General news

• Hollande tells Cameron still work to be done on EU deal

  15-02-2016 22:45
  By Elizabeth Pineau and Kylie MacLellan PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande reckons there is work still to be done to secure a deal at a European Union summit this week to help keep Britain in the EU, a presidency source said after a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron. On a final push to rally support in Europe before Thursday's summit in Brussels, which could sway Britons voting in a referendum to stay or leave the EU, Cameron met Hollande for an hour and will
  
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• VIDEO: Basketball giant backs League Two team

  15-02-2016 21:40 via bbc.co.uk
  
  US basketball star Shaquille O'Neal has given his backing to League Two football club Northampton Town in a video message.
  
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• Woman in 'abusive relationship' jailed for stabbing partner to death

  15-02-2016 21:36
  A woman has been jailed for more than six years for stabbing her partner to death after living in an "abusive relationship", police said.
  
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• Morrissey warns US clothing brand Supreme over ad photo

  15-02-2016 21:36
  Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has hit out at a leisurewear company for apparently using an image of him to advertise their product.
  
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• Reform Talks Put EU At 'Real Risk Of Break-Up'

  15-02-2016 21:29
  
  EU Council president Donald Tusk says the talks on reforming the bloc are at a "critical" stage and there is a "real risk" that the EU could break up. A draft text, based on reforms that David Cameron wants to achieve, is to be discussed by 28 EU leaders at a summit on Thursday. After negotiations in Romania, Mr Tusk said: "It will be a crucial summit with the two biggest challenges to the future of the European Union on the agenda: The United Kingdom's future membership of the Europea
  
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• Viola Beach Family: 'Let's Get Them To No 1'

  15-02-2016 20:18
  
  The family of Viola Beach manager Craig Tarry, who was killed in a car crash along with his band, has urged people to buy their music as a tribute. Singer Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bassist Tomas Lowe, drummer Jack Dakin and Craig Tarry died around 25 miles from Stockholm after a gig.
  
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• Warrington Town Hall to fly flag at half-mast in memory of band Viola Beach

  15-02-2016 20:07
  A flag will fly at half-mast this week in the home town of British indie band Viola Beach who were killed in a car crash in Sweden.
  
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• Probe launched into claims NHS 111 helpline staff 'fell asleep while on duty'

  15-02-2016 20:07
  An investigation has been launched after a whistleblower claimed that medics working for the NHS 111 had been so overworked they had fallen asleep while on duty.
  
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• David Cameron's EU renegotiation 'very fragile', says Donald Tusk

  15-02-2016 19:29
  
  David Cameron's renegotiation of Britain's EU membership is "very fragile" and unless handled carefully could lead to the break-up of the union, European Council president Donald Tusk has said.
  
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• EU's Tusk - talks to keep Britain in EU at critical moment

  15-02-2016 18:42
  European Council leader Donald Tusk said an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday will be crucial for the future of the bloc, with talks to keep Britain in the EU at critical moment. Tusk said the risk of a break-up was real and that there was a need to handle the negotiations over Britain with care. "After my talks today with President Iohannis, Prime Minister Cameron and President Hollande and before meeting Prime Minister Tsipras, Prime minister Sobotka and Chancellor Merkel tomorrow, I have only
  
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• Teenage girl 'tried to protect footballer Adam Johnson after sexual encounter'

  15-02-2016 18:35
  
  A teenager broke down as she explained to a jury how she tried to protect footballer Adam Johnson from losing everything after she had a sexual encounter with the England player in his car.
  
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• PM Agrees Cabinet To Meet After EU Deal

  15-02-2016 18:28
  
  The PM has agreed to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting on Friday if he secures an EU deal at the Brussels summit, Sky sources say. David Cameron has offered to talk to any Cabinet colleagues who may have questions over his EU renegotiation efforts, and Sky News understands several cabinet ministers have reservations about the process. Sky's Sophy Ridge said Friday's meeting, if it goes ahead, could see the referendum campaign "really begin in earnest".
  
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• Viola Beach Manager Was 'Best Big Brother'

  15-02-2016 18:25
  
  The sister of band manager Craig Tarry, who died in a car crash in Sweden along with his group Viola Beach, has called him "the best big brother". Speaking in public for the first time about her sibling's death Sarah Tarry said: "He was everyone's big brother. She said she was "so proud of him" and he "worked so hard", adding the indie band were "ready to storm it".
  
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• Digger Crashes Into Bank In Attempted Raid

  15-02-2016 17:55
  
  Raiders used the vehicle to smash into the front of the Santander branch in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, at around 3am on Monday. Detective Sergeant Tom Hamm, from Bedfordshire Police, said: "We believe at least four offenders were involved in this audacious attempt to retrieve an ATM. "The JCB is believed to have been stolen recently in Leighton Buzzard, and to see one being driven around late at night is quite unusual so if you have witnessed this recently we'd encourage you to get in touch
  
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• Report into Jimmy Savile's abuse at the BBC to be published next week

  15-02-2016 17:44
  A report into sexual abuse by BBC broadcaster Jimmy Savile will be published by the end of the month, an inquiry spokesman has said.
  
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• Cameron seeks French, EU help on deal, avoids Farage

  15-02-2016 17:42
  By Elizabeth Pineau and Kylie MacLellan PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - David Cameron embarks on a final push for support in Europe for a deal to help keep Britain in the EU when he meets French President Francois Hollande on Monday and then leaders of a wary European Parliament in Brussels. Two weeks after a draft accord won initial backing from fellow national leaders who will try to iron out remaining differences with the British prime minister at a summit on Thursday, Tuesday's meeting with EU lawm
  
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• Two In Court Over Birmingham Warehouse Murder

  15-02-2016 17:32
  
  Police said Akhtar Javeed was killed in a raid on his Birmingham warehouse earlier this month. The 56-year-old victim was attacked when masked men attempted to rob the warehouse in Rea Street South in the Digbeth area of the city, according to detectives. Businessman Suraj Mistry, 26, of Laundon Way in Leicester and 18-year-old student Lemar Wali of Osmaston Park Road, Derby, have been charged with murder, attempted robbery and possession of a handgun.
  
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• Ancient flower species found in fossilised tree resin

  15-02-2016 17:00
  Scientists have discovered a species of ancient flower trapped in amber.
  
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• Friday Cabinet meeting to kick off referendum campaign if PM secures EU deal

  15-02-2016 16:57
  
  David Cameron will call an immediate Cabinet meeting on Friday if he secures a deal on his renegotiation of Britain's EU membership at this week's Brussels summit.
  
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• PM Agrees Emergency Meeting If EU Deal Secured

  15-02-2016 16:52
  
  David Cameron has offered to talk to any Cabinet colleagues who may have questions over his EU renegotiation efforts, and Sky News understands several cabinet ministers have reservations about the process. Sky's Sophy Ridge said Friday's meeting, if it goes ahead, could see the referendum campaign "really begin in earnest". She said: "Why this is important is because Eurosceptic cabinet ministers are chomping at the bit to be able to campaign for Britain to leave the European Union.
  
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• Euromillions jackpot ticket is validated

  15-02-2016 16:46
  A EuroMillions jackpot of more than £24 million has been paid out after someone came forward to claim Friday's top prize.
  
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• Scientists riding wave of success despite losing 2004 bet

  15-02-2016 16:31
  Two scientists who placed a bet 12 years ago that gravitational waves would be discovered before 2010 said last week's announcement was worth much more than any winnings.
  
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• Watch: Car Careers Off Icy Road In Sussex

  15-02-2016 16:30
  
  Dramatic CCTV footage shows the moment a driver loses control and her car flips onto its roof on an icy road in Alfriston, Sussex. Sussex Police said the driver in the footage, a local woman in her 20s, suffered minor injuries. Police have chosen to release the footage to highlight the dangers of icy roads as temperatures in Sussex plummet below zero.
  
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• Stephen Fry: Quitting Twitter 'a massive relief'

  15-02-2016 16:00
  Stephen Fry has spoken out about his decision to quit Twitter, saying he "doesn't feel anything other than massive relief" and that he is "free at last".
  
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• Student nurse could have survived if ambulance had arrived sooner, says coroner

  15-02-2016 15:50
  A student nurse who died after waiting almost five hours for an ambulance could have been saved if she had got to hospital sooner, a coroner has ruled.
  
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• Organic milk and meat yield 'very small' health benefits, nutrition expert says

  15-02-2016 15:34
  
  Organic milk and meat's higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids are unlikely to represent any significant health benefit, an expert nutritionist has said.
  
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• Councils Warned Against Boycotting Israel Trade

  15-02-2016 15:33
  
  Councils have been warned they face "severe penalties" if they impose boycotts on trade and investment with Israel. Guidance to be published later this week will say locally imposed boycotts by public bodies are "inappropriate" unless formal legal sanctions or embargoes have been put in place by the Government. Boycotts risk breaching a World Trade Organisation agreement signed by both the EU and Israel, which requires equal treatment for suppliers from all signatories, the guidance will note.
  
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• Adam Johnson 'Met Girl For Kiss And More'

  15-02-2016 15:15
  
  Footballer Adam Johnson's alleged schoolgirl victim broke down in tears when police questioned her about his sexual activity with her. Jurors at Bradford Crown Court watched two recorded police interviews with the girl, a season-ticket holder at Premier League team Sunderland FC. In her first police interview she had not described everything that allegedly happened between them.
  
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• 'Chaotic' NHS 111 helpline saw overworked staff 'fall asleep on duty'

  15-02-2016 14:58
  The NHS's non-emergency helpline is a "chaotic system", a bereaved mother has said after a whistleblower claimed that medics working for NHS 111 had been so overworked they had fallen asleep while on duty.
  
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• £70m to help create manufacturing centre of excellence

  15-02-2016 14:58
  A manufacturing innovation hub backed by £70 million of Government investment has been announced by the First Minister.
  
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• Woman Learning To Drive Killed Her Own Son

  15-02-2016 14:29
  
  Lyndsay Turner, 34, was behind the wheel of the car for the first time when she hit her son Liam in June last year, Norwich Coroner's Court heard. In a statement she said she was pulling the car into a parking area near their home in Adland Road, Watton, Norfolk, after asking her husband to teach her to drive. Liam was playing with his older sister nearby when Mrs Turner's foot slipped and the car "jolted suddenly forward", she told police.
  
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• Atlantic weather patterns linked to snowfall predictions

  15-02-2016 14:25
  Weather records dating back 140 years could help scientists better predict heavy snowfalls in Scotland, a study has suggested.
  
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• Police Chief To Meet Lord Brittan's Widow

  15-02-2016 13:58
  
  Scotland Yard chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe will meet Lord Brittan's widow following criticism of the handling of a rape claim against her late husband. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner will apologise to Lady Brittan at a meeting on Tuesday, according to reports. The force was criticised for its handling of an allegation that Lord Brittan raped a 19-year-old woman known as "Jane" in 1967.
  
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• HSBC's Stuart Gulliver hints at jobs moving to Paris in event of Brexit

  15-02-2016 13:50
  Banking giant HSBC could move around 1,000 jobs from London to Paris if Britain votes to leave the EU, according to its chief executive.
  
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• PM Holds Talks With Hollande Ahead Of EU Summit

  15-02-2016 13:33
  
  The Prime Minister will travel to Paris this evening for talks with French President Francois Hollande ahead of this week's crucial EU summit. The announcement from Downing Street comes as Sky News understands David Cameron has offered to talk to any Cabinet colleagues who may have questions over his EU renegotiation efforts. A full meeting of the Cabinet this week was cancelled because 16 ministers are away from London during the parliamentary recess.
  
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• EU's Tusk hopes for Brussels deal on Britain's reform demands

  15-02-2016 13:31
  European Council leader Donald Tusk said on Monday he hoped the UK and other EU nations would agree on a deal to keep Britain in the European Union at a meeting in Brussels at the end of the week. Asked after a meeting with French President Francois Hollande in Paris whether he thought a deal was possible at the Brussels summit, Tusk said: "I hope so." British Prime Minister David Cameron is hoping to return from a summit of European leaders on Thursday and Friday in Brussels with a package of r
  
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• How Dangerous Are Laser Beams To Planes?

  15-02-2016 13:28
  
  As a commercial jet is forced to abandon its course after a laser beam is shone into its cockpit, Sky News looks at high intensity lasers and the dangers they pose to aircraft if used recklessly. The Virgin Atlantic flight was on its way to New York on Sunday night  but had to return to London after one of the pilots had a "medical issue" following the incident. :: How common are laser incidents in the UK?
  
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• Flight laser attack 'very scary' says Virgin Atlantic passenger

  15-02-2016 13:18
  
  A passenger on board a New York-bound plane which was turned back to Heathrow after a laser incident saw a pilot taken to hospital has described the ordeal as "scary".
  
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• Aldi To Open 80 New Stores In UK This Year

  15-02-2016 13:17
  
  Supermarket chain Aldi will create 5,000 new jobs and open 80 new stores as part of its expansion plans in the UK. Aldi regional managing director Ruth Doyle said: "To support our continued expansion and the ongoing performance of our existing stores, it's important that we attract the right candidates across all of our roles. Aldi said it had invested heavily in its academy, which is based in Bolton and has recruitment specialists who train staff.
  
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• Diabetic student nurse died after five-hour wait for ambulance, inquest hears

  15-02-2016 13:11
  A student nurse with diabetes had a heart attack and died after waiting almost five hours for an ambulance, an inquest has heard.
  
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• Top Supermarket For Online Shopping Revealed

  15-02-2016 13:06
  
  Iceland has been named the top UK supermarket for online shopping according to a Which?survey. The supermarket's online service, which was launched less than three years ago, leapfrogged more experienced rivals like Waitrose and Ocado to grab the top spot for the first time. According to 7,000 shoppers surveyed by Which?, Iceland's success was down to low prices and the fact that delivery is free for orders over £35, which is less than any other supermarket requires you to p
  
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• Britain braces itself with fresh blast of wintry weather on the way

  15-02-2016 13:04
  
  Britain is bracing itself for another week of wintry weather with snow forecast to fall in southern parts of the UK by midweek.
  
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• Teenage girl describes encounters with footballer Adam Johnson

  15-02-2016 13:03
  
  A teenage girl has described how she met up with England footballer Adam Johnson for a "thank you kiss and more" after he signed football shirts for her.
  
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• Mother accidentally killed own son, 3, first time she used car, inquest told

  15-02-2016 13:03
  A woman accidentally struck and killed her three-year-old son with her car while learning to drive, an inquest has heard.
  
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• Government 'to challenge and prevent' town hall boycotts on trade with Israel

  15-02-2016 13:03
  Town halls have been warned of "severe penalties" if they impose boycotts on trade and investment with Israel.
  
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• Stephen Fry quits Twitter again over 'bag lady' backlash

  15-02-2016 13:00
  Stephen Fry has quit Twitter following backlash over his poorly-received "bag lady" comment at the Bafta awards.
  
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• HSBC Could Shift UK Jobs To Paris Over Brexit

  15-02-2016 12:27
  
  Around 1,000 London-based jobs at HSBC's investment banking arm could be moved to Paris if Britain votes to leave the European Union (EU), according to the group's chief executive. Speaking to Sky News, Stuart Gulliver, HSBC's chief executive, said the forthcoming referendum on Brexit was not a decisive factor in determining the future location of the bank's holding company headquarters.
  
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• 'Brexit' could lead to HSBC moving 1,000 jobs to Paris - Sky

  15-02-2016 12:12
  HSBC Holdings could move around 1,000 employees from London to Paris in the event that Britain votes to leave the European Union, the bank's Chief Executive Stuart Gulliver was quoted saying by Sky News on Monday. The staff would be moved from HSBC's trading, corporate banking and investment banking units, Gulliver was quoted saying, with the total number of jobs moving dependent on the terms of the so-called Brexit. The plan to possibly move jobs away from London in the event of a British exit
  
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• Search continues for missing junior doctor

  15-02-2016 12:03
  A major search operation is continuing for a junior doctor who has gone missing.
  
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• Met's Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to meet Lord Brittan's widow over handling of probe

  15-02-2016 12:03
  Scotland Yard chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is set to meet Lord Brittan's widow, following criticism of the handling of a rape allegation against her late husband.
  
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