that will help forecast the impact of climate change. more new on our top story this more now on our top story this hour. the iraqi prime minister says civilians were among 16 people killed in friday's attacks by the united states on pro—iranian militants in iraq. the us strikes in syria and iraq were in response to a drone attack last weekend, on a us military base that killed three soldiers. a statement from iraq's prime minister denied that the attacks had been coordinated with the iraqi government describing such a suggestion as �*lies�*. it said the us—led military coalition threatened security and stability in iraq. reports from syria say there were a number of casualties. hugo checa has this update on the reaction in the middle east to the strikes. l115 reaction in the middle east to the strikes. ,, y . ., , reaction in the middle east to the strikes. ,, . ., , strikes. us officials say the strikes. us officials say the strikes have _ strikes. us officials say the strikes have been - strikes. us officials say the l strikes have been extremely successful, and they say that the targets have been carefully

selected, and i think this shows that this has been a very calibrated response by the americans. they say that the locations hit included command and control centres, weapons facilities, bunkers used by iran's revolution regard and also by members of the militia supported by iran and iraq and syria. there has been strong reaction from iraq, a military spokesman said this was a violation of the country's sovereignty. in syria, a military statement said this was a blatant aggression by the us military. now president biden is walking a fine line here. he wants to give a strong response to what happened on sunday in jordan, response to what happened on sunday injordan, but at the same time he doesn't want to escalate the situation in the region even further, and four days, american officials have been indicating that this response was going to happen, perhaps trying to minimise casualties and reduce tensions with

iran. president biden has repeated that he is not interested in a conflict with iran, but at the same time, american officials are saying that the strikes are just the beginning, and that more strikes are going to come in the coming days. iran has also said it doesn't want to direct conflict with the united states, but i think the question todayis states, but i think the question today is about how or if iran is going to respond. live now to to nafiseh kohnavard from bbc persian. in the past half an hour, we have had a reaction from the iraqi government and from iran as well. bring us up—to—date. government and from iran as well. bring us up-to-date._ government and from iran as well. bring us up-to-date. there had been reactions from _ bring us up-to-date. there had been reactions from the _ bring us up-to-date. there had been reactions from the iraqi _ bring us up-to-date. there had been reactions from the iraqi government | reactions from the iraqi government and iran itself. iran has condemned the attack and what they say are iraqi and syrian territory, and

undermining their sovereignty. but the most important reaction i believe happened from the iraqi government side. first of all they denied that america had given them warning ahead of the attack, and also the way that they have put their statement out, it shows that they are angry with the scale of the attack that happened on iraqi soil. they have confirmed that around 16 people have been killed, including probably some civilians, but mainly militia fighters, and what they mentioned in the statement is that the presence of the international us led coalition here has turned to something that is away from what

they had a mandate for, and now is jeopardising iraqi security and putting iraq in a difficult situation. i heard from a higher advisorfor situation. i heard from a higher advisor for the situation. i heard from a higher advisorfor the iraqi prime minister that he told me that they send a lot of messages to washington, this time not to attack iraq because this is exactly what the iraqi government was worried about, having casualties in iraqi soilfrom iraqi fighters, which the iraqi government believed at least can just intensify these attacks on us bases in iraq and syria from iraq, and it will put baghdad once again between iran and the us in a very difficult position.

and nafiseh, when it comes to iran, not surprisingly there have been critical, strongly condemning the attacks, saying that these are a violation of the sovereignty and territory of both countries. experts saying that this is a mistake by the united states that will only result in increased tension and instability in increased tension and instability in the region, and i guess now we wait to see whether or not they reacted retaliate in anyway. what are your thoughts and expectations of what we could get from iran? it is highly unlikely that iranians will respond to something that hasn't happened to them directly. before this attack, tehran was thinking maybe washington was looking to attack some areas inside of iran, and the commander came here

to baghdad right after the attack on the us base injordan to deliver this message that first of all as they say, iran was not behind this attack and didn't have any knowledge about this attack, and also sent some messages to baghdad and washington that any attack on iranian soil will have massive consequences, so the attack hadn't happened against iran directly itself, and they also denied that these positions had been bombed and belong to iran's revolutionary guard group, and they say that basically we have nothing to do with it, but they condemned the attack on their neighbourhood. nafiseh kohnavard, neighbourhood. nafiseh kohnava rd, thank neighbourhood. nafiseh kohnavard, thank you for updating us from baghdad. the hamas run health ministry has announced updated figures of those killed or

injured in gaza since october the 7th. at least 27,238 palestinians have been killed — and 66,452 others injured — in israeli strikes on the enclave. the death toll has increased by 107 in the past 2a hours — with a further 165 injured. more than 800 serving officials in the us and europe have signed a statement warning that their own governments' policies on the israel—gaza war could amount to "grave violations of international law". the "transatlantic statement", a copy of which was passed to the bbc, says their administrations risk being complicit in "one of the worst human catastrophes of this century" but that their expert advice has been sidelined. joe inwood takes a look at the growing signs of dissent within the governments of some of israel's key western allies. the world has grown used to seeing protests over what's

taking place in gaza, but not one like this. a letter signed by more than 800 western officials calling on their governments to stop their support for israel's war. it claims... "there is a plausible risk that our government's policies are contributing to grave violations of international humanitarian law. "war crimes and even ethnic cleansing or genocide." it was signed by civil servants from the us, eu and 11 european countries. we don't know who or how senior they are, but it's understood nearly half have been in government for at least a decade. josh paul has sympathy with their position. he quit his job at the state department in protest over us arms transfers to israel. i think what you see today, however, is also just a massive expression of frustration, an expression from experts, really with deep expertise across europe and america who feel that their voices are not being heard, that there are political and ideological decisions that are being made that

are not in the interest of the people who they serve, and which are not either morally sound or sound in terms of the policy that they promote and the impact that it has on the security of europe and america. israel insists it's fighting a genocidal enemy and operates within international law. others say this letter is civil service activism and damaging to democracy. political decisions are made by political leaders who are elected by the people, and civil servants are there to carry out the instructions of those political leaders. so if we get into a world where it's done by vote or where individuals in cabinet agencies get to get to overrule decisions made by their bosses, we're in for a world of trouble. now, while official policy in whitehall is supportive of israel, there is a growing sense of unease about their conduct in this war. i've just spoken to a very senior british official who says had they known about this letter, they would have signed it.

the concerns aren'tjust around israel's current conduct, but about its future plans or lack of them. specifically over the issue of the two—state solution. this week, the foreign secretary, lord cameron, said that britain could bring forward the recognition of a palestinian state as part of negotiations rather than as a reward for their conclusion. what we need to do is give the palestinian people a horizon towards a better future, the future of having a state of their own. because i think that is absolutely vital for the long—term peace and security of the region. compare that to what you hear from prime minister netanyahu of israel. translation: in any future arrangement, l settlement or no settlement. israel needs security control over all territory west of the jordan. this is a necessary condition. and if it collides with the idea of sovereignty, what can you do? and so if a way forward is to be

found, diplomats from all sides will have to walk a careful path. it's about sequencing. first, the war is over. ceasefire. hostage release. prisoner exchange. looking into governance in gaza, i starting early into negotiation over a two—state solution, - but also change of leadership, by the way, not only in israel- but also among the palestinians. any negotiation, any deal will take place under the shadow of this destruction. more than 27,000 palestinians killed, over 100 israelis still held hostage by hamas. the us secretary of state returns to the region this weekend. finding peace in the present is hard enough. securing it for the future, a greater challenge still. joe inwood, bbc news. let's return to developments in

stormont, where power—sharing will return after two years. 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 at stormont. lewis? thank ou ve jones is at stormont. lewis? thank you very much- _ jones is at stormont. lewis? thank you very much. welcome _ jones is at stormont. lewis? thank you very much. welcome to - jones is at stormont. lewis? thank i you very much. welcome to stormont. we are inside now, we have been outside all morning, but as we get closer to the start of these symbolic, significant proceedings at around one o'clock a local time, we have come inside. we are now inside the great hall, i will very quickly show you around. we have the waiting media there as you can imagine, those steps may be familiar and we are expecting politicians to come down there and potentially speak to us, and they will head through those double doors there over to the left into the chamber as things get under way at one o'clock. with me to talk through exactly what is going to happen, crack team of political analysts. we have got claire rice, brian rowe, thank you both very much for being with us. talk us through

at a very basic, simple level, wires today such a significant and symbolic day? b, today such a significant and symbolic day?— today such a significant and symbolic day? today such a significant and s mbolic da ? �* ., , ., symbolic day? a few reasons for that. symbolic day? a few reasons for that- first _ symbolic day? a few reasons for that. first of — symbolic day? a few reasons for that. first of all _ symbolic day? a few reasons for that. first of all we _ symbolic day? a few reasons for that. first of all we are - symbolic day? a few reasons for that. first of all we are in - symbolic day? a few reasons for that. first of all we are in a - that. first of all we are in a position— that. first of all we are in a position now where we can finally elect _ position now where we can finally elect a _ position now where we can finally elect a first minister for northern ireland, _ elect a first minister for northern ireland, and that for the first time is going _ ireland, and that for the first time is going to — ireland, and that for the first time is going to be a nationalist in the form _ is going to be a nationalist in the form of— is going to be a nationalist in the form of michelle o'neill from sinn fein, _ form of michelle o'neill from sinn fein, so_ form of michelle o'neill from sinn fein, so it — form of michelle o'neill from sinn fein, so it is a deeply symbolic day, _ fein, so it is a deeply symbolic day, but — fein, so it is a deeply symbolic day, but that is her designation, and it_ day, but that is her designation, and it is— day, but that is her designation, and it is the first time that has happened _ and it is the first time that has happened here. it is also significant day because it is pretty much _ significant day because it is pretty much to— significant day because it is pretty much to the day two years since the institution _ much to the day two years since the institution collapsed in response effectively to brexit, a lot of brexit — effectively to brexit, a lot of brexit deep—seated issues. all eyes now are _ brexit deep—seated issues. all eyes now are looking at what is going to come _ now are looking at what is going to come next. — now are looking at what is going to come next, and it is really starting a new_ come next, and it is really starting a new chapter of northern ireland's stow _ a new chapter of northern ireland's sto . ,, x' a new chapter of northern ireland's sto . ,, a , a new chapter of northern ireland's sto . ,, , ., ., ., story. sticking with this idea of a new chapter. _ story. sticking with this idea of a new chapter, we _ story. sticking with this idea of a new chapter, we might - story. sticking with this idea of a new chapter, we might not - story. sticking with this idea of a new chapter, we might not want| story. sticking with this idea of a - new chapter, we might not want any scepticism at the moment, but first of all the symbolism of what is about to happen. it is of all the symbolism of what is about to happen.—

about to happen. it is a hugely important _ about to happen. it is a hugely important day- _ about to happen. it is a hugely important day. as _ about to happen. it is a hugely important day. as clare - about to happen. it is a hugely - important day. as clare mentioned, the government— important day. as clare mentioned, the government has— important day. as clare mentioned, the government has been— important day. as clare mentioned, the government has been down- important day. as clare mentioned, the government has been down forl important day. as clare mentioned, i the government has been down for two years _ the government has been down for two years this_ the government has been down for two years this is— the government has been down for two years. this is the — the government has been down for two years. this is the day— the government has been down for two years. this is the day it _ the government has been down for two years. this is the day it comes- years. this is the day it comes back, — years. this is the day it comes back, you _ years. this is the day it comes back, you mention— years. this is the day it comes back, you mention the - years. this is the day it comes back, you mention the great. years. this is the day it comes- back, you mention the great hall, this is— back, you mention the great hall, this is the — back, you mention the great hall, this is the stormont _ back, you mention the great hall, this is the stormont theatre. - back, you mention the great hall, this is the stormont theatre. wel this is the stormont theatre. we have _ this is the stormont theatre. we have been— this is the stormont theatre. we have been here _ this is the stormont theatre. we have been here many— this is the stormont theatre. we have been here many times- this is the stormont theatre. we have been here many times andi this is the stormont theatre. we - have been here many times and this is the _ have been here many times and this is the ustrat— have been here many times and this is the usual build—up _ have been here many times and this is the usual build—up to _ have been here many times and this is the usual build—up to it, - have been here many times and this is the usual build—up to it, but - is the usual build—up to it, but today— is the usual build—up to it, but today we — is the usual build—up to it, but today we have _ is the usual build—up to it, but today we have a _ is the usual build—up to it, but today we have a first - is the usual build—up to it, but| today we have a first minister, deputy— today we have a first minister, deputy first _ today we have a first minister, deputy first minister, - today we have a first minister, deputy first minister, an - today we have a first minister, - deputy first minister, an executive, and that— deputy first minister, an executive, and that will— deputy first minister, an executive, and that will be _ deputy first minister, an executive, and that will be government - deputy first minister, an executive, and that will be government back. deputy first minister, an executive, and that will be government back in| and that will be government back in place _ and that will be government back in place and — and that will be government back in place. and that— and that will be government back in place. and that is— and that will be government back in place. and that is a _ and that will be government back in place. and that is a good _ and that will be government back in place. and that is a good day's- and that will be government back in| place. and that is a good day's work with more _ place. and that is a good day's work with more work— place. and that is a good day's work with more work to _ place. and that is a good day's work with more work to come. _ place. and that is a good day's work with more work to come. hie - place. and that is a good day's work with more work to come. hie l - place. and that is a good day's work with more work to come.— with more work to come. nie i will allow ou with more work to come. nie i will allow you your _ with more work to come. nie i will allow you your scepticism, - with more work to come. nie i will l allow you your scepticism, cynicism, however you would describe it. realism, i would describe it. for realism, iwould describe it. for ten of— realism, iwould describe it. for ten of 25— realism, iwould describe it. for ten of 25 years. _ realism, iwould describe it. for ten of 25 years, we _ realism, iwould describe it. for ten of 25 years, we haven't - realism, iwould describe it. for ten of 25 years, we haven't had. realism, iwould describe it. for. ten of 25 years, we haven't had that government — ten of 25 years, we haven't had that government for— ten of 25 years, we haven't had that government. for five _ ten of 25 years, we haven't had that government. for five of— ten of 25 years, we haven't had that government. for five of the - ten of 25 years, we haven't had that government. for five of the past- government. for five of the past seven— government. for five of the past seven years. _ government. for five of the past seven years. we _ government. for five of the past seven years, we haven't - government. for five of the past seven years, we haven't had - government. for five of the past seven years, we haven't had it. i government. for five of the past. seven years, we haven't had it. we have _ seven years, we haven't had it. we have had _ seven years, we haven't had it. we have had a — seven years, we haven't had it. we have had a negotiation— seven years, we haven't had it. we have had a negotiation that - seven years, we haven't had it. we have had a negotiation that has - seven years, we haven't had it. we| have had a negotiation that has run at a snails — have had a negotiation that has run at a snails pace _ have had a negotiation that has run at a snails pace for— have had a negotiation that has run at a snails pace for two _ have had a negotiation that has run at a snails pace for two years, - have had a negotiation that has run at a snails pace for two years, andl at a snails pace for two years, and then— at a snails pace for two years, and then the _ at a snails pace for two years, and then the usain— at a snails pace for two years, and then the usain bolt _ at a snails pace for two years, and then the usain bolt sprint - at a snails pace for two years, and then the usain bolt sprint that - at a snails pace for two years, andj then the usain bolt sprint that has taken _ then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us _ then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us over— then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us over the _ then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us over the line _ then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us over the line to— then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us over the line to the - then the usain bolt sprint that has taken us over the line to the point| taken us over the line to the point today— taken us over the line to the point today where — taken us over the line to the point today where sinn _ taken us over the line to the point today where sinn fein _ taken us over the line to the point today where sinn fein and - taken us over the line to the point today where sinn fein and the - taken us over the line to the pointi today where sinn fein and the dup will lead _ today where sinn fein and the dup will lead the — today where sinn fein and the dup will lead the government _ today where sinn fein and the dup will lead the government again. i today where sinn fein and the dupl will lead the government again. but ithink— will lead the government again. but i think the _ will lead the government again. but i think the big — will lead the government again. but i think the big challenge _ will lead the government again. but i think the big challenge to - will lead the government again. but i think the big challenge to be - will lead the government again. but i think the big challenge to be on i i think the big challenge to be on today, _ i think the big challenge to be on today. beyond _ i think the big challenge to be on today, beyond getting _ i think the big challenge to be on today, beyond getting it- i think the big challenge to be on today, beyond getting it back- i think the big challenge to be on today, beyond getting it back up| today, beyond getting it back up again. _ today, beyond getting it back up again. is— today, beyond getting it back up again. is how— today, beyond getting it back up again, is how do _ today, beyond getting it back up again, is how do you _ today, beyond getting it back up again, is how do you keep - today, beyond getting it back up again, is how do you keep it- today, beyond getting it back upi again, is how do you keep it back

up? and — again, is how do you keep it back up? and i— again, is how do you keep it back up? and i think— again, is how do you keep it back up? and | thinkthat_ again, is how do you keep it back up? and i think that requires- again, is how do you keep it back up? and i think that requires a i again, is how do you keep it back. up? and i think that requires a much wider— up? and i think that requires a much wider review— up? and i think that requires a much wider review that _ up? and i think that requires a much wider review that looks _ up? and i think that requires a much wider review that looks at _ up? and i think that requires a much wider review that looks at why - up? and i think that requires a much wider review that looks at why our. wider review that looks at why our politics _ wider review that looks at why our politics has — wider review that looks at why our politics has struggled. _ wider review that looks at why our politics has struggled. why- wider review that looks at why our politics has struggled. why has i wider review that looks at why ouri politics has struggled. why has the piece _ politics has struggled. why has the piece performed _ politics has struggled. why has the piece performed better— politics has struggled. why has the piece performed better than- politics has struggled. why has the piece performed better than the i piece performed better than the politics? — piece performed better than the politics? and _ piece performed better than the politics? and i— piece performed better than the politics? and i think— piece performed better than the politics? and i think that - piece performed better than the politics? and i think that needsl politics? and i think that needs international— politics? and i think that needs international help, _ politics? and i think that needs international help, and - politics? and i think that needs international help, and that - politics? and i think that needs. international help, and that goes back to _ international help, and that goes back to the — international help, and that goes back to the type _ international help, and that goes back to the type of— international help, and that goes back to the type of processes - international help, and that goesl back to the type of processes that we have _ back to the type of processes that we have had — back to the type of processes that we have had in— back to the type of processes that we have had in the _ back to the type of processes that we have had in the past. - back to the type of processes that we have had in the past. we - back to the type of processes that we have had in the past.— we have had in the past. we will come to those _ we have had in the past. we will come to those slightly _ we have had in the past. we will come to those slightly longer i we have had in the past. we will i come to those slightly longer term issues in a moment, but what will we see in a couple of hours, with sinn fein taking that position for the first time. what does that mean, and what will that mean for people across northern ireland? to be blunt, across northern ireland? to be blunt. not _ across northern ireland? to be blunt. not a — across northern ireland? to be blunt, not a lot _ across northern ireland? to be blunt, not a lot in _ across northern ireland? to be blunt, not a lot in as _ across northern ireland? to be blunt, not a lot in as far - across northern ireland? to be blunt, not a lot in as far as - across northern ireland? to be blunt, not a lot in as far as the | blunt, not a lot in as far as the more — blunt, not a lot in as far as the more practical aspects of governance in northern— more practical aspects of governance in northern ireland, so the offices of first _ in northern ireland, so the offices of first minister and deputy first minister— of first minister and deputy first minister are equal, they are co—equals, so effectively we have already— co—equals, so effectively we have already had governance under the dup and sinn _ already had governance under the dup and sinn fein leadership, so this isn't _ and sinn fein leadership, so this isn't entirely new in that sense, so it is the _ isn't entirely new in that sense, so it is the symbolic aspect of how much _ it is the symbolic aspect of how much they— it is the symbolic aspect of how much they choose to lead on this title of— much they choose to lead on this title of a — much they choose to lead on this title of a first minister over deputy_ title of a first minister over deputy first minister, and the

leader— deputy first minister, and the leader of— deputy first minister, and the leader of the democratic unionist party— leader of the democratic unionist party has— leader of the democratic unionist party has been going more with these terms _ party has been going more with these terms it— party has been going more with these terms it is— party has been going more with these terms. it is really how people perceive _ terms. it is really how people perceive that difference in the semantics as opposed to the difference in the way the governance is happening, but in terms of what it means _ is happening, but in terms of what it means on — is happening, but in terms of what it means on the everyday practical level. _ it means on the everyday practical level. it _ it means on the everyday practical level. it is — it means on the everyday practical level, it is business as usual. and there is another _ level, it is business as usual. fific there is another important caveat about the fact that yes, sinn fein is the largest party, but that isn't the same as an overall majority. exactly, we will have quite a complex _ exactly, we will have quite a complex form of governance here in northern— complex form of governance here in northern ireland, a form of power—sharing which ensures there is power—sharing which ensures there is power—sharing at all levels of governance, in committees and so on, so in _ governance, in committees and so on, so in a _ governance, in committees and so on, so in a difficult way of doing politics— so in a difficult way of doing politics and difficult to compare to westminster for example, but we have an additional interesting caveat coming — an additional interesting caveat coming in and that we will have an official— coming in and that we will have an official opposition. which parties will he _ official opposition. which parties will he in — official opposition. which parties will be in that is still up for decision _ will be in that is still up for decision. we know it will be at least _ decision. we know it will be at least the — decision. we know it will be at least the sdlp and it may also be the ulster— least the sdlp and it may also be the ulster unionist. but even thinking _ the ulster unionist. but even thinking about what opposition means

in this— thinking about what opposition means in this type _ thinking about what opposition means in this type of power—sharing system is very— in this type of power—sharing system is very different to the idea of opposition in westminster. it is not a government in waiting as such, but a government in waiting as such, but a form _ a government in waiting as such, but a form of— a government in waiting as such, but a form of accountability essentially, so even how all of that is going _ essentially, so even how all of that is going to — essentially, so even how all of that is going to play out, it is a model that hasn't— is going to play out, it is a model that hasn't been tested properly northern— that hasn't been tested properly northern ireland before, hasn't had the longevity to really bed in and -et the longevity to really bed in and get going, so that in itself will be a new— get going, so that in itself will be a new way— get going, so that in itself will be a new way of looking at how politics is happening here. and a new way of looking at how politics is happening here.— a new way of looking at how politics is happening here. and let's go back to what you — is happening here. and let's go back to what you are _ is happening here. and let's go back to what you are alluding _ is happening here. and let's go back to what you are alluding to - is happening here. and let's go back to what you are alluding to beyond l to what you are alluding to beyond today, next week and beyond. what are some of the big challenges that the people of northern ireland will want the politicians here to be tackling? tote want the politicians here to be tacklin: ? ~ ., ., ,, want the politicians here to be tacklinr? ~ ., ., ,, ., tackling? we quite often talk about broken politics _ tackling? we quite often talk about broken politics and _ tackling? we quite often talk about broken politics and we _ tackling? we quite often talk about broken politics and we forget - tackling? we quite often talk about broken politics and we forget about what is _ broken politics and we forget about what is broken _ broken politics and we forget about what is broken underneath, - broken politics and we forget about what is broken underneath, so- broken politics and we forget about what is broken underneath, so in. broken politics and we forget about. what is broken underneath, so in the last number— what is broken underneath, so in the last number of— what is broken underneath, so in the last number of years _ what is broken underneath, so in the last number of years we _ what is broken underneath, so in the last number of years we have - what is broken underneath, so in the last number of years we have heard i last number of years we have heard about _ last number of years we have heard about policing — last number of years we have heard about policing crisis, _ last number of years we have heard about policing crisis, the _ last number of years we have heard about policing crisis, the crisis- last number of years we have heard about policing crisis, the crisis in. about policing crisis, the crisis in our health— about policing crisis, the crisis in our health service, _ about policing crisis, the crisis in our health service, a _ about policing crisis, the crisis in our health service, a crisis - about policing crisis, the crisis inj our health service, a crisis within education — our health service, a crisis within education, 170,000 _ our health service, a crisis within education, 170,000 workers - our health service, a crisis within education, 170,000 workers on. our health service, a crisis within - education, 170,000 workers on strike within— education, 170,000 workers on strike within the _ education, 170,000 workers on strike within the last — education, 170,000 workers on strike within the last couple _ education, 170,000 workers on strike within the last couple of _ education, 170,000 workers on strike within the last couple of weeks, - education, 170,000 workers on strike within the last couple of weeks, and i within the last couple of weeks, and ithink— within the last couple of weeks, and i think that — within the last couple of weeks, and i think that is — within the last couple of weeks, and i think that is the _ within the last couple of weeks, and i think that is the public _ i think that is the public expression _ i think that is the public expression if— i think that is the public expression if you - i think that is the public expression if you like i i think that is the public expression if you like of i think that is the public - expression if you like of mood i think that is the public _ expression if you like of mood and anger— expression if you like of mood and anger about — expression if you like of mood and anger about the _ expression if you like of mood and anger about the dysfunctional- anger about the dysfunctional politics — anger about the dysfunctional potitics that _ anger about the dysfunctional politics that were _ anger about the dysfunctional politics that were lost - anger about the dysfunctional

politics that were lost in - anger about the dysfunctionall politics that were lost in some anger about the dysfunctional- politics that were lost in some no man's— politics that were lost in some no man's tand — politics that were lost in some no man's land between _ politics that were lost in some no man's land between direct - politics that were lost in some no - man's land between direct devolution and some _ man's land between direct devolution and some in— man's land between direct devolution and some in the— man's land between direct devolution and some in the middle, _ man's land between direct devolution and some in the middle, so— man's land between direct devolution and some in the middle, so i- man's land between direct devolution and some in the middle, so i think. and some in the middle, so i think that review— and some in the middle, so i think that review that _ and some in the middle, so i think that review that i'm _ and some in the middle, so i think that review that i'm talking - and some in the middle, so i think that review that i'm talking aboutl that review that i'm talking about requires — that review that i'm talking about requires the _ that review that i'm talking about requires the type _ that review that i'm talking about requires the type of— that review that i'm talking about requires the type of internationalj requires the type of international help we — requires the type of international hetp we have _ requires the type of international help we have had _ requires the type of international help we have had around - requires the type of international help we have had around the - requires the type of international. help we have had around the period of good _ help we have had around the period of good friday _ help we have had around the period of good friday. the _ help we have had around the period of good friday. the us— help we have had around the period of good friday. the us senator- of good friday. the us senator george — of good friday. the us senator george mitchell— of good friday. the us senator george mitchell chairing - of good friday. the us senator george mitchell chairing the i george mitchell chairing the politics— george mitchell chairing the politics of— george mitchell chairing the politics of that _ george mitchell chairing the politics of that stage, - george mitchell chairing the politics of that stage, the i george mitchell chairing the - politics of that stage, the canadian generat— politics of that stage, the canadian general looking _ politics of that stage, the canadian general looking after— politics of that stage, the canadian general looking after the _ politics of that stage, the canadian general looking after the arms - general looking after the arms question _ general looking after the arms question, chris _ general looking after the arms question, chris patten - general looking after the arms question, chris patten doing . general looking after the arms i question, chris patten doing the reform _ question, chris patten doing the reform of— question, chris patten doing the reform of policing. _ question, chris patten doing the reform of policing. the - question, chris patten doing the reform of policing. the good - question, chris patten doing the i reform of policing. the good friday agreement — reform of policing. the good friday agreement was _ reform of policing. the good friday agreement was of _ reform of policing. the good friday agreement was of its _ reform of policing. the good friday agreement was of its time - reform of policing. the good friday agreement was of its time in - reform of policing. the good friday agreement was of its time in 1998. we have _ agreement was of its time in 1998. we have seen— agreement was of its time in 1998. we have seen how— agreement was of its time in 1998. we have seen how it— agreement was of its time in 1998. we have seen how it has— agreement was of its time in 1998. we have seen how it has worked i agreement was of its time in 1998.| we have seen how it has worked on not worked — we have seen how it has worked on not worked since _ we have seen how it has worked on not worked since then. _ we have seen how it has worked on not worked since then. when - we have seen how it has worked on not worked since then. when i - we have seen how it has worked on| not worked since then. when i think it is now— not worked since then. when i think it is now time — not worked since then. when i think it is now time for— not worked since then. when i think it is now time for a _ not worked since then. when i think it is now time for a major— it is now time for a major stock—taking _ it is now time for a major stock—taking review- it is now time for a major stock—taking review that i it is now time for a major- stock—taking review that may be tooks _ stock—taking review that may be tooks about _ stock—taking review that may be looks about how— stock—taking review that may be looks about how we _ stock—taking review that may be looks about how we change - stock—taking review that may be looks about how we change the| looks about how we change the politics — looks about how we change the politics of— looks about how we change the politics of this _ looks about how we change the politics of this building. - looks about how we change the politics of this building. wherel looks about how we change the. politics of this building. where it no longer— politics of this building. where it no tonger one _ politics of this building. where it no longer one party— politics of this building. where it no longer one party can - politics of this building. where it no longer one party can pull- politics of this building. where it no longer one party can pull it i politics of this building. where it. no longer one party can pull it down and press _ no longer one party can pull it down and press an— no longer one party can pull it down and press an ejector— no longer one party can pull it down and press an ejector button - no longer one party can pull it down and press an ejector button that - and press an ejector button that puts the — and press an ejector button that puts the other— and press an ejector button that puts the other ministers - and press an ejector button that puts the other ministers out - and press an ejector button that puts the other ministers out of. puts the other ministers out of government _ puts the other ministers out of government. so _ puts the other ministers out of government. so with _ puts the other ministers out of government. so with many- puts the other ministers out of - government. so with many challenges to today, _ government. so with many challenges to today, but — government. so with many challenges to today, but to — government. so with many challenges to today, but to be _ government. so with many challenges to today, but to be optimistic, - government. so with many challenges to today, but to be optimistic, to - to today, but to be optimistic, to smile _ to today, but to be optimistic, to smile for— to today, but to be optimistic, to smile for a — to today, but to be optimistic, to smile for a moment, _ to today, but to be optimistic, to smile fora moment, i— to today, but to be optimistic, to smile fora moment, i have- to today, but to be optimistic, to smile fora moment, i have no. to today, but to be optimistic, to - smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today— smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today is — smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today is a — smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today is a moment _ smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today is a moment that - smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today is a moment that will - smile for a moment, i have no doubt that today is a moment that will be i that today is a moment that will be welcomed —

that today is a moment that will be welcomed across _ that today is a moment that will be welcomed across northern - that today is a moment that will be welcomed across northern irelandl welcomed across northern ireland with the _ welcomed across northern ireland with the hope _ welcomed across northern ireland with the hope that _ welcomed across northern ireland with the hope that maybe - welcomed across northern ireland with the hope that maybe this - welcomed across northern irelandl with the hope that maybe this time it will— with the hope that maybe this time it will be _ with the hope that maybe this time it will be different. _ with the hope that maybe this time it will be different. that _ with the hope that maybe this time it will be different.— it will be different. that seems like an appropriate _ it will be different. that seems like an appropriate note - it will be different. that seems like an appropriate note to - it will be different. that seems like an appropriate note to end it will be different. that seems i like an appropriate note to end on at the moment. brian and clare, thank you very much for now. we will have continuing coverage throughout the day and political analysis, and in two or three hours, the formal events start kicking off. lewis, thank you. the american actor carl weathers has died at the age of 76. an opposing former nfl player, he 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 ham memorable role in the gulf comedy happy gilmore. a team of scientists and engineers has landed in antarctica to test the 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 because of the harsh weather conditions. georgina renard 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. can we open it? wow! 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 ok? 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. eryri, north wales. now, with clutch of oscar and bafta nominations, poorthings now, with clutch of oscar and bafta nominations, poor things is in the

spotlight. this is bella. a sexually charged coming of age fairytale that riffs on frankenstein. poor things sees emma stone as bella baxter, a woman brought back from the dead using the brain of a baby. sounds fantastical. it is. i am bella baxter. so how are its star and director feeling about their slew of award nominations? why don't you answer that one? why? i don't know. ijust feel like that's a good one for you to answer. it's, of course, great for the film because it gets noticed. it gets seen more so. what's not to like about that? when i heard about poor things ijust fell in love. you said, what would a woman be if she were able to start from scratch? was that what was it that appealed to you that that she's evolving so rapidly and she's taking

in all these experiences and it's completely on her own terms. for many poor things is a feminist masterpiece, a satire on men with emma's character setting off on a journey of self—discovery and sexual liberation. why do people not do this all the time? but it's offended others. a lot of the talk around this film does seem to be about it being pornographic titillation. does that bother you? imean, no. everyone's going to have a different reaction to it. and i think that one of the things i love most about his films is they open up more questions than give answers. i think there's like a very honest depiction of the male aspect of it and how they are trying to control her and how they trying to control the control the world around her. this is a metaphor. this can't actually happen. so it's more of an idea than... it's tough when it's taken literally. these two are fighting.

we will be back with plenty more. thank you for watching. 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 on 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 in syria and iraq against what it says are iran—linked militias. iraq says 16 people were killed, including civilians. the strikes are 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. sinn fein's michelle o'neill will become stormont�*s first irish nationalist leader. we are live inside storm onto us politicians are about to make an appearance in a couple of hours' time. the search continues for a man

suspected of a corrosive substance attack on a mother and her daughters in south london. the iraqi prime minister says civilians were among 16 people killed in friday's attacks by the united states on what they say were pro—iranian militants in iraq. the us strikes in syria and iraq were 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 said three facilities were hit in iraq and four were hit in syria. the us said iran's islamic revolutionary guards corp quds force and affiliated militia

groups were struck.