From 2019-20, the Football League wants a fifth division with 20 teams in each. Initial reaction was one of outrage from some clubs at how they found out about the plan. Given 90% - 65 out of the 72 - of the Football League clubs need to vote in favour, that seems like a mistake. The Football League insisted it sent documentation on its proposals to all member clubs on Thursday lunchtime, but senior officials of two Championship clubs say they were unaware of the proposals until they were reported by the media. The positive argument put forward for reducing the number of teams in each league is that there would be less need for midweek games, when attendances are smaller. It would also reduce the number of away games and, as a result, the travel costs of both clubs and supporters. "That is an utterly ridiculous argument," said one Championship chairman. "For the best-supported clubs, four home league games amounts to between £1.5m and £2m in gate receipts. For away games, our bill is around £2,000 each time. "So, basically what they are saying is give up over £1m and you will save £8,000. Are you being serious?" In 1994-95, the Premier League needed to reduce from 22 clubs to 20. It was managed in one season, by relegating the bottom four clubs and promoting only two from the First Division. The process continued down to the Third Division, which expanded from 22 teams to 24. Reducing a league from 24 to 20 could be done with four relegated clubs and none promoted, five and one, six and two or seven and three. Then you would need to reduce the third tier by eight and the fourth by 12. The best eight National League sides could make up the rump of League Three. An even more radical option would be for eight Premier League reserve teams to be asked to make up the numbers. It is the kind of idea FA chairman Greg Dyke proposed in 2014 - only for it to be instantly rejected by the Football League. However, the presence of eight well-supported 'reserve' teams may widen interest and could be a way of filling the gap in funding created by those eight fewer games. There are various ways of getting there, but the brutal fact is four Championship clubs are going to get axed from the division. Current solidarity payments for Championship clubs not in receipt of parachute payments are £2.3m. For League One clubs it is £360,000 and League Two £240,000. When the new £5.1bn Premier League TV deal comes into force in August, Championship clubs will get a solidarity payment equivalent to 30% of a third-year parachute payment. League One and League Two clubs will receive 4.5% and 3% of a third-year payment. If the current £10m third-year parachute payment remained the same, there would be a difference of around £2.5m. "Why would anyone who had a chance of being relegated from the Championship vote for that?" said the same chairman. "It is the ultimate turkeys

Summary: The Football League faces a problem getting plans ratified that would lead to the game's biggest shake-up since the Premier League was formed in 1992.


Kante, 24, and Benalouane, 28, have both penned four-year deals and are the first signings by Claudio Ranieri. The French midfielder helped Caen win promotion in 2013-14 and played 37 times in France's top flight last term. Centre-back Benalouane is a former France Under-21 international but has opted to represent Tunisia. Benalouane's move is subject to international clearance as well as Premier League and FA approval. The double signing adds to new arrivals Robert Huth, Christian Fuchs and Shinji Okazaki at the Foxes, who finished 14th in the Premier League last season. Leicester begin their Premier League season against Sunderland on Saturday. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Leicester City have signed Yohan Benalouane from Italian side Atalanta and N'Golo Kante from French club Caen for undisclosed fees.


Staff were informed of the development on Friday by chief executive officer Thomas Mayer, a source told BBC Sport. Administrators FRP said there was "a very limited window of opportunity" to save the team before the start of the 2017 season in Australia on 26 March. FRP said it was "assessing options" and that the process affected Manor's operating company Just Racing Services. Manor Grand Prix Racing, which owns the rights to the team's participation in F1, is not in administration. Team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick said in a note to staff: "It was imperative that the team finish in 10th place or better in 2016." Manor, who finished 11th and last in the championship last season, have been in talks with new investors but so far no deal has been concluded. Administrator Geoff Rowley said: "The team has made significant progress since the start of 2015, but the position remains that operating a F1 team requires significant ongoing investment. "The senior management team has worked tirelessly to bring new investment, but regrettably has been unable to do so within the time available. "Therefore, they have been left with no alternative but to place [Manor Racing] into administration." A source said several buyers had been lined up over the past few weeks and two had gone as far as conducting a due diligence process. But none of them provided the funds necessary to buy the team, nor was there any proof they had the money to run it. Fitzpatrick, the boss of the energy company Ovo, decided to put the team into administration on Thursday night. FRP were also appointed the last time the team were in administration over the winter of 2014/15, after they collapsed with debts of £35m. At the time, they were known as Marussia, and were reconstituted under their original name of Manor when Fitzpatrick bought them at the 11th hour just before the 2015 season. Manor, who are based in Banbury in Oxfordshire, suffered a blow at the end of last season when Sauber moved ahead of them into 10th place in the constructors' championship thanks to the ninth place achieved by Felipe Nasr at the penultimate race of the year in Brazil. "For much of the season we were on track," said Fitzpatrick. "But the dramatic race in Brazil ended our hopes of [finishing 10th] and ultimately brought into doubt the team's ability to race in 2017. "We made a huge amount of progress on and off track but ultimately it was not enough." That cost Manor in the region of £10m in prize money - income they needed to survive into the new season - and the loss of it has made potential drivers and their backers reluctant to commit funds to the team, sources said. Fitzpatrick said at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi that the loss of income was "not a deal-breaker" in the talks he was having with new investors. But there had been no further news from the team until Friday's development.

Summary: Manor Racing have gone into administration and will collapse without new investment.


The Turkish government said the bill is not intended to pardon rapists, but to address underage marriage. The law would allow the release of men who assaulted a minor "without force" and later married the victim. The controversial bill has already sparked protests across the country. However, the bill faces opposition from both public and political opposition, and may be withdrawn or changed before the vote in parliament. In its current form, the bill applies to men who had sexual relations with girls under the age of 18. It allows the indefinite postponement of sentences for sexual abuse committed "without force, threat or trick". The government said the aim was to exonerate men imprisoned for marrying an underage girl, apparently with her or her family's consent. Marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in Turkey, but is practised in some parts of the large, predominantly Muslim country. However, critics say that children cannot give consent, especially in a male-dominated culture, and the bill legitimises rape. On Saturday, about 3,000 protesters gathered in Istanbul to oppose the legislation. Protesters clapped and chanted: "We will not shut up. We will not obey. Withdraw the bill immediately!" "A rape can't be justified," protester Fadik Temizyurek told the BBC. "What does it mean to ask a child if they're OK? Until they're 18, a child remains a child, that is why this has to be condemned. We are here so that this law can't pass." The bill follows a previous controversy after Turkey's constitutional court in July annulled part of the criminal code which classified all sexual acts with children under 15 as sexual abuse. The UN children's fund has said it is "deeply concerned" about the bill. "These abject forms of violence against children are crimes which should be punished as such, and in all cases the best interest of the child should prevail," said spokesman Christophe Boulierac.

Summary: Men who had sex with underage girls could have their convictions overturned if they marry their victims, under a bill due before Turkey's parliament on Tuesday.


Dozens of Conservatives were expected to defy the government and oppose the plan to limit the time available for debating plans for proposed changes. But the government later won a separate vote on the principle behind a mainly elected chamber with a majority of 338. But 91 Conservative MPs voted against the bill as a whole. One of the rebels, Angie Bray, has been sacked from her role as a ministerial aide. The vote means that proposals for an 80% elected House of Lords that is half its current size will proceed to their next stage of parliamentary scrutiny in the autumn. By Robin BrantPolitical Correspondent, BBC News Nick Clegg's dream of reform of the House of Lords has slipped away. Not forever, not yet anyway, but it's suffered a very significant setback. The reason: David Cameron couldn't deliver the numbers. And it is, ultimately, a numbers game. The prime minister was facing a massive rebellion, so he decided to step back, apparently telling his deputy he needed more time to garner support from the Tory side. So the government has opted for another go in the autumn, when it says it will try, again, to get support for a programme motion. On the face of it it weakens both men. One couldn't persuade a sizeable chunk of his own MPs to back a key part of the coalition's policy programme. The other has failed the first test in delivering what he hoped would be a key legacy of his time in office. The more Machiavellian view is of a prime minister who sanctioned a soft whipping operation and who wanted to see the prospect of an insurrection in the 100+ category. And also of a man who is content to present his coalition partner with the harsh reality of another delay on the road to reforming the Lords. But critics said the whole future of the bill has been thrown into doubt by the government's decision not to put a so-called programme motion to a vote. This would have limited the time for future debate on the proposed changes in the House of Commons to 10 days. The government had been facing defeat on the vote and Lib Dem sources say Prime Minister David Cameron told his deputy Nick Clegg that the timetabling motion should be pulled to gather support for it among Conservatives over the next two months. BBC political editor Nick Robinson said a spokesman for Mr Clegg had declared "a plague on both their houses" when asked whether he blamed the Conservatives or Labour for the setback. Labour and rebel Conservative MPs said this did not allow enough time to discuss a crucial constitutional change. Commons leader Sir George Young told MPs the timetabling vote would be postponed until after the summer recess. He blamed Labour for the climbdown, saying the opposition was not prepared to support the government in Tuesday's vote despite supporting the idea of changes to the Lords. "It needs those that support reform to vote for reform," he said. The government "remain committed to

Summary: The coalition has dropped plans for a crucial vote on its plans to reform the House of Lords after it faced likely defeat over the issue.


The London team has only once before turned a profit in the 10 years since it was acquired by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. The club said a new TV broadcasting deal, as well as the sale of players such as Juan Mata, had boosted profits. Chelsea are currently unbeaten at the top of the Premier League. They also top their Champions League group. In 2012, Chelsea reported a profit of £1.4m, its first under Mr Abramovich. The club then made a loss in 2013. This year's profits mean the club satisfies the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules imposed by Uefa, European football's governing body. Under FFP, clubs need to balance football-related expenditure - transfers and wages - with television and ticket income, plus revenues raised by their commercial departments. Money spent on stadiums, training facilities, youth development or community projects is exempt. Bruce Buck, Chelsea's chairman, said the club's focus was first and foremost on the team's performance. "By reaching the Champions League semi-final and maintaining a challenge in the Premier League until the final week of the season we demonstrated that, while improving our financial figures, we remained competitive in football's toughest club competitions," he said.

Summary: Chelsea Football Club has reported a record profit of £18.4m ($29m) for the year to June 2014 - despite last season's lack of silverware.


The Irish were dismissed for 181 in 46.3 overs as several of their batsman, including top-scorer Ed Joyce (46), got out playing poor shots. Bangladesh sealed victory in the 28th over with Soumya Sarkar unbeaten on 87. This was another untimely Irish display with the game's bosses set to decide on their possible Test status next month. Mustafizur Rahman did much of the damage in the Ireland innings as he took 4-23 after dismissing opener Paul Stirling in the second over, with the Irish still to get off the mark. Home captain William Porterfield chipped an easy caught-and-bowled dismissal to Mosaddek Hossain to leave the Irish on 37-2. A mini-revival as Ireland moved to 116-3 abruptly ended as Niall O'Brien (30) became the first of three Mustafizur victims in a six-over period to leave the home side on 136-7. O'Brien's brother Kevin top-edged the left-arm seamer to Mosaddek while Joyce was also out during that calamitous spell for the Irish as he went down the pitch and slogged spinner Sunzamul Islam straight to Sabbir Rahman. Lower-order batsmen George Dockrell (25) and Barry McCarthy (12) put on 35 for the eighth wicket before their departures saw Ireland quickly in the pavilion. Only a series of early dismissals would have got Ireland back into the game but instead Sarkar and Tamim Iqbal put on 95 for the first wicket as the visitors strolled to the most emphatic of victories. Joyce acknowledged Ireland "didn't bat well enough" after suffering a defeat arguably worse than the seven-wicket rout by England in Bristol earlier this month. "I thought lots of the senior players, including myself, got out very cheaply. We'll look to put that right on Sunday against New Zealand," said the former England player. Ireland were competitive for much of last weekend's game against New Zealand at Malahide and will need a similar display or better on Sunday to take pressure off coach John Bracewell and his struggling side.

Summary: Ireland suffered another chastening defeat as Bangladesh clinched an eight-wicket win with 22.5 overs to spare in the Tri-Nations game in Dublin.


Druids and pagans were joined by a mass of revellers at the ancient monument, accompanied by a soundtrack of pounding drums, chanting and dancing. Although Sunday was officially the shortest day, Monday's sunrise was the closest to the moment when the North Pole was tilted furthest from the sun. However, a heavy blanket of grey cloud kept the sunrise from clear view. Senior druid King Arthur Pendragon, said: "What we're really here for is to celebrate the fact that the cycle of the world turns, and from now on the days get longer and it's the return of the sun. "It's a time of change and hope is renewed - the same message really from a pagan perspective as from a Christian perspective. "That's what this season is all about - a message of hope." Last week English Heritage - which manages the stones near Salisbury in Wiltshire - reported a record number of tourists in the past year. I've just been passed by a giant lampshade playing the accordion and I think I've seen the widest selection of wellingtons ever known in one place on the earth. It's the middle of Salisbury Plain, it's an ancient monument. We never [usually] get as close and everyone is here because they want to be here. In front of me there are people from Korea and I can hear German accents behind me. I have spoken to Canadians and all sorts of people - all here for one reason and that's because Wiltshire has one of the best ancient monuments in the world. The body said 1.3 million people had visited the site since the opening of the Â£27m visitor centre in December last year - a 9% increase on the previous 12 months. This means a continual reinforcement of the message that the stones need to be looked after and treated with respect, it added. Heather Sebire, English Heritage's curator for Stonehenge, said: "People think that because it's stone it's virtually indestructible - but in fact the stones are quite fragile. "We know through our research - we had a wonderful laser survey done - that many stones have carvings that you can't see with the naked eye. "So they can be damaged and we do ask people to respect the stones while they're here."

Summary: The winter solstice has been celebrated by about 1,500 revellers who gathered to watch the sunrise at Stonehenge.


Hundreds of angry fans walked out and got a refund before the singer finally appeared at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 23:15. "One new mum with a babysitter just gave up," tweeted one fan at 23:00. Madonna later said she was "hardly ever late" and joked: "It's you people that get here early that's the problem". "Stay home, do your hair and makeup, have a tequila. "Just come late and I won't have to come early. We've got three more shows and we want to fix the problem." Later, on Instagram, the star explained the delay, saying: "[I] wanted to be perfect for you!" - but concertgoers were furious. "How do we get money back after waiting two hrs for Madonna?" an upset fan wrote on the Facebook page for ticket agency Ticketek. "Just disgusting. Traveled (sic) 3.5 hrs for what?" "It was an absolute joke and definitely not worth the $300+ per ticket," said another. The venue is 12 miles from the centre of Brisbane and the last train back to the city leaves shortly after midnight. Hundreds of fans were left queuing for taxis after the concert concluded at 01:30. "Going on so late means missing the last train home and stranded until sunrise," wrote Louise Mac on Twitter, in a message directed at Madonna. "Care about your fans?" "By 2am no trains, no buses, very few taxis or Uber. Without your own car you would be stranded!" added Alison Hale. Nathanael Cooper, reviewing the show for the Brisbane Times, took aim at the pop star. "There is something breathtakingly arrogant about an artist taking to the stage late," he wrote. "It was tiresome, annoying and meant that a show that could have been done by 11pm finished well after 1am." Australia's Associated Press reported that the "increasingly frustrated" crowd had "resorted to Mexican waves and chanting" but was "eating from the palm of [Madonna's] hand from the moment she appeared on stage in a metal cage." Promoter Live Nation said the star was originally due on stage at 21:00, but it had warned fans of a possible late finish. It also warned in a statement that Madonna's second Brisbane show, on Thursday, could also be affected. "Following a late start last night, fans should note, the timing for tonight's performance may also be delayed. We encourage concert goers to keep this in consideration when making arrangements to get home safely." It is not the first time Madonna has shown up late on her current Rebel Heart tour. After a delay caused her show to over-run at Glasgow's SSE Hydro Arena last December, the venue cut the power, prompting the singer to perform the end of her set without sound or lighting. And a spin-off show, called Tears of a Clown, began three hours late in Melbourne last week. During that show, she appeared to wipe away tears as she discussed the custody battle over her 15-year-old son, Rocco. The teenager left her world tour last year and moved in with his father, Guy Ritchie, in London. Madonna says the

Summary: Pop star Madonna has been labelled "breathtakingly arrogant" after coming on stage over two hours late in Brisbane, Australia.


CBI Wales chair Chris Sutton said the proposed vote in 2017 was creating "uncertainty". David Cameron pledged to renegotiate a "better deal" for the UK and hold an "in-out" referendum by the end of 2017. Chancellor George Osborne said the UK would be "constructive but resolute" in talks with EU leaders. Mr Sutton said: "From a business perspective the EU isn't perfect but I think business sees it as a real positive - it's a single market of 500 million people and I think it will be difficult for jobs and growth for us to step out of that." He added that the business organisation would be campaigning to stay within a reformed EU and warned that firms would not like the uncertainly in the two years leading up to the referendum. "The departure from the EU is not a revolving door; if we get it wrong we can't just come back in again. There would be huge amount of renegotiating of positions in terms of bilateral trade agreements and an impact on our national wealth for us to come out of it." BUSINESS REACTION - YES OR NO TO A REFERENDUM? Bethany Sawyer is general manager of Biopharm UK - based in Hendy in Carmarthenshire - which has been supplying leeches for medical uses since 1812. She believes the two years before a referendum will give time for the UK to negotiate a better EU. But for Peter Lewis, managing director of engineering firm IAC in Newport, the referendum would cause stability and be a waste of money. He employs 75 people and is worried a vote to pull out of the EU could be a setback when manufacturing needs a boost. Many multi-national companies including Tata, Airbus, Toyota and Ford operate in Wales and support a number of smaller suppliers. They are responsible for tens of thousands of jobs. Airbus though has said the UK leaving the EU would not result in it relocating. The UK car industry and the manufacturers' organisation, EEF, has expressed concerns about the prospect of leaving the EU. West Wales and the Valleys has received over Â£4bn of European funding with another Â£2bn to come over the next seven years to support economic growth and create jobs. But critics argue that this is nothing compared to the money the UK sends to the EU and so more funds would be available in the event of leaving. The EU is a major trading partner with Wales. Elgan Morgan, of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: "Trading with EU countries is the first step for many businesses when they are looking to export their goods and services. "Leaving the EU would complicate relationships between Welsh businesses and their European customers and may discourage businesses from pursing export possibilities altogether. This must be avoided at all costs." New Conservative MP for Gower Byron Davies said the referendum was something that they had canvassed on and people agreed with holding it.

Summary: Plans to hold a referendum on EU membership are unhelpful for businesses in Wales and could lead to reduced investment, warns an industry body.


The blaze broke out at Coed Eva Primary School, in Cwmbran, at about 02:25 GMT on New Year's Day. Most pupils returned on Monday, though nursery children will have to wait until 25 January when temporary classrooms will have been installed. Six people, including four teenage boys, arrested in connection with the fire have been released on bailed.

Summary: An infants and nursery school in Torfaen has reopened 10 days after it was gutted by fire.


Robert Thomas, a friend who was with them, said they agreed to move to one of the side pens because there were "too many people" in the tunnel. Nicholas Joynes and Francis McAllister, both 27, were both fatally crushed. Mr McAllister had swapped his ticket in a seated area for one on the standing terraces. Ninety-six supporters died at the Liverpool versus Nottingham Forest FA Cup semi-final on 15 April 1989. Mr Joynes, a draughtsman from Liverpool, married Gillian seven months before the match Mr McAllister was a firefighter working in London who, his family said, could "charm the birds out of the trees". His brother-in-law Mr Thomas was among the group that travelled with Mr Joynes. He said they went into the ground in a group of seven and headed down a tunnel leading to pens three and four behind the goal. The jury saw CCTV footage of both Mr McAllister and Mr Joynes entering the stadium through exit gate C at 14:55 BST. Mr Thomas said: "As we got into the tunnel, I was leading... we noticed that it was very busy at the front. There was too many people in there." Mr Thomas said he managed to get to the side of the tunnel and turn around. He spoke to the group and they agreed to try to go back and meet in a side pen. "Everybody agreed that's the route we should take. As we were going out, we were stuck to the wall on the left hand going out, and it was getting really intense coming in," Mr Thomas said. He said Mr McAllister and Mr Joynes had "no choice but to go forward", adding: "You couldn't just turn around and go against it. "They just had a crowd either side, which was carrying them along." The jury heard there is no footage of Mr McAllister in one of the central pens. He was seen in footage timed at 15:27 lying on his back on the pitch. David Roe, a former South Yorkshire Police officer, who went into the stadium as the disaster unfolded, saw Mr McAllister with a leather jacket covering his chest and head. Mr McAllister was "totally motionless" and Mr Roe could not find a pulse, the jury heard He said he spoke to two people nearby who had an "air of despondency" about Mr McAllister's condition, which suggested signs of life had previously been checked. Mr Roe then helped carry Mr McAllister to the stadium's gym, where Dr Allan Redgrave confirmed his death. Mr Joynes was seen inside pen four in images timed at 15:05. Richard Wood, a police officer who was also on duty, said he first saw Mr Joynes to the right of the goal at the Leppings Lane end of the pitch. The jury heard this is likely to have happened after 15:36, 30 minutes after police stopped the match. The officer said he went over to help a group of fans carry Mr Joynes on a makeshift stretcher and his "major concern" was to get him off the pitch

Summary: Two fans who died at Hillsborough had wanted to leave a tunnel leading to fenced enclosures but could not because of the crowd, the inquests have heard.


Brady presented his case during a 10-hour hearing on Tuesday. The 37-year-old was punished by the NFL (National Football League) after it was decided he was "generally aware" of a scheme to deflate footballs. The incident happened in the Patriots' play-off win over Indianapolis Colts, which sent them to the Super Bowl. An NFL investigation claimed the Patriots had deflated match balls to give themselves an advantage in their 45-7 victory. They went on to win the Super Bowl XLIX. According to reports, 11 of the 12 game balls they provided for the rain-affected match were under-inflated below set standards by about two pounds per square inch, giving Brady more grip in the cold and wet conditions. Brady was "at least generally aware of inappropriate activities", according to the independent Wells Report. But Brady's father, Tom Brady Sr, labelled the investigation "Frame-gate", and the player's agent Don Yee said the ban was "ridiculous" and lacked "legitimate basis". The quarterback will not receive any pay during his ban, while the team were fined $1m (£642,000). NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presided over Brady's hearing, despite a request from the Players Association' for a neutral arbitrator. No set time frame has been made for the outcome of the appeal.

Summary: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has made his appeal against the four-match ban he received for his part in 'Deflate-gate'.


The Tykes announced they had agreed a move for the 22-year-old a week ago, after the batsman told Worcestershire he wanted to leave at the end of the season when his contract expired. Kohler-Cadmore averages 48.40 in the County Championship so far this summer. He is now available for Yorkshire with immediate effect. "Obviously it was a massive decision to move home and I find it incredibly exciting," Kohler-Cadmore told Yorkshire's club website. "I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and part of my decision to move was to challenge and test myself in what is a great environment and a very strong squad. Hopefully this will help me improve and push me on to higher levels." In a statement Worcestershire chief executive Tom Scott said: "Worcestershire County Cricket Club have mutually agreed with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and his representative of the immediate release from his contract with the club. "We would like to thank Tom for the contribution he has made at New Road and wish him continued success in the future." Kohler-Cadmore, who was dropped for Worcestershire's last Championship match against Sussex after saying he wanted to leave New Road, impressed the Tykes first hand in May. He hit five sixes and 10 fours in his match-winning 118 against Yorkshire at New Road to help propel Worcestershire into the One-Day Cup semi-finals. Kohler-Cadmore also caught the eye in May last year when he hit the fastest century of the 2016 season - a stunning 127 off 43 balls against Durham in the T20 Blast at New Road, breaking Graeme Hick's 12-year-old record T20 score for the county. He came through the junior system at Yorkshire before going to boarding school in Worcestershire at Malvern College. Under the terms of the deal, Kohler-Cadmore will not be eligible to play against Worcestershire in 2017, meaning he will not face them in the One-Day Cup semi-final should Yorkshire beat Surrey in their quarter-final on 13 June.

Summary: Yorkshire have confirmed the signing of Tom Kohler-Cadmore on a three-year deal after he was released from his contract by Worcestershire.


The man said he shot at their car after they refused to stop when he challenged them on Saturday. They were not hurt. He said that earlier he had heard the pair say "did you get anything"? Police in Florida have used the incident as an opportunity to issue guidelines for teenagers and parents on safely playing the game. Police say they received a call from the parents of one of the teenagers when it was noticed later that bullets had caused a flat tyre, News4jax reported. The parent said the teenagers did not realise they were being shot at, and thought that the man was only trying to scare them. The guidelines issues by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office include best practice tips for Pokemon Go players. They advise players to: The sheriff's office also advises parents of Pokemon Go players to: According to data from SimilarWeb, people are now spending more time playing Pokemon Go than they are on Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp. The game has also been installed on more Android smartphones in the US than the dating app Tinder.

Summary: Two teenagers playing Pokemon Go late at night in their car in Florida were shot at by a householder who mistook them for burglars, police say.


The bosses involved include Oliver Schmidt, who was in charge of VW's US environmental regulatory compliance office from 2012 until March 2015. He was arrested on Saturday on charges that he took part in a conspiracy to defraud the US and VW customers. Volkswagen said it could not comment on an "ongoing" legal matter. A complaint to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, filed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against VW at the end of last year, accuses the carmaker of deliberately misleading regulators about cheating US pollution tests by means of so-called "defeat devices". The complaint said Mr Schmidt and others gave a presentation to VW's executive management on or about 27 July 2015. "In the presentation, VW employees assured VW executive management that US regulators were not aware of the defeat device," the complaint said. "Rather than advocate for disclosure of the defeat device to US regulators, VW executive management authorised its continued concealment." Separately, VW owners in the UK are seeking several thousand pounds in compensation over the scandal. By the summer of 2015, the complaint from the FBI said US regulators knew that emissions from VW diesel vehicles were "substantially higher" when they were being driven on the road than when being tested. The affidavit said Mr Schmidt - who was the general manager in charge of VW's Environmental and Engineering Office between 2012 and March 2015 - knew the discrepancy was because VW had "intentionally installed software in the diesel vehicles it sold in the US from 2009 through 2015 designed to detect and cheat US emissions tests". In 2015, Mr Schmidt travelled to the US to talk to US regulators about the discrepancy. The filing says that during these talks, Mr Schmidt "intended to, and did, deceive and mislead US regulators" by saying the difference in the emission levels was not because of deliberate cheating. The affidavit cites two VW employees who said that in a presentation to VW's executive management in Germany, "VW employees [including Mr Schmidt] assured VW executive management that US regulators were not aware of the defeat devices - that is the engines' ability to distinguish between the dynamometer and road mode. "Rather than advocate for disclosure of the defeat device to US regulators, VW executive management authorised its continued concealment. " VW said it would not be "appropriate to comment on any ongoing investigations or to discuss personnel matters". "Volkswagen continues to cooperate with the Department of Justice as we work to resolve remaining matters in the United States," it said. Meanwhile, in the UK, lawyers said 10,000 VW owners had already expressed an interest in suing VW. They estimated that owners could get "several thousand" pounds in compensation. Harcus Sinclair is applying for a group litigation order - which is similar to a US class action lawsuit - in the High Court later this month. The legal action is aimed at securing compensation for people who own or have previously owned one of the vehicles. In the UK around 1.2 million diesel engine cars

Summary: VW executives knew about emissions cheating two months before the scandal broke, but chose not to tell US regulators, according to court papers.


Media playback is not supported on this device He is lucky with the talent he has in key positions, he is lucky with the funds and facilities created for him and he is lucky that no other nation save New Zealand has the same strength in depth sitting on their replacements' bench. But there is nothing lucky at all about how he utilises all of those to forge an England team that has already set new records and may yet set more impressive ones still. It wasn't hard to see where England were going wrong in the first half against France. It was everywhere you looked. A first line-out so bad it hit the back of Dan Cole's head. A yellow card for a tackle that was unnecessary and illegal. An inability to dent the blue defensive wall with ball in hand, a problem stopping the waves of French runners coming at them from deep and wide and fast. The difficulty lay in working out what to do about it and how to make that plan work. No Vunipolas to add muscle and metres made. No Chris Robshaw to slow the progress of a French back row charging and offloading like a French back row of old. An opposition liberated from the stylistic straightjacket of recent torpid years, and a Twickenham crowd silenced by unexpected uncertainty and fear. Any coach could have torn into their team after a first 40 minutes as scrambled as that. Not so many could have sent them out again after half-time clear of mind and confident in their ability to turn that slump into success. Fewer still could have made not just the right changes to personnel but customised the positional and tactical ones so shrewdly too. Media playback is not supported on this device With 18 minutes to go, England were much improved but still four points down, Rabah Slimani's offload-inspired try threatening to end France's 12-year wait for a win in south-west London and mark the Six Nations' opening day with a second shock to match that of Scotland's thrilling win over Ireland. Off came Joe Launchbury. On came James Haskell into the back row, forward went Maro Itoje into the second row. More pace. More power. Five minutes later, George Ford and Jonathan Joseph off, Ben Te'o and Jack Nowell on, Owen Farrell to fly-half, Elliot Daly to inside centre. More power still, now pace spilling out everywhere, now a dynamism and drive and the sound from the stands of belief and excitement too. Quick ball, sharper minds. Farrell found Te'o, Te'o found a soft opposition shoulder and the try-line opened up in front of him. Media playback is not supported on this device "I always thought we were going to win," said Jones afterwards. "I thought we were awful, but I always thought we were going to win." There were not many others so sure in the moment, fewer yet who could have prevented even subconscious anxiety and anger from transmitting itself to the players on the pitch. France had three men -

Summary: Eddie Jones is a lucky coach.


Newcastle-based Out of the Kitchen had denied the unauthorised sale of nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas", through its Toon Whip brand. Although it is used legally in the catering industry, it can be fatal when used as a drug. The case followed an undercover investigation by the BBC in which a reporter was sold two canisters. Toon Whip advertised a "whipped cream delivery service", but the reporter was given instructions by the firm's staff on how to inhale the gas using a balloon. Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard Out of the Kitchen Limited made a profit of £40,000 in 2015-16, with £10,000 of that figure coming from Toon Whip. The fine must be paid within 14 days. Directors Jonathan Lawrence, 30, of Stamford, and David Jenkins, 29, of Newcastle, are also charged with the unauthorised sale of nitrous oxide. They have entered not guilty pleas. The case against them was adjourned until 23 January.

Summary: A catering firm has been fined £7,620 for selling gas used as a recreational drug.


The Langholm-based firm is charged with falsely claiming scarves were 100% cashmere on two occasions in 2014. The alleged offences are said to have taken place at the company's store in Church Place, Dumfries. Edinburgh Woollen Mill has denied the charge, brought under the Textile Products Regulations 2012. A trial began at Dumfries Sheriff Court earlier this year and it heard from defence witness Dr Philip Greaves this week. The textile fibre analyst tested samples of the red and blue scarves at his own facility and found them to be 96.7% and 97.2% cashmere, he told the court. He said EU and UK standards allow for a 5% tolerance when labelling products. Asked by defence QC Susan Duff if his findings would allow the scarves to labelled as 100% cashmere, he said: "In terms of regulations, yes. "There's an industry expression: commercially pure." Dr Greaves, described as a "world leader" on the subject, said other materials found in the scarves were "inadvertent impurities" which can become part of the product during manufacturing or packaging. He said: "A block of steel will remain pure but textiles pick up material along the way, and that's why there's a tolerance of certain percentages." When asked about the results of tests from other labs which found the scarves to contain only 84.4% and 61.6% cashmere, Dr Greaves said bleaching of materials can make them hard to identify as cashmere. "I think that they perhaps did not recognise the bleached cashmere fibres," he said. Questioned by fiscal depute Alison Herald about the other examiners, Dr Greaves said: "There's nothing to suggest that they are not skilled but perhaps they are not experienced in fibre damage and this particular bleaching of cashmere." A second defence witness, Mary Lunn, who tests Edinburgh Woollen Mill fibres for TFT Ilkley, told the court her examination of the scarves found them to be both 100% cashmere. Asked about the difference with Dr Greaves, she said: "That's within the acceptable range, I would say." Questioned by Ms Duff on the two lower cashmere results, Ms Lunn said: "Obviously they haven't done it right, in my opinion. "There's no way there could be that much variation, 2% to 4% maybe, but not that much." The trial continues.

Summary: Edinburgh Woollen Mill scarves claimed to have been mislabelled were correctly marked as 100% cashmere, a testing expert has told a court.


The father of two from Ballymoney was diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer after nurses discovered his iron levels were low when he went to give blood in November 2012. Chris, who works as an electrical wholesaler, strongly believes it was a trip that saved his life. "I was one of the fortunate ones, just so lucky when I think about it," he said. Chris initially thought he may have had an ulcer and was not concerned. "My health was fine, I was a 40-something rugby player. I worked shifts and thought any tiredness was down to an unusual sleep pattern." But after receiving a pinprick test at his local blood clinic in Ballymoney, nurses told Chris that he could not donate blood because his iron levels were unusually low and advised him to visit his local GP who then referred him for a colonoscopy. Chris was then diagnosed with GIST, a rare cancer that occurs in the wall of the stomach and small intestine. Doctors discovered the 9cm (3.5in) tumour in March 2013 and carried out a successful operation at the Royal Victoria Hospital in May. "I tried to keep things as normal as I could at home, I have two young girls. Thankfully the cancer didn't spread. I had surgery to remove my stomach. I was 16 stone (100kg) before surgery, now I'm 12 stone (79kg). The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) has shared Chris' story on their Facebook page, describing it as a "story with a difference". In a post, Chris said: "If it hadn't been for me giving blood, I never would have known about this until it would have been too late. Now, Chris McIlmoyle is enjoying his life and has returned to work full-time. He has completed an abseil and bungee jump down Belfast City Hospital with his wife in aid of Friends of the Cancer Care Centre. According to the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS), some 6% of the eligible population donate blood in Northern Ireland. A spokesperson said: "Most people aged between 17 and 65 years of age could give blood and save lives but unfortunately don't." Writing on Facebook, Chris said: "Donating blood saves lives and in a different way than normal, it saved mine. Every blood test is like a mini MOT."

Summary: A spur of the moment decision to donate blood changed the life of 42-year-old County Antrim man Chris McIlmoyle.


Arlene Arkinson was 15 years old when she disappeared after attending a disco in Bundoran, County Donegal. The witness, Patricia Quinn, had to be excused after just 10 minutes in the witness box. It followed a series of angry responses to questions about lies she had admitted telling. Arlene was last seen being driven away by convicted child killer Robert Howard. Her body has never been found. Howard had been on bail, accused of rape, and was living at Patricia Quinn's home at the time of Arlene's disappearance. Mrs Quinn is the mother of Donna Quinn, a friend of Arlene. She told the inquest: "I'm under so much pressure the last 21 years. I've been hassled, battered and kicked. Why should I not be angry?" She added: "I'd love the cutty (Arlene) to be found, everyone needs a decent burial." The inquest was then adjourned for a time to allow Mrs Quinn to calm down. However, it was subsequently decided she should not give further evidence on Monday. It is expected she'll return to the witness box next week. Later, Mrs Quinn's son Mark gave evidence after his mother had left the court. He told the court he had been in Bundoran on the same night as Arlene's disappearance, but had been with a different group of people. He added that Robert Howard was his mother's boyfriend at the time and said, "I never liked the man, never liked him from day one. You just know with someone. Never liked him," he said. "I did say get rid of that boy. She said 'if you don't like it you know what you can do'." Mrs Quinn has insisted the relationship was platonic. Later, Mark Quinn agreed with a barrister for the PSNI that his mother was probably "infatuated" with Robert Howard. He also agreed it was nonsense to suggest that Howard was living at their home at the time of Arlene's disappearance simply because the police had put him there. Mrs Quinn has testified that Robert Howard was an informer. Mark Quinn told the court that Howard had been living between the Quinns' house and his own flat, and often stayed overnight with his mother.

Summary: A witness at the inquest into the missing schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson has reacted angrily to cross-examination by a barrister for the Arkinson family.


Steel workers at Port Talbot have expressed concerns over the agreement between the company and unions to accept a less generous pension in return for future investment on site. Unions will not make a recommendation to their members on whether to accept or reject the proposal. Tata is consulting staff on moving to the new scheme, calling it essential. It has launched a series of "roadshows" for staff to explain what moving from the current final salary pensions will mean for them. The new defined contribution scheme will see 10% paid in by the business and 6% by the employees. Although this is not as generous as current provisions, experts say it is better than many other company schemes. The unions believe the company is responsible for explaining to workers why it thinks the changes are necessary. They say they will not ballot members until Tata has explained all the details. Tata has made it clear the changes are required in order for it to commit to a new package at Port Talbot, including investing Â£1bn over 10 years. There is also a guarantee to keep operating two blast furnaces at the site for five years and to try to avoid compulsory redundancies over the same period. Any extra investment from Tata is also linked to improved productivity and savings at Port Talbot. It is understood many workers are angry the pension proposals are back on the table after Tata was forced to back down from similar plans 18 months ago when unions threatened strike action. There has also been criticism over a lack of detailed information from the company. Steel worker David Edwards, who has worked at the Port Talbot plant for 11 years, said the general mood among workers was "pretty depressing". "The more we seem to be hearing, the more fine print then, it doesn't seem to be as good a deal as it originally sounded like," he said. "The pensions have already been attacked, people have been pushed from working from 60 until 65... now they're coming for the pension again. "It just seems to be one thing after the other." He added: "People are worried for their future." Aberavon councillor Tony Taylor said some workers felt "railroaded" by the deal. But he added: "I think this is the only game in town to be honest and it's given a lifeline of five, seven, 10 years. "At least it's giving secure long-term jobs and it's going to be a stable industry for that time." The steelworkers union, Community, has said there is no better deal on the table from the company. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies called on the first minister to work with Tata and unions and use his influence to help sell the deal to the workforce. Mr Davies said: "Given that the first minister last week gave his unequivocal backing for the Tata deal in the Assembly chamber, it is now incumbent on him to work with the company and the unions to help sell the deal to the workforce."

Summary: A deal to change Tata's pension scheme has proved harder to sell to staff than was expected, BBC Wales understands.


Wasps' win over Leinster saw them snatch first place in the group, leaving Toulon to qualify as one of three runners-up. Steffon Armitage and Bryan Habana went over for the French side either side of half-time at the Rec. Anthony Watson scored Bath's only try, as George Ford kicked three penalties. The Premiership side's hopes of progressing out of the pool were over last weekend after their 25-11 defeat by Leinster. Mike Ford's team exit the competition with two wins from six games and finish third in the table. Toulon went into the final pool game on top of the group by one point, after their last-gasp victory over Wasps last weekend. But the Premiership side ran in seven tries against bottom side Leinster on Saturday, and they went through as group winners because of their head-to-head record against Toulon. Bath had nothing to play for in Saturday's game, but they were looking to kick-start their season, after winning only three from eight in the league. They fell behind to two James O'Connor kicks, before fly-half and captain Ford got the hosts off the mark with the boot. Toulon extended their lead when England exile Armitage, whom Bath had tried to sign last year prior to the World Cup, was left unmarked and he powered over. The hosts got off to the perfect start in the second half when Watson touched down after a sublime passing move from Horacio Agulla and Kyle Eastmond. Ford missed the conversion before landing a penalty to give Bath a narrow 14-11 lead, but it did not last. Scotland flanker David Denton gave the ball away to South Africa wing Habana and he sprinted over to score an easy try for Toulon. Full-back O'Connor missed the conversion but he went on to slot his third kick, as the three-time champions booked their place in the knockout stages. Bath: Anthony Watson; Semesa Rokoduguni, Jonathan Joseph, Kyle Eastmond, Horacio Agulla, George Ford (c), Chris Cook; Nick Auterac, Ross Batty, Henry Thomas; Charlie Ewels, Dominic Day; David Denton, Guy Mercer, Leroy Houston. Replacements: Tom Dunn, Nathan Catt, David Wilson, Tom Ellis, Matt Garvey, Alafoti Faosiliva, Rhys Priestland, Ollie Devoto. Toulon: James O'Connor; Josua Tuisova, Maxime Mermoz, Ma'a Nonu, Bryan Habana; Quade Cooper, Sebastien Tillous-Borde; Florian Fresia, Guilhem Guirado, Levan Chilachava; Jocelino Suta (c), Samu Manoa; Juan Smith, Steffon Armitage, Duane Vermeulen. Replacements: Jean-Charles Orioli, Xavier Chiocci, Manasa Saulo, Mamuka Gorgodze, Romain Taofifenua, Mathieu Bastareaud, Eric Escande, Thibault Lassale. Ref: John Lacey (Ireland). For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.

Summary: Reigning champions Toulon beat Bath to reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals, but missed out on top spot in Pool Five.


7 March 2017 Last updated at 14:19 GMT UKIP's Jonathan Arnott will take on a Lib Dem activist at "chessboxing" which sees opponents fighting in the ring and then on the chess board. He explains all on the Daily Politics, joined by Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, who is less than successful in a very speedy game of speed chess.

Summary: As Brexit battles continue to rage in Parliament, one UKIP MEP is taking on a Liberal Democrat rival in another arena.


The Virginia-based court said the president's broad immigration power was "not absolute" and the ban "intended to bar Muslims from this country". The decision upheld a lower Maryland court ruling that found the ban violated constitutional rights. The justice department said it would now seek a Supreme Court review of the appeals verdict. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the verdict thwarted Mr Trump's effort to protect US national security. Mr Trump's revised executive order would have placed a temporary ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries and the refugee programme. The US government argues federal immigration laws grant the president broad powers to stop foreigners from entering the country. But Chief Judge Roger L Gregory, who wrote the majority opinion for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, said on Thursday that Mr Trump's powers had limits. "It cannot go unchecked when, as here, the president wields it through an executive edict that stands to cause irreparable harm to individuals across this nation," said Judge Gregory. The court added that the government's national security argument was a "secondary justification for an executive order rooted in religious animus and intended to bar Muslims from this country". The decision means citizens from Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya can continue travelling to the US. The 10-3 ruling is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for an order the president insists is needed to stop terrorists from entering the country. Two lower court rulings blocked the ban just hours before it was due to begin in March. A Maryland judge ruled that the order was meant to be a ban on Muslims and violated the first amendment of the US constitution. A federal judge in Hawaii also sided with opponents that the ban was discriminatory and cited "questionable evidence" in the government's argument that the ban was a matter of national security. The justice department has appealed against the Hawaii decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard oral arguments for the case on 15 May. The Ninth Circuit is the same court that refused to lift a block on Mr Trump's initial travel ban signed on 27 January. That order took effect for seven days before a federal judge in Seattle halted it. Instead of appealing against the decision to the Supreme Court, Mr Trump issued a revised version on 6 March. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a statement after Thursday's ruling calling it an "important victory for the rule of law". "I will support challenges to this illegal and unconstitutional executive order as our own case against the travel ban continues in federal court here in Washington." Mr Sessions said in a statement that Mr Trump was abiding by the US constitution and was doing his "duty to protect our communities from terrorism". "This Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend the power and duty of the Executive Branch to protect the people of this country from danger", he added. The controversial ban has prompted protests and debate across the US. More recently, a North Carolina

Summary: A US federal appeals court has refused to lift a temporary block on President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.


Taoiseach Enda Kenny was more colourful, calling the treatment of County Louth man Paudie McGahon an intolerable "kangaroo court". The carefully considered on-air interviews with Gerry Adams and Raymond McCartney on the distressing case of Mr McGahon were undermined by a tweet from Francie Molloy. The Mid Ulster MP described the Spotlight programme as "another load of rubbish". Mr Molloy's subsequent apology and deletion of his tweet doesn't expunge the impression that many republicans would prefer it if victims like Paudie McGahon and Mairia Cahill had obeyed the IRA's initial orders by maintaining their silence. Expect more discussion about the development of some kind of north-south process to examine the cover-up of abuse during the Troubles and the movement of abusers across the border or across the Irish Sea. Fianna Fail's Micheál Martin wants "a cross-border mechanism to at least facilitate other victims to come forward, who might not want to go public". Rather than being the party in the dock, Sinn Féin has tried to seize the initiative by advocating an "all-island process to deal with the issue of providing support mechanisms for all those who were victims of sexual abuse during the conflict". Micheál Martin is dismissive of the Sinn Féin suggestion, arguing in the Dáil (Irish parliament) that it had been developed by republicans "just to dilute your culpability". Northern Ireland's Justice Minister David Ford and his Irish counterpart Frances Fitzgerald are wary of sanctioning any process that might cut across investigations or reviews already under way involving the Garda (Irish police), the Police Ombudsman or the former DPP, Keir Starmer. Mr Kenny is prepared to work with the first and deputy first ministers to consider a process related to the cross-border abuse allegations, however he emphasises that such a process "has to be independent of the court proceedings". Whilst we await an outcome to these somewhat convoluted discussions, the public north and south will no doubt make up their own minds about cases like those of Paudie McGahon and Mairia Cahill and their handling by both the IRA and the Sinn Féin leadership. Although no party would welcome such adverse publicity, Sinn Féin can take heart from their poll ratings in the key battleground in the Irish Republic. Recent Irish opinion polls have placed the party on anything between 20% and 24%, fighting it out with Enda Kenny's Fine Gael for top spot. When Mr Adams declared at his ard fheis (party conference) last weekend that Sinn Féin wanted to lead the next Irish government, those poll ratings dictated that his ambition should be taken seriously. If more conventional politicians had to deal with the kind of skeletons rattling around Sinn Féin and the IRA's cupboards, they would be expected to implode. But Mr Adams and Martin McGuinness have many years' experience of standing their ground against all comers. Perhaps a drip drip of further revelations will eventually dent Sinn Féin's appeal, but right now it is striking how resilient the party is proving to be.

Summary: A BBC Spotlight programme has again exposed the underbelly of republicanism, and what Gerry Adams himself describes as the "inadequate and inappropriate" way the IRA dealt with allegations of sexual abuse in the past.


Hosted by CBBC presenter Cell Spellman, the new show will split into two parts, one devoted to new pop music with the other playing number one hits. The 19-year-old called his new posting "a privilege and an honour". The Official Chart will move to Fridays on 10 July to coincide with a new global release day for music. Presenter Greg James will kick off at 16:00 BST every Friday as 45 countries launch New Music Fridays. Spellman made his Radio 1 debut in 2013, standing in for Dan and Phil on Radio 1's Request Show. He presents CBBC's Friday Download and the CBBC Official Chart. Radio 1 controller Ben Cooper said: "Radio 1 and CBBC are changing the way radio and TV work together to create great content for young new music fans on their radio and phone. "Cel has proven how influential he is to young audiences and I can't wait for him to start." Spellman said: "The best station on national radio has been responsible for introducing me to so much incredible and varied music over the years, I just hope I can return the favour and help make those car journeys a little more memorable for the listeners with a mix of fun, top tunes and a little bit of cheeky chat!"

Summary: Radio 1 has announced a new Sunday show which will replace the current Official Chart slot when it moves to Fridays next month.


Patrick Sookhdeo, 68, of River Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire, is accused of one count of indecent assault on a woman aged 16 or over in Plaistow, east London, in 1977. The Metropolitan Police said Mr Sookhdeo was arrested following an investigation by Newham detectives. He was bailed to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on 4 April.

Summary: A man has been charged with carrying out a sexual assault on a woman almost 40 years ago.


New Zealanders living in Australia for at least five years can apply if they earn the median wage or more, and pass security, character and health checks. The "new pathway" means easier access to citizenship, which allows access to a range of welfare services. The deal follows tensions over the deportation of New Zealand criminals under laws introduced last year. These laws allow Australia to deport any foreigners sentenced to more than 12 months in jail. Prime Minister Key previously said the issue was "undermining [a] special relationship". "We traversed some of the concerns that we continue to have," he said in Sydney on Friday. "We appreciate the work that [Australia has] been doing around ensuring that people can appeal those decisions." Meanwhile, Mr Key formally extended the offer to take in some of the 267 asylum seekers awaiting deportation to Australia's offshore detention centre in Nauru. "All I can simply say is the offer remains on the table," Mr Key said. The Australian government is refusing to alter its border security policy, saying it is aimed at stopping the people smuggling trade. The two leaders also said security agencies would increase cooperation and communication surrounding cybercrimes committed by "state and non-state actors".

Summary: The Australian government says up to 70,000 New Zealanders will be eligible for citizenship under a new agreement.


The operation is ongoing, an interior ministry spokesman told AP news agency. Tunisia has declared a state of emergency after 38 tourists were killed in an attack by an Islamist gunman in the beach resort of Sousse on 26 June. Thousands of British tourists have left the country after a new travel alert from the UK foreign office. It said that another terror attack in the country was "highly likely" and urged Britons to leave. Other countries like Germany and France, however, have not followed suit. France, which accounts for the largest number of tourists in Tunisia, says its nationals should be "particularly vigilant" but has stopped short of telling them to leave. Germany said it was sending a team to assess the security situation in Tunisia in the next few days. Source: Tunisian national institute of statistics Officials have not suggested there is a link between the mountain operation and the June attack. The army has been trying to dislodge militant groups from the mountains near the border with Algeria for several years. Military helicopters have been pursuing other suspects as part of the operation being led by the Tunisian army and national guard, an unnamed security source told Reuters news agency. It is not clear which group the militants killed in the operation belong to. The Sousse gunman has been identified as student Seifeddine Rezgui, who authorities say had trained in Libya. Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid told the BBC that Rezgui had probably trained with the Ansar al-Sharia group, though Islamic State (IS) earlier said it was behind the attack. Live news updates from Africa

Summary: Tunisian security forces have killed five suspected Islamist militants in the mountains near the central town of Gafsa, officials say.


The airport said it represented a growth of 7.5% year-on-year. The rise in passengers is connected to increasing capacity and frequency on existing routes, as well as new long haul services starting. Ken O'Toole, the airport's managing director, called it a "magnificent achievement". He said: "It's a historic milestone for Manchester Airport and UK aviation, as well as a huge boost for the economy and the north of England." The figure beats the previous 12-month record set in July 2006 of 22.26m.

Summary: Manchester Airport has broken its all-time yearly passenger record, with more than 22.32m people flying from the site over the last 12 months.


Manchester City Council used a crane to remove the 44ft (13.5m) trailer, which had sunk into the road surface in South Street, Openshaw. The cost of removal and disposal was almost Â£10,000. Councillor Nigel Murphy said the people who dumped it had "stolen from Manchester taxpayers". The trailer, which weighed double the legal limit, had been stripped of usable parts and scrap metal, as well as all its identifying features, such as registration plates. Mr Murphy said investigators suspected the waste had "come from a site used to sort skips". A council spokesman said it was hoped "someone working in logistics" would recognise the vehicle, which was described as "an old tri-axle steel waste hydraulic ejector trailer".

Summary: A trailer filled with 90 tonnes of domestic waste was dumped on a street in an act of "fly-tipping on an industrial scale", a council has said.


Home Secretary Theresa May said Mr Bristow would lead an agency of "powerful operational crime fighters". The NCA becomes fully operational in 2013 when it takes over from the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Its expanded role will include powers to order police forces to run operations into drugs and trafficking. As well as replacing the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca), the new agency will take in the work of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop), and also house the national cyber crime unit. It will also cover border policing and economic crime. "For too long we have lacked a strong, collaborative national response in the fight for criminal justice. The NCA will make the UK a more hostile environment for serious and organised crime and strengthen our border," Mrs May said. She said Mr Bristow would play "a vital role" in developing the agency. Details of an extensive policing shake-up, which included the creation of the National Crime Agency, were unveiled last year by Mrs May in a Home Office consultation paper - Policing in the 21st Century. She described it as the "most radical reform of policing for 50 years". Mr Bristow said he would work with the government and other crime agencies "to ensure that the NCA delivers the maximum protection possible for communities within the resources it has available". "In partnership with other law enforcement agencies, we will ensure that criminals are identified, pursued and brought to justice, their groups dismantled and their activities disrupted. We will do even more to strip away their illegally obtained assets," he said. Association of Chief Police Officers president Sir Hugh Orde said Mr Bristow had been chosen from "a very strong field of police leaders" to lead the NCA. "A better co-ordinated response between the international reach and capability of this new agency and the 'eyes and ears' of local neighbourhood policing teams can help keep our streets and communities safer," Sir Hugh said. Mr Bristow was appointed chief constable of Warwickshire Police in 2006 and chairs the G8 Law Enforcement Group. He has been the Association of Chief Police Officers' head of crime and worked in the West Midlands Police and as director of the National Criminal Intelligence Service.

Summary: The first head of the UK's incoming National Crime Agency (NCA) will be Keith Bristow, currently chief constable of Warwickshire.


First Minister Carwyn Jones and Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws will also join the "Making Welsh Work" conference at Bangor University. Mr Jones called the event "timely" and said having more chances to use the language were key to learning it. Gwynedd council and Natural Resources Wales are among those taking part.

Summary: The best ways to encourage people to speak Welsh at work will be discussed on Friday by more than 100 delegates from organisations across Wales.


The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that strikes on Khan Sheikhoun by Syrian government or Russian jets had caused many people to choke. Later, aircraft fired rockets at local clinics treating survivors, medics and activists said. Syria's army denied the government had used any such weapons. In a statement, President Donald Trump condemned what he called "these heinous actions" by the Bashar al-Assad regime. "It is clear that this is how Bashar al-Assad operates," the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, "with brutal, unabashed barbarism." The UK, United Nations and France, among others, also condemned the incident, which would, if confirmed, be one of the deadliest chemical attacks in Syria's civil war. The spectre of nerve agents in Syria - again The warplanes are reported to have attacked rebel-held Khan Sheikhoun, about 50km (30 miles) south of the city of Idlib, early on Tuesday, when many people were asleep. The source of the projectile was not clear, but the EMC and the opposition Local Co-ordination Committees (LCC) network said warplanes had targeted several clinics.US blames Assad over 'chemical attack' Aftermath of attack in pictures (Warning graphic images) Why is there a war in Syria? Pro-government journalists later cited military sources as saying there had been an explosion at an al-Qaeda chemical weapons factory in Khan Sheikhoun that was caused either by an air strike or an accident. The defence ministry of Russia, President Assad's ally, insisted it had not carried out any air strikes in the vicinity. The SOHR put the death toll at 58, including 11 children, but Mr Rasoul reported that 67 people had been killed and 300 injured. The pro-opposition Step news agency said 100 had died. One aid agency, the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM), put the death toll at more than 100. The EMC said it had stopped counting the victims because there were so many. The SOHR said it was unable to say what exactly was dropped. However, the EMC and LCC said it was believed to be the nerve agent Sarin, which is highly toxic and considered 20 times as deadly as cyanide. Chemical weapons expert Dan Kaszeta said that determining whether Sarin was involved simply by examining video clips is problematic. He added that Tuesday's attack could have been the result of one of any number of chemical agents as they tend to "behave the same in terms of their physiological effects on the human body". Sarin is almost impossible to detect because it is a clear, colourless and tasteless liquid that has no odour in its purest form. Syria's army, in a statement posted on state news agency Sana, said it never had and never would use poison gas. The government was accused by Western powers of firing rockets filled with Sarin at rebel-held suburbs of Damascus in August 2013, killing hundreds of people. President Assad denied the charge, blaming rebel fighters, but he did subsequently agree to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal. Despite that, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has continued to document the

Summary: The White House says it is "confident" Bashar al-Assad's government was behind an apparent chemical attack that killed at least 58 people in north-west Syria.


The 27-year-old forward was a free agent, having recently left Hull City when his contract expired. He spent four years with the Tigers, making 118 appearances for them and scoring 15 goals. Aluko, who can play on the wing or through the middle, represented England at youth level and has since won seven caps for Nigeria. He began his career at Birmingham City and played in Scotland for Aberdeen and then Rangers before joining Hull. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Fulham have signed Sone Aluko on a two-year contract with the option of a further year.


The four-time champion has been at the team since 2015 and has helped build them up to be title contenders this year after a difficult few seasons. Vettel is leading the championship by 14 points from Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton with nine races remaining. The move ends speculation that the 30-year-old could be considering a move to Mercedes in the near future. A statement from Ferrari said the team had "extended its technical and racing agreement" with Vettel "for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 racing seasons of the F1 world championship". In Ferrari's time-honoured style, the statement contained no quotes or further information from the driver or the team. Ferrari announced earlier this week they had retained Vettel's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen for one more season. Vettel had made it clear his preference was for the Finn to stay. Vettel's decision is likely to be followed by confirmation from Mercedes that they will retain Valtteri Bottas for at least another season alongside Hamilton. The Finn was signed on a one-year deal to replace world champion Nico when after the German retired from F1 after winning the title last year. Hamilton is contracted to Mercedes until the end of 2018. Later, after qualifying second to title rival Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes, Vettel said: "I love this team and the people who work for this brand," adding: "In a way, it was a no-brainer to continue. We haven't yet achieved what we wanted to achieve. But things are looking pretty good and obviously we have a long road ahead of us." Asked whether he had talks with Mercedes over the summer, he said: "I have been around in the paddock for a while so I know people and it's only natural you talk, but it has never been more than chatting," he said. "I have been talking for a while with Ferrari. My intention was to stay." Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said: "There were zero discussions with Sebastian about a contract." Vettel added that he had signed the deal at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and talked of the inspiration he has following in the footsteps of his childhood hero Michael Schumacher. "We haven't succeeded. The mission is still ongoing. I want to win in red. We talked about inspiration earlier, about Michael, who was mostly dressed in red, he won most of his races and championships in red. "I don't want to step in his footsteps. The whole generation of the Ferrari team today was to leave their own footsteps but certainly there is a huge inspiration. Something that for me is now the biggest challenge and dream I have. It's what I want to achieve."

Summary: Sebastian Vettel has signed a new contract to stay with Ferrari until the end of 2020.


18 December 2015 Last updated at 15:36 GMT Speaking from the International Space Station, he said life in orbit "was absolutely spectacular". He arrived at the station on Tuesday after blasting off from Kazakhstan on a Soyuz rocket.

Summary: UK astronaut Tim Peake says his first three days in space have been better than he imagined.


The Telegraph reported that players would be given permission to compete in the lucrative Twenty20 competition. But Strauss, 38, said: "I can't foresee any circumstances in which we would weaken our Test team in order to allow a player to play in the IPL or any other franchise-based competition." The IPL takes place in April and May. England play Sri Lanka in two Tests in May 2016, their first action of the domestic summer. Strauss told BBC Test Match Special on Wednesday that "more separation" of the Test and one-day teams will improve their chances of winning the World Cup. Asked about the IPL and the Big Bash, Australia's Twenty20 tournament, he said: "I'm a massive fan. "If you are an overseas player, what those Twenty20 competitions do is put you under real pressure. You have to stand up and deliver." England players, including current ODI captain Eoin Morgan, have competed in the IPL, although they have never missed Tests to do so. Strauss has returned to the UK from the United Arab Emirates, where England lost the first game in the four-match one-day series against Pakistan. One man quick to air his views on the subject was former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who found himself at odds with the England and Wales Cricket Board over his desire to play in the IPL and commented on Twitter about the developments. "With this decision now, the whole situation is proving to be personal!" he wrote. "[Eoin] Morgan missed an international this year as captain! Missing any Eng cricket for IPL is what I'm on about! Such hypocrisy!" Pietersen was told by Strauss in May that he would not be part of the team's plans for the summer because there was a "massive trust issue". The South African-born batsman was instead offered an advisory role with the England one-day team, but rejected the opportunity. He referred to that offer on Friday when he added: "Why should I advise when I'm still good enough to walk into any England side if there wasn't personal grudges?!"

Summary: England players will not be allowed to miss Test matches to play in the Indian Premier League, says director of cricket Andrew Strauss.


Wayne Esmonde, 35, had his face put on South Wales Police's Facebook appeal over an alleged assault. But the picture shows shaven-headed Mr Esmonde posing for the camera looking wide-eyed and staring intently. Mr Esmonde, who asked for officers to take the post down, handed himself in at Swansea Central police station on Thursday. He had written on their Facebook page: "I am him. Not a very flattering mugshot. "I'd appreciate it if you'd take this post down. Innocent until proven guilty and all that. "I've spoken to my solicitor and they will advise me what to do next. Thanks." Mr Esmonde, of Fforestfach, Swansea, was wanted in connection with an assault on 18 July and South Wales Police have since updated their Facebook post.

Summary: A man who asked police to take his mugshot off their wanted appeal because it was unflattering has been arrested.


Between 13 and 15 tonnes spilled into the sea from the Brent Bravo, 116 miles north east of Lerwick, in May 2013. Senior management from Shell were at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where the company admitted the release of fuel. Sheriff Kenneth Stewart fined the company Â£6,650, reduced from the maximum possible due to the early stage of the guilty plea. A Shell UK spokeswoman said: "We regret that the release occurred - no spill is acceptable. "We have since carried out a thorough investigation into the incident and have shared the lessons learned across the business."

Summary: Oil giant Shell has been fined thousands of pounds after a diesel leak on board a North Sea platform.


Four attackers were seen entering the office, followed by heavy gunfire and several explosions. Five security officers - including a police chief - were among the dead and 26 government officials among the hurt. A spokesman for the Taliban said they carried out the attack. The siege ended seven hours after it began and all four gunmen were killed by the Afghan National Security Forces which had surrounded the area. Police said they rescued the attorney general from his office, which is just 200m (650ft) from the office of the governor of Balkh province. The governor's aide told the BBC that the governor, Atta Muhammad Nur, was at home when the attack began but was taken to his office to monitor the situation. In a statement seen by the BBC, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said: "Breaking News: This noon suicide [attackers] stormed office of the attorney and appeal court of Balkh province. Heavy casualties for enemy, battle continues." The Taliban has targeted Afghanistan's legal system in the past. In June 2013, the group detonated a car bomb in front of the compound of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, killing 17 and wounding 39. And in December of 2014, Atiqullah Raufi, the chief of the secretariat of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, was assassinated by Taliban gunmen in the west of Kabul. The attack in Mazar-e-Sharif comes a day after an American soldier was killed in a fire fight between US and Afghan troops in eastern Afghanistan.

Summary: Gunmen dressed in military uniforms have stormed the office of the attorney general in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 65.


Kids Company shut its doors in early August, just days after Matthew Hancock and Oliver Letwin, ministers at the Cabinet Office, told officials to pay it £3m. This payment would always have been controversial: a senior civil servant had used a rarely-deployed formal process ("seeking a ministerial direction") to publicly note his reservations about plans to fund the charity. The NAO, Parliament's spending watchdog, however, reveals that civil service worries were very longstanding. The document will bolster concerns that the charity was, indeed, extremely poorly run: civil servants complained for more than a decade about its management under Camila Batmanghelidjh, its former chief executive, and Alan Yentob, the charity's chair of trustees from 2003 until it closed (he is also the BBC's creative director). The fundamental question that the NAO sought to address is why, given concern about the charity for more than a decade, Kids Company was able to raise more than £40m from government departments. The document provides some evidence that the answer to this question is that the charity followed what Ms Batmanghelidjh referred to in an internal 2002 strategy document as a "bully strategy" to get money: threatening ministers "with the outcomes of failing to deliver care to children". The NAO says that the charity "followed a consistent pattern of behaviour that we observed in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015, each time Kids Company approached the end of a grant term... Kids Company [would] lobby the government for a new funding commitment." It continues: "If officials resisted, the charity would write to ministers expressing fears of redundancies and the impact of service closures. "Around the same time, Kids Company would express the same concerns in the media. "Ministers [would] ask officials to review options for funding Kids Company. Officials would award grants to Kids Company." The document includes concerns noted by officials which recurred in part or in full throughout its life: officials told ministers in 2002 that Kids Company had been weakly managed, was not well regarded at a local level, that government funds would be put at risk if the charity failed, that a bail-out would set an unhelpful precedent and that there were other investments that could offer better value for money. The NAO published a large table setting out which of these and other concerns were subsequently raised by officials in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2015. Meg Hillier, chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, said: "It is unbelievable that over 13 years taxpayers' money has been given to Kids Company with little focus on what it was actually achieving for the children it was supporting. "Government repeatedly raised concerns about Kids Company's finances but little action was taken. Despite this, government gave it further grants - funded by the taxpayer." And so, after a lot of analysis of the charity, the focus of the Kids Company saga now passes to Whitehall and Westminster. As the charity's constant champions, ministers have something to fear. In mid-November, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) expect to question Mr Hancock and Mr Letwin

Summary: Kids Company won public funding for 13 years from government ministers despite grave reservations repeatedly being raised by civil servants, according to a new report into the now-closed charity by the National Audit Office.


External overnight trips went up by 5%, reaching 2.3 million, due to a large influx of British people. However, tourism numbers from the Republic of Ireland continue on a deep downward spiral. In 2015 they slumped by 18% on the previous year, with the problem now being looked at by a "recovery task force" at Tourism Northern Ireland. Overnight trips by visitors from across the border totalled 320,000 in 2015, while in 2012 there were 430,000 overnight trips made. In 2014 a report for Stormont said an "image problem" may explain the fall, but the weakness of the Euro last year will not have helped. The Department for the Economy's new statistics show that the Giant's Causeway remains the most popular visitor attraction. In 2015 it had over 815,000 visitors.

Summary: Visitor numbers to Northern Ireland hit an all-time high in 2015, according to new tourism statistics.


Mr Brazeau, who was already suspended from the senate, and Mr Harb, who resigned in August, were also charged with breach of trust. They, along with two other senators, were the focus of outside audits of their expenses last year. The two men deny the charges. Authorities say the senators claimed reimbursement for travel and housing expenses for secondary residences near the national capital, Ottawa, even as they in fact lived there full-time. "Canadians expect the RCMP to be exhaustive and unbiased in our investigations," Gilles Michaud, the RCMP's assistant commissioner, said in a statement on Tuesday. "These investigations were detailed and involved careful consideration and examination of evidence." Mr Harb, a Liberal Party senator from Ontario and former MP, left the Senate in August 2013, dropping his challenge against an order that he repay 231,000 Canadian dollars ($220,000; Â£141,000) for improperly claimed expenses. The remaining three, Mr Brazeau, Mike Duffy, and Pamela Wallin, all Conservatives, have been ordered to pay back thousands in expenses and were suspended from the chamber by a vote in November. Mr Harb and Mr Brazeau, who represents the Repentigny, Quebec, division, were the only two charged on Tuesday. It is unclear if RCMP officials will bring charges against Mr Duffy, representing Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, or Ms Wallin, representing Saskatchewan, in the future, but Mr Michaud said the RCMP was continuing its investigation. Mr Harb's lawyer, Sean May, told broadcaster CBC it was "disappointing that charges are being laid. He's going to be prepared to respond in court and he looks forward to that." Mr Brazeau has previously said he will fight any charges. Canadian senators are appointed by the governor general of Canada - the Queen's representative - on the advice of the prime minister. They typically join either the government caucus or the opposition caucus, or sit as independents.

Summary: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have charged Senator Patrick Brazeau and ex-Senator Mac Harb with fraud, saying they claimed improper living and travel expenses.


A new personal savings allowance of £1,000 will be introduced in April next year, removing the first £1,000 of savings income from income tax. From later this year, people will be able to move money in and out of Isas without infringing their tax free contribution limit. And a new "Help to Buy" Isa will be launched to help people save for a deposit. As announced a few days ago, the government will consult on letting people who have bought annuities with their pension pots sell them, in return for a lump sum. Mr Osborne said the new personal savings allowance would come into effect in April 2016. This would, he said, create tax-free banking for almost the entire population. However, higher-rate taxpayers will benefit from a smaller personal savings allowance of only £500. Users of the BBC News app tap here for the Budget Calculator. And anyone earning more than £150,000 a year will not receive the benefit of the new savings allowance at all. This change, along with more flexibility for Isas, will cost taxpayers more than £1bn in 2016-17 and more than half a billion pounds each year thereafter. An important knock-on effect of these changes will be that from next April, banks and building societies will no longer deduct 20% income tax automatically from savings held outside an Isa. The chancellor hailed this as a major piece of tax simplification. "People have already paid tax once on their money when they earn it. They shouldn't have to pay tax a second time when they save it," he said. "With our new personal savings allowance, 17 million people will see the tax on their savings not just cut, but abolished." Richard Lloyd of the consumers' association Which? said: "The tax break and new flexibilities on savings will prove popular with the millions who have got a raw deal on their savings in recent years. "But there are still many savers whose money is languishing in extremely poor paying accounts, so the financial industry must now play fair and help people get a better return." On the new Isa rules for what he called a "fully flexible Isa", Mr Osborne explained that so long as Isa money is taken out and replaced during the same tax year, such a move would not count towards the annual Isa contribution limit, which is due to rise in any case to £15,240 this coming April. "If you take that money out, you lose your tax-free entitlement, and so can't put it back in," he said. "With the fully flexible Isa, people will have complete freedom to take money out, and put it back in later in the year, without losing any of their tax-free entitlement." However, this new flexibility will apply to cash Isas only, and not to stocks and shares Isas. Mr Osborne said the change would be scheduled for this autumn after consultation. Iain McCluskey of accountants PwC said: "The very significant Isa allowance increase over this Parliament has meant that many savers already pay no income tax on their savings.

Summary: Four big planned changes to encourage saving were outlined by the chancellor.


Two men made off with a trolley full of alcohol from the supermarket in Annan at about 13:40 on Thursday. About 40 minutes later a man matching the description of one of the thieves in the earlier incident struck at the Lockerbie Road store in Dumfries. PC Carolyne Crozier said there were "clear similarities" between the thefts and asked witnesses to come forward. Spirits worth more than Â£500 were taken in the first incident. One of the men involved was in his late 40s, of medium build with dark hair with grey starting to show. He was about 5ft 8in tall and was wearing a navy polo shirt with stripes across the front and jeans. The second man was in his late 20s or early 30s, of slim build, quite tall with short, dark hair and was wearing Adidas three-stripe tracksuit bottoms and a hooded top. In the Dumfries incident, a man was seen putting alcohol straight into a carrier bag. When stock was checked, it was found 10 bottles of vodka worth more than Â£400 had been taken. The suspect was described as being tall and wearing Adidas striped tracksuit bottoms and an Adidas hooded top. In a separate incident on the same day cashmere jumpers worth more than Â£600 were taken from The Canny Scots Shop at the Gretna Service Area between 10:00 and 12:30. PC Crozier said: "There are clear similarities between the two Tesco thefts, right down to the description of one of the suspects. "We are keeping an open mind as to whether or not the cashmere theft is linked."

Summary: Vodka and other spirits worth hundreds of pounds have been stolen from two Tesco stores in southern Scotland.


Angus MacNeil, chairman of the House of Commons energy committee, has called for the project to be re-examined. It follows a letter that EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy sent to his staff, saying the project needed more funding from the French government. The UK government said it was "committed" to Hinkley Point. But Mr MacNeil, an MP for the SNP, said the government needed to urgently rethink its support for the proposal. "It's something that has to be looked into very carefully and very soon because it is a huge obligation and a lot of eggs in quite small baskets," he said. "The Chinese are involved, the French involved, the UK are involved. They need to take a step back because other places have decided not to go ahead with this stuff." In his letter to EDF staff, Mr Levy said: "We are currently negotiating with the French state to obtain commitments allowing us to secure our financial position. "I am sure that this project is a good project for the group and that in the near future, all the conditions will come together for it to be definitely launched. "It is clear that I will not engage EDF in this project before these conditions are met." The company, which is 85% owned by the French government and owns 58 reactors in France, is expected to finalise in April how it will fund the project. It has postponed the decision a number of times. The plan was delayed in January, reportedly owing to funding difficulties. But Mr Levy highlighted in his letter that China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), which will own 33.5% of the project, was investing about 8bn euros (£6bn). He also expressed his confidence in EDF to manage "very large projects". Pressure is mounting as the £18bn cost of the Hinkley project is more than the entire value of the firm. And there is scepticism as the British government has agreed to pay more than twice the current wholesale price of energy once the plant is producing - £92.50 per megawatt hour for electricity, against £37 per megawatt hour. But Prime Minister David Cameron has backed the plan, calling Hinkley Point a "pillar of (the UK and France's) bilateral relationship". Simon Taylor, an economist at Cambridge University, said the letter from Mr Levy showed he was looking for reassurances from the other stakeholders. He said it would be "very embarrassing for the French government to cancel this" but a pull-out from the UK side could also "cast doubt on the UK's entire energy policy" and jeopardise future projects. By Simon Jack, BBC News business editor Imagine British Gas owners Centrica were in financial trouble after sinking billions into a French power station. And then imagine that the bill for rescuing it fell on to taxpayers. That is essentially the risk facing EDF and the French government. The dangers to the company's financial integrity are great enough to prompt EDF's chief financial officer to resign in protest, the French equivalent of the National Audit Office to issue stark warnings and

Summary: Fresh doubts have arisen over plans by French Energy firm EDF to build an £18bn nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point, Somerset.


McDonald, 25, was on the transfer list at Sixfields and has agreed a two-year contract with the Sky Blues. He is Coventry's third signing following relegation from League One, after striker Marc McNulty and midfielder Michael Doyle. "He is a quick, strong and aggressive centre-half, who can also read the game well," boss Mark Robins said. Liverpool-born McDonald started his career at Manchester City's academy before joining the youth set-up at Stoke City. He later went on to Oldham, Colwyn Bay, Nantwich, Hereford United and AFC Telford United, joining Northampton in 2015 and making 37 appearances for the Cobblers. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Coventry City have signed centre-back Rod McDonald from Northampton for an undisclosed fee.


Yet, for many people, the choice remains complex and confusing and the way they vote may well be settled by gut and instinct. The Leave camp promises to regain control over borders and democracy. The Remain camp says staying in the EU and the single market is clearly in Britain's economic interest. But there is much that remains unknowable, including what would follow a vote to leave the EU. In the immediate aftermath of a win for Brexit, some political battles would have to be resolved first. Would the prime minister stay in office having lost a referendum? Some would want him out but others in the Leave campaign regard David Cameron as best placed to lead what would be difficult negotiations with Brussels. Secondly, the early days after the vote would be aimed at settling nervous financial markets. On the day after, nothing would have changed legally but the government and whoever was in charge of the negotiation would have to decide what strategy to adopt. Vote Leave sets out post-Brexit plans After the EU referendum: What happens next? EU referendum issues guide EU referendum: All you need to know The legal process for leaving the EU is set out in Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty. David Cameron or whoever was prime minister would have to notify the European Union of the UK's intention to leave. Once that application has been registered, the clock starts ticking; the negotiation has to be settled in two years. But Michael Gove, for the Leave campaign, has suggested negotiating a new deal would take at least four years. The two-year period can be extended but only if all the other 27 EU countries agree. During the negotiating period, the UK would stay in the EU and EU laws would remain in force. If there was no deal within the two year period then the UK would have to rely on World Trade Organisation rules. The Director General of the WTO says this would be far from straightforward. There would have to be negotiations between the UK and the WTO's 161 members. Catherine Barnard, professor of European Law at Cambridge University, says that without an agreement in those two years "we fall out of the EU, in probably a rather disorderly fashion". She points to the sheer number of issues that would need addressing. "Think of European migrants living here," she says. "What will be their rights going forward?" But nothing here is straightforward. Some in the Leave camp want to avoid Article 50 altogether; they would prefer to engage in inter-governmental negotiations. They do not want to be locked into a timetable. It is also uncertain how other European leaders and officials would respond to this. Their big fear is contagion; that other countries could follow the UK example. So, they could be inclined to make the UK sweat. As the President of the Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker said: "Deserters would not be treated kindly." However, there would be strong pressure from Europe's businesses to deal with the UK swiftly and perhaps enter into a

Summary: This week's referendum has been billed as a historic moment; a cross on the paper sketching out the country's future identity and its place in the world.