live from london. this is bbc news northern ireland's devolved government is restored after a 2—year hiatus. sinn fein�*s michelle o'neill makes history as stormont�*s first irish nationalist leader. this is an assembly for all, catholic, protestant and centre. despite our different outlooks, the public rightly demand that we work together and that we deliver together. iraq's prime minister says civilians were among 16 people killed in united states�* attacks on what they say were pro—iranian militias. former pakistan prime minister imran khan and his wife are jailed for seven years after a court declares their marriage illegal. and british scientists and engineers arrive in antarctica

to test a new drone that will help forecast the impact of climate change. hello, i'm lukwesa burak. a devolved government has been restored in northern ireland — and it now has its first irish nationalist leader. michelle o'neill was elected first minister of the devolved government. her party, sinn fein, hopes to one day unite with the republic of ireland. sinn fein became the biggest party during elections two years ago. but the devolved government collapsed when the main unionist party, which wants the province to remain part of the united kingdom, walked out in protest against post—brexit trading arrangements. let's go live to correspondent lewis vaughanjones.

thank you very much. welcome to stormont. proceedings havejust wrapped up in sight on a hugely significant day, a hugely symbolic day. here in belfast. and for the people of northern ireland. two huge reasons, first, the politicians are back after two years of not being able to work, not being able to get on with things. that has now changed, we know who the executive is, we know who will be doing what, and the second reason, it is a hugely symbolic significant day, as you mentioned there, michelle o'neill taken thatjob of first minister and we heard from her in the chamberfor the first minister and we heard from her in the chamber for the first time. let's take a listen. much suffering and trauma persists in our society, as a result of the injustices and the tragedies of the past. we must never forget all those who have died or been injured or their families. i am sorry for all the lives lost during the conflict

without exception. as first minister, i am wholeheartedly committed to continuing the work of reconciliation between all of our people. the past cannot be changed or cannot be undone. but what we can do, what we all can do, is build a better future. and the way the system is set up, there is also a deputy first minister from the there is also a deputy first ministerfrom the dup, and a little pengelly is the name, we didn't know for certain that would be the name at the start of the day but we do now. let's take a listen to her. across this chamber, we have i different political viewpoints and experiences but what we also know is that the wee mummy waiting on| her cancer diagnosis is not defined as being republican or unionist. i she is defined by. the sleepless nights and worry that she may never see her children grow up. - the daddy fighting to get - the right educational support for his child is not defined _ by orange or green but by the stress and anxiety for the future

of the child they love. - let this be your inspiration, for those are the issues - that we can agree on. so, you can hear therefrom the words, the significance of the day, the significance of the moment, and i should say that there were deputy isn't front of her title there but both roles depend on each other, nothing can get signed off effectively without the agreement of both, that is the constitution set “p both, that is the constitution set up here. so, as england day full of symbolism inside here, the chamber at stormont. now, the focus on what happens and what they can deliver, politically, for people notjust across belfast that we can see the distance there but across the whole of northern ireland, that is the next challenge after two years away, there is a lot in the in tray. we

are going to try to get a bit of a summary of the significance of the day with our two political analysts, standing by. good to see you both. claire, can you try to sum up the importance, i suppose, claire, can you try to sum up the importance, isuppose, there claire, can you try to sum up the importance, i suppose, there is a the day. it importance, i suppose, there is a the da . , ., , the day. it has been a hugely significant — the day. it has been a hugely significant day. _ the day. it has been a hugely significant day. we _ the day. it has been a hugely significant day. we have - the day. it has been a hugely significant day. we have the | the day. it has been a hugely - significant day. we have the first nationalist first minister of northern ireland, we are also seeing this first _ northern ireland, we are also seeing this first day that the assembly has returned _ this first day that the assembly has returned after it collapsed in february _ returned after it collapsed in february two years ago. it has been a hugely— february two years ago. it has been a hugely significant day in terms of the events— a hugely significant day in terms of the events and fanfare we had seen. in the events and fanfare we had seen. in terms— the events and fanfare we had seen. in terms of— the events and fanfare we had seen. in terms of what it means the northern— in terms of what it means the northern ireland was met next chapter. — northern ireland was met next chapter, that is where it becomes most _ chapter, that is where it becomes most interesting because we have a political _ most interesting because we have a political system that is still designed where we could have another collapse _ designed where we could have another collapse imminently, we have a little _ collapse imminently, we have a little relationship across unionism and nationalism and picky sinn fein and nationalism and picky sinn fein and the _ and nationalism and picky sinn fein and the dup that is particularly volatile. — and the dup that is particularly volatile, so there will be a lot of work _ volatile, so there will be a lot of work to — volatile, so there will be a lot of work to make those relationships 'ell work to make those relationships jeii and _ work to make those relationships jell and move forward, and everybody

is looking _ jell and move forward, and everybody is looking at _ jell and move forward, and everybody is looking at the situation almost with an _ is looking at the situation almost with an expectation at this stage, as is— with an expectation at this stage, as is the — with an expectation at this stage, as is the case with northern irishmah _ as is the case with northern irishman politics, that things will collapse — irishman politics, that things will collapse again at some point. it is a difficult — collapse again at some point. it is a difficult task but then you look at the _ a difficult task but then you look at the in — a difficult task but then you look at the in tray is of the mlas and the ministers and the work they have to do. _ the ministers and the work they have to do. it _ the ministers and the work they have to do, it looks like an insurmountable task because they are 'ust insurmountable task because they are just starting afresh, they are having — just starting afresh, they are having to _ just starting afresh, they are having to deal with a backlog from the last _ having to deal with a backlog from the last few years as well, so it is symbolic— the last few years as well, so it is symbolic irr— the last few years as well, so it is symbolic in many different ways. brian. _ symbolic in many different ways. brian. a — symbolic in many different ways. brian, a word on that symbolism. a hugely important date for sinn fein and felt _ hugely important date for sinn fein and felt michelle _ hugely important date for sinn fein and felt michelle o'neill, _ hugely important date for sinn fein and felt michelle o'neill, we - hugely important date for sinn fein and felt michelle o'neill, we have i and felt michelle o'neill, we have had a _ and felt michelle o'neill, we have had a week— and felt michelle o'neill, we have had a week about _ and felt michelle o'neill, we have had a week about jeffrey- and felt michelle o'neill, we have i had a week about jeffrey donaldson in the _ had a week about jeffrey donaldson in the dup— had a week about jeffrey donaldson in the dup irr— had a week about jeffrey donaldson in the dup in that— had a week about jeffrey donaldson in the dup in that agreement - had a week about jeffrey donaldson in the dup in that agreement with i in the dup in that agreement with the uk _ in the dup in that agreement with the uk government. _ in the dup in that agreement with the uk government. i— in the dup in that agreement with the uk government. i think- in the dup in that agreement with the uk government. i think it - in the dup in that agreement with the uk government. i think it wasj in the dup in that agreement with i the uk government. i think it was a day also _ the uk government. i think it was a day also of— the uk government. i think it was a day also of careful— the uk government. i think it was a day also of careful words, _ the uk government. i think it was a day also of careful words, and - the uk government. i think it was a day also of careful words, and we . day also of careful words, and we know _ day also of careful words, and we know the — day also of careful words, and we know the dup _ day also of careful words, and we know the dup and _ day also of careful words, and we know the dup and sinn _ day also of careful words, and we know the dup and sinn fein- day also of careful words, and we i know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree _ know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree on. _ know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree on. they— know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree on, they will— know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree on, they will never— know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree on, they will never agree - know the dup and sinn fein cannot agree on, they will never agree onl agree on, they will never agree on our past, — agree on, they will never agree on our past. they— agree on, they will never agree on our past, they will— agree on, they will never agree on our past, they will never— agree on, they will never agree on our past, they will never be - agree on, they will never agree on our past, they will never be one i our past, they will never be one narrative — our past, they will never be one narrative and _ our past, they will never be one narrative and one _ our past, they will never be one narrative and one truth - our past, they will never be one narrative and one truth about i our past, they will never be one l narrative and one truth about that past but _ narrative and one truth about that past but i — narrative and one truth about that past but i think— narrative and one truth about that past but i think that _ narrative and one truth about that . past but i think that emphasis today on what _ past but i think that emphasis today on what they— past but i think that emphasis today on what they need _ past but i think that emphasis today on what they need to _ past but i think that emphasis today on what they need to do, _ past but i think that emphasis today on what they need to do, they- past but i think that emphasis today on what they need to do, they can l past but i think that emphasis today. on what they need to do, they can do together, _ on what they need to do, they can do

together, that — on what they need to do, they can do together, that hospitals, _ on what they need to do, they can do together, that hospitals, that- together, that hospitals, that education. _ together, that hospitals, that education, that— together, that hospitals, that education, that public- together, that hospitals, that education, that public sectorl together, that hospitals, that- education, that public sector pay, and education, that public sector pay, ahd that— education, that public sector pay, and that being _ education, that public sector pay, and that being the _ education, that public sector pay, and that being the response - education, that public sector pay, and that being the response to i education, that public sector pay, l and that being the response to the mode _ and that being the response to the mode out— and that being the response to the mode out on— and that being the response to the mode out on the _ and that being the response to the mode out on the street, _ and that being the response to the mode out on the street, where - and that being the response to the - mode out on the street, where people have watched — mode out on the street, where people have watched this _ mode out on the street, where people have watched this place _ mode out on the street, where people have watched this place move - mode out on the street, where people have watched this place move and - mode out on the street, where people have watched this place move and not| have watched this place move and not move _ have watched this place move and not move for— have watched this place move and not move for the — have watched this place move and not move for the last _ have watched this place move and not move for the last two _ have watched this place move and not move for the last two years _ have watched this place move and not move for the last two years and - have watched this place move and not move for the last two years and that i move for the last two years and that is very— move for the last two years and that is very nearly — move for the last two years and that is very nearly a _ move for the last two years and that is very nearly a pattern _ move for the last two years and that is very nearly a pattern of— move for the last two years and that is very nearly a pattern of our- is very nearly a pattern of our politics — is very nearly a pattern of our politics in _ is very nearly a pattern of our politics in two _ is very nearly a pattern of our politics in two many- is very nearly a pattern of our politics in two many of- is very nearly a pattern of our politics in two many of our. is very nearly a pattern of our. politics in two many of our years since _ politics in two many of our years since good — politics in two many of our years since good friday. _ politics in two many of our years since good friday. i— politics in two many of our years since good friday. ithink- politics in two many of our years since good friday. i think it - politics in two many of our years since good friday. i think it was| politics in two many of our years i since good friday. i think it was a sure-footed — since good friday. i think it was a sure—footed day— since good friday. i think it was a sure—footed day with _ since good friday. i think it was a sure—footed day with one - since good friday. i think it was a sure—footed day with one little i since good friday. i think it was a i sure—footed day with one little slip up sure—footed day with one little slip up when _ sure—footed day with one little slip on when they— sure—footed day with one little slip up when they were _ sure—footed day with one little slip up when they were nominating - sure—footed day with one little slip l up when they were nominating those for the _ up when they were nominating those for the ministerial— up when they were nominating those for the ministerial posts _ up when they were nominating those for the ministerial posts where - up when they were nominating those for the ministerial posts where that i for the ministerial posts where that seemed _ for the ministerial posts where that seemed to — for the ministerial posts where that seemed to go — for the ministerial posts where that seemed to go out _ for the ministerial posts where that seemed to go out of— for the ministerial posts where that seemed to go out of sequence - for the ministerial posts where that seemed to go out of sequence or. for the ministerial posts where that i seemed to go out of sequence or out of step. _ seemed to go out of sequence or out of step. i— seemed to go out of sequence or out of step. i am — seemed to go out of sequence or out of step. lam not— seemed to go out of sequence or out of step, i am not going _ seemed to go out of sequence or out of step, i am not going to— seemed to go out of sequence or out of step, i am not going to analyse i of step, i am not going to analyse that but— of step, i am not going to analyse that but let — of step, i am not going to analyse that but let the _ of step, i am not going to analyse that but let the two _ of step, i am not going to analyse that but let the two parties - of step, i am not going to analyse that but let the two parties speak| that but let the two parties speak about— that but let the two parties speak about that — that but let the two parties speak about that when _ that but let the two parties speak about that when the _ that but let the two parties speak about that when the assembly. that but let the two parties speak. about that when the assembly gets that but let the two parties speak- about that when the assembly gets up and running _ about that when the assembly gets up and running next — about that when the assembly gets up and running next week, _ about that when the assembly gets up and running next week, but— about that when the assembly gets up and running next week, but a - about that when the assembly gets up and running next week, but a good - and running next week, but a good days work— and running next week, but a good days work but _ and running next week, but a good days work but as _ and running next week, but a good days work but as claire _ and running next week, but a good days work but as claire has - and running next week, but a good days work but as claire has been . days work but as claire has been saving. — days work but as claire has been saving. many— days work but as claire has been saying, many more _ days work but as claire has been saying, many more days - days work but as claire has been saying, many more days work i days work but as claire has been saying, many more days work toj days work but as claire has been - saying, many more days work to put this work— saying, many more days work to put this work back — saying, many more days work to put this work back together. _ saying, many more days work to put this work back together.— this work back together. claire, on that, next week's _ this work back together. claire, on that, next week's agenda, - this work back together. claire, on that, next week's agenda, we - this work back together. claire, on | that, next week's agenda, we have had a lot of things like focus on health, public sector, pay, what are

some of those big issues?— some of those big issues? there is barel a some of those big issues? there is barely a public— some of those big issues? there is barely a public policy _ some of those big issues? there is barely a public policy area - some of those big issues? there is| barely a public policy area northern ireland _ barely a public policy area northern ireland that hasn't been impacted. health _ ireland that hasn't been impacted. health is _ ireland that hasn't been impacted. health is a — ireland that hasn't been impacted. health is a major one, we have one of the _ health is a major one, we have one of the longest waiting list in northern— of the longest waiting list in northern europe, it is severely underfunded, hospitals we are regularly hearing of cues, patients being _ regularly hearing of cues, patients being kept in corridors, long waits to access — being kept in corridors, long waits to access health care, gps, dentists. _ to access health care, gps, dentists, everything is effectively on its _ dentists, everything is effectively on its knees in that regard, and that— on its knees in that regard, and that is— on its knees in that regard, and that isjust _ on its knees in that regard, and that isjust one sector. a look at education. — that isjust one sector. a look at education, infrastructure, the state of the _ education, infrastructure, the state of the rules— education, infrastructure, the state of the rules will give you an indication to some of their challenges and that is not before you get _ challenges and that is not before you get into the constituencies, many— you get into the constituencies, many bumps on the road. so, there is a whole _ many bumps on the road. so, there is a whole host— many bumps on the road. so, there is a whole host of issues and we do have _ a whole host of issues and we do have this — a whole host of issues and we do have this funding now that as a result— have this funding now that as a result of— have this funding now that as a result of the assembly being restored should be unlocked, this {3.3 billion coming from the uk government side, that should be unlocked — government side, that should be unlocked now and inclusive within that is— unlocked now and inclusive within that is some money specifically assigned — that is some money specifically assigned to address those issues but

that is— assigned to address those issues but that is time—limited so when it comes— that is time—limited so when it comes to — that is time—limited so when it comes to public sector pay rises, for example, that is one year of money. — for example, that is one year of money. so _ for example, that is one year of money, so what happens after that? that is— money, so what happens after that? that is not _ money, so what happens after that? that is not clear, how the money will be _ that is not clear, how the money will be used health—wise, that is also not — will be used health—wise, that is also not clear and that is the first challenge — also not clear and that is the first challenge they will have to work through — challenge they will have to work through in that chamber.- challenge they will have to work through in that chamber. thank you both, fascinating _ through in that chamber. thank you both, fascinating stuff. _ through in that chamber. thank you both, fascinating stuff. no - through in that chamber. thank you both, fascinating stuff. no doubt i both, fascinating stuff. no doubt the power of the day, the symbolism, the power of the day, the symbolism, the significance, but a lot of work to do starting on monday.- to do starting on monday. lewis vau:han to do starting on monday. lewis vaughan jones. _ to do starting on monday. lewis vaughan jones, thank _ to do starting on monday. lewis vaughan jones, thank you - to do starting on monday. lewis vaughan jones, thank you very l to do starting on monday. lewis vaughanjones, thank you very much. russia has called for an urgent un security council meeting over friday's attacks by the united states on what they say were pro—iranian militants in iraq and syria. the iraqi prime minister says civilians were among 16 people killed there. the syrian observatory for human rights says at least 20 people were killed in syria. the us strikes were in response to a drone attack on a us military base last weekend, in which three soldiers were killed. 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. these pictures were released by us central command, showing b—i bombers taking off to carry out the strikes. hugo bachega reports from baghdad. explosions. the american strikes came in the middle of the night and there was no surprise. for days, us officials had said they would act and that iranian personnel and interests would be targeted. this video, broadcast on syrian state tv, claims to show the aftermath of one of the attacks. in iraq, the morning revealed some of the damage. 85 targets were struck in iraq and syria, locations america says have been

used by iran's revolutionary guards and the militias it supports. it's a calibrated action with, crucially, no attacks inside iran. this was about degrading capability, taking away capabilities by the militant groups. these responses began tonight, they're not going to end tonight. the us is responding to a drone attack on a us base injordan last sunday, which killed three american soldiers. the us said iranian—backed militants were to blame. president biden had been under pressure to give a strong response. in announcing the attacks, he said, "the us does not seek conflict "in the middle east" but he warned, "if you harm an american, we will respond." it's too early to say how effective the american strikes will be. officials say this is just the beginning. iran, iraq, and syria have all condemned the attacks. now, the question is how or if iran

and its proxies will respond. the uk said it supported the us right to defend itself. from belgium, an appealfor restraint. it's a huge concern and so we ask for restraint and we ask for dialogues and diplomacy. it's the only way that we can calm down the situation. but in gaza, the war that has exacerbated tensions across the region continues. talks for a ceasefire between israel and hamas are under way, the main hope to help avert even more violence. hugo bachega, bbc news, baghdad. our correspondent basheer al zaidi is in baghdad — and has more on the reaction there. well, the latest came from the iraqi government, a few hours earlier, announcing three days of mourning, starting of today, just after the us air strikes,

which left about 16 people killed, including civilians, as the government put it, and 35 wounded. and also that was accompanied by the strong statement issued by the iraqi government in which it called these air strikes as an aggression and a serious violation of the iraqi sovereignty. the question is now all about the presence of the international coalition in iraq. the iraqi government already has launched a dialogue with the international coalition to find an exit out of iraq and the huge pressure by the iraqi politicalfactions, especially those who are pro—iran, inside the parliament and outside it. also another movement, it is one of four factions under the so called islamic resistance in iraq. they issued a statement clearly

saying that they will continue attacking what they call the presence of the us occupation in iraq and the region. and they would choose the time and location, if you like, for the retaliation. just shortly after that, there was a statement by the islamic resistance in iraq, which cannot be verified from independent sources, saying that. and a us base in northeastern syria was attacked by a drone. so it keeps... i mean, those armed factions, they keep going, despite what happened last night. i just want to touch very quickly and explore relations between... you mentioned this international coalition, but specifically us relations with iraq. why would abdul latif rashid have said what he said when the united states have been working with iraq and said that they did notify them, there were diplomatic discussions before the strike?

is hejust bowing or trying to strike some sort of balance with iran? it seems like that, more likely to be honest, just to keep that kind of balance in relation with iran. because the iraqi parliament, when first asked the government to end the presence of the...the international coalition in iraq back in 2020, that was after the killing of two senior shia leaders, hassan suleimani of the brigades and abu mahdi al—muhandis from the popular mobilisation forces. so, yeah, it seems that what thought to be... there is a coordination... and that could be even with the framework of the strategic agreement between iraq and the united states, which some politicians we spoke to earlier

today, they say we don't. .. we didn't... we don't know what are the contents, what are the articles, of this agreement between iraq and the united states, which were, like, established few years ago. so, that could be within it. but, as you said, you know, in order to hold that balance with iran, maybe that statement come from the iraqi government. that was bashir al sadie there. let's get some of the day's other news now. a state of emergency has been declared in chile as forest fires claim the lives of at least 19 people. authorities say more than 1,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed in the central val—para—ee—so region. a heatwave is sweeping through central areas of chile, including santiago. three people were injured in a knife attack at a major train station in paris. one person was seriously wounded, and two others were slightly hurt at gare de lyon this morning. french police say the suspect, a malian national, is in custody, and they have ruled out

a terror attack. argentina's security minister says criminal proceedings will be launched against protesters who vandalised public buildings and fought police. they were rallying against the approval of a package of economic changes that would allow the privatisation of most state—owned companies and slash public spending. the former pakistan prime minister imran khan and his wife, bushra bibi, have each been sentenced to seven years in prison, after a court declared their marriage illegal. the court was set up inside the adiala jail where mr khan is already serving sentences for other cases. the court also fined them each half a million pakistani rupees — that's about ilt20 british pounds or about 1800 us dollars.the verdict declared their marriage was un—islamic and illegal. mr khan's lawyer said they would appeal. 0ur pakistan correspondent

caroline davies is in islamabad with more details. this is the third jail sentence that imran khan has got the course of a week. the backdrop to all of this is, of course, there are general election scheduled to be held this coming thursday. as you mention, he has had his previous two cases, the first he was given a ten—year jail sentence, the second ilt, this 17. we think these are all running concurrently, at the same time, rather than adding on top of each other but this is still a very lengthy period of time that imran khan would have to spend injail. this particular sentence has been given because he has been found guilty, as you say, it's relating to his marriage to his wife bushra bibi. this is his third wife. this case is brought by her ex—husband that she was married to for around 30 years. and he says that bushra bibi and imran khan did not wait the designated period of timein between his divorce from bushra bibi and imran khan's marriage that is mandated by islam.

that is why, in the course of this judgment, the judge has also talked about it being un—islamic as well as being illegal. now, this isn'tjust about adding on an extra jail sentence to many of imran khan's supporters. what they think is happening here is that there is a repression of imran khan and of his political party in the build—up to those general elections. that what is often referred to as the establishment here in pakistan, that is the military and intelligence services, they think they are trying to repress imran khan, they are trying to put voters off voting for him in the run—up to those general elections. of course, the authorities here deny that and say that these are absurd allegations against them. what is particularly interesting about this case is that some people have said that this is also about trying to show or trying to undermine imran khan's religious credentials. that's since imran khan had a religious reawakening. that has been a crucial part of his political campaigning and suggesting that his marriage

is un—islamic, they suggest, will try potentially to undermine his credibility with voters to whom that is really important. the big question now is what will happen? how will this affect voters, the way that voters decide to cast their vote? will they feel that all of those blows that have happened to imran khan and his party, the pti, in the course of the last week and the last few months, will that put them off voting or alternatively will it mean that more people will come out in a show of support? caroline, i wonder if you could turn very quickly to his well—being. he is 71 years old. i mean, ten years for passing on state secrets, ilt years for illegally selling state gifts, seven years for an illegal marriage. are there concerns about his age and his time in prison? his wife is seeing out her sentence at home. yes, so, imran khan is 71 years old. whenever we have asked his supporters who, of course, are able to go into talk

to imran khan, his family, they always say he is in very good health, that he's got an exercise routine going on inside prison. but, of course, that will be a question. he is 71 years old. and these are very long terms in prison. and there have been suggestions that if he served this full length of time, then this, in effect, ends up becoming a life sentence. but that is obviously the thing that is overlying it. now, we know that his lawyers, his legal team, have said that they are planning on appealing these cases, as well. will they get some form of relief in the court system? we don't know. but the other big question, of course, as i mentioned earlier, is this general election. they will try probably to put these appeals in that it is unlikely to be able to start having any form of relief, if you can get them, in the course of the next few days before the general election. we might see something in the months to come, we just don't know. but, yes, of course, the fact that he is 71 and these are long jail sentences, is, of course, a concern for many people.

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 because of the harsh weather conditions. 0ur 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. 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 keep monitoring throughout the flight. the drone is autonomous and rebecca will oversee its flight from a computer at base in antarctica. researchers have used drones before. but this one is bigger, it can travel up to a thousand kilometres on one trip and it needs just a fraction of the fuel traditional plane uses, so it is also better for the planet. joining rebecca will be scientist tom jordan. he has mapped antarctica before but now he needs more data. he'll use radar on the drone to draw a picture of what's under the ice sheets to help predict how fast they could melt. so, the 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, sojust 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 is 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 flying. in the winter, we see winds of 70 knots at times, so that is 75 mph on the station. the landscape you see behind me will certainly be flying over there. they will be carrying out survey work and environmental measurements in that area and wider afield also. this drone wont stop the ice melting. but the knowledge it gives us will help us prepare for our planet's future. georgina rannard, bbc news. tom jordan is one of the scientists involved in the drone test. he explained what they want to do.

we are down here in the antarctic summer time so this is the best time of year, so because it is the first time we have put this drone down to antarctica, we are making the best use of the summer weather conditions to get a baseline test so we can prove it in the easy conditions and then that is the step towards using it in the harsher conditions. the drone itself is a really robust platform and it has been designed to operate anywhere in the world and in some ways it's simplicity is one of its really robust features. and also because you don't have a pilot on board it means that it can cope with harsh environmental conditions. that was tom jordan _ harsh environmental conditions. that was tom jordan speaking to me earlier. just wanted to take you to tel aviv in israel. these are some anti—government protests that are being held and also calls for those

hostages to be brought back home from gaza. more on this and all our top stories here on bbc news. despite the sunshine, it is a cooler day than on friday, that is what we have seen further south today and the milder air is nudging its weight northwards, blustery still and some rain to come. this is the weather front that has been straddling the uk, that chillier air to the north, milder to the south, but behind there is another weather front on there is another weather front on the way, still the continuation of the way, still the continuation of the heavy showers and the hail and thunder and lightning and gale force winds in the north, a lot of cloud further south through the night, mr murky over the coast and hills and bits of drizzle but the main rain is coming back in later in the night to western scotland and northern ireland and that is really the main player the next couple of days,

vertically for western, central and southern scotland, we could see a good couple of inches of rain even at lower levels towards the central belt but over the hill is double that. it is likely we will have some flooding impact with that amount of rain in such a short space of time. also what a day for parts of northern england, northern ireland, cloudy as well, further south a bit more cloud than today but it is still mild. the winds are picking up overnight so slightly windy again tomorrow, still the risk of gales in the north. they may either little as we head into monday but only temporarily and by that stage we've got that rain bumping into the colder airfurther north got that rain bumping into the colder air further north and we could have a spell of snow over the hills and then into the northern isles potentia monday. but to the south we still got that westerly breeze, still the high pressure influencing our weather here so keeping it largely dry, still quite a lot of cloud though because we are pulling in all the wind off the atlantic so moisture laden but the wettest weather by far will still be in the north, hence the risk of some flooding. to the north of that, we

still got that cold air but most parts of the uk, once again the start of the week very mild. fog around the coast and over the hills which is fairly typical with the sort of wind direction. by tuesday, the weather front stars to push little further southwards and behind it there are some colder air but that cold, warm air battle is going to take place across the uk we think during the week and eventually it looks like it will get colder towards next weekend, but that is a long way off and in the meantime and in between, we are going to see some better weather. the warnings, as ever, our cash are on our website. bye—bye.

live from london. this is bbc news... northern ireland's devolved government is restored after a two—year hiatus. sinn fein's michelle 0'neill makes history as stormont�*s first irish nationalist leader. iraq's prime minister says civilians were among 16 people killed in us attacks on what washington says were pro—iranian militias. a third successive week of protests against the far—right in germany. more than 100,000 people demonstrate in berlin. and hundreds of serving us and european officials warn that western governments' policies on the israel—gaza war could amount to "grave violations "of international law."

hello, i'm lukwesa burak. welcome to bbc news. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's karthi. hello from the bbc sport centre. all important definitely the right words particularly as it is the opening weekend of rugby union's six nations. we'll head to rome shortly, but first to cardiff where the final match of this first round of fixtures is just approaching half time... and it's scotland who will be happier heading into the break — they lead 20—0 at the principality stadium. scotland haven't won in wales for 22 years. . . but they are confident and playing well so far... in rome, england survived a huge scare to begin their campaign with a win beat italy by 27—24. the home side were the better team in the first half —

leading 17—14 at the break — before an alex mitchell try combined with the boot of george ford edged england to victory. brilliant to see five players make their— brilliant to see five players make their debut for england in one match day of— their debut for england in one match day of the _ their debut for england in one match day of the six nations, which doesn't — day of the six nations, which doesn't happen very often. having said that. — doesn't happen very often. having said that, there were plenty of areas — said that, there were plenty of areas that need to be better. we gave _ areas that need to be better. we gave italy... they scored too easily and we _ gave italy... they scored too easily and we need — gave italy... they scored too easily and we need to look very close at what _ and we need to look very close at what needs to improve around our defence _ what needs to improve around our defence. and in that first half, whilst — defence. and in that first half, whilst we had lots of possession in the attacking half, and the speed of our ball— the attacking half, and the speed of our ball was much quicker, and our ball movement was improving, we didn't— ball movement was improving, we didn't break the line as much as we wanted _ didn't break the line as much as we wanted to — didn't break the line as much as we wanted to. to didn't break the line as much as we wanted to. .. . w' a stunning spell of bowling from jasprit bumrah has put india in complete control of the second test between india and england. having bowled india out for 396 in the morning, england's response looked composed — with the tourists 114—1. but bumrah changed all of that —

in spells either side of tea — picking up six wickets for 45 runs. england were all out for 253. india closed on 28 without loss — a lead of 171. the second day of the second test. bumrah bowled unbelievably well. it didn't— bumrah bowled unbelievably well. it didn't seem like a better wicket than _ didn't seem like a better wicket than last— didn't seem like a better wicket than last week. there wasn't as much turn but _ than last week. there wasn't as much turn but you _ than last week. there wasn't as much turn but you have to hold your hand up turn but you have to hold your hand up and _ turn but you have to hold your hand up and say — turn but you have to hold your hand up and say well bowled. fantastic in those _ up and say well bowled. fantastic in those conditions. we didn't do anything — those conditions. we didn't do anything differently from what we did in_ anything differently from what we did in the — anything differently from what we did in the last two years, sometimes you just _ did in the last two years, sometimes you just have to hold your hand up. to the premier league, where the club at the bottom of the table, sheffield united, are just getting their match against aston villa under way — united start the game ten points from safety. everton remain in the bottom three — despite some late drama against tottenham. jarrad branthwaite scored a 94th minute equaliser for the home

side at goodison park — as everton grabbed a 2—2 draw. it is still 0— that draw temporarily lifted everton out zero. of the relegation zone — but luton's draw at newcastle, keeps luton out of trouble while eveton are in the bottom three. brighton thrashed crystal palace while burnley drew 2—2 with fulham. in italy's serie a, ac milan can close the gap on the top two if they can beat frosinone tonight. around half an hour gone — it's currently 1—1. in germany's bundesliga, bayer leverkusen's remarkable season continues, the league leaders are now unbeaten in 20 matches after a 2—0 win over darmstadt. defending champions bayern munich stay in second place — two points behind leverkusen — after they beat borussia monchengladbach 3—1. at the africa cup of nations, mali and hosts ivory coast are facing each otherfor a place in the semi—finals right now — it's currently goalless.

and in the asian cup, three—time champions iran came from behind to beat the tournament favourites japan 2—1 to book their place in the semi—finals. they'll play either qatar or uzbekistan — it has gone to extra time after a one—one draw in regular time. more one-one draw in regular time. more later. one-one draw in regular time. more later- thank — one-one draw in regular time. more later- thank you _ one-one draw in regular time. more later. thank you very _ one-one draw in regular time. more later. thank you very much. - let's get more on one of our top stories this hour. michelle 0'neill, sinn fein's deputy leader, has made history as the first irish nationalist to hold the role of first minister of northern ireland. the assembly met at stormont today for the first time following a two—year hiatus. let's go back to stormont, where the bbc�*s lewis vaughanjones has been following the story today. lewis? thank you very much. yes, welcome to stormont in northern ireland.

proceedings have wrapped up behind us. so, we've come out. it has been a hugely symbolic day, as you mentioned. michelle 0'neill taking thejob as first mentioned. michelle 0'neill taking the job as first minister, the first time a nationalist first minister is in place. also, we had a new deputy first minister and inside the chamber in the last few hours, we heard from both of them. let's take a listen. as an irish republican, i pledge cooperation and genuine honest effort with all those colleagues of a british, of a unionist tradition, who cherish the union. this is an assembly for all — catholic, protestant, and dissenter. despite our different outlooks and our different views on the future constitutional position, the public rightly demand that we work together and that we deliver together. and also that we must build trust and confidence in our ability to collectively do that. michelle o'neill and i come - from very different backgrounds. but regardless of| that, for my part,

i will work tirelessly - to ensure that we can deliver for all in northern ireland. i recognise that, for many today, it is an historic moment with - the nomination of michelle o'neill and myself as first ministers. - it is a day that confirms the - democratic outcome of the election. so, those formal proceedings done and dusted. the symbolism finished. now it's time for the hard work because politicians haven't been here for two years. there is lots on the agenda. we have taken a look at all the various issues that affect the people of northern ireland. we will take a quick look at social workers. we will speak to the british association of social workers, caroline, thank you so much for being with us. now the politicians will be getting down to work, what are you hoping the

difference that could be made? i have to say, we are really delighted that today _ have to say, we are really delighted that today we have the assembly back and running and democracy has been re—established in northern ireland. social— re—established in northern ireland. social work— re—established in northern ireland. social work has had a particularly bad time — social work has had a particularly bad time over the last two years without— bad time over the last two years without a — bad time over the last two years without a political leadership and pressures have grown across every aspect _ pressures have grown across every aspect of— pressures have grown across every aspect of service delivery, particularly i have to say in children's services, which has seen vacancy— children's services, which has seen vacancy levels really rise exponentially at a level i have never — exponentially at a level i have never seen before. we know that vacancy— never seen before. we know that vacancy levels across northern ireland — vacancy levels across northern ireland are sitting about 8.6% but in children's services, those levels vary between 26% and 86%. that's a really. _ vary between 26% and 86%. that's a really, really shocking statistic that we — really, really shocking statistic that we should be accepting. given the scale of _ that we should be accepting. given the scale of that, _ that we should be accepting. given the scale of that, how _ that we should be accepting. (1: at the scale of that, how confident that we should be accepting.

minister. when we last had the executive he launched the independent review of children's social— independent review of children's social care and that was an important step, looking at how we ended _ important step, looking at how we ended up— important step, looking at how we ended up in the crisis that we had. that floundered without political leadership. minister swann knows the history. _ leadership. minister swann knows the history. he _ leadership. minister swann knows the history, he knows the issue, so we're _ history, he knows the issue, so we're hopeful that when he is back in position. — we're hopeful that when he is back in position, he is ready to take that— in position, he is ready to take that research on and really see it come _ that research on and really see it come to— that research on and really see it come to life. that research on and really see it come to life-— that research on and really see it come to life. . ., _, , , come to life. and, of course, every sinale come to life. and, of course, every single minister— come to life. and, of course, every single minister and _ come to life. and, of course, every single minister and department - come to life. and, of course, every| single minister and department will have huge pressures. is there a danger that any one of them could lose out on social work particularly? i lose out on social work particularly?— lose out on social work particularly? lose out on social work articularl ? ~ . ., particularly? i think the challenge is alwa s particularly? i think the challenge is always within _ particularly? i think the challenge is always within northern - particularly? i think the challenge is always within northern ireland | is always within northern ireland that we — is always within northern ireland that we tend to talk about health, we tend _ that we tend to talk about health, we tend to focus on hospitals. i think— we tend to focus on hospitals. i think sometime social work and social— think sometime social work and social care _ think sometime social work and social care lose out in that space. but i _ social care lose out in that space. but i think— social care lose out in that space. but i think the opportunities that come _ but i think the opportunities that come from the children's services review— come from the children's services review really offer us a chance to focus _ review really offer us a chance to focus on — review really offer us a chance to focus on children's needs as a totality~ — focus on children's needs as a totality~ i_ focus on children's needs as a totality. i think the recommendation that is— totality. i think the recommendation that is in_ totality. i think the recommendation that is in the report around an arms length _ that is in the report around an arms length body— that is in the report around an arms length body could be really exciting

within _ length body could be really exciting within northern ireland. thank length body could be really exciting within northern ireland.— within northern ireland. thank you ve much within northern ireland. thank you very much for— within northern ireland. thank you very much for coming _ within northern ireland. thank you very much for coming down, - within northern ireland. thank you very much for coming down, we i very much for coming down, we appreciate that. that is just one of the big issue is the politicians will be facing as of monday next week. we will talk now to our esteemed political analyst, our panel who have helped us throughout the day put it all in context, claire and brian, great to see you again. brian, let's look ahead. what are we expecting next week on monday? i are we expecting next week on monda ? . . ~ are we expecting next week on monda ? ., . ,, :: :: are we expecting next week on monda ? ., :: :: , ., monday? i am back in 2020 standing on this cold hill _ monday? i am back in 2020 standing on this cold hill as _ monday? i am back in 2020 standing on this cold hill as julian _ monday? i am back in 2020 standing on this cold hill as julian smith - on this cold hill asjulian smith and simon coveney announced a new decade _ and simon coveney announced a new decade and _ and simon coveney announced a new decade and a new approach. give the party— decade and a new approach. give the party a _ decade and a new approach. give the party a day— decade and a new approach. give the party a day to make up their minds and then— party a day to make up their minds and then the saturday what we witnessed today, the executive back in place. _ witnessed today, the executive back in place, deputy first minister and first minister, all of the theatre of the _ first minister, all of the theatre of the media attention. and then i remember— of the media attention. and then i remember on the monday, boris johnson — remember on the monday, boris johnson arriving with all of his bluster. — johnson arriving with all of his bluster, tripping over his words. he wanted _ bluster, tripping over his words. he wanted to— bluster, tripping over his words. he wanted to do a take on the hand of history. _ wanted to do a take on the hand of history, couldn't quite get it out. we know—

history, couldn't quite get it out. we know that for a while now, rishi sunak— we know that for a while now, rishi sunak has— we know that for a while now, rishi sunak has been on standby. that this deal was _ sunak has been on standby. that this deal was expected before christmas. we expected that he would arrive. if he were _ we expected that he would arrive. if he were to _ we expected that he would arrive. if he were to show up in the next day or two. _ he were to show up in the next day or two, would any of us full of our stools? _ or two, would any of us full of our stools? no — or two, would any of us full of our stools? no. four rishi sunak, for the northern ireland office, for julian— the northern ireland office, for julian smith, who has had a role in all of— julian smith, who has had a role in all of this— julian smith, who has had a role in all of this in— julian smith, who has had a role in all of this in the background, there are no— all of this in the background, there are no votes— all of this in the background, there are no votes for the tories in northern— are no votes for the tories in northern ireland but there is a picture — northern ireland but there is a picture opportunity. there is an opportunity that says for the second time in _ opportunity that says for the second time in four— opportunity that says for the second time in fouryears, we help opportunity that says for the second time in four years, we help you put your government back together again. claire. _ your government back together again. claire. give _ your government back together again. claire, give us your thoughts on the significance of the day overall. the main significance of the day overall. ii9 main takeaway significance of the day overall. ti9 main takeaway story significance of the day overall. ii9 main takeaway story is significance of the day overall. i““i9 main takeaway story is that significance of the day overall. ii9 main takeaway story is that of michelle o'neill, the first nationalist first minister in northern ireland. there have been a couple of interesting turns of events, particularly the formula, the hunt method, was rolled out for

the hunt method, was rolled out for the assignment of ministers for the departments. we had a surprise and turns of the dup pic for education, notjust us standing outside that those within the chamber were surprised. they will be a bit of unpicking over the days and weeks to come. hopefully that won't be a sign of there being any potential ructions. it strikes me as unusual or bizarre that it would be a mistake of any sort. it probably was a political strategy of some sort, that will take some mulling over. more significantly, if it is a strategic move in taking education instead of the finance department, a bigger question about what that working relationship will be like between sinn fein and dup going forward and what that means for the institutions. , :, :, forward and what that means for the institutions-— institutions. plenty of time to pick over those thoughts. _ institutions. plenty of time to pick over those thoughts. claire, - institutions. plenty of time to pick| over those thoughts. claire, brian, overthose thoughts. claire, brian, thank you so much. usually significant day and the symbolism is done. now it is time for the hard work. studio: get indoors, lewis, it looks rather chilly. you are watching bbc news.

now — returning to the middle east — and iraq says us air strikes on sites linked to iran have killed at least 16 people, including civilians. iraq's prime minister denied the attacks had been co—ordinated with his government. tehran condemned the us action, describing it as a strategic mistake. live now to sina azodi, professor in iranian foreign affairs at the george washington university. hello and thank you forjoining us on the programme. it took us a week to get to that point last night, what do you make of what those strikes have achieved and the time it took to get there?— strikes have achieved and the time it took to get there? when you think ofthe it took to get there? when you think of the us policy. _ it took to get there? when you think of the us policy, you _ it took to get there? when you think of the us policy, you should - of the us policy, you should consider these as a slap on the rest of iranians. i don't think the united states is interested in a direct confrontation with iranians. iranians are also not interested in a direct confrontation with the americans. as i said, i think it is really a message to iranians — don't do this again. we are willing to escalate but the biden

administration has picked the least s literary measure he what else could he have done? attacking targets inside iran as some politicians have already argued for. that could have been another one option. targeting irg see commanders. that could have been another option —— targeting irgc. it signalled a message that he is not interested in a direct confrontation with iranians.— with iranians. john kirby in the build-u with iranians. john kirby in the build-up to — with iranians. john kirby in the build-up to friday _ with iranians. john kirby in the build-up to friday said - with iranians. john kirby in the build-up to friday said that. with iranians. john kirby in the | build-up to friday said that this build—up to friday said that this would most likely be a tiered approach. interesting to see what happens next. i wonder if we could turn to iran. throughout this, they have said that the groups, their proxies that they support within

this access of resistance, act independently. to what extent is that true? it independently. to what extent is that true? . independently. to what extent is that true? , ., , ., that true? it is true and it is also untrue. when _ that true? it is true and it is also untrue. when general— that true? it is true and it is also | untrue. when general soleimani, that true? it is true and it is also - untrue. when general soleimani, the former commander of the irgc force was in charge, he was directing these militia groups more thanks to his charisma and personal leadership. but his successor has delegated more authority to these groups. which has its own benefits and drawbacks. the drawback is that they can act more independently and without iran's approval. the positive side is that in the absence or in the case that the commander is removed, they can act more independently. my belief is that iran was not interested in killing

americans in the region and it did not provide them with the licence to kill american soldiers because iranians are very well aware that this could potentially lead to a direct war with the united states, something they have always tried to avoid. i something they have always tried to avoid. :, �* ,, :, something they have always tried to avoid. ., �* 4' :, y:, avoid. i don't know if you can furnish us — avoid. i don't know if you can furnish us with _ avoid. i don't know if you can furnish us with more - avoid. i don't know if you can furnish us with more details. | avoid. i don't know if you can - furnish us with more details. there have been reports that since these strikes started last year, iranians attacks within gaza, that israeli attacks within gaza, sorry, that it reining enrichment of uranium had increased. are these reports that you have also come across? it reports that you have also come across? : ., , . reports that you have also come across? : :, , . .., across? it did increase, which can sianal across? it did increase, which can signal lran's _ across? it did increase, which can signal iran's concerns. _ across? it did increase, which can signal iran's concerns. but - across? it did increase, which can signal iran's concerns. butjust i signal iran's concerns. butjust yesterday, the director of... announced iran has slowed down the production of its 60% enrichment. my

understanding is that iran is not interested or have not made the political decision to actually weaponise its nuclear programme because of the downsides to it comes with having a nuclear arsenal. but iran already enjoys a degree of security benefits from having mastered the enrichment programme. and at any time, if the situation in the middle east changes, and acute security threats could emerge, at any time, iran has the technology, it has mastered the enrichment programme, it can weaponise its programme, it can weaponise its programme in the future. again, it has not made the political decision yet. has not made the political decision et. :, , ,:, has not made the political decision et. :, ~ :, yet. professor azodi, secretary of state blink _ yet. professor azodi, secretary of state blink and _ yet. professor azodi, secretary of state blink and is _ yet. professor azodi, secretary of state blink and is heading - yet. professor azodi, secretary of state blink and is heading for- yet. professor azodi, secretary of state blink and is heading for his | state blink and is heading for his fifth visit to the region, —— secretary of state antony blinken. we are also getting reports now that there are talks being held and the

intelligence agency of turkey in qatar, how important are these talks in the background with ismail haniyeh before secretary antony blinken arrives, how much diplomatic movement will take place? there blinken arrives, how much diplomatic movement will take place?— movement will take place? there is a decree of movement will take place? there is a degree of influence _ movement will take place? there is a degree of influence over— movement will take place? there is a degree of influence over hamas, i movement will take place? there is a degree of influence over hamas, the | degree of influence over hamas, the hamas leadership lives in qatar and qatar have provided them with support, they have a degree of influence over them. both the united states and especially the israelis' priority is to secure the release of israeli hostages. once that is resolved, there could be more opportunity for a permanent ceasefire. and a permanent ceasefire is key to reducing tensions in the region. you have a bunch of hot spots in the region. they are not

directly linked but they all go back to the war in gaza. as long as that continues, the who sees will continues, the who sees will continue attacking israeli ships in the sea. —— the houthis. they could continue to attack american forces in the region. the key is to make sure that there is a permanent ceasefire in the region. qatar has that influence over hamas. to get the release of israeli hostages. don't these us strikes just complicate things if there are negotiations? just one more factor for some of the regional leaders to use against the us and also israel? yes, but, again, if you are the biden administration, you have to do something. the biden administration is entering election year. already, his opponents have been attacking him for not attacking iran directly.

trump has already said that if he had been in charge, there would have not been any attack against american forces. so, he has to do something. but i believe that his response has, so far, been quite measured. and, to a certain extent, the minimum that he could have done to respond. again, the attacks last night, making sure that iranians forces in the region had enough time to leave syria, signals the message that the biden administration is not interested in having a direct confrontation.— interested in having a direct confrontation. �* , . confrontation. 0k, becky very much indeed. the hamas—run health ministry has updated the number of people killed and injured in gaza since october the 7th. it says at least 27,238 palestinians have been killed and 66,452 injured by israeli strikes and military actions in the strip. the death toll has increased by 107

in the past day, with 165 injured. thousands of people joined the latest pro—palestinian protest in central london on saturday. it was the first major demonstration in the capital since the un's international court ofjustice directed israel to take every measure possible to avoid genocide while also ensuring humanitarian aid in gaza. 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", which you can see here, says their administrations risk being complicit in "one of the worst "human catastrophes of this century" but that their expert advice has been sidelined.

we will take you live to tel aviv in israel. it looks like almost a silent vigil. these are protests being held in israel. you can see those now familiar posters asking for their relatives to be brought back home, currently being held as hostages, we believe, within the gaza strip. some of these protests also against the government of benjamin netanyahu as well. protests have been held in germany for the third weekend in a row. tens of thousands of people demonstrated against the far—right afd party. after a recent meeting of extremists was attended by afd members. plans to deport people with non—german backgrounds were discussed at that meeting. since the demonstrations began, the party has slipped in the polls. but afd remains germany's second most popular party. afd leaders say they are being

targeted by the german state, in the same way that political freedom fighters were repressed in communist east germany. our correspondent, damien mcguinness, was at a protest in berlin. this is the third weekend in a row mass demonstrations have been held in towns and cities right across germany. they're being held by all sorts of groups, from environmentalists, trade unions, political parties, even a group called grannies against the far right. what they all have in common is they are protesting against right—wing extremism after reports of a secret meeting in november attended by the far—right party, the afd, at which a plan was discussed to deport anyone with non—german heritage outside of germany. it would affect millions of people, a very radical plan which is not going to happen but it shocked the whole nation. sparked these mass demonstrations. as a result, over the last few weeks, the afd seems to have slipped in the polls to just over 20%.

it could be because of these protests putting of some people protests putting off some people or it could be because of other far—right parties and anti—migrant groups are being set up, undermining support for the afd. either way, afd leads have come out fighting. they say they have been victimised by mainstream german politics and media and they hope that actually these politics will boost their support by playing into this narrative they often use that they are being victimised by the rest of german society. 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 because of the harsh weather conditions. tom jordan is one of the scientists involved in the drone test. he explained what they want to do. we're down here in the

antarctic summertime. so this is the best time of the year. because it's the first time we've brought this drone down to antarctica, we're making the best use of the summer weather conditions to get a sort of a baseline test so we can prove it in the easy conditions. and then that's the step towards really operating it in the harsher conditions later in the year and potentially in future into the winter. um, i mean, the drone in and of itself is a really robust platform and it's been designed to operate sort of anywhere in the world. and in some ways its simplicity is one of its really robust features. and also because you don't have a pilot on board, it means that it can cope with harsher environmental conditions than you would maybe want to put a traditional aircraft into. as tom jordan speaking to me earlier live to antarctica. one of the big stories on bbc news is events in northern ireland, stormont. if you want to bring yourself up to date with the latest developments, head

over to our live page, and you can find the latest reaction to the us strikes on targets in iraq and syria. all of that and plenty more coming up shortly on bbc news. hello. despite the sunshine we've seen across scotland and northern ireland, it was a slightly cooler day than friday when we had temperatures up to 15. that's what we've seen further south today. and that milder air is nudging its way northwards. blustery still and some more rain to come. this is the weather front that's been straddling the uk. that chillier air to the north with showers milder to the south. but you may have noticed behind there's another weather front on the way. so still a continuation of those heavy showers with some hail, some thunder and lightning and gale force winds in the north. a lot of cloud further south as we go through the night. misty and murky over the coast and the hills and bits of drizzle. but the main rain's coming back in later in the night to western scotland and northern ireland. that's really the main player for the next couple of days, particularly for western, central,

and southern scotland. we could see a good couple of inches of rain, even at lower levels towards the central belt, but over the hills double that. so, it's likely we'll have some flooding impacts, ithink, with that amount of rain in such a short space of time. but also it's a wetter day for parts of northern england, for northern ireland, cloudier, as well. and further south, i think we'll have a bit more cloud than today, but it's still mild. the winds are picking up a notch, though, overnight, so i think slightly windier again tomorrow. still that risk of gales in the north. now, they may ease a little as we head into monday, but only temporarily. and then by that stage we've got that rain bumping into the colder air further north and we could have a spell of snow over the hills and then into the northern isles potentially on monday. but to the south, we've still got that westerly breeze, still the high pressure influencing our weather here so keeping it largely dry, still quite a lot of cloud, though, because we're pulling in all that wind off the atlantic. so, moisture laden. but the wettest weather by far will still be in the north, hence the risk of some flooding.

to the north of that, we've still got that cold air. but for most parts of the uk, once again, the start of the week very mild. fog around the coasts and over the hills, which is very typical with this sort of wind direction. now, by tuesday, ourweatherfront does start to push a little bit further southwards. and behind it, there's some colder air. but that cold, warm air battle is going to take place across the uk, we think, during the week and eventually it looks like it'll get colder towards next weekend, but that's a long way off. and in the meantime, in between, we're going to see some wetter weather. the warnings, as ever, are on our website.

live from london, this is bbc news. northern ireland's devolved government is restored after a two—year hiatus. sinn fein's michelle o'neill makes history as stormont�*s first irish nationalist leader. this is an assembly for all — catholic, protestant, and the centre. despite our different outlooks and our different views on the future constitutional position, the public rightly demand that we work together and that we deliver together. iraq's prime minister says civilians were among 16 people killed in us attacks on what washington says were pro—iranian militias. and british scientists and engineers arrive in antarctica to test a new drone that will help forecast the impact of climate change.