strategist and commentator, and here in london, peter walker, a political correspondent for the guardian. first, though, the latest bbc news. us officials say plans have been approved for a series of strikes against iranian personnel and facilities in iraq and syria — but not in iran itself. they told cbs news that the action would be carried out over a number of days and that weather will be a factor in when the strikes begin. the united states has imposed sanctions on somejewish settlers who've carried out violence against palestinian civilians in the occupied west bank. president biden signed an executive order targeting four people. they will have their assets in the united states blocked. americans will be forbidden from doing business with them.

a $54 billion aid package for ukraine has finally been approved after being held up for months because of objections from hungary. the deal comes as us military aid for ukraine — the largest provider of military support for kyiv — is being held up by congress. police are searching for a man who's believed to have thrown a corrosive substance at two young children and their mother in south london last night. they're searching for 35—year—old abdul ezedi from newcastle — he is thought to have significant burns to his face caused by the substance. we begin tonight as us officials say plans have been approved for a series of strikes against iranian personnel and facilities in iraq and syria — but not in iran itself. they told cbs news that the action would be carried out over a number

of days. washington has been preparing to hit back at iran—backed militias after three us troops were killed in a drone strike injordan. here's our chief international correspondent lyse doucet. what we have seen since then is, really, efforts by iran and by some of the iraq militias to try and de—escalate. a very senior iranian official went immediately to baghdad, urged some of these groups — which are notjust part of iran's so—called axis of resistance, they're part of the iraqi armed forces — and one of them, kata'ib hezbollah, has actually announced it will stop its attacks against american targets in order to de—escalate. of course, it's too late, but we do see efforts by iran to try to dial down in iraq and syria. we've also heard reports that iran is moving some of its top personnel out of the places where it's operating in syria, in preparation for these attempted strikes, these

strikes which are certain to come. i'm joined now by my panel — rina shah, former gop strategist, and peter walker, political correspondent at the guardian. evening to you both, rina and peter. rina, what do you make of we heard from the white house today? because it is a really difficult balancing act to play here, isn't it? we have further believe the us does not want to escalate tensions in the middle east, it wants to dial down some of the rhetoric, some of the tensions all around that region, but at the same time it needs to send a deterrent to iran and those iranian backed militias that they will not tolerate attacks against us interests in the region. look, 'ust a few short — interests in the region. look, 'ust a few short days i interests in the region. look, 'ust a few short days ago, i interests in the region. look, 'ust a few short days ago, when k a few short days ago, when president biden came out right after he got news of the deaths of three us service members injordan, he came right out in a speech in south caroline and said, we will

retaliate, i am caroline and said, we will retaliate, iam paraphrasing, of course, but this president knows he has to ask, he knows he has to say strong message, again, to those who harbour ill will towards the united states and want to continue to push the envelope. therefore, propelling us to action that could be militarily very broadly speaking tough. you take one step forward and it is almost as if you take three steps back. now, many critics of this administration are pretty fed up this administration are pretty fed up with how the defence department has been conducting itself, just in the past few weeks, secretary lloyd austin was mia for lack of a better phrase, fortunately undergoing treatment for prostate cancer —— unfortunately. and he is now back at the podium and assuring people he was never not at the helm, but that also signals this very moment is fragile, not only for the administration and the cabinet secretary, austin, it is a moment in

which, what steps does not push us into a war in the middle east that we are truly entrenched in? you've got our american right—wing media already saying that biden is leading us into war the middle east. yeah. us into war the middle east. yeah, but, us into war the middle east. yeah, but. peter. — us into war the middle east. yeah, but, peter, some _ us into war the middle east. yeah, but, peter, some have _ us into war the middle east. yeah, but, peter, some have called - us into war the middle east. yeah, but, peter, some have called for l us into war the middle east. yeah, i but, peter, some have called for him to target iranian interests directly within iran. he has backed off from that, he has said he will only target those interest elsewhere in the region and not inside iran directly. is that enough of a deterrent, though? because a deterrent, though? because a deterrent surely is not only a warning sign, but it is also about destroying iran's capabilities of future attacks against american interests. i5 future attacks against american interests. , . . , interests. is an incredible difficult intuition - interests. is an incredible difficult intuition to - interests. is an incredible difficult intuition to be . interests. is an incredible j difficult intuition to be in, interests. is an incredible - difficult intuition to be in, and as with lots— difficult intuition to be in, and as with lots of— difficult intuition to be in, and as with lots of international crises, the best— with lots of international crises, the best albeit impossible answer is not the best albeit impossible answer is hot to— the best albeit impossible answer is not to start from where we are now, because _ not to start from where we are now, because of— not to start from where we are now, because of you not take enough action, — because of you not take enough action, then potentially these things— action, then potentially these things will get worse and there's all sorts— things will get worse and there's all sorts of knock on effects, not 'ust all sorts of knock on effects, not just that — all sorts of knock on effects, not just that regional problems but the fact that _ just that regional problems but the fact that shipping is being forced to do— fact that shipping is being forced to do much, much longerjourneys,

which _ to do much, much longerjourneys, which some — to do much, much longerjourneys, which some estimates put at about $3 million _ which some estimates put at about $3 million extra per ship. in the economic— million extra per ship. in the economic knock on effects of those, but at _ economic knock on effects of those, but at the _ economic knock on effects of those, but at the same time, you have the usa and _ but at the same time, you have the usa and iran, via proxies, at least in one _ usa and iran, via proxies, at least in one case, — usa and iran, via proxies, at least in one case, squaring off against each _ in one case, squaring off against each other, _ in one case, squaring off against each other, in a region which is a bit of— each other, in a region which is a bit of a _ each other, in a region which is a bit of a centre box, so this is an incredibly difficult situation. in the us— incredibly difficult situation. in the us this is big news, but in the uk, it— the us this is big news, but in the uk, it is— the us this is big news, but in the uk, it is surprisingly little in the headlines— uk, it is surprisingly little in the headlines now the uk forces are not taking _ headlines now the uk forces are not taking part. — headlines now the uk forces are not taking part, but this could become one of— taking part, but this could become one of the — taking part, but this could become one of the big crises of the year, if not _ one of the big crises of the year, if not for— one of the big crises of the year, if not for several years. and rina, we should — if not for several years. and rina, we should remember, _ if not for several years. and rina, we should remember, all- if not for several years. and rina, we should remember, all of- if not for several years. and rina, we should remember, all of this | we should remember, all of this coming in a big election year, not just in the us or the uk but right around the world. so many people going to the polls. anti—politicians will have a and the politicians will have a keen eye and how this is due back home? there is also what we see in the

american electorate, nostalgia, for in the world felt safer and we did not have these tensions capezzi you have people who are thinking to themselves, candy biden administration be trusted? look, on administration be trusted? look, on a personal level, i must say, it doesn't matter who the as commander—in—chief, we a converse thatis commander—in—chief, we a converse that is advocated a lot of its power to the executive branch, and that is notjust how our government works. we have three branches here that are supposed to check each other, and when the war powers essentially make its way out of one branch and remain unchecked by the other, you are in a situation in which you have to wonder, are we entering into yet another forever conflict? i wonder, are we entering into yet anotherforever conflict? i did make got us out of a can stand, and he did in the manner than everybody agrees with, but i'm one of those people who thinks it was going to be disastrous to matter who did it —— biden got us out of afghanistan. he will have a keen eye on that withdrawal. it was a messy withdrawal. it was a messy withdrawal and we have toxic sensible about the problem since. he will have a close eye on that and i want to repeat anything like that in the region, given it is the

tensions, so high? is the region, given it is the tensions, so high?- the region, given it is the tensions, so high? the region, given it is the tensions, so hiah? , , ., tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah, tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah. peter. _ tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah, peter, but _ tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah, peter, but rina, _ tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah, peter, but rina, i— tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah, peter, but rina, iwill- tensions, so high? is this for me? yeah, peter, but rina, iwill come to you as well. that is the issue — tension so high right now that any small move will have a significant impact? small move will have a significant im act? ., .., small move will have a significant imact? ., , , small move will have a significant imact? ., , i, impact? you can be absolutely sure that not just — impact? you can be absolutely sure that notjust in _ impact? you can be absolutely sure that notjust in the _ impact? you can be absolutely sure that notjust in the us _ impact? you can be absolutely sure that notjust in the us but in - impact? you can be absolutely sure that notjust in the us but in the - that notjust in the us but in the us's_ that notjust in the us but in the us's allies. _ that notjust in the us but in the us's allies, the uk and other european _ us's allies, the uk and other european countries, this will be not only getting that they are thinking of most _ only getting that they are thinking of most of all, but every other world — of most of all, but every other world leader will be saying to the us, in— world leader will be saying to the us, in this — world leader will be saying to the us, in this kind of collegiate of allied — us, in this kind of collegiate of allied way, are we sure we know we are doing? — allied way, are we sure we know we are doing? because i don't think iran are doing? because i don't think iran wants — are doing? because i don't think iran wants a regional war, i don't iran wants a regional war, idon't think— iran wants a regional war, i don't think anyone wants a regional war, but any— think anyone wants a regional war, but any student of history will tell you these — but any student of history will tell you these things very often happen when _ you these things very often happen when things don't want that people don't _ when things don't want that people don't want them. if the houthis just

increase _ don't want them. if the houthis just increase attacks on it shipping the red sea _ increase attacks on it shipping the red sea and then the price of goods .oes red sea and then the price of goods goes up _ red sea and then the price of goods goes up and up and up, you've got elections _ goes up and up and up, you've got elections in — goes up and up and up, you've got elections in many countries in the world, _ elections in many countries in the world, in— elections in many countries in the world, in the us and the uk, and leaders _ world, in the us and the uk, and leaders there do not want inflation to be _ leaders there do not want inflation to be taking up as they go to the polls. _ to be taking up as they go to the polls. so— to be taking up as they go to the polls, so there is all sorts of factors — polls, so there is all sorts of factors they need to think about, but you _ factors they need to think about, but you can be very, very sure that not escalating is going to be at the very. _ not escalating is going to be at the very. very— not escalating is going to be at the very, very top of the list. we�*ll very, very top of the list. we'll talk some _ very, very top of the list. we'll talk some more _ very, very top of the list. we'll talk some more about - very, very top of the list. we'll talk some more about all - very, very top of the list. we'll talk some more about all of i very, very top of the list. we'll. talk some more about all of this very, very top of the list. we'll - talk some more about all of this in just a moment, but for now, to you both, thank you. ijust wa nt to want to remind people as well... the united states has imposed sanctions on somejewish settlers who've carried out violence against palestinian civilians in the occupied west bank. president biden signed an executive order targeting four people. they will have their assets in the united states blocked, americans will be forbidden from doing business with them. mr biden said violence in the west bank had reached an intolerable level, threatening peace and stability in the region. live now to our state department correspondent, tom bateman, in washington. tom, this is unprecedented was green

it is. and i think it is a sign of the general— and i think it is a sign of the general levels _ and i think it is a sign of the general levels of— and i think it is a sign of the general levels of irritation, i general levels of irritation, frustration _ general levels of irritation, frustration by— general levels of irritation, frustration by the - general levels of irritation, frustration by the us - general levels of irritation, - frustration by the us administration with parts— frustration by the us administration with parts of— frustration by the us administration with parts of benjamin— frustration by the us administration with parts of benjamin netanyahu'sj with parts of benjamin netanyahu's government. — with parts of benjamin netanyahu's government. and _ with parts of benjamin netanyahu's government, and particularly- with parts of benjamin netanyahu's government, and particularly the l government, and particularly the ultranationalist_ government, and particularly the ultranationalist that _ government, and particularly the ultranationalist that have - government, and particularly the ultranationalist that have made i government, and particularly the. ultranationalist that have made up government, and particularly the i ultranationalist that have made up a key part— ultranationalist that have made up a key part of— ultranationalist that have made up a key part of the — ultranationalist that have made up a key part of the israeli _ ultranationalist that have made up a key part of the israeli government . key part of the israeli government whosem — key part of the israeli government whosem the _ key part of the israeli government whose... the political— key part of the israeli government whose... the political base - key part of the israeli government whose... the political base of- key part of the israeli government i whose... the political base of which is made _ whose... the political base of which is made up — whose... the political base of which is made up of— whose... the political base of which is made up of some _ whose... the political base of which is made up of some of— whose... the political base of which is made up of some of the - whose... the political base of which is made up of some of the most- is made up of some of the most strident and _ is made up of some of the most strident and ideologically- strident and ideologically aggressive _ strident and ideologically aggressive settlers. - strident and ideologically aggressive settlers. andl strident and ideologically. aggressive settlers. and it strident and ideologically- aggressive settlers. and it is that part of— aggressive settlers. and it is that part of the — aggressive settlers. and it is that part of the government _ aggressive settlers. and it is that part of the government that - aggressive settlers. and it is that . part of the government that there's been no _ part of the government that there's been no secret— part of the government that there's been no secret for— part of the government that there's been no secret for mr— part of the government that there's been no secret for mr biden - part of the government that there's i been no secret for mr biden himself, he has _ been no secret for mr biden himself, he has had _ been no secret for mr biden himself, he has had enough _ been no secret for mr biden himself, he has had enough of— been no secret for mr biden himself, he has had enough of these - been no secret for mr biden himself, he has had enough of these kind - been no secret for mr biden himself, he has had enough of these kind of. he has had enough of these kind of people _ he has had enough of these kind of people being — he has had enough of these kind of people being a _ he has had enough of these kind of people being a part— he has had enough of these kind of people being a part of— he has had enough of these kind of people being a part of the - he has had enough of these kind of people being a part of the israeli . people being a part of the israeli administration, _ people being a part of the israeli administration, and _ people being a part of the israeli administration, and that- people being a part of the israeli administration, and that has- people being a part of the israeli - administration, and that has become very n1uch— administration, and that has become very much aggravated _ administration, and that has become very much aggravated over— administration, and that has become very much aggravated over the - administration, and that has become very much aggravated over the last i very much aggravated over the last few months. — very much aggravated over the last few months, and _ very much aggravated over the last few months, and particularly- very much aggravated over the last few months, and particularly as - very much aggravated over the last| few months, and particularly as the response _ few months, and particularly as the response to — few months, and particularly as the response to the _ few months, and particularly as the response to the hamas _ few months, and particularly as the response to the hamas attacks - response to the hamas attacks of october _ response to the hamas attacks of october the — response to the hamas attacks of october the 7th _ response to the hamas attacks of october the 7th and _ response to the hamas attacks of october the 7th and what - response to the hamas attacks of october the 7th and what is - response to the hamas attacks of - october the 7th and what is happened in gaza _ october the 7th and what is happened in gaza and _ october the 7th and what is happened in gaza and the — october the 7th and what is happened in gaza and the war— october the 7th and what is happened in gaza and the war in _ october the 7th and what is happened in gaza and the war in gaza, - october the 7th and what is happened in gaza and the war in gaza, the - in gaza and the war in gaza, the huge _

in gaza and the war in gaza, the huge loss— in gaza and the war in gaza, the huge loss of— in gaza and the war in gaza, the huge loss of civilian _ in gaza and the war in gaza, the huge loss of civilian life, - in gaza and the war in gaza, the huge loss of civilian life, the - huge loss of civilian life, the number _ huge loss of civilian life, the number of _ huge loss of civilian life, the number of civilians - huge loss of civilian life, the number of civilians being - huge loss of civilian life, the - number of civilians being killed, vou've _ number of civilians being killed, you've seen _ number of civilians being killed, you've seen in— number of civilians being killed, you've seen in the _ number of civilians being killed, you've seen in the west- number of civilians being killed, you've seen in the west bank. number of civilians being killed, you've seen in the west bank ai number of civilians being killed, - you've seen in the west bank a very severe _ you've seen in the west bank a very severe situation— you've seen in the west bank a very severe situation where _ you've seen in the west bank a very severe situation where the - you've seen in the west bank a very severe situation where the israelis i severe situation where the israelis have continued _ severe situation where the israelis have continued military— severe situation where the israelis have continued military raids - severe situation where the israelis have continued military raids intol have continued military raids into cities _ have continued military raids into cities there. _ have continued military raids into cities there, and _ have continued military raids into cities there, and at _ have continued military raids into cities there, and at the _ have continued military raids into cities there, and at the same - have continued military raids into. cities there, and at the same time, according _ cities there, and at the same time, according to — cities there, and at the same time, according to rights _ cities there, and at the same time, according to rights groups, - cities there, and at the same time, according to rights groups, the - according to rights groups, the rates _ according to rights groups, the rates of— according to rights groups, the rates of settler— according to rights groups, the rates of settler phones - according to rights groups, the rates of settler phones have i according to rights groups, the - rates of settler phones have ramped up, rates of settler phones have ramped up. -- _ rates of settler phones have ramped up. -- settler— rates of settler phones have ramped up, —— settlerviolence. _ rates of settler phones have ramped up, —— settlerviolence. i— rates of settler phones have ramped up, —— settlerviolence. ithink- up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this— up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this is— up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this is a— up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this is a response _ up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this is a response by— up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this is a response by the - up, —— settlerviolence. ithink this is a response by the us. this is a response by the us administration, _ this is a response by the us administration, where - this is a response by the us administration, where it- this is a response by the us administration, where it is. administration, where it is basically— administration, where it is basically saying _ administration, where it is basically saying it - administration, where it is basically saying it has - administration, where it is basically saying it has had| administration, where it is- basically saying it has had enough. they have — basically saying it has had enough. they have slapped _ basically saying it has had enough. they have slapped these _ basically saying it has had enough. they have slapped these travel- basically saying it has had enough. i they have slapped these travel bands already. _ they have slapped these travel bands already. has— they have slapped these travel bands already, has been— they have slapped these travel bands already, has been announced - they have slapped these travel bands already, has been announced on i they have slapped these travel bandsl already, has been announced on some settlers, _ already, has been announced on some settlers, and _ already, has been announced on some settlers, and now— already, has been announced on some settlers, and now we _ already, has been announced on some settlers, and now we are _ already, has been announced on some settlers, and now we are getting - settlers, and now we are getting this announcement— settlers, and now we are getting this announcement of— settlers, and now we are getting this announcement of four - this announcement of four individuals, _ this announcement of four individuals, they- this announcement of four individuals, they are - this announcement of fourl individuals, they are saying this announcement of four i individuals, they are saying to start — individuals, they are saying to start with. _ individuals, they are saying to start with, who _ individuals, they are saying to start with, who will— individuals, they are saying to start with, who will be - individuals, they are saying to i start with, who will be sanctioned by the _ start with, who will be sanctioned by the us— start with, who will be sanctioned by the us treasury, _ start with, who will be sanctioned by the us treasury, not _ start with, who will be sanctioned by the us treasury, not just i start with, who will be sanctioned j by the us treasury, not just them but anyone — by the us treasury, not just them but anyone who _ by the us treasury, not just them but anyone who makes _ by the us treasury, not just them but anyone who makes donationsl but anyone who makes donations towards — but anyone who makes donations towards those _ but anyone who makes donations towards those individuals - but anyone who makes donations towards those individuals or i towards those individuals or entities _ towards those individuals or entities associated - towards those individuals or entities associated with i towards those individuals or . entities associated with them, towards those individuals or i entities associated with them, so towards those individuals or - entities associated with them, so as you say, _ entities associated with them, so as you say, it _ entities associated with them, so as you say, it is — entities associated with them, so as you say, it is unprecedented. - entities associated with them, so as you say, it is unprecedented. on- entities associated with them, so as| you say, it is unprecedented. on the other— you say, it is unprecedented. on the other hand. — you say, it is unprecedented. on the other hand, there _ you say, it is unprecedented. on the other hand, there are _ you say, it is unprecedented. on the other hand, there are also _ you say, it is unprecedented. on the other hand, there are also some i other hand, there are also some limitations — other hand, there are also some limitations with— other hand, there are also some limitations with it, _ other hand, there are also some limitations with it, because i other hand, there are also some limitations with it, because it i limitations with it, because it cannot— limitations with it, because it cannot affect _ limitations with it, because it cannot affect us _ limitations with it, because it cannot affect us citizens, i limitations with it, because it| cannot affect us citizens, and limitations with it, because it - cannot affect us citizens, and there

are americans _ cannot affect us citizens, and there are americans who _ cannot affect us citizens, and there are americans who make _ cannot affect us citizens, and there are americans who make up - cannot affect us citizens, and there are americans who make up some. are americans who make up some of these _ are americans who make up some of these groups— are americans who make up some of these groups in— are americans who make up some of these groups in the _ are americans who make up some of these groups in the west _ are americans who make up some of these groups in the west bank, i these groups in the west bank, legally— these groups in the west bank, legally none _ these groups in the west bank, legally none of— these groups in the west bank, legally none of these _ these groups in the west bank, legally none of these sanctionsl these groups in the west bank, i legally none of these sanctions can apply— legally none of these sanctions can apply to _ legally none of these sanctions can apply to them, _ legally none of these sanctions can apply to them, so— legally none of these sanctions can apply to them, so there _ legally none of these sanctions can apply to them, so there are - legally none of these sanctions can apply to them, so there are some. apply to them, so there are some guez— apply to them, so there are some guez giving — apply to them, so there are some guez giving it _ apply to them, so there are some quez giving it limitations, - apply to them, so there are some quez giving it limitations, but i apply to them, so there are some quez giving it limitations, but this is a first — quez giving it limitations, but this is a first. ., ., ., ., quez giving it limitations, but this is a first. ., ., ., ., is a first. tom, good to have that explanation- _ tom bateman, thank you. rina and peter still with us on the panels in a, ed macklin, who is the audience for these sanctions? —— and, rina, who is the audience? is this purely political move? i who is the audience? is this purely political move?— political move? i think this is a moment in _ political move? i think this is a moment in which _ political move? i think this is a moment in which pluto - political move? i think this is a j moment in which pluto theatre political move? i think this is a i moment in which pluto theatre is at its finest. the biden administration seems rather behind here, a daily and a dollar short. i call it. this is a situation where he has received a lot of heat from muslim americans for having netanyahu's back almost unfettered support, since october, of this government. you have prominentjewish americans talking

about how they also do not believe this administration has taken all the proper steps and that this is completely almost nonsensical, to continue to say, bb, we are with you, because there are —— they are our only ally in the region. you have heard nikki haley talk about how important it is to have their back. within the american political apparatus, you want to call it, here in washington, there has been this real support for israel, but one thing that cannot be discounted and it is starting to be recognised by the biden team, is how much criticism they are drawn from the muslim americans who see what is happening in gaza, we see it through our phones every day, the indiscriminate bombing, all in the name of getting terrorists — it is reaching a fever pitch, but who knows how the biden administration will game this out from here? that's anyone's guess. will game this out from here? that's anyone's guess— anyone's guess. lets talk about the situation on — anyone's guess. lets talk about the situation on the _ anyone's guess. lets talk about the situation on the ground _ anyone's guess. lets talk about the situation on the ground right - anyone's guess. lets talk about the situation on the ground right now. anyone's guess. lets talk about the j situation on the ground right now in gaza. in gaza, 900,000 children are

thought to be internally displaced — that's according to the charity save the children. lama jamous, known as gaza's youngestjournalist, is among them. since the start of the war, she's been documenting herjourney and the stories around her as they've unfolded. our reporter yasmin khatun dewan has been speaking to her. this is lama jamous. at nine years old, she's acquired a huge following on social media, posting snippets of her life in gaza and her aspirations to become a journalist. we caught up with lama, whojoined us from gaza, close to the rafah crossing. lama, what made you want to do this? translation: i want to document the struggle we are going - through so the world can see it. all we wish is to go back to our school, to seek education. even our school became for displaced people. lama's father has been helping the nine—year—old document herjourney, navigating the changes

around her as the family were displaced from their home in northern gaza. she told us so much in her life has changed, though her dream is to continue the work she is doing now. translation: i wish when the war ends, i can turn into a great - journalist and work, so i can grow more and more. as lama continues to find comfort in sharing the stories of her community, her portfolio just keeps on growing. yasmin khatun dewan, bbc news. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. firefighters who were injured in the grenfell tower fire in 2017 have received a total of £20 million in compensation. the fire brigades union says more than 100 of its members made claims — some of whom hadn't

been able to work again because of severe trauma. a man has appeared in court charged with the murders of two teenage boys in bristol on saturday. 16—year—old max dixon, and 15—year—old mason rist died in hospital after being stabbed on the knowle west estate. 44—year—old anthony snook will be held on remand in prison until the next hearing tomorrow. alan bates — a former sub—postmaster who led the campaign forjustice in the post office horizon scandal — has said he will reject an offer of compensation from the government. mr bates, whose story inspired a recent itv series on the scandal, told the telegraph the government's offer was "offensive" and "around a sixth" of what he'd requested. you're live with bbc news. president biden has thanked the european union for throwing a financial lifeline to ukraine in its fight against its war with russia.

a $54 billion package has finally been approved after being held up for months because of objections from hungary. now, though, the eu has unanimously passed the deal, which comes as us military aid for ukraine — the largest provider of military support for kyiv — is being held up by congress. eu chief ursula von der leyen said the funding sends a powerful message to russian leader vladimir putin. today is indeed a very special day. the european council reconfirmed europe's unwavering commitment to stand with ukraine. we all know that ukraine is fighting for us, so we will support them with the necessary funding and provide them with the much—needed predictability they deserve. and i think these 50 billion euros forfour years also send a very strong message to putin, just ahead of the second anniversary of his brutal invasion.

live now to jacob kirkegaard, senior fellow at german marshall fund, a think tank. thank you for being with us, and it is 50 billion — it sounds like a lot of money, but is it enough? it is of money, but is it enough? it is certainly rrot _ of money, but is it enough? it is certainly not enough. it - of money, but is it enough? it is certainly not enough. it will- of money, but is it enough? it is| certainly not enough. it will cover art of certainly not enough. it will cover part of the _ certainly not enough. it will cover part of the annual _ certainly not enough. it will cover part of the annual budget - certainly not enough. it will cover part of the annual budget deficits| part of the annual budget deficits for ukraine. it will clearly need to be topped off by other financial assistance, both from other eu institutions, the european investment bank, bilaterally by eu members of other members of the g7, but i do think it does signal that the eu is aware of the basic fact that now that ukraine has become an eu accession country, it is overwhelmingly the financial task of du to support the ukrainian economy. what the opposition from hungary and viktor orban ended up looking like? he was calling for a review of this

funding every year. instead the compromise is that it will be discussed every two years. is that enough certainty for ukraine? potentially years this funding could change or disappear? i potentially years this funding could change or disappear?— change or disappear? i think if you read the fine _ change or disappear? i think if you read the fine print _ change or disappear? i think if you read the fine print of— change or disappear? i think if you read the fine print of the _ read the fine print of the actual council conclusions, you will see that viktor orban got nothing. any decision to adjust or suspend the payments have to be taken by qualified majority in the yukon, which means that viktor orban does not have a veto, and it does one thing we have seen in the last couple of weeks and months —— in the eu council. the other 26 nations are very firmly united in backing ukraine, so viktor orban got nothing. he folded, he got to be the centre of attention for a few weeks, but in the end, he leaves having

lost the battle. this but in the end, he leaves having lost the battle.— lost the battle. as you said, european — lost the battle. as you said, european leaders _ lost the battle. as you said, european leaders agreeing l lost the battle. as you said, | european leaders agreeing to lost the battle. as you said, - european leaders agreeing to open lost the battle. as you said, _ european leaders agreeing to open eu membership talks with ukraine, that will start in december, we are told. that has been discussed, hailed as a victory. but i wonder where it still leaves eu leaders when it comes to providing weapons and military hardware to ukraine? because that is when it starts to get much more complicated, and there is not a unanimous view on how that should be delivered and what sort of weapons should be delivered. trio. delivered and what sort of weapons should be delivered.— should be delivered. no, it is very clear that there _ should be delivered. no, it is very clear that there are _ should be delivered. no, it is very clear that there are differing i clear that there are differing capabilities. i do not think it is any secret that the european, if you like, military—industrial complex, when the war broke out in 2022, was at a very inadequate state, but one of the things that actually did also come out of today's summit was, i would argue, a political commitment among the eu leaders, details to be

finalised before the next council meeting in march, of a $20 billion common fund for providing military aid to ukraine in the coming years, and that will then be supplemented by what our bilateral commitments of military aid. while the eu is certainly in no position to replace the military assistance provided by the military assistance provided by the united states and others, in the short run, i think it does signal that european leaders are also getting more serious when it comes to common decisions, also on military and. to common decisions, also on military and-— to common decisions, also on milita and. . ., . .,, , , military and. jacob, stay with us. i want to bring _ military and. jacob, stay with us. i want to bring in _ military and. jacob, stay with us. i want to bring in the _ military and. jacob, stay with us. i want to bring in the panel, - military and. jacob, stay with us. i want to bring in the panel, and i want to bring in the panel, and peter, what does it tell us that finally there was a unanimous vote, that all members of du agreeing to provide this support over four years, quite a breakthrough? it is years, quite a breakthrough? it is uuite a years, quite a breakthrough? it is quite a breakthrough and it shows amongst — quite a breakthrough and it shows amongst viktor orban's many talents, he can—

amongst viktor orban's many talents, he can get— amongst viktor orban's many talents, he can get the eu leaders to more or less agree _ he can get the eu leaders to more or less agree on is ackley the same page. _ less agree on is ackley the same page, which is not something they -et page, which is not something they get to— page, which is not something they get to do— page, which is not something they get to do particular often. it was very. _ get to do particular often. it was very. very— get to do particular often. it was very, very interesting, because the folding _ very, very interesting, because the folding by— very, very interesting, because the folding by viktor orban went it happened happened really, really quickly _ happened happened really, really quickly. there has been this built up quickly. there has been this built up of— quickly. there has been this built up of weeks and weeks and weeks, of him threatening to block it, and in response — him threatening to block it, and in response officials in brussels briefing — response officials in brussels briefing newspapers about the various — briefing newspapers about the various things they are doing, including _ various things they are doing, including withholding eu money, and very others... including withholding eu money, and very others - -— very others... there was a sense he was told he — very others... there was a sense he was told he had _ very others... there was a sense he was told he had to _ very others. .. there was a sense he was told he had to pick— very others... there was a sense he was told he had to pick a _ very others... there was a sense he was told he had to pick a side. is i was told he had to pick a side. is it russia or is it the eu? i was told he had to pick a side. is it russia or is it the eu?- it russia or is it the eu? i think he decided _ it russia or is it the eu? i think he decided which _ it russia or is it the eu? i think he decided which side - it russia or is it the eu? i think he decided which side his i it russia or is it the eu? i think| he decided which side his bread it russia or is it the eu? i think i he decided which side his bread was gone the _ he decided which side his bread was gone the buttered on and there was nothing _ gone the buttered on and there was nothing he — gone the buttered on and there was nothing he could do, but the quotes there. _ nothing he could do, but the quotes there, picking up from other eu leaders. — there, picking up from other eu leaders, they are quite scathing. they— leaders, they are quite scathing. they were — leaders, they are quite scathing. they were basically saying, viktor 0rban— they were basically saying, viktor 0rban has— they were basically saying, viktor orban has been a complete pain, we did not— orban has been a complete pain, we did not have — orban has been a complete pain, we did not have to do this, we could have _ did not have to do this, we could have done — did not have to do this, we could have done this weeks and weeks ago, but finally— have done this weeks and weeks ago, but finally he has had enough. rina, there will certainly _ but finally he has had enough. rina, there will certainly be _ but finally he has had enough. rina, there will certainly be an _ but finally he has had enough. rina, there will certainly be an eye - but finally he has had enough. fl has, there will certainly be an eye from president zelensky of ukraine,

looking at what is happening around the world with elections coming up and four years buys him a bit of certainty when there may be anything but certainty in world politics? i but certainty in world politics? i look at the situation with or been and i've _ look at the situation with or been and i've been— look at the situation with or been and i've been concerned - look at the situation with or been and i've been concerned for- look at the situation with or been i and i've been concerned for number of years— and i've been concerned for number of years about — and i've been concerned for number of years about his _ and i've been concerned for number of years about his outside _ of years about his outside influence _ of years about his outside influence. here, - of years about his outside influence. here, in- of years about his outside influence. here, in the i of years about his outside i influence. here, in the united states. — influence. here, in the united states. on— influence. here, in the united states, on the _ influence. here, in the united states, on the american i influence. here, in the united states, on the american rate. j influence. here, in the united i states, on the american rate. they loved _ states, on the american rate. they loved him. — states, on the american rate. they loved him. they— states, on the american rate. they loved him, they want _ states, on the american rate. they loved him, they want to _ states, on the american rate. they loved him, they want to follow - states, on the american rate. theyi loved him, they want to follow what he has _ loved him, they want to follow what he has laid — loved him, they want to follow what he has laid out, _ loved him, they want to follow what he has laid out, his— loved him, they want to follow what he has laid out, his plane. - loved him, they want to follow what he has laid out, his plane. when- loved him, they want to follow what he has laid out, his plane. when he| he has laid out, his plane. when he first came _ he has laid out, his plane. when he first came to — he has laid out, his plane. when he first came to politics, _ he has laid out, his plane. when he first came to politics, he _ he has laid out, his plane. when he first came to politics, he was - he has laid out, his plane. when he first came to politics, he was not i first came to politics, he was not much _ first came to politics, he was not much of— first came to politics, he was not much of a — first came to politics, he was not much of a nightly— first came to politics, he was not much of a nightly on, _ first came to politics, he was not much of a nightly on, and - first came to politics, he was not much of a nightly on, and i lookl first came to politics, he was not. much of a nightly on, and i look at him _ much of a nightly on, and i look at him "— much of a nightly on, and i look at him -- of— much of a nightly on, and i look at him -- ofan— much of a nightly on, and i look at him. —— of an ideologue. - much of a nightly on, and i look at him. —— ofan ideologue. i'm - much of a nightly on, and i look at| him. —— ofan ideologue. i'm really concerned — him. —— ofan ideologue. i'm really concerned about— him. —— ofan ideologue. i'm really concerned about his _ him. —— ofan ideologue. i'm really concerned about his longevity. - concerned about his longevity. really, — concerned about his longevity. really, the _ concerned about his longevity. really, the effect— concerned about his longevity. really, the effect of— concerned about his longevity. really, the effect of his - concerned about his longevity. . really, the effect of his message and how— really, the effect of his message and how it — really, the effect of his message and how it is _ really, the effect of his message and how it is made _ really, the effect of his message and how it is made its _ really, the effect of his message and how it is made its way- really, the effect of his messagei and how it is made its way across oceans _ and how it is made its way across oceans come _ and how it is made its way across oceans come over— and how it is made its way across oceans come over to _ and how it is made its way across oceans come over to the - oceans come over to the united states — oceans come over to the united states that _ oceans come over to the united states. that is— oceans come over to the united states. that is something - oceans come over to the united states. that is something we i oceans come over to the united - states. that is something we have to pay close _ states. that is something we have to pay close attention _ states. that is something we have to pay close attention to. _ states. that is something we have to pay close attention to. anybody- pay close attention to. anybody concerned — pay close attention to. anybody concerned about _ pay close attention to. anybody| concerned about authoritarians, dictators, — concerned about authoritarians, dictators, any— concerned about authoritarians, dictators, any of _ concerned about authoritarians, dictators, any of that, _ concerned about authoritarians, dictators, any of that, and - dictators, any of that, and extremism. _ dictators, any of that, and extremism, ought - dictators, any of that, and extremism, ought to - dictators, any of that, and extremism, ought to be . dictators, any of that, and - extremism, ought to be paying attention— extremism, ought to be paying attention to _ extremism, ought to be paying attention to orban. _ extremism, ought to be paying attention to orban.— extremism, ought to be paying attention to orban. jacob, you're noddin: attention to orban. jacob, you're nodding along — attention to orban. jacob, you're nodding along to _ attention to orban. jacob, you're nodding along to that _ attention to orban. jacob, you're nodding along to that and - attention to orban. jacob, you're nodding along to that and i - attention to orban. jacob, you're i nodding along to that and i wonder, a final thought from you, how president putin will view all of this, sitting there in moscow, what

will he make of not only that funding and where that money will be spent but also that unanimity amongst eu leaders? it is spent but also that unanimity amongst eu leaders?- spent but also that unanimity amongst eu leaders? it is a ma'or setback for— amongst eu leaders? it is a ma'or setback for him, i amongst eu leaders? it is a ma'or setback for him, there is i amongst eu leaders? it is a ma'or setback for him, there is no i amongst eu leaders? it is a majori setback for him, there is no doubt about that. he has failed in that. there is no doubt that he will have wanted viktor orban to continue his vetoes, but as we said just now, he chose the side that can provide him with more economic, and that is clearly the eu, and always levy russian government and vladimir putin will have to wait for the decision the american people, to see if they will actually split the otherwise, i would argue, still quite firm western support for ukraine. g . . .,, ., , ., ukraine. jacob, it has been to have ou with ukraine. jacob, it has been to have you with us- _ ukraine. jacob, it has been to have you with us. jacob _ ukraine. jacob, it has been to have you with us. jacob kirkegaard, - you with us. jacob kirkegaard, senior fellow at you with us. jacob kirkegaard, seniorfellow at gmf, you with us. jacob kirkegaard, senior fellow at gmf, a think tank, joining us their life. so much more for us to talk about on the

programme, and we will have the panel with us throughout the rest of the evening, but stay with us. you are watching the context on bbc news. hello. well, we're into februaryjust about — traditionally regarded as a very cold month, but of course, these days it can be far from it. in fact, over the next few days, it's going to be exceedingly mild across most of the uk, and on top of that, very windy, too. storm ingunn still wrapping up there across parts of scandinavia, nowhere near as strong as it was, but still producing some gales. to the south of that, we have new weather fronts, and south of that, this area of high pressure building this ridge, and it's allowing the warmer current of air from the southern climes to stream in our direction. so, all the cold air is pushed towards the east

and the north of europe, and this pattern's with us here, really, for the next few days. it's also going to bring that wind, a lot of atlantic cloud. at times, there'll be some rain, such is the case in western parts of scotland — quite damp here, bit of drizzle around western coast. and these are our morning temperatures — 7 degrees in london, 10—11 for some of our northern towns and cities, so a mild start to friday. now, perhaps won't feel quite as mild as it could. it's because the wind will be pretty strong tomorrow, particularly gusty around some of these north western coast of scotland, also to the east of the pennines — 40—50 mph gusts. but on the thermometer with a bit of brightness, perhaps even 15 expected across aberdeenshire. now, the same pattern continues into friday and indeed the weekend, friday, saturday, sunday, with high pressure to the south and big lows traversing to the north of us. we've got a pressure gradient, so those strong winds blowing across the uk, and they frequently push in a lot of cloud and at times some rain. i think an incursion of slightly colder weather into northern

scotland on saturday, so temperatures 6—7 degrees and maybe some wintry showers to the very far north of the uk. and then, the rest of the weekend and into monday, it's the same — high to the south, low to the north, quite strong winds blowing across the uk and the thicker cloud being pushed in by that west south—westerly. i think it'll be damp in northern ireland on sunday, certainly around western coasts of scotland, the irish sea, too, but mild — 10—14 celsius. and this pattern remains very stable across many parts of the uk, mild and cloudy. you can see ia in london, at times a little bit cooler, but only at times in the north of the country. that's it from me. bye— bye.

hello, i'm ben thompson. you're watching the context on bbc news. one in five gen z boys believe it is harder to be a man than a woman today — that's according to a new study. the findings of that fascinating report coming up for you a little later. we start here in the uk with the cost of borrowing — and the bank of england has left interest rates unchanged at 5.25%. but governor andrew bailey says inflation is expected to fall much more quickly this year —

in what some say could be a sign that a rate cut is on the horizon — despite saying earlier that interest rates would stay higher for longer to ease inflation. here's the chancellorjeremy hunt. the overall picture here is of inflation falling dramatically faster than most people predicted, and the economy being much stronger, with the bank of england upgrading its forecast for this year, next year, and thereafter. what that says is: we have taken difficult decisions, the plan is working, and now is not the time to junk that plan, borrowing £28 billion a year more as other parties want to do. we need to stick to the plan, because it is working. lets discuss some of those details with kallum pickering. a senior economist at ehrenberg. always good to have you with us. first of all let's talk about the shift in the votes, because this is the npc, it meets and they all discuss whether

they want to raise rates, keep them