The excerpts, released on Monday, excluded the names of gunman Omar Mateen as well as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the so-called Islamic State (IS). Mateen, who killed 49 people at a gay Orlando nightclub, described himself as an "Islamic soldier" and pledged allegiance to al-Baghdadi during his phone calls to authorities. But in the first version of the transcript, any reference to IS or their leader was removed. For example: Police: What's your name? Mateen: My name is I pledge allegiance to [omitted]. The decision to omit the names sparked outrage among Twitter users including US House Speaker Paul Ryan. The Wisconsin Republican denounced the decision to redact as "preposterous" and called on the Obama administration to release the full transcript "so the public is clear-eyed about who did this, and why". "We know the shooter was a radical Islamist extremist inspired by Isis. We also know he intentionally targeted the LGBT community," Mr Ryan said in a statement, referring to IS. Other users expressed outrage over the decision to remove IS from the text. The Department of Justice released a statement later on Monday defending the redaction. Officials said they wanted to remain sensitive to the victims, their families and the ongoing investigation, while also not providing "the killer or terrorist organisations with a publicity platform for hateful propaganda". "Unfortunately, the unreleased portions of the transcript that named the terrorist organisations and leaders have caused an unnecessary distraction from the hard work that the FBI and our law enforcement partners have been doing to investigate this heinous crime," the statement said, before releasing the full transcript of Mateen's first 50-second phone call. The other calls he made were not released. Mateen first called a 911 dispatcher about 30 minutes after he began shooting. During the call, Mateen spoke Arabic and praised "God the Merciful". In a later phone call, he told a negotiator to tell America to stop bombing Syria and Iraq and that was why he was "out here right now", according to the FBI transcript. Mateen also told negotiators he had an explosive vest similar to the kind used by terrorists "in France," making a reference to the November terror attack in Paris. But no vests were found. "[Mateen] does not represent the religion of Islam, but a perverted view," said Ron Hopper, the FBI assistant special agent in charge. "Part of the redacting is meant to not give credence to individuals who have done terrorist attacks in the past," he said. "We're not going to propagate their violent rhetoric."

Summary: The Department of Justice has re-issued a fuller transcript of one of the Orlando gunman's 911 calls without redactions, after facing a wave of online backlash for omitting certain words.


Parliament speaker Henry Ramos Allup said proposals would be presented in a matter of days - rather than months. A day earlier, President Maduro was given backing by the Supreme Court for a declaration of economic emergency, giving him greater powers. Venezuela is facing a shortage of many staple goods and rampant inflation. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil exports and has suffered substantially in the past year given the sharp fall in crude oil prices in international markets. Energy rationing has been imposed, blamed by government ministers on critically low water levels caused by drought at 18 of the country's hydro-electric dams. The National Assembly speaker and other opposition leaders had previously announced they planned to challenge Mr Maduro in six months' time. But Mr Ramos now says the country cannot afford to wait. "Nobody doubts now that that six-month timeframe is too long," he said. "It is not we who impose the timing, it is the needs of the country." "In the next few days we will have to present a concrete proposal for the departure of that national disgrace that is the government," he told a news conference. Mr Ramos called on President Maduro to revoke the decree on emergency measures. And he also attacked the Supreme Court over the decree, saying if what it "has done is not a coup, I don't know what to call it". Most if not all Supreme Court judges have been appointed either by Mr Maduro or his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. The court has not ruled against the government since Mr Chavez came to power in 1999. Mr Maduro defended the court's ruling and said the measures were necessary to deal with the crisis. "This decision was taken by the highest court of the country, in accordance with the constitution," said Mr Maduro. His decree was issued on 14 January. It is valid for 60 days and it can be renewed by the president. The government says businessmen linked to the opposition have been hiding basic staples such as flour, sugar and toilet paper as part of a strategy to undermine the economy and oust Mr Maduro's democratically elected government. He was elected in April 2013 to a six-year term, replacing Mr Chavez, who died of cancer after 14 years in office. The Venezuelan constitution says that a referendum to replace the president can be called any time after the first three years of his term, which will be in April 2016. Four million signatures are needed to trigger a recall referendum. The governing Socialist Party suffered a heavy defeat in December's legislative election. It lost control of the National Assembly for the first time in 16 years.

Summary: The new opposition-controlled National Assembly in Venezuela plans to speed up moves to oust the government of Nicolas Maduro as economic woes deepen.


For many, it was a historic and poignant moment - topped off when the president posted a note into the wall, as many worshippers do with prayers and supplications. Others, however, were more interested in just what the note said - and the internet quickly flooded with speculation as to its exact content. And while they are certainly not a true reflection of what was written on the note, they certainly raise a few smiles...

Summary: Donald Trump has become the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall, placing his hand on Judaism's holiest prayer site.


One officer was killed and 10 people injured as police and occupiers confronted each other. Locals occupied the mine and refused to leave until the miners paid them a "tribute". They allege that the mine lies on their ancestral lands and they should be compensated by those exploiting it. There are conflicting reports as to how police Sergeant Jose Luis Quispe died. A lawyer for the miners said he was pushed over a precipice by the squatters. But one of the squatters said the officer fell as he was fleeing the clashes. Other witnesses said Sgt Quispe lost his balance after the protesters threw an explosive device in his direction. Interior Minister Carlos Romero said his death would be investigated and those responsible would be punished harshly. One of the occupiers told local radio that the violence was triggered when more than 200 officers were sent to evict them. He warned that if the officers were not recalled, locals would block roads. He said that the miners had tried to convince locals of the benefits their work would bring to the community. But he insisted that locals wanted compensation from the mining co-operative. The government on Tuesday welcomed the release by the occupiers of four police officers they had been holding hostage since Monday.

Summary: Police in Bolivia have clashed with protesters they were trying to evict from a gold mine 200km (125 miles) north-west of the city of La Paz.


Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said it would be "ready as soon as we receive a list of the opposition delegation". The warring parties and the world powers backing them have to agree on which rebel groups will be designated as "terrorists" and not represented. The UN hopes to convene the talks in Geneva towards the end of January. More than 250,000 people have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011. More than 11 million others have been forced from their homes. "Syria is ready to participate in the Syrian-Syrian Dialogue in Geneva without any foreign interference," Mr Muallem told reporters in Beijing on Thursday following a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. "We hope that this dialogue will be successful to help us in having a national unity government," he added. Mr Wang said the Chinese and Syrian governments had agreed on three principles that "should be upheld throughout the whole peace process". "We should stick to the peaceful resolution of Syrian issue, the people of Syria should decide the future and fate of Syria, and the UN plays a key role in negotiations," he added. On Friday, the UN Security Council unanimously backed a resolution endorsing a road map for the peace process, including negotiations, a ceasefire and elections. But the resolution avoided contentious issues, including who could represent the opposition at the peace talks and the fate of Mr Assad. Mr Wang declined to answer directly when asked if Mr Assad should remain in power. "China's position is very clear. We believe Syria's future, its national system, including its leadership, should be decided and set by the people of Syria." The United States, which supports the Syrian opposition, wants a negotiated settlement based on the 2012 Geneva Communique, which calls for the formation of a transitional governing body. It says President Bashar al-Assad must go. Russia, which launched an air campaign against Mr Assad's opponents in September, also calls for the implementation of the Geneva Communique. But it says Mr Assad's future is for the Syrian people, not external powers, to decide. Most of Syria's political and armed opposition factions now agree on the need for a managed transition but they demand that the president leave at the start of it. Bashar al-Assad says peace talks cannot begin until "terrorism" is eliminated and that his departure is out of the question before elections are held. On Tuesday, the head of the UN's Geneva office said special envoy Staffan de Mistura expected to convene the talks "some time towards the end of January". "Almost everybody wants these talks to be successful, so that we can finally get a political solution to this really unacceptable problem," Michael Moller said. In a separate development in Syria on Thursday, activists said the jihadist group Islamic State had seized an area previously held by government forces in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said at least 26 soldiers were killed in fighting for the industrial district.

Summary: Syria's government is prepared to take part in UN-brokered peace talks aimed at finding a political solution to the four-year conflict in the country.


More than 100 firefighters were sent to tackle the fire at EMR in Saltley, West Midlands Fire Service said. Power supplies to 4,000 homes were cut off at 19:45 BST because the site of the fire is underneath pylons. Emergency services were alerted at about 14:00 BST. Residents were advised told to keep doors and windows shut. National Grid staff is also at the scene because of concerns about a gas main next to a nearby canal. The fire service said it believed the blaze started accidentally. A spokesman for Western Power Distribution, which supplies power in the area, told BBC News initial fears that 40,000 homes could be affected were allayed after it temporarily re-routed power around the network. More updates on this and other stories in Birmingham and the Black Country Properties in the Nechells and Saltley area were affected, but by 20:50 BST, only five properties were left without power, the spokesman said. There are now 10 fire engines at the scene in Clarel Avenue. Seventeen were needed at the fire's peak. BBC WM producer Kevin Pashby tweeted video of smoke billowing into the sky. West Midlands Fire Service tweeted: "The guys and girls are working really hard to stop this spreading. In dangerous conditions, lots of pops and bangs." The fire service urged people to stop calling after receiving more than 100 999 calls. Staff from the Environment Agency, which regulates the site, are at the scene because of initial concerns over pollution. Neil Johnston, West Midlands Fire Service station commander, said he expected crews to remain at the scene for several days because of the severity of the fire. From the scene: BBC Midlands Today's Elizabeth Glinka: There are huge flames and plumes of black smoke coming from the fire with more fire engines arriving at the scene every few minutes. I believe there are over 100 firefighters here now along with other emergency crews and Network Rail as there are two rail lines nearby. I've seen a train approach very, very slowly as it has gone through the smoke, although we believe services are managing to get through. Public Health England has also been called to the scene. There are no reports of injuries.

Summary: Up to 800 tonnes of metal and plastic is ablaze at a recycling plant in Birmingham with huge plumes of smoke visible across the city.


You need only look at the looming prospect of (yet another) Bush-Clinton US presidential contest in 2016 to see that there must be something in the idea. And so it is in Saudi Arabia. But, in true Saudi Arabian style, the family business involves a much bigger family and the money involved is that much greater. The bad news, however, is that the family business is set in a dodgy and ever more violent neighbourhood. On top of that, some other long-running family businesses in the area (think Gaddafi and Mubarak) have gone down the pan rather suddenly and somewhat unexpectedly. The critics and enemies of Saudi Arabia's ruling family, and they have plenty both in and out of the country, had been predicting for a while that when King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz died, which he did on Friday, there would be a real possibility of chaos. They had expected the fissures and disputes between rival factions within the ruling family to spill out into the wider world - but that has not happened. And, for now at least, the ruling family have shown that when it comes to it, they know exactly what needs to be done to hang on to power. Saudi Arabia's old ruler was buried and a new king installed on the throne in quick time. And the country declared it was business as usual. Well, not quite. Negotiations between members of the Saudi Arabia's first family about who gets what job must make the fraught negotiations in 2010 to form a coalition government in the UK seem like a walk in the park. The key thing to note is King Salman's appointment of his half-brother, Prince Muqrin, as Crown Prince and next in line to the throne. Prince Muqrin is a former head of Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency and the youngest surviving son of the country's founder. The confirmation of Mohammed bin Nayef as Deputy Crown Prince is another important signal and an attempt to seal the deal for the next generation of grandsons all vying for position in the future. But it's too early to tell what will happen, and the intrigue about the long-term succession will continue. As the past few years across the Middle East have shown, there are no guarantees. Family politics aside, the challenges for the Saudi Arabian rulers continue to multiply, at home and abroad. At home, there are no signs that anyone has found a long-term answer to the country's economic and social problems. Unemployment rates are high and the population is growing, with the young in particular restless and hungry for change. Far too many Saudi Arabians rely on government jobs to make their way, and the country's human rights record continues to attract opprobrium worldwide. Women's rights, or more accurately non-rights, also remain a festering sore, with the ban on women drivers just one item in a long list of restrictions. Meanwhile, beyond the centre of power in Riyadh, things continue to deteriorate from the Saudi Arabian point of view. There are problems with the Shia minority in

Summary: Power is, in many ways, a family business.


If he wins the support of voters he will be the first elected UK Independence Party MP in the Commons. The maverick Eurosceptic backbencher said he did not believe Prime Minister David Cameron was "serious about the change we need" in Europe. The PM described his defection as "regrettable" and "counterproductive". Mr Carswell said the decision to jump ship from the Conservatives had given him "sleepless nights" but he wanted to see "fundamental change in British politics" and UKIP - a party he believed belonged to its members rather than a "little clique" of political insiders - could deliver it. "This hasn't been an easy decision. I have been a member of the Conservative Party all my adult life. It's full of wonderful people who want the best for Britain. "My local Conservative Association in Clacton is thriving. It brims with those I'm honoured to call my friends. "The problem is that many of those at the top of the Conservative Party are simply not on our side. They aren't serious about the change that Britain so desperately needs. "Of course they talk the talk before elections. They say what they feel they must say to get our support... but on so many issues - on modernising our politics, on the recall of MPs, on controlling our borders on less government, on bank reform, on cutting public debt, on an EU referendum - they never actually make it happen." He said only UKIP could "shake up that cosy little clique called Westminster". On Mr Cameron's pledge of an in/out EU referendum in 2017, after renegotiating powers back from Brussels, he said the prime minister's advisers had "made it clear that they're looking to cut a deal that gives them just enough to persuade enough voters to vote to stay in". He added: "Once I realised that, my position in the Conservative Party became untenable." Mr Cameron - who was not warned by Mr Carswell about his plan to defect - said: "It's obviously deeply regrettable when things happen like this, when people behave in this way. "But it's also, in my view, counterproductive. If you want a referendum on Britain's future in the EU - whether we should stay or go - the only way to get that is to have a Conservative government after the next election. "And that is what until very recently Douglas Carswell himself was saying." Speaking exclusively to BBC political editor Nick Robinson in Glasgow, the prime minister said the by-election in Clacton would be held "as soon as possible" and he "wants to make sure there's a very strong Conservative campaign in that seat". "I want to go early to Clacton for this reason: people in Clacton voted not just for Douglas Carswell, they voted for a Conservative government, for a Conservative member of Parliament," he added. Analysis by Brian Wheeler and Iain Watson Douglas Carswell's announcement took Westminster by complete surprise. UKIP had told everyone they were about to unveil a major new celebrity donor. No-one expected a Conservative defector to be unveiled instead. The

Summary: Tory Douglas Carswell has defected to UKIP and quit as MP for Clacton, saying he will contest the subsequent by-election for Nigel Farage's party.


Scientists in Australia said urban areas were expanding rapidly in a complex "non-linear" way that existing models failed to capture effectively. Assessments needed to be modified if ecologists were to get an accurate picture of the environment, they added. The findings appear in the Trends in Ecology and Evolution journal. "Our paper aims to raise the awareness that the ingrained perception in ecology that urbanisation intensity and age - and associated environmental changes - vary in a [uniform manner] from the core to the city fringes, does not apply easily to contemporary patterns of urbanisation," said co-author Cristina Ramalho, a researcher from the University of Western Australia's School of Plant Biology. "It is necessary, therefore, that ecologists adjust the way they think and conduct research to the reality of contemporary cities." She explained that, historically, cities grew slowly in a relatively compact manner, through progressive rings of urban development. However, Ms Ramalho added, contemporary patterns of expansion were "markedly different". "Cities are growing very rapidly, they are increasingly expansive and dispersed, sprawling in... spider-like configurations across large distances, and embedding fragments of other land uses in the rapidly changing landscape," she said. Ecologically, this type of expansion was having "dramatic impacts". "It is driving the large-scale loss and fragmentation of natural and semi-natural habitats in several countries and cities worldwide," she told BBC News. "In countries such as the US and Australia, urbanisation is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss." The researchers said current models used by ecologists to assess urbanisation looked at this issue in a "rather simplified" way - such as using broad categories, including urban, suburban and rural. Ms Ramalho explained why this needed to be updated: "If contemporary cities expand in a complex, non-linear manner, then the assumption that urbanisation intensity and age can be assessed based on a site's position along a linear urban-to-rural gradient can be misleading." She added that the measures also failed to adequately capture the effects of important drivers, such as landscape fragmentation and disturbances. She also said that the changing nature of urbanising landscapes were not reflected in systems that did not have a temporal dimension. The researchers suggested, as an alternative, that the impacts of an urbanising landscape should be assessed by looking at the changing attributes of a particular area, or the characteristics of a neighbouring landscape. "Ecologists should move beyond the use of aggregated urbanisation measures and consider a comprehensive set of driving factors selected based on the characteristics of the study area and ecological question of interest," Ms Ramalho said. "Ecologists should also consider the temporal dynamics of landscape change, and the effects of land-use history and time lags on biodiversity responses to on-going environmental change." By adopting such an approach would provide information that would help policymakers and planners, she added. "A temporal perspective considering the fragmentation and land-use history can provide insight into the remnants environmental conditions and conservation value and, therefore, be used in prioritising conservation. "Priorities could be, for instance, those remnants without significant land-use legacies and those that were recently fragmented."

Summary: The way researchers assess urban ecology needs to change in order to take into account the way modern cities are developing, a study suggests.


The incident happened just before 19:00 BST at Bill's restaurant on Stuart Street and a lamppost was also knocked down. It is understood one of the casualties was a pedestrian. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was trapped in the incident.

Summary: Two people have been taken to hospital after a car crashed into a restaurant in Cardiff Bay.


More than 83,000 items were confiscated by the Border Force at airports in one operation over six days in December. The haul of counterfeits included Harry Potter wands, "Louis Vuitton" handbags and "Nike Air Max" trainers. In recent weeks, Â£1m worth of goods had been stopped at the border of UK ports and hubs. The government published the figures to warn consumers on the hunt for last-minute Christmas presents to check they were buying legitimate gifts. In the recent seizures, the Border Force collected: Source: ActionFraud Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill said: "The international trade in counterfeit goods undercuts honest traders, and is linked to serious and organised crime, sweatshop working practices, child labour, and even the funding of terrorism. "Unsuspecting customers are also left out of pocket with inferior and potentially dangerous goods. "We are determined to crack down on this criminality and Border Force officers help protect consumers by working around the clock at ports, airports and mail sorting centres identifying and seizing counterfeit goods." Once seized, the force's specialist international trade team contacts the brands to discover if the goods are fake or genuine, and if they are the former, the items are destroyed. It is then up to each brand to decide if they want to prosecute those trying to import them. Matthew Cope, from the Intellectual Property Office, said its operations had intensified in the build up to Christmas. "We have detained goods destined for shops and markets, proving the worth of the co-ordinated approach," he added. "It is important that we have a united response and that people are protected from this type of crime. "Anyone looking for a bargain this Christmas should be wary of prices which look too good to be true, from cut price alcohol to heavily discounted electronics, and report anything suspicious."

Summary: Christmas shoppers are being warned to check their presents after a raft of fake goods were seized on their way into the UK.


Written by Stephen Baxter, The Massacre of Mankind will see the Martians from Wells's story invading Earth once more, having learned from the mistakes they made first time around. Gollancz will publish the sequel in hardback and eBook on 19 January 2017. The copyright on the original, which was published in book form in 1898, lasts until 31 December 2016. In a statement, Baxter said it was "an honour... to celebrate [Wells's] enduring imaginative legacy, more than 150 years after his birth." The author of more than 20 novels previously penned The Time Ships, a sequel to Wells's 1895 story The Time Machine. "Steve has a great track record of collaborating with other authors," said Marcus Gipps, commissioning editor at Gollancz. "I've seen early material from this remarkable new project and can't wait to unleash Steve's new Martian terror upon the world." The lucrative film rights to the novel will also certainly be hotly contested after a 2005 film, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg, earned nearly $600m at the global box office.

Summary: A sequel to HG Wells's The War of the Worlds is to be published in 2017 when the copyright on the original expires.


Media playback is not supported on this device Eli Walker finished a slick Ospreys move for the opening try, before Rory Hughes' score put Glasgow 13-10 up at half-time. Sam Davies' boot kept Ospreys in touch but Ryan Grant's controversial try restored the visitors' lead. Ospreys levelled again with Dan Evans' incisive score and Davies missed a late chance to win the game as his drop-goal attempt sailed wide. The hosts stay seventh in the Pro12 table, while Glasgow reclaim eighth spot from Cardiff Blues. Buoyed by a European Champions Cup win against Racing 92 in their last outing, Glasgow made a strong start and led 6-0 thanks to two Duncan Weir penalties. Ospreys responded first with a Davies penalty and then a smartly worked try from a line-out move, which culminated in a pop pass from centre Josh Matavesi to wing Walker, who sped over unopposed. There was also deft handling in Glasgow's opening score, with lock Leone Nakarawa offloading brilliantly for wing Hughes to touch down in the corner. A second Davies penalty brought Ospreys level at 13-13 early in the second half, but Glasgow soon restored their lead with a contentious try. Referee Peter Fitzgibbon consulted television match official Jon Mason and, although there appeared to be a double movement from back row Ryan Wilson, the score was awarded as prop Grant plunged over from close range. Ospreys equalised for the second time with 10 minutes left to set up a tense finale, with Davies' break and offload setting up full-back Evans to cross for their second try. Davies had an opportunity to put the hosts in front three minutes later but pulled his drop-goal wide. Ospreys: Dan Evans, Tom Grabham, Owen Watkin, Josh Matavesi, Eli Walker, Sam Davies, Brendon Leonard (capt); Nicky Smith, Sam Parry, Dmitri Arhip, Rynier Bernardo, Rory Thornton, Joe Bearman, Sam Underhill, Dan Baker Replacements: Scott Otten, Gareth Thomas, Ma'afu Fia, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Tom Habberfield, Ben John, JJ Engelbrecht Glasgow Warriors: Peter Murchie; Lee Jones, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Sam Johnson, Rory Hughes, Duncan Weir, Grayson Hart; Ryan Grant, Pat MacArthur, Sila Puafisi, Greg Peterson, Leone Nakarawa, Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro, Ryan Wilson (capt) Replacements: James Malcolm, Gordon Reid, D'arcy Rae, Josh Strauss, James Eddie, Ali Price, Gregor Hunter, Glenn Bryce Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU) Assistant referees: Leighton Hodges, Wayne Davies (both WRU) Citing commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU) TMO: Jon Mason (WRU)

Summary: Ospreys and Glasgow shared four tries in an entertaining draw in the Pro12.


Cardiff Metropolitan University wants to create the seven-storey facility at Queenswood - part of its Cyncoed campus. Residents and the Woodland Trust said it would affect species including bats, birds and foxes. The university said it had done environmental impact studies. On Cardiff council's website, the application is listed with 133 objections, mainly from Cyncoed residents and councillors, and three petitions against it. A spokeswoman for Cardiff Metropolitan University said it was decided to build the new accommodation as demand from students to live on-site outstrips supply. Its plans for the 518-bed facility is on a third draft, with its position moved four times to protect the woodland, part of the campus since the original college was established in 1962. However, the Woodland Trust has objected to Cardiff council about "damage and loss" of the "irreplaceable habitat". The body's Heini Evans said: "Ancient woodlands support a huge array of wildlife and we need to protect these special areas." An ancient woodland is an area that has existed continuously since 1600 or before, with these supporting more than 256 species. But only 2% of the UK's land area is covered by them. Resident Neil Gardner said Queenswood has mature oak trees, bluebells, protected bats, hedgehogs, foxes and many species of birds. "As the wood is destroyed all these will be lost to the community with a considerable environmental impact on local residents," he said. "This is an ecological and environmental crime and is intolerable to local residents." The university spokeswoman added: "There has been lots of work to negate possible impact on wildlife including biodiversity and environmental studies. "The university has also completed the various 'in season' studies which have been forwarded to the planning authority." A public consultation period ended last week and council planners will meet to discuss the proposal at a later date.

Summary: Plans to build student flats on ancient woodland have been described as "an environmental crime" by campaigners opposed to the move.


The 3,000m (10,000ft) volcano is in Argentina's south-western Neuquen province, near the Chilean border. It began spewing ash and gas on Saturday morning. In Argentina, the authorities have told residents of local villages to monitor the situation. Many people have already left the area as a precaution. Ash has been raining down on both sides of the border. The Chilean authorities raised the alert - first issued on Saturday - to the highest level in Biobio region after the Copahue volcano increased seismic activity overnight. Roads were being cleared for possible evacuation. The plume of smoke is about 1,500m (5,000ft) high and the wind is pushing it away from Argentina, said Chile's emergency office (Onemi). Planes flying over the southern Andes have also been warned to avoid the area. Hundreds of flights were cancelled last year due to the eruption of Puyehue volcano, in Chile. That eruption caused huge economic damage not only to property in the area but also to tourism in Bariloche and other resorts. The Copahue eruption comes at the height of the tourism season. Visitors from all over the world go to the area in the summer months to enjoy the mountains, lakes and also the Copahue and Caviahue thermal spas. Copahue in the indigenous Mapuche language means "sulphur waters".

Summary: Chile has raised the alert level for the Copahue volcano to red, the highest possible.


Fe fyddai'r rheiny ar ddyddiau nawddsant y pedair gwlad. Mae Jeremy Corbyn yn credu y byddai hyn yn "dathlu diwylliant cenedlaethol ein pedair cenedl". Fel arfer mae gan Loegr a Chymru wyth o wyliau banc y flwyddyn, naw sydd gan yr Alban a 10 sydd gan Ogledd Iwerddon. Mae Llafur yn dweud mai cyfartaledd gwledydd y G20 yw 12. O dan y polisi newydd byddai llywodraethau'r gwledydd datganoledig yn cael penderfynu os y bydden nhw'n cymeradwyo'r gwyliau banc ychwanegol neu beidio. Mae creu gwyliau banc yn un o'r pwerau sydd wedi ei ddatganoli yn yr Alban. Dywedodd ffynhonnell o'r blaid Geidwadol: "Byddai economi Prydain ar wyliau parhaol pe byddai Mr Corbyn yn cyrraedd Downing Street." Newyddion arall ynglŷn â'r ymgyrchu

Summary: Mae'r blaid Lafur wedi dweud y bydden nhw'n creu pedair o wyliau banc newydd petaen nhw'n ennill yr Etholiad Cyffredinol.


Ex University of Bedfordshire academic Dr Theodora Dallas told jurors a man on assault charges at Luton Crown Court had previously been accused of rape. The trial in July 2011 was halted. Dallas, from Greece, said her grasp of English was sometimes "not that good". Three High Court judges sentenced the 34-year-old to six months in prison. She was told that she would serve three months in jail and be on licence for the remainder of the term. The judges refused Dallas permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. Lord Judge said Dallas had "deliberately disobeyed" the trial judge's instructions not to search the internet and added: "The damage to the administration of justice is obvious." He said: "Misuse of the internet by a juror is always a most serious irregularity and an effective custodial sentence is virtually inevitable." Her counsel Charles Parry had made a plea to the court to be merciful and impose a suspended sentence, but Lord Judge rejected this. He said there was "no sufficient basis" for suspension. She had said earlier in a written statement: "I had no intention at all to prejudice the jury in any way. I had no intention to disobey what the judge said." At a hearing last Thursday, Attorney General Dominic Grieve told Lord Judge, Lady Justice Hallett and Mr Justice Openshaw that Dallas had impeded the administration of justice and was in contempt. But the academic, who has resigned from her post, told the judges: "I did not understand that I could make no search on the internet. "I really apologise. I never thought it would cause such disruption." Lord Judge said Dallas was guilty of "contempt of the jury and the jury system... to the criminal standard". "In the long run, any system which allows itself to be treated with contempt faces extinction. "That is a possibility we cannot countenance." Dallas came to England from Greece at the age of 19 and was "a woman of positive good character and we acknowledge her achievements thus far in her relatively young life," the judge said. "She has now put her academic career into jeopardy." But nothing had been said in mitigation that convinced the court she should be spared an immediate jail sentence, the judge said. He had "no doubt" that Dallas knew "perfectly well" the trial judge had directed members of the jury not to seek information from the internet but "deliberately disobeyed the order". "She did not merely risk prejudice to the due administration of justice, but she caused prejudice to it. "The time of the other members of the jury was wasted and the public was put to additional unnecessary expense." Dallas had been a psychology lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, which has its main campus in Luton. The trial where the contempt was committed involved a man accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. A juror had told an usher that Dallas had carried out internet research while they were deliberating their verdict, flouting instructions by the trial judge. Dallas had revealed to jurors the

Summary: A juror who researched a defendant's past on the internet and shared the information with fellow jury members has been jailed for contempt of court.


The Magpies held crisis talks with manager John Carver earlier this week after losing their last eight league matches - their worst run since 1977. They are now two points above the relegation zone with three games left. "On behalf of the squad we would like to apologise for the moment we are going through," wrote Coloccini. "Players and staff have come together in order to leave all past problems aside and to focus 100% on the three 'cup finals' that we have left. "I would like to make a call to all fans today to also leave aside all differences, all different opinions, anything that divides us as people who love this club." Newcastle host West Brom on Saturday before travelling to QPR on 16 May and then hosting West Ham on 24 May. "The time we have left to turn around this situation is short but after the end of the season we will try to learn from the mistakes we made so that we don't have to go through this again," added Coloccini. "This is as painful for us as it is for you, because when this team comes onto the pitch we do so with the intention of winning and to defend not just the colours of this club, not just our shirt, but also to represent thousands of fans, the whole city." Carver's position came under fresh scrutiny after he accused defender Mike Williamson of deliberately getting himself sent off in Saturday's 3-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Leicester City. However, the club issued a statement insisting he was staying. BBC Sport understands Derby County boss Steve McClaren was asked to take over for the final three games but turned the job down.

Summary: Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has written an open letter to fans calling for unity as the club battles to stay in the Premier League.


Heather Farmer told the jury that in the five years she had been a registered childminder, Liam was the only child she had concerns about. Rachel Fee, 31, and her partner Nyomi Fee, 28, deny murdering Liam in March 2014 at a house in Glenrothes, Fife and ill-treating two other boys. Ms Farmer said she had looked after Liam since the summer of 2012. The jury heard Ms Farmer kept a diary during the time she looked after him, noting he had bruises on a number of occasions. She said by Christmas 2012 she had begun to have doubts and contacted the Scottish Childminding Association for advice because she thought " somebody was hurting Liam." Rachel Fee and Nyomi Fee, who are originally from Ryton, Tyne and Wear, are accused of murdering Liam in March 2014 and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by blaming the killing on a young boy. The couple are also charged with a catalogue of allegations that they neglected Liam and abused two other children, one of whom they blame for killing Liam, in their care over a two-year period. They deny all the charges against them. The trial at the High Court in Livingston continues.

Summary: A childminder has been telling the Liam Fee murder trial that she had concerns about the toddler.


The Lib Dem MP for Bristol West said pubs in parts of the city were closing because of the decline of the "white working class" and the arrival of migrants from Somalia and elsewhere. He said reports of his remarks had been "twisted" to suggest a focus on race. He had simply been proposing derelict premises should be converted, he said. The comments were made as Mr Williams was outlining a government proposal to protect community pubs. The plan involves changing the law to prevent places listed as assets of community value being demolished or having their use changed without planning permission. Some campaigners had called for the government to go further and impose a blanket ban on the redevelopment of all pubs without planning permission. Arguing against a blanket ban, Mr Williams told MPs: "In my own constituency, lots of pubs have closed - but it is usually because of demographic change. "Some parts of my constituency, which had a 'white working-class community' 20 or 30 years ago, are now populated primarily by recently arrived Somalis and other people. "Obviously the pubs in those areas have closed, and some have been converted to other uses, but some of them are still derelict. "What the government is proposing is to look at the public houses that are genuinely popular and valued by the community now, giving them protection that is already allowed in the Localism Act and further enhancing that protection in terms of the planning laws, saying you cannot convert this pub into another use or demolish it without planning permission." Some reports, including one in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, with the headline "'Somali immigrants' cause pub closures", had taken his comments out of context, Mr Williams said. "There was no value judgement in what I said. It was simply an observation," he told the BBC. "Some pubs in the Barton Hill and Redcliffe area of my constituency have closed because of the arrival of a non-drinking Muslim population to the area. "I could have made a point about pubs closing because of the decline of a factory or a football stadium - both of which also apply to my constituency," he said. "I was simply saying there was no point us giving blanket protection to all pubs, as some people suggest. "But what we are announcing is powers for people across the country to protect their much-loved pubs by triggering a planning application if they are listed as a community asset." Mr Williams rejected any suggestion his comments had been motivated by a negative view of migration. "I have consistently argued that immigration is a good thing," he said. "That is my view as a Liberal."

Summary: Communities Minister Stephen Williams has defended his remarks in Parliament about the threat to pubs in his constituency from population changes.


The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze in the ground floor flat in Alpha Drive at about midnight. The 26-year-old was given oxygen at the scene. The fire is understood to have broken out in the kitchen of the property.

Summary: A man has been rescued from a fire in a flat in Glenrothes in Fife.


The commitment to get rid of Canada's federal first-past-the-post electoral system was one of his primary election promises. Opposition parties called the move "cynical and jaded". Trudeau's Liberal government said the move was made because Canadians were undecided about what kind of voting system they would like to have instead. "It has become evident that the broad support needed for a change of this magnitude, did not exist," said Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould. It was a major and surprise reversal for the Trudeau government, which has spent months consulting with Canadians on possible changes to how they elect their federal government, from ranked ballots to proportional representation and online or mandatory voting. The first-past-the-post voting system, which is also used to elect the UK Parliament, tends to favour larger established parties. Under the system, whoever has the most votes wins their district, regardless of whether they win a majority. In 2011, the UK voted against moving to an alternative voting system in a nationwide referendum. In the 2015 election, the Liberals won a majority of seats in Parliament with just 40% of the vote. During the campaign, before his party had secured its victory, Trudeau had promised that "2015 will be the last federal election conducted under the first-past-the-post voting system". The change of heart has been described as "absolute cynicism" by members of the opposition. "They're fearful of having a voting system that doesn't keep Liberals in power forever more," said NDP MP Nathan Cullen, who was on a cross-party committee charged with investigating what kind of voting system Canadians would prefer. In December, the committee reported that Canadians want the government get rid of first-past-the-post, but did not recommend a specific system to replace it. The committee was divided on whether a referendum needed to be held in order to change the system. Minister Gould cited this lack of direction as a sign that there was not broad consensus on the issue. She also pointed to the results of an online government survey launched in December that was widely ridiculed on social media. The survey did not ask if people wanted a referendum on electoral reform, and people accused it of being misleading and confusing. "We took the time, we consulted and we listened," Minister Gould said. "There isn't a consensus on how to move forward."

Summary: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has broken his promise to change the country's voting system.


Media playback is not supported on this device The champions, who are also out of the League Cup, are 15th in the table following Saturday's 3-1 home loss. Asked if he thought it was his last game in charge, he said: "No, I don't." The 52-year-old told BBC Sport: "The fans aren't stupid. They know how much myself and the players are trying." Listen: I’ll turn Chelsea around if they allow it – Mourinho Listen to all the goals from Saturday's game Mourinho has never lost more than six league matches in an entire league campaign as Chelsea manager, and says both he and the team will continue to battle. "The fight goes on, but sometimes there are fights very impossible to win. You go to a fight with different ammunition," he added, having been photographed in discussion with his coaches on the pitch after the match. Chelsea made the perfect start when Ramires headed them into the lead. But two goals from Philippe Coutinho and a third from Christian Benteke gave Jurgen Klopp's side the three points. In the BT Sport interview, the Portuguese manager looked visibly shaken and responded with questions about his team's performance and his future by repeating, "I have nothing to say". And in his BBC interview, when asked about Liverpool midfielder Lucas not receiving a second yellow, Mourinho responded with, "I don't speak" before adding in his news conference later that he feared he would be reprimanded if he did express his views. "I am punished if I tell you," he said, as he awaits the outcome of two disciplinary matters. He then cryptically added: "And what happened in the second half, everything was the consequence of a crucial moment. Everybody in the stadium saw, the players felt it. What happens is now a consequence." Mourinho said his relationship with the press would change in the build up to last week's defeat against West Ham. It was in reaction to the reporting of him being filmed by members of the public using mobile phones. In Saturday's news conference, he added: "As professionals the players are not getting the respect they deserve. We are not going to have a great Saturday dinner. "I am sorry about lack of respect for professionals. You are intelligent guys. At the next press conference I will bring you nice glasses and you will see things in a better way." BT Sport reporter Des Kelly: Jose, a 3-1 defeat after a fabulous start to the game, the game just got away from you then? Mourinho: I have nothing, nothing to say. Kelly: Nothing to say about the game at all? Mourinho: Nothing, nothing to say. Kelly: Nothing to say about the Lucas (Leiva) decision that left him on the pitch? Mourinho: Nothing to say, I have nothing to say. Kelly: The Diego Costa clash? Mourinho: Nothing to say, I am so sorry, I have nothing to say. Kelly: Do you not think it's time to have a chat to the fans to give them some message, an indication of your thinking? Mourinho:

Summary: Manager Jose Mourinho believes he will be given time to turn around Chelsea's fortunes after Liverpool fought back from a goal down to inflict a sixth Premier League defeat this season.


Robert Sadler, 59, died at his home in Llanrumney Avenue, Llanrumney, on 10 January this year. Emma Saddler, 27, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court via video link on Wednesday. She was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and detained under the Mental Health Act. She was transferred to a clinic in Brighton which specialises in mental illness. The court heard she was re-arrested on Tuesday and charged at Brighton Magistrates' Court, before her case was sent to Cardiff Crown Court. She appeared via video link from Brighton Magistrates' Court and was remanded to a hospital until her next court appearance on 12 January 2017.

Summary: A woman has appeared in court charged with murder and arson after her father died following a house fire in Cardiff.


South Yorkshire MP Angela Smith said Barnsley businessman Tony Hickton's idea to improve transport links would need to provide value for money. Mr Hickton said current routes between the two cities were not good enough. He said a road and rail tunnel from around junction 36 of the M1 to the M67 would boost the economy. The Penistone and Stocksbridge Labour MP said: "The economic impact of improving the link between Sheffield and Manchester shouldn't be underestimated. "You can't put motorways through national parks, we've got to protect those very precious landscapes. "If you stand above the Woodhead Pass and look down on it and see all those HGVs, it's a real blight on that beautiful landscape, and anyone who uses the road knows how difficult it is to use. "So clearly there has to be a solution somewhere along the line to this problem." Mr Hickton, from construction inspection company Hickton, said it could be built using a mixture of private and state funding. He added: "These tunnels won't be built tomorrow, but if we don't press the button now, we'll never be ready, so why not now?"

Summary: A proposal to build a tunnel through the Peak District, linking Sheffield and Manchester, should be looked at according to the area's MP.


Here are some accounts from people at the pilgrimage, including BBC journalists who witnessed the crush. "Where I'm standing, here in the centre of Mina city, I can see dead bodies wrapped in white cloth. Police have barricaded the area so I couldn't count them, but dead bodies stretch as far as my eyes can see. "Surrounding the area some relatives are hanging around in mourning and other pilgrims who are in the tent city in Mina are also coming round to see the bodies and also to sympathise and mourn. Police officials are stopping people from passing through the area while they deal with all the dead bodies, while ambulances are moving in and out. "Because of the lack of access, we don't know what the ambulances are doing. Helicopters are hovering over the area where the bodies are being kept." "My group and I went there very early in the morning because we knew it would be too crowded. "After the throwing-the-stone ritual we walked back to our tent. It was already packed, difficult to move and also difficult to breath. People were everywhere, forcefully trying to get their way further. "People were starting to fall. I saw an Indonesian being cared for by paramedics. More people fell, or lay down, I thought because they were caught by heat, I'm not sure. Thanks to God, we managed to get to our tent at about 9am. Much later I heard about the stampede. It is horrible. The news left me in shock." "I was in the crowd and most people, I would say 90%, are very peaceful. Then you get the young people and the heat is quite unrelenting as well. People want to do it quickly, they want to finish and, because it would get hot, people were pushing. "I can't believe what happened. It's tragic. At the end of the day [we have to] put up our hands and ask Allah for mercy." "I was at the centre of the stampede," Mr Bamidele told the Vanguard newspaper. "Saudi police and traffic officials who used to control movement were not available. In fact it was after the stampede that they arrived. I managed to escape unhurt." "There was crowding. The police had closed all entrances and exits to the pilgrims' camp, leaving only one. "I saw dead bodies in front of me and injuries and suffocation. We removed the victims with the police. They [the police] don't even know the roads and the places around here." "People were going towards the direction of throwing the stones while others were coming in the opposite direction. Then it became chaotic and suddenly people started going down. There were people from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Senegal among other nationalities. People were just climbing on top of others in order to move to a safer place and that's how some people died. "People were chanting Allah's name while others were crying, including children and infants. People fell on the ground seeking help but there was no-one to give them a helping hand. "Everybody seemed

Summary: A stampede during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has killed at least 700 people and injured more than 860.


The latest available figures show that during 2014 there were 16.5 suicides per 100,000 in Northern Ireland. Scotland had the second highest rate, at 14.5, followed by 10.3 in England and 9.2 in Wales. It is the second consecutive year that Northern Ireland has recorded the UK's highest suicide rate. However, the overall number of suicides in Northern Ireland decreased in 2014, falling to 268 compared to 303 deaths. This reflected a small decrease in the total number of suicides across the UK as a whole in 2014, where the overall figure fell by 2%. Last month, the Irish News reported that since the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, more people have taken their own lives in Northern Ireland than were killed during the Troubles. Prof Siobhan O'Neill, from Ulster University' Psychology Research Institute, told the BBC there may be a link between those decades of conflict and the deaths of some of those who have taken their lives in a time of relative peace. "Deprivation certainly is one of the legacy issues and we know that those areas that are deprived, that have high levels of deprivation, have also been the same areas that were exposed to conflict. "Those are the areas where our suicide rates are highest," she added. That link between deprivation and despair means that the legacy of the Troubles is having an impact on another generation in places like Londonderry. Emma Johnston works with the charity Youth Action Northern Ireland which tries to get young people to talk about their mental health. One of the locations where she tries to help them is the job centre. "Every programme that we deliver, at its core, at its very essence, is focusing around young people's mental health and while we may not frame it to begin with in that way, it's about raising them up, making them more resilient and maybe trying to raise their optimism for their future," she said. One young woman who attends a support group in Londonderry told the BBC she had attempted suicide 16 times before getting help. "It's only now in the past couple of months that I've been really coming out and been able to talk about it," she said. Another said the intervention of a concerned friend forced her to address her mental health problems. "When I was going through depression it took one of my friends nearly breaking into my house to find me. Eventually then I realised that other people are there to support," she said. A spokeswoman for Northern Ireland's Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) said reducing the suicide rate "continues to be a priority". "Over Â£7m is allocated annually to suicide prevention in Northern Ireland by DHSSPS," she said. "This is more per head of population than any other UK country and does not take into account the significant contribution from the charities and the community sector, mental health services, and from other Northern Ireland departments." Meanwhile, a new sports-based charity, founded by former Manchester United player and Northern Ireland international

Summary: Northern Ireland continues to have the highest rate of suicide in the UK, per head of population, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).


McGuigan was among five players who quit the Tyrone squad shortly before this year's championship after feeling they were not getting enough game time. Last week, manager Harte said that those players had been "a bit of a drain on the energy of the group". McGuigan tweeted on Monday that Harte's comments had made his "blood boil". The Ardboe man, who was drafted into the Tyrone squad in early 2014, added that Harte was "great at destroying a player's confidence". "It has annoyed me since and that's why I am posting this now because I am not going to sit about and say nothing," added McGuigan, who insisted he had given his all at Tyrone training every week. "Even when I didn't get on, I never sat with a face on me nor did I huff and any Tyrone player could tell you that. "Mickey Harte you are a great man and what you have done for Tyrone GAA is unbelievable. "But do you know what else you're great at? Destroying a player's confidence!" McGuigan, brother of former All-Star forward Brian McGuigan and another ex-Red Hand man Tommy, opted out of the Tyrone panel after the team's relegation from Division 1 of the League, along with Paddy McNeice, Dwayne Quinn, Emmet McKenna and PJ Lavery. Harte drafted in a number of replacements and the Red Hands regrouped from an early Ulster Championship exit against Donegal to go as far as the All-Ireland semi-finals where they suffered a narrow and controversial defeat by Kerry. Speaking last week, Harte spoke of his regard for players who "bide their time and have the patience. "They are probably the people who will serve you best in the long run anyway. "The people who feel they're not getting as much game time as they want, they tend to be a bit of a drain on the energy of the group." In his Twitter comments on Monday, McGuigan identified himself as one of the players Harte was referring to. "Yes I was one of them. He (Harte) went on to say that they were a drain on the energy within the panel. "He also stated that men should just hang around and when their chances comes, then they should take it. "I hung on and hung on fully fit and injury free all year. "Did all the pre-season training from November and and through the cold winter nights. "To sit there seeing the same men, week in and week out get their chance and see a player come back into the squad one week before the last league game of 2015 and get on before me just made my decision a whole lot easier." McGuigan is thought to have been referring to Joe McMahon who was excused from duty for the majority of the League as he attempted to regain fitness following injury before returning to the squad.

Summary: Former Tyrone panellist Shay McGuigan has responded angrily to comments from Mickey Harte about players who left the Red Hand football squad last summer.


The 10-year-girl suffered multiple injuries following the crash on Manchester Road, Denton, on Friday. She is in a serious, but stable condition, police said. Murat Polat, 26, of Burlington Street, Ashton-under Lyne, will appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Monday. He is also charged with having no insurance.

Summary: A man has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a child was badly hurt in a crash.


Officers were called to The Islamic Centre in Newton Heath, Manchester, at about 01:20 BST. Two men dressed in black were seen running from the scene, police said. The fire was started just hours after two men ripped CCTV cameras from the Regent Street building's walls, at about 23:30 BST on Friday. Police said the offenders were black men in black clothing with scarves covering their faces. Insp Chris Hadfield, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We believe the two incidents are linked and that the theft of the CCTV cameras was meant to help them carry out their arson attack on the minibus without being recorded. "Fortunately there are several other cameras that capture the rear of The Islamic Centre, where the attack took place. "We are investigating the possibility that this is a targeted hate crime."

Summary: Arsonists set fire to a minibus belonging to a Muslim community centre in what police say may have been a "targeted hate crime".


Co-operative Energy received 136 complaints per 100,000 customers in the third quarter of the year, the Energy Ombudsman said. This was 50% higher than any other supplier, the ombudsman's figures show. Co-operative Energy blamed continuing problems with its new computer system for the results. It upgraded its IT systems in March, with many customers complaining of being locked out of their online account or not receiving their bills following the switch. "We would like to thank customers for their patience and continued support in recent months," a spokesman for the supplier said. "We have made significant progress to resolve a number of technical issues which ultimately related to the introduction of a new IT system. We will continue to make further improvements to ensure our customers receive the high level of service they expect and deserve." The energy ombudsman said it had received a total of 13,212 complaints about the energy sector in the third quarter of the year, slightly lower than the previous quarter's total of 13,490. Disputed charges, inaccurate invoices and missing bills were the most common complaints.

Summary: One of the UK's smaller energy suppliers has topped a list of the highest proportion of consumer complaints.


Khan is jumping two weight classes to fight for his rival's WBC middleweight title, at a catchweight of 155lb. The 29-year-old Briton believes his superior speed will be decisive. "For the first time I'm fighting someone who is heavier and also a bigger name, but that will bring the best out in me," said Khan. "Normally I'm the one who is supposed to win the fight and that puts a lot of pressure on you. This time I don't feel that pressure." Khan, who weighed in at 147lb for his last contest, says he has felt "strong and explosive" during training and believes he may be fighting at his ideal weight. "A lot of people think I won't be strong or big enough for this guy," he said. "But at middleweight I will get to hold onto my muscle and my strength. "The speed is still there too - I've not lost it by putting on more muscle. "If I was just going to stand there and trade, this would not be a good fight for me. But guys who move well give Canelo big problems. And that is what I do." Alvarez and Khan came face to face at a news conference in London on Monday. Their three-city promotional tour will also take in New York and Los Angeles. Their fight will take place at the new 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena, just off the Las Vegas Strip. Khan has not been in a world title fight since he was knocked out by Danny Garcia in 2012 and has had only three fights as a welterweight. It was, therefore, a big shock when he announced he was stepping up to face Mexican superstar Alvarez, who has been campaigning at light-middleweight since 2010. Alvarez, whose only defeat in 48 pro fights was against Floyd Mayweather in 2013, beat Puerto Rican great Miguel Cotto in his last fight to secure the WBC middleweight title. However, that fight was at a catchweight of 155lb - only one pound above the light-middleweight limit - an arrangement that will be repeated against Khan. But Khan was sceptical about Alvarez's claim he would only weigh 165lb on fight night, and speculated his opponent would be at least eight pounds heavier. Alvarez, who turned pro as a 15-year-old in 2005, said he was surprised Khan took the fight, but added he expected his rival to give him problems. "He's one of the top fighters in the world, very fast and with great boxing ability. There will be some very difficult rounds for me," said Alvarez. "But at the same time he's aggressive and likes to fight. That's good for me, because I like to fight as well." Former six-weight world champion Oscar de la Hoya, who promotes Alvarez, said the fight reminded him of the 1987 classic between Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler, in which the former's speed trumped the latter's size and power. "In fights between speed and power, speed normally prevails," said De la Hoya, who also confirmed there was a rematch clause in the contract, which

Summary: Amir Khan says being an underdog for the first time as a professional will motivate him against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in Las Vegas on 7 May.


I have been talking to two companies on Anglesey. Both have received EU funding but their owners have opposing views on whether to leave or remain. VOTING TO LEAVE Gabitie Group employs eight people in Holyhead. It started in 2004 as an e-commerce company selling bedding, silk clothing and chandeliers but has diversified into making fabricated steel buildings, staircases and mezzanine floors. Most customers are in the south of England but it also exports to Australia and New Zealand and across Europe. Owner Grant Bond was undecided until recently but is now voting to leave, saying there was too much interference from the European Union. He believes Brexit might have a short term impact but in the long term be beneficial if it means less red tape for small business. "On the face of it looks like it will have negative effect because it looks likely for a year or two we might face recession or financial issues," he said. "But in the long term, the policies and bureaucracy of the EU are harming the business. A lot of what we have to do has to be up to standards and regulations which change almost on a daily basis. A lot of which doesn't make a lot of sense, as I'd argue British standards are often the best worldwide." STILL NOT SURE But Gabitie warehouse assistant Dale Murphy said he was undecided and said the campaigns were not really explaining the issues to young people. "When you get the likes of Boris Johnson and David Cameron not agreeing on something, I don't know who to go with. "I'll come to a conclusion but it's confusing - we don't know what the effects are going to be on us in the long run and this is something we have to think about because it's a big choice." VOTING REMAIN David Williams, owner of Plas Farm Dairies in Gaerwen, started his business in 1987 making frozen yogurt, ice cream and salads and employs 24 people. The company depends heavily on selling its goods on the continent with 40% of its trade to the rest of the European Union while only 5% goes to the rest of the world. Mr Williams said there was regulation in food production wherever they exported to in the world. "It would be very damaging to our business if we left Europe because we work very closely with our customers in Europe. It's very much a partnership and it would be a blow to leave. "Hopefully we'd keep as much of it going as we can but there are likely to be some levies. If you think bureaucracy is bad in Europe, try selling to China and India; in my experience it's much worse. "I think it's really important to the financial well being of this area in Wales; the home market isn't very strong, the population isn't very big, we need exports. And the idea we can build them up from outside Europe in that short time is ridiculous." Businesses' approach to EU membership may well come down to

Summary: Would businesses in Wales be better off in or out of the European Union?


The deal, which is worth about £97m, was confirmed at the SNP's annual conference in Aberdeen by Transport Minister Derek McKay. Ferguson's had previously been named as the preferred bidder for the contract. The firm was saved by businessman Jim McColl's Clyde Blowers Capital after it went bust on 15 August. Mr McColl is one of Scotland's wealthiest people. Originally formed in 1902, Ferguson's employed 77 staff at the time of the administration appointments.

Summary: Ferguson's shipyard on the Clyde has won a Scottish government contract to build two new ferries.


Gen Mejia, 80, is accused of ordering massacres in indigenous Maya villages during Guatemala's 1960-96 civil war. His lawyers say he recently suffered a stroke and is not physically or mentally capable of answering the charges. Prosecutors dispute this, saying he was under sedation at an initial hearing. Oscar Mejia was arrested in Guatemala City earlier this month after a warrant was issued against him on charges of genocide. He ruled Guatemala from 1983-86 after seizing power in a coup. He also served as an army general and defence minister during the long civil war, in which an estimated 200,000 people were killed as the army battled left-wing guerrillas. A UN-backed truth commission found that the security forces were responsible for the vast majority of killings. It also concluded that massacres of indigenous Maya communities accused of supporting the rebels amounted to acts of genocide. Few senior army commanders have ever faced trial for the atrocities, but in recent months the government of President Alvaro Colom has begun to try to bring suspected war criminals to justice. Another former general - Otto Perez Molina - is favourite to win the presidential election next month. President Colom is not allowed to stand for a second term.

Summary: Former Guatemalan military ruler Oscar Mejia Victores has been sent to hospital to see if he is well enough to stand trial on genocide charges.


Winger Fenby, 30, a qualified chartered accountant, played for Newcastle and Scarlets before joining Irish in 2013. Former Harlequins back-row Guest, 31, brings a 14-year playing career to a close having won the Premiership, European Challenge Cup and LV= Cup. Injuries restricted him to just two Premiership starts this season, his second with London Irish. Fenby scored two Premiership tries this term as well as a hat-trick against Edinburgh in the European Challenge Cup pool stage. "I have really enjoyed my time with London Irish and it's with a heavy heart I've come to make this decision and pursue a new opportunity," he said. Guest made more than 200 appearances for Quins and scored three times for the Exiles and admitted retirement was a tough decision to take. "There are a lot of experiences that will live long in my memory, and I am grateful to have played rugby at the highest level for many years," he added.

Summary: London Irish players Andrew Fenby and Tom Guest have announced their retirement from professional rugby.


Winterbourne View treats people with learning disabilities and autism. Andrew McDonnell, who works with adults with mental disabilities, labelled some of the examples seen on film "torture". All four have been released on police bail. The hospital's owners, Castlebeck, have apologised and suspended 13 employees. Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said government regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), had been asked to conduct an urgent investigation. Avon and Somerset police confirmed that three men - aged 42, 30 and 25 - and a 24-year-old woman were arrested as part of their ongoing investigation into the hospital. During five weeks spent filming undercover, Panorama's reporter captured footage of some of the hospital's most vulnerable patients being repeatedly pinned down, slapped, dragged into showers while fully clothed, taunted and teased. The hospital is a privately owned, purpose-built, 24-bed facility and is taxpayer-funded. NHS South West said it was "appalled" by the issues raised surrounding the care home. In a statement, it said: "We always expect safe, high quality care from providers of services and the abuse of vulnerable patients is totally unacceptable." Mr McDonnell, a clinical psychologist who viewed the footage, told the programme that basic techniques for dealing with patients with challenging behaviour were ignored. He said he was shocked by some of the treatment of vulnerable patients. After seeing footage of an 18-year-old patient named Simone being verbally abused and doused with cold water while fully clothed as a punishment, he said: "This is not a jail... people are not here to be punished. "This is a therapeutic environment. Where's the therapy in any of this? I would argue this is torture." Simone's parents told the programme that she had told them she was being abused at the hospital, but they had assured her that it would not be allowed to happen. "She told us that she had been hit, her hair had been pulled and she'd been kicked - and I said no, this wouldn't happen, they're not allowed," said the patient's mother. Professor Jim Mansell, from the University of Kent and a government adviser on the use of physical restraint for those with developmental disabilities, said that from the footage it appeared that staff were "waiting to pounce on people and restrain them". "This is the worst kind of institutional care. It is the kind of thing that was prevalent at the end of the 60s and that led Britain to gradually close the large, long-stay institutions," he added. The programme decided to film secretly after being approached by a former senior nurse at the hospital who was deeply concerned about the behaviour of some of the support workers caring for patients. "I have seen a lot over 35 years but this I have never seen anything like this. It is the worst I have seen," former nurse Terry Bryan told the programme. "These are all people's sons, daughters, parents, aunties, uncles. These are all people who have got familiesâ€¦ the families themselves do not know what goes on there." Mr Bryan reported his concerns to both management at Winterbourne

Summary: Police in Bristol have arrested four people after secret filming by BBC Panorama found a pattern of serious abuse at a residential hospital.


Glenn Houston, who was the only original panel member, cited personal reasons for his departure. He remained on the inquiry team last year after the resignation of the chairwoman, Susan O'Brien QC, and panel member Prof Michael Lamb. One survivors' group said it was "indicative of a crisis" in the inquiry which is examining allegations of child abuse in residential accommodation. Andi Lavery, spokesman for the survivors' group White Flowers Alba, said victims were rapidly losing confidence in the inquiry's credibility. And Alan Draper, from In Care Abuse Survivors, said survivors were "at a loss" to understand what was happening. He told BBC Scotland: "There is concern that the inquiry is dominated by the legal profession, without any balance from other professional groups who have a detailed knowledge of child abuse and its impact and implications for survivors and their families. "Survivors are considering withdrawing from this whole process until they are satisfied that survivors are placed at the centre of the inquiry. "The inquiry is about what happened to them and the failure of the establishment to protect them from harm. This failure is continuing." The probe is due to report in late 2019. Mr Houston said a "change in priorities" in his working life meant he had applied for positions at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Disclosure and Barring Service. "I have now been successful in those applications and the appointments have been made," he said. "Lady Smith and I have discussed the potential that at some future time, a perception of conflict of interest may arise between these appointments and my work as a panel member on the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. "After careful consideration of both the time commitment required to fulfil these new roles and the potential, however small, for perceptions to arise of conflict of interest, I have tendered my resignation to the inquiry." Mr Houston added that he had been "honoured" to be appointed to the panel. Deputy First Minister John Swinney said he had accepted the resignation of Mr Houston and thanked him for his positive contribution. "I know this was not an easy decision for him to reach, but he can be very proud of the contribution he has made to the establishment of the Child Abuse Inquiry and to ensuring its continuing progress," he said. In July 2016, senior judge Lady Smith was appointed as the new chairwoman of the inquiry following Ms O'Brien's resignation. A successor to Mr Houston will not be appointed to the inquiry so Lady Smith will continue as the sole panel member. The Scottish government said this brought it in line with other public inquiries established in Scotland under the 2005 Inquiries Act. The abuse inquiry has been plagued by problems since it was set up in October 2015. More than Â£3.5m has been spent on it during this period. Prof Lamb resigned in June 2016 claiming the inquiry was "doomed". Ms O'Brien stood down days later after being told she faced the sack over "unacceptable" comments about child sex abuse victims. The

Summary: A third senior figure on the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has resigned.


Last month, Lidl said it would introduce a living wage of £8.20 an hour, or £9.35 an hour in London. But Northern Ireland staff were not included at the time, with Lidl saying this was due to the way its business was organised. Lidl has now reversed that position. The company added that a similar pay commitment is being made to staff in the Republic of Ireland. Susan Fitzgerald, a regional officer with the Unite union, welcomed the company's decision. "This is a very significant victory for Lidl workers, our members and Unite, who led the campaign to demand equal pay for workers in Northern Ireland," she said. "We are particularly pleased that Lidl's adoption of the living wage will extend to their workforce in the Republic of Ireland. "This announcement means other retail chains are now on notice that they need to pay the living wage - there can be no justification for poverty-pay." Earlier this year, the government announced there would be a new, compulsory National Living Wage of £7.20 an hour from April 2016. But that figure is lower than the £8.20 recommendation set by the independent Living Wage Foundation. It is the rate calculated by academics as the level of pay that will give workers enough for a basic standard of living. It is an informal benchmark, not a legally enforceable minimum level of pay. Lidl has received plaudits for becoming the first UK supermarket to implement the independently recommended living wage. But its position in Northern Ireland became a PR disaster with some consumers threatening a boycott and trade unions planning protests outside shops. John Paul Scally, the managing director for Lidl in Ireland, said the majority of staff already earn above the living wage. "It is important for us to ensure that those whose hourly pay falls below £8.20 benefit from a substantial increase," he said. "This would bring them to a level that is more reflective of enjoying a better standard of living." Lidl staff at store assistant level in Northern Ireland currently start at a basic £7.20 an hour. Now all store assistants will earn a minimum of £8.20, rising to £8.80 an hour incrementally within three years. Mr Scally said the move will require an investment but he wanted to reassure customers that it will not lead to price increases. Lidl has about 600 employees in Northern Ireland who work at 38 stores and a distribution depot.

Summary: The supermarket chain Lidl will now include Northern Ireland staff in the pay rise it has awarded to workers in the rest of the UK.


Junead Khan, 25, of Marlow Avenue in Luton, downloaded a bomb-making recipe and browsed the internet for a knife used by British militant "Jihadi John". He was jailed for life in May for preparing a terror act. This has now been replaced with a 20-year jail term with five years on licence. The Appeal Court heard Khan opened the bomb pack computer file "only once" and, although he looked for a knife, he never placed an order. Although he went close to US military bases in East Anglia, including RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, he never deviated from his planned route. "There is no doubt about the heinous nature of the crime, which Junead Khan formed an intention to commit," the judge said. "In terms of steps actually taken, he did not carry his intention far." He had committed a serious crime but not one that needed a life sentence, the panel of judges including Lord Justice Treacy and Mr Justice Leggatt, concluded. The judges also dismissed an appeal by Khan and his uncle Shazib Khan, 24, also of Marlow Avenue in Luton, against their sentences of seven-years jail, with five years of extended licence, for preparing terrorism offences. The pair had planned throughout 2014 and 2015 to travel to Syria to live under the so-called Islamic State regime, but failed to raise enough money for the fare and to buy all the kit their IS contacts had asked them to bring.

Summary: A delivery driver jailed for life for plotting to kill US personnel outside an air base has had a new sentence imposed by the Appeal Court.


The Gunners, who had lost back-to-back league games to rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, went ahead through Jordan Nobbs' fine long-range strike. Midfielder Dominique Janssen's header doubled Arsenal's lead after the break. Emma Follis curled in to give newly promoted Reading hope in the closing stages, but the Royals missed chances and remain winless in the top flight. Spain's Natalia had put the ball in the net for Arsenal with the score at 1-0, but was deemed to have been offside. Reading - who lost their opening game of the season 3-1 at Arsenal in March - rallied in the latter stages and Follis almost equalised in stoppage time but saw her volley go wide. Chelsea Ladies maintain 100% winning start Birmingham Ladies earn first points of the season Arsenal defender Casey Stoney: "If we had gone away with a draw we would've had to seriously look at ourselves. "Three points tonight was massive for us to just get a little bit of confidence back and a bit of rhythm back - and also some points, most importantly. "It should have been more comfortable, given the first half, but also in the second half we had a couple of one-on-ones with the goalkeeper and we haven't taken them. "But credit to Reading, they never give up, they always fight. They're doing really well considering they're a newly promoted team. They're very difficult to play against." Reading forward Lauren Bruton: "In the last 20 minutes we actually did really well and it's a shame that we didn't start that way. "It was a tough game and it's just a shame that we had all the pressure in the last 20 minutes, but it wasn't meant to be. "We were hoping to go in 0-0 at half-time and unfortunately they scored. But we were happy with 1-0 at half-time and we knew we could push them in the second half. It was just a shame that we let in that second goal but we finished so well."

Summary: Arsenal Ladies beat Reading Women for the second time in four league games to go third in Women's Super League One.


The suspect was tracked down at the Underground station for Heathrow Terminals one, two and three. Earlier, armed officers carried out a search on a Victoria line train at King's Cross St Pancras Underground station following reports of an incident at Finsbury Park. The victim suffered cuts to his body and face and was taken to hospital. British Transport Police said his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. A spokesman told the BBC armed officers attended because they had been on patrol nearby. The Victoria line was suspended in both directions for around 15 minutes. It has since reopened but is severely delayed, a Transport for London spokesman said. Liam O'Hare, who was at Finsbury Park at the time of the incident, told BBC London he saw an altercation between two men on the southbound Victoria line platform. He said: "One of the guys ran off in a different direction, and one boarded the train but was immediately helped off as he was clearly injured. "He was bleeding, there was a puddle of blood on the train floor and people had to step over it." He added that other passengers reported seeing one of the men holding a blade, but said he had not seen it himself.

Summary: A man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after an assault on a 63-year-old man at Finsbury Park.


Shezanne Cassim and several friends who made and uploaded a comedy video to YouTube were eventually tried and convicted of endangering national security under the UAE's recently introduced cyber-crimes act. They were released just a few days before a high-profile BBC interview in January 2014 between Jon Sopel and the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al Maktoum. In that interview, Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the case. In March this year, Mr Cassim made an appeal directly to the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. He also sent a copy to the UAE ambassador in Washington. There has been no reply. Mr Cassim says he is struggling to find work in the US as a result of being unable to declare a spent conviction for endangering national security in the UAE. He continues to profess his innocence. And whilst he was in jail, the case became high profile enough - in late 2013 - to feature on comedian Will Ferrell's Funny Or Die website. The Funny or Die film included pleas for Mr Cassim's release by several high-profile comedians. Mr Ferrell said: "We are submitting this in support of Shez and his eventual freeing from being wrongly jailed." And whilst Mr Cassim faced a potentially very long jail sentence, a few weeks after the #freeshez campaign which started around nine months after he was jailed - he was convicted and released for time already served. It's not the first time this has happened in the UAE on a high-profile story. Others include a road rage incident, in which a man was held under the cyber-crimes act for uploading a video of an apparent assault to YouTube. The uploader faced charges with a potential jail sentence twice as long as the maximum faced by the local citizen he had filmed repeatedly hitting an Indian van driver. Then there was an American who was jailed amid a dispute about sick leave. His alleged crime involved defamation of his employer, by commenting on the dispute on social media. In both those cases, all charges were eventually dropped. But not so for Mr Cassim. A spent conviction means no return to his home Dubai in the UAE - ever. After being released and deported to the US early last year, Mr Cassim and his family have chosen to speak for the first time on camera about the case to BBC News. He said: "Conditions in the jail were just terrible. There were around 130 inmates and only three toilets. And none of those toilets flushed." He added: "We gave our souls to that city, and to be treated this way is something that has been incredibly difficult to deal with." The impact on the family - who spent the majority of their lives working in Dubai - has been huge. Defending Mr Cassim has cost more than just their savings, said his mother Jean. "I can't remember a night that I had a good night's rest," she said. "For some

Summary: An American who says he was jailed in Dubai for several months without even knowing the charges against him is seeking a royal pardon from the city's ruler.


Cafodd Paul Davies, yr Aelod Cynulliad Ceidwadol dros Preseli, Sir Benfro, y cyfle i lunio deddf newydd ar awtistiaeth ar ôl iddo ennill pleidlais yn y Senedd fis Mawrth. Pwrpas y ddeddfwriaeth yw cynnig mwy o gefnogaeth i bobl sy'n byw gyda'r cyflwr. Mae'r mesur yn anelu at gyflwyno strategaeth ar gyfer diwallu anghenion plant ac oedolion yng Nghymru, a sicrhau bod cynghorau a byrddau iechyd yn deall ac yn cymryd y camau angenrheidiol er mwyn i blant ac oedolion dderbyn y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt. Bydd pleidlais ar y Ddeddf Awtistiaeth yng Nghymru yn mynd ger bron aelodau'r cynulliad ddydd Mercher. Mabwysiadodd Cymru strategaeth awtistiaeth yn 2008 ac yn ddiweddar cafodd y strategaeth ei diweddaru i gynnwys targed amser aros penodol. Yr argymhelliad yw na fydd yn rhaid i blant ag awtistiaeth aros mwy na 26 wythnos cyn cael yr apwyntiad arbenigol cyntaf. Mae'r cynllun presennol ond yn para tan 2020. "Be mae fy mil i'n ei wneud," medd Paul Davies, "yw sicrhau bod y gwasanaethau yma yn fwy parhaol ynghyd â gosod sylfaen statudol i'r gwasanaethau." Er hynny, mae Steve Thomas, prif weithredwr Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, wedi dweud wrth raglen Eye on Wales, BBC Radio Wales nad yw'n siwr bod angen deddfwriaeth o'r fath. Meddai: "A ydy Cymru o dan anfantais i beidio â chael Deddf Awtistiaeth fel Lloegr? Dwi ddim yn gwybod i fod yn onest. Mae peth o'r gwaith sy'n digwydd yn y maes yng Nghymru yn arloesol." "Rhaid sicrhau nad yw'r broses o ddeddfu yn amharu ar y gwaith sy'n digwydd ar hyn o bryd." Cafodd ymgais flaenorol gan y Ceidwadwyr i gael Llywodraeth Cymru i ymrwymo i ddeddfwriaeth ar awtistiaeth ei threchu yn y Senedd fis Hydref. Ond mae Paul Davies yn hyderus y bydd ei ymgais yn llwyddo: "Rwy'n gobeithio y bydd y mesur yn digwydd. Yr oll dwi'n gofyn ar y funud yw bo fi'n cael amser bant i gyflwyno'r bil - bydd angen ymgynghori yn eang." Dywedodd Llywodraeth Cymru ei bod wedi ei hymrwymo i wella cefnogaeth i bobol gydag awtistiaeth wrth i £13m gael ei wario ar Wasanaeth Awtistiaeth Integredig Cenedlaethol yn ystod y pedair blynedd nesaf. Ychwanegodd llefarydd bod yna eisoes "bolisïau a deddfau i gefnogi pomilag awtistiaeth" ond y byddid yn cadw golwg ar y sefyllfa a phetai angen byddai deddfwriaeth yn cael ei chyflwyno.

Summary: Mae gobaith y bydd deddf a fyddai'n cynnig cymorth i bobl sy'n byw gydag awtistiaeth yn cael y gefnogaeth angenrheidiol i ddod yn gyfraith.


Fermanagh's All-Star nominee Sean Quigley has also been given a one-match ban following an incident in the Athletic Grounds game. Both counties can appeal against the fines while there may also be an attempt to overturn Quigley's ban. Several players from both teams got involved in jostling in the tunnel. A row involving up to 20 players erupted in the wake of Tony Kernan's black card for tripping Quigley. Tempers flared as referee Cormac Reilly blew the half-time whistle and the row continued as the players made their way down the tunnel. Reilly booked Aidan Forker and James McMahon before the second half started while the game also had numerous late and cynical hits. As it stands, Quigley's ban will rule him out of Sunday's Division 2 game against Laois. Both Castlebar Mitchels and Crossmaglen Rangers have also been fined by the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee following disturbances on the sideline in the closing stages of their recent All-Ireland Club Football semi-final. Castlebar have been hit with a 1,500 Euro penalty with Crossmaglen fined 1,000 Euro. Once again, appeals are highly likely.

Summary: Armagh and Fermanagh have been handed 5,000 Euro fines following the half-time disturbances in last weekend's Football League Division 2 game.


German Justice Minister Heiko Maas said the measures would ensure German law was applied online. Social media cannot "become a funfair for the far right," he said. The agreement follows reports of a rise in online racism in Germany as the country manages an influx of up to one million migrants and refugees in 2015. Mr Maas said complaints about hate speech would be assessed by "specialist teams" at the three companies, who would also make it easier for such posts to be reported. They would assess complaints using the benchmark of German law "and no longer just the terms of use of each network", he said. "When the limits of free speech are trespassed, when it is about criminal expressions, sedition, incitement to carry out criminal offences that threaten people, such content has to be deleted from the net," Mr Maas said. "And we agree that as a rule this should be possible within 24 hours." Germany's official welcome for hundreds of thousands of refugees - mainly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan - has triggered a backlash from nationalists, including neo-Nazis. Mr Maas and other critics have previously accused Facebook of acting immediately to remove nudity from users' pages, while allowing racist and xenophobic comments to remain online. Facebook has said it relies on its users to report offensive comments that incite hatred.

Summary: Facebook, Google and Twitter have agreed a deal with Germany under which they will remove hate speech posted on their websites within 24 hours.


The pair has dispensation to compete at London 2012 as host nation players, but have qualified by right for Rio. Drinkhall, 26, and Pitchford, 22, helped England's men win bronze at this year's World Team Championships. "We are delighted that Team GB have two qualified singles players for the first time in 20 years," said GB's table tennis team leader Simon Mills. Drinkhall and Pitchford, who are ranked 60th and 51st in the world respectively, won a combined five medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Summary: Liam Pitchford and Paul Drinkhall have been selected to represent Great Britain at this summer's Rio Olympics.


Andrew Haines, chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), says new legislation is needed to cut the number of laser attacks on aircraft. It is an offence to act in a manner "likely to endanger an aircraft" under the existing Air Navigation Order 2009. A government spokeswoman said it was "looking to make changes" to the law. There is also a lesser offence of shining a light at an aircraft, but the CAA boss called for the law to be toughened so anyone found carrying a laser pointer can be arrested. In an interview with the Press Association, Mr Haines expressed frustration at the difficulty in prosecuting people under the current legislation because of the requirement to "find the person undertaking the task and... demonstrate intent". He said: "We and Balpa [British Airline Pilots Association], the pilots' trade union, are very keen that the government introduces legislation which means that the mere possession of these high-powered lasers by individuals not licensed for them would be a criminal offence. "Why does Joe Bloggs walking down the street need a laser that can pop a balloon at 50 miles, that can cause permanent damage to a pilot?" CAA figures show there were 1,439 laser attacks on aircraft in the UK last year. The most common location was Heathrow Airport, with 121 incidents, followed by Birmingham Airport which had 94, and Manchester Airport, which had 93. Balpa general secretary, Brian Strutton, said the union was concerned over the "high number" of laser attacks in recent years. "People need to understand they are not toys and pointing them at an aircraft can dazzle and distract the pilot at a critical stage of flight, endangering the passengers, crew and people on the ground." An editorial published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology in April warned that pilots can focus on sudden bright lights. This means a laser attack can cause them to be dazzled and leave them with an after-image. According to the journal, between 500,000 and one million laser pointers, pens, and key rings are thought to have been in circulation over the past decade. A government spokeswoman said that anyone found guilty of shining a laser at an aeroplane could be liable to a fine up to a maximum of £2,500. She added: "We take this issue very seriously and we continue to work with other government departments, the CAA and industry to determine how best to control the sale, use and possession of laser pens. "We are looking to make changes as soon as possible."

Summary: People found carrying powerful laser pointers should be arrested, even if they are not in use, the head of the UK's aviation regulator has said.


He said he disagreed with the views expressed by FTSE 100 bosses in a letter published on Tuesday. Heads of companies including BT, Marks & Spencer and Vodafone said an EU exit would deter investment in the UK. But Mr Woodford argued it was very difficult to build a credible economic argument for the UK either staying in or leaving the union. Rather, the debate was a political argument about issues such as immigration and sovereignty, he said. The long-term economic implications may not be as extreme as some have suggested, but regardless of the outcome of the 23 June referendum the effect would be profound, according to the high-profile fund manager. A vote to leave could also spark a crisis for the EU project, which Mr Woodford said was facing an array of challenges on a macro-economic and political level. There were fundamental political differences between member states on a range of important issues, as well as an immigration crisis and a stagnant eurozone economy. "ECB chief Mario Draghi is printing money and trying to do his bit, but the macro headwinds are intense and unemployment remains high. It is these problems that a UK exit could shine a brighter light on," Mr Woodford told the BBC. He believed investors should be braced for more "extraordinary monetary policy" by the world's central banks, such as negative interest rates and negative yields on 10-year government bonds. The global economy also faced a slowdown as well as the threat of deflation, while big problems remained in China, which was adjusting to cope with much slower economic growth. Major FTSE 100 companies such as Shell, BP and HSBC would all be forced to cut their dividends this year amid continuing low oil prices and poor investment returns, Mr Woodford predicted. On Tuesday, mining giant BHP Billiton said it was slashing its dividend, abandoning a long-held policy of maintaining or increasing payments to shareholders, reducing the payout from 62 US cents a share to just 16 cents. Mr Woodford is considered in the industry as one of the UK's best-performing fund managers. He rose to prominence during a 25-year career at Invesco Perpetual for taking a long-term view on investments. One of the best-known examples of his strategy was refusing to invest in the dotcom boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Last year he set up his own fund, Woodford Investment Management.

Summary: Leaving the EU would not necessarily damage the UK economy, fund manager Neil Woodford has reiterated.