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The government recently approved applications for tests to be carried out in areas including parts of Horwich, Blackrod and Astley Bridge.
But council leader Cliff Morris said the authority will remain "absolutely" opposed to the scheme.
He said: "The area covered is some of our most beautiful countryside."
However, he admitted that his stance may not ultimately prevent the government from approving fracking projects in Bolton - after ministers recently declared they could bypass local authorities' opposition.
During a full council meeting, Mr Morris was asked by Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Martin if it was inevitable that the new Conservative government would fast-track fracking applications.
He replied: "It's a difficult one because it is up to the government.
"But they will know now the feelings of the residents and the councillors at this time.
"There is a head of steam among our residents because this is a scar on the landscape.
"We are saying 'no thank you, we don't want any fracking in Bolton, especially not the areas you have designated."
Fracking is a technique for extracting gas or oil trapped between layers of rock by forcing the layers open using water under high pressure.
Anti-fracking campaigners are concerned about the effects of the process and the waste water generated.
Applications to carry out fracking in parts of Lancashire sparked widespread protests earlier this year, before the proposals were rejected. | The leader of Bolton Council has vowed to oppose any attempt to begin fracking in the region, describing the drilling technique as "a scar on the landscape". | 34072219 |
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Stephen Hughes was sent-off in the first half and Ivan Sproule in the second but goals from Shane McCabe and Ryan Campbell gave the hosts victory.
David Cushley and Michael Ruddy scored as Ballymena United ensured Premiership safety by beating Carrick Rangers 2-0.
Andrew Mitchell was on target twice in Dungannon's 2-1 triumph over Portadown.
The Ports had halted a run of five successive defeats by drawing 0-0 with Ballinamallard last week but the Swifts' success at Shamrock Park on Saturday saw them take 10 points from their four meetings with the mid-Ulster club this season.
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Mitchell opened the scoring with a fortuitous 18th-minute goal as his cross from the right sailed over goalkeeper David Miskelly and into the net.
The home side had chances to equalise but Mitchell made the three points secure by hammering the ball home in the 70th minute for his 19th of the season.
Nathaniel Ferris side-footed in a consolation strike from Matthew Parker's left-wing cross five minutes later but Rodney McAree's side remain in the hunt for seventh position.
Bottom club Warrenpoint suffered an early setback in their basement battle as Stephen Hughes was sent-off for handling the ball on the line in the eighth minute.
Jason McCartney's resulting penalty was saved by Jonathan Parr but two minutes after the interval, McCabe gave the Fermanagh team the lead by drilling a 30-yard shot into the net.
Whitey Anderson's outfit were reduced to 10 men on 55 minutes when Ivan Sproule was shown a straight red card for lashing out with a foot after losing possession.
Ryan Campbell added his side's second, stabbing the ball into the roof of the net in the 62nd after getting on the end of an Emmett Friars knockdown.
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Seventh-placed Ballymena extended their unbeaten run under new manager David Jeffrey to six matches, and boosted their chances of securing a Europa League play-off spot, by defeating struggling Carrick Rangers at Taylor's Avenue.
Cushley's 35th-minute long-range free-kick took an erratic bounce and sneaked past keeper Brian Neeson for the opener 10 minutes before the break.
Substitute Ruddy made it 2-0 10 minutes from time by firing left-footed past Neeson after Willie Faulkner's initial effort had been saved by the home stopper.
Carrick drop below Ballinamallard into 11th in the Premiership table, just two points ahead of Warrenpoint. | Ballinamallard United moved four points clear of bottom club Warrenpoint Town with a 2-0 win at Ferney Park in a game which saw both sides end with 10 men. | 36063161 |
Munroe, 24, played in all but one of Tyrone's league but failed to nail down a regular starting place.
He started the season-opener against Roscommon and was a substitute in five other Division One games.
The combative defender, who has pace and skill, appeared ideally suited to Tyrone's style of play.
Munroe will now devote all his energies to his club for the remainder of the season, good news for Carrickmore, who will have full access to their top player.
The Carrickmore club now has no representatives in the Tyrone squad. | Tyrone defender Johnny Munroe has left the squad, and will play no part in the county's bid to retain the Ulster Football Championship title. | 39770218 |
James Kelly Nestruck said he received a contract between Wests Tigers forward Martin Taupau and the Manly Sea Eagles.
The two clubs have confirmed the transfer.
A possible explanation for the mix-up is that Mr Nestruck has the same initial and surname as the CEO of the Sea Eagles, Joe Kelly.
But in a statement the Wests Tigers denied that they had sent the email.
Mr Nestruck made light of the incident on his Twitter account, having become an unlikely trending topic in Sydney.
"Hey there Antipodean rugby enthusiasts... Thanks for all the interest, but I'm done playing at Kiwileaks now - and am off to review a play," he said. | A Canadian theatre critic has said he was accidentally sent an email revealing that a rugby league star is switching clubs in Australia. | 34674035 |
Members of the 12th (Airborne) Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment met at the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester for the "final" time.
The Old Veterans Association, known as the Swedebashers, disbanded officially in 2012 after forming in 1945.
Chris Copson, curator of the museum, said the meeting was "poignant" as only about 10 veterans are still alive.
During World War Two the battalion flew into battle using gliders across northern France.
Katrina Thompson's father, General Paul Gleadell, was the driving force behind the association.
She said she believed this would be the final meeting.
"It will get to the stage where there aren't any veterans left, but it is being kept alive in their memory by the sons and daughters.
"It is the end of an era."
Mr Copson said: "The Swedebashers were a remarkable unit by any standards.
"It is the final chapter of an amazing story of what they did during the Second World War."
He said the Swedebasher name came from rural stereotypes about Devon, which was then adopted affectionately by the battalion.
In 1958 the Devonshire Regiment merged with the Dorset Regiment.
It became part of The Rifles in 2007. | A plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a group of World War Two veterans. | 32356615 |
GB will play Australia, ranked second in the world, in Saturday's final at 13:35 BST.
Sam Ward gave Britain the lead from a penalty corner before Dominic Newman levelled for the Black Sticks.
But strikes from Phil Roper and Mark Gleghorne carried home Bobby Crutchley's side.
Britain's return to the final for the first time since England lifted the trophy in 1994 was confirmed when hosts Malaysia beat India 1-0 later in the day.
"It was a very good performance in stifling heat. I felt we dominated the game," said Crutchley.
"If we had a better conversion rate from the chances we created, the scoreline would have been more comfortable."
Results, fixtures & tables on the tournament's official website | Great Britain claimed a 3-2 win against New Zealand in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to become the first British side to reach the final in 23 years. | 39817930 |
Twenty-one-year-old striker Ollie Watkins and midfielder Ethan Ampadu, 16, have been linked with bigger clubs.
Watkins signed in July 2013 and has scored 30 goals in 55 appearances, whilst Ampadu was named Wales Young Player of the Year in November.
Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon: "I want to keep this team together for the season. Nobody is in a rush to sell."
He continued: "There's plenty of interest and enquiries but this is the best group of players I have had in a long time.
"The club is in a healthy place and doesn't need the money. It's a good quality problem to have." | Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has confirmed growing transfer interest in two of his young stars. | 38761097 |
Almost 90 staff from Coventry's Whitley Depot were involved in the unofficial strike on Tuesday that affected tens of thousands of residents, the city council said.
The workers said they were protesting over the suspension of a colleague.
The council said the ongoing issue was still being resolved, but staff had returned to work for now.
More on this and other stores from Coventry and Warwickshire
Unite union says it is considering its position to hold a ballot for industrial action, pending the outcome of a decision on its members' suspended colleague.
Its union convenor was suspended by the council for organising an unofficial protest on Monday, union representatives said.
However, the council disputes the claim.
Councillor Rachel Lancaster said the worker in question had not been suspended for organising a protest. She said his suspension was being investigated, but the authority would not comment further. | Bin crews who went on strike leaving 30,000 homes with full rubbish bins have returned to work. | 35540805 |
The developments at 1 Undershaft and 22 Bishopsgate were approved by the City of London Corporation earlier this year.
Mr Khan said both would include a free public observation platform.
The 73-storey tower at 1 Undershaft, known as the Trelis, will be 305 metres (1,000ft) high - just five metres shorter than the tip of the Shard.
The Bishopsgate development comes ten years after the ill-fated Pinnacle was granted planning position.
That development was eventually abandoned, leaving a half-finished nine-storey shaft pointing towards the sky after funding dried up four years ago.
City Hall said the new developments would deliver nearly £6m in contributions to affordable housing, which the Corporation of London will use to deliver affordable homes on its wider estates across the city.
It will also provide more than £14m towards the construction of the Crossrail project.
It said the plans include a significant expansion of public open space on the sites, as well as office accommodation for almost 20,000 workers.
Mr Khan, said: "These two projects represent a significant investment in the heart of London's economy and are a clear sign that the capital is open for business.
"They will be highly-visible signs of London's enduring appeal as a place to invest.
"These new landmark buildings will offer world-class offices and it's great news that the development of the site at 22 Bishopsgate can now proceed, as this has lain unused for almost five years.
"What's more, Londoners and visitors alike should have the opportunity to take in the views from the upper reaches of these new buildings, for free, and I'm really pleased we have been able to secure this as part of the plans." | London mayor Sadiq Khan has approved the building of two new skyscrapers for the capital. | 38301389 |
Joachim Low's world champions went ahead through Mario Gomez's penalty after 13 minutes.
But Slovakia, who are in the same group as England and Wales in France, hit back through Marek Hamsik, Michal Duris and Juraj Kucka in Augsburg.
The game was played in heavy rain with concerns the match might be abandoned.
Germany, who are in the same group as Northern Ireland at Euro 2016, have to finalise their 23-man squad by midnight on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Euro 2012 winners Spain continued their preparations for the defence of their title with a 3-1 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Switzerland.
Celta Vigo forward Nolito scored the opening two goals for Vicente del Bosque's side.
Chelsea midfielder Pedro added a late third after Emir Spahic, who was later sent off, had reduced the deficit for Bosnia.
Spain gave a debut at right-back for Arsenal's Hector Bellerin.
Southampton's Graziano Pelle scored the only goal as Italy beat Scotland 1-0 in Malta, while Portugal - who meet England at Wembley on Thursday - were 3-0 winners at home to Norway. | Germany suffered a third defeat in four games as they were beaten 3-1 by Slovakia in the final match before their Euro 2016 squad is finalised. | 36409735 |
It also saw £400m of instant access savings cash being withdrawn in a period that saw it being put up for sale before a rescue deal was agreed.
However, half-year losses narrowed to £135.2m from £177m last year.
In June, the Co-operative Bank agreed a £700m rescue package to stop itself from being wound up.
The bank said that the deal was progressing to plan and was "on track" to be completed by September.
The Co-op Bank was rescued from the brink of collapse by a group of hedge funds in 2013, after bad property loans contributed to a £1.5bn hole in its finances.
In February this year, the bank was put up for sale after it was unable to reach a strong enough financial footing to satisfy Bank of England regulations.
However, the sale plan was dropped after its existing investors agreed to a rescue deal, which will see them swap their debt for a stake in the bank. The Co-op Group's stake in the bank will fall from 20% to about 1%.
Chief executive Liam Coleman said the completion of the restructuring would "secure the future of the Co-operative Bank as a viable stand-alone entity".
He also said that trading in the first half of the year had been "resilient", given the backdrop of the talks over the bank's future.
Although the bank had lost current accounts, the fall was less than 2% of its total, and it still had 1.4 million current account customers.
"The vast majority of customers have remained very loyal as we have progressed the sale and capital raise process and I am extremely grateful for their ongoing support," Mr Coleman said.
"Of course there is more hard work ahead, and, like other banks, we recognise there are risks to the UK economy, but this is a great bank and we are positive about the future." | The Co-operative Bank has said it lost about 25,000 current accounts during the first half of the year amid the uncertainty over its future. | 40884748 |
In June, the government in England said agency spending was to be capped and it has now unveiled details of how that will work.
From April, NHS trusts will not be able to pay more than 55% more to agencies than it costs to pay a member of staff for a shift.
It comes amid mounting pressure on NHS finances.
Figures released last week showed trusts had overspent by £930m in the last three months - with agency spending highlighted as one of the biggest factors.
Ministers believe the move will save £1bn by April 2018 - the equivalent of shaving 10% from the £3.3bn annual agency bill.
Reports have emerged of agencies being paid thousands of pounds to supply nurses and doctors for shifts.
The new limit will start to be phased in from November - with the "shift rate plus 55%" limit kicking in in full from April.
Agencies are being allowed to charge more to reflect the costs they face in terms of administration and National Insurance contributions.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "For too long, staffing agencies have been able to rip off the NHS by charging extortionate hourly rates which cost billions of pounds a year and undermine staff working hard to deliver high-quality care.
"The tough new controls on spending that we're putting in place will help the NHS improve continuity of care for patients and invest in the front line - while putting an end to the days of unscrupulous companies charging up to £3,500 a shift for a doctor." | Ministers have set out details of how they aim to save the NHS £1bn on agency staff costs over the next three years. | 34520631 |
Russell sustained the injury in Glasgow Warriors' Pro12 semi-final defeat by Connacht in May.
"We don't expect him to play in the first two or three games of the season," Townsend told BBC Scotland.
"We'll just see what happens over the next few weeks."
Russell was stretchered off during Glasgow's defeat in Galway after a sickening collision with team-mate Zander Fagerson in the first minute of the match.
The Scotland playmaker was kept in hospital for over a week for observation, but is now back in light training.
"He's working on skills, he's very keen to be involved," Townsend continued.
"Everything has gone well so far with his recovery, but obviously we're being very cautious on when he can come back to training with the team and also full training.
"So far his progress has been really good." | Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend says Finn Russell is progressing well in his recovery from a serious head injury, but still expects him to miss the start of the season. | 36936052 |
The 22-year-old batted to within nine overs of the close for 157 as they progressed to 470-8, a lead of 64.
He shared stands of 121 with George Bailey (62) and 172 with James Franklin, the latter a Middlesex sixth-wicket record against Yorkshire.
Franklin fell for 99 just before stumps as paceman Jack Brooks claimed 5-89.
England batsman Nick Compton's recent decision to take a break from cricket led to Eskinazi's elevation to the Middlesex first team and he responded with 106 against Lancashire last week.
His latest innings was even better as he advanced his score steadily from his overnight 19 not out and went to three figures off 224 deliveries with a boundary off Steven Patterson, having had a let-off on 84 when Kane Williamson floored a slip chance.
By then he had lost Bailey, who was dropped on 36, and Simpson, both to catches by Tim Bresnan, but Franklin settled in well after taking 30 balls to score his first run.
His partnership with Franklin beat the previous sixth-wicket record for Yorkshire of 166 by Norman Featherstone and Larry Gomes, also at Scarborough, in 1975.
Eskinazi was eventually caught at deep mid-wicket off Brooks, having struck 23 fours in all, and Paul Stirling, Ollie Rayner and Franklin followed as Yorkshire hit back late on, but a draw looks by far the most likely result on the final day. | Stevie Eskinazi hit a second successive Championship hundred as Middlesex fought back strongly on day three against Yorkshire at Scarborough. | 36714012 |
The Mill, in Ipswich, which is 233ft (71m) high, has a specially-built nesting box that is home to five chicks waiting to fledge.
It was built in 2009 but peregrines did not nest there until 2014.
Steve Piotrowski, from the Suffolk Ornithologists Group, said: "Hopefully they will colonise other urban sites, which are becoming important habitats."
The Mill, which remains uncompleted after work building the flats halted in 2009, is believed to be the tallest residential building in East Anglia.
Mr Piotrowski added: "It's a species which is protected and it plays a role in killing feral pigeons on Ipswich Waterfront."
A webcam has also been set up by Ipswich Haven Marina to monitor the chicks' progress.
180mph (290km/h)
the top diving speed of a peregrine falcon
1,400 the number of breeding pairs in the UK, according to the latest figures
365 the number of breeding pairs in the UK back in 1961
3-4 the number of eggs a hen would usually lay in a year | Peregrine chicks nesting in a 23-storey tower block have been ringed to help monitor their future movements. | 36370263 |
It was posted on Thursday on Twitter by the south Belfast politician.
A number of politicians from Northern Ireland tweeted pictures of their ballot papers.
However, Ms Hanna's photo showed her daughter holding a pencil with her hand, appearing to mark a ballot paper for the EU Referendum.
A spokesperson for the Electoral Office said: "We would strongly discourage anyone from taking photographs inside the polling station."
EU Referendum results
The spokesperson added that "the requirement for secrecy around the conduct of the ballot is set out in the Representation of the People Act (1983)".
The BBC contacted the SDLP press office to get a comment from Claire Hanna but is still awaiting a reply.
However, in a Facebook post, Ms Hanna said: "This is literally the stupidest article I have ever read on what is the absolute opposite of a slow news day."
Northern Ireland has voted to remain in the EU Referendum by a majority of 56% to 44%.
However, the UK, as a whole, has voted by a narrow margin to leave the EU.
Overall, 440,437 people in Northern Ireland voted to Remain in the EU and 349,442 to Leave. Out of 18 constituencies, 11 voted to stay in the European Union.
The turnout in Northern Ireland was 62.7% with 789,879 people voting in the referendum.
Get the results in full. | The SDLP MLA Claire Hanna has tweeted a photo of her daughter appearing to mark her referendum ballot paper in a polling station booth. | 36622412 |
Hansen has made six changes as New Zealand play for the first time since beating Australia 34-17 in the World Cup final.
Wales have not beaten the Kiwis in more than 62 years, a fact Hansen believes provides extra motivation.
"They are desperate to re-write some history so that makes them a really dangerous beast I think," Hansen said.
The Welsh run of 26 consecutive defeats against New Zealand includes three when Hansen was Wales coach between 2002 and 2004.
He added: "They see us as the team they want to beat and you know there's enough history been written about how long it's been - and it's going to happen one day.
"This is a really good Welsh side and it could happen this weekend if we don't turn up and play as well as we can."
Wales were outscored by five tries to one in a 27-13 defeat by England the last time they played, and coach Warren Gatland has made five changes from that match.
But Hansen believes the result was a reflection of Wales' lack of match-fitness rather than the quality of their performance.
He also thinks Wales are adapting their game to match the greater speed of matches in the southern hemisphere.
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"The northern hemisphere are starting to realise they have to change their game and we saw that against England," said Hansen.
"They hadn't played for some time ahead of that game and for the first 30-40 minutes against England they played really well.
"They fell away a little bit due to lack of game time in the second half so they have changed their game a little bit." | All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Wales are a "dangerous beast" ahead of Saturday's first test in Auckland. | 36488196 |
The 25-year-old is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made his signing a top priority.
The Reds refused to comment on renewed speculation but it is expected they will intensify efforts to reach a deal with both Southampton and the player.
Chelsea and Manchester City have both been heavily linked with the defender, who joined Southampton from Celtic for £13m in September 2015.
But BBC Sport understands Van Dijk wants to move to Anfield in what would be a major coup for Klopp and Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, who are willing to spend big after qualification for next season's Champions League.
Liverpool still have to reach an agreement with Southampton - and a demand for a fee well in excess of £50m could mean negotiations will be complicated before any deal nears a conclusion.
Former club Celtic are also understood to have a 10% sell-on agreement.
Van Dijk missed the final five months of the season after sustaining an ankle injury following a challenge by Leicester City's Jamie Vardy in Southampton's 3-0 win at St Mary's on 22 January.
It forced him to miss Southampton's EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United at Wembley. | Liverpool are poised to win the race to sign Southampton's £50m-rated Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk after it emerged he wants to move to Anfield if he leaves St Mary's. | 40164572 |
Emergency services were called to the fire in Insch just after midnight when a local resident noticed smoke emerging from a property in High Street.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze had breached the roof of the building.
Residents in nearby flats were evacuated to a community centre but there were no casualties.
Six fire engines from nearby towns, including a height appliance from Aberdeen, were sent to tackle the fire.
Crews, including four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, used water jets to douse the flames.
The fire service said the blaze was finally extinguished at 02:23 but they remained on the scene for several hours.
They added that an investigation will be carried out in due course. | Residents were evacuated from their homes in an Aberdeenshire town after a blaze broke out in a nearby bank. | 38623499 |
A strong El Nino is likely to increase prices of staple foods such as rice, coffee, sugar and cocoa, say scientists.
Forecasters agree that the El Nino effect, which can drive droughts and flooding, is under way in the tropical Pacific.
But they say it is too early to say how severe it will be.
Reduced rainfall could be felt in India and West Africa as early as June, say scientists.
The consequences of El Nino are much less clear for Europe and the UK, although they can lead to British winters that are dry with heavy snowfall.
"It's likely there will be at least a moderate El Nino this year," said Prof Adam Scaife of the Met Office.
"I think there is very good agreement across the different [forecasting] centres that this is coming."
He said there was a 70% chance of a "moderate" El Nino event towards the end of this year that is likely to lead to droughts and crop failures.
Although it is too early to say how strong the event will be and whether it will persist throughout the year, a strong El Nino has the potential to "disrupt global food markets", said Dr Nick Klingaman of the University of Reading.
He said coffee plantations in Brazil "already on the brink of failure" could be jeopardised, while reduced rainfall in Australia could affect banana and sugarcane crops as well as cattle herds.
A moderately strong El Nino in 2002 was linked with a drier monsoon than normal in India, ruining crops such as groundnut and rice.
"Most El Ninos historically have had a global impact on food prices," he said.
"We tend to see an increase in price of 5 to 10% on average for things like coffee, soybeans and cocoa."
The El Nino five years ago was linked with poor monsoons in Southeast Asia, droughts in southern Australia, the Philippines and Ecuador, blizzards in the US, heatwaves in Brazil and extreme flooding in Mexico.
Prof Eric Guilyardi of the University of Reading said current models point to an event on a similar scale to that of 2009/10, but perhaps as strong as in 1997/98, which was particularly extreme.
However, he cautioned that "every El Nino is different, so its impacts are different".
The warming of parts of the ocean is also likely to have a knock-on effect for global temperatures.
"Global temperatures are very high and this is partly attributable to the El Nino evolving now," said Prof Scaife.
The El Nino is a warming of the Pacific Ocean as part of a complex cycle linking atmosphere and ocean.
An El Nino comes along about every two to seven years as part of a natural cycle.
Research suggests that extreme El Nino events will become more likely as global temperatures rise.
Models suggest that climate change could double the number of extreme El Ninos after 2050.
Follow Helen on Twitter. | Global food markets could be disrupted by the El Nino event predicted for later this year. | 32815460 |
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expressed "serious concerns" to the European Commission about the deal.
It warned the merger could cause "long-term damage" for UK consumers as it would leave only three mobile networks.
CK Hutchison, the owner of Three, said it was "very disappointed" the CMA had published the letter.
The European Commission has until 19 May to make a decision on Three's proposed £10.5bn takeover of O2.
Hutchison said: "It is no surprise that CMA opposes the merger. It always has, and so has Ofcom. But it is for the Commission to assess any competition concerns, on the basis of the facts and proposed remedies."
Sky, Virgin, Tesco and UK Broadband have agreed to use Three-O2's share of UK airwaves to offer their own mobile packages, the company said.
"The entry of so many diverse, strong and committed players will ensure that there is plenty of competition in the UK market and plenty of counter offers to any supposed price increases post-merger," it said.
Three's owner added that it would invest £5bn in UK mobile infrastructure and that new entrants would add a further £5bn.
The planned purchase of O2 by Hutchison, which is owned by Asia's richest person Li Ka-shing, was announced early last year.
If approved, the deal would leave just two other major UK operators: EE and Vodafone.
Hutchison sent its suggested remedies to the European Commission last week to smooth the takeover.
The CMA said the remedies "fall well short" and insisted the Commission should instead force most of O2 or Three's mobile network to be sold off after the deal.
"Absent such structural remedies, the only option available to the Commission is prohibition," Alex Chisholm, chief executive of the CMA, said in the letter to the European Commission.
European competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager will make the final decision on the deal, rather than UK regulators.
"At best we see UK deal approval odds at 50/50. The risk, here, is the decision could become increasingly political (from a UK perspective it already is) as it's so close to the Brexit vote," said Mandeep Singh, a partner at Redburn analysts.
Campaigners for a British exit from the EU - known as "Brexit" - have already raised concerns about the European Commission having the final say instead of the CMA or Ofcom.
The Commission has previously approved deals in Ireland, Austria and Germany that reduced the number of mobile networks from four to three.
The UK telecoms market is going through significant change, with broadband, mobile and subscription TV providers increasingly competing with each other.
BT re-entered the mobile market earlier this year after its £12.5bn takeover of EE was approved by the CMA.
Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media chief executive, said: "A combined O2-Three would provide a counter balance to the strength of BT/EE, offering an alternative source of capacity to other providers who will drive competition in their own right." | The planned merger of mobile networks O2 and Three should be blocked or severely restricted by EU regulators, the UK competition watchdog has said. | 36013082 |
The 29-year-old led Sarries to the Premiership and European Champions Cup titles last season while Hargreaves was sidelined through injury.
Barritt has made 171 appearances since joining Saracens in 2008 and has won 26 international caps for England.
Director of rugby Mark McCall said Barritt had shown "exceptional leadership qualities".
The Ulsterman continued: "He is ideally qualified to be our captain.
"Brad is someone who leads through example - through his actions, attitude and application. He is one of the most competitive players I have ever come across.
"He stepped in to the captaincy role last season in Alistair's absence with real aplomb."
Saracens begin their defence of the Premiership title against Worcester on Saturday, 3 September while the north London side have been drawn to face Toulon, Sale and Scarlets in the pool stage of the Champions Cup. | Double winners Saracens have appointed centre Brad Barritt as captain, replacing Alistair Hargreaves. | 36856352 |
The sentence follows his conviction last month on charges that include espionage.
Officials did not give details about the sentence but said in a statement it included jail time.
Jason Rezaian, 39, has been detained in Iran for more than a year. The Post has dismissed the charges as absurd.
"In brief, it is a prison sentence," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said in a statement on Iranian state TV.
He added that the verdict is "not finalised" - referring to an expected appeal.
Rezaian's lawyer, Leila Ahsan, told the Associated Press news agency she had not been informed of the verdict or the details of the sentence.
The foreign editor of the Washington Post, Douglas Jehl, said in a statement that Rezaian's "trial and sentence are a sham, and he should be released immediately". He added that the journalist had already spent 487 days in prison.
Rezaian, his wife, who is also a journalist, and two photojournalists were arrested in July 2014 in Iran. Rezaian was the only one of the group not to be released.
The Post's Tehran bureau chief since 2012, he was charged with espionage and distributing propaganda against the Islamic Republic.
He is a dual Iranian-American citizen and was tried in four hearings behind closed doors. He was convicted in October.
Earlier reports said Rezaian could face 10 to 20 years in prison. | Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian has been sentenced to an unspecified prison term in Iran, the country's judiciary has said. | 34895488 |
The Australian navy ship HMAS Maitland and four merchant vessels were involved in rescue operations 75km (45 miles) south-west of Indonesia's Java Island.
The search followed a distress call on Wednesday from a vessel which said it had 150 people on board.
Indonesian teams had searched the waters, but could not locate the boat.
The country's search and rescue agency, Basarnas, sent two boats and a helicopter to the area on Wednesday but found nothing and returned to base.
But on Thursday a merchant vessel said it had found six people in the water, and more survivors were rescued during the day.
"Three survivors have serious injuries, but are in a stable condition. They are on board HMAS Maitland," the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said in a statement.
It added that merchant vessels APL Bahrain, Gwenolen, AR Carelia and Da Ging Xia were involved in the search.
Source: Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Captain Manuel Nistorescu from the APL Bahrain ship told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper that a group of Afghan men he picked up had been in the water for 24 hours.
There were also women and children on the missing boat, he added.
"They had an engine break and the water was coming, and the pump for pumping out the water was not working and the boat sinks. This is what I understand from them," he said.
The number of missing people could not be confirmed, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare told reporters.
"We have grave fears for a lot more," he said. ''Don't underestimate how difficult this task is; don't underestimate how big the sea that we're searching is.''
Asylum seekers often target Christmas Island, off Australia's northwest coast, to get to the country. They make the journey from Indonesia in boats that are usually overloaded and poorly maintained.
In June, a boat with 200 asylum seekers sank near the island - 17 bodies were found and another 70 were feared dead after a three-day search. That was the second boat to sink in a week, reigniting the debate on asylum in parliament.
Earlier this month, lawmakers approved the re-opening of offshore processing camps for asylum seekers in Nauru and PNG.
The moves are aimed at deterring asylum seekers from making the dangerous journey to Australia by boat, amid an increasing number of arrivals.
Australia says it will also increase its intake of refugees to 20,000 a year, from the current 13,750, in line with recommendations by an expert panel. | Australian and commercial ships plucked 55 people from the sea as a search continued after a boat carrying asylum seekers was believed to have sunk. | 19419470 |
Gerry Holtham was commissioned by the Welsh government to look at the pros and cons of the way that government gets its budget.
He found, among other things, that Wales would be treated more generously if Wales were funded on the basis of need rather than the population-based Barnett formula.
Politicians have used his findings ever since to make the case for a change to the formula on the basis of the shortfall suffered by the Welsh government.
I've been talking to Gerry Holtham as part of a discussion on a report he wrote for the Institute of Welsh Affairs. So how big is that shortfall?
He told me: "At the time we did the research it was £300 m to £400 m a year less than it would get if it were an English region getting needs-based grants. We don't know what that is now.
"Given the squeeze on public finances it's probably a smaller number, the shortfall is probably less than it was then. Even then, it was only a couple of per cent of the Welsh budget so we're probably down to one per cent of the Welsh budget."
In comments that may yet be worth recalling the next time you hear a politician use his figures, he added: "It's not going to change the world. Welsh government has to find a way forward apart from just complaining about the grant." | He is Wales's most quoted economist, his name often called in aid by those who think the country is under-funded from Westminster. | 32023574 |
The long-running debate over the future of the B-listed building could finally be decided by Perth and Kinross Council next week.
A meeting of the full council will discuss two bids, which re-imagine the hall as either a luxury hotel or an indoor food market and community hub.
Experts hired by the council have recommended backing the market plan.
Demolition plans are on hold until the redevelopment proposals are considered.
The Edwardian building, which dates back to 1911, was closed 10 years ago after a modern new concert hall was opened in the city.
The council wanted to demolish it to make way for a new civic square, and hoped Historic Scotland would withdraw its objection to this plan if no firm plans for redevelopment could be agreed.
Councillors agreed exactly a year ago to publicly market a 125-year lease for the hall to finally settle whether a realistic alternative to demolition exists.
Five bids were received, but only two were found to be compliant with guidelines.
One is a £4.8m proposal from the Seventy Group, previously backed by city planners, to convert the building into a 32-room hotel, with a rooftop bar and restaurant open to the public.
The other, from Perth Market Place Ltd to use the main hall as a food hall and the lesser hall as a community space for hire, had been rejected by experts at an earlier draft stage. Redevelopment would cost £2.7m, with backing from Market Place Europe and Groupe Geraud, Europe's largest investor and operator of specialist markets.
In a report to councillors, independent firm Jones Laing LaSalle recommended choosing the marketplace bid, which they said was far more detailed than the one they had previously advised against accepting.
They said the chief difference between the bids was that Seventy Group proposed to pay a nominal £1 a year in rent, while Perth Market Place Ltd offered to pay £20,000, plus 7.5% of their annual turnover above that sum.
They also said that the Seventy Group proposal had only outlined 65% of the required funding, which was a "significant weakness" of the hotel bid.
If councillors give their backing to either proposal, council officers will be instructed to agree lease terms with the preferred bidder for approval at a later meeting.
Officers noted that "an element of risk will require to be borne by the council until a lease is signed" should a chosen plan fall through. | Two proposals to save Perth's demolition-threatened City Hall are to be considered by councillors. | 33269275 |
Bridgend county council wants to knock down Malc's Cafe in Rest Bay, to make way for the new modern facility.
Porthcawl Civic Trust Society has objected to the two-storey building saying it was "out of accord" with the area's character.
Councillors have backed it but said traffic plans must still be agreed.
The proposals were being considered by the council's development control committee on Thursday.
The council hopes the building - with public toilets, changing rooms, a new cafe/bistro, function room and covered dog walkers' area - will be used by water sports clubs.
Residents said the plans would increase parking problems, late-night noise and anti-social behaviour, and the height of the building would impact on the "unspoilt" appearance of the coastline.
The council said: "If successful, the water sports centre and cafe at Rest Bay will provide new high-quality facilities near the award-winning blue flag beach while establishing an iconic, contemporary attraction capable of supporting and developing sports and leisure activities in the area."
Approving the proposals, the committee has imposed a number of conditions in a bid to ease the public concerns.
The centre will not be allowed to operate after 21:00 in the evening and staff parking, turning area and delivery yard plans must be agreed.
The council said a traffic management plan for the development must also be submitted and approved before construction can get under way. | Plans to build a new water sports centre in Porthcawl have been approved, despite concerns it could spoil the coastline. | 40961143 |
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Forest have slipped to 17th in the table, having won just once in eight Championship matches.
Cohen, 29, told BBC Nottingham Sport bad results were not down to "a couple of little mix-ups with payments".
"That is not any kind of reason why we are not getting results," Cohen said.
"Anyone that says that is lying and using it as an excuse to hide the fact they are not doing well enough."
Reds owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi is close to selling up to a United States consortium, but has denied reports he is demanding a large annual salary and huge bonuses as part of any takeover deal.
The Guardian article also claimed the players had to be placated over late payments and unpaid bonuses.
But Cohen, Forest's longest-serving player having joined in 2007, added: "There have been issues over the years and everything has always been resolved, but because results are not going well and the media have got involved it has magnified the situation.
"They always get sorted out, as they will be this time, and then we move on.
"You don't want it to happen and would rather everything just ran completely smoothly but they are small issues. Talk of players' revolt - if that was going to happen then I missed it.
"It's not as big an issue as everyone is saying but you want to iron out the small details.
"There is a good relationship and always has been between the chairman and players and that hasn't changed over the last few weeks. I would be surprised if the same story had come if we had won the last five games." | Nottingham Forest captain Chris Cohen says the club's impending takeover, off-field distractions and "small issues" with late payments and unpaid bonuses are no excuse for poor form. | 37717901 |
The Public Accounts Committee criticised the Department for Transport (DfT) for buying stock itself for the Intercity Express programme and the Thameslink project.
The MPs also said it was "extremely disappointing" that the Thameslink carriages would not be built in the UK.
The DfT said the schemes would "bring enormous benefits to passengers".
The committee said the government had decided to lead on the procurement on the two schemes, "despite having no previous experience of doing so".
The contracts are to supply, finance and maintain the new carriages. Previously, this would be done by the train operating companies, the report said.
But in this instance, the DfT had decided to intervene because of the "massive scale and complexity of both procurements".
A Hitachi-led consortium is supplying 866 new carriages for the Intercity Express programme, which will replace ageing trains on the Great Western and East Coast lines.
In the other contract, German company Siemens is supplying 1,140 new Thameslink coaches to provide improved capacity on cross-London rail routes.
The combined cost of the two contracts is about £10.5bn.
The report said that by buying the trains directly, the DfT had taken on the risk of passenger forecasts being wrong.
"If demand proves to be lower than forecast, taxpayers would have to cover the costs of any financial shortfall," it said.
"These two major projects also demonstrate yet again that the department has limited capacity and capability to manage large-scale procurements, and that it remains overly reliant on consultants."
The MPs welcomed Hitachi's decision to build 592 carriages in County Durham, creating a reported 900 new jobs, but committee chairwoman Margaret Hodge added: "It is extremely disappointing that Siemens will not also be manufacturing the Thameslink carriages in the UK, when the £2.8bn contract is funded by the UK taxpayer and farepayer."
The MPs said the government should be "more assertive" in asking for information from contractors in this area.
Siemens is building the 1,140 carriages in Germany, but claims up to 2,000 jobs will be created in the UK supply chain.
Mick Cash, general secretary of the RMT transport union, said: "The companies using these trains get to privatise the profits while the public get to shoulder over £10bn of risks. It is an absolute disgrace."
A DfT spokesman said: "Successive governments have considered how best to deliver these orders and have come to the same conclusion, that government should lead with expert support and advice from the train operating companies.
"IEP and Thameslink are making excellent progress and are on track to deliver very good value for taxpayers and improved services for passengers. They are also creating thousands of new jobs across the UK rail industry." | Taxpayers have been left "bearing all the risk" from purchases of new trains worth £10.5bn, MPs say. | 30504898 |
The Landmark Trust has funding for Llwyn Celyn farmhouse in Monmouthshire, with the aim of restoring its 500-plus years of architectural legacy.
The Grade 1 Listed medieval hall house is considered the most significant inhabited "at risk" building in Wales.
Welsh heritage body Cadw and the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) gave grants totalling £670,000.
Thought to date from around 1480, the property is said to represent key developments in Welsh architecture between the 15th and 18th Centuries and a textbook example of the development of the British manor house.
Largely untouched for the past century, the house is in more than six acres (2.6 hectares) of ground, near Llanvihangel Crucorney in the Llanthony Valley, and still has smoke-blackened roofs from its early years - the chimneys and floors were added in the 17th Century.
Jennifer Stewart, of the NHMF, said the aim of the work was to "build up the story and the story book of who lived in the property at different stages".
She said: "Because it has been in private hands for 100 years, we really don't know that much about it.
"Unlike modern houses, we don't know what is behind the panelling. We want to see what this house is like inside and what it was like to live in this house. There's a huge amount to be discovered there."
However, it is thought that the original owner must have been someone of considerable status and wealth and there is possibly a connection with Llanthony Priory which is situated less than six miles away.
The Landmark Trust is to begin fundraising for the restoration and the house, which sits within the Brecon Beacons National Park, will be available for rent as holiday accommodation.
SOURCE: Cadw
Ms Stewart added: "Often the way to preserve [buildings like this] is to find them a use. This is an other way to find a modern use for an ancient building.
"This is helping the building to "breathe" if you like. If people have enjoyed their stay, they may well provide additional funds."
Peter Pearce, director of the Landmark Trust, said: "The importance of Llwyn Celyn in helping us understand the development of high status Welsh houses more fully cannot be understated." | It may not look like much now, but this in-need-of-attention property is set to be a holiday let for history fans. | 10879780 |
It is a pretty astonishing story of rebirth.
Ten years ago al-Qaeda was on the run.
It had lost training camps, money and men - crushed by American and Pakistani operations.
And then, to make matters worse, its local franchise in Iraq went off the rails, becoming so barbaric that al-Qaeda's own supporters turned against it.
So how did al-Qaeda turn things around? In a word: strategy.
It learnt from its mistakes and went on a charm offensive - delivering gas and water to people, taking over bakeries and selling cut-price bread.
And it seems to be working.
Al-Qaeda and its affiliates are known to operate in Syria and Iraq, in Afghanistan and in Yemen, and in several African countries including Mali, Somalia and Niger.
While IS is losing support all over the Middle East, al-Qaeda's star is rising.
In fact, it is now so popular that, in the long run, al-Qaeda may pose the greater threat.
You can listen to The Inquiry: What happened to al-Qaeda? on the BBC World Service website or download the programme podcast. | Barely out of the headlines a few years ago, al-Qaeda may now appear to have been eclipsed by so-called Islamic State - but, according to four of the world's leading experts on the organisation founded by Osama Bin Laden, it is more dangerous than ever, as The Inquiry team explains. | 37310774 |
The Dow Jones hit a new record high closing up 24.45 points to 18,372.12.
The S&P 500 climbed just 0.29 points to 2,152.43, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq index slipped 17.09 to 5,005.73.
Investors remained cautious ahead of the corporate earnings season, with major firms due to release results over the next few weeks, starting with JP Morgan on Thursday.
Shares in JP Morgan Chase slipped 0.2%.
Delta Airlines which also reports quarterly results on Thursday closed 1.5% lower.
Health insurance providers saw a rise in their share price after a report said healthcare spending in the US would rise by 5.8% per year over the next decade.
Insurance provider Humana gained 4.3%, while Aetna climbed 3.2%.
Shares of Juno Therapeutics added 9.5% despite a lawsuit that was filed against it this week.
The lawsuit alleges that Juno and its chief executive Hans Bishop misled investors about the death of a patient in a drug trial.
Global oil prices fell by 4%. Brent crude oil dropped to $46.48 per barrel and West Texas crude slipped to $45 per barrel. | (Closed): Wall Street finished with mixed results as a three-day rally showed signs of slowing. | 36784182 |
The Isle of Man Met Office predicts wind speeds could reach up to 55mph (88km/h) later and on Thursday.
The 08:45 GMT sailing between Douglas and Heysham and the 14:15 are affected, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said.
A spokesman said the 19:45 and overnight service could also face disruption or cancellation.
Affected passengers have been asked to contact the company.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for cold and windy weather on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with a "likelihood of hail, snow and temperatures close to zero".
It has also issued a flood warning for Peel promenade at high tide at 10:15. | Strong winds have led to the cancellation of two ferry crossings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire. | 38582206 |
It followed a "network-wide failure" that caused delays, a Metrolink spokeswoman said.
There had been a communications failure between the control room in the depot and trams on the network, she added.
Metrolink boss Danny Vaughan said: "I'd like to apologise once again and thank passengers for their understanding."
There is no indication the fault was caused by hacking.
In May, the tram network was shut down because control room staff lost visible sight of trams. | All tram services have resumed in Greater Manchester after the whole network shut down on Saturday following a communications problem. | 40697143 |
The RSPCA visited Margaret Greaves's house after concerns were raised about the welfare of dogs at the property.
Inspectors found 30 dogs living in "their own little prison cells" with no food or water.
Six puppies, two cats and two parrots were also found.
The dogs were found in squalid conditions all over the house, as well as seven living in a van.
RSPCA inspector Laura Kirkham said: "They were living in their own little prison cells - it was absolutely horrific.
"There were faeces and urine in the crates and, in some, there were two dogs in each.
"The smell was disgusting, it was so overpowering that it was burning my throat."
Five of the dogs were put to sleep on veterinary advice and a puppy removed from the property died from natural causes.
The remaining animals are in RSPCA care or have been re-homed.
Greaves, of Rookery Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
She was also banned from keeping any animal for three years.
The RSPCA said Greaves ran a Nottinghamshire-based dog flyball team and has previously competed in national and international competitions.
Flyball sees two teams of four dogs each racing side-by-side over a 51ft (15.6m) course, releasing and catching a ball. | A flyball trainer who competed internationally has been banned from keeping dogs for life after 40 animals were found at her home in "horrific" conditions. | 40346682 |
The 53-year-old was due to have what he described as "simple and straightforward" surgery on Monday to relieve a "tightness of the arteries".
However, after extensive tests Allen was allowed to return home and will take first-team training on Thursday.
Barnet are 12th in the table, two points off the play-off places.
A statement on the club website said tests on Allen's condition are ongoing. | Barnet manager Martin Allen will take charge of Saturday's League Two match against Crewe after a surgeon decided not to operate on a minor heart issue. | 37976102 |
They'll headline the British Summer Time festival on 20 June.
The band, who got back together for a pair of reunion shows in the park six years ago, join Taylor Swift, Kylie and The Who on the bill.
Speaking at a news conference in a London Chinatown restaurant, frontman Damon Albarn joked: "I love it because I can cycle to work".
They'll be the only band ever to play Hyde Park four times after this performance.
Bassist Alex James says that "since we made our last record as a four-piece we have probably only done 20 gigs.
"So for me every time we play together it feels special but in order to keep doing it we need something news to do."
Blur are also working on their first studio album as four-piece in 16 years, The Magic Whip.
Guitarist Graham Coxon said they started recording in Hong Kong when a gig was cancelled.
He said: "we thought we'd put a few days, five or six days, to good use".
The album is influenced by the band's time in Far East.
Damon Albarn confirmed one song was about time he spent in North Korea: "it's my impression of the place, in a very abstract veiled way.
"When you listen to it is pretty self explanatory what it's about".
The singer also said it was nice to work with a basic set-up when they first started to make the album to see what they could create.
He told the news conference that "we didn't have much stuff so it was like recording when we first started doing stuff. It was a really small studio, it was really hot and claustrophobic.
"We just went in there and knocked about some ideas."
The album will be released on 27 April.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube | Blur are heading back to Hyde Park with their first album in more than a decade. | 31540060 |
It had been in talks with stadium operators the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for six months over a naming-rights deal.
But a Vodafone spokesman confirmed the company has "no plans to sponsor the London Stadium".
A stadium spokesperson said they were still "actively seeking a naming rights partner".
"Interest remains high within the market and we are confident we will find the right partner," they said.
Vodafone has reported an annual loss of £5.2bn but denied this was a factor in its decision.
A raid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officials on West Ham's offices last month was also ruled out as a reason for the company to pull out, sources at the club and Vodafone have said.
It is understood talks ceased because Vodafone did not think the range of events at the stadium where the 2012 Olympic Games was held was attractive enough for marketing purposes.
The venue can only host a limited number of events because of its use as a football ground, although the World Athletics Championships and several concerts will be staged there this summer.
This is the second time a sponsorship deal at the £750m stadium has faltered.
Indian conglomerate Mahindra had been in talks with the LLDC last year.
West Ham are unlikely to see any direct benefits from a sponsorship deal as under the tenancy arrangement, the LLDC take the first £4m a year from any naming-rights contract. | Telecoms company Vodafone has pulled out of a £20m deal to sponsor West Ham's London Stadium home. | 39936608 |
Leeds were crowned champions in 2011, beating Saints in the Grand Final, despite ending the season fifth.
"For my personal pride, I want to us to finish as high as we can, and not just because it makes the play-offs easier," Wilkin told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"The league table is a good barometer of who's been the best side all year."
The England international forward continued: "It's ridiculous that you can finish eighth and be deemed the champions but, the way the competition is set up, you can have a decent shot at it from anywhere in that top eight."
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St Helens are one of the form teams in Super League and lie fourth in the table, eight points behind leaders Wigan Warriors.
Wilkin, 28, is celebrating a decade with Saints and is combining his playing duties with events for his testimonial year.
"A committee of people have organised a lot of things on my behalf," said Wilkin. "They've organised some great events and the impact on my rugby life has been minimal.
"I'm so proud to have been given a testimonial. I remember watching this club as a kid. To have played for 10 years at this club, I couldn't more proud and pleased to be part of this club's history."
St Helens face Wilkin's first club, Hull KR, at Langtree Park on Friday. | Jon Wilkin wants St Helens to finish as high as possible in Super League, despite knowing a top-eight place will be enough for a play-off spot. | 18625964 |
It happened at about 08:25 on the A737 at Lauchlan Way, near Ayrshire College.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said one person had been freed after being trapped in a vehicle. No-one on the bus was thought to have been injured.
The college has tweeted that there may be some disruption to classes this morning due to a "major traffic incident".
Two ambulances and a special incident support vehicle were sent to the scene, the ambulance service said. | Two people have been injured after a crash involving a car and a bus in Kilwinning in North Ayrshire. | 38301198 |
The Treasury will write to cabinet ministers on Tuesday to ask for savings in their departments to total £20bn.
BBC Newsnight understands specific targets will not be set for departments.
It is expected that cabinet ministers will put forward their proposals for cuts by September.
The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has calculated that departments that are not protected by a ring-fence will have to cut 12.6% from their budgets over the next five years.
Chancellor George Osborne announced £37bn of spending cuts during this parliament in his Budget.
He has already set out £17bn of cuts, including £12bn from welfare and £5bn from tackling tax evasion, avoidance, planning and imbalances in the tax system.
At the time he said that no year "will see cuts as deep" as those in 2011-12 and 2012-13.
Last month he ordered non-protected government departments to find £3bn in savings in the current financial year.
BBC Newsnight's Laura Kuenssberg said the theme of the November review would be "more with less".
She said Mr Osborne wants to encourage public sector reforms that use taxpayers' money more efficiently.
"The Treasury believes that billions can be found from selling off public land - they say currently more than £300bn's worth is owned by the taxpayer," she said.
"For the first time, departments will be expected to show they are contributing to the government's target of building 150,000 homes on land previously owned by the taxpayer by 2020."
She said ministers also believe that money could be released by devolving spending from Whitehall, under the Chancellor's so-called "Northern Powerhouse" strategy, which is a plan for increased devolution across England.
BBC Newsnight understands the previous process of the "star chamber" - where ministers appeared in front of a small cabinet committee to answer for their plans - will not be repeated.
However, ministers who engage with the Treasury as part of the process will have more control over where the cuts to the departments are made. | The government's spending review that will set out departmental budget cuts over the next five years will take place on 25 November. | 33604811 |
He completed the 138 nautical mile voyage from Cowes to Dinard in nine hrs three mins and six secs last month.
It has been acknowledged as the fastest single-handed crossing in a yacht less than 60 feet long by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.
"It's fantastic news and a great feeling to have an official world record under my belt," Sharp said.
Find out how to get into sailing with our special guide.
Sharp sailed his 40-foot Imerys yacht between the isle of Wight and northern France on 24 November, taking almost three hours off the previous record that had stood for 12 years.
"Imerys was on fire in these windy conditions. These latest Class 40's are seriously optimised racing machines, averaging speeds of 15 knots and surfing at over 20 knots," he said.
"It is still difficult to believe that Imerys managed to carve three hours off the previous time. Hopefully this sets the bar high enough to hold on to the record for some time at least." | Jersey-based sailor Phil Sharp's has had his single-handed cross-Channel record officially ratified. | 38237325 |
A £26,000 grant has been promised to the council to draw up plans to improve the Lord's Garden in Ruthin.
Denbighshire council says 100 people who braved snow and ice to attend an open day at the weekend is testament to the local support for restoration.
The authority now has to learn more about the site's history and plan for its future to win the necessary cash.
Wendy Williams, of the Lord's Garden Restoration Project, said: "The bid will need to be a balancing act between staying faithful to the tremendous amount of natural and political history in the gardens, and making that history accessible to a modern audience.
"The gardens have been virtually untouched for decades, and whilst they're a beautiful wilderness, at the moment you have to be an expert to interpret the wonderful sights and sounds.
"We'd like to work with local people to try and find new and sympathetic ways of bringing that history alive again."
The Lord's Garden is now part of Nantclwyd y Dre in Ruthin, which is thought may be Wales' oldest timber-framed town house.
Although the Grade II-listed gardens, originally known as The Lord's Acre, pre-date even this structure.
They are first mentioned in 1282 as having been awarded to Marcher Lord Reginald de Grey along with Ruthin Castle, in recognition of the part he played in subduing an uprising by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last native prince of an independent Wales.
The Lord's Acre appears to have remained an orchard and kitchen garden to the castle's occupants for around 350 years, and many of the fruit trees there date from between 1300 and 1600.
By the time of the English Civil War in the 1640s, the Lord's Acre passed to the Nantclwyd y Dre estate, and the focus seems to have shifted more towards meadowland and ornamental gardens.
Next month archaeologists are planning a dig at the site to try and throw more light on the role the area played in the Civil War.
But before that, the heritage service wants to give local people the opportunity to see the gardens in their untouched beauty.
"Until now we've been unable to open up the gardens, but as part of the public consultation into the proposed restoration, we're throwing open the gates for the first time," said Ms Williams.
"We'd love to hear from local historians and amateur detectives about what they've been able to unearth about the history, and we welcome any ideas about how we can make the gardens a valuable learning resource.
"But it doesn't matter if all you want to do is come along and have a look, because they really are a hidden treasure which we'd love as many people as possible to see." | Hopes of restoring a 13th Century garden in Denbighshire have been boosted by the Heritage Lottery Fund. | 21207293 |
A military statement said the twin-engine turboprop Antonov AN-26 had crashed in the province of Artemisa on a flight from Playa Baracoa, just outside the capital Havana.
The cause of the crash is unclear and an investigation has been launched.
The site of the accident was said to be the Loma de la Pimienta mountain about 80km (50 miles) west of Havana.
"The eight military personnel on board, including the crew, died," the armed forces ministry said in a statement.
"A commission of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces is investigating the causes of the accident."
Cuba's last major plane crash was in 2010 when an Aero Caribbean flight went down in flames killing all 68 people on board. | A military plane has crashed in the mountainous west of Cuba, killing all eight personnel on board. | 39759736 |
Service personnel took part in a parade and a service was held to remember those who died in conflicts.
Military flypasts were also held, while hundreds of bikers from across Europe converged on Alrewas to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
Organisers said it attracted more people than last year's event, which 3,500 people attended.
Lt Col Alistair Fawcett, commanding officer of 22 Signal Regiment, said it was a chance for people to show their support and offered a moment to reflect on the various conflicts around the world.
Similar events have been taking place across the country and several of them have seen heightened security after recent attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait. | Thousands of people have marked Armed Forces Day at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. | 33299440 |
"I pay homage to the women of Paraguay, who were able to rebuild a country destroyed by an unequal war," he said.
Most of Paraguay's male population died in a devastating war against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay between 1865 and 1870.
"God protect Paraguayan women, the most glorious of the Americas," he said.
Hundreds of thousands of people went for the Mass at the Shrine of Caacupe, some 50 Km (30 miles) from the capital Asuncion.
Many of them came from neighbouring Argentina and waved the blue-and-white flags of Pope Francis's native country.
"Argentina is his homeland. He is not coming home yet, so we brought it to him," Carmen Mesa, 56, told the Associated Press (AP) news agency.
Pope Francis said the visit to Caacupe would be an emotional occasion to him.
Before becoming a Pope, he travelled many times to the city, known as the spiritual capital of Paraguay.
"I feel at home, here. I came here many times to renew my wishes of living according to the Gospel," he said during Mass.
The Pope's religious order, the Jesuits, evangelised the region in the 1600s.
Pope Francis said the Lord's Prayer in Guarani, the indigenous language spoken by most of the population.
Guarani is an official language along with Spanish in Paraguay.
"I would like to remind you that we are all brothers and sisters," Pope Francis said.
Paraguay is the last stop on the Pope's eight-day tour of South America, which also took him to Ecuador and Bolivia.
The Vatican said the Pope had chosen some of the poorer countries of the region for his visit to reflected his interest in the "peripheries".
Pope Francis is the first leader of the Roman Catholic Church to come from South America.
"Progress and development must ensure a better future for all," Pope Francis said in a speech on the Quito airport runway on Monday after he was welcomed by Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa. | Pope Francis has paid a tribute to Paraguay's women and mothers during Mass celebrated at the country's main pilgrimage site, Caacupe, | 33494916 |
The 40-year-old sank five birdies, including two in the final three holes.
That put him behind only American duo Shawn Stefani and Tom Hoge, and Korean Seung-yul Noh.
Miguel Angel Carballo, Brian Gay, Colt Knost, Dustin Johnson and Steve Stricker matched Donaldson, with Retief Goosen among those a further shot back.
This is the final PGA Tour event before the US Open - the second major of the year - takes place at Oakmont next week.
We've launched a new BBC Sport newsletter ahead of the Euros and Olympics, bringing all the best stories, features and video right to your inbox. You can sign up here. | Welshman Jamie Donaldson shot a four-under-par 66 to sit one behind the leaders after the first round of the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind. | 36495831 |
Previously, councillors deferred a decision to grant permission to build a supermarket that would have paid for the stadium, which supporters claimed had put the plans in jeopardy.
A partnership is now revising the proposals to see if the stadium can be built using money from smaller shops.
The plans are expected to be discussed by Cornwall Council members in May.
Truro and Penwith College, the Cornish Pirates rugby club, Inox Group and Henry Boot Developments are behind the revised plans for the multi-use stadium at West Langarth.
Julian Painter, director at Henry Boot Developments, said: "A supermarket would have provided funds sooner and generated more value.
"That is no longer an option but we are not giving up."
The supermarket plans were deferred earlier in March, but two other major retail developments in Truro were approved, which supporters claimed effectively marked the end of that proposal.
Mr Painter said the new proposal would split the original supermarket unit into smaller stores - including one retail store and non-food units.
He said the partnership was trying to "squeeze enough value from the development" to deliver about £8m of funding, with a further £2m coming from Truro and Penwith College, which will provide the £10m needed for the 6,000-capacity stadium. | Revised proposals for a stadium in Cornwall are expected to be submitted to the council. | 32049073 |
The Championship Rams turned a one-goal half-time deficit into a 2-1 victory to book a place in the fourth round.
McClaren told BBC Radio Derby: "We told them to keep their composure We were causing them problems and controlling the game.
"How the players kept their composure and came back, credit to them."
Darren Bent and Tom Ince scored goals three minutes apart in response to Matt Phillips putting the hosts ahead in the first half.
And McClaren was keen to point out the contribution of a massive following from Derby.
"I had heard 6,000 were coming along and they were going to fill behind the goal," continued McClaren.
"We said to the players that it's a cup tie and there's 6,000 fans coming to watch, so there's a reason why we've got to fight, we've got to react and come back.
"I'm so pleased for the players, I'm so pleased for the fans and very proud of them." | Manager Steve McClaren praised Derby County's control as they came from behind to knock Premier League West Brom out of the FA Cup. | 38558132 |
Cheick Cisse, who won taekwondo gold, was given $85,000 (??64,000) and Ruth Gbagbi, who won bronze in the women's event, got $51,000.
Cisse's gold medal was the first in the country's history.
Last year, President Alassane Ouattara made similar awards to members of the national football team after they won the African Cup of Nations.
He did not reveal any details about the houses given to Cisse and Gbagbi, or their location.
More on this and other African stories
Mr Ouattara and his wife Dominique wore the medals as they posed with the athletes for photos at the presidential palace in the country's commercial capital, Abidjan.
Ivory Coast had only won one Olympic medal until this year.
Gabriel Tiacoh won a silver medal in the men's 400m in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
He died in 1992.
Ivory Coast used to be one of Africa's richest countries but its economy has been devastated by years of conflict. | Ivory Coast's two medallists from the Rio Olympic games have been given cash awards and houses by the president. | 37276837 |
Net profit came in at $2.9bn (£1.9bn) for the three months to 26 June, against a loss of $398m a year ago - a higher figure than analysts expected.
Revenue for the period was $10.8bn, as a result of what the company called "strong corporate demand".
The firm also forecast improved revenues of $11.6bn for the three months to the end of September.
Intel shares jumped 5% in after-hours trading following the announcement.
Analysts were impressed by the results.
"The numbers just blew me away, I cannot see any mention of any problems whatsoever," said Phani Saripella at Primary Global Research.
Intel is the second major US company to report its quarterly results following aluminium giant Alcoa on Monday, which also beat analysts' expectations.
Some commentators now see these results as a sign of what is to come.
"In a quarter where people expected relatively strong performance, [Intel] beat that pretty handily and set a good forecast," said Edward Snyder at Charter Equity Research.
"This going to be really good for a lot of other technology companies, particularly enterprise.
"It might be the case that this earnings period is so strong that it allays some of the fears about the broader economy." | US chipmaker Intel has reported bumper profits in what it describes as its "best" quarterly results. | 10624282 |
The 27-year-old Jamaican, who also won last year, clinched 100m, 200m and 100m relay gold in the World Championships in Moscow in August.
Fellow Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took the women's award after winning the same three golds as Bolt in Russia.
100m: 2008, 2012 Olympics; 2009, 2013 World Championships
200m: 2008, 2012 Olympics; 2009, 2011, 2013 World Championships
4x100m: 2008, 2012 Olympics; 2009, 2011, 2013 World Championships
Earlier this week, the 27-year-old said she will refuse to run in major events unless Jamaica's athletics authorities "stand by" their athletes.
Bolt, who beat Britain's double world champion from Moscow Mo Farah to the award, became the most successful athlete in the history of the World Championships this year with his eighth gold and 10th medal in total.
At the awards ceremony in Monaco, he said his 2014 target was to beat his 200m world record of 19.19 seconds.
"That has always been my dream; that has always been my aim," he said. "This season will be the season when I will be going for world records because there are no major [outdoor] championships.
Media playback is not supported on this device
"The 200m is much easier than the 100m to try for a record and that would be my main focus this season."
Bolt has previously said he could retire after the 2016 Olympics - but he added he might yet compete at the World Championships in London the following year.
"I was having some talk about this with my coach, and he was saying people had said I should go for another year," he said.
Fraser-Pryce has now won seven medals at World Championships to add to her four Olympic medals.
Men's finalists: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, sprinter), Bohdan Bondarenko (Ukraine, high jumper), Mo Farah (GB, distance runner).
Women's finalists: Valerie Adams (New Zealand, shot put), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica, sprinter), Zuzana Hejnova (Czech Republic, 400m hurdles). | Usain Bolt has been named male World Athlete of the Year for a fifth time. | 24974874 |
The low-budget Ouija, starring Bates Motel actress Olivia Cooke, made $20m (£12.4m) between Friday and Sunday, according to studio estimates.
That put it ahead of John Wick, Keanu Reeves' latest thriller, which made $14.2m (£8.8m) over the same period.
Last week's top film, Brad Pitt's World War II tank drama Fury, fell to three.
Made for just $5m (£3.1m), Ouija's success is testament to US moviegoers' appetite for modestly-budgeted supernatural fare without big-name stars.
Blumhouse Productions, the company behind the film, has enjoyed similar success with the Insidious, Purge and Paranormal Activity series.
Meanwhile, John Wick, in which Reeves plays a retired assassin out for revenge, exceeded industry expectations with its second place opening.
This week's top five was rounded out by David Fincher's Gone Girl and animated title The Book of Life.
Next week's chart is likely to be dominated by Interstellar, the latest sci-fi epic from British director Christopher Nolan.
Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway star in this tale of deep space exploration, which has its UK premiere in London on Wednesday. | A horror film about young people who use a Ouija board to contact the spirit world has topped the North American box office in the run-up to Halloween. | 29785028 |
A commission of inquiry was set up five years ago to look into the allegations surrounding the 1999 government deal.
Mr Zuma was sacked as deputy president in 2005 after his financial adviser was convicted of corruption over the deal.
The president on Thursday announced the inquiry had found no evidence against any government officials of the time.
He said money had been paid for consultancy services "and nothing else".
The allegations relate to the government's purchase of 30bn rand (then $5bn) worth of fighter jets, helicopters, submarines and warships in 1999.
Mr Zuma was sacked as deputy president in 2005 after his then financial adviser Schabir Shaik was found guilty of trying to solicit bribes for his boss from an arms company.
Mr Zuma always denied the allegations, and in 2009 prosecutors dropped 700 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering against him, just weeks before elections which saw him become president.
But his critics refused to let the issue drop, so in 2011 he agreed to appoint a commission to investigate the arms deal, which concluded its enquiries at the end of last year.
This is not the only controversy he has been implicated in. Last month South Africa's highest court ruled he had violated the constitution by failing to repay government money for a luxurious upgrade on his private residence.
The investigation, which took four years to conclude, found no evidence of widespread bribery, corruption and fraud in the selection of the preferred bidder to supply the arms, or of payment of bribes to officials in the awarding of the deal.
The three-volume report on the investigation, which will be made public, has not made any recommendations for further investigations, leading some to believe the ANC is covering up for its leader and other officials who were implicated.
The opposition Democratic Alliance believes the Arms Procurement Commission made no real effort to investigate the allegations contained in crucial documents. It has described the final report as a massive disappointment because no-one will face criminal charges. | South African President Jacob Zuma says an inquiry into an arms deal worth billions of dollars has found no evidence of corruption or fraud. | 36099372 |
Under European law, UK patients who are clinically eligible for NHS treatment can seek it in other EU countries.
They can also reclaim costs of up to what the NHS would have spent.
But fewer than 30 patients in Wales have made such applications during the past three years, BBC Wales has found.
There are concerns that patients and even some medical professionals are not aware of the rules.
Certain procedures require patients to get prior approval from their health board.
The European directive for cross-border treatment came into force in Wales in October 2013 and allows patients to be reimbursed for care in a state-run or private hospital.
It also places a duty on the Welsh government and NHS to provide easily accessible information to patients about their rights.
Anne Botterill, a retired psychologist from Cardiff, faced a wait of over a year for a hip replacement on the NHS after being diagnosed with arthritis last autumn.
"I was in enormous discomfort. I live a very active life... gardening, dancing and walking," she explained.
"I couldn't do any of those things, I stopped them all."
On the advice of her husband David, an academic with an interest in cross-border health-care, she decided to see if her local health board would pay for her surgery at a Belgium hospital.
Mrs Botterill paid £9,000 for her surgery and a five-night hospital stay in Ghent and was reimbursed £6,500 by Cardiff and Vale Health Board.
Had she chosen to be treated privately in Wales she says she would paid around £12,500 and would have been unable to reclaim any of it.
But Freedom of Information requests by BBC Wales show fewer than 30 applications from patients have been funded through this route since 2011.
That included nine patients from Cardiff and Vale Health Board, which reimbursed patients for treatment in the fields of trauma and orthopaedics, dental, urology, spinal trauma and ear, nose and throat surgery at hospitals in Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Austria and Slovakia.
In July, 17,649 patients in Wales had waited at least nine months (36 weeks) for hospital treatment - despite the Welsh government's target stating nobody should wait that long.
The Conservatives's shadow health minister, Darren Millar, said it was clear more needed to be done to highlight the possibility of travelling for treatment.
"Awareness of this EU directive is nowhere near where it should be and that's the fault of Labour ministers alone," he said.
A spokesman for the Welsh government said guidance on the EU directive has been issued to health boards in Wales.
But they made it clear that the EU laws were not a blank cheque for health care in Europe.
"The directive does not allow NHS patients to go anywhere within Europe and get any treatment or medicine they may desire and then seek reimbursement from the NHS," stressed the spokesman.
"For this reason people are strongly encouraged to speak to their health board if they are considering seeking treatment elsewhere." | Patients may be waiting months for NHS operations unaware they could get the health service to pay for quicker treatment in Europe. | 29512205 |
Powys-Llewellyn Cook, 21, from Grantham, died following the collision on the B1176 in Bitchfield, between Grantham and Corby Glen, on Tuesday.
Lincolnshire Police described it as a "tragic loss of life" and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to get in touch.
Mr Cook was riding a blue and white motorbike at the time of the accident. | A motorcyclist killed in a crash with a lorry has been named by police. | 36487179 |
The target waiting time for referrals is 13 weeks, but some patients must wait considerably longer.
The health and social services department tries to see patients within three months of being referred by their GP.
For some problems, such as sports injuries, diabetes or general surgery, the average wait is about six months.
Figures released by Jersey's health department show some patients referred to the hospital for bariatric surgery are having to wait over four years for treatment.
Data released by the department has shown that less than a third of specialist areas have a waiting list longer than the target.
But women needing to see a specialist before giving birth are able get an appointment right away after being referred by their GPs.
People with back pain, adult mental illness or needing breast surgery, also have less than a month to wait before they are able to see a specialist. | People who need to see specialists at Jersey hospital for obesity problems face an average of a four-year wait. | 11710716 |
The blue chip index of US stocks remained above the 20,000 mark at 20,093.72 but fell 7.19 points.
Lower than expected GDP growth for the fourth quarter dampened sentiment.
Chevron, the US oil giant, also weighed on the index after releasing lower than expected quarterly results which sent its shares down 2.3% to $113.79.
Microsoft led the risers to close up 2.3% at $65.78.
The S&P 500 fell 1.99 points to 2,294.69 while the technology-heavy Nasdaq rose 5.61 points to 5,660.78. | The Dow Jones industrial average gave up early gains to finish the day lower. | 38772273 |
The Dons twice led in the first half, through David Fitzpatrick's 20-yard strike and Tom Elliott's volley.
But Compton levelled on both occasions, running through to slide home and curling in a free-kick from out wide.
And the winger sealed his treble from the penalty spot after substitute Kevin Dawson was fouled by Callum Kennedy.
The home side drop to 10th in the table after seeing their four-game winning run come to an end, while the Glovers are three points ahead of Dagenham & Redbridge, whose match was postponed.
AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley told BBC Radio London:
Media playback is not supported on this device
"You concede three goals at home, that's not good enough.
"I knew this would be tough and I drummed it into the players. That's the sort of game I expected.
"We struggled at times and we had too many players who probably didn't perform to the levels they have performed at. We're giving away really, really poor goals.
"We ran out of ideas trying to chase the game in the last 20 minutes." | Jack Compton hit a hat-trick to earn a shock comeback win at AFC Wimbledon and take Yeovil Town three points clear of the League Two relegation zone. | 35389615 |
Peel Energy and United Utilities had wanted to double the 26 existing turbines at the Scout Moor wind farm between Rochdale and Rossendale.
Following consultation with local communities, however, the companies will only install 16 extra turbines.
A joint planning application will be submitted next year to Rochdale and Rossendale Borough Councils.
Jon England of Peel Energy said: "We received some really useful feedback and have changed our expansion plans in response."
He said the companies would seek feedback on the new proposals prior to submitting the planning application.
The revised plans involve increasing the distance between the proposed new turbines and important recreational routes, and placing them where they do not disturb areas of deep peat on the moor.
Before the wind farm opened in 2008 it faced opposition from residents' groups, Rossendale, Rochdale and Lancashire County councils.
It was given the go-ahead in May 2005 after a public inquiry. | Proposals to double the size of a wind farm on the Lancashire moorland have been scaled down. | 30331335 |
Elliott Holdham, who has Asperger's syndrome, heard about the competition on social media and was desperate to be involved.
His dad called up the local organisers, who invited them to watch AFC Dunstable in round one of the tournament.
On the day, the team were a player short and the 19-year-old stepped in, scoring six goals and securing a place in the side for the second round.
I am hoping to push onto bigger and better things
Holdham's father, Jason, said: "I'm really proud. Football has helped Elliott grow in confidence and he's been a breath of fresh air for the team."
His son has been a Luton Town supporter since he was six but only began playing football eight months ago.
Due to his condition, Holdham had not found a suitable team to play for, until discovering the FA People's Cup.
AFC Dunstable's manager Josh Spavin said they were "thrilled to find such a great player".
Speaking on BBC Three Counties sports programme with Geoff Doyle and Luke Ashmead, Spavin added that "without Elliott they would have struggled over the weekend".
And, even though AFC Dunstable did not manage to get through to the finals day, Holdham has high hopes for the future.
"I am hoping to push onto bigger and better things," he said.
You can catch up with the highlights of the FA People's Cup semi-finals here and will be able to follow the finals day on Sunday, 20 March with our live text commentary. | The FA People's Cup regional semi-finals saw 400 teams compete across eight venues on 27-28 February - and for one player it was particularly special. | 35753833 |
Starting and ending at the Town Hall in the city centre, the route took in views of the Peak District and a climb up to the village of Ringinglow.
The event saw shorter routes for junior runners, with the main 13.1-mile event won by Steven Bayton and Sarah Lowery.
Among the runners were retired rugby league players Barrie McDermott and Keith Senior.
Lowery, the first woman to finish the circuit, said: "I had not done this race before so it's nice to do your local half marathon.
"There were loads of people in the crowd all the way round, even in the really remote parts of the course, so I really enjoyed the race."
Councillor Mary Lea, from Sheffield City Council, said: "Although the route is undoubtedly a challenging one, the view from the top of Ringinglow Road across the Peak District is surely one of the best rewards any weary runner could hope for.
"I would go as far as to say that Sheffield is surely the most picturesque of almost any city half marathon, when you consider the blend of the beautiful rural landscape and the vibrant city centre finish." | Thousands of runners have tackled the third Yorkshire Half Marathon under blue skies in Sheffield. | 39545622 |
But a number of Leicestershire batsmen got starts and then got out as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
Debutant Callum Parkinson took 3-64 as four Leicestershire men were out in the 40s, before Eckersley's patient innings helped them rebuild.
He hit seven fours as Leicestershire ended the first day on 300-7. | Ned Eckersley hit an unbeaten 73 as Leicestershire enjoyed a decent opening day with the bat against Derbyshire at Grace Road. | 36976822 |
The news emerged days after she flew to London for medical tests. Her treatment begins immediately, her daughter said.
Ms Nawaz is due to stand for election to parliament in a by-election in her husband's former seat next month.
He was forced to resign in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him from office for not disclosing assets. Mr Sharif denies wrongdoing.
The couple's daughter, Maryam, tweeted that the cancer had been found on the left side of her mother's neck.
End of Twitter post by @MaryamNSharif
In another tweet she said doctors were hopeful of curing Ms Nawaz because the disease had been diagnosed early.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It occurs when tumours build up in tissues found in areas such as the bone marrow or lymph glands.
Earlier reports suggested Ms Nawaz had throat cancer.
Maryam Sharif is now expected to run her mother's political campaign while she undergoes treatment.
"We hope that she will recover soon enough, but it is likely that she won't be around during the days leading up to the election," senior PML-N party member Mushahidullah Khan told BBC Urdu.
Mr Sharif had to vacate his seat after becoming embroiled in the Panama papers scandal.
The papers revealed his children were linked to offshore companies that owned properties in London.
Kulsoom Nawaz's decision to stand for election was seen as a change of plan for the family, who indicated originally that Mr Sharif's younger brother would run for the seat, and then the premiership.
But instead the ruling party elected Sharif loyalist Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as prime minister.
It has been suggested he will hold office until elections next year. | Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has been diagnosed with lymphoma. | 41022290 |
He lost control of his microlight while attempting to land at an airstrip near Edenbridge, Kent, on 16 July last year.
Investigators said his decision to fly at 15:30 BST was when conditions were more likely to be turbulent than later.
They said he may have been influenced by the fact the airstrip operator took time to help him prepare the aircraft.
"He may have felt some pressure to fly," the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) report found.
A nearby dog walker described how the Pegasus Quantum 15 was "a bit wobbly" and travelling "too fast and at too acute an angle" as it came in to land at East Haxted Farm Airstrip.
The AAIB said the pilot encountered "very rough air" which caused him to veer off course and abort the landing.
The pilot, who was not identified by the AAIB, suffered chest and hand injuries when the microlight became entangled in the branches of an oak tree about 15ft (4.6m) above a field near Lingfield Road.
He was freed after several hours by fire crews using using ladders, lines and a winch.
He had held a private pilot's licence since 1997 and although he was "reasonably experienced" he was "not in current flying practice" and had flown for just two hours in the 90 days leading up to the crash, the report said.
Civil Aviation Authority data from December 2015 shows he was one of the country's oldest pilots, as just 13 people aged 89 or older held pilot licences at that time.
Holders of his type of licence aged over 50 must renew a medical certificate every 12 months to keep flying. | A 90-year-old pilot who was seriously hurt when his microlight crashed in to a tree may have felt under pressure to fly, according to an accident report. | 38591018 |
Pedro Caixinha has recruited eight players so far in the transfer window - seven from overseas.
Ferguson, who had two spells at Rangers, says new players may be taken aback by the Scottish environment and the level of expectation on them.
"These guys will need to get up to pace pretty quick," Ferguson told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"There's no doubt in my mind that they're good players.
"It's a bit easier to a certain extent at Ibrox where there's a bigger pitch and you've got 50,000 fans behind you but when you go to the smaller grounds, where it's tighter, the pitches aren't as good, they get the fright of their life.
"It's 100-mile-an-hour stuff. If you're not up for the fight, when you got to places like Easter Road or Tynecastle or Fir Park, these guys are going to run over the top of you.
"They're used to a different type of football. Scotland is a tough, tough, tough place to play football."
Portuguese defenders Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso and compatriots Dalcio and Daniel Candeias, who play in wide attacking roles, as well as Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos and Mexican duo Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera - a midfielder and a striker - have joined Scottish midfielder Ryan Jack in moving to Ibrox this summer.
"I don't know too much about most of the signings," said Ferguson. "Obviously, I know Bruno Alves, who has got 90-odd caps for Portugal. I've seen him play quite a bit. He's an experienced centre-half and a really good player. And Ryan Jack, I know obviously [from his time at Aberdeen].
"I've got to take my hat off to Pedro Caixinha. He's come in and he's identified that he's needed quite a lot of players. He's done his homework early and he's made a lot of signings pretty early as well.
"My only worry is, there's quite a lot of foreign players. In my time when foreign players came in to Rangers, they got the shock of their lives with demands that are put on them, the pace of Scottish football.
"It'll be interesting to see how they settle in. I still believe that you've got to get a spine at least of Scottish players. I know he's after Graham Dorrans, who I think's a fantastic player - and obviously, I saw yesterday, Kenny McLean as well.
"You can't lose your identity. You've got to have Scottish players.
"Many a player's come in who had 30-, 40-odd caps, who had played in big leagues over in the continent and they couldn't believe the pressure that they were under. When you play at Rangers, you're expected to win every single game.
"I believe that you've got to give him two or three months and you've got to give these players two or three months to settle in but again you don't get much time when you play at a club like Rangers." | Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes the club's new signings will need to adapt pretty quickly. | 40393305 |
Assistant coach Gary Neville will delay his arrival after his Valencia side lost a third La Liga game in a row.
Hart and Sterling could be out for four weeks, making them serious doubts for City's Champions League quarter-final.
Winger Sterling has a groin injury, while keeper Hart has a calf problem.
Sterling, 21, limped off during City's 1-0 loss to United, while Hart, 28, was hurt after clearing a poor backpass from Martin Demichelis and went off on a stretcher.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini, asked whether they would miss England's games in Germany on Saturday and against the Netherlands at Wembley on 29 March, said: "I don't think muscle injuries are one week. Normally this is three or four weeks."
Neville, meanwhile, is to stay in Valencia to work with his players after fans called for the ex-England defender to leave following a 2-0 home defeat by Celta Vigo.
The 41-year-old, who said he will link up with the England squad on Thursday, said: "You'll report it as panic, but it is not panic, it is something that's important.
"I have just spoken to Roy Hodgson and I am going to stay back in Valencia. The players train Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week. I feel it's the right thing to do.
"Obviously it's not an ideal situation. I'm the assistant coach for the national team of England, with 60 million people, but I understand the two or three million people in Valencia need my attention this week."
Stoke City midfielder Ibrahim Afellay and Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt could feature against England at Wembley after being added to the Netherlands squad.
Coach Danny Blind has been hampered by the withdrawal of several players for next week's friendly matches against France and England.
PSV Eindhoven pair Davy Propper and Jurgen Locadia pulled out on Monday, missing out along with Arjen Robben, Daryl Janmaat, Erik Pieters and Ron Vlaar.
Afellay was a surprise omission from the original squad, while Van Aanholt could make his first international appearance in more than two years.
The Netherlands were World Cup semi-finalists in 2014, but have failed to qualify for Euro 2016. | Joe Hart and Raheem Sterling are set to miss England's friendlies with Germany and the Netherlands after being injured during Manchester City's derby defeat by Manchester United on Sunday. | 35857926 |
The information covers individuals who declined an honour from 1950 to 1999 and have since died. It identifies 287 instances [PDF list], including 89 rejected MBEs, 89 OBEs, 61 CBEs and 27 knighthoods.
For some people such honours and the official recognition they represent can be a high point of their lives, but clearly for others they have been unwanted, whether for reasons of principle or otherwise.
This official data confirms much that has been reported previously, for example that a serial refuser was the painter L S Lowry, who over a period of 21 years dismissed the offer of an OBE, a CBE, a knighthood, and twice becoming a Companion of Honour.
The list also confirms that those who have rejected knighthoods include the actor Robert Morley, the writer Aldous Huxley and the physicist Paul Dirac, while those who dismissed lesser honours include the author Roald Dahl, the painter Francis Bacon and the biologist Francis Crick.
Some who accepted one honour previously or later refused another, such as the film director Sir Alfred Hitchcock who had earlier turned down a CBE before he was knighted.
The list also discloses some apparently new information, however. The author and publisher Leonard Woolf declined to be made a Companion of Honour in 1966, the journalist and editor of the New Statesman Kingsley Martin turned down a knighthood in 1965, and the critic and academic F R Leavis rejected a CBE in 1966.
As far as I know, these facts (among others in the list) are previously unreported, although I am not an expert on their biographies and could be wrong.
The list also identifies many more obscure figures who for whatever reason did not want to accept the honours on offer.
The Cabinet Office has been keen to preserve the secrecy which has traditionally surrounded the honours system and at first refused to reveal the list in response to a BBC freedom of information request. The BBC then complained to the Information Commissioner who ruled that it was in the public interest to disclose the information for honours rejected before 2000.
The Commissioner argued that disclosing more recent rejections was more likely to undermine the integrity of the honours system and that 2000 was a reasonable if arbitrary cut off point.
The data does not cover living individuals since that may constitute personal information protected by the Data Protection Act. And to avoid doubt it is restricted to people where, according to the Cabinet Office, "it is immediately apparent as a matter of fact that a relevant individual is dead".
This means that the individuals listed are only a limited proportion of all those who have declined honours. It does nevertheless show that over the decades there have been many individuals who have not wanted to accept a form of recognition which the British state wanted to bestow on them. What we don't know, however, are their various motives. | The Cabinet Office has been forced by the Information Commissioner to release an official version of what could be called an alternative honours list - names of people who rejected honours. | 16721511 |
Four birdies in the first six holes set the Northern Irishman on his way at the London Golf Club near Maidstone.
England's Paul Casey beat Wales' Jamie Donaldson, while Ireland's Shane Lowry beat Scotland's Stephen Gallacher 3&2.
Other winners on day one were Joost Luiten, Thongchai Jaidee, Jonas Blixt and Victor Dubuisson.
Having successfully partnered McDowell to two foursome wins in Europe's recent Ryder Cup success, Frenchman Dubuisson matched McDowell's run of four birdies in the opening six holes as he overcame Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal 3&2.
Another Ryder Cup winner, Sweden's Henrik Stenson, halved with South African George Coetzee.
The 16 competitors, divided into four groups of four, play three group matches each on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before Saturday's quarter-finals and Sunday's semi-finals and final.
"There are no easy matches. You can't take anyone lightly, especially a guy who won last week, so I'm very happy to get the victory," said McDowell.
"It's important to control your own destiny in the group stages - you don't want to be relying on other people."
Full World Match Play results and tables | Graeme McDowell began the defence of his World Match Play title by beating France's Alexander Levy 3&2 in Wednesday's opening match. | 29632679 |
The Spaniard, 34, won the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009, but he was stripped of the 2010 title for doping.
He is one of only six riders to have won all three Grand Tours - the Tour de France, Vuelta and Giro d'Italia.
"I don't think there is a better farewell than the home race in my home country," he said on Instragram.
Contador, who turned professional in 2003, added: "I'm saying this happy, I'm not saying it with sadness. It's a decision I've thought about very well."
He was banned for testing positive for clenbuterol - a powerful drug used to treat asthma, but which can also help build up lean muscle mass and burn off fat - at the 2010 Tour de France.
Contador blamed his positive test on eating contaminated steak.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) banned Contador in February 2012, but backdated the ban to 25 January 2011.
Having served five months and 19 days of a provisional suspension in 2010-11, he returned to cycling in August 2012.
Contador won seven Grand Tour titles and was awarded the prestigious Velo d'Or, voted for by journalists, a record four times.
Only Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, Felice Gimondi and Vincenzo Nibali have also won all three Grand Tours. | Two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is to retire from professional cycling after the Vuelta a Espana, which starts on 19 August. | 40848355 |
The Briton, 29, saved set points in both sets as he won 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (7-1) to reach round two of the Aegon Championships.
Lendl was courtside for the first time since 2014, having agreed last week to resume their working relationship.
Murray goes on to face fellow Briton Aljaz Bedene or Frenchman Benoit Paire.
Asked about Lendl, Murray told BBC Sport: "He doesn't really give many signs during the match. He's got quite a straight face.
"I started working with Jamie Delgado a few months ago and that's worked extremely well, and obviously I had some of my best years with Ivan a few years ago.
"I think it's a very strong team and I'm hoping they can help me win more major events."
Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka earlier lost 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to Spain's Fernando Verdasco.
Media playback is not supported on this device
Lendl had resumed his coaching role on Tuesday morning, directing the drills as Murray went through their first practice together for over two years.
The session was cut to just an hour because of the rain which has blighted the first two days at Queen's Club, leaving Murray a little short of time on the grass.
Mahut, ranked 51st, won a title on the surface 24 hours earlier in the Netherlands and looked the more sure-footed when the pair finally got on court just after 17:00 BST.
The Frenchman broke serve first but could not convert the next game from 40-0, and Murray came through a tense tie-break on his third set point.
Mahut had an opportunity at 8-7, failing to make a return of serve, but he moved 4-1 up in the second set and a furious Murray went close to smashing his racquet.
The Scot complained to the umpire about the conditions underfoot, and Mahut would later slip over, but Murray fought back to 5-5 and saved three more set points before dominating the second tie-break.
"It was tough," said Murray, a four-time winner at Queen's.
"Nico's a very accomplished grass-court player and because of the weather the last few days, we haven't been able to get on the grass too much to hit.
"It was a tricky first round and I'm glad I managed to get through."
Wawrinka, 31, never looked comfortable on a greasy surface and struggled to cover the powerful forehand of his opponent.
Verdasco wrapped up the match - which was interrupted by rain - as Wawrinka's serve faltered during a tie-break.
"For sure conditions are difficult for everybody since a few days with the rain," said world number five Wawrinka.
"That's the same for everybody, but it was a tough match.
"Grass is always a challenging surface for my game. I need quite a lot of practice to play my best game." | Andy Murray gave coach Ivan Lendl the perfect welcome back with a fine win over France's Nicolas Mahut at Queen's Club in London. | 36530970 |
At one point, its share price fell more than 10% on the Milan stock market. By mid-afternoon, it was still 9% down.
The bank said the ECB had given it until 3 October to draw up a plan for reducing non-performing loans.
Italian banks are saddled with €360bn (£300bn; $400bn) of bad debt, about a third of the eurozone's total.
Monte dei Paschi accounts for €46.9bn of that total.
In a draft decision sent to the bank by the ECB, it was told to reduce gross non-performing loans from €46.9bn to €32.6bn by 2018, representing a cut of 30% over the next three years.
Investor concern over the strength of the industry has hit Italian banking shares this year.
Several other Italian banks also suffered big share price falls on Monday.
In April, Italy's financial industry approved a government-backed plan to set up a rescue fund to help weaker banks.
The Atlante fund will be made up by private money, reportedly worth €5bn, and will buy up shares and bad debt in struggling banks. | Shares in Italy's third-biggest bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, have slumped after the European Central Bank told it to reduce its debt burden. | 36701274 |
The foreign ministry said it acknowledged a "miscommunication" with Iraq over the deployment of its forces.
It comes a day after US President Barack Obama urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to "de-escalate tensions" with Baghdad.
Turkey sent at least 150 troops into northern Iraq earlier this month saying they were to protect military trainers.
Turkey has deployed troops at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul - a city controlled by Islamic State (IS) - since 2014 to train Iraqi Kurdish forces.
But the Iraqi government said the latest move had been carried out without consultation and violated national sovereignty and international law.
"Turkey... acknowledges the miscommunication with the government of Iraq over the deployments of Turkish protection forces," the Turkish foreign ministry said in the statement.
"Turkey, in recognition of the Iraqi concerns and in accordance with the requirements of the fight against Daesh [IS], is continuing to move military forces from Nineveh province that were the source of miscommunication."
The statement did not say how many troops would be moved or where they would go to.
On Monday, Turkey's state-run news agency quoted military officials as saying a 10 or 12-vehicle convoy had left Bashiqa camp and was moving north.
It came days after Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu's office said it had decided to reorganise its military personnel at Bashiqa following talks with Iraqi officials.
The Turkish government enjoys close relations with the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region in Iraq.
But it considers the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) - whose Popular Protection Units (YPG) militia is a key ally of the US-led coalition against IS - as an enemy because it is an offshoot of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). | Turkey says it will pull more of its troops out of northern Iraq, following a partial withdrawal earlier this week. | 35144026 |
The Shaymen held on until the 75th minute when the 28-year-old forward netted from Bradley Goldberg's cross.
Halifax were then denied an equaliser as Hamza Bencherif saw his shot, following a nice turn, hit the post.
The away side are a point above the drop zone, with Boreham Wood overtaking them after they drew with Barrow. | Adam Cunnington's second-half strike was enough to earn Bromley victory as Halifax dropped closer to the relegation places. | 35693674 |
Hanako, which means "Flower Child", was 69 and the oldest elephant in Japan.
The elephant was a gift from Thailand when it was two years old.
Last year a petition was launched to improve the animal's conditions, but Hanako was deemed too old to move back to Thailand.
A spokesman for Inokashira Park Zoo on the outskirts of Tokyo said Hanako was found lying on her side on Thursday morning and efforts to raise her were not successful. She died in the afternoon.
The war on elephants
Have we fallen out of love with elephant rides?
Hanako was a popular attraction in the zoo, but the elephant, born in the wild, spent most of her life caged and alone in a concrete enclosure with little greenery.
Last year a Canadian blogger wrote an article about the elephant's enclosure, describing it as a "concrete prison".
That prompted the petition, which led the zoo to provide new toys and make other changes.
However, the zoo said she was too old to be moved and an independent US wildlife expert said staying in a sanctuary with other elephants would bewilder Hanako after living so many years alone. | An elephant that was the focus of an international campaign to improve its living conditions has died in a zoo in Japan. | 36391410 |
Its 4G Super Voice enables customers to make calls and send texts using a lower frequency spectrum.
Other networks are looking into introducing the technology, known as Voice Over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE).
It currently works on only the Samsung Galaxy S5, but recent iPhone handsets will be added in the coming months.
It is being rolled out in:
Three said up to 5.5 million customers would have access to the service by 2017.
Chief technology officer Bryn Jones said: "By the end of the year, one million of our customers will have access to better indoor coverage and be able to use their phones in more places than ever before." | Mobile phone provider Three has launched a UK service it says will improve reception inside buildings and in rural black spots. | 34257850 |
The city is being divided into four areas, each being serviced on a separate day with no collections on a Monday.
The changes will save up to £500,000 a year with the bin lorry fleet reduced by five to 21, the council said.
No staff will be lost as fewer agency staff will be hired. Households have been sent information packs about the changes to the collections.
Residents have been asked to check their packs to find out their new bin day and which bin is due to be emptied.
Councillor Chris Poulter said: "Anyone not yet sure of the day or which bins to put out, should check their information pack, which gives full details, or they can check on the website by simply inputting their post code."
Four out of five households will see their collection day change.
The city crews collect about 114,000 bins every week. | Derby City Council are changing bin collection days and times from 6 June. | 13660953 |
Wokingham Borough Council served a High Court injunction on travellers for setting up "unauthorised" pitches and an access road on the private land.
The Gypsy Council said the authority had been quick to get an injunction but refused to provide enough gypsy sites.
The council said it "utterly refutes" the accusation of racism.
Housing applications in the area had been judged acceptable against the borough's planning policies, drawn up following a statutory process including consultation, it said.
Caravans arrived on the Berkshire site on 24 April with the permission of the landowner, who is part of the gypsy community.
But the council has taken legal action because developments that have since taken place do not have planning consent.
It obtained the injunction to prevent further caravans and development on the Berkshire site, after its deadline to exit the site by Monday 27 April was ignored.
"This is not a site allocated for development in the council's local plan," said director of environment, Helen Thwaites.
"It is located within the countryside where the council's policies seek to protect the rural character."
Residents near the site, in Blagrove Lane, have also expressed concern.
Ian Andrews, of Evendons Area Residents' Association, said there was unhappiness at "a total disregard for the planning process in a quiet rural location".
"Hedgerows have been ripped out during nesting season and more than 50 giant lorry loads of rubble have been dumped into what was the flood plain for several hundred homes," he said.
Residents had also expressed fear of a rise in crime, which Thames Valley Police said was "unfounded".
Joseph Jones, of the Gypsy Council, said: "Councils need to fulfil their target for gypsy community site provision.
"Local authorities would much rather refuse planning permission and take legal action than tackle what they perceive to be the thorny issue of gypsy site provision.
"The council can merrily grant planning permission for houses in the next field, but when a gypsy site application comes in from a gypsy family for a small number of pitches then there's hell to pay.
"That's racism." | A council has been accused of racism for refusing planning permission for a gypsy camp after approving a housing estate in a field next door. | 32545760 |
The proposed Leisure Hall at the South Yorkshire centre would create up to 1,400 jobs.
The 330,000 sq ft (27,800 sq m) facility would include a new cinema, restaurants, gym and new community spaces.
Joint owner British Land said the extension would "continue Meadowhall's evolution".
The plans, part of a five-year vision to extend the leisure offer at Meadowhall, include:
Around 540 jobs would be created during construction, in addition to 1,400 new jobs once the leisure hall is complete.
Sheffield City Council is expected to make a decision on the application in spring.
Darren Pearce, Meadowhall centre director and president of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said the extension would be a "major milestone" for the shopping centre.
Richard Wright, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce executive director, said it would be a "jewel in the Sheffield City Region's crown".
He added: "The Leisure Hall will retain spend in Sheffield city region by ensuring residents do not need to travel out of the area to fulfil their shopping and leisure needs.
"We welcome British Land's exciting plans and lend our wholehearted support.
"They will reinvigorate Meadowhall and serve as a catalyst for further investment in the region."
In Sheffield city centre, the current demolition of the Grosvenor House Hotel is under way.
It will be replaced by a new £90m HSBC building in the new year as part of the Sheffield Retail Quarter.
A new city centre Primark store recently opened and a nine-screen cinema is due to open in the near future. | Detailed plans have been submitted for a £300m extension of Sheffield's Meadowhall shopping centre. | 37896664 |
Langham Dome in north Norfolk, one of only six remaining training domes in the country, was built in 1942 and sits on the edge of a former RAF base.
Film of enemy planes was projected onto its walls for target practise.
A museum in the restored concrete structure is now open to visitors following grants from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1986, plans to restore the dome at the former RAF Langham, seen at the forefront of both defence and attack during WW2, began more than 20 years go.
The restoration of the 25ft (7.6m) tall and 40ft (12m) wide dome got under way in 2013 after the project secured grants of nearly £650,000.
One of the key issues was to protect the metal grid framework on which the dome is based, said the Friends of Langham Dome.
Extensive work, involving 17 tonnes of rendering sand on the shell, was also required to ensure it was watertight.
Malcolm Crowder, from the North Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust, said: "The dome was built essentially as a temporary structure over 70 years ago.
"Crumbling concrete on the outer surface had allowed water to get in, causing serious deterioration to the metal framework. This became a vicious circle of decay for both the concrete and metal structure.
"This situation has been reversed and the building... is now fit to grace the Norfolk skyline and educate the public for at least another 50 years. It's a truly outstanding heritage project achievement."
The Langham Dome Museum is open until the end of October. | Restoration on an at-risk World War Two building which was used to train anti-aircraft gunners has been completed. | 28704885 |
The MP for Horsham in West Sussex said it was "time to make way for a younger candidate".
Mr Maude held ministerial positions in the cabinets of Margaret Thatcher and John Major as well as David Cameron.
He won his seat in the 2010 general election, defeating the Liberal Democrats, with a majority of 11,460.
In a letter to the Horsham Conservative Association, he said: "I was first elected to the House of Commons in 1983 just before I was 30, and will be nearly 67 by the time of the election in 2020.
"However, 27 years is a long time to serve as a member of parliament, and I believe now is the right time to make way for a younger candidate to carry the Conservative flag in Horsham."
Mr Maude was elected to the House of Commons in 1983 as MP for North Warwickshire, where he served until 1992.
After five years out of office he returned as MP for Horsham in 1997, which he has represented since. | Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has announced he is to stand down at the next election, 32 years after entering parliament. | 31082819 |
He will take over from Sir Iain Lobban when he steps down this autumn after six years as director, Foreign Secretary William Hague announced.
Mr Hannigan, 49, has been director general of defence and intelligence at the Foreign Office since 2010.
Cheltenham-based GCHQ came under scrutiny after disclosures from ex-US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.
Mr Hague said: "As well as his impressive personal qualities, Robert brings to the job a wealth of relevant experience in the fields of national security, counter-terrorism and international relations.
"I'd also like to thank Sir Iain Lobban for his consistently strong and professional leadership as director of GCHQ since 2008."
Mr Hannigan's appointment has been agreed with Prime Minister David Cameron in consultation with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
Gloucestershire-born Mr Hannigan, a married father of two, has advised the prime minister on counter-terrorism, intelligence and security policy for a number of years.
He said of his appointment: "It is a privilege to be asked to lead GCHQ, an organisation which is so central to keeping the people of this country safe.
"I have great respect for the integrity and professionalism of the staff of GCHQ and for what they have achieved under the outstanding leadership of Iain Lobban.
"I am excited about meeting the challenges of the coming years with them."
Mr Hannigan previously worked as principal adviser to then prime minister Tony Blair on the Northern Ireland peace process.
He was also responsible for the UK's first cyber security strategy and oversaw the first national security strategy, and has chaired Cobra emergency committee meetings on terrorist incidents.
National Security Adviser Sir Kim Darroch, who led the recruitment process, said: "I am delighted Robert Hannigan has been appointed director, GCHQ.
"He will bring energy, flair, deep knowledge and extensive experience to the role, and I look forward to working closely with him."
Sir Kim thanked Sir Iain for doing "an absolutely outstanding job at an exceptionally testing time for the organisation".
Sir Iain joined GCHQ in 1983, becoming director in June 2008.
Last November, he became the first head of the agency to give evidence in public when he appeared before MPs on the Intelligence and Security Committee, alongside the heads of MI5 and MI6.
They came under pressure to be more open after leaks by Mr Snowden revealed widespread spying by GCHQ and the US National Security Agency.
Sir Iain told the committee Mr Snowden's disclosures had done immense damage to Britain's counter-terrorism efforts. | Robert Hannigan has been named as the new head of the UK's electronic surveillance agency GCHQ. | 27036135 |
The Sussex academy wicketkeeper played for Jersey Under-19s in the Netherlands earlier in the year but has never appeared for the senior side.
Opening batsman Dean Morrison, whose ineligibility for the island this summer was due to the amount of time he had spent overseas, is also selected.
The annual 50-over match takes place in Guernsey on 7 September. | Jersey have named 15-year-old Jonty Jenner in their squad for next week's inter-insular game against Guernsey. | 23898532 |
The local authority was expecting to have to tackle a funding gap of more than £21m, but that figure has been revised up to £40m.
The council said the figure was reviewed following last week's UK government Autumn Statement.
Senior councillors said they wanted to protect education from cuts and avoid compulsory redundancies.
Council leader Margaret Davidson said the Autumn Statement had included a 4-5% cut to Scotland's budget and this would filter down to local authorities in terms of less funding from the Scottish government.
She told BBC Alba that trying to find savings of £21m, which was on top of £10m of cuts already agreed for 2016-17, had been "bad enough".
She added: "Now we are being told the gap could be up to £40m, almost double what we had been expecting."
Ms Davidson said Highland Council would be calling for an end to the council tax freeze, as it has done in the past, to allow it to generate more revenue.
Budget leader Bill Fernie described the savings local authorities were having to make as the hardest since World War Two.
Last week, Highland Council said it was looking at closing all its offices and schools from lunchtime on Fridays to help it save money.
Views have been sought from the public on the plan and other ideas to help the council tackle a hole in its budget.
Reducing the working and school week to 4.5 days would result in significant savings, the council has said. | Highland Council has said it must save more money in 2016-17 than it had previously thought. | 34967130 |
Broncos led through Rhys Williams before Briscoe and Liam Sutcliffe posted two quick scores for the Rhinos.
James Cunningham put London back ahead but tries from Briscoe and James Segeyaro made it 20-12 at the break.
Jordan Lilley, Matty Achurch and Kallum Watkins extended Leeds' lead, and despite tries from Nick Slyney, Iliess Macani and Elliot Kear either side of Briscoe's third, Leeds secured victory.
Leeds maintained their 100% record in the Qualifiers, having previously recorded victories over Featherstone and Hull KR.
But there was more injury woe for the Rhinos as captain Danny McGuire limped off with an ankle injury in the first half.
London Broncos head coach Andrew Henderson: "I am very proud of the efforts of the guys.
"We put ourselves under pressure at times and we had to absorb that and I was pleased to see us finish the game off strongly, scoring some points at the back end of the game to make the score more respectable."
Leeds head coach Brian McDermott: "There were spells where I thought we were really good and some other spells in the game where I thought we were very off.
"We made some periods of the game look very difficult at times with our lack of energy, but also London gave it a good crack against us and they didn't fall off like perhaps Featherstone did last week."
London Broncos: Walker; Williams, Hellewell, Kear, Macani; Soward, Barthau; Slyney, Cunningham, Ioane, Harrison, Garside, Bussey.
Replacements: Ackers, Thackray, Battye, Offerdahl.
Leeds Rhinos: Sutcliffe; Briscoe, Watkins, Keinhorst, Hall; Moon, McGuire; Galloway, Segeyaro, Garbutt, Ferres, Ablett, Jones-Buchanan.
Replacements: Cuthbertson, Achurch, Mullally, Lilley.
Referee: Chris Campbell | Tom Briscoe's hat-trick helped Leeds to an easy Qualifiers victory over London. | 37125172 |
The animals were turned back from ferries at Larne and Belfast in the run up to Christmas.
Several investigations are now under way.
Some of the animals were voluntarily surrendered to animal welfare officers. Others were returned to the premises they had come from.
A total of 760 vehicles were stopped and searched at the two ports.
The joint operation involved officials from the Department of Agriculture and the Environment and several councils.
It was mounted following concerns regarding potential illegal movements of commercial consignments of dogs.
It focused on the welfare of the animals during transport, the identification of the animals and the licensing and registration of dog breeding businesses.
In the case of dogs moving from the Irish Republic, checks were also made that they had pet passports and complied with relevant trade requirements.
As part of the investigations, information will be shared with enforcement bodies in Great Britain and the Irish Republic.
Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen said the operation showed the illegal movement of dogs through Northern Ireland's ports would not be tolerated. | More than 30 dogs have been stopped from being transported from Northern Ireland ports in an operation to prevent puppy trafficking. | 38521233 |
Alongside a picture of him waving goodbye, the 35-year-old Spain international wrote on Twitter: "Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game."
He won club honours with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern and the World Cup and two European Championships.
Alonso told Bayern's TV channel: "It wasn't an easy decision to make, but I believe it's the right time.
He added: "I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment."
Alonso joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad in 2004 and was part of a famous Champions League victory in Istanbul in his first season as the Reds came back from 3-0 down at half-time to beat AC Milan on penalties. He also claimed an FA Cup, a Uefa Super Cup and a Community Shield during his time at Anfield.
He moved to Real Madrid in 2009 and won a second Champions League as well as the Spanish title before a switch to Germany in 2014, where he has helped Bayern win two Bundesliga titles and reach the quarter-finals of this year's Champions League - courtesy of a 10-2 aggregate win over Arsenal on Tuesday.
Alonso played 114 times for Spain and scored 16 goals as the national side won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, either side of their maiden World Cup triumph in South Africa in 2010. His final appearance for his country came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Media playback is not supported on this device | Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will retire when his contract expires in the summer. | 39217287 |
Members of Unite employed by The OCS Group have rejected three separate offers during a long-running dispute.
The union has 200 members with the company and said the majority are paid just £7.65 an hour.
The OCS Group said it was in "active discussion" with the union and hoped for a "swift resolution".
Unite regional officer Jamie Major said: "OCS doesn't seem serious about settling this dispute.
"At the last meeting, management gave four separate options, none of which represented an improved offer...
"OCS was simply manipulating figures to rob better paid staff to fund workers on poverty pay."
In a statement, the company said: "OCS is sorry that we have ended up in dispute... We hope for a swift resolution and we will be working towards that goal in the coming days.
"OCS has made a serious offer to our staff and we remain in constant contact with them and the union.
"We have responded to an invitation from Unite today to further talks and hope to arrange to meet in the coming week for further discussions."
The ballot opens on Thursday and closes on 9 March. Unite warned of "significant strike action" if there is a yes vote. | Workers employed at Gatwick Airport to help passengers with reduced mobility are to vote on strike action in a row over pay. | 39044963 |
The UK's top employers recruited more graduates this year than they expected, says the High Fliers report, based on a poll of 18,000 final-year students.
The increase is the biggest for four years and follows an unprecedented 23.3% dip between 2007 and 2009.
But graduate numbers have increased by 85,000 to 365,000 since 2007.
This suggests a further increase in graduate-level jobs will be required to keep pace with the higher number of graduates looking for work.
The report says the average number of entry-level graduate roles on offer at the UK's top companies is now 190 per employer.
And a third of these companies increased graduate recruitment targets for 2014.
Overall a rise of 9% had been predicted, compared with the actual rise of 11.6% this year.
The highest number of new graduate jobs are in the top accounting and professional services companies.
This sector saw a 23.8% increase in graduate intake.
The report says: "These latest results mark a very welcome improvement in the graduate job market and suggest that graduate recruitment at the leading employers is now at its highest level for seven years."
Although competition for graduate jobs has eased slightly, it remains tough, with an average of 39 applications per vacancy.
Four-fifths of the UK's leading employers require at least an upper-second-class degree.
And employers received at least 50 applications per position for graduate jobs at:
But more than two-thirds of companies plan to match or expand their recruitment levels next year.
High Fliers managing director, Martin Birchall, said: "It's great news for the 'Class of 2014' leaving university this summer that Britain's top employers have stepped up their graduate recruitment so significantly this year." | The graduate job market has recovered to its pre-recession peak, with a 12% rise in the number of jobs for university leavers, a report says. | 28160714 |
Elliot Investors' call to remove Antony Burgmans follows the Dutch firm's refusal to enter talks with US rival PPG Industries over a $24bn takeover.
Akzo has rejected two offers from PPG, but some shareholders - including Elliott - support the bid.
Mr Burgmans and chief executive Ton Buechner say the bid undervalues Akzo.
Elliott said it was one of a group of investors that meets the Dutch legal threshold of 10% support needed to call an extraordinary meeting to vote on a proposal to remove Mr Burgmans.
That process takes about two months.
An Akzo Nobel spokesman said the company strongly supported the chairman and would respond to the request within 14 days as required by Dutch law.
"The removal of Mr Burgmans would be irresponsible, disproportionate, damaging and not in the best interest of the company, its shareholders and other stakeholders," he said.
Meanwhile, the company has reported Elliot and PPG to Dutch regulators for possibly sharing potentially "sensitive" information with PPG regarding support for an extraordinary meeting.
It was not clear what rules, if any, the shareholder and PPG might have violated.
Elliott, which has a 3.25% stake in Akzo, said it would respond to the company's allegations soon.
PPG could not be reached for comment.
Elliott, which became an Akzo shareholder in December, is known for its aggressive moves.
Founded in 1977 by American activist investor Paul Singer, it made a name investing in national debt in countries such as Peru. The firm is most famous for its long legal battle over Argentine debt, which climaxed when the firm seized an Argentine naval ship docked in Ghana.
The hedge fund is also pushing mining giant BHP Billiton to reorganise and spin off its US oil unit.
The PPG offer that Akzo rejected on 22 March was worth more than 24bn euros. Akzo shares were flat at 79.12 euros in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
Mr Buchner has proposed selling Akzo's chemicals division and has embarked on a series of share repurchases.
The firm, which is scheduled to meet with investors later this month, has also drawn opposition from Dutch politicians concerned about potential job losses. | An activist investor in Akzo Nobel has increased the pressure on the Dulux paint owner by calling for its chairman to be removed. | 39576544 |
Police said she was Andrea Harris from Ardrossan.
The crash, involving a Stagecoach bus and an Isuzu 4x4, took place north of Ardrossan at 14:15 on Monday.
The 48-year-old driver of the Isuzu and the 36-year-old bus driver are "serious but stable" in Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Four bus passengers, two men and two women, are also in hospital.
They were taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for treatment.
A further five passengers on the bus - three men and two women - received medical treatment at the scene or were taken to Crosshouse Hospital but were released after treatment.
The Scottish Ambulance Service declared the scene of the crash, near the Rowan Tree restaurant, a major incident. Two air ambulances attended, along with specialist trauma teams.
Police Scotland have appealed for witnesses to the crash.
Sgt Kevin Blackley from the Trunk Road Policing Unit, Irvine, said: "I would urge anyone who witnessed the crash, who has not yet spoken to police, or anyone with information that may assist our investigation to contact us through the non-emergency number 101." | A 45-year-old female bus passenger killed in a crash on the A78 in North Ayrshire which left six people in hospital has been named. | 35883457 |
Jac Holmes, from Bournemouth, Joe Akerman, from Halifax, and Irish citizen Joshua Molloy were detained by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Mr Holmes posted on Facebook: "Got out of jail peeps, thanks for the support."
His mother met with Kurdistan officials on Friday to help secure his release.
The three men had been returning home at the time of their arrest, crossing from Syria into Iraq.
They were held for more than a week in a prison in Erbil.
Mr Ackerman updated his status on Facebook, simply posting: "Free".
"We are helping two British men make arrangements to leave Kurdistan after they were released from custody," a Foreign Office spokeswoman told the BBC.
Confirming the release of Mr Molloy, a former Royal Irish Regiment soldier, Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "I welcome Joshua's release and I am pleased that he is now on his way home to join his family in Ireland."
We understand the men had been waiting on the border between Syria and Iraq for several weeks trying to cross. However, the border was closed.
They made their way to another point to cross and were arrested and told they were crossing into Iraq illegally.
The border is a politically sensitive zone between Iraq and Syria. The two countries have numerous groups in conflict with one another.
Jac Holmes's mother told me it had been an anxious time as the days passed, and that she had visited Kurdish officials in London to do what she could to get Jac and the other men released.
She wrote "I was prepared to chain myself to the railings" to try to ensure the men's safe passage home.
Kurdish supporters in the UK have rallied around in support Mr Holmes during his time fighting in Syria. He is one of a number of western volunteers fighting with the Kurds.
They call him a "hero", while British officials continue to warn strongly against travelling to any conflict zones.
The British Government maintains that anyone fighting abroad could find themselves breaching UK terrorism laws. | Three men arrested attempting to cross the Iraqi border after joining Kurdish forces to fight the so-called Islamic State group in Syria have been released, the BBC understands. | 36123615 |
Mitch Garbutt opened the scoring for Leeds, but Dorn's treble and tries from Denny Solomona and Joel Monaghan made it 30-6 to Cas at the break.
Solomona added his second after a mistake from Ash Handley, who soon crossed for Leeds, but Gadwin Springer and Ben Crooks extended the lead.
Grant Millington took Cas past 50 points after fine work from Luke Gale.
The defeat was the 11th of the season for the reigning Super League champions and the second time they had conceded 50 points this campaign following their 56-12 loss to Widnes in February.
Rhinos had few answers to deal with Tigers' veteran full-back Dorn in his first game back following two months out with a hamstring injury.
The 33-year-old collected Junior Moors' offload to cross for his first before collecting Gale's kick into space to score under the posts.
The Australian then completed his hat-trick just after the 30-minute mark as Mike McMeeken's pass left him with a simple finish.
Castleford move above Wakefield and Widnes to sixth in the table.
Leeds Rhinos: Golding; Handley, Watkins, Keinhorst, Hardaker; McGuire, Lilley; Galloway, Burrow, Garbutt, Jones-Buchanan, Ferres, Cuthbertson.
Replacements: Mullally, Sutcliffe, Achurch, Walters.
Castleford Tigers: Dorn; Flynn, Crooks, Monaghan, Solomona; McShane, Gale; Patrick, Milner, Jewitt, McMeeken, Moors, Massey.
Replacements: Cook, Millington, Springer, Tickle.
Referee: Richard Silverwood | Luke Dorn scored a first-half hat-trick as Castleford Tigers thumped Super League's bottom side Leeds Rhinos. | 36267667 |
Team Pacific Rowers were taking part in a race between California and Hawaii when their vessel began taking in water about 100 miles from shore.
Rower Sam Collins, 25, from Cornwall, said: "It's really frustrating because we are a great team and it is only the equipment which let us down."
The rowers were airlifted to safety by US coastguards on Saturday.
Mr Collins, Fraser Hart 34, from Tunbridge Wells, James White, 36, from London and Colin Parker, 36, from New Zealand, were taking part in the Great Pacific Race.
The Pacific Rowers team set off on Wednesday to row 2,400 miles (3,862km) from Monterey in California to Honolulu.
Former BBC Guernsey journalist Mr Collins said: "The first couple of days were great. Team spirits were good. We were getting used to life on the boat.
"But the sea conditions were quite rough and worsening.
"Then late in the second day, out at sea, we started realising that water was permeating into the cabin.
"It just got worse and worse."
The crew used an electric bilge pump to keep the problem at bay but the water kept coming in.
Water eventually got into all the internal lockers and the boat was so low in the water that waves were crashing over it continuously, Mr Collins said.
"The boat had been through severe testing but in some places it was permeating through the side of the boat because of the force of the waves," he added.
The team called for assistance and a support boat reached them 10 hours later.
But with waves of 20ft (6m) and gale-force winds, it was decided that the safest rescue was by coastguard helicopter.
In darkness, a helicopter winched the crew to safety.
"I cannot talk highly enough about the coastguards," he said.
The team is now considering entering the 2016 event.
"We are very disappointed, a lot of effort went into this," said Mr Collins. | One of four rowers rescued from the Pacific said extreme weather conditions had exposed weaknesses in their boat. | 27962553 |
But US President Donald Trump appears to be laying claim to the phrase for himself.
In an interview with The Economist published on Thursday, he used the metaphor to describe his hopes for tax reform.
Then he asked: "Have you heard that expression used before? Because I haven't heard it. I mean, I just… I came up with it a couple of days ago and I thought it was good. It's what you have to do."
His claim immediately raised eyebrows.
Or, as The New York Observer put it: "The Entire Internet Is Trolling President Trump Over 'Priming the Pump."
Far from being a Trump-coined neologism, priming the pump has a long history in economic theory and was in widespread use by the 1930s.
It's most often associated with John Maynard Keynes, the influential British economist who urged public spending to stimulate a weak economy.
Newspapers also made the comparison during the presidency of Herbert Hoover, who was in office during the Wall Street Crash.
Early Thursday morning, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Twitter account struck back, noting: "'Pump priming' has been used to refer to government investment expenditures since at least 1933."
The Oxford English Dictionary identifies the phrase used in a business context even earlier, quoting a 1916 edition of Everybody's Mag: "When the waters of business are stagnant, gentlemen, it becomes necessary, if I may say so, to prime the pump."
The White House press office did not respond to an email seeking clarification on Mr Trump's comments.
But even Mr Trump has a longer history with the expression.
A non-exhaustive internet search revealed he used it in a speech in December and in earlier interviews with Time and The New York Times. | Students of 1930s economics are no strangers to the idea of 'priming the pump' - public spending to get the economy back on its feet. | 39889627 |
The blaze broke out at Denbeath Bowling Club in Buckhaven, Fife, at 12:35.
Police are warning people to keep their windows closed due to the amount of smoke in the air. Surrounding roads are closed and police are diverting drivers away from the area.
The bowling club is next to Denbeath Primary School in the town, however there have been no injuries. | Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at a bowling club in Fife. | 40950746 |
The programme will be back on BBC One next month after a nine-year break.
The new titles show the main characters Jack and Victor, played by Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, from the 1960s, 70s and 80s to the present day.
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra have also made a new recording of the iconic title music.
Filming on the new series, once again written by Kiernan and Hemphill, has been taking place on a purpose-built set at BBC Scotland's Dumbarton Studios and around Glasgow.
Still Game follows the antics of pensioners Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade and ran for six series between 2002 and 2007.
The new series will also see the return of Sanjeev Kohli as Navid, Gavin Mitchell as Bobby, Paul Riley as Winston and Mark Cox as Tam.
Reruns of the show have proved popular with audiences and it has also attracted new fans on TV streaming service Netflix. | The titles and theme tune for the popular comedy Still Game have been revamped ahead of the launch of a new series. | 37449951 |
The car, going at 88mph, hit a pole causing a power cut and stopping the town clock, the spoof statement said.
The satire was among the first of what could end up being many tributes paid on Back to the Future Day.
Movie fans are celebrating 21 October 2015, the date Marty and Doc visited in the 1989 sci-fi time travel adventure sequel Back to the Future II.
The crash described in the police press release mirrors the key moment in the Back to the Future II plot, when Marty McFly, 17, and Doc go forward in time.
It said officers asked the 17-year-old driver what speed he had been doing, to which he replied, 88mph (142km/h) - the speed the pair's modified silver DeLorean had to hit to trigger the flux capacitor to send them back in time.
"A 17-year-old man was charged and was in possession of a licence which expired over 30 years ago," police said.
"Investigations into the vehicle and what a flux capacitor is, are ongoing."
It also posted an edited image of officers rushing to the scene on their hoverboards.
Mount Isa Cinema owner Jodi Saunders was quoted as saying the driver had asked when Jaws 19 - the film being screened at the Holomax cinema in the film - was showing.
Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady, meanwhile, was quoted as saying repairs were under way to save the clock tower, which in the famous scene is hit by lightning.
Queensland Police Media is famed for its light-hearted social media posts.
It has previously posted warnings on Facebook about wet roads from the tears of Top Gear fans after the show was cancelled, and has cautioned drivers not to "go ape" after a lorry carrying bananas crashed. | Police in Queensland say they have deployed their "hoverboard unit" after a silver car crashed near a cinema. | 34589396 |
The independent report for the county council said A12 improvements are essential if Sizewell C goes ahead.
Traffic will increase on the stretch through Stratford St Andrew, Marlesford, Farnham and Little Glemham.
EDF Energy, planning to build Sizewell C, said it was not considering funding for the bypass as a priority.
The county council report looked at the impact of construction traffic on the A12 and predicted it would be slightly reduced compared to earlier studies.
However, the additional number of vehicles generated by projected "natural" growth, in addition to the Sizewell C project traffic, meant road improvements were essential.
The report recommends a dual or single carriageway bypass should be built and ready before work starts on the new power station.
The report said that traffic at the busiest time of the day could increase by 14% and the proportion of vehicles taking more than seven minutes to travel through the four villages would more than double.
The high levels of Sizewell C traffic would result in increased journey times, a higher accident rate and poorer air quality, the report said.
Tom McGarry, from EDF Energy, said it was listening to local concerns but its priority was getting cars off the road in the first place.
Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for roads and transport, said: "Two months ago we said that EDF Energy needed to wake up and truly realise the scale of the impact Sizewell C will have on local communities in Suffolk.
"We hope that this independent report from experts with international repute will help them come to their senses now.
"It's time for EDF to take note of the strength of feeling and undeniable evidence on this critical issue."
"The A12 from Woodbridge to Lowestoft is just not fit for purpose - let alone to carry the volumes of heavy lorries in particular which will be necessary for the Sizewell C project," a Suffolk Coastal council spokesman said. | Four villages in Suffolk must be bypassed to take anticipated growth in traffic due to the construction of a nuclear power station, a report says. | 21497756 |
The 20-year-old singer was pictured in the Sun newspaper walking on crutches after returning to the UK.
"Hey guys I know most of you have seen those pics today! Yes I've had major knee surgery, a much larger surgery than first anticipated," he tweeted.
"But i would like to tell u , it was a complete success! Considering the scale of it."
One Direction are due to tour later this year, with their UK dates starting in May.
"All I ask of you guys is that you would respect my privacy as I try to recover... for the Where We Are tour," he wrote on Twitter.
Earlier this week bandmate Liam Payne apologised for a picture taken of him balancing on a ledge.
The photo had been posted on Twitter but has since been taken down.
The singer tweeted: "You may have seen a photo of me today taken on top of a building. I regret being there and having a photo taken.
"It was a stupid and irresponsible thing to do. I am sorry, and do not endorse any fans trying to repeat this, as it is extremely dangerous."
It has also been announced that the band will release two books in 2014.
The group have signed a deal with HarperCollins to publish an official autobiography and One Direction: The Official Annual 2015.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter | One Direction singer Niall Horan has confirmed that he has had an operation on his knee in the US. | 25778029 |
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