General news

• Extinction Rebellion: Climate protesters 'closing ceremony' ends London demo

  25-04-2019 23:52
  Extinction Rebellion activists have brought 10 days of disruptive protests to an end with a so-called closing ceremony in Hyde Park.Demonstrators gathered at Speakers' Corner to mark the conclusion of their action in London, where they were told by group coordinator Skeena Rathor to "begin a process of reflection".Earlier, activists glued themselves to the London Stock Exchange and climbed onto the roof of a train in Canary Wharf as part of their final wave of climate change protests.
  
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• What should Sri Lanka holidaymakers do after travel advice is changed?

  25-04-2019 23:34
  An estimated 8,000 British tourists are in Sri Lanka.
  
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• Carl Benjamin: UKIP MEP candidate challenged over racist language

  25-04-2019 23:32
  In the video, posted by Mr Benjamin in 2015, he calls a disabled person a "retard" and an Asian person a "chink".The "free speech extremist" is standing as the South West candidate for UKIP in the EU elections.Sky News has obtained footage in which Mr Benjamin commentates over an anti-discrimination video.
  
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• Police searching for missing mother Sorrelle Bamford find a body

  25-04-2019 23:30
  Police searching for missing mother-of-four Sorrelle Bamford have found a body they believe may be hers.A JustGiving page set up to support her family said the 38-year-old had been identified by her loved ones.Ms Bamford, from Gateshead, was reported missing just before 10am on Tuesday, and was last seen at an address in Chesters Gardens in the village of Crawcrook.
  
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• Tommy Robinson confirms bid to become MEP during rally in Manchester

  25-04-2019 23:23
  Robinson will continue as an adviser to Ukip leader Gerard Batten.
  
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• British Olympic skater Elise Christie reveals depression and anxiety battle

  25-04-2019 23:13
  Olympic skater Elise Christie has revealed she battled depression and anxiety for two years.The 28-year-old former world champion, who has competed at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 winter games, told her Instagram followers that she had just come off anti-depressants.The Briton's announcement came just over a year after a disastrous appearance at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, which had followed news that her father had been diagnosed with cancer.
  
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• Northern Ireland powersharing talks expected to take step forward

  25-04-2019 23:11
  An announcement is expected in Belfast from Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
  
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• UKIP candidate: 'It's okay to joke about rape'

  25-04-2019 23:05
  UKIP candidate Carl Benjamin who said he "wouldn't even rape" a female Labour MP has refused to apologise.
  
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• First World War ship in running for prestigious museum prize

  25-04-2019 22:50
  HMS Caroline is the last remaining floating survivor of the Battle of Jutland.
  
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• ‘Fantastic achievement’ as V&A Dundee shortlisted for prestigious museum prize

  25-04-2019 22:30
  The attraction, which opened on September 15 last year, has so far welcomed more than 500,000 visitors.
  
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• Planning Bill would make system harder, not easier, Finance Secretary says

  25-04-2019 22:18
  Derek Mackay told an audience of industry leaders he wants political parties to work together to fix the legislation.
  
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• Crossrail might not launch until March 2021

  25-04-2019 22:13
  London's multi-billion pound Crossrail project has pushed back its launch date again and may now not open until March 2021.Plans for an east-west line across the capital have repeatedly been delayed since missing the original target date of December 2018.Crossrail said on Thursday that it had now identified a "six-month delivery window" for the central section of the line between Paddington and Abbey Wood, with a midpoint at the end of 2020.
  
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• England's Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism

  25-04-2019 21:35
  Sterling was recognised for his fight against racism in the sport and for using his platform to call for more action to be taken.The 24-year-old also signed a manifesto earlier this week where he said clubs should be handed automatic nine-point deductions and ordered to play three games behind closed doors if their supporters indulged in racist behaviour.Dow Jones Sports Intelligence, the founder of the award, congratulated Sterling for the impact his actions had in addressing racism and other "
  
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• Fury As Corbyn European Elections Leaflet Suggests Labour Backs Brexit

  25-04-2019 21:21
  Jeremy Corbyn is facing a fierce backlash from Labour members after a draftleaflet for the European elections said the party would press ahead withBrexit
  
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• London's Crossrail puts back opening to March 2021 at the latest

  25-04-2019 21:20
  When open, the Elizabeth Line, as the link has been named, will connect destinations such as Heathrow west of the city with the rail hub of Paddington, shopping districts such as Bond Street, Canary Wharf in the east, and beyond."Crossrail is an immensely complex project and there will be challenges ahead," new chief executive Mark Wild said.
  
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• First part of delayed Crossrail to open by March 2021, bosses say

  25-04-2019 21:18
  The company said there will be regular 'progress reports' for Londoners and 'increasingly specific estimates' of when the line will start running.
  
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• Nicola Sturgeon’s first job? Selling potato scones door to door

  25-04-2019 21:15
  The First Minister told an audience of young people she 'hated' the role, adding: 'I was terrible at the tattie scone round.'
  
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• Crossrail Delayed Again As Bosses Admit Line May Not Be Open Until 2021

  25-04-2019 21:05
  The central section of London's delayed Crossrail project may not open untilMarch 2021, and even then Bond Street station will not be ready, the companyhas confirmed
  
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• Man arrested after 'role model' teenager stabbed to death in Birmingham

  25-04-2019 20:45
  Police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of murder after another teenager credited with helping steer young footballers away from trouble was stabbed to death in Birmingham.Officers were called to Tennal Road, Harborne, at 7.15pm on Wednesday, where paramedics treated an 18-year-old man for serious injuries.Named as Jordan Moazami by a football club where he was a mentor and former player, he was pronounced dead at the scene soon after.
  
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• Dead crows hung outside Chris Packham’s house following bird shooting curb

  25-04-2019 20:43
  The broadcaster said he had contacted police following the incident.
  
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• Police officer jailed after admitting stalking charge

  25-04-2019 20:42
  Scott Gorrie was jailed for two years and eight months and handed a three-year non-harassment order.
  
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• Climate change activists bring disruptive protests to an end

  25-04-2019 20:38
  An event in Hyde Park was billed as a 'closing ceremony' by Extinction Rebellion.
  
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• Mark Francois bets on himself to take over as Tory leader

  25-04-2019 20:36
  The Rayleigh and Wickford MP said he got odds of 200/1 on taking over the reins from Theresa May.
  
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• 'It wouldn't have felt right': UK honeymooners cancel dream stay at Sri Lanka attack hotel

  25-04-2019 20:34
  It was meant to be the highlight of a dream honeymoon - a week fully immersed in the culture and stunning scenery of Sri Lanka.As for many Britons, the island nation was top of the list when Amy Goodman and fiance Ross planned their post-wedding getaway."We wouldn't have felt safe," Ms Goodman, 27, told Sky News.
  
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• TV presenter Chris Packham contacts police after dead crows left outside home

  25-04-2019 20:27
  Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham has contacted police in Hampshire after dead crows were left hanging outside his home.Natural England has revoked three general licences which allowed the killing of 16 species of bird, including crows, magpies, Canada geese and feral and wood pigeons.Packham, a BBC Springwatch presenter and campaigner, tweeted a picture of the crows, adding: "This was my gate this morning (it was vandalised) @HantsPolice & lawyers have been informed.
  
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• PM praises Tory councils which ‘provide good services costing less’

  25-04-2019 20:22
  Theresa May made a visit to Lancashire ahead of next week's local elections.
  
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• Labour row erupts as ex-Corbyn aide is made head of complaints

  25-04-2019 20:10
  Numerous emails were leaked to the Sunday Times while Laura Murray was working for Jeremy Corbyn. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PALabour has appointed Laura Murray, a former close aide to Jeremy Corbyn, as its head of complaints, sparking controversy because she was involved in a row over allegations the leader’s office had interfered in the disciplinary process. Numerous emails were leaked to the Sunday Times while Murray was working for the Labour leader which appeared to show her being asked
  
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• Football club pays tribute to stab victim who was ‘role model’ to youngsters

  25-04-2019 20:02
  Jordan Moazami was found fatally wounded in the street.
  
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• Up to 200 ex-soldiers and police facing Troubles investigations

  25-04-2019 19:58
  Thousands of current and former service personnel protested against the prosecutions of troops over actions on Bloody Sunday and other occasions. Photograph: Guy Bell/Rex/ShutterstockAs many as 200 former members of the British security forces are under official investigation for alleged criminal actions during the Troubles as a rift opens up between the Northern Ireland Office and the Ministry of Defence over how to deal with historical accusations.There are at least three prosecutions against
  
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• Tommy Robinson to stand in European elections

  25-04-2019 19:57
  The former English Defence League leader will be an independent candidate in the North West region.
  
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• Boris Johnson Rakes In £160,000 Amid Tory Leadership Race Speculation

  25-04-2019 19:42
  Boris Johnson has raked in more than £160,000 in donations and speaking fees,swelling his war chest to fight a Tory leadership contest
  
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• Chinese vice premier ‘regrets’ harm South China Sea causes UK-China relations

  25-04-2019 19:31
  Chancellor Philip Hammond met Hu Chunhua on a visit to Beijing.
  
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• Jeremy Corbyn Aide Laura Murray Appointed As New Head Of Labour’s Complaints Unit

  25-04-2019 19:28
  A senior aide to Jeremy Corbyn has been appointed as head of Labour'scomplaints unit - just weeks after she was embroiled in a row over anti-Semitism
  
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• Foreign Office warns against non-essential Sri Lanka travel

  25-04-2019 19:14
  More than 250 people were killed in a series of co-ordinated bombings in the country.
  
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• Off-duty policeman stabbed multiple times in 'targeted' attack in Essex

  25-04-2019 19:09
  An off-duty police officer has been seriously hurt after being stabbed multiple times in a "targeted" and "absolutely wicked" attack.The victim was injured in the stomach, chest and arm following the incident in Rayleigh, Essex on Wednesday evening.Essex Police said: "The victim was taken to hospital where he has undergone treatment and remains in a serious but stable condition.
  
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• Hunt calls for Trump to address parliament during state visit

  25-04-2019 19:01
  The foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, wants Donald Trump to be given the ‘best possible welcome’. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/AFP/Getty ImagesJeremy Hunt has come out in favour of Donald Trump being invited to address both Houses of Parliament despite protestations from other politicians about the controversial state visit, as he made a thinly veiled pitch to be the next Conservative leader.The foreign secretary said it was important to give the US president the “best possible we
  
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• UK warns against all but essential Sri Lanka travel

  25-04-2019 18:40 via bbc.co.uk
  The UK advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, where the bombings death toll is revised down by 100.
  
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• Huawei leak row: Government 'cannot exclude' criminal investigation

  25-04-2019 18:31 via bbc.co.uk
  A cabinet minister condemns the leaks from a National Security Council meeting about a UK 5G network.
  
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• Pre-schoolers knock on Number 10’s door in protest against ‘tests’

  25-04-2019 18:30
  The children presented a petition of 65,000 signatures against the Government’s plans.
  
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• Jeremy Corbyn pledges to reverse cuts to thousands of bus routes

  25-04-2019 18:30
  Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour's pledge to reverse cuts to 3,000 bus routes in England and Wales will not be paid for by "clobbering" motorists.The £1.3bn per year policy will be funded by the revenue generated from the annual road tax paid by motorists, the party said.Launching the pledge in Nottingham on Thursday, Mr Corbyn said he would "not be clobbering anybody", responding to Conservative claims that Labour would have to "clobber motorists with tax hikes and slash funding for road rep
  
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• Gang filmed showing off cash convicted of plot to supply Class A drugs

  25-04-2019 18:28
  Nine defendants will be sentenced for their part in the operation, which sent drugs from London to Exeter.
  
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• In Pictures: Royals attend Anzac Day services in London and Auckland

  25-04-2019 18:26
  The Duke of Cambridge was in New Zealand for the commemoration while his wife Kate joined brother-in-law Harry at Westminster Abbey.
  
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• Gender pay inequities in Matt Hancock’s health sphere

  25-04-2019 18:25
  The health secretary, Matt Hancock (left), with prime minister Theresa May talking with staff at the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in January 2019. Photograph: WPA Pool/Getty ImagesMatt Hancock states that “The NHS is a huge employer of women – I want it to be one of the best as well” (theguardian.com, 25 April). His intention to reduce bullying and harassment is laudable, as is his desire to increase flexible working. But has he paid sufficient attention to t
  
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• Change UK and the European elections

  25-04-2019 18:25
  Gavin Esler at the launch of the Independent Group European election campaign in Bristol on 23 April 2019.Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty ImagesTony Greaves’s suggestion (Letters, 23 April) that, to avoid splitting votes in the European elections, the three pro-remain parties should divide up the English regions between them will not work. Neither will Dick Bateman’s proposal that these parties should form a “stay coalition”. Change UK has already rebuffed overtures fr
  
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• Teenager dragged into woods and sexually assaulted by dog walker

  25-04-2019 18:24
  The 17-year-old girl was attacked in Cathkin Road, Glasgow, on Tuesday night.
  
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• James Bond: Rami Malek and Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge revealed for next 007 film

  25-04-2019 18:23
  Oscar-winner Rami Malek has been confirmed to star in the next Bond film, with Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge due to add a bit of comedy magic to the script.Both were announced forBond25 at the film's official launch in Jamaica following weeks of speculation about their involvement in the long-awaited next outing for 007.Daniel Craig , who returns as Britain's most famous spy, attended the launch alongside director Cary Joji Fukunaga and producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.
  
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• BBC admits iPlayer has lost streaming fight with Netflix

  25-04-2019 18:13
  Five years ago iPlayer had a 40% share of the UK streaming video market. This has declined to 15%. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PAThe BBC has admitted iPlayer has lost the battle with Netflix for streaming audiences, warning it risks irrelevancy unless it is allowed to make changes that will let it show more programmes for up to a year. The corporation helped create modern catch-up streaming services when it launched iPlayer in 2007, with the Netflix chief executive, Reed Hastings, once saying the
  
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• Clothes worth £60,000 donated anonymously to charity shop

  25-04-2019 18:10 via bbc.co.uk
  Several bags of clothes - including pieces by Mulberry and other fashion houses - were donated.
  
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• May urged to bring in police to probe national security leak

  25-04-2019 18:08
  Ex-defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon said ministers should be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act if they are responsible.
  
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• Britain warns against travelling to Sri Lanka, sees further attacks

  25-04-2019 18:07
  Britain said terrorists were likely to try to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka and warned its nationals to avoid the country unless it was absolutely necessary following the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 359 people.The British Foreign Office said future attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners."Following the horrific attacks on Easter Sunday, and the ongoing Sri Lankan security operation, I have ... decided to update the travel advice to British natio
  
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