Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News At Six 20170327

It might be good for the tempo of the Military Operation, but it isnt necessarily good for preserving civilian lives. Giving evidence, the surgeon accused of putting women through unnecessary operations to make more money. Good evening and welcome to the bbc news at six. The mother of Khalid Masood, the man behind the westminster attacks, has expressed her anguish about the actions of her son. In a statement in the last hour, she said she did not condone what hed done, or the beliefs that led him to commit the atrocity. It emerged today that masood had driven the car that people on westminster bridge, at over 70 miles an hour. Daniela relph reports. The moment Khalid Masood began his attack, we now know that he was driving at more than 70 kph, drew the crowd, killing and injuring as he drove. Over 70 mph. The crowd, killing and injuring as he drove. Over70 mph. The crowd, killing and injuring as he drove. Over 70 mph. Through the crowd. His mother has leased a statement, saying that she does not condone his actions or support his beliefs. Janet ajao said those victims included american Couple Kurt Cochran and his wife, it had been theirfirst Couple Kurt Cochran and his wife, it had been their first visit in london and theirfirst had been their first visit in london and their First Time Ever out of the usa. They were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. He was killed by being thrown to the pavement below. A single bunch of Flowers Marks where he fell. Melissa suffered multiple injuries and is still in hospital. Today, 13 members of theirfamily still in hospital. Today, 13 members of their family spoke publicly. From utah, they are a mormon family, who have found strength in their faith. It is hard for most of its ear to imagine what it must be like to lose somebody in this way, can you give a sense of the impact on the family. It has brought us closer together. It is it has brought us closer together. It is hard for most of us here to imagine. We love and support each other so much. It has made us that much stronger. Kurt cochran Ran A Music Studio back home. Enthusiastic supporter of local bands. Their assault was featured, they are about to get going right here Tribute Concerts have taken place in his honour. His family say that they have been comforted by the thousands of m essa g es have been comforted by the thousands of messages they have saved. What the families have shown today is what happens when you are suddenly affected by an event of this magnitude, that had brought with it trauma, grief, and forthem, forgiveness. None of us harbour any ill will or harsh feelings towards this. We love our brother, we love what he brought to the world. Today, Tobias Ellwood was in Parliament Square to pay his respects and see the tribute. The Foreign Office minister had tried so hard to save the life of Pc Keith Palmer last week. This was a chance for him to remember all of those killed. Studio lets speak to our Home Affairs Correspondent daniel sandford, whos at scotland yard. Daniel, what are you hearing about the investigation so far . It is not going on at the frenetic pace that it was last week when they were arresting all of the known associates of Khalid Masood, but you sense they are still making good progress. The bbc has been told that the police have established that Khalid Masoods car was captured on cctv in the westminster area before the attacks, not as he launched the attack but before, so detectives trying to work out whether that was some kind of reconnaissance or otherwise why was he driving around in the westminster area. Release have said that communications that he had on that day are a main line of enquiry. They are making a direct appeal to the public, if you heard from the lead message, please come forward. That is because police are saying they are trying to establish what his State Of Mind was at the time of the attack. That said, police have rolled out at the moment saying they have no evidence that he discussed the attack with anyone else, no evidence he was radicalised in prison and no evidence of him communicating with associates in so called Islamic State or alqaeda, what they think that he had an interesting jihad, they think he had an interest injihad, so this may be a violent islamist inspired attack. And tonight panorama has an in depth look at Khalid Masood, the westminster attacker. Thats at half past seven, on bbc one. Its the start of a historic week for britain. On wednesday, theresa may will trigger the Brexit Process but that hasnt stopped the political row between the Prime Minister and Nicola Sturgeon over another Independence Referendum in scotland. They met in glasgow today but apparently ended their hour long meeting as far apart as ever. Speaking just before the meeting mrs may said this was a time for the whole of the uk to be pulling together. But as our scotland editor sarah smith reports, Nicola Sturgeon doesnt see it that way at all. Nicola sturgeon did not see it that way, did she. She certainly did not, andi way, did she. She certainly did not, and i get the impression that she came away from the meeting a bit frustrated about the lack of detail that she is getting from the Prime Minister about the brexit negotiations and also about any specific powers that may be transferred to the Scottish Parliament. The Prime Minister, who does have the power to block another referendum on Scottish Independence, that she was very clear, saying now is not the time to discuss it. Voiceover is not the time to discuss it. V0|ceover theresa may knows that this could be awkward, she is here to talk about her article 50 letter. She is here to press her demand for a referendum on independence. No handshakes, no press conference, did a couple of souvenir photographs but neither woman looks like they are enjoying it. By stark contrast, their first meeting, eight months ago, then it was called a good working relationship, now, Nicola Sturgeon says the pm has not listened to her on brexit, theresa may says that she will reject any request for a vote on Scottish Independence. My position is not going to change, now is not the time to be talking about a second Independence Referendum, because it would not be fair on the scottish people to make them make that decision when the facts are not clear and also because now is the time when we need to pull together to make sure we get the best possible dealfor to make sure we get the best possible deal for the uk and clothing the people of scotland. Im told the meeting inside this hotel was businesslike, cordial, probably the longest meeting yet between them, the Scottish Government were expecting an offer of more powers for the Scottish Parliament after b rex it for the Scottish Parliament after brexit but they say they got no detail on that. When Nicola Sturgeon told the Prime Minister how she plans to make a formal request for a scottish referendum, the Prime Minister said simply, you know my position on that. The First Minister says theresa may agreed, the shape of the brexit deal should be clear in18 to 2a of the brexit deal should be clear in 18 to 2a months time, which is when the Scottish Government want to hold the referendum. We both agree, fiow hold the referendum. We both agree, now is not the time to ask people to make the choice, but since we both appear to be make the choice, but since we both appearto be in make the choice, but since we both appear to be in agreement as to when the terms of brexit will become clear on the timetable, that would underline my view that that is the right time. Visiting police scotland, theresa may announced a major counterterrorism exercise, the message, the importance of Coordinating Security across the uk. Police scotland. Coordinating security across the uk. Police scotland. When this great union of nations, sets its mind on something, and works together with determination, we are an unstoppable force. In a speech to staff at the department for international the in east kilbride, she said she wants to build a more united nations. It is Scottish Independence on the agenda at the Holyrood Parliament tomorrow, where they will almost certainly vote to call for a second referendum. Department for International Development in east kilbride. Studio lets speak to our Political Editor laura kuenssberg, whos in westminster. Theresa may is about to embark ona westminster. Theresa may is about to embark on a period of wheeling and dealing, negotiating and bartering, with no less than 27 countries, all with no less than 27 countries, all with different agendas and priorities. Very different populations and economies. All wanting Something Different from the uk. You might have thought that the easy pa rt uk. You might have thought that the easy part would be dealing with relations at home, between different parts of the uk. Well, not a bit of it, it is clear from todays meeting that neither Nicola Sturgeon or theresa may is in any mood to back down, they fundamentally disagree on the notion of whether or not scots should have another vote on going for independence during this process of upheaval. What too many people looks like opportunity, too. For theresa may this is clear, it is a problem for her politically that is going to hang around for quite some time. It is part of a patchwork of problems which face her here, before she even gets to the Negotiating Table in brussels. Today, labour set out its list of wrecks it demands, ukip out its list of wrecks it demands, udem out its list of wrecks it demands, ukip did the same, warning her that they will hold her feet to the fire if there is backsliding. In private, this pressure on her inside the tory party too. Theresa may faces problems and challenges and opportunities right now that no Prime Minister has realistically faced in generations. Scotland is one of them that is hugely significant but it is clear in number ten that it is not the only issue. Northern irelands Political Parties have failed to meet the deadline to form a Power Sharing Government at stormont. Three weeks of talks couldnt bridge the deep divides between the Democratic Unionist Party and sinn fein. The Secretary Of State for Northern Ireland, who has the power to impose direct rule from westminster, said there was no appetite for that. But its not clear if of when powersharing will return. Heres our ireland correspondent chris buckler. Voiceover there has been a lot of talk in Northern Ireland about restoring Power Sharing but at times it has felt like sinn fein and the dup have been speaking a very different language. Much of the funding for this class for Migrant Workers in dungannon comes from storm on. With no government, no budget. That means this Community Group cannot be sure how much money they will have, once the new Financial Year begins, just next week. If there is no funding coming through, it would mean imminent closure within two months, and all jobs lost. That is how serious it is. Those concerns about budgets retch across all departments, including health and education. At apm, the deadline for an agreement, the politicians were not electing a first and deputy First Minister, the Assembly Chamber was empty. I think there are a short few weeks in order to resolve matters. The reason i say that is because of this issue, the stark issue in relation to Public Services here in Northern Ireland, and the lack of a budget having been set. The Northern Ireland secretary has limited number of options, he can call another election but he has indicated there is no appetite for that. However, because he has to call a vote within a reasonable time period, that does allow more time for further talks. The other option is what is known as direct rule, whether westminster government would take control of the running of Northern Ireland at least for a time. Where the. Last week at Martin Mcguinness funeral, the leader of the dup and sinn fein did reach out to each other. Leaders. But any signs of friendship were missing at stormont, today. When Arlene Foster and Michelle Oneill spoke separately. There is a gulf between the parties on a whole range of issues from sinn feins demand for legislation to give official status to the Irish Language to that thorny old problem of how to recognise and deal with Northern Irelands troubled past. That all leaves major worries about the future of Power Sharing and in places like this dungannon Community Group, another generation affected by Northern Irelands old divides. A surgeon, whos accused of carrying out unnecessary operations in order to earn extra cash, has been giving evidence in court. Ian paterson denies 20 counts of unlawfully and maliciously wounding ten patients between 1997 and 2011. He denies all charges. Our Midlands Correspondent sima kotecha is at Nottingham Crown court. Well, this trial has been going on for more than a month now. Ian paterson took the stand for the first time this afternoon and told thejury hed been Practising Medicine since 1981. In a statement, he said any suggestions i carried out completely necessary Breast Operations for financial gain were up operations for financial gain were up orange. Operations for financial gain were up orange. Ian paterson, the Breast Surgeon accused of carrying out unnecessary operations in the west midlands. Nottingham crown court, he is on trialfor causing midlands. Nottingham crown court, he is on trial for causing Grievous Bodily Harm to ten patients over a 14 bodily harm to ten patients over a 1a year period. Today, the 59 year old took the stand. He told thejury 59 year old took the stand. He told the jury not over the last few weeks, the court has heard the surgeon operated unnecessarily on patients at two private hospitals. The prosecution alleges his motives were obscure and may have included a desire to earn money. Ian paterson denies 20 counts of wounding with intent. The trial continues. Our top story this evening. The westminster attackers mother has called her sons actions an atrocity. And still to come. A record haul at the rio games, so why has Wheelchair Tennis had its funding cut . Coming up in sportsday on bbc news, why age isnt an issue Forjermain Defoe as the england manager Gareth Southgate labels his return to the National Team a great story, three years after his last appearance for his country. Iraqi forces are intensifying their assault against so called Islamic State, as they attempt to drive them out of western mosul. Theyre deploying Helicopter Gunships and crude Rocket Launchers to target is militants. But thousands of people are fleeing the city claiming civilian are being killed because the assault is too indiscriminate. With the city still divided between is and the iraqi army, our Middle East Editorjeremy Bowen is in western mosul. He sent this report. This is the iraqi solution to an offensive thats stalled over the last week or so. Attack again. It feels as if the Air War Over Mosul is intensifying. The Gunship Pilots fly low. They seem confident they wont get shot down. And every day a few thousand more people come walking out of the areas of mosul still held by the jihadists who call themselves Islamic State. Many said is used them as human shields, shooting out from the cover of their homes and streets. But the response, more air strikes, horrified them. Translation they destroyed our homes, our cars, everything. They destroyed us. Entire families are gone, they are under the rubble. Translation a lot of people died. Children, women and men. Houses collapsed on them. I lost both of my sons. Some very sophisticated modern weapons are in this fight. And so are these. Locally made rockets used over a short range, a blunt instrument. That is an inaccurate weapon. It might be good for the tempo of the Military Operation but it isnt necessarily good for preserving civilian lives. But they want to win this battle and theyre using everything theyve got. Most of the people arriving in government held territory are bussed out to camps. Many said is fighters forced themselves into their homes. Nine of this womans family were killed in a big raid on the 17th. She said she wasnt escaping the jihadists but air strikes that used tonnes of bombs on a single sniper. Translation they destroyed the houses when there are one or two or three so called Islamic State men inside them. Theyd turn houses into cemeteries. They bring the dead out burned. We cant even recognise them. My children, nine of my family killed. They call them smart bombs but this is stupid. My grandchildren, two are gone. The people of mosul have been left with impossible choices. Risk death in their own homes or risked death crossing a front line. Iraq has been shattered by the years of war and sectarian conflict that followed the us and british invasion. It might be too late to put this country back together. One of the largest investors in the uk has committed £5 billion to invest in transport, property and digital technology. The Middle Eastern state of qatar said it is optimistic about the future of the british economy and that the uk leaving the European Union had little bearing on its decision. It has already invested £40 billion, owning harrods and the shard. A Hong Kong Based firm is to help run one of the biggest Rail Franchises in the uk. South west trains, which operates out of london waterloo, is to be taken over by mtr, the operator of the hong kong metro, together with uk run first group. The two companies are due to take over from stagecoach, which has run the franchise for 20 years. Unions have expressed concern about the decision, but mtr says it will create more capacity. Bt has been fined £42 million by the telecoms regulator ofcom, for failing to pay proper compensation for delays in installing high Speed Broadband lines. Its a record fine, and relates to bts openreach division, which installs cables and lines for other companies. Our correspondent Simon Gompertz has the story. Demand for moving the information we need using high capacity cables has mushroomed. So businesses, hospitals and schools can keep pace bts supposed to connect them up within 30 days of asking. If bt openreach, which does the work, misses that deadline, it has to compensate people like paul, who manages phone and data links for business. But bts been finding ways not to pay. Poor service deliverys incredibly frustrating. Sometimes, they are left waiting for months longer than they should be. The result is its damaging for us, and consequently financially damaging to our business as well. Excuses heard by Telecom Firms include the Openreach Team was running late elsewhere or they thought it was complete but six kilometres of cable were forgotten. Another team forgot the temporary Traffic Lights they needed. What were talking about our Optical Fibre Cables which we need for carrying huge amounts of information, from office to the exchange, from one office to another office, even from mobile phone masts, carrying our calls and information. And bts being accused of delaying up to a year to install these cables and then trying to wriggle out of responsibility to pay compensation. So, for not paying up, bt faces a £42 million fine. There is now a Compensation Bill of £300 million which has to be met and an extra £300,000 fine for keeping back information. Its the biggest fine ofcom have ever levied, and it comes at a time when openreach is under enormous pressure to not only maintain existing Network Infrastructure but they also need to invest in the next generation of technology, which is fibre, and that pressure is, obviously, causing issues for the group, in terms of being able to deliver. Bt says its sorry, its already agreed that openreach should be run as a separate operation amid an explosion in demand for data links. Rivals say bts workrate is holding them back. It was the sport that beat all expectations at the rio games, smashing targets and contributing to great britains record medal haul. But six months on Wheelchair Tennis has had its funding cut despite its strong medal potential. Gemma Louise Stevenson takes a look at the sport, and the debate over funding. Wimbledons singles champion, scotlands gordon reid best at wimbledon on wheels, and best in the world. Gordon reid. Wimbledon winner, seven time grand slam champion, rio gold and silver medallist. The main rules are all the same. The only rule change between somebody playing on their feet and me playing in a chair is that we get two bounces off the ball, if we need it. In 2016, i played matches which were watched by literally millions of people on tv. And a few years ago, nobody within our sport would ever have dreamed that would have happened. He and fellow brit Andy Lapthorne are just two of many successful british players dominating the world rankings. Full time athletes who train and compete alongside the able bodied game. The prize is continuously growing. Maybe not as fast as we would like but were getting there and i see it being, in 20 years time, the biggest Disability Sport in the world, bar none. Up until rio, the game had been supported by a mixture of National Lottery and taxpayers money. Now the funding that goes towards the olympic Training Programme will be cut. The Chief Executive of uk sport explained to me why, despite the sports strong medal potential. We know that they merit our investment. They merit being invested in. But the first question we always ask is can they sport have access to support from and resources from other sources . Do they really need public funding . However, uk sport will still support the athletes until tokyo 2020 through individual performance awards. But some people are still concerned about the effect it will have on the future of the game. Rio was a big Success Story for Wheelchair Tennis. It put the sport on the map. So we should be looking at building on that, creating more opportunities, inspiring more people, getting them ready for 2024, really, in the long term plan, and this will dissuade a lot of people from actually wanting to do that because they dont think financially they can do it. On court, the sport continues to grow and get more and more exposure and the world stage, with players like Novak Djokovic being big supporters of the game. And the trophies, medals and silverware keep multiplying at least for this generation of british players. Time for a look at the weather. Heres john hammond. After a bellini s start, most of us brightened up nicely but some did not. The cloud persistent across the east of england, 7 degrees, distinctly chilly. This was the drab scene at bridlington this afternoon. For most of the rest of us, it was another glorious day, no more so than across highland scotland. It again, thats where the highest temperatures were, 19 degrees in some spots. This was the view westwards in ayrshire, a fantastic evening here, and a dry evening everywhere. Overnight tonight, the low cloud becomes extensive, misty in eastern spots. Where the skies are clear, it will be cold. Temperatures dipping down to as low as minus two, just where we saw the highest temperatures in the daytime. In the south west, some showers pushing into wales, and central areas. One or two showers in Northern Ireland going into the direction of scotland. More cloud in scotla nd direction of scotland. More cloud in scotland tomorrow so it will be a lot cooler than it was today. The odd shower pushing through the midlands into Eastern England but many places will avoid the showers and it will be worn with mid to high teens where it brightens up. There should be brightness across south wales and england but there is more rain in the evening. It will turn drab tomorrow night and as we go into wednesday, some heavier rain turning up into northern areas. Further south and east, it should stay nice and dry, albeit cloudy. Temperatures up to the mid teens. Thats all from the bbc news at six, so its goodbye from me, and on bbc one we nowjoin the bbcs news teams where you are. Hello you are watching bbc news, the top stories for you nowjust hello you are watching bbc news, the top stories for you now just after 6 30pm. Theresa may has met Nicola Sturgeon for the first time, since the Scottish Government announced proposals for a second Independence Referendum. The Prime Minister said shed work to preserve the united kingdom. When this great nation of england, scotland, wales and Northern Ireland sets its mind to something and works together with determination we are an unstoppable force