MPs have voted not to give their approval to the prime minister's Brexit deal until he has passed all necessary legislation. The result will effectively force Boris Johnson to seek an extension to the Article 50 negotiating period tonight, possibly delaying Brexit beyond 31 October. The House of Commons voted 322 to 306 in favour of an amendment, proposed by former Conservative minister Sir Oliver Letwin, to a motion on the prime minister's Brexit deal. The vote went against Mr Johnson, who has promised to deliver Brexit on 31 October "do or die", after the DUP gave their backing to Sir Oliver's amendment. The Northern Ireland party are fiercely opposed to the prime minister's Brexit deal. Advertisement WHAT HAPPENS NOW? The PM is compelled to write to the EU requesting an Article 50 extension beyond 31 October He will attempt to put his Brexit deal to another vote in the House of Commons on Monday The government will also next week introduce necessary Brexit legislation If the legislation passes before 31 October, the UK is still able to leave the EU on that date Watch Brexit Special on Sky News at 7pm tonight from Westminster Eight of the 21 former Conservative MPs the prime minister withdrew the Tory whip from last month – including ex-cabinet ministers Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Justine Greening – also backed Sir Oliver's amendment. They were among a total of 10 former Tory MPs, who now sit as independent MPs, to support the amendment. Six Labour MPs defied their party's orders and voted against the amendment. There were cheers from among the hundreds of thousands of people at a People's Vote rally in Westminster, who want a second EU referendum, as the vote result was announced. Jubilant scenes in Westminster as vote is delayed Defiant PM: 'I will not negotiate a delay' Under legislation passed last month, known as the Benn Act, Mr Johnson is compelled to write to the EU tonight seeking an extension. This is because he has failed to gain approval for a Brexit deal – and MPs have not explicitly endorsed a no-deal Brexit. The European Commission urged the government to inform them of "next steps as soon as possible". French President Emmanuel Macron's office revealed he had spoken to Mr Johnson and "shared his view for the need for a swift clarification". "He signalled a delay would be in no one's interest," the official added. But Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney reiterated Dublin's stance that a Brexit delay is "preferable" to a no-deal Brexit, although he also stressed all other EU member states would need to unanimously back an extension for it to be granted. Speaking after his defeat, Mr Johnson told MPs the so-called meaningful vote on his Brexit deal had "effectively been passed up because the meaningful vote has been voided of meaning". But the prime minister said he was not "daunted or dismayed" by what he described as a "pretty close" result, and reiterated his pledge to take the UK out of the EU on 31 October. "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel me to do so," he said. "I will tell our friends and colleagues in the EU exactly what I have told everyone in the last 88 days I have served as prime minister; that further delay will be bad for this country, bad for the EU and bad for democracy." Image: Sir Oliver Letwin is congratulated by People's Vote campaigners Mr Johnson expressed his hope the EU "will not be attracted" to granting an Article 50 extension. Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, revealed the government will attempt to stage another meaningful vote on the Brexit agreement on Monday. Mr Rees-Mogg was heckled with shouts of "scum", "shame on you" and "fascist" as he left parliament with his young son and a police escort after the vote. Next week, the government will also introduce the Withdrawal Agreement Bill needed to put Mr Johnson's Brexit deal into law. The prime minister told MPs he was hopeful they will "change their minds" and subsequently vote in favour of his deal and the legislation. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Mr Johnson he "must now comply with the law". "He can no longer use the threat of a no-deal crash out to blackmail members to support his sell-out deal," Mr Corbyn said. "Labour is not prepared to sell out the communities that we represent. We're not prepared to sell out their future. "And we believe that, ultimately, the people must have the final say on Brexit which actually only the Labour Party is offering." Sir Oliver said his amendment was an "insurance policy" to prevent Britain "crashing out" of the EU without a deal on 31 October. He told MPs he backs the prime minister's deal but wants to "ensure that whichever way any future votes may go… we can be secure in the knowledge that the UK will have requested an extension tonight, which if granted can be used if and to the extent necessary, and only the extent necessary, to prevent a no-deal exit." Letwin: Amendment is insurance policy Opening the Commons debate earlier, the prime minister urged MPs to ditch the "delusion" that they could delay Brexit again and said: "It is now my judgement that we have reached the best possible solution. "Now is the time to get this thing done, and I say to all members let us come together as democrats to end this debilitating feud." But Mr Corbyn has said his MPs would "not be duped" into supporting the PM's Brexit deal and dismissed Mr Johnson's "empty promises" on workers' rights and the environment. Read More – Source

Haringey Borough walked off the pitch during an FA Cup tie against Yeovil Town after their goalkeeper suffered "horrendous" racial abuse from sections of the away support. The home side were led from the field of play by manager Tom Loizou in the 64th minute after Douglas Pajetat had objects thrown at him while preparing to face a penalty. Pajetat, from Cameroon, told BT Sport he had been racially abused and spat at before facing the spot kick, which after a long delay was converted by striker Rhys Murphy. Image: Valery Pajetat suffered racial abuse as he prepared to face a penalty kick (file photo). Pic: Ian Tuttle/BPI/Shutterstock Image: Haringey players left the field in the 64th minute The fourth-qualifying-round match was abandoned soon after with the score at 1-0. Haringey Borough tweeted: "Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon. It must be said that 99.9% of @YTFC fans are also disgusted by what's happened as much as we are. One club, one community." Advertisement The players returned to the pitch some time after the incident "as a show of solidarity". Ben James, a Haringey fan who was at the game, said: "Valery went towards their fans and seemed to have a bit of a conversation before coming away as if he'd been hit with something. More from UK "The referee then removed what looked like a bottle or a can. There was a bit of a pause while the referee dealt with what went on and players from both sides tried to quell what had gone on. "The penalty was taken and the Haringey manager marched straight on and withdrew his players. The Haringey players seemed pretty agitated." Sorry for the late update but wanted to make sure we gave correct information. Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon. It must be said that 99.9% of @YTFC fans are also disgusted by whats happened as much as we are. One club, one community. — Haringey Borough FC (@HaringeyBoroFC) October 19, 2019 Football anti-racism charity Kick It Out praised the "swift and decisive action" taken by Haringey. In a statement on Twitter, it said: "The Haringey manager and players took swift and decisive action as a result of the abuse, similar to that taken by the England team out in Bulgaria just five days ago. "Kick It Out has informed The FA and will support the club in identifying the offender(s) to ensure appropriate action is taken and strong punishment issued. "We would also like to offer our full support to Douglas and all at Haringey Borough FC." Haringey Council also tweeted: "No place for hate in our borough. One community." An FA spokesman said they were "deeply concerned" about reports of racism at the match, adding: "There is no room for discrimination in our game and we are working with the match officials and the relevant authorities, as a matter of urgency, to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps." Bulgaria coach 'didn't hear' racist abuse It comes just days after England stars were subjected to monkey chants and Nazi salutes by Bulgaria supporters during a Euro 2020 qualifying match in Sofia. The abuse directed towards the likes of Tyrone Mings and Raheem Sterling saw the match halted twice before the visitors eventually ran out 6-0 winners. After the game, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said that his players were "hardened to racism", "because of experiences in our own country". Read More – Source

Boris Johnson has written to the EU requesting a three-month delay to Brexit – despite telling them he doesn't want one and vowing to press on with taking the UK out of the bloc on 31 October. The prime minister did not sign the letter to European Council President Donald Tusk requesting a further extension to the Article 50 negotiating period to 31 January 2020. And Sky News understands he sent a separate letter explaining why EU leaders should not grant an extension. He was forced to request a delay after MPs voted earlier on Saturday to withhold their approval for his Brexit deal unless and until he has passed all necessary legislation to implement the agreement. How the day unfolded MPs voted for the delay so that the so-called Benn Act comes into play – the legislation passed by opposition MPs in September which aims to prevent a no-deal Brexit this month. Advertisement Mr Johnson's reluctant extension request flies in the face of his promise to take the UK out of the bloc on 31 October "do or die", while he has also previously said he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than ask for a fresh Brexit delay. The prime minister will next week introduce the legislation needed to put his Brexit deal into UK law and will hope that a majority of MPs give their backing to his agreement so he can still meet his 31 October Brexit pledge. More from Brexit On what had been dubbed "Super Saturday", the House of Commons voted 322 to 306 in favour of an amendment – proposed by former Conservative minister Sir Oliver Letwin – to a motion on the prime minister's Brexit deal. Mr Johnson wrote to all MPs and peers after the Commons vote to state he will "not negotiate a delay with the EU", while he will also tell Brussels that "further delay is not a solution". He also warned the EU could possibly "reject parliament's request for further delay, or not take a decision quickly". Defiant PM: 'I will not negotiate a delay' The prime minister suggested, in those circumstances, MPs could yet be faced with a choice between his deal or a no-deal Brexit. Emmanuel Macron's office revealed the French president had "signalled a delay would be in no one's interest", in a conversation with Mr Johnson. Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney reiterated Dublin's stance that a Brexit delay is "preferable" to a no-deal Brexit, although he also stressed all other EU member states would need to unanimously back an extension for it to be granted. "Any one prime minister can prevent that and I think the EU wants to see certainty and an end to endless negotiation and speculation, so I think a request for an extension is not straightforward," he added. Image: The PM has sent a letter seeking an extension to European Council President Donald Tusk The DUP gave their backing to Sir Oliver's amendment, with the Northern Ireland party having earlier in the week announced their fierce opposition to the prime minister's Brexit deal. Eight of the 21 former Conservative MPs the prime minister withdrew the whip from last month – including ex-cabinet ministers Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Justine Greening – also backed Sir Oliver's amendment. They were among a total of 10 former Tory MPs, who now sit as independents, to support the amendment. Six Labour MPs defied their party's orders and voted against the amendment. There were cheers from among the hundreds of thousands of people at a People's Vote rally in Westminster, who want a second EU referendum, as the vote result was announced. Image: EU supporters react after the result of the vote on the deal delay was announced at the House of Commons Speaking in the Commons after his defeat, Mr Johnson told MPs the so-called meaningful vote on his Brexit deal had "effectively been passed up because the meaningful vote has been voided of meaning". But the prime minister said he was not "daunted or dismayed" by what he described as a "pretty close" result. Mr Johnson expressed his hope the EU "will not be attracted" to granting an Article 50 extension. Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, revealed the government will attempt to stage another meaningful vote on the Brexit agreement on Monday. But Commons Speaker John Bercow hinted he could not allow such a vote as its "apparent purpose… is to invalidate or obviate" Sir Oliver's amendment. Image: EU leaders had agreed a Brexit deal with Mr Johnson It has been suggested that if the government did win a Read More – Source

England are into the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup after beating Australia 40-16 in Oita. Eddie Jones's team got off to a good start, with Jonny May scoring two tries in three minutes. The winger went over in the left corner from close range in the 18th minute, before gathering the ball on the run a few minutes later and finding the corner again. Jones said he thought his side had been "brilliant". Image: Jonny May celebrates with England teammates after scoring his second try England finished the first half with a 17-9 lead. Advertisement Australia began the second half in determined style, with Marika Koroibete showing tremendous power and pace as he scored a brilliant individual try. But England hit back just four minutes later after Kyle Sinckler received the ball from Owen Farrell and got it over the line. More from Rugby World Cup 2019 It was safely converted, after which England were awarded three penalties, each of which they secured. Late in the match, Anthony Watsonscored another try for England after intercepting the ball as it flew through the air. Image: Marika Koroibete scored a brilliant individual try for Australia It was England's seventh successive victory over the Wallabies, and they face either Ireland or New Zealand in the semi-finals in Yokohama next weekend. Captain Owen Farrell told ITV that Australia had made it a "brilliant game" and had "attacked throughout". He added: "Our boys did well in defence and then managed to get some field position off the back off it. When we do that, we know we can be dangerous." Read More – Source

BlueRock Diamonds PLC (LON:BRD) unearthed a record quantity of gems at its Kareevlei mine in the third quarter, sending its share price up 7% to 136p. Kavango Resources PLC (LON:KAV) commenced drilling at the first of its three targets on the Kalahari Suture Zone in Botswana. Thor Mining PLC (LON:THR) started its second drilling program at the Bonya tungsten deposits in Northern Territory of Australia, hoping to prepare its mineral resource estimates. Galileo Resources PLC (LON:GLR) raised £500,000 through a share placing to advance its Star Zinc and Kashitu mining projects. Shefa Gems Ltd (LON:SEFA) delivered the highest grade results to date from Zone 2 of its Kishon Mid-Reach project in Northern Israel. Shanta Gold Ltd (LON:SHG) said it has successfully shored up its debt position while staying on track to meet its production and cost targets for the year. Ormonde Mining plcs (LON:ORM) joint venture running the Barruecopardo tungsten mine has raised a further €US$10mln in debt finance from principal backer Oaktree. Ariana Resources PLC (LON:AAU) said drilling at its Kiziltepe mine has confirmed several mineralised structures. Horizonte Minerals PLC (LON:HZM) unveiled the findings of a successful pre-feasibility study which has confirmed the Vermelho project as “a large, high-grade resource, with a long life and low-cost source of nickel sulphate for the battery industry.” Pembridge Resources Plc (LON:PERE) revealed that the Minto project, in the Yukon, has been brought back into production, with first new concentrates made on 11 October. Sales rebounded at Strategic Minerals PLCs (LON:SML) Cobre magnetite operation as the metal miner proceeded with arbitration claim against its main customer. Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (LON:CMCL) said electricity supplies have improved in Zimbabwe in the past two months though it is installing additional diesel capacity to insulate the Blanket mine fully from any further grid outages. Ariana Resources PLC (LON:AAU) tidied up the structure of its Kizilcukur project in Turkey by buying the holder of a net smelter royalty over the project. Arkle Resources PLCs (LON:ARK) Stonepark zinc project, near Limerick, was boosted by an injection of funds from global mining major Glencore. A new study at ECR Minerals PLCs (LON:ECR) Windidda gold project in Western Australia has indicated the potential for gold-bearing rocks and “shallow feasible drill targets”. Shares in Capital Drilling Ltds (LON:CAPD) were in positive territory and analysts welcomed an upbeat trading update which highlights what is set to be a strong run into the end of 2019. Rockfire Resources PLCRead More – Source

VAALCO Energy Inc (LON:EGY, NYSE:EGY) has made a positive start to its time in London, announcing a new oil discovery offshore Gabon. Premier Oil PLC (LON:PMO) has revealed its success with the Tolmount East well which has confirmed an extension to the Greater Tolmount Area gas field. Energean Oil & Gas PLC (LON:ENOG) has conditionally agreed to sell Edison Exploration and Productions North Sea assets to Neptune Energy Group Holdings Limited. Eland Oil & Gas PLC (LON:ELA) has struck a deal to sell the company to Nigerias Seplat Petroleum for £382mln in cash. Diversified Gas & Oil PLC (LON:DGOC) has extended its definitive asset retirement agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, adding a further five years to the term. The arrangement was first agreed in February with an initial five-year term and it will now run until 31 December 2028. Analysts in Barclays Plc's (LON:BARC) investment banking arm have claimed that BP PLC (LON:BP. should get more credit for its progress in non-petroleum business ventures. IGas Energy Plc (LON:IGAS) told investors it is advancing an enhanced oil recovery venture to boost production from conventional reservoirs at the Welton project in the East Midlands. Tower Resources PLC (LON:TRP) has unveiled a financing which will see the extension and restructuring of its US$750,000 bridging loan facility of US$750,000 and gross proceeds of approximately £1,500,000 raised through a placing and subscription to provide it with working capital. Alba Mineral Resources PLCs (LON:ALBA) Horse Hill stablemate UK Oil & Gas PLC (LON:UKOG) revealed that drilling is now proceeding confidently after a coring programme has identified the “sweet spot” in the Portland reservoir. Trinity Exploration & Production PLCs (LON:TRIN) third quarter production averaged 2,816 barrels of oil per day in the third quarter as the Trinidad oiler delivered new wells. Rose Petroleum PLC (LON:ROSE) has revealed a restructuring of its Paradox basin venture which, according to management, is now “better positioned for development”. The company, which itself was recently restructured, highlighted in a statement on Monday that a new agreement with joint venture partner Rockies Standard ORead More – Source

Hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK are marching through central London to demand a public vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal. The demonstration, organised by the People's Vote campaign group, will converge on Westminster, where MPs are sitting on a Saturday for the first time in 37 years to debate and vote on the agreement. Some protesters carried placards, waved flags and displayed banners, while others showed their support for continued membership of the Brussels bloc by wearing berets in the colours of the EU. Celebrities taking part in the march, included the actors Sir Patrick Stewart and Stephen McGann. Image: One float depicted Boris Johnson being used as a puppet by his chief aide Dominic Cummings Image: Stephen McGann and Sir Patrick Stewart joined the protesters There was also a float depicting the prime minister's controversial chief aide Dominic Cummings using Mr Johnson as a puppet. Advertisement With "Demonic Cummings" emblazoned across its forehead, the horned figure carried on the float appeared to be dressed in a Nazi uniform with a Union Jack moustache and an armband with the message Get Brexit Done written on it. At the head of the march was London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is calling for people to be given the "final say" on Brexit. More from Politics Among the speakers at the rally in Parliament Square is former deputy Conservative leader, Lord Heseltine. Labour frontbencher Diane Abbott tweeted: "Delighted to speak at #PeoplesVoteMarch today. The Johnson/Trump deal will attack living standards & workers' rights, remove environmental protections, and axe safety & food standards. If the deal is so good, then why is the government so worried about putting it to the people?" Image: Young and old are taking part in the march to call for a further referendum Image: Brexit supporters have also gathered at Westminster. Pic: Penelope Barritt/Shutterstock Liberal Democrat MP and People's Vote supporter, Chuka Umunna apologised for missing the march, and told campaigners, "WRead More – Source

Boris Johnson has issued a final rallying call to MPs to back his EU Withdrawal Agreement as rebels plot an amendment that could push Brexit back until the new year to avoid an accidental no-deal. Number 10 is working desperately to secure a Commons majority for the deal struck by Mr Johnson in Brussels, but a lack of widespread support from opposition parties means the vote is on a knife edge. Here is what is expected to happen today: The European Research Group of Brexiteer Conservative MPs will meet at 8.30am in the Commons The House of Commons will begin sitting at 9.30am, and the Lords at 11am Boris Johnson will give a statement to MPs from about 9.40am, and this may be followed by questions A government minister will move the motion allowing MPs to vote on the deal, Speaker John Bercow will announce amendments, and a debate will begin Amendments will be voted on first, followed by the motion itself – and this could be during the afternooon PM confident MPs will back his new Brexit deal The government has been holding discussions with some Labour MPs in an attempt to get the 320 votes needed, and the prime minister has urged colleagues to back the deal and free the country "from the never-ending Brexit saga". Writing in The Sun, Mr Johnson insisted his agreement was a "great deal for every part of our country" and an opportunity to bring to an end a "difficult, divisive, painful chapter in our history". Advertisement Several members of the cabinet have joined the PM on a newspaper charm offensive, with Michael Gove in The Times warning that "divisions will only grow deeper in our society" if the deal fails to go through. Home Secretary Priti Patel and Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom, who both voted against Brexit agreements put forward by Theresa May, have sung the praises of the new deal in The Daily Telegraph and Daily Express. More from Boris Johnson But even if the agreement does get through during a rare Saturday Commons session, it may come with an amendment that could see MPs withhold their support until the Brexit legislation has been safely approved. If selected by Speaker John Bercow, the amendment proposed by Sir Oliver Letwin would trigger the Benn Act introduced by MPs opposed to a no-deal – and it would compel the PM to request a delay until the end of January. Sky News' political correspondent Rob Powell reports that the concern among those in favour of the amendment is that hard Brexiteers could purposefully withdraw support later in the month to trigger a no-deal. Letwin: Amendment is insurance policy Sir Oliver, a former Tory cabinet minister who now sits as an independent, told Sky News that he wanted the deal to succeed, but that an "insurance policy" was needed to keep the UK from "crashing out on 31 October by mistake". He added: "The amendment is to make sure that we have an insurance policy that means if for some reason something goes wrong when the legislation goes through, then we would have already secured the extension which the Benn Act provides, so we won't crash out of the EU by mistake." Tory Brexiteer MPs who have previously refused to back a withdrawal agreement – including Mark Francois – were spotted entering Downing Street for talks earlier on Friday. Sky's political editor Beth Rigby reports that Mr Francois – a member of the European Research Group that has previously advocated leaving the EU without an agreement – is going to back the deal today. But Mr Johnson needs a decent number of opposition MPs to back it as well – especially as he does not having the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party. There are only 287 Conservative MPs, leaving the PM in need of backing from some of the following: 20 former Tory rebels who lost the whip – effectively expelled from the party – but have not yet defected 19 sitting Labour MPs who have previously indicated they might back the right sort of Brexit deal And a handful of former Labour MPs sitting as independents Sky News analysis suggests the PM is on course for about 316 votes – four short of what he needs. Read More – Source

Europol has revealed the names of Europe's most-wanted fugitives – and 18 of the 21 criminals on the list are women. The EU crime agency says its list proves that women are equally capable of committing serious crimes as men. According to Europol, the number of women engaged in criminal activity has increased in recent decades – potentially because technological progress and social norms have liberated them from the home and increased their participation in the crime market. The 21 fugitives are wanted for grave offences like murder, drug trafficking, fraud, theft and human trafficking. As part of the Crime Has No Gender campaign, 21 EU member states were asked to select one of their most-wanted criminals. Artwork covers the face of each criminal, with parts of the mask disappearing as the story unfolds to reveal their gender. Advertisement The fugitives include Elisabeth Gertrude Skarits, a 63-year-old Austrian national who is on the run and was last seen at a hotel in the summer of 2011. She is suspected of at least 12 cases of serious fraud in the real estate sector, with victims losing an estimated €4.2m (£3.6m). Belgium is trying to track down Hilde Van Acker, who was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for the murder of British businessman Marcus John Mitchell in May 1996. It is believed she is on the run with her partner, Jean-Claude Lacote, who was also convicted. More from World The Czech Republic is seeking information about Iveta Tancosova, who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison after a young girl was lured to England under the pretence she would work as a nurse. Immediately after her arrival, her passport was taken and she was forced to work as a prostitute. Tancosova is still hiding from the law, and her location is unknown. Image: Jessica Esohe Edosomwan was allegedly part of a gang that smuggled girls from Nigeria France is also seeking a woman suspected of human trafficking. Jessica Esohe Edosomwan is thought to be in France, Germany or Belgium, and she is among more than 20 people who were allegedly involved in the criminal network. The gang is said to have recruited young girls in Nigeria who were promised a new life in western Europe, only to be housed and fed in horrible conditions and ordered to repay high debts. In Hungary, Ildiko Dudas is on the run. The 31-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison for drug trafficking and child abuse after being convicted of selling illegal substances in bars and nightclubs – taking her children with her as the transactions took place. Italy wants help in its hunt for Serbian national Olivera Pertrovic Ristic, who was involved in tying up, hitting and strangling a 75-year-old man during a robbery. He later died of his injuries. Image: Olivera Pertrovic Ristic tied up, hit and strangled a pensioner during a robbery in Italy InRead More – Source

New research has shown that independent stores are outperforming major retailers on UK high streets, amid worry for the future of the traditional shopping experience. Consumer group Which? says that funeral directors, tattoo parlours and hair salons are among those stores which are thriving – moving high streets away from being "carbon copies" of one another and towards a model of personal services and specialists. The group measured 1.5 million Ordinance Survey records to compare the shape of British high streets between 2014 and 2019, with a focus on businesses that do not feature prominently online, such as those offering personal services. Image: Tea rooms are performing well on British high streets Ten areas of business have seen an increase in the number of premises on high streets – with six of those being in "eating out and services" category. The biggest increase since 2014 has been in banqueting and function rooms, which have seen a 114% rise in the amount of premises. Advertisement Markets were also big winners on the high street, with 52% more in towns and cities compared with 2014 – one of the few business areas classed as retail in the top 10 best performing sectors. Tattoo parlours and piercing services have seen their presence increase by 44%, while the number of cafes, snack bars and tea rooms went up by 35%. Hair and beauty services have increased by 31% in the last five years. More from UK However, it is not all good news, with some businesses seeing huge decreases in their presence in towns and cities. :: Listen to the Any Other Business podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker The hardest-hit sector has been book and map sellers, who are battling the internet shopping behemoth Amazon to survive, with a huge 70% drop in stores on high streets since 2014. There are 56% fewer computer shops, a drop of 44% in second-hand shops, and a 41% decline in the number of art and antique stores. The South East coastal towns of Eastbourne and Hastings lost the largest number of stores on its high streets, with drops of 18% and 15% respectively, but saw increases in "personal service" stores of 41%. In terms of retail outlets, Torbay in Devon and Islington in north London saw a 20% decrease in the number of outlets over the five-year period, but both areas also saw increases of personal services on their high streets by about a quarter. Read More – Source