we join the residents of one area where council leaders are struggling to balance the books. extra security is announced for mps following fears about politcians being intimidated by demonstrators. the rising cost of gym membership — how fitness companies are having to work out how to get us through the doors. in sport, hit for six... erling haaland scores five as manchester city knock luton out of the fa cup. good morning. there is some fog first thing this morning. we've also got a band of cloud in the rain across the west, but it is going to be milderfor all of us. i will have all the details later in the programme. good morning, all. it's wednesday 28th february. our main story. councils in england are in a state of financial crisis with many facing

effective bankruptcy in the next few years — unless the funding system is reformed. a report by the local government information unit has found services like parks, leisure facilities and libraries are at risk of being cut, while council tax could rise in some areas. our reporter vincent mcaviney has more. yay! well done. alex is about to turn 18, and on top of the regular worries parents have about their children, mum, sylvia also has to think about alex's autism and the extra support he needs to gain independence. support that's under fire for her and other families as birmingham city council struggles with financial difficulties. what you get is families that are on their knees with a trauma presentation, traumatised kids, and they never get decent outcomes. theyjust end up constantly trying to get the basics, which everybody else�*s child gets naturally. and it's notjust birmingham that's struggling.

across the country, councils are warning that front—line neighbourhood services like parks, leisure facilities and libraries are in jeopardy. despite government having recently provided emergency funding, a new survey of council management by the local government information unit has found 51% of senior figures warned their councils are likely to go bust in the next five years. and only 6% are happy with central government's performance of understanding the scale of the problem facing finances. councils say they're pulling out all the stops to stay afloat, but that means nine in ten survey respondents plan to cut back services whilst also raising people's council tax. almost every council in the country is putting up council tax by the maximum permitted, just under 5%. they're cutting services.

so councils are making deep cuts to front—line services, particularly in discretionary spending areas — parks, business support, leisure services. and they're dipping into their reserves. so more than half of councils are dipping into their reserves year after year to fund services. so it's completely unsustainable. in response, the department for levelling up, housing and communities spokesperson says... "we recognise councils are facing challenges, and that is why we announced an additional £600 million support package for councils across england, increasing their overall funding for the upcoming financial year to £64] billion, a 7.5% increase in cash terms. nonetheless, council leaders will be hoping when the chancellor, jeremy hunt, takes to parliament next week to deliver his budget, more assistance will be on the way. vincent mcaviney, bbc news. we are going to go behind the scenes during the programme this morning at one particular council, talking to councillors as they try to balance the books and the decisions up close

that councils like that are having to make on a daily basis. but at four minutes past six, what else do we need to know this morning, sally? thanks, jon. security measures will be strengthened for mps as part of a £31 million package to ensure their safety. there have been growing fears over mps�* safety since the outbreak of the war in gaza. earlier this month, the home of the conservative backbencher tobias ellwood was targeted by protesters, with the police warning his family to "stay away" from the property. on sunday, two mps said receiving death threats had become part of their daily lives. our chief political correspondent henry zeffman joins us now. i feel very strongly that as the local mp, i should i feel very strongly that as the local mp, ishould be i feel very strongly that as the local mp, i should be seen until about, and i now have to carry a panic button with me at all times which reports to the police. i have had to have the police install a number of different security measures in my home including panic buttons in the bedrooms, and that is the scale of the challenge. i buttons in the bedrooms, and that is the scale of the challenge.— the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death _ the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death threats. - the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death threats. it - the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death threats. it feels| had direct death threats. it feels like it_ had direct death threats. it feels

like it has— had direct death threats. it feels like it has become a norm. when you are a _ like it has become a norm. when you are a woman, — like it has become a norm. when you are a woman, especially in parliament, the level of misogyny and hate — parliament, the level of misogyny and hate and the fact that people can sit_ and hate and the fact that people can sit down and write a direct threat — can sit down and write a direct threat to— can sit down and write a direct threat to you without feeling that there _ threat to you without feeling that there is _ threat to you without feeling that there is going to be no consequences has really— there is going to be no consequences has really become part of the work that we _ has really become part of the work that we d0~ — our chief political correspondent henry zeffman joins us now. henry, what measures are being proposed? this has been one of the big themes of the last week or so, right back in westminster, right back to when sir lindsay hoyle cited threats to mps as the reason he made an extraordinary and controversial decision around the debate on a gaza ceasefire last week. what the government has come up with is a £31 million package principally to cover extra security, including private security guards, for mps' events and also more patrols. there are also cyber security advice for mps,

because so many threats are made online, and also giving politicians a dedicated, to police contact who they can call up if they have any concerns about their safety, and that will be extended in this general election year notjust politicians but also to candidates office, because of course they can receive threats too. i think one of the things that mps talk about as you are hearing there is that yes, this has got worse since october the 7th, but let's not forget this is a long—running problem too. two mps have been murdered since 2016. obviously that is terrifying for mps who want to continue to go about their daily business, holding regular surgeries and being present in the community. james cleverly, the home secretary, just back from a trip to the united states, will be meeting police chiefs to talk about this issue today. government talking here to talk about what it can do to mitigate the problem but a lot of people will also want a wider debate on how it came to this.— people will also want a wider debate on how it came to this. henry, thank ou ve

on how it came to this. henry, thank you very much _ on how it came to this. henry, thank you very much indeed. _ on how it came to this. henry, thank you very much indeed. plaid - on how it came to this. henry, thank you very much indeed. plaid cymru l you very much indeed. plaid cymru has backed a motion of no confidence in sir lindsay hoyle. 86 mps have now called on the speaker to resign after he was accused of allowing a debate on a ceasefire in gaza to be hijacked by labour. sir lindsay has apologised and said he allowed the vote so mps could express their views on the widest range of propositions. the white house has rejected a french suggestion that western countries could send ground troops to fight in ukraine. the usjoined the uk, germany and italy in distancing itself from the idea floated by the french president, emmanuel macron. the kremlin said the measure would make a direct conflict between russia and nato an inevitability. thomas kingston, the son—in—law of the prince and princess michael of kent, has died aged a5. a family statement paid tribute to mr kingston, saying he "was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him". meanwhile, the king and queen sent

his family their heartfelt thoughts. police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. the crooked house, which was known as the wonkiest pub in britain, devastated locals when it went up in flames in a suspected arson attack last summer. but now owners have been ordered to rebuild the iconic pub to how it was before it was destroyed. our reporter navtej johal has this report. this was the moment that centuries of black country history went up in flames in a suspected arson attack. but there was worse to come. less than 48 hours later, the crooked house, a west midlands landmark, was demolished. the crooked house, where even teetotalers can feel tipsy. it was known as britain's wonkiest inn. and yet that's not so. the clock is perfectly perpendicular, but everything else... due to its sloping floor and walls caused by subsidence due

to mining in the area. you just watch this. its unique charm was captured in this bbc programme in 197a. it was taken from us, just ripped apart. one of those places you thought it would be here for the rest- of our lives, and then suddenly it was gone _ it's why the public outcry over the fire and what the local authority has called an unauthorised demolition has barely died down in six months. but now the news many were hoping for. just can't believe it, just can't believe it. the owners of this much—loved pub have been ordered by south staffordshire council to rebuild it back to what it was before the fire. i couldn't believe it when the group shared it all this morning, and we were all the same. none of us could type fast enough! we were alljust so elated and so excited and just so looking forward to what the future's going to bring. 0h, absolutely delighted, yeah. yeah, we're really happy. we've worked hard. we've kept this as much as possible in the news.

we've kept and kept the momentum going, and we've put pressure on the various people. the pub's owners have 30 days to appeal and must comply with the enforcement order from the local authority within three years. are you confident that the crooked house will be restored to its former glory? i have always been confident, always said it must be. - you've heard the way in which the public, l society has come together and you've seen the resolve of the local- authority, and it is them who can enforce it. - six people have been arrested and remain on conditional bail in connection with the fire here, but no one has been charged and investigations are still ongoing. navteonhal, bbc news in himley. carol is getting ready to bring us the weather in the uk in just a minute. but before that we just wanted to show you these remarkable

images from new york. you can hardly see any of the skyline. this is a phenomenon known as advection fog, where a dense covering of fog envelopes an area. it was formed as easterly winds blew over the cold waters of long island sound. where the atlantic ocean meets the east river. you'd be a bit gutted if you had gone to new york for your holiday to get that wonderful skyline shot, and you only got that. your mates are not going to believe you've been away! but it is rather beautiful. it is rather gorgeous, and carol is here this morning. and guess what, everyone? it is foggy! nothing like that. we have got some fog across parts of the wash, north devon, south wales, and it will clear as we go through the day. good morning. the fog will lift through the course of the morning and we also have quite a bit of cloud around this morning, and a band of rain in the west which will be travelling eastwards as we go through the course of the day. so

the fog will lift, and we also have the fog will lift, and we also have the rain continuing to advance towards the east, and there will be some brightness in the east with a few showers following on behind. today because of the direction of the wind, it is a south—westerly. we are looking at milder conditions. temperatures higher than yesterday, seven in lerwick, ten in stornoway and a high of 12 in london and cardiff. heading on through the evening and overnight, this first band of rain pushes eastwards, and the second one starts to push southwards and eastwards through the course of the night. behind it, cold airfollows course of the night. behind it, cold air follows on course of the night. behind it, cold airfollows on behind, and we will have some squally showers. very windy tonight across the north and west of scotland, and some of these showers will be wintry in the highlands on higher ground. so, into tomorrow, we hang onto this weather front. it is waving across the south, so for parts of england and wales it will remain cloudy with that rain, and again, a lot of

showers coming in, frequent showers with some hail and some thunder in them, and on higher ground in parts of the north and west, we could well cease a winter in colder air through the day, that wintry level will be coming down a little bit lower. gaels too across the far north of scotland, with temperatures 7—11 . so in essence, the weather for the next few days is going to remain unsettled, even into the weekend when it will be quite chilly. not quite as foggy as new york, though! 13 minutes past six. we are going to talk now about water quality, as we have often over the last few months. last year, water companies discharged raw sewage into rivers in england more than 400,000 times — sparking outrage and concern among the wild swimming community. now several popular swimming spots are in line to become official bathing water sites, meaning the water quality will be regularly monitored throughout the summer.

our reporter debbie tubby has more. the stour where we live is an area of outstanding natural beauty. so it's full of wildlife, it's a bird—watching mecca, and we get to swim amongst all of that. manningtree is one of the smallest towns in the country. it also has its own beach on the edge of the tidal river. it looks beautiful, but there are sewer storm overflows here. for the last three years, these swimmers have campaigned to improve the water quality. now it could become an official bathing site. we feel very excited that we are through to this stage, but we are still apprehensive because we know that, you know, we have still got to do this public consultation. so we need to make sure that as many people as possible fill in that consultation and give us a chance of making it through and actually getting the bathing water status that we've applied for. the government says last year 96% of bathing waters in england

met minimum standards, and 90% of bathing waters were rated as good or excellent, up from 76% in 2010, despite the classification standards becoming stricter. it's not going to clean up the water overnight, but it will make anglian water more accountable to the bacteria levels in the water. if this is designated an official bathing water site, the environment agency will monitor water quality during may to september, investigate sources of pollution and identify ways to deal with it. it'sjust over six degrees in here. i can't tell you how cold it feels. it is also murky. but with the monitoring, this water should become cleaner to swim in in the future. anglian water says it's pledged to make sure its operations will not be the reason for poor river health. we are trying to promote that water should be clean and safe, notjust for swimmers, for any other water users, but also for nature as well.

we need to be looking after this really vital environment. it's so important with all the changes in terms of the climate change, everything else, it's, you know, it's a thing that we need to absolutely protect. a two—week consultation will now test the temperature to see if this will officially be declared a new bathing site. debbie tubby, bbc news. and well done devey for having a swim! she got rather deeper than i did when i did a piece about water quality earlier in the year. let's take a look at today's papers. the times' lead story focuses on their own interview with the home secretary who expresses his view that pro—palestinian protesters have made their point and do not need to continue with their demonstrations which, in his words, are "not really saying anything new". the guardian carries comments from the former post office chairman henry staunton who appeared before

a committee of mp's yesterday. mr staunton, who was removed from his post injanuary, is quoted as saying he believed was the target of a smear campaign led by the business secretary kemi badenoch. it was "a day of royal tragedy and drama" yesterday according to the daily mail, which covers the death of 45—year—old thomas kingston, husband of lady gabriella windsor and son—in law to her parents, prince and princess michael of kent. in a second headline, the paper says prince william "mysteriously" missed a memorial service for his late godfather king constantine of greece yesterday. the budget next week. a pack of 20 cigarettes is going to set smokers back £16 after next week's budget, according to the metro. the planned "huge tax rise" is part of a "war on smoking and vaping", it says. £16 for a packet of cigarettes. what will be the health implications of

that? and an interesting story i have seen here in the times today. this is a study that has been done by the early years charity called kindred who have questioned 1000 parents across england and wales and they say half of parents these days say that they shouldn't have sole responsibility for toilet training their kids. we have reported in the past that a growing number of kids have been turning up at school, starting school sometimes wearing nappies, haven't been properly toilet trained at home, and a lot of parents don't think it is theirjob any more, that teachers should be helping to do that. only 16% of parents think it is theirjob to teach children how to read. so before you go to school, you know, you just do it when the kids turn up. so they are saying that they think someone else should teach the toilet training? i get home life is changed, hasn't it? more parents working, both parents working.

i wonder how reception teachers feel about that. yet more work. i have got a great story here. click at the bingo. two pensioners, both aged 76, dennis and jenny, got engaged. they met at the bingo just before christmas, and they got engaged during a session of the bingo which is theirfavourite thing during a session of the bingo which is their favourite thing to do. proposed at the bingo? dennis went down on one knee, and jenny accepted early this month. dennis says everything was on the right place, we just fell in love, i got down on my knees and i propose to her. i said will you accept this ring, she said will you accept this ring, she said yes. smooth, dennis! they haven't set a date yet but they are very happy. congratulations. and 76 is trombones, the bingo call. it is a marching song, according to google. i didn't know that. it is 20 past

six. women could be offered meditation and talking therapy to help cope with some of the most common symptoms of menopause. a study by experts at university college london has found these therapies improved women's mood and could be considered alongside medication. we'rejoined now by gp dr nighat arif. good morning. lovely to see you. this is not the first time we've heard this, is it, that there are other things other than medication that women could be doing to help. in 2019, when they nice guidance was updated, they had non—pharmacological treatments, so things like cbt, cognitive behavioural therapy. acupuncture and yoga, meditation, mindfulness, anything else that a woman would like to try, so cold water swimming, exercise, strengthening exercise was in there, dietary advice was in there, even herbal advice was in there. and then they said actually, there. and then they said actually, the data always has shown that the first—line treatment for menopausal symptoms is going to be hormone

replacement therapy, giving back women the hormone oestrogen and progesterone. what they have done now is confirmed a lot of things that we already knew about the non—pharmacological treatments such as meditation and cognitive behaviour therapy. they did a meta—analysis of 30 studies, and put those studies together and showed that yes, actually, women do feel better or a little bit better with their hot flushes, with their mood —related symptoms, if they are given meditation or mindfulness, or the right and appropriate cognitive behaviour therapy. flan right and appropriate cognitive behaviour therapy.— right and appropriate cognitive behaviour therapy. can i 'ust ask a cuestion? behaviour therapy. can i 'ust ask a question? newt behaviour therapy. can i 'ust ask a question? how would _ behaviour therapy. can i just ask a question? how would meditation i behaviour therapy. can i just ask a l question? how would meditation or mindfulness change something for a woman if she is having hot flushes that are not controllable? would it really help? we that are not controllable? would it really help?— really help? we looked at the data from over ten _ really help? we looked at the data from over ten years _ really help? we looked at the data from over ten years ago _ really help? we looked at the data from over ten years ago from - really help? we looked at the data j from over ten years ago from myra hunter. she looked at specific cognitive behaviour therapy. cbt is an umbrella term, but within that there are train cbt therapist to look after menopause and hot

flushes, but we know that when you are, from that study that she did, she looked at breast cancer patients who could not have systemic hormone replacement therapy, and from that there has but lots of data to suggest that meditation, mindfulness, acceptance, commitment therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, what they do is when you are censoring yourself and you are able to meditate, you lower the hormone cortisol, which is your stress hormone, and it gives you an increase in the serotonin hormone which is your happy hormone. when you are in the perimenopausal phase or the menopausalface, two things are happening. one is that your ovaries are producing less eggs and so the hormone oestrogen is decreasing, and there was a little bit of testosterone that decreases. but as oestrogen decreases, what happens is your brain goes, what is happening christmas i need this lovely hormone that i have, because i have oestrogen receptors everywhere in my body, and so those oestrogen receptors are not getting oestrogen, and your cortisol

increases and your serotonin decreases, so therefore we know that being mindful, doing cognitive behaviour therapy, and exercise another great example where cortisol decreases, and that is why you feel so great. so these are complementary treatments. first—line is hormone replacement therapy. but treatments. first-line is hormone replacement therapy.— treatments. first-line is hormone replacement therapy. but what about the mindfulness _ replacement therapy. but what about the mindfulness and _ replacement therapy. but what about the mindfulness and the _ replacement therapy. but what about the mindfulness and the meditation? j the mindfulness and the meditation? is at something that you as a gp can prescribe to a patient who might benefit? i prescribe to a patient who might benefit? ., ., .,' ., , benefit? i do, and i offer it to my atients. benefit? i do, and i offer it to my patients- we _ benefit? i do, and i offer it to my patients. we take _ benefit? i do, and i offer it to my patients. we take a _ benefit? i do, and i offer it to my patients. we take a holistic - benefit? i do, and i offer it to myj patients. we take a holistic view, so we say to women, what are you doing already and where can you tweak things in your diet and your work life balance, reduce your stress is, and can you do meditations. it is a luxury to be able to do mindfulness and put that time aside for you. the problem i haveis time aside for you. the problem i have is access to those services within the nhs. currently we are inundated with huge waiting lists forjust anxiety, inundated with huge waiting lists forjustanxiety, depression, low mood, ptsd. so i know that my

patients in my area cannot access the specific cbt, cognitive behaviour therapy, for menopausal symptoms, and it is a postcode lottery, so the women i am looking after our going privately, but that also puts up a real barrier, because for those that can have private care and those who can't access it, and thatis and those who can't access it, and that is not the kind of nhs that we want to be promoting. the difficulty we have at the moment is the access, but the data to back the fact that it works means that in the future, hopefully with more funding, we could push, i'm hopeful, for better access to service and psychological therapies. access to service and psychological theraies. �* ., access to service and psychological theraies. . ., ., therapies. and in the meantime, if a atient therapies. and in the meantime, if a patient isn't — therapies. and in the meantime, if a patient isn't able _ therapies. and in the meantime, if a patient isn't able to _ therapies. and in the meantime, if a patient isn't able to get _ therapies. and in the meantime, if a patient isn't able to get this - therapies. and in the meantime, if a patient isn't able to get this from - patient isn't able to get this from their gp, is it worth going on an app their gp, is it worth going on an app or listening to a mindfulness podcast, can that kind of meditation help, or does it have to be done through professionals?- help, or does it have to be done through professionals? there is a really good _ through professionals? there is a really good book, _ through professionals? there is a really good book, it _ through professionals? there is a really good book, it is _ through professionals? there is a really good book, it is about - through professionals? there is a really good book, it is about six l through professionals? there is a | really good book, it is about six or £7 really good book, it is about six or e7 from amazon, and i recommend it £7 from amazon, and i recommend it for those who have had breast cancer

and cannot have systemic hormone replacement therapy or they are actively going through cancer treatment, because i feel that that is a group of women that are really missed, and they have horrible hot flushes. myra hunter has written a book called self cbt for hot flushes, so that is a really good place to start. there is also every mind matters which is the nhs app as well, and you can also look at the services on the nhs website. dr nighat arif, always good to chat, thank you. when i read the story, i thought they just telling women that they need to think differing about their symptoms, they need to think differing about theirsymptoms, but they need to think differing about their symptoms, but what she is saying is that mindful less and meditation has a physical effect on you. really interesting chat. it is 26 minutes past six. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are.

all are a very good mornin all are g. welcome to bbc london. i'm thomas magill. two boys aged 11 and 12 have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and burglary at a college in west london. officers were called to capel manor college's gunnersbury park campus on sunday following reports "several animals had been killed." the college confirmed some animals had died and are appealing to help find a missing barn owl. both boys have been bailed. sony is closing its london studio and cutting around 900 jobs at its playstation division. the gaming giant said it had made the decision because of changes to the industry. sony's london studio was founded in 2002 and it created several series including this is football and singstar. schools across bexley in south—east london have taken part in a multi—media heritage project. pupils from four secondary schools in the borough spent time researching their own history.

an interactive exhibition of their work hasjust opened at hall place. i made me feel really proud, actually, and it's really exciting. if they actually look back, they would realise that they've got it quite good from what it used to be. we need to realise how lucky we are to have all these things and how, like, changes in the past have come along. the south london singer raye says she's "honoured and blown away" to become the first woman to win the brit awards' songwriter of the year. # i wanna feel.# the 26—year—old from tooting was nominated for seven awards at this weekend's ceremony — the most ever for one artist in a single year. let's take a first look at how the tubes are running this morning. there's minor delays on the metropolitan line and there's no service on the victoria line between walthamstow central to highbury & islington and delays

on the rest of the line. but otherwise a good service across the rest of the network. now on to the weather with kate kinsella. good morning. it's a largely cloudy day today. but in the most part dry. we won't see any rain until we head towards the end of the afternoon and into the evening, when it starts to me move in from the west. temperatures feeling a bit milder today as well with a maximum back up in double figures of 12 celsius. into this evening, that rain will continue on its journey eastwards. becoming quite wet for a time. then it should clear, drier for a spell and then our next band of rain will head in as we head into thursday morning. quite a mild night too. the minimum temperature not dropping too far, around 8, 9 celsius. now, for tomorrow morning, we'll see this cold front moving through. that's going to bring a spell of rain. it's likely to linger as we head through the day into the afternoon. it could be quite heavy for a time as well, slowly making its way eastwards. temperatures tomorrow again relatively mild at around 11 celsius. it's going to be quite a wet night and a wet start to meteorological

spring on friday morning but that rain should clear. we'll get some sunshine and showers. a breezy day for friday. but feeling chillier. that's it from me. there's more on the bbc news app. i'll be back in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with sally nugent and jon kay. we've been talking this morning about the financial crisis, facing local councils in england, after more than half of the councils that responded to a survey by the local government information unit said they were unlikely to be able to balance their books in the next five years. let's have a look at the figures. in order to save money, two—thirds of councils are planning on cutting services, with parks, leisure, arts and culture at the top of the list. and, in order to

generate more revenue, many councils will be be putting up council tax for local residents. nine in ten of them expecting to do that. the government says it recognises that the sector is facing challenges, and has announced an extra £600 million of funding to help plug budget gaps. our political correspondent alex forsyth has been filming with medway council in kent, behind the scenes, hearing from those facing effective bankruptcy without emergency funding from the government. it's early evening and medway council has allowed us to film, as they meet to discuss their budget. the council's finances are perilous. we have got roads full of potholes. food banks are now normal. this is not the place that anybody around this table wanted to be in. at this point, they're waiting to find out whether the government will give

them emergency support. if not, they could effectively go bust. they're already cutting things like free swimming for children, cancelling events and closing a visitor centre and art gallery. this is another heavy—heart, determined—head decision, isn't it? i've just stepped out, but the meetings still going on and the discussions they're having are based on the hope that the government is going to let them borrow £30 million over the next two years. even if the government says yes, they're still going to have to make some pretty significant cuts to services. like other councils, the leader here says it's the rising cost of services, like social care and housing, combined with a shortage of government funding that is pushing some councils to the brink. this is really challenging. this is my home, my community, the street i live on. they will all be impacted by these decisions we've got to take. it's not easy. a few days later, in the medway town of gillingham, we caught up with him again, this time as he met parents and carers to explain the situation.

we're in a really difficult financial place as a council. we're having to do some difficult stuff around some of the things we all enjoy. so really want to hear from yourself. we're aware, yes, of the swimming. we're aware, yes, - of the parking charges at the country parks, but that's about it. . if i'm completely honest, . that's all we were aware of. these families have children with special educational needs and disabilities — one of the areas where services are under huge pressure. this is about cuts to adult social care. being a parent that accesses that for her young adult, i know how important that support is. so when you make those cuts, are you actually going to consider what that can do to a family and to the young person as well? one of the things we're doing next week, despite the financial challenges, is increasing the capacity in our adult social care team. yeah, when you talk about, obviously, having to - cut back on everything - across the budget as somebody that is sort of volunteering

in the voluntary sector at i the moment, running the children's i charity, physically can't plug any i more gaps in council budgets with what we're doing. - if the resources aren't there, you know, there are some things which ultimately will cease to happen. and that pains me. i don't want that to be the case. but i've got to balance the books. thank you for your time again. i genuinely appreciate that. can ijust have a little chat with you just about what you've heard and your thoughts on it all, if that's ok? it'sjust more stress really on your plate as a parent — thinking, well, what is going to be left for my child to access? i am a mum to two. i've got a 19—year—old and a 25—year—old. so he has quite a few additional needs. have you had to fight for the support that's helped him? every single day — it's always a fight. when he was first diagnosed, i was just told, you know, just leave him in the corner. he's not going to amount to much. this is max's son, richard, now. he's a keen baker and gardener

with two computing qualifications. i met him the next day with his mum, who said that wouldn't have been possible without the support they get. your mum was saying yesterday, she's pushed a lot to get you your support that you need, richard. yeah. ifight my corner and it's been a bit hard and it always helps. and i love my carers — they're amazing, they are. are you worried about the budget constraints in the areas of support that you like? yes. yeah, the support still needs to be there and sometimes there could be improvement because of the support that's in place. so if you take the support away, then his needs are just going to deteriorate. increasingly, keeping the services that people like richard rely on going means councils are cutting back elsewhere. at this country parkjust outside chatham, visitors could soon be charged to park their cars. green spaces and leisure facilities are where many councils are looking to make savings — things they don't have to offer by law, but are often hugely valued, particularly

for families like these. worried they will pay the price for pressure on public finances. they've wasted money all over the place on frivolous things or on things that don't need doing, or people — middle management, people that don't need to be there. and so there's not enough left in the pot for the things that do need doing. the council's argument is that it's just broke. do you have any sympathy? with the finest, tiniest budget that they already have. and i think it's quite extreme to ask them to do everything, but i don't think it should be brought back down to the people. with many councils sounding warning signs about a bleak outlook, the government has increased the amount they have to spend compared to last year. but, in medway, they say that's still not enough. yesterday, i received a message from the council leader, saying they're still waiting to hear whether they'll be allowed to borrow to balance their books. it's around quarter to two monday night into tuesday morning. i'm just talking through the final budget processes for the council

meeting on thursday. we've also still not heard back from central government on exceptional financial support. so this community waits with an announcement expected tomorrow, which will determine what happens to the services many here value. that was our political correspondent alex forsyth in medway. we're joined now byjonathan carr—west, chief executive of the local government information unit. morning to you. morning. really interesting _ morning to you. morning. really interesting story _ morning to you. morning. really interesting story in _ morning to you. morning. really interesting story in alex's - morning to you. morning. really| interesting story in alex's report. the first question, how has it reached this point folsom councils? we have seen a huge squeeze on council finances, we have seen a huge squeeze on councilfinances, the we have seen a huge squeeze on council finances, the amount of money they get from central government has been reduced by about 40%. government has been reduced by about a0%. they are much more reliant on local income sources council tax,

retain business rates, fees and charges. at the same time, we have seen a massive increase in demand in the core services they are required tjy the core services they are required by law to deliver, adult social care, children services, housing. most large local authorities are spending about 70% of their budget on adult social care and children's services alone. we have seen demand and cost rocket across all of those service areas. and cost rocket across all of those service arm-— and cost rocket across all of those service areas-— service areas. another thing alex was talking _ service areas. another thing alex was talking about _ service areas. another thing alex was talking about in _ service areas. another thing alex was talking about in that - service areas. another thing alex was talking about in that report. | was talking about in that report. send services looking like they are increasingly fragile. how do councils prioritise? how do you look down the list and decide what gets funding and what does not? incredibly difficult. you look at what you legally have to deliver what you legally have to deliver what you legally have to deliver what you do not. as alex was saying, the brunt of the cuts inevitably full on discretionary services. just because they are not legal

requirements does not mean they are not important. libraries, arts and culture, green spaces, as we had in the report. it will make space is good to live in. it is what most citizens experience from the council. if you are not in care or have a relative in care or have a child with special educational needs you do not see much of that spending, the vast majority of the spending. what many citizens are experiencing is a really rapid decline in what they feel the council offers them. fiur decline in what they feel the council offers them. our cats are the only option? _ council offers them. our cats are the only option? is _ council offers them. our cats are the only option? is there - council offers them. our cats are l the only option? is there anything else they can do? —— are cuts? everything else has been done. you can talk about streamlining and organisational transformation. most of that has been done. we have been running the service will over a decade, warning finances and

councils are becoming more perilous. some have gone bankrupt. that is the tip of the iceberg. unless we have systemic change, up to half of the councils in the country because they could go bust in the next five years. could go bust in the next five ears. ~ ., ., could go bust in the next five ears. ., . could go bust in the next five ears. ., could go bust in the next five ears. ~ ., ., .. ., years. what do systemic change look like? there are _ years. what do systemic change look like? there are immediate _ years. what do systemic change look like? there are immediate things - years. what do systemic change look| like? there are immediate things the government — like? there are immediate things the government can _ like? there are immediate things the government can do. _ like? there are immediate things the government can do. we _ like? there are immediate things the government can do. we have - like? there are immediate things the | government can do. we have reached the end of the road in what councils can do for themselves. the elastic has been stretched as far as it can. we need systemic change. the government could put an end to ring fencing and competitive funding where councils have to bid against each other for little pots of —— money. they could reintroduce funding formula that assesses council finances against levels of needin council finances against levels of need in call services. all of those things could be done within the current fiscal window. not spending more money, just spending the money

we do have more smartly. they would fix the problem and give councils clarity, some stability so we can plan effectively over the medium term. in the longer term, we need to have a much bigger conversation in this country about how to reform the local tax base, is it still fit for purpose? how do we arrange public spending? should more of national taxes come through to local government, for example? we do not need to allow demand to rack up because of cuts in things like youth services and having to deal with it at an acute stage. there are big changes we can make in the future and also things we can do right now to help. and also things we can do right now to hel. ., , ., . ., , to help. even though small changes, bi s stem to help. even though small changes, big system changes _ to help. even though small changes, big system changes would _ to help. even though small changes, big system changes would take - to help. even though small changes, | big system changes would take years. small changes would not happen quickly. in the meantime, people today, tomorrow, next week will face challenges because families are not getting the level of service that they need. for those people, what

can they do? what other options are there? we can they do? what other options are there? ~ ., , _, . , can they do? what other options are there? ., , . , there? we are seeing councils, as ou saw there? we are seeing councils, as you saw in — there? we are seeing councils, as you saw in the _ there? we are seeing councils, as you saw in the report _ there? we are seeing councils, as you saw in the report by _ there? we are seeing councils, as you saw in the report by bending i you saw in the report by bending over backwards to protect the most vulnerable. i am afraid there is no getting away from the fact they are citizens. it is a no win situation. we are paying more council tax and getting less services and councils are edging ever further towards bankruptcy. are edging ever further towards bankruptcy-— are edging ever further towards bankrut . ., ~' , . bankruptcy. thank you very much indeed. thank— bankruptcy. thank you very much indeed. thank you. _ thank you forjoining us. john is here on the sofa. lots of males worn down last night. when manchester city are scoring six, how many do think erling haaland is going? a couple, maybe three? five is answer. an astonishing performance from him

and for manchester city. one of the fa cup matches went to penalties. the games to come tonight could be fun if last night was anything to go by. i do not think i can cope with another night like that! high fives for haaland, as luton were hit for six. championship side leicester beat bournemouth and there was a nailbiter between blackburn and newcastle. asjoe lynskey reports. cheering. they last won the cup in 1955. so for newcastle united, any way through will do. for the premier league side, this was far from vintage. it took more than an hour to break through blackburn rovers — a team 16th in the championship, but backed here by belief. commentator: that's a great effort and it's still might go in. _ it has! sammie szmodics! the second tier�*s top scorer hauled them back into the game and, for a while, the night seemed

to be theirs. newcastle stopped twice as this game went to penalties. but there, eddie howe's side found their composure. for the club who've waited so long for a trophy, the dream is just still alive. cheering. commentator: newcastle have done enough. - they have gone over the line. there's only one emotion and that's relief. it was a very hard—fought cup tie tonight. i thought two teams gave everything to try and get through. there was no inch given from either side. very, very tough game. but we're delighted to be in the hat for the next round. there are now no replays in round five of the cup, but at luton, manchester city put the same move on repeat. cheering. kevin de bruyne's through—pass, erling haaland in on goal. a0 minutes played, a hat—trick. and, for de bruyne, a hat trick of assists. commentator: erling haaland claims yet another match ball. _ this season already is luton's fairy tale. cup moments are a bonus in their fight for league survival.

that stunning goal brought a hint of a fightback. they made it 3—2 but city went back to their ruthless combination. commentator: once again, the dynamic duo. _ haaland scored five goals. city won 6—2. with him and de bruyne, the holders look hard to stop. they'll be joined in the last eight by the second tier�*s top side. leicester city faced bournemouth. it went to extra time. nearly two hours of quiet, then this. commentator: oh, it's brilliant, absolutely brilliant. _ they'll be one of at least two championship sides left in tonight's draw. two games from the final, these teams hope to keep moving and keep dreaming. joe lynskey, bbc news. great entertainment, great scenes of celebration last night. there are four more ties later. centre stage again will be the chelsea manager

mauricio pochettino who's side lost at wembley to liverpool in the league cup final last weekend, when they face leeds. but after that defeat against klopp's kids, there remains uncertainty around his future. it is not in my hands, not any coach's decision. st mirren are a point off fourth place in the scottish premiership after drawing 1—1 with ross county. jordan white put county ahead before toyosi olusanya equalised for st mirren late on. ross county remain in relegation trouble, one place off the bottom of the table. plenty of other goals last night, five in fact for england, as they beat italy convincingly in their friendly.

lauren hemp scored scored twice as they cruised to a 5—1win. the victory follows their 7—2 win over austria in marbella on friday, as they look to rebuild momentum following the disappointment of failing to qualify a place for team gb at the paris olympics. disappointment for scotland, who lost to finland in the final of an invitational tournament in spain. the game went to penalties after finishing 1—1, erin cuthbert and nicola doherty both saw their efforts from the spot saved, handing victory to finland. northern ireland maintained their league b status in the nations league after a 1—1 draw with montenegro. simone magill with the equaliser in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play—off. their 2—0 win in the first leg means it finished 3—1 on aggregate. the main focus for all of these sides now, qualification for euro 2025,

which starts in april. meanwhile, in dublin, wales pulled off a surprise 2—0 win over the republic of ireland in another friendly. jess fishlock and lily woodham with the goals. namibia's jan nicol loftie—eaton has broken the record for the fastest t20 hundred in international cricket. he reached the milestone against nepal with a boundary off his 33rd ball. 92 of his runs came from boundaries — that's the most by a batter in t20 internationals. nepal's kushal malla, who was playing in this game, held the previous record for a 3a—ball century against mongolia in september. and, if you're looking for some inspiration today, meet victor clarke. he is a world war ii veteran from belfast, who has just turned 100, and still gets out to play golf twice a week. and doesn't he look well! he took up the sport 47 years ago, and says playing is one

of the secrets to his longevity. and there he is celebrating with a cake. not quite 100 candles but he has received lots of messages from the king and the prime minister of ireland. his favourite message was from rory mcilroy. i bet it was! amazing. doesn't he look good?! are we sure he is 100. victor by name and nature. just shows may golf is very good for you. we are going to be going out and about and getting fit shortly. nina has gone to the gym. we will bejoining her in a moment. we will not be joining gym. we will bejoining her in a moment. we will not bejoining her, don't worry. we will be sitting on the sofa. here's carol with a look at this morning's weather. it will be foggy in many parts of the south and east as well. this

picture from one weather watcher in suffolk. today, the fog were left slowly as we go through the course of the morning. also some cloud and rain coming in from the west. that will be spreading eastwards during the course of the day. some early brightness. in march as the rain. it will remain fairly murky across the north and west. here it will be quite windy. temperature wise today, we are importing milder air. not as cold as yesterday. we are looking at seven in lerwick, 11 in glasgow. highs of 12 in plymouth, cardiff and also london. this evening and overnight and eventually the rain does make it into the east. a second weather front sinking south during tonight. some of the rain will be heavy. colder conditions behind. we have changed our air mass. we will see a lot of showers, some of them quite sorely with hail and thunder.

very windy across the far north of scotland. temperature wise we are looking at five to ten north to south. here is the milder air we are looking at today represented by the yellows. as the cold front comes in when look at the blue sweeping across most of the country. it will turn cooler in the next few days. this weather front is draped across parts of england and wales. it will remain for much of the day. it will be cloudy, wet and murky. in the north and west we are looking at frequent showers. again some will be wintry. because we are in the colder air, as we go through the day, the snow level will start to come down probably to about 200 metres. we winteriness over the hills of northern ireland, wales and the south west. gail is on the far north of scotland with temperature seven to 12. stilljust hanging on to the air in the south east at this stage

but that will change. there goes our front eventually thursday night. then this complex area of low pressure coming in with all these weather fronts wrapped around it. what will happen on friday is this band of rain, sleet and snow will push north. we do see some of that across for example the pennines when the lake district and the southern uplands. some of that will getting across northern ireland. showers following on behind. some of them will be wintry. it will feel called for most of us. a chilly weekend as well. , . ., the well. getting colder. the temperature _ well. getting colder. the temperature is _ well. getting colder. the temperature is doing - well. getting colder. the i temperature is doing that. well. getting colder. the - temperature is doing that. whyte i keep thinking it is spring and it is not. it is the first day of the meteorological spring on friday. i meteorological spring on friday. i don't believe it! as the cost—of—living crisis continues to bite, another area where we've seen a hike in prices is the cost of monthly gym memberships.

i have just seen what is coming. you are in for a treat. nina's at one gym in cheshire for us this morning. morning. morning. they are not cuttin: morning. morning. they are not cutting me _ morning. morning. they are not cutting me any _ morning. morning. they are not cutting me any slack _ morning. morning. they are not cutting me any slack this - morning. morning. they are not i cutting me any slack this morning, despite the fact i have just had a baby. when we arrived here at quarter to six, they were queueing round the door. that is unusual. usually when we get somewhere, we try to get people to talk to us. the cost of living is going up, life is expensive. why do you keep coming to the gym? expensive. why do you keep coming to the i m? , ., ., expensive. why do you keep coming to the . m? ., expensive. why do you keep coming to the m? ., . ., , the gym? good morning. worth every enn . i the gym? good morning. worth every penny- i would _ the gym? good morning. worth every penny. ! would rather— the gym? good morning. worth every penny. i would rather go _ the gym? good morning. worth every penny. i would rather go without - penny. i would rather go without food _ penny. i would rather go without food the — penny. i would rather go without food. the main reason is the people. all about _ food. the main reason is the people. all about socialising. it is nice to keep— all about socialising. it is nice to

keep fit — all about socialising. it is nice to keep fit i— all about socialising. it is nice to keep fit. i will never, ever at the gym _ keep fit. i will never, ever at the a m, ., keep fit. i will never, ever at the . m. ., ., keep fit. i will never, ever at the i m, ., ., keep fit. i will never, ever at the a m, ., ., ., keep fit. i will never, ever at the gym. you are the same. you said it set ou gym. you are the same. you said it set you up — gym. you are the same. you said it set you up for— gym. you are the same. you said it set you up for the _ gym. you are the same. you said it set you up for the day. _ gym. you are the same. you said it set you up for the day. it _ gym. you are the same. you said it set you up for the day. it does - gym. you are the same. you said it set you up for the day. it does set i set you up for the day. it does set ou u- set you up for the day. it does set you up for— set you up for the day. it does set you up for the _ set you up for the day. it does set you up for the day. _ set you up for the day. it does set you up for the day. the _ set you up for the day. it does set you up for the day. the social- set you up for the day. it does set j you up for the day. the social side of it as _ you up for the day. the social side of it as well— you up for the day. the social side of it as well as _ you up for the day. the social side of it as well as the _ you up for the day. the social side of it as well as the keep _ you up for the day. the social side of it as well as the keep fit - you up for the day. the social side of it as well as the keep fit side i of it as well as the keep fit side of it as well as the keep fit side of it _ of it as well as the keep fit side of it. absolutely— of it as well as the keep fit side of it. absolutely fabulous. - of it as well as the keep fit side of it. absolutely fabulous. thel of it. absolutely fabulous. the people — of it. absolutely fabulous. the people here _ of it. absolutely fabulous. the people here are _ of it. absolutely fabulous. the people here are wonderful. - of it. absolutely fabulous. the people here are wonderful. it i of it. absolutely fabulous. the . people here are wonderful. it sets you up _ people here are wonderful. it sets you up and — people here are wonderful. it sets you up and keep— people here are wonderful. it sets you up and keep your— people here are wonderful. it sets you up and keep your brain - people here are wonderful. it sets you up and keep your brain going. j people here are wonderful. it setsi you up and keep your brain going. i am you up and keep your brain going. am way more out of breath than you up and keep your brain going." am way more out of breath than you guys. you were ready to zoom off a minute ago? i guys. you were ready to zoom off a minute ago?— guys. you were ready to zoom off a minute auo? ., ., , ., ., ., ., minute ago? i am ready to go around the track. minute ago? i am ready to go around the track- she _ minute ago? i am ready to go around the track. she is _ minute ago? i am ready to go around the track. she is off. _ minute ago? i am ready to go around the track. she is off. thanks - minute ago? i am ready to go around the track. she is off. thanks very - the track. she is off. thanks very much. goodness _ the track. she is off. thanks very much. goodness me, _ the track. she is off. thanks very much. goodness me, what - the track. she is off. thanks very much. goodness me, what an . much. goodness me, what an inspiration! — much. goodness me, what an inspiration! around _ much. goodness me, what an inspiration! around half- much. goodness me, what an inspiration! around half of. much. goodness me, what an| inspiration! around half of the people who are members of the gym had said prices have increased over the past couple of years. at the moment membership is £25 to £50 a month. that depends on facilities.

despite that, the market is growing. around 4% more people are deciding to take up gym membership over that period and the value of the overall market of the gems has increased by around 11%. you can really see it bucking the trend. let's speak to sophie, the ceo.— bucking the trend. let's speak to sophie, the cso._ | | bucking the trend. let's speak to l sophie, the ceo._ i am bucking the trend. let's speak to - sophie, the ceo._ i am a sophie, the ceo. great scott! i am a bit out of practice. _ sophie, the ceo. great scott! i am a bit out of practice. you _ sophie, the ceo. great scott! i am a bit out of practice. you have - sophie, the ceo. great scott! i am a bit out of practice. you have to - sophie, the ceo. great scott! i am a bit out of practice. you have to get i bit out of practice. you have to get into it somehow. foreshore. one thing that has really changed, it was changing pre—covid but it has accelerated, it is about the way that people engage with the gym. many people come more frequently than once a week. that tells you the value of membership proportionally is increasing compared with cast. total fitness,

is increasing compared with cast. totalfitness, the is increasing compared with cast. total fitness, the cost of membership for existing members has had to increase moderately. it has gone up £1 per member per month over the entire membership base of 100 dozen members. that suggests to me value to a member is going up compared to cost, which is really comforting. —— disproportionately compared to cost. when you see the scale of the operation, it has been really difficult. we have had to get very thoughtful about where we invest energy and time and resource. do we invest it up here on the exciting stuff all behind—the—scenes on things like power? it is exciting stuff all behind-the-scenes on things like power?— on things like power? it is clearly workin: , on things like power? it is clearly working. isn't _ on things like power? it is clearly working, isn't it? _ on things like power? it is clearly working, isn't it? they— on things like power? it is clearly working, isn't it? they were - working, isn't it? they were queueing out of the door at quarter to six this morning and it has really made me feel good. thank you so much. ., ., _, really made me feel good. thank you so much-— ll so much. you are most welcome. i will leave —

so much. you are most welcome. i will leave my _ so much. you are most welcome. i will leave my microphone - so much. you are most welcome. i will leave my microphone here. - so much. you are most welcome. ii will leave my microphone here. this is a new me from today. i mean it this time! come on, nina. keep going. she is going to find the canteen. are you ready? that is it. i am doing this in heels. she is shaming us. right. i think we have lost her. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning. welcome to bbc london. i'm thomas magill. mps in london are to receive extra security following fears about politcians being intimidated by demonstrators. it comes after several incidents including death threats and an arson attack targeted at the finchley & golders green mp mike freer who says

it's got so bad he's standing down at the next election. the home secretary james cleverly says no mp should have to accept that threats or harassment are "part of the job". two boys aged 11 and 12 have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and burglary at a college in west london. officers were called to capel manor college in gunnersbury park on sunday following reports "several animals had been killed". following the incident, the college is now appealing for help to find a much—loved barn owl called shiraz which is also missing. sony is closing its london studio and cutting around 900 jobs at its playstation division. the gaming giant said it had made the decision because of changes to the industry. sony's london studio was founded in 2002 and it created several series including this is football and singstar. the south london singer raye says she's "honoured and blown away"

to become the first woman to win the brit awards' songwriter of the year. the 26—year—old from tooting was nominated for seven awards at this weekend's ceremony — the most everfor one artist in a single year. let's take a first look at how the tubes is running this morning — the bakerloo line is part suspended between queens park to harrow & wealdstone. minor delays on the metropolitan line and severe delays on the victoria line. the overground is also part suspended. now onto the weather with kate. good morning. it's a largely cloudy day today. but in the most part dry. we won't see any rain until we head towards the end of the afternoon and into the evening, when it starts to move in from the west. temperatures feeling a bit milder today as well with a maximum back up in double figures of 12 celsius. into this evening, that rain will continue on its journey eastwards.

becoming quite wet for a time. then it should clear, drier for a spell and then our next band of rain will head in as we head into thursday morning. quite a mild night too. the minimum temperature not dropping too far, around 8, 9 celsius. now, for tomorrow morning, we'll see this cold front moving through. that's going to bring a spell of rain. it's likely to linger as we head through the day into the afternoon. it could be quite heavy for a time as well, slowly making its way eastwards. temperatures tomorrow again relatively mild at around 11 celsius. it's going to be quite a wet night and a wet start to meteorological spring on friday morning but that rain should clear. we'll get some sunshine and showers. a breezy day for friday. but feeling chillier. that's it from me — there's more on the bbc news app and on bbc radio london where there is regular bulletins all morning. i'll be back in half an hour but for now let's go back to sally and jon.

good morning. it is seven o'clock. welcome to breakfast with sally nugent and jon kay. our headlines today... extra security is announced for mps following fears about politcians being intimidated by demonstrators. council in crisis: dozens warn they could face financial meltdown, threatening key services for members of the public. new recommendations are released to help more autistic people get into work. we will have the details. high fives for haaland. erling scores five as city hit luton for six in the fa cup. piano star lang lang on life in the spotlight and his mission to encourage new musical talent.

good morning. it is a foggy start across southern and eastern areas this morning. we also have a band of cloud and rain in the west pushing eastwards, but it will be milder than yesterday. all the details later in the programme. good morning, all. wednesday the 28th of february. security measures will be strengthened for mps, as part of a £31 million package to ensure their safety. there have been growing fears over mps' safety since the outbreak of the war in gaza. earlier this month, the home of the conservative backbencher tobias ellwood was targeted by protesters, with the police warning his family to "stay away" from the property. on sunday, two mps said receiving death threats had become part of their daily lives. i feel very strongly that as the local mp i should be seen out and about, but i do know have to carry a panic button with me at all times which reports to the police. in my own constituency home, the police

have installed a number of additional security measures including panic buttons in different bedrooms. and i think that is really the scale of the challenge. i bedrooms. and i think that is really the scale of the challenge.- the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death _ the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death threats. - the scale of the challenge. i have had direct death threats. it - the scale of the challenge. i have| had direct death threats. it seems like it— had direct death threats. it seems like it has— had direct death threats. it seems like it has become a norm. when you are a _ like it has become a norm. when you are a woman, — like it has become a norm. when you are a woman, especially in parliament, the level of misogyny and hate. — parliament, the level of misogyny and hate, and that people can sit down _ and hate, and that people can sit down and — and hate, and that people can sit down and write a direct threat to you without feeling that there will be no _ you without feeling that there will be no consequences has really become part of— be no consequences has really become part of the _ be no consequences has really become part of the work that we do. our chief political correspondent henry zeffman joins us now. henry — what measures are being proposed? this is a £31 million package of new funding, jon, which the government says will go principally on a new security for mps, so we're talking private security guards funded by government at their events, but also what had been called surge police patrols for particular mps or in particular communities where there is concern. there are other measures like upgrades to the homes and offices of mps, and also changes such as making sure that every mp

and also political candidate in this general election year has a named police officer who they can call with any concerns they have about their safety. with any concerns they have about theirsafety. i with any concerns they have about their safety. i can't tell you how big an issue this is for mps. even those mps i talked to who might not speak out about this publicly, they will often privately tell you, tell me about really harrowing, scary experiences they've had. i was asking one mp about this last week when i bumped into them in parliament, and they were on their way to a police station to report what they just said was there way to a police station to report what theyjust said was there latest death threat. and clearly this has got worse. mps say it has got worse in general. two mps have been killed since 2016, let's neverforget. but also in particular since october the 7th and then the outbreak of war in gaza. the pro—palestine protest in particular have scared some mps, though the protesters would of course insist that that is not their intention at all and they are just calling for a change in public

policy. you saw when sir lindsay hoyle, has of commons speaker, cited threats to mps last week as the reason for the extraordinary procedural decision he made that this is an issue that is very much there and that it is getting worse. henry, thank you very much indeed. we will talk about that at the programme goes on this morning. sally has the rest of the day posner news. councils in england are in a state of financial crisis with many facing effective bankruptcy in the next few years unless the funding system is reformed. a report by the local government information unit has found services like parks, leisure facilities and libraries are at risk of being cut — while council tax could rise in some areas. our reporter vincent mcaviney has more. yay! well done. alex is about to turn 18, and on top of the regular worries parents have about their children, mum sylvia also has to think about alex's autism and the extra support he needs to gain independence.

support that's under fire for her and other families as birmingham city council struggles with financial difficulties. what you get is families that are on their knees with a trauma presentation, traumatised kids, and they never get decent outcomes. theyjust end up constantly trying to get the basics, which everybody else's child gets naturally. and it's notjust birmingham that's struggling. across the country, councils are warning that front—line neighbourhood services like parks, leisure facilities and libraries are in jeopardy. despite government having recently provided emergency funding, a new survey of council management by the local government information unit has found 51% of senior figures warned their councils are likely to go bust in the next five years. 9% of respondents say they were likely to declare effective bankruptcy in the next financial year, representing 1a councils.

and only 6% are happy with central government's performance of understanding the scale of the problem facing finances. councils say they're pulling out all the stops to stay afloat, but that means nine in ten survey respondents plan to cut back services whilst also raising people's council tax. almost every council in the country is putting up council tax by the maximum permitted, just under 5%. they're cutting services. so councils are making deep cuts to front—line services, particularly in discretionary spending areas — parks, business support, leisure services. and they're dipping into their reserves. so more than half of councils are dipping into their reserves year after year to fund services. so it's completely unsustainable. in response, the department for levelling up, housing and communities spokesperson says... "we recognise councils are facing challenges, and that is why we announced an additional £600 million support

package for councils across england, increasing their overall funding for the upcoming financial year to £64] billion, a 7.5% increase in cash terms. nonetheless, council leaders will be hoping when the chancellor, jeremy hunt, takes to parliament next week to deliver his budget, more assistance will be on the way. vincent mcaviney, bbc news. ministers are discussing watering down plans to reform renting in england. the bbc has seen a series of draft government amendments to an upcoming bill to ban no—fault evictions — where tenants can be made to leave without being given a reason. the bill was introduced last year, but hasn't yet passed through the commons. president biden and donald trump have both been projected to win the latest us primary election in michigan — strengthening the likelihood of another clash between the two men in this year's presidential race. but mr biden faced a rebellion within his own party over his support for israel in its war in gaza.

thomas kingston, the son—in—law of the prince and princess michael of kent has died, aged a5. a family statement paid tribute to mr kingston saying he "was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him". meanwhile, the king and queen sent his family their heartfelt thoughts. police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. the owners of the crooked house, known as the wonkiest pub in britain have been ordered to rebuild the iconic structure after it was destroyed last year in a suspected arson attack. south staffordshire council has told the owners to restore the building to what it was prior to the fire — a decision that's been welcomed by campaigners. we were alljust so elated and so excited, and just so looking forward to what the future is going to bring. to what the future is going to brina. ~ , ,., , ~ to what the future is going to brina. , , . ., bring. absolutely delighted. we are really happy- _ bring. absolutely delighted. we are really happy- we've _ bring. absolutely delighted. we are really happy. we've worked - bring. absolutely delighted. we are really happy. we've worked hard, i really happy. we've worked hard, we've _ really happy. we've worked hard, we've kept— really happy. we've worked hard, we've kept this as much as possible in the _ we've kept this as much as possible in the news, — we've kept this as much as possible in the news, kept the momentum going. _ in the news, kept the momentum going. and — in the news, kept the momentum going, and we put pressure on the various—

going, and we put pressure on the various people. so going, and we put pressure on the various people-— various people. so it has to be built back _ various people. so it has to be built back wonky. _ various people. so it has to be built back wonky. a _ various people. so it has to be built back wonky. a bit - various people. so it has to be built back wonky. a bit like - various people. so it has to bej built back wonky. a bit like my house! nine minutes past seven. adele has postponed all march shows of her ongoing las vegas residency due to illness. the british singer apologised for the "inconvenience" in a post on social media. she said she had fallen ill at the end of a run of shows last november. new dates for the ten shows she has postponed in march are yet to be announced. hope she gets well soon. when we get those dates, we will bring them to you. in his coming up to ten past seven, and karol mikrut is in the studio with us this money for the weather. good morning. it is a foggy start for some of us this morning, visibility is low as 100 metres, and it is foggy across southern and eastern parts of england. in addition to that, we have got thicker cloud and some rain out towards the west which will be

moving eastwards through the course of the day, preceded by showers but for most it is a dry start to the day and won't necessarily last for all of us, though. we have fog across the south this morning, and what you will find is the rain already in the west will continue to drift over towards the east, so as we go through the morning, wet in south—west england and wales, a few showers in the midlands, and some brightness possible across eastern england. for northern ireland you will see some showery rain and we have also got the rain moving across scotland. gusty winds as well, across the north and also the west, but the coming up from a mild direction, namely from the south—west, so it is going to feel milder than it did yesterday. and this raid not making it into the far south—east until later on in the day. these are our temperatures, seven in lerwick, 11 in newcastle and liverpool, but up to 12 in london, cardiff and plymouth.

through this evening and overnight, the first band of rain does make it into the east, but it is followed in hot pursuit by a second one, which is pushing south and east. some heavy bursts in this. behind it, squally winds bringing showers across parts of scotland, some of those with hail and possibly thunder, and it will be windy, particularly across the north and the west. tomorrow we hang onto this rain for much of the day across southern areas, and quite a bit of cloud across england and wales generally, and again more showers coming into western areas in the cold air, some of their wintry on higher ground, with gales across the north of scotland. these are the temperatures for most tomorrow, not as mild as today. gales, my goodness. yes, it is really unsettled _ gales, my goodness. yes, it is really unsettled at _ gales, my goodness. yes, it is really unsettled at the - gales, my goodness. yes, it is. really unsettled at the moment. carol, thank you.

"tell us about yourself" is the sort of question often asked at a job interview — but questions like that can put autistic people at a disadvantage. now, amid warnings that autistic job—seekers are being held back by "unfair" hiring practices, the government has set out recommendations to improve the workplace. our disability correspondent nikki fox has the details. it's the lunchtime rush at this cafe in northampton. thanks, jack. but forjack and alfie, this is about more than just being top—notch baristas. i'll do the washing up. they're best mates, and they're both autistic. this is mostly where i was stationed when i first started, because it was... couldn't cope with the interacting with customers at all. cafe track has supported more than 120 people like jack and alfie into work or on a placement. and you've been for here for how long working? five years. i love it, yeah. i wouldn't change it for the world, really. it was set up by former teacher thomas. we opened in 2019 with the view that | all we wanted to do when we set out| was support one person to work.

why? because we knew that i would be life—changing. he also advises businesses on how to remove the barriers which make it impossible for autistic people to get a job and keep it. what we found was actually the lack of awareness was stunning, - frustrating angering at times, because you're thinking, - how do people not know about autism? you've helped a lot of people. what are the solutions, in your opinion? every business there . is a case for employing people who are autistic, - because actually your customer base, the different - opportunities thay can get. we've got highly skilled people. it's not a nice thing to do - to employ an autistic person. it's a good business choice. for alfie, this opportunity, thisjob, has changed his life. what i was before, i was a shell of what i am now. like i was... i didn't have, like, any possibility of showing people the personality i did have. it was very much like showing as little as possible. whereas now i feel like this place is, 360 i'm who i am as a person.

not everyone has the same experience. adam is one of around 70% of autistic adults out of work. after spending more than 20 years supporting his son, he's now in a position to get a job. but it's been a struggle. these jobs that i'm going for are specifically for autistic people, and it feels sometimes that they don't want the autistic person to show up. somebody gave me feedback and said, well, we can't help everybody because all autistic people are different and we can't put reasonable adjustments in place for everybody. i don't accept that. so these are essentially cost centres. 0k. this company is made up of mostly autistic employees. it was one of a number of businesses that fed into today's report. this will always be a journey, but i think this is a really important step on thatjourney. we recognise the huge opportunity here for businesses, huge opportunity for more autistic people. it'll be a step change, i think. i just think it's amazing what you're doing here, and really uplifting, actually, to see.

darcy has worked here for around two and a half years and says this place has helped her growing confidence. i managed to find a way to communicate with the world and show them what it's like to see the world through my eyes. and having a reasonable adjustments can help me feel safe and valued and contribute to the company and to show them that i am more than just a woman with a disability. i mean, there's more to me than you know. for now, this review is the first step in a process that will take time to create the kind of transformational change autistic people want and need to see. but are you besties now? yeah. do you fancy doing this? yeah. we'll go do that. so that they've got a shot at their dream job and a better life, just like everyone else. nikki fox, bbc news. we'rejoined now by sir robert buckland,

who led the review, and james cusack, from the charity autistica. we said in the introduction a little early and that a question like tell us about yourself might be challenging, more challenging, for an autistic person. why is that? the challenae an autistic person. why is that? tie: challenge with an autistic person. why is that? tte: challenge with it an autistic person. why is that? t“t9: challenge with it is an autistic person. why is that? tt9: challenge with it is it an autistic person. why is that? t“t9 challenge with it is it is nothing to do with the job and it is not specific. so there is a bit of an unwritten code about what the right answer is, so if you are autistic, thatis answer is, so if you are autistic, that is something that you can find quite challenging. there is a lot of uncertainty in the question as well. so the people that really benefit from a question like that are people who know the code to get a job, basically. who know the code to get a “ob, basicall . , basically. interesting. so when you sa that basically. interesting. so when you say that on — basically. interesting. so when you say that on autistic _ basically. interesting. so when you say that on autistic person - basically. interesting. so when you say that on autistic person might . say that on autistic person might not have the code, why would they not? what is it about the code and the other things around that answer that are challenging? that the other things around that answer that are challenging?— that are challenging? that question is what we say _ that are challenging? that question is what we say our _ that are challenging? that question is what we say our unwritten - that are challenging? that question is what we say our unwritten social| is what we say our unwritten social rules, so things that a lot of

people know when to take for granted, but if you are autistic, you can find that difficult. and you can find that difficult. and some potential _ you can find that difficult. and some potential employers might not realise that. so robert buckland, let's talk to you. thank you for joining us. you have been involved in this review and this is important for you. in this review and this is important foryou. t in this review and this is important for ou. :, :, in this review and this is important for ou. ., ., ., in this review and this is important for ou. :, ., :, for you. i am a parent of young aduu for you. i am a parent of young adult who _ for you. i am a parent of young adult who is — for you. i am a parent of young adult who is autistic, _ for you. i am a parent of young adult who is autistic, unlike - for you. i am a parent of young i adult who is autistic, unlike many other— adult who is autistic, unlike many other parents, i care deeplyjust about— other parents, i care deeplyjust about her— other parents, i care deeplyjust about her but about a whole group of people. _ about her but about a whole group of people. in _ about her but about a whole group of people, in fact older people as well, _ people, in fact older people as well, we — people, in fact older people as well, we are talking about probably hearly— well, we are talking about probably nearly 700,000 that we can identify and probably more out there who haven't— and probably more out there who haven't been diagnosed or identified as autistic, — haven't been diagnosed or identified as autistic, who are not having the life chances— as autistic, who are not having the life chances that frankly they deserve _ life chances that frankly they deserve. it is not their fault they haven't— deserve. it is not their fault they haven't got a job. as james has said. _ haven't got a job. as james has said. the — haven't got a job. as james has said, the system works in a way that doesn't _ said, the system works in a way that doesn't really bring out the best in autistic— doesn't really bring out the best in autistic people and doesn't give them _ autistic people and doesn't give them that chance to work, and that's why today _ them that chance to work, and that's why today i _ them that chance to work, and that's why today i hope the review that i

have _ why today i hope the review that i have led. — why today i hope the review that i have led, the independent review, will be _ have led, the independent review, will be a _ have led, the independent review, will be a milestone along the road to getting that wave of change in place _ to getting that wave of change in place so — to getting that wave of change in place so that we can change the situation — place so that we can change the situation and see many, many more autistic— situation and see many, many more autistic people enjoying work as we saw a _ autistic people enjoying work as we saw a new— autistic people enjoying work as we saw a new report. 30 autistic people en'oying work as we saw a new report.— saw a new report. so as a dad, as much as a — saw a new report. so as a dad, as much as a politician, _ saw a new report. so as a dad, as much as a politician, how - saw a new report. so as a dad, as| much as a politician, how shocked have you been by what you have found out while you've been doing this study? t out while you've been doing this stud ? :, ., , , out while you've been doing this stud ? :, :, , , ., study? i have really benefited from james and others _ study? i have really benefited from james and others working - study? i have really benefited from james and others working with - study? i have really benefited fromj james and others working with me. this has— james and others working with me. this has been very much led by autistic— this has been very much led by autistic people. i'm not shocked, sadly~ _ autistic people. i'm not shocked, sadly it — autistic people. i'm not shocked, sadly. it hasjust revealed what i thought— sadly. it hasjust revealed what i thought was the case, that there are far too— thought was the case, that there are far too many people just not having that opportunity, mainly because employers and businesses just don't think about the wider dimension, and actually— think about the wider dimension, and actually don't realise that, for them, — actually don't realise that, for them, this could be good for their work— them, this could be good for their work place. — them, this could be good for their work place, good for their company, good _ work place, good for their company, good for— work place, good for their company, good for the — work place, good for their company, good for the economy more widely. there _ good for the economy more widely. there is— good for the economy more widely. there is a _ good for the economy more widely. there is a moral case to be made to allow— there is a moral case to be made to allow people to have their

potential, but there is also a really— potential, but there is also a really good economic case as well. we hear— really good economic case as well. we hear about economic inactivity, and perhaps we have an image of people _ and perhaps we have an image of people not wanting to work. in the case of— people not wanting to work. in the case of autistic people, nothing could _ case of autistic people, nothing could be — case of autistic people, nothing could be further from the truth, and therefore _ could be further from the truth, and therefore this is about realising potential, and actually adding to our economic performance by giving autistic— our economic performance by giving autistic people that chance to work. and, james, the report actually says that there are some jobs that autistic people might be better at than neurotypical people. what are those jobs, than neurotypical people. what are thosejobs, and than neurotypical people. what are those jobs, and what can employers do to encourage an autistic person to feel welcome in a place like that? ., , to feel welcome in a place like that? . , , ., to feel welcome in a place like that? . y , ., ., that? the reality is that that will differ for every _ that? the reality is that that will differ for every autistic - that? the reality is that that will differ for every autistic person, i differ for every autistic person, but what is unique about autistic people as a group is they do have some really specific strengths, so things around concentration and so on, but that will change from person to person. what employers can do is first of all read the report because it is really important, but also

recognised the opportunity here for them to improve their performance, so autistica, the charity that i work for, are creating a new adversity index, and what that is about is helping companies to improve their workplace practices, make them more inclusive, ensure they can benefit from the talents that autistic people bring as well, but not only that, it actually helps for every single employee in the organisation, because this is not just about autistic people. this is about a mindset shift similar to the one we have seen in mental health 30 years ago, where basically we used to see this as about depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and now we see mental health for everyone, so this is notjust about autistic people, it is the fact that everyone thinks about and understands the world differently, and autistic people are really brilliant example of that. and a brilliant example of that. and a brilliant example of the opportunity that we have as employers, as

society, as individuals, to really benefit from the talents that autistic people and neurodiversity more broadly can bring. 9nd autistic people and neurodiversity more broadly can bring.— autistic people and neurodiversity more broadly can bring. and you are keen as well — more broadly can bring. and you are keen as well to stress that - more broadly can bring. and you are keen as well to stress that this - more broadly can bring. and you are keen as well to stress that this is . keen as well to stress that this is just getting the job and going for the application process, it is about just in the workplace once somebody has got the job. just in the workplace once somebody has got the job-— has got the 'ob. absolutely, there is a lot of has got the job. absolutely, there is a lot of focus _ has got the job. absolutely, there is a lot of focus on _ has got the job. absolutely, there is a lot of focus on getting - is a lot of focus on getting autistic people into work. we want autistic people into work. we want autistic people into work. we want autistic people to stay in work. by the end of the decade we want to see the end of the decade we want to see the employment rate for autistic people to double. it is a huge opportunity, but we have to focus on that as well, because we can make very simple adjustments, again which will benefit everyone and make sure that we have autistic people not just staying in work which is really crucial, but also progressing in their career, which is something that we know from our research is an issue as well. that we know from our research is an issue as well-— issue as well. and i imagine listening — issue as well. and i imagine listening to _ issue as well. and i imagine listening to what _ issue as well. and i imagine listening to what james - issue as well. and i imagine listening to what james is l issue as well. and i imagine - listening to what james is saying, one of the things employers need to get better at and what all of us may be need to get better at his understanding differences, accepting

differences. we are not all the same. ~ , y differences. we are not all the same. ~ , , ., differences. we are not all the same. ~ , ., same. absolutely, and re'oicing in that. there — same. absolutely, and re'oicing in that. there is h same. absolutely, and re'oicing in that. there is no h same. absolutely, and re'oicing in that. there is no such _ same. absolutely, and rejoicing in that. there is no such thing - same. absolutely, and rejoicing in that. there is no such thing as - that. there is no such thing as normal — that. there is no such thing as normal i_ that. there is no such thing as normal. i learned that a long time a-o normal. i learned that a long time ago as— normal. i learned that a long time ago as a _ normal. i learned that a long time ago as a parent bringing up an autistic— ago as a parent bringing up an autistic youngster. and i rejoice in that _ autistic youngster. and i rejoice in that this— autistic youngster. and i rejoice in that this is— autistic youngster. and i rejoice in that. this is all about the gift that— that. this is all about the gift that james is talking about, that a lot of— that james is talking about, that a lot of autistic people regard their condition— lot of autistic people regard their condition as a gift, and it is. we should — condition as a gift, and it is. we should be — condition as a gift, and it is. we should be thinking in those terms, and that— should be thinking in those terms, and that is— should be thinking in those terms, and that is why the index that james talks about, the guide, can really i think— talks about, the guide, can really i think start — talks about, the guide, can really i think start to change the culture and the — think start to change the culture and the way we think about this. i describe _ and the way we think about this. i describe it— and the way we think about this. i describe it as a universal by design approach — describe it as a universal by design approach. let's look at the way we interview— approach. let's look at the way we interview people. are we getting it right? _ interview people. are we getting it right? should it be an endurance test, _ right? should it be an endurance test. a _ right? should it be an endurance test, a memory test, or should it be about— test, a memory test, or should it be about the _ test, a memory test, or should it be about the potential of employees? and this _ about the potential of employees? and this could benefit the wider community as well by changing the way that— community as well by changing the way that we interview, changing the way that we interview, changing the way that _ way that we interview, changing the way that we interview, changing the way that we support people in the workplace, and that will embrace not 'ust workplace, and that will embrace not just identified autistic people but people _ just identified autistic people but people who might not have a diagnosis or don't even think of themselves as neurodiverse, and

there _ themselves as neurodiverse, and there will— themselves as neurodiverse, and there will be a lot of people out there _ there will be a lot of people out there who may well be in that category _ there who may well be in that category. so this could really help a whole _ category. so this could really help a whole swathe, a wider swathe of people. _ a whole swathe, a wider swathe of people, and have that wider economic benefit _ people, and have that wider economic benefit that _ people, and have that wider economic benefit that i have been talking about — benefit that i have been talking about. it — benefit that i have been talking about. , , : benefit that i have been talking about. ,, : :, , about. it is such an interesting sub'ect, about. it is such an interesting subject. and — about. it is such an interesting subject, and will— about. it is such an interesting subject, and will affect - about. it is such an interesting subject, and will affect so - about. it is such an interesting | subject, and will affect so many people watching this this morning. i'm sure there will be lots of families of young people and older people who will be affected by this and will be getting in touch. while you are with us, can ijust ask you as well, you are speaking to us from westminster. the government have announced this morning a £31 million package to improve the safety of mps who have felt really threatened and intimidated over the last few weeks and months. it is something i know you have talked about publicly in the past. do you think yourself as an mp, other mps will feel safe this morning knowing that the government is prepared to make this investment? i very much hope so. i welcome it. i think— i very much hope so. i welcome it. i think it _ i very much hope so. i welcome it. i think it is _ i very much hope so. i welcome it. i think it is important with mp5 and indeed _ think it is important with mp5 and indeed their families and people working — indeed their families and people working for mp5, let's not forget them _ working for mp5, let's not forget them. they feel there is some work there _

them. they feel there is some work there is— them. they feel there is some work there is can — them. they feel there is some work there is can go to an emergency, people _ there is can go to an emergency, people they can contact with confidence who will know about the issues _ confidence who will know about the issues and — confidence who will know about the issues and will be able to respond appropriately. if we don't have that, _ appropriately. if we don't have that, then we will find representative voices will be muffled, and we are not going to hear— muffled, and we are not going to hear the wide—ranging opinions and viewpoints— hear the wide—ranging opinions and viewpoints that we need to hear in order— viewpoints that we need to hear in order not— viewpoints that we need to hear in order notjust for mp5 viewpoints that we need to hear in order not just for mp5 to be safe but for— order not just for mp5 to be safe but for the — order not just for mp5 to be safe but for the public to be properly represented. that is what we are talking _ represented. that is what we are talking about here. it is a threat to democracy and that means a threat to democracy and that means a threat to all of— to democracy and that means a threat to all of us _ to democracy and that means a threat to all of us. :, ,.., , ., to democracy and that means a threat to all of us-— to all of us. have scary a time as it for all politicians _ to all of us. have scary a time as it for all politicians at _ to all of us. have scary a time as it for all politicians at the - to all of us. have scary a time as. it for all politicians at the moment on all sides? t it for all politicians at the moment on all sides?— on all sides? i think all of us have to think carefully _ on all sides? i think all of us have to think carefully about _ on all sides? i think all of us have to think carefully about what - on all sides? i think all of us have to think carefully about what we i on all sides? i think all of us have. to think carefully about what we do and how— to think carefully about what we do and how we go about things. i value hugely— and how we go about things. i value hugely nny— and how we go about things. i value hugely my contact with my constituent tos in swindon, the ability— constituent tos in swindon, the ability to— constituent tos in swindon, the ability to continue to have that view— ability to continue to have that view of— ability to continue to have that view of life that is shared by nnillions— view of life that is shared by millions of people. if we start sequestering politicians away from the public, i'm worried that that westminster bubble, ivory tower syndrome, will only get worse and to

divorce _ syndrome, will only get worse and to divorce politicians from the people that they _ divorce politicians from the people that they represent. they may be able to _ that they represent. they may be able to share those experiences to talk with— able to share those experiences to talk with authority in the house of commons, — talk with authority in the house of commons, and that is why safety is, i'm commons, and that is why safety is, i'm afraid, _ commons, and that is why safety is, i'm afraid, very important consideration at the moment. 30 consideration at the moment. sc robert consideration at the moment. sr robert buckland, thank you for joining us to talk about that and your autism study this morning, and doctorjames cusack, thank you. as the cost of living crisis continues to bite — another area where we've seen a hike in prices is the cost of monthly gym memberships. nina's at one gym in cheshire for us this morning. she is getting her steps in. good morning. she is getting her steps in. good morninu. she is getting her steps in. good mornin _ ,:, ., ., she is getting her steps in. good morninu. :, :, i. .,, morning. good morning to you! it has been a while — morning. good morning to you! it has been a while for _ morning. good morning to you! it has been a while for me _ morning. good morning to you! it has been a while for me since _ morning. good morning to you! it has been a while for me since i've - morning. good morning to you! it has been a while for me since i've been i been a while for me since i've been a member of the gym, and they say you've got to start back somehow, and i'm starting with a 2.5 kilometres per hour walk here, because it all counts. what is really interesting is, as you say,

despite the fact that life is getting more expensive, energy, mortgage, food costs going through the roof, statistically people are protecting what they spend on their health and well—being, which is really interesting, particularly when you factor in thejoe wicks effect over lockdown, many of us decided to keep fit at home, and it is this community setting that people are still deciding to invest in. let'sjust quickly people are still deciding to invest in. let's just quickly took to rich, you are one of the committed people who came in nice and early. it is not cheap, having a personal trainer like paul. it not cheap, having a personal trainer like paul. , :, not cheap, having a personal trainer like paul-- why _ not cheap, having a personal trainer like paul.- why spend - not cheap, having a personal trainer like paul.- why spend on i like paul. it is not. why spend on it? healthy _ like paul. it is not. why spend on it? healthy something _ like paul. it is not. why spend on it? healthy something you i like paul. it is not. why spend on it? healthy something you have i it? healthy something you have alwa s it? healthy something you have always got _ it? healthy something you have always got to — it? healthy something you have always got to prioritise. - it? healthy something you have always got to prioritise. i i it? healthy something you have always got to prioritise. i did i it? healthy something you have i always got to prioritise. i did have some _ always got to prioritise. i did have some health issues about five months a-o, some health issues about five months ago, |— some health issues about five months ago. i had _ some health issues about five months ago, i had kidney stones really bad, my diet _ ago, i had kidney stones really bad, my diet wasn't in a good place, sol need _ my diet wasn't in a good place, sol need to— my diet wasn't in a good place, sol need tojust — my diet wasn't in a good place, sol need tojust turn my diet wasn't in a good place, sol need to just turn my life around, and i_ need to just turn my life around, and i think— need to just turn my life around, and i think the cost of living crisis — and i think the cost of living crisis is _ and i think the cost of living crisis is a _ and i think the cost of living crisis is a big deal, but you have -ot crisis is a big deal, but you have got to— crisis is a big deal, but you have got to prioritise what is important and cut— got to prioritise what is important and cut back so that you can make it still a _ and cut back so that you can make it still a possibility for yourself. good — still a possibility for yourself. good for _ still a possibility for yourself. good for you making that change.

ideally hopefully business owners can look— ideally hopefully business owners can look to help their staff out as well _ can look to help their staff out as well i_ can look to help their staff out as well i own — can look to help their staff out as well. i own a business myself in salford. — well. i own a business myself in salford, and i have paid for all my stuff— salford, and i have paid for all my stuff to— salford, and i have paid for all my stuff to have gym memberships, that was a _ stuff to have gym memberships, that was a decision i made just two months — was a decision i made just two months ago, and i know it is a difficult — months ago, and i know it is a difficult time, but mental health is so important, and physical health and well—being, it doesn'tjust go away— and well—being, it doesn'tjust go away because the economy changes. thank— away because the economy changes. thank you. _ away because the economy changes. thank you, and congratulations on coming out of your health issues and turning your fitness around. you are doing brilliantly. i hope the boss was watching it will pay for my gym membership! we will be getting some tips later on, so if like me you have been out of the game for a little while and need to get back into it and finding out why so many people like rich i deciding this is money that they are going to invest in come what may. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning. welcome to bbc london.

i'm thomas magill. mps in london are set to benefit from part of a £31 million package of support to help improve safety and security — following fears about politcians being intimidated by demonstrators. it comes after several incidents including death threats and an arson attack on the office of the finchley & golders green mp mike freer, who says it's got so bad he's standing down at the next election. the home secretary james cleverly says no mp should have to accept that threats or harassment are "part of the job." two boys aged 11 and 12 have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and burglary at a college in west london. officers were called to capel manor college in gunnersbury park on sunday following reports "several animals had been killed." following the incident, the college is now appealing for help to find a much—loved barn owl called shiraz, which is also missing. sony is closing its london studio and cutting around 900 jobs

at its playstation division. the gaming giant said it had made the decision because of changes to the industry. sony's london studio was founded in 2002 and it created several series, including this is football and singstar. the south london singer raye says she's "honoured and blown away" to become the first woman to win the brit awards' songwriter of the year. #i wanna feel.# the 26—year—old from tooting was nominated for seven awards at this weekend's ceremony — the most ever for one artist in a single year. let's take a first look at how the tubes are running this morning. the bakerloo line is part suspended between queens park to harrow & wealdstone — minor delays on the metropolitan line and severe delays on the victoria line. the overground is also part suspended. now onto the weather with kate.

good morning. it's a largely cloudy day today. but in the most part dry. we won't see any rain until we head towards the end of the afternoon and into the evening, when it starts to move in from the west. temperatures feeling a bit milder today as well with a maximum back up in double figures of 12 celsius. into this evening, that rain will continue on its journey eastwards. becoming quite wet for a time. then it should clear, drier for a spell and then our next band of rain will head in as we head into thursday morning. quite a mild night too. the minimum temperature not dropping too far, around 8, 9 celsius. now, for tomorrow morning, we'll see this cold front moving through. that's going to bring a spell of rain. it's likely to linger as we head through the day into the afternoon. it could be quite heavy for a time as well, slowly making its way eastwards. temperatures tomorrow again relatively mild at around 11 celsius. it's going to be quite a wet night and a wet start to meteorological spring on friday morning but that rain should clear. we'll get some sunshine and showers.

a breezy day for friday. but feeling chillier. that's it from me — there's more on the bbc news app and on bbc radio london. i'll be back in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with sally nugent and jon kay. hundreds of sub—postmasters have reiterated calls for compensation schemes to be sped up — during an explosive day of evidence at the post office inquiry. the slow pace at which postmasters are receiving payment is said to have been overshadowed by a bitter row between the former post office chariman henry staunton and the business secretary, kemi badenoch. mr staunton has claimed he was told to delay pay—outs to sub postmasters, who were wrongly prosecuted — something he reiterated under oath yesterday.

the letter to me last week says i've personally never been instructed to delay on compensation, nor have any of my leadership team to my knowledge. it sounds like he can write that because of the conversation that you had with him after your conversation with sarah. he can write that because i said |to him, we're not going to win.j we're not going to do anything. that's not the morally right decision if you continue i to pay compensation. and i did say to him, and if- anything, we should accelerate it. so you stand by what you've said in public about the message you received from a senior civil servant that compensation payments should be slowed down to minimise the financial liability? yes, i do. alan bates, a former sub—postmaster, said the row was a big distraction and emphasised the importance of keeping the focus on victims getting paid.

we keep coming back to this time after time after time. pay people. there's a lot of distractions. a lot of other things are brought up, thrown up all the time. but just get on and pay people. everyone keeps referring to the scheme, understandably, as a compensation scheme, but it's not. it's financial redress. this is money. these people are actually owed and they've been owed it for a year. compensation sounds it's like something the benefit at the whim of government and all the rest of it. let's get it right and let's really push forward on that aspect of it. we can speak now to another former sub—postmaster, tim brentnall, who also gave evidence to the inquiry yesterday. having listened to all of that, you have already turned down £600,000. as we discussed, it sounds like a big number but considering what happened to you and when it happened

probably is not enough, it is not a big number. do you feel reassured or more concerned having heard the evidence? hat more concerned having heard the evidence? :, ., , , more concerned having heard the evidence? :, . ., , evidence? not reassured, certainly. no more concerned _ evidence? not reassured, certainly. no more concerned than _ evidence? not reassured, certainly. no more concerned than i _ evidence? not reassured, certainly. no more concerned than i was i no more concerned than i was previously. no more concerned than i was previously-— no more concerned than i was previously._ that i no more concerned than i was| previously._ that is no more concerned than i was i previously._ that is the previously. frustrated? that is the riaht previously. frustrated? that is the right word- — previously. frustrated? that is the right word- my _ previously. frustrated? that is the right word. my conviction - previously. frustrated? that is the right word. my conviction was i right word. my conviction was quashed in 2021 and i have had to build my claim with the legal team for the last three years because the post office insisted they evidenced every kind of loss we are claiming full. i was in my late 20s when i was prosecuted, i had perhaps 1t0 years of business ahead of me. £600,000 is an awful lot of money to anybody but when you have had your claim assessed by forensic accountants and they come back with accountants and they come back with a vigour that greatly exceeds that, i do not see why anybody should have to settle for anything less than it has cost them. just

to settle for anything less than it has cost them.— has cost them. just talk us through- -- _ has cost them. just talk us through... we _ has cost them. just talk us through... we probably i has cost them. just talk us i through... we probably cannot has cost them. just talk us - through... we probably cannot deal with the technicalities of it but what kind of paperwork are we talking about? what did you have to provide? it talking about? what did you have to rovide? :. . . talking about? what did you have to rovide? :, , , :, ' , ., , provide? it happened to me 14 years auo. for provide? it happened to me 14 years ago- for others. _ provide? it happened to me 14 years ago. for others, 25 _ provide? it happened to me 14 years ago. for others, 25 years _ provide? it happened to me 14 years ago. for others, 25 years ago. i provide? it happened to me 14 years ago. for others, 25 years ago. at i ago. for others, 25 years ago. at one point, after the second mediation scheme was kicked out by the post office, i had an episode, i threw a load of stuff away because i thought i would never get anywhere. now the post office, which has been so bad with disclosure about everything and hold a lot of information themselves still, is insisting we had to evidenced it. what sort of stuff are we talking about? �* :. ~ what sort of stuff are we talking about? 1, ,, , ., , what sort of stuff are we talking about? , ,, ,, about? bank statements, business accounts. other _ about? bank statements, business accounts. other stuff _ about? bank statements, business accounts. other stuff going - accounts. other stuff going forwards, future loss of earnings. they have made us provide business plans for expansion ideas and diversification that we had. more information than i ever had to

provide to a bank for a business loan. ~ :. ~ provide to a bank for a business loan. 9 :, ~ :, ., provide to a bank for a business loan. 9 ., ~' ., ., . ., provide to a bank for a business loan.9 :, ~ :, ., , loan. what kind of a challenge is that? you _ loan. what kind of a challenge is that? you are _ loan. what kind of a challenge is that? you are going _ loan. what kind of a challenge is that? you are going back - loan. what kind of a challenge is that? you are going back to i loan. what kind of a challenge is that? you are going back to the| that? you are going back to the banks to try to get printouts, are you? banks to try to get printouts, are ou? 9. . banks to try to get printouts, are ou? ., , ., ., banks to try to get printouts, are ou? :, , ., :, ., you? chasing around all the time. every time _ you? chasing around all the time. every time the — you? chasing around all the time. every time the legal _ you? chasing around all the time. every time the legal team - you? chasing around all the time. every time the legal team put i you? chasing around all the time. i every time the legal team put things to the post office when they come back and ask for more. the emotional toll on that must _ back and ask for more. the emotional toll on that must still _ back and ask for more. the emotional toll on that must still be _ back and ask for more. the emotional toll on that must still be huge. - toll on that must still be huge. yes. i was part of the 555 with alan. when we got that over the line and had to settle with them, people insisted to us it was a win, even though it did not feel like it. you'd think at that point where things might change going forward and nothing does. it then takes two years to get my conviction quashed. when that happens, it was a brilliant day. others say if you can bottle emotion felt on that day, it would be brilliant. three years later, on the ground, nothing has changed. as. later, on the ground, nothing has chanced. : . 9. later, on the ground, nothing has chanced. : . :, later, on the ground, nothing has chanced. : . . :,

later, on the ground, nothing has chanced. : . :, :,. ., changed. a brilliant day to clear our changed. a brilliant day to clear your name- _ changed. a brilliant day to clear your name. now— changed. a brilliant day to clear your name. now it _ changed. a brilliant day to clear your name. now it is _ changed. a brilliant day to clear your name. now it isjust i changed. a brilliant day to clear your name. now it isjust the i changed. a brilliant day to clear. your name. now it isjust the start your name. now it is just the start of the next chapter. it is of the next chapter. it is frustrating. _ of the next chapter. it is frustrating. we - of the next chapter. it is frustrating. we have i of the next chapter. it is| frustrating. we have had of the next chapter. it is i frustrating. we have had to of the next chapter. it :9 frustrating. we have had to spend all of this time and putting all of this effort and emotion into this. when the government came out at the end of last year and offered the payment of £600,000, that is as simple as signing a piece of paper. all the people rightly who will have convictions quashed going forwards can step into that and walk away with that. if your claim was judged less than that, obviously, it is a very easy thing to do. the 100 of us who have had our convictions quashed and been backing for the last three years, we need some speed for this. my years, we need some speed for this. my partner is due to have her first baby injune. i don't want to be thinking about the post office when that happens. brute thinking about the post office when that happens-— thinking about the post office when that happens. we want to be able to move on with _ that happens. we want to be able to move on with our _ that happens. we want to be able to move on with our lives. _ that happens. we want to be able to move on with our lives. looking i that happens. we want to be able to move on with our lives. looking at i move on with our lives. looking at the front pages of the papers this morning, the television news, lots

focusing on the row between staunton and kenny baden knock —— kemi badenoch. where you sit, literally, what is all that like to experience? we know how badly the post office has behaved towards us and they are showing publicly they cannot manage themselves and how can they look after us? is themselves and how can they look after us? . 9. themselves and how can they look after us? . :, ., :, , ., after us? is that relevant to you? peo - le after us? is that relevant to you? people insisted _ after us? is that relevant to you? people insisted accountability i after us? is that relevant to you? people insisted accountability is i people insisted accountability is very important and it is. all of this is secondary. we all need to be put into the position we should and then the accountability and infighting can certainly sort itself out after that.— infighting can certainly sort itself out after that. :, :, i. _,, out after that. how do you cope with this level of — out after that. how do you cope with this level of frustration? _ out after that. how do you cope with this level of frustration? it _ out after that. how do you cope with this level of frustration? it is - this level of frustration? it is something — this level of frustration? it is something you _ this level of frustration? it is something you get _ this level of frustration? it :9 something you get used to. when it has gone on for over a decade, you learn anger or allowing things to build up does not get you anywhere, it only affects you and the people closest to you. you try to take a step back and it isjust learning

how to wait. step back and it is 'ust learning how to with step back and it is 'ust learning how to wait. . . ~' , :, , how to wait. yes. thank you very much for — how to wait. yes. thank you very much for coming _ how to wait. yes. thank you very much for coming in _ how to wait. yes. thank you very much for coming in again - how to wait. yes. thank you very much for coming in again and i much for coming in again and bringing us up to date, albeit come up bringing us up to date, albeit come up with that weight. june, the baby, yes? latejune. a whole new challenge! the dramatic fa cup challenges last night. is the dramatic fa cup challenges last nitht. , ,:, :, the dramatic fa cup challenges last nitht. , :, ., , night. is something of a goal fest last nitht. high five for erling haaland. of the six goals city scored, he got five of them. knocking luton out of the fa cup as they warmed up for sunday's manchester derby. he'd got his hat trick by half time, kevin de bruyne setting him up for all of them. quite the duo last night. de bruyne assisted haaland's fourth goal too before bernardo silva set up his fifth and final goal. he was substituted before he could make it six,

probably to the delight and relief of those luton supporters. as city, the holders, reach the quarter finals. with the games coming thick and fast. it is not easy, it is a lot of games _ it is not easy, it is a lot of games. difficult to explain. it is mostly— games. difficult to explain. it is mostly mental. getting tired. you have _ mostly mental. getting tired. you have to _ mostly mental. getting tired. you have to get used to playing tired and all— have to get used to playing tired and all of— have to get used to playing tired and all of these things. it is all right — and all of these things. it is all right i— and all of these things. it is all right. i like it. also good to get a bit tired — right. i like it. also good to get a bit tired after a game as well. it is about— bit tired after a game as well. it is about getting the body and mind ready— is about getting the body and mind ready for— is about getting the body and mind ready for the next game. you certainly do not think he looks tired! two of the three games last night went to extra time, one of those penalties. goalkeeper martin dubravka the hero

for newcastle united as they beat championship side blackburn rovers. he saved not one but two spot kicks as newcastle reached the quarter—finals, having finished 1—1 after extra time. avoiding penalties, were leicester, knocking out premier league opponents. what a goal from abdul fatawu in extra time! knocking out bournemouth. three years after they won this competition, they're into quarter—finals for the first time since. plenty of other goals last night, five in fact for european champions england as they beat italy convincingly in a friendly. focus falling on qualifying for the euros again. lauren hemp scored twice as they cruised to a 5—1win. the victory follows their 7—2 win over austria in marbella on friday, as they look to rebuild momentum following the disappointment of failing to qualify a place for team gb at the paris olympics. disappointment for scotland, who lost to finland in the final of an invitational tournament in spain. the game went

to penalties after finishing 1—1, erin cuthbert and nicola doherty both saw their efforts from the spot saved, handing victory to finland. northern ireland maintained their league b status in the nations league after a 1—1 draw with montenegro. simone magill with the equaliser in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play—off. their 2—0 win in the first leg means it finished 3—1 on aggregate. meanwhile, in dublin, wales pulled off a surprise 2—0 win over the republic of ireland in another friendly. jess fishlock and lily woodham with the goals. and finally, to a man who is turning a hundred years old but still continues to play golf twice a week. victor clarke, a world war ii veteran, says the sport is one of the secrets to his longevity. and for a man from belfast — getting a message from rory mcilroy has made his day. stephen watson reports.

the oldest swinger in town. victor clark has been playing golf with the same partners for the last 43 years and still on the course with them, aged 100, marks a special celebration. i quite enjoy my twice a week with my three companions. it means an awful lot. it used to be that i would have walked 18 and entered all the competitions, but i don't enter any competitions now. my handicap is so abysmal. victor has enjoyed a remarkable life. a bank manager, a major in the territorial army, a commander in stjohn's ambulance. he also trained to be a fighter pilot and has some difficult memories of the second world war. beginning of february 1945, we went into the bomb store and for 36 hours we loaded and reloaded bombers

going out on the hamburg raid and the dresden raid about 20, 25 years ago. my wife and i were on holiday and we went down to dresden and we saw it. a beautiful city. it was rebuilt very well. victor received birthday congratulations from the king and president of ireland. but one message he enjoyed the best. hi, victor. happy birthday. well done, making it to 100. that's amazing. hope you have a great day. my attitude is don't look back. all of that is memory. try to be positive and look forward. but instead of looking forward a month or three months, i only look forward days now because tomorrow might come but may not come. one has to be realistic about these things. i think i'm very lucky. i do accept the fact that i really shouldn't be doing what i am doing.

# happy birthday dear victor.# but he is and says he's feeling great. happy birthday, victor. stephen watson, bbc news. he still has laser sharp focus over those cuts. people say it spoils a good walk. victor clearly does not think that. he looks great, absolutely amazing. he looks incredible. great to get a message from rory for his birthday. looked like a nice day in belfast when stephen found that he is. we might struggle to see much in some places. is. we might struggle to see much in some places-— some places. visibility in some arts are some places. visibility in some parts are slower— some places. visibility in some parts are slower than _ some places. visibility in some parts are slower than 100 i some places. visibility in some i parts are slower than 100 metres. i cannot see you! dense _ parts are slower than 100 metres. i cannot see you! dense fog - parts are slower than 100 metres. i cannot see you! dense fog and i parts are slower than 100 metres. i cannot see you! dense fog and rain | cannot see you! dense fog and rain around. cannot see you! dense fog and rain around- the _ cannot see you! dense fog and rain around. the weather— cannot see you! dense fog and rain around. the weather is _ cannot see you! dense fog and rain around. the weather is unsettled i cannot see you! dense fog and rain i around. the weather is unsettled for the next few days. as mentioned, we have dense fog this morning. this

picture was taken in norfolkjust a little bit earlier. the fog will slowly lift as we go through the morning. when coming in. these are the temperatures at the moment. not a cold start to the day. in birmingham, you may disagree. the temperature is only three degrees. this weather front is coming in, a warm front from the west, drifting east and taking rain with it. later this cold front coming in. behind that we see colder air. tonight the cold as streams in. it stays with us through friday, saturday and sunday and even into monday it will be cooler than of late. many of us getting back down into single figures. the rain is streaming in from the west through the course of the morning. murky conditions in their west and a close and the hills. quite a bit of cloud. fog across southern and central and

eastern parts of england lifting as the rain continues to advance towards the east. windy as well across the irish sea to the north and west of scotland. these are the temperatures can six to 11 degrees. we could see 12, 13 in belfast through the afternoon. this evening and overnight the first front moves east. the second one, the cold front, sinking south and east. heavy rain in s. behind that colder conditions with schooling showers coming in across scotland and northern ireland. some of those with hail and thunder. we will see winteriness on the tops of the hills. very windy in the north and west. you can see the difference in temperatures. still in the milder conditions in the far south east. tomorrow, this affront, awaiting front, will remain across southern parts of england and wales giving a

cloudy and quite murky day. to the north, across scotland and northern ireland when there will be some showers. we are in the cold air is so increasingly they will be wintry. snow showers could go down to modest levels in the latter part of the day and also across the hills and potentially the malls in the south—west as well. we are looking at gales across the far north of scotland. temperature —wise, this is what you can expect. seven in the north to 11, 12 in the south. it will feel cold if you are in all of that weather.— will feel cold if you are in all of that weather. �* , ., , . that weather. let's not be in it. we will 'ust that weather. let's not be in it. we will just stay _ that weather. let's not be in it. we willjust stay on _ that weather. let's not be in it. we willjust stay on the _ that weather. let's not be in it. we willjust stay on the sofa. _ that weather. let's not be in it. we willjust stay on the sofa. stay i willjust stay on the sofa. stay here, have a cup of tea. last year, channel 4 series the piano scoured the country to uncover some of the uk's most impressive amateur virtuosos. it was a lovely show. they are

filming again at the moment. for a second series. it will once again see contestants show off their remarkable talent on public pianos. let's remind ourselves of the very first performance from last year's winner — 13—year—old lucy, who is blind and neurodivergent. in a minute, you're going to play nocturne in b—flat minor by chopin. shall we start playing? here we go. music: nocturne in b—flat minor by chopin.

it's unbelievable that she can play this piece. how does she study? i mean, how? it's incredible. we are nowjoined by lang lang, who will be back again tojudge the show. we have all seen that clip many times. even now, watching the moment, it is still breathtaking, isn't it? . . . moment, it is still breathtaking, isn't it? ,, , ., moment, it is still breathtaking, isn't it? ,, ., isn't it? she is a miracle. i also had the wonderful _ isn't it? she is a miracle. i also had the wonderful privilege i isn't it? she is a miracle. i also had the wonderful privilege to l isn't it? she is a miracle. i also i had the wonderful privilege to play with her last year at the royal

variety show. we had four hands. i am more overwhelmed because she knows my pulse, she can feel it. unbelievable. we did an incredible performance last year. ltrufhtztt unbelievable. we did an incredible performance last year.— performance last year. what about her makes her _ performance last year. what about her makes her so _ performance last year. what about her makes her so special? - performance last year. what about her makes her so special? she i performance last year. what about her makes her so special? she is l performance last year. what about her makes her so special? she is a miracle kid- _ her makes her so special? she is a miracle kid. not— her makes her so special? she is a miracle kid. not only _ her makes her so special? she is a miracle kid. not only does - her makes her so special? she is a miracle kid. not only does she i her makes her so special? she is a| miracle kid. not only does she play this piece, she basically knows everything by ear. it is unbelievable. the love of music is really inspiring. she loves music so much. it is part of her soul, you know? i think piano, herself, much. it is part of her soul, you know? ithink piano, herself, it much. it is part of her soul, you know? i think piano, herself, it has really combined. know? ithink piano, herself, it has really combined.— really combined. what is it about this series _ really combined. what is it about this series that _ really combined. what is it about this series that has _ really combined. what is it about this series that has affected i really combined. what is it about l this series that has affected people so deeply? it really has, hasn't it? i can see it affects the judges all

the time. i can see it affects the 'udges all the time. , , , , i can see it affects the 'udges all thetime. ,, , , ., , the time. this series is really incredible. _ the time. this series is really incredible. you _ the time. this series is really incredible. you see _ the time. this series is really incredible. you see so - the time. this series is really incredible. you see so many| the time. this series is really - incredible. you see so many people, so many kids and so many young adults. so many with experience like 80 years old, 90 years old and playing piano. in the train station. that is normally very crowded, very busy, very fast. somehow, they get this magic magnet. also, every one of them has the most incredible story. and how music touched their lives. the series makes so many people wanting to pick up the piano and learn. it is incredible. absolutely. you are filming today in liverpool. when they said another series, are you in? what did you say? series, are you in? what did you sa ? ., ., ., series, are you in? what did you sa? ., ., ., series, are you in? what did you sa? ., ., ., ~ .,

say? you had to watch it. we have very different _ say? you had to watch it. we have very different musicians _ say? you had to watch it. we have very different musicians this - say? you had to watch it. we have very different musicians this year. | very different musicians this year. very different. very different musicians this year. very different-— very different musicians this year. very different._ i - very different. really? how? i cannot talk— very different. really? how? i cannot talk too _ very different. really? how? i cannot talk too much - very different. really? how? i cannot talk too much about. very different. really? how? i cannot talk too much about it. very different. really? how? i. cannot talk too much about it that there will be more interesting segments, playing different styles. that is surprising. fix, segments, playing different styles. that is surprising.— that is surprising. a lot of international _ that is surprising. a lot of international background l that is surprising. a lot of - international background people as well. incredible.— well. incredible. looks like they need to talk— well. incredible. looks like they need to talk to _ well. incredible. looks like they need to talk to you _ well. incredible. looks like they need to talk to you a _ well. incredible. looks like they need to talk to you a bit - well. incredible. looks like they need to talk to you a bit closer. well. incredible. looks like they. need to talk to you a bit closer to their time. you have long been passionate about getting music out in communities and schools. mi of in communities and schools. all of us bein: in communities and schools. all of us being more _ in communities and schools. all of us being more musical. _ in communities and schools. all of us being more musical. it- in communities and schools. all of us being more musical. it is- in communities and schools. all of us being more musical. it is very l us being more musical. it is very important. around the globe. music education now is not doing that well. there are a few reasons, people think it is kind of not needed fulsome practical reasons and sometimes also the way we show music is a little bit too economic. for a kid it is a little bit hard to pick

up. therefore, we need to fix both directions. so far, i have a programme called the kids of inspiration from my foundation. more than 200 schools around the world. we had four schools in the uk which is integrated in this programme, part of the curriculum. hone is integrated in this programme, part of the curriculum.— part of the curriculum. how is it different? _ part of the curriculum. how is it different? you _ part of the curriculum. how is it different? you can _ part of the curriculum. how is it different? you can imagine - part of the curriculum. how is it different? you can imagine how children learn in —— in a traditional way. children learn in -- in a traditional way.- children learn in -- in a traditional way. we have this di . ital traditional way. we have this digital piano. _ traditional way. we have this digital piano. it _ traditional way. we have this digital piano. it tells - traditional way. we have this digital piano. it tells you - traditional way. we have this j digital piano. it tells you how traditional way. we have this i digital piano. it tells you how to push their notes. you have a teacher. it is a new method which makes kids want to play more. almost like a little music adventure on a game, you know? more like that. you

get a kind of reward each time. it is more encouragement to learn. after a couple of lessons you can do this. have a watch! iamjoking i am joking about two lessons. obviously lang lang has been playing for years. you have been performing in some very special places. luckily, music took me to many great stages to perform. in a village in

africa or the olympics. music is the best bridge between people. the coronation concert, you were at windsor last summer. what was that like? ., windsor last summer. what was that like? . ., , windsor last summer. what was that like? . .,, ,., windsor last summer. what was that like? . , ., like? that was so beautiful. so dream . like? that was so beautiful. so dreamy- 0ne — like? that was so beautiful. so dreamy. one of— like? that was so beautiful. so dreamy. one of the _ like? that was so beautiful. so dreamy. one of the most - like? that was so beautiful. so - dreamy. one of the most beautiful castles in the world.— dreamy. one of the most beautiful castles in the world._ i i castles in the world. terrifying. i was enjoying _ castles in the world. terrifying. i was enjoying the _ castles in the world. terrifying. i was enjoying the moment. - castles in the world. terrifying. i was enjoying the moment. the | castles in the world. terrifying. i - was enjoying the moment. the weather was enjoying the moment. the weather was beautiful that day. the sand. it has been a long time! do you not get nervous when you play?— nervous when you play? sometimes. normall i nervous when you play? sometimes. normally i am _ nervous when you play? sometimes. normally i am ok. _ nervous when you play? sometimes. normally i am ok. a _ nervous when you play? sometimes. normally i am ok. a little _ nervous when you play? sometimes. normally i am ok. a little bit - nervous when you play? sometimes. normally i am ok. a little bit of - normally i am ok. a little bit of nerves is good for a concert, it makes it special. if you perform in living room, it is not fun. it feels

to normal. you need to have something like, i am coming today and that is something i am excited about. something that is in the room, that kind of happening. has to be happening something. i think the ghosts are gone after playing. music for me is like going from and when i start it comes. every time you call on the soul. after you finish, it remains in your mind. the problem with knives — remains in your mind. the problem with knives it _ remains in your mind. the problem with knives it can _ remains in your mind. the problem with knives it can make _ remains in your mind. the problem with knives it can make your - remains in your mind. the problem with knives it can make your hands| with knives it can make your hands shake a bit and that is the last thing a pianist needs. —— with nerves. thing a pianist needs. -- with nerves. ~ ., , ., .,

thing a pianist needs. -- with nerves. ~ ., ., ., , thing a pianist needs. -- with nerves. ~ ., , ., ., ., , . nerves. worse for a violinist. we are crazy but _ nerves. worse for a violinist. we are crazy but not _ nerves. worse for a violinist. we are crazy but not crazy. - nerves. worse for a violinist. we are crazy but not crazy. crazy - nerves. worse for a violinist. we | are crazy but not crazy. crazy any aood are crazy but not crazy. crazy any good way- — are crazy but not crazy. crazy any good way. fantastic _ are crazy but not crazy. crazy any good way. fantastic to _ are crazy but not crazy. crazy any good way. fantastic to have - are crazy but not crazy. crazy any good way. fantastic to have you | good way. fantastic to have you here. lovely to talk music with you and hear your music. sally has been talking about getting back on the piano, haven't you? are you inspired? very inspired. very rusty. it would take a lot of work is all i can say. lang lang's new album will be available from friday. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning. welcome to bbc london. i'm thomas magill. two boys aged 11 and 12 have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and burglary at a college in west london. officers were called to capel manor college in gunnersbury park on sunday following reports "several animals had been killed". following the incident, the college is now appealing for help to find a much loved barn owl called shiraz which is also missing.

mp's in the capital will get part of a £31 million package of support to help improve safety and security — following fears about politcians being intimidated and attacked. it comes after several incidents including death threats and an arson attack on the office of the finchley & golders green mp mike freer — who says it's got so bad he's standing down at the next election. the home secretary james cleverly says no mp should have to accept that threats or harassment are "part of the job". let's take a look at the tubes. there's severe delays on the bakerloo line and overground lines. thejubilee is part suspended and there's minor delays victoria lines. now onto the weather — and cloud will move in from the west this afternoon — bringing with it spells of rain into the evening. top temperature of 12 degrees. that's it from me — there's more on the bbc news app.

i'll be back in half an hour. good morning. welcome to breakfast with sally nugent and jon kay. our headlines today... extra security for mps after fears about politcians being intimidated by demonstrators. council in crisis: dozens warn they could face financial meltdown, threatening key services for members of the public. we join the residents of one area where council leaders are struggling to balance the books. good morning! we might be watching the pennies, but we're also keeping a close eye on the pounds. i'll look at how the fitness industry is growing despite our personal budgets shrinking. in sport, high fives for haaland. erling scores five as city hit luton for six in the fa cup.

good morning. it's a foggy start across some central, southern and eastern parts of the country this morning. we also have a band of rain coming in from the west are pushing eastwards, but it is going to be milderfor us all eastwards, but it is going to be milder for us all today. all the details later. it's wednesday 28th february. our main story. security measures will be strengthened for mps, as part of a £31 million package to ensure their safety. announcing the measures, the home secretary said no mp should have to accept threats or harassment as "part of the job" and that he would discuss the issue when he meets senior police officers later today. here's our chief political correspondent, henry zeffman. there have been growing fears over mp safety since the events of october 7th and the outbreak of the war in gaza. earlier this month, the home

of the conservative backbencher tobias ellwood was targeted by pro—palestinian protesters. the police warned his family to stay away from their home. i will apologise. i always will when i will apologise. i always will when i make _ i will apologise. i always will when i make a _ i will apologise. i always will when i make a mistake. last week the commons speaker, sir lindsay hoyle, cited threats to mps to explain his controversial handling of a ceasefire debate. it sparked a wider conversation about threats to mps. some say receiving death threats has just become part of their daily lives. i feel very strongly that as the local mp i should be seen out and about, but i do now have to carry a panic button with me at all times which reports the police in my own constituency home, i've had to have the police come and install a number of additional security measures, including panic buttons in different bedrooms. and i think that is really the scale of the challenge. i've had direct death threats. it seems like it's become a norm. i mean, i think when you're a woman, especially in parliament, the level of misogyny and hate and the fact that people can actually sit

down and write a direct threat to you without feeling that there is going to be no consequences, has really become part of the work that we do. now the government is announcing a £31 million package. ministers hope this will protect the uk's democratic processes from disruption and simply keep mps safe. the new funding will cover extra security guards at mps' events, close protection officers for those deemed most at risk and upgrades to the security of their homes. politicians and candidates will be given a dedicated police contact to call about safety, and the money will also fund cyber security advice because of concern about the rise of online threats. announcing the new measures, the home secretary, james cleverly, said mps shouldn't be expected to accept that enduring hate crimes, harassment or threats is just part of the job. that was henry's report. we can speak to now westminster. henry, you know from private conversations around parliament, how worried mps are about this. the? around parliament, how worried mps are about this.— are about this. they really are. i don't think— are about this. they really are. i don't think you _ are about this. they really are. i don't think you can _ are about this. they really are. i don't think you can really - are about this. they really are. i i don't think you can really overstate that. even when i'm having a

conversation with an mp about something else, it is fairly frequent that they will mention almost in passing, like they expect it, recent threat or a recent interaction they have had that has unsettled them. and they say almost universally that it has got worse since the events in the middle east that we have seen playing out since october the 7th. talking notjust about protests in london, which some mps, and i emphasisejust some, think have been intimidating, but also protest at their place of work and their constituencies, or protest as we saw in the case of tobias ellwood, the backbench conservative mp at his home. now, the measures hearfrom the government mp at his home. now, the measures hear from the government are designed to protect all mps, but in particular those mps whose threats are particularly severe, and so this money, a lot of it will go on not just search policing, but also private security guards for some of those mps at their events in their constituency. but i think if you sort of zoom out a little bit,

constituency. but i think if you sort of zoom out a little hit, this comes in the context notjust of events since october but events since 2016, because that was the year thatjo cox, labour mp, since 2016, because that was the yearthatjo cox, labour mp, was murdered, and then a couple of years ago, david amess, a conservative mp, was murdered at his constituency surgery in southend. this is something that we will be hearing more about from the government before long. and in an election year, as well. henry, thank you very much indeed. it is five past eight. sally has the rest of the morning's news, and we are talking about cuts in local government. we are, jon. councils in england are in a state of financial crisis with many facing effective bankruptcy in the next few years unless the funding system is reformed. a report by the local government information unit has found services like parks, leisure facilities and libraries are at risk of being cut, while council tax could rise in some areas. our reporter vincent mcaviney has more. yay! well done. alex is about to turn 18,

and on top of the regular worries parents have about their children, mum sylvia also has to think about alex's autism and the extra support he needs to gain independence. support that's under fire for her and other families as birmingham city council struggles with financial difficulties. what you get is families that are on their knees with a trauma presentation, traumatised kids, and they never get decent outcomes. theyjust end up constantly trying to get the basics, which everybody else's child gets naturally. and it's notjust birmingham that's struggling. across the country, councils are warning that front—line neighbourhood services like parks, leisure facilities and libraries are in jeopardy. despite government having recently provided emergency funding, a new survey of council management by the local government information unit has found 51% of senior figures warned their councils are likely to go bust in the next five years.

9% of respondents say they were likely to declare effective bankruptcy in the next financial year, representing iii councils. and only 6% are happy with central government's performance of understanding the scale of the problem facing finances. councils say they're pulling out all the stops to stay afloat, but that means nine in ten survey respondents plan to cutback services whilst also raising people's council tax. almost every council in the country is putting up council tax by the maximum permitted, just under 5%. they're cutting services. so councils are making deep cuts to front—line services, particularly in discretionary spending areas — parks, business support, leisure services. and they're dipping into their reserves. so more than half of councils are dipping into their reserves year after year to fund services. so it's completely unsustainable.

in response, the department for levelling up, housing and communities spokesperson says... "we recognise councils are facing challenges, and that is why we announced an additional £600 million support package for councils across england, increasing their overall funding for the upcoming financial year to £64] billion, a 7.5% increase in cash terms. nonetheless, council leaders will be hoping when the chancellor, jeremy hunt, takes to parliament next week to deliver his budget, more assistance will be on the way. vincent mcaviney, bbc news. plaid cymru has backed a motion of no confidence in commons speaker sir lindsay hoyle, over his handling of last week's vote on gaza. 86 mps have now called on the speaker to resign after he was accused of allowing a debate on a ceasefire in gaza, to be hijacked by labour. sir lindsay has apologised and said he allowed the vote so mps could express their views on the "widest range of propositions".

the white house has rejected a suggestion made by the french president, emmanuel macron, that western countries could send ground troops to fight in ukraine. the us hasjoined the uk, germany and italy in distancing itself from the idea. the kremlin said the measure would make a direct conflict between russia and nato an inevitability. thomas kingston, the son—in—law of the prince and princess michael of kent has died, aged a5. a family statement paid tribute to mr kingston, saying he was an exceptional man who [it up the lives of all who knew him. meanwhile, the king and queen sent his family their heartfelt thoughts. police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. the owners of the crooked house, known as the wonkiest pub in britain, have been ordered to rebuild the iconic structure after it was destroyed last year in a suspected arson attack. our midlands correspondent navtej

johal has this report. this was the moment that centuries of black country history went up in flames in a suspected arson attack. but there was worse to come. less than 48 hours later, the crooked house, a west midlands landmark, was demolished. the crooked house, where even teetotalers can feel tipsy. it was known as britain's wonkiest inn. and yet that's not so. the clock is perfectly perpendicular, but everything else... due to its sloping floor and walls caused by subsidence due to mining in the area. you just watch this. its unique charm was captured in this bbc programme in 197a. it was taken from us, just ripped apart. one of those places you thought it would be here for the rest-

of our lives, and then suddenly it was gone _ it's why the public outcry over the fire and what the local authority has called an unauthorised demolition has barely died down in six months. but now the news many were hoping for. just can't believe it, just can't believe it. the owners of this much loved pub have been ordered by south staffordshire council to rebuild it back to what it was before the fire. i couldn't believe it when the group shared it all this morning, and we were all the same. none of us could type fast enough! we were alljust so elated and so excited and just so looking forward to what the future's going to bring. 0h, absolutely delighted, yeah. yeah, we're really happy. we've worked hard. we've kept this as much as possible in the news. we've kept and kept the momentum going, and we've put pressure on the various people. the pub�*s owners have 30 days to appeal and must comply with the enforcement order from the local authority within three years. are you confident that the crooked house will be restored to its former glory? i have always been confident, always said it must be. -

you've heard the way in which the public, l society has come together and you've seen the resolve of the local- authority, and it is them who can enforce it. - six people have been arrested and remain on conditional bail in connection with the fire here, but no one has been charged and investigations are still ongoing. navteonhal, bbc news in himley. 12 minutes past eight. if you are looking out of the window this morning, thinking it is a bit foggy--- carol will bring us the weather a little closer to home injust a minute, but before that, we just wanted to show you these remarkable images from new york. as you can see, hardly any of the city's iconic skyline is visible through a dense blanket of fog. is that really new york? i think so! it could be anywhere. they have told us it's new york! this is a phenomenon known as advection fog, and it's formed when easterly winds blow over the cold waters of long island sound, where the atlantic ocean meets the east river.

and the result is cotton wool in front of your camera! is it going to be that foggy here, carol? ida. front of your camera! is it going to be that foggy here, carol?- front of your camera! is it going to be that foggy here, carol? no, it is not, but visibility _ be that foggy here, carol? no, it is not, but visibility is _ be that foggy here, carol? no, it is not, but visibility is quite _ be that foggy here, carol? no, it is not, but visibility is quite poor- be that foggy here, carol? no, it is not, but visibility is quite poor in i not, but visibility is quite poor in some parts, down to 100 metres or perhaps less. you can see from one of our weather watcher pictures, this one is taken in wales, that it is foggy here, and it is foggy across southern parts of england in particular, and it will be very murky today in western areas. that is because we have got a band of rain coming in, and it is already hit moving eastward through the course of the day. you can see the cloud associated with that here. the fog this morning will tend to lift through the course of the morning, quite a bit of cloud around, and we have all this rain piling into the west, slowly moving in, and the gusty wind across the west including the irish sea, and we can see

transient snow on the highlands. eastern parts of england largely dry to start with, the rain getting into wales in the south—west, and we hang on to the damp, murky conditions for much of the day as the rain continues to push towards the east. not reaching some eastern areas until much later in the day. the wind i mention is coming up in the south—west, and that is going to mean a milder day across the board today compared to yesterday, and these are the temperature levels, possibly 13 degrees in northern ireland. through this evening and overnight, our band of rain pushes west and east, and thence south and east, some heavy rain mixed in that, and behind that there will be showers in northern ireland, some of them wintry, and a very quick look

at tomorrow shows that the rain remains across southern parts of england and wales, cold air coming in behind and a lot of showers in the west, and over high ground some of these will be wintry with gales across the north. and sally and jon, tomorrow it is going to feel colder than today. carol, thank you very much indeed. the time is 815. this is 17—year—old harvey owen with his beloved guitar. his mum remembers him playing it the night before him and his friends set off on a camping trip to north wales in november. you will remember this story. the car the boys were travelling in was later found upside down, partially submerged in water. all four teenagers — jevon hirst, harvey owen, wilf fitchett and hugo morris — died at the scene. now harvey's mum crystal has started a petition calling for tougher licensing rules for young drivers.

under the proposals, there would be a ban on carrying passengers under the age of 25 for a year, and restrictions on night driving. last month, public health officials in wales backed the calls, but changing the law lies with the uk government. crystaljoins us now, alongside dr elizabeth box from the rac foundation. thank you both are very much indeed for coming in. crystal, thank you. i know it is incredibly early days, but you are here to talk about harvey and what happened to him, and something you now feel incredibly passionate about in order to protect other young people.— passionate about in order to protect other young people. definitely, yes. what would you _ other young people. definitely, yes. what would you like _ other young people. definitely, yes. what would you like to _ other young people. definitely, yes. what would you like to see - other young people. definitely, yes. what would you like to see change, | what would you like to see change, and what have you learned in the last four or four months? we last four or four months? i've learned that _ last four or four months? i�*e: learned that obviously we last four or four months? i"e: learned that obviously we don't know what our children are up to 2a hours a day. it is impossible. the night harvey left, he twisted the truth in terms of what he was doing that weekend. i had proof of where he was

going the first night, but i didn't know any friends of his that drove. we did know his circle of friends, but we were unaware that he had a friend who drove, so he told us one of the parents was driving, and we didn't think to question it because like i say, i was unaware of any other friends. like i say, i was unaware of any otherfriends. he told us he was getting the train back, and that was it. he was playing his guitar. i was telling him how proud i was of him, his little sister was dancing around in the room when i told him i was proud and i loved him that night, because he was playing a new song that he had learned, and he knew i really liked it, so he packed his bag, no sign of a camping trip, just general clothes and things, so it has highlighted to me as a parent that although he did twist the truth to do what he wanted to do, he was just a teenager. teenagers do this all the time. they think they know best, basically. find all the time. they think they know best, basically.— best, basically. and he probably didn't want _ best, basically. and he probably didn't want to _ best, basically. and he probably didn't want to worry _ best, basically. and he probably didn't want to worry you. - best, basically. and he probably

didn't want to worry you. know. | best, basically. and he probably i didn't want to worry you. know. so best, basically. and he probably - didn't want to worry you. know. so i am aware that _ didn't want to worry you. know. so i am aware that he _ didn't want to worry you. know. so i am aware that he did _ didn't want to worry you. know. so i am aware that he did take _ didn't want to worry you. know. so i am aware that he did take risks. - am aware that he did take risks. every day i was texting him, get your earphones out, put your helmet on, on his bike. and although he wasn't driving at the time, i know that when he was, this could easily just have been... and as you say, there are parents of teenagers watching this home thinking, my child is the same. as jon says, are they trying to protect you a little bit, and are they trying to push the boundaries and be more independent. irate trying to push the boundaries and be more independent.— trying to push the boundaries and be more independent. we have all done it as teenagers _ more independent. we have all done it as teenagers. and _ more independent. we have all done it as teenagers. and i _ more independent. we have all done it as teenagers. and i think - more independent. we have all done it as teenagers. and i think as - more independent. we have all done it as teenagers. and i think as a - it as teenagers. and i think as a parent, this is not about pointing the blame at anyone. we all know when young boys especially start driving that they are slightly more at risk, but we have no idea, and nobody is going to become a road traffic expert or looking into the facts and statistics unless it has happened to them, and that is unfortunately the position i am now in, and i was completely shocked by actually how dangerous they are and

how at risk, and my mission now is to make other parents aware and to get the law changed. 50 to make other parents aware and to get the law changed.— get the law changed. so let's talk about that mission _ get the law changed. so let's talk about that mission of _ get the law changed. so let's talk about that mission of yours. - get the law changed. so let's talk| about that mission of yours. what would you like to see changed? it is giving the young drivers the experience on the roads in the conditions that they need. it is not always driving to the speed, it is driving that conditions of the road. at the moment there are no restrictions on how many lessons they need to have, crash courses, they need to have, crash courses, they can literally the day after passing their test, they can fill the car with their friends and drive on some of the most dangerous roads. so you would like to see limits? yes, it would be a minimum of a0 hours to give than the range of experience on roads in different conditions, driving at night before they could pass their test. and then they could pass their test. and then the restrictions at night, that has been put in the petition because there is a huge amount of evidence to prove that young drivers are more at risk at night, so that is why thatis

at risk at night, so that is why that is in there.— at risk at night, so that is why that is in there. �* ., . , ., that is in there. and once they have assed that is in there. and once they have passed their — that is in there. and once they have passed their test, _ that is in there. and once they have passed their test, how _ that is in there. and once they have passed their test, how would - that is in there. and once they have passed their test, how would you i passed their test, how would you like the law to change in terms of carrying passengers? so like the law to change in terms of carrying passengers?— carrying passengers? so they wouldn't be _ carrying passengers? so they wouldn't be able _ carrying passengers? so they wouldn't be able to _ carrying passengers? so they wouldn't be able to take - carrying passengers? so they wouldn't be able to take peer carrying passengers? so they - wouldn't be able to take peer age passengers, and the reason the ages 25 is the psychology behind their brains, this is all backed with research, and in every country it has been tried, it has worked and reduced deaths. so they wouldn't be able to take drivers under the age of 25, because they are four times more likely to crash. 50. of 25, because they are four times more likely to crash. so, elizabeth, is this a case _ more likely to crash. so, elizabeth, is this a case of— more likely to crash. so, elizabeth, is this a case of may _ more likely to crash. so, elizabeth, is this a case of may be _ more likely to crash. so, elizabeth, is this a case of may be trying - more likely to crash. so, elizabeth, is this a case of may be trying to i is this a case of may be trying to to protect young newly qualified drivers from themselves for a little longer? drivers from themselves for a little [on . er? ., . , drivers from themselves for a little loner? .. , ., drivers from themselves for a little loner? , . i, ., ., longer? exactly, and crystal has a ve well longer? exactly, and crystal has a very well explained _ longer? exactly, and crystal has a very well explained the _ longer? exactly, and crystal has a very well explained the whole - very well explained the whole problem we face here. we know that young _ problem we face here. we know that young and _ problem we face here. we know that young and novice drivers are at extreme — young and novice drivers are at extreme risk when they first pass their_ extreme risk when they first pass their tests, extreme risk when they first pass theirtests, particularly forthat first six— theirtests, particularly forthat first six or _ theirtests, particularly forthat first six or 12 months after passing _ first six or 12 months after passing. if you look worldwide, the biggest _ passing. if you look worldwide, the biggest cause of death in that group

is road _ biggest cause of death in that group is road traffic injuries. in the uk they— is road traffic injuries. in the uk they are — is road traffic injuries. in the uk they are 7% _ is road traffic injuries. in the uk they are 7% of licence holders but za% they are 7% of licence holders but 24% of— they are 7% of licence holders but 24% of those involved in collisions. so what _ 24% of those involved in collisions. so what crystal has been talking about _ so what crystal has been talking about is — so what crystal has been talking about is some good, evidence based initiatives _ about is some good, evidence based initiatives around the world, it reduces— initiatives around the world, it reduces those killed and seriously injured _ reduces those killed and seriously injured by— reduces those killed and seriously injured by up to ao% where it is introduced. and we look at all sorts of research, — introduced. and we look at all sorts of research, and often there is disagreement about what would be affected _ disagreement about what would be affected. there is absolutely no disagreement across the world that this is— disagreement across the world that this is the _ disagreement across the world that this is the best policy for improving safety for young and novice — improving safety for young and novice drivers.— improving safety for young and novice drivers. how would parts of it work, novice drivers. how would parts of it work. for— novice drivers. how would parts of it work, for example _ novice drivers. how would parts of it work, for example the _ novice drivers. how would parts of it work, for example the idea - novice drivers. how would parts of it work, for example the idea of i it work, for example the idea of young drivers having to do a0 hours of driving before they could pass their test. of driving before they could pass theirtest. how of driving before they could pass their test. how would you log that, for example? 50 their test. how would you log that, for example?— for example? so getting all of that exerience for example? so getting all of that exoerience is _ for example? so getting all of that experience is vitally _ for example? so getting all of that experience is vitally important. - for example? so getting all of that experience is vitally important. in | experience is vitally important. in australia — experience is vitally important. in australia they require 120 hours of practice, _ australia they require 120 hours of practice, before even taking their test _ practice, before even taking their test so— practice, before even taking their test so 40 — practice, before even taking their test. so 40 would be the absolute minimum — test. so 40 would be the absolute minimum we will be looking for, and this doesn't — minimum we will be looking for, and this doesn't need to be with private

instructors. — this doesn't need to be with private instructors, it could be if you have parents. _ instructors, it could be if you have parents, guardians or some other supervising — parents, guardians or some other supervising driver that can take you out, that— supervising driver that can take you out, that would be great. so really getting _ out, that would be great. so really getting that mileage under your belt helps you _ getting that mileage under your belt helps you to understand what is happening on the road and being able to improve _ happening on the road and being able to improve your hazard perception and awareness.— to improve your hazard perception and awareness. crystal, you have had and awareness. crystal, you have had a letter from — and awareness. crystal, you have had a letter from the _ and awareness. crystal, you have had a letter from the prime _ and awareness. crystal, you have had a letter from the prime minister? - a letterfrom the prime minister? yes. shortly after the boys died, we received a letter passing condolences on, it was a very personal letter to harvey. i did right back, saying that i would like a meeting with the transport minister, and so we are debating on that now —— we are waiting on that now. that now -- we are waiting on that now. �* ., ., , ., that now -- we are waiting on that now. �* ., ., i. , that now -- we are waiting on that now. �* ., ., ,, , it is now. and what would you say? it is so hard for — now. and what would you say? it is so hard for people _ now. and what would you say? it is so hard for people at _ now. and what would you say? it is so hard for people at home, - now. and what would you say? it is so hard for people at home, i - now. and what would you say? it is so hard for people at home, i have| so hard for people at home, i have done it myself to really understand the devastation. i do understand the counterarguments, and i probably would have felt the same prior to this happening. but i think the ripple effects with the four boys, four families, ripple effects with the four boys, fourfamilies, all from shrewsbury four families, all from shrewsbury has fourfamilies, all from shrewsbury has been affected, and it is a grief that you can never get over. and i

challenge anybody who is in opposition to this to not be affected by a road crash death and still object to it, basically. they are notjust still object to it, basically. they are not just statistics still object to it, basically. they are notjust statistics on paper, and it is really hard for people to correlate that with their actual, you know, nobody ever expects, this was the last thing on my list of things that i was worried about with harvey. it was not even on the radar. he wasn't even interested in driving, and you think you know their friends at that age. but no parent knows everything about their child, and so this is why it is so important, and the choice needs to be taken away from them because that is the only way that it is going to work. �* , , ,., , is the only way that it is going to work.�* , _._ work. i'm sure every body watching this morning. _ work. i'm sure every body watching this morning, all— work. i'm sure every body watching this morning, all of _ work. i'm sure every body watching this morning, all of us _ work. i'm sure every body watching this morning, all of us here - work. i'm sure every body watching this morning, all of us here in - work. i'm sure every body watching this morning, all of us here in the l this morning, all of us here in the studio, have massive respect for the fact that just a few weeks later you are using your position, your terrible position, to try and help others. i guess you feel a need, really, to use this in some way. it

is the absolute last thing i want to be doing. i haven't even been able to pick up my children from school, i have barely left the house, but as a parent of three other children, i am so passionate about this. i have worked with young people for years, i worked in the youth service for ten years, and this isjust i worked in the youth service for ten years, and this is just as i worked in the youth service for ten years, and this isjust as much a killer of young people as all of the things that we concentrate on, yet it is not given the attention it is needed. this is never a topic at youth clubs yet it is a leading killer of young people. find killer of young people. and elizabeth. _ killer of young people. and elizabeth, in _ killer of young people. and elizabeth, in the _ killer of young people. and elizabeth, in the meantime, until there is a potential change, what can parents do to try and tell their children, to teach their children about staying safe? i children, to teach their children about staying safe?— children, to teach their children about staying safe? i think what c stal is about staying safe? i think what crystal is doing _ about staying safe? i think what crystal is doing today _ about staying safe? i think what crystal is doing today is - about staying safe? i think what l crystal is doing today is important because _ crystal is doing today is important because it — crystal is doing today is important because it highlights to other parents — because it highlights to other parents how risky that first 6—12 months — parents how risky that first 6—12 months of— parents how risky that first 6—12 months of driving is. there is a few things— months of driving is. there is a few things that — months of driving is. there is a few things that they can do, so when they're _ things that they can do, so when they're thinking about buying a vehicle. — they're thinking about buying a vehicle, see if they can buy the safest — vehicle, see if they can buy the safest vehicle they can in their budget — safest vehicle they can in their budget. something under ten years old would _ budget. something under ten years old would be best, under six if they can as _ old would be best, under six if they can as well— old would be best, under six if they can as well because it will have the

safety _ can as well because it will have the safety technology. insurance is really— safety technology. insurance is really expensive for young people at the moment, so if they can get telematics insurance, the black box in the _ telematics insurance, the black box in the car— telematics insurance, the black box in the car that monitors your driving. _ in the car that monitors your driving, that can help give them the feedback— driving, that can help give them the feedback they need, and can also provide _ feedback they need, and can also provide some sort of support saying they are _ provide some sort of support saying they are being encouraged by peers to speed. _ they are being encouraged by peers to speed, and if they have a black box in _ to speed, and if they have a black box in the — to speed, and if they have a black box in the vehicle it makes it really— box in the vehicle it makes it really hard to do so. and i guess the other— really hard to do so. and i guess the other thing is getting as much experience as you can under your belt before — experience as you can under your belt before you pass your test. try and drive — belt before you pass your test. try and drive for 12 months before taking — and drive for 12 months before taking a — and drive for 12 months before taking a test and try and get near 100 hours— taking a test and try and get near 100 hours if you possibly can. drive for a 100 hours if you possibly can. drive fora ear 100 hours if you possibly can. drive for a year before _ 100 hours if you possibly can. drive for a year before you _ 100 hours if you possibly can. drive for a year before you take - 100 hours if you possibly can. us: for a year before you take your test? ., , ., for a year before you take your test? . , ., ., test? that is what we would recommend _ test? that is what we would recommend because - test? that is what we would recommend because we'll. test? that is what we would i recommend because we'll get test? that is what we would - recommend because we'll get all the different— recommend because we'll get all the different weather and circumstances as well, _ different weather and circumstances as well, and as crystal said, being as well, and as crystal said, being a teenager. — as well, and as crystal said, being a teenager, it is a risky environment. fora a teenager, it is a risky environment. for a whole host of reasons — environment. for a whole host of reasons so — environment. for a whole host of reasons. so being able to work through— reasons. so being able to work through in— reasons. so being able to work through in advance, if i am in this situation, — through in advance, if i am in this situation, what will i do? and working — situation, what will i do? and working with them to develop those capabilities, so they have some thing _ capabilities, so they have some thing to— capabilities, so they have some thing to fall back on, that is really— thing to fall back on, that is really important as well. thank you both so much _ really important as well. thank you both so much for— really important as well. thank you both so much for coming _ really important as well. thank you both so much for coming and - really important as well. thank you | both so much for coming and talking

about this, particularly you, crystal, and we all thinking of you and will continue to follow the progress of your campaign. thank ou. progress of your campaign. thank you- thank _ progress of your campaign. thank you- thank you- _ morning live follows breakfast on bbc one this morning. let's find out what they have in store. it is gordon and michelle. good morning. it is gordon and michelle. good morninu. ,., ., it is gordon and michelle. good mornin. _ ,., ., ., coming up. every year, the average home gets 650 pieces ofjunk mail landing on the doormat — that's almost two per day! it can be so frustrating, rav wilding explains how to opt out. a crafty bit of legislation means companies don't actually - need your consent to send marketing stuff to your home, as long - as they don't put your name on it. i'll show you how to avoid it, - and the way to protect vulnerable or elderly relatives . from being spammed. plus, we've got the life saving advice you can't afford to miss with dr ranj. 23 million people in the uk don't know how to do cpr. today, i'm doing a masterclass live, and you canjoin in at home using a firm cushion. all of that, plus legal eagle gary rycroft tackles your neighbour disputes — including if you can stop people running businesses

from their own driveways. loneliness is said to be as bad for your— loneliness is said to be as bad for your health — loneliness is said to be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day _ your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day but— your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. but dancing can lift self esteem — esteem. my mum does like esteem. — my mum does like dancing! and he's giving ourfootie knowledge a boost! commentating legend guy mowbray shares why tonight's fa cup match is make or break for man united and how he scored the bbc hit gladiators job! love it. see you at half past nine. thank you, guys, see you later. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning. welcome to bbc london, i'm thomas magill. mps in the capital will recieve part of a £31 million package of support to help improve safety and security — following fears about politcians

being intimidated by demonstrators. it comes after several incidents including death threats and an arson attack on the office of the finchley & golders green mp mike freer — who says it's got so bad he's standing down at the next election. the home secretary james cleverly says no mp should have to accept that threats or harassment are "part of the job." two boys, aged 11 and 12, have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and burglary at a college in west london. officers were called to capel manor college in gunnersbury park on sunday following reports "several animals had been killed". following the incident, the college is now appealing for help to find a much loved barn owl called shiraz who is also missing. sony is closing its london studio and cutting around nine hundred jobs at its playstation division. the gaming giant said it had made the decision because of changes to the industry. sony's london studio was founded

in 2002 and it created several series, including this is football and singstar. the south london singer raye says she's "honoured and blown away" to become the first woman to win the brit awards' songwriter of the year. # i wanna feel.# the 26—year—old from tooting was nominated for seven awards at this weekend's ceremony — the most ever for one artist in a single year. let's take a first look at how the tubes is running this morning. the bakerloo and overground lines have severe delays — thejubilee is part suspended between finchley road to waterloo with severe delays on the rest of the line. and there is minor delays on the victoria line. now on to the weather with kate. good morning. it's a largely cloudy day today. but in the most part dry. we won't see any rain until we head

towards the end of the afternoon and into the evening, when it starts to move in from the west. temperatures feeling a bit milder today as well with a maximum back up in double figures of 12 celsius. into this evening, that rain will continue on its journey eastwards. becoming quite wet for a time. then it should clear, drier for a spell and then our next band of rain will head in as we head into thursday morning. quite a mild night too. the minimum temperature not dropping too far, around 8, 9 celsius. now, for tomorrow morning, we'll see this cold front moving through. that's going to bring a spell of rain. it's likely to linger as we head through the day into the afternoon. it could be quite heavy for a time as well, slowly making its way eastwards. temperatures tomorrow again relatively mild at around 11 celsius. it's going to be quite a wet night and a wet start to meteorological spring on friday morning but that rain should clear. we'll get some sunshine and showers. a breezy day for friday. but feeling chillier. that's it from me. on the bbc news app there's more on an israel—gaza peace mural in east london that has been de—faced just days after it was unveiled. i'll be back in half an hour.

hello. we've been talking this morning about the financial crisis facing local councils in england — after more than half of the councils that responded to a survey by the local government information unit, said they were unlikely to be able to balance their books in the next five years. in order to save money, two—thirds of councils are planning on cutting services. with parks, leisure, arts and culture at the top of the list. and in order to generate more revenue, many will be also be putting up council tax for local residents. nine in ten plan to do that. the government says it recognises that the sector is facing challenges, and has announced an extra

£600 million of funding to help plug budget gaps. our political correspondent alex forsyth has been filming with medway council in kent, who says it will be facing effective bankruptcy without emergency funding from the government. it's early evening and medway council has allowed us to film, as they meet to discuss their budget. the council's finances are perilous. we have got roads full of potholes. food banks are now normal. this is not the place that anybody around this table wanted to be in. at this point, they're waiting to find out whether the government will give them emergency support. if not, they could effectively go bust. they're already cutting things like free swimming for children, cancelling events and closing a visitor centre and art gallery. this is another heavy—heart, determined—head decision, isn't it? i've just stepped out, but the meetings still going on and the discussions they're having are based on the hope that the government is going to let

them borrow £30 million over the next two years. even if the government says yes, they're still going to have to make some pretty significant cuts to services. like other councils, the leader here says it's the rising cost of services, like social care and housing, combined with a shortage of government funding that is pushing some councils to the brink. this is really challenging. this is my home, my community, the street i live on. they will all be impacted by these decisions we've got to take. it's not easy. a few days later, in the medway town of gillingham, we caught up with him again, this time as he met parents and carers to explain the situation. we're in a really difficult financial place as a council. we're having to do some difficult stuff around some of the things we all enjoy. so really want to hear from yourself. we're aware, yes, of the swimming. we're aware, yes, - of the parking charges at the country parks, but that's about it. i if i'm completely honest, i that's all we were aware of.

these families have children with special educational needs and disabilities — one of the areas where services are under huge pressure. this is about cuts to adult social care. being a parent that accesses that for her young adult, i know how important that support is. so when you make those cuts, are you actually going to consider what that can do to a family and to the young person as well? one of the things we're doing next week, despite the financial challenges, is increasing the capacity in our adult social care team. yeah, when you talk about, obviously, having to - cutback on everything - across the budget as somebody that is sort of volunteering in the voluntary sector at i the moment, running the children's i charity, physically can't plug any i more gaps in council budgets with what we're doing. - if the resources aren't there, you know, there are some things which ultimately will cease to happen. and that pains me. i don't want that to be the case. but i've got to balance the books.

thank you for your time — i genuinely appreciate that. can ijust have a little chat with you just about what you've heard and your thoughts on it all, if that's ok? it'sjust more stress really on your plate as a parent — thinking, well, what is going to be left for my child to access? i am a mum to two. i've got a 19—year—old and a 25—year—old. so he has quite a few additional needs. have you had to fight for the support that's helped him? every single day — it's always a fight. when he was first diagnosed, i was just told, you know, just leave him in the corner. he's not going to amount to much. this is max's son, richard, now. he's a keen baker and gardener with two computing qualifications. i met him the next day with his mum, who said that wouldn't have been possible without the support they get. your mum was saying yesterday, she's pushed a lot to get you your support that you need, richard. yeah. ifight my corner and it's been a bit hard and it always helps. and i love my carers — they're amazing, they are.

are you worried about the budget constraints in the areas of support that you like? yes. yeah, the support still needs to be there and sometimes there could be improvement because of the support that's in place. so if you take the support away, then his needs are just going to deteriorate. increasingly, keeping the services that people like richard rely on going means councils are cutting back elsewhere. at this country parkjust outside chatham, visitors could soon be charged to park their cars. green spaces and leisure facilities are where many councils are looking to make savings — things they don't have to offer by law, but are often hugely valued, particularly for families like these. worried they will pay the price for pressure on public finances. they've wasted money all over the place on frivolous things or on things that don't need doing, or people — middle management, people that don't need to be there. and so there's not enough left in the pot for the things that do need doing. the council's argument

is that it's just broke. do you have any sympathy? with the finest, tiniest budget that they already have. and i think it's quite extreme to ask them to do everything, but i don't think it should be brought back down to the people. with many councils sounding warning signs about a bleak outlook, the government has increased the amount they have to spend compared to last year. but, in medway, they say that's still not enough. yesterday, i received a message from the council leader, saying they're still waiting to hear whether they'll be allowed to borrow to balance their books. it's around quarter to two monday night into tuesday morning. i'm just talking through the final budget processes for the council meeting on thursday. we've also still not heard back from central government on exceptional financial support. so this community waits with an announcement expected tomorrow, which will determine what happens to the services many here value.

alex forsyth joins us now. a really fascinating report. these issues affect england, all of us, every day. issues affect england, all of us, every day-— every day. we are talking about encland every day. we are talking about england because _ every day. we are talking about england because the _ every day. we are talking about england because the research i every day. we are talking about - england because the research relates to england. in scotland and wales they are saying they are tight. you heard in the report, talking about social care which has been so important. also other things that people value and depend on quite like how often bins are collected. what does your town centre look like? otherart what does your town centre look like? other art centres, theatres? these things often make up a community, which is why this matters. ~ ., community, which is why this matters. ~ . ., ., . matters. we have had a terrific resonse matters. we have had a terrific response from _ matters. we have had a terrific response from breakfast - matters. we have had a terrific i response from breakfast viewers. matters. we have had a terrific - response from breakfast viewers. how come some council stick to a budget and do not get bust and others do? a, and do not get bust and others do? very good question. some councils

have totally tipped over, like banning them. others as well. in no situation so far it has tended to be they have made decisions some might say are questionable, about the way they have managed will spend money. in birmingham, there are it problems and an equal pay claim, for example. it depends where you're council is and the level of need in your community. how much demand it places on budgets. do you have a very old population? is there a greater demand for social care, —— care? population? is there a greater demand forsocial care, —— care? how much money councils can raise from council tax depends on a number of things. there are definitely disparities. questions about governance and financial decision—making. are they spending money on the right things or not? it is right across the board. councils of all colours are saying things are getting really tough. it

of all colours are saying things are getting really tough.— of all colours are saying things are getting really tough. it seems that structurally there _ getting really tough. it seems that structurally there needs _ getting really tough. it seems that structurally there needs to - getting really tough. it seems that structurally there needs to be - structurally there needs to be changed. structurally there needs to be chanced. , , ., ., changed. yes. it is not about throwing _ changed. yes. it is not about throwing more _ changed. yes. it is not about throwing more money - changed. yes. it is not about throwing more money in - changed. yes. it is not about| throwing more money in from changed. yes. it is not about - throwing more money in from central government. there has been more money, £600 million the government put in last month. that points to the fact that year on year the amount councils are getting is going up. the call is for a whole look to the system. that can get complicated because what does that mean? councils want to know how much they are getting over a long period of time, notjust year on year so they can plan better. and things like, do you look at the council tax system? not always politically popular. this problem is notjust for this problem is not just for this government problem is notjust for this government that whoever wins the election as well.— election as well. what was really useful about _ election as well. what was really useful about your _ election as well. what was really useful about your film. - election as well. what was really useful about your film. we - election as well. what was really useful about your film. we see i election as well. what was really i useful about your film. we see the outside of council buildings and headlines about numbers but that really gave an insight into those tough decisions about individual things affecting every council about real life. , ., ., real life. they are doing it right

now. real life. they are doing it right now- they _ real life. they are doing it right now- they all— real life. they are doing it right now. they all need _ real life. they are doing it right now. they all need to - real life. they are doing it right now. they all need to set - real life. they are doing it right - now. they all need to set budgets. they are going through that process. what happens in medway is going across the country like now. looking at balance sheets. what can we afford to do and not do any more? people might have thought i should not have been doing that anyway. there are definitely other cases where those cuts will impact on communities. it is people who rely on council services, like children with special educational needs, elderly people who need social care and home visits. also housing. a lot of people falling out of the rental sector because of the cost of living going to the council, presenting as homeless and the council has to them somewhere to live. it is also theatres, art galleries, libraries, museums, which many communities devalue. the government recognises there is a challenge in the sector. make sure you are not wasting money and when you spend it spend on things you really need to. there is a much bigger conversation with the

backdrop of the fact there have been cut in council budgets for a long time before these recent increases about how sustainable this whole system is, given how much people do when on services they provide. thank ou ve when on services they provide. thank you very much _ when on services they provide. thank you very much again. _ when on services they provide. thank you very much again. i _ when on services they provide. thank you very much again. i am _ when on services they provide. thank you very much again. i am sure - when on services they provide. thank you very much again. i am sure you i you very much again. i am sure you will be back again because it is a series are doing. john is here withjohn, from the fa cup last night. possibly people staying up quite late because the match is finished quite late. goodness, it was busy. erling haaland said he felt tired last night. leicester won the cup three years ago. they beat bournemouth. newcastle's tie was settled on penalties.

asjoe lynskey explains. cheering. they last won the cup in 1955. so for newcastle united, any way through will do. for the premier league side, this was far from vintage. it took more than an hour to break through blackburn rovers — a team 16th in the championship, but backed here by belief. commentator: that's a great effort and it still might go in. _ it has! sammie szmodics! the second tier�*s top scorer hauled them back into the game and, for a while, the night seemed to be theirs. newcastle stopped twice as this game went to penalties. but there, eddie howe's side found their composure. for the club who've waited so long for a trophy, the dream is just still alive. cheering. commentator: newcastle have done enough. - they have gone over the line. there's only one emotion and that's relief. it was a very hard—fought cup tie tonight. i thought two teams gave everything to try and get through. there was no inch given from either side.

very, very tough game. but we're delighted to be in the hat for the next round. there are now no replays in round five of the cup, but at luton, manchester city put the same move on repeat. cheering. kevin de bruyne's through—pass, erling haaland in on goal. a0 minutes played, a hat—trick. and, for de bruyne, a hat trick of assists. commentator: erling haaland claims yet another match ball. _ this season already is luton's fairy tale. cup moments are a bonus in their fight for league survival. that stunning goal brought a hint of a fightback. they made it 3—2 but city went back to their ruthless combination. commentator: once again, the dynamic duo. _ haaland scored five goals. city won 6—2. with him and de bruyne, the holders look hard to stop. they'll be joined in the last eight by the second tier�*s top side. leicester city faced bournemouth. it went to extra time. nearly two hours of quiet, then this. commentator: oh, it's brilliant,

absolutely brilliant. _ they'll be one of at least two championship sides left in tonight's draw. two games from the final, these teams hope to keep moving and keep dreaming. joe lynskey, bbc news. four more ties tonight, liverpool and manchester united both feature. as do chelsea who you might remember were labelled "billionaire bottlejobs" by gary neville in their league cup final defeat. they face leeds, with manager mauricio pochettino facing questions over his future. it's not in my hands. we have a very good relationship with the owners, with the sporting director. it's up to them after to trust or not. you know, always it's about the... it's not in the coach decision. they are straight back to it.

and such a lovely story this one. if you're looking for some inspiration today, meet victor clarke, who is a world war ii veteran from belfast, who has just celebrated his 100th birthday. the secret to his long life he says is getting out for a round of golf twice a week. keeps him feeling young and supple. and it might be his big day, no chance of missing his regular round with the boys though. he was back on the course before celebrating with some cake back in the clubhouse. happy birthday, victor. and a gorgeous day for it as well. beautiful weather in belfast. thank you very much indeed. i need some good weather. i have one panel of the garden fence i need to paint. two dry days in a row. one to try out and one to paint. creosote tinkle painting? just out and one to paint. creosote tinkle painting?—

out and one to paint. creosote tinkle painting? just paint. swiftly movin: tinkle painting? just paint. swiftly moving on- _ tinkle painting? just paint. swiftly moving on. sunday _ tinkle painting? just paint. swiftly moving on. sunday is _ tinkle painting? just paint. swiftly moving on. sunday is looking - tinkle painting? just paint. swiftly| moving on. sunday is looking quite dry. d0 moving on. sunday is looking quite dry. do you want to come and help? good morning- _ dry. do you want to come and help? good morning. a _ dry. do you want to come and help? good morning. a foggy _ dry. do you want to come and help? good morning. a foggy start - dry. do you want to come and help? good morning. a foggy start to - dry. do you want to come and help? good morning. a foggy start to the l good morning. a foggy start to the day across some parts of central, southern and eastern england and south wales. like pea soup in birmingham at the moment. generally milder than yesterday. a band of rain in the west which is pushing east today. some of it will be heavy, particularly in wales in the south—west. we are left with a lot of low cloud and murky conditions across the hills and the coast in the north and west. it will take time to get to the east. windy conditions across the irish sea, western scotland and northern scotland as well. temperature seven in lerwick, 12 in cardiff. a bit higher than yesterday. this evening you can see the band when pushing

east. overnight a cold front sinking south. that will have heavy rain embedded in it as well. behind it we are pulling in colder conditions. showers across scotland and northern ireland, some of those will be wintry, more especially over the hills. wins around the showers in scotland. —— very windy in scotland. tomorrow we still have the weather front across southern areas producing rain. quite a bit of cloud across england and wales. further showers coming in to the west as the colder air digs showers coming in to the west as the colderair digs in showers coming in to the west as the colder air digs in further. increasingly, we are looking at wintry showers. the snow level will come down attachment down to about 200 metres in scotland, with gales across the far north. it will feel cold as well if you are exposed to the wind and also the rain. beyond

that, it does remain rather unsettled. that, it does remain rather unsettled-— that, it does remain rather unsettled. , , , ., ., ., , unsettled. keeps you in a 'ob, doesnt unsettled. keeps you in a 'ob, doesn-t in i unsettled. keeps you in a 'ob, doesn't it? you i unsettled. keeps you in a 'ob, doesn't it? you are i unsettled. keeps you in a 'ob, doesn't it? you are so i unsettled. keeps you in a job, doesn't it? you are so busy. i unsettled. keeps you in a job, i doesn't it? you are so busy. that is aood. it doesn't it? you are so busy. that is good- it would _ doesn't it? you are so busy. that is good. it would be _ doesn't it? you are so busy. that is good. it would be nice _ if the weather just settles down. not as busy as nina. she is investigating about the price of gym membership as we try to cut costs with the cost of living crisis. nina is incredibly brave. she is notjust on a bike she is on an air bike, which is another level of difficult. three hours she has been doing that! is of difficult. three hours she has been doing that!— of difficult. three hours she has been doing that! is she incredibly brave or is _ been doing that! is she incredibly brave or is she _ been doing that! is she incredibly brave or is she incredibly - been doing that! is she incredibly brave or is she incredibly out i been doing that! is she incredibly brave or is she incredibly out of i brave or is she incredibly out of shape? that is how i am feeling. then put through my paces by beth and barbara. they have been here since quarter to six when we arrived this morning. are you here for fitness or to get on the telly? g,

fitness or to get on the telly? a better bass. i do like my moments. it is all— better bass. i do like my moments. it is all about fitness now. seven o'clock— it is all about fitness now. seven o'clock you — it is all about fitness now. seven o'clock you are half as sleet but now i_ o'clock you are half as sleet but now i cannot get enough of this bike _ now i cannot get enough of this bike. ., ., , ., bike. you said other things would have to go _ bike. you said other things would have to go before _ bike. you said other things would have to go before you _ bike. you said other things would have to go before you quit i bike. you said other things would have to go before you quit your i bike. you said other things would i have to go before you quit your gym membership. have to go before you quit your gym membership-— membership. absolutely. this is where your— membership. absolutely. this is where your mind, _ membership. absolutely. this is where your mind, your- membership. absolutely. this is where your mind, your body, i where your mind, your body, everything _ where your mind, your body, everything. fabulous. - where your mind, your body, everything. fabulous. keeps| where your mind, your body, i everything. fabulous. keeps you going _ everything. fabulous. keeps you going get— everything. fabulous. keeps you going get the _ everything. fabulous. keeps you going. get the old _ everything. fabulous. keeps you going. get the old grey- everything. fabulous. keeps you going. get the old grey cells i everything. fabulous. keeps you i going. get the old grey cells going when _ going. get the old grey cells going when you — going. get the old grey cells going when you come _ going. get the old grey cells going when you come here. _ going. get the old grey cells going when you come here. good - going. get the old grey cells going when you come here. good for- going. get the old grey cells going i when you come here. good for body, good _ when you come here. good for body, good for— when you come here. good for body, good for mind — when you come here. good for body, good for mind. good _ when you come here. good for body, good for mind. good for— when you come here. good for body, good for mind. good for body - when you come here. good for body, good for mind. good for body and i good for mind. good for body and mind _ good for mind. good for body and mind. , .,. good for mind. good for body and mind. , ., . , good for mind. good for body and mind. , , . good for mind. good for body and mind. , ., ., mind. grace is a personaltrainer. you have found _ mind. grace is a personaltrainer. you have found a _ mind. grace is a personaltrainer. you have found a way _ mind. grace is a personaltrainer. you have found a way to - mind. grace is a personaltrainer. you have found a way to make i you have found a way to make personal training more affordable. after the cost of living crisis, i would — after the cost of living crisis, i would put _ after the cost of living crisis, i would put people in small groups of two or— would put people in small groups of two or three which mean costs are down _ two or three which mean costs are down and — two or three which mean costs are down and they get the same value. i think i_ down and they get the same value. i think i have — down and they get the same value. i think i have my work cut out. but down and they get the same value. i think i have my work cut out.- think i have my work cut out. but as in! peole

think i have my work cut out. but as in! people who _ think i have my work cut out. but as in! people who are _ think i have my work cut out. but as in! people who are members i think i have my work cut out. but as in! people who are members of- think i have my work cut out. but as l in! people who are members of gems have noticed over the past couple of years, half of them had noticed the price of membership has gone up. you will know if you are a member of a gym it is not cheap. it averages between £25 and £50 a month, depending on the type of gym you are a member of. there is a growth in the industry, this is what is interesting. around a% more compared with two years ago. the value of the industry as a whole is booming. it has gone up by around 11%. let's speak to david. no surprise for you but you have banished him manage the overheads. == but you have banished him manage the overheads. ., but you have banished him manage the overheads. . ., ., ., overheads. -- have managed to manage- _ overheads. -- have managed to manage- it _ overheads. -- have managed to manage- it is — overheads. -- have managed to manage. it is a _ overheads. -- have managed to manage. it is a really _ overheads. -- have managed to manage. it is a really tough i manage. it is a really tough environment for organisations to working — environment for organisations to working at— environment for organisations to working at the moment. the benefits are so huge — working at the moment. the benefits are so huge. you had met the customers— are so huge. you had met the customers today. the whole piece

about _ customers today. the whole piece about mental health and physical health. _ about mental health and physical health, such huge value. there are clubs— health, such huge value. there are clubs you _ health, such huge value. there are clubs you can get full ea a week. if you want— clubs you can get full ea a week. if you want to — clubs you can get full ea a week. if you want to make you do not need to train in _ you want to make you do not need to train in a _ you want to make you do not need to train in a gentle that you can get physical— train in a gentle that you can get physical activity anywhere. go train in a gentle that you can get physical activity anywhere. go for a walk or ride- _ physical activity anywhere. go for a walk or ride. before _ physical activity anywhere. go for a walk or ride. before lockdown i i physical activity anywhere. go for a j walk or ride. before lockdown i had never been better. i learned how to get fit at home. despite that, the end as has happened. people have decided to spend and spend more. what is the psychology around that? a group of people went through covid, _ a group of people went through covid, who lost their confidence. there _ covid, who lost their confidence. there is— covid, who lost their confidence. there is the bit about mental well—being and health. a lot of people — well—being and health. a lot of people used to have gym membership because _ people used to have gym membership because it _ people used to have gym membership because it was away from work or place _ because it was away from work or place to— because it was away from work or place to work and it is different

now with — place to work and it is different now with hybrid working. | place to work and it is different now with hybrid working. i have 'ust had a baby. — now with hybrid working. i have 'ust had a baby, what i now with hybrid working. i have 'ust had a baby, what would i now with hybrid working. i have 'ust had a baby, what would you i now with hybrid working. i have just i had a baby, what would you recommend as a gentle way back into it? options are huge. from yoga, pilates — options are huge. from yoga, pilates. fantastic instructors out there _ pilates. fantastic instructors out there. these people operate in communities. you can find them in a local, _ communities. you can find them in a local, village — communities. you can find them in a local, village hall, in the park. find _ local, village hall, in the park. find something you enjoy and do it with a _ find something you enjoy and do it with a friend. if you do it with a buddy. — with a friend. if you do it with a buddy. you _ with a friend. if you do it with a buddy, you are more likely to commit to it and _ buddy, you are more likely to commit to it and make sure your routine is achieved — to it and make sure your routine is achieved. ., ~ to it and make sure your routine is achieved. ., ,, , ., to it and make sure your routine is achieved. ., «i , ., . to it and make sure your routine is achieved. ., «i . , achieved. thank you so much. grace romised achieved. thank you so much. grace promised a — achieved. thank you so much. grace promised a bit _ achieved. thank you so much. grace promised a bit of _ achieved. thank you so much. grace promised a bit of a _ achieved. thank you so much. grace promised a bit of a pt _ achieved. thank you so much. grace promised a bit of a pt session. i promised a bit of a pt session. there might be people watching at home, if there is something to get us started military get off the sofa do something. us started military get off the sofa do something-— do something. first of all, go on a walk if you — do something. first of all, go on a walk if you can- — do something. first of all, go on a walk if you can. do _ do something. first of all, go on a walk if you can. do something - do something. first of all, go on a walk if you can. do something likel do something. first of all, go on a i walk if you can. do something like a reverse _ walk if you can. do something like a reverse lunge —

walk if you can. do something like a reverse lunge. we _ walk if you can. do something like a reverse lunge— walk if you can. do something like a reverse lunge. we want you involved in the studio- — reverse lunge. we want you involved in the studio. keep _ reverse lunge. we want you involved in the studio. keep going. _ reverse lunge. we want you involved in the studio. keep going. back - reverse lunge. we want you involved in the studio. keep going. back to i in the studio. keep going. back to ou. i in the studio. keep going. back to um i hope _ in the studio. keep going. back to um i hope you — in the studio. keep going. back to you. i hope you are _ in the studio. keep going. back to you. i hope you are joining - in the studio. keep going. back to you. i hope you are joining in - you. i hope you arejoining in again. you. i hope you are 'oining in aaain. ~ ., ., ., , again. we are doing it, really workin: again. we are doing it, really working hard. _ again. we are doing it, really working hard. 0h, _ again. we are doing it, really working hard. oh, yes! - again. we are doing it, really working hard. oh, yes! not l again. we are doing it, really i working hard. oh, yes! not sure again. we are doing it, really - working hard. oh, yes! not sure i believe them. _ working hard. oh, yes! not sure i believe them. not _ working hard. oh, yes! not sure i believe them. not sure _ working hard. oh, yes! not sure i believe them. not sure a - working hard. oh, yes! not sure i believe them. not sure a reverse| believe them. not sure a reverse lunue believe them. not sure a reverse lunge works _ believe them. not sure a reverse lunge works with _ believe them. not sure a reverse lunge works with the _ believe them. not sure a reverse lunge works with the sofa. - believe them. not sure a reverse| lunge works with the sofa. cannot take a _ lunge works with the sofa. cannot take a step — lunge works with the sofa. cannot take a step back. every week, millions of dedicated football fans travel around the country — and sometimes even around the world — to support their club. but one footy fanatic has taken his dedication one step further. robert conway was been to nearly 2,000 matches in ia countries at 703 different stadiums, spending 90 minutes, passionately cheering for a team he's never seen play before —

all for his love of the game. robert and his impressive collection of memorabilia join us now. do not laugh! morning. that looks incredible. talk us through where you are. what is that behind you? i am in the spare bedroom of our house. i'm currently sat in front of my bookcase full of scars, my go to piece of memorabilia when i am travelling around, watching football. ~' travelling around, watching football. ,, ., ., football. looks like you are in a scarf shop- _ football. looks like you are in a scarf shop. people _ football. looks like you are in a scarf shop. people have - football. looks like you are in a scarf shop. people have said i football. looks like you are in a i scarf shop. people have said that before. i have _ scarf shop. people have said that before. i have been _ scarf shop. people have said that before. i have been travelling i before. i have been travelling around for 15 years. i pick one up from every stage of my visit. i have about 250 different scarves from various teams around the globe.

which are your favourites? i am sat in front of my _ which are your favourites? i am sat in front of my german _ which are your favourites? i am sat in front of my german election. i in front of my german election. germany is my real passion. i recently visited the final ground of my 56. it is like the english 92 but there are only 56 in germany. i have that one on display. it eluded me for quite a long time. ifinally managed to complete it. it takes pride of place in the middle of the room. i pride of place in the middle of the room. .. ., , ., room. i cannot believe how beautifully _ room. i cannot believe how beautifully stacked - room. i cannot believe how beautifully stacked and i room. i cannot believe how. beautifully stacked and folded room. i cannot believe how- beautifully stacked and folded they are. is there a special order? these ones behind — are. is there a special order? these ones behind me, _ are. is there a special order? these ones behind me, they _ are. is there a special order? these ones behind me, they were - are. is there a special order? these ones behind me, they were the i are. is there a special order? these ones behind me, they were the 56 l are. is there a special order? these. ones behind me, they were the 56 of germany. from left to right whereby division, by alphabet. they were very organised. you could come in here and made one and i would know exactly where it has gone. [30 here and made one and i would know exactly where it has gone.— exactly where it has gone. do you have to correct _ exactly where it has gone. do you have to correct them _ exactly where it has gone. do you have to correct them when - exactly where it has gone. do you have to correct them when they i exactly where it has gone. do you i have to correct them when they move up have to correct them when they move up and down tables?—

up and down tables? thankfully, that is once a year— up and down tables? thankfully, that is once a yearjob. _ up and down tables? thankfully, that is once a yearjob. when _ up and down tables? thankfully, that is once a yearjob. when players i up and down tables? thankfully, that is once a yearjob. when players are l is once a yearjob. when players are finished, i pulled them all out and put them back again. we finished, i pulled them all out and put them back again.— finished, i pulled them all out and put them back again. we are seeing one wall of that _ put them back again. we are seeing one wall of that room. _ put them back again. we are seeing one wall of that room. i _ put them back again. we are seeing one wall of that room. i know- put them back again. we are seeing one wall of that room. i know the i one wall of that room. i know the rest of the room has other treasures. could you give us a look around and show us what else you have? ,, , ., ., ., around and show us what else you have? ,, , ., , , have? sure. german football is my real big passion. _ have? sure. german football is my real big passion. in _ have? sure. german football is my real big passion. in the _ have? sure. german football is my real big passion. in the corner- have? sure. german football is my real big passion. in the corner of. real big passion. in the corner of the room i have a canvas wall. it is basically lots of memories from some of my favourite trips with my friends. photos that make me smile and laugh. it is a wall of memories that has been built up over the years. there is not a spare space anywhere on this wall. my favourite english team is winchester city. i watch then week in, week out. i have a small corner, a shrine for my favourite team. the highlight, the pinnacle of my room, the piece i am most pleased with, i completed my 92

at morecambe in 2012. i got a couple of shirts and got them framed. that is the focal point _ of shirts and got them framed. that is the focal point of my football room. i love the fact he call it your spare room but there is no room spare in your spare room, is there? that is very true. my wife and i used to live in an open plan that. i had stuff everywhere. my wife isn't a big football fan. when we moved into a house, she was more than happy to let me have the small spare room and fill it with as much of that. as i can because that means there is nothing else around the house. ~ ., ., , there is nothing else around the house. ., ., ~' there is nothing else around the house. ~ ., ., , ,, ., house. what does your wife think of our house. what does your wife think of your collection? _ house. what does your wife think of your collection? she _ house. what does your wife think of your collection? she is _ house. what does your wife think of your collection? she is ok - house. what does your wife think of your collection? she is ok with i house. what does your wife think of your collection? she is ok with it. i your collection? she is ok with it. she knows — your collection? she is ok with it. she knows it _ your collection? she is ok with it. she knows it is _ your collection? she is ok with it. she knows it is my _ your collection? she is ok with it. she knows it is my love, - your collection? she is ok with it. she knows it is my love, my i your collection? she is ok with it. i she knows it is my love, my passion. nice to have a hobby. she she knows it is my love, my passion. nice to have a hobby.— nice to have a hobby. she is very sunportive- _ nice to have a hobby. she is very sunportive- it _ nice to have a hobby. she is very supportive. it is _ nice to have a hobby. she is very supportive. it is my _ nice to have a hobby. she is very supportive. it is my life, - nice to have a hobby. she is very supportive. it is my life, my i supportive. it is my life, my passion, apart from her. well corrected. nicely recovered. thank you from showing at your display.

looks so colourful as well. cheered us up. really tidy. i love that. i think it is tidy all the time, that win. absolutely. stay with us, headlines coming up. live from london — this is bbc news. south korea's birth rate has fallen to a record low, raising concerns its working age population will halve within decades — despite billions being spent on initiatives to encourage women

to have more children. president biden wins his party's michigan primary — but it's the 'uncommitted' voters and their anger over his gaza policy that are grabbing the attention. israeli and hamas officials downplay hopes for an imminent gaza ceasefire — raising doubts about a truce before ramadan in two weeks' time. councils across england are facing financial meltdown — with many approaching bankruptcy in the next few years. hello, i'm samantha simmonds. welcome. south korea's record low birth rate has fallen again. it's the lowest in the world — and politicians are warning of a national emergency. data for 2023 shows there were 0.72 births per woman in south korea, down from what was already a record low of 0.78 the year before. it's a similar trend in many developed nations. injapan the figure was 1.26 in 2022. but new figures show the number of births fell 5.1% last year, the eighth drop in a row. and here in the uk, the birth

rate in 2022 was 1.119 —