this is bbc news. i'm julian worricker, the headlines at 8pm: the bank of england raises interest rates for the first time in a decade. the rise, to 0.5%, is part of the bank's fight against inflation, and there could be more to come. consistent with our mandate and consistent with supporting the economy, that requires two more interest rate increases over the next three years. in politics, the new defence secretary is gavin williamson, who used to be the conservative chief whip. some of his colleagues are not happy with the appointment. the brother of manchester arena bomber salman abedi will not be returned to the uk to face questioning by police say the militia holding him in libya. also tonight: arts funding should benefit the whole country, and not just london. the culture secretary tells the bbc the government is committed to increasing arts spending in the regions. and scientists discover a mystery chamber hidden inside the great pyramid of giza.

good evening and welcome to bbc news. interest rates have gone up for the first time in a decade. the bank of england has increased the rate by a quarter of 1%, to 0.5%, as it tries to control inflation. the bank's governor mark carney said households across the uk are "generally well positioned" to deal with the rate increase. the decision will mean higher monthly payments for millions with variable rate mortgages. but it's good news at last for savers. here's our economics editor kamal ahmed. one small step upwards for interest rates, affect millions of savers and millions of borrowers.

it's more expensive if you have a mortgage, and forjames in south london, it's time to cut costs. we've been very lucky without realising it. i think it's going to start, it will probably bite more from now on. for so long we thought, it's always going to be like this, but it's got to end sometime and we never realised it was going to be this soon. the governor of the bank of england knew it was a delicate balancing act. the economy is still struggling but he said rising prices had to be controlled. so in many respects, today's decision is straightforward. with inflation high and the economy growing at rates above its speed limit, inflation is unlikely to return to the 2% target without some increase in interest rates. of course, these aren't normal times. brexit will redefine the uk's relationship with our largest trade and investment partner and it

will have consequences for the movement of goods, services, people and capital as well as the real incomes of uk households. this is certainly a historic moment for uk interest rates. to realise why, it is worth remembering when incredibly low interest rates were not the norm. if we go back to 1992, when britain was struggling with a currency crisis and norman lamont was the chancellor, interest rates hit 12%. in the era of cool britannia, the economy righted itself and interest tumbled to 70% 7%. but then the financial crisis hit. in a desperate attempt to keep global economies afloat, interest rates were slashed to 2%, so all of us could borrow cheaply and spend.

but then after the referendum, another cut to a record low of 0.25%. today, the first rate rise for more than ten years. how high could those interest rates now go? i asked the governor just that — should we be ready for further rises? the path would be very gradual relative to history, and to a limited extent. i can be a little more specific about that. the forecast we put out today, that requires two more interest rate increases over the next three years are about economists economists said it was clear why. in the past when you have had one rate hike you usually have a series of them in quick succession. the world is not like that any more. growth is slower, everyone is worried that if you hike rates now, the economy may soften too much. so, i think they're going to wait. they may do one early next year but that will depend on the economic data.

for millions of people, today is one they have not experienced for ten years, an interest rate rise. but with a key economic ingredient still being uncertainty, it is likely to be a long time before we see another one. with me is guy anker, managing editor of moneysavingexpert.com. and also i'm joined by linda yueh, adjunct professor of economics at the london business school. good evening to you both. linda, a white about why the bank of england has done this now and what they're hoping to achieve two and think they're worried that inflation is considerably above their two percentile get. in fact, it's expected to rise by the above 3%. it isa expected to rise by the above 3%. it is a strange situation in one sense, because growth is self isn't particularly strong, but where have particularly strong, but where have particularly high inflation. i think by then the calculus is that interest rates are very low, so by

raising it to 0.5%, it's reallyjust a very small step. it might signal that they are serious about controlling inflation, which i think could send a signal to markets and others that they're on the case. but i think, given that a lot of financial markets today reacted pretty badly, as in they were surprised and sterling fell on the announcements, it wasn't at all clear given this week growth and high inflation scenario what the bank should do at this moment. let's talk about those who gain and those who lose. how would you break this down? tyne boys the losers are going to be people with very low rate mortgages because in most cases they are going to pay more. some cases people will pay hundreds of pounds more. it is a signal to act. if you are on a more. it is a signal to act. if you are on a standard bearable rate mortgage, which is what most you just refer to when they finished,

they were already very expensive for most people on these mortgages. so act to trying get a new one if you qualify for a new deal. the problem is, the price of new deals goes up shortly. maybe not a lot, but that there is this urgency for people. at quickly to check and every new deal is right for you, at quickly to secure is right for you, at quickly to secure it. in terms of winners, and i say that in terms of winners with a very small w, it is savers, who get a small increase. savers have saved for years, what is in this system for me? it's clearly better, but no—one is good to be jumping for ivy but no—one is good to be jumping for joy industries. a lot of people are running really rubbish rates, less than one present, a lot of the ball less than 0.1%. it is time to take a look and if it's what you're getting, switch. it has been hinted

this will be the ist of may be two oi’ this will be the ist of may be two or three changes? he has also suggested that should the economy started to struggle, should brexit negotiations for example go badly sub in the next year or other pressures , sub in the next year or other pressures, through, he's actually said interest rates at this point could go either up or down, and that's very unusual. normally when central banks start to move in one direction, they like to tell markets and investors, those who actually price of those mortgages and savings accounts, interest rates, that is, listen, plan for more of this to come. rate rises all rate cuts. the fa ct come. rate rises all rate cuts. the fact that mark carney was so ambivalent and said that most of it depends on brexit means that it is very difficult to know what to expect. and i think that in and of

itself is another sign as to why today's rate rise is hard for people today's rate rise is hard for people to plan around, notjust businesses, but also consumers. you would agree with that? yeah, because you can't know what's going to happen in the future, that is why it is important that savers and people with mortgages check what is going on and possibly take action. how quickly a wea k possibly take action. how quickly a weak spending some of the financial institutions to act on this? some have already, some have said from today their variable rate mortgages will go up. no respite for some people. what often happens in these cases is that banks are quick to put mortgage rates, slower on their savings rates. and savings rates won't go up for everyone, if you are oi'i won't go up for everyone, if you are ona won't go up for everyone, if you are on a fixed savings rate account, it won't go up. and just because the rates are variable, they don't have to put them up. see what else is out

there if you're in a rubbish account. thank you both very much. and we'll find out how this story — and many others — are covered in tomorrow's front pages at 10:40 this evening in the papers — our guests joining me tonight are stephen bush, special correspondent for the new statesman and david wooding, political editor of the sun on sunday. gavin williamson has been named as the new defence secretary less than 2a hours after sir michael fallon resigned in the midst of sexual harassment claims at westminster. his successor was appointed chief whipjust over a year ago and has never held ministerial office. the 41—year—old now finds himself in the one of government's top jobs. our political editor laura kuenssberg reports. who would it be? nervously waiting at the ministry of defence. he looked a bit fit dreadful too, as he waited is it time to clear out the stable, defence secretary? before long, gavin williamson

emerged with the top brass. to take a proud walk across whitehall. into one of the biggest jobs in government. he's never worked in a government department before though. it's a privilege to be able to step into this role. what's so amazing is to have so many first— rate, world— renowned people to be working with. in the armed services are the greatest pride of our nation. until today, he was in charge of party discipline. last month, he described his approach. i don't much like the stick. but it is amazing what can be achieved with a sharpened carrot. less time for cheesy local mp pictures. instead of managing his constituency and 315 tory mps, he's in charge of about 200,000 staff and £36 billion. part of a rising tory generation

and a yorkshiremam to boot. and here's his replacement, julian smith, the new tory arm twister in chief. one of gavin williamson's compatriots, who seems to have inherited his tarantula. yes, the giant spider the former chief whip kept on his desk. is a time to clean out the stables, ms mcvey? the new number two, esther mcvey, who says she'll add this to the mix. maybe i can bring a feminine touch to the whip's office and work with all my colleagues. the logic over gavin williamson's and move over there is simple — he's good operator and theresa may trusts him. but the pushback has been fierce. 0ne senior tory told me he's abandoned his post at a crucial time. 0ne minister suggested that he has outplayed number 10, saying theresa may is so weak, she has allowed him to appoint himself. and one former minister said this shows that the government is a grip of a bunch of boys.

as ever in politics, the irony is rich. the man who was in charge of making sure mps behave has found himself in a plum newjob because one of his colleagues did not. and all the parties are readying themselves in case they have to defend their side from more potential allegations of bad behaviour. the foreign secretary, known for his interesting private life, said today he had nothing to hide. thank you, foreign secretary. number 10 acknowledges that everyone has to do more to protect staff and victims at westminster. but there are calls for wholesale change. we've seen bullying allegations that've happened between members of staff, we've seen allegations of sexual impropriety between elected members and others, and this is all about power. it's who holds that power and how they use it that sets the course. 0ur political correspondent

emma vardy is at westminster this evening. the dust slowly settling on this and new appointment. what's your assessment? people today have been picking over what this new appointment means, what does it say about theresa may's government and theresa may's state of mind? you can look at this in two microwaves. gavin williamson is someone who's been very successful, he has a good track record and shown a lot of loyalty towards theresa made. in the state of affairs we have this moment where it she does not have a majority, this is being seen as bringing in someone who has been loyal to her, someone she contrast and she knows will be around the table with her. on the other hand, critics say it could be seen as a

sign of weakness. she didn't have the confidence to go for a more flashy reshuffle. i have been speaking to a number of conservative mps tonight, some saying that gavin williamson has been right at the heart of government. here's a shrewd operator and that is why theresa may will see him as a safe area plans, despite the fact he has no ministerial experience. 0thers admit that, yes, some will see this as being rather unfair. he's had a meteoric rise, perhaps he hasn't tried the ground work as much as others. 0thers tried the ground work as much as others. others will feel they have been overlooked for this appointment. there are a few noses out ofjoint, shall we say, tonight. what about the department he takes over, what are the challenges that lie ahead for him? some of the challenges in being secretary of state for defence budget and trying to make the numbers add up for the ministry of defence. there has been a lot of debate over the last few

yea rs a lot of debate over the last few years on a defence spending. he will have to grapple with that. he will have to grapple with that. he will have to grapple with that. he will have to get his head around the brief in the coming days. he will also be in charge of those very importantair also be in charge of those very important air strikes which the uk is part of two defeat islamic state in syria. that is another part of his brief he'll have to get his head around. many will point to the fact he doesn't have ministerial experience, that he doesn't have any military experience, but as a good operator, he has theresa may's confidence and she has chosen to bring in someone tonight for a very big position in whitehall, someone she's awarding for showing her loyalty. thank you very much. the headlines on bbc news: the bank of england raises interest rates for the first time in a decade, the rise to 0.5% is the

first of potentially more. gavin williamson is the new defence secretary, some in the party not happy with the appointment. the brother of manchester arena bomber salman abedi will not be returned to the uk to face questioning by the police say the litter holding him in libya. sport now, and for a full round up we go to the bbc sport centre. many thanks, good evening. any hopes of david unsworth getting the everton's managersjob of david unsworth getting the everton's managers job on a full—time basis may have gone tonight after his team were beaten 3-0 tonight after his team were beaten 3—0 by lyon. before the match it was sadie had two games to stake his position, but the defeat means they're out of the europa league. traore got the first one lyon, and then this was the second with 15 minutes left. morgan schneiderlin was sent off for a second yellow

ca rd before was sent off for a second yellow card before memphis depay made things even worse for unsworth and his later. tonight, arsenal having made several changes for their match against red star belgrade, they know against red star belgrade, they know a win will see them through to the knockout stage. alexis sanchezjust one of the big names to miss out there. no goals as yet. following the recent success of england's youth teams, perhaps unsurpirng that gareth southgate has gone for youth in his recent squad. england have called up three uncapped players for the friendlies against germany and brazil later month. swansea striker tammy abra ham is included, despite only ten top—flight appearances — he's currently on loan from chelsea. as is ruben loftus—cheek, the midfielder who is currently with crystal palace, he's also included. and there's a new face in defence with the inclusion of liverpool's joe gomez. i talked after the last games about how we needed to qualify. we kept

the squad together to do that, and one of the keys was how do we both the team and improved our performances between now and the summer. performances between now and the summer. and we want a bit of experimentation within that. these are two brilliant games to have a look at people, because, if they can go in and perform at this level, we'll know a lot more about them. the groups for the 2019 rugby world cup have been announced. wales will start against georgia while scotland kick off against ireland. england open against tonga. head coach eddiejones says his side have the perfect draw and will have no excuses if they don't mount a meaningful challenge. i think it's great start for us. you've got a win four games anyway, but to play tonga and the usa at the start and france and argentina at the end is great for us. we're playing in some great cities, a real variety in the cities we play in. it'll based for the players and

great the fans. meanwhile, england centre manu tuilagi says it's "ridiculous" to consider extending the domestic rugby union season. he believes those making the proposals don't care about player welfare and he's joined the voices calling for the plan to be scrapped. nowadays, everyone's fast and the collisions are much harder. so i think the risks are a lot higher. i just can't believe they're even thinking of extending it. england batsman mark stoneman hopes ben stokes can still play a part in the ashes series in australia. the all—rounder wasn't selected after his arrest following an incident outside a bristol nightclub in september. england's opening tour match is against a western australia 11 on saturday in perth, with the first test on 23rd november. it was very unfortunate what's occurs, and i feel for

it was very unfortunate what's occurs, and ifeel for him. i hope there's away back once things get settled over there, he could have some part on this tour. most importantly, that he's well uncomfortable within himself. some other sports lines to bring you now, and mark allen is through to the semi finals of snooker‘s international open. that's after he earned a deciding frame victory over judd trump in china. he'll play 17—year—old prodigy yan bingtao in the last four, who thrashed ronnie 0'sullivan 6—1 earlier in the week. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in sportsday at 10:30. john, many thanks. the libyian militia group holding the younger brother of the manchester arena bomber salman abedi has told bbc news that it will not extradite him to the uk. greater manchester police have an arrest warrant for hasehm abedi. he is suspected of helping his brother was arrested in libya shortly after the suicide attack in may which killed 22 people and injured hundreds more. clare fallon reports.

hasehm abedi, the younger brother of the manchester arena bomber, now officially a suspect. when salman abedi dedicated his suicide pact, hasehm was in libya, here's still there, currently being held by a militia group. then are no detectives investigating the terror attacks a he's wanted on suspicion of conspiracy to control an explosion. police want him here so he can stand trial in the uk. his extradition has been requested, but that might not be straightforward. there is no exhibition treaty between the two countries. and the militia group holding him has told the bbc he won't be handed over. after may's bomb attack on manchester arena, for many who were there, like as their very different. two people are still in hospital. in

the months since, we're followed some of the survivors. i had 22 shrapnel winds. injuries include an hour says, the loss of limbs, facial paralysis. some people have been injured physically and others have long lasting trauma. naomi davis was one of the team working at manchester children's hospital on the night of the bomb. she told me we shouldn't underestimate how long the recovery will take for many. we're not used to bomb injuries in children in this generation, previous generations of what were. however the kids you have been dealing with coped with it all? it's been variable. i think you'd expect that. what we've tried to do is bringing in psychology support early on so bringing in psychology support early on so that we're managing that alongside the time that we are

managing the physical injuries. on from the manchester arena attack, as life for the many gets back to normal, for those who were there, those injured and those who lost someone, those injured and those who lost someone, the impact will be felt for many more years. two 14—year—old boys have appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to murder. the teenagers, from northallerton in north yorkshire, were arrested on saturday by counterterrorism officers. megan paterson reports from leeds magistrates court: the two boys, who can't be named for legal reasons, appeared in front of a packed courtroom, and that hearing lasted for around 15 minutes earlier this afternoon. the hearing was in front of the youth court, it happened in the building behind me. during that hearing, the boy stood on the dock, dressed in grey, flanked by security officials and stared straight forward as the charges they face were read out to the court room. both boys are charged with conspiracy to murder. one of the boys is also charged with aggravated burglary. and those charges relate

to an alleged planned attack on a school. both of the boys today, through their legal representatives, indicated they would enter not guilty pleas. both boys were remanded in custody at secure juvenile accommodation. they'll later return to leeds to the crown court. they'll be back here on the 11th of december. spain's high court has remanded in custody eight former members of the regional catalan government. its also issued a european arrest warrant for the ousted catalan leader, carles puigdemont, and four members of his former cabinet, who travelled with him to belgium. mr puigdemont‘s lawyer in belgium said he would cooperate with the court, but he added that the climate in spain was "not good". ‘s also demanded the release of those detained. 0ur correspondent james reynolds has the latest from barcelona. these pro—independence campaigners

have come out to protest against the romantic into custody of eight former ministers. libertad, libertad they chant in catalan. freedom. just days ago, the ministers were working in this, the head quarters of the cata la n in this, the head quarters of the catalan government. the reverse others been stunning. in a matter of a few days, ministers declared independence, then madrid took over this region, and note all their ministers who work there are now in exile, on bail or in prison. and the town hall has reacted. in catalan there, there's assign, freedom to there, there's assign, freedom to the political prisoners. that will bea the political prisoners. that will be a stronger feeling among the pro—independence camp here in catalonia. the anti independence camp might simply say that spain is

now following the law. there will be plenty more demonstrations from both sides in the next few months. for more on this i'm now joined by nick vamos, the former head of extradition at the crown prosecution service and now partner at peters and peters law firm. good evening. we now have the issue of this european arrest warrant in spain being considered in belgium. what are the authorities in belgium having to weigh up here? i'm going not sure they have received the warrant yet, but when it arrives, i think they're going to have three hot potatoes. first, they are going to have to decide what these people had been accused of in spain and so that means the belgian court will have to pronounce on what has happened in spain and whether it really is criminal. even if it passes that test, extradition can be refused if the warrant was issued and the prosecution has been brought

for a political purpose. and there's ha rd to for a political purpose. and there's hard to imagine a more political situation and what is currently happening in spain. that again will require the belgian court to make a judgment on whether this is a politically motivated prosecution. and even that gets passed that hurdle, they can even decide that mr puigdemont will not get a fair trial in spain, and that would be quite a controversial decision for a belgian court to make about what is hanging in spain. that list to me suggest this will be quite hard for the spanish for it is to get what they want? i think it's hard to say, but there are a great many challenges ahead. the fact this is the dual criminality test that has to be passedis criminality test that has to be passed is the main challenge, the cause he sadly can't be expedited and less what these people have been alleged to have done it is also an offence in belgium. this is being considered in the courts, but

considering these are allied countries and both members of the man, do you anticipate politicians may get involved in some level to try and see this process along?|j don't try and see this process along?” don't think that would happen. they won't get involved directly, because that would only prove the argument that would only prove the argument that this is a politically motivated or at least influenced case. i think the belgian court with the lows to pronounce on things that are clearly political. a court saying that what's happened in spain as political rather than criminal would bea political rather than criminal would be a very controversial thing. the problem the spanish have is they don't have a good track record with the european arrest warrant. there have been cases in the past of suspected eta terrace where other parts of the european union have refused or tradition because of a breach of the human rights of those terrorists. how do you -- how long do think this will check” terrorists. how do you -- how long

do think this will check i suspect that says... i think we could be in for a long wait. one way or another, we could be talking about something pretty complicated ? we could be talking about something pretty complicated? it's definitely complicated. the arrest warrants are designed to be streamlined and quick, but this is a case of the all other features that would allow the belgian court, i think oblige them, to go behind the streamlined process and ask yourself soon be these difficult questions, and the answers are not straightforward. thank you very much. good evening. a bit of a messy picture overnight, a lot of clouds and some dry weather, cloud developing more widely and pushing towards scotland. could be a touch of frost. some breaks in the cloud across southern england leading to more for gun that could be quite

dense and places. it takes all morning to left and me on the left into low cloud and we may see the sunshine coming through here and there but quite half—hearted and on there but quite half—hearted and on the whole cloudy but dry weather. the temperature similar to today. some rain into the north west of scotla nd some rain into the north west of scotland followed by showers on saturday but we start saturday with the rain from england and wales creeping used words, the cloud slowly breaking up. sunnier spells for the north and west where we see most of the showers. turning cooler is the weekend goes on. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines just after 8:30 the headlinesjust after 8:30 p:m.. the bank of england raises interest rates for the first time in a decade. the rise to 0.5% is part of the bank's fight against inflation and there could be more. consistent with our mandate, it

requires about two more interest— rate requires about two more interest—rate increases over the next three years. in politics, the new defence secretary is former conservative chief whip gavin williamson. some of his colleagues are not happy with the appointment. the brother of manchester arena bomber salman abedi will not be returned to the uk to face questioning by police say the militia holding him in libya. prosecutors in spain have requested a european arrest warrant for the ousted catalan leader. eight former collea g u es ousted catalan leader. eight former colleagues are remanded in custody following the disputed referendum. and scientists discover a mystery chamber hidden inside the great pyramid of giza. interest rates are going up for the first time in ten years, rising from a quarter to a half of one per cent. the governor of the bank of england, mark carney, said the decision was taken to curb inflation and prevent incomes being squeezed.

but what exactly will the impact of today's rate rise be on savers and mortgage holders? and who will be most affected? our personal finance correspondent simon gompertz has been finding out. this street in oldham, well, it's called the rise, and that is a reminder to everybody living here of what we have all got to get used to, that the interest we pay and receive is on the rise. at the first house on the street, there's a welcome for higher rates from this save. i'm rubbing my hands together, definitely, definitely! i'm hoping it will go up a bit more as well to give us a bit more back! individual savings accounts have £10,000 in them on average, earning typicallyjust £30 a year interest. that would go up to £55 if today's rate rise is passed on. it's been over ten years.

it's about time that we just got a little bit more. and now you're celebrating! yeah? i might only get a couple of pounds, but i think this is the start of the rise. not everyone is affected by a rise in interest rates. 7 million people have got no savings at all. but 45 million have got savings and they would hope for a benefit. the other side to this is the cost of mortgages. 15 million are renting, another 15 million own their homes outright. 17 million people are paying into a mortgage, and nearly half of those are in imminent danger of an increase. and around this street, plenty will be feeling the effect. we won't be spending as much on going out and luxury items, we will be tightening our belts. here, the builder has run the numbers. he is paying £865 a month for his mortgage

and he expects a £50 increase, more than most will face. it is not easy to find for anyone. if interest rates did go up again, would that renew to the brink? yes, it would. wages, you can'tjust ask for a rise now where you would previously. rises are hard to come by. every street has winners and losers from the base rate going up to 0.50%. and across the uk, strains as well as the gains will multiply. a line of breaking news coming in from westminster and barely any details, just one line, saying that the labour mp kelvin hopkins has been suspended from the party on the

basis of allegations received, and thatis basis of allegations received, and that is quoting a labour party spokesman. a labour mp kelvin hopkins suspended from the party on the basis of allegations received, literally the only line that has appeared in front of me and if we hear any more we will get back to you. the new defence secretary gavin williamson says it's an "immense privilege" to be appointed to thejob. he replaces sir michael fallon, who's resigned in the face of allegations over his personal behaviour. some are questioning whether the former chief whip is experienced enough to do the job. but he says he's looking forward to it. it is an immense privilege to be appointed secretary of state for defence and what we need to be doing is continuing to focus on countering daesh, making sure our national security is at the forefront of the thing we do, and with the world was my greatest armed services to such a privilege. you have not been a

government minister before, quite a gig to land? i have been a minister as chief whip but it was a little bit quieter. not quite as much publicity but it is a privilege to step into this role and what is so amazing is the have so many first— rate, world— renowned amazing is the have so many first—rate, world—renowned people to work with, and the armed forces are the greatest pride of our nation and we have the privilege of going out and working out, something i feel so honoured to be able to do. the new defence secretary. a mysterious void — the size of a holidayjet — has been found inside the great pyramid of giza, a discovery which egyptologists believe could finally shed light on how the ancient tombs were constructed. the gap — which is about 100 feet long — was found using a scanning process which can sense density changes inside large rock structures. it's not known why the cavity exists or if it holds anything of value because it's not accessible. we can now speak to dr kate spence,

senior lecturer in archaeology and egyptology at the university of cambridge. good evening. how significant could this proves to be? it is very interesting particularly given the construction history of the pediments. it is very unlikely to be ahead in chamber that contains treasure, which is probably what everyone is hoping for, but it should give us an existing indications as to how the pyramids we re indications as to how the pyramids were built. explain that more, what kind of indications do you mean? when you look at the possession of this particular void it seems to be a linear void. the possession of it in the middle of the pediments quite high up leading towards the rims of

the main burial chamber suggests it could be the domains of an internal construction wrap which might have been used to move the massive blocks which make up the chambers above the burial chamber and might have been used to move those massive blocks into physician. —— possession. i described in layman terms how it was discovered than the instrument that was used. are you surprised it hasn't been found before? this seems to be very high—level technology and i have to admit i am not a scientist and don't really understand the ins and don't really understand the ins and outs of how it works but it seems to be a very interesting process which allows us to look through the entire stone structure of the pyramid which is something we have never been able to do before. these are potential voids which are huge difference from the side of the pyramid, being sensed by this intricate process. so take us

forward , intricate process. so take us forward, now this discovery has been made, what do egyptologistss such as yourself look to do now?” made, what do egyptologistss such as yourself look to do now? i suspect there will be quite a lot of debate about what it is. the people who have actually run the project don't seem have actually run the project don't seem to be speculating very much on what they think it is but they have suggested they are interested in people putting forward ideas so they can begin to plan more experiments. in particular i think it would be really interesting if they can pin down whether this is actually a sloping void or a flat void because this will make a lot of difference as to how it is interpreted. they are also talking about possibly drilling a hole into the structure and sending up some kind of cover. this might happen in the future but ido this might happen in the future but i do hope they will be very careful before they do this. it is always a pity to start drilling holes into an ancient monument and much better to see if they can perfect the process

more and tell us more about what might be there before they actually start damaging a monument. thank you. you will have seen a moment ago mr vardy at westminster because i want to reiterate that story, labour mp kelvin hopkins suspended on the party on the basis of allegations received. let's have a word with emma vardy received. let's have a word with emma va rdy about received. let's have a word with emma vardy about what has been said, what labour seeing at the moment, what labour seeing at the moment, what we now? very little, the statement has been sent in by labour in the last few minutes saying on the basis of allegations received by the basis of allegations received by the labour party kelvin hopkins has been suspended from party membership and therefore the labour whip while and therefore the labour whip while an investigation takes place. it says the labour party takes all such complaint extremely seriously and

has a robust procedures in place to deal with them. this comes after a string of allegations about inappropriate sexual harassment within westminster. it is not clear that the moment how serious these allegations are but clearly they are serious enough for the party to say that it serious enough for the party to say thatitis serious enough for the party to say that it is suspending kelvin hopkins from party membership. in the current climate, the activities and behaviour of mps is being scrutinised very carefully. what might have appeared to have been a cce pta ble might have appeared to have been acceptable ten or 15 years ago is now being challenged very strongly indeed and it looks like kelvin hopkins is the latest casualty of this and you will have to wait and see what that investigation throws up. we know very little at the moment what the nature of these allegations are. you mention the current climate. what sense do you get of maybe in nervousness at westminster among members of parliament about what is happening

at the moment? nervousness is absolutely right. because we saw michael fallon's resignation, somebody seen as a very solid and trusted peer of hands, that set the bar really high in terms of how closely scrutinised mps' behaviour now is. some say michael fallon decided to follow on his sword. there was a very low—level suggestion of him putting his hand ona suggestion of him putting his hand on a high—profile journalist's suggestion of him putting his hand on a high—profilejournalist‘s me, but she dismissed that and he talked about it himself, but it was out of fear of other allegations coming to light that it seemed michael fallon decided to go and maybe that has opened the floodgates now for other mps perhaps to have to consider their positions and there might well be other mps tonight thinking about past behaviour and things they did or said ten or 15 years ago that may

well look very different today, and as we see now, the labour party taking matters into its own hands saying they have received allegations concerning kelvin hopkins and as a result of that he has now been suspended from the party membership. thank you. the culture secretary has told bbc news that it is vital public money is spent on the arts because it benefits the whole country. they we re benefits the whole country. they were discussing the long term effects of the uk city of copter programme. the government says it is committed to spending more in the regions. the uk's city of culture title was always sold on creating a long—term legacy for hull and the surrounding area. today, including

money to promote the city's maritime heritage. you only have to look at what the city of culture has brought to hull, the pride in the city. the fa ct to hull, the pride in the city. the fact the council have said they are absolutely committed to keeping a commitment to culture is a fantastic thing and! commitment to culture is a fantastic thing and i am really looking forward to this in the north. but there are some who believe part of there are some who believe part of the world isn't getting its fair share of arts funding. according to research, the arts council would have to invest almost £700 million over the next five years in the north of england in order to bridge the north— south divide with london. traditionally arts in the north are considerably underfunded compared to the rest of the country so we would like to see further commitments by this or any other government going forward to arts in the north.