ian palmer reports. staff identify suspicious benefit fraud in individuals but it's much harder to notice broad patterns of behaviour across thousands of benefit applications, an indication of organised criminal activity. often, gangs making repeated applications using fake identities tend to leave traces such as using the same phrase when stating what they've done to try and find work. by monitoring thousands of applications using artificial intelligence, it should be easier to detect organised benefit fraud. what we will be able to do using ai is identify some of those networks, for example, see patterns of behaviour like shared addresses or the same telephone numbers being used. they will be able to identify that more easily in a way that will enable us to stop that from happening and protect taxpayers' money. the artificial intelligence software has been developed by the department for work and pensions. the idea has been put through a series of trials. the dwp says the computer programme will be slo

ian palmer, bbc news.n eyewitness said that it took a tight right—hand turn and nosedived into the river north of sydney. a full—scale search was under way but

ian palmer, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news. six people have been killed after a seaplane crashed into a river north of sydney. there are reports that four of the victims may be british. iran has imposed restrictions on social media as demonstrations against the country's ruling clerics continue. fireworks and festivities bring in the new year as we have just seen hong and festivities bring in the new year as we havejust seen hong kong welcoming 2018 with a spectacular fireworks display above the iconic victoria harbour. sport now and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre. here's 0lly foster. hello. after 18 league victories in a row, manchester city's winning streak has come to an end. they were held to a goalless draw at crystal palace but might have lost had it not been for a late penalty save. ederson kept out milivojevic in injury time. city were also hit by injuries to gabrieljesus and kevin de bruyne, but they head into the new year 1a points clear at the top. jesus will be added with a knee problem for several months

ian palmer, bbc news.een warned they'll face the nation's "iron fist" if the political unrest there continues. the revolutionary guards issued the ultimatum after days of protests intensified. on saturday two people were reported to have been shot dead in the city of dorud. the government blamed foreign agents for their deaths. the protests — which began over living standards and rising food prices — have spread to several major cities, including tehran. jon ironmonger reports. a crack of gunshots as panic ripples through a crowd in the western city dorud. later, a wounded man is carried through the streets. it is reported a number of people have been killed following an escalation of violence and three days of unrest. late into the night, demonstrators attacked targets with links to the government and the ruling clerical elite. in karamabad, the governor's office was burned. in the northern city of mashhad, police motorbikes were set alight while crowds taunted the security services. what started as a pro

ian palmer, bbc news.ness said that it took a tight right—hand turn and nosedived into the river north of sydney. a full—scale search was under way but there was no survivors. australian police divers saying that they have recovered six bodies. on—board the cpa by passengers and the prevalent. they were leaving the seaplane —— a restau ra nt they were leaving the seaplane —— a restaurant at jerusalem be they were leaving the seaplane —— a restaurant atjerusalem be on the way to rosebery in sydney harbour. this was a journey that would normally take about 20 minutes. australian police say they will not be speculating on media reports that four of the victims were british national is another one of the passengers was an 11—year—old boy. we do know that you crash investigators from the australian transport safety bureau and expected at the accident site early on new year's day. their job at the accident site early on new year's day. theirjob is to piece together the last moments of the seaplane and to establi

ian palmer, bbc news.ts underfalse identities are to be targeted by the government using artificial intelligence. the department for work and pensions says it will use sophisticated computer programming to detect fraudulent claims for universal credit and jobseeker‘s allowance. now, new year celebrations have begun around the world as we welcome in 2018. new zealand was the first to light fireworks, then sydney harbour was lit up in a blaze of colour, as australia welcomed the new year. richard lister reports. five, four, three, two, one... once again, sydney set the standard for new year's fireworks. 1.5 million people lined the harbour front for a dazzling, deafening celebration. the rainbow theme was a tribute to australia's legalisation of same—sex marriage. two hours earlier, auckland, new zealand, was the first major city to celebrate 2018, its sky tower lit up like a giant roman candle. excited korean voiceover that is the unmistakable sound of north korea joining the celebrations, with what else bu

ian palmer reports. police divers have spent the day searching for bodies.eaplane is underwater. the party was returning from a trip to a restaurant, before crashing into the river. six people were on board. for reasons that are not known at this stage, the plane has hit the water and it has subsequently sunk. it is sitting in approximately 13 metres of water. at the time of the collision, the plane had a pilot and five passengers on board. i can confirm the six people on the plane are deceased. the aircraft crashed just after three in the afternoon, local time. it is operated by the company sydney seaplanes. a major tourfirm, it offers many sightseeing trips across australia. in a statement the company says: "sydney seaplanes is deeply shocked by this incident and the resulting loss of life. we wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the passengers and pilot who were tragically killed." an eyewitness says he saw the single—engine plane make a tight turn before dipping its wings and nosediving into the water. police have recove

ian palmer, bbc news.issiles and military expertise from north korea. they named him as chan han choi, who is originally from south korea. police said they believed he also tried to facilitate the sale of coal from north korea to vietnam and indonesia to help raise foreign currency for pyongyang. australia's prime minister malcolm turnbull made a statement to journalists. let's hear what he had to say. this is a very, very important arrest. the charges being laid are of the gravest nature. it will be dealt with in court. north korea is a dangerous, reckless, criminal regime threatening peace in the region. it supports itself by breaching un sanctions, not simply by selling commodities like coal and other goods, but also selling weapons, drugs, engaging in cybercrime. it is vitally important that all nations work relentlessly to enforce those sanctions because the more economic pressure that can be brought on north korea, the sooner that regime will be brought to its senses. at least five people have been k

but first, let's talk to ian palmer, who is outside euston station in london. etter now that virgin train cancel the planned industrial action that they announced earlier. —— virgin trains. the main headline as you have been hearing in richard's report is that london bridge station will be completing the third phase of its upgrade. that means there will be no services into london bridge one london charing cross station is between, well, from tomorrow until january, end of playjanuary between, well, from tomorrow until january, end of play january the 1st. that is really going to disrupt all mainline routes right across britain. the west coast main line is urging passengers to complete their journeys by the end of play on saturday because london paddington station will be closed between the 27th of december and christmas eve. and if you are travelling on the west coast main line, there is going to be no service between preston and lancaster to be no service between preston and la ncaster west. to be no service between preston and lancaster west. if you have to tr

ian palmer reports.efit fraud in individuals but it's much harder to notice board patterns of behaviour across thousands of benefit applications. an indication of organised criminal activity. 0ften, gangs making repeated applications using fake identities tend to leave traces such as using the same phrase when stating what they've done to try and find work. by monitoring thousands of applications using artificial intelligence it should be easier to detect organised benefit fraud. what we will be able to do using ai is identify some of those networks, for example, see patterns of behaviour like shared addresses or the same telephone numbers being used. they will be able to identify that more easily in a way that will enable us to stop that from happening and protect taxpayers' money. the artificial intelligence softwa re money. the artificial intelligence software has been developed by the department for work and pensions. the idea has been put through a series of trials. the dwp says the computer program

ian palmer, bbc news.ing held in an iranian prison after her case was made eligible for early release. nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe is serving a five—year sentence for allegedly plotting to topple the iranian government. 0ur diplomatic correspondent james landale is here. she's been in prison for 18 months. harperfamily now she's been in prison for 18 months. harper family now hoping she could be out soon? i think they are daring to hope. they see the latest announcement by the iranians not as automatic or definite. they are talking days, weeks rather than months, is what they are hoping for. pa rt months, is what they are hoping for. part of the announcement is technical, when you have served a certain period of time in an iranian jail, you technically become eligible for early release, but this didn't have to happen. thejudiciary could have chosen not to make this happen, but they have, and it's from bad that her family and happen, but they have, and it's from bad that herfamily and campaigners are drawing

ian palmer, bbc news.rnment is proving the doubters wrong with its brexit negotiations. she's written in two national newspapers, saying she won't be derailed from securing an ambitious deal. let's speak to our political correspondent jonathan blake. jonathan, comments today not only from the prime minister but from the foreign secretary too? some stirring words from the prime minister. for anyone enthusiastic about brexit, reminding us in the papers of what the government has achieved so far. she singles out citizens rights. she is proving the doubters wrong, as she says and amid all the noise, getting on with the job. looking ahead to the next phase which could potentially be more difficult and as a reminder of the potential roadblocks in her way, the foreign secretary, in an interview with the sunday times, setting out his stall the morning, saying that over time that britain should not simply mirror european union rules and regulations. he says if that was the case of britain would be going from a memb

ian palmer, bbc news. ten days have "marked a watershed" in the uk's departure from the european union. writing in the sunday telegraph and the sunday express, the prime minister says she will not be derailed from securing an ambitious brexit deal. meanwhile, the foreign secretary borisjohnson has told the sunday times that it's vital the uk doesn't mirror eu laws in the long—term — else the country risks being a vassal state. south africa's ruling party is set to elect a new leader to replace president jacob zuma. mr zuma is stepping down as leader of the anc ahead of the party's campaign for the 2019 general election, and he's faced several allegations of corruption during his decade in charge. 0ur reporter milton nkosi is injohannesburg this morning. what's expected to happen today? today, we are expecting that the conference will begin improbably one—hour but that may be delayed if you go according to what we saw yesterday and the delegates are beginning to trickle in. the nation is really on tenterhoo

ian palmer, bbc news.nment is "proving the doubters wrong" with its brexit negotiations. she's written in two national newspapers, saying she won't be "derailed" from securing an "ambitious deal". let's speak to our political correspondent jonathan blake. jonathan, comments today not only from the prime minister but from the foreign secretary, too? first some stirring words from the prime ministerfor first some stirring words from the prime minister for anyone enthusiastic about brexit, taking this opportunity. two newspapers to remind us of her achievements, singling out citizens rights of something she was able to get what she wanted in amid getting on wrong and amidibenolsegetflngon! job. if? onto phase of brexit she exciting that is for it but ; forei . n $217, secretary an and regulatignsv-esi‘fijid diverged; could go from a member state to a we could go from a member state to a vassal state. that is the agreement at the heart of government about the end the of brexit. the cabinet will meet the this wee

ian palmer is at euston station for us — and ian, some rail services cut — and some stations to shut. right now, thankfully because of a cancelled strike, things seem to be moving relatively smoothly. most of the problems will come from tomorrow until the new year. mainly because network wales says it has —— network rail says it has projects across the country. the biggest of that is one phase three of an upgrade which is taking place at london bridge. that means from tomorrow until the 1st of january there will be no services out of london charing cross, london bridge, or cannon street. that will affect mainline services right up and down the country. and a thought about other methods of travel, as well, if you are driving, catching a plane, what more do we know at this stage? if you are in a car right now, chances are you are not going anywhere particularly quickly. the rac says the worst time will be between 4pm and 8pm this evening. the worst affected areas, they say, will probably be the m6 between merseyside and staffordshire. the m1, the m4, and anywhere, whichever direction y

ian palmer, bbc news.ritics say it's a way to force consumers to buy new phones, but the company says it is to prolong their life because the performance of their batteries diminishes over time. how do we make sense of those two things? joining me is rory cellan—jones, our technology correspondent. give us a bit of background to this. it's been seen almost as an urban myth. everybody talks about it. as my iphone gets older, it slows down, and they are doing it deliberately to make me buy a new one. i thought this was largely conspiracy theory, but apple has come out and said it's true. but what they are doing is they issued a softwa re what they are doing is they issued a software update last year in fact that deliberately slows down the operation of older models, and they say that's because older models have older batteries, and lithium iron batteries really slow down over the yea rs. batteries really slow down over the years. what can happen, especially in cold weather, is those phones can shut down with

our reporter ian palmer is here to tell us more. crash happened around ten minutes past one this morning at the entrance to the underpass at the middle way. underpass at the middle waym underpass at the middle way. in the first car, a man and a woman, the vehicle suffering extensive damage but astonishingly the pair managed to get out. they were taken to the hospital by ambulance. the second vehicle, a black taxi, on its side and ambulance personnel say nothing could be done to save the driver who was confirmed dead at the scene. the men and the women in the back of the cab were taken out but they could not save the woman who was pronounced dead at the scene also. a man was taken to the major trauma centre at queen elizabeth hospital in birmingham but sadly died in hospital. four men from a third car all rejected tragically, three of the four declared dead at the scene and a fourth taken to the major trauma centre, obviously a terrible accident to happen in the centre of birmingham in the early hours of the morning. most of the info

ian palmer, bbc news.intended to resolve a stand—off between the spanish government and campaigners, who unilaterally declared catalan independence in october. the independence issue has dominated the campaign, with opinion polls suggesting it will be a close result between separatist and pro—unity camps. our correspondent tim willcox joins us now from barcelona with the latest. tim, how many of those former regional leaders are taking part this time? well, that is the big issue here, you talk of people queueing to go into polling stations, they were this morning at 9 o'clock. but it is a working day and the numbers have thinned out. mariano rajoy said he wanted to bring stability, but these are far from normal elections, bear in mind that the leader of one of the independence parties, the former president here, carles puigdemont he is in self—imposed exile in brussels. he has been represented by a hologram. his former deputy, the leader of a republican party, he is in prison in madrid facing charges of re

struggle to make the necessary savings it needs to pay for newjets, warships and armoured vehicles, as ian palmerp of the royal navy. hms queen elizabeth, commissioned by her majesty the queen, early this month. at 280 metres long, she has space for a0 jet planes. defence on the 2ist—century does not come cheap. the biggest warship the british navy has ever had cost more than £3 billion. another aircraft carrier is being built in scotland. the ministry of defence want to spend £170 billion on more military equipment over the next ten years. it has to make savings to achieve that goal. to do that, it will have to sell buildings, and make efficiencies. however, the defence committee is extremely doubtful the mod can make those savings from an already stretched budget. the committee says funding pressures will inevitably lead to a reduction in the number of warships, jets and other vehicles the mod can buy. the government is currently carrying out a defence review. widely expected to recommend more cuts. with the changing nature of, and increase in global threats, it is said britain needs to strengt

ian palmer, bbc news. now on bbc news, click. this week: the wired world of 360 video.rtistic world of marina abramovic. and the strange world of quantum computers. imagine a computer that could crack the world's most secure codes in minutes, design extraordinary new medicines, even pave the way to intelligent machines. big tech companies like google, ibm and microsoft are all trying to be the first to achieve a breakthrough in the field of quantum computing. but we are not quite there yet. at the moment, if you want a quantum computer, you need all of this. you need your ionising lasers, your cooling lasers, and your processor. you need all of this, and currently all this can do is add a zero and a one. but it does do it in a really cool way. quantum computers harness weird and wonderful phenomena seen only at very small scales. the data in an ordinary computer is represented as bits, each of which can either be zero or one. a quantum computer, instead, uses quantum bits, or qubits. now, these qubits can be both zero and one at the same time. this is called superpositi

struggle to make the necessary savings it needs to pay for newjets, warships and armoured vehicles, as ian palmereconomic agent to broker the sale of missiles and military expertise from north korea. they named him as chan han choi, who is originally from south korea. police said they believed he also tried to facilitate the sale of coal from north korea to vietnam and indonesia to help raise foreign currency for pyongyang. at least five people have been killed and more than 20 injured in an attack on a church in the pakistani city of quetta. the methodist church was full of worshippers when it was stormed by two militants. pakistani media have broadcast footage of a fierce exchange of gunfire between security forces and militants. thousands of people living in southern california's santa barbara county have been ordered to leave, in the face of the wildfire that's been burning for nearly two weeks. the blaze is the third—largest in the state since records began. meteorologists say fresh northerly winds are likely to drive the flames towards santa barbara county, hillside homes in the montecito a

richard westcott, bbc news, on the m5. 0ur correspondent ian palmer is at euston station in london. at the moment at euston station. certainly great relief that the virgin planned industrial action is cancelled, that's made things a lot easier today. the big news is that the third phase of that upgrade at london bridge station will begin tomorrow and that means there will be no services into london bridge london charing cross station between tomorrow and january end of play the first. if you are travelling on the great western railway mainline, there will be no service from paddington station, that will be closed between christmas eve and the 27th of december. these closures and the work being carried out will disrupt all routes across the country. on the west coast main line there is no service between preston and lancaster. people travelling from london to glasgow are being urged to travel via edinburgh. that will add an extra hour to your journey. what about the roads, what is the situation? the rsc are saying if you haven't completed your road journey by lunchtime you will exper

let's cross live to our correspondent ian palmer, who is at london's euston station.ormal but helped by the fa ct busier than normal but helped by the fact that a planned strike by virgin trains is not going ahead. network rail will be carrying out its busiest and biggest christmas investment programme between frankly tomorrow and the beginning of the new year. that will affect all mainline routes throughout the whole country, frankly. great western railway is asking passengers to com plete railway is asking passengers to complete their journeys railway is asking passengers to complete theirjourneys by tomorrow because paddington railway station is going to be closed between the 27th of december and christmas eve. west coast mainline is halting its journeys between preston and lancashire... sorry journeys between preston and lancashire. .. sorry lancaster between christmas eve and 27. anyone going between london and carlisle isco is being asked to go through edinburgh, which will add an hour to your journey. —— and edinburgh, which will add an hour to yourjourney. ——

our correspondent ian palmer has the latest from euston station in london.begin tomorrow and that means there will be no services into london bridge or london charing cross station and january end of play the 1st. if you are travelling on the great western railway mainline, there will be no service from paddington station, that will be closed between christmas eve and the 27th of december. these closures and the works being carried out will disrupt all routes across the country. on the west coast mainline there is no service between preston and lancaster. people travelling from london to glasgow are being urged to travel via edinburgh. that will add an extra hour to your journey. what about the roads, what is the situation? there were predictions of a lot of gridlock, but is it that bad this afternoon? the rac are saying if you haven't completed your road journey by lunchtime you will experience some congestion. in the run—up to christmas there is going to be around 11.5 million leisure trips by road. today alone there will be 1.3 million trips. just to give

ian palmer is there. what's the ongoing disruption caused by the snow over the weekend?can hear me... you will notice there is a distinct lack of snow here at heathrow, but nonetheless they are still suffering from the effects of yesterday's snowfall. yesterday there were 300 flights cancelled. here today, managers expect around 200 cancellations, if not delays. the problem is that heathrow is the busiest two runway airport in the world, meaning there is no spare capacity. so when they found themselves in a situation whereby they couldn't de—ice the planes, u nfortu nately they couldn't de—ice the planes, unfortunately they couldn't get incoming flights to land. that meant they had to go elsewhere to land, and things grounds to a halt. that meant there were thousands of people stranded in destinations right across europe where they didn't want to be. terminalfive yesterday across europe where they didn't want to be. terminal five yesterday had hundreds of travellers camped out on the concourse floor. today, clearly, things are a stage where they are trying to catch up. a

ian palmer is at euston station in london. what's it like the? is it extra busy?, you're probably going to be in for a very difficult time. starting with the trains, network rail is saying that it's going to be carrying out its busiest and biggest christmas investment programme between christmas and new year. and they are urging travellers to co m plete year. and they are urging travellers to complete the journey is at the latest if they can buy early tomorrow morning. services are going tomorrow morning. services are going to be severely disrupted, particularly in the south—east and going through london bridge stations between the 23rd of december right up between the 23rd of december right up until the 1st of january. millions of journeys up until the 1st of january. millions ofjourneys will be taking place between now and obviously christmas day. if we move onto the roads, the m25 of course is the major bottleneck in the south—east. that will be incredibly busy today. the rac is saying that that will be particularly busy and congested from about lunchtime onwar