this is bbc news. i'm clive myrie. the headlines at 8. yes 69, no 59. the motion as amended is therefore agreed. the scottish parliament has voted to back a second independence referendum.” hope the united kingdom government will respect of your parliament. this is simply about giving people in scotland choice. welcome news for some — but the uk government says the issue is not on the table for discussion yet. we will be declining the request for a section 30 to hold another independence referendum and we won't be making any negotiations until the brexit process is complete. meanwhile, theresa may prepares to kick—start the 2 year process of leaving the eu tomorrow. three cheers.

a royal marine who was convicted of shooting dead a wounded taliban fighter in afghanistan, will be freed within weeks after his sentence was reduced. the nhs is planning to take certain treatments off prescription lists. from cod liver oil to gluten—free bread, nhs managers say the move will save money. and in the next hour. a monster cyclone smashes into northeast australia. heavy rains and winds of up 160 miles per hour batter the queensland coast. tens of thousands of people are told to evacuate. and a new 12 sided pound coin is now in circulation. it's thinner and lighter, with hidden security features, making it more difficult to copy. good evening and welcome to bbc news.

the scottish and uk governments look to have been set on a collision course — after the scottish parliament voted to give first minister nicola sturgeon the power to request a second independence referendum. the government in westminster has already rejected any such referendum — scotland secretary david mundell said there should be no vote until the brexit process is complete. that could be years away — well outside the timetable set out by first minister nicola sturgeon. 0ur scotland editor sarah smith has been following today's events. jubilant excitement as supporters heard the scottish parliament had just voted for a referendum. tears of joy today, but disappointment will follow. they're shouting yes, the prime minister will soon tell them no, there will not be a vote. i call on nicola sturgeon... earlier, the debate suspended after last week's terror attack in westminster resumed. scotland's future should be in scotland's hands.

that is what this debate is about, the future of our country, how we best harness our potential as a country and overcome the challenges that we face. is she going to spend the next two years and 100% of her time campaigning for scotland to leave the uk at the expense of governing, or will she roll up her sleeves from today and seek to secure more powers for this parliament when they're returned from brussels to britain? independence debates always incite passion and confrontation. we are sick of it, and most people in scotland have had enough too. because this parliament needs to and must focus on the priorities of the people of this country. it is not the time to be sidetracked by yet more unnecessary division. so i won't take any lessons from the first minister. because actually — sit down! precisely nothing changed yesterday. i think i've answered the first minister's question. the result was never really in doubt, as the greens voted with the snp. the motion, as amended,

is therefore agreed. the first minister can now formally ask theresa may for an independence vote. i hope the united kingdom government will respect the view of parliament. this is simply about giving people in scotland a choice. we agree that now is not the right time for that choice, but that choice should be available to people in scotland when the terms of brexit are clear. so i look forward to discussions in the weeks ahead. nicola sturgeon knows that theresa may is going to refuse to allow another scottish referendum. so, why bother asking for one at all? the tories say it's all part of a well—rehearsed game from the snp, where they put forward proposals to westminster they know will be rejected and then react with righteous indignation when they are. rejecting holyrood's request for a referendum is a risk, but that's exactly what the uk government will do. the prime minister has made her position very clear. now is not the time

for another referendum. nothing has been said in the scottish parliament which takes away from the fact that a referendum during the brexit process would be unfair on the people of scotland. the danger for the uk government is that saying no could backfire and stir up support for independence. but they firmly believe most scottish voters don't want another referendum and will accept now is not the time. sarah smith, bbc news, edinburgh. this time tomorrow britain will have taken the historic step of formally saying it wants to leave the european union. no other country has done this before. today, theresa may said she's determined to use britain's exit from the eu to shape an even bigger role for what she calls a global britain. the prime minister was speaking in birmingham from where our political editor, laura kuenssberg reports. nine months of careful assembly. plenty of preparation and attention to detail. the decisions that have

been taken will affect all our lives and livelihoods, and her political future. banging the drum for trade with the gulf, the prime minister wants to reach out. tomorrow we begin the negotiations, to secure a new, deep and special partnership with the european union. as we do so, i am determined that we should also seize this historic opportunity to get out into the world. but there's a job at home to do, too. here in birmingham, voters favoured leaving the eu, but were split almost down the middle. never mind for now negotiating with more than two dozen other countries, the referendum divided opinion here. notjust between north and south, or town and country, or even constituency and constituency, but sometimes street by street. in this part of birmingham, on this side of the road, the harborne council ward, where nearly 70% of people voted to remain. but, on the other side

of the road, the quinton ward, where there was a very clear verdict the other way round. in the next two years, theresa may must try to seal her deal with voters everywhere who wanted very different things. others like mike wheeler, a businessman, have even changed their mind in the last few months. ministers want to keep people on side, but we brought mike and a group of businesses together to ask how. since the referendum, what we've seen is not what we expected, which was a massive crash of the economy and high levels of unemployment coming through. our sales have increased locally, our exports sales have increased and our employment levels have increased. so we haven't seen what we expected, so that gives me a lot of confidence. we should finish the year much better than i thought we were going to finish. however, do i think

uncertainty has gone away? absolutely not. i think it's here to stay and any false move by anyone in the government, really, could bring that back, just like that. let's get on with it. we can all do this, we can all do it together and we're on the right trip together. i am bothered by short—term damage that can be done now, and which will be very hard for the government to manage through policy. i'm optimistic about the future from what i've seen and it's fair to say that our members are cautiously optimistic about the future. we're seeing lots of our members continue to invest, continue to take advantage of the low pound, the exchange rates, etc. so for exporters it's been a real boon. yet, even from the looks on theirfaces, these prominent remainers are far less convinced. i worry that she will be pushed into a corner a little bit by the hard brexiteers, who will be reluctant to give an inch. with the prime minister almost ready to start a long and complicated process, the final product still looks unclear. but, however she fares, the shape of the country is being recast.

laura kuenssberg, bbc news, birmingham. lets talk to alex neil the snp politician and member of the scottish parliament who was pro brexit. it's good to see. you voted for brexit and you are a member of the snp, did other members do the same thing? they said 400,000 people in scotla nd thing? they said 400,000 people in scotland out of the millions who voted for brexit who were pro—independence like myself so i'm pro—independence like myself so i'm pro—independence but i voted in favour because the eu is not the progressive organisation used to be. does that mean you are no longer in favour of independence now if once

the process goes through? far from it. one of the reasons i voted is that i didn't want to replace london with rule from brussels. i believe scotla nd with rule from brussels. i believe scotland should be an independent country trading freely with the rest of europe and indeed with the rest of europe and indeed with the rest of the world. if we have control of the macroeconomic policy in scotland then we would be a far richer nation and much more prosperous as well as and much more prosperous as well as afairer and much more prosperous as well as a fairer country. there are complications, if there is scottish independence at some point down the line with a border with a nation like the united kingdom or england as such, that does not part of the european union? this is one of the reasons why we're having a referendum after we know the outcome of brexit. very clearly there would bea of brexit. very clearly there would be a problem if scotland was back in the european union and the rest of the european union and the rest of the uk was out. i think it's much

easier if scotland is in the single market, its easier to manage but the reality is that we need to wait to see the outcome before we see the trading relationship options for an independent scotland. if that isn't your liking you believe independence was the way forward? scotland must decide its own destiny. it's for the scottish parliament to decide... it is determination for the scottish people. they know... now i believe that we can end up with a reasonable deal, whatever the deal is then we

are best placed to represent the interests of the scottish people, it is quite clear a tory government is not good for the people of scotland. you have to see what they have done as part of the brexit negotiations. you are as part of the brexit negotiations. you are concerned as part of the brexit negotiations. you are concerned that so far there has been under devolution whatever powers happen they will go back to scotland? it is one of my concerns. there will be maximum devolution when these powers do come back, it would be ridiculous, for example if you take agriculture and fishing, already there is a responsibility

for agriculture and fishing. those parts of the policy will be part of the european union and if you look at the 1990s scotland act which sets up at the 1990s scotland act which sets up the scottish parliament, any powers it must be relocated to edinburgh not westminster. well we can speak now to eleanor garnier who's at westminster. a big moment tomorrow obviously in the history of the nation but it is actually going to be quite a strong thing, one per minister to the european commission it might be quiet. there will be a lot of excitement about it and people tuning in to see how it happens and we did learn a bit more about the choreography. it won't be theresa may in the commons, it will actually

be the triggering, the formal notification, what will happen is a letter that personally written by theresa may signed by her of course, that letter will be taken by the ambassador in brussels, taken physically in hand. he will physically in hand. he will physically hand over the letter to donald tusk, the president of the eu council, it is only when the exits luxury happen to limit begin. —— will actually begin. the pm is called a number of politicians, she could angela merkel, donald tusk and also they agreed a strong european union was in the interest of eve ryo ne union was in the interest of everyone and the uk would remain a close ally. they also... ensuring a

smooth and orderly process. it is a closely guarded secrets between no the objectives that theresa may has set up, that britain will be leaving the market, that she wants the country to change and to leave the customs to. we do have a broad idea that nevertheless the six pages will be scrutinised like no other letter. does everyone agree it will take two yea rs ? does everyone agree it will take two years? as soon as the letter is received the clock will start ticking for two years of negotiations. that's two years of

negotiations. that's two years of negotiations for britain to live, things like the brexit bill, how much it might cost to leave, uk citizens overseas, they are the issues that have to be sorted. what happens and we get to that time and there is no agreement, if the other 27 member states are all in agreement and wish to extend the deadline then if they all agree then that could happen. many pro—remain is worried that if the negotiations are not concluded then it'll crash out of the european union and the wannabe a out of the european union and the wannabea —— out of the european union and the wannabe a —— that is the concern of many remain people. this is a 40 year relationship, legislative issues, legal issues, they all have

to be entangled. and we'll find out how brexit and the scottish independence referendum vote are covered in tomorrow's front pages at 10:40 this evening in the papers — our guests joining me tonight are the times correspondent lucy fisher and the former labour adviser & comedian ayesha hazarika. the headlines on bbc news. members of the scottish parliament voted by 69-59 in of the scottish parliament voted by 69—59 in favour of seeking the right from westminster for a second independence referendum before the uk leads the european union. countdown to brexit, theresa may is going to kick—start the two—year process for leaving the european union. she will send a letter tomorrow. a royal marine who was convicted of shooting dead a wounded taliban fighter will be freed within weeks after his sentence was reduced. sport now and a full round up,

from the bbc sport centre. good evening. we started the news that andy murray will not be fit to play in the davis cup quarterfinal against france which starts a week on friday. he has had a terrace elbow and needs rest. leanne smith told me earlier that it was a blow told me earlier that it was a blow to his preparations to be without his best player in the world. to his preparations to be without his best player in the worldm to his preparations to be without his best player in the world. it is obviously a big loss when you lose the number one ranked player in the world to your team but it is bad luck for andy, an injury that needs a bit more time than just a couple of weeks to get ready. against such high quality opposition it will come too soon. we will battle on without him. adam lallana could be out for up him. adam lallana could be out for up to him. adam lallana could be out for uptoa him. adam lallana could be out for up to a month after injuring his

thigh on england duties. he set at jamie vardy for the second goal in the win over lithuania having started against germany in a friendly. there is no official timescale on his recovery but it is thought he could miss five games, liverpool host everton in the merseyside derby on saturday. messi has been banned forfour international matches just before argentina play against bolivia. the barcelona forward was punished for directing insulting words that assistant repertory in the win against chile. messi scored the only goal and was angered when he was flagged for a foul waving and shouting at the assistant referee in response. he has been fined over £8,000. argentina kick off against bolivia at 9pm. the republic of ireland playing iceland in a friendly this evening. iceland have taken an early lead at the aviva stadium, robbie brady is going to

captain ireland in dublin in the absence of seamus coleman. 0ne captain ireland in dublin in the absence of seamus coleman. one of the biggest fixtures tonight is between france and spain in paris, they are playing a friendly and france had the best chance of the game with arsenal defender laurent koscielny shooting which was cleared off the line. greg laidlaw will delete mac hopes to be back to play before the summer tour of australia. he missed most of the six nations campaign after injuring his ankle in the defeat of france. warren gatland will name his squad for the new zealand tour and greg little believes a number of scots have a great chance the pillow the scottish players have as much of a shout as other players. i felt throughout the championship we were consistently good and individually we had strong

performances. competition for places right throughout the squad and he has other good players right through other nations as well to pick from so they will need a strong squad to go to new zealand, it is the best place in the world to play rugby and are very proud nation, it is going to bea are very proud nation, it is going to be a tough tour for the players to be a tough tour for the players to represent the lions. ronnie 0'sullivan is through to the second round of the china open in beijing after beating gareth allen. it is the last tour before the world championship in sheffield and despite not being on top form today ronnie 0'sullivan one without dropping a frame against the welshman. the home favourite ding shall we is also safely through after beating paul davison five frames and he joined after beating paul davison five frames and hejoined mark after beating paul davison five frames and he joined mark selby in the second round. that is all the sport for now, you can keep up—to—date with all of the stories on the bbc sport website. i will have more at 1030. cold remedies, gluten—free

food and even suncream — right now they're all available in england on the nhs with a prescription. but that may change. faced with mounting financial pressure nhs bosses are looking at a radical shake—up of prescription medicines. they believe more than £100 million could be saved if gps stop prescribing some drugs which are available over the counter. our health editor hugh pym has the details. gluten—free food, some muscle rubs and ointments, 0mega—3 and fish oils, all available on prescription. but they could be taken off the list, with patients having to pay for them. nhs england will review these items and also consider whether some cold remedies and paracetamol should no longer be obtainable on the nhs — the aim being to save money. this pharmacist agrees there's a need to make the best use of stretched resources. historically some of these things were not available to buy or as widely available, whereas now they are and it would cost the nhs a lot more to order these things in, and to pay delivery and handling

charges, whereas now people can just buy these things in supermarkets. gluten, found in wheat and other grains, can cause health problems. gluten—free foods are provided on prescription in scotland, wales and northern ireland and probably not for much longer in england. but some argue it's essential they're available on the nhs. it's really a support, particularly for the most vulnerable, particularly for the elderly, particularly for those who've got mobility problems or who are on a low income, who may not stick to that diet and cost the nhs more in the long run. the move to limit prescription treatments is part of an nhs attempt in england to cope with a rising workload and limited funding. in 2014, nhs leaders set out a five—year plan highlighting a £30 billion funding gap by 2020, the difference between predicted patient demand and the likely money available. they said £22 billion of that had to come from efficiency savings. the government said it would fund the rest.

nhs england has since spelled out how that might be achieved with £7 billion to come from wage curbs imposed by the government and administration cost cuts. on top of that, £9 billion from hospital efficiencies — for example, smarter procurement of medical supplies. and another £6 billion from treating more patients closer to home, so making savings on hospital treatment. the head of nhs england, simon stevens, will announce a check—up on the plan's progress later this week. critics say the efficiency target won't be met and that more funding is needed. he'll argue the nhs is in reasonable shape but, as with prescriptions, there maybe more difficult choices ahead. hugh pym, bbc news. the wife of the westminster

attacker khalid masood — has said she is "saddened and shocked" by the killings. in a statement row—hey hydara said she totally condemned her husband's actions. masood killed three pedestrians and a police officer outside parliament last wednesday. the conservative mp who tried to save the life of pc keith palmer has paid tribute to him in the commons. tobias ellwood, a foreign office minister, was pictured giving first aid to the officer. today, he spoke in the commons for the first time since the attack. i'm very grateful for her kind remarks. i make it clear that i was one of many that stepped forward on that dark day, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those families and friends of the victims, including our own pc keith palmer. a royal marine who was jailed for shooting dead a wounded taliban fighter in afghanistan will be freed in a fortnight. alexander blackman had been convicted of murder but that was quashed and today his sentence was reduced to seven years. he's already served more than three

years injail so he's eligible for release. his wife said she was "overjoyed" — as duncan kennedy reports. hip, hip — hooray! it was the news fellow marines had been waiting four years to hear. moments later, their euphoria was shared in the dignified reaction of alexander blackman's wife. we are overjoyed at the judge's decision to significantly reduce al's sentence, such that he can be released imminently. this is the moment we have all been fighting hard for. it's hard to believe that this day is finally here. as a marine sergeant, alexander blackman had been a decisive, accomplished leader of troops, someone who had killed 30 times for his country. but on this tour in afghanistan in 2011, he and his friends went through what was called a tour from hell.

they were provoked and violently targeted incessantly by the taliban. in this field, they found an injured taliban insurgent. sergeant blackman was recorded saying this. anybody want to do first aid on this idiot? no. he then pointed his gun at the insurgent. gunshot he then added... shuffle off this mortal coil, you... in 2013, sergeant blackman was found guilty of murder, a decision that thousands of military colleagues believed was a moral outrage. earlier this month, that conviction was reduced to manslaughter, on grounds of diminished responsibility. although alexander blackman's supporters are relieved today, thejudges did make it clear that he had deliberately killed that taliban insurgent. although they said his judgment was impaired at the time, they said he did break the geneva convention. rob driscoll served alongside al blackman and says the decision to release him now is the right one, given what they all went through.

the answer to your question is, was it right, for me, what he did? and my answer would be absolutely. when you're surrounded by absolute lunacy, then a little bit of lunacy kind of doesn't seem so bad. this was a unique case, where the pressure of conflict drove one man beyond his mental limits. 0ne recognised by his wife, claire. but the message from the judges was clear. killing in war always remains covered by the rules of war. time for a look at the weather. quite a lot of contrast in the next few days. for some of us a warm day but for others quite a lot of rain. dampness overnight pushing into the west and some of that could turn

persistent. most of us will see a spot or two overnight, the cloud cover will prevent temperatures from falling to load so nothing like it has been the last few nights. double figures across many southern areas. 0vercast, misty and dreary start a year wednesday. some sunshine in the morning although that will not last. the rain will be pushing up to the irish sea and putting up towards north—west england and engulfing most of scotland through the afternoon. trailing back across wales. very little brain but quite a muddy field. fast forward to thursday and much cooler further north and west so here we will see further spells of wind and rain. hello. this is bbc news — the headlines: yes 69, no 59. the motion is agreed.

the scottish parliament has voted to back a second independence referendum, by 69 to 59 after hours of fierce debate at holyrood. theresa may is preparing to kick—start the two year process, for leaving the eu. she'll send a letter to brussels tomorrow. three cheers for alexander blackman, hip—hip. .. hurray! a royal marine who was convicted of shooting dead a wounded taliban fighter in afghanistan, will be freed within weeks. his sentence has been reduced from murder to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. the nhs is planning to take certain treatments off prescription lists. from cod liver oil to gluten—free bread, nhs managers say the move will save money. heavy rains and winds of up 160 miles per hour have battered australia's north east coast. tens of thousands of people have been told to evacuate. the government is to consult on whether channel 4 should move out of london after plans to privatise the publicly owned broadcaster were shelved. channel 4 says are forced

to move could be damaging. more on the news that the scottish parliament has voted in favour of asking the uk government for the right to hold a second referendum on independence. the motion was passed by 69 votes to 59. but the request has already been swiftly rejected by downing street. let's hear now from some of the speeches at holyrood during the debate, beginning with scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon. my argument is simply this, when the nature of the change that is made inevitable by brexit becomes clear, that change should not be imposed upon us, we should have the right to decide the nature of that change. the people of scotland should have the right to choose between brexit, possibly a very hard brexit, or becoming an independent country, able to chart our own course and create a true partnership of equals across these islands. and if we accept, as i hope we all do, that scotland does have the right to decide our own future, the question then becomes one of timing —

when is it best to make that choice? we are all agreed that now is not the time. in my view, the time to choose is when the terms of brexit are clear, and can bejudged then against the challenges and the opportunities of becoming an independent country. the leader of the scottish conservatives, ruth davidson, said the debate today, underlined how divisive another referendum campaign would be for everyone. this debate has served one purpose. most people don't want this government to be sidetracked by yet another campaign. despite honourable speeches from all sides of the chamber, this parliament added precisely nothing to the sum of human knowledge on scottish independence. for labour, kezia dugdale also said the push for a new referendum didn't

reflect the will of the people, and warned it would divide the nation. yesterday cross—macro meeting between the prime minister and the first minister summed between the prime minister and the first ministersummed up between the prime minister and the first minister summed up where we are in this country today. two in transient leaders focused only on the constitution, whilst the business of government gets pushed to one side. nicola sturgeon has given up any pretence that she will fight for the best brexit deal for scotland. instead of fighting for more powers to come to scotland from brussels, it is independence or nothing for the five billy mcclure first minister. the debate taking against the backdrop of the eu vote, it is also a more democratic europe. 0ur party policy is to reconstitute the eu as a democratically accountable european federation of regions. the scottish green party is not a nationalist party. we greens and our politics is centralist,

autonomous, federalist uncooperative. we, and i count myself among that number, reject the false dilemma this government and the green party seek to create as casting this as an ambiguous choice between two unions. the decision to withdraw from europe broke my heart, but as an internationalist my response could never be to up sticks from the one unionist of nations i have the me instead i choose to fight brexit and then fight on a platform of re—entry to the european union. the scottish greens, who support a second independence vote, say that it is scotland's responsibility to fight for the right to self—determination. consistently, throughout this debate, the greens have acknowledged, not only the contradiction between the 2014 and 2016 results in scotland, but non—others, however we voted in either of these referendums, should be here because the uk government has taken the results of the uk wide

eu referendum for an mandate for something it was never supposed to be. let's return to the news that the scottish parliament has 0ur correspondent, lorna gordon, has been gauging the mood in dundee. 0n the banks of the tay, a regeneration is under way. £1 billion is being spent on dundee's waterfront — homes, hotels, offices. a new museum, the v&a, is part of that transformation. the city's creative industries employ thousands, in areas like computer gaming and cartoons, attractive to young people. job prospects, just one of the factors influencing these students' views on independence. i'm still pragmatic and very cautious about the economics of it but morally i'm very much now pro. i was no before and yes this time because we hoped that there would be more powers given to scotland, because we were promised more powers and we hoped there would be more federalisation across the uk but that didn't occur. dundee was known as "yes city"

during the last referendum and there are those here who are eager to say yes once again. 0thers, though, are wary of re—running a debate where emotions ran so high before. this is what we call the gin room... some feel strongly another vote would be a distraction from governing scotland. if it's coming up in 2018, i'll be out there campaigning for a no. leave it alone, and leave it alone. let some water go under the bridge. understand you have to support businesses. deal with the things that you made a mess of. deal with education, deal with the priorities that you're missing out on. what's best for their future, the priority for families at this playgroup in the city. how would you vote in another referendum? yes for scotland. yeah, definitely. i think the eu is more important than the uk for me, just now. leave things the way they are, people at the moment are happy with their lives, i think. i'm happy with mine,

so why change something that you're happy with? both sides in this debate paint different pictures of what scottish voters want. the constitutional stand—off between the first minister and prime minister has yet to be resolved. but the debate on scotland's future, in cities like dundee, is taking off once again. lorna gordon, bbc news, dundee. we can speak now to the snp mp, stephin gethins, who's his party's spokesman on europe. he joins us live from our westminster studios. hello, thanks for being with us. theresa may has made it clear that they are not going to entertain a second independence referendum any time soon, so what do you do now? the first minister and the scottish parliament are not arguing for a referendum now. they are arguing for a referendum when the deal that the

uk is going to get becomes clear. we have big change coming and i think it is only right that once you know what that changes, you give people the choice between them. but while nicola sturgeon is saying that deal becoming clear will be in about 18 months or so, theresa may has made it clear there will not be a referendum then either? wait a minute, in terms of the timescale, the first minister is going along with the prime minister's own timescale. michel barnier, in charge of this for the european commission, has made it clear. theresa may made it clear, we'll have to have some kind of deal within 18 months. it seems like a sensible timetable. but the government hasn't even made a commitment that certain powers that will be given back to westminster once the uk leads the european union will actually be repatriated to

scotla nd will actually be repatriated to scotland under devolution. they haven't even made that commitment. that would be disappointing if they. if we talk about the question of mandate, the scottish government was re—elected with an increased vote. contrast that with the scottish tories having one mp in the worst election results since 1865. i am not sure the prime minister is doing herself any favours here. the first minister is open to compromise, she his open to talk. they have a bit of time to do it so let's see where we can reach compromise on this. what would be a compromise?” can reach compromise on this. what would be a compromise? i think the compromise is, the first minister looked at autumn 2018, there might bea looked at autumn 2018, there might be a bit of space then. but critically, people in scotland need that choice before it is too late, but not before we know what the deal looks like. i don't think there is

much difference in terms of the two positions. if the prime minister is deciding to be in transient, and reject the scottish parliament despite the specific manifesto commitment by the winning party, i think it becomes difficult for the prime minister. when it comes to brexit itself, we know the snp believes the uk should remain within the single market. theresa may has made it clear that is probably not going to be on the table. what is going to be on the table. what is going to be your bargaining position now over the next two years? critically, the snp and scottish government offered the uk government a compromise before christmas. it would have been the least worst option to save up to 80,000 jobs threatened by a hard tory brexit. it is important now the two sides talk to one another. we are at an impasse, the scottish parliament has set out its clear position today and

thatis set out its clear position today and that is on the back of an snp ma nifesto that is on the back of an snp manifesto commitments. that is the normal way of doing things and the people vote for a party, the party that wins implement its manifesto and that has been endorsed by the scottish parliament today. and that has been endorsed by the scottish parliament todaym and that has been endorsed by the scottish parliament today. if the brexit talks ended up in access to the single market for certain industries and professions, cut that actually stop a second independence vote ? actually stop a second independence vote? what we have said is let's see what the deal looks like. we have been told that a lot of tories are pushing for a no deal under wto rules. that could be devastating and we know that because a number of economists are threatening that. we need to do what we can to protect jobs and the economy. this has an impact on everybody in scotland and the uk as well. the scottish government is doing the right thing to protect jobs, protect

government is doing the right thing to protectjobs, protect the economy, protect rights as eu citizens as far as we possibly can. thanks forjoining us. president trump has signed an executive order to boost energy production in the us. the move makes good on his campaign pledge to unravel barack 0bama's plans aimed at curbing climate change. speaking to miners in the audience, the president promised to revive the coal industry and create jobs. we have an impressive group here to start a new era of energy and job creation. the action i am taking will eliminate federal overreach, restore economic freedom and allow our companies and workers to thrive, compete and succeed on a level playing field for the first time in a long time. it's been a long time. iam not a long time. it's been a long time. i am not just a long time. it's been a long time. i am notjust talking about eight yea rs, i am notjust talking about eight

yea rs , we i am notjust talking about eight yea rs, we are i am notjust talking about eight years, we are talking a lot longer. you people know it better than anybody. the government has announced it will launch a consultation to relocate channel 4 out of london. but the culture secretary, karen bradley, has assured that privatisation of the publicly—owned broadcaster is now off the table. the broadcaster has warned that forcing it to move outside of london would be highly damaging. the government argues that the "benefits of the broadcaster need to be spread far and wide, notjust in london". earlier i spoke with media editor, amol rajan. it has been talked about for a long time. some people say 18 months, others say years. the idea channel 4, unique body that is publicly owned but privately funding. there was talk about privatisation to put some energy into channel 4, said privatisation is off the table after a long consultation. what is now back on the table is whether or not channel 4 will relocate. the argument the government make is

channel 4 employee 800 people. 0nly 396 channel 4 employee 800 people. 0nly 3% of them, around 30 are outside of central london. there is a big policy drive, theresa may is keen on rebalancing the economy away from london and she can use the creative industries to do that and maybe channel 4 is part of that. the bbc did a simple thing —— a similar thing by moving to salford, are we talking about birmingham, or have these details not been sorted out? birmingham is thought to be the favourite. karen bradley is going to speak tomorrow and say what the bbc did in salford, has worked and the government is happy with it and they wa nt to government is happy with it and they want to apply that model to other places. birmingham was the favourite, but i think it will be a long time before we work out whether channel 4 is moving and if so, where. the headlines on bbc news. members

of the scottish parliament have voted by 69 votes to 59 in favour of seeking the right from westminster for a second independence referendum before the uk leads the eu. theresa may is preparing to kick start the two—year process for leaving the eu. she will send the european union tomorrow. the marine accused of shooting dead a taliban fighter will have a sentence reduced. the ftse 100 sentence reduced. the ftse100 in london, and the dow and the nasdaq not doing too bad either. queens land is being lashed by torrential rain and high winds as a cyclone has flooded streets and topple streets along the coastline.

thousands of people have been told to leave their homes with warnings of dangerous tidal surges. coming to land with a mighty roar. cyclone debbie's 30 mile wild caught writ do everything in its path, tearing into the queensland coast. australia's biggest evacuation plan in over 40 years meant people were prepared, but that did not lessen the impact. we have more than 45,000 homes without power, major trees down. we are hearing reports of some quite severe structural damage. this isa quite severe structural damage. this is a dangerous cyclone. must stay indoors, please do not go outside. at this speech, normally a picture postcard scene, a bbcjournalist on holiday found herself at the centre of the story. i can see trees

bending over, debris flying through the airand bending over, debris flying through the air and pretty much trees getting ripped up. the huge amount of water flying through the air. it is notjust falling of water flying through the air. it is not just falling as of water flying through the air. it is notjust falling as rain, it is missed and the sea breeze coming over. even when these winds have died down, there will be a longer lasting problem to deal with bash flooding. with two feet of rain expected to fall in 24 hours in some places, it means some communities could be cut off for days. the emergency services have been in lockdown, unable to respond to calls until the cyclone passes. they know the hardest days are ahead. this is a very destructive storm and storm system. i think the public and the community of queens land need to understand we are going to get lots of reports of damage and sadly, i think we will also receive more

reports of injuries, if not death and the need to be prepared for that. those who sought shelter, there will be uncomfortable nights. sarah bromley from essex has managed to let her family know she is said, having to wait out the weather hasn't been fun. we have been here about 24 hours now, so we hope it passes soon and we can go back, get some food and a bed to sleep in. the cyclone is still moving slowly inland. downgraded, but still destructive on a vast scale. tesco, britain's largest retailer, has agreed to pay a fine of £129 million plus costs, following a two—year investigation by the serious fraud office into false accounting. the agreement, if approved by a crown court, will mean tesco avoids prosecution for market abuse after inflating its profits by millions of pounds in 2014. the government has announced a pay rise of 1% for public sector health workers in england, after accepting the recommendations of pay review bodies.

unions representing nurses and other nhs staff have reacted angrily to the decision, which it's thought will apply to more than a million employees. security is to be increased at windsor castle during changing the guard, which takes place several times a week. new barriers will be put in place along the route of the procession. thames valley police said although there was no specific threat, last week's attack in westminster had highlighted the need for the changes. let's get more on the nhs bosses looking at a radical shake—up of prescription medicines which might mean eliminating prescriptions for cold remedies, gluten—free food and suncream. joining me from webcam is

doctor russell brown. some of these things are on description? this is historical, if you go back 40 years ago, some of the sun blocks we have now, which are freely over—the—counter, went available to buy. for some conditions, where they do need is some block, they wouldn't have been able to get it then. similarly gluten—free foods were not available in the same way they are now. are you thinking it is a good move, it will save a lot of money? it isa move, it will save a lot of money? it is a courageous move, i think it is about time conversations started so that the public can start contributing to deciding what the nhs is forand contributing to deciding what the nhs is for and how the money needs to be spent. we are in an environment of limited resource and frankly, the politicians have not been brave enough to grasp this nettle, so i am glad somebody is

finally doing so. some people are worried about this, you say they are brave to grasp this nettle, but some are worried about this. people are pointing to those who are disadvantaged, the old, pregnant women, those on low pay who may not be able to afford some of these remedies? yes indeed. it is important we make sure we continue to protect vulnerable people. the difficulty is however, that decision needs to be made about where nhs resources a re needs to be made about where nhs resources are spent, where they most wisely spent. it does take away the idea of the nhs that it is free at source? no, it doesn't remove that at all. what it does do is start a conversation on how best to use the limited resources we have in the best way to advantage the most people, rather than disadvantage some people. 0bviously people, rather than disadvantage some people. obviously we need to make sure people get the care they

need, but these days, things like gluten—free foods are much widely available so people do have the option, which they didn't use to have of purchasing these things. that said, in coeliac disease, using the gluten—free foods as an example, it is very important these people are able to maintain a gluten—free diet because otherwise they may well become ill and cost the nhs more. so there is a balance to be made. 0k, doctor russell brand, thanks for joining us tonight. for the first time in more than 30 yea rs, for the first time in more than 30 years, a you want mankind has come into circulation. it is designed to be harder to copy than the round pound which will be phased out by 0ctober. is everyone prepared? we sent simon gompertz to southend. 0na sunny on a sunny day in southend they are keen to get you to spend your pound, but what the people make of the new

panel calling? it has got 12 sides, two colours and has various security features because there are so many fa kes features because there are so many fakes of the old pound coin, small writing and a hologram in there. what do you think of it? it is lovely, much nicer than the old one. yes, it looks thicker. it is slightly bigger, but slightly thinner. is coin operated equipment ready? the payphones have been changed, so have most parking meters here. but despite £100 million being spent on upgrades across the uk, a lot of machines like this one don't accept it yet. non—op these machines have been changed yet. some businesses have been putting off the upgrade because of the cost. machines have had to be changed to accept both the old coy and a new one. for us, the coin mechanism is going to cost roughly £16 for each

mechanism. and over 800, it is over £12,000 as a company. it does feel on fairwe £12,000 as a company. it does feel on fair we have to bear the burden and get on with it. some businesses are so fed up with coin changes, they have gone over to cards, which to charge about the counter, they have changed the coin operation to cards, swipe it through and then you are ready to play. we haven't had to change anything at all. we think it is the future. coins remain very much alive, despite what is happening here and hundreds and millions of the new £1 are being put gradually into circulation. if you get hold of the old one, they will be usable in shops up until october, after that any old change you have, you will have to take to the bank. now let's get the weather.

the weather will depend on where you live. an unfair distribution of the elements. sunshine across the south—east, 20 or even 21, where as for some of us it will be pretty wet. it isn't going to feel warm. some rain around now. nothing too persistent but bursts of wet weather spreading north eastwards. cloud, misty and murky. cloud cover preventing temperatures from falling too low. not as cold as the last few nights. we could see a touch of frost in the hireling glands but generally above freezing, i'll start in the south. increasingly wet morning, rain surging up through the irish sea, west wales, northern ireland, north—west england and heading into scotland as well. a lot of dry weather the further south and

east. the weather holding up across the far north—east of scotland. some dry spells in northern ireland but not to be relied upon. west wales, a lot of rain over the next couple of days, just fringing into cornwall. easter back, a lot of dry weather although cloudy, mild and muggy and the mid—teens. that is nothing compared to the warmth that will come from south—east england and east anglia on thursday. here we will see some sunshine and it could hit 20 or 21 degrees. further north and west, nothing like as warm. mid—teens is probably the best i can offer. cloud, and wet weather up to the irish sea is a west wales getting clobbered once more, part of west england. dry spells the northern ireland and scotland, but not the warmth which will be seen further south—east. 0n not the warmth which will be seen further south—east. on friday, the wet weather will work up eastwards

through the day. the rain will arrive with the cold front so it will introduce fresh air for the weekend. and some showers, the blobs of blue on saturday, but something promising, ridge of high pressure building from the west for sunday. to sum up this weekend, april showers on saturday. sunday, settling down and mostly dry. there will be some chilly nights, so turning cooler again. all the latest on the weather where you are, can be found on the bbc weather website. i am back in half an hour. hello, i'm ros atkins, this is 0utside source. in the past few minutes, donald trump has signed a new executive order. rolling back a raft of 0bama's climate change policies including restrictions on coal—fired power stations. the today's executive action i take

historic steps to lift the restrictions on american energy, to reverse government intrusion and to canceljob reverse government intrusion and to cancel job killing regulations. theresa may will trigger article 52 formally trigger the brexit posed cess. scotland voted for a second independence referendum. the people of scotland must also have their say. scotland's future should be in scotland's hands. the un has called for an urgent review of us—led coalition tactics as hundreds of civilians are killed in the effort to retake mosul. jeremy bowen is on the frontline with iraqi and us—led