Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News At One 20170504

Manchester united prioritise the Europa League for the rest of the season as they look to qualify for the champions league. Good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news at one. Buckingham palace has announced that the duke of edinburgh will stop carrying out public engagements this autumn. Prince philip, who will be 96 next month, made the decision himself with the full support of the queen. The palace says the queen will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements. The duke of edinburgh is the longest serving consort in british history. The Prime Minister said she offered him the countrys deepest gratitude and good wishes. Our Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell reports. Arriving at st jamess palace a short time ago, side by side, as we are accustomed to seeing them, the queen and the duke of edinburgh. But this, come the autumn, will be the exception. The duke has decided, finally, just a few weeks short of his 96th birthday, that it is time for him to step back from public duties. The paller says the decision has not been prompted by any particular concern about health, and indeedin particular concern about health, and indeed in recent weeks he has been for billing a group of engagements which belie his age. Yesterday, he was at lords cricket ground, opening a new stand, meeting young cricketers, and cracking a familiar joke. The worlds most experienced. joke. The worlds most experienced. Plaque Unveiling joke. The worlds most experienced. Plaque Unveiling and much more has been a part of his life for very nearly seven decades, and although he has launched initiatives of his own, like the duke of edinburghs award scheme, his most Important Role has been to support his wife, the queen. As she has become the longest reigning monarch, he has been the longest serving consort, a few paces behind in public, but most of constant and valued supporter in private. Soon the public role will come largely to an end. The statement said. Political leaders broke off from election campaigning to pay tribute. From his steadfast support for her majesty the queen to his inspirational duke of edinburghs awards, and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our united kingdom, the commonwealth, and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come. 0h, he has dedicated his life to Public Service and to supporting the queen. I think he has more than end his retirement. Prince philip, as well as the support he has given the queen and his own public servers, of course, has done an amazing amount of charity work as well. The leader of charity work as well. The leader of the opposition, jeremy corbyn, said of the duke. It was six years ago, in a bbc interview to mark his 90th birthday, that the duke indicated that he was thinking about slowing down. That the duke indicated that he was thinking about slowing downlj reckon ive done my bit, i want to enjoy myself with less responsibility, less frantic rushing about, less preparation, lest trying to think of something to say. On top of that, the memory is going, i cant remember names, so yes, just sort of winding down. But nothing much changed after his 90th birthday. He continued with a range of public visits. Those who know him say his contribution has been unparalleled. Later this year, he will have been at the queens side for 70 years, 25000 and more public engagements, more than 800 charities and organisations in which he has been actively involved. He has done his bit. The dukes retirement from public duties will mean that other members of the royal family will step up to support the queen. Its likely that shell be seen more and major occasions with the Prince Of Wales and the duke of cambridge. All of which underlines the fact that, although her husband may be stepping back, the queen is not. In the words of Buckingham Palace, the queen, 91 two weeks ago, will continue to carry out a full programme of official duties. Nicholas witchell, bbc news. The duke of edinburgh is a patron of more than 780 charities, but hell no longer have an active role attending public functions to support them. One of his greatest legacies will be his work as chairman of the duke of edinburgh awards, which he set up in 1956 and has benefited millions of young people across the uk. Richard lister has been looking at the impact the duke has had on charities in many countries. Almost as soon as he became part of the royal family, the duke of edinburgh was determined to make his own contribution to british life. While he is most familiar to us at the queens side at some of the biggest moments of her reign, he has also built up a portfolio of causes which he has promoted for decades. Few, if any, which he has promoted for decades. Few, ifany, of which he has promoted for decades. Few, if any, of the people taking pa rt few, if any, of the people taking part in this park run in leeds would even have been born when Prince Philip became the president of the National Playing Fields Association in1947, National Playing Fields Association 11947, a National Playing Fields Association in 1947, a post National Playing Fields Association 119117, a post he National Playing Fields Association in 1947, a post he held for more than 60 years. It still fights to protect spaces like this for sports and recreation in urban areas. His love of the outdoor life led to the scheme which still bears his name, the duke of edinburghs awards, which he created in 1956. To give young people a chance to discover their own abilities for themselves as an introduction to the responsibilities and interests of the grown up world, and incidentally to make new friends and have a great deal of fun and satisfaction in the process. The scheme calls for a combination of physical activity and volunteering, which almost 120,000 young people completed last year alone. In terms of his legacy, the duke of edinburghs awards scheme, which is known around the world for getting young people out there and trying to get them away from the phones and everything they do these days, you know, that is a great legacy. For 15 years, days, you know, that is a great legacy. For15 years, he days, you know, that is a great legacy. For 15 years, he was the high profile president of the World Wildlife fund, travelling widely to press the case for conservation. We depend on the web of life, we depend on every living thing on this planet, just as much as they depend on us. Planet, just as much as they depend on us. In latter years, because he has been most attached to, according to ben is, is the maritime charity trinity house. The former admiral is thought likely to maintain some involvement behind the scenes. And his promotion of the equestrian sport of Carriage Driving is likely to be undiminished, if a little less publicly than before. But he helped write the rules for the sport and has been a majorforce behind it. Has been a good ambassadorfor eventing, he is approachable, he has a lwa ys eventing, he is approachable, he has always been doing something, involved, and not sort of high and mighty. I think he has done his bit, i think he has been absolutely wonderful, and he has been immaculate in every way. It is sad, but it is not surprising, at 96 you are entitled to retire from royal duties. Although not always high profile, the duke of edinburgh used to carry out at least 250 appointments in a busy year. Those who know him say his impact on british life has been. Absolutely huge, no single person, apart from the queen, had such an impact, and when we talk about him retiring, i do not believe it is a retirement, it isa do not believe it is a retirement, it is a change of the way he does things. He is stepping out of the compulsory public duties. He will still be interested, he will still know what is going on, who is running it, he will still know their names and say to them, what is keeping you busy . Of the next chapter of the duke of edinburghs life begins, but it will be one that plays out less publicly than before. Richard lister, bbc news. In a moment, well speak to our Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell, but first Sarah Campbell is at Buckingham Palace. Always a magnet for tourists, of course, i wonder what people have been saying there today . Well, yes, crowds here and indeed the worlds media have been digest in the news throughout the morning that the prince is going to retire from royal duties. If you take a look around me, iam duties. If you take a look around me, i am at canada gate, just opposite Buckingham Palace, and we counted roughly 20 broadcasters who have been here since the early hours. From australia, new zealand, america, europe and the uk, and they started riding here when that announcement was made, 01 started riding here when that announcement was made, or it was made clear that there would be an Emergency Meeting here today at Buckingham Palace. As you would expect, speculation on social media was rife, but the reason that staff from across the uk were brought here to Buckingham Palace was so that they could be told in person the decision of the duke. This will make global headlines, as the shows, and he is one of the worlds most recognised public figures, and the palace has produced some figures to recognise that point, 600 overseas visits, or than 5000 speeches, and in his spare time he has written 14 books. He may have to get used to getting out of the public eye, but the public will have to get used to his absence. Sarah, thank you, Sarah Campbell there. Nicholas witchell, of course, with us, as ever, why particularly now you might it might sound strange for someone of 95, why do we have to ask the question . He has been thinking about it, since i understand it, since the beginning of the year. He wanted particularly to be at the queens side last year, and previously we had the moment when she became the longest reigning monarch, the diamond jubilee, but he clearly feels that A Change Of Pace is called for and is necessary. He is called for and is necessary. He is finally going to do what he said he was going to do six years ago on her 90th birthday, starts to wind down. But he has, as chris diwali was intimating in that piece, he has said that he may still attend Public Events said that he may still attend public eve nts fro m said that he may still attend Public Events from time to time. So it is perhaps, as he was saying, and ends to compulsory public duties, but i think that he will still be in public site from time to time, and one particular occasion coming up that im sure it he will attend will bea that im sure it he will attend will be a certain wedding anniversary, their 70th, their platinum wedding anniversary. I am quite sure he will be in public view on that occasion. One other thing to say, this decision clearly has the support not just of the queen, who will continue unchanged, but the Prince Of Wales and the duke of cambridge, and they come up with other members of the royal family, will have to take more of the load. All right, thank you, Nicholas Witchell. Now we will take a look at the rest of the main news. Voters are going to the polls for local and mayoral elections in england, wales and scotland. Nearly 5,000 Council Seats are vacant in 88 councils in scotland and wales, and around another 30 are up for grabs in england. Some councils will begin Counting Ballots as soon as polls shut at ten oclock this evening, while others will start counting tomorrow morning. Results will be announced throughout the day tomorrow. Four days before france elects its new president , the two remaining contenders have traded insults in a heated televised debate. The centrist candidate, Emmanuel Macron, said his far right rival, Marine Le Pen, risked civil war with her policies. She accused him of being complacent about islamist extremism. Our europe correspondent James Reynolds was watching. Frances next president sat at this table, but at which end . Emmanuel macron and Marine Le Pen argued over the future of their country. Monsieur macron est le candidat de la mondalisation sauvage. Translation mr macron is the candidate of savage globalisation, uberisation, economic uncertainty, social brutality, of every man for himself. Translation you have shown that youre not the candidate for a balanced, democratic debate. The question is, do the people want your defeatist attitude . You say, globalisation is too hard for us, so is europe, lets shut our borders, leave the euro because others succeed, not us. Millions watched, but not all were impressed. Translation the debate was heated because of that, i didnt watch all of it. The aggression really bothered me. Translation it was a stream of insults from both sides, it wont change much when election day arrives. This was one of the most aggressive debates in recent french history. More than two hours of insults, attacks and accusations made for a memorable confrontation. Now french voters have to pick a side. This morning, Emmanuel Macron told a Radio Station that the debate revealed his opponents true colours. The 39 year old centrist maintains his lead in the polls. In her own post debate interview, Marine Le Pen insisted that she succeeded in revealing the true macron. Ms le pen has now gone to brittany to begin herfinal days of campaigning. Its a last attempt to narrow the gap with her opponent. James reynolds, bbc news, paris. Our top story this lunchtime. The duke of edinburgh is to retire from public duties this autumn. Buckingham palace says the decision was made by Prince Philip himself and has the full support of the queen. And still to come. Tracked from space how british scientists are using Satellite Images to count the entire population of the northern royal albatross. Coming up in sport in the next 15 minutes on bbc news usain bolt tells us about the legacy he hopes to leave behind and why he wont change his mind about retiring. A surfer who was rescued after spending 32 hours clinging to his board in the irish sea has said he had prepared himself to die. Speaking exclusively to the bbc, 22 year old Matthew Bryce told of his relief at being spotted by the coastguard helicopter. He said when it first flew over, he thought it had missed him. Our ireland correspondent, chris buckler, has been talking to Matthew Bryce in the ulster hospital in belfast, where he is recovering. I started to shiver. I knew my Body Temperature was dropping. Matthew bryce is exhausted. Sunburnt and still recovering from more than 30 hours spent drifting alone in the irish sea. I had a white lycra top over my wetsuit and i would say thats probably a yellow surf board, so that would be the right colour. This picture was taken on Westport Beach in scotland on sunday, and matthew believes it shows him at the start of a days surfing before strong winds and tides pulled him out into the water. The current changes, and i cant do anything and all this time the winds pushing me further and further out. Sorry. He end up clinging to his surf board in the irish sea throughout sunday night and all of monday, before he was eventually found closer to Northern Ireland than scotland, 13 miles from the beach he left, found just as the sun was setting, and a second night was approaching. So i knew i had maybe three hours, and i was pretty certain that i was going to die. Before sunset. So i was watching the sun set, i pretty much made peace with all, and then i heard a helicopter. And the helicopter flew, right over, so ijumped off the board, and i lifted the board up, and i started waving the board, in the water, and they flew right over and i thought theyd missed me, and then they turned. And they turned round. And then they saved my life. I cant thank them enough. This is the moment he was rescued from the water, and his family could finally be told he was alive. You have this elation, youre high and then 20 minutes later, you crash back down. You dont know what state hes in, you dont know how unwell he is, and until we got that phone call from matthew, just to hear his voice. The rnli have apparently recovered your surf board as well. Are you looking forward to being reunited with your surf board, is that the right question . I think well find a good use for it. Maybe a starter fuel. But yes. Youre done with surfing . I think so. I cant do that again. And his family are likely to make him keep that pledge. Chris buckler, bbc news, at the ulster hospital in belfast. Theres been a sharp rise in the number of men being treated for Eating Disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, according to a bbc investigation. Figures obtained through a Freedom Of Information Request showed the number of males receiving Outpatient Treatment in england is rising at double the rate of females although women still account for the majority of people treated. Tim muffett reports. Of whatever ive eaten. I tend to walk as far as my body will allow me to walk. The number of male patients being treated for Eating Disorders across england has risen by more than a quarter over the past three years. Its more than double the rise seen in female patients. The number of boys being treated has gone up by a third in the last year alone. These figures dont necessarily mean that more men have Eating Disorders. It could be that the stigma is lifting and that more are seeking help. Dr Kiran Chitale is based at Thejulian Hospital In Norwich and treats under 18s with Eating Disorders. Shes seeing more boys than ever walk through her door. As a society we are being fed a daily diet of controversy around what constitutes good food and bad food, what a perfect body means. Nhs england says more support like the type offered here is being made available. Treatments include psychotherapy, counselling, sometimes medication. Simons urging others to speak up and seek help. He fears he waited for too long. Tim muffett, bbc news. Russia says there is International Support for the creation of safe zones in syria, to end the fighting and allow the return of refugees. Talks are taking place in the kazakh capital, astana, to try to halt the conflict, in which at least 300,000 people have been killed. Richard galpin reports. On the streets of syrias towns and cities, the trauma of civil war continues. This apparently the aftermath of an air strike, near the capital damascus. Leaving yet more children caught up in the fighting between the government and rebels. But thousands of miles away in kazakhstan, where peace talks are taking place, theres now a glimmer of hope. Russias one of the main sponsors of the talks here, and speaking in sochi yesterday, President Putin pushed the idea for the creation of safe zones in syria. Translation our common sense is the establishment of the safe zone should lead to further pacification of the situation, and to the strengthening of the ceasefire regime, to curb bloody conflicts. This is the most important condition for allowing the parties to start political dialogue. The aim would be to damp down the fighting, including stopping regime air strikes in the major rebel held areas. Refugees could then return home and aid could reach those in need. If we see that a Monitoring Mechanism, a serious Monitoring Mechanism is in place to enforce the ceasefire, that is a first good indication. A second good indication, of course, is the air strikes stop. But while the rebels would likely welcome an end to Government Air strikes, its harder to see how they would be prepared to give up their key goal of bringing an end to president assads rule over syria. Richard galpin, bbc news. Shares in the high street Retailer Next fell by as much as 7 one point this morning, after it reported worse than expected sales. It also warned that profits this year could be considerably lower than it had forecastjust a few months ago, because of what it describes as a challenging trading environment. Our Business Correspondent emma simpson is here. Now, if you have an old £5 note in your pocket, you may want to go out and spend it soon. The paper note which features the prison reformer Elizabeth Fry on one side wont be accepted in shops after close of business tomorrow. The Bank Of England says there are still 150 million of them in circulation although most banks and Building Societies will still accept them. More details from our personal finance correspondent, simon gompertz. His report contains flashing images. The Period Ofjuggling both the old and new £5 notes is coming to an end. The old ones have to go back to the bank. But some at this london market arent prepared for the paper Fiver Ceasing to be legal tender at midnight tomorrow. Are you sure . Absolutely positive. 0k. Do you think a lot of people know . No, i dont think many people know at all. I havent seen it on the news, i havent read it in the paper. So yeah, its a real surprise. There are millions still out there, so youll probably see some more. Well, listen, theyre not legal tender after friday, so its not good money, is it . People have got used to the paper fiver featuring Elizabeth Fry, launched exactly 15 years ago. Shes now making way for the Winston Churchill plastic fiver. It means until september there wont be a Bank Of England note with a woman on it, other than of course the queen. But the bank says 150 million old fivers remain at large. Thats £750 million worth or three notes for each adult in tills, purses and jam jars. So why the abrupt cut off . The new polymer £5 note featuring sir Winston Churchill has got lots of sort of clever security features. It makes it much more secure. We want the public to have those notes rather than the paper notes with Elizabeth Fry. Setting a clear date of the 5th of may to withdraw the Elizabeth Fry notes means people know exactly which notes they should have and which notes to check and which security features to understand. After friday, you will still be able to take your old £5 notes into your own bank and deposit them or exchange them, but shops wont be accepting them, so youre probably best Offjust Spending them before then. The Bank Of England says itll take paper fivers back for all time, but be warned at the till theyll be rejected. Simon gompertz, bbc news. British scientists have for the first time been able to assess the entire global population of an endangered sea bird using Satellite Technology. Numbers of the northern royal albatross, one of the largest of the species, have previously been hard to assess. But scientists are now able to use much more sharply defined Satellite Images to track them. Our Science Correspondent Rebecca Morelle reports. Theyre the Worlds Largest flying birds, but despite being so easy to spot, counting albatrosses is tricky. Most of the Sea Birds Nest on islands which are extremely remote and difficult to access, but now theres a new way to get a tally of the birds from space. Scientists are using a powerful us satellite to zoom in on places like the Chatham Islands in the south pacific. Ultra high res images can map areas down to just 30 centimetres, which mean each albatross appears as a white dot, and researchers simply tot them up. It means we finally have a number for this species the northern royal albatross. The birds have an impressive wing span of about three metres. When not breeding, they are found widely throughout the southern ocean, but they are classed as endangered because of the tiny area in which they can nest. Now, the Satellite Tally has come in at about 3,600 nests. It is less than researchers hoped. Many albatrosses are doing badly. Of the 22 species, 19 are under threat. 19 19 19 15 19 15 are under threat. And they are facing many dangers from the plastics polluting our ocean, to getting caught up in Fishing Lines and invasive species. Its really important for us to know, conservationists and scientists, to know how these birds are doing, because theyre a threatened group of birds. Overall, the story for albatrosses is quite hopeful. There are quite Simple Solutions to reducing the number being killed at sea, and there are ways to restore their breeding sites as well. So what im hoping in the future, is that these Satellite Images will actually be able to show us we are moving in the right direction for saving the albatross as a whole. The Satellite Technology could transform our understanding of these birds, and scientists hope to extend the study to other albatross nesting sites. Knowing how many birds there are now will help us to track how they fare in the future. Rebecca morelle, bbc news. Time for a look at the weather. Heres louise lear. Its the Weather Lottery out there at the moment. Some of you have won the jackpot this week. Its been perfect for the scottish tourist board. Look at the highlands macro, beautiful all week, lots of blue sky and sunshine. Unfortunately Hotel Manager is not so happy across the kent coast. This morning, a lot of low cloud, a few scattered showers and its feeling cold, im afraid. Im sure yoursummer and its feeling cold, im afraid. Im sure your summer will come in a few weeks or months time. In the south we have quite a lot of cloud with the breeze coming in off the sea with the breeze coming in off the sea and it is exacerbating the problem. Its cold,