General news

• Brexit rebellion avoided after 'meaningful vote' offer

  07-02-2017 22:34 via bbc.co.uk
  
  An attempt to give MPs a decisive say on the terms of Brexit is defeated in a Commons vote.
  
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• Killer Marine A 'had mental illness at time of shooting'

  07-02-2017 22:23 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Ex-marine Alexander Blackman is appealing against his conviction for murdering an Afghan fighter.
  
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• Losing a wife

  07-02-2017 21:29 via bbc.co.uk
  
  As ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand says he is yet to "grieve properly" for his wife, three men share their experiences of losing a partner.
  
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• BBC Look East reporter Sally Chidzoy 'victim of witch-hunt'

  07-02-2017 21:09 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC correspondent Sally Chidzoy tells a tribunal she blew the whistle on political interference.
  
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• No renegotiation on Brexit deal if parliament rejects it - minister

  07-02-2017 20:58
  By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will not seek further talks with the European Union if parliament rejects the exit deal it reaches, the government said on Tuesday, as ministers defeated attempts to give lawmakers more say on the terms of the final agreement. The statement, which echoes Prime Minister Theresa May's stance that "no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain" came as parliament debated a law that would give her the power to begin exit negotiations with the E
  
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• RAF Typhoon jets escort Pakistan plane to Stansted

  07-02-2017 20:46 via bbc.co.uk
  
  RAF jets divert a plane from its intended route to London over reports of a disruptive passenger.
  
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• Man dies after train hits car at 'user-worked' level crossing

  07-02-2017 19:58
  A man has died after a car was struck by a train at a "user-worked" level crossing in Gloucestershire. The victim, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision near Frampton Mansell at 3.10pm. British Transport Police said officers were working at the scene to identify the man and establish the circumstances which led to his death.
  
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• Helen Bailey murder accused says there is 'no way' he killed her

  07-02-2017 19:55
  The man accused of murdering children's author Helen Bailey before dumping her body in a cesspit has said there is "no way" he killed her. Ian Stewart, 56, is charged with murder, preventing a lawful burial, fraud, and three counts of perverting the course of justice. Giving evidence at St Albans Crown Court, Stewart said had "never stopped loving" his fiancee.
  
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• More affordable housing promised in White Paper

  07-02-2017 19:47 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Measures aimed at renters and people saving for deposits are in the new housing White Paper.
  
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• Wanted man held after RAF jets escorted plane to Stansted

  07-02-2017 19:39
  A passenger wanted by the Metropolitan Police was arrested after RAF fighter jets intercepted a Pakistani passenger plane. The Pakistan International Airlines aircraft flying from Lahore to Heathrow was escorted to Stansted airport by the RAF Typhoons. "This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter," Essex Police said in a statement.
  
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• Murder-accused 'never stopped loving' author

  07-02-2017 19:22 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Children's writer Helen Bailey's fiance says he was unaware she was dead until her body was found.
  
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• Surrey Tories drop plans for "unaffordable" 15% council tax hike

  07-02-2017 18:32
  A Conservative-led local authority has dropped plans for an "unaffordable" 15% increase in council tax. Surrey Council's proposed rise, which would have added almost £200 to the bills of average Band D taxpayers, was aimed at addressing the impact of cuts and the soaring costs of social care. Such a large increase would have needed the public's backing in a local referendum and risked becoming an embarrassment to Tory ministers including Chancellor Philip Hammond and Health Secretary Jerem
  
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• Naked gardener Robert Jenner cleared of all charges

  07-02-2017 18:31 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Robert Jenner carried out DIY tasks and gardening while naked.
  
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• RAF jets scrambled to escort Pakistani aircraft to Stansted

  07-02-2017 18:23
  RAF fighter jets have escorted a Pakistan International Airlines aircraft to Stansted airport. British police said the civilian flight was diverted to Stansted due to reports of a disruptive passenger on flight PK757 from Lahore. "This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter," Essex Police said in a statement.
  
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• MPs will get deal-or-no-deal vote on Brexit before agreement goes to European Parliament

  07-02-2017 18:23
  
  MPs and peers will vote on whether to accept a final Brexit deal or walk away from the agreement before it goes before the European Parliament. Speaking in the Commons during a debate on the Brexit trigger bill, Brexit Minister David Jones said Parliament would have its say on the terms of the "final draft" of the deal with the EU. Under questioning, Mr Jones later clarified that Parliament would be allowed to vote either for the Government deal or for no deal at all.
  
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• Man dies after train hits car at level crossing

  07-02-2017 18:16
  A man has died after a car was struck by a train at a level crossing in Gloucestershire. The victim, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision near Frampton Mansell at 3.10pm. British Transport Police said officers were working at the scene to identify the man and establish the circumstances which led to his death.
  
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• May will raise trade at China meeting this year

  07-02-2017 18:15
  LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to raise trade during a visit to China later this year, a trip which will underline the close relationship between the two countries, May's spokesman said on Tuesday. "It would be a renewed expression of the close relationship between Britain and China, something that you have seen obviously develop over the past few years," he told reporters. "I would imagine that trade would form some part of the discussions that we have." (Repo
  
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• May to visit China later this year

  07-02-2017 18:15
  Prime Minister Theresa May will visit China this year to discuss trade ties, the latest in a series of foreign trips to cement relations with major powers as she negotiates Britain's divorce from the European Union. May's aides gave few details about the trip, but she is keen to strengthen her hand by securing foreign support before launching Brexit talks, which are set to be among the most complicated Britain has ever undertaken. "It would be a renewed expression of the close relationship betwe
  
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• Teen killer given indefinite hospital order over Russell Square stabbing rampage

  07-02-2017 18:03
  A teenager who killed an American tourist and injured five other people in a stabbing rampage in Russell Square has been given an indefinite hospital order. Zakaria Bulhan, 19, plunged a large kitchen knife into the back of retired special needs teacher Darlene Horton, 64, on 3 August last year. It later emerged that the teenager suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was hearing voices.
  
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• The people behind the Women's March are planning a women's strike

  07-02-2017 17:55
  
  Women across the USA could be set to go on strike.
  
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• Same-sex Valentine's Day cards are on the shelves at Sainsbury's for the first time

  07-02-2017 17:44
  
  *raises hands*
  
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• No renegotiation on Brexit deal if parliament rejects it - Brexit minister Jones

  07-02-2017 17:43
  By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will not seek further talks with the European Union if parliament rejects the exit deal it reaches, the government said in a statement on Tuesday, as ministers resisted pressure to give MPs more say on the terms of the final agreement. The statement, which echoes Prime Minister Theresa May's stance that "no deal is better than a bad deal," came as parliament debated a law that would give her the power to begin exit negotiations with the EU. Last month,
  
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• RAF jets scrambled to divert flight with 'disruptive passenger' - STV News

  07-02-2017 17:37 via stv.tv
  
  STV News
  RAF jets scrambled to divert flight with 'disruptive passenger'
  STV News
  RAF fighter jets have been scrambled to help escort a Pakistan International Airlines flight to Stansted airport amidst reports of a "disruptive passenger" on board. According to a spokesman for Stansted the diverted plane, which landed just before 3pm ...
  Flight from Pakistan diverted to Stansted under RAF escortThe Guardian
  RAF Typhoon jets escort Pakistan plane to StanstedBBC News
  RAF fighter jets scrambled to
  
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• Cars torched as tensions flare in Paris suburb - Daily Mail

  07-02-2017 17:37 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Washington Post
  Cars torched as tensions flare in Paris suburb
  Daily Mail
  PARIS, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Gangs of French youths torched cars and bins in a showdown with police in a north Paris suburb overnight in a grim reminder of the simmering tension that sparked weeks of more serious rioting in the area a decade ago. It was ...
  Frenchman describes brutal 'police rape'BBC News
  Man 'raped with police truncheon' gives graphic details of attackMetro
  Cars torched as Paris suburb seethes over alleged p
  
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• Want to buy a house? Under 25? Watch this

  07-02-2017 17:34 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Owning a home by the age of 25 has become an unobtainable dream for many over the last two decades.
  
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• British police say PIA jet diverted because of disruptive passenger

  07-02-2017 17:31
  A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft which was intercepted and escorted by fighter jets to Stansted airport northeast of London was diverted because of reports of a disruptive passenger, British police said on Tuesday. "This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter," Essex Police said in a statement. "The plane is currently at the airport and officers are making enquiries." The Ministry of Defence had earlier said Typhoon jets had intercepted the aircraft, which had
  
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• Man dies in Frampton Mansell level crossing crash - BBC News

  07-02-2017 17:23 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News
  Man dies in Frampton Mansell level crossing crash
  BBC News
  A man has died after his car was hit by a train on a level crossing in Gloucestershire. The vehicle was struck by the Great Western Railway London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa service at 15:10 GMT. The man, who was believed to have been driving the car ...and more »
  
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• Strippers who blackmailed Danny Cipriani sentenced

  07-02-2017 17:21 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Two strippers who blackmailed rugby player Danny Cipriani are given suspended sentences.
  
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• British mother tells Trump: My daughter's killing was not a 'terror attack'

  07-02-2017 17:13
  
  The mother of a British backpacker who was stabbed to death in Australia has hit out at the White House for classifying her death as a "terror attack".
  
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• Bank of England's Forbes breaks ranks, says rates could rise soon

  07-02-2017 17:12
  By Andy Bruce LONDON (Reuters) - Differences among Bank of England officials about the outlook for interest rates moved into sharper focus on Tuesday, as one of them said rates might need to rise soon if the growth remains solid and inflation continues to accelerate. Last week the central bank signalled it was in no rush to hike rates, with BoE Governor Mark Carney stressing that Britain's economy would face "twists and turns" during its departure from the European Union.
  
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• Iran's Supreme Leader Denounces Trump - Wall Street Journal

  07-02-2017 17:02 via wsj.com
  
  Wall Street Journal
  Iran's Supreme Leader Denounces Trump
  Wall Street Journal
  Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday leveled his harshest criticism so far at President Donald Trump, saying the U.S. leader had exposed his country's “political, economic, ethical and social corruption.” “We are grateful to this ...
  Ayatollah Khamenei defies Trump's warnings: 'Iranians are not afraid of threats'International Business Times UK
  Iran's supreme leader 'thanks' Trump f
  
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• Cannabis farm found in derelict cottage on land owned by Legoland

  07-02-2017 17:00
  A cannabis farm has been found inside a derelict cottage on land owned by the Legoland theme park. A Legoland spokesman said the drugs were discovered in an abandoned building on surrounding land owned by the Windsor tourist attraction, and not inside the children's theme park itself. Thames Valley Police said they were called to the cottage after the farm was discovered during routine checks by Legoland staff.
  
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• Lack of information on Tesco Bank hack frustrates fellow lenders

  07-02-2017 16:56
  By Lawrence White and Ritvik Carvalho LONDON (Reuters) - British banking executives and security experts are growing frustrated at the dearth of information available more than three months after 2.5 million pounds ($3.09 million) was stolen from Tesco Bank in the UK's biggest financial cyber heist. Security officers normally share information on an informal basis immediately after a major cyber incident so that the other banks can check their systems, sources at four of Britain's biggest lender
  
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• Theresa May heads off latest Brexit Bill rebellion by promising early vote for MPs on any deal struck with the EU - Daily Mail

  07-02-2017 16:50 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Daily Mail
  Theresa May heads off latest Brexit Bill rebellion by promising early vote for MPs on any deal struck with the EU
  Daily Mail
  Theresa May headed off a rebellion over the Brexit Bill today by confirming that MPs will get an early vote on any deal done with the EU. The government sought to win over wavering Tories by clarifying that the package would be put to the Commons ...
  MPs promised 'deal or no deal' vote on BrexitBBC News
  Brexit debate live: MPs and peers offered a 'take it or le
  
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• Elbow's Guy Garvey to become a dad

  07-02-2017 16:48 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Guy Garvey, leader singer of Elbow tells BBC 5 Live that he and his wife Rachael are having a baby.
  
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• Nick Boles: MP with cancer leaves hospital for Brexit bill vote

  07-02-2017 16:32
  A former minister who is battling cancer is coming out of hospital to vote in favour of the Government's Brexit bill. Former business minister Nick Boles has been off sick since October when he revealed doctors had found a cancerous tumour in his head. Mr Boles posted the news on Twitter, along with a picture of himself wearing a blue medical face mask and sat in a wheelchair.
  
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• Dozens killed in suicide blast at Afghanistan's supreme court - The Guardian

  07-02-2017 16:31 via theguardian.com
  
  The Guardian
  Dozens killed in suicide blast at Afghanistan's supreme court
  The Guardian
  Afghan police officers arrive at the site of a bomb blast in Kabul. Photograph: Omar Sobhani/Reuters. Share on Facebook · Share on Twitter · Share via Email; View more sharing options; Share on LinkedIn · Share on Pinterest · Share on Google+ · Share ...
  Suicide bomber kills 20 at Afghanistan's top courtDaily Mail
  Blast kills at least 20 outside Kabul Supreme CourtRTE.ie
  De
  
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• Barack Obama holiday pictures released by Richard Branson after former President's Mosquito island stay - The Independent

  07-02-2017 16:25 via independent.co.uk
  
  The Independent
  Barack Obama holiday pictures released by Richard Branson after former President's Mosquito island stay
  The Independent
  While the world debates Donald Trump's controversial string of executive orders, Barack Obama has been enjoying some downtime. If Sir Richard Branson's photos are anything to go by, the former President is making the most of his newfound free time on ...
  Barack Obama kite-surfs with Richard Branson on his private islandOK! Magazine
  Kiteboarding Obama leave
  
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• Manchester tram racist abuse man jailed

  07-02-2017 16:02 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The racial abuse of a US army veteran by three males was filmed by a passenger.
  
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• Parents banned from talking to teachers at Glasgow school after 'verbal abuse' of staff

  07-02-2017 16:00
  Parents of pupils at a Glasgow primary have been told they can no longer speak to teachers at the end of the school day after staff were allegedly subjected to verbal abuse. Fiona Donnelly, headteacher at Sandwood Primary School in Penilee, said the "inappropriate behaviour" of some parents, including "shouting" and "using offensive language", had caused "significant stress" to teachers. Any parents wishing to speak with staff can now only do so by making an appointment.
  
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• Stranger takes matters into their own hands after discovering anti-Semitic graffiti in their city

  07-02-2017 15:49
  
  A swastika had been painted on a pillar in Chicago, US.
  
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• UK government says MPs will vote on Brexit deal before EU parliament

  07-02-2017 15:43
  MPs will be given the chance to vote on the government's final Brexit deal before the exit terms are debated by the European Parliament, junior Brexit minister David Jones said on Tuesday. "The government will bring forward a motion on the final agreement to be approved by both houses of parliament before it is concluded," he told parliament. "We expect and intend that this will happen before the European Parliament debates and votes on the final agreement." The statement represents a concession
  
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• Commons Speaker John Bercow defends Donald Trump rebuke

  07-02-2017 15:39
  
  John Bercow has defended his criticism of Donald Trump, telling MPs he was acting "honestly and honourably" in carrying out his responsibilities. The Commons Speaker has faced calls to consider his position after saying the US President should not be allowed to address Parliament during his state visit. Mr Bercow's attack in the House was applauded by MPs who oppose Mr Trump, but critics hit out at his intervention.
  
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• Birmingham designer makes dresses from thousands of coffee pods

  07-02-2017 15:33 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The materials for the designer garments were donated by lovers of the black stuff.
  
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• IFS: Tax burden set to be highest since 1980s and austerity to be extended

  07-02-2017 15:30
  Britain is facing its biggest tax burden for more than 30 years and an austerity regime stretching well into the 2020s, according to a study of Government spending plans. The "Green Budget" report published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimated revenues from taxation would rise to more than 37% of national income by the 2019/20 tax year, for the first time since 1986/7. IFS director Paul Johnson said: "For all the focus on Brexit the public finances in the next few years look set t
  
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• Frozen out: the US interpreters abandoned on Europe’s border – video

  07-02-2017 15:29
  
  Jamshid and Mati served the US military as interpreters during the war in Afghanistan, but like many, haven’t been granted visas to emigrate to the US. With their lives threatened by the Taliban, they joined the migrants heading for western Europe, only to find themselves trapped in Serbia on the wrong side of impenetrable borders. They live in a squalid warehouse in Belgrade. With smugglers refusing to take them across dangerous border crossings, all they can do is wait Continue reading..
  
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• Trump says terror attacks 'under-reported': Is that true? - BBC News

  07-02-2017 15:19 via bbc.co.uk
  
  BBC News
  Trump says terror attacks 'under-reported': Is that true?
  BBC News
  US President Donald Trump has accused the media of under-reporting terror attacks, and produced a list to back up his claim. Is he right? While on a visit to US Central Command, a wing of the Department of Defense, he warned of the danger posed by the ...
  The Daily 202: Five books to understand Stephen K. BannonWashington Post
  Media covered most of 78 terror attacks White House said were underreportedUSA TODAY
  Whit
  
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• Bank of England's Forbes says rates should rise soon if growth and inflation stay strong

  07-02-2017 15:17
  The Bank of England should raise interest rates soon if British economic growth remains solid and inflation continues to accelerate, rate-setter Kristin Forbes said in remarks published on Tuesday. Forbes, an American academic and external member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), said she was beginning to grow uncomfortable with the BoE's policy stance. Forbes said the latest data did not point to a sharp deterioration in the economy in the next couple of months, while there were al
  
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• The Ocado warehouse run by robots

  07-02-2017 15:10 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The BBC visits online grocery retailer Ocado's factory
  
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• Hairline cracks emerge in UK consumer spending, pillar of economy

  07-02-2017 15:10
  By Andy Bruce LONDON (Reuters) - The first post-Brexit vote cracks may be emerging in consumer spending, the cornerstone of Britain's economy, with a series of downbeat retail surveys suggesting inflation pressures are starting to weigh on households. Britain's economy outperformed expectations after the June 23 vote to leave the European Union, finishing 2016 with the fastest growth among any of its large, advanced-economy peers. Gauges of retail sales - which can be volatile month to month and
  
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