General news

• New Year Honours List: What do all those letters actually mean?

  30-12-2016 23:54
  
  Anyone can be nominated for them.
  
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• Arise 'Sir Andy', 'Sir Mo' as Murray and Farah knighted

  30-12-2016 23:41
  More than 100 Olympians and Paralympians have been included among the 1,197 people on the New Year Honours List. Every gold medallist from the Rio Games who hadn't already been recognised in previous years has been honoured.
  
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• Golden athletes honoured in New Year list

  30-12-2016 23:38
  More than 100 Olympians and Paralympians have been included among the 1,197 people on the New Year Honours List. Every gold medallist from the Rio Games who hadn't already been recognised in previous years has been honoured.
  
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• Comedian Ken Dodd among celebrities on New Year Honours List

  30-12-2016 23:37
  Veteran comedian Ken Dodd has been knighted - amid a long and diverse list of celebrities named in the New Year Honours List. Frontman with the Kinks, Ray Davies, has also been knighted, for services to the arts. Academy and Tony award-winning actor Mark Rylance is knighted for services to theatre, after shining as Thomas Cromwell in the TV adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.
  
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• UK Olympic athletes, Posh Spice and Andy Murray honoured in Queen's New Year List

  30-12-2016 23:34
  By Adela Suliman LONDON (Reuters) - Olympic athlete Mo Farah, tennis star Andy Murray, actor Mark Rylance, comedian Ken Dodd and Kinks musician Ray Davies have been knighted in Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours List. Spice Girl and designer Victoria Beckham was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) while other fashion notables included Anna Wintour editor-in-chief of "American Vogue" and accessories designer, Anya Hindmarch.
  
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• 8 brilliant people from the New Year's honours list that you probably haven't heard of yet

  30-12-2016 23:32
  
  …but should know about, now.
  
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• George Michael's post-mortem proved 'inconclusive'

  30-12-2016 20:49
  
  Further tests will be carried out to determine the singer’s cause of death.
  
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• Arctic air will reach the UK as 2017 arrives after a wet New Year's Eve

  30-12-2016 18:11
  We're in for a cold start to 2017 as Arctic air pushes in from the north but before that a band of rain will affect the UK.
  
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• Seventeen hurt as bus overturns on M40 amid thick fog

  30-12-2016 16:47
  
  Seventeen people have been injured as a coach veered off a motorway and overturned in thick fog. Six ambulances transported the wounded to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. South Central Ambulance Service said: "We declared this a major incident due to the number of patients involved and attended the scene with our colleagues from Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
  
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• Rex? Poppy? Bob? This can only be the most popular pet names of 2016

  30-12-2016 16:46
  
  The results reveal some interesting quirks too.
  
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• George Michael post-mortem examination deemed 'inconclusive'

  30-12-2016 16:34
  
  A post-mortem examination into the cause of George Michael's death has proved "inconclusive", according to Thames Valley Police. The 53-year-old singer was found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day. George Michael's partner Fadi Fawaz said he found the star dead in bed when he arrived to wake him.
  
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• What is giving you hope for 2017? | Sarah Marsh

  30-12-2016 16:22 via theguardian.com
  
  There is no denying 2016 has been tough, but as we bid it adieu we want to hear your words of optimism for the new year
  There is no denying that 2016 has been a hard year. With much political uncertainty, terror and death, it has left many feeling slightly bereft of hope.That’s why what we really need as we welcome in 2017 is some optimism. This week Guardian writers have been offering their reasons to be hopeful, from activist groups to fearless teenagers and even fiction.Continue reading
  
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• Rare £5 note worth £50,000 sent in Christmas card

  30-12-2016 16:22
  A rare £5 note, which could be worth up to £50,000, has been found in a Christmas card in the Scottish borders. It is one of four notes engraved with a tiny portrait of the author Jane Austen, created by artist Graham Short as part of a project for the Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery in Kelso. The note was included in a Christmas card as a gift, but the sender did not know its true value.
  
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• 'I exercise a lot but drink a bit too much': middle-aged readers' health fears

  30-12-2016 16:18 via theguardian.com
  
  As a new campaign launches encouraging 40- to 60-year-olds to stay in shape, we ask readers to reflect on their healthThe government has launched a new health drive aimed at 40- to 60-year-olds, 83% of whom are either overweight, drink too much or are physically inactive. With its One You campaign, Public Health England wants to help middle-aged people stay in shape. It says aspects of modern life – such as sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of junk food – are bad for our healt
  
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• FTSE 100 share index ends 2016 at an all-time record high

  30-12-2016 14:54
  The FTSE 100 share index has ended 2016 at an all-time high of 7142, breaking its closing record for a third straight day. The London market's previous record high of 7129 was achieved in mid-session trading on 11 October. The FTSE 100 is dominated by multi-national companies that have benefited from the UK's decision to leave the EU.
  
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• The definitive A-Z of 2016

  30-12-2016 12:43
  
  All things two thousand and sixteen.
  
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• Britain, edging towards Trump, scolds Kerry over Israel

  30-12-2016 12:22
  By Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton LONDON (Reuters) - Britain scolded U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for describing the Israeli government as the most right-wing in Israeli history, a move that aligns Prime Minister Theresa May more closely with President-elect Donald Trump. After U.S. President Barack Obama enraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by refusing to veto a UN Security Council resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement building, Kerry's public rebuke of Israel
  
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• Real reason Thatcher tried to ban acid house parties revealed

  30-12-2016 11:46
  Margaret Thatcher tried to stop the "new fashion" of acid house parties after an all-night rave shattered the tranquillity of a Tory MP's uncle, newly released official papers show. Mrs Thatcher was alerted to the burgeoning rave culture after a party held in Bentley, Hampshire, in August 1989. Archie Hamilton, MP for Epsom and Ewell, forwarded the Prime Minister a letter from his uncle Gerald Coke, who said he was "very disturbed" by the party which had lasted until 7.30am.
  
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• Brexit breakup: did it cause a rift between you and your partner?

  30-12-2016 11:46 via theguardian.com
  
  Has your relationship come under strain since Brexit? Did it add pressure when you and your partner were on the brink of divorce? Share stories
  It’s not me, it’s you ... and more specifically your political beliefs. It seems that this is a sentiment more Brits can relate to after our decision to leave the European Union.A new survey by the relationship charity, Relate, found a fifth of 300 relationship support counsellors it spoke to had worked with clients who had argued over Brexit
  
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• Are pets getting better medical care than humans?

  30-12-2016 11:40
  Some of the country's leading veterinarians say pets could potentially be receiving better medical care than their owners. In the prosthetics world in particular, veterinary surgeries are making huge strides and, in some cases, human surgeries could be falling behind. Dr Ignacio Calvo, senior lecturer in small animal orthopaedics at the Royal Veterinary College, says it is "easier to make the jump into clinical trials when you are dealing with an animal rather than&
  
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• Muirfield told to 'get out of dark ages' over women members

  30-12-2016 11:15
  Muirfield Golf Club has been told to "get out of the dark ages" when it decides whether or not to admit women members in the New Year. The Scottish Government's Equalities Secretary, Angela Constance MSP, told Sky News: "Muirfield's current position is quite simply wrong and indefensible. "This is 21st century Scotland - with kindness, can I say to Muirfield it's time to get out the dark ages and enter and embrace the 21st century, because opening their membership up to women is not only the rig
  
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• The great outdoors: readers share their best weather photos from 2016

  30-12-2016 10:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Whether frightful, fair or fantastic, you’ve been sharing your most striking weather photos every month of the year. Here is a pick of the best of themIt’s been a another stunning year for weather photography and readers have been sharing their most striking shots throughout the year from across the world. From bitterly cold winter scenes to sunlit beach memories, here’s a selection of the landscapes you’ve enjoyed capturing this year. Continue reading...
  
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• American Horror Story star Barbara Tarbuck has died

  30-12-2016 09:36
  
  She was also a long running star of General Hospital.
  
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• What is in Jeremy Corbyn's New Year message?

  30-12-2016 09:25
  
  Protecting bankers and corporate interests as we leave the European Union is simply "not good enough" according to Jeremy Corbyn, speaking in his New Year message. In a Brexit-heavy wrap up of 2016, the Labour leader also takes a swipe at the Government's handling of jobs, housing and health policy. Labour will not block Article 50 - the formal process for leaving the EU - Mr Corbyn says, and he acknowledges the opportunities presented by Brexit, despite him backing a Remain vote in Ju
  
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• Hillsborough campaigner hailed a 'hero' for refusing OBE

  30-12-2016 09:09
  
  He joins a long list of people to refuse the honour.
  
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• Seventeen hurt as bus overturns on M40 amid fog and ice warnings

  30-12-2016 09:01
  Seventeen people have been injured as a coach veered off a motorway and overturned in thick fog. Six ambulances transported the injured to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. South Central Ambulance Service said: "We declared this a major incident due to the number of patients involved and attended the scene with our colleagues from Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
  
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• Britain hit by fog warnings as drivers urged to take care

  30-12-2016 07:04
  Fog and freezing weather conditions are set to hit parts of the country today affecting many travelling ahead of New Year celebrations. On Thursday poor visibility and icy roads made for potentially "lethal" driving conditions while airports in the South East suffered fog-related delays. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for the parts of the East and West Midlands, south west England, East Anglia, London and south east England.
  
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• 2016: a year of controversy in sport – video

  30-12-2016 06:00 via theguardian.com
  
  2016 was a year of huge controversy in sport. From the Russian doping scandal to allegations of match-fixing in tennis and Sam Allardyce’s short-lived spell in charge of the England national football team, we look some of the bigger sports stories of 2016 which took place away from the field of play itself Continue reading...
  
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• Newspaper reviews: Debbie Reynolds and May 'Israel row'

  30-12-2016 05:25 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Debbie Reynolds is pictured on various front pages after her death, with her daughter Carrie Fisher by her side. But lead stories cover world affairs and politics.
  
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• Rise in reports of child abuse and neglect to NSPCC helpline

  30-12-2016 04:47
  Reports of child neglect to an NSPCC helpline have risen by 60% over a four-year period, according to the charity. Newly released figures show there were 1,129 calls from people concerned about neglected children in December 2015 - a 60% increase compared to December 2011. Reports of child sexual abuse increased by 54% over the same period, while reports about emotional abuse were up by 44%.
  
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• Not dull in Hull

  30-12-2016 03:35 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Hull may not be famed as a cultural hotspot, but its status as UK City of Culture in 2017 is aiming to change that.
  
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• Just a second! Extra time to be added to final minute of 2016

  30-12-2016 03:31
  Scientists say the "leap second" is needed to compensate for a slowdown in the Earth's rotation. Peter Whibberley, a senior research scientist at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, said: "Leap seconds are needed to prevent civil time drifting away from Earth time. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service in Paris decides when leap seconds are needed, and they are always announced about six months in advance.
  
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• Muirfield told to 'get out of dark ages' over women golfers

  30-12-2016 03:24
  Muirfield Golf Club has been told to "get out of the dark ages" when it decides whether or not to admit women members in the New Year. The Scottish Government's Equalities Secretary, Angela Constance MSP, told Sky News: "Muirfield's current position is quite simply wrong and indefensible. "This is 21st century Scotland - with kindness, can I say to Muirfield it's time to get out the dark ages and enter and embrace the 21st century, because opening their membership up to women is not only the rig
  
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• Help to Buy loan guarantee scheme comes to an end

  30-12-2016 03:23 via bbc.co.uk
  
  One of the government's flagship home ownership programmes ends on Friday, amidst both praise and criticism.
  
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• Learner drivers to be able to use motorways under new plans

  30-12-2016 03:19
  Learner drivers will be allowed to drive on motorways for the first time, under plans revealed by the Government. The proposed changes will see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car. There will also be changes to rules on new motorcycle riders, who will now do a theory test as part of their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
  
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• Learner drivers: Plan to include lessons on motorways

  30-12-2016 03:16 via bbc.co.uk
  
  New government proposals will allow learner drivers to practise on motorways for the first time.
  
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• Downing Street criticises US comments on Israel

  30-12-2016 02:53 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Downing Street says the US secretary of state's comments on Israel's government are "not appropriate"
  
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• Prince Harry praised for Meghan Markle statement

  30-12-2016 01:55 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The Everyday Sexism Project's founder praises Prince Harry for defending girlfriend Meghan Markle.
  
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• Behind the facade

  30-12-2016 01:53 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The BBC takes a tour of England's hidden architectural gems.
  
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• Poll tax papers

  30-12-2016 01:52 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Newly released cabinet papers shed light on Margaret Thatcher and the poll tax controversy
  
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• People with learning disabilities bullied at music venues

  30-12-2016 01:37 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Survey finds many people with learning disabilities say they have been bullied at music venues.
  
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• Britain avoids M&A collapse as foreign buyers go Brexit bargain hunting

  30-12-2016 01:37
  By Pamela Barbaglia and Guy Faulconbridge LONDON (Reuters) - Britain avoided a collapse in mergers and acquisitions activity after the shock Brexit vote as foreign companies used sterling's spectacular devaluation against the U.S. dollar to snap up British companies, Thomson Reuters data shows. British M&A totalled $177.5 billion (145 billion pounds) in 2016, down sharply from the record $394.8 billion reached in 2015 - a year when the UK data was skewed by two of three biggest global deals
  
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• Edinburgh trams running three-quarters empty

  30-12-2016 01:22 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Edinburgh's £776m tram network is running at an average of 25% capacity, new figures show.
  
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• National Parks in England 'have lost millions in government funding'

  30-12-2016 01:14 via bbc.co.uk
  
  National Parks have lost a quarter of government funding in five years, investigation finds.
  
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• Cabinet files reveal plan to shoot nuclear intruders

  30-12-2016 01:01 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Newly-released papers reveal Margaret Thatcher's "horror" at an intrusion at the Faslane naval base.
  
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