Johnson has a track record of floating eye-catching ideas - a new "Boris Island" London airport in the Thames Estuary, a garden bridge across the Thames. Is this another example? All the prime minister's letter really says is that every option is up for grabs, if the place doesn't burn down first. Having re-opened what had seemed to be a firm decision by Parliament, there's a debate today to take the voices, allowing the Commons class of 2019 to give their view. One strand of that might be to explore the political attraction of shifting a high-profile institution (Their Lordships' House) out of London - but if the idea is to try and reconnect politics with "left behind Britain" why not put it in Sunderland or Newcastle, rather than prosperous York? Given that 55 per cent of peers live in London, the South East and the East of England, there is indeed a strong case that the Lords is not geographically representative - but is moving the same people to a different city going to change that? It might shake out a few peers who are unwilling to travel - but it might also usher in more virtual working, allowing the usual suspects to continue to participate from home. Scrutiny concerns A deeper question is what such a move would do to the institution. One of the core functions of Parliament is to scrutinise the government, which is why Parliament is next door to Whitehall and the great departments of state. And one of the lessons of the virtual parliament during the pandemic was that it gave ministers a much easier ride. Those moments in the chamber where a minister faltered and opinion crystallised against them are much more elusive if the minister is on a screen rather than standing at the dispatch box. This is not a trivial point - question times with online participants are necessarily more scripted and less searching, and so ministers are not challenged as effectively. Scrutiny suffers if Parliament is physically separated from government. Awkward territory So who decides? Theoretically, these are "House Matters" not party matters, to be decided by MPs and peers. In practice, the government controls the Commons, and if it whips its MPs to back a particular option, it can expect to get its way. The Restoration and Renewal programme is on the awkward territory between House Matters and the government's completely legitimate concern about a possible bill of several billion pounds, as well as their natural interest in the manner in which they are scrutinised. But the hard fact remains; however splendid the outward appearance, the Victorian Palace of Westminster is a mess, with dodgy wiring, leaky roofs, cranky (and smelly) plumbing and crumbling stonework. It could fall down, burn down or flood. Which would be an embarrassing fate for one of the two or three most recognisable buildings on the planet.

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Malaysia profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

14th century - Conversion of Malays to Islam begins. 1826 - British settlements of Malacca, Penang and Singapore combine to form the Colony of Straits Settlements, from where the British extend their influence by establishing protectorates over the Malay sultanates of the peninsula. 1942-45 - Japanese occupation. 1948-60 - State of emergency to counter local communist insurgency. 1957 - Federation of Malaya becomes independent from Britain with Tunku Abdul Rahman as prime minister. 1963 - British colonies of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore join Federation of Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia. 1965 - Singapore withdraws from Malaysia, which is reduced to 13 states; communist insurgency begins in Sarawak. Positive discrimination for Malays 1971 - Government introduces minimum quotas for Malays in business, education and the civil service. 1981 - Mahathir Mohamad becomes prime minister. 1989-90 - Local communist insurgents sign peace accord with government. 1998 - Mahathir Mohamad sacks his deputy and presumed successor, Anwar Ibrahim, on charges of sexual misconduct, against the background of differences between the two men over economic policy. 2000 - Ibrahim is found guilty of sodomy and sentenced to nine years in prison. This is added to the six-year jail sentence he was given in 1999 after being found guilty of corruption following a controversial trial. 2001 - Dozens arrested during worst ethnic clashes in decades between Malays and ethnic Indians. Mahathir bows out 2003 October - Abdullah Ahmad Badawi takes over as prime minister as Mahathir Mohamad steps down after 22 years in office. 2004 - Anwar Ibrahim freed after court overturns his sodomy conviction. 2006 - Malaysia shelves construction of controversial bridge to Singapore. 2009 - Badawi steps down as prime minister and is replaced by his deputy, Najib Abdul Razak. 2014 March - Government and Malaysia Airlines face international criticism over handling of Flight MH370, which goes missing en route to China in unexplained circumstances. 2014 July - Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashes in eastern Ukraine after being shot down by Russian-backed separatists, with the loss of all 298 people on board. 2015 February - Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is jailed for five years after failing to win an appeal against a sodomy conviction. Corruption scandal 2015 June - The Wall Street Journal alleges that close to $700m (£490m) from the sovereign wealth fund 1MDB was deposited in Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank account. 2016 November - Thousands of anti-government protesters take to the streets of Kuala Lumpur to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib over his alleged links to a corruption scandal. 2017 February - Kim Jong-nam, the estranged brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is killed with a nerve agent at a Malaysian airport. 2018 May - Mahathir Mohamad becomes prime minister again as head of an four-party coalition, defeating his erstwhile protege Najib Razak. 2020 March - Muhyiddin Yassin forms government with the UMNO, the former party of Najib Razak, after the surprise collapse of Mahathir Mohamad's coalition.

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Centre ground or socialism?

Centre ground or socialism?

Nick ServiniPolitical editor, Wales@NickServinion Twitter Those definitions will be considered crude by many but in a nutshell they encapsulate the debate currently underway in Plaid Cymru. Jonathan Edwards has led the charge. Over our hotel bacon and eggs this morning, he insisted this was not a personal attack on Plaid leader Leanne Wood, who he considers a huge asset to the party. After all, he was the chair of her leadership campaign and, as an MP who has never wanted the top job, he says he will never criticise the leader as a point of principle. He may call it a bit of friendly advice but there is an uncomfortable edge to focus on the "intricacies of socialist theory" in the context of Leanne Wood's speech in January. In that address she spoke about a form of "decentralist socialism" rather than the top-down undemocratic model of Labour. MP Liz Saville Roberts contributed to the debate by talking about making a difference rather than ideology on the BBC's Good Morning Wales radio programme. In the past, we have tended to talk about difficulties for Leanne Wood in the context of Carwyn Jones's soft-nationalism but the greater problem for her now appears to be another Labour leader - Jeremy Corbyn. When Simon Thomas stood up at the conference in Caernarfon six months ago and said you cannot out-Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn, it was a line that clearly struck a nerve. When we bandy around these slogans, what do we actually mean? Jonathan Edwards says it is not necessarily about policy, but rhetoric. I read into that a belief that there should be more of a focus on areas like the economy, rather than issues like social inequality which have become the kind of bread-and-butter territory of the Plaid leader. This is nuanced stuff. There will be many who say you can have both, and there are others who clearly believe the pendulum has swung too much towards the almost academic differentiations of what kind of socialism you believe in. And there are others who say this is the kind of discussion you should be able to have three years before the next assembly election, although the Plaid MPs are of the view we could see a general election well before that. It also taps into a central question of what kind of politics Plaid represents. Leanne Wood has always been to the left of the party, rather than the centre ground, but that is where the party feels the votes are. The question is that with Jeremy Corbyn so established as Labour leader, whether that calculation is still the right one for Plaid Cymru.

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Chancellor promises double-digit unemployment

Politician to keep promise: Shock!

Patrick BurnsPolitical editor, Midlands It comes to something when we know the one big promise we can trust a top politician to keep is a recession "on a scale we have not seen before" and "double-digit unemployment". The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, goes on to warn us there can be no guarantee of the longed-for "V-shaped" recovery. There's even talk among some commentators of an "L-shaped" recovery: in other words, no recovery at all. Mr Sunak's stark message comes as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases figures for April, the first full month of the lockdown, showing a sharp rise in the number of people unemployed and claiming benefit, prompting expectations next month's figures will show a far bigger jump towards a different order of magnitude altogether. You would have thought "unemployment soaring" would have been a safe conclusion for the headline writers to draw from all this. We all know it's true, not least because initial hopes the government's furlough scheme for employers to keep jobs alive at taxpayers' expense are now giving way to a weary resignation that in many cases it is merely delaying the inevitable. That there may even be no employer for those unfortunate people to go back to. But not so fast! "No, you can't say the ONS numbers show unemployment is rising", counter the purists who point out it is the claimant count that has gone up, largely because of people who are now eligible for benefits due to the CV19 crisis who previously were not. What's more, the ONS's own figures show the UK unemployment rate actually fell from 4% in the last quarter of last year to 3.9% during the first quarter of this. Two hundred and eleven thousand more people were employed during Q1 2020 compared with Q4 2019. So that simple headline "unemployment soaring" could be considered technically inaccurate. Even though we all know how painfully true it is. Who was it who coined the phrase "Lies, damned lies and statistics"? There's even an argument about that. Was it the Nineteenth Century Conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli or his successor during the early years of the Twentieth, Arthur Balfour? Who will be hardest-hit? Ample evidence indicates that, as in the last major crisis following the financial crash, it will be people on lower earnings who will again suffer the worst of this. Also, depressingly, younger people along with older workers in their 50s and 60s. Switching to a geographical focus, the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, is worried that our industrial heartlands, always especially exposed to economic ups and downs, will face the biggest rebuilding job. This is why he plans to head a West Midlands Economic Recovery Board with mounting speculation the government may be about to sign off on some form of ministerial participation in it. Mr Street may draw at least a crumb of comfort from some number-crunching by the campaigning organisation the Centre for Cities (CfC). While the ONS were compiling their claimants' statistics, the CfC were updating their absolute unemployment numbers for our cities and towns. You can see the CfC chart by clicking here. Telford in Shropshire heads our contingent in ninth place. Then you have to go down as far as 21st for Birmingham, 42nd for Gloucester, 45th for Stoke-on-Trent and 56th for Coventry, with these last two registering percentage point increases between March and April below the UK average of 2%. Every one of these numbers carries a heavy human toll of course. But they also provide some overdue perspective suggesting where our part of the country stands in the over all scheme of things. No wonder the pressure is building on ministers to respond to the collateral effects of the government-imposed Covid lockdown. Worried about the effects on other patients suffering from, say, heart conditions or cancer, one hospital doctor told me recently "we're buying lives with lives". We are also buying lives with jobs. When Boris Johnson quoted his classical hero Cicero to declare "life comes first", he could present it as a simple black and white political question. It's in the looming grey zone that the trouble starts.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/business-27350075

Dr Dre: The first 'hip-hop billionaire'?

"The Forbes list just changed."

By Kim GittlesonBBC business reporter, New York That is the boast made by singer-songwriter Tyrese Gibson in a video posted on Facebook (and later removed), before he is pushed aside by Dr Dre, the co-founder of the Beats Electronics firm. The list of the richest people on the planet, says Dre, the 49-year-old hip-hop star and entrepreneur, has changed "in a big way". "The first billionaire in hip hop right here from the... West Coast, believe me," he said, before the video abruptly ends. By most accounts, Apple's $3bn (£1.8bn) acquisition of the Beats headphone and music streaming service will increase Dre's net worth from an estimated $550m to almost $800m - making him, if not hip-hop's first billionaire, certainly hip-hop's wealthiest man. So how did Dr Dre, born Andre Romelle Young in inner-city Los Angeles, build his fortune? Borne of necessity Dan Charnas, a former hip-hop record producer and author of The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop, says that Dr Dre's business acumen was shaped by the culture of hip-hop in the 1980s, which was by necessity more entrepreneurial. "There's a long tradition of entrepreneurship for artists in the hip-hop business because there was no other way they were going to get out there," says Charnas, noting that in the 1980s, major record labels and radio stations were hesitant to invest in and promote hip-hop music. "Russell Simmons [and Rick Rubin] had to start their own music company if people were going to hear these records," he adds, referring to Def Jam records, one of the first and most successful hip-hop labels. "The hustle of that extended to everything." Diversify Dr Dre was certainly part of that early, scrappy hip-hop milieu. Although he first found success as a musician with the World Class Wreckin' Cru and then with the seminal group N.W.A. - pioneers of gangsta rap - he was also a keen collaborator and producer, thus ensuring he had two revenue streams: one from performing, and another from producing. Just a year after he released his debut album, The Chronic, in 1992 - which sold three million copies and won a Grammy award - Dr Dre also helped produce Snoop Dogg's first album, Doggystyle, which sold an astonishing five million copies. Like many hip-hop stars of the era, Dre also made sure that he earned a cut of his own sales as a producer - eventually becoming "the single most influential producer in hip-hop history", according to Rolling Stone magazine. After a falling out with his label, Death Row Records, due to a contract dispute (among other concerns), Dre negotiated a deal with Interscope to start his own label, Aftermath Entertainment, in 1996. He then signed and helped produce albums by young hip-hop artists, most notably Eminem, before selling his share of the label back to Interscope in 2001 for a reported $35m. Brand power Although he rose to fame as a performer, Dr Dre has not released a solo album since 1999. Instead, he has capitalised on a trend in hip-hop that sprang up during the 1990s, when the genre's biggest stars, like Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs - aka Puff Daddy and P Diddy - launched their own clothing labels and consumer products. Jay-Z founded Rocawear and Combs founded Sean Jean. Both are worth many millions of dollars. "Why beg Adidas for an endorsement deal and make them all the money when you could put your own clothing out and do it yourself?" says Mr Charnas of the entrepreneurial spirit which pervaded hip-hop at the time. Dr Dre was similarly pushed into consumer branding, but he took a slightly different route. As the possibly apocryphal story goes, Dre's lawyers had asked him to endorse sneakers. He ran into then-Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine on the beach, who said something along the lines of: "[Expletive] sneakers, let's sell speakers." 'The way I do' From there, the pair first partnered with Monster, a well-respected audio firm known mostly for their HDMI cables, to design and manufacture the Beats headphones. (In 2012, Monster and Beats announced the partnership had ended.) "Monster had a good name in audio circles," says Mr Charnas of the early hype surrounding the headphones, which soon became known as accessories for the "true" music lover. The Monster reputation helped - but so did celebrity endorsements, which included Lady Gaga, as well as prominent placement within music videos. "Beats is viewed as a triumph of marketing more than it is a fantastic product - there are a lot of people who feel there are better headphones to be bought in the market," says Mr Charnas. Dr Dre used his reputation as a producer to market the product, saying: "Hear what the artists hear, and listen to the music the way they should, the way I do." But the hip-hop artist has previously maintained that for him, it isn't all about the cash. In an interview with Esquire last year, he talked about turning down potential investors by telling them he doesn't need any more money. "That part is entertaining, because people look at you like you're crazy when you say you don't need any more money. Who says that?" he said. Perhaps hip-hop's richest man did used to say that. At least until Apple came knocking.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32908604

Queen's Speech - Things can only get tougher

Appearances can be deceptive.

Nick RobinsonPolitical editor It may be Her Majesty that travels from the Palace to Parliament to deliver it. It may be accompanied by the finery and flummery of a great State occasion. It may be called the Queen's Speech but it is, of course, not really her's at all, but the Prime Minister's. What's more, it is a speech which until the morning after the election before, he and his advisers never expected to hear delivered since they did not expect there to be a Conservative majority government. Palace advisers will have done their best to ensure that the words which emerge from the Queen's lips don't sound like a Tory election broadcast. It will have been a struggle as Downing Street is behaving as if the campaign never ended. Ministers are being sent onto the airwaves to parrot a string of sound bites about a "One Nation government" helping "working people" and creating "a country of security and opportunity for all at every stage in life". Promises to cut tax, increase the number of apprentices and deliver more child care is what they want to talk about. Their aim is clear. It is to exploit to the full the fact that for a very short time they have the political stage entirely to themselves. Their main opponents are distracted and in disarray. Their own party is exhilarated by their surprise victory and have still not unlearnt the habit of discipline which served them well in the run up to polling day. Newly elected MPs can't vote on anything for a few days and many are still finding their new desks. So, Team Cameron have a few days, maybe weeks, perhaps even months to sell positive messages before real world intrudes. Don't imagine for a second, though, that this can last. Intrude the real world will… and soon. Indeed, the first signs are that it already is. The decision not to table a Bill to scrap Labour's Human Rights Act and strengthen the role of the British courts against the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg tells you all you need to know. It combines all David Cameron's real world problems - his party and the Tory press's "obsession" with Europe (his word not mine); a tiny Commons majority of just a dozen; a House of Lords which has an anti-government majority and a newly resurgent SNP. It's not just this Tory manifesto that promised to sort out the oft repeated complaint that "human rights has gone mad". It's not just this Tory leader who set up a group of eminent lawyers to find a way to do it. The Sun today screams "Their rights or yours?" over pictures of a "killer, rapist, paedo rapist and terrorist" and ordinary members of the public. The Mail attacks the "Folly of human rights luvvies" but they can huff and puff all they like. The Conservatives have been trying for over a decade and never found a way forward that is agreed by all in their own party let alone by the legal community. That means the prime minister simply does not have a plan he can get through Parliament which won't be brought down by a Tory backbench revolt, Lords opposition fuelled by protests from, yes, luvvies but also many others outside. Last year I reported on how the government's own top legal adviser, the then Attorney general Dominic Grieve, had dug his heels in. Grieve was opposing a plan by a group of Conservative lawyers. It proposes a new law which would assert that Parliament and not the European Court of Human Rights was the supreme body. Their report predicts that a so-called British Bill of Rights would either force changes in the way the Strasbourg court works or trigger a crisis which could lead to the UK's expulsion from the international body which set up the court and which Britain helped to found - the Council of Europe. Grieve warned his colleagues that it was a plan for "a legal car crash" albeit one with "a built-in time delay". He argued that promising to stay in the European Convention of Human Rights whilst refusing to recognise the court's rulings was "incoherent". So, remember today that appearances really can be deceptive. This is David Cameron's day. His speech. His moment to savour victory, but he is going to find very very soon that it only gets harder from now on.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40478861

Justin Bieber: How he hypnotised Hyde Park at BST gig

Justin Bieber has a bad cold.

By Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter Given that one A-list pop star had already pulled a massive London gig this weekend on health grounds, the bosses must have been worried on behalf of the waiting 50,000 Beliebers in Hyde Park on Sunday evening. But fortunately the singer opted not to call in sick - and took to the stage for a stonking show as part of the British Summer Time festival (BST) in London. Here's a round-up of the show. 1. He turned up on time Bieber got the night off to a heck of a start by doing something truly unheard of among pop stars... he took to the stage at the time he was supposed to. Justin has been known to keep fans waiting for up to two hours beyond his scheduled stage time in the past. But not on Sunday night. He appeared at 8pm on the dot - launching straight into Mark My Words and Where Are U Now as he kicked off a 90-minute set. His punctuality was probably down to the strict curfew times in Hyde Park which means gigs need to be finished by 10pm. You don't want to upset the neighbours in that area of London, trust us. 2. He was ill Without being cruel, the audience seemed more into the Justin Bieber concert than Justin Bieber was. But, to be fair, this was largely because he was feeling unwell. He told the crowd early on he had a bad cold and said he'd been rubbing some Vicks VapoRub on his nostrils. "All that medicine stuff is stuck in my nose. I'm having a rough night. Don't judge me," he said. The audience didn't seem bothered though and more than made up for his low energy levels with plenty of singing and dancing of their own. It's a fair bet that 50,000 people woke up sounding a little croaky on Monday morning. 3. He's at his best with nothing more than a guitar As he proved during his recent appearance at One Love Manchester, Justin's talents are most evident when the music is stripped back to basics. And at BST, one of the most enjoyable moments came when Justin's band went for a tea break and he was left with nothing more than his voice and an acoustic guitar. He sang beautifully stripped-back versions of Love Yourself and his Major Lazer duet Cold Water as the sun began to set. It was one of those moments that would feel quite magical if we weren't all so British and embarrassed about admitting stuff like that. To top it off, he finished the acoustic section with an a cappella rendition of U Got It Bad, the 2001 classic by his original mentor Usher. 4. There was no Despacito Let's be honest, Justin Bieber has so many hits to his name now that no setlist could ever really be that disappointing. And on Sunday evening he rattled through practically every song you could wish for from his back catalogue - from Baby through to Boyfriend to What Do You Mean? But there were two glaring omissions. The first was his David Guetta collaboration 2U - which is currently in the top 10. The other missing song was even more surprising though - the impossibly catchy record-breaking anthem-of-the-summer Despacito. The audience was so hungry for the track that they stayed put and began chanting the title after the show had finished. But given Justin's recent admission that he doesn't actually know all the Spanish words he sings in the chorus, it was probably best that we didn't have a repeat of Burrito-gate. 5. The stars came out Fresh from partying with Justin in London the night before, Brooklyn Beckham was spotted at the BST gig on Sunday evening, along with mum Victoria and brother Cruz. But it wasn't just the Beckham clan that turned out to support Biebs. Kevin Spacey, Daisy Lowe, Conor Maynard, Claudia Winkleman, and Saturdays alumni Mollie King and Una Healy were all there too. But maximum points go to Dua Lipa, who was spotted in the crowd dancing to Bieber's set after she'd barely left the stage herself. She made an appearance during Martin Garrix's set right before Justin came on, to sing Scared To Be Lonely - her collaboration with the DJ. 6. Encores are not Justin's thing As the sky went dark, the audience went crazy as the opening bars of Sorry played out and fireworks went off over Hyde Park. As one of his biggest hits, it was a fitting way to finish the gig. The crowd clearly didn't think that was the end of the show, as most stayed right where they were in case he returned to the stage. But as crew members began to de-rig the set, and Michael Jackson's Beat It played out over the sound system (amazing), most got the message and began to leave. As fans poured out of Hyde Park, a few excitable young Beliebers began singing Despacito on their way to the tube - which quickly turned into a huge rendition with hundreds joining in. It would be hard to go home in anything other than high spirits after a show like this. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected].

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Analysis: What does ditching Lords reform mean for the coalition?

The rules have changed.

By Robin BrantPolitical Correspondent, BBC News Senior aides to the deputy prime minister say the failure to deliver Lords reform was an "unprecedented event", so they are killing off boundary changes in return. There's now a definite air of tit-for-tat around the coalition. Others in the Clegg circle have dismissed the claim that Tories and Liberal Democrats could now try to blackmail each other over remaining parts of the coalition agreement. It's not a "zero sum game", they say, as the partnership looks to move on from this failure to deliver. But it's clear that the junior partner has fired a shot across the bow to deny the senior partner something it wants. Vengeful or strategic? Assertive Clegg? Vengeful Clegg? Both maybe. You could see it as Strategic Clegg, who has accepted the reality of no coalition consensus, and pulled the plug on it, thus sparing a fractious fight and a near sclerotic legislative battle. Up until two weeks ago the deputy prime minister was offering a considerable compromise: Referendum on Lords reform then staggered introduction of the reforms, if approved. But sources say it became clear then that the prime minister could not deliver Tory votes. The deal was rejected by Jesse Norman and some of the 90 other rebels he represented. I was told the choreography was still being discussed yesterday, with a final call between Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg to agree on the consequences. No Lords reform equals no boundary changes before 2015. But the two don't agree it is a quid pro quo. The Tories want to push ahead with the boundary review legislation, even though Nick Clegg said his MPs would oppose it. That means the prospect of ministers voting against government policy. Those around the Lib Dem leader say one side has failed to deliver on the coalition agreement, for the first time, and "you can't have that". There has to be a consequence and when one side fails to honour a contract "you renegotiate", they said. That type of language is what fuels the view that other parts of the deal are now up for grabs. Mid-term review We know that a mid-term report is on the way. Both Cameron and Clegg spoke of assessing what they'd done and what they planned to do once they return from the summer break. It may end up being viewed as a far more fluid document than the one which emerged after those days of intense talks in May 2010. Some Tories, admittedly not the biggest fans of the coalition arrangement, have already questioned Nick Clegg's trustworthiness in light of this move. Stewart Jackson went as far as accusing him of lying about the link between achieving Lords reform and securing boundary changes. The two men at the top seem to be on good terms though. Nick Clegg told the BBC things were "fine, thank you very much" between him and the prime minister. The personal dynamic remains important if the marriage is to continue. But the rules have changed.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-40628247

Ed Sheeran sings in Game of Thrones cameo

**WARNING: contains spoilers**

Ed Sheeran has appeared as a soldier in Game of Thrones. The pop star sings, and speaks briefly, during his cameo in the episode, which aired early this morning. Titled Dragonstone, it's the first episode of the seventh series of the US fantasy TV show. The 26-year old's performance has divided fans on social media. Ed's character, who is not named, is seen singing around a campfire in the forest. When Maisie Williams's character Arya Stark rides past on horseback, she tells him, "It's a pretty song, I've never heard it before." "It's a new one," Sheeran replies. Ed celebrated his appearance in a series of photos on Instagram. "Throwback to the time I was a Lannister," he wrote. And he posted a behind the scenes photo with actress Maisie Williams. Lots of people thought it was great. Kalynn said it was the "best moment of her life". Ryan Kathleen Greene wrote, "what a time to be alive". Others were unimpressed. Rebecca posted a meme of a girl looking mean. Vann said it'd "be worth it" if Arya Stark killed Ed's character. Fans have been waiting for Ed's appearance since March, when the show's creators announced it during their appearance at South By Southwest Festival in Texas. The episode will be repeated on Sky Atlantic and Now TV at 9pm tonight. Next season's Game of Thrones will be the last. The show has been running since 2011. Find us on Instagram at BBCNewsbeat and follow us on Snapchat, search for bbc_newsbeat

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https://www.bbc.com/news/health-37694768

Blighted lives: The true cost of diabetes

Steven Woodman walks like an old man.

By Dominic HughesHealth correspondent, BBC News He needs a stick to maintain his balance as he hobbles forward. Steven is only in his late 50s, but the loss of three toes on one foot means he's unsteady on his feet. It is type 2 diabetes that has led Steven to where he is now. More accurately, it's ignoring the warnings and advice around diabetes that has left him facing a life of disability. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, closely linked to lifestyle and weight gain, when he was still a young man. Steven, who lives in Shrewsbury, freely admits that, at the time, he ignored his GP's advice. "I was in denial. I never took it that seriously, so I carried on eating, going to the pub - doing things people of my age did. "Of course, now I know different." 'Numb to pain' There are two main kinds of diabetes. Type 1 is an auto-immune disease that usually develops when people are young, and which accounts for around 10% of cases in the UK. But the other 90% have type 2 which can be affected by where you come from and your family history, but in most cases is associated with being overweight. One effect of the disease is poor blood circulation, particularly in the extremities of the body such as the feet. It also affects the nerves, so the feet become numb to pain. That meant that when Steven developed an ulcer on his toe, he didn't notice at first. And then it wouldn't heal. It became dangerously infected - gangrenous - so much so that it presented a threat to Steven's life. As he explains, that was just his first amputation. "My surgeon did say to me when he was taking my third toe off, it's only a matter of time before you lose that one. It's inevitable that will go the same way. "I've become an old man very, very quickly and inside I don't feel old. "I'll go on forever, I thought." Diabetes 'epidemic' Steven is far from alone. Each week, there are a shocking 140 amputations associated with complications due to diabetes in England alone. Kate Merriman is a vascular surgeon at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust who has the grim task of carrying out amputations on patients like Steven. She is alarmed at the growth she has seen in the number of operations she is performing - and the costs that go along with that. "It's approximately £20,000 for first six months following amputation. "There's the limb fitting, and even a basic prosthesis costs thousands of pounds. All of those aspects mean it's a very expensive process for the state." She added: "We're facing a diabetic epidemic, and we need to find ways of preventing those patients from reaching surgeons because the cost to the patient and the NHS is skyrocketing." Diabetics like Steven don't just face an increased risk of amputations, but also kidney failure, blindness and even premature death. And caring for the growing number of people diagnosed with diabetes is costing the NHS in England alone around £10bn every year, nearly 10% of the entire budget. There is concern at what impact that will have on the future financing of the NHS. Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, says there are clear implications of what he calls a "diabetes epidemic". "As things stand we are certainly looking at a crisis in diabetes which threatens to bankrupt the NHS if we continue with these current trends. "I believe we're facing a crisis and we really need concerted action right across society for us to fund more research, provide best possible care and crucially prevent so many cases of type 2 in the future." The other development that is worrying experts is that the age profile of those being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is falling. It used to be the case that most new cases were found in those aged over 65. But now a small but growing number of children are also being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Aisha is 15 and a keen footballer and runner. But a love of sweets, treats and fizzy drinks saw her weight increase. She says: "I developed type 2 diabetes by having a sweet tooth mostly. I used to try out every new sweet in the store and I used to drink quite a lot of sugary drinks. "When I was taken to the hospital, it hit me then because I started crying and it was a shock." Aisha now has to rely on medication to control her condition, but she has lost a stone in weight and the fizzy drinks are a thing of the past. "It's been really hard at times, but you can only have health once and you can't buy your health. You have to keep changing your diet plan to keep fit and healthy." Hard lessons A diagnosis of type two diabetes is life changing, but there is some evidence that suggests it can be reversed, or at least put into remission. In Newcastle, research is under way into a very limited calorie controlled diet; some surgeons argue that "gastric band" operations can be an effective way of stopping the condition. But the impact on the lives of those who develop type 2 diabetes is not to be underestimated. While Steven Woodman's condition has stabilised, he has lost his job as a security guard. He is too unsteady on his feet and his employer says he's no longer fit to work. His advice is clear and uncompromising: "For God's sake, take it seriously. Don't make the mistake I did. "It's the biggest regret I've ever made in my entire life. It's a dreadful nasty disease. It takes no prisoners. It's a terrible thing." Inside Out is on BBC One England on Monday 24 October at 1930BST and thereafter on the iPlayer for 30 days.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-50759031

Top 10s of the 2010s: What were our favourite songs, films, books, TV shows and games?

How will we remember the 2010s?

If we're going to remember it by the UK's most popular culture, it's been the decade of Ed Sheeran and Adele; of Daniel Craig, Marvel and Star Wars sequels; and of the Fifty Shades phenomenon. Take a look back at the most successful albums, songs, books, films, TV shows and games of the decade. Top 10 albums Source: Official Charts Company Top 10 singles Source: Official Charts Company Top 10 books Source: Nielsen BookScan Top 10 films Source: BFI Top 10 TV programmes Source: Barb Top 10 TV programmes (excluding sport) Source: Barb Top 10 games Physical sales only. Source: Official Ukie Games Charts, compiled by GfK Follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected].

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30048578

China Week: Summit season

Sick of summitry?

Carrie GracieBBC China editor@BBCCarrieon Twitter If you are, spare a thought for China's leader Xi Jinping. He's done little but shake hands, fix a smile, make speeches and inspect honour guards all week. As he arrived in Brisbane for the G20 summit, you could forgive him for zoning out or heading to the beach. But it's always more relaxing being at someone else's party than your own, especially if everyone at the party is telling you what a swell host you were. And what's more, he moves from "Apec blue" skies in Beijing to G20 blue in Brisbane which means he doesn't have to watch cars and factories turn the Chinese capital's air to grey poison again. During the boring bits of the G20 speeches, he could always reflect on his summit week of fireworks and family photographs. If he does, I think he'll conclude it went as well as he could have hoped for. Successes President Xi will chalk up: A new type of major power relations Admittedly, US President Obama did not use President Xi's favourite foreign policy slogan. His administration views it as a formula for hypnotising Washington into quiescence while China gradually dismantles US interests in Asia. But to President Xi, "a new type of major power relations" means China can rise without inevitable conflict with the United States. He mentioned the slogan wherever he could and so did China's state media. And he tried to inhabit his side of it. This is success number two. Looking like the president of a major power Nothing in Beijing's summit week was left to chance from the venue to the sky colour. And like a method actor, President Xi bestrode the summit stage as president of a would be superpower. He is almost as tall as President Obama, he speaks confidently without notes to make the point that he is in charge, and he has a formidable first lady (A-list celebrity singer and PLA general) who as usual, wowed the home crowd with her regal bearing, poise and glamour. Nor will it be lost on the Chinese public that President Obama went out of his way to give face to his host. There were no attempts to talk over President Xi's head to the Chinese people direct, something which the Chinese leadership found distasteful during the town hall meeting of his last visit in 2009. Washington now seems to have concluded that Xi Jinping is the only game in town and that working on the presidential rapport is central to a good US-China relationship. The informal talks over dinner ran for five hours, a full two hours longer than scheduled. These face issues are extremely important to a Chinese leader. But President Xi was not prepared to endure the charge that his summitry was all style and no substance. Hence success number three: Behaving like a major power Much has been said this week about what China's promise of a ceiling on carbon emissions by 2030 actually amounts to. But what President Xi's joint announcement with President Obama did achieve was a first for the leaders of the world's existing and rival superpower. They shared a platform and had something to agree on. Moreover for China, this was a hugely important new chapter in its own narrative, no longer evading global responsibility by pleading poverty and victimhood but jointly with the United States shouldering responsibility for something on which only they can lead. And that's not all, when it comes to summit successes! Before the US China summit, he had started the week by hosting APEC, the Asia Pacific regional forum. Which takes us to gratifying triumph number four: That handshake In the privacy of his own thoughts, no doubt Xi Jinping himself can acknowledge that this encounter was hardly courteous or hospitable but the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did do exactly what President Xi intended. It signalled the end of a diplomatic freeze with Tokyo that was beginning to cause serious damage to China's international interests. And at the same time, it signalled to the Chinese audience that he took no personal pleasure in the episode and would do only the minimum necessary. Fighting noisy tigers and flies But now it's the weekend so it must be Brisbane. In this travelling summit circus, President Xi may swim up disoriented from his reverie and feel reassured to see so many faces familiar from Beijing. There across the table for example, President Putin, bromance buddy with whom he signed a huge new gas deal and watched the Beijing fireworks. Just down the table, President Park of South Korea who defied American pressure and joined up to China's rival free trade initiative. Even that perennial fly in the summit ointment, the travelling American press corps, brings back gratifying memories. While hardly classed as an old friend, The New York Times challenged President Xi about China's control of journalists in Wednesday's joint news conference with President Obama, and instead of being thrown, President Xi managed to appear simultaneously nonchalant and intimidating as he delivered this piece of homespun Chinese wisdom, "Let he who tied the bell on the tiger, take it off." By which he meant whoever creates the problem should sort it out, a warning to all those present not to publish the kind of stories about himself or about China that he doesn't like to read. All in all, a summit of successes. The sky in Brisbane is blue and the long march to make Beijing's blue permanent doesn't start till Monday.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-16426561

Vanuatu profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

550BC - First inhabited by Melanesian people 1606 - European explorer Pedro Fernandez de Quiros leads an expedition to the islands naming them Terra Austrialis del Espiritu Santo. 1768 - Louis Antoine de Bougainville names the islands Les Grandes Cyclades. 1774 - British explorer Captain Cook charts the islands calling them the New Hebrides. 1800s - Thousands of ni-Vanuatu are kidnapped and forced to work on sugar and cotton plantations in Fiji and Queensland, Australia. The practice, known as "blackbirding", continues until the early 20th century. 1865 - European settlers begin to arrive on the islands. 1887 - Britain and France establish a Joint Naval Commission on the islands to protect their citizens. Anglo-French government 1906 - Britain and France make the country a Condominium, under joint administration. Each power is responsible for its own citizens but indigenous New Hebrideans are looked after by both countries. Non-New Hebrideans choose which country they want to be governed by. 1938 - Emergence of the John Frum cargo cult. Believers say goods owned by American and European visitors to the island are really meant for them but are intercepted by the foreigners. They believe that their ancestors will one day return with goods or "cargo" for them. The British jail the leaders of the movement and outlaw any mention of John Frum. 1956 - John Frum is recognised as a religion by the Anglo-French Condominium. 1963 - The NaGriamel political movement emerges on Espiritu Santo. Followers advocate the return of land to the ni-Vanuatu people and a return to traditional ways. 1971 - NaGriamel, anxious that more than 36% of the New Hebrides is now owned by foreign missionaries, planters and traders, petitions the UN to prevent further land sales to non-indigenous people 1977 - Representatives of the New Hebrides and the governments of Britain and France agree an independence plan for the islands in 1980 following a referendum and elections. 1978 - A measure of self-government introduced. Independence 1980 June - Jimmy Stevens, the leader of NaGriamel, declares Espiritu Santo independent of the rest of the New Hebrides renaming the island the Independent State of Vemarana. Papua New Guinea troops, backed by the Australians, put down the insurrection. 1980 30 July - New Hebrides attains independence within the Commonwealth under the name of Vanuatu. Father Walter Lini is first prime minister. 1996 - President Jean-Marie Leye and former deputy prime minister Barak Sope are briefly abducted by the Vanuatu Mobile Force as part of a long-standing pay dispute with the government. Vanuatu's first ombudsman, Marie-Noelle Ferrieux-Patterson, releases reports harshly critical of the government's financial dealings including the sale of ni-Vanuatu passports to foreign nationals. 2001 April - Edward Natapei becomes prime minister. 2002 July - Myriam Abel, Vanuatu's Public Health Director, becomes the first female Pacific Islander to be elected to the executive of the World Health Organisation. 2002 July - Barak Sope is sentenced to three years for abuse of office as a prime minister. He had forged government guarantees worth 46 million Australian dollars. He is pardoned and released after three months, reportedly suffering from diabetes. 2003 May - Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, impressed by Vanuatu's reforms, removes Vanuatu from a list of uncooperative tax havens. 2004 April-May - Alfred Masing Nalo elected as president but removed from office after Supreme Court invalidates result. 2004 May - Prime minister's coalition loses its majority, fresh elections called. 2004 July-August - Serge Vohor elected as prime minister; Kalkot Mataskelekele elected as president. 2004 November-December - Controversy over Prime Minister Vohor's attempt to forge diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The PM is ousted after a vote of no confidence and is replaced by Ham Lini. 2005 December - Thousands of people are evacuated as Mount Manaro, an active volcano on Ambae, begins to spew ash and steam. 2007 March - State of emergency declared after islanders from Ambrym and Tanna clash in the capital, reportedly over allegations of witchcraft. The violence leaves three people dead. 2008 September - Edward Natapei elected prime minister after his party wins the largest number of seats in parliament. 2009 September - Parliament chooses Iolu Abil to succeed Kalkot Mataskelekele as president. 2009 November - Prime Minister Edward Natapei is stripped of his position after missing three consecutive parliamentary sittings without submitting a written explanation. He continues in a caretaker capacity while a successor is decided. 2010 February - The Asian Development Bank says Vanuatu is one of the fastest growing economies in the Pacific, with growth of almost four percent last year in an unprecedented seventh consecutive year of growth. 2010 November - PM Edward Natapei ousted in no-confidence vote, replaced by Deputy PM Sato Kilman. 2011 June - Mr Natapei becomes caretaker premier after court rules appointment of Sato Kilman unconstitutional. A fresh election at the end of the month returns Mr Kilman to office. 2012 May - Diplomatic row with Australia over the arrest of Prime Minister Kilman's secretary on fraud charges. Vanuatu expels an Australian police liaison group in response. 2012 November - Following October's parliamentary election, Sato Kilman forms a new 11-party coalition that allows him to retain the premiership and keep his rival Edward Natapei from power. 2013 March - Prime Minister Sato Kilman resigns, is replaced by Moana Carcasses Kalosil. 2014 May - Veteran politician Joe Natuman is elected prime minister, after Moana Carcasses Kalosil loses a vote of confidence in parliament. 2014 September - Baldwin Lonsdale is chosen as president by Vanuatu's electoral college, succeeding Iolu Abil when his five-year term in office expired. 2015 March: Cyclone Pam causes widespread devastation, leaving at least 11 dead and much of the country uninhabitable. President Lonsdale says climate change was a key factor and appeals for urgent international aid. 2015 October - Acting president Marcellino Pipite pardons himself and 13 other MPs involved in a bribery and corruption scandal while President Lonsdale is out of the country. President Lonsdale overturns the pardons on his return and the lawmakers are subsequently jailed. 2015 November - President Baldwin Lonsdale announces the dissolution of parliament and calls a snap election following a bribery and corruption scandal. 2016 February - Charlot Salwai is elected prime minister in a snap election. 2016 May - Government announces it will pass constitutional amendments to reserve seats in parliament for women. There are currently no women in the country's 52-seat parliament. 2017 June - President Baldwin Lonsdale dies in office, is replaced by Tallis Obed Moses.

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Manifesto watch: Where parties stand on key issues

Immigration

Political parties are putting together their manifestos for May's general election. Here's a guide to where they currently stand on the issues voters say they care about most (according to pollsters IPSOS Mori). Conservatives: David Cameron wants to make migrants wait four years before they can claim certain benefits, such as tax credits, Universal Credit, or get access to social housing. He wants to stop migrants from claiming child benefit for dependents living outside the UK, and remove those that have failed to find work after six months. Mr Cameron has promised to put reform of EU free movement rules at the heart of his renegotiation of Britain's relationship with the EU. He has ruled out a temporary cap on migrant numbers or an "emergency brake" on EU freedom of movement rules - ideas both mooted in recent months, saying this would be less "effective" than reducing the incentives for people to come to the UK. The party has a continuing goal to bring net immigration down to below 100,000 people a year (it currently stands at 243,000). Labour: "Stronger" border controls to tackle illegal immigration with "proper" entry and exit checks. "Smarter" targets to reduce low-skilled migration but ensure university students and high-skilled workers are not deterred. Employment agencies who only recruit abroad will be outlawed while the fines for employing illegal immigrants will be increased. Lib Dems: Reintroduce exit checks at borders, so the government can identify people who are overstaying their visa. Will require all new claimants for Jobseekers Allowance to have their English language skills assessed, with JSA then being conditional on attending language courses for those whose English is poor. Ensure that EU migrants have to "earn" their entitlement to benefits. SNP: Allow the devolved government to have control over immigration to Scotland, and introduce a Canadian-style earned citizenship system to attract highly-skilled immigrants. Plaid Cymru: Oppose a points-based system. Support the right of asylum seekers to work in Wales while they wait for status decisions to be made. Lobby the Westminster government to ensure that they shut "detention" centres. UKIP: Introduce an Australian-style points policy, used to select migrants with the skills and attributes needed to work in the country - covering people from inside and outside the EU. Bring net immigration down to 50,000 people a year. Priority lanes for UK passport holders. Increase UK border staff by 2,500. Tougher English language tests for migrants seeking permanent residence. Opt out of the Dublin treaty to allow the UK to return asylum seekers to other EU countries without considering their claim. Anyone who currently has the legal right to live, work, or study in the UK would not face deportation in the event of the country's withdrawal from the EU. Greens: Progressively reduce UK immigration controls. Migrants illegally in the UK for over five years will be allowed to remain unless they pose a serious danger to public safety. More legal rights for asylum seekers. Taxes and the economy Conservatives: Eradicate the deficit by 2018 and secure an overall budget surplus by 2019-20. Achieve this by spending cuts, not tax rises, while raising NHS spending. An income tax cut for 30 million people by 2020. Tax would start to kick in at £12,500 a year, instead of £10,500. This will cost £5.6bn. The higher tax rate, 40%, would start at £50,000 instead of £41,900, again by 2020, at a cost of £1.6bn. This will be paid for through £25bn in additional spending cuts and economic growth. No increases in VAT. Labour: Get the current budget into surplus and the national debt falling "as soon as possible in the next parliament". No additional borrowing for new spending. Reintroduce the 50p top rate of income tax for earnings over £150,000. Cut income tax for 24 million people by bringing back the 10p rate, paid for by scrapping the Married Couples' Tax Allowance. Bring in a "mansion tax" on properties worth over £2m, to raise £1.2bn. A tax on bankers' bonuses. A 5% pay cut for every government minister. Push for UK overseas territories to be put on an international blacklist if they refuse to co-operate with a drive against tax avoidance. No increases in VAT or National Insurance contributions. Lib Dems: Raise the personal allowance - the point at which you start paying income tax - to £11,000 in April 2016 and then to £12,500 by 2020. "Strict new fiscal rules" to ensure the deficit has gone by April 2018, with the wealthy contributing the most. The Lib Dems invented the "mansion tax" but in contrast to Labour have set out how it would operate - along similar lines to council tax bands. There are also Lib Dem plans to increase capital gains tax - paid on profits from second homes or shares - from 28% to 35%. Impose an additional 8% rate of corporation tax on UK banks to raise an extra £1bn a year to help pay off the deficit. SNP: Oppose UK plans in the Infrastructure Bill which will allow oil and gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing beneath people's homes without consent. Invest in offshore wind farming. Support an international bank tax and limits to industry bonuses. Plaid Cymru: Build a Green Skills Construction College, specialising in green energy. Establish a publicly-owned energy company. Establish a publicly-owned Bank of Wales business investment bank. Enforce a living wage. Give devolved nations an equal say in institutions that affect everyone's lives, such as the Bank of England. UKIP: Increase the personal allowance to the level of full-time minimum wage earnings, about £13,500, by 2020. Abolish inheritance tax. Introduce a 35% income tax rate between £42,285 and £55,000, at which point the 40% rate becomes payable. Set up a Treasury Commission to design a turnover tax on large businesses. Cut foreign aid budget by £9bn a year. Scrap HS2. Save £8bn a year in membership fees by leaving the EU. Lower the VAT rate charged on restorations to listed buildings. Greens: People earning more than £100,000 a year would pay 50% income tax. Wealth tax of 1% to 2% on people worth £3m or more. Renationalise the railways and energy companies. Scrap HS2. Allow councils to impose extra business rates on out-of-town supermarkets to fund small local businesses. Crackdown on tax avoidance by multinationals. Allow "the current dependence on economic growth to cease, and allow zero or negative growth to be feasible without individual hardship". Commit Britain to a "zero carbon" future. Cut rail and bus fares by an average of 10%. Enforce a cap on bankers' bonuses. The NHS Conservatives: Chancellor George Osborne says he will put an extra £2bn into frontline health services across the UK, which he described as a "down payment" on a plan drawn up by NHS bosses calling for an extra £8bn a year above inflation by 2020. In England, everyone would be able to see a GP seven days a week by 2020. Recruit 5,000 more doctors. Labour: Shadow chancellor Ed Balls said Labour would commit an extra £2.5bn a year above Mr Osborne's plan. The money will come from three sources - a new "mansion" tax, clamping down on tax avoidance by big corporations and a new tax on tobacco companies. Patients in England would get a GP appointment within 48 hours and would not have to wait longer than a week for cancer tests and results. Scrap the Health and Social Care Act and end "creeping privatisation" of the NHS. Integrate health and social care services into a system of "whole-person care". Give greater priority to mental health services. Replace the Cancer Drugs Fund in England when it runs out in 2016 with a £330m fund to improve access to innovative cancer drugs, surgery and radiotherapy. Recruit 5,000 more healthcare workers to help patients stay in their homes and introduce new safety checks to identify people at risk of hospitalisation. Prioritise child mental health by increasing the proportion of the mental health budget spent on children. Lib Dems: An extra £1bn for the NHS every year, to be funded by - amongst other things - making higher earners pay more tax on their shares. Half of this will go towards mental health. Ensure that spending on the NHS rises in line with growth in the economy. People who need therapy for conditions such as depression will be guaranteed treatment within 18 weeks. For young patients experiencing psychosis for the first time treatment will be provided within two weeks of being referred by a GP. This is all going to happen from April, with more mental health targets to follow if the Lib Dems return to government. Wants a cross-party review of the future of NHS funding. SNP: Reduce the number of senior managers in the NHS by 25% over the next parliament. Streamline the work of health boards. Real terms increases in year-on-year NHS spending. Plaid Cymru: Recruit 1,000 extra doctors to the Welsh NHS over two terms of a Plaid government. Offer financial incentives for recruiting doctors to areas and specialisms where there are, or are predicted to be, shortages. Encourage innovation and attract more research funding, in part by increasing research and development funding as government finance allows. Improve training for postgraduate doctors and stop them being used to "plug gaps" in staff rotas. More recruitment from within the EU to fill vacancies and using international doctors to staff the NHS while a new generation of Welsh doctors are trained. UKIP: An extra £3bn per year in NHS funding paid for by quitting the EU and through "middle management" cuts. Keep NHS free at the point of delivery. Stop any further use of PFI, and encourage local authorities to buy out their PFI contracts early where it is affordable to do so. Ensure all visitors and migrants who have been here for fewer than five years have NHS-approved medical insurance as a condition of entry to UK, with £200m of the £2bn saved to be spent on ending hospital parking charges in England. Bring back state-enrolled nurses and return powers to matrons. Monitor and Care Quality Commission to be replaced with elected county health boards. Stop spending £90m a year on gastric band and breast enhancement operations. Greens: Funding to be diverted away from centralised facilities towards community healthcare, illness prevention and health promotion. Stop privatisation. Abolish prescription charges. Dedicated NHS Tax to go direct to the health service. Ban proactive recruitment of non-British NHS staff from overseas. A complete ban on the promotion of tobacco and alcohol products, including sponsorship. Security, defence and foreign affairs Conservatives: Hold a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU by 2017, after negotiating the return of some powers from Brussels. Protect foreign aid budget. Replace Trident. Labour: Push for reform of European Union and prevent Britain from "sleepwalking" towards exit. Commit in law to holding a Strategic Defence and Security Review every 5 years. Outlaw discrimination and abuse of Armed Forces personnel. Lib Dems: Campaign to reduce the number of Trident nuclear submarines. Push for greater European Union efficiency. SNP: Oppose nuclear weapons and push for removal of Trident submarines from Scotland. In 2010, proposed a Scottish Centre for Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution, to promote peaceful alternatives to armed conflict. Maintain 0.7% commitment to foreign aid. Enhanced role for Scotland within the UK in Europe, particularly in fisheries policy. Plaid Cymru: Honour commitment of 0.7% of budget used for foreign aid. Campaign for cancellation of developing countries' debts. Support the Fair Trade movement. Support the 'Tobin' or 'Robin hood' tax as a means of encouraging more responsibility and stability in the global markets. Reform the IMF and World Bank in order to improve regulation and accountability. Continue membership of the EU, but campaign for democratic reform. Support minority nations and minority language speakers around the world. Pass a Military Wellbeing Act to promote and safeguard the physical and mental health and wellbeing of military personnel. UKIP: Leave the European Union. Remove the passports of any person who has gone to fight for a terrorist organisation and deport anyone who has committed a terrorist act. Cut foreign aid budget by £9bn. Create a Veterans Department to look after the interests of ex-service men and women. Greens: Referendum on Britain's EU membership. Want reform of EU to hand powers back to local communities. Boost overseas aid to 1% of GDP within 10 years. Scrap Britain's nuclear weapons. Take the UK out of NATO unilaterally. End the so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US. Stop EU-US free trade deal TTIP. Jobs Conservatives: Create three million apprenticeships to be paid for by benefit cuts. Labour: Guarantee a job for under 25s unemployed for over a year and adults unemployed for more than two years. As many young people to go on an apprenticeship as currently go to university by 2025. Create a million new high technology, green jobs by 2025. Ban "exploitative" zero hour contracts. Lib Dems: An extra £1 an hour for the lowest paid apprentices. Campaign to create a million more jobs. SNP: Introduce gender quotas on public boards. Living wage "a central priority" in all Scottish government contracts. Continue the 'small business bonus'. Plaid Cymru: Provide rates relief for small businesses. Increase the number and value of contracts from Welsh public bodies that go to firms within Wales. UKIP: Allow firms to offer jobs to British workers first "without the fear of being sued for discrimination". Greens: A national energy conservation scheme to create thousands of new jobs. The party wants to create "sustainable jobs" and promotes more local production of food and goods. Education Conservatives: Protect England's schools budget - from reception entry at age four or five to the end of GCSEs at 16 - in cash terms although funding per pupil will not keep pace with inflation. Pre-school and post 16 education not ring fenced. Convert up to 3,500 more schools judged by Ofsted to "require improvement" into academies. "War on illiteracy and innumeracy". State primary schools in England that repeatedly failed to have a proportion of year-six pupil pass times tables and writing tests be forced to become academies, or have sponsorship replaced if already an academy. Opposed to giving votes to 16 and 17-year-olds for UK-wide general elections and local elections in England. Labour: Increase the overall education budget in England, including schools, nurseries, Sure Start and provision for 16-to 18-year-olds, by at least the rate of inflation, although per-pupil funding is not specifically protected, meaning some of the increase will be eaten up by rising pupil numbers. Parents of primary school children would be guaranteed childcare from 8am to 6pm. The amount of free childcare for three and four year olds would be increased from 15 to 25 hours a week. Compulsory sex and relationship education in all schools. Refuse to grant business rate relief to independent schools unless they can show a "meaningful impact" on state schools through a new School Partnership Standard, for example by lending teaching staff or assisting in university admissions procedures. Committed to extending the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds in elections across the UK. Double the number of Sure Start childcare places to more than 118,000. Tighten up the rules on primary school class sizes to ensure they do not have more than 30 pupils. Lib Dems: Protect the education budget from cuts. Guarantee qualified teachers and a core curriculum set by independent experts, as well as compulsory sex education, in all state schools including academies and free schools. More money for disadvantaged school children and free childcare for all two year olds. A two-thirds discount on all local bus fares for young people aged 16-21. Supports lowering the voting age to 16 in all UK elections. SNP: Guaranteed free 30 hours of childcare a week for three and four-year-olds in Scotland, up from 16 hours. Maintain lack of tuition fees at Scottish universities, and offer financial support in grants and loans to students. Continue to build and refurbish schools. Lower voting age to 16 in all UK elections. Plaid Cymru: Introduce a compulsory modern foreign language GCSE in secondary schools and the teaching of modern foreign languages in primary schools. Look at ways to strengthen the teaching of Welsh history and culture. Oppose foundation schools, academies and free schools. Look at moving from a per-pupil funding mechanism to a funding model based on the catchment area. Will not support any further increases in tuition fees for higher education students, and will seek the abolition of tuition fees as and when public finances allow. Supports lowering the voting age to 16 for elections to the Welsh Assembly and the UK Parliament. UKIP: More grammar schools. Scrap sex education for children aged under seven. Scrap tuition fees for students from poorer backgrounds who take degree courses in the sciences, technology, maths or engineering. Greater emphasis on vocational education with new Apprenticeship Qualification Option. School governing boards must be made up of at least 30% parents of children at the school. Allow universities to charge same amount for EU students as non-EU students. Greens: End performance related pay for teachers. Replace Ofsted with an independent National Council for Educational Excellence. Bring Free Schools and Academies into local authority control. Ensure all teachers are properly qualified, abolish SATS and Year 1 phonics tests. Raise school starting age to six if parents want it. Scrap National Curriculum. Allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in all UK elections. Scrap university tuition fees. Housing Conservatives: First-time buyers in England under the age of 40 would be able to buy a house at 20% below the market rate, with 100,000 starter homes to be built for them. Labour: Build 200,000 houses a year by 2020, including new towns and garden cities. Cap rent increases in the private sector and scrap letting fees to estate agents to give a "fairer deal" to tenants. Greater powers for councils to reduce the number of empty homes. Lib Dems: Build 300,000 houses a year, with up to five new garden cities in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. SNP: Oppose the so-called "bedroom tax". Provide support from the Scottish government to contribute to the building of new homes. Plaid Cymru: Oppose the 'bedroom tax'. Introduce stricter rent controls. Insist on written tenancy agreements. UKIP: Protect greenbelt land by incentivising the building of affordable homes on brownfield sites. Establish a UK Brownfield Agency to hand out grants, tax breaks and low interest loans. Major planning decisions to be ratified by local referendum. Greens: Abolish right to buy. Give councils the power to borrow money to build houses or buy them on the open market. Introduce a rent cap to prevent exploitation by private landlords. Set up a living rent commission, to work out how to bring rents back in line with incomes. Home owners unable to meet mortgage payments or under threat of repossession would get right to transfer ownership to the council, at less than market value, and pay rent as council tenants. Build 500,000 social rented homes by 2020, paid for by scrapping the buy-to-let mortgage interest tax allowance. Law and order Conservatives: Banning orders to outlaw groups that incite hatred or cause fear. Extremism Disruption Orders (EXDOs) to stop "disruptive" individuals from speaking in public or holding a position of authority. A new law setting out victims' rights. New laws to make it easier for the police to collect information about internet activity by suspected criminals. A Communications Data Act, requiring companies to start storing certain types of information. Replace Human Rights Act with Bill of Rights to give UK courts and Parliament the "final say". Labour: Scrap Police and Crime Commissioners, which the party says would save £50m. Local residents to be given a say in deciding crime fighting priorities and have access to police planning meetings. Bring back control orders to combat extremism and revive Prevent strategy. Ban convicted child sex offenders from working with children. More money for frontline policing to prevent cuts in officer numbers. End £17m "subsidy" for cheap gun licences. New commissioner on domestic and sexual abuse and cash for a national network of refuges Lib Dems: End prison sentences for personal drugs possession. Users would instead receive non-custodial sentences and appropriate medical treatment. Replace Police and Crime Commissioners with Police Boards made up of councillors from across the force area. Pass a Digital Bill of Rights to help protect people from unwarranted intrusion and give them more control over their own data. Make 'stop and search' more accountable by making the wearing of body cameras by officers compulsory in some areas and for firearms officers. SNP: Support the European Arrest Warrant. Co-operate with other countries on organised crime and terrorism. Plaid Cymru: Creation of a Welsh Youth Justice Board. Replace ASBOs with a system of restorative justice. Encourage a debate on future of drug enforcement laws. UKIP: Repeal Human Rights Act and replace it with UK Bill of Rights. Withdraw from European Arrest Warrant. No votes for prisoners. Those responsible for criminal damage forced to carry out unpaid work in area where it was committed. Those jailed for offences affecting their community should be banned from returning to live in the area, as a condition of their release. "Complete overhaul" of police taking into account "best practice from other countries". Greens: Decriminalise cannabis and axe prison sentences for possession of other drugs. Decriminalise prostitution. Ensure terror suspects have the same legal rights as those accused of more conventional criminal activities. Benefits/Poverty Conservatives: No increase in benefits for working-age people for two years to save £3bn. Affects those receiving jobseekers' allowance, income support, tax credits and child benefit. Cut maximum amount a household can claim each year from £26,000 to £23,000. Withdraw Jobseeker's Allowance from young people after six months unless they take part in "community projects". And 18 to 21-year-olds wouldn't be entitled to housing benefit. Ban on zero-hours contracts which stop people getting work elsewhere. Raise the personal allowance - the point at which you start paying income tax - to £11,000 in April 2016 and then to £12,500 by 2020, which means that if you work on minimum wage for 30 hours you will pay no income tax. Young people out of work, education or training for six months will have to do unpaid community work to get benefits. This will apply to about 50,000 18 to 21-year-olds. Universal benefits for pensioners, such as free bus passes, TV licences for the over 75s and the winter fuel allowance. will once again be protected. Labour: Freeze energy prices until 2017. Increase in the minimum wage from £6.50-an-hour to £8-an-hour by 2020. Rises in child benefit capped at 1% for the first two years of the next parliament. Winter fuel allowance would be withdrawn from the wealthiest pensioners. Repeal what the government calls the spare room subsidy, dubbed the "bedroom tax" by Labour. A million interest-free loans to help people insulate their homes. Rail fares would be capped. Double the amount of paid paternity leave available to new fathers from two to four weeks, and increase statutory paternity pay to £260 a week. Lib Dems: Raise the personal allowance - the point at which you start paying income tax - to £11,000 in April 2016 and then to £12,500 by 2020 (the Conservatives are promising the same thing). Nick Clegg has said he would not accept Conservative plans to freeze working-age benefits without taxing the rich too. He hasn't said he would block welfare cuts altogether. Withdraw eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment and free TV Licence from pensioners on the 40% rate of income tax. A "yellow card" system to deal with benefit claimants breaking the rules, rather than imposing sanctions without warning. SNP: Oppose cuts to in-work benefits. Support moves to extend paternity leave. Introduce a maximum combined withdrawal rate for benefits and reforms to employment support allowance and cold weather payments. Protect policies such as concessionary travel for older Scots. Plaid Cymru: Move away from complex and expensive means testing for child-related benefits. Continue to campaign for the introduction of a living pension during the period of the next parliament for those aged 80 and over. UKIP: Only pay child benefit for the first two children for new claimants. Increase the Carers' Allowance to the same level as Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) and pay a higher rate of JSA if you've been in work and already made tax and National Insurance contributions. Prevent anyone taking up permanent residence in Britain unless they're able to support themselves and any dependents they bring with them for at least five years and stop them receiving benefits. Stop paying child benefit for children who don't live in Britain. Scrap what UKIP calls the "detested bedroom tax". Boost "credit unions". Greens: The party backs a Citizen's Income, a fixed amount of £72 income a week to be paid to every individual, whether they are in work or not, to be funded by higher taxes on the better off and green levies. But in the short-term it would increase the minimum wage to £10 by 2020. Ban zero hours contracts. Axe the "bedroom tax". Abolish the work capability assessment and restore the level of the former disability living allowance. Scrap the government's welfare cap, which limits the maximum amount a household can claim annually to £26,000 a year.

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Key points of 2014 Autumn Statement: At-a-glance

State of the economy

Chancellor George Osborne has updated MPs about the state of the economy in his last Autumn Statement before the general election. Here are the main points in his 50-minute speech: UK fastest growing economy in the G7 3% growth forecast in 2014, up from 2.7% predicted in March 2.4% growth forecast in 2015, followed by 2.2%, 2.4%, 2.3% and 2.3% in the following four years 500,000 new jobs created this year. 85% of new jobs full-time Unemployment set to fall to 5.4% in 2015 Inflation predicted to be 1.5% in 2014, falling to 1.2% in 2015 Stamp duty Reform of residential property stamp duty so that rates apply only to that part of the property price that falls within each band 0% paid for the first £125,000 then 2% on the portion up to £250,000 5% up to £925,000, then 10% up to £1.5m; 12% on anything above that, saving £4,500 on average priced home Changes to come into effect at midnight on Thursday, 4 December Public borrowing/deficit Deficit 'cut in half' since 2010 Borrowing set to fall from £97.5bn in 2013-14 to £91.3bn in 2014-15. Deficit projected to fall to £75.9bn in 2015-6, £40.9bn in 2016-7, £14.5bn in 2017-8 before reaching a £4bn surplus in 2018-9 By 2019-20 Britain will have a surplus of £23bn Debt as a share of GDP to rise from 80.4% this year to 81.1% next year before falling in every year. reaching 72.8% in 2019-20 World War One debt to be repaid Tax receipts up to 2017-18 to be £23bn lower than forecast Energy and fuel Fuel duty to be frozen Sovereign wealth fund for north of England to keep benefits of shale gas exploration Immediate reduction in oil industry supplementary charge from 32% to 30% Savings and pensions Spouses will be able to inherit their partners' ISAs tax free upon their death ISA threshold increases from £15,000 to £15,240 next April Tax free annuities for dependents of people who die under 75 Commitment to complete public service pension reforms, saving £1.3bn a year Personal and business taxation Air Passenger Duty to be scrapped for under-12s from 1 May next year and for under-16s the following year Personal tax allowance to increase to £10,600 next April Inheritance tax to be cut for families of aid workers who die in course of their work 55% death tax passed on to loved ones abolished Libor fines to support Gurkhas and other service veterans and their families Higher rate income tax threshold to rise to £42,385 next year VAT paid by hospices and search and rescue organisations to be refunded Introduce 25% tax on profits generated by multi-nationals that are shifted out of the UK, set to raise £1bn over five years Bank profits which can be offset by losses for tax purposes to be limited to 50% New £90,000 charge for non-doms resident in the UK for 17 of the past 20 years Inflation-linked increase in business rates capped at 2% Welfare Welfare spending to be £1bn lower than forecast in March Two year freeze in working-age benefits (first announced in October) Migrants to lose unemployment benefits if they have "no prospect" of work after six weeks Health and education £2bn extra every year until 2020 for the NHS GP services to get £1.2bn in extra funds from bank foreign exchange manipulation fines £10,000 loans for postgraduate students studying for masters degrees Employment Allowance worth £2,000 extended to carers Business and science Business rates to be reviewed Theatre tax break extended to orchestras and new tax credit for children's TV producers Research and development tax credit increased for small and medium-sized (SMEs) firms Support extended to small businesses with £500m of bank lending plus £400m government-backed venture capital funds which invest in SMEs £45m package of support for exporters Expand tax relief on business investment in flood defences Britain awarded the lead role in the international effort to explore Mars National Insurance on young apprentices abolished Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Agreement reached on full devolution of business rates to Welsh Government Corporation tax devolved to Northern Ireland if the Stormont executive can manage the "financial implications" Income tax to be devolved in full to Scottish Parliament Housing/infrastructure/transport/culture £2bn for flood defence schemes in England Tendering for Northern Rail and Trans-Pennine Express franchises to replace pacer carriages with modern trains A £78m theatre and arts venue is to be built on the former site of Granada's TV studios in Manchester £15bn for 84 roads projects in England by 2021

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European elections 2019: Tories and Labour punished for Brexit contortions

The scrap has started.

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter Were these results an overwhelming cry for us to leave the EU whatever the cost? Or a sign, with some slightly convoluted arithmetic, that the country now wants another referendum to stop Brexit all together? Guess what, the situation is not quite so black and white, whatever you will hear in the coming hours about the meaning of these numbers. The Brexit Party's success was significant - topping the poll, successfully building on Nigel Farage's inheritance from UKIP. As a one-issue party, his new group is the biggest single winner. But the Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid and SNP - all parties advocating the opposite - were victors too. Those who have been clearly pushing the case for another referendum in order to slam the brakes on Brexit have, this morning, a new confidence, a vigour with which they will keep making their case. Smashed While those two sides fight over this election's true meaning, what is clear is that the two biggest parties have been damaged by their various contortions over Brexit, punished by the fiasco at Westminster, and beaten by rivals who have offered clarity while they have tried to find nuanced ways through. The Tories' performance is historically dreadful. This is not just a little embarrassment or hiccup. In these elections the governing party has been completely smashed. And for the main opposition to have failed to make any mileage out of the Tories' political distress is poor too - with historic humiliations in Scotland and Wales for Labour as well. There is immediate pressure, of course, on Labour to argue more clearly for another referendum, to try to back Remain, to shore up that part of their coalition. The dilemmas over doing so still apply even though more and more senior figures in the party are making the case. Shades of grey And with the success of The Brexit Party, there is a push for the Tories to be willing to leave the EU without a deal whatever the potentially grave economic costs. The Tory leadership contest in the wake of these results runs the risk of turning into bragging rights over who can take a harder line on Brexit. In these elections it seems both of our main Westminster parties have been punished for trying to paint shades of grey when the referendum choice was between black and white. And there is a chance that encourages both of them to give up fighting for the middle. But that could set our politics on a course where, whatever happens, half of the country will be unhappy. Nothing about these dramatic results sketches out a straightforward route.

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Falklands War: Your memories

Events are being held to mark the undefined

Some 255 British and 650 Argentine troops died after the UK sent a task force to the islands in response to Argentina's invasion on 2 April 1982. The anniversary comes amid renewed tension, as Argentina has reasserted its claim to the archipelago - which it calls the Malvinas. You share your memories of the war and its aftermath. Enrique Alberto Cremaschi, Mendoza, Argentina I heard the big news on radio from the BBC. Argentina was invading Las Malvinas! It took a few more hours for this news to be on the local media. I was 18-years-old and should have been in service at the Argentine Air Force but postponed it because of my studies. My mates were sent to Comodoro Rivadavia from where most of the flights to Malvinas started. The invasion and the war was madness, but the Argentine claims are not. I grew up and every single Argentine grew up with the hope of recovering Las Malvinas one day. It was then a very confusing time in my country - I wish the invasion had never happened. I guess the present would be very different now. The islanders would not hate us. We would be working and living side by side by now. I believe Las Malvinas should be another Argentine province. I believe every person born on the islands are Argentine-born and as any other federal province they should have their own constitution, way of life, language, government and so on but under an Argentine flag. Gregory Butt, Yorkshire, England I was a young officer in 1982 when I was deployed to the Falklands with the Task Force on LSL Sir Geraint. I remember being immensely proud to be taking part in a great adventure to retake the islands, which was also a morally right cause - how dare Argentina invade sovereign British territory? I still feel very proud today; even with the sucking of teeth over the sinking of the Belgrano. At the time that attack was a significant morale booster. It gave me and my comrades huge confidence that the country was serious and that we were being fully supported by politicians with the full array of legal force - within the limited parameters we all accepted. Carl Evans, Stanley, Falkland Islands At the time of the conflict, as a 10-year-old, the war was a long way away from North Wales where I grew up, so I'd change sides on a daily basis as re-enacting it all in the schoolyard would change with the direction of the wind. I now live in the Falklands and the islanders who I speak to every day are still very patriotic to the UK. I've heard nobody even hint that they want to discuss or debate sovereignty with Argentina. The anniversary of the war obviously opens up bad memories for some of the people who were directly affected at the time - what a trauma they must have gone through but I see more Union Jacks about the place than I ever see in Britain. One local supermarket has a huge picture of South America with Argentina missing - it's under the sea. I think that says a lot. Also the local pub toilet has General Galtieri's photo under the lavatory seat. I don't think Argentina's claim to the islands is well supported here. I hope that the dedication to staying British that these amazing Falkland Islanders show is repaid with ongoing protection and the right to self-determination, as promised by London. If the massive oil production that is planned to start locally does happen, things could get very interesting and it could be a worry that the interest in this place from our Argentine neighbours could once again be an oppressive one. My family and I absolutely love this place and the people.

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Gove and Johnson: What happened?

So what on earth really happened?

Laura KuenssbergPolitical editor@bbclaurakon Twitter There is suspicion and mistrust in the air tonight in the Tory party. Everyone is trying to work out exactly what happened that led Michael Gove to break his word and launch his own campaign to become the next prime minister, leaving Boris Johnson, who he has known for decades stunned, and defeated. Of course, only the two men really know what happened. As I write, they still have not spoken to each other. As you know, from time to time, it's worth passing on the conspiracy theories that will never be proven or otherwise in Westminster. At the end of one of the most astonishing days in politics for years, here are three different accounts I've heard today of what went on. The truth is probably a mixture of them all. But for the conspiracists out there, here goes, and neither camp would officially deny or confirm any of the scenarios below. Conspiracy One Michael Gove was always a "cuckoo" in the Boris Johnson campaign team. He arrived at the Johnson's farmhouse on Sunday after the two men had done a deal on Saturday night that Mr Gove would co-chair his campaign. They had also agreed, I'm told, that he would be Boris Johnson's chancellor if he moved into Number 10. But he arrived with his advisers in tow, having tipped off the press as to the location and timing of the meeting. At that meeting, it's claimed that Mr Gove's team demanded the list of Boris Johnson's supporters, but his campaign team refused to hand over the spreadsheet with the names of their backers. It's suggested that Mr Gove then leaked the story to the Telegraph that George Osborne would be Mr Johnson's foreign secretary, and demanded that his former adviser, Dominic Cummings, be given a senior role in Number 10. Then yesterday an email miraculously made its way into the public domain, written by Mr Gove's wife, Sarah Vine, that urged him to demand a significant role and to stand up to Mr Johnson. People close to Mr Johnson just don't believe that all those things were a coincidence. They claim "it was an operation" from the start and they suspect that George Osborne's influence may be behind it. "It was proper treachery," they say, and as soon as Mr Gove announced this morning, MPs described as the "inner circle gang" all peeled off and withdrew their support for Mr Johnson. Once it was out there, "the momentum went, the direction went". And Boris Johnson and his team weren't willing to stay and have a nasty fight. The irony is, that Mr Gove is the man who persuaded Boris Johnson to take the political risk of backing Brexit, only, after their victory, to sharpen his knife, then stab him repeatedly in the back. Conspiracy Two Michael Gove was persuaded to campaign for Boris Johnson after a bruising referendum contest where they worked together to persuade the country to vote to Leave. Mr Gove believed that Mr Johnson's crowd-pulling communication skills were what was needed to sell the post-EU deal to the country, and they could work together successfully as a team, after knowing each other for decades. But since the referendum result, Boris Johnson refused to focus on the job in hand, he messed up some of the dealings with other colleagues like Andrea Leadsom, and Mr Gove gradually lost confidence in his ability to step up to the biggest job in politics. After other colleagues had tried to persuade him to stand in recent days, having changed his mind about Mr Johnson's abilities, he decided reluctantly that he was the man for the job. The reason? His genuine belief that only someone who campaigned to leave the EU, can be in charge. Mr Cummings has nothing to do with it, and, as he said to me, he is not taking any part in the leadership campaign, even though another source tells me that he had said he might "offer thoughts". This theory suggests that Mr Gove tried repeatedly to phone Mr Johnson this morning to break the news, but couldn't get hold of him, so instead he called Lynton Crosby, Boris's long-time political strategist. Conspiracy Three Over the weekend, Boris Johnson's team started to gather support in earnest, promising an early election and an increased majority. MPs in the centre of the party mull it over, and contemplating an early election, the huge uncertainties after the referendum result, and the possibility that Labour might oust Jeremy Corbyn and improve in the polls, are circumspect about swinging immediately behind Boris Johnson. I'm told that Boris Johnson had 81 nominations last night, not far from the 111 needed, but not enough, either, to be completely confident of ending up on the ballot. The numbers were softer than they might have wanted as the heavy favourites, and less than the 100 or so that had been expected as he came out of the gate. Then right-wing Tories, mainly Brexiters, weren't quite ready to trust Boris Johnson and were concerned about Remainers being part of his team. Michael Gove then, alarmed at the softness of support for Mr Johnson, concluded that he was tying himself into a project that was doomed to fail. Rather than see it through, with Boris Johnson no longer looking like he'd sweep all before him, he decided he had a decent shot, so betrayed his friend in order to do it. There are spooky parallels to what was suggested to me a few months back. He swears it is true, but not many people in Westminster tonight believe that Mr Gove had a sudden change of heart. One Number 10 source told me tonight, he's guilty of a "double treachery", first betraying his friend David Cameron by joining the Out Campaign and now carrying out this political assassination of Boris Johnson too. But MPs are utterly furious at what he has done. If he wins, getting his colleagues to trust him will be a tall order. Others feel of course that Mr Johnson is guilty of total irresponsibility, having won the referendum campaign, which he took on for his own ambition, then walking away in the face of what looked like a difficult fight. It's of course possible that he might have beaten Mr Gove, and gone on to achieve his greatest ambition. But he, and we will now never know. The only thing that's clear tonight is that there is one beneficiary, Theresa May. Her job and intention today was to look calm, sober, and powerful. She may well have achieved that anyway, it was an impressive launch. But the psychodrama between her rivals made her look that way just by comparison.

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How to apply to a German university

1. Do you have what it takes

While the cost of college education in the US has reached record highs, Germany has abandoned tuition fees altogether and has done so for Germans and non-Germans alike. The BBC explains how to find the most suitable study programmes, how to apply and where to receive scholarships. 2. Find a university US students in Germany 4,654 fully enrolled at German university 61% pursue Master's degree 29% Languages, Cultural Studies 27% Law, Social Sciences 12% Engineering 10% Math, Natural Sciences 3. Find the right city 4. Find a scholarship 5. Learn German 6. Apply! Read more: US students go to Germany for free college

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‎General election 2019: 'Faith is the number one thing influencing my vote'

Faith and politics.

By Megan Lawton and Manish PandeyNewsbeat reporters Two things you've probably heard a fair bit about in this election period. From claims of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia within the biggest parties, to accusations that religion is influencing policies. "Faith is deciding my vote," Josh Collins tells Radio 1 Newsbeat. Josh is an 18-year-old student at the University of Nottingham - voting in his first election. He's Jewish and says he would like to vote for Labour, but can't because of what he calls, "Labour's anti-Semitism crisis". There are lots of Labour policies that impress Josh like their environmental commitments and pledge to end tuition fees. But he criticises Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for his handling of anti-Semitism, saying he's been too slow to stamp the problem out of the party. Labour are "campaigning for him to get into Number 10, and as a Jewish person, I'd be genuinely scared if he got anywhere near the door". "I think, even though I don't want it to be, faith is the number one thing which is influencing my vote. I don't want a tolerance of abuse against religious minorities." But not everyone shares the same fear. Alice Brostoff, 18, is also Jewish, but unlike Josh, will be voting for Labour. "I feel like the Labour Party are the people that represent my views in a way I would want. No other party does that." The issues which Alice feels passionate about include the NHS and austerity. She won't be voting for the Conservatives because she says they have "handled Brexit really badly - though I don't believe there should be another [referendum on the EU]." The University of Sheffield student thinks that anti-Semitism "is a big thing" but says "it's not isolated to the Labour Party". And she doesn't think faith will ever affect the way she votes, for her it's a political issue rather than anything to do with her identity. Jeremy Corbyn has apologised for incidents of anti-Semitism in the Labour party on several occasions and said anti-Jewish racism was "vile and wrong". 'Never been so bad' For Bilal Malik, a 24-year-old Muslim, faith "will play a massive role" in this election. He says he can't vote for the Conservatives because of their alleged issue with Islamophobia. Bilal says he's frustrated by the party's denial of the problem. "Even within the Tories, there've been complaints in the past by legitimate Muslim voices, like Sayeeda Warsi. But the response to that has been so dismissive," he tells Newsbeat. He cites the Conservative leadership contest where candidates pledged to have an independent inquiry into Islamophobia - but nothing has yet materialised. The party says it will have an inquiry into all forms of prejudice and discrimination before the end of the year. "It's that lack of willingness to take responsibility on Islamophobia that causes distrust of the Conservatives on the part of Muslims." "It's never been so bad," Bilal says. He feels comments made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the past have encouraged people in society to be Islamophobic. "The lack of consequences for comments he's made speaks volumes. And because of the power he now holds in office, there is legitimacy in whatever he says." He feels Islamophobia has an impact on his everyday life and now takes protective measures when using the tube, after hearing of incidents where Muslims have been targeted on train platforms. "I don't get close to the yellow line until the doors fully open, just in case." "It's worrying because you don't want to live in that kind of society." Boris Johnson has apologised for the "hurt and offence" that has been caused by Islamophobia in the Tory Party. The chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, and the Muslim Council for Britain have both urged people to vote with their conscience, while emphasising it's not their place to tell people how to vote. 'Religion and politics are separate' Aaminah Saleem, 18, is Muslim, a member of the Conservatives and planning to vote for the party. She says it's been "a struggle to put aside my feelings", but "religion and politics are separate right now". "It's not hard for me to vote Conservative but at the back of my mind there are moral issues." "I'm trying to set them aside and focus on my local candidate; I'm sort of separating the national party from my local one." The University of Birmingham student tells Newsbeat: "I know we have a problem [with Islamophobia]. I think our two main parties have discrimination issues and the election has highlighted what a serious problem it is." "Both policies and my faith are very important, but for me, if I was to vote for Labour there would be moral problems as well." Aaminah says she's always felt welcome in the Conservatives. "Most of my experience in the party has been positive, I've never felt my religion has disadvantaged me". 'It becomes political point scoring' Aaminah, Josh and Bilal are all concerned by the parties' records when dealing with minority groups. Josh says the Conservatives record on Islamophobia will "definitely impact" his vote. Being able to live a normal life "without fear of intimidation or abuse" is his main priority. "I'd definitely put that above any issues like Brexit or climate change. I care about each party's record and how they deal with religious groups." Bilal is unimpressed by Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn, saying both have major flaws. But other issues hold weight for him too. "In an ideal world, you want leaders who are amazing and accepting. So alongside Islamophobia, things like education and the NHS will also play a role." He says he'll most likely vote Labour as "their vision resonates more with me than what the Conservatives are offering". While Tory voter Aaminah wishes the issue of racism hadn't been "politicised". "Once you politicise an issue, like Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, you forget that there's a human problem behind it and it becomes political point scoring." Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

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Kosovo profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events

1st century AD - The Romans gain control of the area, populated by a people known as Dardani, who are thought to be either Illyrian or Thracian in origin. 6th century - Slavs begin to settle in the area, which slips from Roman/Byzantine control and becomes a disputed border area. 12th century - Serbia gains control of Kosovo, which goes on to become the heart of the Serbian empire. The period sees the building of many Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries. 1389 28 June - Epic Battle of Kosovo heralds 500 years of Turkish Ottoman rule. Over the ensuing decades many Christian Serbs leave the region. Over the centuries the religious and ethnic balance tips in favour of Muslims and Albanians. 1689-90 - Austrian invasion is repelled. 1912 - Balkan Wars: Serbia regains control of Kosovo from the Turks, recognised by 1913 Treaty of London. 1918 - Kosovo becomes part of the kingdom of Serbia. 1941 - World War II: Much of Kosovo becomes part of an Italian-controlled greater Albania. 1946 - Kosovo is absorbed into the Yugoslav federation. 1960s - Belgrade shows increasing tolerance for Kosovan autonomy. 1974 - Yugoslav constitution recognises the autonomous status of Kosovo, giving the province de facto self-government. 1981 - Troops suppress separatist rioting in the province. 1987 - In a key moment in his rise to power, future president Slobodan Milosevic rallies a crowd of Kosovo Serbs, who are protesting against alleged harassment by the majority Albanian community. 1989 - Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic proceeds to strip rights of autonomy laid down in the 1974 constitution. 1990 July - Ethnic Albanian leaders declare independence from Serbia. Belgrade dissolves the Kosovo government. 1990 September - Sacking of more than 100,000 ethnic Albanian workers, including government employees and media workers, prompts general strike. 1991 - Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia break away from Yugoslavia and declare their independence. 1992 July - An academic, Ibrahim Rugova, is elected president of the self-proclaimed republic. 1993-97 - Ethnic tension and armed unrest escalate. 1998 March-September - Open conflict between Serb police and separatist Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Serb forces launch a brutal crackdown. Civilians are driven from their homes. 1998 September - Nato gives an ultimatum to President Milosevic to halt the violence. Nato intervention 1999 March - Internationally-brokered peace talks fail, and Nato launches air strikes against Yugoslavia lasting 78 days before Belgrade yields. Hundreds of thousands of Kosovo Albanian refugees pour into neighbouring countries, telling of massacres and forced expulsions. 1999 June - President Milosevic agrees to withdraw troops from Kosovo. UN sets up a Kosovo Peace Implementation Force (Kfor) and Nato forces arrive in the province. The KLA agrees to disarm. Serb civilians flee revenge attacks. 2002 February - Ibrahim Rugova is elected as president by the Kosovo parliament after ethnic Albanian parties reach a power-sharing deal. Bajram Rexhepi becomes prime minister. Mitrovica clashes 2004 March - Nineteen people are killed in the worst clashes between Serbs and ethnic Albanians since 1999. The violence started in the divided town of Mitrovica. 2004 October - President Rugova's pro-independence Democratic League tops poll in general election, winning 47 seats in 120-seat parliament. Poll is boycotted by Serbs. 2004 December - Parliament re-elects President Rugova and elects former rebel commander Ramush Haradinaj as prime minister. Mr Haradinaj's party had entered into a coalition with the president's Democratic League. 2005 March - Mr Haradinaj indicted to face UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, resigns as prime minister. He is succeeded by Bajram Kosumi. 2006 January - President Rugova dies in Pristina after losing his battle with lung cancer. He is succeeded in February by Fatmir Sejdiu. 2006 July - First direct talks since 1999 between ethnic Serbian and Kosovan leaders on future status of Kosovo take place in Vienna. Independence 2008 February - Kosovo declares independence. Serbia says declaration illegal. Europe's major powers and the United States recognise independence. 2008 June - A new constitution transfers power to majority ethnic Albanian government after nine years of UN rule. Kosovo Serbs set up their own rival assembly in Mitrovica. 2008 December - European Union mission (Eulex) takes over police, justice and customs services from the UN. Serbia accepts the EU mission. 2009 January - New multi-ethnic Kosovo Security Force launched under Nato supervision, replacing a unit dominated by veterans of independence campaign against Serbia. 2011 February - Kosovo-Swiss tycoon Behgjet Pacolli becomes president after winning narrow majority in third round of voting in parliament. Hashim Thaci is re-appointed prime minister. Talks with Serbia 2011 March - President Pacolli steps down after the high court rules parliament had not been in quorum during his election. Parliament elects senior police officer Atifete Jahjaga to be Kosovo's first female president in April. 2012 September - The group of 23 EU countries, the US and Turkey overseeing Kosovo since 2008 end its supervisory role over the government, although Nato-led peacekeepers and EU rule-of-law monitors remain. 2013 April - Kosovo and Serbia reach a landmark agreement on normalising relations that grants a high degree of autonomy to Serb-majority areas in northern, while both sides agree not to block each other's efforts to seek EU membership. 2017 September - Ramush Haradinaj is given task of forming new government, ending months of political deadlock after elections in June. 2019 July - Prime Minister Haradinaj resigns after a war crimes court in The Hague summons him for questioning as a suspect. 2019 October - Opposition parties Vetevendosje (Self-determination) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) win the parliamentary election. 2020 June - Avdullah Hoti of the LDK becomes prime minister of a coalition excluding Vetevendosje, whose leader Albin Kurti briefly preceded him as head of government from February. 2020 November - President Thaci resigns on learning that the Kosovo war crimes tribunal in The Hague confirmed his indictment for war crimes.

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To see finally the face of Peggy

Will Peggy finally reveal herself?

Jonathan AmosScience correspondent@BBCAmoson Twitter Scientists studying the splendour of Saturn's rings are hoping soon to get a resolved picture of an embedded object they know exists but cannot quite see. The moonlet is named after London researcher Carl Murray's mother-in-law, and was first noticed in 2013. Its effect on surrounding ice and dust particles has been tracked ever since. But no direct image of Peggy's form has yet been obtained, and time is now short. The Cassini spacecraft's mission at Saturn is edging to a close and its dramatic end-of-life disposal. In September, the probe will be driven to destruction in the atmosphere of the giant planet, at which point the constant stream of pictures and other data it has returned these past 13 years will come to an abrupt end. Carl Murray and his team at Queen Mary University of London know therefore they have only a few months left to get the definitive image. Fortunately, Cassini will spend its remaining time flying close in to the planet and the moonlet's place in the so called A-ring. The best ever chance to see the face of Peggy is now at hand. And such is the fondness for this little object, the probe will even be commanded to take one last picture just before the big plunge. "Peggy is such an interesting object, and for people who work on the mission and even with the public - it's captured their imagination. It's like an old friend to us, and so as you say goodbye you'd like to get a picture. Peggy will be one of the last targets for Cassini," Prof Murray told BBC News. The study of objects like Peggy goes to the core objectives of the multi-billion-dollar international space mission. The wide band of ice and dust that surrounds Saturn is a version in miniature of the kind of discs we see circling far-off new stars. It is in those discs that planets form, and so seeing the processes and behaviours that give rise to objects like Peggy delivers an insight into how new worlds come into being. It is a model even for how our own Solar System was created. "Peggy is evolving. It's orbit is changing with time," explained Prof Murray. "Sometimes it moves out, sometimes it moves in, by just a few kilometres. And this is what we think happens with proto-planets in those astrophysical discs. They interact with other proto-planets and the material in the disc, and they migrate; they move. We see that when we look at exoplanets around other stars: some can’t possibly have formed in the places we detect them now; they must have migrated at some point." Peggy was discovered by accident. Prof Murray was using Cassini to try to image Prometheus - a bigger, very obvious moon connected with the F-ring. He got that no problem, but his eye was drawn to a 2,000km-long smudge in the background. That was 15 April 2013 (his mother-in-law's birthday). And a subsequent trawl through the Cassini archive revealed that a disturbance in the A-ring was actually evident from a year before. Peggy is certainly smaller than 5km across. So to produce that showy smudge, it must have been involved in a collision that kicked up a cloud of ice and dust. Follow-up observations have monitored the ongoing disturbance. If moonlets are big enough they can clear a gap in Saturn’s rings. But tiny objects like Peggy merely produce small bumps in the surrounding band of particles, or a sort of wavy pattern that looks akin to a propeller. This indirect evidence of the presence of a moonlet is all Cassini can achieve when the target is so small and the onboard camera is producing a best resolution of about 5km per pixel. But in the next few months, the orbits the spacecraft will fly around Saturn should bring the resolution down to one or two km per pixel. This might be enough to picture Peggy directly, and to confirm an intriguing possibility… that Peggy has recently become two objects. "When Cassini came out of its ring plane orbit in early 2016, we went back to look where Peggy should be; and we found Peggy and we've been tracking it ever since. "But a few degrees behind we could also see another object, even fainter in the sense that it had an even smaller (disturbance) signature. And when we tracked back the paths of both objects, we realised that in early 2015 they would have met. "So, probably, Peggy 'B', as we call it, came from a collision of the sort that causes Peggy to change its orbit, but rather than a simple encounter that deflected the orbit slightly, this was more serious." Prof Murray gave an update on Peggy at the recent Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union. At that same conference, Dr Linda Spilker, the Nasa project scientist on the Cassini mission, outlined the end-stage activities of the probe, culminating in its disposal on 15 September. She said the same close-in manoeuvres that hopefully will enable Carl Murray to get his resolved pictures should also finally help to determine a key property of Saturn's rings - their mass. "The mass of the rings is uncertain by 100%," Dr Spilker told BBC News. "If they're more massive, maybe they're really old - as old as Saturn. If they're less massive, maybe they're really young, maybe only a mere 100 million years old." Age is important to this idea that rings, or discs, are the medium in which objects form. Some of Saturn's moons, even a number of its bigger ones, likely emerged by accumulating the material around them and displaying, certainly in the early phases of growth, the sorts of behaviours now seen in Peggy. But making moons takes time and if the largest of Saturn's satellites came out of this same process, it demands the present ring system to be very old indeed. Want to hear more about Cassini and its discoveries at Saturn? Listen to this week's The Life Scientific, which featured Imperial College London's Prof Michele Dougherty, the principal investigator on the spacecraft's magnetometer instrument.

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University students 'cheated' by rise in unfinished housing

Destiny is feeling cheated and angry.

By Sean CoughlanBBC News family and education correspondent She is one of about 250 students at the University of Portsmouth left in the lurch when their accommodation was not finished in time for the new term. Instead of a glossy new room, she has been stuck temporarily in a hotel, away from other students - and with no cooking facilities she's had to live on take-away food for nearly three weeks. "I've been feeling really anxious. I can't concentrate on my studies," says the politics student. There are 22 private student blocks across the UK that have been delayed this term - almost a third of those being built, according to student housing charity Unipol. Lack of scrutiny? Eva Crossan Jory, of the National Union of Students, says she is "extremely concerned at the significant rise" in students being disrupted. But the University of Portsmouth is also angry - because even though there might be an assumption that it has some link to the unfinished student flats, these are private developments over which the university has no control. The university's vice-chancellor, Graham Galbraith, says there is a serious lack of scrutiny about how the private student accommodation system operates. "At the end of the day, those housing providers know that the universities will step in. So where does the responsibility for this lie? Because they seem to be able to walk away," he says. Anyone going through university towns and cities will have seen new blocks of student flats mushrooming skywards. These are often private investments, but the cash fuelling this building boom is public money - in the form of the maintenance loans to cover students' living costs. Prof Galbraith says it seems extraordinary that billions of pounds of taxpayers' money should go into these private rental projects with so little accountability. "There is no real control," he says, and he warns that new blocks can open without even a "conversation" with the university. He also wants better consumer protection for students signing housing contracts, arguing that some "arrangements are incredibly one-sided". Unregulated This autumn there have been reports of unfinished flats in locations from Portsmouth to Swansea, Lincoln to Liverpool. In Bristol, delays have meant students being put up temporarily in Wales. But it's not clear who might intervene. Universities UK says its code of conduct applies only to university-owned housing - which means any private student developments will not be covered. The higher-education regulator, the Office for Students, says it "doesn't have powers to regulate private accommodation providers". Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan asked a parliamentary question about "safeguards for students affected by properties not being built in time". But universities minister Chris Skidmore said universities were autonomous and that "government plays no direct role in the provision of student residential accommodation". First day, no accommodation In Portsmouth, Bilgesu is another student unable to move into the new Stanhope House student building. She is in a hotel with no free wi-fi, where she feels unable to get on with her degree course and isolated from student life. "It's just so far away from the student environment," says the biomedical science student. Alex, an international student from the Netherlands, found out about the accommodation not being ready just as he was travelling to the UK. He was coming to a new country and a new city for the first time - and had nowhere to go, so booked himself into a hotel at his own expense. "I didn't know anything about this city, I couldn't make any friends. It was hard for the first week," says Alex, who was then found a room by the university. He says he was even more taken aback when "on the day they told people they can't move in, they were asking for money from them". "I feel like students are really easy to exploit. I just came here expecting the building to be ready, I'm trusting what I saw on the website." Compensation Destiny says the disruption has meant she can't get the term started. "I can't organise my books. It's affecting my studies," she says. The students are unimpressed by a compensation offer of £150 - less than they are still being charged for a week's rent. The students' union and university officials have been trying to help students who have found themselves unable to move in. Union president Helena Schofield says the link between housing and students' mental health is underestimated. Starting at university can be an emotional time - and such uncertainty about accommodation, and being away from other students, can only add to the stress. Unreserved apologies The private housing company behind Stanhope House, Prime Student Living, says it has "unreservedly apologised to students". But it blames its building contractor for a lack of advance warning of the failure to open on time and says finding alternative accommodation was made an "immediate priority". The spokesman said the company was "disappointed to hear that the university does not consider that we have communicated effectively to them". "We believe that we have done everything possible to mitigate the impact for those affected in the time available," said the Prime Student Living spokesman. "We will continue to do all we can to get students into the building as an urgent priority."

world-latin-america-19576144

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Cuba profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events

1492 - The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain. 1511 - Spanish conquest begins under the leadership of Diego de Velazquez, who establishes Baracoa and other settlements. 1526 - Importing of slaves from Africa begins. 1762 - Havana captured by a British force led by Admiral George Pocock and Lord Albemarle. 1763 - Havana returned to Spain by the Treaty of Paris. Wars of independence 1868-78 - Ten Years War of independence ends in a truce with Spain promising reforms and greater autonomy - promises that were mostly never met. 1886 - Slavery abolished. 1895-98 - Jose Marti leads a second war of independence; US declares war on Spain. 1898 - US defeats Spain, which gives up all claims to Cuba and cedes it to the US. US tutelage 1902 - Cuba becomes independent with Tomas Estrada Palma as its president; however, the Platt Amendment keeps the island under US protection and gives the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. 1906-09 - Estrada resigns and the US occupies Cuba following a rebellion led by Jose Miguel Gomez. 1909 - Jose Miguel Gomez becomes president following elections supervised by the US, but is soon tarred by corruption. 1912 - US forces return to Cuba to help put down black protests against discrimination. 1924 - Gerardo Machado institutes vigorous measures, forwarding mining, agriculture and public works, but subsequently establishing a brutal dictatorship. 1925 - Socialist Party founded, forming the basis of the Communist Party. 1933 - Machado overthrown in a coup led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista. 1934 - The US abandons its right to intervene in Cuba's internal affairs, revises Cuba's sugar quota and changes tariffs to favour Cuba. 1944 - Batista retires and is succeeded by the civilian Ramon Grau San Martin. 1952 - Batista seizes power again and presides over an oppressive and corrupt regime. 1953 - Fidel Castro leads an unsuccessful revolt against the Batista regime. 1956 - Castro lands in eastern Cuba from Mexico and takes to the Sierra Maestra mountains where, aided by Ernesto "Che" Guevara, he wages a guerrilla war. 1958 - The US withdraws military aid to Batista. Triumph of the revolution 1959 - Castro leads a 9,000-strong guerrilla army into Havana, forcing Batista to flee. Castro becomes prime minister, his brother, Raul, becomes his deputy and Guevara becomes third in command. 1960 - All US businesses in Cuba are nationalised without compensation. 1961 - Washington breaks off all diplomatic relations with Havana. The US sponsors an abortive invasion by Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs; Castro proclaims Cuba a communist state and begins to ally it with the USSR. 1962 - Cuban missile crisis ignites when, fearing a US invasion, Castro agrees to allow the USSR to deploy nuclear missiles on the island. The crisis was subsequently resolved when the USSR agreed to remove the missiles in return for the withdrawal of US nuclear missiles from Turkey. Organisation of American States (OAS) suspends Cuba over its "incompatible" adherence to Marxism-Leninism. 1965 - Cuba's sole political party renamed the Cuban Communist Party. 1972 - Cuba becomes a full member of the Soviet-based Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Interventions in Africa 1976 - Cuban Communist Party approves a new socialist constitution; Castro elected president. 1976-81 - Cuba sends troops first to help Angola's left-wing MPLA withstand a joint onslaught by South Africa, Unita and the FNLA and, later, to help the Ethiopian regime defeat the Eritreans and Somalis. 1980 - Around 125,000 Cubans, many of them released convicts, flee to the US. 1982 - Cuba, together with other Latin American states, gives Argentina moral support in its dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands. 1988 - Cuba agrees to withdraw its troops from Angola following an agreement with South Africa. Surviving without the USSR 1991 - Soviet military advisers leave Cuba following the collapse of the USSR. 1993 - The US tightens its embargo on Cuba, which introduces some market reforms in order to stem the deterioration of its economy. These include the legalisation of the US dollar, the transformation of many state farms into semi-autonomous cooperatives and the legalisation of limited individual private enterprise. 1994 - Cuba signs an agreement with the US according to which the US agrees to admit 20,000 Cubans a year in return for Cuba halting the exodus of refugees. 1996 - US trade embargo made permanent in response to Cuba's shooting down of two US aircraft operated by Miami-based Cuban exiles. 1998 - Pope John Paul II visits Cuba. 1998 - The US eases restrictions on the sending of money to relatives by Cuban Americans. 1999 November - Cuban child Elian Gonzalez is picked up off the Florida coast after the boat in which his mother, stepfather and others had tried to escape to the US capsized. A huge campaign by Miami-based Cuban exiles begins with the aim of preventing Elian from rejoining his father in Cuba and of making him stay with relatives in Miami. 2000 June - Elian allowed to rejoin his father in Cuba after prolonged court battles. 2000 October - US House of Representatives approves the sale of food and medicines to Cuba. 2000 December - Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Cuba and signs accords aimed at boosting bilateral ties. 2001 October - Cuba angrily criticises Russia's decision to shut down the Lourdes radio-electronic centre on the island, saying President Putin took the decision as "a special gift" to US President George W Bush ahead of a meeting between the two. 2001 November - US exports food to Cuba for the first time in more than 40 years after a request from the Cuban government to help it cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Michelle. Spotlight on Guantanamo 2002 January - Prisoners taken during US-led action in Afghanistan are flown into Guantanamo Bay for interrogation as al-Qaeda suspects. 2002 January - Russia's last military base in Cuba, at Lourdes, closes down. 2002 April - Diplomatic crisis after UN Human Rights Commission again criticises Cuba's rights record. The resolution is sponsored by Uruguay and supported by many of Cuba's former allies including Mexico. Uruguay breaks off ties with Cuba after Castro says it is a US lackey. 2002 May - US Under Secretary of State John Bolton accuses Cuba of trying to develop biological weapons, adding the country to Washington's list of "axis of evil" countries. 2002 May - Former US president Jimmy Carter makes a goodwill visit which includes a tour of scientific centres, in response to US allegations about biological weapons. Carter is the first former or serving US president to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution. 2002 June - National Assembly amends the constitution to make socialist system of government permanent and untouchable. Castro called for the vote following criticisms from US President George W Bush. Dissidents jailed 2003 March-April - ''Black Spring'' crackdown on dissidents draws international condemnation. 75 people are jailed for terms of up to 28 years; three men who hijacked a ferry to try reach the US are executed. 2003 June - EU halts high-level official visits to Cuba in protest at the country's recent human rights record. 2004 April - UN Human Rights Commission censures Cuba over its rights record. Cuban foreign minister describes resolution - which passed by single vote - as "ridiculous". 2004 May - US sanctions restrict US-Cuba family visits and cash remittances from expatriates. 2004 October - President Castro announces ban on transactions in US dollars, and imposes 10% tax on dollar-peso conversions. 2005 January - Havana says it is resuming diplomatic contacts with the EU, frozen in 2003 following a crackdown on dissidents. 2005 May - Around 200 dissidents hold a public meeting, said by organisers to be the first such gathering since the 1959 revolution. 2005 July - Hurricane Dennis causes widespread destruction and leaves 16 people dead. 2006 February - Propaganda war in Havana as President Castro unveils a monument which blocks the view of illuminated messages - some of them about human rights - displayed on the US mission building. Castro hospitalised 2006 July - President Fidel Castro undergoes gastric surgery and temporarily hands over control of the government to his brother, Raul. 2006 December - Fidel Castro's failure to appear at a parade to mark the 50th anniversary of his return to Cuba from exile prompts renewed speculation about his future. 2007 April - A lawyer and a journalist are given lengthy jail terms after secret trials, which rights activists see as a sign of a crackdown on opposition activity. 2007 May - Castro fails to appear at Havana's annual May Day parade. Days later he says he has had several operations. Anger as the US drops charges against veteran anti-Castro militant Luis Posada Carriles, who is a former CIA operative and Cuba's "Public Enemy No. 1" accused of downing a Cuban airliner. 2007 July - First time since 1959 that Revolution Day is celebrated without Castro present. 2007 December - Castro says in a letter read on Cuban TV that he does not intend to cling to power indefinitely. Fidel steps down 2008 February - Raul Castro takes over as president, days after Fidel announces his retirement. 2008 May - Bans on private ownership of mobile phones and computers lifted. 2008 June - Plans are announced to abandon salary equality. The move is seen as a radical departure from the orthodox Marxist economic principles observed since the 1959 revolution. EU lifts diplomatic sanctions imposed on Cuba in 2003 over crackdown on dissidents. 2008 July - In an effort to boost Cuba's lagging food production and reduce dependence on food imports, the government relaxes restrictions on the amount of land available to private farmers. 2008 September - Hurricanes Gustav and Ike inflict worst storm damage in Cuba's recorded history, with 200,000 left homeless and their crops destroyed. 2008 October - State oil company says estimated 20bn barrels in offshore fields, being double previous estimates. European Union restores ties. Ties with Russia revitalised 2008 November - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visits. Two countries conclude new trade and economic accords in sign of strengthening relations. Raul Castro pays reciprocal visit to Russia in January 2009. Chinese President Hu Jintao visits to sign trade and investment accords, including agreements to continue buying Cuban nickel and sugar. 2008 December - Russian warships visit Havana for first time since end of Cold War. Government says 2008 most difficult year for economy since collapse of Soviet Union. Growth nearly halved to 4.3%. 2009 March - Two leading figures from Fidel era, Cabinet Secretary Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, resign after admitting "errors". First government reshuffle since resignation of Fidel Castro. US Congress votes to lift Bush Administration restrictions on Cuban-Americans visiting Havana and sending back money. 2009 April - US President Barack Obama says he wants a new beginning with Cuba. Crisis measures 2009 May - Government unveils austerity programme to try to cut energy use and offset impact of global financial crisis. 2009 June - Organisation of American States (OAS) votes to lift ban on Cuban membership imposed in 1962. Cuba welcomes decision, but says it has no plans to rejoin. 2009 July - Cuba signs agreement with Russia allowing oil exploration in Cuban waters of Gulf of Mexico. 2010 February - Political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo dies after 85 days on hunger strike. 2010 May - Wives and mothers of political prisoners are allowed to hold demonstration after archbishop of Havana, Jaime Ortega, intervenes on their behalf. 2010 July - President Castro agrees to free 52 dissidents under a deal brokered by the Church and Spain. Several go into exile. 2010 September - Radical plans for massive government job cuts to revive the economy. Analysts see proposals as biggest private sector shift since the 1959 revolution. 2011 January - US President Barack Obama relaxes restrictions on travel to Cuba. Havana says the measures don't go far enough. 2011 March - Last two political prisoners detained during 2003 crackdown are released. Reforms gather pace 2011 April - Communist Party Congress says it will look into possibility of allowing Cuban citizens to travel abroad as tourists. 2011 August - National Assembly approves economic reforms aimed at encouraging private enterprise and reducing state bureaucracy. 2011 November - Cuba passes law allowing individuals to buy and sell private property for first time in 50 years. 2011 December - The authorities release 2,500 prisoners, including some convicted of political crimes, as part of an amnesty ahead of a papal visit. 2012 March - Pope Benedict visits, criticising the US trade embargo on Cuba and calling for greater rights on the island. 2012 April - Cuba marks Good Friday with a public holiday for the first time since recognition of religious holidays stopped in 1959. 2012 June - Cuba re-imposes customs duty on all food imports in effort to curb selling of food aid sent by Cubans abroad on the commercial market. Import duties had been liberalised in 2008 after series of hurricanes caused severe shortages. 2012 October - Spanish politician Angel Carromero is jailed for manslaughter over the death of high-profile Catholic dissident Oswaldo Paya. Mr Carromero was driving the car when, according to the authorities, it crashed into a tree. Mr Paya's family say the car was rammed off the road after he had received death threats. The government abolishes the requirement for citizens to buy expensive exit permits when seeking to travel abroad. Highly-qualified professionals such as doctors, engineers and scientists will still require permission to travel, in order to prevent a brain drain. 2012 November - President Raul Castro says the eastern province of Santiago was hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, with 11 people dead and more than 188,000 homes damaged. A United Nations report says Sandy destroyed almost 100,000 hectares of crops. Raul's second term 2013 February - The National Assembly re-elects Raul Castro as president. He says he will stand down at the end of his second term in 2018, by which time he will be 86. 2013 July - Five prominent veteran politicians, including Fidel Castro ally and former parliament leader Ricardo Alarcon, are removed from the Communist Party's Central Committee in what President Raul Castro calls a routine change of personnel. 2014 January - First phase of a deepwater sea port is inaugurated by Brazil and Cuba at Mariel, a rare large foreign investment project on the island. 2014 March - Cuba agrees to a European Union invitation to begin talks to restore relations and boost economic ties, on condition of progress on human rights. The EU suspended ties in 1996. 2014 July - Russian President Vladimir Putin visits during a tour of Latin America, says Moscow will cancel billions of dollars of Cuban debt from Soviet times. Chinese President Xi Jinping visits, signs bilateral accords. 2014 September/October - Cuba sends hundreds of frontline medical staff to West African countries hit by the Ebola epidemic. Rapprochement with USA 2014 December - In a surprise development, US President Barack Obama and Cuba's President Raul Castro announce moves to normalise diplomatic relations between the two countries, severed for more than 50 years. 2015 January - Washington eases some travel and trade restrictions on Cuba. Two days of historic talks between the US and Cuba take place in Havana, with both sides agreeing to meet again. The discussions focus on restoring diplomatic relations but no date is set for the reopening of embassies in both countries. President Raul Castro calls on President Obama to use his executive powers to bypass Congress and lift the US economic embargo on Cuba. 2015 February - Cuban and US diplomats say they have made progress in talks in Washington to restore full relations. 2015 May - Cuba establishes banking ties with US, which drops country from list of states that sponsor terrorism. 2015 July - Cuba and US reopen embassies and exchange charges d'affaires. 2015 December - Cuban and US officials hold preliminary talks on mutual compensation. 2016 January - US eases a number of trade restrictions with Cuba. 2016 March - Cuba and the European Union agree to normalise relations. US President Barack Obama visits Cuba in the first US presidential visit there in 88 years. 2016 May - Cuba takes steps to legalise small and medium-sized businesses as part of economic reforms. Fidel Castro's death 2016 November - Fidel Castro, former president and leader of the Cuban revolution, dies at the age of 90. Cuba declares nine days of national mourning. 2017 January - Washington ends a long-standing policy which grants Cuban immigrants the right to remain in the US without a visa. 2017 June - US President Donald Trump overturns some aspects of predecessor Barack Obama's policy on Cuba which brought about a thaw in relations between the two countries. 2017 October - Diplomatic row over mysterious sonic attacks which are said to have affected the health of US and Canadian embassy staff in Havana. 2018 April - Senior Communist Party stalwart Miguel Diaz-Canel becomes president, ending six decades of rule by the Castro family.

world-latin-america-18979949

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18979949

Mexico profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1910 - Beginning of Epic Revolution, triggered by unrest amongst peasants and urban workers, who are led by Emiliano Zapata. 1911 - Mexico's dictator, Porfirio Diaz, is overthrown. The new president is Francisco Madero, a liberal. Madero introduces land reform and labour legislation. Political unrest continues with Zapata leading a peasant revolt in the south. 1913 - Madero is assassinated. Victoriano Huerta seizes power. 1914 - Huerta resigns. He is viewed with suspicion by the United States for his alleged pro-German sympathies. Huerta is succeeded by Venustiano Carranza. 1916 - US forces cross the border in pursuit of the guerrilla leader Francisco "Pancho" Villa. 1917 - US forces withdraw, having failed to kill Villa. A new constitution is adopted, which is designed to ensure permanent democracy in Mexico. 1920 - Carranza is murdered. Civil war follows. The PRI 1929 - The National Revolutionary Party is formed. In 1946 it is re-named the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI. 1934 - President Lazaro Cardenas begins programme of oil nationalisation, land reform and industrial expansion. 1940 - Leon Trotsky murdered in Mexico. 1942 - Mexico declares war on Japan and Germany. 1960s - Unrest amongst peasants and labourers over unequal wealth distribution is suppressed. 1968 - Student demonstration in Tlatelolco, Mexico City, during the Olympic Games is fired upon by Mexican security forces. Hundreds of protestors are killed or wounded. The extent of the violence shocks the country. 1976 - Huge offshore oil reserves discovered; the Cantarell field becomes the mainstay of Mexico's oil production. 1985 - Earthquake in Mexico City kills thousands and makes many more homeless. 1993 - Mexican parliament ratifies the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) with the US and Canada. Chiapas rebellion 1994 - A guerrilla rebellion in Chiapas by the Zapatista National Liberation Army is brutally suppressed by government troops. The rebels oppose Nafta and want greater recognition for Indian rights. The government recognises the Zapatista National Liberation Front (EZLN). 1994 August - Presidential elections won by PRI candidate Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon, after the previous candidate, Luis Donaldo Colosio, was murdered. The stock market plunges in December, the peso loses a third of its value. 1995 - Former President Carlos Salinas goes into exile after his brother Raul Salinas is connected with Colosio's murder. 1995 November - The government and the EZLN reach an agreement on greater autonomy for the indigenous Mayans of Chiapas. 1996 - The insurgency in the south escalates as the leftist Popular Revolutionary Army (EPR) attacks government troops. 1997 - The PRI suffers heavy losses in elections and loses its overall majority in the lower house of parliament for the first time since 1929. 1997 December - 45 Indians killed by paramilitary gunmen in a Chiapas village. The incident causes an international outcry, President Zedillo starts an investigation. 1998 January - Governor of Chiapas resigns. Peace talks with the rebels are reactivated, but break down at the end of the year. Fox election victory 2000 July - Vicente Fox of the opposition Alliance for Change wins presidential elections, the first opposition candidate ever to do so. Parliamentary elections see the Alliance for Change emerge as the strongest party, beating the PRI by just over 1%. 2001 March - Zapatista guerrillas, led by Subcomandante Marcos, stage their 'Zapatour', a march from Chiapas to Mexico City to highlight their demands. 2001 April - Parliament passes a bill increasing the rights of indigenous people. A few days later, Subcomandante Marcos rejects the bill, saying it leaves the Indian population worse off than before. Marcos says the uprising in Chiapas will continue. 2001 November - President Fox appoints a prosecutor to investigate the disappearance of left-wing activists during the 1970s and 1980s. 2002 March - Roberto Madrazo wins the contest to lead the PRI, which governed for 71 years until 2000. Past uncovered 2002 June - Millions of secret security files are released, shedding light on the torture and killing by security forces of hundreds of political activists in the 1960s and 1970s. President Fox says his government is not afraid to pursue prosecutions. 2002 July - Former President Luis Echeverria is questioned about massacres of student protesters in 1968, when he was interior minister, and in 1971 when he was president. 2002 September - Three army officers are charged with first-degree murder over the killings of 134 leftists in the 1970s. 2004 July - Investigator deems 1971 shooting of student protesters by government forces to have been genocide; judge refuses to order arrest of former President Luis Echeverria on charges that he ordered attack. 2005 January - Six prison officers are murdered and top-security jails are put on high alert amid escalating tension between the authorities and drug gangs. 2005 April - Political furore as Mexico City mayor and presidential favourite Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is stripped of his immunity from prosecution by Congress in a land dispute. The government eventually abandons the prosecution. 2006 February - A federal post of special prosecutor is created to tackle violent crime against women. Mexico had been criticised by the UN and rights groups over the unsolved murders of more than 300 women over 12 years in the border city of Ciudad Juarez. 65 miners are killed in an explosion at a coal mine in Coahuila state. President Fox orders an investigation. 2006 July - Conservative candidate Felipe Calderon is declared the winner of presidential elections with a razor-thin majority over his leftist rival, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who challenges the result with mass street protests. The Federal Electoral Tribunal confirms Mr Calderon's win in September. 2006 October - US President George W Bush signs legislation to build 1,125km (700 miles) of fencing along the US-Mexico border. Mexico condemns plans for the barrier, which is intended to curb illegal immigration. War on drugs 2006 December - A new federal police force is created to tackle drugs cartels; thousands of troops are deployed in the western state of Michoacan as part of a major anti-drug trafficking drive. 2007 February - New law obliging authorities to take tougher action against domestic violence comes into effect. 2007 July - A financial website says that Mexican telecoms tycoon Carlos Slim has overtaken Microsoft founder Bill Gates to become the world's richest person. Genocide trial against former president Luis Echeverria is suspended. 2007 October - Heavy rains flood nearly the entire southern state of Tabasco. Some 500,000 are made homeless in one of the country's worst natural disasters. 2008 Drug-related killings soar. Murders linked to organised crime leap to almost 1,400 in first five months of year. 2008 May - Attorney-general Eduardo Medina Mora says more than 4,000 people have been killed in 18 months since President Calderon took office and declared war on drugs cartels. About 450 of the dead are police, soldiers or prosecutors, and many of the killings have been concentrated along the US border. 2008 August - Hundreds of thousands join marches throughout Mexico to protest against continuing wave of drugs-related violence. Energy reforms 2008 October - Faced with drop in Mexican oil production, government passes series of energy reforms. Package includes controversial plans to allow private investment in state oil giant Pemex. 2009 January - Government unveils package of emergency measures worth nearly $150m (£100m) to protect economy from effects of US economic downturn. 2009 February - Reports say about 1,000 people died in a further upsurge in drug-related violence in the first six weeks of 2009. 2009 March - Army troops enter Ciudad Juarez, on the border with the US, as open warfare erupts between rival drug gangs. 2009 April - Authorities close schools and public buildings after dozens are confirmed to have been killed by the virulent new swine flu virus. 2009 July - Opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) makes large gains in mid-term congressional elections, winning 48% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies. 2009 October - Murder rate in Ciudad Juarez on Mexico-US border reaches all-time high amid battles between rival drug cartels. 2009 December - One of Mexico's most-wanted drug lords, Arturo Beltran Leyva, is killed in a shoot-out with state security forces. The authorities put the number of drug-related killings for 2009 at around 6,500, the worst year of bloodshed since President Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels in late 2006. 2010 March - President Calderon calls on United States to share responsibility in battle against drug trafficking, after murder of three people connected to US consulate in border city of Ciudad Juarez. 2010 August - US President Barack Obama signs into law a $600m bill to put more agents and equipment along the Mexican border to stem the flow of illegal immigrants. 2010 December - Wikileaks releases US diplomatic cables revealing that the US ambassador questioned the Mexican security forces' ability to tackle organised crime. 2011 April - Thousands participate in protests across Mexico against drug-related violence. The marches are called by Mexican poet Javier Sicilia, whose son was murdered in March 2011; protests continue throughout the summer. 2011 June-July - Two crime journalists, Miguel Angel Lopez Velasco and Yolanda Ordaz de la Cruz, are killed in separate incidents. 2011 August - An attack on the Casino Royale in Monterrey kills 52 people, after gunmen douse the building with fuel and set it alight. President Calderon describes the attack as "an abhorrent act of terror." 2012 May - The army arrests a drug cartel leader over the killing of 49 people whose mutilated bodies are dumped on a major road in Nuevo Leon state. The massacre is one of the worst atrocities committed in the ongoing drug war. 2012 July - Enrique Pena Nieto wins presidential election.

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'There are no hostages,' says the man defending R Kelly

Steve Greenberg loves a challenge.

By Nicholas RotherhamThe Next Episode "When you beat the better team. When they've got the better players and they've got the better resources, it's a great thrill when you win." He's talking about his career as a criminal defence lawyer in the US, where his most high-profile client is currently the singer R Kelly. The star, best known for hits like I Believe I Can Fly and Ignition (Remix) is currently awaiting trial on 10 counts of sexual abuse, all of which he denies. Mr Greenberg is determined to win. "Losing every case hurts. No matter what the facts are, no matter who the person is, no matter how guilty they may be," he tells BBC presenter Ben Zand in The Next Episode podcast. "I'm happy defending anyone. I have defended serial child rapist killers. I have defended mass murderers. It is not my job to make a value judgment as to whether someone's conduct is right or wrong morally." But when it comes to the singer, Mr Greenberg is sure of his client's innocence. "It (Kelly's upcoming trial) is going to end with a dismissal or a 'not guilty' verdict," he says. Kelly is accused of sexually abusing four women, three of whom were underage at the times of the alleged crimes. One of the alleged victims was a teenage fan who tried to get the singer's autograph during a previous trial in 2008. Another is said to have met him at her 16th birthday party. A third was his former hairdresser, Latina Carter. And the accusations don't stop there. Dozens of women have come forward over the years, claiming to have been abused by the singer. But Mr Greenberg says the singer isn't the man he's being painted out to be. "The R Kelly I know is a regular guy. You know, he lives in a regular condo in Trump Tower. He eats McDonald's. He plays basketball. He smokes cigars at a cigar bar. He's a pretty simple guy. "I'll tell you what, he's awfully strong because I don't know that I could stand up with all these accusations and not have a complete breakdown." According to the prosecution a major piece of evidence in the upcoming trial lies in a video tape. A recording that they say shows R Kelly having sex with a 14-year-old girl. A similar tape was presented in the singer's 2008 child pornography case. In that instance, Kelly's defence team convinced the jury that the identity of the girl was not conclusive, and he was found not guilty. "There is no new video out there. That is not correct," Mr Greenberg says, despite American news network CNN claiming to have seen it. "I don't care if they've seen it. I don't believe that's child pornography of R Kelly. It might be child pornography of someone else, I don't know. It may not be child pornography at all. "That is not a new or different video than the video that a jury decided was not R Kelly." The singer's also been accused of holding women hostage in his home and operating a sex cult. He denies this and two of the women allegedly being held against their will have appeared on US television defending the singer. "They're not hostages," claims Mr Greenberg. "I have been over to his condo. We've been reading, we've been talking about stuff. We decided we wanted to get something to eat. The two girls went out to Chipotle, down the street to get the food and bring it back. What about the parents of one of the women, Joycelyn Savage, who insist their daughter has been cut off from the outside world? "I have listened to Darrell (R Kelly's publicist) and he is adamant, adamant that a meeting should take place. "They should see their daughter. He's conveyed the same message to the Savages. They want some meeting in some neutral site," says Mr Greenberg. Even with all the accusations, the growing number of victims coming forward and the promise of a new video tape, Mr Greenberg is sure his side will win. If he's wrong, the 52-year-old singer faces up to 70 years in prison. But Mr Greenberg is looking forward to defending the singer when he goes back to court next week. "This is what I do. This is what I wanted to do since I was a little kid. I want to defend people who are charged with serious crimes." The Next Episode is a new podcast from the BBC and is available to download now on BBC Sounds. Listen here

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Catalonia profile - Timeline

A chronology of key events:

9th century - County of Barcelona formed along with several other counties as a result of efforts by Charlemagne to establish a buffer zone between his Frankish Empire and Muslim-ruled Spain. 1023-76 - Under Ramon Berenguer I, the county of Barcelona acquires a dominant position in the area. 12th cent - First mention of the term Catalonia. 1131-1162 - Reign of Ramon Berenguer IV, whose marriage to Queen Petronilla of Aragon results in the county's dynastic union with the Kingdom of Aragon. Although part of the Crown of Aragon, Catalonia keeps its own traditional rights and parliament, the Corts catalanes. 14th-15th cents - Aragon acquires the kingdoms of Sardinia, Sicily and Naples, becoming a major Mediterranean maritime empire as a result. Integration into Spain 1469 - Ferdinand I of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile marry, creating a dynastic union of their kingdoms and laying the foundations of the Kingdom of Spain. 1492 - Discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus starts the creation of Spain's overseas empire, the shift of commercial activity from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and the decline of Catalonia's economic and political importance. 1640-52 - The Reapers' War - Catalonia revolts against the taxation policies of Philip IV of Spain, is briefly declared a republic under French protection before being reoccupied by Spanish troops. 1705-14 - War of the Spanish Succession. Catalonia's support for rival claimant to the Spanish throne, Archduke Charles of Austria, of the House of Habsburg, against King Philip V, from the House of Bourbon, results in the suppression of its parliament and traditional liberties upon the latter's victory. 1716 - The Nueva Planta decree dismantles the separate Catalan legal system, brings Catalonia under direct rule from Madrid and abolishes the administrative use of the Catalan language. 1812-13 - Napoleon briefly annexes Catalonia to France, before French troops withdraw from Barcelona under an armistice signed with the Duke of Wellington. 1808-33 - Catalonia becomes the scene of some of the fiercest fighting of the First Carlist War between the liberal supporters of Queen Isabella II and the absolutist supporters of her uncle and rival, the Infante Carlos. Rise of nationalist sentiment 19th cent - Catalonia is at the forefront of industrialisation in Spain and experiences a cultural renaissance; start of a movement to revive Catalan culture and language, leading to the rise of Catalan nationalism. 1901 - Formation of the Catalan nationalist Regionalist League. 1913 - The four provinces of Catalonia are given limited joint self-government in the Commonwealth of Catalonia under the leadership of Enric Prat de la Riba. 1925 - The Commonwealth is suppressed during the dictatorship of Spanish Prime Minister Miguel Primo de Rivera. 1931 - Spain becomes a republic; an autonomous Catalan regional government, the Generalitat, is created under the leadership of the Revolutionary Left of Catalonia. 1936 - Insurrection of Spanish nationalist troops led by Gen Francisco Franco sparks the Spanish Civil War. Catalonia remains loyal to the Republic, with both the Generalitat's regular forces and popular militias fighting on its side. 1938 - English author George Orwell publishes Homage to Catalonia, a memoir of his time fighting with left-wing Republican forces in the region. 1938-9 - Franco's forces overrun Catalonia, paving the way for the collapse of Republican resistance elsewhere in Spain. 1939-75 - Franco dictatorship; suppression of political opposition as well as Catalan autonomy, language and culture. Thousands of Catalan activists are executed or go into exile. 1960s - Catalonia benefits from the start of mass tourism in coastal Spain and increasing industrialisation. Barcelona attracts large numbers of migrants from other Spanish regions. Autonomy restored 1975 - Death of Franco sets in train a process of democratisation under the new king, Juan Carlos. 1977 - Restoration of a provisional regional government, again named the Generalitat, under the leadership of Josep Tarradellas. 1978 - New democratic Spanish Constitution recognises existence of distinct national communities within Spain, start of the process of regionalisation. 1979 - Catalonia given a statute of autonomy and recognised as a "nationality". Catalan become the joint official language of Catalonia with Spanish. 1980 - Centre-right moderate nationalist Convergence and Union wins first elections to the new regional parliament. Its leader, Jordi Pujol, becomes the first president of the new regional government. 1992 July-August - Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. 2003 - Jordi Pujol retires as president of the regional government, after 23 years in the post. 2003 November - Despite winning the largest number of seats in regional elections, Convergence and Union is ousted for the first time in 23 years by a coalition of Socialists, the Revolutionary Left and Greens. Socialist Pasqual Maragall becomes regional president. 2006 June - Pasqual Maragall stands down, is replaced by fellow Socialist Jose Montilla. 2006 August - Reformed version of Catalonia's autonomy statute comes into force, giving the regional government greater powers and financial autonomy. Its preamble also uses the word "nation" to describe Catalonia. Economic crisis 2009 December - Between December 2009 and April 2011, Catalan nationalists hold a series of informal, non-binding votes on independence in regional towns and cities, including the capital Barcelona. 2010 July - Constitutional Court in Madrid strikes down part of the 2006 autonomy statute, ruling that there is no legal basis for recognising Catalonia as a nation within Spain and that Catalan should not take precedence over Castilian in the region. The decision is criticised by the regional government. Regional parliament votes to ban bullfighting, making Catalonia the first region of mainland Spain to do so. 2010 November - The centre-right nationalists Convergence and Union - led by Artur Mas returns to power after regional elections. 2011 September - Ban on bullfighting comes into force in Catalonia. 2012 August - Catalonia asks the Spanish government for a 5bn-euro bailout. 2012 September - Some 1.5m people take part in Catalonia's annual independence rally in Barcelona, amid growing Catalan anger at financial transfer from the region to the rest of Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy rebuffs a call by regional leader Artur Mas for greater fiscal independence. 2012 November - Snap elections held to provide support for a referendum on independence see the governing Convergence and Union losing ground to the left-wing Republican Left (ERC) party. Both support independence but the ERC opposes the Catalan government's spending cuts. Pro-independence moves 2012 December - Regional head Artur Mas is re-elected after his Convergence and Union signs a governing pact with the left-wing ERC. Both parties support holding a referendum on secession from Spain in 2014. 2013 January - Catalonia's regional parliament approves a "declaration of sovereignty" aimed at paving the way for a referendum on independence from Spain in 2014. 2014 March - Spain's constitutional court rules that a planned referendum in November on Catalonia's independence is unconstitutional. 2014 April - Spanish parliament rejects proposal by Catalonia's regional assembly to hold a referendum on independence in November. 2014 September - Regional President Artur Mas signs a decree calling for a non-binding referendum on independence to take place in November. Spain's constitutional court suspends the plans, saying it needs time to consider the vote's constitutionality. 2014 October - Regional President Artur Mas insists a non-binding referendum on independence for the region in November will go ahead, but under a different legal framework, after the original plan was ruled unconstitutional. 2014 November - More than 80% of those taking part in a non-binding informal vote on separation from Spain opt for independence. About two million out of 5.4 million eligible voters cast ballots. 2015 January - Regional President Artur Mas calls new regional elections for 27 September to gauge support for a possible declaration of independence. Collision course 2015 September - Separatist parties win the regional election, which they say gives them a mandate to push for independence. 2015 November - Catalonia's parliament adopts a resolution which supports independence. 2015 December - Spain's constitutional court revokes Catalonia's bid to begin the process of separating from the rest of Spain. 2016 January - Regional assembly chooses staunch separatist Carles Puigdemont to head government. 2017 October - Voters in unofficial and illegal independence referendum back separation from Spain, and the government declares independence. The central government in Madrid takes charges and imposes direct rule. 2017 December - Pro-independence parties win a majority in Catalan elections called by the Spanish government, although a pro-Madrid party emerges as the single largest group in the regional parliament. 2018 May - Pro-independence parties change law to allow separatist leader Carles Puigdemont to be elected president despite his flight abroad to avoid arrest on charges of rebellion. 2019 October - Thousands of protesters take to the street after Supreme Court sentences nine Catalan leaders to long jail terms for sedition over the failed 2017 independence bid.

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What to do if you want to work with children

Who needs to undergo background checks?

By Nichola RutherfordBBC Scotland The child sex abuse scandal in Scottish football has raised questions about the checks done on adults who work with children. Here, I look at how the system works to safeguard children in Scotland. Anyone who is working with children as part of the normal duties of their job generally needs to apply to Disclosure Scotland for a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) background check. It applies to anyone who has unsupervised contact with under 18s in either a voluntary or paid role. For example, school bus drivers will have to undergo checks if they are routinely left alone with children. However if they are always accompanied by another adult with responsibility for the youngsters, it is the second adult who will require the check rather than the driver. A spokesman for Disclosure Scotland said checks are required for people who carry out what the law describes as "regulated work". He added: "It is the duties which are done that matter, not the job title: even though a role might have the same title as others it may not be regulated work if the duties differ. "Typically 'regulated work' includes jobs and volunteering with unsupervised access to, and supervisory care of, children or work in an educational or coaching capacity. The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 sets out when a PVG disclosure can be made. What could the background check reveal? Criminal convictions and any other relevant information held by the police will be thrown up by the PVG scheme record disclosures. A spokesman for Disclosure Scotland added: "It may also contain police information about the conduct or circumstances of the applicant that the chief constable reasonably believes to be relevant to the type of regulated work the applicant is applying for, whether that be with children, protected adults or with both groups. "This latter information can include non-conviction information." If Disclosure Scotland is informed by an organisation or the courts of an individual's misconduct and that they might be considered for barring, that information would be on disclosure certificate. Once an organisation knows that someone is barred, it is an offence to allow them to undertake regulated work, including volunteering. Who makes the application for the background check - me or my organisation? Disclosure Scotland said employers or voluntary groups will tell applicants that PVG scheme membership is a condition of their employment or volunteering role. A spokesman added: "The PVG check is always commenced with the agreement of the individual applicant who is the subject of the disclosure, but it is countersigned by the employer or voluntary organisation. "There are strict checks in place on these organisations to make sure the PVG Scheme is used properly and disclosures are only made when the job or role is regulated work." How much does the background check cost and who pays for it? Disclosure Scotland said that qualifying voluntary organisations who take on volunteers to work with children do not pay for checks as they are funded by the Scottish government. Employees in public and private sector organisations will have to pay for checks. The cost could be footed by the individual themselves or by their employer or voluntary group. The law does not specify who should pay. A PVG Scheme Record Disclosure costs £59 and a Scheme Record Update for an existing member costs £18. Can applicants work with children while they wait for their disclosure certificate? That is a decision for the employer, Disclosure Scotland said. A spokesman added: "Disclosure Scotland would encourage employers to ensure safeguarding arrangements are appropriate in these circumstances. "If an individual has already been barred from working with children it would be a criminal offence for them to even seek such work." How often does the background check have to be renewed? Applicants obtain PVG scheme membership with their first check, after which Disclosure Scotland continuously monitors the individual's criminal record. A spokesman said: "When an individual is a PVG scheme member their information is maintained up-to-date and if any new information arises, including police information, Disclosure Scotland will assess it and determine if it may be appropriate to consider the individual for barring. "Disclosure Scotland will tell all appropriate known employers and volunteering organisations that the individual is under consideration for barring." Do applicants need to get a separate check for each role they have working with children? If a teacher, for example, begins volunteering with a local Brownie group, they can get a "scheme record update" which registers the interest of the group. If the teacher is later convicted of a crime, Disclosure Scotland can then alert the Brownie group to the development. Disclosure Scotland said: "When an organisation applies to get a check done for an individual, Disclosure Scotland registers that organisation's interest in the individual's PVG scheme membership. "If information comes to light that the individual may be unsuitable to do regulated work, Disclosure Scotland will tell all relevant interested organisations that the individual is being considered for barring. "This system only works when organisations carry out PVG checks to make sure Disclosure Scotland knows where the individual works or volunteers. " The PVG Scheme Membership is portable. So, someone who is already a member of the scheme who gets an additional role, volunteering for example, need only get a Scheme Record Update that will register the new interest. Related Internet Links Disclosure Scotland

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Oscars 2016: Best supporting actress nominees

JENNIFER JASON LEIGH

A look at the best supporting actress nominees for the 88th Academy Awards, announced on 14 January 2016. Age: 53 Nominated for: The Hateful Eight The character: Daisy Domergue, an outlaw awaiting execution in 19th Century Wyoming. Oscar record: No previous nominations. The critics said: "The best part of The Hateful Eight is Leigh, who brings mischievous grit to her every appearance." [Montreal Gazette] ROONEY MARA Age: 30 Nominated for: Carol The character: Therese Belivet, a shopgirl and aspiring photographer in 1950s New York who begins an affair with a glamorous older woman. Oscar record: Best actress nomination for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in 2012. The critics said: "There are obvious asymmetries to be discovered in the relationship between a penniless young bohemian and a wealthy, full-grown matron, but Ms Mara refuses to be the ingenue in the arrangement. She is vulnerable and hungry, timid and ferocious, predator and prey." [New York Times] RACHEL McADAMS Age: 37 Nominated for: Spotlight The character: Sacha Pfeiffer, an investigative reporters at the Boston Globe who helps uncover child abuse in the Catholic Church. Oscar record: No previous nominations. The critics said: "Rachel McAdams brings her typical resolute intelligence to Sacha Pfeiffer... whether quietly interviewing abuse victims or caught off guard coming face to face with one of the accused priests, she's entirely human and it's telling how often McCarthy chooses to resolve a scene on a look from her." [IndieWire] ALICIA VIKANDER Age: 27 Nominated for: The Danish Girl The character: Artist Gerda Wegener, whose husband became Lili Elbe, the Danish artist and transgender pioneer. Oscar record: No previous nominations. The critics said: "How Gerda copes... is even more gripping. She proves astonishingly supportive towards her partner's plight. Vikander eats this all up with a spoon, by turns energetic, winning, raw and compassionate... it seems she can do anything." [Empire] KATE WINSLET Age: 40 Nominated for: Steve Jobs The character: Joanna Hoffman, loyal assistant to Apple co-founder and tech pioneer Steve Jobs. Oscar record: Won best actress for The Reader in 2009. Three best actress nominations for Titanic in 1998, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in 2005 and Little Children in 2007. Best supporting actress nomination for Sense and Sensibility in 1996 and Iris in 2002. The critics said: "Don't be surprised if Kate Winslet also gets a nod in the best supporting actress category for her part as Jobs's right-hand-woman." [Evening Standard]

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Viewpoint: Steve Jobs is missed by Silicon Valley

Steve Jobs is still missed.

By Robert ScobleTech writer, Scobleizer You hear it on stages, like when Marc Benioff, chief executive and co-founder of Salesforce, urged 90,000 attendees at the firm's Dreamforce conference to fill in the visionary hole that Steve Jobs left. You hear it at cocktail parties. At one by Morgenthaler Ventures, for instance, Apple team members who worked on Siri talked about how they missed Steve Jobs yelling at people. You hear it on the streets. While standing in line for the newest iPhone - which included one of eBay's top search experts, Andy Edmonds - people noted that the industry was a bit more boring without Jobs. It's a year after Steve Jobs died. So, what has changed? After Jobs' death last year I wrote that Apple would be fine. I still think it'll be fine. Great companies don't just disappear and Apple is still benefiting from momentum put in place by Jobs and his teams. What are Apple's still existing advantages? What is missing now that Jobs is gone? Silicon Valley still hasn't recovered from this loss. Yeah, it's trying. Larry Page and Sergey Brin over at Google are building self-driving cars and fantastic new wearable computers, but I'm left wondering how Jobs would look at those efforts and find a way to improve them. Yes, I do wonder if Apple would have released its maps feature in such an early state. Or, if he had released it, would he have explained to us why he is doing his own maps in a much better way than Mr Cook did. There are good reasons, after all, for Apple to head its own way and build its own mapping technology. See, Apple and Google are on a collision course around contextual applications and operating systems. Siri today is a bit stupid. She gives you the same answer she gives me. That's not contextual, or, personalised. In the future Siri will give us answers based on who we are, the experiences we've had with our devices and the world of the internet, and, even what we're doing. Our wearable computers, in the future, will be able to know that we're walking, driving, skiing, or shopping. Siri, in the future, will be contextual. Why do we know that? Because Jobs told the team just that as he convinced them to bring Siri to Apple. It is here that we are missing Steve Jobs's instincts. We know a new contextual age is coming where our mobile devices will serve us, but we don't have someone like Jobs who is telling us how we'll get over the uncomfortable feeling that we're being stalked by the technology we're carrying around. Jobs would have found a way. I'm not so sure that Page and Brin can do the same. That is why Silicon Valley continues to miss Jobs and it'll be interesting to see if someone or - as Benioff urged - a group of people can fill those shoes. That continues to be Silicon Valley and Apple's biggest question a year later. Robert Scoble has been repeatedly listed as one of the world's most influential technology bloggers for his articles on his site Scobleizer. He is also start-up liaison officer at the cloud computing service provider Rackspace.

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Fashion lookahead: Seven major looks for 2020

Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.

By Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter Meryl Streep might have been famously unimpressed by some of the spring/summer trends in 2006's The Devil Wears Prada, so it's probably best she avoids this article. Floral designs are just one fashion trend set to return in a big way this spring, having been shown extensively at September's Fashion Weeks. Not all the outfits which were showcased in Paris, Milan, London and New York will make it onto the high street in the exact form we saw them on the catwalk. But elements of the clothes on show - whether it be an idea, colour, material or pattern - are picked up and copied by other designers, and heavily influence what we see in the shops a few months later. "Retailers must determine which looks they think we're actually going to buy, manufacturers must begin producing those items en masse," explains The Telegraph's Tamara Abraham. "And then brand marketing machines must work out how to promote and merchandise the new stock in a way that will convince us to spend our cash." Here are seven major fashion looks you can expect to see (and maybe wear) in 2020. 1. Neon You may have needed a pair of sunglasses if you happened to catch Little Mix's performance at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend last May. But the most successful girl group of recent years were actually ahead of the game with their outfits. The Fashion Weeks in September saw several designers play on neon themes. Some featured mint green or pistachio colours prominently in their collections, others had a transparent highlighter feel to their outfits. "What's fluoro pink, orange, blue, green, and yellow, and refuses to blend in with the crowd? All the highlighter-inspired neons gracing your favourite catwalks," said Kerry Pieri and Lauren Alexis Fisher of Harper's Bazaar. "Call it neon, tennis ball yellow, or highlighter green, the acid hue took form in structured separates and fluid dresses," noted Mario Abad of Paper magazine. Neon showed up in collections from the likes of Christopher Kane, Caroline Herrera and Valentino, and are already filtering through to the shops. 2. Buttery, colourful leather A packet of skittles would have nothing on the rainbow of colours which designers have been showcasing on leather in recent months. "There's no mistaking that leather - including vegan or faux - is the one material everyone's excited to work with next season," wrote Marina Liao in Marie Claire. "The material was spotted on Spring 2020 runways from New York to Paris in just about every form - from colourful jackets at Coach 1941 and Bottega Veneta to skirts and pants at Marni and Alexander McQueen." Leather designs were once reserved for autumn and winter, but it seems leather is set to make its mark in Spring this year. 3. Big bags No outfit is complete without the right accessories, and bags with ample storage were on generous display at September's Fashion Weeks. However, some were admittedly more practical than others. The transparency of some of Philip Lim and Stella McCartney's designs (below) would offer little privacy, for example. And there's a good chance your possessions would fall out of the giant holes in the Off-White bag, but never mind because at least you'd look extremely fashionable as it was happening. "For those who prefer practicality over the micro trends, it's finally time to retire 2019's itty-bitty-it-bags that didn't fit anything to begin with," wrote Elle's Justine Carreon. "Think big. Bottega Veneta and Off-White are ushering in XXL editions large enough to fit all of your life's problems. "Literally - they can probably fit your therapist." 4. Tangerine Those who like a bit of Vitamin C in their fashion diet will be pleased at the amount of bright orange set to hit the shelves over the next few months. Designers have a tendency to showcase fun, vibrant colours in the spring - which is one reason neon is likely to work well in the early part of this year. But there's another prominent and somewhat garish colour in town for 2020, in the form of tangerine. "This specific shade of orange works for casualwear, such as shorts and sweaters, but was also a favourite for fancier pieces, such as dresses or ruffled tops," wrote InStyle's Samantha Sutton. 5. Rose prints "It wouldn't be a spring trend report without some sort of floral reference, now would it?" pointed out Glamour's Ana Colón. "For 2020 there actually is a major innovation in the print: Designers are honing in on roses, specifically, to make their spring collections feel, well, spring-y. And the result is incredibly elegant." While hardly the most revolutionary concept for a spring/summer collection, designers can always rely on florals to brighten things up. It's a versatile, visually appealing and colourful theme which seems perpetually popular with consumers, so always a safe bet for Springtime. 6. Disco collars "And just like that, disco's not dead," said Harpers Bazaar. "The wide collar favoured by the Studio 54 set made a surprise comeback on the spring 2020 runways. "Modernised on coats, jackets, and button-downs at Lanvin, Ferragamo, JW Anderson, and beyond, the look is often shown with contrasting colours to make it really stand out. Because what's the point of a super collar if you can't really see it?" Can't argue with that. Whether they're long, narrow, bright or dark, expect to see a lot more of this triangular trend. 7. Rope belts and bucket hats Head out to your garage and you might find you're already harbouring one of 2020's most fashionable accessories amongst all your random junk. Ropes being used as belts were seen on the runways of Christian Dior and Rag & Bone, although their versions are likely to be more expensive than those you could pick up at Homebase. A variety of knots, twists and styles were seen on the catwalk - some served the same purpose as a belt, but most were just present for design purposes. Another accessory which designers used to liven up their looks were bucket hats - which is great news for fishermen everywhere. "Everyone will be wearing bucket hats next Spring," Mario Abad wrote in Paper. "They aren't going anywhere it seems. Everyone from Anna Sui to Giorgio Armani have hopped on the bandwagon and used them on the runways." Between all these looks set to hit the shops, we're confident 2020 is going to be a year with designs so groundbreaking that even Meryl Streep would have been satisfied. Follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected].

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One Direction make chart history with their third album

One Direction have made chart history in America.

Their third album, Midnight Memories, entered the US Billboard 200 at number one making them the only group to have their first three albums top the chart in their opening week. According to Nielsen SoundScan the record has sold 546,000 copies since being released. Midnight Memories also went straight to number one in the UK and is the fastest-selling album for two years. The release sold 237,000 copies in its first week to get to the top of the Official Album Chart on 1 December. The former X Factor group's third record sold 145,000 copies in three days, according to the Official Charts Company. Their sales figures in the US mean One Direction are only the third pop group to sell more than 500,000 copies in a week in the Nielsen SoundScan era. Only 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys have achieved the milestone since the company began tracking sales in 1991. Midnight Memories is the follow-up to last year's Take Me Home, which also went to number one. Their debut album, Up All Night, went to number two in the UK when it was released in 2011. The group's latest track, Story Of My Life, is at number two in the Official Singles Chart. Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter

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Have waits for GP appointments got longer?

How long do you wait to see your GP?

By Caroline ParkinsonBBC News Members of the BBC NHS Health Check Facebook group report waits of three weeks or more are common. Lisa Johns said: "Ours book five weeks ahead. For the last three weeks, I've been trying to book a standard appointment and can't get one, as they go in seconds." Another member posted: "I booked a non-urgent appointment with my GP last week.... for 22 January 2019." Their experiences are backed up by statistics. Earlier this month, NHS Digital published figures showing that, while 40% of patients were seen on the day they booked, just under a fifth waited longer than a fortnight for a routine appointment with a GP or practice nurse. But what's the story behind these figures? Have waits actually got longer? The NHS Digital figures show of 307 million appointments booked at practices in England between November 2017 and October 2018: It is the first time such figures has been published - so there aren't similar figures to compare them with. But plenty of previous research has found demand on GP services has grown. And experts say they do see waits increasing. Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, head of the Royal College of GPs, said: "This is a real problem. It's something we predicted. Unfortunately, it's the inevitable consequence of a shortage of GPs." A 2016 Lancet paper said GPs' workload had risen by 16% in the seven years up to 2014, with more frequent and longer GP consultations. Is it because demands on GPs have increased? Factors including an ageing population and an increasing number of people with complex medical needs mean the standard appointment often isn't long enough. Dr Kamal Mahtani, a GP and an associate professor in primary care at the University of Oxford, said: "You've got 10 minutes to talk about their diabetes, their high blood pressure, their mood and look at the patient more holistically. "So a GP might end up having to say, 'We've dealt with X and Y today but I'll need to see you again.' And that has a knock-on effect. People were directed to their GP for lots of different things, he said. "If you're not feeling well, go and see the GP. If you need a flu jab, go and see a GP - as if we're a one-stop shop." But the RCGP said a lack of GPs was also affecting availability. "We're now 1,000 short of the number of GPs we had when they promised 5,000 more - so now we're looking for 6,000," an RCGP official said. Is it safe to wait weeks for an appointment? Some patients are happy to wait. They might want to see a particular GP whom they know or someone who is familiar with their long-term health problem - it might be something that isn't going to alter over a few weeks. But there are fears that others might be at risk from waiting. Catherine Churcher, another member of the BBC NHS Health Check Facebook group, was concerned that the most vulnerable would be least able to negotiate the system and so be worst affected, "There must be lots of people out there who are falling through the net and not being seen because they don't have the strength or fight in them to go up against the current system," she said. Prof Stokes-Lampard said: "There's no hard data that shows patients are coming to harm. But that's my profound concern - that there are things that will be missed." And Dr Mahtani said: "How do you know if the patient's condition isn't getting worse if patients are waiting three weeks? I can't tell you that they're not suffering until I see them. "And there's always that risk that the longer waits are causing harm." Are all practices affected? No - but Prof Stokes-Lampard warned that even if your practice seemed OK, it was still vulnerable to events at neighbouring GPs. "All you need is for the practice down the road to close and then patients would be moved and your practice would be under pressure," she said. "There is a domino effect. And then it's phenomenally stressful for the doctors at that practice." Is there anything that will help? GPs say patients can help - by calling in if they can't make an appointment, so it can be freed up for someone else, and by thinking whether they could get the advice they need somewhere else, such as the chemist's or dentist. There are various ideas being tried out across general practice too, experimenting with taking some of the administration away from GPs and bringing in other professions, physiotherapists and social workers, into primary care in addition to the specialist nurses that many people are already familiar with. Technology can also help - some practices have online systems where patients can book directly. But Dr Mahtani said there was no single solution - because each practice had a different mix of patients and different skills among its staff. Better funding was key though. "If you invest in primary care, you will reduce your costs in secondary care - 90% of first contacts are in primary care," he said. "We need to embrace general practice." What's your experience of booking a routine appointment with your GP or practice nurse? Join our group and let us know.

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Australia profile -Timeline

A chronology of key events:

40,000 BC - The first Aborigines arrive from south-east Asia. By 20,000 BC they have spread throughout the mainland and Tasmania. 1770 - Captain James Cook charts the east coast in his ship HM Endeavour. Cook claims it as a British possession and names eastern Australia "New South Wales". 1788 - British Navy captain Arthur Phillip founds a penal settlement at Sydney. He had arrived with a fleet of 11 vessels, carrying nearly 800 convicts. The Aboriginal population at the time is thought to number several hundred thousand. 1829 - Colony of Western Australia established at Perth by Captain James Stirling. 1836 - South Australia established, with Adelaide as its capital. 1850s - Gold is found at several locations leading to gold rushes throughout the decade. The population increases three-fold in 10 years to pass the million mark. An influx of Chinese leads to restrictions on their entry. Aborigines are treated very badly and their numbers collapse. 1856 - Australia becomes the first country to introduce the secret ballot - or 'Australian ballot' - for elections. 1877 - Australia and England play the first-ever cricket Test match in Melbourne. 1901 - The country is unified. The Commonwealth of Australia comes into being on 1st January. The Immigration Restriction Act puts a brake on non-white immigration. 1911 - Canberra is founded and designated as the capital. 1914 - Outbreak of World War I. Australia commits hundreds of thousands of troops to the British war effort. Their participation - alongside New Zealanders - in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey in 1915 leads to heavy casualties. The Gallipoli landings help cement a sense of identity in the young nation. Economic woes 1929 - The Great Depression following the Wall Street Crash hits Australia hard. Recovery is uneven, and the Labor government is defeated in the election in 1931. 1939 - Australia follows Britain's lead and declares war on Nazi Germany. 1941 - The US declares war on Japan. Australia turns to the US for help in its defence after the Japanese take Singapore. Australia allows the US to base its supreme command for the Pacific war on its territory. 1948 - Australia begins a scheme for immigration from Europe. Over the next 30 years, more than two million people arrive, about one-third of them from Britain, and hundreds of thousands from Italy, Greece and Germany. 1950 - Australia commits troops to the UN forces in the Korean war. 1956 - Olympic Games held in Melbourne. 1965 - Australia commits troops to the US war effort in Vietnam. 1967 - National referendum on changes to constitution is passed. Section which excluded Aboriginal people from official census is removed. Another change enables federal government to pass laws on Aboriginal issues. 1975 - Australia introduces new immigration laws, restricting the number of unskilled workers allowed into the country. The government of Gough Whitlam is plagued by resignations and the blocking of its budget by the upper house of the parliament. In an unprecedented move, the governor-general, Sir John Kerr, dismisses the government. A caretaker administration under Malcolm Fraser is installed, and goes on to win the general election. 1983 March - Bob Hawke becomes prime minister after his Labor Party secures a landslide victory. 1986 - The Australia Act makes Australian law fully independent of the British parliament and legal system. Turning to Asia 1991 December - Paul Keating becomes Labor prime minister. 1993 - The Native Title Act establishes a process for the granting of Aboriginal land rights. 1996 - John Howard of the Liberal Party wins elections to become prime minister. 1999 - Australia leads intervention force in East Timor to counter pro-Indonesia militia violence after territory's independence vote. 1999 November - Referendum on making Australia a republic defeated, with 55% voting to retain the status quo. 2001 August - Australia turns away hundreds of boat people over several months, the most prominent group having been rescued from a sinking ferry. Australia pays Nauru to detain many of them. Bali bombing 2002 October - Australia mourns as 88 of its citizens are killed in a night club bombing in Bali, Indonesia, which some call Australia's September 11. The attacks - which killed 202 people in total - are claimed by al-Qaeda. 2004 August - Government announces a multi-million dollar cruise missile programme, set to give Australia the region's "most lethal" air combat capacity. 2004 October - John Howard wins fourth term as prime minister. 2005 January - Worst bush fires for more than 20 years kill nine people in South Australia. 2005 December - Racially-motivated violence, involving thousands of youths, hits Sydney. 2006 January - Australia and East Timor sign a deal to divide billions of dollars in expected revenues from oil and gas deposits in the Timor Sea. Under the agreement, discussions on a disputed maritime boundary are postponed. 2006 April-May - Australian troops spearhead peacekeeping forces in the Solomon Islands and East Timor after unrest in both countries. Labor landslide 2007 November - Opposition Labor Party, under Kevin Rudd, sweeps to power with landslide victory over John Howard. 2008 February - Government apologises for past wrongs committed against the indigenous population. Australia ends its policy of sending asylum seekers into detention on small Pacific islands, with the last refugees leaving Nauru. 2009 May - Australia announces plans to more than double its submarine fleet and buy 100 US Stealth fighters as part of a $70bn military modernisation programme. 2010 February - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologises for the policy of sending thousands of children to former colonies under a migrant programme that ended 40 years previously. Gillard takes over 2010 June - Julia Gillard becomes prime minister, ousting Kevin Rudd in a Labor Party leadership challenge. 2010 August - Parliamentary elections fail to deliver a clear winner. Prime Minister Gillard clings to power after securing support of independents to form a minority government. 2011 January - Queensland is hit by floods which are described as the most expensive natural disaster in the country's history. 2011 December - Economy grows unexpectedly fast in the third quarter of 2011, driven by construction and mining. GDP rose 2.5% on the year, whereas analysts had expected 2.1%. 2012 January - Talks between government and opposition on asylum seekers break down. 2012 February - Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd resigns to mount a challenge to Prime Minister Gillard's leadership, but is defeated. 2012 July - Controversial carbon tax, which penalises big polluters, comes into force. Prime Minister Gillard says it is needed to meet climate change obligations; opponents say it will cost jobs and raise prices. 2013 June - After months of infighting, Kevin Rudd manages to oust Julia Gillard as Labor leader and prime minister in a parliamentary party vote. 2013 July - Australia reaches deal with Papua New Guinea that will allow it to ship asylum seekers arriving by boat onwards to its Pacific neighbour. Liberals return 2013 September - Parliamentary elections. Landslide victory for Liberal-National Coalition, led by Tony Abbott. 2013 October - Government adopts new policy of naval vessels intercepting boats of migrants and directing them back to Indonesia, which is followed by a dramatic reduction in arrivals. 2014 September - Police carry out the nation's biggest ever counter-terrorism raids, with 15 arrests in Sydney and Brisbane, sparked by intelligence reports that Islamic extremists were planning random killings. 2014 December - Islamist Man Haron Monis takes 18 people hostage in Sydney cafe; two hostages and gunman die when police storm premises. 2015 March - Parliament passes law requiring its internet and mobile phone providers to store customer data for two years as anti-terror measure. 2015 June - Government announces 20-year plan to develop the infrastructure of the north, including transport and water resources. Turnbull takes over 2015 September - Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull replaces Tony Abbott as prime minister after a successful Liberal Party leadership challenge. 2016 July - An early general election sees Prime Minister Turnbull's conservative Liberal-National coalition secure the narrowest of majorities over the Labor Party. 2016 August - Australia agrees to close a controversial asylum seeker detention centre on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island but says none of the 850 people held there will be resettled on Australian soil. 2016 December - Police arrested five men suspected of planning a terrorist attack in Melbourne on Christmas Day. 2017 May - Indigenous leaders from across the country reject a bid for recognition in the country's constitution, deciding instead to push for representation in parliament. 2017 December - Parliament makes same-sex marriage legal, following a national survey that showed support from 61% of voters. 2018 August - Malcolm Turnbull steps aside after an unsuccessful right-wing challenge to his leadership, allowing the conservative but pragmatic finance minister Scott Morrison to take over as prime minister and Liberal Party leader. 2019 May - Scott Morrison leads the Liberal/National coalition to a majority in parliamentary elections. 2020 January - Unprecedented heatwave since September causes bushfires that kill at least 25 people and millions of animals, and destroy about 2,000 homes in south-east of country.

world-asia-pacific-15479889

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15479889

Kazakhstan profile - Leaders

President: Nursultan Nazarbayev

In power virtually unchallenged since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Nursultan Nazarbayev has focused on economic reform while resisting moves to democratise the political system. He remains popular among ordinary Kazakhs. His supporters say he preserved inter-ethnic accord and stability during the reform in the 1990s, and is widely credited for the country's impressive economic growth in first decade of the new millennium. Mr Nazarbayev has concentrated extensive powers in his own hands and is accused by the opposition of suppressing dissent. Although he says he advocates democracy as a long-term goal, he warns that stability could be at risk if change is too swift. Born in 1940, Mr Nazarbayev came to power in 1989 as first secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan and was elected president the following year. He was re-elected after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. He was re-elected against largely token opponents in 1999, 2005, 2011 and - most recently - in 2015. In each case, his share of the vote rose, reaching more than 97% in the last vote, and the conduct of every election was criticised by foreign observers. In 2007, parliament, in which the ruling party held all seats, voted to allow the president to stay in office for an unlimited number of terms. In 2010, MPs granted Mr Nazarbayev the lifelong title of "leader of the nation". His 2011 victory came after judges ruled unconstitutional a plan to hold a referendum on whether to let Mr Nazarbayev to stay in power until 2020 without facing election. The president thereupon said he rejected the changes, which had been strongly backed by MPs and by many voters. When Mr Nazarbayev does step down from the president, he will have a permanent seat on the defence council and a role as head of the people's assembly, which unites members of different ethnic groups, according to a law approved in a 2007 referendum. The president merged his Otan ("Fatherland") party with his daughter Dariga's party, Asar, in July 2006, in a move seen as consolidating the president's power. The united party was named Nur Otan ("Ray of light of the fatherland") in honour of Mr Nazarbayev. Nur Otan holds an overwhelming majority of seats in the Kazakh assembly, but international monitors faulted the latest parliamentary elections - held in January 2012 - as failing to meet basic democratic principles.