three people have been injured in a knife attack in paris at gare de lyon railway station. police say a man has been arrested. and a team of british scientists and engineers lands in antarctica, to test a new drone that will help forecast the impact of climate change. hello, i'm samantha simmonds. the united states has launched strikes on targets in syria and iraq in response to a drone attack last weekend, on a us military base that killed three soldiers. us central command says its forces hit 85 targets in total. white house national security spokesmanjohn kirby added that three facilities were hit in iraq and four were hit in syria. the air strikes were against iran's islamic revolutionary guards corp quds force and affiliated militia groups. these are new pictures released by us central command — of 8—1 bombers taking off to carry out the airstrikes. guards corp quds force

and affiliated militia groups. our north america correspondent, will vernon has the latest. american bombers carried out air strikes on more than 85 targets. the us military said they included the personnel and facilities of iran's revolutionary guard and the militant groups it backs. but the air strikes hit locations only in iraq and syria. iranian territory was not targeted. the message from the white house — the us doesn't want a war with tehran. the goal here is to get these attacks to stop. this was about degrading capability, taking away capabilities by the militant groups. these responses began tonight. they're not going to end tonight. so there will be additional responses. and this is what america is responding to. a drone attack on a us base injordan last sunday killed three us soldiers and wounded dozens more. washington said iran—backed militants were to blame. pressure had been building onjoe biden to respond with force. announcing the start of the air

strikes, the president said... "the united states does not seek conflict in the middle east or anywhere else in the world. "but let all those who might seek to do us harm know this. "if you harm an american, we will respond." in iran yesterday, hours before the strikes were launched, a defiant message from president raisi. translation: we have said many times we will not initiate any war. _ but if anyone wants to bully us, iran will respond firmly. america wants to send a clear message — attacks on us troops must stop. but many are warning of the dangers of escalating tensions in a highly volatile region. will vernon, bbc news, washington. for more analysis on the wider impact of us retaliation let's go live now to mehran kamrava, professor of government at georgetown university in qatar.

what do you make that they have hit its targets in syria and iraq? there was tremendous _ its targets in syria and iraq? there was tremendous pressure - its targets in syria and iraq? there was tremendous pressure on - its targets in syria and iraq? ti” was tremendous pressure on president by ben particularly from republicans to hit iran and targets inside. the fact he hasn't done so indicates now that the americans nor the iranians want escalation but there was no choice but to respond in some seemingly decisive fashion and let's hope we have seen the last round of this round of escalations. the hope we have seen the last round of this round of escalations.— this round of escalations. the us a warnin: this round of escalations. the us a warning there _ this round of escalations. the us a warning there will _ this round of escalations. the us a warning there will be _ this round of escalations. the us a warning there will be more. - warning there will be more. interestinglyjust warning there will be more. interestingly just yesterday american intelligence agencies came up american intelligence agencies came up with an assessment that iran does not really control the various non—state actors and militias that pledge allegiance to tehran. we are

likely to see more hit—and—run attacks in the days and weeks to come. ,, . , attacks in the days and weeks to come. ,, ., , h, , attacks in the days and weeks to come. ,, .,, , , attacks in the days and weeks to come. ,, , , , come. the us has said they must stop armin: come. the us has said they must stop arming them. — come. the us has said they must stop arming them. do _ come. the us has said they must stop arming them, do you _ come. the us has said they must stop arming them, do you think— come. the us has said they must stop arming them, do you think iran - come. the us has said they must stop arming them, do you think iran will i arming them, do you think iran will respond cooperatively? any evidence of whether they do stop arming them? the question of whether or not iran is arming the militias is one that isn't all that clear, iran gives them moral support and by all indications as you mentioned logistical support. what remains to be seen as the extent to which rhetoric from tehran becomes either de—escalates hurry or vowed retaliation as the days go by. what retaliation as the days go by. what do ou retaliation as the days go by. what do you think _ retaliation as the days go by. what do you think will _ retaliation as the days go by. what do you think will happen with regards to the response from iran? what do you think their game plan is here? i

what do you think their game plan is here? ~' ., , ., , , here? i think it remains to be seen exactly how— here? i think it remains to be seen exactly how much _ here? i think it remains to be seen exactly how much damage - here? i think it remains to be seen exactly how much damage the - here? i think it remains to be seen - exactly how much damage the american military response had, particularly whether there were any iranians categories which tehran said as a red line. if there isn't any, i think we have seen the last of this round. as a mentioned, neither side really wants escalation. what round. as a mentioned, neither side really wants escalation.— really wants escalation. what about the possibility _ really wants escalation. what about the possibility of— really wants escalation. what about the possibility of these _ really wants escalation. what about the possibility of these military - the possibility of these military armed groups, this axis of resistance, that iran is part of? perhaps launching some kind of action that does possibly lead to retaliation, that does see things escalate, how likely do think it is that could happen? we escalate, how likely do think it is that could happen?— escalate, how likely do think it is that could happen? we have already seen in the sea _ that could happen? we have already seen in the sea that _ that could happen? we have already seen in the sea that american - that could happen? we have already seen in the sea that american and i seen in the sea that american and british attacks on houthi targets have not really resulted in the cessation of houthi attacks on

shipping in the red sea. that is likely to continue. whether or not iran is able to rein in its iraqi militia, iraqi proxies is a different story. the houthis are likely to continue attacking but i think one thing we are likely to see is a reduction of rhetoric coming out of tehran. and then attempt on the part of tehran to cool the iraqi militia down so that they don't engage in this kind of tit—for—tat attacks with the american. engage in this kind of tit-for-tat attacks with the american. thank you for “oininr attacks with the american. thank you forjoining us— attacks with the american. thank you forjoining us from _ attacks with the american. thank you forjoining us from qatar. _ retired generaljoseph votel, former commander in the us central command gave his assessment on the timing and scale of these strikes. this strikes we saw her take place were pretty much as we expected.

these these targets went, i think, directly after the militant groups and, of course, the iranian facilitators and leadership and support apparatus that that supported those groups that were most directly related to the attack on tower 22 last weekend. and i think the scope and scale of this is was quite quite large, especially when compared to some of our earlier strikes. and i think the intention was to do as much damage and as much disruption to this militant network as could be done in this in this first in this first volley of strikes. i think what we'll see is we'll see some follow ons to this. as you are aware, as your listeners are aware, this is a fairly extensive network that that iran in the militant groups have across iraq and syria. so there are lots of opportunities to to go after them in terms of the timing of this. i think there's a variety of things that contribute to this. you know, first and foremost, i think the united states has taken

a tried to take a deliberate approach to this not not rush into this. as i think our spokesman at the white house has said, we have consulted with regional partners to include the iraqis about the about these strikes, whether plays an issue. the weather has not been great in the area. and in in order to improve our targeting and and minimize collateral effects of this, we want to even with sophisticated systems, we want to use the best weather and likely the period of good weather would support kind of this campaign approach that has been that has been talked about. and as we've been hearing. we'll get the latest from our corresponded in iraq later on this hour. two years to the day since devolution collapsed following a boycott over post—brexit trade rules — power sharing will return to northern ireland today. sinn fein's vice—president will be

nominated as first minister — meaning the post will be held by an irish nationalist, for the first time. chris page reports. an agreement to bring back the devolved government has finally been cooked up. the question now is what will be on ministers' menus as they tune—up to perform? at st george's market in belfast, stall owners have a few ideas about what their newly empowered politicians should prioritise. hopefully be enough money for nurses and doctors and train drivers, bus driver, to do away with all these strikes. and the more money that people are paid, if people do get a pay rise, it's more money for people to spend, isn't it? that will help us. maybe they'll be spending a wee bit of their extra money on a nice bit of fish here for a friday.

definitely encourage tourism as much as we can, definitely because, at the end of the day, we are a small the woods here and if you're in this place, you realise just the low number of foreigners who come in and and appreciate it and enjoy belfast. where do you start? there's a list as long as me arm, i can tell ya. but really, see, once they're back to work, then they can start tackling all of the issues that we have here in northern ireland, you know? it's two years to the day since devolution, in effect, collapsed, leaving people in northern ireland without a government. but ministers have actually been out of office for a total of five out of the last seven years, and that means there's a huge list of issues to be dealt with when they return. possibly the first item on the agenda will be how to increase pay for public sector workers whose wages have fallen well behind england, scotland and wales. this strike last month was thought to be the biggest ever held here.

one major impact was the closure of schools. the environment will be another focus. pollution in the uk's largest freshwater lake lough neagh has become a touchstone concern. so, too, has health care. people affected by cancer have organised an art exhibition this weekend. they want action to bring down hospital waiting times which, overall, are the longest in the uk by far. the health service is basically on its knees. it needs additional funding. it probably needs restructure as well. but the cancer strategy that's been sitting on a shelf for so long needs to be prioritised now. there should be more investment in managing, and especially end—of—life care. that is very, very important. here, people have already lost hope. it's just to renew their hope. having no politicians in stormont was not helpful. we are now looking at waiting times that we never have seen before,

which is only making the crisis worse. the new power—sharing coalition will face difficult choices, judgments and demands. the vast majority in northern ireland hope that today will mark the start of a positive era for politics. chris page, bbc news, belfast. we can go live now to our correspondent lewis vaughanjones who is at stormont. significant day there today, tell us what we can expect in the coming hours. . , , what we can expect in the coming hours. ., , , ~ ., hours. that is still mont, where everything _ hours. that is still mont, where everything will _ hours. that is still mont, where everything will be _ hours. that is still mont, where everything will be happening i hours. that is still mont, wherej everything will be happening -- everything will be happening —— stormont. a significant day of events here. through the doors here you can just see and into the

assembly chamber, that is where everything will be happening. as for what happens, ipm local time, that's when things kick off, the assembly backin when things kick off, the assembly back in action inside after being away for two years, a significant moment in and of itself. the first thing they need to do is select a speaker, nothing can happen until that happens. that bigger election needs to be based on a cross community basis, once that has happened, we get onto the real symbolic moments, the nomination of the new first minister from symbolic moments, the nomination of the new first ministerfrom sinn fein, nationalist party for first time. we are expecting nominations and pledges and speeches and we should expect the same for the post of deputy. then on to things like

signing of ministries, departments, interesting to see who gets what, that will be around 3pm, 4pm roughly. clearly the main moment here in terms of the images we'd blame from here around the world will be houthi taking up that post of first minister for the first time. ~ ., , , of first minister for the first time. ~ ., ,, , ., time. what i guess the people of northern ireland _ time. what i guess the people of northern ireland want _ time. what i guess the people of northern ireland want to - time. what i guess the people of northern ireland want to see - time. what i guess the people of northern ireland want to see is l time. what i guess the people of l northern ireland want to see is the government back in action so that their lives and many of their views will improve, things have been on hold for the last four years, pay rises wanted by many, when will government actually swing into action, do you think? you government actually swing into action, do you think?— government actually swing into action, do you think? you are right, samantha. — action, do you think? you are right, samantha. it _ action, do you think? you are right, samantha, it is _ action, do you think? you are right, samantha, it is of _ action, do you think? you are right, samantha, it is of huge _ action, do you think? you are right, samantha, it is of huge interest, i action, do you think? you are right, samantha, it is of huge interest, asj samantha, it is of huge interest, as it would be everywhere, politicians simply not here, civil servants have been keeping the lights on, keeping things going, they cannot make big spending decisions, policy decisions. effectively things have been rather frozen for the last two

years. one of the big issues that the politicians will have to get to grips with as of next week, almost every single department has huge issues but health is the one ministry people will be looking at, big backlogs, waiting times, pay, theissue big backlogs, waiting times, pay, the issue of public sector pay spreads to all public sector workers beyond health, wanting a pay increase they say hasn't kept up with other parts of the uk. huge financial commitment is needed, budgetary considerations along with the symbolism of the day as well. we will be back with you a little later, lewis. here in the uk, police say the suspect in a corrosive—substance attack on a mother and her daughters in was last seen on the underground station at king's cross. abdul shokoor ezedi was seen boarding a victoria line train heading southbound at 9pm on wednesday. detectives have released new images of the suspect inside the station about 90 minutes after the attack.

the woman who's 31, remains "very poorly" with expected life—changing injuries. our reporter graham satchell has the latest. a series of raids in london and newcastle, as police close the net on abdul shokoor ezedi. you can see officers wearing hazmat suits and gas masks to protect themselves. in one property, two empty containers were found with warning labels saying "corrosive material." the latest pictures of abdul shokoor ezedi show him at king's cross station in london on wednesday night, a serious injury to the right side of his face clearly visible. ezedi is the main suspect in a violent attack. it left a 31—year—old woman and two young girls, aged just eight and three, with serious burns after alkaline was thrown at them. a clearer picture is emerging of ezedi's past. he arrived in this country from afghanistan, claimed asylum twice and was refused.

in 2018 he pleaded guilty to two offences, sexual assault and exposure. he was given a suspended sentence and put on the sex offenders register for ten years. but despite that, in 2020, after converting to christianity, his application for asylum was eventually granted. this police investigation is fast—moving and stretches across the country. officers will be scouring cctv, finding ezedi's friends and associates. but they have also made this direct appeal. abdul, you clearly have got some very significant injuries. we have seen the images. you need some medical help. so do the right thing, and hand yourself in. police have had dozens of calls from the public with possible sightings of the suspect, but more than two days after the horrifying attack in south london, abdul shokoor ezedi is still on the run. graham satchell, bbc news. live now to simonjones who is in central london.

outside new scotland yard. what are the police saying today? there outside new scotland yard. what are the police saying today?— the police saying today? there has been no breakthrough _ the police saying today? there has been no breakthrough overnight, l been no breakthrough overnight, which means this huge manhunt is now entering its third full day. involving the metropolitan police, northumbria police in the north—east of england and also the british transport police plus all police forces across the uk will no doubt have been told to be on the lookout. what we do know from the police, a much better picture of the movements, we know ezedi left newcastle where he was living, drove to, spotted at 6:30am, various other sightings in the vehicle. —— spotted

in tooting. got on the tube towards king's cross, last known sighting at king's cross, last known sighting at king's cross, last known sighting at king's cross underground station at 9pm, getting on the tube heading south of the capital. in terms of where we go from here, it will be frustrating for the police that as yet they have not managed to trace the man despite all the cameras right across london that there are, they will continue to scour cctv cameras for any further sightings and also are appealing for the public�*s help. they are saying be on the lookout for a man who will have suffered very serious injuries to one side of his face but if anyone sees him, they are being told to dial 999 immediately and not approach him. dial 999 immediately and not approach him-— dial 999 immediately and not approach him. simon adds new scotland yard _ approach him. simon adds new scotland yard in _ approach him. simon adds new scotland yard in central- approach him. simon adds new. scotland yard in central london, thank you. a team of scientists and engineers has landed in antarctica, to test a new drone

that will help experts forecast the impact of climate change. the device will enable researchers to access parts of the continent that were previously out of bounds due to the harsh weather conditions. our climate reporter, georgina rannard has more. scientists are fighting to understand how climate change is altering antarctica. decades ago, they travelled by foot. and paw. before taking to the air. but now, they need technology that works whatever the weather. this could be the answer — a new drone, tested not in antarctica but in eryri, also called snowdonia, where the wild weather of north wales put it through its paces. we have a 700 litres payload bay. is that in here? yeah, i can show you. it's kind of like opening a car boot. yeah, pretty much. most of the sensors are actually going to fitted in here. it increases safety because you don't have a pilot on board,

which means that you can bring this aircraft to more remote locations. it's been designed to basically withstand harsh environments and challenging conditions. i'll keep monitoring throughout the flight. the drone is autonomous and rebecca will oversee its flights from a computer at base in antarctica. researchers have used drones before but this one is bigger. it can travel up to 1000 kilometres in one trip and needs just a fraction of the fuel a traditional plane uses, so it's also better for the planet. joining rebecca will be scientist tom jordan. he's mapped antarctica before but now, he needs more data. he'll use radar on the drone draw a picture of what is under the ice sheets to help predict how fast they could melt. so, these spiky bits in the middle, this is actually a mountain range about the size of the european alps and, looking around, you can see other areas which look suspiciously smooth. actually, they're not smooth at all — these are gaps in our knowledge,

so gaps in the map. it'sjust that no—one has ever been there to make these measurements. before tom leaves for antarctica, we check in with the base. how's the weather like this season? has it been panning out 0k? for us, really, the weather is everything. we only fly when conditions are conducive to fly. in the winter, we see winds of 70 knots at times, so that's about 75 mph, on the station. the landscape you can see behind me, we'll certainly be flying over there. they'll be carrying out survey work and environmental measurements in that area, and wider afield also. this drone won't stop the ice melting but the knowledge it gives us will help us prepare for our planet's future. georgina rannard, bbc news. argentina's security minister says criminal proceedings will begin against protesters who vandalised public buildings and clashed with police after the approval of a package of free—market economic reforms.

the incidents happened outside congress in buenos aires on friday evening. the bill authorises the privatisation of most state—owned companies and slashes public spending. it will also allow presidentjavier milei to pass laws on several issues without the need of congressional approval. three people have been injured — one of them seriously — in a knife attack in paris. the incident happened this morning at around 8 o'clock local time in the gare de lyon railway station — one of the main stations in the french capital. police say a man has been arrested. this is the scene live at the station right now, two of the victims suffered light wounds it has been reported, the third seriously hurt but not in a life—threatening

condition, according to police, the suspected assailant�*s motive we understand was not immediately clear. former president donald trump's federal trial on charges that he sought to overturn the 2020 election results has been postponed. the trial was to start next month but will now be delayed indefinitely. the delay is due to an appeal by mr trump in which he claims to be immune from prosecution for official actions taken while he was the president. the case could be delayed for several months as the appeal process plays out. the american actor carl weathers has died aged 76. an imposing former nfl player, weathers became a hollywood star when he played apollo creed in the first four rocky films. he went on to appear opposite arnold schwarzenegger in predator, and had a memorable role in the golf comedy happy gilmore. stay with us here on bbc news.

backin back ina back in a few moments with plenty more on the day's top stories. hello. bit of sunshine for some of you today, but overall there will be plenty of cloud, too, especially tomorrow. and the overriding theme for the weekend is just how mulder for the weekend is just how mild it is for early february, but also a little bit on the blustery side, too. now, today so far have been a bit of a north—south split dividing line, has been this weather front, which wobbles a bit further northwards into the afternoon. south of it, still plenty of cloud, a few glimpses of sunshine towards east anglia, the southeast, but the cloud in the west thick enough to produce rain or drizzle over the hills and coast. itjust starts to edge back into parts of northern england and further north in england you'll stay with the sunshine sunny spells in scotland, northern ireland, a few showers in the north and west of scotland and temperatures still well above average for early february.

so it will be mild at cardiff, certainly as wales and scotland get their six nations campaign under way, but always the chance of some light rain or drizzle in that breeze. with cloudy conditions dominating into. tonight the cloud sits there in the south, but we'll start to see it increase across many western areas. briefly clear for eastern parts and temperatures will take an initial dip, but they will lift up later in the night, seven to around 11 degrees to start sunday for most. but notice a wetter start for scotland and northern ireland. indeed, quite a bit of rain to come here for some of you on sunday, especially through western scotland. the rain will ease off at times in northern ireland. further south you are. outbreaks of rain for northern england. much cloudier day here too, staying very cloudy further south with some spots of light, rain or drizzle. but many will be dry and a few breaks in the cloud possible. that's the sunshine and sunday where the cold is the areas orkney and shetland, sunshine and showers here. now as you go through sunday night and into monday area of low pressure starts to push close to the north of scotland and that will intensify the rainfall

across parts of the north and west highlands. it's here where we could see well over 100 millimetres of rainfall between sunday and the end of monday. so the risk of some flooding, hits cold air could produce sleet and snow in orkney and shetland. but from southern scotland southwards it's back to a case of misty, murky, drizzly conditions around western coast and hills. many though to the east of high ground will be dry. some breaks in the cloud, a bit of sunshine and still staying fairly mild. just two degrees, though, in lerwick. and that colder air is going to tussle it out with the milder air as we go through this week. but notice in all the capital cities forecast, the temperatures will drop rain at times, but things could turn a little bit wintry later in the week. see you soon.

this is bbc news, the headlines... the united states launches strikes on 85 targets in syria and iraq — against iran—linked militias. the strikes were in retaliation to a drone attack last week on a us military base injordan which killed three soldiers. northern ireland's devolved government returns today — sinn fein's michelle o'neill will make history becoming stormont�*s nationalist first minister. a hugely symbolic day here in northern ireland, politicians will be back to work.

three people have been injured in a knife attack in paris at gare de lyon railway station. police say a man has been arrested. the manhunt continues for a man suspected of a corrosive substance attack on a mother and her daughters in south london. and a team of british scientists and engineers lands in antarctica, to test a new drone that will help forecast the impact let's get more on our top story. president biden has warned that us strikes on targets in the middle east linked to iran will continue, after dozens of sites were attacked in iraq and syria. but mr biden said the united states was not seeking conflict. according to the pentagon, more than 85 targets were hit in retaliation for the killing of three us soldiers injordan on sunday by iranian—backed militia. live now to our middle east correspondent hugo bachega, who's in baghdad for us. what more do we know about the sites

that were targeted on the impact they have had?— that were targeted on the impact they have had? american officials are sa in: they have had? american officials are saying that — they have had? american officials are saying that the _ they have had? american officials are saying that the strikes - they have had? american officials are saying that the strikes were i are saying that the strikes were extremely successful. they say that all targets that had to be hit have been hit, and they say that the targets have been carefully selected, so that has been a very calibrated response because president biden has been walking a fine line here. he wants to give this a strong response that killed three us troops, but at the same time he doesn't want to escalate the situation even further, so the us military said include command and control bunkers being used by members of iran's revolutionary guards and also the militia supported by iran in iraq and syria. and again the president has said that he doesn't want to enter into a direct conflict with iran, but us

officials had been saying that this is just the beginning, officials had been saying that this isjust the beginning, that officials had been saying that this is just the beginning, that the strikes are going to continue, and more strikes are expected in the coming days. i think what is also interesting is that there was no surprise that this attack happened. american officials have been talking about this response, presumably part of a strategy to give these groups time to make preparations for these attacks, perhaps in an attempt to minimise casualties and to reduce tensions with iran. so i think the question here today is about how or if it round and all these groups here in iraq and syria are going to respond to those american strikes. there has been a reaction from the government in iraq, and they are quite angry about this, aren't they? i think there is no surprise here that there have been strong words from the iraqi government. we have

heard from a military spokesman who said these american strikes were in violation of iraqi sovereignty, and he said, this spokesman, that this could drag iraq into a situation that could have unpredictable consequences. there were also some strong words from the government in syria, a statement that said that this was a blatant aggression by the american military, and also some strong words for the iranians essentially saying that these attacks could escalate the situation even further in the region, so we are still waiting to see the extent of the damage caused by these attacks, and in syria state television reporting that soldiers were killed as a result of the attack. there have been reports of casualties here in iraq, but again it shows how difficult the situation

is, how delicate the position the president biden finds himself in right now as he continues with this response following the attack. find response following the attack. and what is the wide international response been to these retaliatory attacks? i response been to these retaliatory attacks? ~' ., , response been to these retaliatory attacks? ~' ., attacks? i think there was a statement _ attacks? i think there was a statement from _ attacks? i think there was a statement from the - attacks? i think there was a statement from the uk i attacks? i think there was a - statement from the uk government supporting this action has been taken by the americans, and again these attacks that have been carried out by these iranian militias need to stop. more than 160 attacks have been carried out recently targeting us bases in iraq and syria, and i think it is also interesting to note that iran supports not only these factions here in iraq and in syria, but also the houthis in yemen who have been targeting commercial vessels in the red sea, and also hezbollah in lebanon. there have

been fears that the situation along the lebanon syria border could escalate into a major confrontation between hezbollah and israel. and at the centre of all of this is obviously the israeli military offensive against hamas in gaza. these groups are saying that these attacks are going to continue unless there is a ceasefire in gaza, intense negotiations for a deal happening right now in the hope is that a kind of pause in hostilities in gaza could help reduce the situation, the tensions across the region. hugo in baghdad, thank you. let's return to events in stormont now. two years to the day since devolution collapsed following a boycott over post—brexit trade rules, power—sharing will return

to northern ireland today. sinn fein's vice—president will be nominated as first minister — meaning the post will be held by an irish nationalist, for the first time. lewis vaughan jones is lewis vaughanjones is stormont for us. yes, hugely significant day, his symbolic day as you mention there, sinn fein taking up that post of first ministerfor the sinn fein taking up that post of first minister for the first time, a first—time nationalist taking up that post, so symbolism will be huge. significance huge, because aftertwo huge. significance huge, because after two years of power—sharing simply not functioning, it will be back as of today. let me just quickly show you around. this is stormont, this is the building where it will all be happening, politicians away for a couple of years, they will be back this afternoon at one o'clock local time. what else have we got? lots of broadcasters are starting to arrive here. this is belfast away in the distance there, and there are crowds of people, they are doing a park run, they are not here for the events. it will be busier later when the official events do kick off, but

they are there running their five k. public policy expert who will we will be speaking to in a moment will tell us everything that we need to know exactly about the task the politicians have in front of them now after two years away to try and get things up and running again for the people of northern ireland. but let's first concentrate on stormont and what is going to be happening inside today and the significance of it. our ireland correspondent chris page is here. a significant day? hugely significant day for a number of reasons, — hugely significant day for a number of reasons, it is two years to the day since — of reasons, it is two years to the day since the devolved government known _ day since the devolved government known as _ day since the devolved government known as the stormont executive in effect _ known as the stormont executive in effect collapsed, so that has had a bil effect collapsed, so that has had a big impact— effect collapsed, so that has had a big impact on people here in terms of the _ big impact on people here in terms of the way— big impact on people here in terms of the way public services are run, uncertainty — of the way public services are run, uncertainty around economic development. they will be a huge to-do _ development. they will be a huge to-do list — development. they will be a huge to—do list at a huge list of demands, calls will be made by people — demands, calls will be made by people here once their politicians are back— people here once their politicians are back in — people here once their politicians

are back in office again. also by my reckoning _ are back in office again. also by my reckoning in — are back in office again. also by my reckoning in the 103 years that northern— reckoning in the 103 years that northern ireland has existed, there have been— northern ireland has existed, there have been 11 prime ministers or first _ have been 11 prime ministers or first minister is later on in the devolved — first minister is later on in the devolved government in belfast, and all 11 devolved government in belfast, and all it of— devolved government in belfast, and all 11 of those leaders have been unionists — all 11 of those leaders have been unionists. this is the first time a nationalist — unionists. this is the first time a nationalist will be first minister, michelle — nationalist will be first minister, michelle only o'neill is the first nationalist, and unionists still outnumber nationalist in the chamber, but the fact that michelle 0weill— chamber, but the fact that michelle o'neill leads that what is in effect the largest party means that she will now— the largest party means that she will now be the first minister. and tell us a little _ will now be the first minister. situc tell us a little bit about her. will now be the first minister. and tell us a little bit about her. she i tell us a little bit about her. she is the vice _ tell us a little bit about her. she is the vice president of sinn fein, very unusual in that it is a party that— very unusual in that it is a party that operates in two different countries. it is also the second largest— countries. it is also the second largest party in the irish parliament in dublin, so it is led efficiently — parliament in dublin, so it is led efficiently by —— officially by marylou _ efficiently by —— officially by marylou mcdonald, and michelle

0weill— marylou mcdonald, and michelle o'neill now set to leave the devolved government in belfast,, she came from _ devolved government in belfast,, she came from a — devolved government in belfast,, she came from a family steeped in republicanism and politics, got involved — republicanism and politics, got involved in politics early as a local— involved in politics early as a local councillor near the town of dungannon right in the centre of northern— dungannon right in the centre of northern ireland. she became a member— northern ireland. she became a member of the stormont assembly in 2007. _ member of the stormont assembly in 2007, became the minister for agriculture and then the minister of health. _ agriculture and then the minister of health. a _ agriculture and then the minister of health, a very difficult portfolio in ellie — health, a very difficult portfolio in ellie parliament. then she was deputy— in ellie parliament. then she was deputy first minister when we had the assembly between 2020 and 2022 through _ the assembly between 2020 and 2022 through the covid pandemic. let�*s through the covid pandemic. let's talk about that _ through the covid pandemic. let's talk about that post _ through the covid pandemic. let's talk about that post of _ through the covid pandemic. let�*s talk about that post of deputy first minister. what is going to happen? the money is on emma little pengelly. _

the money is on emma little pengelly, she is a member of the westminster parliament for a couple of years. _ westminster parliament for a couple of years, and other names connected with the _ of years, and other names connected with the role — of years, and other names connected with the role may be gordon lyons, another— with the role may be gordon lyons, another senior member of the dp, very close — another senior member of the dp, very close to the party leader said jeffrey— very close to the party leader said jeffrey donaldson, and it is important to say that legally the deputy — important to say that legally the deputy first minister has equal status, — deputy first minister has equal status, equal powers. one can't make the decision— status, equal powers. one can't make the decision without the say—so of the decision without the say—so of the other, — the decision without the say—so of the other, so the dup for example will say— the other, so the dup for example will say that this is a joint office. _ will say that this is a joint office, but there is no doubt that in northern ireland, titles and symbolism do matter, so the fact that we _ symbolism do matter, so the fact that we have got one leader of the government called the first minister and the _ government called the first minister and the other called the deputy first minister, that will count for a lot, _ first minister, that will count for a lot, and — first minister, that will count for a lot, and michelle o'neill will be the first — a lot, and michelle o'neill will be the first minister.— a lot, and michelle o'neill will be the first minister. thank you very much for that, _ the first minister. thank you very much for that, chris, _ the first minister. thank you very much for that, chris, appreciate l the first minister. thank you very. much for that, chris, appreciate it. things kicking off here about one o'clock, and the first order of business will be to elect a speaker, nothing can happen until that happens, and after that we will get the nominations in the pledges and the nominations in the pledges and the speeches from the first minister and the deputy, as chris was just talking about. we are going to concentrate now on what all this

means the people who live across there, belfast and the rest of northern ireland, because without those politicians spending the money, making the big decisions over the last two years, it means there is a lot to do. we can speak now as i mentioned earlier to and anne watt, the in tray will be pretty significant. what are the big issues that will have to be tackled? the thing northern ireland needs most is a sustained _ thing northern ireland needs most is a sustained period of stable government. we have had five out of the last— government. we have had five out of the last seven years without the executive — the last seven years without the executive and the assembly in place, and that— executive and the assembly in place, and that has had impacts on public services _ and that has had impacts on public services and on what people experience in their day—to—day lives in terms _ experience in their day—to—day lives in terms of — experience in their day—to—day lives in terms of health waiting lists, schools — in terms of health waiting lists, schools budgets, special educational needs. _ schools budgets, special educational needs, the lack of a childcare strategy _ needs, the lack of a childcare strategy. there is a huge list to -et strategy. there is a huge list to get on — strategy. there is a huge list to get on top _ strategy. there is a huge list to get on top of those things, you need stability— get on top of those things, you need stability in _ get on top of those things, you need stability in government, stability underpinning good government, and so politicians _

underpinning good government, and so politicians need to come back and commit _ politicians need to come back and commit to— politicians need to come back and commit to making these institutions work _ commit to making these institutions work tofe— commit to making these institutions work. ~ ., ., work. we will get into the detail, and health _ work. we will get into the detail, and health is _ work. we will get into the detail, and health is a _ work. we will get into the detail, and health is a particular - work. we will get into the detail, and health is a particular concern for many people, butjust before we do, because most people expect that the politicians are in, they are doing theirjobs and they make the decisions. what actually happens when that isn't happening? it is run by civil servants, is that right? for most of the last two years, civil— for most of the last two years, civil servants have been in charge but with _ civil servants have been in charge but with very limited powers, so they haven't been able to make any decisions _ they haven't been able to make any decisions that would normally go to a minister. — decisions that would normally go to a minister, so you can see how that means— a minister, so you can see how that means very— a minister, so you can see how that means very limited decisions about important — means very limited decisions about important issues, and things being left to— important issues, and things being left to deteriorate. legislation are not going — left to deteriorate. legislation are not going through. so really a situation _ not going through. so really a situation of stagnation in decision—making and all the impacts that has— decision—making and all the impacts that has on— decision—making and all the impacts that has on public services. 30 decision-making and all the impacts that has on public services.- that has on public services. so when the ministries _ that has on public services. so when the ministries are _ that has on public services. so when the ministries are handed _ that has on public services. so when the ministries are handed out i that has on public services. so when the ministries are handed out or i the ministries are handed out or appointed this afternoon, those first briefings with civil servants are going to be pretty extraordinary, aren't they, just the list and detail of things that need

to be done. let's focus on health, because that is one particular area, why that is such a difficult area here. the biggest issue in health andindeed here. the biggest issue in health and indeed across different public services is the pay disputes in the current industrial action, so the biggest priority is to settle those pay disputes, to address the recruitment and retention issues across the workforce, to plan better for the future, and then the other massive issue is access to health services for the public. we have waiting lists here which are really off the scale compared to the rest off the scale compared to the rest of the uk and ireland. we have problems with 24—hour waiting times in emergency departments, people not being able to get access to their gps, not being able to get social care packages, so those are some of the many things on the health to—do list, but it is very difficult, and given the amount of money available, politicians are going to have to take some tough choices. find politicians are going to have to take some tough choices. and on the mone in take some tough choices. and on the money in the — take some tough choices. and on the money in the budgets _ take some tough choices. and on the money in the budgets that _ take some tough choices. and on the money in the budgets that need i take some tough choices. and on the money in the budgets that need to i take some tough choices. and on the| money in the budgets that need to be

set, money in the budgets that need to be set. public— money in the budgets that need to be set, public sector across the board has been _ set, public sector across the board has been a — set, public sector across the board has been a big issue.— set, public sector across the board has been a big issue. yes, so there was a huge — has been a big issue. yes, so there was a huge strike _ has been a big issue. yes, so there was a huge strike just _ has been a big issue. yes, so there was a huge strike just over- has been a big issue. yes, so there was a huge strike just over two i was a huge strike just over two weeks ago, teachers, nurses, classroom assistants, transport workers, that is an enormous issue. there has been funding provided by the uk government and the financial package to settle those pay disputes, but there is a? over whether that is going to be sufficient. obviously politicians have that right at the top of the list but they may find that they are already struggling to find the budget to cover it. thank you very much for that, ann watt, and thank you for braving the chilly sunshine here. the formalities inside stormont kicking off at one o'clock this afternoon local time. 0k, lewis, thank you. we will see you a little bit later. wa nt to want to bring you some breaking news now, and this is a reaction to the us launching its air strikes overnight on 85 targets in syria and

iraq in response to last sunday's drone attacks on us military bases, us military base injordan that killed three soldiers. we have had some reaction from the iraqi prime minister saying the us led ministry coalition threaten security and stability in iraq, that is being reported on the reuters news agency. 16 people including civilians were killed in the air strikes, 25 wounded in what they are saying is a us aggression against iraq's sovereignty. they also say that they do not get any warning, and they were not consulted about the strikes. we will continue to bring more reaction from the middle east to the serious action. president biden said that there will be more attacks. let'sjust president biden said that there will be more attacks. let's just take a step back and look at the tense

situation in the region, particularly in iran. although iran has denied any direct involvement in that drone attack, we know there are a number of pro—iranians malicious based in iraq, syria, lebanon, the palestinian territories and as far south as yemen. all a opposed is well under united states. the bbc�*s analysis editor ros take a closer look now at what we know about the alliance is the so—called axis of resistance. as the crisis in the middle east escalates, there's one country the us references all the time. we do not want this war to widen. but if iran or its proxies attack us personnel anywhere, make no mistake — we will defend our people, we will defend our security, swiftly and decisively. last weekend, three us soldiers were killed in a drone attack. the location was northeastern jordan. the target was a us military

base called tower 22. the group claiming responsibility is the islamic resistance in iraq. but the us is clear on where blame really lies. our teams here are continuing to do the analysis, but we know that iran is behind it, and certainly as we've said before here in this in this briefing room, iran continues to arm and equip these groups to launch these attacks. iran calls these claims "baseless accusations". but iran does have a network of allies across the region. it has a name for it, the axis of resistance — united, it says, in its opposition to israel and the us. this axis includes the group behind the tower 22 attack. iran has taken advantage, frankly, of the current moment of conflict to do what iran has been doing for many, many years, which is to disrupt, to target the us and partners in a variety of ways, mostly through the efforts of its proxy militias. and since hamas's attack on october 7th and israel's response to it, this disruption has taken many forms.

for example, houthi rebels in yemen have repeatedly attacked shipping in the red sea. the us says there have been over 160 attacks by militia on its military positions in iraq and syria. but how does this network of allies work, how close is their relationship with iran, and what is iran trying to achieve? if we go back to 1979, there was an uprising in iran against the monarchy — iran became an islamic republic. ever since, it's sought to spread its influence in the region. in recent years, that's involved support for the assad regime in syria, where iranian forces have been deployed, support for large militant groups such as hezbollah in lebanon and the houthis in yemen, and support for smaller groups, including in iraq. we have a whole range of iraqi shia militias, which have been formed in lots of different ways and have very different connections with iran.

and, in fact, they're in an umbrella movement that has non—shia militias included as well, so it's very complicated to navigate the types of links within that part of the axis of resistance. and iran's support for its network comes in several forms. first, money. in 2020, the us estimated that iran gave hezbollah $700 million a year, as well as $100 million a year to palestinian groups including hamas, and it estimates the houthis have received hundreds of millions of dollars too. iran doesn't acknowledge this funding. but as well as money, iran is supplying weapons too. recently, two us military personnel died in an operation to intercept a boat in the red sea. the us released this image. it says the boat was transporting iranian—made weapons to the houthis. or there's hezbollah. one estimate put his arsenal at 130,000 rockets and missiles. it's believed many of them come from iran. and if iran is supplying money

and weapons, is it also coordinating the actions of its allies? after october seventh, the us acknowledged, "we have not yet seen evidence that iran directed or was behind this particular attack." more broadly, iran's allies appear to operate with a significant degree of independence. but that needs placing in context. iran does not necessarily exert day—to—day operational control over each and every one of its proxies. but that being said, when you provide strategic direction, when you provide significant materiel, and you provide significant training, you cannot avoid culpability. and given this level of support from iran, inevitably, many are asking, what does it want? well, to understand this, we again need to look at iran's history — not least the iran—iraq war of the 1980s, which began when iraq invaded.

iran doesn't necessarily see itself as an aggressive actor. it sees itself as deeply vulnerable. in particular, memories of the iran—iraq war, when it was very vulnerable to iraqi missiles and many people died, are absolutely key in iran's political conception of where it sits in the region. so its whole policy is built on never again allowing itself to be encircled or isolated. and to meet that goal, the axis of resistance is crucial. it is not looking for a massive escalation and a war outright with the us or israel. what it's interested in, however, is maintaining the kind of equilibrium and violence groups that it has across the region. in a statement this week, iran's revolutionary guard said, "we do not seek war, but we are not afraid of war." iran's motivations and ambitions are a fiercely contested subject.

but as the us calibrates its response to the tower 22 attack, there's no debate that the axis of resistance is crucial to iran's efforts to position itself in the region and to challenge israel and america. ros atkins there. it is one of the most anticipated films of the year. poor thing is about a woman in discovery. this is bella. a sexually charged coming—of—age of fairy tale that riffs on frankenstein. poor thing sees emma stone as bella baxter, a woman brought back from the dead using the brain of a baby. sounds fantastical? it is. i using the brain of a baby. sounds fantastical? it is.— fantastical? it is. i am bella baxter. fantastical? it is. i am bella itaxter- so _ fantastical? it is. i am bella baxter. so how _ fantastical? it is. i am bella baxter. so how are - fantastical? it is. i am bella baxter. so how are its i fantastical? it is. i am bella baxter. so how are its star| fantastical? it is. i am bella i baxter. so how are its star and director feeling _ baxter. so how are its star and director feeling about - baxter. so how are its star and director feeling about their i director feeling about their nominations? i director feeling about their nominations?— director feeling about their nominations? , ~ , nominations? i 'ust feel like it is a aood nominations? i 'ust feel like it is a good review—

nominations? ijust feel like it is a good review to _ nominations? ijust feel like it is a good review to answer. - nominations? ijust feel like it is a good review to answer. it i nominations? ijust feel like it is a good review to answer. it is i nominations? i just feel like it is i a good review to answer. it is great for the film — a good review to answer. it is great for the film because _ a good review to answer. it is great for the film because it _ a good review to answer. it is great for the film because it gets - for the film because it gets noticed, _ for the film because it gets noticed, it gets seen more. so what is not _ noticed, it gets seen more. so what is not to— noticed, it gets seen more. so what is not to like — noticed, it gets seen more. so what is not to like about that?— is not to like about that? when i heard about _ is not to like about that? when i heard about poor _ is not to like about that? when i heard about poor thing, - is not to like about that? when i heard about poor thing, i i is not to like about that? when i heard about poor thing, ijust i is not to like about that? when i l heard about poor thing, ijust fell in love. heard about poor thing, i 'ust fell in love. ., ., ., ., ., ., in love. you said what would a woman be if she were — in love. you said what would a woman be if she were to _ in love. you said what would a woman be if she were to start _ in love. you said what would a woman be if she were to start from _ be if she were to start from scratch?— be if she were to start from scratch? ,, , ., ., , , scratch? she is evolving so rapidly and takin: scratch? she is evolving so rapidly and taking in _ scratch? she is evolving so rapidly and taking in all— scratch? she is evolving so rapidly and taking in all these _ scratch? she is evolving so rapidly. and taking in all these experiences, and taking in all these experiences, and it is completely on her own terms. ., ., , , and it is completely on her own terms. ., , , and it is completely on her own terms. ., ., , , terms. for many, poor things is a satirical masterpiece. _ terms. for many, poor things is a satirical masterpiece. why - terms. for many, poor things is a satirical masterpiece. why do i terms. for many, poor things is a i satirical masterpiece. why do people not do this all— satirical masterpiece. why do people not do this all the _ satirical masterpiece. why do people not do this all the time? _ satirical masterpiece. why do people not do this all the time? but - satirical masterpiece. why do people not do this all the time? but it i satirical masterpiece. why do people not do this all the time? but it has i not do this all the time? but it has offended others. _ not do this all the time? but it has offended others. a _ not do this all the time? but it has offended others. a lot _ not do this all the time? but it has offended others. a lot of— not do this all the time? but it has offended others. a lot of it - not do this all the time? but it has offended others. a lot of it seems | offended others. a lot of it seems to be being _ offended others. a lot of it seems to be being discussed _ offended others. a lot of it seems to be being discussed as - offended others. a lot of it seems to be being discussed as if- offended others. a lot of it seems to be being discussed as if it i offended others. a lot of it seems to be being discussed as if it is i to be being discussed as if it is pornographic titillation. does that bother you? pornographic titillation. does that bother ou? , ., , does that bother you? everyone is auoin to does that bother you? everyone is going to have _ does that bother you? everyone is going to have a — does that bother you? everyone is going to have a different - does that bother you? everyone is going to have a different reaction, j going to have a different reaction, but one thing is i love about this film as it opens up more questions than gives answers.—

film as it opens up more questions than gives answers. there is a very honest depiction _ than gives answers. there is a very honest depiction of _ than gives answers. there is a very honest depiction of the _ than gives answers. there is a very honest depiction of the male i than gives answers. there is a very| honest depiction of the male aspect of it and _ honest depiction of the male aspect of it and how they are trying to control— of it and how they are trying to control her and how they try to control — control her and how they try to control the world around her. this is a metaphor- — control the world around her. this is a metaphor. this _ control the world around her. try 3 is a metaphor. this can't actually happen. so it is more of an idea. it is tough when it's taken literally. emma, who also produced the movie, has a good chance of another oscar, and. ithinkfour and. i think four out of the ten nominees were produced or directed by women, and beckley the most successful film of this year, barbie, was written, directed and produced by women. find directed and produced by women. and she doesn't make it into the best director list. i she doesn't make it into the best director list-— director list. i know, and that is insane. director list. i know, and that is insane- the _ director list. i know, and that is insane. the male-dominated i director list. i know, and that is i insane. the male-dominated industry is changing. — insane. the male-dominated industry is changing. but _ insane. the male-dominated industry is changing, but not _ insane. the male-dominated industry is changing, but not fast _ insane. the male-dominated industry is changing, but not fast enough i insane. the male-dominated industry is changing, but not fast enough for i is changing, but not fast enough for many women in movie business.

that's it from me for the moment. stay with us here on bbc news. hello. bit of sunshine for some of you today, but overall there will be plenty of cloud, too, especially tomorrow. and the overriding theme for the weekend is just how mild it is for early february, but also a little bit on the blustery side, too. now, today so far have been a bit of a north—south split. dividing line has been this weather front, which wobbles a bit further northwards into the afternoon. south of it, still plenty of cloud, a few glimpses of sunshine towards east anglia, the southeast, but the cloud in the west thick enough to produce rain or drizzle over the hills and coast. itjust starts to edge back into parts of northern england, and further north in england you'll stay with the sunshine sunny spells in scotland, northern ireland, a few showers in the north and west

of scotland and temperatures still well above average for early february. so it will be mild at cardiff certainly as wales and scotland get their six nations campaign under way, but always the chance of some light rain or drizzle in that breeze. with cloudy conditions dominating. into tonight, the cloud sits there in the south, but we'll start to see it increase across many western areas. briefly clear for eastern parts and temperatures will take an initial dip, but they will lift up later in the night, seven to around 11 degrees to start sunday for most. but notice a wetter start for scotland and northern ireland. indeed, quite a bit of rain to come here for some of you on sunday, especially through western scotland. the rain will ease off at times in northern ireland. further south you are. outbreaks of rain for northern england. much cloudier day here too. staying very cloudy further south with some spots of light, rain or drizzle. but many will be dry and a few breaks in the cloud possible. best of the sunshine and sunday where the cold is the areas orkney and shetland, sunshine and showers here. now as you go through sunday night and into monday area of low pressure starts to push close to the north of scotland and that will intensify the rainfall across parts

of the north and west highlands. it's here where we could see well over 100 millimetres of rainfall between sunday and the end of monday. so the risk of some flooding. hits cold air, could produce sleet and snow in orkney and shetland. but from southern scotland southwards it's back to a case of misty, murky, drizzly conditions around western coast and hills. many though to the east of high ground will be dry. some breaks in the cloud, a bit of sunshine and still staying fairly mild. just two degrees, though, in lerwick. and that colder air is going to tussle it out with the milder air as we go through this week. but notice in all the capital cities forecast, the temperatures will drop rain at times, but things could turn a little bit wintry later in the week. see you soon.

live from london. this is bbc news. the united states launches strikes on 85 targets in syria and iraq against iran—linked militias. iraq says 16 people were killed, including civilians. the strikes were in retaliation to a drone attack last week on a us military base injordan which killed three soldiers. the devolved government of northern ireland returns today after two years of collapse — sinn fein's michelle o'neill will become stormont�*s nationalist first minister. a hugely symbolic and significant day here in stormont, all the details. the search continues for a man suspected of a corrosive

substance attack on a mother and her daughters in south london. hello, i'm samantha simmonds. the iraqi pro—minister says civilians were among 16 people killed on friday's attacks in the united states on pro—iranian militants in iraq. the strikes on syria and iraq were in response to a us drone attack on a us military base —— in response to a drone attack which killed three soldiers attack which killed three soldiers at a us military base. three facilities were hit in iraq, four in syria. the air strikes were against the islamic revolutionary guard quds force and military groups. will vernon has the latest.