He will address supporters from his campaign headquarters, in what an aide described as a fight-back. Mr Fillon's bid has been overshadowed by claims, which he denies, that his wife and two of his children were paid for non-existent parliamentary work. Some in his party, The Republicans, feel he should drop out of the race. Recent polls have suggested that he may be eliminated in the first round of the presidential election in April, paving the pay for a possible run-off between centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Fillon payment inquiry: What you need to know But a source close to Mr Fillon told AFP news agency that the candidate "will not give up". The conservative Figaro newspaper said that Monday's speech would mark the start of a "counter-offensive". Mr Fillon, a 62-year-old former prime minister, has denied wrongdoing and strongly defended his wife, Penelope. Last month Le Canard Enchaine newspaper reported that she earned 500,000 euros ($534,000; Â£428,000) as her husband's parliamentary assistant between 1998 and 2012, and questioned how much work she had done. The paper also said Mrs Fillon was paid 100,000 euros for little apparent work at a literary review owned by a billionaire friend of the family - an allegation that could lead to corruption charges against her husband. It subsequently emerged that Mr Fillon had hired two of his children to act as lawyers, paying them 84,000 euros between 2005 and 2007 - when they were students. Investigators have begun an inquiry into the reports. Mr Fillon said he would step down if placed under formal investigation. Until the reports emerged, Mr Fillon was the front-runner for the presidential election, thanks in part to his image as a forthright, honest politician. The practising Catholic enjoyed a landslide victory over Alain Juppe, another former prime minister, in a party primary in November.

Summary: The centre-right candidate for the French presidency, Francois Fillon, is set to tackle allegations of improper payments made to family members.


Many MPs are spending a lot of time in their constituencies preparing to contest the most closely-fought and unpredictable election in decades. As early as last year Labour taunted the government that this was a "zombie" Parliament, as much of the legislation in the coalition's programme from 2010 had already been passed. The opposition has repeated the allegation many times since. MPs on the government side have hit back with claims that Labour has given up scrutinising bills properly. But as MPs look to the final few weeks before the dissolution of the Parliament elected in 2010, there are still a few bills left to deal with. A bill to improve and strengthen the service complaints system and enable payments to be made to charities and other organisations that support the Armed Forces across the UK. The bill began in the the Lords and has passed all stages in the upper house. It is awaiting its Commons report stage at a date to be confirmed. It is likely that the third reading will also be taken on the same day. As the bill is not particularly controversial it is likely to see royal assent before Parliament is dissolved. A bill overhauling consumer rights law, covering contracts for goods, services, digital content and the law relating to unfair terms in consumer contracts. Consideration of Commons amendments in the Lords was on 24 February, so this will make it to the statute book. A bill to devolve powers to set the rate of corporation tax to the Northern Ireland Assembly. It was due to have its remaining Commons stages - report stage and third reading - on 4 March. The devolution of powers to set the corporation tax rate was a key demand of political leaders ahead of the Stormont House Agreement finalised in Belfast last month. It is still to go through the Lords but the government aims to pass the law before May's general election and Labour has not opposed it. The bill makes a number of changes which would affect business generally and in particular areas including decriminalising non-payment of the BBC licence fee. All Commons stages are complete, while its third reading in the Lords is due on 4 March. However, peers defeated the government during report stage, voting for there to be no move to decriminalise non-payment of the fee before 2017. It remains to be seen if MPs will overturn this amendment and another game of ping pong will ensue. First reading - the bill's formal introduction, in which the name of the bill is read out but no debate takes place. Second reading - a debate on the general principles of a bill. Committee stage - detailed scrutiny of the bill, either in a committee of the whole House or in a public bill committee. Report stage - consideration of the report of the bill committee and a further chance for MPs or peers to table amendments. Third reading - final consideration of the amended bill as a whole. In the House of Lords, there is a

Summary: The election is approaching fast and both Houses of Parliament have put in some short days recently.


Media playback is not supported on this device After an even first 30 minutes, Danny Wright tapped in from James Dayton's free-kick to put the Robins in front. But Tubbs levelled after the restart, latching onto Maxime Biamou's header and slotting in from 10 yards out. Robert Dickie headed against the bar for the Robins late on, before Deacon fired in to win the game in added time. Sutton have won just one of their past eight games in the National League - including a 6-0 home defeat by Dover on Tuesday - but Deacon's late heroics earned them a place in third round for the first time in 22 years. The U's have twice gone even further in the competition, reaching the fourth round in 1970, and again in 1989 after they famously beat First Division Coventry City in round three. They will receive £27,000 for getting through the second round, and could earn a lucrative tie with Premier League or Championship opposition when the third round draw takes place on Monday. Match ends, Sutton United 2, Cheltenham Town 1. Second Half ends, Sutton United 2, Cheltenham Town 1. Offside, Cheltenham Town. Robert Dickie tries a through ball, but Daniel Wright is caught offside. Goal! Sutton United 2, Cheltenham Town 1. Roarie Deacon (Sutton United) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Nicky Bailey. Substitution, Sutton United. Adam May replaces Matt Tubbs. Daniel Spence (Sutton United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Daniel Spence (Sutton United). James Dayton (Cheltenham Town) wins a free kick on the right wing. Attempt saved. Roarie Deacon (Sutton United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Simon Downer with a headed pass. Attempt saved. Daniel O'Shaughnessy (Cheltenham Town) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Kyle Storer. Foul by Craig Eastmond (Sutton United). James Dayton (Cheltenham Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt blocked. Harry Pell (Cheltenham Town) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Kyle Storer. Nicky Bailey (Sutton United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Nicky Bailey (Sutton United). Billy Waters (Cheltenham Town) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match Nicky Bailey (Sutton United) because of an injury. Craig Eastmond (Sutton United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Daniel Wright (Cheltenham Town). Robert Dickie (Cheltenham Town) hits the bar with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by James Dayton with a cross following a corner. Corner, Cheltenham Town. Conceded by Jamie Collins. Substitution, Cheltenham Town. Jon Smith replaces Jack Munns. Ross Worner (Sutton United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Billy Waters (Cheltenham Town). Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match Ross Worner (Sutton United) because of an injury. Foul by Craig Eastmond (Sutton

Summary: Roarie Deacon's late winner helped non-league Sutton United beat League Two side Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup second round.


Elections are being held in 27 English county councils and seven unitary authorities, last contested in 2009, as well as in Anglesey in Wales. Labour are defending the South Shields seat in a contest caused by the resignation of David Miliband in March. Mayoral contests are also being held in Doncaster and North Tyneside. Polls for all the contests opened at 07:00 BST, and close at 22:00 BST. Blue sky and sunshine are covering much of England, as millions of voters choose who will represent them on their local council. More than 2,300 seats are up for grabs in county councils and unitary authorities across the length and breadth of England, including Derbyshire, Lancashire, Somerset, Essex, Surrey, Leicestershire, Kent, Durham, Bristol and Cornwall. The Conservatives and Labour are putting up candidates in most seats, with 2,263 and 2,168 candidates respectively. The Lib Dems have 1,763 candidates. UKIP is fielding 1,745 candidates, three times as many as it did the last time these seats were fought in 2009, and the Greens have 893 candidates. Other parties standing include the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, which is fighting 120 seats, the BNP, with 99 candidates and the English Democrats, with 38 candidates. There are around 900 independent candidates. No elections are taking place in London, Scotland or Northern Ireland. The majority of council results are expected on Friday between 11:00 BST and 18:30 BST, although six councils - Lincolnshire, Dorset, Somerset, Essex, Gloucestershire and Hampshire - will declare their results in the early hours of Friday morning. The result for the South Shields by-election is also expected early on Friday morning.

Summary: Voters across England are going to the polls for council elections and a parliamentary by-election in South Shields.


North Wales Police added that from those tests, 60 arrests were made. It follows a report earlier in December which said motorists are more likely to be tested for drink driving in north Wales than anywhere else in the UK. Det Ch Con Gareth Pritchard warned motorists not to be tempted to drink and drive. He said: "Officers will continue to carry out breath tests across north Wales as part of our campaign to reduce deaths on the roads."

Summary: More than 13,000 people have been tested for drink and drug driving in north Wales the run up to Christmas, police said.


Media playback is not supported on this device Then you look at the statistics, and a more complicated picture emerges: a 30-point winning margin but less possession than Italy, less territory, more tackles missed and fewer line breaks made. Nit-picking or nagging doubts? That is the problem with thrilling wins like the one in Cardiff: they inflate expectations, convince the giddy that a team is not just ascendant but untroubled. England started slowly, again, and were once again behind with a quarter of the contest gone. They then took control for half an hour, played with pace and imagination and considerable verve, and were out of sight by the time Italy staged their late and immaterial fight-back. That will be enough for some. In the corresponding fixture two years ago Stuart Lancaster's men were held try-less. In Jonathan Joseph they had not only Saturday's outstanding performer but a young dancer and dasher who is terrifying defenders and delighting supporters every time he is given the ball. Lancaster, for one, wants more. Miss 22 tackles in Dublin on Sunday week and he knows dreams of a Grand Slam will remain exactly that. Give away breakdown penalties to a side with a player who can kick off the tee - Ireland's Johnny Sexton will not be as profligate as Italy 10 Kelly Haimona - and it will be a far steeper road back. For George Ford, man of the match in the Millennium, this was a different sort of challenge in a different sort of match. So far in his nascent Test career the 21-year-old fly-half has had to deal with a disorganised Samoa, an Australian pack going backwards at pace and a giant Welsh back-line determined to dent both his confidence and body. A week ago there was plenty of kicking from hand, a resolve under intense pressure, a premium on his penalty points. On Saturday he could have missed every effort from the Twickenham turf and still seen his side win with something to spare. Instead it was all about the attack - controlling the tempo, choosing his options, freeing the talent outside him. He began well, clearing from his own line off his weaker foot after Ben Youngs' poor pass had cut his time and space. A minute later he was putting a probing kick deep into Italian territory, dabbing another into the 22 only to see it gathered to begin the move that led, 70 metres and two minutes later, to Sergio Parisse's opening try for Italy. Ford, as the win over Wales showed, is not cowed by early disappointment. It was his precision long-range penalty tight to the corner flag that set up England's opening try through Billy Vunipola's line-out drive, his ability to play flat to the gain-line that was creating options for the runners and ball-carriers cantering in support. Not always did he make the right choice. Half an hour in he wasted turnover ball with a poor kick straight down the gullet of his opposite number Haimona. At other times he became a fraction static, passing

Summary: After the unexpected delight for England supporters of last week's stirring comeback victory over Wales, Saturday's 47-17 win over Italy appears a predictable pleasure: six tries, some scintillating running, a 21st victory in 21 contests between the two.


Unconfirmed media reports say that Chinese troops have entered what India says is its territory near the disputed border. "Chumar sector in eastern Ladakh remained active with Chinese Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) troops involved in tactical manoeuvre with the Indian army to exercise dominance by transgressing the Line of Actual Control (the de facto border)," reports the Hindustan Times. Papers also report that the army chief, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, has cancelled his Bhutan visit due to the tensions on the border. "The decision to put off the trip has been taken at a time when, for the last more than 10 days, Chinese troops have been sitting on this side of the Indian boundary in Chumar area of Ladakh," says a report on the First Post website. Some media outlets say the tensions are likely to "undo" the progress made during Chinese President Xi Jinping's India visit last week. Mr Xi and PM Narendra Modi had shown a keen interest in improving bilateral ties. "The great bonhomie generated between Asia's giants at Ahmedabad and New Delhi is withering away in the windswept cold desert of Ladakh," says the India Today website. Moving on to other stories, Abhinav Bindra, one of India's top Indian shooters, on Tuesday won two bronze medals in the ongoing Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, The Times of India reports. His good performance comes a day after he announced his retirement from the sport. Bindra on Monday tweeted that the ongoing Asian Games could be his last competitive event. "Tomorrow will mark the end of my professional shooting life! I will however still shoot, compete as a hobby shooter training twice a week," he tweeted. And finally, papers are praising India's space agency after the country's maiden mission to Mars "entered the Martian neighbourhood" on Monday. Launched last November, the spacecraft - known as Mangalyaan - will complete a 300-day journey to reach the orbit on Wednesday. "If successful, India will become the first country to make it to Mars in its maiden attempt, propelling it to an elite club of space race leaders," the Hindustan Times reports. BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. For more reports from BBC Monitoring, click here. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.

Summary: Media reports say that Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a "stand-off" in a disputed territory near the two countries' de facto border


Officers were contacted with reports of a man seen in Colchester, thought to resemble one of the offenders involved in the attempted abduction in Norfolk. A victim was threatened with a knife by two men who tried to force him into a car near the Norfolk base last week. Police investigating the incident at RAF Marham confirmed the sighting was not one of the suspects. Live: Follow updates on this story The Norfolk force issued an e-fit earlier this week in an attempt to track down the two men, who fled the scene in a dark-coloured people carrier, which the police are still trying to trace. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said safety of personnel was "paramount".

Summary: A sighting of a man near a barracks is not linked to an investigation into a kidnap bid at RAF Marham, police said.


Charteris left Newport Gwent Dragons for Perpignan in 2012 and then signed for Racing 92 in 2014. The 62-cap, 6ft 9in player is out of contract at the end of the 2015-16 season and would then join the Premiership club. Gloucester had also held discussions with the 32-year-old, while the Dragons had hoped to re-sign him. Racing and Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips believes Charteris' departure would be a blow for the French club. "If we do lose his talents then obviously it is a massive loss. He is one of Wales' best players at the moment," he said. "There are not many 6ft 9in guys who can make as many tackles as he makes - 18 or 20 tackles [a game]. "He carries balls, he scrummages well, he can do everything on the rugby field and is such an athlete." Newport Gwent Dragons coach Kingsley Jones said they would like to re-sign Charteris, but feared they would be outbid by English and French clubs. Bath already have a Wales lock in their squad. Dominic Day joined the club in 2012 and signed a contract extension with them in January 2015. In October, last season's Premiership runners-up missed out on the signing of Dragons back-row forward Taulupe Faletau after Wales coach Warren Gatland blocked the move. Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland is also at Bath and concentrating on his club career during a sabbatical from Test rugby.

Summary: Wales second-row Luke Charteris is set to join Bath from Racing 92 on a three-year contract.


The captain, who retired hurt on 60 with a back problem on the first day in Adelaide, returned to make 128. "The way he played speaks words for the guy," said Steve Smith, who hit 162 not out as Australia reached 517-7. The Test was delayed after Hughes, 25, died after being struck by a ball while playing for South Australia. Clarke, 33, helped carry his team-mate's coffin and made an emotional speech at his funeral on 3 December. Clarke, who received a standing ovation from the Adelaide Oval crowd after reaching three figures, celebrated his century by kissing his helmet and embracing Smith. "He came out here and tried to do something for Hughesy," said Smith. "He certainly did that." Smith also praised Clarke for his efforts over the past three weeks. "It's been tough for all of us, but he's spent the whole time by Hughesy's family's side," said Smith. "Just the strength and courage he's showed throughout those times was unbelievable." Australian batsman David Warner also hit a century on day one of the Test and dedicated it to Hughes. The Test is the first in a four-match series, which ends in January.

Summary: Michael Clarke scored a century on day two of the opening Test against India, Australia's first match since the death of batsman Phillip Hughes.


More than 90 others were wounded. The man was held in Bayingolin prefecture, to the south of Urumqi. The other four suspects died in the attack, officials told Xinhua. The authorities have announced a one-year campaign against militant violence in Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority. Two vehicles drove into crowds at a market in Urumqi and threw explosives in Thursday's attack. One of the vehicles then blew up. Previous reports had suggested all five suspects had died in the attack. Xinhua quoted police as saying the men took part in "illegal religious activities" and "watched and listened to terrorist violence video and audio materials". Xinjiang has seen a spate of attacks in recent years. Beijing has blamed these - and other recent mass-casualty attacks - on Uighur separatists. These include an attack in Beijing, where a car ploughed into pedestrians in Tiananmen Square, killing five people, and attacks at railway stations in Urumqi and Kunming. China says it is pouring money into the Xinjiang region, but some Uighurs say their traditions and freedoms are being crushed.

Summary: Authorities in China say they have held a suspect over Thursday's attack on a market in Urumqi in Xinjiang province in which 39 people died.


The 20-year-old striker was sent off by Mike Jones in Blues' 2-0 win on Saturday. But an FA Regulatory Commission upheld Blues' appeal for wrongful dismissal. Adams is now free to play against Bristol City on Sunday, with Harry Redknapp's side needing victory to secure Championship safety. Blues are 20th in the table and go to Aston Gate two points clear of the relegation zone but with an inferior goal difference to Nottingham Forest and Blackburn immediately below them.

Summary: Che Adams will be available to play in Birmingham City's final game of the season after his red card against Huddersfield was rescinded.


Richard McAuley, 42, from Townhill Road in Portglenone pleaded guilty to the murder of Denise Dunlop, aged 32. The fatal stabbing occurred in the living room of Ms Dunlop's Centuripe Avenue home in Ballymena last June. The court heard that as a result of the attack, the couple's daughter suffered a "complex and traumatic experience". McAuley was told by the judge, Mr Justice Weir, that he had caused "enormous and permanent harm" to his daughter. The court heard that prior to the attack, on the evening of 14 June, Ms Dunlop and McAuley had gone to her father's house. As they made their way back home in a taxi accompanied by Ms Dunlop's step-mother, the taxi stopped at an off-licence where alcohol was bought. When the taxi arrived back at Centuripe Avenue, Ms Dunlop's seven-year old daughter returned home from the babysitter's and they watched football on the TV. A row between the couple then broke out - possibly over an ice cream that was given to the girl - which resulted in what Mr Justice Weir described as "mutual pushing and pulling". As Ms Dunlop sat on the sofa, McAuley went to the kitchen where he armed himself with a knife. He returned to the living room, where he stabbed his partner three times in the upper body in front of their daughter and Ms Dunlop's step-mother. A wound to her chest, which passed through her left lung and heart, proved to be the fatal injury. Mr Justice Weir said the killing was "senseless" and told McAuley his actions had deprived a young girl of her mother. Saying the row was "fuelled by drink and drugs", the judge said a young woman had died in a row which was "almost unbelievable in its triviality". Since murdering Ms Dunlop, the court heard McAuley had made the case that he acted as he did due to provocation. However, the judge said that while he accepted the couple's 13-year relationship was on and off - largely due to McAuley's substance abuse - there was no history of violence between the couple, and there was "no justification" for McAuley's actions. Mr Justice Weir told McAuley: "You are a powerfully built man of six feet one, while the deceased was a foot shorter. There was no excuse for bringing a knife into this silly domestic dispute. "The deceased was very drunk, and the prescription drugs she had taken would have made her intoxication worse. She was no threat to you." The judge also told McAuley he did not believe his claims that he did not intent to kill Ms Dunlop, and that the knife attack was carried out in front of their daughter and Mrs Dunlop "without a thought for the consequences for them." The court heard McAuley has 44 previous convictions.

Summary: A County Antrim man who stabbed his partner to death in front of their seven-year-old daughter has been given a minimum 12-year sentence.


Bohn, ranked world number 71, had chest pains following the second round and called for a medic. "He was taken by ambulance to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, where tests revealed a mild heart attack," a PGA Tour statement said. "Jason is resting comfortably and in good spirits," his agent added. "He is scheduled to have more tests this weekend," Justin Richmond said. "We know he appreciates the concern from so many people in the PGA Tour family who have reached out." The PGA Tour statement added Bohn's wife was at "home in Atlanta but his in-laws joined him at the hospital, as did fellow player George McNeill, who said Bohn was in good spirits". Bohn carded 72 in the second round, which would have seen him make the cut at the PGA National. Saturday's third round proceeded without Bohn, and finished with Spain's Sergio Garcia and Australia's Adam Scott sharing a commanding four-shot lead over America's Blayne Barber. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy missed the cut for a second year.

Summary: American two-time PGA Tour winner Jason Bohn has suffered a heart attack at the age of 42 during the Honda Classic in Florida.


James Purnell said it would increase non-payment and cost the BBC £200m. The sum is the equivalent of BBC Four, CBBC and CBeebies, which would have to be taken off air, Mr Purnell said at an event to relaunch the iPlayer service. Culture Secretary Maria Miller said the move should be discussed during talks to renew the BBC's charter before 2017. Mr Purnell, who previously held the post in the Labour government, said "it would be a huge risk to do it now". "The choice would be: either we take those services off or the government would have to have a higher licence fee," he said in reference to BBC Four - the arts and culture channel - and the BBC's children's stations. He argued decriminalisation would inevitably lead to greater non-payment of the TV licence, which would force an increase in the fee. It is currently £145.50 and has been frozen at that annual amount since 2010. It is needed to watch or record live broadcasts on any device. In 2012 about 155,000 people were convicted and fined for not paying the licence fee, while there were some 180,000 prosecutions. Mr Purnell added downgrading licence fee evasion to a civil offence would penalise the poor. "Either you have a low penalty - in which case the evasion rates would go up and everyone would have to pay a higher licence fee - or a penalty which is higher and more difficult to pay," he said. The BBC has previously said "legislation is a matter for the government". "Just a 1% increase in evasion would lead to the loss of around £35m, the equivalent of around 10 BBC local radio stations," it added. The government has floated the idea to ease pressure on the courts system. But it will not be discussed before charter renewal talks - which determine how the BBC is funded what it does and how it is managed. The current BBC charter runs out in 2016. Meanwhile, Labour MP John McDonnell has tabled an Early Day Motion in parliament calling on the BBC to reverse its decision to close BBC Three as a television channel. The motion stated BBC Three has been the home of programmes including Gavin and Stacey, and raised fears changes could lead to compulsory redundancies. It added the BBC should receive a licence fee increase that tracks inflation when the corporation's charter is renewed next year.

Summary: Decriminalising TV licence fee evasion could close BBC channels, the corporation's strategy director has warned.


Some of these traditions have been going on since Victorian times, while others are relatively recent creations. BBC News revisited scenes from London's festive past to see how things have changed over 170 years. App users should tap here to fully explore the interactive images, or on each individual picture to compare archive and modern-day London. The hustle and bustle of Leadenhall Market was captured on Christmas eve in 1845, when it was a place to buy meat and poultry. The market, which began operating in the 14th Century, looks different these days following a redesign in 1881 when the stone structure was replaced with glass and wrought iron. The produce on sale has also changed. Today's Christmas shoppers are unlikely to find raw meat but instead gift shops, pubs, restaurants and the occasional film crew (it has been used as a location for several movies including the first Harry Potter film). Regent Street claims to be the first central London street to have had a Christmas lights display, having first put them on show in 1954. This year's theme has been called The Spirit of Christmas, which organisers say is a reminder of the street's "festive heritage". Selfridges on Oxford Street has been a popular destination for Christmas shoppers for more than a century. The store was opened in 1909 by Harry Gordon Selfridge after he arrived in the capital from Chicago. The outbreak of World War Two did not stop some Oxford Street stores marking Christmas. In 1939, sandbags were placed around the display windows of Selfridges to protect the glass against feared bombing raids. The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square has been given to London by the people of Norway since 1947, as a gift for Britain's support during World War Two. The layout of the square may have changed slightly but the tree remains a popular destination for tourists. In 1922, Christmas mail from across the UK was piled up on the platforms at Paddington Station before being delivered to addresses across the capital. The same platforms have been used by travellers this year to make their way out of the city before the station shuts for several days for engineering works. Petticoat Lane Market in the East End is thought to be one of Britain's oldest surviving markets, having first begun operating in the 1750s. It is best known for selling clothing and leather goods, and while it may appear to have been a lot busier in December 1938, it still attracts shoppers - particularly for the main market on Sundays. In the heart of the West End, Carnaby Street found fame when it became the centre of "Swinging London" in the 1960s. The Christmas lights in 1967 reflected this, as does this year's display which has been inspired by the V&A museum's new exhibition "You Say You Want A Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970". All archive images courtesy of Getty Images.

Summary: There are many famous ways that Christmas is celebrated in London, from the lights of Oxford Street to the Trafalgar Square tree.


The first and deputy first ministers used powers under what is known the Royal Prerogative to create the role for former BBC journalist David Gordon. Mr Gordon edited the BBC's Nolan Show. The Newsletter has discovered the law was changed using the highly unusual procedure to enable the post to be filled without being advertised. The Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt, who is the leader of the Opposition at the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he was not made aware of the move. Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), accused First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of "flagrantly breaching due process". "How many spin doctors does Stormont need? They already have 161," Mr Allister told the Newsletter. "How ironic that the latest appointee is the very person who hitherto would have railed against and exposed the contrived process by which he was appointed." When contacted by the BBC, Mr Gordon said he could not comment on the issue. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Executive Office said: "It is normal practice in politics in London and Dublin as well as other devolved governments for ministers to select the people who provide them specialist communications advice. "Those trying to throw dirt know that very well. "The appointment of the executive press secretary is in full accordance with the powers at the disposal of the first minister and deputy first minister and they make this Order under the powers conferred on them by section 23 (3) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998." The office's spokesperson described the reaction from opposition politicians as "panic and hysteria". Mr Gordon is also a former Belfast Telegraph journalist and following his appointment on Tuesday, the first and deputy first ministers expressed delight. They said they wanted their new press secretary to provide them with expert advice and spearhead the communication of Stormont's policies. However, the method used to hire him has raised questions from serving and former public appointments commissioners. The current public appointments commissioner Judena Leslie has written to the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service over the appointment. In a statement on Friday, she said: "It is in the public interest that the principles of openness and transparency are adhered to."

Summary: Opposition politicians have expressed concern about the use of a special legal procedure to appoint a new Stormont press secretary.


Some 1,500 officers have been deployed to the Olympic Stadium area, authorities have said. Officials are in high alert following Tuesday's attacks in Brussels. Last year, a friendly between Germany and the Netherlands in Hannover was called off two hours before its start due to a security threat, four days after the Paris attacks. One of the targets in Paris was the Stade de France, where Germany were playing France in a friendly match. Some 72,000 people are expected to attend Saturday's match in Berlin between two of the favourites for June's Euro 2016. In the hours ahead of the game, fans gathered around the stadium amid a heavy security presence. They face security checks and bag searches before entering the arena. "This is of course a very large event drawing lots of people. Like all large events, there is a certain risk involved, so we are well prepared," Berlin police spokesman Stefan Redlich told Reuters news agency. "We searched the Olympic stadium with dogs trained to sniff out explosives before we let the fans in. So we can be relatively certain that there are no dangerous objects in the stadium."

Summary: Security is tight in the German capital, Berlin, Germany host England in a friendly football match.


Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

Summary: Catch up on some of the entertainment stories from the past seven days that you might have missed.


Two of the songs come from the Don Quixote musical Man of La Mancha, which was a Broadway smash in the 1960s. "As far as I am concerned, Don Quixote is the most metal fictional character that I know," the Hobbit star said. "Single handed, he is trying to change the world, regardless of any personal consequences. It is a wonderful character to sing." The album also includes an ear-splitting version of Frank Sinatra's My Way - originally written by Paul Anka - which Lee originally released in 2006. "My Way is a very remarkable song," said the star in a YouTube preview. "It is also difficult to sing because you've got to convince people that what you're singing about is the truth." Sir Christopher launched his singing career in the 1990s, with an album of Broadway tunes, including I Stole The Prince from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers, and Epiphany from Sweeney Todd. In 2010, his album Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross, which told the story of the first Holy Roman Emperor won a Spirit of Metal Award from Metal Hammer magazine. His latest release, Metal Knight, is a collaboration with Italian symphonic metal band, Rhapsody Of Fire. "I associate heavy metal with fantasy because of the tremendous power that the music delivers," he has said. The actor is known for his numerous appearances as Dracula, as well as playing Scaramanga in The Man With The Golden Gun, Saruman in Lord Of The Rings, and Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels. Last year, he was presented with a fellowship from the British Film Institute.

Summary: Actor Sir Christopher Lee is marking his 92nd birthday by releasing an album of heavy metal cover versions.


The board of ARM is expected to recommend shareholders accept the offer - which is around a 43% premium on its closing market value of £16.8bn on Friday. The Cambridge-based firm designs microchips used in most smartphones, including Apple's and Samsung's. ARM, which was founded in 1990, employs more than 3,000 people. Shares in the UK technology firm surged by 45% at the open of the London Stock Exchange to 1,742.85p per share, adding £7.56bn to ARM's market value. ARM said it would keep its headquarters in Cambridge and that it would at least double the number of its staff over the next five years. Softbank is one of the world's biggest technology companies and is run by its founder, Japanese entrepreneur Masayoshi Son. It has previously acquired Vodafone's Japanese operations and the US telecoms company Sprint. The $20bn deal was the biggest foreign acquisition by a Japanese firm at the time. The new deal will be funded by Softbank's own cash reserves and a long term loan from Japan's Mizuho Bank. It's hard to exaggerate just how important ARM is to the UK tech sector - and the shock many are feeling this morning at the news that it is about to lose its independence. Its brilliance was to realise that if chips were about to come with everything, you didn't have to make them - designing them was the key. Five years ago, Cambridge was home to at least three world-beating UK-owned technology firms, ARM, Autonomy and Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR). Then Autonomy was swallowed up by HP in an ill-fated deal, last year the chipmaker Qualcomm bought CSR, and now the biggest and best, ARM, is about to have a Japanese owner. And in Softbank, ARM may well have found a good parent. The Japanese firm bought France's Aldebaran robotics business and has gone on to give it a global profile. But there will still be sadness this morning in Cambridge, and beyond, that Britain's best hope of building a global technology giant now appears to have gone. Softbank-ARM deal is a bet on the future Softbank intends to preserve the UK tech firm's organisation, including its existing senior management structure and partnership-based business model, ARM said. Masayoshi Son, chairman and chief executive of Softbank, said: "This is one of the most important acquisitions we have ever made, and I expect ARM to be a key pillar of SoftBank's growth strategy going forward. However, the co-founder of ARM Hermann Hauser said: "This is a sad day for me and a sad day for technology in Britain." "ARM is the last British [technology] company that has a global reach," he said. "It gave Britain real strength. It was a British company that determined the next generation microprocessor architecture." ARM Holdings is arguably the most precious jewel in the crown of British technology, its microchip designs are used in billions of devices. Sources close to the deal say the Japanese company considers ARM well placed to exploit the so called "internet of things" which may see microchips embedded in whole new

Summary: UK technology firm ARM Holdings is to be bought by Japan's Softbank for £24bn ($32bn) it confirmed on Monday.


The banned cult was responsible for a deadly sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995, which killed 13 people and injured 5,000. Ten people were detained in the St Petersburg raids, Itar-Tass news agency says. Forty-four Russians expelled from Montenegro are also being investigated. Aum leader Shoko Asahara and 12 other cultists got death sentences in Japan. The Russian raids targeted the homes and places of worship of suspected Aum cultists. Russian prosecutors say the cult has been pressurising people for donations. They suspect it has up to 30,000 followers in Russia. Aum Shinrikyo began as a spiritual group mixing Hindu and Buddhist beliefs but became a paranoid doomsday cult obsessed with Armageddon. Some 189 Aum cultists have been put on trial in Japan. Their leader Shoko Asahara was sentenced to death in 2004 and remains on death row.

Summary: Russian police have raided 25 premises in Moscow and St Petersburg linked to the Japanese Aum Shinrikyo cult.


Met commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has asked Sir Richard Henriques to make recommendations about whether there are ways to improve procedures. The Operation Midland inquiry into a 1970s and 1980s paedophile ring is among inquiries that will be examined. The force has come under fire amid claims it over-reacted to allegations. Former head of the Army Lord Bramall, 92, who last month found out he would not face any further action in connection with Operation Midland, had called for a review. His solicitor Drew Pettifer said Lord Bramall welcomed any review that would make "the process fairer and less painful". The peer strongly denied claims made by a man given the name "Nick", and said detectives had taken 10 months before speaking to witnesses who cast doubt on the case. There has also been scrutiny of the Met Police's handling of an investigation into a rape allegation against the late Lord Brittan, a former Home Secretary. He died in January 2015 without being told that the case had been dropped. Critics have questioned whether Sir Bernard's contract, up in September this year, should be renewed. Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz has asked that he appear in front of MPs to answer questions about the Met's handling of the cases. Analysis: Press turns both barrels on the Met Police Sir Peter Fahy, a former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, told BBC Newsnight he felt some of the criticism Sir Bernard was receiving was unfair and that he was a "remarkable police leader". However, he said that in the same position he would apologise to Lord Britten's wife for the delay in informing him his case had been dropped. "There is clearly a particular issue about a delay... that is a clear mistake, an error. It is not how the procedure should work," he said. "But I certainly think that no chief constable would apologise for investigating anybody." Former Conservative children's minister Tim Loughton said allegations needed investigating quickly and a decision made quickly so people were "not left in the public domain hung out to dry and not given natural justice". The judge's review will contain confidential and sensitive information and will be a private report for Sir Bernard, but its key findings and the recommendations will be made public later this year. It will look at police procedure rather than evidence. Sir Bernard said: "We are not afraid to learn how we can do these things better. "Sir Richard brings an independent legal mind to advise us whether we can provide a better balance between our duty to investigate and the interests of suspects, complainants and victims." He said Judge Lowell Goddard, who is chairing the wide-ranging independent inquiry into child sex abuse, had been notified of the review. The announcement of the Henriques review is a significant moment. The Met Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is asking the judge: "Did we get it right or did we get it wrong?" when responding to allegations of child sexual abuse. The idea is that this review will be able to

Summary: A former High Court judge is to review the Metropolitan Police's handling of cases involving claims of historical child abuse by public figures.


Both men retired on 105 as they punished a tiring students attack. Donald, 19, is the second youngest player to reach three figures for Glamorgan. The record is still held by Mike Llewellyn, who was aged 18 when he scored a century against Cambridge University in 1972. Donald had previously made 98 in the final game of the 2015 season against Gloucestershire. "It was nice to tick it off, it's been looming over me a bit during the winter. It's really special, nice to get over the line in the first game of the season," Donald told BBC Wales Sport. "Pleased for Dai as well, to have two maiden first-class tons in one game was a pretty good effort." Lloyd, whose previous best was 92 at Northampton in 2015, reached his century with a six. "I was just pleased to get over the line, and for Aneurin as well," he said. "Last season was a stepping stone for me and hopefully I can go one step further with bat and ball." The pair's run-scoring feats are likely to provide a difficult selection decision for Glamorgan's Championship opener against Leicestershire, with South Africa international batsman Colin Ingram yet to come into the side. "Hopefully we've put ourselves up there for selection. It's about being in the mix, and you can't ask any more of ourselves to both get hundreds," said Donald. "We accept this year there's going to be more competition for places which is a great thing for the club, pushing us as batters and bowlers." Donald could still beat Matthew Maynard's record for the youngest Championship century, achieved in 1985. Earlier Glamorgan's top order had all spent time at the wicket without going on to make big scores, as James Turpin and Alex Thomson claimed two wickets apiece. The run-scoring exploits came after day one of the three-day match was washed out.

Summary: Glamorgan batsmen Aneurin Donald and David Lloyd both hit maiden first-class centuries as they piled up 444-7 against Cardiff MCCU.


The plane came down en route to Russia from the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. A group linked to so-called Islamic State (IS) said it bombed the plane. Nearly all the victims were Russians. Russia has said a bomb brought down the Metrojet Airbus, after finding what it said were "traces of foreign explosives" on the debris. It has vowed to "find and punish" the perpetrators. In response to Monday's findings, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov re-iterated that "our experts concluded this was a terrorist attack". Russian plane crash: What we know Russia suspended all flights to Egypt in the wake of the attack, with the UK also suspending flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh. However, the head of the Egyptian committee investigating the crash, Ayman al-Muqaddim, was quoted by state TV on Monday as saying there was "no evidence that there is an act of terror or illegal intervention". IS-affiliate Sinai Province said it had destroyed the plane because of Russian air strikes on Syria. Last month IS's magazine published a photo of what it claimed was the improvised bomb that brought down the airliner. The picture in Dabiq showed a Schweppes Gold soda can and what appears to be a detonator and a switch. The crash has dealt another blow to Egypt's vital tourism industry, already struggling after years of unrest. Egypt's tourism minister told Reuters earlier this month that tourism revenues for 2015 will be at least 10% below last year's.

Summary: Egyptian investigators say they have so far found no evidence that terrorism caused a Russian jet to crash in the Sinai in October, killing 224 people.


The 65-year-old said he was going to "miss it dreadfully" but there always comes a point when things must end. Sir Eric also served as secretary for communities and local government between 2010 and 2015. He is one of several high-profile MPs who are standing down, including George Osborne and Alan Johnson. Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday she intended to call a snap general election, a move that was backed by MPs the following day. The election will take place on 8 June. Labour MP for Nottingham North Graham Allen also announced on Saturday that he is to step down as an MP, due to ill health. Speaking to the BBC, Sir Eric said: "I think it's always better to leave when people are asking why you're going, rather than why you're staying. "I'd always decided this was going to be my last Parliament having served 25 years and came to the view that it was time Brentwood and Ongar had a new MP." He said he had told Mrs May of his decision, and wrote on Twitter that he would be continuing in his role as the prime minister's special envoy on post-Holocaust issues. Which MPs are quitting - and who might stand? In a letter sent to his local Conservative association, Sir Eric wrote: "It has been an enormous honour to represent the constituency for 25 years; Brentwood and Ongar is a wonderful place to live. "Throughout that quarter of century, I have enjoyed success and some setbacks, but have always been sustained by the friendship back home in the patch." He added that he was grateful for the invitation to serve a further five years but that after "much heart searching" he had concluded it was the "right time for Brentwood and Ongar to have a new representative in Westminster". Sir Eric, who was born in Yorkshire into a Labour-supporting family, joined the Keighley Young Conservatives in 1968, going on to become chairman. He was knighted in 2015. Formerly a Eurosceptic, in 2016 he joined the group of Conservative MPs supporting the campaign to remain in the European Union subject to David Cameron's renegotiations. Sir Eric was responsible for the Localism Act of 2011 that changed the powers of local government in England. The measures effected by the Act include more elected mayors and referendums.

Summary: Sir Eric Pickles, the former Conservative Party chairman, has announced he is standing down as Brentwood and Ongar MP after 25 years.


Shelvey had a hand in both goals as Ayoze Perez curled in a low shot before Georginio Wijnaldum side-footed in from six yards to make it 2-0. Media playback is not supported on this device A stray backpass by Chancel Mbemba let Nikica Jelavic score for the Hammers. Newcastle squandered a number of chances but held on for a first win in six league games. Magpies striker Aleksandar Mitrovic produced a hard-working performance but was denied by Hammers keeper Adrian three times. Missed opportunities almost cost the home side, but keeper Rob Elliot kept out a 90th-minute Cheikhou Kouyate header with his knee. Relive all the action from St James' Park here. Follow reaction to Saturday's games here. Very good. The 23-year-old midfielder, signed for £12m from Swansea, showed the kind of passing, creativity and energy which helped him break into the England squad earlier this season. With just six minutes on the clock, Shelvey found Wijnaldum, who laid the ball off for Perez to open the scoring. The new signing then helped set up his side's second with a raking 60-yard ball to Daryl Janmaat, who crossed for Wijnaldum to score his ninth Magpies goal of the season. Victory moved Newcastle out of the relegation zone at the expense of Swansea, where Shelvey said he had been "hung out to dry". "I've enjoyed every minute I've been up here," said Shelvey. "It's nice to get out there and show what I am about. "It's not about me. It is about the team. We are out of the relegation zone and it's onwards and upwards from here. "I'm very shocked this team is in and around the relegation places. Normally it is hard coming into a new team and slotting straight in, but credit to the players and staff here." Steve McClaren was cruelly dubbed the 'wally with the brolly' when his England side were beaten by a Croatia team managed by Slaven Bilic in 2007. That defeat ended England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008, and McClaren duly lost his job. Bilic also came out on top when the Hammers won the reverse fixture earlier this season, but McClaren deservedly emerged victorious this time. The visitors were overwhelmed in the first half and, despite improving after the break, would have been beaten more convincingly had it not been for Adrian. Newcastle manager Steve McClaren: "They must have gone in at half-time thinking 'wow, get in' because it was only 2-0. "Then we gifted them a goal, but we didn't get nervous. We kept playing, we had chances that we didn't take but defended well and saw the game through. Media playback is not supported on this device "Jonjo is a very, very good player with real potential and it will suit him playing in this team, a team of footballers." West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "They scored two goals very early and it gave them confidence, but from the first minute of the game they were getting to second balls and looked hungrier, sharper, quicker. "In the second half, we improved

Summary: Jonjo Shelvey made an impressive debut for Newcastle as he helped his side move out of the relegation zone with a win over West Ham.


The 28-year-old's nine-year-old daughter was also threatened by a member of the gang, who had a knife. The burglary happened at their home in the Turf Hill area at about 05:30 BST on Wednesday, Greater Manchester Police said. The three balaclava-wearing men stole cash, jewellery and a mobile phone before fleeing. The offender carrying the gun, said to be a small silver metal handgun, was described as Asian, slim and aged between 20 and 30. The man with the knife was black, between 30 and 40, of a medium build and with bloodshot eyes. It is believed they were met by three other men outside the property. Police are now appealing for anyone with information to contact them. Det Con Rich Shelton said: "This gang targeted a mum and her young daughter, even stooping as low as to hold a gun to the head of a woman who was clearly heavily pregnant and absolutely terrified. "Thankfully they were not physically injured and the unborn baby not harmed but the emotional trauma they have suffered is immeasurable."

Summary: A heavily pregnant woman had a gun pressed to her head when masked burglars broke into her Rochdale home.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 19 January 2015 Last updated at 17:00 GMT He can play a small toy piano and is even named after a musician. Ludwig recently celebrated his third birthday with his owners Liane Scholz and Mike Maughan. Simon Ward reports.

Summary: A Vietnamese pot-bellied pig who has moved to Derby is apparently a music-loving pet.


For Volkswagen, the reaction to the revelations that it deliberately tried to game tests supposed to reduce pollution will be as vital in determining the long term damage to the company as the fact of the original offence. Today's review of how Thomas Cook dealt with the deaths of Bobbi and Christi Shepherd in 2006 shows how the tragedy was then compounded by the company's reaction - a company, it should be noted, which says it tries to "consistently meet and exceed the expectations of its customers". Take one small example - Thomas Cook's response to a request from the family for legal support during the inquest. In 2014, the company turned down the request, only reversing their position after Peter Fankhauser, Thomas Cook's chief executive, met Sharon Wood and Neil Shepherd, Bobbi and Christi's parents, this year. "The fact that this tragic situation spanned almost 9 years is testimony to how much the legal rather than human considerations dominated the landscape," Justin King writes in his report. Earlier attempts by the family to meet previous chief executives were rebuffed or ignored, Mr King reveals. He makes it clear that at the time of the tragedy the company was focused on "financial, contracting, the airlines and destination" and has only recently been "moving to create a real customer focus". The report says that the "destination management" process - which encompasses the famous "holiday rep" that is often the first point of call for holidaymakers - saw its role as the "maximisation of revenue for the minimum of cost". That can lead to tensions and a "misalignment of goals", with cost cutting leading to less time spent with holidaymakers and failing online systems. In one instance, Mr King reveals, IT systems are so poor, staff in holiday destinations cannot access the Thomas Cook website. In such an environment health and safety - often the general butt of jokes about officialdom gone mad - can appear a Cinderella service, under-resourced and under-powered. Indeed Mr King says that Thomas Cook's Health and Safety Management System, despite being an "excellent framework", suffered from "a number of significant shortcomings in [its] implementation and operation". How many businesses could confidently say that was not the same in their company? Even now, Mr King believes that, the new contract Thomas Cook has signed for the provision of health and safety auditing within the company is "at the lower end of the scale, reflecting budgetary constraints". "Adequate" is the best Mr King can say of the present approach, and information on customer complaints - often an early warning of problems - is "not collected with sufficient robustness", he says. Different parts of the business operate in silos, and the sharing of information is not what it should be. Every company chief executive should read Mr King's report. And reflect on now many of the problems he has identified are also true of the businesses they run.

Summary: In an era when there is considerable suspicion about the motivation of businesses, the ability of a company to react to a crisis in a way that reveals it to be run by human beings rather than faceless chief executives is of paramount importance.


The General Medical Council has produced the guidance to make surgical and non-surgical procedures, such as facelifts, breast implants, dermal fillers and Botox, safer. It will now consult doctors and the public about the guidance. Plastic surgeons said they were already using a two-week cooling-off period. In 2013, a report by NHS England's medical director highlighted the risks associated with the cosmetic sector. This followed safety concerns after nearly 50,000 women in the UK had PIP breast implants fitted. The French implants were made from an unauthorised silicone filler and were found to have double the rupture rate of other implants. In January, the Royal College of Surgeons published a consultation on proposals to improve standards in cosmetic surgery. The GMC sets the standards that are expected of all UK doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures. It also tries to help patients understand what to expect from their doctor. Some of the main points in the new guidance say that doctors should: Prof Terence Stephenson, the chairman of the General Medical Council, said some patients in this area were vulnerable and needed protecting. "We are clear that doctors must not pressure patients to make rushed decisions they may end up regretting and they must give them enough information so they can make an informed choice." Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and former President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), welcomed the GMC's guidance because he said some patients were psychologically unsuitable for cosmetic surgery. "Cosmetic surgery has for too long been seen as a commodity but unfortunately once an operation is done - it can't be taken back to the shop." He said Baaps had insisted on a two-week cooling-off period for many years and also encouraged a second consultation with a surgeon before a decision was made. The association is looking into developing a screening tool to help identify patients who should not have surgery. The final GMC guidance is expected to be published in early 2016.

Summary: Doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures should give patients time to think before agreeing to go ahead, new guidance says.


The new deal with French oil and gas company Total will begin with the 2017 Africa cup of Nations finals in Gabon. For the time being the value of the deal has not been revealed. "The parties have agreed not to release the amount of the deal for time being," Caf's director of communication, Junior Binyam, told BBC Sport. Total take over from mobile phone company Orange, whose deal came to an end in 2016, as headline sponsor of its 10 competitions. "This partnership is a major milestone in our ongoing search for additional resources to accelerate African football's development, bring its governance up to date, upgrade its sports infrastructure and advance its performance globally," Caf president Issa Hayatou said in a statement. Patrick Pouyanné, president and chief executive officer of Total, had this to say on the deal: "Football is equal parts enthusiasm, sharing and team performance, concepts that resonate across cultures. "We are delighted to partner with Caf, because Africa is part of Total's makeup. "Through this commitment, we hope to strengthen ties to our stakeholders and customers through exciting, celebratory events that are always popular, including within our own teams."

Summary: The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has signed a new main sponsor for its top club and national team competitions for the next eight years.


The sixth form at Halewood Academy in Knowsley will shut in August 2017 after the Department for Education agreed it could stop providing A-levels. Principal Gary Evans said it was "sad" but left the academy in a stronger financial position. Education chiefs pledged to get an another A level plan in place by 2017. Mr Evans said: "We shall continue to work extensively with other post-16 providers to ensure that all of our students remain in education or training once they leave the academy. "Discussions are also taking place for a future potential post-16 joint venture across Knowsley," he said. Knowsley has the lowest proportion of students taking A-levels in England at 2% and has among the lowest university entry rates in England. A letter to the school from parliamentary undersecretary of state for schools, Lord Nash, outlined the plan. He said after considering the quality of provision, the impact on existing students and the availability of post-16 education in the area "I have agreed their request to close the sixth form". Knowsley councillor Gary See said the local authority was "naturally disappointed with this outcome" but pleased there was "some clarity for the Academy and its students". He said due to the school's academy status, the council had "no powers to intervene" but had committed to working with the government to establish "new sixth form provision from September 2017". Parents at the school had protested against the closure, arguing it "is letting down the children of this community" and could block their ambitions. Students who are part-way through their studies will be able to continue at the sixth form.

Summary: A Merseyside borough will have no A-level provision after the government approved the closure of the area's only sixth form offering the qualification.


Prop Mako Vunipola, 25, and 23-year-old brother Billy, started their careers at Thornbury Rugby Club. Both have become England regulars since joining Saracens, with Mako winning 29 international caps and Billy 23. They were both junior members at the club on the outskirts of Bristol in South Gloucestershire. Roy Black, who was chairman of Thornbury RFC at the time, said they were "big lads" when they were 11 or 12 and caused the opposition "a lot of problems" "If you saw them in Thornbury and they were walking to the club or to school they'd always have a rugby ball in their hand and throwing it from one side of the road to the other over the traffic," he said. Mr Black also recounted the time when Lloyd Spacey, their PE teacher at nearby Castle School, was knocked to the ground by Mako after asking him "did he play rugby". "Mako grunted 'yes', so Lloyd picked up a tackle bag and Mako ran straight through him when he was about 13," Mr Black said.

Summary: Two international rugby stars have returned to their home club to help coach an under-10s team and to watch the first XV in action.


Seventeen years ago, he was responsible for work at a particularly troublesome oil field in Kazakhstan. "That oil field, Karazhanbas, was a real dog," he recalls, explaining that the oil there was very viscous, making it difficult to extract. "Nobody wanted it." But Mr Barak and his colleagues persevered, drilling hundreds of wells. The field was later sold in 2005 for around $2bn (Â£1.5bn), he says. Now, Mr Barak has turned his attention to the Wardlaw oil field in Edwards County, Texas. It lies in the southern corner of the Permian basin, a huge sedimentary basin in Texas and New Mexico that is associated with a high number of oil deposits. But while there are an estimated 168 million barrels at Wardlaw, only around 120,000 have ever been extracted. That's what Mr Barak and his colleague Anatoly Bazhal, principal science coordinator, hope to change. At Galex Energy Corporation, they have developed various technologies designed to dislodge hydrocarbons from the rock and move them to the surface. One example of their innovations uses acoustic waves that are "swept", a process invented by Galex in which the waves are transmitted into oil-bearing rock surrounding the oil well. Oil is trapped within that rock in tiny pores - the "reservoir" is more like a hard, wet sponge than an underground lake. To force oil out of the pores, the acoustic waves produce micro fractures in the rock that increase permeability. The area is also exposed to cycles of low and high pressure. During low pressure cycles, the trapped oil droplets are impacted dramatically. "The liquid bursts into vapour within the pore," explains Mr Barak. The pressure differential then encourages the hydrocarbons to flow towards the well where they can be drawn out of the ground. Galex hopes to drill around 25 test wells this summer to measure the effectiveness of swept and other technologies it has developed. But the process is not without risks. In a 2013 article Mr Barak and Mr Bazhal wrote, "the unauthorized and incompetent use of [the] technology swept can cause damage to the subsoil environment, property and threat to the life of staff". Nevertheless, oil and gas companies are continuing to pursue new methods and techniques like this in order to get ever more fossil fuels out of the ground. It's important to note that, traditionally, it has been commonplace for firms to recover only about a third of the oil from an oil field using existing techniques. But that is changing. There are various reasons why new extraction methods are cropping up, but a key factor was the high price of oil in recent years - between roughly 2011 and 2014 the average price of a barrel was $100 or more. "That period of time [when prices were high] allowed investments to be made in places such as very deep water in Brazil, Canadian sands and other parts of the world," explains Neil Atkinson, head of the International Energy Agency's oil industry and markets division. In other words, the oil companies invested heavily in research and development at trickier

Summary: Russian engineer Alex Barak has been coaxing oil out of the ground for a long time.


The protest by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha party is demanding a separate state for Nepali-speaking Gorkhas. A large number of paramilitary troops and police have been deployed to maintain peace in the hill region. Tourism and tea production will be worst hit by the strike, locals say. The strike began at 06:00 India time (00:30GMT) on Monday and reports say there is little traffic on the highway that connects Darjeeling with the town of Siliguri in the plains of north Bengal. About a dozen supporters of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) were held after they set a motorcycle and a car on fire in the Rambi area, the Press Trust of India news agency said. Supporters also blocked roads in the region. Darjeeling town was largely deserted with tourists staying away from the hills. Reports said 1,000 GJM supporters were protesting at Chowkbazar with party flags, while large gatherings were also reported from Jorbungalow, Mirik and Sukhiapokhri. Roads were also barricaded by the GJM in Kalimpong and Kurseong towns. The GJM has written to PM Manmohan Singh urging him to accept their demand for a separate state they want named Gorkhaland. "Our demand for Gorkhaland is an old one and generations of our people have fought for it. Now we want it because we see no future for us in West Bengal," said GJM general secretary Roshan Giri. Mr Giri said as the Congress-led government in Delhi was "considering" creating a new state of Telangana to be carved out of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, "it was about time they concede Gorkhaland". "Our demand for a separate state is as old, as justified and meaningful as that of a separate Telangana," he added. In June 2011, the GJM signed a deal with the Indian government and the government of West Bengal state for greater autonomy. The deal paved the way for the setting up of a Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), an elected body for the Darjeeling hills. It is not clear whether the GJM will now relinquish its responsibility of running the GTA. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerji has said she is upset with the revived agitation and warned that it will be "tackled in a tough way if it turned violent". The Gorkha campaign for a separate state started in the early 1980s. But a settlement that gave them considerable autonomy brought the movement to an end in 1988. However, five years ago, the movement was resumed by Gorkha hardliners who say the autonomy arrangement has not worked.

Summary: A 72-hour strike called by the main Gorkha ethnic group in India's West Bengal state has brought life to a standstill in the tea-producing Darjeeling hills.


Hamilton struggled to fourth behind the Ferraris of title leader Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen while team-mate Valtteri Bottas took a maiden win. Hamilton said: "Big congratulations to Valtteri. Fantastic job and he deserves the win. He has been fast all weekend. "For me, just a very, very odd weekend. I am just hopeful in the next races I will be able to pick up the pace." Bottas' win ensured the damage to Hamilton in the championship was limited as much as possible - Vettel now leads by 13 points but it would have been 20 had the German won the race. "It's great we are ahead of the Ferraris," the Briton said. "It has stopped Sebastian pulling away too far." Hamilton was more than half a second slower than Bottas in qualifying and as the Finn made a blistering start from third and took the lead at the first corner, Hamilton did not make ground from fourth on the grid. The 32-year-old suffered overheating problems as he chased Raikkonen in the first stint of the race and dropped back over the pit-stop period to finish 25 seconds behind the Finn and 36 behind Bottas. "I don't remember the last time we had that [overheating]," Hamilton said. "It meant I was out of the race from the get-go. "I think I had the pace to fight with Kimi but the car was just overheating the whole the time. I'm sure we will go back to the drawing board and figure it out." Bottas joined Mercedes over the winter following the retirement of world champion Nico Rosberg. Bottas said his first win felt "surreal", but added: "It's a good feeling and I am happy." He added: "I always knew I could get good results if everything goes right and I always trust in my ability. But it's nice to get confirmation that the results are possible. "It took quite a while, more than 80 races for me, but it's definitely worth the wait. This strange opportunity came to me in the winter to join the team and they made it possible, so I want to thank them." Bottas moves into third place in the championship, 23 points behind Vettel and 10 behind Hamilton. He said: "[Winning the title] has always been the only goal for me in my career but I have not had the chance to prove it. Now I have the chance to prove I can win races and titles. Two weeks ago people were saying I am the number two driver but today it looks very different."

Summary: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said he was mystified by his lack of pace in the Russian Grand Prix.


Mr Besigye, under house arrest since Friday, said Ugandans had seen "the most fraudulent electoral process". He described the poll as a sham and a creeping military coup. President Museveni, in power for 30 years, received nearly 61% of the votes, with Mr Besigye taking 35%. Foreign observers say the poll was conducted in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. While praising the "remarkable determination" of Ugandans to vote, EU chief observer Eduard Kukan said the governing National Resistance Movement's "domination of the political landscape distorted the fairness of the campaign". The election has been marred by sporadic violence and opposition allegations of electoral fraud, with social media sites and messaging apps blocked. "Today I am under house arrest," Mr Besigye said in a statement. "My home is sealed off and I am not allowed to leave. Nobody is allowed to access my home. I am also under some kind of electronic blockade. I am unable to access any form of internet service in my house. "Generally, the regime is baring its bloodied fangs and claws for all to see. This has not been an electoral process. This is a creeping military coup." It was the fourth time Mr Besigye, candidate for the opposition Forum for Democratic Change, had taken on President Museveni. The two men were once allies, with Mr Besigye serving as Mr Museveni's personal doctor when they were guerrilla fighters. He was placed under house arrest ostensibly to stop him announcing his vote score unilaterally. Mr Museveni seized power in 1986 and is credited with restoring stability to Uganda. However, critics say he has become increasingly authoritarian. The next closest challenger to Mr Museveni, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, is also reportedly under house arrest. The National Resistance Movement put out a statement celebrating the win, saying Mr Museveni's opponents had "failed to offer any alternative". Uganda's old guard tries new election tactics

Summary: The main opposition leader in Uganda, Kizza Besigye, has rejected the result of Thursday's elections, in which President Yoweri Museveni won a fifth term of office.


Most are being transported to rebel-held Idlib province, where aid groups say conditions are inadequate, with insufficient food and medical supplies. The International Committee of the Red Cross, whose staff are assisting the operation, said on Tuesday that 25,000 rebel fighters and civilians had been evacuated since the operation got under way. As many as 25,000 others could be waiting to leave in freezing conditions. Last Thursday, UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura estimated that some 50,000 people, among them 40,000 civilians, were trapped inside the four of five districts still under rebel control, which together cover about 2.6 sq km (1 sq mile). As part of the ceasefire deal, 750 people have been evacuated simultaneously from two Shia towns in Idlib province that are under siege by rebel forces - Foah and Kefraya. The UN Security Council has meanwhile approved the deployment of 20 observers to Aleppo to monitor the treatment of civilians as pro-government forces assume complete control of the rebel enclave. More than 70,000 people have also fled on foot to government-controlled areas since mid-November, when government forces stepped up their assault. The UN said on Tuesday that its aid partners had counted 19,000 evacuees arriving in Idlib province, a rebel stronghold. Many have been taken to temporary camps while others have found shelter with relatives. The World Health Organization separately said on Tuesday that 301 injured and sick patients, including 67 children, had been taken by ambulances to eight different hospitals in the western Aleppo countryside and Idlib province. The WHO says 93 patients had subsequently been referred to hospitals in Turkey, which backs the rebels and helped negotiate the ceasefire deal with Russia. Turkey, which is home to some 2.7 million Syrian refugees, is also preparing to set up a "tent city" in Idlib to accommodate up to 80,000 displaced people from Aleppo. Three possible sites have reportedly been identified, and hundreds of aid lorries from the Turkish Red Crescent and the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) charity have crossed the border. A smaller camp for 1,000 "disadvantaged" evacuees from Aleppo - the injured and disabled - will be set up in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli. In many places, conditions are already inadequate, with families staying in crowded buildings still under construction with no heat, toilets or running water, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) says. And villages in the countryside are said to be getting full. A doctor who is volunteering at a makeshift hospital in Idlib said there was no equipment to monitor patients. "Even the Intensive Care Unit doesn't have a ventilator," he said in a video posted on Facebook. Idlib already hosts some 230,000 displaced people in and around 250 informal camps, according to the IRC. Aid agencies have raised concerns over the security of those in Idlib. Most of the province is controlled by a powerful rebel alliance that includes the jihadist group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which was known as al-Nusra Front until it announced it was breaking off formal ties with al-Qaeda in July 2016. The province has been repeatedly bombed

Summary: Thousands of people have been leaving besieged, rebel-held eastern districts of the Syrian city of Aleppo following the resumption of evacuations agreed as part of a ceasefire deal last week.


The scoring began in the fourth minute when Darren Carter's dummy set up Keanu Marsh-Brown to put Rovers ahead but Dan Sparkes then netted twice in seven minutes for the visitors, with David Fitzpatrick providing both assists. Rovers quickly levelled through Marsh-Brown's second of the game but Torquay, 4-3 winners on Boxing Day, were back in front at half-time after Aman Verma headed in Fitzpatrick's free-kick. Another Fitzpatrick cross then resulted in Ethan Pinnock putting into his own net to double Torquay's lead five minutes into the second half. Christian Doidge gave Rovers hope in the 62nd minute after Torquay failed to deal with Dale Bennett's cross but Fitzpatrick then grabbed the goal he deserved with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards to seemingly seal the win. Rovers stormed back in the closing stages though, with Doidge pouncing from close range after Elliott Frear's shot was parried before Torquay goalkeeper Brendan Moore pushed the ball into his own goal to gift Rovers an 88th-minute equaliser. The hosts almost snatched a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Doidge headed a corner against the crossbar. Report supplied by the Press Association. Match ends, Forest Green Rovers 5, Torquay United 5. Liam Noble (Forest Green Rovers) is shown the yellow card. Second Half ends, Forest Green Rovers 5, Torquay United 5. Own Goal by Brendan Moore, Torquay United. Forest Green Rovers 5, Torquay United 5. Goal! Forest Green Rovers 4, Torquay United 5. Christian Doidge (Forest Green Rovers). Substitution, Forest Green Rovers. Shamir Mullings replaces Kieffer Moore. Substitution, Torquay United. Brett Williams replaces Sam Chaney. Goal! Forest Green Rovers 3, Torquay United 5. David Fitzpatrick (Torquay United). Aman Verma (Torquay United) is shown the yellow card. Goal! Forest Green Rovers 3, Torquay United 4. Christian Doidge (Forest Green Rovers). Substitution, Forest Green Rovers. Elliott Frear replaces Darren Carter. Own Goal by Ethan Pinnock, Forest Green Rovers. Forest Green Rovers 2, Torquay United 4. Second Half begins Forest Green Rovers 2, Torquay United 3. First Half ends, Forest Green Rovers 2, Torquay United 3. Goal! Forest Green Rovers 2, Torquay United 3. Aman Verma (Torquay United). Goal! Forest Green Rovers 2, Torquay United 2. Keanu Marsh-Brown (Forest Green Rovers). Goal! Forest Green Rovers 1, Torquay United 2. Dan Sparkes (Torquay United). Goal! Forest Green Rovers 1, Torquay United 1. Dan Sparkes (Torquay United). Goal! Forest Green Rovers 1, Torquay United 0. Keanu Marsh-Brown (Forest Green Rovers). First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Summary: Forest Green and Torquay followed their seven-goal thriller on Boxing Day with another classic on New Year's Day as the points were shared in a 5-5 draw.


The Blues' Belgium winger Eden Hazard was second, with Tottenham and England midfielder Dele Alli third. It follows Kante, 26, being voted the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year for 2016-17. The France international helped Leicester City win the Premier League title last season and is close to doing the same with Chelsea. The Blues, who have four top-flight matches left, lead the table with a four-point advantage over second-placed Spurs, who have played a game more.

Summary: Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has been chosen as the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.


All 57 seats were contested, of which the Tories took 43, compared to the 36 they won in 2013. Labour gained a councillor, taking their tally to 12, while the Liberal Democrats saw their number of seats fall from six to two. There will be no UKIP representatives on the council - all three of their seats were Tory gains. Turnout was up on 2013, at 33.7%. Heather Smith, Conservative leader on the council, said: "I'm very pleased. We've exceeded our number from four years ago and our target of 40 seats. "We expected turnout to be low because of the general election. "I can't foresee a bigger majority will make a difference [to how we govern]. We have to work within a certain budget." In Northamptonshire, the Conservative party gained 8,832 votes in the local election - 45.54% of the vote. It is higher than the national projected vote share for the Tories, which stands at 38%. The Liberal Democrats suffered a major blow when their local leader, Brendan Glynane, lost his Delapre and Rushmere seat to Labour. Asked about the increased Conservative majority, Mr Glynane said: "I think they will be emboldened by this. "The finances are not sorted, there is nothing left in the bank and I think you will see some severe cuts." As the declaration of results drew to a close, John McGhee announced he was to stand down as Labour group leader on the council. Mr McGhee won his Kingswood ward, but said: "It's been extremely difficult watching the destruction of public services in Northamptonshire. "I decided [to stand down] well before this election. I've been doing it so long. It has nothing to do with today's results."

Summary: The Conservatives have increased their control of Northamptonshire County Council.


The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NAC) confirmed a one-off rule change to drop the glove size from 10oz. "I don't believe with the new gloves he makes it out of the second round," said UFC champion McGregor, 29. "Part of me kind of wants to show some skill and dismantle him but I do not see him absorbing the blows." "I am ready to go to war for 12 rounds and I am also ready to put him away in seconds," he added. "There is no way in hell I am not prepared to fight in the deepest of trenches." The move to allow lighter gloves came as a surprise as the 154lbs bout is considerably over the 147lbs limit at which 8oz gloves can be used. The lighter gloves have less padding over the knuckles and are believed to favour the heavier puncher. Earlier in August, the NAC, who sanctioned the contest, told BBC Sport they could not recall a fight at 154lbs ever being given dispensation to make such a move. McGregor typically uses 4oz fingerless gloves in MMA, while undefeated boxer Mayweather has used 8oz gloves in 46 of his 49 bouts. In a lengthy conference call, McGregor took questions from journalists around the world just 10 days before he makes his boxing debut in Las Vegas against former five-weight world champion Mayweather, 40. He revealed he has been conducting "scary" training sessions at 13,000ft in an altitude chamber and stated he feels in "absolutely amazing" condition for the T-Mobile Arena bout. But the UFC lightweight champion believes he has been "discarded" by boxing analysts and made to feel "not welcome" in the build-up to what could be the richest fight in history. "It's certainly motivating - the disrespect and disregard for my skillset," added McGregor. "I look at people sometimes and their mind is closed. "Fighting is a complex game. I use it as motivation and I look forward to going in and educating the world on what martial arts is." McGregor's future beyond his boxing debut has been queried by MMA fans who fear he may not be motivated to return to UFC after earning a reported $100m in facing Mayweather. He addressed several potential career avenues during the conference call and contests he is still a current multiple-weight UFC champion despite vacating his featherweight belt in November. "The current featherweight champion is Max Holloway, a man I dismantled," added McGregor. "Everyone knows, I am the multiple world champion. I look forward to going back and continuing where I left off." McGregor said Mayweather would get his "respect" if he followed through on comments made on a US talk show this week in which he said the pair could rematch under MMA rules. Paulie Malignaggi - who quit as McGregor's sparring partner after reacting angrily to images appearing to show him knocked down in a session - has also raised the prospect of coming out of retirement to box the Irishman. "Tell him to shut his mouth and join the queue," McGregor said when asked about facing

Summary: Conor McGregor says he will beat Floyd Mayweather Jr in two rounds after the use of 8oz gloves was approved for the contest in Las Vegas on 26 August.


The 50 year-old said she was "lucky to be here" after falling ill at home and looking up her symptoms online. O'Donnell wrote on her blog that she searched "women's heart attack symptoms", which included sudden nausea and aches, before taking a few aspirin. She visited a cardiologist the next day, who inserted a stent into an artery that was 99 per cent blocked. O'Donnell said her chest began to ache last week and she became nauseous and feverish after helping a woman who was struggling to get out of her car in her Nyack village home, near New York. In the blog entry on her website, a poem entitled "my heart attack", O'Donnell revealed the type of attack was known as the "widow maker". The star, who has acted in several films and TV shows including Drop Dead Diva, Will and Grace and Nip/Tuck, also said she did not call the emergency services. However, she issued a warning to her readers: "Know the symptoms ladies, listen to the voice inside, the one we all so easily ignore, call 911." She recently hosted The Rosie Show on the Oprah Winfrey Network but the daily talk and gameshow was cancelled in March due to low ratings.

Summary: US comedian and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell has revealed that she suffered a heart attack last week.


Denny Solomona crossed for Castleford, but Wigan led at half-time against the run of play through Lewis Tierney's try and Matty Smith's penalty kick. Grant Millington's try put the visitors back in front, before John Bateman went over to restore Wigan's two-point lead. Nick Gregson got his first senior try and Bateman crossed again late on as Warriors climbed to third in the table. Having suffered their heaviest defeat in Super League since 2005 with a 62-0 loss to Wakefield in their previous fixture, Wigan started slowly but were good value for their win after the break. The hosts failed to take advantage when Luke Gale was sent to the sin-bin for dissent with the scores level in the first half, but Bateman's return to the side after two games out sparked the comeback. Shaun Wane's team also welcomed back Dom Crosby, who made his first Super League appearance of the season having recovered from a hip injury. Solomona moved clear as Super League's leading try-scorer with his 13th of the season, but Tigers were frustrated by improved Wigan defence in the second period as they suffered their fourth defeat in a row at the DW Stadium. Wigan coach Shaun Wane: "I don't want to keep going on about it. But, if you knew what we had gone through this week, there's so much toughness showed in that game against a really good Cas team. "The admiration I have got for my players, the desire to grind out the win with the circumstances that nobody knows about is unbelievable. "There were quite a few good performances, they are a good team and are well coached who know how to defend. "We're not the biggest team, but I thought the way we defended was outstanding." Castleford coach Daryl Powell: "That last try gave the score a bit of an easier look than it was. It was tight all the way through. "We lacked a little bit of quality in our play. I thought we defended awesome, they came at us in the second half with a game plan that put us under pressure. "They made minimal errors and kicked well and we couldn't find a spark to get us out of yardage and into good field position. "They deserved to win the game, they had more ball than us in decent field position and we had to work really hard to keep them out and that drained our energy reserves." Wigan: Sarginson; Tierney, Bateman, Gildart, Charnley; Gregson, Smith; Mossop, Powell, Clubb, Tomkins, Isa, Sutton. Replacements: Crosby, Tautai, Burke, Bretherton. Castleford: Hampshire; Monaghan, Minikin, Webster, Solomona; Holmes, Gale; Lynch, Milner, Jewitt, Holmes, McMeeken, Massey. Replacements: McShane, Millington, Maher, Cook. Referee: Phil Bentham.

Summary: Wigan moved level on points with Super League leaders Warrington by coming from behind to beat Castleford.


Talk in Europe today moved swiftly from Brexit to possible Frexit (France voting to leave the EU), Swexit (that's Sweden) and more. Leaders of Europe's increasingly influential Eurosceptic parties queued up today to crow over the British vote and make political capital out of it. "It's now a reality for everyone. It is possible to leave the EU," proclaimed Marine Le Pen of France's National Front (FN), a leading contender in next year's presidential election. The mood in Brussels is resentful and despondent, while governments across Europe are scared. They feel the heat from angry electorates who share many of the criticisms of the EU highlighted during the UK's referendum campaign. That's why you've been hearing the words "EU" and "reform" of late from the nervous mouths of some you'd least expect, such as Germany's Angela Merkel and Donald Tusk, the Brussels-based President of the European Council. Because they're so worried, the EU is preparing to get tough with Britain over the terms and timing of a new trade relationship. This is not about punishment - well, not much. It's more a desire for the process to be painful to put others off exiting, while Europe's leadership tries to re-group and, perhaps, reform. But there are divisions here too that threaten to drive the EU even further apart. France rather relishes the idea of making an example of Britain. And Paris will flex its muscles far more now that the UK has voted itself out of having a voice at the EU table. But the countries of Central and Eastern Europe aren't keen to alienate the UK. They rely on Britain to support them in maintaining tough sanctions against Russia. And Poland in particular also worries about its 800,000 citizens living in the UK. Germany is somewhere inbetween. Mrs Merkel urged fellow EU leaders not to rush to conclusions about the Brexit vote as that "would only divide Europe more". She is a devoted European but she doesn't relish the idea of a resurgent France. She'll miss the UK's competitive approach to the single market, its loathing of EU protectionism and the British sense of humour she's said to be so fond of. Of course, until the UK formally notifies EU leaders of the intent to leave (which, to their irritation, could take months) everything stays the same. In theory. But next week's summit of EU leaders will be a very awkward one for David Cameron. Nothing has changed on paper yet in Brussels. But the EU has been turned upside down.

Summary: In all the years I've covered European politics, I've never seen this continent so Eurosceptic or the future of the European Union so uncertain.


In an interview with Fox News, he said: "There are a lot of killers. We've got a lot of killers. What do you think? Our country's so innocent?" Mr Trump said he respected President Putin and would prefer to "get along with him". He said he wanted help from Russia in the fight against "Islamic terrorism". Excerpts of the interview with Bill O'Reilly, carried out at Mr Trump's Florida home, have been released ahead of the full interview being broadcast by Fox ahead of Sunday evening's Super Bowl, and on the two following nights. Asked whether he respected Mr Putin, the US president replied: "I do respect him... well I respect a lot of people. That doesn't mean I'm going to get along with him." He added: "I say it's better to get along with Russia than not. And if Russia helps us in the fight against Isis [so-called Islamic State], which is a major fight, and Islamic terrorism all over the world - that's a good thing. Will I get along with him? I have no idea." The two men spoke on the phone last Saturday and have agreed to stay in "regular personal contact" but no date has been set for a meeting. Mr Trump was also asked whether it was responsible to make claims about issues without citing facts to back them up, such as his contention that millions of people voted illegally during the US presidential election that he won - but with almost three million fewer votes than his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. He replied: "Many people have come out and said I'm right, you know that. "When you see illegals, people that are not citizens and they are on the registration rolls... you have illegals, you have dead people... it's really a bad situation."

Summary: US President Donald Trump has defended Vladimir Putin when questioned over allegations of murders carried out by the Russian state.


The small island in the Pacific is home to an important strategic US airbase, US nuclear bombers and about 6,000 troops along with some 165,000 civilians. It's a US territory, so an attack on Guam would be an attack on the US. The Guamanian authorities were quick to say there was nothing to fear from North Korea's angry rhetoric. "I want to reassure the people of Guam that currently there is no threat to our island," Governor Eddie Baza Calvo said in a statement on Facebook, adding that the island was "prepared for any eventuality". But it has left many on the tourism-reliant island concerned. "Yes, of course people are worried," front desk manager at a local hotel, Adele, told the BBC. "It is scary to think that there is a threat from North Korea on Guam." Local stand-up comedian Chris "Malafunkshun" Barnett said there was a real level of anxiety: "There have been threats before but this time feels different. "We're really in caught in the cross fire. President Trump seems as much of a sabre-rattler as Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. "And a lot of people here feel like Trump is the guy who might actually press the button." The story is all over the local media on Guam, adding to the nervousness of the residents. "We should all prepare for whatever happens," Adele suggested, adding that she planned to stock up on food after work, in case the crisis escalated. "Many people are taking such precautions. We're keeping an eye on the news and we're all praying that the military will help us." Isa Baza, a local television reporter, said the authorities believe it would take about 14 to 15 minutes for a North Korean missile to reach Guam. "And so, that's not a lot of time to respond," she told the BBC. But Ms Baza added that the Guam Homeland Security Office "did say that if there were any threat they would put out a mass public notification via the emergency broadcasting system". It is not the first time the small island has found itself named as a potential target for North Korean rockets - aside from US military bases in South Korea or Japan, the Pacific island is the closest target for Pyongyang should the regime want to attack the US. Congresswoman for Guam Madeleine Z Bordallo said in a statement the most recent threat was "dangerous and it further heightens tensions in our region". She went on to criticise President Trump for his "unhelpful" tweeting on the matter and "strongly urged" him to "explore every avenue" to peacefully respond. But while local media are citing many residents sharing the heightened concern, not everyone is fazed by the situation. "It's not a big deal," Cathleen Viray, another hotel worker, told the BBC. End of Twitter post by @MALAFUNKSHUN She pointed out that such threats were not new and that people had been living with this situation for a couple of years already. Local dive instructor Yuka, who caters mostly for Japanese tourists, agreed with her. People were concerned,

Summary: North Korea claims it has missiles capable of reaching the US mainland, but its latest threat is against Guam, a much closer target.