this is bbc news, the headlines... israel says the three hostages — who were mistakenly killed by israeli troops in gaza — were holding a white flag when they were shot. the killings have increased the pressure on the israeli government to resume negotiations with hamas on the release of those still held captive. hamas is listening to our conversation and we want to keep some things from the enemy. but it is clear that we don't want to kill innocents, it is clear we don't want to kill our hostages. italy's prime minister, georgia meloni, is hosting a four—day right—wing festival. rishi sunak and elon musk are among the guests. the british prime minister is due to speak later today. doctor who is part of the christmas day line—up on bbc one in the uk for the first time in six years. global audiences will be able to watch it on disney+ at the same time.

now on bbc news... covid inquiry: life and death decisions. i have got an appalling feeling that i have got an appalling feeling that i am in one of those historic catastrophes. jeers the covid inquiry has seen revelations... the covid inquiry has seen revelations. . ._ the covid inquiry has seen revelations... this matters massively _ revelations... this matters massively to _ revelations... this matters massively to people - revelations... this matters massively to people in - revelations... this matters massively to people in this| revelations... this matters - massively to people in this country. interruptions... mr massively to people in this country. interruptions. . ._ interruptions... mr gove, i ask the auestions interruptions... mr gove, i ask the questions here, _ interruptions... mr gove, i ask the questions here, please. _ interruptions... mr gove, i ask the questions here, please. and - questions here, please. and accusations... _ questions here, please. and accusations... you - questions here, please. and accusations. .. you call- questions here, please. and - accusations... you call ministers morons. accusations... you call ministers morons- i'm _ accusations... you call ministers morons. i'm sorry, _ accusations. .. you call ministers morons. i'm sorry, if— accusations... you call ministers morons. i'm sorry, if you - accusations... you call ministers morons. i'm sorry, if you don't l accusations... you call ministers l morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down i will _ morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down i will ask— morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down i will ask the _ morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down i will ask the ashes - morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down i will ask the ashes to - morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down i will ask the ashes to get . morons. i'm sorry, if you don't sit i down i will ask the ashes to get you to leave. ., , ., ,., to leave. there was a powerful testimony _ to leave. there was a powerful testimony from _ to leave. there was a powerful testimony from the _ to leave. there was a powerful testimony from the most - to leave. there was a powerful| testimony from the most senior politicians in charge, along with officials and scientists advising them. the lockdown and restrictions

might be over, but many life will never be the same.— might be over, but many life will never be the same. how'd you get the bi calls never be the same. how'd you get the big calls right — never be the same. how'd you get the big calls right when _ never be the same. how'd you get the big calls right when we _ never be the same. how'd you get the big calls right when we had _ never be the same. how'd you get the big calls right when we had won - never be the same. how'd you get the big calls right when we had won the i big calls right when we had won the highest rates of death within western europe or in any of the economies? i western europe or in any of the economies?— western europe or in any of the economies? . , , , ., economies? i am deeply sorry for the ain and economies? i am deeply sorry for the pain and the — economies? i am deeply sorry for the pain and the loss _ economies? i am deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and _ economies? i am deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and the _ economies? i am deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and the suffering i pain and the loss and the suffering of those _ pain and the loss and the suffering of those victims. the pain and the loss and the suffering of those victims.— pain and the loss and the suffering of those victims. the whole inquiry is set to last _ of those victims. the whole inquiry is set to last for _ of those victims. the whole inquiry is set to last for years _ of those victims. the whole inquiry is set to last for years and - of those victims. the whole inquiry is set to last for years and is - is set to last for years and is broken down into different parts. coming up are the key moments from part two, the life and death decisions of those in charge. could you commence your evidence, please, by giving us your full name? alexander boris to bafflejohnson. alexander boris to baffle johnson. inevitably we got some things wrong. inevitably we got some things wrong. ithink— inevitably we got some things wrong. i think we _ inevitably we got some things wrong. i think we were doing our best at the time — i think we were doing our best at the time. given, what we were new, given— the time. given, what we were new, given the _ the time. given, what we were new, given the information i had available to me at the time, i think we did _ available to me at the time, i think we did our— available to me at the time, i think we did our level best.— we did our level best. before it even not we did our level best. before it even got going. _ we did our level best. before it even got going, the _ we did our level best. before it even got going, the inquiry - we did our level best. before it i even got going, the inquiry asked witnesses to hand over their

e—mails, diaries and whatsapp messages. d0 e-mails, diaries and whatsapp messages-— e-mails, diaries and whatsapp messaues. ~ ., , ., messages. do you know why your phone was missin: messages. do you know why your phone was missing those _ messages. do you know why your phone was missing those 5000 _ messages. do you know why your phone was missing those 5000 odd _ messages. do you know why your phone was missing those 5000 odd watts - was missing those 5000 odd watts apps? i was missing those 5000 odd watts a- s? ., �* was missing those 5000 odd watts a- s? .,�* ~ ., was missing those 5000 odd watts ans? .,�* ~ ., was missing those 5000 odd watts a.s? ., �* ~' ., ., apps? i don't know the exact reason, but it looks — apps? i don't know the exact reason, but it looks as _ apps? i don't know the exact reason, but it looks as though _ apps? i don't know the exact reason, but it looks as though it _ apps? i don't know the exact reason, but it looks as though it is _ but it looks as though it is something to do with the app going down _ something to do with the app going down and _ something to do with the app going down and then coming up again. you don't now down and then coming up again. don't now have down and then coming up again. 7m. don't now have access to any of the whatsapp messages that you did send during the time of the crisis, do you? during the time of the crisis, do ou? ., ., �* ., . ., you? know, i don't. i have changed m hone you? know, i don't. i have changed my phone multiple _ you? know, i don't. i have changed my phone multiple times _ you? know, i don't. i have changed my phone multiple times over - you? know, i don't. i have changed my phone multiple times over the l my phone multiple times over the past few— my phone multiple times over the past few years _ my phone multiple times over the past few years and _ my phone multiple times over the past few years and as _ my phone multiple times over the past few years and as that - my phone multiple times over the past few years and as that has - past few years and as that has happened. _ past few years and as that has happened. the _ past few years and as that has happened, the messages- past few years and as that has| happened, the messages have past few years and as that has - happened, the messages have not past few years and as that has _ happened, the messages have not come across, _ happened, the messages have not come acrossn _ happened, the messages have not come across.~ as _ happened, the messages have not come across.~ as you — happened, the messages have not come across,. as you said, _ happened, the messages have not come across,. as you said, i— happened, the messages have not come across,. as you said, i am _ happened, the messages have not come across,. as you said, i am not _ happened, the messages have not come across,. as you said, i am not a - across,. as you said, i am not a prolific— across,. as you said, i am not a prolific use _ across,. as you said, i am not a prolific use of— across,. as you said, i am not a prolific use of whatsapp - across,. as you said, i am not a prolific use of whatsapp in - across,. as you said, i am not a prolific use of whatsapp in the i prolific use of whatsapp in the first instance. _ prolific use of whatsapp in the first instance.— prolific use of whatsapp in the first instance. .,, , , , first instance. those messages help to aint a first instance. those messages help to paint a picture — first instance. those messages help to paint a picture of _ first instance. those messages help to paint a picture of how— first instance. those messages help to paint a picture of how downing i to paint a picture of how downing street was operating at the time. it was definitely a toxic culture. it is difficult to get people to march to the _ is difficult to get people to march to the sound of gunfire if you shoot them _ to the sound of gunfire if you shoot them in _ to the sound of gunfire if you shoot them in the — to the sound of gunfire if you shoot them in the back.— to the sound of gunfire if you shoot them in the back. texts of the prime initial's chief _ them in the back. texts of the prime

initial's chief adviser, _ them in the back. texts of the prime initial's chief adviser, dominic - initial's chief adviser, dominic cummings, were read out. they often came with a warning. due cummings, were read out. they often came with a warning.— came with a warning. due in large art to came with a warning. due in large part to your— came with a warning. due in large part to your own _ came with a warning. due in large part to your own whatsapp - came with a warning. due in large - part to your own whatsapp messages, mr cummings, we're going to have to course in our language i apologise. you called ministers, useless expletive morons in e—mails and whatsapp messages to your professional colleagues. [30 whatsapp messages to your professional colleagues. do you feel that ou professional colleagues. do you feel that you express _ professional colleagues. do you feel that you express your _ professional colleagues. do you feel that you express your views - professional colleagues. do you feel that you express your views too - that you express your views too trenchantly, that your opinion of ministers and the cabinet overstated your position?— your position? know, i would say if an hinu your position? know, i would say if an him it your position? know, i would say if anything it understated _ your position? know, i would say if anything it understated the - anything it understated the position, as events showed in 2020. the top _ position, as events showed in 2020. the top female civil servant in whitehall, helen macnamara, was the target of some of the strongest language. i target of some of the strongest lanaauae. ., �* target of some of the strongest lanaauae. .,�* target of some of the strongest lanaauae. g ., , language. i don't care how it is done, language. i don't care how it is done. but _ language. i don't care how it is done, but that _ language. i don't care how it is done, but that woman - language. i don't care how it is done, but that woman must i language. i don't care how it is| done, but that woman must be language. i don't care how it is - done, but that woman must be out of our hair. i was not misogynistic. i agree that my language is deplorable, but as

you can _ my language is deplorable, but as you can see for yourself, i deployed the same _ you can see for yourself, i deployed the same or— you can see for yourself, i deployed the same or worse language about the prime _ the same or worse language about the prime minister, secretary of state and other— prime minister, secretary of state and other people. the prime minister, secretary of state and other people.— and other people. the that mr cummings. — and other people. the that mr cummings, having _ and other people. the that mr cummings, having his- and other people. the that mr. cummings, having his messages, and other people. the that mr- cummings, having his messages, it is not, it is horrible to read, but it is both surprising and not surprising to me and i don't know which is worse.— surprising to me and i don't know which is worse. boris johnson was also questioned _ which is worse. boris johnson was also questioned directly _ which is worse. boris johnson was also questioned directly about. which is worse. boris johnson wasi also questioned directly about the workplace culture in downing street. i knew that some people were difficult — i knew that some people were difficult. i didn't know how difficult _ difficult. i didn't know how difficult they were, clearly. but i thought — difficult they were, clearly. but i thought it — difficult they were, clearly. but i thought it was better, on the whole, for the _ thought it was better, on the whole, for the country to have a disputatious culture in number ten and one _ disputatious culture in number ten and one that was quietly acquiescent.— and one that was quietly acquiescent. and one that was quietly acuuiescent. ., ., ,, . ., , acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock — acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock also _ acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock also came _ acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock also came in _ acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock also came in for - acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock also came in for a - acquiescent. former health secretary matt hancock also came in for a fair l matt hancock also came in for a fair bit of criticism. i matt hancock also came in for a fair bit of criticism.— bit of criticism. i think he had a habit of saying _ bit of criticism. i think he had a habit of saying things _ bit of criticism. i think he had a habit of saying things which - bit of criticism. i think he had a habit of saying things which he | habit of saying things which he didn't have a basis for and he would say them to enthusiastically to early, without the evidence to back

them up and then have to backtrack from them days later. i don't know to what extent that was sort of overenthusiasm, versus deliberate. what was said in a meeting is actually— what was said in a meeting is actually being under control or going — actually being under control or going to — actually being under control or going to be delivered or something that was— going to be delivered or something that was fine but then subsequently a matter— that was fine but then subsequently a matter of days sometimes or sometimes weeks later, we would discover— sometimes weeks later, we would discover that that was not in fact the case — discover that that was not in fact the case. ., .., discover that that was not in fact the case. ., _, ,., ., the case. how could important government — the case. how could important government advisors - the case. how could important government advisors and - the case. how could important i government advisors and officials have concluded that the secretary of state for health was a liar? i was not. you state for health was a liar? i was not- you will— state for health was a liar? i was not. you will note _ state for health was a liar? i was not. you will note that _ state for health was a liar? i was not. you will note that there - state for health was a liar? i was not. you will note that there is l state for health was a liar? i was| not. you will note that there is no evidence — not. you will note that there is no evidence from anybody who i worked with in _ evidence from anybody who i worked with in the _ evidence from anybody who i worked with in the department or the whole system _ with in the department or the whole system who supported that, those false allegations. my system who supported that, those false allegations.— system who supported that, those false allegations. my 'udgment was that match was, _ false allegations. my 'udgment was that match was, on — false allegations. myjudgment was that match was, on the _ false allegations. myjudgment was that match was, on the whole, - false allegations. my judgment was. that match was, on the whole, doing a good _ that match was, on the whole, doing a good joh— that match was, on the whole, doing a good job in— that match was, on the whole, doing a good job in very— that match was, on the whole, doing a good job in very difficult _ a good job in very difficult circumstances _ a good job in very difficult circumstances and - a good job in very difficult circumstances and there i a good job in very difficult i circumstances and there was a good job in very difficult - circumstances and there was no advantage — circumstances and there was no advantage in—

circumstances and there was no advantage in moving _ circumstances and there was no advantage in moving him, - circumstances and there was no advantage in moving him, as. circumstances and there was no advantage in moving him, as i. circumstances and there was no i advantage in moving him, as i was being _ advantage in moving him, as i was being urged — advantage in moving him, as i was being urged to _ advantage in moving him, as i was being urged to do. _ advantage in moving him, as i was being urged to do. that _ advantage in moving him, as i was being urged to do. that was - advantage in moving him, as i was being urged to do. that was my. being urged to do. that was my judgment _ being urged to do. that was my 'udument. , ., ., ., judgment. flights from china into the uk will be — judgment. flights from china into the uk will be monitored - judgment. flights from china into the uk will be monitored amid i the uk will be monitored amid concerns about the spread of a new virus. let's turn, then, to the events of that first year. it is the start of 2020 and the first report of a new virus start emerging in china. ~ , , ., of a new virus start emerging in china. ~ , i. _, . china. prime minister you concerned about the coming _ china. prime minister you concerned about the coming to _ china. prime minister you concerned about the coming to the _ china. prime minister you concerned about the coming to the united - about the coming to the united kingdom? i about the coming to the united kinudom? , ,, ., about the coming to the united kinadom? , ,, ., ., ., ., ., _ kingdom? i 'ust know how notoriously difficult to kingdom? ijust know how notoriously difficult to control _ kingdom? ijust know how notoriously difficult to control respiratory - difficult to control respiratory viruses — difficult to control respiratory viruses are. i knew by this stage this appeared to be a novel coronavirus. just, my general experience told me that i didn't like the — experience told me that i didn't like the look or feel of this. | like the look or feel of this. don't see like the look or feel of this. i don't see what i would have done differently at this particular point, but if i had said to him, 0k, what is the evidence on which this is going to be a pandemic and lots of things aren't? he would have said, thisjust of things aren't? he would have said, this just feels like that to me. that is quite a narrow basis on

which to make quite big decisions. some of the testimony, though, suggested the virus wasn't seen as a deadly threat, at least to start with. ., ., ., , with. from the middle ofjanuary, we weret ina with. from the middle ofjanuary, we were trying to — with. from the middle ofjanuary, we were trying to effectively _ with. from the middle ofjanuary, we were trying to effectively raise - with. from the middle ofjanuary, we were trying to effectively raise the i were trying to effectively raise the alarm _ were trying to effectively raise the alarm we — were trying to effectively raise the alarm. we were trying to wake up whitehall— alarm. we were trying to wake up whitehall to the scale of the problem. | whitehall to the scale of the aroblem. , ., ., .,~ problem. i 'ust want to take you back to problem. i just want to take you back to what — problem. i just want to take you back to what you _ problem. i just want to take you back to what you tell _ problem. i just want to take you back to what you tell us, - problem. i just want to take you back to what you tell us, that i problem. i just want to take you | back to what you tell us, that mr johnson said, that he wanted to be injected with covid—i9 to demonstrate to the public that it didn't pose a threat. it demonstrate to the public that it didn't pose a threat.— demonstrate to the public that it didn't pose a threat. it was before the italian situation _ didn't pose a threat. it was before the italian situation had _ didn't pose a threat. it was before the italian situation had really - the italian situation had really become — the italian situation had really become apparent to everybody. it was the time _ become apparent to everybody. it was the time when covid was not seen as being _ the time when covid was not seen as being the _ the time when covid was not seen as being the serious disease it subsequently became always seem to be. it subsequently became always seem to be it was— subsequently became always seem to be it was a _ subsequently became always seem to be. it was a moment in time. boris johnson later— be. it was a moment in time. boris johnson later said _ be. it was a moment in time. boris johnson later said he _ be. it was a moment in time. boris johnson later said he rejected - be. it was a moment in time. err" 3 johnson later said he rejected that account. the government warns against all but essential travel to

italy, as the country's coronavirus lockdown comes into effect. as the virus hit europe, emergency cobra government meetings were held, chaired by mr hancock and not the prime minister. in chaired by mr hancock and not the prime minister.— prime minister. in that period, janua , prime minister. in that period, january. really. _ prime minister. in that period, january, really, until— prime minister. in that period, january, really, untilthe - prime minister. in that period, january, really, untilthe end l prime minister. in that period, | january, really, untilthe end of january, really, until the end of february, towards the end of february, towards the end of february, covid was pretty much like a cloud on the horizon no bigger than a man's hand and you didn't know whether it was going to turn into a typhoon. i look at all this stuff in which we seem to so oblivious with horror. i mean, we should have, we should have tweaked. the government was still trying to isolate anyone infected and trace their contracts. by march, the government had switched to a mitigation strategy.— government had switched to a mitigation strategy. government had switched to a mitiaation stratea . ~ . , mitigation strategy. wash your hands to the national— mitigation strategy. wash your hands to the national anthem. _ mitigation strategy. wash your hands to the national anthem. the - mitigation strategy. wash your hands to the national anthem. the advice i to the national anthem. the advice was wash your _ to the national anthem. the advice was wash your hands, _

to the national anthem. the advice was wash your hands, work - to the national anthem. the advice was wash your hands, work from i to the national anthem. the advice - was wash your hands, work from home, if possible, and self—isolate if you have symptoms. the idea? to slow the spread of the virus and keep infections at a level the nhs could cope with. infections at a level the nhs could co -e with. ., ., .,. cope with. you refer to the fact that the prime _ cope with. you refer to the fact that the prime minister - cope with. you refer to the fact that the prime minister at - cope with. you refer to the fact that the prime minister at this | that the prime minister at this stage was stressing the importance of not overreacting in the response. he was worried about the government bein- he was worried about the government being swept up in a sort of media hysteria _ being swept up in a sort of media hysteria and overreacting and causing — hysteria and overreacting and causing more harm. | hysteria and overreacting and causing more harm.— hysteria and overreacting and causing more harm. i was in a hos-ital causing more harm. i was in a hospital the — causing more harm. i was in a hospital the other _ causing more harm. i was in a hospital the other night - causing more harm. i was in a| hospital the other night where causing more harm. i was in a i hospital the other night where i think they were actually a few coronavirus patients and i should hands with everybody, you will be pleased to know. i shouldn't have done that, in retrospect. i should have been more precautionary. but i wanted to, i wanted to be encouraging to people. it wanted to, i wanted to be encouraging to people. it was clear, thou a h, encouraging to people. it was clear, though. that — encouraging to people. it was clear, though. that the _ encouraging to people. it was clear, though, that the virus _ encouraging to people. it was clear, though, that the virus was - encouraging to people. it was clear, | though, that the virus was spreading quicker than many scientists expected, driven by tourists coming back from europe. i expected, driven by tourists coming back from europe.— back from europe. i was concerned that the people — back from europe. i was concerned that the people who _

back from europe. i was concerned that the people who were - back from europe. i was concerned that the people who were being i back from europe. i was concerned i that the people who were being asked to make _ that the people who were being asked to make these very consequential decisions — to make these very consequential decisions that were coming our way very fast— decisions that were coming our way very fast may not have got their heads _ very fast may not have got their heads around what it would feel like to have _ heads around what it would feel like to have three quarters of the population infected and 1% of them die. ,, , ., , ., ., population infected and 1% of them die. , ., ., ., ., die. sporting events went ahead on a life continued. _ die. sporting events went ahead on a life continued. by _ die. sporting events went ahead on a life continued. by the _ die. sporting events went ahead on a life continued. by the middle - die. sporting events went ahead on a life continued. by the middle of- life continued. by the middle of march, though, some officials were very concerned. i march, though, some officials were very concerned-— march, though, some officials were very concerned. i have come through here to the — very concerned. i have come through here to the prime _ very concerned. i have come through here to the prime minister's - very concerned. i have come through here to the prime minister's office i here to the prime minister's office to tell you all we are absolutely expletive. i to tell you all we are absolutely expletive-— to tell you all we are absolutely expletive. ~ , . ., , , expletive. i think this country is headina expletive. i think this country is heading for _ expletive. i think this country is heading for a _ expletive. i think this country is heading for a disaster. _ expletive. i think this country is heading for a disaster. is - expletive. i think this country is heading for a disaster. is it - expletive. i think this country is heading for a disaster. is it right| heading for a disaster. is it right that that is an accurate account? yes. it that that is an accurate account? yes. . , . .. that that is an accurate account? yes— yes- - that that is an accurate account? yes— yes-- yes. it is very striking. yes. no doubt, yes. it is very striking. yes. no doubt. you _ yes. it is very striking. yes. no doubt. you can _ yes. it is very striking. yes. no doubt, you can still— yes. it is very striking. yes. no doubt, you can still remember| yes. it is very striking. yes. no - doubt, you can still remember that moment of realisation? yes. doubt, you can still remember that moment of realisation?— doubt, you can still remember that moment of realisation? yes, it was horrible. from _ moment of realisation? yes, it was horrible. from this _ moment of realisation? yes, it was horrible. from this evening, - moment of realisation? yes, it was horrible. from this evening, i- moment of realisation? yes, it was horrible. from this evening, i musti horrible. from this evening, i must aive the horrible. from this evening, i must give the british _ horrible. from this evening, i must give the british people _ horrible. from this evening, i must give the british people a _ horrible. from this evening, i must give the british people a very - give the british people a very simple instruction. you must stay at home. . . . simple instruction. you must stay at home. . , , simple instruction. you must stay at home. . ,, ., ., .

home. perhaps the most dramatic moment of— home. perhaps the most dramatic moment of the _ home. perhaps the most dramatic moment of the whole _ home. perhaps the most dramatic moment of the whole pandemic, i home. perhaps the most dramatic| moment of the whole pandemic, a home. perhaps the most dramatic - moment of the whole pandemic, a full mandatory lockdown, was announced on the 23rd of march across the whole uk. . ., , ., uk. new considered the argument aaainst uk. new considered the argument against lockdown _ uk. new considered the argument against lockdown or... _ uk. new considered the argument against lockdown or... ? - uk. new considered the argument against lockdown or... ? i- uk. new considered the argument against lockdown or... ? i did, - uk. new considered the argument against lockdown or... ? i did, i. against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean, against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean. i— against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean, i didn't... _ against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean, i didn't... i— against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean, i didn't... lam _ against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean, i didn't... i am afraid - against lockdown or... ? i did, i mean, i didn't... i am afraid to | against lockdown or... ? i did, i. mean, i didn't... i am afraid to say at that— mean, i didn't... i am afraid to say at that stage — mean, i didn't... i am afraid to say at that stage are given pretty short shrift _ at that stage are given pretty short shrift because i thought that myjob was to— shrift because i thought that myjob was to protect human life. with was to protect human life. with hindsight. _ was to protect human life. with hindsight, officials _ was to protect human life. with hindsight, officials and - was to protect human life. try hindsight, officials and scientists said that key decision to lockdown could have come earlier, though it was a difficult balancing act at the time. r' was a difficult balancing act at the time. ., was a difficult balancing act at the time. ,~' ., ., ., ., , time. the risk of going to early, in which case — time. the risk of going to early, in which case you _ time. the risk of going to early, in which case you get _ time. the risk of going to early, in which case you get all— time. the risk of going to early, in which case you get all the - time. the risk of going to early, in | which case you get all the damages death of going back to early, in which case you get all the damages from the impact of the epidemic or the risk of going too late, which case you get all the problems of the pandemic running away, my view is with hindsight we went bit too late

on the first wave. i with hindsight we went bit too late on the first wave.— on the first wave. i defend my actions at _ on the first wave. i defend my actions at the _ on the first wave. i defend my actions at the time, _ on the first wave. i defend my actions at the time, knowing i on the first wave. i defend my - actions at the time, knowing what we did, actions at the time, knowing what we did. but— actions at the time, knowing what we did. but with— actions at the time, knowing what we did, but with hindsight that is the moment— did, but with hindsight that is the moment we should have done it, three weeks _ moment we should have done it, three weeks earlier and it would have saved _ weeks earlier and it would have saved many, many lives. matt hancock claimed he had — saved many, many lives. matt hancock claimed he had told _ saved many, many lives. matt hancock claimed he had told boris— saved many, many lives. matt hancock claimed he had told boris johnson - claimed he had told borisjohnson earlier on the 13th of march, telling him to lockdown. your book sa s, the telling him to lockdown. your book says, the account _ telling him to lockdown. your book says, the account that _ telling him to lockdown. your book says, the account that follows - telling him to lockdown. your book says, the account that follows has | says, the account that follows has been meticulously pieced together from my formal papers, notes quayle, voice memos, communications, in 555 pages, all the relevant, important events, as you saw it, concerning the coronavirus response, but there is no reference to you telling the prime minister to call for an immediate lockdown on the 13th of march. how sure are you that you told the prime minister he had to call for an immediate lockdown in a call for an immediate lockdown in a call on the 13th of march? i can remember _ call on the 13th of march? i can remember it — call on the 13th of march? i can remember it and _ call on the 13th of march? i can remember it and it _ call on the 13th of march? i can remember it and it came - call on the 13th of march? i can remember it and it came to - call on the 13th of march? i can remember it and it came to light in looking— remember it and it came to light in looking forward to this inquiry.

ministers. _ looking forward to this inquiry. ministers, including prime minister rishi sunak, then the chancellor, said decisions at the time were being guided by a group of scientists known as sage. advice was aut to the scientists known as sage. advice was put to the government, _ scientists known as sage. advice was put to the government, to _ scientists known as sage. advice was put to the government, to the - scientists known as sage. advice was put to the government, to the prime | put to the government, to the prime minister— put to the government, to the prime minister from tacky sage and advice was followed pretty much imminently, on the _ was followed pretty much imminently, on the same day, in most cases, if not all— on the same day, in most cases, if not all cases _ on the same day, in most cases, if not all cases. during that period the advice — not all cases. during that period the advice changed from sage, during that period, but when the advice changed — that period, but when the advice changed to the government acted. but by the changed to the government acted. by the end of changed to the government acted. iei,ii by the end of march, the changed to the government acted. elf by the end of march, the virus was spreading through downing street itself. i spreading through downing street itself. . . .. spreading through downing street itself. . .,~ ., spreading through downing street itself. . .~ ., , spreading through downing street itself. . w ., , ., itself. i have taken a test. that has come _ itself. i have taken a test. that has come out _ itself. i have taken a test. that has come out positive. - itself. i have taken a test. that has come out positive. i - itself. i have taken a test. that has come out positive. i knew. itself. i have taken a test. that - has come out positive. i knew from that experience what an appalling disease this is. i had absolutely no personal doubt about that, from march onwards. the personal doubt about that, from march onwards.— personal doubt about that, from march onwards. the inquiry heard there was frustration _ march onwards. the inquiry heard there was frustration from - march onwards. the inquiry heard there was frustration from some . there was frustration from some about how long it took the people in charge to make decisions, especially the prime minister. i charge to make decisions, especially the prime minister.— the prime minister. i thinki am

riaht in the prime minister. i thinki am right in saying _ the prime minister. i thinki am right in saying that _ the prime minister. i thinki am right in saying that the - the prime minister. i thinki am right in saying that the prime i right in saying that the prime minister— right in saying that the prime minister at the time gave up science when _ minister at the time gave up science when he _ minister at the time gave up science when he was 15. and i think he would be the _ when he was 15. and i think he would be the first— when he was 15. and i think he would be the first to admit it wasn't his forte _ be the first to admit it wasn't his forte and — be the first to admit it wasn't his forte and that he did struggle with some _ forte and that he did struggle with some of— forte and that he did struggle with some of the concepts and we didn't need _ some of the concepts and we didn't need to— some of the concepts and we didn't need to repeat them often stop i think— need to repeat them often stop i think what will probably be clear in covid. _ think what will probably be clear in covid. it— think what will probably be clear in covid, it was the wrong crisis for this prime — covid, it was the wrong crisis for this prime minister skill set? what do ou this prime minister skill set? what do you mean _ this prime minister skill set? what do you mean by — this prime minister skill set? what do you mean by the _ this prime minister skill set? fgrusgf do you mean by the wrong crisis this prime minister skill set? iszi�*ié�*if do you mean by the wrong crisis for this prime minister skill set? could be ou this prime minister skill set? could be you straightforward _ this prime minister skill set? could be you straightforward english, mr kane? _ be you straightforward english, mr kane? i— be you straightforward english, mr kane? .. . be you straightforward english, mr kane? ~' , , ., kane? i think he is somebody who would often _ kane? i think he is somebody who would often delay _ kane? i think he is somebody who would often delay making - kane? i think he is somebody who i would often delay making decisions, would _ would often delay making decisions, would often delay making decisions, would often seek counsel from multiple — would often seek counsel from multiple sources and change his mind on issues _ multiple sources and change his mind on issues. mr multiple sources and change his mind on issues. ~ . ., ., multiple sources and change his mind on issues. ~ i ., ., on issues. mrjohnson, though, came out fiahatin on issues. mrjohnson, though, came out fighting and _ on issues. mrjohnson, though, came out fighting and defended _ on issues. mrjohnson, though, came out fighting and defended his - out fighting and defended his approach. i out fighting and defended his a- roach. ., . . ., out fighting and defended his auroach. ., . . ., ., approach. i got the chancellor of the exchequer _ approach. i got the chancellor of the exchequer with _ approach. i got the chancellor of the exchequer with me, - approach. i got the chancellor of the exchequer with me, saying i approach. i got the chancellor of i the exchequer with me, saying that there is a risk to the uk bond markets and our ability to raise sovereign debt. this matters massively to people in this country.

it matters to the livelihoods of people up and down the land. i have to go through the arguments. the fact that there was debate and that people _ fact that there was debate and that people were passionate about it and they had _ people were passionate about it and they had to different points of view is, a. _ they had to different points of view is, a, unsurprising and be, good because — is, a, unsurprising and be, good because it — is, a, unsurprising and be, good because it would be worse if you are having _ because it would be worse if you are having this _ because it would be worse if you are having this conversation and all the commentary was, well, there was no debate _ commentary was, well, there was no debate about any of this whatsoever, it was _ debate about any of this whatsoever, it was all— debate about any of this whatsoever, it was alljust signed off, straight forward. — it was alljust signed off, straight forward, someone put a piece of paper. _ forward, someone put a piece of paper, someone checked and that was the last— paper, someone checked and that was the last we _ paper, someone checked and that was the last we heard of it, frankly i think— the last we heard of it, frankly i think that — the last we heard of it, frankly i think that would have been worse. over the _ think that would have been worse. over the late spring of 2020, the country had come gingerly out of lockdown. ., u. country had come gingerly out of lockdown. ., .. . ., ., country had come gingerly out of lockdown. ., .. _, ., ., , lockdown. you can come to town, but ou 'ust lockdown. you can come to town, but you just have — lockdown. you can come to town, but you just have to _ lockdown. you can come to town, but you just have to be _ lockdown. you can come to town, but you just have to be cautious. - lockdown. you can come to town, but you just have to be cautious. that - you just have to be cautious. that summer, you just have to be cautious. that summer. the _ you just have to be cautious. that summer, the eat _ you just have to be cautious. that summer, the eat out _ you just have to be cautious. that summer, the eat out to help out scheme was launched, offering discounts on cafe is at restaurants. when you consulted on that scheme? absolutely not, the first i heard about _ absolutely not, the first i heard about it — absolutely not, the first i heard about it was, i think, on the tv. you _ about it was, i think, on the tv. you are — about it was, i think, on the tv. you are saying you are not sure whether it was discussed with them

and you are surprised it wasn't? the reason i and you are surprised it wasn't? the reason i said — and you are surprised it wasn't? the reason i said that in my statement is that— reason i said that in my statement is that i_ reason i said that in my statement is that i think frankly i issued it must _ is that i think frankly i issued it must have _ is that i think frankly i issued it must have been discussed with them and im _ must have been discussed with them and im i_ must have been discussed with them and im i am — must have been discussed with them and i... lam perplexed. must have been discussed with them and i... i am perplexed.— and i... i am perplexed. scientists told the inquiry — and i... i am perplexed. scientists told the inquiry they _ and i... i am perplexed. scientists told the inquiry they had _ and i... i am perplexed. scientists told the inquiry they had real - told the inquiry they had real concerns about that scheme. fate told the inquiry they had real concerns about that scheme. we will -a ou to concerns about that scheme. we will pay you to go — concerns about that scheme. we will pay you to go into — concerns about that scheme. we will pay you to go into an _ concerns about that scheme. we will pay you to go into an environment i pay you to go into an environment with people from other households and mix in an indoor environment. and that is a completely opposite public health message. i and that is a completely opposite public health message.— and that is a completely opposite public health message. i don't want to -la and public health message. i don't want to play and eat _ public health message. i don't want to play and eat out _ public health message. i don't want to play and eat out to _ public health message. i don't want to play and eat out to help - public health message. i don't want to play and eat out to help out - public health message. i don't want to play and eat out to help out for| to play and eat out to help out for the second — to play and eat out to help out for the second wave because that is not the second wave because that is not the case. _ the second wave because that is not the case, but the optics of it were terrible _ the case, but the optics of it were terrible. , ., , ., the case, but the optics of it were terrible. , ., i ., , terrible. hospitality had been deemed to — terrible. hospitality had been deemed to be _ terrible. hospitality had been deemed to be safe _ terrible. hospitality had been deemed to be safe to - terrible. hospitality had been deemed to be safe to reopen| terrible. hospitality had been - deemed to be safe to reopen with a considerable, as i said, hundreds of pages of guidance, changes in practice and it had been recommended by think tanks and had been done by countries elsewhere. this was a very reasonable, sensible policy intervention to help safeguard those jobs in that safe reopening. that was my view. i didn't believe that it was a risk. i believed that it

was the right thing to do, but if others are suggesting that they didn't, they had ample opportunity to raise those concerns in forums where i was or prime minister or others' work and they didn't. that eriod of others' work and they didn't. that period of calm — others' work and they didn't. that period of calm over _ others' work and they didn't. that period of calm over the summer didn't last long. by september, schools and universities had returned and cases were rising. it returned and cases were rising. if was very frustrating for us to have been asked to advise the government and to advise the government that the autumn would be difficult and that that difficulty would manifest as rising numbers of infections. and we had this astonishingly good ability to watch that happening, so we said, you should do something now. but nothing happened. the treasury and _ now. but nothing happened. the treasury and rishi sunak were very concerned about the impact on the economy and rejected the idea of a mini lockdown or circuit breaker, backed by many scientists. some

officials in number _ backed by many scientists. some officials in number ten _ backed by many scientists. some officials in number ten described| officials in number ten described the treasury as the pro—death squad. i do the treasury as the pro—death squad. i do not _ the treasury as the pro—death squad. i do not think— the treasury as the pro—death squad. i do not think it is a fair characterisation on the incredibly hard—working people that i was lucky to be supported by at the treasury, who worked extremely hard throughout the entire period and, as you kindly alluded to earlier, are widely considered to have done something that no one had thought possible that no one had thought possible that saved millions of people's livelihoods. it that saved millions of people's livelihoods.— livelihoods. it was claimed mr johnson said _ livelihoods. it was claimed mr johnson said at _ livelihoods. it was claimed mr johnson said at times - livelihoods. it was claimed mr johnson said at times he - livelihoods. it was claimed mr johnson said at times he wasl livelihoods. it was claimed mr - johnson said at times he was willing to let infections rise to protect the economy. to let infections rise to protect the economy-— to let infections rise to protect the economy. the prime minister meetina the economy. the prime minister meeting begins — the economy. the prime minister meeting begins to _ the economy. the prime minister meeting begins to argue - the economy. the prime minister meeting begins to argue for- the economy. the prime minister i meeting begins to argue for letting it rip, saying yes, there will be more casualties, but so be it? they have had a good innings.— more casualties, but so be it? they have had a good innings. notes from the rivate have had a good innings. notes from the private diary _ have had a good innings. notes from the private diary of— have had a good innings. notes from the private diary of sir— have had a good innings. notes from the private diary of sir patrick - the private diary of sir patrick vallance were read out. mas the private diary of sir patrick vallance were read out. was your osition, vallance were read out. was your position. mr _ vallance were read out. was your position, mrjohnson, _ vallance were read out. was your position, mrjohnson, that - vallance were read out. was your position, mrjohnson, that in - vallance were read out. was your| position, mrjohnson, that in light of your views secretly held about people dying, having reached their time anyway, that you were obliged

to reject the advice of your advisor is that there be a circuit breaker? no. . . is that there be a circuit breaker? no. . , ., ., ., ., no. that there be no national lockdown _ no. that there be no national lockdown at _ no. that there be no national lockdown at the _ no. that there be no national lockdown at the last - no. that there be no national lockdown at the last possible| lockdown at the last possible moment... lockdown at the last possible moment- - -— lockdown at the last possible moment. . .- and - lockdown at the last possible moment. . .- and that| lockdown at the last possible - moment. . .- and that you try a moment... no, no. and that you try a tier system? — moment... no, no. and that you try a tier system? know, _ moment... no, no. and that you try a tier system? know, so, _ moment... no, no. and that you try a tier system? know, so, the _ tier system? know, so, the implication _ tier system? know, so, the implication that _ tier system? know, so, the implication that you - tier system? know, so, the implication that you are - tier system? know, so, the i implication that you are trying tier system? know, so, the - implication that you are trying to draw— implication that you are trying to draw from — implication that you are trying to draw from those conversations is completely wrong. and my position was that— completely wrong. and my position was that we had to save human life at all _ was that we had to save human life at all ages — was that we had to save human life at all ages-— at all ages. instead, lighter touch restrictions _ at all ages. instead, lighter touch restrictions were _ at all ages. instead, lighter touch restrictions were introduced - at all ages. instead, lighter touch restrictions were introduced in i restrictions were introduced in england. the rule of six, an earlier closing time for pubs and there would be heavy fines for breaking the rules. did would be heavy fines for breaking the rules. , i ., ~' would be heavy fines for breaking the rules. , i ., ,, ., ., the rules. did you think that a new flat fine of £10,000 _ the rules. did you think that a new flat fine of £10,000 was _ flat fine of £10,000 was proportionate? it flat fine of £10,000 was proportionate?— flat fine of £10,000 was proportionate? flat fine of £10,000 was ro ortionate? ., , i proportionate? it was very high. it wasjust- -- — proportionate? it was very high. it wasjust. .. was _ proportionate? it was very high. it wasjust. .. was it _ proportionate? it was very high. it wasjust. .. was it proportionate, i proportionate? it was very high. it | wasjust. .. was it proportionate, in [j a ht of wasjust. .. was it proportionate, in light of the — wasjust. .. was it proportionate, in light of the civil _ wasjust. .. was it proportionate, in light of the civil libertarian - light of the civil libertarian issues? . . . light of the civil libertarian issues? . , , ., different issues? the answer is no. different reaional issues? the answer is no. different regional restrictions, _ issues? the answer is no. different regional restrictions, known - issues? the answer is no. different regional restrictions, known as -

regional restrictions, known as tiers, were introduced.- regional restrictions, known as tiers, were introduced. every mp araued tiers, were introduced. every mp argued that _ tiers, were introduced. every mp argued that their _ tiers, were introduced. every mp argued that their area _ tiers, were introduced. every mp argued that their area shouldn't. tiers, were introduced. every mp i argued that their area shouldn't be in a higher tier, they should be in a lower tier. so everyone is arguing to do thingsjust a lower tier. so everyone is arguing to do things just a little bit less than they should to do. to do thingsjust a little bit less than they should to do.- to do thingsjust a little bit less than they should to do. local mayor said they were _ than they should to do. local mayor said they were often _ than they should to do. local mayor said they were often sidelined - than they should to do. local mayor said they were often sidelined in - said they were often sidelined in decision making. i said they were often sidelined in decision making.— said they were often sidelined in decision making. i never forget that sort of feeling _ decision making. i never forget that sort of feeling of _ decision making. i never forget that sort of feeling of lack _ decision making. i never forget that sort of feeling of lack of _ decision making. i never forget that sort of feeling of lack of power, - sort of feeling of lack of power, lack of— sort of feeling of lack of power, lack of influence, not knowing what is happening in our city. but lack of influence, not knowing what is happening in our city.— is happening in our city. but covid cases kept — is happening in our city. but covid cases kept rising _ is happening in our city. but covid cases kept rising and _ is happening in our city. but covid cases kept rising and on - is happening in our city. but covid cases kept rising and on the - is happening in our city. but covid cases kept rising and on the 5th i is happening in our city. but covid| cases kept rising and on the 5th of november, england went into a national lockdown for the second time. i national lockdown for the second time. ., . national lockdown for the second time. ,, . ., ., ,, time. i think that if we had taken action sooner, _ time. i think that if we had taken action sooner, in _ time. i think that if we had taken action sooner, in september - time. i think that if we had taken action sooner, in september of i time. i think that if we had taken - action sooner, in september of 2020, then we _ action sooner, in september of 2020, then we might, for instance, have avoided _ then we might, for instance, have avoided the — then we might, for instance, have avoided the need to close schools, which _ avoided the need to close schools, which in _ avoided the need to close schools, which in the end we had to because cases— which in the end we had to because cases were — which in the end we had to because cases were so high. if which in the end we had to because cases were so high.— cases were so high. if you look at what we actually _ cases were so high. if you look at what we actually did, _ cases were so high. if you look at what we actually did, we - cases were so high. if you look at what we actually did, we went. cases were so high. if you look at. what we actually did, we went into lockdown as soon as we could the first time round and we sensibly went for a regional approach when

the disease picked up again, and then again went into lockdown. 202i} then again went into lockdown. 2020 will be for the _ then again went into lockdown. 2020 will be for the history _ then again went into lockdown. 2020 will be for the history books. those leading the country reflected on the significance of what happened. fate significance of what happened. we have significance of what happened. - have to be realistic about 2020. the whole year, that whole tragic, tragic year. we did lockdown. but thenit tragic year. we did lockdown. but then it bounced back. the hearing was shown _ then it bounced back. the hearing was shown a _ then it bounced back. the hearing was shown a film _ then it bounced back. the hearing was shown a film featuring - then it bounced back. the hearing was shown a film featuring those | was shown a film featuring those most affected by covid.— was shown a film featuring those most affected by covid. there are certainly unanswered _ most affected by covid. there are certainly unanswered questions. i most affected by covid. there are i certainly unanswered questions. we need answers. hopefully, they will learn _ need answers. hopefully, they will learn from — need answers. hopefully, they will learn from it, so...— learn from it, so... because i wouldn't _ learn from it, so... because i wouldn't wish _ learn from it, so... because i wouldn't wish this _ learn from it, so... because i wouldn't wish this on - learn from it, so... because i. wouldn't wish this on anybody. learn from it, so... because i- wouldn't wish this on anybody. those bereaved families _ wouldn't wish this on anybody. those bereaved families wanted _ wouldn't wish this on anybody. thu]; bereaved families wanted more opportunity to have their voices heard, often standing outside in protest. i

heard, often standing outside in rotest. ., ., ., , protest. i want to leave this feelina protest. i want to leave this feeling like _ protest. i want to leave this feeling like the _ protest. i want to leave this feeling like the government protest. i want to leave this - feeling like the government did the best that they possibly could, and not feeling like, what if? and if things had been different, my mum could still be here. and that is not how i am feeling now. stand could still be here. and that is not howl am feeling now.— could still be here. and that is not howl am feeling now. and at times, makina howl am feeling now. and at times, making themselves _ howl am feeling now. and at times, making themselves heard _ howl am feeling now. and at times, making themselves heard inside - howl am feeling now. and at times, making themselves heard inside the | making themselves heard inside the inquiry itself. making themselves heard inside the inquiry itself-— inquiry itself. how sorry i am fully pain _ inquiry itself. how sorry i am fully pain and — inquiry itself. how sorry i am fully pain and the _ inquiry itself. how sorry i am fully pain and the loss _ inquiry itself. how sorry i am fully pain and the loss and - inquiry itself. how sorry i am fully pain and the loss and the i fully pain and the loss and the suffering... sit fully pain and the loss and the suffering- - -— suffering... sit down, please sto... suffering... sit down, please stop... labour— suffering... sit down, please stop... labour and _ suffering... sit down, please stop... labour and the - suffering... sit down, please stop... labour and the covid| stop... labour and the covid victims... please sit down. please sit down or i am afraid you will have to leave the hearing room. i'm sorry, if you don't sit down, i will ask the ashes to get you to leave. relatives, hearing —— i will ask the ashes to get you to leave. relatives, hearing this inquiry will have been particularly hard. i continue to regret very much what happened. — continue to regret very much what happened, but i really want to emphasise, if you talk about the impression, the version of events

that has— impression, the version of events that has entered the popular consciousness about what is supposed to have _ consciousness about what is supposed to have happened in downing street is1 to have happened in downing street isi million— to have happened in downing street is1 million miles from the reality of what _ is1 million miles from the reality of what actually happened in number ten. ., ., ., ., ten. helen macnamara, who was herself later— ten. helen macnamara, who was herself later find _ ten. helen macnamara, who was herself later find in _ ten. helen macnamara, who was herself later find in the _ ten. helen macnamara, who wasi herself later find in the partygate herself laterfind in the partygate scandal, painted a wider picture of dysfunction. i scandal, painted a wider picture of dysfunction-— dysfunction. i would find it hard to ick one dysfunction. i would find it hard to pick one day _ dysfunction. i would find it hard to pick one day when _ dysfunction. i would find it hard to pick one day when the _ dysfunction. i would find it hard to pick one day when the regulations | pick one day when the regulations were followed properly inside that building. and i know that because, as i have said in my statement, there was one meeting where we absolutely adhered to the guidance to the letter and that was the cabinet meeting, and everybody moaned about it.— cabinet meeting, and everybody moaned about it. what did we learn, then, from this _ moaned about it. what did we learn, then, from this part _ moaned about it. what did we learn, then, from this part of— moaned about it. what did we learn, then, from this part of the _ moaned about it. what did we learn, then, from this part of the inquiry? i then, from this part of the inquiry? the personalities in charge and a rousing downing street grabbed headlines. but at the centre of it all was a difficult balancing act. on the one hand, officials were trying to contain the virus, while on the other trying to protectjobs

and the economy. all this while not knowing when or even if a vaccine would ever come along.— knowing when or even if a vaccine would ever come along. it would ever come along. thank you. it will now be — would ever come along. thank you. it will now be up — would ever come along. thank you. it will now be up to _ would ever come along. thank you. it will now be up to baroness _ would ever come along. thank you. it will now be up to baroness hallett i will now be up to baroness hallett to be deciding if the government has got that right and what we can learn for the future. her got that right and what we can learn forthe future. herverdict got that right and what we can learn for the future. her verdict on this crucial second part of the inquiry is due around the end of 202a. hello there. we have seen a bit of a respite in the weather are so recent wayne we have seen, high—pressure building of the last day or so and into the weekend lots of dry and cloudy weather, quite dry and breezy, saturday is that where the front moves in across the

western isles, parts of the highlands, some rain up towards the hello. we've seen a bit of a respite in the weather after the recent rain that many of us have seen. high pressure has been building over the past day or so and into the weekend. lots of dry, cloudy weather, quite mild and breezy. some rain in the forecast. it will mainly be across the north west of the uk. and on saturday we're seeing that rain as the weather front moves in across the western isles, parts of highland, some rain up towards the northern isles too, could be the odd spot for northern ireland, the cumbrian fells as well, but drier weather elsewhere, some brightness breaking through. but generally it is going to be another cloudy day, but it's milder than recent days. so double figures across the map, somewhere between about 10 to 13 degrees on saturday. but let's take a look at the expected rainfall. it's going to accumulate just through the weekend. you can see these colours, these deep greens and white colours across the west of scotland. we've got an amber warning for heavy rain across parts of highland. could be about 175 millimetres there. so enough to cause some flooding. that's through saturday night and through sunday as well. so wet weather continuing to pile in across the west of scotland

as we head through into sunday morning drier elsewhere and again, a frost free night with temperatures remaining between around 8 to 11 degrees. so we've got the mild air with us on sunday. it's coming in from a south westerly direction. it's lasting through the day on monday and for some of us into tuesday as well. but colder air just waiting to the far north there and where those two air masses meet, that's where we're seeing the rain. so for sunday, the rain persistent across the north west of scotland. at times it's going to move in for northern ireland, northwest england as well, clearing away, ithink, later on from the far north of scotland. but temperatures certainly on the mild side, 13, 1a degrees for many of us, a touch cooler in the far south. and i'll say the northern isles, we're in the cooler air to the north ——and also the northern isles, we're in the cooler air to the north of that weather front. so this frontal system, as we head through into monday, slips its way southwards and eastwards tending to fizzle out. but it will bring a few showers, another fairly breezy day, i think, on monday. for many of us, quite a bit of cloud. the odd spot of rain around across central parts of england and wales, possibly staying dry for the south—east of england and eastern scotland too should see some dry weather with a bit

of sunshine breaking through. but in general, it's mild, breezy and cloudy once again. temperatures certainly above average, really across the map between about 10—13 or 1a degrees, just a little cooler across the northern isles. moving through into tuesday now and the next active weather front moves in from the atlantic. that is going to bring quite a lot of wet weather i think for tuesday across parts of southern and central england, wales too, drifting gradually eastwards through the day, really windy conditions through the english channel. and then further showers move in on this north—westerly breeze developing across the north—west of the uk. could even be a little bit of snow over the highest ground of scotland, but for most of us it'll be rain. but we're back into single figures across the northern half of the uk, holding onto the milder weather down towards the south. but into the middle of the week, for a time the milder air clears away. so something a little bit colder for a time through the middle of the week, but it looks like that atlantic milder air will push in quite quickly again from the west. so what does that mean? a cold start to wednesday, perhaps one or two wintry showers over the highest ground in the north. but by the end of the day, as that milder air sweeps back in, it's going to bring further rain towards the west. so still in double figures

for the likes of belfast. plymouth as well. aberdeen only around about seven degrees or so for wednesday. further ahead, then, for thursday onwards, still a fairly unsettled spell of weather on the cards, some shower or rain symbols on the outlook here. perhaps just a chance of things turning a little bit wintry towards the weekend, but i think any wintriness over the higher ground across the north by for now. the higher ground across the north. bye for now.

live from london, this is bbc news. israel says the three hostages who were mistakenly killed by israeli troops in gaza were holding a white flag when they were shot. the killings have increased the pressure on the israeli government to resume negotiations with hamas on the release of those still held captive. if there is an opportunity to free hostages, we will take that opportunity, but we think the application of military force on hamas, honest leadership, is the way to help release people. maybe now someone will understand that there is only one way to free the hostages. the aljazeera tv news network says one of its camera operators has been killed in gaza by an israeli air strike. italy's prime minister hosts a right—wing festival. rishi sunak and elon musk are among the attendees.