The discovery was made during an unannounced visit to HMP Bronzefield near Ashford, Surrey, in April. Nick Hardwick, the chief inspector of prisons, said it amounted to "cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment". The prison's director said it would only segregate a prisoner if it felt there was no other option available. Charlotte Pattison-Rideout, director of HMP Bronzefield, Sodexo Justice Services, said the prison had taken on board the recommendations made in the report and had already started to address them. She added that the prison's policy was always to seek reintegration where possible. Mr Hardwick said some of the issues identified in the report needed "a fundamentally different approach" at national level. In the inspection report, he said: "We were dismayed that the woman who had already been in the segregation unit for three years in 2010 was still there in 2013. "Her cell was unkempt and squalid and she seldom left it. "Although more activities had been organised for her and better multi-disciplinary support was available, she still had too little to occupy her. "Her prolonged location on the segregation unit amounted to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment - and we use these words advisedly." Mr Hardwick said the treatment and conditions of other women held for long periods in segregation was "little better". He said: "Much of this was outside the prison's direct control and required a national strategy for meeting the needs of these very complex women - as exists in the male estate." But he added that Bronzefield itself needed to do more to "ameliorate the worst effects of this national failure". The report calls for a policy to help manage women "with complex needs who cannot be supported in the prison's normal location". Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "This shocking case of treatment, which appears to amount to torture, in an English prison should shame ministers who tolerate the over-use of custody for women and consequent poor treatment. "Her Majesty's chief inspector is absolutely right that specialist care outside of the prison walls needs to be developed for the handful of women who pose particular challenges." The report said arrangements for transporting prisoners to and from the prison were unacceptable. The report said women were carried in vehicles with men and spent long periods in the van, possibly because they had to wait while male prisoners were dropped off first. Some complained they felt unsafe on the trip, it added. Positives identified by the inspectors included practical resettlement services; good reception, first night and induction arrangements; and very good support for women with substance misuse problems throughout their prison stays. Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "The Chief Inspector reports that staff are doing their best to respond to the needs of women at Bronzefield, many of whom are in poor mental and physical health, addicted to drugs and drink and traumatised by separation from their children. "But why in this day and age are women with such complex needs transported like cattle and dumped in prison,

Summary: An inmate at a women's prison was held in segregation for more than five years, an inspection report has revealed.


The Blue Cross charity centre had to throw out all 90 posts when they became saturated by drain water after torrential rain early on Friday. All the animals were safe, although 15 kittens had to be evacuated from the nursery which was covered in sludge. The centre has appealed for help to replace the posts and toys. There are currently 46 cats and kittens looking for new homes at the charity's Garlic Row centre, animal welfare assistant Claire Thomas said. The animals did not seem "too traumatised" by the torrential downpour or standing water in their pens, she said. However, staff were "gutted" when they saw the devastation caused by the overnight storm. The rescue centre was among a number of businesses and organisations in Cambridge affected by the overnight storm. Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge was forced to declare a "major incident" and cancel all planned surgery until Tuesday after an area where sterilisation equipment is stored was flooded. The cat rescue centre has now been cleaned up and the destroyed posts, toys and blankets piled on the lawn. It would not be sanitary to dry them out, Miss Thomas added, so they will all need to be replaced. The Cambridge branch of charity Blue Cross cares for over 400 cats and kittens every year.

Summary: Dozens of abandoned cats living at a Cambridge rescue centre have lost their toys and scratching posts after they were destroyed by flooding.


Jose Cuervo has taken control of the brand as part of a deal with Diageo. Diageo's Colin O'Brien said while the sale represented a "change", they were "confident" that Jose Cuervo would "nurture" Bushmills in the future. Jose Cuervo is owned by the Mexico-based Beckmann family. Their distribution firm, Proximo, controls a number of premium whiskey and rum brands. The chief executive of Jose Cuervo, Juan Domingo Beckmann, described the acquisition as the "most important purchase made by Cuervo in its entire history". "Like Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Jose Cuervo is built on a very strong tradition of quality and craftsmanship that dates back over 250 years, so we understand the importance of nurturing and protecting the heritage and quality of a brand and are strongly committed to doing exactly that with Bushmills," he said. "Bushmills Irish Whiskey will be in very safe hands." Mr Beckmann added that no jobs would be lost at Bushmills as a result of the acquisition. Mr O'Brien said Bushmills Irish Whiskey was a brand built on "great history, heritage and passionate people" and had been a "cherished part of the Diageo family" for more than nine years. "During this time we have invested over Â£80m to build capacity, infrastructure and maturing inventory at the distillery, which has supported the continued growth of the brand," he said. Irish whiskey has been a growth category in the United States in recent years. Growth was initially sparked by a big investment made by Pernod Ricard in the marketing of its Jameson brand. In 2011, the US-based maker of Jim Beam whiskey bought the Cooley distillery in County Louth for $95m (Â£59.45m). Bushmills Distillery claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Distillation has taken place there since at least the 17th century. It has not been locally-owned for many years. Prior to being bought by Diageo in 2005 it was owned by Pernod Ricard.

Summary: Bushmills whiskey has been acquired by the world's biggest tequila producer.


Alun and Mary Williams from Cwm Pennant got into difficulty after taking out a short-term loan with a farm finance company called UK Acorn Finance (UKAF). UKAF won a court judgment last July to repossess the farm. On Thursday, Mrs Williams lost an application for the right to appeal against that ruling. The family took out a £1.2m loan in 2011 which, they say, rose to £3.1m. In the hearing last July, His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman found that Mrs Williams had received independent advice which was required by UKAF before signing any documents. Mr and Mrs Williams' sons are the fifth generation of the family to farm at Rhwngddwyafon, a 600 acre (242 hectare) sheep and beef farm in the heart of Snowdonia.

Summary: A Gwynedd farming family are to lose their home after getting into debts of over £3m.


Sinn Féin's northern leader Michelle O'Neill said he had still not agreed to release funds for legacy inquests. Thursday's election ended the unionist majority at Stormont, with Sinn Féin now just one seat behind the DUP. Talks are being held to restore the power-sharing executive, but parties have just three weeks to reach a deal. The five main party leaders have held a series of bilateral talks on Tuesday, as well as separate discussions with Mr Brokenshire. Sinn Féin said it had further discussions with the secretary of state regarding money for inquests into the most controversial killings of the Troubles but that he had come to "no good conclusion". "Some families have been waiting 45 years and this affects all victims, regardless of the perpetrators," said party leader Gerry Adams. "They need to get those inquests under way and they have been delayed because the British refuse to give the funds." The party also met with the DUP and further meetings were planned, said Mr Adams. He added this was an indication that issues were being tackled. Meanwhile, the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Sir Malcolm McKibbin, said one of the most difficult issues facing the administration was the absence of a budget to cover the financial year from next month. Sir Malcolm said there was a "small window of opportunity" to allow a new executive to agree a budget and put it to the Assembly. On Tuesday morning, DUP leader Arlene Foster met her party's freshly elected MLAs (members of the legislative assembly) and said she was "delighted" with their support. "We have had an excellent group meeting where we had a full and open discussion around the election campaign, the result and, of course, the negotiations that are going on at the moment," she said. She had previously denied reports that some of her party's MLAs wanted her to step down. Mrs Foster said her party had won the election, increasing its vote in every constituency, which was a "pretty good basis to continue as leader". Meanwhile, DUP MP Ian Paisley said the party, and unionism, must try to "make the union as attractive as we can" for voters in the future. "We have a very attractive case at present and I have been guilty, as a unionist, of presenting it in a rough and combative way over the years when I thought it was required to do that," he told BBC Talkback. He added that Mrs Foster had his full support. Earlier, Lord Hain said Prime Minister Theresa May must call a summit to restore the Executive - or direct rule would be inevitable. The former secretary of state, now a Labour member of the House of Lords, said the London and Dublin governments had "taken their eyes off the ball" and that a summit was now required "to bring all the parties together to thrash out an agreement". But a senior government source involved in the talks told the BBC Mrs May was being regularly briefed and will have discussions with Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister)

Summary: Sinn Féin says it broke off its meeting with Secretary of State James Brokenshire because all he did was "waffle, waffle, and more waffle".


Yn ystod cyfarfod mis Mawrth, â hithau'n ddiwedd blwyddyn ariannol, y cafodd y syniad ei drafod gan aelodau o bwyllgor Ymddiriedolaeth James Pantyfedwen. Yn ôl y Parchedig Ddr R Alun Evans, un o'r ymddiriedolwyr, y nod yw gwneud y defnydd gorau o'r arian sydd ar gael. "Trafod fu ynglŷn â'r posibilrwydd o edrych ar waith eglwysi sydd â chenhadaeth amlwg a phendant ganddyn nhw oddi fewn i'w henwad neu yn gyd-enwadol - gorau oll os mae hynny yw e - neu oddi fewn i'r gymuned. "Beth 'ych chi'n chwilio amdano yw elfen o fywiogrwydd a gweithgarwch yn hytrach na brics a morter yn unig felly. "Oherwydd mae e wedi digwydd, dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, lle 'dan ni wedi dyfarnu grantiau a chael, gyda siom wir, bod y capeli yn peidio â bod mewn rhyw bum mlynedd. "Gwastraff arian yw hynny." Nod Ymddiriedolaeth James Pantyfedwen yw "hybu a hyrwyddo crefydd, addysg, y Celfyddydau ac amaethyddiaeth a phwrpasau elusennol eraill". Mae'r elusen yn cael £450,000 bob blwyddyn ac nid capeli ac eglwysi'n unig sydd yn gallu elwa ond gwyliau fel eisteddfodau ac elusennau hefyd. "O ran capeli ac eglwysi, falle bod ni yn gallu rhoi mwy o arian i lai o eglwysi wrth edrych eto ar amodau'r ymddiriedolaeth," meddai R Alun Evans. "Yn hytrach na gallu rhoi £1,000 neu £2,000, rhoi £7,000, £8,000 i £10,000 dywedwn, fel bod gwaith pwysig o genhadu yn y cymunedau yn gallu digwydd." Dyw R Alun Evans ddim yn pryderu y byddai'r newid pwyslais yma yn golygu prinder llefydd i bobl fynd i addoli yn y dyfodol, gan ddweud eu bod yn edrych yn ofalus iawn ar bob cais gan ystyried a oes yna gapeli o'r un enwad yn gyfagos. Ac mae ystyriaeth yn cael ei roi, meddai, i adeilad sydd yn bensaernïol bwysig neu o bwysigrwydd diwylliannol. "Yn ddiweddar iawn mi oedd 'na gapel yn Nyffryn Ogwen, sydd yn gapel ac iddo hanes gloyw iawn, iawn ond mae trafferthion i gynnal a chadw'r adeilad hwnnw. "Ond am ei fod o'n adeilad eiconig mi oedd o'n haeddu cefnogaeth." Er bod nifer y ceisiadau ar gyfer grantiau gan gapeli ac eglwysi wedi lleihau yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf wrth i fwy ohonyn nhw gau, mae mwy o geisiadau gan fyfyrwyr sydd eisiau gwneud gradd bellach mewn gwahanol feysydd. Mae'r ymddiriedolaeth wedi penderfynu felly rhoi mwy o arian iddyn nhw. Ond ers rhyw flwyddyn dyw elusennau mawr ddim yn derbyn grantiau. "Er bod nhw yn gwneud cais, dywedwch, am gyfrifiadur i swyddfa rhywle yng Nghymru, o'ch chi yn dweud, wel, mae digon o arian gyda chi wrth gefn," meddai R Alun Evans. "Mae gennych chi yn llythrennol filiynau wrth gefn ac felly mae'r elfen o gyfrannu at elusen, am y tro, wedi cael ei rhoi i'r neilltu."

Summary: Mae elusen sydd yn cynnig grantiau i gapeli ac eglwysi yn ystyried rhoi'r arian i'r rhai sydd â "chenhadaeth amlwg" yn hytrach nag i drwsio'r adeiladau pan fo yna beryg iddyn nhw gau.


Faisal al-Saadoon and Khalaf Mufdhi were detained in Basra and accused of involvement in the deaths of two British soldiers, Staff Sgt Simon Cullingworth and Sapper Luke Allsopp. An Iraqi court later decided there was insufficient evidence to try the men. In 2010, the pair were awarded damages by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for mental suffering. Allegations that the men were mistreated by British soldiers are now being investigated by the UK's Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat). Ihat was set up in 2010 to look at allegations of abuse by the British military against Iraqis between 2003 and 2009. In October, Prime Minister Theresa May said her government would take action over the "industrial scale" of claims lodged with Ihat using legal aid funding. It is not known how many troops are being investigated over the treatment of Mr al-Saadoon and Mr Mufdhi. The two men, now both in their 60s, were accused of murdering Staff Sgt Cullingworth and Pte Allsopp. An inquest found that the British soldiers were ambushed by Iraqi militiamen, taken to an Iraqi intelligence base and shot. Mr al-Saadoon and Mr Mufdhi were formally charged in 2006 with murder and war crimes but the charges were later annulled by an Iraqi court on the grounds of insufficient evidence. The pair were eventually awarded Â£36,000 in legal costs and Â£75,000 each in damages by the ECHR for suffering caused by years of living in fear of execution. The criminal claims against British soldiers were brought forward by Public Interest Lawyers (PIL), which closed in August after it was told it would no longer receive legal aid funding.

Summary: British soldiers are being investigated over allegations of mistreating two Iraqi detainees in 2003.


The centre-back's existing deal was due to expire at the end of the upcoming season. Morrison, 26, joined the Bluebirds from Reading in 2014, having previously played for Swindon and Huddersfield. He has made 120 appearances and scored 13 goals for Cardiff, who rejected a bid for him from fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in June.

Summary: Cardiff City captain Sean Morrison has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2020.


A poll carried out on behalf of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) suggested 68% of Londoners were behind the measure. Boris Johnson said there was "broad support". However more than 37,000 people have signed an online petition against the purchase. The cannon will be purchased if Home Secretary Theresa May licences them. The Metropolitan Police and Mayor of London Mr Johnson want to buy three cannon from Germany for Â£90,000. They have been linked to causing broken bones and blindness. Mr Johnson said: "No-one wants to see water cannon routinely deployed on the streets of London but having carefully weighed up all the evidence, I have concluded there is broad support amongst Londoners for the use of this measure by the police in limited circumstances. "However, it is critical that Londoners are assured that there are robust safeguards in place before seeing water cannon in action." The mayor said he would now write to the Home Secretary to support the request for water cannon. The independent poll conducted by TNS questioned 4,223 people and found 52% said they would have greater confidence in the Met Police's ability to respond to serious public disorder if water cannon were available. In addition the mayor carried out a six-week consultation in January and February to gather the views of Londoners on the use of water cannon. There were 2,606 consultation responses received via email and 4,048 email petition responses. From the email consultation 59 people supported the introduction of water cannon. Concerns were raised by more than 2,500 email respondents and more than 4,000 people responded to the "Boris: stop the water cannon" and the "No to water cannon" email petitions. Respondents also mentioned a change.org petition with more than 37,000 signatures against the proposals. London Assembly member Jenny Jones, of the Green Party, said: "He has ignored the members of the public who responded to the consultation, and the views of the Assembly including members of his own party and team, to push ahead with his plans for this weapon." Water cannon have been used in Northern Ireland but they are not currently authorised in Britain. The Home Secretary must approve their introduction in England and Wales. An ethics panel, headed by barrister Lord Carlile, will be put in place to look at when water cannon should be used, if they are licensed by the home secretary. She has refused to provide central government funding for the machines in London. A Home Office spokesperson said: "It is for Chief Constable David Shaw, as the national policing lead, formally to request that water cannon be authorised for use and present the necessary information for the home secretary to make a decision. We await that request."

Summary: The Mayor of London has agreed to support the Met Police's call for water cannon to be purchased.


Media playback is not supported on this device Britain's Murray and Switzerland's Hingis won 6-4 6-4 in one hour four minutes on Centre Court. Both Murray and Hingis are bidding for their second Wimbledon mixed doubles titles. Britain's Heather Watson and Finland's Henri Kontinen, who won the title last year, are also into the last four. They progressed via a 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-5 win over India's Rohan Bopanna and Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski and will play the second-seeded pair, Brazilian Bruno Soares and Russian Elena Vesnina, in the semi-finals. Kontinen is hoping to pick up his third Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open doubles in January alongside John Peers. Murray, who lifted the SW19 mixed doubles title in 2007 alongside Serbia's Jelena Jankovic, and Hingis, who won it in 2015 with Indian Leander Paes, will play the Spanish-Brazilian combination of Maria Martinez Sanchez and Marcelo Demoliner. The pair only announced their partnership last week and again looked comfortable as a partnership on the court. Hingis has won five mixed doubles titles at Grand Slams as well as 12 women's doubles and five singles competitions - including Wimbledon in 1997. Murray won men's doubles titles at the Australian Open and US Open last year with Brazil's Bruno Soares. Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: Jamie Murray and Martina Hingis beat British pair Ken Skupski and Jocelyn Rae to reach the Wimbledon mixed doubles semi-finals.


Ibrahim Halawa was 17 when he was arrested during a siege at the Al-Fath mosque in Cairo in 2013. He has been accused, along with more than 400 others, of inciting violence, riot and sabotage. He wrote that his incarceration had taught him to find humanity in everyone and disregard revenge. Mr Halawa wrote to his family and said 22 September should have been the day his parents had lived their lives to see. He had intended to study a degree in engineering. Instead he said he was refused proper medical treatment for severe chest pains and had his head forcibly shaved. "Today while every graduate throws their graduation hat in the sky to come down with the long waiting dream, I don't see the sky," he wrote. "Because I'm enrolled in a different college. "A college I did not know I had applied for when I chose to fight for freedom. A college that kidnapped me from life to teach me the principles of real life. A college full of lessons. A lot of which I have learned in dark mornings and nights." The letter, entitled Graduation Speech, revealed he shares a dormitory cell with 30 others and has a sleeping space just over one foot wide. Mr Halawa told his family he had learned a deep sense of compassion for others during his time in prison and an appreciation of the simple things in life. "In this college I'm obliged to live with a broad diversity of inmates. From presidential consultants and college professors to illiterate criminals which taught me to seek the real human being behind every social rank," he said. "I have learned that absolutism is an invalid way to judge humans, humanity is all about relativism. "It is a college where the hardest subject is 'finding the forgiveness', as I must stay as a freedom fighter and never became a revenge hunter. "Even though after all these years my oppressor is yet not convinced to let me graduate from his prison and go home. While for others it's graduation night out, for me it's graduation lights out." The Halawa family and their lawyers KRW Law have attempted to secure a presidential decree for Mr Halawa's freedom. His case is due back in court on 2 October. Ibrahim's sister Somaia said: "Ibrahim's letter leaves no room for more to be said, however it has been 35 days since the presidential decree of law 140 was submitted for Ibrahim, after three years of campaigning for Ibrahim's freedom this is our biggest hope. "It is time for the Irish government to increase the level of pressure so that decree is as effective as it should be."

Summary: An Irishman jailed in Egypt has written a letter to his family to mark the date he should have graduated from college in Dublin.


The law is to be changed in Spring 2017 to make directors personally liable for breaches of regulations. At the moment only firms can be fined for ignoring rules on cold calling, but many declare bankruptcy - only to open up again under a different name. Consumer group Which? said it was a "massive victory". Companies offering to help to reclaim mis-sold payment protection insurance or with accident claims are behind some of the most common nuisance calls. The change will mean the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) would be able to impose combined penalties of up to £1m on company directors and their businesses for breaches of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. The ICO has issued fines totalling almost £3.7m to companies behind nuisance calls and spam text messages. Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said companies behind the calls have "little regard for the anxiety and upset they cause all in the name of turning a fast profit". "We are inundated with complaints from people who are left shaken and distressed by the intrusion on their daily lives," she added. Source: BBC Skillswise Which? has campaigned on the issue and its managing director of home and legal services Alex Neill said "the government has listened to consumers". "This legislation will stop rogues dodging fines for bombarding consumers with nuisance calls and side-stepping the rules by closing one business and re-establishing a new one." Digital and culture minister Matt Hancock said: "Nuisance callers are a blight on society, causing significant distress to elderly and vulnerable people. "We have been clear that we will not stand for this continued harassment and this latest amendment to the law will strike another blow to those businesses and company bosses responsible."

Summary: Company directors could be fined up to £500,000 if their business is behind nuisance phone calls, under government moves to clamp down on the problem.


City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to mark his debut season in England by securing all four trophies they are in. And Kompany, 27, says it is inevitable that City will do the quadruple at some stage in the near future. "We can't promise it will happen now, but eventually it will have to happen," said the Belgium defender. "We are the players at the moment who have been chosen to do it. If it's not us then it will be other players. Media playback is not supported on this device "This club definitely has a target to win every competition possible." Pellegrini's side are second in the Premier League table, lead West Ham 6-0 after the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final and face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16. They progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday with a 5-0 replay victory over Blackburn Rovers. City's neighbours Manchester United secured the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 1998-99. Kompany also credits Pellegrini, who replaced Roberto Mancini as manager last summer, with the greater attacking intent City have shown this season. City have scored 99 goals this season from 33 matches and average four goals a game at home, with 64 from 16 fixtures. "He's very offensive-minded and I think that's shown in our results and the way we play," Kompany said. "I think we have been one of the best teams to watch in the Premier League so far."

Summary: Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says it is only a matter of time before the club complete a record haul of four major trophies in a season.


If emergency departments are struggling then it is a good bet the entire system is under strain. That is because the A&E stats reflect not only the demand on the system - how many patients are turning up, but also can indicate how quickly patients are moving through the hospital system. So if there are very few beds available on the wards it creates a log-jam in A&E and patients have to wait on trolleys for space to become available. A knock-on effect can be seen in ambulances queuing outside. Problems are made worse if there are delays in releasing patients from hospital because a care package is not in place for them to go home to. That is why many argue making sure social services are properly resourced is a key element in trying to tackle the pressures facing the NHS. And then there is the impact on planned operations. If intensive care units, for example, are full then there are no available beds there for patients who need them to recover from serious scheduled operations. If that is the case - some elective surgery will inevitably get postponed. Late last year, the Welsh Government pledged an extra Â£45m to health boards to try make sure scheduled, elective surgery and treatments are more protected this winter. NHS Wales chief executive Dr Andrew Goodall said it was still too early to tell in terms of numbers but hospitals needed to ensure elective surgery was managed in a "sensible manner" as there was a duty to patients. Another interesting thing to note - sometimes the figures show that unscheduled care units actually see a greater number of patients during the summer months - due to trips, slips, falls, bumps and so on. But in winter the NHS often has to deal with more severely-ill patients, for example elderly patients who have breathing problems. These need much more care, spend more time in the system and need more support to get better. COMPARING WALES WITH ENGLAND Historically A&E waits have been longer in Wales than in England. Some experts argue that is because there is a bigger mismatch in Wales between the number of beds available and the demand for them. The difference might also reflect demographic factors - for example the Welsh population as a whole being older sicker and less well-off than other parts of the UK. It is not straightforward comparing Wales with the NHS in England, because the "clock" starts differently when patients arrive. For those in Wales, the waiting time starts being recorded as soon as the patient is registered inside the A&E department - or when the ambulance crew notifies the desk they have arrived outside. In England, the arrival time starts when the patient is handed over or 15 minutes after the ambulance arrives at A&E, whichever is earlier. Leaked data for NHS England seen by BBC News shows the figure reached a low of 75.8% on 3 January but had recovered to 82.4% last week. HOW DO DIFFERENT HOSPITALS COMPARE? ARE THINGS GETTING MORE DIFFICULT? Looking

Summary: Statistics showing the length of time patients have to spend in accident and emergency have been described as taking the temperature of the entire NHS system.


York's National Railway Museum (NRM) has launched an appeal to mark the Flying Scotsman's 93rd birthday. The engine, which retired from service in 1963, has been restored for the NRM in a decade-long, £4.2m refit. On Saturday it ventured on to the mainline network for the first time in 40 years as it took a test run through Cumbria and Lancashire. Last month, the locomotive emerged into the East Lancashire Railway's Bury Bolton Street station after the final stages of the work at a nearby yard, thrilling hundreds of rail enthusiasts. It is due to be painted in its new green livery on Wednesday and have its nameplates reattached before making its journey between London Kings Cross and York on 25 February. Public services will begin later this month, alongside an exhibition at the museum. Former fireman John Morgan, from Peterborough, said he was looking forward to seeing the Flying Scotsman steaming between the two cities again. The 77-year-old became a fireman at 16 and worked on some of the most famous locomotives of the age, including the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard, the world's fastest steam train. "I have a lot of very good memories of 60103 [Flying Scotsman's British Rail number]," he said. "I did a lot of trips on the footplate and shovelled a lot of coal. "There was a lot of interest, even back then. Whenever we'd back up into King's Cross there'd be a crowd of people around wanting to get up into the cab." Bob Gwynne, associate curator of collections and research at the NRM, said: "As we've been planning our highly anticipated Scotsman Season, many people have already approached us with their special connections to the iconic steam locomotive and the famous train it was named after. "We've heard from crew members that worked on board and their families, and even of some babies born on the train."

Summary: People with links to one of the world's most famous locomotives are being urged to come forward with their memories.


Umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and Martin Saggers twice inspected the sodden outfield with the hope of some action. But, despite a dry afternoon, the pitch could not dry quickly enough and it was called off for the day at 16:00 BST. Hampshire had earlier been rocked by the news that fast bowler Reece Topley had broken his hand batting. The England World T20 fast bowler, who is making his debut in this match following his winter move from Essex, was struck on his right hand by Boyd Rankin early on making a career-best 15. He is to see a specialist to check whether the injury is just a single or double fracture just below the knuckle. On his 34th birthday, new Bears skipper Ian Bell is still hopeful of forcing a result given that Tuesday's weather forecast promises more dry spells. Hampshire director of cricket Giles White told BBC Radio Solent: "A little bit of time out the game isn't bad for us but we would like to be out there playing cricket as much as we can at this time of year. "For us tomorrow we need to carry on batting and get what we can in terms of bonus points and bowl well. The game will take shape from there. "It was a shame to lose a day today but the weather looks better tomorrow and we'll go again."

Summary: Warwickshire's hopes of building on their first-day domination were stymied by the Southampton weather as no play was possible on a rain-ruined day two.


Food sales increased in February but overall Scottish sales declined year-on-year by 1.9%. The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) said 2017 had "got off to a somewhat sluggish start" following a second successive month of falling sales. It suggested consumers were responding to a combination of moderate wage growth and rising overall inflation. SRC director David Lonsdale said: "In recent months we've seen a polarisation in the performance of food and non-food categories, which continued in February. "Food sales continued to edge up, helped by good sales of wine and chocolates for St Valentine's Day as well as stronger demand for grocers' meal deals, which perhaps hints at less eating out during the period as consumers reined in spending. "By contrast, non-food categories fell back once again, particularly clothing, footwear and household appliances, though there was continuing interest in mobile phones, wearable technology and a revival in gaming products." He added: "These figures suggest Scottish consumers are maybe beginning to tighten their belts and acknowledge the strain from rising overall inflation and moderating wage growth, with council tax set to creep up soon too."

Summary: Scottish retail sales fell last month as consumers started to "tighten their belts", according to new figures.


He was convicted at a retrial in March of accepting illegal payments from an American businessman while he served as mayor of Jerusalem and trade minister. Last year, he was sentenced to six years in prison for accepting bribes. Olmert has denied any wrongdoing and will remain free until his appeals against both convictions are heard. A Supreme Court decision on the first appeal is expected in the next couple of months. If he is unsuccessful OImert will become the first former head of government in Israel to be jailed. Olmert served as prime minister from 2006 to 2009. He was forced to resign amid a flurry corruption allegations, which ended his political career and disrupted the peace process with the Palestinians. In 2012, Olmert was acquitted of fraud, concealing fraudulent earnings and breach of trust in connection with donations received from a New York-based financier, Morris Talansky between 1997 and 2005. However, a retrial was ordered after a former aide, Shula Zaken, accepted a plea bargain and testified against Olmert. Ms Zaken gave prosecutors diary entries and tape recordings of conversations in which Olmert referred to receiving the money. Olmert was found guilty of fraud and breach of trust in March and on Monday was sentenced to eight months in jail. He was also given a suspended sentence of an additional eight months and fined 100,000 shekels ($25,000; Â£16,000). The Jerusalem District Court said the sentence recognised Olmert's contributions to Israeli society, but noted that "a black flag hovers over his conduct". Olmert's lawyer Eyal Rozovsky said they were "very disappointed" by the sentence. The former prime minister has always insisted that he is innocent and has described the allegations against him as "a brutal, ruthless witch-hunt". The 69-year-old is also appealing against the six-year sentence he was given in May 2014 in connection with a real estate deal at took place when he was mayor of Jerusalem in the 1990s. He was convicted of accepting bribes in return for speeding up a controversial residential development, known as Holyland, in the heart of the city.

Summary: A court in Jerusalem has sentenced the former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, to eight months in prison for fraud and breach of trust.


James Tracy and Josh van der Flier start after featuring for Ireland as replacements last week against Italy. Edinburgh make five changes with Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Duncan Weir forming the half-back partnership and Glenn Bryce in at full-back. In the pack, hooker Neil Cochrane and number eight Cornell du Preez earn starts. Du Preez's return means Magnus Bradbury moves to blindside flanker. Blair Kinghorn and Jason Tovey drop to the bench, while Viliame Mata, Sean Kennedy and Stuart McInally miss out after starting last week. For the hosts, fly-half Joey Carbery makes his first start since sustaining an ankle injury in a Champions Cup game away to Northampton in December. Scrum-half Luke McGrath also comes in while in the pack, prop Mike Ross and locks Ross Molony and Mike McCarthy get starts. Leinster head coach Leo Cullen confirmed that club captain Isa Nacewa is absent after having a small procedure on his knee earlier this week. "We're talking a couple of weeks with Isa," Cullen said. "Edinburgh are bringing a strong team - they're not missing many players." Leinster wing Dave Kearney switches from left to right to accommodate Barry Daly's inclusion. Jamison Gibson-Park, Richardt Strauss and Ian Nagle drop out while Adam Byrne, Ross Byrne, Michael Bent, Mick Kearney and Dan Leavy move to the bench. "We're back on the road and know Leinster are a tough team to overcome, especially on their home patch," said Edinburgh acting head coach Duncan Hodge. "As a squad, we've learned a lot from last week's match against Ulster [the 24-18 defeat] and will look to take the positives from an encouraging second-half display into this week's game. "The players showed a lot of character and resolve last week in overcoming the challenges of what was a high-tempo and physical encounter. "Those involved tomorrow night will need to show a similar tenacity and perform for the full 80 minutes if we're to challenge the home side." Leinster: Z Kirchner, D Kearney, R O'Loughlin, N Reid, B Daly, J Carbery, L McGrath (capt); P Dooley, J Tracy, M Ross, R Molony, M McCarthy, D Ryan, J van der Flier, J Conan. Replacements: B Byrne, A Porter, M Bent, M Kearney, D Leavy, J Gibson-Park, R Byrne, A Byrne. Edinburgh: G Bryce, D Hoyland, C Dean, P Burleigh, T Brown, D Weir, S Hidalgo-Clyne; J Cosgrove, N Cochrane (capt), M McCallum, F McKenzie, B Toolis, M Bradbury, J Ritchie, C Du Preez. Replacements: G Turner, D Appiah, N Beavon, G Gilchrist, L Carmichael, N Fowles, J Tovey, B Kinghorn.

Summary: Leinster make eight changes to their starting line-up for Friday's Pro12 meeting with Edinburgh.


The Dragons have lost their last seven in the Pro12 while defending champions Gloucester have lost successive matches in the English Premiership. "It's a fresh challenge, we go there with nothing to lose and we'll play with no fear," said Jones. The Dragons reached the semi-final of the competition in 2015. Gloucester beat the Dragons 45-17 at Kingsholm in the Anglo-Welsh LV Cup semi-final in 2011, after losing 18-12 at Rodney Parade earlier in the campaign. The English side beat Edinburgh in the final of the 2015 Challenge Cup and won all their group matches on the way to the last eight in 2016. But Jones believes his team can rise to the challenge against a Gloucester side unbeaten in their last 15 in Europe despite the Dragons' poor form. "We've got a terrible record of the highest number of losing bonus points in the league, but we've done well in Europe," he said. "But they (Gloucester) are going to turn up on the back of four defeats as well. We understand that Gloucester will be favourites but we've got nothing to lose. "Last season we went to England for the first time and won a game of European rugby (at Newcastle), we went to France and won a game of European rugby (against Stade Francais), and this year we've been to France and won (at Castres). "So going away from home in European competition is not an issue for us." Dragons skipper T Rhys Thomas admits the squad have to take their share of responsibility for the recent slump in results. "It hasn't been where we want to be as a region but the players, we've had an honesty call amongst ourselves and taken a lot of ownership. We feel as though we've let everyone down," he revealed. Gloucester have experienced Wales internationals James Hook and Richard Hibbard in their squad as well as back-rower Ross Moriarty, who scored two tries for Wales against Italy. Dragons three-quarter Adam Hughes knows his side will have to close Hook down if they are to stand a chance of upsetting Gloucester. "He's very dangerous with ball in hand so you never know where he's going to pass or if he's going to go on his own. You've got to stay on him and his kicking game is really good."

Summary: Newport Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones says the region have "nothing to lose" in their European Challenge Cup quarter-final at Gloucester.


The world governing body said local officials could instead be appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board. There will be two Twenty20 and three one-day internationals from 22-31 May. On Thursday Zimbabwe cancelled the tour after news of a terrorist attack in Karachi, then retracted the statement. No top-level international cricket has been played in Pakistan since Sri Lanka's team bus was attacked there by gunmen in 2009.

Summary: The International Cricket Council will not send umpires to Pakistan to officiate in their upcoming limited-overs series against Zimbabwe because of security concerns.


The UKIP leader tweeted he was "at a standstill for 90 minutes" while heading to Thursday's show in Bradford. Highways England said the the A1 northbound was closed in Nottinghamshire after a fatal crash. In 2014, Mr Farage missed a UKIP conference after getting stuck in traffic on the M4, which he blamed on high levels of immigration. A UKIP spokesman said on Thursday Mr Farage was being driven from his home in Kent to the show, which usually starts filming at about 20:30. He tweeted at 19:35 GMT: "Now been at a standstill for 90 mins on the A1. #bbcqt doubtful. Damn." Updates from this story and more from Nottinghamshire He was replaced on the show by his deputy leader Paul Nuttall, who travelled from Liverpool to face off against Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, Labour's Shabana Mahmood, Lib Dem president Baroness Brinton and political journalist Isabel Oakeshott. It was the first major televised debate following the announcement of David Cameron's draft EU reform proposals. Question Time producers tweeted: "We were making plans for @Nigel_Farage - but travel problems mean he'll be replaced by @paulnuttallukip. #bbcqt." Despite the late line-up change, the show was broadcast at 22:45, starting with a question on Mr Cameron's EU reforms. Mr Farage blamed his failure to turn up to a reception with supporters in Wales in 2014 on "open-door immigration". "It took me six hours and 15 minutes to get here - it should have taken three-and-a-half to four," he said at the time. On the day of the 2010 general election Mr Farage was involved in a plane crash that left him with broken ribs. Thursday's delays came when the A1 was closed northbound at Coddington following the crash at about 17:30, in which one man was killed.

Summary: Nigel Farage missed an appearance on BBC Question Time after getting caught in a traffic jam on the A1.


No-one has applied for the job of lollipop man or woman at Broughton Moor Primary School in Allerdale, Cumbria, despite repeated advertisements since January 2011. Cumbria County Council has proposed scrapping the post and reallocating the money to the town's general budget. Traffic calming measures had been installed on the road, it said.

Summary: A school crossing patrol could be permanently scrapped after a four-year search for someone to staff it failed.


The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is believed to have deployed about 30,000 fighters. US-led coalition warplanes will support the offensive and Russia has also given its backing. The SDF did not mention any plan to take Raqqa, the de facto capital of the "caliphate" proclaimed by IS in 2014. The alliance, which is dominated by the Kurdish Popular Protection Units (YPG) militia, has emerged as a key ally of the US-led coalition over the past two years, leading the fight against IS on the ground in northern Syria. With the help of US airpower, it has taken control of about 26,000 sq km (10,000 sq miles) of territory, including a 400km (250 mile) stretch along the Turkish border. On Tuesday, SDF fighters were seen moving south from Tal Abyad near the Turkish border towards Ain Issa, a town about 60km (37 miles) north-west of Raqqa, according to UK-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Clashes were reported nearby, it added. SDF commander Rojda Felat wrote on Twitter that the goal of the new offensive was to "liberate northern Raqqa" and those living under IS "oppression". "The campaign is aimed at repelling terrorist attacks on Shaddadi, Tal Abyad and Kobane, ensuring the security of our people," she added. An SDF source told the Kurdish news agency, Rudaw, that fighters would be "advancing to the villages of Big Fatiseh, Small Fatiseh and Tishi, in order to clear them of [IS] militants first". BBC Middle East Correspondent Quentin Sommerville says IS fighters are digging in, ready for the assault. As well as defensive placements in Raqqa, they have constructed an extensive network of tunnels, he adds. A Baghdad-based spokesman for the US-led coalition, Col Steve Warren, said the SDF operation was aimed at "putting pressure on Raqqa", but not taking the city. The SDF fighters had so far met little resistance, he added. The anti-IS activist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), reported that there had been air strikes on IS positions north of Raqqa on Tuesday, and that intense fighting had erupted around the village of Heisha. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said that Moscow was ready to co-ordinate with the SDF and the US on the offensive. The SDF's announcement followed a meeting between officials in the alliance and a top US commander in northern Syria on Saturday. Gen Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command, made the secret trip to check on the 200 US military personnel who were advising the SDF on the ground. The US wants to increase the number of Arab fighters in the SDF, which currently consists of at least 25,000 Kurds and between 5,000 and 6,000 Arabs, before trying to retake Raqqa. Col Warren said about 3,000 to 5,000 IS fighters were inside Raqqa. IS seized the city in August 2013, five months after it became the first Syrian provincial capital to fall to rebel forces seeking to topple President Bashar al-Assad. The jihadist group quickly established its headquarters there and began imposing its vision of a state, implementing a strict interpretation of

Summary: A US-backed alliance of Syrian Kurdish and Arab fighters has begun a campaign to expel Islamic State (IS) militants from land north of Raqqa.


The claim was made by the husband of one of the people convicted of the killings. David Stewart's wife Hazel, was convicted of killing her former husband Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell. Lesley's husband, Colin Howell, was also found guilty of the double murder. Mr Stewart said the Buchanan children were not given an opportunity by ITV to view the drama before it went to air. ITV's The Secret tells the story of convicted killers Colin Howell and Hazel Stewart, then Buchanan, who killed their spouses and kept the deaths secret for 18 years. ITV said the families were offered a chance to view it before it aired. David Stewart said he understood the Buchanan children were not contacted. He contacted BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback on Friday to make what he believed was a correction. Presenter William Crawley said: "He's referring to that statement (from ITV) I read out a minute ago and says that Lauren Bradford [Lesley and Colin Howell's daughter] asked for a viewing and that he understands that's where that came from, that claim from ITV. "David says Trevor Buchanan's next of kin were not given that opportunity and that he supports Lauren's position in all of this." Howell and Buchanan are serving jail sentences over the murders of Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell, whose bodies were found in a fume-filled car in Castlerock 25 years ago. Police believed at the time that they had died in a suicide pact, but in 2009 Howell handed himself in, admitting that he had gassed the pair with Hazel Stewart's help. Years after the killings, she married David Stewart. The programme has been criticised by Lauren Bradford, who said it had left her traumatised. Lauren Bradford wrote an article in the Guardian after the first episode of The Secret was broadcast, saying its makers "trivialise the reality of these events and dehumanise the impact that it has on those involved". She added that victims' families needed to have more rights "over their 'story' and the narrative of their loved ones". ITV said The Secret's scripts were based on an "exhaustively researched" book by a "highly respected journalist" and that extensive extra research had been carried out. It said the families of both victims had been informed of the production and given an opportunity to see it before it was broadcast, but added that it "never suggested" they had "approved or authorised the drama". On Wednesday, Prime Minister David Cameron said he would hold a meeting with the culture secretary to discuss the The Secret. It followed an intervention from the Sheffield MP Louise Haigh who raised the issue in the commons. Lauren Bradford is Ms Haigh's constituent. Ms Haigh said the victims' families were reliving the pain of their loved ones' killings as a result of the drama. Mr Cameron said he would discuss the programme with Culture Secretary John Whittingdale to see if there is anything "more that can be done" in similar cases. Actor James Nesbitt plays Howell in the drama, which is based on a book by journalist Deric

Summary: The children of one of the victims of a double murder in Castlerock in 1991 were not given a preview of ITV's drama, The Secret, based on the killings.


Itoje, 22, helped England complete the Six Nations Grand Slam and was part of the squad that secured a 3-0 series whitewash of Australia down under. England captain Hunter, 31, was ever-present throughout 2016. New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett won the men's player of the year award. Barrett, 25, is the fifth successive player from the world champion All Blacks to receive the award, after Dan Carter (2012 and 2015), Kieran Read (2013) and Brodie Retallick (2014). Itoje, his Saracens and England team-mates Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, New Zealand's Dane Coles and Ireland's Jamie Heaslip were also shortlisted. Itoje is currently injured and missed England's 37-21 win over South Africa on Saturday. Steve Hansen was named coach of the year, and his All Blacks were team of the year having set a new record for winning 18 successive Tests. South Africa's Seabelo Senatla and Australia's Charlotte Caslick were respectively the men's and women's sevens players of the year. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: England forward Maro Itoje was named breakthrough player of year and compatriot Sarah Hunter won women's player of the year at the World Rugby awards.


Media playback is not supported on this device Caley Thistle need to beat Well to stand a chance of Premiership survival. Victory, coupled with Hamilton Academical dropping points to Dundee, would see Inverness avoid finishing bottom, and automatic relegation, at the expense of a two-legged play-off. "The players need to look after themselves the next couple of days," Foran said. "We must go into details: what are you eating, what are you drinking? Don't get off your sofa, find babysitters for your kids - it's worth it, it's worth it. We need you to give your all now. "It's a massive game, but it's one you go and enjoy, one you take to Motherwell, whereas the Hamilton dressing room before their game will be very, very nervous." Inverness remain one point behind Accies at the foot of the table, heading into the final round of league fixtures. Their outlook seemed bleak when they were thumped by rivals Ross County in the first of the post-split matches, leaving Caley Thistle five points adrift. But wins over Accies, then Dundee on Wednesday night, have kept alive the Highlanders' hopes of retaining their Premiership status. "It was a wonderful, wonderful performance (against Dundee) and we need it again on Saturday against a top team," Foran added. "Motherwell have got two really good strikers, a strong midfield, defensively we'll have to be right at it once again. "All the pressure that was on our shoulders goes straight to Hamilton. We can't influence what happens at Hamilton but I do know, I've been in football a long time, they'll be feeling a hell of a lot of pressure right now. "There's no sugar-coating it, no hiding it, that pressure's lifted off our shoulders and goes straight onto the Hamilton players. It's a huge game for them, and we need the same passion, hunger, desire, as we had last night, and what will be will be." Foran insists he has no interest in keeping tabs on Accies' progress at New Douglas Park, as his side do battle with the Steelmen in Inverness. The former Caley Thistle stalwart, who made over 150 appearances for the club, has painful memories of their last top-flight exit, when a 1-0 defeat by Falkirk in 2009 sealed their relegation. "I missed a few great chances, so that haunts me to this day," Foran said. "We gave 100% effort and that's all you ask from the players now, 100% effort and commitment for the jersey. "The supporters were magnificent last night, I'm sure they'll be down in their droves again. We're going well, we're full of confidence and we can't wait for it now."

Summary: Inverness boss Richie Foran has urged his players to rest ahead of Saturday's seismic clash with Motherwell.


In the past year, the combined pensions deficit of firms on the UK's FTSE 100 index has increased 13%, according to JLT Employee Benefits. That could cause problems when some firms carry out pension re-valuations in the coming months, JLT said. Tesco and Lloyds bank are among those re-valuing their pension schemes. UK companies have to measure the deficit or surplus of their defined benefit pension schemes every three years. "With many pension schemes now embarking on their triennial actuarial valuations and deficits likely to be much bigger than three years ago there are going to be some difficult discussions between companies and pension scheme trustees," said Charles Cowling, a director at JLT. Companies could be forced to put much more money into their pension schemes to reduce the deficits, he said. JLT found that the combined pension funds deficit of FTSE 100 companies was Â£60bn in April, up from Â£53bn a year ago. The deficit of all UK private sector pension schemes was unchanged at Â£182bn, JLT found. They "remain high due to quantitative easing and record low interest rates," Mr Cowling said.

Summary: Some of the UK's biggest companies face "difficult discussions" over their growing pension deficits, according to a pensions consultancy.


This follows reports that some restaurant chains are regularly holding back some or all of the tips meant for their staff. The investigation will consider whether there should be a cap on the proportion of tips businesses can withhold. Trade union Unite opposes this, however, saying it would be "impossible to enforce". Mr Javid has ordered a formal call for evidence which will end in November. The investigation will look at how tips left by customers are handled after recent reports found that a proportion of tips at some restaurants were being spent on administrative costs. There is a voluntary code of practice but restaurants can adopt their own systems. Unite officer Dave Turnbull said the union was pleased that "the government has woken up to this scandal" but an effective solution needed "careful consideration". "Capping admin fees will simply legitimise the underhand practice of restaurants taking a slice of staff tips and be near enough impossible to enforce," he said. "Rather than tinkering around the edges, Sajid Javid should be looking to scrap what is effectively a tax by restaurant bosses on money meant for the pockets of hardworking staff." Mr Javid said the government wanted a "fair deal" on pay for working people and that this included "taking action on tipping abuse". "I'm concerned about recent reports, suggesting some restaurants pocket tips for themselves. That's just not right," he said. "I've ordered an immediate investigation to look at the evidence and consider the views of employees, customers and the industry to see how we can deal with the abuse of tipping." Analysis by BBC business correspondent Joe Lynam Restaurants have the highest corporate mortality rate. They pop up and disappear from our high streets with daffodil-like regularity. That's because consumer tastes can change rapidly but also because profit margins are often very low. Add in high rents and staff costs in Britain's largest cities and restaurants will say they need to maximise every source of income to stay afloat. But consumers tend to side with waiting staff when it comes to tips. They assume staff will see most, if not all of them - especially if customers have been asked to pay an 'optional' service charge of at least 10% on their bill. Adding tips to the existing code of practice among restaurants (which is voluntary anyway) may be the solution. But it may be tough to police. Most waiting staff are either young or foreign - meaning they don't know the law and don't wish to upset their employers. As part of the investigation information and views from the hospitality industry and other key stakeholders will be sought. This will help the government decide if ministers need to intervene to strengthen the voluntary code of practice. Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said the body "would welcome dialogue with the business secretary on the matter of tipping and the industry code of conduct." Most chains use a "tronc" system, where all the tips are collected together and distributed evenly through the staff, usually with around 70%

Summary: Business Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered an investigation into the "abuse" of tipping in restaurants.


First of all, there was an apology to customers for the failings of the past. Then there was the announcement of an ethical review. Then a lot of detail about the chief executive's pay and suggestions that the bank may consider blocking future bonus payments that, frankly, were unlikely to be paid out in any case. But it isn't until you get into the guts of the Co-op Bank's annual report and accounts that you understand the true challenges facing the organisation. With tissue-thin capital buffers, there is no room for error. One sentence jumps out. "The year-end Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 7.2% is below prior guidance." This is the key test of a bank's capital position and, therefore, security - the amount of money it has readily available to absorb shocks. It is just above the level at which the Bank of England could force the Co-op into emergency resolution, taking over assets and enforcing losses on investors which include the Co-op Group. The Co-op Bank says it is confident it can raise the necessary capital to avoid such a situation. The bank is in a position where it is wholly reliant on its investors stumping up the necessary millions of pounds agreed in the refinancing which saw the Co-op Group's stake fall to 30%. Co-op Group - itself facing mammoth losses - is still due to make payments of £100m by the end of June and £163m by the end of the year. And that is before the small matter of the £400m extra fund-raising announced last month that the Co-op still needs to get away. The cost-income ratio at the bank has also flown upwards, from 73.7% in 2012 to 93.6% in 2013. On average, banks like to see a cost-to-income ratio closer to 50%. It is clear that the Co-op Bank is becoming increasingly expensive to run, as the balance sheet contracts and the complexity of unravelling previous problems weighs on costs. Some brutally honest points are made in the accounts. "The bank does not have a track record in successfully executing large scale changes"; the board "needs to be strengthened"; the split from the Co-op Group is proving more costly than previously thought and cost reductions - including redundancies - may not be achieved. Any failure and that tissue-thin capital buffer could be torn through. The Bank of England will apply its own stress tests to the Co-op in the summer. Given that the Co-op is a bank well used to discovering some pretty unsightly problems when it roots around under the bonnet, it should be prepared for more bad news. Estimating future poor conduct costs is notoriously difficult, as all the High Street banks found during the payment protection insurance scandal. There are some small pinpricks of light. Despite the adverse publicity of a former chairman who didn't appear to know basic information about the bank's balance sheet and then was filmed apparently taking drugs, customers have remained remarkably loyal. The number of current account and business customers are up slightly. Customers still appear

Summary: The losses were well trailed, but they are still sobering.


So these tiny ducklings have been given a helping hand to get into the water at the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington DC, USA. The pool is near the famous Capitol building - home to the US government. Two new ramps have been installed to help the junior ducks get to the water. It's been done by the people who look after the historic buildings and grounds. The ducklings seem to think they're waddley good, but not everyone's happy. One politician is going quackers about the bill, saying the ramps are a waste of money! See what you think.

Summary: Life's tough when you're small.


In the week which saw previous boss Russell Slade sacked, the seventh departure from The Valley since March 2014, Charlton started on the front-foot as Jason Pearce's header hit the bar early on. The Addicks took the lead in the 30th minute through a superb Josh Magennis header, with the Northern Ireland international finding the far corner from Morgan Fox's cross. Charlton - with caretaker boss Kevin Nugent overseeing proceedings - doubled their advantage a minute before half-time, as Fox's pass found Nicky Ajose who slotted the ball past Jak Alnwick in the Port Vale goal. The visitors, as expected, came out after the break searching for a goal back but Nathan Smith's flicked effort that evaded Declan Rudd's goal was the closest Bruno Ribeiro's side came to scoring. The win was only Charlton's fifth in League One this campaign and sees them rise to 14th in the table, while Port Vale remain without a win on the road since early October. Report supplied by Press Association. Match ends, Charlton Athletic 2, Port Vale 0. Second Half ends, Charlton Athletic 2, Port Vale 0. Attempt missed. Jordan Botaka (Charlton Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Ezri Konsa Ngoyo replaces Ademola Lookman. Attempt missed. Nathan Smith (Port Vale) right footed shot from very close range is close, but misses to the left following a corner. Corner, Port Vale. Conceded by Jason Pearce. Attempt blocked. Paulo Tavares (Port Vale) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Attempt missed. Martin Paterson (Port Vale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Hand ball by Kjell Knops (Port Vale). Foul by Jason Pearce (Charlton Athletic). Martin Paterson (Port Vale) wins a free kick on the right wing. Foul by Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic). Remie Streete (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt saved. Martin Paterson (Port Vale) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Anton Forrester (Port Vale). Patrick Bauer (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Martin Paterson (Port Vale). Substitution, Port Vale. Anton Forrester replaces Sam Kelly. Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Brandon Hanlan replaces Josh Magennis. Patrick Bauer (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Martin Paterson (Port Vale). Foul by Jason Pearce (Charlton Athletic). Martin Paterson (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Ryan Taylor (Port Vale). Attempt blocked. Alex Jones (Port Vale) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Foul by Fredrik Ulvestad (Charlton Athletic). Martin Paterson (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Nicky Ajose (Charlton Athletic). Ryan Taylor (Port Vale) wins a free kick on the left wing. Corner, Port Vale. Conceded by Morgan Fox. Substitution, Port Vale. Quentin Pereira

Summary: Managerless Charlton secured their third home league victory in as many matches with a 2-0 win over play-off chasing Port Vale.


The jet was shot down by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 on board. The West and Ukraine say Russian-backed rebels were responsible but Russia accuses Ukrainian forces. The families' claim is based on the violation of a passenger's right to life, News.com.au reported. The claim is for 10 million Australian dollars ($7.2m; Â£4.9m) for each victim, and the lawsuit names both the Russian state and its president as respondents. Jerry Skinner, a US-based aviation lawyer leading the case, told News.com.au it was difficult for the families to live with, knowing it was "a crime". "The Russians don't have any facts for blaming Ukraine, We have facts, photographs, memorandums, tonnes of stuff." Mr Skinner said they were waiting to hear from the ECHR whether the case had been accepted. The Kremlin said it was unaware of the claim, the Interfax news agency reported, but a senator with Mr Putin's party is quoted in state media as saying it was "legally nonsensical and has no chance". There are 33 next-of-kin named in the application, the Sydney Morning Herald reported - eight from Australia, one from New Zealand with the rest from Malaysia. Sydney-based law firm LHD Lawyers is filing the case on behalf of their families. Flight MH17 crashed at the height of the conflict between Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russian separatists. A Dutch report last year concluded it was downed by a Russian-made Buk missile, but did not say who fired it. Most of the victims were Dutch and a separate criminal investigation is still under way.

Summary: Families of victims of downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 are suing Russia and its President Vladimir Putin in the European Court of Human Rights.


The IAAF voted to suspend Russia's federation (Araf) on 13 November after the publication of an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) report that alleged "state-sponsored doping". The IAAF has outlined conditions Araf must meet for the ban to be lifted. The Olympic athletics programme begins in Brazil on 12 August. Russia, which said in November it is "fully committed" to reforms, will only be reinstated if it fulfils strict criteria, including compliance with all Wada and IAAF anti-doping rules. The athletics federation must cut ties with all convicted dopers, resolve current disciplinary cases and investigate potential cases if it is to be readmitted to competition. Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: Russia's participation in athletics at the Rio Olympics will be decided when the council of world governing body the IAAF meets on 17 June in Vienna.


The party won 28 seats, the minimum number that was needed to secure a majority. The Liberal Democrats came second with 18 seats while UKIP, which previously had no seats, won three. Labour won three and Independents won two seats. There is still one seat to declare at a by-election in Coker on 16 May, due to the death of one of the candidates there. Alex Wood, who was suspended from UKIP after a photo of him apparently making a Nazi-style salute appeared on his Facebook page, failed to win a seat but came second. Mr Wood, who said the photo actually showed him trying to grab a phone, received 665 votes in Blackmoor Vale. The Tory winner William Wallace had 1,410 votes. Council leader John Osman said: "The people of Somerset have spoken. "They've said they clearly understand some of the tough decisions which we had to make, but also they've seen the plan which we have for the future - the plan for jobs, the plan for investment, the plan for our vulnerable children. "They've said 'yes' to that plan and I'm really, really happy they've said yes to it." Conservative Mike Lewis, who won the Castle Cary seat, said: "The turnout in Castle Cary was 45% which was the highest in south Somerset. "The turnout really does matter when it's a tight election. There's a lot of support for the Conservatives, particularly in rural areas." The council was praised by North Somerset Conservative MP Dr Liam Fox for its "hard work". The party held on to control with the minimum of 28 seats needed for a majority. Dr Fox said: "The Conservative result in Somerset was truly remarkable and a just reward for an excellent, hard-working council. "The Conservative vote held up really well despite the rise in UKIP, with the real losers being the Liberal Democrats who came nowhere near their target of retaking the council." Nigel Pearson, who won Chard North for UKIP, said "hard work" had won the party its seats. He said: "We were out there every day on the doorstep talking to local people. "This is just the start for UKIP - up until now we haven't been well organised." The Liberal Democrat MP for Wells, Tessa Munt, said they had not had the number of gains they wanted but had "shown we can hold our own in the face of pretty interesting onslaughts from different groups". She said: "You have to say UKIP is here with a vengeance. It's clearly a political force that can measure itself against the best of us across Somerset." Boundaries have changed since the last election in 2009 and the total number of seats on the council has decreased from 58 to 55.

Summary: The Conservatives have retained overall control of Somerset County Council.


Anne Marie Morris, the MP for Newton Abbot, used the phrase at an event in London to describe the prospect of the UK leaving the EU without a deal. She told the BBC: "The comment was totally unintentional. I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused." The Conservative Party later confirmed she had had the whip withdrawn. Announcing the suspension, Theresa May said she was "shocked" by the "completely unacceptable" language. "I immediately asked the chief whip to suspend the party whip," she said in a statement. "Language like this has absolutely no place in politics or in today's society." The BBC understands the prime minister and Conservative Chief Whip Gavin Williamson met to discuss the matter once Mrs May finished her Commons statement on last weekend's G20 summit. According to a recording published on the Huffington Post website, Ms Morris was discussing the impact of Brexit on the UK's financial services industry at an event organised by the Politeia think tank, which was attended by other MPs. Suggesting that just 7% of financial services would be affected by Brexit, she reportedly said: "Now I am sure there will be many people who will challenge that but my response and my request is look at the detail - it isn't all doom and gloom." She went on: "Now we get to the real nigger in the woodpile, which is in two years what happens if there is no deal." The phrase originated in the American Deep South in the mid-19th Century and is thought to have referred to slaves having to conceal themselves as they sought to flee north and secure their freedom. It was subsequently used in the 20th Century - including by a number of leading novelists - as a metaphor to describe a hidden fact or problem. The Lib Dems had called on Theresa May to withdraw the whip from Ms Morris, who was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and was subsequently re-elected in 2015 and earlier this year. Leader Tim Farron said he was "shocked" and called for her to be suspended from the parliamentary party. "This disgusting comment belongs in the era of the Jim Crow laws and has no place in our Parliament," he said. Labour's Andrew Gwynne said Ms Morris had used "outrageous and completely unacceptable" language. Green Party leader Caroline Lucas called on Ms Morris to resign as an MP, telling Sky News: "There is no place for her in the House of Commons." She also claimed that other Conservative MPs at the meeting "apparently did not bat an eyelid" at Ms Morris's language. "At the very least, there ought to be a conversation between Theresa May and the others in that room so that they're very clear going forward that if ever that kind of language is heard in the earshot, it has to be condemned immediately," Ms Lucas said. Labour MP Chuka Umunna tweeted: "Speechless, not just at the remark being made but also at the reported lack of a reaction from the Tories there. Utterly appalling." Politeia's website said MPs Sir

Summary: A Conservative MP has been suspended from the party after it emerged she used a racist expression during a public discussion about Brexit.


This was back in 2003, and Mr Warrillow - at the time a 28-year-old advertising executive - was looking for a complete career change. He wanted to set up his own gin distillery. And so he contacted Mr Rolls, a veteran of the gin industry, and 18 years his senior, for advice. Mr Rolls, who had successfully grown Plymouth Gin, agreed to meet for a coffee in central London. Within an hour or two they had decided to become business partners. But instead of forming a new gin company, they resolved to set up a premium tonic water brand. Mr Rolls, 57, recalls their first meeting: "The conversation quickly turned from gin to tonic water, and the fact that while there had been a huge increase in the number of premium gins, when it came to the tonic water you added to them, you essentially only had two choices - the market leader [Schweppes], or supermarket own brands. "And these all contained artificial sweeteners. We decided there and then to launch a premium tonic water, with all natural ingredients." But was either of them concerned about going into business with someone they didn't really know? "Not really," says Mr Rolls. "I could see an energetic, but pretty mature and determined individual. Tim was exactly the right type of person." Mr Warrillow, 39, adds: "It was very apparent from our first few meetings that we seemed to understand each other." And so their business, Fever-Tree, was born. It is named after the colloquial term for the cinchona tree, from whose bark the natural anti-malarial drug and core tonic water ingredient, quinine is produced. But while it took Mr Rolls and Mr Warrillow just a few hours to decide to go into business together, it then took them 18 months to find a recipe they were happy with. As Mr Rolls had some money in the bank after selling his 25% share in Plymouth Gin, they were able to take their time. In their efforts to formulate their recipe, they flew to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to source pharmaceutical grade quinine from a plantation, and hired plant hunters to help them find other flavourings, such as a bitter orange grown in Tanzania. Securing some outside investors, they were finally able to start selling bottles of Fever-Tree tonic water in 2005. Mr Warrillow says: "The intention was to treat the launch like a premium spirit company would do - in the first instance try to get Fever-Tree stocked by the best hotel bars and restaurants. "This is a great way of building reputation, prestige and word of mouth. And it was all about the shoe leather - we walked to the most exclusive hotels and restaurants in central London, getting them to taste our tonic water against the competition." With such venues quick to get on board, the company then got what it says was its most important break - upmarket UK supermarket group Waitrose phoned to say it would like to start selling Fever-Tree. Mr Rolls says: "Tim thought this was a

Summary: When Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow decided to set up a business together it was the first time they had ever met.


Back in the early 1990s, when I was on my way to join the first British troops despatched for peace-keeping duties to Bosnia, I stayed overnight at a Vienna hotel. In the lobby, there was a series of 19th Century maps of the Hapsburg Empire. There they were, all of the old names - Bosnia Herzegovina, the Croat lands - names, long consigned to the history books, that were now the currency of nightly news reports, marking out the boundaries of this latest tragedy in the Balkans. Later, standing in Sarajevo's old Turkish market, one had the clear sense of being in a historic border zone; a frontier between Europe and the old Ottoman lands to the east. It was a reminder that for much of the 19th Century, Western diplomacy had been obsessed with what became known as "the Eastern Question." This was the fear as to what might happen as the Ottoman Empire - then seen as "the sick man of Europe" - slowly relinquished its grip on its various possessions. Who might step into the breach? One obvious concern was Russia. Britain and France had already fought one campaign to bolster Turkey and limit Russia's influence in the Holy Land - the Crimean War of the 1850s. Do you see a pattern here? Again those familiar names and themes; the Crimea; Russian influence in the Middle East. Times change - but geography doesn't, and strategic interests have as much to do with geography as they do with anything else. Thus, Europe now faces what might be called "a new Eastern Question". It is not so much Turkey's weakness that is the problem today; it is maybe more a question of Ankara's over-reach. Turkey has seemingly achieved the impossible. I remember some years ago interviewing the then Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu. Bookish, a former professor, he was the proud architect of Turkey's new foreign policy, one of zero problems with any of its neighbours. Now, Mr Davutoglu is Prime Minister. And in the intervening years, Turkey seems instead to have developed problems with almost all of its neighbours and erstwhile regional partners; be it Syria, Israel, and now, crucially, Russia. Moscow and Ankara find themselves on different sides in the Syrian crisis; Moscow backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, and Turkey in the vanguard of those countries most eager to see his departure. A kind of proxy war has turned hot, with Russia bombing Syrian opposition groups backed by Turkey and encouraging Kurdish forces to press ever closer to the Turkish frontier. Turkey's shooting down of a Russian warplane last November - a plane that on best evidence had only briefly intruded into Turkish airspace - worsened the tensions. More recently, the Russian-backed Syrian offensive on Aleppo has sent new waves of refugees heading for the Turkish border and worsened Ankara's fears about Kurdish success. This "new Eastern Question" impinges upon Western Europe in two crucial ways. First, Turkey is a member of Nato. If it gets itself into a spat with the Russians, this could have dramatic consequences

Summary: History has a strange way of imposing itself upon the present.


The firm said the system would allow its better drivers to receive cheaper premiums. It follows similar efforts by smaller insurers. Larger rival Direct Line has told the BBC it is also piloting its own "black box" scheme. Critics of the technology said that data should not be used as a reliable measure of a driver's ability. The system involves the installation of a small black box into the driver's car which records how they drive. The measures include monitoring speed, braking severity, cornering and the types of roads used during certain times of day. This information is transmitted remotely to the insurers, and can also be accessed by users via a website which gives information on overall performance, warning them if they are likely to be moved to a higher premium. "The reports are pretty detailed," AA spokesman Ian Crowder told the BBC ahead of Wednesday's formal announcement. "The point is that these sorts of devices firmly put in the hands of the driver a responsibility for driving safely. It makes you think." The information could be used to prove who was at fault in accidents, Mr Crowder added, but such detailed information would only be disclosed with a court order. He added that the system could also detect sudden hard braking so assistance could be sent. Extreme speeds would be greeted with "a stern email" to the driver. He said the "pay-how-you-drive" system, which is aimed primarily at young drivers, could save customers up to Â£850 per year. "All the anecdotal evidence suggests that people who have installed the system have about a 30% better claims experience - in other words, less crashes - than those who don't," he added. The technology, known as "telematics" or "black box insurance" has for several months been utilised by smaller insurance firms such as Co-Op and Coverbox. Welsh insurance firm Motaquote has just launched a partnership with leading sat-nav manufacturer TomTom to offer real-time feedback on driver performance. Other major insurers are expected to launch policies soon. Direct Line told the BBC it had begun a pilot using its own technology - called Tracker - which it hoped to implement by the end of the year. Elsewhere, car hire firm Avis said telematics is "one to watch", and said it might consider using the technology in its vehicles. Malcolm Tarling, from the Association of British Insurers, said it is an approach which is likely to become commonplace. "It's particularly important for young drivers who have high premiums," he said. "You may say you don't want a 'spy in the car' as some call them, but others may say that if this is one way of making my premiums reflect my safety on the road, this will be of interest." But Keith Peat, a spokesman for the Association for British Drivers, told the BBC he was worried that drivers who did not want to allow telematics in their vehicle would face higher costs. "Providing the drivers give their consent it is OK," he said. "But what we are totally against is people who don't

Summary: The AA is set to launch a new insurance policy which uses sat-nav technology to track driver performance.


Goodluck Jonathan said it had been not just an attack on Nigeria, but an attack on the international community. The radical Islamist group, Boko Haram, told the BBC it was behind the blast in the capital, which left at least 23 people dead and 81 wounded. Mr Jonathan said the group was a "local problem" that had to be dealt with. Boko Haram, which is fighting for the establishment of Sharia law in Nigeria, is alleged to have had contacts with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which operates in North Africa, and al-Shabab in Somalia. The BBC's Mark Doyle in Abuja says Friday's suicide attack shows Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates as "Western education is forbidden", is getting bolder and that Nigeria has a growing security crisis. For two years, the Islamist group has been targeting government and mounting a campaign of killings, but attacking the United Nations in the heart of the capital is a major escalation, our correspondent adds. The bomber drove his vehicle through the headquarters' two security barriers, then crashed into the reception area before detonating the explosives. The blast was powerful enough to bring down parts of the structure, where about 400 UN personnel work, and blow out the windows of nearby buildings. Standing among the broken glass and twisted metal on Saturday, President Jonathan told reporters: "I and all Nigerians are shocked." "Terrorist attacks on any individual or part of the world is a terrorist attack on the rest of the world," he added. "Terrorists don't care about who is anywhere." "We will work with the UN and other world leaders to ensure that terrorism is brought under control." When asked by the BBC what he would do about Boko Haram, he gave no direct answer but acknowledged it posed a threat. "Boko Haram is a local group linked up with terrorist activities and as a government, we are working on it and we will bring it under control." Our correspondent says Nigeria's government has tried negotiating with Boko Haram and cracking down hard, but neither tactic has worked. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Friday that he condemned "this terrible act utterly", and sent Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro and Under-Secretary General for Security Greg Starr to Nigeria. On Saturday, the UN's top official in Nigeria said nine of its staff were confirmed dead and that dozens were being treated in hospital. "We have lost motivated, bright, selfless people who were working only for the good of Nigeria and the world," said Agathe Lawson, the UN's acting resident co-ordinator. "Our priority now is to ensure those who are injured and the families of those who died are cared for." Mr Lawson said that her "second and urgent priority" was to ensure that UN operations continued in Africa's most populous nation. "We will not be deterred in our mission to work to improve the lives of Nigerians. This is why we are here," she added. Shortly after President Jonathan left the bomb site, agents from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrived to

Summary: Nigeria's president has promised to bring terrorism under control, during a visit to the scene of Friday's bombing at the UN's headquarters in Abuja.


The 24-year-old scored his third try in four games before teeing up debutant Rory Hutchinson to edge Saints 14-13 ahead at half-time, after Olly Woodburn had crossed to put Exeter in control. Chiefs retook the lead after the break, with Gareth Steenson passing 2,000 points for the club to make it 19-14. But Harry Mallinder kicked two late penalties to snatch victory for Saints. Despite trailing for much of the contest, Northampton were good value for their win - a result that meant they avoided losing three successive home games for the first time in five years. While France flanker Louis Picamoles caught the eye as a potent ball carrier and hard hitter, it was the brilliance of North that turned the game on its head in the space of three first-half minutes. With his side trailing 13-0 early on, the former Scarlets back side-stepped his way inside for a trademark finish to reduce the deficit and then superbly set up Hutchinson after a jinking run straight from the restart. Exeter, losing Premiership finalists in May, remained in touch after the interval and still looked on course for victory thanks to Steenson's accuracy from the tee. But Mallinder, son of Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder, landed a 78th-minute penalty to give Saints their second win of the season. Northampton Saints forward Courtney Lawes: "Harry is growing as a player, he is learning from every mistake he makes - unfortunately when you are young you do make a lot of mistakes. He is growing as a character in the team and he is a brilliant player, he did fantastic today with unbelievable composure to get the win at the death. "We were desperate for that win and I think it really showed out there - we came back twice. "We really back ourselves, we know we have been playing in patches and if we can string it together for the full 80 minutes there are not many teams who can live with us. We are just looking to stop these lapses of concentration." Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter: "We never really grabbed control in that final quarter. There was an opportunity to squeeze the game out, but crucially we needed to hold up a bit better in the line-out, that is where we lost possession and it started to get a little bit messy. "We looked a little bit too edgy in that final quarter, we didn't really look like the team going out to win the game and we were on the back foot for too long. "There was a pretty clear block that opened up some space in their second try, but that is a bit churlish, we missed a couple tackles and sometimes when you get bumped it is because you are not focused." Northampton Saints: Foden (capt); K Pisi, G Pisi, Hutchinson, North; Mallinder, Groom; Waller, Haywood, Brookes, Lawes, Paterson, Gibson, Clark, Picamoles. Replacements: Clare, Ma'afu, Hill, Dickinson, Harrison, Kessell, Olver, Tuala. Exeter Chiefs: Turner; Woodburn, Devoto, Slade, Whitten; Steenson, Chudley; Moon, Yeandle (capt), Holmes, Lees, Parling,

Summary: Wales wing George North starred as Northampton came back from 13-0 down to beat Exeter at Franklin's Gardens.


The hosts went ahead after 14 seconds when a poor Hugo Lloris clearance led to Jesus Navas brilliantly chipping in. Alvaro Negredo's shot went in off Sandro and Sergio Aguero turned in a cross to put City 3-0 up at half-time. Media playback is not supported on this device Aguero again slotted in before Negredo's 18-yard strike and a side-footed Navas shot completed the rout. City have struggled on their travels this season but at home they have been an irresistible force and they were once again in sublime form at Etihad Stadium, where they have a 100% record in the present campaign with six wins from as many games. The movement and ruthlessness of Aguero, the invention of Samir Nasri, the midfield power of Yaya Toure and pace of Navas was too much for a shell-shocked Spurs as they suffered their biggest league defeat since losing 7-1 to Newcastle in December 1996. The defeat left Tottenham with just one point from their last three top-flight outings and the drop in form has put them ninth in the Premier League. Spurs had only conceded one league goal on the road this season - and six in total - but any hope they may have had before the game evaporated after just 14 seconds. "Tottenham have taken a hammering from a Manchester City side who have achieved an emphatic win with an exhilarating performance. City have won six out of six in the Premier League this season and scored 26 goals in the process. They were brilliant from the start." Lloris sent a clearance straight to Aguero and, even though the Tottenham keeper parried the Argentine's resulting 22-yard shot, he was beaten when Navas got to the loose ball ahead of Younes Kaboul and brilliantly scored with a first-time chip. The visitors tried to respond and City centre-back Martin Demichelis cleared an Erik Lamela shot off his goal-line after keeper Costel Pantilimon had missed a low Kyle Walker cross. However, that was as good as it got for Tottenham as City stunned their rivals. Aguero latched on to a Nasri cross and, despite Lloris getting a hand to the striker's chipped shot, the ball fell to Negredo, whose shot rebounded off Kaboul and Sandro on the way into the net. City right-back Pablo Zabaleta then released Navas on the right flank and the Spaniard's inviting low cross was expertly turned in from Aguero as the hosts all-but wrapped up the game before half-time. Media playback is not supported on this device Pellegrini's side continued to dominate after the break and Toure played a one-two with Negredo before surging into the Tottenham box and squaring for Aguero to slot in his 14th goal in 11 games for the club this season. A Nasri effort came back off the crossbar before the quality of Negredo's finish for City's fifth then epitomised the home side's confidence. The Spain forward produced a drag back from Fernandinho's through ball to leave defender Michael Dawson trailing before rifling a shot past Lloris from the edge of the box. Pantilimon

Summary: A rampant Manchester City thrashed Tottenham to reassert their title credentials and move six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.


Russia has denied that its military is involved in Ukraine, but Mr Poroshenko said 9,000 of its troops were deployed. Clashes involving tanks took place in two areas west of Donetsk on Wednesday. There was a "colossal threat" that large-scale fighting would resume, the president told parliament in Kiev. The outbreak of violence, in the government-held towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, was among the worst in eastern Ukraine since a ceasefire was signed in Minsk in February. International monitors from the OSCE said that in the hours before and during the fighting around Maryinka a large amount of heavy weapons was spotted moving towards the contact line in rebel-controlled areas. Government troops fired shells at rebel-held areas on the outskirts of Donetsk. Ukraine said it had lost five soldiers in the past 24 hours, while the rebels said 15 people including civilians had been killed. The separatists denied Ukrainian claims that they launched a major offensive in violation of a truce. The OSCE said that for more than an hour on Wednesday they had tried to contact separatist leaders to halt the fighting, but they were either "unavailable or did not wish" to speak to the monitors. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, accused the authorities in Kiev of jeopardising the Minsk agreement, by placing it "under the constant threat of disruption" and by refusing to engage in direct dialogue with separatist leaders. The Kremlin has consistently denied sending serving soldiers across the border, although it has acknowledged that "volunteers" have joined the rebels. If there is a spike in fighting, like the battle in the town of Maryinka on Wednesday, then both sides know they cannot be seen as the aggressor, because they lose credibility and damage the negotiating position of their allies in either Moscow, or in European capitals. Neither side wants to be seen as responsible for breaking the highly publicised, but so far unsuccessful, Minsk peace agreement. And bargaining power for either side will become ever more crucial because in three weeks the European Union will decide whether to renew sanctions against Russia. Read more from Tom In his annual address to parliament, Mr Poroshenko warned of a "colossal threat" from the rising violence. "Ukraine's military should be ready for a new offensive by the enemy, as well as a full-scale invasion along the entire border with the Russian Federation," he said. "We must be really prepared for this." More than 6,400 people have been killed in eastern Ukraine since the conflict began in April 2014 when rebels seized large parts of the two eastern regions, following Russia's annexation of the Crimea peninsula. Mr Poroshenko said Ukraine had 50,000 troops in the east who were able to defend the country. What he described as the Kremlin's "plan to sow separatism in south-eastern Ukraine" had failed, he added, and only persisted in areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions because of "Russian bayonets".

Summary: President Petro Poroshenko has told MPs the military must prepare to defend against a possible "full-scale invasion" from Russia, amid a surge of violence in eastern Ukraine.


Anti-smoking groups say that is too long to wait, but there have been protests by some restaurant owners, who say their business will suffer. Austrians like order, or "Ordnung" as they say in German. It is hugely frowned upon for a pedestrian to cross the road on a red light. And the streets and underground network of Vienna are kept remarkably clean. But smoky air in cafes and restaurants has been widely tolerated for years. "Smoking is a sort of culture, especially in Austria," Margit Schwed told me as she sat in Cafe Ritter in Vienna, with its gilt chandeliers and marble table tops. "In the typical Vienna Kaffeehaus you take your coffee and your cigarette. I think people like the flair in the coffee houses." Austria has one of the highest rates of smoking in Europe, particularly among young people: 33% of Austrians smoke regularly, according to a 2012 Eurobarometer study. Only Greeks, Bulgarians and Latvians smoke more. A survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that 27% of Austrian 15-year-olds smoke at least once a week, more frequently than any other children in the OECD area. Several years ago, when many countries had already banned smoking in bars and cafes, Austria first adopted the idea of introducing separate smoking and non-smoking areas. Small restaurants could choose whether to go smoke-free or not. Larger restaurants, like Cafe Ritter, were obliged to provide a separate smoking section, sealed off by glass partitions. The law was heavily criticised by doctors and anti-smoking groups as half-hearted and badly enforced. Earlier this year, after the death of a prominent anti-smoking journalist from lung cancer, Austria's coalition government of the Social Democrats and the conservative People's Party announced plans to bring in a total ban on smoking in restaurants, cafes and bars by 2018. "We have finally arrived in Europe with anti-smoking protection," Health Minister Sabine Oberhauser said. However there were protests from the far-right Freedom Party and from Austria's Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce opposes the ban, because it says restaurants and cafes invested around â‚¬100m ($109m; Â£714m) to install ventilation systems and glass partitions to accommodate the separate smoking areas. The economy minister, Reinhold Mitterlehner, has said their interests will be taken into account. At Cafe Ritter, one of the waiters, Michael Schneider, told me the smoking ban should be brought in as soon as possible. "Working in the smoke is bad for the health of me and my colleagues," he said.

Summary: After years of debate, Austria's government has announced plans to introduce a total smoking ban in cafes and restaurants by 2018.