Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News 20170914 : comparemela.com

And meet survivors of Hurricane Irma. Also in the next hour, the transformed tenner. In circulation for the first time the new plastic ten pound note complete with a picture ofjane austen, and raised dots to help the blind. And the singer selena gomez reveals shes had a kidney transplant as a result of an autoimmune disease. Hello, good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. The Public Inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire which killed around 80 people injune has opened with a minutes silence to remember the victims. The man leading the inquiry, sir Martin Moore Bick, said he acknowledged the great sense of anger and betrayal felt by survivors, and that he wanted to provide answers about how the disaster could have happened in 21st century london. He added that the inquiry wouldnt shrink from making recommendations that could lead to civil or criminal prosecutions. Frankie mccamley reports. It was a catastrophic tragedy that killed at least 80 people. And three months on from the fire at Grenfell Tower, and outside and three months on from the fire at Grenfell Tower, anger outside the launch of the Public Inquiry from some still looking for answers. Inside, sir Martin Moore Bick began with a minutes silence. Followed by a strong reassurance for those affected. Im well aware that the past few months have turned the world of those who live in North Kensington upside down, and that former residents of the tower and other local people feel a great sense of anger and betrayal. That is entirely natural and understandable, but if the inquiry is to get to the truth of what happened, it must seek out all the relevant evidence and examine it calmly and rationally. The inquiry process is not adversarial. My task is not to decide which of two or more competing parties has the better case, nor is it to punish anyone or to award anyone compensation. It is simply to get at the truth with the help of all those who have relevant evidence to give. The retired judge explained the inquiry will be carried out in two stages, examining issues including the cause and spread of the fire, the Design Construction and refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, how far regulations go in relation to high rise flats, whether those were followed in the case of Grenfell Tower, the actions of the relevant authorities before the tragedy and the response after the fire. After months of speculation and frustration, residents gathered here in this church just metres from Grenfell Tower to watch sir Martin Moore Bicks statement being live streamed on television screens. The hope, to get a better understanding of what the Public Inquiry will cover and, more importantly, find out whether they think their questions will be answered. We know that there is a lot of documents and a lot of papers that need to be studied and that need to be looked at, so i want to be positive and to allow them the time to work out the truth, because at the end of the day this is what we want. I think a lot of us are disheartened and dont have much faith in the inquiry and we also have to recognise there are other ways we can possibly acquire the change, you know, achieve the change that we are looking for. And as far asjustice goes, i think we have to continue scrutinising the processes of this inquiry continually. But for some in this community there is deep rooted mistrust already in the process. But for those 196 households who were made homeless there is a more immediate concern, as only three have been permanently rehoused. For others, though, today will be another reminder of the pain in the fire caused. Frankie mccamley, bbc news. 0ur correspondent Sarah Campbell is outside the building in central london, where the inquiry is being held. Sarah, just talk us through more about how the enquiry is going to work, when we might expect some of its preliminary findings . Yes, indeed and just to let you know here at the methodist hall, some of the residents were able to watch the statement being read out live. It is break statement being read out live. It is brea k close statement being read out live. It is break close to Grenfell Tower. Sir Martin Moore Bick said everyone shares a common goal and it was to get to the truth of what happened. He is expecting his first interim report to be published around easter but he did say the timetable might slip. He said the scale of the enquiry is huge. He said the enquiry was not about punishment or awarding compensation, but he also said he would not shrink away from any findings or recommendations which could lead to criminal charges against individuals or organisations. The enquiry will run into macrophages. The first phase will be focused on the fire itself, those terrible hours when the fire spread so quickly in the building, how it was put out, the response from the Emergency Services and evacuation of residents. This be dealt with first as sir martin said there was an urgent need to find out those answers, because not least if there are similar defects in other high rise buildings, steps must be taken quickly to make sure those who are housed in them are kept out. The second phase will examine how the building came to be so seriously exposed to the risk of fire so its design, modifications. This is the cladding we have heard so much about, a multi Million Pound improvement which finished last year. What impact did that have . Did it comply with fire regulations . It will also look at communications between the tenant management organisation, between the Borough Council and the residents themselves. After the enquiry there was a good deal of scepticism from the residents i spoke to, who are still very concerned that their voices are not going to be heard in this enquiry, and they feel they should be very much at the heart of it. Feelings are understandably very raw here. There will be a silent march here leaving from this building tonight at 6 30pm which marks exactly three months since the fire here. One of the problems i suppose for the enquiry chairman is he has to overcome some of that anger and distrust that we have seen from survivors and residents and the local mp saying why was the enquiry being opened in a ballroom with chandeliers. She said it shows disaster and them . Chandeliers. She said it shows disaster and them . She said that a lot of other people she said that and a lot of other people said that to me. Also why was there no transport laid on so that people could get there or ideally why was it not held in a building closer to the tower to make it seem like it was part of the local community . That is a problem and it has been a problem for sir Martin Moore Bick since this enquiry was announced. There was one incident right near the end. He gave his statement which lasted about a0 minutes and somebody put their hand up at the end to ask a question and he did not take any questions. He left the room and there was anger from some people that he should have taken questions and engaged with the audience. I think this will be a challenge for him to overcome this sense of mistrust which is very deep seated here. Sarah campbell in west london, thank you. I am just going to take you to florida in the United States because President Trump is there with his Vice President mike pence and the first lady melania. He is there to assess the damage after Hurricane Irma. Much of it outside of the keys where we have a special problem but we are working hard on that. That is a very, very special problem. We are working very hard on that and we have a lot of goods out there, a lot of water, a lot of food, a lot of everything. I would like to ask the governor to say a few words. He has been absolutely outstanding. Thank you, rick. First off i want to thank everybody for their prayers. We have had prayers from across the world. I want to thank everybody for doing everything they can to get us back. I want to thank the president and the Vice President. They were always accessible, they made quick decisions, they surrounded themselves by outstanding people. They were constantly calling me to say what resources we need. I want to thank basically the entire military. I want to thank the coast guard, the navy. Applause there we go, that is the governor of florida rick scott speaking after the President Trump spoke, he is visiting fort myers in florida and he will be visiting naples as well. He will assess the damage and 10 Million People in florida, georgia and the ca rolines Million People in florida, georgia and the carolines still without power after Hurricane Irma. Back in florida with President Trump in the next few minutes. A man whos spent more than 11 years in prison despite being originally sentenced to servejust ten months behind bars is to be released. James ward, who was convicted of arson, is now serving a sentence known as an ipp an imprisonment for public protection, which meant he wouldnt be released until a parole board decided he wasnt a danger to the public. 0ur correspondent zoe conway has been following james wards case, and has this report. For the last 11 years, james ward has been in prison without ever knowing when he would get out. Until now. In just a few weeks time, james is expected to be moved to a hostel. Ijust cant believe it. Ill believe it when he walks through the door. And give him the biggest hug he can have. Whenjames was 19, he went to prison for a yearfor assault. Near the end of his sentence, he set fire to the mattress in his cell. For doing this, a judge gave him an ipp, or imprisonment for public protection, and said he should serve a minimum of ten months. Hes been in prison for more than 11 years. James has been writing to us from prison. This letter was written last month when hed lost hope of ever being released. I have spoken to my sister recently and she was in tears because of myself harming. I am staying so hard to stay as strong as possible but i couldnt promise her i wouldnt do something stupid. On a visit to see him last month, his family were shocked by how ill he looked. Because he is on constant watch because of the self harm, hes literally sat behind a cage like an animal, they walk past and point and laugh at him. How is that humane . How is that human rights . The ipp sentence was abolished in 2012, but there remain more than 3300 ipp prisoners in england and wales. 85 of them have served more than the minimum term they were given. 278 were given sentences of two years or less but they have served eight years more than that. What needs to happen is the government needs to work closely with the parole board to make sure that these cases are processed as quickly as they can be and that when it is safe to release people, they are released. James has had the news this morning. He told his family he is excited for the future. His sister knows exactly how he shall be greeting him. I will hug him so tight, i think there will be a lot of crying. Bill and christine will have to wait a few weeks to see the son who hasnt been home for 11 years. At least 50 people have been killed and more than 80 wounded in a series of suicide bombings near the southern iraqi city of nassiriya. 0ne attacker detonated a bomb inside a restaurant, while up to four others opened fire at customers and staff inside. A Police Checkpoint was the target of a second bombing. So called Islamic State says it carried out the attacks. The value of the pound has risen on currency markets, following hints from the bank of england that Interest Rates could go up in coming months. The banks Monetary Committee voted today to keep its rate at its historic low of a quarter of 1 but said that if the economy continues to grow, a future rate rise would become more likely. The headlines on bbc news a public enquiry into the cause of the Grenfell Tower fire has begun. A prisoner who is still behind bars 11 years after being given a ten month sentence for arson is to be released. James ward had been told he would not be freed until a parole board had decided he was not a danger to the public. And President Trump has arrived in florida to see for himself the damage caused by hurricane. Hurricane irma. And ethics have beaten warwickshire at edgbaston. They could take the trophy. 20,000 cologne fans descend on london for their Europa League match against arsenal. It looked like a few of them fancied a trip to the city centre on route to the emirates. And rain blew in for the first round of the evian championship. The first match will start tomorrow. I will have more on those stories later. President trump is in florida to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Ten Million People in the states of florida, georgia and north and South Carolina are still without power, and thousands more have lost their homes. More than 20 people were killed in the us to add to nearly a0 who lost their lives in the caribbean during the storm. Among those who died were eight residents of a florida nursing home, which had its air conditioning cut off. 115 other residents were evacuated from the home some are in a Critical Condition in hospital. 0ur correspondent Richard Lister reports. When emergency teams searched this florida nursing home, they made some horrific discoveries. Three elderly residents dead, five more dying, and scores of others enduring dangerously high temperatures. We did start getting calls this morning indicating that there were a number of people that needed treatment and as we arrived on the scene with our fire rescue crews, we saw that there were a number of people in respiratory distress. Many of those led to safety were dehydrated and suffering heat exhaustion. Hurricane irma had cut the electricity and then back up generators failed. The residents had no air conditioning to combat temperatures pushing into the 30s. A nearby hospital took them in. The scene was chaotic when i arrived. When we were called to help, we mobilised at least 50 to a hundred of our employees that left the whole hospital, ran down the street and pulled all of these patients out of the facility and made sure they got to a safe place. Staff said when they first rang for help, they got no reply, but the homes Safety Record has been criticised in the past. Right now, the building has been sealed off, were conducting a criminal investigation inside. That may be related to the loss of power in the storm. Were conducting a criminal investigation, not ruling anything out at this time. One in three florida homes and businesses is still without power. Homeowners have begun returning to the florida keys where an estimated 90 of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. The help is arriving. Water on its way. But the people here know that this level of damage will take months to put right. Ive been through wilma and andrew here. So we know how to survive. Hurricane irma claimed more than 80 lives in the us and the caribbean. But the lack of power means many survivors are still at risk. The old bailey has been told that a prisoner was murdered by three fellow inmates at pentonville prison in london, as part of a violent feud over control of a lucrative smuggling route into the jail. Robert butler, Basana Kimbembi, and Joshua Ratner deny murdering Jamal Mahmoud in october last year. Our Home Affairs Correspondent Daniel Sandford reports. Pentonville prison in north london, victorian and close to the road, providing on g wing what the prosecution called a lucrative contra band route into the jail, used for smuggling in knives, mobile phones and drugs with drones and makeshift ropes. Jamal mahmoud and his friends had two of the cells on the fifth floor of g wing which were specially prized, as they had access to that route. In court today the prosecution said that robert butler, Basana Kimbembi, and Joshua Ratner murdered Jamal Mahmoud to make a point and to get control of the smuggling route, and that even after Basana Kimbembi stabbed Jamal Mahmoud with a knife he pushed aside prison officers and stamped on him and kicked him several times. The prosecutor said of mahmoud that he was killed with brutality by a group of men armed with weapons that went to find him. The prosecution told the jury that the officer in charge of g wing had been warned that day there would be trouble but was persuaded to let the alleged killers out of their cells just before 2 00. By a. 30, 21 year old Jamal Mahmoud was dead. All three men on trial deny the charges. Daniel sandford, bbc news at the old bailey. A man who murdered a College Student at a beauty spot in Hurricane Irma<\/a>. Also in the next hour, the transformed tenner. In circulation for the first time the new plastic ten pound note complete with a picture ofjane austen, and raised dots to help the blind. And the singer selena gomez reveals shes had a kidney transplant as a result of an autoimmune disease. Hello, good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. The Public Inquiry<\/a> into the Grenfell Tower<\/a> fire which killed around 80 people injune has opened with a minutes silence to remember the victims. The man leading the inquiry, sir Martin Moore Bick<\/a>, said he acknowledged the great sense of anger and betrayal felt by survivors, and that he wanted to provide answers about how the disaster could have happened in 21st century london. He added that the inquiry wouldnt shrink from making recommendations that could lead to civil or criminal prosecutions. Frankie mccamley reports. It was a catastrophic tragedy that killed at least 80 people. And three months on from the fire at Grenfell Tower<\/a>, and outside and three months on from the fire at Grenfell Tower<\/a>, anger outside the launch of the Public Inquiry<\/a> from some still looking for answers. Inside, sir Martin Moore Bick<\/a> began with a minutes silence. Followed by a strong reassurance for those affected. Im well aware that the past few months have turned the world of those who live in North Kensington<\/a> upside down, and that former residents of the tower and other local people feel a great sense of anger and betrayal. That is entirely natural and understandable, but if the inquiry is to get to the truth of what happened, it must seek out all the relevant evidence and examine it calmly and rationally. The inquiry process is not adversarial. My task is not to decide which of two or more competing parties has the better case, nor is it to punish anyone or to award anyone compensation. It is simply to get at the truth with the help of all those who have relevant evidence to give. The retired judge explained the inquiry will be carried out in two stages, examining issues including the cause and spread of the fire, the Design Construction<\/a> and refurbishment of Grenfell Tower<\/a>, how far regulations go in relation to high rise flats, whether those were followed in the case of Grenfell Tower<\/a>, the actions of the relevant authorities before the tragedy and the response after the fire. After months of speculation and frustration, residents gathered here in this church just metres from Grenfell Tower<\/a> to watch sir Martin Moore Bick<\/a>s statement being live streamed on television screens. The hope, to get a better understanding of what the Public Inquiry<\/a> will cover and, more importantly, find out whether they think their questions will be answered. We know that there is a lot of documents and a lot of papers that need to be studied and that need to be looked at, so i want to be positive and to allow them the time to work out the truth, because at the end of the day this is what we want. I think a lot of us are disheartened and dont have much faith in the inquiry and we also have to recognise there are other ways we can possibly acquire the change, you know, achieve the change that we are looking for. And as far asjustice goes, i think we have to continue scrutinising the processes of this inquiry continually. But for some in this community there is deep rooted mistrust already in the process. But for those 196 households who were made homeless there is a more immediate concern, as only three have been permanently rehoused. For others, though, today will be another reminder of the pain in the fire caused. Frankie mccamley, bbc news. 0ur correspondent Sarah Campbell<\/a> is outside the building in central london, where the inquiry is being held. Sarah, just talk us through more about how the enquiry is going to work, when we might expect some of its preliminary findings . Yes, indeed and just to let you know here at the methodist hall, some of the residents were able to watch the statement being read out live. It is break statement being read out live. It is brea k close statement being read out live. It is break close to Grenfell Tower<\/a>. Sir Martin Moore Bick<\/a> said everyone shares a common goal and it was to get to the truth of what happened. He is expecting his first interim report to be published around easter but he did say the timetable might slip. He said the scale of the enquiry is huge. He said the enquiry was not about punishment or awarding compensation, but he also said he would not shrink away from any findings or recommendations which could lead to criminal charges against individuals or organisations. The enquiry will run into macrophages. The first phase will be focused on the fire itself, those terrible hours when the fire spread so quickly in the building, how it was put out, the response from the Emergency Services<\/a> and evacuation of residents. This be dealt with first as sir martin said there was an urgent need to find out those answers, because not least if there are similar defects in other high rise buildings, steps must be taken quickly to make sure those who are housed in them are kept out. The second phase will examine how the building came to be so seriously exposed to the risk of fire so its design, modifications. This is the cladding we have heard so much about, a multi Million Pound<\/a> improvement which finished last year. What impact did that have . Did it comply with fire regulations . It will also look at communications between the tenant management organisation, between the Borough Council<\/a> and the residents themselves. After the enquiry there was a good deal of scepticism from the residents i spoke to, who are still very concerned that their voices are not going to be heard in this enquiry, and they feel they should be very much at the heart of it. Feelings are understandably very raw here. There will be a silent march here leaving from this building tonight at 6 30pm which marks exactly three months since the fire here. One of the problems i suppose for the enquiry chairman is he has to overcome some of that anger and distrust that we have seen from survivors and residents and the local mp saying why was the enquiry being opened in a ballroom with chandeliers. She said it shows disaster and them . Chandeliers. She said it shows disaster and them . She said that a lot of other people she said that and a lot of other people said that to me. Also why was there no transport laid on so that people could get there or ideally why was it not held in a building closer to the tower to make it seem like it was part of the local community . That is a problem and it has been a problem for sir Martin Moore Bick<\/a> since this enquiry was announced. There was one incident right near the end. He gave his statement which lasted about a0 minutes and somebody put their hand up at the end to ask a question and he did not take any questions. He left the room and there was anger from some people that he should have taken questions and engaged with the audience. I think this will be a challenge for him to overcome this sense of mistrust which is very deep seated here. Sarah campbell in west london, thank you. I am just going to take you to florida in the United States<\/a> because President Trump<\/a> is there with his Vice President<\/a> mike pence and the first lady melania. He is there to assess the damage after Hurricane Irma<\/a>. Much of it outside of the keys where we have a special problem but we are working hard on that. That is a very, very special problem. We are working very hard on that and we have a lot of goods out there, a lot of water, a lot of food, a lot of everything. I would like to ask the governor to say a few words. He has been absolutely outstanding. Thank you, rick. First off i want to thank everybody for their prayers. We have had prayers from across the world. I want to thank everybody for doing everything they can to get us back. I want to thank the president and the Vice President<\/a>. They were always accessible, they made quick decisions, they surrounded themselves by outstanding people. They were constantly calling me to say what resources we need. I want to thank basically the entire military. I want to thank the coast guard, the navy. Applause there we go, that is the governor of florida rick scott speaking after the President Trump<\/a> spoke, he is visiting fort myers in florida and he will be visiting naples as well. He will assess the damage and 10 Million People<\/a> in florida, georgia and the ca rolines Million People<\/a> in florida, georgia and the carolines still without power after Hurricane Irma<\/a>. Back in florida with President Trump<\/a> in the next few minutes. A man whos spent more than 11 years in prison despite being originally sentenced to servejust ten months behind bars is to be released. James ward, who was convicted of arson, is now serving a sentence known as an ipp an imprisonment for public protection, which meant he wouldnt be released until a parole board decided he wasnt a danger to the public. 0ur correspondent zoe conway has been following james wards case, and has this report. For the last 11 years, james ward has been in prison without ever knowing when he would get out. Until now. In just a few weeks time, james is expected to be moved to a hostel. Ijust cant believe it. Ill believe it when he walks through the door. And give him the biggest hug he can have. Whenjames was 19, he went to prison for a yearfor assault. Near the end of his sentence, he set fire to the mattress in his cell. For doing this, a judge gave him an ipp, or imprisonment for public protection, and said he should serve a minimum of ten months. Hes been in prison for more than 11 years. James has been writing to us from prison. This letter was written last month when hed lost hope of ever being released. I have spoken to my sister recently and she was in tears because of myself harming. I am staying so hard to stay as strong as possible but i couldnt promise her i wouldnt do something stupid. On a visit to see him last month, his family were shocked by how ill he looked. Because he is on constant watch because of the self harm, hes literally sat behind a cage like an animal, they walk past and point and laugh at him. How is that humane . How is that human rights . The ipp sentence was abolished in 2012, but there remain more than 3300 ipp prisoners in england and wales. 85 of them have served more than the minimum term they were given. 278 were given sentences of two years or less but they have served eight years more than that. What needs to happen is the government needs to work closely with the parole board to make sure that these cases are processed as quickly as they can be and that when it is safe to release people, they are released. James has had the news this morning. He told his family he is excited for the future. His sister knows exactly how he shall be greeting him. I will hug him so tight, i think there will be a lot of crying. Bill and christine will have to wait a few weeks to see the son who hasnt been home for 11 years. At least 50 people have been killed and more than 80 wounded in a series of suicide bombings near the southern iraqi city of nassiriya. 0ne attacker detonated a bomb inside a restaurant, while up to four others opened fire at customers and staff inside. A Police Checkpoint<\/a> was the target of a second bombing. So called Islamic State<\/a> says it carried out the attacks. The value of the pound has risen on currency markets, following hints from the bank of england that Interest Rates<\/a> could go up in coming months. The banks Monetary Committee<\/a> voted today to keep its rate at its historic low of a quarter of 1 but said that if the economy continues to grow, a future rate rise would become more likely. The headlines on bbc news a public enquiry into the cause of the Grenfell Tower<\/a> fire has begun. A prisoner who is still behind bars 11 years after being given a ten month sentence for arson is to be released. James ward had been told he would not be freed until a parole board had decided he was not a danger to the public. And President Trump<\/a> has arrived in florida to see for himself the damage caused by hurricane. Hurricane irma. And ethics have beaten warwickshire at edgbaston. They could take the trophy. 20,000 cologne fans descend on london for their Europa League<\/a> match against arsenal. It looked like a few of them fancied a trip to the city centre on route to the emirates. And rain blew in for the first round of the evian championship. The first match will start tomorrow. I will have more on those stories later. President trump is in florida to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Irma<\/a>. Ten Million People<\/a> in the states of florida, georgia and north and South Carolina<\/a> are still without power, and thousands more have lost their homes. More than 20 people were killed in the us to add to nearly a0 who lost their lives in the caribbean during the storm. Among those who died were eight residents of a florida nursing home, which had its air conditioning cut off. 115 other residents were evacuated from the home some are in a Critical Condition<\/a> in hospital. 0ur correspondent Richard Lister<\/a> reports. When emergency teams searched this florida nursing home, they made some horrific discoveries. Three elderly residents dead, five more dying, and scores of others enduring dangerously high temperatures. We did start getting calls this morning indicating that there were a number of people that needed treatment and as we arrived on the scene with our fire rescue crews, we saw that there were a number of people in respiratory distress. Many of those led to safety were dehydrated and suffering heat exhaustion. Hurricane irma had cut the electricity and then back up generators failed. The residents had no air conditioning to combat temperatures pushing into the 30s. A nearby hospital took them in. The scene was chaotic when i arrived. When we were called to help, we mobilised at least 50 to a hundred of our employees that left the whole hospital, ran down the street and pulled all of these patients out of the facility and made sure they got to a safe place. Staff said when they first rang for help, they got no reply, but the homes Safety Record<\/a> has been criticised in the past. Right now, the building has been sealed off, were conducting a criminal investigation inside. That may be related to the loss of power in the storm. Were conducting a criminal investigation, not ruling anything out at this time. One in three florida homes and businesses is still without power. Homeowners have begun returning to the florida keys where an estimated 90 of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. The help is arriving. Water on its way. But the people here know that this level of damage will take months to put right. Ive been through wilma and andrew here. So we know how to survive. Hurricane irma claimed more than 80 lives in the us and the caribbean. But the lack of power means many survivors are still at risk. The old bailey has been told that a prisoner was murdered by three fellow inmates at pentonville prison in london, as part of a violent feud over control of a lucrative smuggling route into the jail. Robert butler, Basana Kimbembi<\/a>, and Joshua Ratner<\/a> deny murdering Jamal Mahmoud<\/a> in october last year. Our Home Affairs Correspondent<\/a> Daniel Sandford<\/a> reports. Pentonville prison in north london, victorian and close to the road, providing on g wing what the prosecution called a lucrative contra band route into the jail, used for smuggling in knives, mobile phones and drugs with drones and makeshift ropes. Jamal mahmoud and his friends had two of the cells on the fifth floor of g wing which were specially prized, as they had access to that route. In court today the prosecution said that robert butler, Basana Kimbembi<\/a>, and Joshua Ratner<\/a> murdered Jamal Mahmoud<\/a> to make a point and to get control of the smuggling route, and that even after Basana Kimbembi<\/a> stabbed Jamal Mahmoud<\/a> with a knife he pushed aside prison officers and stamped on him and kicked him several times. The prosecutor said of mahmoud that he was killed with brutality by a group of men armed with weapons that went to find him. The prosecution told the jury that the officer in charge of g wing had been warned that day there would be trouble but was persuaded to let the alleged killers out of their cells just before 2 00. By a. 30, 21 year old Jamal Mahmoud<\/a> was dead. All three men on trial deny the charges. Daniel sandford, bbc news at the old bailey. A man who murdered a College Student<\/a> at a beauty spot in Greater Manchester<\/a> has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years. Mark buckley killed 18 year old ellen higginbottom, in what the judge described as a chilling and sexually motivated pre meditated attack at 0rrell water park in wigan injune. Becky barr is in our salford newsroom. Really shocking case. The words from thejudgejust really shocking case. The words from the judge just underlining how it has been. Absolutely. Ellen higginbottom was only 18 years old when she was killed. She was an a level student in wigan near Greater Manchester<\/a>. She had gone for a walk in a nearby park on heroin when some of her friends had gone a walk in a nearby park on heroin when some of herfriends had gone in to sitan when some of herfriends had gone in to sit an exam. It was the middle of the day. Unbeknownst to her, mark buckley had been in that park for several hours approaching lone women with the intent of attacking them. He approached ellen. She was only five tall as thejudge he approached ellen. She was only five tall as the judge pointed out and was only five stone \u00a35 so would have been easier to overpower. Mark buckley inflicted many injuries on ellen. The cause of death was a serious wound to the next. There was a search which took place that evening and overnight to try and find ellens body but buckley had tried to conceal it. She was found in the small hours of the morning. Thejudge handed in the small hours of the morning. The judge handed down in the small hours of the morning. Thejudge handed down a life sentence for buckley with a minimum term of 31 years. When he spoke today at the sentencing, he did say that the fa cts sentencing, he did say that the facts in this case were frankly chilling. He also said he was sure buckleys motive for sexual but he had never admitted to that. And in targeting lone women buckley made sure he found someone particularly vulnerable. He said, your attack was a cowardly and callous as it was brutal. Alans family were not in court to hear the sentencing. Her mother is sadly very ill. But they did release a statement which was read out by an officer from Greater Manchester<\/a> police. We are tremendously lucky to have shed 18 years with her, and everyone else who knew her will identify with that feeling. She made the world a better place with pretty much everything she said and everything she did. We all would have liked more though, and we would especially have liked her to have had more. For her to have seen the results of all her ha rd have seen the results of all her hard work, for her to have seen her friends fly the nest as they went to um, friends fly the nest as they went to uni, for herto friends fly the nest as they went to uni, for her to have explored the world that she was just growing into. That was detective superintendent Howard Millington<\/a> who was the initial senior investigating officer on that case. Buckley is 52 yea rs old officer on that case. Buckley is 52 years old now. He will not be considered for release until he is at least 83. Back to you. Thank you. The singer selena gomez has revealed that she has had a kidney transplant linked to lupus an auto immune condition for which there is currently no cure. The transplant operation was carried out this summer. In a post on instagram, the singer revealed that a friend donated an organ to her. She said she wanted to explain why fans hadnt heard much from her despite having new music out. She added that she has ongoing Mental Health<\/a> problems, which are a side effect of lupus. Joining me now is Elaine Holland<\/a>, a trustee from lupus uk and a lupus sufferer. Thank you for being with us. Tell us more about this condition then. Lupusis more about this condition then. Lupus is a disease of the immune system where it turns in on yourself, and it causes inflammation in the body. So it results in symptoms such as arthritis and muscle pain, fatigue, skin rashes but it can also affect any organ in the body. So it is very debilitating, is it . Just give us an idea of some of the symptoms then and how it makes you feel . |j idea of some of the symptoms then and how it makes you feel . I think the worst thing certainly for myself is dealing with the fatigue. I do find that very debilitating. When the arthritis is bad and you are in a lot of pain that can have a debilitating effect on your life. Leads to kidney problems. I think you have had kidney problems like selena gomez . Yes, it was about eight years ago now i was diagnosed with lupus nephritis as they call it. I was lucky that it was found early through a routine test in a clinic and i had therapy which seems to have sorted it all out and my kidney function has returned to normal now. But selena gomez has had this transplant. Is that quite rare among lupus sufferers or is it extreme . About ten to 2096 of people with lupus nephritis require dallas 01 with lupus nephritis require dallas ora with lupus nephritis require dallas or a transplant. It is not too common really. They require dialysis. When should people go to the doctor if they are worried they have Something Like<\/a> this . How would you know you might have it . Lupus is quite difficult to diagnose. It is done through a series of tests and also putting together your symptoms. I personally started off with really bad pains in myjoints and my muscles, and i had the distinctive rash which comes, it looks like a butterfly across your cheekbones and your nose. That was what prompted myself to go to the doctors because i was only in my 20s at the time and it did not fit to what should have been happening. And we said there is no cure, but is their Research Going<\/a> on into this condition to find out more about it and look for a cure . Yes, there is lots of Research Going<\/a> on to try and find out what causes it and to find a cure, because at the moment we dont know exactly what causes it and there is Research Going<\/a> on into various treatments and we are trying to develop treatments all the time. Elaine, thank you for being with us, and good luck to you. That is Elaine Holland<\/a> who is a trustee from lupus uk and also suffers from lupus. Thank you. The us secretary of state Rex Tillerson<\/a> is on us secretary of state Rex Tillerson<\/a> isona us secretary of state Rex Tillerson<\/a> is on a visit to london. He has been meeting the foreign secretary Boris Johnson<\/a> and with back from the caribbean. They are thus cussing north korea, libya and indeed the aftermath of Hurricane Irma<\/a> as well as it has affected the caribbean and indeed the United States<\/a>. That is the scene set for a news there. Borisjohnson the the scene set for a news there. Boris johnson the foreign the scene set for a news there. Borisjohnson the foreign secretary and Rex Tillerson<\/a>, the us secretary of state. We will be back there as 0011 of state. We will be back there as soon as that begins. The winner of the mercury music prize is announced this evening. A total of 12 artists are up for the award, which recognises the best british or irish album of the past year. They include big names such as ed sheeran and stormzy, and other far less well known artists. Lets have a look at a few of them. Im in love with the shape of you. I thought i had you. A heart attack, im told, i should have known. 0hmy known. Oh my god, this big mac. Oh my god, this big mac. You know i wont be alone. I wonder why my dad didnt want me, the rest didnt need me,. Europe is lost, america lost, london lost, still we are clamouring victory, all that is meaningful, we have learned nothing from history. Got to get back, get back to my knees. Chi chi izundu joins me now from the red carpet. 0ver over to you. Hello, yes, we are here at the Hammersmith Apollo<\/a> waiting to hear who has won the 2017 Mercury Prize<\/a>. As you can see, the worlds media is here because this prize does attract a lot of attention. The winner gets \u00a325,000 but more importantly, what they get is they get at knowledge meant and a boost from the public. The public get to hear music they do not routinely here. I am hear music they do not routinely here. Iam here hear music they do not routinely here. I am here with the bbc reporter mark savage. It is quite an accolade to get a nomination for the mercury music prize . Absolutely. We have everyone from ed sheeran to a tiny jazz have everyone from ed sheeran to a tinyjazz act have everyone from ed sheeran to a tiny jazz act who have everyone from ed sheeran to a tinyjazz act who have not even open the top 100 and have only sold 1000 copies of the album before today, getting to perform on tv tonight, it isa getting to perform on tv tonight, it is a huge boost for their career. Whos the favourite . Its been changing all day, which shows you how unpredictable it can be. At the minute its blast animals, and all rock indie pop group from glasgow, an album that tells the story of 11 different characters they met on tour. Also in the running is a group from south london and kids tempest, a performance poet. You say its a wide spectrum of music we get to see, theres always a surprise pop acts, like you said, ed sheeran, a couple of million albums sold, should we be shot by his appearance . Im kind of a should we be shot by his appearance . Im kind ofa pop apologist, i didnt mind too much. If you listen to ed sheerans album, a kind of encapsulates everything going on in british music, he has a topical house song, a ballad, galloway goal for the irish music fans, even on the remixes he has got stormzy, so he represents grime as well. Theres a reason why hes on the list, its not a token gesture in the same way in previous years pulp have been on the list, even the spice girls. In re ce nt the list, even the spice girls. In recent years, the prize has been seen as a bit elitist, so it is nice to have him here. Also the likes of stormzy, grime was a big story last year when skepta one. Grime is really pushing music forward at the moment, as well as the hard spitting track as gospel, ballads, love songs. He is pushing grime into the next phase. He is a possible winner in my book. Fantastic. As you can see, the Mercury Prize<\/a> is going to get underway later tonight, you can watch it live on bbc four listen to it on the bbc six music. Great stuff. Thank you, enjoy the evening. And you can see the Award Ceremony<\/a> on bbc four tonight thats from 9 oclock. Lets check the weather. We have got a few showers about at the moment, a fairly brisk north westerly breeze which will make things feel slightly autumnal. We did get away with a few showers this morning, many of us seem dry weather bursting through the day, those showers getting going and the odd rumble of thunder. Through this evening and overnight, that showers across england will become confined to the far western coasts. A few showers pushing south through scotla nd showers pushing south through scotland into Northern England<\/a> and wales as well, and a fairly cool night with temperatures falling a few degrees further than that in rural spots. A fresh start to the day tomorrow, some brightness first thing, some cloud bubbling up as we move through the day. Also showers, they can be quite heavy, in between some good spells of sunshine. A fairly brisk northerly breeze, temperatures macs around 16 degrees. Into the weekend we have High Pressure<\/a> pushing in, still fairly cool overnight, a touch of grass in rural spots. A touch of frost. A few showers around as well, they will start to ease as we move into sunday. Sunday, more dry weather. This is bbc news. The headlines at a. 30pm the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower<\/a> fire opens in london. Its head, retired judge sir Martin Moore Bick<\/a>, says his investigation will answer pressing questions about the disaster. A prisoner who is still injail 11 years after being given a 10 month sentence for arson is to be released. James ward had been told he wouldnt be released until a parole board decided he wasnt a danger to the public. The bank of england has said that higher inflation and a pick up in growth could lead to a rise in Interest Rates<\/a> in the coming months , causing the pound to rise. The banks voted to keep rates on hold at a quarter of 1 for now. President trump has landed in florida, hes there to see the damage caused by Hurricane Irma<\/a>. Millions are still without power and more than 20 people in the us lost their lives. All the latest sport now. Essex are closing in on their first county championship title since 1992 after beating warwickshire impressively today at edgbaston. If lancashire failed to win the match at Somerset Essex<\/a> will be champions. It was a hugely impressive bowling performance from essex today backed up by some brilliant fielding dan lawrence taking this catch to leave warwickshire nine wickets down. The end came when spinner simon harmer took the tenth wicket to give essex victory by an innings and 56 runs. Lancashire are in trouble against somerset. Five wickets down in their second innings and following on. That match is due to finish tomorrow. Arsenal begin an unfamiliar European Campaign<\/a> tonight. After two decades in the Champions League<\/a>. They have their first match in the Europa League<\/a>. And theyre joined in this seasons competition by everton, who came through the qualifying rounds to get this far. Ronald koemans side are in italy to face atalanta who are back in europe after 26 years. They may not be one of the more famous teams from the country. But the everton manager is urging his players not to take the match lightly. Is urging his players not its is urging his players not not about the name, they strong its not about the name, they are a strong team, difficult to beat. For that, i have a lot of respect for ata la nta. That, i have a lot of respect for atalanta. Its a tough competition. Even the clubs out of the Champions League<\/a> in third place will play Europa League<\/a>, of course. If you start a competition you want to win it. Its a long way to go. Arsenals game is an 8pm kick off against koln. Who are bringing 20 thousand fans to the emirates. And quite a few of them are already in london. Parading in the city centre. Stopping traffic too. En route to the stadium. There are reports of bottles being thrown. Maria sharapova has responded to her critics in an exclusive uk interview with the bbc. Claiming shes not a cheat. After a 15 month doping ban for taking meldonium. A substance that had been moved onto the banned list. She returned to the womens tour in april. Sharapova has been widely criticised since her comeback. Including by some of her fellow players. I dont think it is for them to really have an opinion because they dont have the facts. I think that those are the types of words that make headlines and they will be used as headlines, but ultimately this is my career, and i have faced it head on andi my career, and i have faced it head on and i admit my mistake and i went about it served my suspension and im back. Jeannie bouchard, the canadian player, said you were a cheater and should not be allowed back into the sport. What do you say to that . I think those are not based on fact and therefore i dont them into consideration. But the fact, that you are not a cheater . Exactly. You can see the full interview the unstoppable sharapova . on the bbc news channel, tomorrow at 9. 30pm. 17 National Anti<\/a> doping organisations have demanded that russia is banned from next years winter olympics. The games start in under five months but the group, including the uk and United States<\/a>, said the iocs failure to hold russia to account for their doping scandal, endangered the future of the olympic movement. Meanwhile, british bobsleigh head coach Dominik Scherrer<\/a> has resigned. Injune, the bbc revealed athletes had written to british bobsleigh to complain of bullying, racism, sexism and discrimination. Theres no suggestion of any wrong doing by scher rer. Wrong doing by scherrer. Play has been called off for the day at the fifth and final womens golf major of the year the evian championship in france. Constant rain meant that the french ducks were the only winners, at least providing a few birdies today. The first group had completed eight holes when play was called off meaning that the event is now a 5a hole tournament starting tomorrow. Thats all the sport for now. Ill have more in the next hour. All media editor is at the World Television<\/a> Society Convention<\/a> in cambridge today and sent us this update. The culture secretary, Karen Bradley<\/a>, has confirmed that Rupert Murdochs<\/a> bid to take full control of sky through 21st century fox will be referred to the competition authorities. She said the competition and markets authority would investigate the impact of the proposed merger on broadcasting standards and media plurality. This is the second time the Murdoch Family<\/a> has tried to take full ownership of sky. In 2011, when it was known as bskyb, they tried to get ownership of 61 of the broadcaster that they dont already own. It was derailed by the phone hacking scandal which led to the leveson inquiry and closure of the news of the world. The political heat got too much. The mood was toxic. They cancelled it. Since then a lot has changed. The murdochs have split their company in two, its an Entertainment Division<\/a> and news division. The media landscape has also changed. Facebook, amazon and netflix have entered in a huge way, huge competition and huge choice for consumers. Its the argumentJames Murdoch<\/a> said when he spoke with some gusto earlier this morning. His argument was not only has the landscape changed, but he ought to be judged on his record. This is what he had to say. The reality here is that the record should matter. As the founder of sky news and tgza, we owned 100 of it for many years, there were no issues. When i was chief executive no issues. When i was chairman, and im chairman again, no issues. The record has to count for something. Whether or not 30 years ago someone has a grievance about a political position that a newspaper took that is no longer part of the business is irrelevant to a process that should be transparent, fact based, evidence based, and should get to an answer that makes sense for the uk economy, for the creative economy, and for the thousands and thousands of people who work at sky and 21st century fox, who just want to go and build something great. That was James Murdoch<\/a>. You are there with the great and the good of the television industry. What is the word youre hearing . Do they think ultimately this deal will go through . They will be flattered to be called the great and good, there are lots of anxious people here because the tv industry is going through such upheaval. This merger bid is a sign of it. I think things have changed, when this bid was launched initially people said it will probably get through. Some of the arguments made by James Murdoch<\/a> about the changing landscape in media, the split in his company, would be persuasive. But this keeps hitting hurdles. 0fcom said there was possibly an issue on media plurality. Now Karen Bradley<\/a> the culture secretary said there is an issue in terms of the murdochs having too much power and an issue with broadcasting standards. Are they committed to upholding the highest standards . I think this deal has changed, its gone from being likely to go through to facing some pretty big hurdles. Its going to take at least another six months, more uncertainty for the employees of sky, more uncertainty forJames Murdoch<\/a>. And this ambition hes held for years is proving one massive headache he could without. Amol rajan, our media editor. The bank of england has said that higher inflation and a pick up in growth could lead to a rate hike in the coming months. Members of the banks nine strong Monetary Policy<\/a> committee voted 7 2 to keep Interest Rates<\/a> on hold at 0. 25 . We have all seen prices going up in the shops, that has been entirely the shops, that has been entirely the result of the fall in the value of sterling due to brexit. What the bank has been doing since the referendum has been looking to balance support for the economy, as the economy adjusts to the prospect of brexit, support for the economy with our ultimate objective which is to bring inflation back to the 2 target, to make sure the value of these notes and other notes stays stable. What you heard today is that the majority of members of the committee, myself included, see that balancing act is beginning to shift, and in order to keep inflation or return inflation to 2 target in a sustainable manner, there may need to be some adjustment in Interest Rates<\/a> in the coming months. We will ta ke rates in the coming months. We will take that decision based on the data, but yes, that possibility is that. Uncertainty is affecting businesses in particular, we have seen investment not as strong as it otherwise would have been, thats understandable. We are going through a period of negotiations, its not exactly clear what the end state will be. It is affecting the Consumer Spending<\/a> a bit less but it is affecting it a bit. What we have to recognise is that the speed limit of the economy has shifted, it shifted after the financial crisis and a bit more with this adjustment to brexit. The rate at which we can go isa to brexit. The rate at which we can go is a little less than it has been in the past. That means the time to put a little. To take 1s foot off the accelerator, that is what were talking about with a modest adjustment, the time for that to come even though the economy is not going quite as fast as it would in the past. The governor of the bank of england now. A concerted effort to force so called Islamic State<\/a> out of the city of raqqa the groups stronghold in syria has been going on for four months now. A combination of Coalition Air<\/a> strikes and us backed Ground Forces<\/a> are trying to drive the militants out of the city. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled, but its unclear how many are still there. 0ur middle east correspondent Quentin Sommerville<\/a> has more. The one thing you really notice here in raqqa city, apart from the destruction, which is pretty much everywhere all around us, is the absence of people. When weve been into other cities, in mosul and sirte, where is have fled, people were always coming out, but not here. The reason for that weve just heard some Coalition Air<\/a> strikes not that long ago, rattled the shutters here. Artillery shelling is almost constant. It is because the real fighting is going on about one or two kilometres from where i am right now. There, people are facing snipers, minefields and coalition bombardments from artillery and from those coalition jets. The old city is just down here actually. So imagine living in that for a moment. If we just look up here, this was somebodys home. Look at the bullet holes all over that. There almost isnt a building in this city that we have passed that has been untouched by the violence. If we just move down here a bit closer, beyond there, right inside raqqa, almost an iron clad death trap has been created for people where they are facing snipers, minefields. Another boom from artillery i think that was just then. There is no option of escape for civilians. It is much betterfor them for the moment, there is less risk, we are going to interrupt Quentin Somerville<\/a> because we have a News Conference<\/a> with borisjohnson and Rex Tillerson<\/a>, the us secretary of state in london. The ordeal that has been inflicted on people across the caribbean and in florida. 0ur immediate task is to ensure that aid reaches everyone in need, and today, there are nearly 1000 British Military<\/a> personnel deployed in our caribbean territories, and to puma transport helicopters. More than a0 tonnes of aid has arrived, including one tonne of food and a shelter for 13,000 people. We are heading down to the Virgin Islands<\/a> to pick up more supplies. I thank the us for allowing the us Virgin Islands<\/a> to be used as a hub for the distribution ofaid, and used as a hub for the distribution of aid, and i think france and the us for assisting british citizens. We have been glad to respond to requests for assistance from our french friends by sending an raf transport aircraft to provide heavy lift for the aid effort. The Prime Minister<\/a> has announced \u00a357 million of help for the overseas territory in addition, the government will match every pound donated to the red cross appeal to a maximum of 3 million. Later today, cross appeal to a maximum of 3 million. Latertoday, im going cross appeal to a maximum of 3 million. Later today, im going to cobra to check on the progress of our response. We are assessing the situation in turks and caicos tonight to assess the situation. The overriding need will be for long term reconstruction, to get our caribbean territories back on their feet. In that effort, britain, france, the us and the netherlands will be working side by side. I have also chaired a meeting on libya today with secretary tillerson and our colleagues from it is lee, egypt, the uae and france. Libya is a front line in our common struggle against terrorism and illegal migration and we all share a vital interest in that countrys stability. 0ur shared goal is to break the political deadlock and rally behind the United Nations<\/a> envoy as he seeks to bring all sides together. Our friends envoy as he seeks to bring all sides together. 0urfriends in north africa share the same interest in a peaceful libya, and that prize is wholly achievable. We now have a new opportunity to make progress by helping the libyan people to reach a political settlement based on compromise and consensus. Finally, we discussed the grave situation in east asia, when north korea has defied the world by testing a Nuclear Device<\/a> and launching a ballistic missile. 0n Nuclear Device<\/a> and launching a ballistic missile. On monday, the Security Council<\/a> unanimously adopted Un Resolution<\/a> 2375, including the tougher sanctions imposed on any country in the 21st century. Today, we discussed how best to enforce those measures with the aim of maximising the pressure on north korea to reach a diplomatic solution. We resolved to continue to Work Together<\/a> and with important partners who can influence north korea, including china with the aim of securing the complete an irreversible denuclearisation of the korean peninsula. 0n irreversible denuclearisation of the korean peninsula. On all these issues and more, im delighted again to work alongside rex secretary tillerson, demonstrating once again the strength of the alliance between our two countries. Rex, the strength of the alliance between ourtwo countries. Rex, its the strength of the alliance between our two countries. Rex, its great to have you in london, thanks for all your time. 0ver to have you in london, thanks for all your time. Over to you. Thank you so much, foreign secretary johnson. Its always an honour and a pleasure to be in the United Kingdom<\/a>. And to work with such close and committed allies, define solutions to some of the most complex issues in the world, not the least of which is north korea and libya. Ido least of which is north korea and libya. I do want to thank foreign secretary johnson libya. I do want to thank foreign secretaryjohnson for his kind words to the american people, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey<\/a> and now Hurricane Irma<\/a>. Many americans, as you know, continue to suffer in recovery and have a long way to to rebuild their homes and their lives. Americans do have a reliable friend in the british people and the british have a reliable friend in the United States<\/a>, i think that was clearly demonstrated in the response to the effects throughout the caribbean. British, american and french territories. The cooperation through that event has been extraordinary, all of us sat down a lot on concerns and said, what can we do to help each others citizens . We are very thankful for that. We are also committed to taking that same spirit into the aftermath, and how we can Work Together<\/a> to coordinate and now to complete the recovery and begin the long, long process of reconstruction, in a way that i think is beneficial to everyone. I do quickly want to recognise and congratulate the United States<\/a> ambassador to the uk, woodyjohnson, he has arrived here 18 days ago. I think it ensures our special relationship will remain in good hands. I did comment to the ambassador, im concerned about having an ambassador johnson ambassador, im concerned about having an ambassadorjohnson and foreign secretaryjohnson, having an ambassadorjohnson and foreign secretary johnson, all that ensures is that on any given day, a johnson is going to be to blame for something. I also want to acknowledge our useful meeting, short but useful with Prime Minister<\/a> may, and members of her senior staff this morning. We discussed a number of areas of mutual interest. I expressed my appreciation to the Prime Minister<\/a> for her very sran support and resolve very strong support and resolve very strong support and resolve from the uk in the public statements and actions that send a strong message to north korea and the regime in north korea, that their efforts to advance their Nuclear Weapons<\/a> programmes and the threatening posture they have taken is not acceptable to any member of the international community, and that support is very important in our efforts to bring that to a resolution. The Prime Minister<\/a> and i also had a discussion briefly about the threat that iran poses to the region, where it is destabilising activities in yemen, syria and other parts of the region. We discussed our shared interest to find a solution to the conflict in syria, once the war against isis, the defeat of isis, is concluded. We continue to welcome and work closely with our counterparts in the uk. While brexit does present unique challenges to the british people, please know that you have a steadfast ally in the United States<\/a>. We will stand by our ally as brexit continues to take shape. We look forward to continuing this long relationship. I also have the opportunity to delve into a number of detailed topics of mutual concern as again, we are very thankful for the uks leadership and the foreign secretary in particular, who has been stellar in terms of supporting our efforts on north korea, from sanctions to implement in the sanctions to implement in the sanctions are finding ways to de escalate the violence in syria, and we express our deep gratitude to the United Kingdom<\/a> for their very generous contributions towards humanitarian assistance to the long suffering Syrian People<\/a> as we continue to deliberate areas that have suffered under the oppression of isis. Along with herbs and tips from france we had a very substantial meeting to discuss how to increase that diplomatic pressure. And how we can relate the messages to north korea that you need to stand on your programme and engage in dialogue, define the way to find a peaceful resolution. Foreign secretaryjohnson to find a peaceful resolution. Foreign secretary johnson and to find a peaceful resolution. Foreign secretaryjohnson and i also had productive discussions with our other colleagues in italy and egypt, as well as the special groups instead of an issue that is important for the us to create stability, reconciliation under a functioning government, what we do not want to see happen is libya become a place to birth additional terrorist organisations and provide opportunities for isis to re emerge. We are all committed to helping the libyans find a solution that will lead to their future. I think, as a special representative works of the libyans to advance the political reconciliation, its important that he knows he has the full support of the us. We think it is time to focus the us. We think it is time to focus the mediation efforts in one location at the un under his leadership, and i think we have very strong unity among the group that met today to support these special representative in his efforts. We will meet again with the un secretary to consider these issues in new york next week on the margins of the Un General Assembly<\/a> meeting. Once again, i want to thank Prime Minister<\/a> may and secretary Johnson Wagner<\/a> most gracious welcome, are a series of very productive meetings today, on a host of important topics, some of which we have touched on with you. But most importantly for their commitment to action in the achievement of our common goals. Foreign secretary, thank you again. Thank you, rex. We are going to take a couple of questions. James from the bbc. First of all, an aide, do you believe the government should be able to use its aid budget to help people in need in the caribbean and if so, what are you going to do about it . Secondly, on libya, do you actually think that elections next year are feasible . When do you think they should be held . Thirdly, on burma, you said la st held . Thirdly, on burma, you said last weekend that Aung San Suu Kyi<\/a> was andl last weekend that Aung San Suu Kyi<\/a> was and i quote, one of the most inspiring figures of our age. Do you regret saying that now . Has your view changed as a result of the events of this week . And secretary of state, can i ask you, on iran, what actually is the position of the United States<\/a> today on the koran nuclear deal . Are you going to continue to waive the sanctions do you continue to believe that iran is fulfilling its obligations of that deal . Secondly, what is your view on what is taking place in myanmar, and bangladesh, and the behaviour of Aung San Suu Kyi<\/a> . Let me go first, rex. On your first question, james, i think anybody. I do not think anyone has seen the effects of a hurricane, but it is absolutely catastrophic, awe inspiring. Ive never seen anything like it. It is like the destruction you see in images from the first world war. I think anybody with an ounce of compassion would want to see spending by our government on getting those people back up on their feet, getting those people back up on theirfeet, and getting those people back up on their feet, and indeed getting those people back up on theirfeet, and indeed on getting those british, and i stress, british overseas territories, helped in the long term. Of course, we are looking now across whitehall at ways in which we can make sure our aid budget can be used in that way. I know priti patel, all my colleagues, are looking at how we can do that. That is absolutely natural, we are on that right now. On libya, you ask a very important question. Would it be premature to hold elections within a year, i happen to think that could be about the right timescale. I think its very important, however, that you dont do it too fast. And that you get the political ground work done first. There has to be a constitution, there has to be an accepted basis for those collections to take place, if that is not currently there, you have to amend the agreement, the libyan political agreement, everybody understands broadly speaking across the actors in libya what needs to be done. There is a very wide measure of support i think, among the libyan people, for getting on with an election, by the way. I think the programme that will the un representative has sketched out certainly commanded support this afternoon, in the format we brought together today, obviously what we are hoping is that that will gain wider support at the General Assembly<\/a> next week. Thirdly, on burma, and the tragedy that is unfolding in the gross abuse of the human rights of the rohingya population. Nobody should underestimate what is happening. 370,000 rohingya have fled, are estimated to have fled in desperation, thats almost half the rohingya population in northern burma. To answer directly your question about Aung San Suu Kyi<\/a>, lets be clear. She led burma after a period of decades of repression by a period of decades of repression by a military government. In my admiration of what she stood for, what she fought for, a democracy, many people around the world share that admiration","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia600803.us.archive.org\/33\/items\/BBCNEWS_20170914_150000_BBC_News\/BBCNEWS_20170914_150000_BBC_News.thumbs\/BBCNEWS_20170914_150000_BBC_News_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240629T12:35:10+00:00"}