Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News 20171202

Offer a russian Antivirus Software programme free to customers after warnings it could be exploited by the kremlin. Coming up. Its already been a big sporting day down under. Australia narrowly beat england in brisbane by 6 0 to lift the Rugby League World cup. And its honours even in adelaide, as englands cricketers make key breathroughs on the opening day of the second test, the first day night match in the history of the ashes. In half an hour here on bbc news, mum takeover takes a look at the issues relating to mothers and mental health. Good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. Criticism is growing over the actions of two former Police Officers accused of leaking allegations that legal pornographic images had been allegations that legal found on a work computer of the cabinet minister, damian green. The former chief constable of Greater Manchester, sir peter fahy, strongly rejected suggestions that it was in the Public Interest to disclose information allegedly found during the course of an unrelated investigation in 2008. He stressed that the officers were entering dangerous territory. Heres our political correspondent, tom barton. When police raided damian greens Parliamentary Office in 2008, no one would have imagined the implications would still be resonating nine years later. The raid was part of an inquiry into home office leaks and no one was charged. But unrelated allegations, denied by mr green, that legal pornography was found on a computer seized by police have sparked a furious row. The allegations were originally made by former met assistant comissioner bob quick. While yesterday, retired met detective neil lewis said he had no doubt whatsoever that mr green had been viewing the material. It was ridiculous to suggest that anybody else could have done it. But today, the former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police Attacked their decision to speak out. Most Police Officers would be very uncomfortable about the police getting involved in making judgments about whether a politician is lying or not. That is ultimately a matter for the courts and public opinion. Or breaching this duty of keeping matters confidential, which are gathered in an investigation, unless they end up as evidence. This row matters because damian green is theresa mays closest political ally and it pits his word against those of two former Police Officers. But conservative allies have come to his aid. Brexit secretary david davis warning downing street not to fire him. While this former cabinet minister questioned the conduct of the officers making the allegations. If you think somethings relevant, you do it by a proper official means. You do not go freelancing, as these two officers have done, and it has the smack of the police state about it. I didnt download or look at pornography. Damian green has consistently denied the allegations. Hes waiting to hear the results of a Cabinet Office investigation into them. Were told that report could be on the Prime Ministers desk within days. Tom barton, bbc news. Earlier, i asked tom why the investigation matters. It is a distraction theresa may does not want nor need. The government is in the middle of brexit negotiations. There is a crucial month ahead as they try to navigate through discussions around the brexit bill, the irish border. Meanwhile the Prime Minister is in a weakened position, partly as a result of this years disappointing Election Results but also a few weeks ago she lost a key ally in the cabinet, michael fallon, and having another ally underfire puts pressure on the government at a time they could do without it and as this Cabinet Office report lands on her desk, probably in the next few days, we will hear more about it. The row is not over. This is about bob quick confirming that this material had been found and in the case of the second officer, he said he wanted to take part in an enquiry and they did not approach me and therefore i am putting this information out. To what extent do politicians believe the police are acting inappropriately . Former Police Officers. If you look at the response from damian greens conservative colleagues, almost to a person they have argued along the lines similar to sir peter fahy, that the material is confidential and from a Police Operation and it should have remained private. It dates back to 2008. It was nine years ago this happened and there is an enormous amount of bad feeling between the conservative party and police over the raid on damian greens office, with damian green at the time the Shadow Home Office minister. He had been leaked information by a Home Office Civil Servant that he used to embarrass the then Labour Government and the police were called in by the home office and they raided his office and subsequently were heavily criticised for getting involved in what was, they argued, the conservatives argued, was essentially a political dispute. Bob quick, who brought these allegations forward, left the metropolitan police from his position as assistant commissioner a few months later and the suspicion among conservatives is, and damian green has put this into words, is that this is a vendetta by a Police Officer who feels he has been badly treated by the conservative party. And something presumably bob quick denies . Absolutely, he says it is information pertinent to other allegations, within that investigation carried out by the Cabinet Office, there are separate allegations that damian green behaved inappropriately with a conservative party activist, allegations he denies. And bob quick said he came forward because he thought these points he remembered from nine years ago were pertinent to that. Us republicans are celebrating after the Senate Passed a sweeping tax reform bill, which is seen as the first big legislative achievement of Donald Trumps presidency. In a tweet, mr trump described the move as the biggest tax cut in history. But a senior democrat senator, chuck schumer, said the changes would stuff even more money into the pockets of the wealthy while raising taxes on the middle class. My republican friends will ultimately pay consequences for this bill in 2018 and beyond. The Republican Party will never again be the party of tax cuts for middle class people. With the passage of this tax bill today will be the first day of the new Republican Party. One that raises taxes on the middle class, abandoning its principles for its political paymasters. Chuck schumer speaking in the early hours. But the president s legislative success comes as us media are reporting that his son in law, jared kushner, has been implicated in the investigation into claims of collusion with russia. Our washington correspondent, laura bicker reports Michael Flynn, a retired three star general, left the court in washington to a familiar chant, lock him up. Hed once encouraged donald Trump Supporters to use a similar version against rival hillary clinton. The 58 year old played a key part in mrtrumps campaign and often travelled with him. If i did a tenth, a tenth of what she did, i would be injail today. He was rewarded with the post of National Security adviser, but was forced to resign afterjust 23 days, when his contacts with russia to discuss us sanctions were disclosed. On the 29th of december, Michael Flynn spoke to the Russian Ambassador on the phone in the first of a series of calls. On the 15th of january, Vice President mike pence said that sanctions were not discussed in those calls. Only after the 9th of february, when a newspaper revealed general flynn did discuss sanctions, did pressure increase and Michael Flynn lost his job. As part of his guilty plea, prosecutors said mr flynn is now cooperating with the investigation. Us media claims he will testify that senior members of the trump team, including mr trumps son in law jared kushner, directed him to make contact with russian officials. The white house is now trying to distance itself from flynns actions and the lies he told to the fbi, but having reached a plea bargain to co operate, what else has mr flynn told the enquiry and what further revelations are to come . In the last hour, donald trump was asked about whether hes worried that his former National Security adviser might tell the special Counsel Robert Mueller what has been shown is no collusion. There has been absolutely no collusion. So we are very happy. And, frankly, last night was one of the big nights. We will see what happens. Thank you all very much. Thank you very much. President trump before he boarded a helicopter. He is on his way to new york. Earlier the writer and broadcaster Jeffrey Kofman told me that its been a mixed week for donald trump. December the 1st 2017 is the best and worst day of his presidency. He got the massive tax cut passed by the senate by a hair, and now, the pressure is, the news is tightening around the white house and if not him certainly those close. What we see from Michael Flynn is in the agreement, he is pointing fingers at senior white house officials. The us media is ripe for speculation that is jared kushner, the son in law of donald trump. His hope and he has stated this publicly many times, that this would be over by christmas. That is not the case. The tromp presidency is a test of the resilience of american institutions and democracy that we have never seenin and democracy that we have never seen in our lifetime. Can the courts remain independent . Can his meddling be held to account . So far what we have seen, in his attempts to knock Robert Mueller over, were u nsuccessful Robert Mueller over, were unsuccessful and it is coming back at him. On tax cuts, it is interesting talking about this in the uk. We are talking about brexit being a generational change. Donald trump will be gone in maybe eight yea rs. Trump will be gone in maybe eight years. This tax cut is a generational tax cut and this will affect america, whether he is gone after the first term. This is pivotal for the after the first term. This is pivotalfor the american after the first term. This is pivotal for the American Culture and economy. Everyone suggests this is a massive game for the wealthy. Gainfor massive game for the wealthy. Gain for the wealthy. If you want to see our discussion, about the good side and bad side of yesterday for President Trump on the tax and problems with general flynns test me, it will be broadcast at az30pm on the news channel. Barclays bank says it will no longer offer a russian Antivirus Software programme free to customers. It comes after officials recommended that Government Departments stop using Kaspersky Lab products because of fears it could be exploited by the kremlin. The National Cyber Security Centre says the advice doesnt apply to domestic users. Kaspersky lab denies any links to the russian government. Jon donnison reports. Cyber Security Software like that provided by Kaspersky Lab requires extensive access to the files on a computer phone or network to look for viruses. Our mission has always been to protect. Kaspersky is used by consumers and businesses as well as some parts of government to protect systems from criminals and hackers. But now a new warning about russian anti virus software, amid fears it could be used for spying. Keep secrets of global significance. At britains National Cyber Security Centre, they say theyve not seen actual proof of such espionage, but theyve told Government Departments not to use kaspersky for systems containing sensitive data. This is specifically about entities that may be of interest to the russian government, and so for us thats about National Security systems in government, of which there are a very small number. Kaspersky lab has already denied allegations that its been used for espionage in america. We dont do anything wrong. They are just speculating about some rumours, opinions, and there is zero of the hard data. 400 Million People use kaspersky products around the world, but Officials Say theyre not telling the general public to stop using it. Kaspersky lab denies any wrongdoing, but todays warning is another sign about growing fears over the risk posed by russia. Our Business Correspondent joe lynam explained why this warning has been issued. Lets explain what antivirus softwa re lets explain what Antivirus Software is. This is something that has to go deep into your computer to protect it and has to know where your files are and what is in the file so it is not attacked by malware or viruses. The advice since last night by the National Cyber Security Centre is that they worry anti viral software provided by kaspersky could make your computer vulnerable. They think that Russian Hackers could use kaspersky and its software network, they are based in moscow, to attack computers in the west. The us imposed this concern a few weeks ago and the british are now joining it and today barclays bank, one of the biggest retail banks, which gives this software for free to new current account holders, say they will no longer give it to you for free. It is not because kaspersky are necessarily a problem, it is other people could use them. The concern is it could be like a trojan horse into your computer. These guys are pretty bright. They are first class honours, far brighter than anybody at this table. They suspect yes, there are holes in the kaspersky anti viral system. We need to stress that kaspersky said they have no links to the kremlin and have done nothing wrong. But, this could have a negative impact on kaspersky sales around the world. What should somebody do if they have had this Free Software from their bank . Should they wipe it . Definitely not. The advice from the agency and kaspersky is do not to uninstall and kaspersky is do not uninstall this until you have a replacement, otherwise you are exposing yourself. The headlines on bbc news there is growing criticism of two Police Officers who leaked allegations that legal pornographic images had been found on a work computer of cabinet minister damian green. President trump has insisted there was no collusion between his campaign and moscow. Barclays bank says it will no longer offer a russian Antivirus Software programme free to customers after warnings it could be exploited by the kremlin. England have lost to australia in the world cup in rugby league. Australia edged the first day of the second ashes test, posting 209 4. Chelsea beat newcastle 3 1. Eden hazard scored twice at stamford bridge. They are level on points with Manchester United in second, who play later. An update on the other scores. Leicester beating burnley. Swansea are one up away at stoke and spurs have fallen behind at watford. An update in the next hour. The Christmas Period is often said to be challenging for parents of a child with autism. The change of routine, noise and unfamiliarity can all combine to make it a particularly difficult time. Our correspondentjohn maguire has been to visit a santas grotto with a difference one thats been adapted to become autism friendly. As the song goes, itis the most wonderful time of the year, but not for everyone. I used to hate christmas because he never got it, he did not want presents and it is his birthday on new years day so we miss out on everything. Julies13 year old son joe has autism and in the past, christmas has been difficult for the whole family. We could not wrap the presents for a few years because he couldnt bear the noise of them opening. The autism affects his senses and blocks him from understanding things and we would have to reduce everything. So you dont have a big celebration and everything is kept on the down low. But as hes got older weve been able to expand every year and add an extra element at christmas, so this year he will have his presents wrapped and i am looking forward to that. Julie approached her local Garden Centre in liverpool and suggested this silent santa night, designed for children with autism. The music is quieter, there are no queues and julie has trained father christmas and his elves on what to say and, crucially, whatnot to say to the children. Have you been a good boy . That could really stress somebody out. Just little tips where they can say, just try to be the best that you can be, or have you been the best that you can be . Rather than challenging the child. I like it turned off, really quiet i like it. A few weeks ago we met oscar and his family who told us about the difficulties they face when going shopping. Tonight a very excited and very happy oscar is doing something his parents say would usually be just too much for him. I will give it to the elves when i get back to the north pole. Are you real . Of course, i am the real santa. Do you want to see my beard . A really nice experience. We often avoided santas grottos at christmas time because of oscars condition. It could be the lights, the sensory overload, but coming here he was so excited. He is able to engage and understand the whole process, which is not what we would experience normally. What else did he tell you he was going to do to your list . Take it to the elves to the north pole. It is a long way. It is hoped these nights will become commonplace, ensuring christmas is special for as many children as possible. Goodbye, john. Goodbye, oscar. Great to see him enjoying himself. Now some of the other stories this afternoon. A 14 year old boy has died in hospital after being found unconscious on the hard shoulder of the m67 motorway in Greater Manchester yesterday afternoon. He was named as samuel berkely. He was found nearjunction three of the motorway in hyde. Its feared there could be hundreds ofjob losses at toys r us, after the retailer announced it would close around a quarter of its uk stores. The move, which would see the closure of 25 shops, is part of a deal by the owners to renegotiate debts with its landlords. Its thought Christmas Trading and gift vouchers will not be affected by the move. Five men have been injured after a car hit a number of pedestrians in brixton, south london. Police were called in the early hours to stockwell road. The car, a vw golf, was abandoned at the scene. Officers believe the incident occurred shortly after an altercation between the occupants of the vehicle and a number of people. The men were taken to hospital, but are not in a critical condition. No arrests have been made. Children in nigeria born within ten kilometres of an oil spill are twice as likely to die in their first month, according to a new report from the university of st gallen in switzerland. The report based entirely on available data is on of the first on available data is one of the first to look at the Health Effects of these kinds of on shore spills in the niger delta. Stephanie hegarty reports. It is known as the oil rich niger delta, but communities here see plenty of oil and none of its riches. This woman gave birth to a fifth child three weeks ago. Translation when i had the baby there was no problem, but i was carrying him in my arms. He took three breaths and he was gone. I am still morning. I grieve every day. She does not know how her baby died because she did not see a doctor. But this couple have a similar story to tell. The child died at the same time. The area is always damp with this oil and as we are walking we pass it. New research by scientists ata pass it. New research by scientists at a university in switzerland suggest spills like this could be the cause. The report compare data from two sources. They list of the date and location of oil spills and records of the birth histories of thousands of nigeria mothers. They looked at children conceived after a spill is, within ten kilometres, and compared their outcomes with their siblings, who were conceived before the spill. They found those conceived after an oil spill were twice as likely to die in their first month. This is an Old Oil Spill which stopped leaking in 2010, but there is still a lot of oil here. It is two kilometres from families wejust here. It is two kilometres from families we just met. It is not possible to make a direct link between this and what happened to their children, but what the report shows is there is urgent need for an investigation to what this oil does to peopleshealth. The spills around the town came from pipelines belonging to shell. While they accept responsibility for some spills they say the others are the result of sabotage. When we contacted them for a response to this report they said there was no comment. There has not been a lot of research into what this oil does to human health but there are theories. For pregnant women, if they are exposed and inhaled the emissions, it will affect the forming of the foetus. It is capable of affecting brain formation. Until there is funding for scientists to study poor communities like in the niger delta, more children could be at risk, and many more parents left without a nswe is. The worlds major fishing the worlds majorfishing nations including russia, china and the united states, have agreed to stop commercialfishing in united states, have agreed to stop commercial fishing in the arctic ocean for the foreseeable future. Once permanently frozen, arctic waters are now amongst the fastest warming areas on earth. The deal protects nearly three million Square Kilometres for the next 16 years, while Scientific Research is carried out into the sustainability of the existing marine ecosystem. A call has been made for nominations of people and events worth commemorating. David sillito reports. The site of the presentation of magna carta. The place where the pilgrim fathers set off for america. And here, the memorial to the landing of william of orange at brixham, and the glorious revolution. There are some monuments to great moments in history, but Historic England wants more. There are many plaques to where people were born or lived. It now wants suggestions about events and have already received a few. Weve done our research and spoken to people across the country and weve found really passionate enthusiasts who want to see unknown histories marked out. Weve had people in retford wanting to mark out where the pilgrim fathers set out to make that more well known. Weve had people wanting to mark out the birthplace of grime music in east london, ska music in coventry, all sorts of people with different passions and interests who want to share their knowledge of the history that happened on their doorstep. So it doesnt have to be just the famous places in the history books they are looking for sites that capture the whole of british life. Quite what the memorials will look like hasnt yet been decided. The immediate job is to find the people who have a passion to honour the places where history was made. A huge waterspout has formed in italy. It was spotted off the coast of san remo, before moving inland as a tornado. The weather phenomenon caused significant damage to the city, but luckily no one was hurt. What a remarkable sight. I do not know if it is the weather for water spouts. We can look at the prospects. It has been a slow and subtle process but most are now feeling something just a little bit milder. There has been cloud and grey conditions for some today. I am hopeful we will see more sunshine tomorrow. Tonight large areas of cloud. Some drizzle, and rain moving out of scotland and Northern Ireland into england and wales. As sky is clear in scotland there could be frost here, but generally, temperatures on sunday morning will be higher than we have been used to. With that, cloud and drizzle in the south. That will clear. Tomorrow should bring a fair amount of sunshine. One narrow stripe of cloud and rain flirting with western areas. Colder in the east. Monday and tuesday, slightly higher temperatures. Generally a lot of cloud, but mostly dry. Hello. This is bbc news. Theres growing criticism over the actions of two former Police Officers who leaked allegations that legal pornographic images had been found on a work computer of the cabinet minister, damian green. President trump has insisted there was absolutely no collusion between his campaign and moscow, after his former National Security adviser admitted lying to fbi about his meetings with russian officials. The us senate has passed a tax reform bill President Trumps first big legislative achievement. It will mean a significant reduction in corporation tax, and a lower rate for some individuals