Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News At Six 20170104

Disappointing sales at next over christmas and a warning of tough times ahead. The young girls killed in a hit and run in oldham on new years eve four men are charged. No one could fail to mourn the loss of this brave man. Its fifty years since Donald Campbell died while trying to set another speed record. And in the sport on bbc news. The pride of london is at stake this evening. Chelsea can match arsenals 1a match winning streak in the premier league, but theyll have to beat spurs to do it. Good evening and welcome to the Bbc News At Six. As Resignation Letters go this one pulled no punches. In a leaked e mail to colleagues sir ivan rogers whos quit as britains top eu diplomat has accused the government of Muddled Thinking over its brexit plans. But Leave Campaigners argue that those forthright views are precisely the reason sir ivan could no longer be trusted. The resignation has set off a heated row over the role of the Civil Service in the tough negotiations ahead. Heres our Diplomatic Correspondent james landale. Sir ivan rogers, here on the right, was our man in brussels. The seasoned diplomat with the ear of Prime Ministers past and present. But now hes gone, attacking theresa mays government for its Muddled Thinking about brexit. And former colleagues say his loss will be great, only months before negotiations begin. His resignation at this particular point, just before the triggering of article 50, is a shame because hes a man of great experience and expertise and knowledge. Who would be very useful for the government. I think its a blow because he was a hugely experienced, professional, dedicated public servant. He was a really good diplomat but also had that real insight into how the eu works. Sir ivans job was to be theresa mays eyes and ears at the negotiations in brussels. But in an outspoken resignation e mail, he revealed that even he was being kept out of the loop, saying, we do not yet know what the government will set as Negotiating Objectives for the uks relationship with the eu after exit. That plan is being kept hidden, or at least its still being prepared, Behind Closed Doors in Downing Street. Foreign secretary, was he pushed to resign . Who is going to replace him . Ministers today refused to give yes, a running commentary, or at least take any questions off their script. In terms of our preparations for brexit, we absolutely have the right resources. For months sir ivan had helped David Cameron try to reform the eu ahead of the referendum, Traipsing Fruitlessly between london and brussels. But he said in his letter that his new political masters were not prepared for the even bigger talks ahead. Serious multilateral negotiating experience he said was in short supply in whitehall. The structure of the uks Negotiating Team needs rapid resolution. The government, he added, should listen more to british officials in brussels and make a stronger case for the importance of a trade deal with the eu. Saying, contrary to the beliefs of some, free trade does notjust happen when it is not supported by authorities. Brexit mps said this all confirmed that sir ivan was too pessimistic about leaving the eu, and he was right to go. The e mail was verging on the pompous, really, in the sense that it was an awful lot about him and a lot about, you know, truth, as though everything he said to the government was almost chiselled into tablets of stone. As we go into what is an incredibly important negotiation, we should have somebody leading for the uk who clearly believes that the outcome can be beneficial to the uk. But there were warnings against any attempt to politicise the Civil Service. We are creating an atmosphere where anyone who does not simply parrot the view of a certain Political Group is seen to be getting in the way of brexit, and that is not what Civil Servants are there to do. The charge from sir ivan rogers is a serious one. That the government is not ready for the discussions about brexit that are due within months. That it doesnt have a strategy or Negotiating Team in place. So as the Foreign Office here starts looking for a new ambassador, mps are looking for answers about what the governments objectives are. And theyre hoping theresa may will provide some in a speech on brexit expected soon. One she will have to write without sir ivan rogers at her shoulder in brussels. James landale, bbc news. Joining me from Downing Street is our deputy political editorjohn pienaar. What does this resignation reveal . Since we have common error we are hearing a new diplomat has been appointed. Since we have come on air. He will be sir tim barrel, a senior Foreign Office official, Former Moscow ambassador and he has done time in brussels in his career and Downing Street hopes that they can have a smoother relationship with him than with ivan rogers. But still some questions to face the government, the resignation highlighted tensions, more departments are involved, more than just the Foreign Office and there are tensions between senior officials and key ministers. Those officials and key ministers. Those officials believe that those ministers just officials believe that those ministersjust do not officials believe that those ministers just do not understand or will not admit the true complexity of the brexit question. It is about loyalty a nd of the brexit question. It is about loyalty and faith for key brexiteers and that is a red rag to the pool for the Civil Service they say they do not take sides, they make orders work. As if this negotiation was not difficult enough, there are underlying tensions between senior officials and senior ministers as well as a continuing resentment between those who want to remain and brexiteers. On the original resignation, no official reaction yet from Downing Street, what kind of arguments to think have been going on . Well for theresa may it is not about an ideological conviction about brexit but making the plan worked. But there is no clear plan yet. We are promised a significant speech from the Prime Minister in the coming weeks to address some of the coming weeks to address some of the details of brexit and itjust may clear up some of the pressure on tourism made to give more detail and provide clarity. But given she wants to keep her cards close and options open, i would to keep her cards close and options open, iwould not to keep her cards close and options open, i would not hold your breath. Within the next hour theres due to be a vigil in memory of yasser yacub the man shot dead by a Police Marksman as he drove off the m62 slip road in huddersfield on monday. It follows a protest in bradford last night. Bradford west mp naz shah has appealed for calm. The parents of the dead man have told the bbc the shooting was the kind of thing they expected in america not britain as danny savage reports. Police, dont shoot. In bradford last night, an Angry Demonstration blocked a main road in the city centre. Police, dont shoot, said one of the banners, as a small number of people protested about the shooting of yassar yaqub, 15 miles from where he died. You have killed an innocent brother it was largely peaceful, although at least one object was thrown and some of those taking part wore balaclavas to hide their identities. A local mp has today appealed for the community to remain calm. We need to wait to see what comes out of the investigation and thats really important for the community. And in terms of the police, they have my confidence, they have regular conversations with me and updates. But if we need to have more conversations between the community and the police, you know, we must have those conversations. Yassar yaqub was the man shot dead by police on monday night. Akgun was found in the car that he was in. Police, dont shoot. In 2010 he was cleared of Attempted Murder and a firearms offence, after it was alleged that he opened fire on a car in huddersfield. Some local people have told us he was a renowned drugs dealer. But others did not think he was involved in any criminal activity. People living close to his home also say his house was targeted by gunmen more than a year ago. The house now has obvious Security Cameras on the outside. Yassar yaqubs father has spoken to the bbc today, but he didnt want to go on camera. He said he didnt believe that his son would ever pull a gun and if there was a gun found in his car, he doesnt believe it would belong to his son. He and his wife also feel that events over the last few days are like something which would happen in america. And not here. It was on monday night that yassar yaqub was shot dead on a motorway slip road. Unmarked police cars forced his audi to a stop. West Yorkshire Police say it was a preplanned operation. The independent Police Complaints commission is now overseeing the investigation. Five men were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear. Today two of them have been bailed and three remain in custody. There will be some concerns from the authorities this evening about any further demonstrations taking place elsewhere in West Yorkshire. Here in huddersfield a vigil is set to take place later this evening weather friends and family of yassar yaqub are set to come to the place where he killed. Theyre coming here this evening to have a vigil later on. But it is clear that what has happened here over the past few days has struck a nerve in some parts of West Yorkshire communities. The high street Retailer Next has warned of tougher conditions in the year ahead amid uncertainty over brexit and a squeeze on Consumer Spending. Shares in the company fell sharply today after reporting poor sales in the two months up to christmas down 0. 4 . Our Business Correspondent emma simpson reports. The Festive Season its when the tills really should be ringing. Its been a difficult one for next, one of our biggest clothing chains. Their christmas results are seen as a bellwether for the high street. The high streets struggling with the switch from actual selling in stores to selling online. Struggling with coping with black friday, which is taking more trade than christmas. But at the same time, next itself is struggling, because the big growth area at next has been the directory. And thats slowed right down. But to have such a disappointment from one of the stronger retailers first thing is clearly not good news. But, as always, some will do better than others. The signs are that its been decent forjohn lewis. Its Department Stores saw a surge in sales in the final week. Consumers havent stopped spending, but we have been spending less on what we wear and more on what we do. Record player for my parents. And just little bits and bobs, and thats it. Usually i dont buy anything. Gadgets and everything nowadays. So, yeah, it has become a lot more expensive. We will be reining it in, in the new year. 2016 was tough for next, but its warning this year will be even tougher, with what it describes as exceptional levels of uncertainty. It says profits will be hit and that the devaluation of the pound after the Eu Referendum vote will push up its prices by 5 . And the industrys trade body also thinks the goings going to get tougher. 2017s going to be a really challenging year for retailers. On the one hand, youve got prices going up, which means consumers arent going to be able to buy as much in shops, which is bad for both retail and the wider economy. As Consumer Spending is the biggest driver of Economic Growth in the uk. Retailers are also going to experience a rise in costs of Doing Business from the National Living wage and Business Rates too. And all this is going to happen at a time of massive political and economic uncertainty. For now, though, the question is, has next fared better or worse than its rivals, in a market more crowded and competitive than ever . The full christmas story will unfold in the coming days. Four men have been remanded in custody over a hit and run crash on new years eve which killed two young girls. The two cousins 12 year old helina kotla rova and Zaneta Krokova, who was 11 were struck by a car close to their homes in oldham. Our correspondent Dominic Hughes is in oldham. What can you tell us about this. World viewers may remember the tragic events of new years eve around 7 15pm when Zaneta Krokova and Helina Kotlarova were crossing the road behind me and were involved ina hit and run. The road behind me and were involved in a hit and run. Sadly helina died at the scene and her 11 year old cousin died later in hospital succumbing to her injuries. Four men have been charged, gabor hegedus, 38 and from oldham has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, conspiracy to the preferred the course ofjustice, driving without a licence and failing to stop after a collision and failing to report that collision. Three other men, david orsos, Janos Kala Nyos and collision. Three other men, david orsos, Janos Kalanyos and zoltan peto, all from oldham, has also been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice charged with conspiracy to pervert the course ofjustice and after an appearance this afternoon at the Magistrates Court all four of them have been remanded in custody until february the 1st. An israeli soldier who shot dead a wounded palestinian militant has been convicted of manslaughter. Sergeant elor azaria killed Abdul Fatah Al Sharif in hebron last march, after the palestinian had been involved in stabbing another soldier. Tonight the israeli Prime Minister called for him to be pardoned. Our middle east correspondent yolande knell reports. Its minutes after two Young Palestinian men with knives attacked Israeli Soldiers in hebron. Both have been shot. One is dead and ones clearly still alive. Sgt elor azaria, a 19 year old medic, helped treat a wounded soldier. And then, he did this. Gunshot a single bullet to the head killed abdul fatah sharif. Today, the sergeant was in a military court, smiling to see a friend and his mother. But soon after, he was found guilty of manslaughter. Judges rejected the soldiers claim that the palestinian posed a threat and decided he shot him out of revenge. But sgt azaria has loyal backers, in a country where most young people do military service. They accused the army of abandoning one of its own. This guy came to do an attack, to hurt about these families. This soldier is a hero. Even the Israeli Defence minister spoke of this as a difficult verdict. Before taking up his post, he made clear his support of sgt azaria. And that caused tensions with the top brass here in the military headquarters. They have said they command according to rules and an ethical code, not public opinion. Such a high profile trial of a soldier for killing a palestinian is very unusual in israel. The outcome was welcomed by the family of abdul fatah sharif. Translation i feel like any father would feel after seeing my son executed on tv, murdered. Its so hard to see that, no one can endure this. Its still hard for me every time i remember what happened. If he died instantly, it wouldve been much easier than to see your son executed like that. Sgt azarias crime took place during a wave of palestinian attacks, when there was a National Debate about how to respond. And his case has proved highly divisive. When he is sentenced, the maximum he can serve is 20 years injail, but he is expected to get far less. And already, some prominent politicians in israel are calling for a pardon. Our top story this evening. Sir ivan rogers, whos quit as britains top eu diplomat, has accused the government of Muddled Thinking over its brexit plans, in an email to colleagues. A replacements already been announced. And still to come. Thousands of holidaymakers have their bookings cancelled as Travel Company all Leisure Holidays goes bust. Coming up in sportsday on bbc news. Sir andy murray is chasing a 26th straight win as he warms up for the australian open. He was in second round action against Gerald Meltzer at the qatar open. Senior military and civilian medical experts are urging people to learn Life Saving Skills in case theyre caught up in a terrorist attack. They say people need to know how to give vital first aid, such as stopping severe bleeding, before paramedics arrive. The experts, from a team called citizen aid, have launched an app and a website offering advice. And just a warning, some of you may find images in smitha mundasads exclusive report upsetting. What you see next is a reconstruction. An ordinary evening. Gunfire. Turns to terror. This isnt real. But Security Officials say the Terror Threat in the uk is high and, despite their best efforts, will inevitably be trying to deal with the people causing the threat. They wont have time to help people who may have been injured. And we know that that gap is vital for saving peoples lives. So were really, really interested in the work of citizen aid. Yeah, a shooting. Theres a gunman in the street, three people have been shot. The experts behind citizen aid say the app and pocketbook give simple, step by step instructions to save others. But the public should only attempt first aid once theyre safe themselves. And theres the tourniquet. The app says that you need to pack the wound. And then put pressure on the wound. And then keep the hand elevated above her heart. Ive treated hundreds of soldiers over the years when theyve returned to birmingham. And many of their lives have been saved by simply the application of tourniquets when theyve been shot or have been blown up. I think its essential that we train the General Public now to be able to deliver those skills. Thats exactly what citizen aid does. It may be difficult, but remaining calm and knowing how to help others in situations like this could save lives. Security forces are already preparing for these types of incidents, and now they say members of the public should be prepared too. Put one knot in. Attempting first aid may not be for everyone, but military medics say its better to have a plan, in case this worst Case Scenario turns into reality. Youre 0k, are you . Is that your mum . Shell be fine. Once weve got this on, itll stop. For more information go to citizenaid. Org. The free app is available now to download. The Travel Company all Leisure Holidays has stopped trading, leaving hundreds of customers still abroad. Thousands of other holidaymakers have also had their bookings cancelled. Civil Aviation Authority says the companys Brands Voyages of discovery and Swan Hellenic Have Industry Protection so customers will be able to get home. Our personal finance correspondent Simon Gompertz is here. They seem to have had plenty of bookings, so how did they get into this state . The drop in the pound has affected a lot of Holiday Companies selling overseas holidays. Also, they had quite small boats, only a few hundred passengers each, so only a few hundred passengers each, so harder to make money out of them. And they were offering cruises in the eastern mediterranean, where there have been worries about terrorism. So quite a fight for survival, and now 13,000 bookings have been cancelled. Very disappointing for those customers who are not going to be able to go on those holidays, but virtually all of them will be able to claim the money back. Several hundred have just finished a cruise in malaysia, their tickets and flights home will be valid. The question for some people is should we now be booking cruise holidays given that has happened . Cruise holidays given that has happened . The cruise holidays given that has happened . The industry have assured us happened . The industry have assured us that most of the companies are Huge International concerns with boats carrying thousands of passengers, easier to make money from them, and £2 billion a year is going into cruising and should keep the business afloat. Where there is a problem, a lot of Consumer Protection means your money should be safe. A brief look at some of the days other other news stories. A planned six day strike by Southern Rail Drivers has been split into two three day stoppages. The aslef union says its members will walk out from monday and again at the end of the month. The industrial action is part of a long running dispute over increasing the use of driver only trains. The first minister of northern ireland, arlene foster, says calls for her to step down over failures in a Green Energy Scheme are motivated by misogyny. The Democratic Unionist Party leader said she would not be leaving herjob as she had done nothing wrong. Police searching for clues to find the killer of Cameron Logan believe dog walkers and joggers may have Vital Information and have asked them to come forward. The 23 year old died in a deliberate house fire in East Dunbartonshire on new years day. Flowers have been laid on Coniston Water in the Lake District to mark the 50th Anniversary of the death of the land and Water Speed Record holder Donald Campbell. Hisjet powered Boat Bluebird broke into pieces as he attempted to break his own record. His daughter said she was humbled his achievements are still recognised. Judith moritz has more. Exactly 50 years since herfather died here, Gina Campbell rowed across Coniston Water in his memory. In her hands, Donald Campbells teddy bear mascot, which floated to the surface after his fatal crash. And then, in the middle of the lake, flowers, to mark the spot where he lost his life. Archive footage campbell was one of a rare breed, a true patriot, flying the flag for britain wherever he went. Campbell died trying to beat his own record as fastest man in the world. The speed ace had many fans, who watched as he hurtled past at 300 miles an hour. The whole project had been quite exciting, as you could imagine, for an 11 year old boy. I was really keen not to miss any of the action. We were just of the feeling that hed just about got through the Magic Kilometre and broken the record when the front end of the boat lifted and, of course, bluebird turned over and plunged into the lake. Today, at his grave nearby, Gina Campbell remembered her fathers bravery. He was a true brit, wasnt he . And it was beyond those days of Risk Assessment and health and safety. And, you know, he went out and he did what he did. He did it most times with huge success. And just this one time it went a bit wrong. Half a century on, Donald Campbells name is celebrated by enthusiasts who also gathered in coniston today to pay tribute to him. Hes a very popular man, his legacy is tremendous. 50 years ago today, he was trying to do 300 miles an hour. And the record today is 317. Its a really tough record, as tragically it proved here. Campbells Legendary Bluebird was finally lifted out of the water in 2001, having spent more than 30 years below the lake. Volunteers have been working painstakingly to restore it. And its hoped that, before too long, bluebird will make another run. Donald campbells family and fans say that would be a fitting tribute to the eight times world record holder who they remember as a hero. Time for a look at the weather. Heres louise lear. This time tomorrow, we will all be talking about the feel of the weather. The cause of this Weather Front sinking south west as we speak. It is the Dividing Line between milder cloudy conditions to the south west and colder air but sunny conditions in the north. The mild airdoes sunny conditions in the north. The mild air does not go far, and is set to return on friday. But cold air syncing south, plummeting south as we speak. Rather windy across the north sea coast, showers in lincolnshire and east anglia. Some icy stretches likely, but further inland the Talking Point will be the temperatures, falling below freezing in towns and city centres. In rural spots, lows of 7. With the exception of the far south west. The Weather Front is still sitting there, the odd spot above freezing tomorrow. Elsewhere, sparkling skies, a beautiful start. A hard frost, you will need to break the fast from the windscreen s first thing. Maybe not in northern ireland, a bit more cloud and milder air. In scotland, not quite as windy as the last few days. Hopefully not as the last few days. Hopefully not as many showers as well. Perhaps a few across east anglia first thing but they will fade away. Despite the Frost Lifting and some lovely sunshine coming in, much of the day will feel quite raw. A Southerly Wind will bring more cloud and a milderfeel, seven or 8 degrees, but for many people the temperatures just above freezing. A short sharp shock, the cold feel, because a South Westerly Breeze takes over and drags in the Weather Fronts from the atlantic. Some heavy rain on friday across west facing posts, becoming lighter as it sinks south eastwards. Noticeably milder, and the mild weather is here to stay for the weekend. Thats all from the Bbc News At Six so its goodbye from me that was so its goodbye from me it. One hour on blue lights, that was it. One hour on blue lights, thats it. Thats astonishing. It is astonishing. We have a special investigation. Plus putting coffee waste to good use. How the capitals Cappuccino Drinkers are helping to harvest mushrooms. And dippy bids farewell to the public, as the dinosaur prepares to leave the Natural History museum for theres continuing acrimonious fallout from the resignation, of britains ambassador to the eu, sir ivan rogers. Brexit campaigners say hes not god almighty and people should calm down over him quitting, but labour is demanding a government statement. Come to paris on monday, make a statement, reassure the house there isa plan, statement, reassure the house there is a plan, reassure the house of commons. This evening it was announced that Sir Tim Barrow is to become the new ambassador to the eu. A man has been charged with causing the deaths by dangerous driving, of two young girls as they crossed a road on new years eve, in oldham. Shares in the clothes Retailer Next have fallen by 9 , following worse than expected sales before christmas, and a gloomy forecast for this year. An israeli soldier, who shot dead a wounded palestinian knife attacker, has been convicted of manslaughter. Some senior politicians have called for a pardon and his release