Except that this girl is a robot: a robot girlfriend programmed by a sociopathic billionaire. And she is a robot who may just want a mind of her own - with a master who won't relinquish control. The film is out in UK cinemas now. Written by Alex Garland, author of The Beach, it's a thriller starring Domhnall Gleeson as computer programmer Caleb, Alicia Vikander as robot Ava and Oscar Isaac as Nathan, the billionaire. It explores some of our deepest fears about artificial intelligence (AI). Ex Machina's robot, Ava, is not the only type of AI we should find unsettling, Garland told Newsbeat. He said: "AI that is in control of stock markets, in control of healthcare systems, factories, maybe military drones. It is different from Ava but you can be scared of that." These are the type of AI that led inventor and entrepreneur Elon Musk to declare AI as "the most serious threat to the survival of the human race". The SpaceX boss has donated $10m (Â£6.6m) to keep AI friendly. Dr Stuart Armstrong is a member of a research centre which looks into the big questions surrounding AI - the Future of Humanity - at Oxford University. He is also an adviser to the Lifeboat Foundation, which is tasked with a small matter: safeguarding humanity. He told Newsbeat about a future world which he says is far more likely to happen than anything shown in Ex Machina. It is potentially far more terrifying, he reckons. "AI could outsmart us technologically, it could come up with designs of things far beyond what we could come up with and then build them. "It could outsmart us on the internet; say hack into every single computer in the world and copy themselves into it. "It could outsmart us socially which is a particularly scary avenue. "Maybe humans' social skills are not nearly as special or uncrackable as we like to think. It could seduce us. "It could have super economic skills. "It could guess the stock market better and accumulate quantities of cash. "It doesn't need to have all these skills. "If you have a general intelligence in one area it is often transferable to other areas. "If you can accumulate huge amounts of money then you can buy lots of hackers or buy lots of computing power or technological research. "Similarly if you have technological research you can sell this and accumulate financial resources." Meanwhile, he says films portraying AI in human terms, particularly portrayals of AI like the Terminator, are "ridiculous". He explains: "If you want to build a mechanical army to destroy the world, the human frame is probably one of the worst designs that you could go for. I would go for mosquito-sized drones with legs or something like that. "Every single AI in movies I've ever seen is a human mind with some minor modification. They seem to be emotionally repressed humans. That's the model." Much of what we might expect AI to be like will be beyond human experience, argues Armstrong. "It is very possible

Summary: Ex Machina is your standard film script of boy meets girl.


The 11-10 favourite beat Le Mercurey by three and a quarter lengths, with Bristol De Mai disappointing in third. Tizzard, who also trains Thistlecrack and Cue Card, has three of the first four in the Gold Cup betting. Ballyandy landed the Betfair Hurdle and Altior also won to cement his place as favourite for Cheltenham's Arkle Chase. Aidan Coleman was a late call-up for Native River after regular jockey Richard Johnson pulled out because of illness. But it was business as usual for the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh National winner, who is now 4-1 (from 9-2) for the Gold Cup behind 7-4 favourite Thistlecrack, with Cue Card and Djakadam at about 7-1 Coleman said of Native River: "He's just the perfect racehorse and (it was) very nice to have a sit on him and I wish them all the best for the future." Paul Nicholls said his runner-up Le Mercurey had run well to get close to a horse he considers will win the Gold Cup on 17 March. The champion trainer believes Le Mercurey will be a Grand National contender in the future, but will this year aim him at the Betway Bowl at Aintree. Last year's Cheltenham Champion Bumper victor Ballyandy, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, won for the first time over hurdles as he beat Nicholls' Movewiththetimes. Nicky Henderson's Altior coasted home by 13 lengths from Fox Norton in the Betfair Exchange Chase, registered as the Game Spirit Chase. BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght One of those days where it's hard to come up with a lead story but Altior's success in the old Game Spirit Chase probably shaded it. Last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner looks even more supreme this year, and this was the smoothest of performances, all the more meritorious because it came on unfavourably soft going. He's rightly a hotter and hotter favourite for the Arkle (his pretty much certain target said Nicky Henderson), and he'll be a Festival banker for many. Native River's style is all about stamina and toughing it out, and he'll set a big test for all-comers in the Gold Cup.

Summary: Native River enhanced his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials with a comfortable win for trainer Colin Tizzard in the Denman Chase at Newbury.


The Vermont senator stood by his comments, pointing to her Wall Street links and her vote for the war in Iraq. He said she started the latest war of words by attacking him first. The two candidates will do battle in a New York showdown in two weeks, a state where both have strong links. There is much at stake, as the former secretary of state tries to stem the momentum of the self-described democratic socialist, who has a string of wins behind him. Mr Sanders beat Mrs Clinton in the Wisconsin primary contest on Tuesday, and could pick up more delegates in Wyoming on Saturday before the greater prize of New York is up for grabs. Is it a sign of desperation from a losing campaign or a proportional response to an earlier unfair attack? Whatever the reason, Bernie Sanders's recent criticisms of Hillary Clinton as "unqualified" for the presidency represent a marked escalation in the war of words between the two candidates. Mrs Clinton's supporters are bristling at the remarks, which they consider both sexist and patently untrue, given the former secretary of state's weighty political biography. The Vermont senator's point, however, is that Mrs Clinton's lengthy experience within the establishment isn't a mark in her favour, it's a flaw that makes her beholden to the special interests he has spent his campaign denouncing. With what could be a decisive New York primary less than two weeks away, the battle lines are clearly forming and the rhetoric is only just starting to heat up. Democrats often boast of the substantiveness of their presidential nomination contest, particularly compared to the ongoing Republican slugfest. This relatively genteel atmosphere may not persist through a rough-and-tumble contest in the Empire State, however, with its tabloid media culture that trumpets every squawk and squabble. In the political pressure cooker that is New York politics, things may be about to take an ugly turn. The latest row began on Wednesday when Mrs Clinton was asked if Mr Sanders was qualified to be president, after he gave a newspaper interview in which he appeared to struggle to answer some questions. "I think he hadn't done his homework and he'd been talking for more than a year about doing things that he obviously hasn't really studied or understood, and that does raise a lot of questions," she told MSNBC's Morning Joe. On Wednesday night, Bernie Sanders told a crowd of supporters at Temple University that Mrs Clinton had accused him of being unqualified. "Well let me, let me just say in response to Secretary Clinton, I don't believe that she is qualified if she is, through her super PAC [fundraising committee], taking tens of millions of dollars in special interest funds," he said. "I don't think you are qualified if you get $15 million from Wall Street through your super PAC." He went on to list her backing of the Iraq War and her support of trade agreements as other disqualifications. On Thursday, he repeated his comments. The Clinton campaign hit back, with spokesman Brian Fallon tweeting: "Hillary

Summary: Hillary Clinton has dismissed as "ridiculous" a charge by Bernie Sanders that she is "unqualified" to be president, as tensions rise in the Democratic race.


Addressing a meeting of backbenchers, the PM reportedly said she would serve as "long as you want me to do". One senior backbencher told the BBC that she had appeared "contrite and genuine but not on her knees". It comes amid confusion over whether the Queen's Speech will be delayed as talks continue to form a government. A senior minister has said he was "optimistic" that the Conservatives and Democratic Unionists will reach an agreement in the coming days to allow a proposed Tory minority government get its plans for the year ahead through the Commons, possibly as early as next Monday. But First Secretary of State Damian Green said he could not confirm the Queen's Speech will proceed as planned on 19 June. Labour said the government was "in chaos" and continued to be "in denial" about the message voters had sent about their opposition to an "extreme Brexit". Mrs May addressed a packed meeting of the 1922 Committee for 90 minutes after her failure to win the election outright prompted days of speculation about her future. According to reports of the meeting, she accepted personal responsibility for calling the snap election and for the result, which saw her party lose its overall majority and have to rely on the support of others. Mrs May, who earlier chaired a two-hour cabinet meeting, reportedly told the committee, a group of backbench MPs, that the DUP would not have a "veto" on the government's agenda, and there would be no watering down of equalities laws over which the two parties disagree. The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the PM's "colleagues were demanding contrition and sounds like they got it". While calls for Mrs May to go had "faded", she said her authority was "extremely fractured" and had acknowledged she was not "calling the shots" any more. Reacting to the meeting, Tory MP Julian Knight said that the prime minister had been "humble and steadfast and certain that we have to get on with the job of government and negotiating Brexit". His colleague Sarah Wollaston tweeted: "Conservative MPs all said they were standing with TM. As far as I'm concerned that hasn't changed." One Conservative ex-minister told the BBC that Theresa May "did brilliantly", suggesting that "the "Maybot" disappeared and we got a real leader back". In the wake of Friday's setback, Conservative figures have said the party needs to learn the lessons of its failure to win an overall majority and change direction in some key areas. Gavin Barwell, who lost his seat but has since been appointed Mrs May's chief of staff, said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had "tapped into" public anger over Brexit and austerity, saying some voters were dismayed about the prospect of years of future public sector pay freezes. He told the BBC's Panorama his party had to listen to Remain voters about their concerns. Meanwhile his colleague George Freeman said it was time for the government to "drop a hard Brexit" message and return to a "message of hope" he said Mrs May articulated when she first

Summary: Theresa May has apologised to Tory MPs for the party's election performance, telling them "I got us into this mess I'll get us out of it."


The 41-year-old has been out of work since leaving Alloa in March. Chris Barker, who has been in caretaker charge since Andy Scott was sacked in January, will remain with the Shots as player-assistant manager. "Barry is ambitious and has great experience of developing young players," said chairman Shahid Azeem. Smith began his playing career at Celtic and then spent 11 years at Dundee, captaining the side between 1997 and 2006. Media playback is not supported on this device He returned to Dens Park as manager in 2010 and spent almost two and a half years in charge before parting company with the club in February 2013. He was appointed Alloa manager in January 2014 but resigned last month, with the Wasps bottom of the Scottish Championship following a run of one win in 13 league matches. "I see Aldershot as a great club with the same aspirations as myself. It felt an ideal fit," he said. "We are looking to build a new squad and we have to build slowly. Ultimately we want to take the club back to the Football League." Centre-back Barker, 35, won five of his 15 games in charge of the Hampshire side and led the Shots to an 18th-placed finish in the table.

Summary: Aldershot Town have appointed former Dundee and Alloa Athletic boss Barry Smith as their new manager on a one-year rolling contract.


The 39-year-old died at the scene shortly after police had arrived at the house in Cheadle Road, Cheadle Hulme, at about 19:40 BST on Monday. A man, 39, was later arrested on suspicion of murder and Greater Manchester Police said they were not looking for anyone else. "Our thoughts go out to the family of the woman," Det Supt Tony Creely said. He appealed for witnesses or anyone with "information which could help us with our investigation" to contact police. "The investigation is in its very early stages, however, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder," Det Supt Creely added.

Summary: A murder inquiry has begun after a woman was found with fatal stab wounds at a house in Greater Manchester.


He was found with significant injuries in Tyrconnell Street, near the city's bogside, shortly before 10:30 BST and taken to hospital, but later died. The police said it was "possible" his injuries "were sustained as the result of a collision with a vehicle". Donnacadh was buried in the City Cemetery in Derry after a requiem mass at St Eugene's Cathedral on Saturday. Police are still investigating the circumstances of his death and a man who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail.

Summary: The funeral has taken place of six-year-old Donnacadh McGuire, who died in Londonderry on Tuesday.


The priest at St Andrew's RC Church in Livingston said anti-Catholic messages had been painted all over the building. The vandalism happened between 19:00 on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday. Police have urged anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or anyone with information, to come forward. In April 2014, St Andrew's Roman Catholic Church in Craigshill became the latest building in Livingston to be granted listed status. Designed in 1968 and completed in 1970, St Andrew's was the first Catholic Church to be built in Livingston after it was founded in 1962. Father Jeremy Bath, parish priest of St Andrew's, said: "Craigshill is a great area where people live together in harmony so for this to happen is shocking, saddening and very disappointing. "I've been here for seven years and nothing like this has happened before. Hence the disappointment. It's perhaps a reminder that there is still a strain of anti-Catholicism in Scottish society that we have to be aware of. "We had a funeral today. How sad that mourners had to arrive at a church covered in anti-Catholic graffiti. Hopefully we can get things cleaned up very soon, certainly in time for our First Holy Communions this weekend. "I'd like to thank Police Scotland, West Lothian Council and the local community for being so supportive at this difficult time." A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in West Lothian are investigating following sectarian vandalism to a church in Livingston. "The incident happened sometime between 19:00 on Saturday 23 May and 09:00 on Sunday 24 May at the St Andrews Roman Catholic Church in Victoria Street, Craigshill. "Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the area, or who has information that can assist police with their investigation is asked to come forward immediately." A West Lothian Council spokesman said: "We were made aware of this incident at St Andrew's RC Church in Craigshill on Sunday and our street cleansing team have been in attendance."

Summary: Police are investigating an incident of sectarian graffiti sprayed on a church in West Lothian over the weekend.


Dean Carl Evans, 22, from Reading, died on 21 July during fighting in the city of Manbij, Kurdish reports suggest. His father, John, posted a statement on social media confirming the death and added: "He was loved and will be missed by all his family and friends". The Foreign Office is looking into reports of the death - the second involving a Briton fighting against IS. In a second post, Mr Evans, who lives in Oxford, said: "I would like to say a massive big thank you to all my friends and family who sent their condolence for the loss of my son. "He would have been very proud and would have regarded you all as his brothers and sisters, thank you again." Mr Evans was one of many foreign volunteers who joined the People's Defence Units (YPG) - the Kurdish military force fighting in northern Syria. Dean Carl Evans has become the second British man to die in the fight against IS with the Kurds in Syria. The first UK casualty, Erik 'Kosta' Scurfield, died during fighting to take back the strategic Til Hamis town in the Hasakah province in north-eastern Syria. Mr Evans died fighting for another strategic town, called Manbij, in north-western Syria. Kurdish YPG units were among forces which started an attack on Manbij, which has become the new epicentre of the fight against the IS Group in Syria, in April this year. Capturing Manbij from IS would cut the corridor between the town and the group's de-facto capital city, Raqqa, in central Syria. A UK-based pro-Kurdish activist, Mark Campbell, told the BBC Mr Evans had travelled to Syria in 2015 and again in March this year. He said his contacts near Manbij told him Mr Evans had been fighting on the frontline and sheltering behind a wall when he was fatally struck by a bullet. In a statement, the YPG described Mr Evans as a "man with the noblest of intentions who planted a seed of love into the hearts of [his] friends and all the peoples of Rojava [Western Kurdistan]". Jac Holmes, an IT worker who left the UK to join the fight against IS, posted a tribute to Mr Evans online. He said the pair had met twice, and described Mr Evans as a "great man" who had "moulded himself" into a soldier during his time in the Middle East. A number of well-wishers replied to John Evans' post on social media announcing his son's death. One user said: "Feel for you soldier. Sorry to hear your sad news John. My thoughts go to you and your family. RIP young man." Another added: "So so sorry to hear your sad news John. Keep strong and remember we're all here if you need someone to talk to." A statement from the Foreign Office said: "As all UK consular services [in Syria] are suspended, it is extremely difficult to confirm the status and whereabouts of British nationals in Syria." It said it had advised for some time against all travel to Syria. "Anyone who does travel to

Summary: A British man has reportedly died fighting with Kurdish forces against so-called Islamic State in Syria.


Both firms had claimed the other had infringed the rights to its technologies. The announcement came hours before a ruling that could have blocked Nvidia from importing some of its products into the US. Although the agreement brings the dispute to a close, Nvidia said the terms of the deal were limited. "The settlement includes the licensing of a small number of patents by each company to the other, but no broad cross-licensing of patents or other compensation," it said. Samsung added: "We are happy to resolve this dispute through a fair settlement." Neither company is disclosing any further details. The clash was first made public in September 2014, when Nvidia held a news conference during which its chief executive declared the South Korean tech giant was "using our [graphics] technology for free in their devices". Jen-Hsun Huang went on to say that his firm was suing the smartphone-maker after months of failed talks. Two months later, Samsung counter-sued claiming its innovations had been used without permission in Nvidia's Shield tablets and chips. When the International Trade Commission - a US agency that investigates patent disputes - looked into the matter, it ruled that Samsung's graphics processors had not infringed Nvidia's patents. But in a follow-up decision, it said Nvidia's chips had violated three of Samsung's patents. The ITC had been due to announce whether this warranted an import ban, but will no longer do so because the case has been dismissed.

Summary: Samsung and computer-chip-maker Nvidia have settled a two-year patent battle.


North Korea's state news agency said Mr Newman was expelled on "humanitarian grounds" after confessing to "crimes" in the 1950-53 war and "apologising". He had been held since October on charges of "hostile acts" against the North, while visiting as a tourist. Although Mr Newman, 85, did serve during the Korean War, his family says he is the victim of mistaken identity. The US welcomed Pyongyang's decision. "We are pleased that Mr Merrill Newman has been allowed to depart the DPRK (North Korea) and re-join his family. We welcome the DPRK's decision to release him," said state department spokeswoman Marie Harf. "I'm delighted to be home," Mr Newman said in San Francisco. "It's been a great homecoming. I'm tired, but ready to be with my family." He thanked the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang and US embassy in Beijing for helping to secure his release. Mr Newman - a pensioner from Palo Alto, California - had been held in North Korea since being taken off a plane as he prepared to leave the country on 26 October, following a 10-day tourist visit. In a video released by North Korean authorities last week, Mr Newman was shown reading his alleged apology, dated 9 November. It claims he was an "adviser of the Kuwol Unit of the UN Korea 6th Partisan Regiment part of the Intelligence Bureau of the Far East Command" - an apparent reference to one of the special operations units acting against the North. Mr Newman allegedly confessed to trying to contact surviving soldiers during his trip as a tourist. The statement added: "Please forgive me." But Mr Newman's family said there must have been "some dreadful misunderstanding". Another veteran, also named Merrill Newman, was awarded a Silver Star medal for his efforts during the Korean War. The North Korean authorities have previously been accused of coercing confessions from detainees. US Vice-President Joe Biden, while welcoming North Korea's release of Mr Newman as "a positive thing", renewed calls for Pyongyang to free another American, Kenneth Bae, held since November 2012 and sentenced in May to 15 years' hard labour. Pyongyang said Mr Bae - described as both a tour operator and Christian missionary - had used his tourism business to plot sedition.

Summary: US veteran of the Korean War Merrill Newman has arrived in San Francisco after being released by North Korea.


Speaking at a rally for Tory candidate Zac Goldsmith, the prime minister warned about the dangers of a Labour victory for the capital's economy. Mr Goldsmith said his Labour rival was "Mr Corbyn's man" in City Hall. But Mr Khan said he was "no patsy" to Mr Corbyn and would stand up to him. It is 100 days until London elects a new mayor to succeed Boris Johnson, who is stepping down after eight years. The vote will be a key electoral test for Jeremy Corbyn and Labour, for whom the capital was one of the few bright spots in last year's dismal general election defeat. Last May, Labour won four seats from the Tories in London and hope to win back City Hall for the first time since 2008. Addressing a rally of Conservative activists, Mr Cameron sought to frame the election as an early verdict on Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour party as well as a choice between Mr Goldsmith and Mr Khan. "Zac Goldsmith can be a great mayor. You've got the man and the plan, think for a moment about the alternative," he said. "Sadiq Khan nominated Jeremy Corbyn to be leader of the Labour party and he doesn't regret it. Never mind the fact he (Mr Corbyn) wants to give the Falklands back to Argentina or he thinks that nuclear submarines should patrol the Atlantic without any missiles. "His policy is to bring back and legalise secondary strikes and flying pickets. Just think what the first Corbyn-elected Mayor would be like for our economy, for our city. You do not want to be lab rats in the first Corbyn economic experiment in public life". Ahead of the rally, the Conservatives launched a poster campaign depicting Mr Goldsmith as "your man in City Hall". In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Mr Khan said he would stand up to the Labour leader over the issue of Trident renewal and Mr Corbyn's plans for a "Robin Hood" tax on financial transactions, which Mr Khan opposes. "That is the job of the Mayor of London: not to be a patsy or a spokesperson for George Osborne and David Cameron - as Mr Goldsmith is being - or Jeremy Corbyn or the party, but to be London's advocate to their party and the government." While he said he did not regret nominating Mr Corbyn for leader - and therefore allowing him to get onto the ballot paper - he said he would have his "own mandate" if he was elected. "There will be occasions when frankly speaking I disagree with Jeremy," he said, citing his support for Gatwick expansion and pro-business agenda. He said he wanted to build the broadest electoral alliance: "When you meet and study the best mayors from around the world they are not tribal. What they try and do is to reach across the entire city." The Liberal Democrats, UKIP, the Green Party and the English Democrats are also fielding candidates in May's election while former Respect MP George Galloway is also standing. The Conservatives and

Summary: David Cameron has urged Londoners not to elect Labour's Sadiq Khan as their next mayor, claiming they will become "lab rats" for party leader Jeremy Corbyn's economic experiments.


About £45m was spent on new accommodation for 1,000 students with 100 studio flats at Fferm Penglais. A further £35m is being spent a research campus at Gogerddan. About £4.5m has been spent on lecture and teaching areas at Llanbadarn Centre, and the university is resubmitting a bid for heritage lottery funding for the Old College. The university said the refurbishment of Welsh-language halls Pantycelyn is due to be discussed in October.

Summary: Work is continuing on a £100m investment to improve facilities at Aberystwyth University.


Police Scotland said two men - one from Aberdeen and one from Paisley - had been arrested and charged with sexual offences against children. The referrals came via the charity NSPCC, the SFA and directly to police. Officers said it was the most complex investigation since the Police Scotland child abuse unit was set up in 2015. The unit, along with other experienced detectives, are in the midst of a major inquiry into allegations that children were abused in the sport following reports from several high profile players. Det Ch Insp Sarah Taylor, who is heading the investigation, told BBC Scotland she expected the scale of the investigation to grow. "Up until today, we've had 130 separate reports with information about child sexual abuse within football and that is since the end of November. "So, in such a short space of time, we've received a number of reports. That indicates to me that this is a large-scale complex investigation that we're undertaking." Ms Taylor said she was encouraged by the number of reports as it showed people had the confidence to come forward to the authorities. She also said that unlike Operation Hydrant south of the border, which is also looking into allegations of abuse in other sports, the Scottish investigation was focussing on football. She added: "However, I wouldn't discourage people from contacting the police if they have suffered abuse - sexual or physical - in any other environment. "This is a major investigation and we've reacted to it by deploying a number of officers to be dedicated solely to this investigation. "It's complex because we're dealing with a number of perpetrators and a number of people who've reported abuse, so for me it's about trying to piece that jigsaw together."

Summary: A police investigation into allegations of child abuse within football has received 130 referrals since it got under way in November.


The three ministers will use 17th century Chevening House, in Kent, when they entertain foreign dignitaries. Under the previous government it was shared by William Hague with deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. It has been used since the 1980s as a country retreat and to host international visitors. Mr Davis, the Brexit Secretary, International Trade Secretary Mr Fox and Mr Johnson were appointed by new Prime Minister Theresa May last week. All three campaigned for the UK to leave the EU, and will have key roles as the UK negotiates its departure. Asked why Mrs May had decided the foreign secretary should share his country retreat with two colleagues, the PM's official spokeswoman said: "It reflects the fact that all those secretaries of state will, as part of their work, be meeting and engaging with and hosting foreign visitors and leaders and it will provide an opportunity to do that." It has also been confirmed Mrs May will live in the flat above 11 Downing Street while Chancellor Philip Hammond moves into the Number 10 flat, continuing a recent tradition established by Tony Blair and continued by Gordon Brown and David Cameron. Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has stopped his weekly Daily Telegraph column now he has been appointed foreign secretary. The ex-London mayor was paid just under Â£30,000 a month for the column. His spokesman said it "would not be appropriate" for it continue given his new role. Publication of his book on William Shakespeare has been postponed.

Summary: Boris Johnson is to share the foreign secretary's official country residence with Cabinet colleagues David Davis and Liam Fox, Downing Street has announced.


Ch Supt Alan Spiers said call handling would move from its control room in Dundee to its national service centre in central Scotland in that month. The processes to close control rooms in Aberdeen and Inverness would take place from August to October, he said. Highland Council has raised concerns about the loss of local knowledge once the Inverness service shuts. Council leader Margaret Davidson said the local authority "was convinced that it was safer" that calls from within Highland, a region about the same size of Belgium, were handled locally. Ch Supt Spiers told BBC Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme that Police Scotland acknowledged that were concerns about the restructuring. But he said the current set-up of call handling was not "practical or sustainable" for a national force, and its change programme would be carried out with due regard to proper "governance, measures and independent assurances". Control rooms in Inverness and Aberdeen were originally scheduled for closure in 2015. However, that original closure plan was halted after an HM Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) investigation began into a crash on the M9 in July which was not followed up by police for three days. John Yuill and Lamara Bell died after the crash near Stirling. In November, weaknesses in Police Scotland's roll-out of its new national call-handling system were highlighted in an HMIC report. Derek Penman said the oversight of the project was inadequate and made 30 recommendations. Ch Supt Spiers said the force was working through through those recommendations and would have this work completed by June. He said: "They are at different stages of completion. We also said we would go much further than what the recommendations have said. "We have also stated the remaining phases of our reform programme would only proceed when the police authority and HMIC were completely assured that staff, systems and procedures and processes were in place."

Summary: Police Scotland will be ready to begin a process of changing its system for handling calls from June this year.


David Clark, 55, fell while at a property in Brighton in September 2014 and died in hospital a month later. Millionaire businessman Michael Holland, owner of a renovation company, and site foreman Grant Oakes deny manslaughter. Jurors at Lewes Crown Court heard they also face health and safety charges. Mr Clark, who was carrying a load of between 20 and 30kg at the time, fell 4.5 metres when a plank he was standing on snapped. The scaffolding board was placed to bridge a void on one of the upper floors of the building in Stanmer Park, the court heard. Defence lawyer for Mr Oakes, Craig Rush QC, urged jurors to "ignore" the unsecured ladders and the lack of guard rails on the site in his closing statement. "The accident happened because Dave Clark chose to place a scaffolding board across a void," he added. "The board had almost completely been cut through. He chose to walk across that scaffold board. "In circumstances where he didn't need to go across the void and when his friend had warned him against it." Earlier in the trial, the court heard a site visit from a health and safety inspector in 2013 raised issues with the way work was being carried out. Mr Holland, of Kings Road, Brighton, and Mr Oakes have pleaded guilty to failing to discharge duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act, regarding subcontractors working at height. Mr Oakes, of Elm Drive, Hove, has pleaded not guilty to a further charge of failures of health and safety in the work place. The trial continues.

Summary: A carpenter who fell to his death chose to place a scaffolding board across a void even though a friend had "warned him against it", a court has heard.


The military is the last Turkish institution to see the ban removed. It has long been seen as the guardian of Turkey's secular constitution. Wearing headscarves in public institutions was banned in the 1980s. But Turkey's Islamist-leaning President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, argues that the ban is an illiberal vestige of the past. The issue has been controversial in Turkey for many years. Secularists regard the headscarf as a symbol of religious conservatism and have accused President Erdogan of pushing an Islamist agenda, converting many public schools into religious ones as part of his pledge to raise "a pious generation". Over the past decade the ban has been removed for schools, universities, the civil service and in August for the police. The BBC's Mark Lowen, in Istanbul, says the secular side of Turkey now feels largely ostracised, accusing Mr Erdogan of governing just for his conservative, religious support base. The conservatives respond that they were long seen as second-class citizens and the headscarf is an expression of individual liberties. Our correspondent says that Turkey's religious-secular divide is as old as the republic itself, but is now arguably deeper than ever. Witness: Turkey's headscarf row The new rules apply to regular women military officers, non-commissioned officers and female cadets. They will be allowed to wear a headscarf under their caps or berets as long as they are the same colour as their uniforms and are not patterned, Hurriyet Daily News reported. The military's opposition to the government's move has been weakened after President Erdogan's supporters increased their authority over the armed forces following the failed 15 July coup last year. The changes will come into effect once they are published in the official gazette. Turkey has had a secular constitution with no state religion since 1920. Most people in Turkey are Sunni Muslims.

Summary: A ban on female army officers in Turkey wearing the Muslim headscarf has been lifted by the government.


An agreement has been reached to remove compulsory unit assessments from all National 5 and Higher courses. The EIS said the move will "lighten the assessment burden for pupils and teachers". The industrial action had threatened to disrupt work for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: "I can confirm that EIS Council has now agreed to suspend our programme of industrial action in relation to excessive SQA-related workload. "The agreement that has now been reached at the CfE (Curriculum for Excellence) management board, based on a proposal submitted by the EIS, is a significant victory for teachers and pupils in our secondary schools. "The changes that have been agreed, to permanently remove compulsory unit assessments from all National 5 and Higher courses, will ease the assessment burden on pupils and teachers and create time and space for deeper learning and teaching in our classrooms." Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "This is welcome news from the EIS and I am delighted that they have confirmed suspending a programme of industrial action in relation to teacher workload. "Over the past few months, I have listened carefully to what teachers, parents, young people and others have had to say on workload, and have responded positively with a range of actions to help reduce workload pressures. As part of this, I have now announced the removal of mandatory unit assessments from National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. "This will significantly reduce the workload for our teachers, giving them more time to focus on what is most important - teaching our young people - while maintaining the core principles of Curriculum for Excellence." Mr Swinney added: ""I am glad that the EIS have recognised these efforts and I hope that together we can move forward to ensure that teachers in Scotland have more time to teach, and contribute to closing the attainment gap."

Summary: The teaching union EIS has suspended a programme of industrial action over the workload faced by teachers in relation to examinations.


Eight former and serving officers have been called to give evidence at the hearings. South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Billings said the sum was "substantially less" than required. The force, which has a legal duty to support its staff, said that as of January more than £12m had been paid out on legal representation. The total spend had now risen to "considerably more than that", it added. Dr Billings described the financial situation for the force as "grave" and said taxpayers in the region would "have to bear the additional cost". He said it would ultimately impact on the police budget and the force's ability to provide policing and crime services. Dr Billings said he would be calling an emergency meeting. Ninety-six Liverpool fans died after crushing at the FA Cup semi final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest held at Hillsborough in 1989. Fresh inquests into the deaths were ordered after the original accidental death verdicts were quashed in 2012 following an independent report. The inquests are expected to continue for another year. Dr Billings said: "The special grant application I submitted was for the full amount, which leaves us the shortfall to pay. "My office now has to undertake a financial analysis to establish the size of the shortfall and its impact on our budget." "While I recognise that the Home Secretary's decision was a matter of discretion, I am extremely disappointed by both the timing of the announcement and the amount of funding granted." Dr Billings said he would submit another application to fund "the further legal costs we will incur during 2015/16". A Home Office spokesman said: "On 27 March the home secretary agreed to provide a special grant to the South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner in relation to legal costs incurred by the inquests into the Hillsborough tragedy. "The amount is up to £5.1m in 2013/14 and £5.6m in 2014/15." Special grants can be provided to police forces facing unexpected or exceptional costs exceeding 1% of its annual budget.

Summary: South Yorkshire Police has been awarded £10.7m to cover legal fees incurred from the new Hillsborough inquests.


The deal sees the Northern Irish rider continue his partnership with the Hawk Racing team for the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix. The 13-time TT winner and Mountain Course lap record holder will also contest the Southern 100 and the first British Superbike round at Donington. Dunlop, 27, will test the new machine for the first time on Wednesday. That shakedown at the team's Mallory Park base will be followed by further test sessions at Cartegena and Almeria in Spain. The Ballymoney rider won the Superbike and Senior races at last year's Isle of Man TT, setting a new outright lap record of 133.962mph for the circuit in the latter event. He recorded the first-ever sub-17 minute lap of the course in the week's opening Superbike outing on a BMW. Dunlop also set a new absolute lap record of 123.207mph for the Triangle circuit during the Superbike race at the North West 200 in 2016. In addition to his TT successes, he boasts five victories at the North West and six triumphs at the Ulster Grand Prix. "I was chatting with Steve Hicken, the team manager, for a while, and obviously we've worked together a lot before," said Dunlop. "With the new bike coming out it's been a bit different and we had to gather up exactly what was happening and to see where we were both going to be at this time. "This is a good team and I know they can take a new bike and get it right. It's going to be interesting this year. I've been helping the team build my own bikes." Bennetts Suzuki team manager Hicken added: "We've known Michael for a long time and always wanted to work with him again this year, so we're really pleased we've been able to put a deal together. "We've made good progress already with the development of the new GSX-R1000, and we know the potential is there with the bike, especially with a proven winner like Michael on board." The Hawk-backed Suzuki outfit will also compete in the British Superbike Championship, with former World Superbike champion Sylvain Guintoli and reigning British Superstock 1000cc champion Taylor Mackenzie their chosen riders.

Summary: Michael Dunlop will ride the new GSX-R1000 for the Bennetts Suzuki team at this year's international road races.


The Spaniard pounced to drive low into the corner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pull-back as United set up a home tie with West Ham. Paul Pogba had hit a post moments earlier as the game came alive in the second period, following a first half in which neither of the bitter rivals managed a shot on target. City boss Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his side, who are now six games without a win in all competitions - his worst run as a manager. Their best chance arrived early on when Kelechi Iheanacho headed over from six yards, while second-half substitutes Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero made little impact. Victory was United's second in five matches, and only Jose Mourinho's fourth win in 18 meetings with Guardiola. Former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Mourinho said on Wednesday his life in Manchester is "a bit of a disaster". His words and United's poor form created a sense that defeat at Old Trafford would prompt tough headlines, and Mourinho admitted recent displays influenced his choice to make only four changes and retain key names. United, far from at their best, scored during their only spell of quality in the opening 10 minutes of the second half as Ibrahimovic - anonymous in the opening period - profited from Nicolas Otamendi's missed header to square for Mata. There remain areas of concern for United. Luke Shaw was constantly outwitted by Jesus Navas and again there was no place in the 18-man squad for £26m summer signing Henrik Mkhitaryan. But while Guardiola said the competition was his "lowest priority" before kick-off, Mourinho perhaps took the chance to shift United's momentum. Guardiola said City must be "more clinical" after they ended the night without working David de Gea once - the first time they have not had a shot on target in a game since 2012. City, who are top of the Premier League, had an early penalty appeal turned down when Michael Carrick tangled with Aleix Garcia. The wholesale changes made for the tie may blur detailed analysis of just what is amiss in recent weeks, but a switch to a 4-4-2 formation after two league games where a back three was used perhaps shows Guardiola has not yet settled on the way forward at City. He could also face more time without captain Vincent Kompany, who, making only his second start of the season, asked to be replaced at half-time because he was tired. Kompany suffered a groin strain in September but has been dogged by thigh and calf issues, prompting his playing time to fall from around over 2,700 minutes in 2013-14 to 1,700 last season. There were some positives for Guardiola as 19-year-old full-back Pablo Maffeo made made some key interventions but if City fail to win on Saturday they would be seven matches without a win, a dire run not endured since 2004. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on responding to Sunday's 4-0 league defeat at Chelsea: "We were on a good run of results but it was a big defeat - numbers

Summary: Juan Mata struck to win a tight Manchester derby as United knocked out EFL Cup holders City to reach the quarter-finals.


The 21-year-old recipient, whose identify is being protected, lost his penis in a botched circumcision. Doctors in Cape Town said the operation was a success and the patient was happy and healthy. The team said there was extensive discussion about whether the operation, which is not life-saving in the same way as a heart transplant, was ethical. There have been attempts before, including one in China. Accounts suggested the operation went fine, but the penis was later rejected. The man was 18 and already sexually active when he had the circumcision. The procedure is part of the transition from boyhood to adulthood in parts of South Africa. The boy was left with just 1cm of his original penis. Doctors say South Africa has some of the greatest need for penis transplants anywhere in the world. Dozens, although some say hundreds, of boys are maimed or die each year during traditional initiation ceremonies. Surgeons at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital performed a nine-hour operation to attach a donated penis. One of the surgeons, Andre Van der Merwe, who normally performs kidney transplants, told the BBC News website: "This is definitely much more difficult, the blood vessels are 1.5 mm wide. In the kidney it can be 1 cm." The team used some of the techniques that had been developed to perform the first face transplants in order to connect the tiny blood vessels and nerves. The operation took place on 11 December last year. Three months later doctors say the recovery has been rapid. Full sensation has not returned and doctors suggest this could take two years. However, the man is able to pass urine, have an erection, orgasm and ejaculate. The procedure required a lot of preparation. The team needed to be sure the patient was aware of the risks of a life-time of immunosuppressant drugs. Also some patients cannot cope with a transplant if they fail to recognise it as part of their body. "Psychologically, we knew it would have a massive effect on the ego," said Dr Van der Merwe. It took "a hell of a lot of time" to get ethical approval, he added. One of the concerns is a heart transplant balances the risk of the operation against a certain death, but a penis transplant would not extend life span. Dr Van der Merwe told the BBC: "You may say it doesn't save their life, but many of these young men when they have penile amputations are ostracised, stigmatised and take their own life. "If you don't have a penis you are essentially dead, if you give a penis back you can bring them back to life." Further attempts on other patients are expected to take place in three months time.

Summary: The world's first successful penis transplant has been reported by a surgical team in South Africa.


Four mountain rescue teams were called to separate incidents at the summits of Corn Du and Cribyn. One person is being treated at Swansea's Morriston Hospital for burns. The other is at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. Some rescuers were training in the area when the incidents happened. An RAF Sea King from Chivenor was sent to aid two casualties on Cribyn and road ambulances and police were also sent to the scene. Brecon Mountain Rescue Team were ending their exercise due to the electric storm when they received a call-out. Its team doctor reached the first male casualty on Corn Ddu within 35 minutes. Spokesman Mark Jones said passing cadets who had been on the summit at the time of the strike had already started resuscitation when the rescue doctor took over. "I've been in Brecon Mountain Rescue for 30 years and I've never known anything like this," he said. "It is exceptionally unusual, and for multiple people to be hit in multiple strikes on different peaks - it is very, very rare." Three other mountain rescue teams - Central Beacons, Longtown and Western Beacons - were also called out. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: "As a result of these incidents, two men have sadly died, one man is in a serious condition in hospital and another man is in hospital but did not sustain serious injuries. "Officers have informed the next of kin of the deceased men."

Summary: Two men are being treated in hospital after lightning strikes in the Brecon Beacons which killed two other men on Sunday.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 6 September 2015 Last updated at 11:33 BST Huge crowds of German people gathered at the station to cheer them on as they arrived. Many of them held signs saying "welcome" written in German and Arabic, and offered bottles of water and sweets to them. German police said around 7,000 refugees arrived at Munich station on Saturday, most of them had travelled from Syria. They will now be sent on to special reception centres all over Germany where they will receive hot food and clothes. BBC reporter Jenny Hill is at the train station in Munich...

Summary: Hundreds of migrants were given a warm welcome when they arrived at Munich train station in Germany.


Four birdies in the first six holes set the Northern Irishman on his way at the London Golf Club near Maidstone. England's Paul Casey beat Wales' Jamie Donaldson, while Ireland's Shane Lowry beat Scotland's Stephen Gallacher 3&2. Other winners on day one were Joost Luiten, Thongchai Jaidee, Jonas Blixt and Victor Dubuisson. Having successfully partnered McDowell to two foursome wins in Europe's recent Ryder Cup success, Frenchman Dubuisson matched McDowell's run of four birdies in the opening six holes as he overcame Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal 3&2. Another Ryder Cup winner, Sweden's Henrik Stenson, halved with South African George Coetzee. The 16 competitors, divided into four groups of four, play three group matches each on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before Saturday's quarter-finals and Sunday's semi-finals and final. "There are no easy matches. You can't take anyone lightly, especially a guy who won last week, so I'm very happy to get the victory," said McDowell. "It's important to control your own destiny in the group stages - you don't want to be relying on other people." Full World Match Play results and tables

Summary: Graeme McDowell began the defence of his World Match Play title by beating France's Alexander Levy 3&2 in Wednesday's opening match.


But when she was physically attacked in January, while walking in Georgetown, the South American country's capital, she decided to seek justice. "The young man came up to me and asked if it was me who disrespected him the other night," she said, in reference to a previous argument with her alleged assailant. "And he joock [stabbed] me to my neck with scissors. I fell to the ground and when he left, I ran away. Then he came back with some glass bottles and pelted me down." "It happens a lot here in Guyana to transgender women," she added. "We live in a very homophobic society." Ms Trotman reported the matter to the police and the case went to Georgetown Magistrates Court. But seeking justice as a transgender woman is not easy in Guyana due to a colonial-era law, now 124 years old, that criminalises cross-dressing. Guyanese Summary Jurisdiction Act On her first day in the courtroom, Ms Trotman was told by the presiding magistrate to "dress like a man" at her next court date. When she returned to court on 2 March to hear the final verdict, she defiantly wore a blue top and a long, patterned skirt. This time, Magistrate Dylon Bess refused her entry, citing "inappropriate dress". "I felt really bad because the magistrate ordered me out of the court and he literally tried the case without me," Ms Trotman told the BBC. The case was dismissed and, with Ms Trotman not allowed inside the court, she only learned of the decision when her alleged attacker shared the news upon leaving the courtroom. Magistrate Bess defended his demand that Ms Trotman dress in male clothes. He said that while it was "a preference and not a requirement" that transgender women dress as men in his courtroom, "sometimes persons commit offences dressed as males and then when they appear in court dressed as a female it can have implications for how a victim can identify his or her accuser, or vice versa". He also said that it would be up to parliament to abolish Guyana's law criminalising cross-dressing and not a court of law. The managing director of Guyana's Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, strongly disagrees. "It's really a dereliction of duty for Magistrate Bess to say that parliament has to change the law," he said. "While he is a magistrate, not a judge, the court should not be applying an unjust, unconstitutional law... Where there's conflict, the constitution prevails." A former president of the Guyana Bar Association, Ronald Burch-Smith, also questioned the continued application of the law. "There's a legitimate concern when it comes to things like crime and robbery, that persons dressed in disguise might take advantage of female clothing," he said. "But in the [cases] that have come up so far that has never been an issue. It's taking advantage of an already oppressed minority. "I think the courts should take the lead in recognising that these things are irrelevant to justice." Opposition to the cross-dressing law was sparked in 2009 when transgender activist

Summary: As a transgender woman living in Guyana, Petronella Trotman has grown accustomed to violence and daily abuse on the streets.


He was speaking after a court judgement in the case of Poppi Worthington. On Tuesday a family court judge ruled Paul Worthington carried out a "penetrative" attack on his daughter. Home Office minister Karen Bradley said no action could be considered until after a second inquest had taken place. Mr Worthington, 48, who denies any wrongdoing, cannot face criminal action unless new evidence emerges. Read more on this and other stories on our Local Live page. Sir Simon said the authorities must now "look again" following the ruling by High Court family judge Mr Justice Peter Jackson, which was made on the balance of probabilities. The former Liberal Democrat MP told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the "very fact" the judge had made the findings public "must give cause for the authorities who deal with criminal matters to look again at the evidence". Sir Simon said "justice demands" the original decisions in the criminal investigation be reviewed and he called for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to reopen the case. He said: "I'm sure they will review the case, I'm sure that is the right thing that should happen. "If the justice system is about not just justice for the deceased but to make sure that the welfare of the children who are still alive is best looked after, then it must be in the interests of justice that there is a review now as to whether there was any criminal liability for anything that led to the death of this poor little child." The BBC's legal affairs correspondent Clive Coleman There are some important legal distinctions involved in this tragic case. Mr Justice Peter Jackson made his finding that Paul Worthington assaulted his daughter on the civil standard of proof. That standard is "the balance of probabilities", in other words that it is more likely than not Paul Worthington carried out the assault. A finding in a civil court to this standard falls far short of a finding of guilt in a criminal case and should never be confused with it. The Crown Prosecution will charge a suspect with a crime and bring a case to court if there is a "realistic prospect" of a criminal conviction. That is similar to a "balance of probabilities" test in that it also means the CPS regard the evidence as making it "more likely than not" there will be a conviction. So, based on Mr Justice Jackson's finding, why should a criminal case not be brought? There is further important and subtle distinction. The CPS must consider whether there is a realistic prospect of a jury convicting on the higher criminal standard of proof, i.e. beyond a reasonable doubt or satisfied so that they are sure. Applying that test to the evidence, the CPS decided there was not a realistic prospect of a conviction. Following the Family Court proceedings there will be a second inquest into Poppi's death. If new evidence comes to light, the CPS will reconsider its decision. Poppi collapsed with serious injuries at her home in Barrow, Cumbria, in December 2012

Summary: A criminal investigation into a father found to have sexually assaulted his 13-month-old daughter shortly before her sudden death must be reopened, ex-justice minister Sir Simon Hughes says.


After the US sportswear company took action, Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer was quick to end its association with the five times Grand Slam winner, and German luxury car marque Porsche said it was postponing any planned activities with her. Sharapova revealed on Monday that she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January, and faces a ban from tennis of up to four years. Big-name global companies have been attracted to the Russian star for her mix of athleticism and glamour since she won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17. According to US business magazine Forbes, the 28-year-old is now the world's top-earning female sports star, raking in a total of $29.7m last year. Tellingly, the vast majority of that money - some $23m - came from endorsements. And it is the biggest of those endorsements - her eight-year, $70m deal with Nike, which runs until 2018 - that is now under threat. Sharapova is the latest Nike athlete to become embroiled in controversy, with a number of big names before her being dropped, while others have been retained but had the value of their deals slashed. These dropped include cyclist Lance Armstrong, convicted athlete Oscar Pistorius, and boxer Manny Pacquiao, while those in the latter category reportedly include Tiger Woods. Karen Earl, chairman of the European Sponsorship Association, says: "I can't help feeling that Nike has been burnt before; they have stayed with people like Lance Armstrong in the past, and maybe they are just being rightly cautious now. "The use of a suspension is interesting - basically they are saying they will sit and see how things go. Given their recent experiences that is probably a sensible move. I think they have done the right thing this time round. Nike can now have the option of jumping either way," she tells the BBC. Meanwhile, Tag Heuer has been more blunt and "decided not to renew the contract with Ms Sharapova", while Porsche has been more cautious, preferring to put its activities on hold. Now all eyes will be on her other commercial partners - Avon Cosmetics, Evian, Head and skincare brand Supergoop, to see what they do, or whether she is now a tarnished brand for sponsors. Sharapova also has her own confectionery business, Sugarpova, launched in 2011, with sales last year of more than three million bags of sweets. "These other sponsors will be thinking about what they should do now," says Mrs Earl. "In the short-term her continued appeal to sponsors will depend on what action is taken by the tennis and doping authorities. "In the longer term if all seems to be forgiven, and she is not out of the game for longer than the one year that is being talked about, then it might not matter to them as much. Mrs Earl adds: "But if she is not seen to be forgiven by tennis, then sponsors will find her less appealing. It all depends what happens in the next few weeks." The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has

Summary: As Nike suspends its relationship with tennis superstar Maria Sharapova not only is one of the most lucrative sports partnerships under threat, but so too could be her phenomenal brand appeal to sponsors.


The offers from West Ham and Burnley are in the region of £10m, though the Hammers' is higher. Clarets boss Sean Dyche said there was a "difference" between a fee being agreed and "a player joining". Meanwhile, Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says his club are "working on offers with Hull". "I think they rejected an offer but we are working, " he added. Snodgrass has scored seven league goals this season for the 19th-placed Tigers. West Ham's proposal comes a day after Burnley's bid and is their latest attempt to sign the player this month - they previously had offers of up to £6m rejected by Hull. The Tigers say the move is now down to the player and he has not yet gone for a medical at Burnley. "It's an ongoing situation. There's no imminent moment that the player is here or going to sign," added Dyche. "In theory they gave us a chance to speak to the player and take it from there. I get the feeling there are a number of clubs who have been interested." Snodgrass missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea with what manager Marco Silva described as "a small injury in the knee". Silva is reluctant to part with Snodgrass, having already sold midfielder Jake Livermore to West Brom for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £10m. Snodgrass has been linked with a move since December, before Hull triggered a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2017-18 season. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.

Summary: West Ham have joined Burnley in having an offer accepted by Hull for Robert Snodgrass, while Middlesbrough say they have also made a bid.


The catch-up app is not ready to launch alongside the revamped set top box when it goes on sale this week, but the broadcaster signalled it would be soon. iPlayer was absent on earlier Apple TVs, despite the fact it is on other platforms including Amazon's Fire TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Sky's Now TV box and several video game consoles. One analyst said the move should aid sales of the new kit in the UK. "Available on over 10,000 devices, BBC iPlayer is one of the biggest and best on-demand video services in the world, and has transformed how UK audiences watch programmes online," said the BBC's director-general Tony Hall. "I am delighted that iPlayer will be coming to the new Apple TV in the coming months, helping to bring the BBC's distinctive and loved content to an even wider audience." Until now, Sky was the only major British broadcaster to offer an app for the US firm's set top boxes. The BBC has, however, allowed users to stream content from iPlayer's iPhone and iPad apps to older Apple TVs. In September, its iPlayer team indicated it had "no plans" to change this. for the new device. But a key part of Apple's pitch for its new box is that owners can use their voices to request programmes and movies by theme from across a range of services without having to open and close individual apps. Users can, for example, ask for popular science fiction shows and be shown a range of suggestions from Netflix, NowTV and other apps that communicate their content with Apple's computer servers. For iPlayer's content to be added to the list of recommendations, the service has to become a native app rather than be run off a separate device. Earlier this month, the MacRumors news site reported that two Bournemouth-based developers had created a tvOS app they dubbed Auntie Player to demonstrate that it would be relatively easy for the BBC to support the new platform. They noted it had taken them less than nine hours to build a working program and urged the BBC to build an official version of its own. "iPlayer coming to the Apple TV is a landmark deal," commented Ian Maude from the research firm Enders Analysis. "I think it's very difficult for any internet-based video streaming service to launch in the UK without it now. "That was true for Sky's Now TV box - it was huge when it got iPlayer - and I think the same will be true for Apple." The BBC understands that ITV has no plans to release an app for Apple TV. Channel 4 and Channel 5's intentions are unknown.

Summary: The BBC has confirmed that its iPlayer service is coming to the new Apple TV.


The position became vacant after Angus Robertson lost his seat in the general election. Ian Blackford, Joanna Cherry, Tommy Sheppard and Drew Hendry have all confirmed their candidacy. They were all first elected in 2015. The party said its new Westminster group leader would be announced on Wednesday evening. The SNP won the general election in Scotland, despite losing 21 seats. They will start the new parliament with 35 MPs. Mr Robertson lost his Moray constituency seat to the Conservatives' Douglas Ross after Thursday's vote.

Summary: Four SNP MPs have said they are hoping to be the party's next leader at Westminster.


Despite all the talk about the challenges he faces in trying to catch Hillary Clinton, it's still a remarkable achievement given how far back he started from the former secretary of state when the race began last year. The Vermont senator wasn't in Wisconsin to relish the win, however. He chose to spend primary night instead at a rally in Wyoming, which holds its Democratic caucus on Saturday. For Mr Sanders every delegate counts if he wants to catch Mrs Clinton - a formidable task given the sizable lead she built up by routing the Vermont senator in contests across the South last month. But even if it doesn't give him much of a delegate boost, this Wisconsin result does offer Mr Sanders that most precious of political commodities - momentum. He'll likely post another victory in Wyoming, and then all eyes turn to New York in two weeks - where Mr Sanders grew up and Mrs Clinton served as a senator for six years. Mr Sanders, if his recent string of victories is to be anything more than a political footnote, will need to attract black and Hispanic votes in numbers he has yet achieve. If he can do that, then the narrative in this race stops being Mrs Clinton's inevitability and becomes a question of whether the front-runner can hang on. If New York is the key, however, Mr Sanders's campaign there may be stumbling out of the gate. Today he received a raft of negative press for an interview he gave with the editorial board of the Daily News, a New York City newspaper, that critics say exposes his thin grasp on the issues - and foreign policy in particular. When asked about Israeli-relations, the senator said he didn't know the answer to some questions and wasn't qualified to respond to others. He said he hasn't thought much about where so-called Islamic State leaders captured by the US should be held and didn't know whether President Barack Obama has the right policy to deal with IS. He even demurred on questions about whether the US government has the authority to order the breakup of banks that the president determines are too powerful. "If a bank is too big to fail, it is too big to exist," he said. "And then you have the secretary of treasury and some people who know a lot about this, making that determination." Gloves come off for Clinton and Sanders - It's crunch time in the Democratic race and nerves are starting to fray #BernieMadeMeWhite: Minority supporters of Sanders speak out - Supporters push back against "all-white" narrative Trump, Clinton and the 'None of the Above' era - Rarely have those running for high office been held in such low esteem Full US election coverage from the BBC The headlines following the interview were scathing. "This New York Daily News interview was pretty close to a disaster for Bernie Sanders," read the Washington Post. "Even on bread-and-butter matters like breaking up the big banks, the Democratic presidential hopeful came across as tentative, unprepared or

Summary: Bernie Sanders can now boast four wins in a row and victories in six of the last seven contests for the Democratic presidential nomination.


A spokesman for HM Coastguard said nothing had been found during extensive searches and crews were stood down at 11:30 GMT. The missing man has been named by police as Len King, 74, from Alfriston, East Sussex. A friend reported him missing when he did not return home on Sunday evening. Mr King had set out to sail alone from Brighton to Newhaven. His Sunseeker yacht is believed to have been on autopilot when it drifted back to the marina and crashed into a wall with no-one on board. Three lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were involved in the search, which began shortly after 22:00 on Sunday. It was hampered by storms overnight but resumed at first light in rough seas. In a statement issued through Sussex Police, Mr King's wife Stephanie said her husband had been sailing since he was at least 20. She said: "Normally we go together but during the week, if it's calm weather, he may go off by himself." Mrs King said he went off just before lunch on Sunday and had been expected home by dinnertime. When she phoned him several times the phone was unable to connect. "I can't understand what has happened," she said. "He is a very experienced yachtsman. He has all his equipment doubled up and is always careful. That is the way he runs things." HM Coastguard said extensive shoreline searches had been carried out around Brighton Marina, between Shoreham and Newhaven and as far out as 2.5 miles off shore. The helicopter had undertaken a search out to mid-Channel. "Despite these extensive searches, nothing has been found. Unless any new information comes to light, the search has been suspended," a spokesman said. Coastguards told BBC reporter Jon Hunt divers would examine the vessel to see if there was any mechanical explanation for what happened. Insp Roy Apps said it remained unclear what had happened to Mr King. He said: "The search is currently suspended and we are liaising with his family as we investigate the circumstances of his disappearance."

Summary: The search for the skipper of a yacht found abandoned near Brighton Marina has been called off and a missing person inquiry is under way.


The Bible records that three wise men took him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold we all know, but where on earth does one find the other two in the present day? The search for them led me to Wajir in north-eastern Kenya. Half an hour's drive from the town there is a 20-acre (eight-hectare) plantation of myrrh trees and boswelia, the tree that produces frankincense. Hareth Hassan has been tending the trees for 15 years since inheriting the plantation from his father. "We treasure these trees because their resin has many medicinal uses," he says. "We spray it in our homes to repel snakes and insects. Also when someone gets sick, we apply it on them, for example when you feel pain on the hand. And if you break a limb, before correcting it, we apply myrrh on the affected area." Frankincense - locally it is chewed as gum, ground into powder and burnt as incense, used as a perfume and for a wide range of ailments; commercially it is used as an essential oil in perfume, cosmetic and flavour industries Myrrh - Egyptians used it for embalming mummies, and in the Bible it is said to have been mixed with wine to be used as a painkiller for Jesus; locally used as an ink in Islamic schools, burned to repel insects and snakes, as a medicine; commercially used in perfumes, flavours and cosmetics (such as stomach remedies, mouthwashes and toothpaste) Four collectors arrive carrying an axe and recycled plastic containers. They walk around the farm looking for resin that is ready for harvesting. They also make shallow cuts on the tree trunks and branches to stimulate the production of myrrh resin. Mr Hassan works closely with Ambia Osman, an officer from the Kenya Forests Service. "These trees grow naturally and so it's important to conserve them," says Ms Osman, who says she teaches the collectors not to overtap the resins. "But they don't make much because they sell it raw," she adds. We drive back to Wajir town, a small but busy business centre. Ms Osman shows us several shops that stock myrrh, frankincense and other natural products. In one of the shops, the trader brings us a sack containing brown lumps of myrrh. They look like dried fruit. "A kilogram of myrrh goes for $8 (Â£5.40)," says the shopkeeper. Sometimes it can sell for as little as $4. "They would be making much more if we had a factory in Wajir to add value to the product," says Ms Osman. One of the few factories that does process frankincense is in the capital, Nairobi. A strong, sweet scent hits me as I walk into Lubanchem Limited in Nairobi's industrial area. The factory is the brainchild of a pharmaceutical chemist Sadqa Haq. "My father brought home some frankincense in 1997 and that's when I got the idea to set up a plant to extract it," she says. Two of her employees spread pieces of raw frankincense on the floor and start sorting them. "We do the sorting and put

Summary: A Christmas tradition that can be traced back to the story of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem is the exchange of gifts.


Archbishop Philip Tartaglia said Scottish bishops were "shamed and pained" by the suffering of those who had been harmed. His apology followed the publication of a report from the McLellan Commission, which was set up to investigate abuse. It called on the church to make an "unmistakeable and unequivocal" apology and "heal the hurt" of victims. In response, Archbishop Tartaglia said: "As the president of the Bishops' Conference, and on behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to offer a profound apology to all those who have been harmed and who have suffered in any way as a result of actions by anyone within the Catholic Church. "Child abuse is a horrific crime. That this abuse should have been carried out within the church, and by priests and religious, takes that abuse to another level. "Such actions are inexcusable and intolerable. The harm the perpetrators of abuse have caused is first and foremost to their victims, but it extends far beyond them, to their families and friends, as well as to the church and wider society." He told survivors that the Catholic Bishops of Scotland were "shamed and pained by what you have suffered". And he added: "We say sorry. We ask forgiveness. "We apologise to those who have found the church's response slow, unsympathetic or uncaring and reach out to them as we take up the recommendations of the McLellan Commission." The church asked Dr Andrew McLellan to lead a review of how it handles allegations of abuse following a series of scandals. It took evidence from victims in a bid to improve support services and protect vulnerable children and adults. Dr McLellan, a former moderator of the Church of Scotland, was tasked with coming up with proposals aimed at making the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland "a safe place for all". The 11 review commissioners, who include a senior police officer, a journalist and an MP, were tasked with assessing the quality of support available to survivors. It was not within the scope of the commission to investigate or adjudicate on current or historical allegations. The commission made eight recommendations, including calling for support for survivors of abuse to be an "absolute priority". It also said justice must be done for those who have been abused. The report also recommended that the church's safeguarding policies and practices be completely rewritten and subject to external scrutiny. It called for a consistent approach to dealing with allegations across Scotland and improved training for those in the church. Mr McLellan said: "The Bishops' Conference of Scotland should make a public apology to all survivors of abuse within the church. "An apology must be made in a way that is unmistakeable and unequivocal." He added: "The Bishops have said from the outset that they will accept our recommendations. "That means that three things will happen. "First and most important a beginning will be made to heal the hurt and address the anger which so many survivors feel. "Second, the Catholic Church in Scotland will begin to confront a dark part of its

Summary: The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland has issued a "profound apology" to victims of child abuse.


The report on business trends from the accountancy and services group BDO said the UK economy was already showing signs of slowing ahead of the EU vote. Manufacturing had the gloomiest outlook, and job creation in the economy slowed to a two-year low. BDO's Peter Hemington said uncertainty prompted by Brexit had also disrupted investment in the UK economy. The report shows business output, which reflects company orders for the next quarter, slipped to 99 last month, compared with 99.7 in May and 100.6 in April. Meanwhile, business optimism also slid, falling to 98.9 in June from 99.4 in May. But Mr Hemington added: "In all likelihood, whatever arrangements the UK eventually arrives at with the EU won't look very different from what we have at the moment. "So businesses cannot afford to get caught up in the hysteria. They need to hold their nerve and continue to invest in the UK. "We are at a crucial moment where we must be sensible in protecting the UK economy. We need a plan of action now that gives businesses the added confidence to progress with investment plans." BDO's research is based on the results of the UK's main business surveys

Summary: Uncertainty around Brexit has dragged UK business output and optimism to three-year lows, a report suggests.


Commissioned by actor George Clooney, the document accuses President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar, and top generals of profiteering. It follows the trail of money with links to the families of both Mr Kiir and Mr Machar. Those named have not yet responded to the allegations. The BBC is seeking comment from them. The report's authors spent two years collecting evidence and testimony on behalf of a new investigative unit - called The Sentry - which was co-founded by the US actor. Mr Clooney said the evidence was "detailed" and "irrefutable" and that it was time for the world to take action. The actor said international lawyers, banks and real estate were involved in criminal behaviour linked to the militias and innocent civilians were paying the price. "They're stealing the money to fund their militias to attack and kill one another," he said. "We can either take action or we can spend the next decade mopping up the mess." Entitled War Crimes Shouldn't Pay, the report has found that "top officials ultimately responsible for mass atrocities in South Sudan have at the same time managed to accumulate fortunes, despite modest government salaries". "Some have been involved in questionable business deals while others have apparently received large payments from corporations doing business in South Sudan." A fall-out between President Kiir and former Vice-President Machar - the most powerful members of their respective Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups - led to the civil war which erupted in December 2013. Terrible atrocities have been carried out by both sides - often along ethnic lines. Mass rape has been used as a weapon of war and United Nations reports have detailed human rights abuses. Some 2.5 million people have been forced from their homes, and millions more need food aid. War Crimes Shouldn't Pay report, published in September 2016 When a peace deal between the two men fell apart amid heavy fighting of the streets of the capital Juba in July, any chance of a quick resolution to the crisis crumbled. "This war is about rival factions of a kleptocratic network trying to gain control of the state," said JR Mailey, the author of the report by The Sentry, which is a collaboration between The Enough Project, Not On Our Watch, and C4ADS. It says President Kiir's wife and at least seven of his children were linked to a whole range of businesses, and has evidence that Mr Kiir's 12-year-old son had a 25% share in a holding company. It says a company linked to his brother-in-law, Gen Gregory Vasili Dimitry, supplied fuel to the military while he was a senior officer. It details business connections between Gen Vasili and the Kiirs, and says that the two families hold interests in almost two dozen companies. "I was mostly struck by the breadth of sectors in which these top officials are involved," said JR Mailey, the author of the report. "We're talking everything from airlines, to banks, oil companies, mining companies, casinos. "It seems that a very small number of people control a large swathe of

Summary: South Sudan's political and military elite have made themselves rich while the country has struggled under a civil war of their making, a report says.


Speaking during a visit to communist Vietnam and talks with its leaders, Mr Obama said the move removed a "lingering vestige of the Cold War". The US is trying to bolster its relationship with its Pacific allies, as China asserts territorial claims. But Mr Obama said the embargo decision was not related to US policy on China. "It's based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalisation with Vietnam," he said in Hanoi. Vietnam is one of several countries in the region involved in maritime disputes with China. The US insists on the right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. In 2014, a row over a Chinese oil rig near the Paracel islands led to clashes between Chinese and Vietnamese vessels and anti-China riots in Vietnam. Why Vietnam wants US weapons Beijing's new South China Sea islands High hopes for Obama visit White House officials had indicated the arms ban, in force since 1984, would be lifted only if human rights in Vietnam improved. "Sales will need to still meet strict requirements, including those related to human rights, but this change will ensure that Vietnam has access to the equipment it needs to defend itself," Mr Obama said after talks with President Tran Dai Quang. Vietnam had been arguing for an end to the embargo, which was partially lifted in 2014. President Obama's easing of all remaining restrictions on arms sales to Vietnam is powerfully symbolic. But what does it mean in practice? Up to now, Vietnam has relied on Russia to supply most of its defence equipment, a legacy of the Cold War, when they were allies. The government would certainly like to diversify its sources, and is looking at a number of potential alternative suppliers. But it won't be rushing into the arms of US manufacturers just yet. One reason is that a lot of US technology may be too sophisticated and expensive for Vietnam's needs. And while Vietnam's defence spending, which has doubled over the past decade, is driven by the rivalry with its giant neighbour China, it will not want to antagonise China by seeking state-of-the-art US weapons that might alter the military balance. Another reason is the complicated process of procuring US weapons. In his announcement, Mr Obama said any military contracts would still be subject to provisos on human rights, and given the Vietnamese government's poor human rights record that might hold up possible arms sales in Congress. The greatest potential for US sales probably lies in areas like military surveillance systems and coastal defence. Vietnam would welcome technology that helps it track Chinese naval forces. The partial lifting of the embargo two years ago was with the specific aim of improving US sales in this area, yet Vietnam is taking its time to decide what it most wants to buy. Mr Obama's visit comes 41 years after the end of the Vietnam War in which the US sought to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. Several million Vietnamese - civilians, communist fighters and South

Summary: President Barack Obama has announced the US is fully lifting its embargo on sales of lethal weapons to Vietnam, its one-time enemy.


Ian Sawyer from Manchester said: "I'm homosexual, I'm not a paedophile. Does Mr Fury know the difference?" Fury has been quoted as saying a woman's "best place is on her back" and criticised homosexuality and abortion. The boxer, also from Manchester, has denied making any homophobic comments. He said: "Tyson Fury loves his fellow humans. He doesn't hate anybody." Mr Sawyer told the Victoria Derbyshire programme he was offended "to such an extent that I went to Greater Manchester Police" but has yet to be interviewed by police for an official statement. He said 27-year-old Fury, who became world champion by beating Wladimir Klitschko last month, was entitled to his opinions, but "if they are offensive he should keep them private". "After he won the championship I woke up thinking how wonderful it was to have a world champion in Manchester at a sport that I've admired since Muhammad Ali and then when I woke up yesterday morning and listened to his words [on the Victoria Derbyshire programme] I thought he had gone from hero to zero," he added. In an interview in the build-up to his world title fight, Fury, who comes from Wythenshawe, said: "There are only three things that need to be accomplished before the devil comes home: one of them is homosexuality being legal in countries, one of them is abortion and the other one's paedophilia. "Who would have thought in the '50s and '60s that those first two would be legalised?" Fury has been stripped of his IBF belt because he will not be fighting the organisation's mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov in his next fight, instead planning a rematch with Klitschko. The Ukrainian former champion has exercised a rematch clause in the contract for his original fight with Fury, who still holds the WBA and WBO belts. Watch Victoria Derbyshire weekdays from 09:15-11:00 BST on BBC Two and the BBC News Channel. Follow the programme on Facebook and Twitter, and find all our content online.

Summary: A man who made a hate crime complaint to police about world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has said Fury is "ignorant to the difference between homosexuality and paedophilia".


The firm, which operates services across the West Midlands, said it would now operate up to March 2016. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the process of awarding a contract beyond then had not begun. In March London Midland announced it would shed 150 jobs, while in November it said driver shortages had led to cancelled or delayed services. Figures showed about 20% of its 1,311 daily services were delayed or cancelled throughout October. The firm has said the 150 redundancies would focus on head office and support staff and would not affect services. A DfT spokesman said during the extra six months it would be "working closely with the company to ensure they continue to improve the service they provide to passengers". The process had not yet started of awarding a so-called management contract to run from March 2016 to June 2017, the department said. It added a new franchise was planned to run from June 2017, which also has not yet been awarded.

Summary: London Midland has had its franchise extended by six months, the train company has announced.


Images purporting to show an unnamed US warship were shown on television. Iran's navy commander praised the operation for getting so close to a warship "to get such accurate footage of the combat units of foreign forces". The US said an Iranian drone had flown over one of its carriers recently, but did not say if it was this incident. It had not posed a risk to the USS Harry S Truman, but the move was "abnormal and unprofessional", Reuters news agency quoted a US navy spokeswoman as saying. Nicole Schwegman said that incident had occurred on 12 January, which is the same day Iran briefly detained 10 US sailors who had entered Iranian territorial waters by mistake. The report by Iran's state Irinn news channel did not say when the surveillance drone had made its flight except to say it was on the third day of a naval exercise. The Associated Press news agency said this suggested it had happened on Friday, as Iran's naval drill began earlier this week. An Iranian light submarine also closely participated in the surveillance operation, Iran's state-run Irna news agency reported. Adm Habibollah Sayyari, Iran's navy chief, told state TV it was a sign of the "bravery, experience and the scientific capabilities of our drone operators". International sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme were lifted this month, somewhat easing its relations with the West. But within a few days, the US had imposed new sanctions related to Iran's ballistic missile programme. Iran said the sanctions, which prevent 11 entities and individuals linked to the programme from using the US banking system, had "no legal or moral legitimacy".

Summary: Iran flew an unarmed drone over a US aircraft carrier and took "precise" photographs during a naval drill in the Gulf, its state broadcaster said.


The 23-year-old joined Barrow at the start of the season from Stenhousemuir but made only six National League appearances for the Cumbrian side. Murray began his career at Scottish club Motherwell and also had spells with Arbroath and Clyde. Southport are 19th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.

Summary: Southport have signed defender Euan Murray from fellow National League club Barrow on a deal until the end of the season.


Their emotionally-charged, radio-friendly rock anthems like Radioactive and Sucker For Pain have won Grammy Awards, number one albums and a scarily loyal fanbase. But behind closed doors, the band's frontman Dan Reynolds was struggling with severe depression. Things came to a head on their last world tour. Playing 110 dates in 42 countries on five continents left the singer "numb". "It came to a point where I didn't have an option," he tells the BBC. "It was lose my family and lose my life or seek help." After the band's final concert of the tour in Amsterdam last February, the star told his bandmates he was taking a year off to tackle the condition, which has plagued him since childhood. "When I was younger, in school, I would just let it pass, and ride out the valleys and the peaks and the ups and downs," he says. "Then I tried medication and it was too scary for me, because I felt like it was going to change the music." So last year, he "went to a therapist and sat down and basically faced it head on for the first time". Having decided not to take antidepressants, his treatment took "a more holistic route" than before - changing his diet, cutting out sugar and practicing yoga and meditation. The latter, in particular, "has been huge" for the singer, who says he has trouble "quieting" his brain. Reynolds was supported through the last year by his wife, fellow musician Aja Volkman, and bandmate Wayne Sermon, whom he's known since childhood. "We're brothers, so if he's not in a good place, then none of us are," says Sermon. The guitarist admits everyone in the band has "demons that came out" after their ascent to fame - including his own issues with trust and "questioning people's motives". "When you're under a microscope, it's going to magnify all the problems you had before," he says, "But I don't want to be to be down about it, because I feel like we've come out better people. All of us." Those changes are the foundation of Imagine Dragons' new album Evolve. The artwork shows a human form ascending from a place of eternal darkness to one of light and colour, while the music is inventive and vibrant - especially when compared to the claustrophobic onslaught of their last record. "Smoke + Mirrors was super-angsty" admits Reynolds. "This album is a celebration of opening the blinds and the light shining through." On the lead single, Believer, he writes about his personal transformation while acknowledging: "My life, my love, my drive, it came from pain." "I was raised in a really conservative household and carried a heavy guilty conscience with me because of religion," he explains. "Letting go of that was really freeing and wonderful. But I've also learned to be happy for the things I learned from it and grateful for the love that I found. "If it wasn't for all of those things working in the exact way they did, Imagine Dragons would cease to exist." The seventh of

Summary: Over the last five years, Imagine Dragons have become one of the biggest bands on the planet.


Roy Burke said the expiry of an agreement with Dutch company Verweij and Partners meant no-one now had exclusive rights to work on the site. The company had originally pledged to start redeveloping Fort Tourgis by the end of 2012. Plans for the Victorian fortification include a hotel and conference centre. Mr Burke said: "Verweij and Partners no longer have exclusivity on Fort Tourgis... nobody has the right to build or develop Fort Tourgis." He added: "If they come along with plans tomorrow, the States of Alderney would have to relook at those plans and decide whether or not they want to proceed with that development." Verweij and Partners entered into negotiations with the States of Alderney in 2007. The company submitted plans for a resort, which would include spa facilities and 50-70 bedrooms. Mr Burke said any development would need to involve much work to the inside of the fort, due to the fact that many of the floors have rotted and collapsed. He said: "Virtually all the original features will have to stay. "From an economic perspective there's no doubt it will be a great boon for Alderney." Mr Burke said he would be meeting a representative of Verweij and Partners in a few weeks, and was expecting an update on the development. He said following an announcement earlier in the year that part of the company had been declared bankrupt, he was examining its finances. Attempts to contact Verweij and Partners were unsuccessful, with the company's phone lines in the Netherlands appearing to have been disconnected.

Summary: An agreement on the redevelopment of Alderney's derelict Fort Tourgis has lapsed, according to the chief executive of the island's States.


It's because you're not just downloading the content you want - which may be a small amount of data - but the data-heavy adverts and all the tracking technology that surrounds them. And it's costing mobile users, who are charged for that traffic to their phones, a lot of money. That, at least, is the allegation in an advert placed in the Financial Times this morning by an Israeli firm called Shine. Under the stark headline: "Fact: mobile ads consume a substantial amount of the data mobile consumers pay for and it's getting worse", it argues that we are all helping to subsidise advertisers. It goes on to call on the GSMA, the trade association for the mobile industry, to back a move to "zero rate" ads, meaning consumers would not be charged for that data. Shine is a business which is trying to sell ad-blocking software to mobile networks, so it is not a neutral observer. "We believe that consumers should not be subsidising billion dollar ad tech businesses," Shine's Roi Carthy tells me. "We hope the GSMA and its membership see the importance of protecting consumers and act on the matter swiftly." The GSMA says that it cannot comment on commercial negotiations involving operators but says it supports "initiatives that provide consumers with more transparency and control over the privacy of their personal data". Ad-blocking has grown increasingly popular, with plenty of tools now available to improve your browsing experience. A recent survey showed nearly 200 million people were using blockers - that's still a small proportion of the global web audience but 12 million of them are in the UK, which indicates that the British are particularly hostile to adverts. Up until now, it has been much harder to block adverts on mobile phones, but this week Apple is expected to release its latest mobile operating system which will allow ad-blocking tools in its Safari browser. That should give a big boost to businesses which will be marketing their ad-blocking services to iPhone users, and even to Shine, which is trying to persuade mobile operators to install its technology at the network level. This sounds like a great consumer cause - until you remember that the entire business model of many of the web businesses we use most is dependent on advertising. When you check the weather forecast online, watch a music video or chat about recipes on a cookery forum, the chances are that you get those services free in exchange for having those annoying adverts. No wonder there is something akin to panic in the online advertising industry, especially among businesses which are just getting their mobile ad strategies off the ground. What makes it worse for them is that Facebook, which has made a very successful transition to mobile, won't see its ads blocked because it controls its app platform. That means that everyone else could soon be shutting up shop as their ad revenues evaporate. But perhaps we should take the warnings of the catastrophic impact of ad-blocking with a pinch of salt. The advertising

Summary: Ever wondered why it takes an age for some web pages to load on your mobile phone, even when you have a good signal?