Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News At One 20170510

And 50 years after pink floyds debut album the new exhibition at londons victoria and Albert Museum celebrating one of the worlds most famous rock bands. And coming up in the sport on bbc news england are handed a tough draw for the 2019 rugby world cup. Theyll play france and argentina in the tournament in 2019. Good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news at one. President trump has defended his decision to sack the head of the fbi without warning, saying hed lost the confidence of almost everyone in washington. James comey learnt of his fate last night when he was handed a note as he briefed fbi agents in los angeles. Mr comey had been leading an investigation into alleged links between mr trumps Election Campaign last year and russia. But the white house insists he was dismissed for mishandling an inquiry into Hillary Clintons emails last year. From washington, heres aleem maqbool. Absolutely explosive news out of washington tonight. This is a fox news alert. Fbi Directorjames Comey has been fired by the president of the United States. Americans have learned to expect almost anything from their president , but this really was high drama. Fbi Directorjames Comey wasnt even in washington. He was addressing fbi staff in los angeles when he learned he had been sacked. A short while later, a letter arrived at Fbi Headquarters. You are hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately. While i greatly appreciate you informing me on three separate occasions that are not under investigation, i nevertheless concur with the judgment of the Department Ofjustice that youre not able to effectively lead the bureau. And it was signed, donald trump. Except the Trump Campaign was being investigated by the fbi for its links to russia. James comey was leading the investigation, and now hes gone. Are people going to suspect cover up . Absolutely. If an independent Special Prosecutor is appointed, they still can be some faith that we can get to the bottom of this. If not, everyone will suspect cover up. Speaking on us tv, the president s adviser dismissed that notion. This has nothing to do with russia, it has everything to do with whether the current fbi director has the president s confidence. And can faithfully and capably execute his duties. The shock waves from this decision are notjust being felt here at the fbi, but across the city and beyond. For his supporters this is evidence that donald trump is a strong leader. But for many others this just adds to the perception that this country is now being run by a man who is intolerant of those who disagree with him and who do not entirely do his bidding. Aleem maqbool, bbc news, in washington. Well the Shock Sacking Ofjames Comey has led to us democrats and some republicans intensifying their calls for an independent investigation into links between the trump president ial Election Campaign and russia, as Richard Lister reports. James comeys impact on the american presidency has been profound. Democrats say he swung the election against Hillary Clinton. Trump supporters say he has undermined the white house. But the question is why now . I made a mistake using a private e mail. Now . I made a mistake using a private email. When days before the election mr comby re opened the investigation into whether mrs clinton had compromised National Security by using a private e mail server, trump security by using a private e mail server, trump was security by using a private e mail server, trump was thrilled. It took guts for director comey to make the move he made in light of opposition he had. Then came this. Although there is evidence of potential violations of statutes regarding the handling of classified information, out handling of classified information, ourjudgment handling of classified information, our judgment is that handling of classified information, ourjudgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case. Is but even months on, Thejustice Department has decided mr comey had no right to announce the case was closed. The Deputy Attorney general said democrats think it is another announcement from mr come that got him sacked, that efs investigating Russian Support for donald trump. That includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump Campaign and the russian government and whether there was any Co Ordination between the campaign and russias efforts. Mr trumps first National Security advisor Michael Flynn had to resign after lying about talks with russian officials. But one republican believes this sacking could jeopardise the investigates by the senate. There ends up being nothing there, i will be the first to acknowledge that, but boy oh boy with the president s actions and his comments, his whole approach to our investigation, really raises a huge level of concern with me. But donald trump said today comey lost the confidence of all everyone in washton. When things calm down they will thank me. But for many, this sacking will raise more questions than answers and an the day he is due to meet the rush foreign minister, this controversy will continue. Our washington correspondent Gary Odonoghue is outside the Fbi Headquarters in washington. President trump is defiant, how much ofan impact President Trump is defiant, how much of an impact could his decision have . Sophie, they have seen some things here at thej edgar hoover building, but the sacking of a director less than four years into a ten year term has rocked washington. The president has been out there on social media defending his decision, saying people will thank him and lambasting the democrats saying they we re lambasting the democrats saying they were not keen Onjames Comey and now they play so sad. The question now is the timing. Why now . Because the things that were cited in all the letters released yesterday talk about the way james comey handled the Hillary Clinton investigation. There is this over riding issue the links with russia and the possible Co Ordination between the Trump Campaign and russia. Subpoenas potentially flying around. People asking for immunity from prosecution. It is something that had got unther the president s skin and there are few here who believe that was not a major factor in and there are few here who believe that was not a majorfactor in his summary that was not a majorfactor in his Summary Dismissal of jachls come that was not a majorfactor in his Summary Dismissal ofjachls come james Summary Dismissal ofjachls come james comey yesterday. An eleven Year Old Girl who died after falling from a water ride at a theme park in Staffordshire Yesterday has been named as evha jannath from leicester. She was on a school trip to Drayton Manor park when she fell from a boat on one of the rides. Our correspondent phil mackie is at the theme park now. This time yesterday you would have heard a lot of noise the park was filled and there would have been screams from the School Children enjoying that are rides. Now, things are much quieter. The park is deserted and an investigation has begun into how an 11 year old died 24 begun into how an 11 year old died 2a hours ago. The jannaths had come to the park on a school trip. The Emergency Services arrived quickly, staff and paramedics tried to save her, but she was pronounced dead after being airlifted to hospital. Today investigators are examining the Splash Canyon Ride and are trying to work out how she fell into the water. There is a height restriction which means that Young Children who are between three and 3. 5 feet tall have to be accompanied by an adult. Although people are not strapped in, they are told to remain seated. Four years ago another young boy, patrick tracey, fell into the water on the same right. One hand was Still Holding onto the bar and he half stood to wave. And at that point the boat bumped against the edges of the rapids. And he was just tossed headfirst into the water. I panicked and i did not know what to do. But luckily there was a member of the public, a lovely lady next to me who just said hold on, ive got him. And jumped over the fence that we were leaning on. She jumped over a second fence and dragged patrick out of the water. Drayton manor says it is checking through its records and liaising with the health and safety executive. Evhas school is shut today. Staff and pupils have been offered counselling. She was a lovely, sweet natured girl. And she was loved by everyone at the school. As a school and as a community we are trying to make sense of this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. At this most difficult time. Everyone is in utter shock. There is no words. Myself, i could not sleep last night thinking about this. I have got kids that probably in the future will be going to a trip like this. The park is shut today as a mark of respect. No decision has been made on when it will reopen. We are expecting an announcement on the re opening soon. We have a statement from the family that said, yesterday our world was torn apart by the news that our daughter lost her life in tragic circumstances. She was a beautiful girl, full of love and always smiling. Words cannot describe the pain and loss that we feel. Thank you. No conservative politicians or officials will face charges for breaches of expenses rules during the 2015 general election. The Crown Prosecution Service said it had examined evidence from 14 Police Forces in england but it did not meet the test for further action. But it is still investigating the conservative campaign in south thanet. With me is our home affairs correspondent, tom symonds. Remind us what this was about. Remind us what this was aboutm goes back to the 2015 Election Campaign and the allegation then was that the conservatives nationally we re that the conservatives nationally were sending battle buses full of activists out to marginal constituencies to help the candidates campaign. And the claim was that wrongly that spending, the cost of that, was being put on a National Spending release that has to go to the electoral commission, rather than the local commission. The claim is that was done deliberately. The Crown Prosecution Service said it is an offence to knowingly make a false declaration. But there was no evidence that the suspects in the case, mps, agents, acted dishonestly in making inaccurate returns to the commission. So there cant be any charges that. S. The conservative party are pleased and say they were politically motivated and unfounded complaints. But there is a sting in the tail. 0ne complaints. But there is a sting in the tail. One of the files relating to kent has not been considered yet and there could still be prosecutions there. The problem is that tomorrow is the closing date for any candidates in the election to pull out. So you can see that we wont hear about that by tomorrow and that will cause a headache for the conservative party. Thank you. A man who was arrested close to Downing Street last month has appeared in court charged with preparation for a terrorist act. 27 year old Khalid Mohammed 0mar ali from london is also charged with two counts of making or having explosives. Our home affairs correspondent, june kelly, is outside westminster magistrates court. There two explosive counts relate to alleged activity in afghanistan in 2012. Khalid 0mar alli spent a number of years abroad and then came to britain last year. A member of his family became concerned and contacted the police. He was put under surveillance, followed through london and arrested in westminster close to parliament square. And a number of knives were recovered from the scene. Today, at this hearing, he wore handcuffs and they were kept on. Unlike the rest of court he didnt stand up when the judge came in and it also emerged he has refused to have a lawyer. Now when the charges were put to him, he said that he did not recognise the charges and so would not be entering a plea. So pleas of not guilty were recorded. He has been remanded in custody and his next Court Appearance will be on may 19th at the old bailey. Our top story this lunchtime. Political shockwaves in america as President Trump sacks the head of the fbi without warning. Mr trump says james comey had lost the confidence of many in washington. And still to come. It looks great but it sounds terrible. Sydney opera house gets a makeover to improve its notoriously bad acoustics. Coming up in sport at half past fifa start an inquiry into the transfer of the worlds most expensive player paul pogba to manchester united. They want to know who received what from the £89 million deal. Billions of pounds invested in schools thats what both labour and the Liberal Democrats are promising if they win the general election. Labour says it would plough five billion pounds more into schools in england. The lib dems are going further than that they say they would invest an extra Seven Billion across the uk over five years. 0ur political correspondent, leila nathoo, has been looking at their plans. It is an issue that has galvanised pa rents it is an issue that has galvanised parents and teachers across england. Now School Funding is firmly on the election agenda. Labour is pledging to transform an Education System it says has been starred of money. Every child whatever their background will be given the opportunity to unlock their full potential. We will give further and Technical Education the parity of esteem it deserves notjust with warm words but bold actions. Labour are promising to create a National Education service, schools in england will get a £4. 8 billion boost over the next four years with £335 million to cushion losses from changes to the way government money is allocated. Under the plans Education Maintenance Allowance for couege Education Maintenance Allowance for College Students and grants for University Students would both be reintroduced. And adults would be able to retrain for free. Pouring more money into the mix is also the Liberal Democrat plan. £6 billion for schools in england overfive yea rs for schools in england overfive years and extra for the devolved administrations. Two thirds of schools it now turns out today are planning to lay off at least one teacher in the next two months and under that kind of pressure do need to bea under that kind of pressure do need to be a response, a fully costed response, to build a future for all our children so we can have a decent education and be confident in that. But big plans come with big bills. Both parties said they would reverse cuts to Corporation Tax to fund schools, labour says the rate would rise from 19 to 26 by 2020. The labour party proposals would raise more than enough Corporation Tax to pay for these increases in School Funding but of course an increase in Corporation Tax has significant economic effects, it will reduce investment by companies in the uk and in the long run it will not raise as much as it might in the short term as companies change their behaviour. Hadgee dues have protested their facing the biggest squeeze on School Budgets for decades. They said would mean cuts to subjects and bigger class sizes. Because abbas said that schools have received Record Levels funding and wa nts received Record Levels funding and wants the Opposition Parties cannot deliver on their promises. 1. 8 million more children in good and Outstanding Schools. And education in england has been improving while education in scotland and wales has been moving backwards. Youll also note that the free schools we have created have created good and Outstanding School places where they did not exist before. The government plans to open new grammar and three scores and change the formula used to calculate School Funding have both proved controversial. It is given the Opposition Parties ammunition to take their electoral battle to classroom. 0ur assistant Political Editor norman smith is in westminster. Labour and the lib dems pledging Bidding Warfor schools. Labour and the lib dems pledging bidding war for schools. To the figures add up . Under both of their plans it is business that will have to pay up. And under the labour plan to pay up. And under the labour plan to pay up an awful lot more because jeremy corbyn, his plans for schools are hugely ambitious, talking about are hugely ambitious, talking about a National Education service to mirror the National Health service. In other words free, Lifelong Learning for everyone from cradle to grave. So getting rid of fees for adults who want to return to college, reintroducing, orsorry, scrapping, sorry, reintroducing Maintenance Grants for students and a massive Building Programme which alone cost around 30 billion. Add onto that possibly scrapping tuition fees as well, it comes to nearly 50 billion and to pay for that labour are suggesting business should face an increase in Corporation Tax of more than a third. That is probably the biggest hike in business tax we have seen in an awfully long time. Labour said business will benefit from a more productive workforce but if youre a businessman or woman cuddling with the uncertainties of brexit you might think that a huge tax bill is the last thing that you need. Norman smith, thank you. One of the most hotly contested battlefields during general elections is the West Midlands with its clusters of marginal seats which have a habit of swinging back and forth between labour and the conservatives. And this one is no exception. A succession of senior politicians have already beaten a path to the regions doorsteps as our West Midlands Political Editor Patrick Burns reports. Where once they built spitfire fighters in erdington, they now make jaguar cars. One reason why the midlands is the only uk region Running A Trade Surplus with china. But if having a Prize Business Asset like that on its doorstep really does much for erdington itself, well, there is precious little evidence of it here in and around the high street. It is one of the most deprived constituencies in britain, 63 of the electorate here have voted leave in the referendum. And for many voters here there is no doubt about the number one issue now. Brexit, it is what happens now. Now we know that it is actually going to go ahead and we have got a date. Well, i think we should have more say in our government. The eu didnt give us that, did they . The election last week of a Conservative Midlands Metro mayor sent out the clearest signal yet that some old political assumptions may need a rethink. Walsall has two marginal labour constituencies. It voted for a tory mayor. Those of us with long memories recall Margaret Thatcher telling her supporters exactly 30 years ago that they still had to win back the big cities. All but one of birminghams ten constituencies are currently held by labour. This time, though, erdington is one of at least four seats in the city where the conservatives reckon theyre in with a chance. It is also where theresa mays joint Chief Of Staff nick timothy grew up. So erdington is also code for those ordinary working people who are just about managing. Morejobs, more living accommodation. And more Apprentice Jobs you know, for training young people. There are too many young people being wasted. To me it is health, education, and employment. The way the nhs is going, yes, that is another big problem. It is really strained. So it is not mainly about brexit as far as youre concerned . No, im not worried about brexit. You can see birminghams changing skyline from out here too. One of britains business hotspots. But which party has the best plan to drive all that Economic Energy towards the places barely three miles away that need it most . Forget middle england, it is in the city that you will find the front line now. Patrick burns, bbc news, birmingham. It has killed nearly 100 dogs in the uk since it first appeared here 5 years ago. Yet little is known about the disease called alabama rot. First discovered in america in the late 1980s it causes lesions on dogs legs and paws. But theres still no known cure which is why vets and Animal Welfare groups are meeting in reading today for the first time in a bid to tackle it. Duncan kennedy reports. It is that time of day. The walk, run, the fun. Repeated by 8 million dogs across the united kingdom. But for Gabriel Williams from monmouthshire those joys came to an end earlier this year. Her dog, a family pet for five years, caught alabama rot and died. It is still ha rd To Alabama Rot and died. It is still hard to get your head around it, shes not here because it happens quickly and she was quite young, just five and a half. It was hard to see. So it has been difficult and very sad. Alabama rot was first recorded in the United States in the 19805. Recorded in the United States in the 1980s. And recorded in the United States in the 19805. And it recorded in the United States in the 1980s. And it gives dogs nations, ulcers and in many cases kidney failure. So it is very unpleasant disease and luckily lola has avoided it. But 15 dogs in the uk have died from alabama rot so far this year, bringing the total to almost 100 since it was first noticed in 2012. Those first cases were seen in hampshire but there have now been exa m ples hampshire but there have now been examples in 29 counties. Theres no obvious pattern to the location or breed. Todays first ever conference on alabama rot in the uk has been organised by david walker, of that was studied it for five years. What is your gut feeling of what this is . I would say my gut feeling is that intrinsically within the dog they have a predisposition to this Disease Process and then perhaps there is an environmental trigger on top that means they develop the disease later in their lifetime. Top that means they develop the disease later in their lifetimem is certainly a disease that these owners in the new forest are aware off now. Untili see owners in the new forest are aware off now. Until i see any signs again or anything appearing i just off now. Until i see any signs again or anything appearing ijust keep going like normal. They do not know what is causing it so you just have to continue as normal. Lets say that this need not be alarmed. Alabama rot remains extremely rare. But symptoms should not be ignored. Vets say. Its one of the most Iconic Opera Houses in the world but its famously not a great place to hear music because of its high ceiling. The sydney Symphony Orchestra says the sound is like Playing On A Football Pitch thats Shrouded In Fog. After a0 years of these notoriously bad acoustics work to try and improve them will finally start later this month. 0ur sydney correspondent Hywel Griffiths reports. Its the building that defines notjust sydney, but australias place in the world. Bold and bathed in sunshine, the opera houses tall sails are iconic. But inside, the sound is, well, not so stunning. For its resident Symphony Orchestra, is a regular frustration. The shape of the concert hall makes it hard to hear themselves, or each other, play. Its a bit like playing football on a pitch that is sort of Shrouded In Fog and you know your team mates are out there somewhere, but they are a bit hard to see. And for us i guess the issue is they are a bit hard to hear. Often i dont feel like we are really always playing together. And then with some of the other sections of the orchestra, we can actually have time delays at times as we are trying to all follow the conductor. The problem dates back to the very beginning. Changes were made to the original design. The architect fell out with the engineers and never saw the finished building. After decades of trying out different fixes, a new system of reflectors and risers has been tested and, it is claimed, will finally deliver Crystal Clear sound. It was honestly like someone had just lifted a perspex box off the top of the orchestra. And you could hear them so much better. The sound sounds a lot closer to you. You feel as if youre actually hearing, you can hear the bow hit the string. The famous tall sails that form the outside of this building have always placed a limit on what can happen inside. The concert hall is too big for orchestral concerts, for example. The real challenge for the next four years is making sure what happens inside here matches the quality of what people see out there. This will be the first time the opera house will close any of its main theatres. But they will still be music within these walls. As they try to fine tune one of the worlds best loved buildings. Hywel griffith, bbc news, sydney. Its 50 years since pink floyd released their debut album. And to mark the occasion a new exhibition is opening at londons victoria and Albert Museum this weekend to celebrate the rock band. It features memorabilia including instruments, musical scores and album covers. Our arts correspondent David Sillito has had a sneak preview. London, may 1967. The Queen Elizabeth hall, a Classical Music venue, hosted what was to become a landmark in rock history. The lights, the surround sound, the psychedelia. The Summer Of Love had arrived. And was being featured on the bbc. The pink floyd, they have an audience, and people who have an audience ought to be heard. Perhaps its my fault that i dont appreciate them. 50 years on, this exhibition tells the story of how pink floyd helped turn rock music into a visual spectacle by retreating from the spotlight. It was a gradual slide into obscurity. We just found that it worked better to utilise sort of effects and video and strange Lighting Devices and so on to augment the music. It was an era of massive experimentation and there was a whole generation of designers and architects creating things that they thought no one would ever built. And then along came pink floyd. The stage designs, the giant inflatable pig. The album covers. All vital visuals for a band that liked to say no. I do remember that when we went on the road there was a big resistance to publicity. I think we were a bit po faced and snotty. It is in many ways a record of an era which is now past. When albums ruled and no one was counting the cost of rock excess. David sillito, bbc news. Time for a look at the weather. Heres stav da naos. Good afternoon. The big uk Headline Todayis good afternoon. The Big Uk Headline today is that the eastern side of england is finally seeing some sunshine. This is from a weather