this is bbc news and these are the top stories developing at 11. huge mudslides and flooding hit california, killing 13 people and destroying homes. from rescue teams use helicopters and search dogs to pull stranded local residents to safety. i looked all the veranda trees were coming down and we ran into the house and right then the borders came into the house. uk manufacturing output has reached its highest level in ten years — helped by making renewable energy products. thousands of tourists are still stranded after heavy snow cuts off towns and villages in the alps. the army launches a new advertising campaign focusing on the emotional and physical support given to soldiers. former officers accuse the military of ‘going soft‘. also, after the harvey weinstein affair, 100 well known french women complain a new ‘puritanism' is afoot. the actress catherine deneuve is one

of those who've signed an open letter defending the right of men to make sexual advances. he was tipped to be the next lewis hamilton — before a horrific accident had both his lower legs amputated. but billy monger is now getting back behind the wheel. what else am i going to do with my life? i want to do something positive that can get a good message to other people. rescue workers in southern california are searching for survivors after mudslides and flooding in which at least 13 people have died.

hundreds are reportedly trapped and the number of deaths is expected to rise. more than 160 people have been taken to hospital, and 50 people — including small children — have been rescued. police have described the scene as "looking like a world war one battlefield". 0ur north america correspondent, james cook reports from los angeles. the rains came suddenly just before dawn. torrential and terrifying. they coursed over the slick, scorched earth, gathering speed until mud was roaring down to the sea like an express train. the deluge smashed into the very homes which had just survived california's biggest recorded wildfire. the result — utter devastation. we had a very difficult time assessing the area and responding to many of those areas to assist those people. the only words i can really think of to describe what it looked like, was it looked like a world war i battlefield. helicopters winched people to safety

stranded. the stories of survival are almost believable.” stranded. the stories of survival are almost believable. i had the rumble of the rocks and looked over at the river and trees were coming down and we ran into the house and the boulders busted through the house and we got up steals to about eight or nine feet and were able to crawl out a window to the roof. the house is wiped out, took everything out. later we were worried about the neighbours and went over to see if they were 0k and we heard a little baby crying and we found a little

baby crying and we found a little baby and got it out, got the mud out of its mouth, i hope it is ok, we took it right to the hospital. a baby for feet down in the mud under rocks. who knows what else is out there. the communities hardest hit were montecito and carpentaria on the pacific coast north of los angeles. these are some of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the united states. home to stars like oprah winfrey and the actor rob lowe. this is how deep the mud is. the house and back is gone. well, the mud roared down here with terrifying speed,

sweeping everything in its path. the firefighters won't let us go up there any further, they say the situation could change in the blink of an eye and as you can see, this is how dangerous it is. rescue workers are still scouring scores of damaged and demolished homes, searching for survivors. police say the number of dead here is certain to rise. karen bradley hasjust karen bradley has just arrived in belfast is stepping up her post as the secretary of state. we can hear from her now, she is at belfast couege from her now, she is at belfast college talking to students. good

luck. thank you. we have ten minutes until the presentation. that was karen bradley making her first visit to northern ireland and we will be hoping to speak to a northern ireland correspondent shortly about that visit. uk manufacturing output has reached its highest level since february 2008. renewable energy projects, boats, aeroplanes and cars for export helped make output 3.9% higher in the three months to november than in 2016. these figures from the 0ns also show that industrial output rose by 0.4%. but it's not all good news, construction output fell by 2%. ben's here with me to tell us more. it is an interesting set of figures

because they get this aerial indication of how the industrial sector of our economy is faring. it is not one we often talk about, it accou nts is not one we often talk about, it accounts for 10% of our economy versus things like retail and services which account for a bigger proportion. this paints a picture of sustained expansion, a sector doing pretty well, particularly things like to do with brexit and the weak pound. industrial production includes everything we make in this country but also output from things like minds at all levels and energy exports. they tell us things are doing pretty well, by 3.9% until november. the fastest increase since 2011. the reasons for it are we are exporting more things, computers, electronics, missionary equipment,

renewable energy projects as well but also the weak pound. after brexit the value of the pound fell sharply which makes it more expensive to import but makes it more cheap to export overseas while you are able to sell off more cheaply which are more attractive and europe and with the a growing global economy the demand is increasing. glassing a british made goods are cheaper and i will buy those. this say more about the global economy than our economy? the global economy than our economy? the global economy than our economy? the global economy is a bit stronger, a period of sluggish growth after the last few years, very difficult for many countries to get over, we're 110w many countries to get over, we're now pretty sustained growth in europe also the united states, china andjapan as europe also the united states, china and japan as well. that is creating demand and those countries are now looking to the uk because things are cheaper, we will buy british made goods because they are cheaper and also it is an indication that

businesses in this country are feeling a bit more optimistic and willing to invest in business, willing to invest in business, willing to invest in business, willing to expand and manufacturers and business are optimistic so despite the headlines about what brexit might mean, and that there is money and our pocket or inflation is rising too quickly, the astor willing to invest and that paints a picture of existing expansion of our british industry. it is not the biggest part of our economy but an important one with a lot of employment. the chancellor, philip hammond, and the brexit secretary, david davis, are making separate visits to germany today, to try to build support for a trade deal between the uk and the eu that includes financial services. in a joint article for a german newspaper, they say it makes "no sense" to put in place what they call "unnecessary barriers" to trade in services or goods let's get more on this now from our deputy political editor norman smith at westminster, and our berlin correspondentjenny hill. norman, the two men are taking their

case directly to german business people, why? there are two thoughts behind it, one is to schmooze the germans to get the backing of berlin for a bespoke trade deal and secondly to try and ensure that any deal includes a special package for the city, obviously because the city is critical to the british economy and there is a growing nervousness that in brussels there seems little appetite to cut a special arrangement for financial services. so they want to try and appeal over the head of the eu's chieftain was yet directly to german businesses to say to them it is in your interest thatis say to them it is in your interest that is a special deal with the city because german businesses will

depend on the cityjust as other businesses throughout the eu will depend on the city. to try and just get other eu countries may be to break ranks and put pressure on michel barnier to give some ground ona michel barnier to give some ground on a special deal with the city. how is this message likely to go down with german business people?” is this message likely to go down with german business people? i am not sure it is going to wash, for two reasons. germany has resisted very strongly any attempts on the pa rt of very strongly any attempts on the part of the uk to divide and rule within the remaining eu 27 member states. germany's view is that the eu must stick together when it comes to negotiating a brexit steel and secondly because of the attitude of german businesses in marbella remained that mr hammond and mr davies are preaching to the converted. german business knows only too well the value of the relationship but in, take the matey

cat industry for example. and it is very i'iei’vous cat industry for example. and it is very nervous of the indicator applications are brexit in the event ofa no applications are brexit in the event of a no deal. cliff edge brexit. however important the relationship is considered to be here, german business has by and large officially at least lined up behind and oracle which is very clear and opposition and which has not changed. the position is that there will be no cherry picking for britain, if it wants any kind of access to the single market is going to have to abide by the principle of freedom of movement. it is not going to get special treatment at when i speak to business people here in germany, wherever they are in the country, whatever their political affiliation, they tend to say the same thing which is the advocates of the butlers in britain. they did not wa nt the butlers in britain. they did not want them to leave and the first place. but it matters not what matters more is maintaining the integrity of the eu. that not been a

great deal in german papers about the visit, do not expect to hear very much about from angular miracle, she is preoccupied with trying to form a new government and whatever form the new government takes, do not expect germany's position to change irrevocably at all from that very basic line which is that britain is leaving, not something germany wanted but germany will stand with the rest of the eu when it comes to negotiating britain's terms of exit and those terms cannot be too advantageous to britain. thank you. greater manchester police have found a body in a garden, after a woman told them she'd killed a man and buried him there several years ago. the police have confirmed they have discovered human remains at a garden in reddish, in stockport. the woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody. 0ur correspondentjudith moritz is at the scene. we first learned about it over the

weekend on sunday afternoon, a woman who we know is 63 years old with entry police station not far away from here and it is understood she told the police that she had killed a man some years ago and had buried him ina a man some years ago and had buried him in a garden and that they should search the property. a search then began, it's part of a forensic search on the road behind me, scenes of crime and forensic officers this morning. last night the police said they had indeed found human remains, a body that has been removed for analysis. we do not know for the cause of death was, a postmortem examination is underway and he will find out more perhaps later. but police have arrested the 63—year—old woman on suspicion of milder and she

has been questioned. —— suspicion of murder. a 16—year old boy will appear in court today charged with the murder of a shop assistant in north london. vijay patel was attacked in a row over the sale of cigarette papers outside his shop in mill hill on saturday night. he later died in hospital. the headlines on bbc newsroom live. mudslides and flooding killed at least 13 people and california. uk manufacturing output has reached its highest level in ten years — helped by making renewable energy products. greater manchester police have found a body in a garden, after a woman told them she'd killed a man and buried him there several years ago. time for a sports update.

bristol city boss leejohnson believes his team can still topple manchester city after pushing them all the way, at the etihad stadium. they were two minutes away from leaving with a draw — until sergio aguero scored the late, late winner. pep guardiola was full of praise for how positive bristol city were. they led just before the break after this penalty from bobby reid. city named a strong side and after the break kevin de bruyne got them level. and just when you thought the underdogs would hold on for the draw — aguero popped up to score the winner.... well, chelsea take on arsenal in the second semifinal tonight at stamford bridge. but believe it or not, we're actually talking about manchester united boss jose mourinho ahead of it. his fued with antonio conte shows no sign of stopping. the to and fro between the pair, started perhaps — back in october 2016. when mourinho hit out at conte for celebrating too hard — after united lost 4—0

at stamford bridge. the pair have been bickering since. the latest from conte — he's called mourinhno a ‘little man' after he brought up conte's "match—fixing suspension" last weekend. he isa he is a person that regrets? i don't think so. i think we both said the things and we will see what happens in the future. he said serious words and a want forget this. this is not and a want forget this. this is not a problem from the club, it is a problem between me and him. i stop. and some good news for british tennis heather watson is through the last eight at the hobart international. that's after a straight sets win over australian jamiee fourlis. watson will next face world number 55 donna vekic from croatia. that's all the sport for now.

to some news just reaching to some newsjust reaching us, the former liverpool goalkeeper tommy lawrence has died at 77. she twice won the league with liverpool and the 1960s, more news on that in the next hour but that is the sport for now. thousands of tourists in alpine resorts are still stranded after heavy snow cut off towns and villages across switzerland, france and italy. police in the french alps are still searching for a british skier who has been missing since sunday. john bromell from lincolnshire had been skiing in the resort of tignes, but bad weather has hampered rescue efforts. his friends say he's a very experienced skier and hope he's managed to take shelter. in switzerland, around 13,000 people have been stuck in the resort of zermatt for the past two days due to heavy snow and the risk of avalanche.

the road out of the resort remains blocked, but the local train line has just reopened. ed mannix runs a number of hotels and chalets in zermatt. what are conditions like? it has turned out to be rather nice day, the sun has came through the clouds and it is glorious and the heavy snow on the buildings. an interesting point, to connect your comment on the railway opening, subsequent to that announcement the area where did not manage to open at 1115 as thought because they ran into difficulties when completing the digging out processed through the digging out processed through the railway is still closed and we are still isolated. although the helicopter service is running a

shuttle service for a small cost but there is an or so cue tried to get out, that is the only way to get out at the moment. helicopters we understand have been a lifting people out, is that still going on? asi people out, is that still going on? as i say, error zermatt and operating a shuttle service to the next village down the valley but there is a long wait. you have lived in the area for four years, have easy conditions like this before? not even zermatt but then the french alps, yes. it is not considered unusual. and these days of global warming the snowfalls were used to have in the 1980s and not as common as as they are now some are sorry the snow falls we used to have and not, no. this is fairly exceptional. what about the avalanche warnings,

people are anxious? it is obviously a concern, the local motor scooter services have been out blasting avalanche danger areas. they do not ta ke avalanche danger areas. they do not take many chances and 90 side you think there's much danger, the only danger is if somebody does something silly like go walking or off piste skiing which is mostly closed although they have managed to open a fewer limited runs. thank you. the army is launching a new recruitment campaign which emphasises the "emotional and physical support" given to soldiers. a series of radio, television and online adverts addresses concerns potential recruits might have about issues such as their sexuality or religion. there's been criticism from some former officers, who've accused the army of bowing to political correctness and going soft. andy moore reports. the new ads pose

a series of questions. growing up, i really had my heart set on joining the army. another reassures would—be recruits that religious faith will be respected. the army embraces the fact that you can come from a different faith. even on exercise, there's always a quiet moment to go into a cabin and just sort of find a little corner and do your prayers there. recruiting for the army is a constant battle. every year, for seven years now, more soldiers have left the army than signed up. there's a lot of internal debate about how best it should be done. i love the idea of the army... the army says its belonging campaign has already sparked a significant surge in interest, but others say this new series of ads panders to political correctness and the so—called "snowflake generation." trying to appeal to a series of

minorities who may or may not be interested injoining the forces and it is almost neglecting the main group of people who are interested injoining, and they are not what it's much about whether they will be listened to that is a emotional issues, what they are worried about more is how they are going to face combat. last month the new defence gavin williamson halted plans to ditch the army's be the best slogan which has been used for decades. an internal report had claimed it was datist, elitist and non—inclusive. this new campaign does include the slogan, but it's not given the prominence it once had. this time last year billy monger was being tipped by many as the next lewis hamilton. he was 17, and a star of formula four racing. but after a horrific accident in april billy had

both his lower legs amputated. his recovery and determination have astounded doctors, and this week — billy will be driving in front of crowds for the first time since his accident. but anyone expecting him to take things slowly might be in for a shock. tim muffett reports. ‘billy whizz‘, a nickname he was determined to keep. it's nine months since billy monger had both lower legs amputated after a car crash. this is a final practice before driving with a stunt team at birmingham's nec. the aim is to put on a good show. we've got a great team, a great bunch of lads doing a show, i am just hoping everything goes smoothly and we have a good time and do ourselves proud. dunnington park, last april. when billy's formula 4 car hit a stationary vehicle. commentator: that is horrendous!

all i wanted to do was to get through it and be alive. there was a slight moment, when i thought i wouldn't drive again. it hasn't changed the dream. the dream stays the same, i want to be an f1 driver. you've got your prosthetics and you're still able to control the car and the pedals. many people would find that really extraordinary. when you control the pedal normally you do it through your ankle, that is how you control your input to the pedals. because i don't have ankles, the way i control it is through my leg like this. rather than going like that, it'sjust a push motion instead, to control the car. terry grant has been training billy ahead of the international event. he's one of the world's top stunt drivers. drive out, drive out! billy's a very special

lad, for sure. regardless of his injuries. the moment you are rehearsing on an airfield there is going to be concrete pillars where the cones are. the level of control he has now, for prosthetic legs, it is phenomenal. although billy can use the accelerator, his car has been modified so that this lever controls the brake. he has been backed by mission motorsport, a charity which typically helps wounded servicemen and women driving, often in specially adapted cars. the freedom of mobility is a phenomenal thing. if that's taken away from you as an adult, it has a dramatic effect on your life, on your personal freedoms, and also, i think, on your sense of self and your independence. and to be able to give that back to somebody is an extraordinary thing to be able to do. what do the family think about you getting behind the wheel? my mum was very nervous!

but if i don't do it what else am i going to do with my life? i need to make my life into something positive. billy monger, back in the driving seat. ajapanese astronaut has apologised after claiming he'd grown nine centimetres since arriving at the international space station three weeks ago. norishigay kanai said he had in fact grown two centimetres — and blamed a measurement error. his original claim sparked global fascination among social media users. astronauts can grow between two and five centimetres in space because the lack of gravity allows vertebrae in their spines to expand. the headlines are coming up on the bbc news channel. in a moment we say goodbye to viewers on bbc two — first we leave you with for a look at the weather. a rather misty and murky couple of

days so far, but today there's more sunshine, coming through a crossed western areas but in the east still the weather front producing cloudier skies and outbreaks of rain and drizzle, continuing across eastern areas through the afternoon but farther west sunshine breaking through and reflect women's temperatures to about 10 degrees, feeling quite pleasant. 0vernight for forms feeling quite pleasant. 0vernight forforms readily feeling quite pleasant. 0vernight for forms readily across north—west england and to the early hours and could cause some disruption to travel. bill that in mind tomorrow morning but elsewhere for patches as well and that could well linger into the morning and afternoon in some places but later spies li skies stink loaded worst eastern

this is bbc news. our latest headlines... 13 people have died and many more are missing as mudslides and flooding hit southern california. rescue workers are still searching for survivors. uk manufacturing reaches its highest output since the financial crash of 2008, helped by making renewable energy products for export. a body has been found in a garden in greater manchester, after a woman told police she'd killed a man and buried him their several years ago. the army defends its new recruitment campaign, which focuses on the emotional and physical support given to soldiers. karen bradley hasjust karen bradley has just arrived in belfast for her first official engagement since taking up her post. it is the first time she has set footin it is the first time she has set foot in northern ireland, either personally or professionally.” foot in northern ireland, either personally or professionally. i am delighted to be in belfast and to be

appointed to this important cabinet post. and i'm really looking forward to getting down to work as quickly as possible. i want to work with all sections of the community here to help build on the nile and fit for the future and works for everyone. —— build a northern ireland fit for the future. i have been struck by the future. i have been struck by the wonderful education facilities available here. throughout united kingdom, northern ireland is highly regarded for its excellent levels of education, as well as the high calibre of students. they can hold their heads high and compete with their heads high and compete with the best from around the world. of course, i cannot forget the marvellous tourism that this part of the world is so famous for. gangs cause a and titanic belfast. i know my family cause a and titanic belfast. i know myfamily are cause a and titanic belfast. i know my family are already looking forward to getting to know this amazing country. of course, i have a very important job to

amazing country. of course, i have a very importantjob to do. as i said yesterday, my immediate challenge and a key objective is to ensure that northern ireland has devolved government in place, in order to address the issues that affect everyone's including health, education and the economy. i'm also conscious of the need to deliver a brexit that works for northern ireland, and to ensure that everyone is safe and secure. it is fitting that my first visit as secretary of state should be to the titanic quarter, which reflects both belfast and northern ireland's past and its future. 0nce and northern ireland's past and its future. once one of the world's leading industrial cities and now one of the world's largest urban waterfront regeneration schemes. i understand the implications of dealing with the past to ensure a prosperous future. my aim is to find a cce pta ble prosperous future. my aim is to find acceptable solutions for everyone. i have spoken to all the main party

leaders past i fully accept there will many challenges in the coming weeks which all parties will need to rise to, i will do all that i can to ensure that we find a way to restore devolution to northern ireland. thank you. karen bradley there, the new northern ireland secretary. let's speak to chris page. a lot on her plate? absolutely. she has one major challenge which is restoring devolved government to northern ireland. the stormont executive collapsed effectively a year ago. martin mcguinness resigned as deputy prime minister, pooling sinn fein out of power—sharing with the democratic unionists. the deadlock has not been broken. karen bradley chose a symbolic location for her first visit here, the titanic quarter of belfast. the old

industrial heartland where the famous liner was built. no major tourist attraction. in recent years, this whole area has been redeveloped. new studios where game of redeveloped. new studios where game 0f thrones is filmed, for example. behind me, belfast metropolitan college, where she visited students. she was trying to put the emphasis on she wants to look to the future, make the future of northern ireland different and better. however, you could say the politics still have the echoes of the past, division and deadlock. questions from reporters, she was determined to restore government as soon she was determined to restore government as soon as she was determined to restore government as soon as possible. she has already spoken to some of the major politicians here. she will hold further meetings this afternoon. no doubt everyone acknowledges in terms of rebuilding political relationships, facilitating a new talks process

that might lead to stormont being re—established, it will be a significant hurdle. thank you. 100 well—known french women have signed an open letter defending the right of men to make sexual advances. the actress catherine deneuve is one of the signatories who say the recent wave of denunciations of sexual harassment following the harvey weinstein affair is creating a new feminism defined by hatred of men and sexuality. in the open letter published in le monde, the women say there is a new puritanism afoot in the world. we can discuss this further. tell us why you sign this letter?” we can discuss this further. tell us why you sign this letter? i signed a letter because i had witnessed this

opening up from something that was necessary and good that happened at the time of the scandal, and the incredible piece of reporting about harvey weinstein, giving evidence that he had not only behaved in this incredibly unpleasant way but he had destroyed women's careers if they did not yield to him. and sometimes evenif did not yield to him. and sometimes even if the dead. that was necessary. it has turned into this kind of social media dog piling. women are supposed to be these poor creatures who can't tell the difference between a rapist, a criminal, or someone who is doing something that belongs in the realm of human relationships. are distinctions to be made between that

and men trying to take advantage of others in the workplace?” and men trying to take advantage of others in the workplace? i am entirely in favour of legislation being enshrined so that the minute there are something like that and somebody complains, theirjob should be protected. their promotion should be protected. their promotion should be protected. their promotion should be protected. it should be investigated should be heavy fines for companies who don't comply with that. that is something which already exists in law and i think this should be more provisions that the law is followed. we are talking about this idea that we are victorian by owners and some people believe we cannot defend ourselves. somebody shouted, will you stop

touching me at once, people laughed and that was the end of it. i don't think we should conflict everything. i also think thatjudicial process exists and destroying people's lives by social media is something which might have occurred in 1984. too many things are been conflated? might have occurred in 1984. too many things are been conflated7m france, we have been going through an overcorrection. in a way, i understand the spirit of the letter. i don't really understand the details of it. it is true that women can see the difference between a man complementing your eyes and complementing your eyes and complementing something else. but the way france has gone about this

in france has been different from the uk. the hash tag in france was call out your pig, much more aggressive than the british me to. i think young people might be listening to this kind of thing. now it is incessant. if somebody wants to woo you, there are so many ways that people can be insistent that perhaps now younger people have a lower threshold in terms of what kind of wooing is acceptable. these are social rules. we have to basically find our feet after what happened. in the letter, we talk

about sexual liberation. women like catherine deneuve were young when there was this sexual liberation era. perhaps compliments were new and fresh. now young people, it can happen all the time. it is something that can be heavy handed. the point has been made that most of the signatories to this risk are women who are established, professional, they have a confidence that comes with that. you said yourself that somebody tried to touch you, it was unwelcome and you told them what for. there are a lot of women who would find that much more difficult. maybe that is what this campaign is about? yes, but at the same time, i don't believe we should teach young women they are victims. when things

happen to me on the metro, i was just somebody like anyone else. we ought to be able within reasonable barriers to fend for ourselves. i got out of the metro and thought, what an idiot. i'm not traumatised for the rest of my life. i've had more unpleasant things happening to me. these are not things that keep me. these are not things that keep me up at night. they have not blighted my life. i don't think it's got to do with the fact that i have an interesting job or a certain age, i think it's got to do with educating women and telling them, you can fight for yourselves. start at 13. i choose this age because i have a bad memory aged 13. but it has not blighted my life. do you think it is fair enough to talk about a new puritanism that has come into our culture as a result of

these scandals? i think puritanism is too heavy a word. it is a new way of perhaps considering yourself. we are told when we are young to think about the way you present your body, in terms of your skirt or whatever. sometimes there is a shift in the other direction. freedom and liberty for women as being as sexy as you want. but within some kind of limit. that is a can of puritanism i think they are talking about. that is a religious word. is it to satisfy men who think that women should be more modest? that is a debate we have a lot in france. if that is the case, absolutely not. we should retain the right to shock people if you want to. but shocking people cannot be

done on a daily basis. it has to be a point of shocking for it to work. saw i think it's important to realise that fighting for some rights, such as to dress as you like, is different. as being welcomed to any kind of advance from men. it is very important what a mother tells her child, you can be as sexy as you want. that doesn't mean that this boy has to think you're open to his advance. women have to fend for themselves and be taught to do that a bit more. also, men and boys have to be told off a bit more when they try to lift the skirts of girls at school. i think it really starts at school—age. thank you to you both very much. passengers on thameslink, southern and great northern services have suffered the worst disruption of any rail franchise according to a highly critical report. the government's spending watchdog,

the national audit office, says the country's largest rail operator has failed to provide value for money. it also criticises the department for transport. our business correspondent, theo leggett reports. thameslink southern and great northern is the largest of britain's 15 rail franchises. it provides services along the south coast and into london. since 2016, the company has been embroiled in a bitter dispute with the rmt union over its plans to use trains on which the driver rather than the conductor is in charge of opening and closing in the daughters. over the past two years, there have been regular strikes on southern railways' trains. this week, great northern services have also been affected. in fact, according to the national audit office, since it was created, the franchise as a whole has experienced worse disruption than any other part of the network. 146,000 trains have been cancelled or delayed for more than half an hour, since july 2015. that's 7.7% of services. across the uk as a whole,

the figure is 2.8%. the report claims that although most of the delays were down to industrial action, the department for transport should shoulder some of the blame. when it awarded the franchise, it didn't check they had enough drivers. didn't pay enough attention to the possible impact of industrial action. and wasn't aware of the poor state of parts of the network. all that, says the nao, means the government has not been getting value for money. in a moment a summary of the business news this hour but first, the headlines on bbc newsroom live: a man whose body was found buried in a garden near stockport was allegedly killed by his daughter

several years ago. in the business news... supermarket sainsbury‘s says overall sales were up 1.1% in the last three months, including the crucial christmas period. the firm, which also owns argos, said higher grocery sales made up for a fall in sales at argos and other non—food items. british industry is experiencing a sustained recovery according to the latest official figures. manufacturing output has hit its highest level in ten years. a weaker pound after the brexit vote helped to boost sales of british made goods overseas. philip hammond and david davis are making separate visits to germany today to try to build support for a trade deal between the uk and the eu that includes financial services. they say it

makes no sense to put in place unnecessary barriers to trade in goods or services. the uk's second largest supermarket, sainsbury‘s, says its profits could come in higher than expected, after " record" sales during christmas week. the chain says overall sales were up 1.1% over the last three months, as higher food sales compensated for lower sales of non—food items, especially at argos, the chain it now owns. the supermarket‘s chief executive mike coupe said it was feeling the pressure from competitors and it needed to adapt to its customers needs. we had a very good christmas. 0ur operational standards were great to. we saw growth in our food business, but we also drew our market share in a challenging market in general merchandising clothing. a good

performance. we think our results are performance. we think our results a re pretty performance. we think our results are pretty good. we saw growth in our food business. we are pretty good. we saw growth in ourfood business. we can't are pretty good. we saw growth in our food business. we can't get away from the fact that there is a lot of competitive pressure out there are many to adapt our business to our changing customer needs. that is why we are investing money in convenience shops, online and moving argos shops inside sainsbury‘s shops. in other business news... lidl supermarket said it had record uk sales in december, with a rise of 16% on the same period in 2016. customers bought about 600 tonnes of brussels sprouts, 17 million mince pies and more than 800,000 litres of champagne and prosecco. the chain opened nine stores during the holiday period, bringing the total outlets to 693 — a rise of 43 on 2016. the uk's boat and yacht industry has seen revenues surge to their highest

level since the financial crisis after the weaker pound helped drive up sales. sales rose by 3.4% to £3.1 billion in the year to april 2017, according to a report by lobby group british marine. it said that the depreciation of the pound since the eu referendum had boosted the sector by making products cheaper for international buyers. another story were the weak pound has had a knock—on effect. but there isa has had a knock—on effect. but there is a question of how long that will last because the cost of raw materials is increasing because of the weak pound. and the 5p charge for plastic bags in large shops in england is set to be extended to cover nearly all carrier bags, as part of new plans for the environment. since being introduced in england in october 2015, the 5p charge has cut plastic bag use by nearly 90%. however, shops with fewer than 250 employees are currently exempt from the charge, as are airport shops and outlets on trains, planes or ships.

industrial production figures out this morning. we might not sound very interesting but they are. there a measure of everything we make in the uk, including exports from mines and energy firms. manufacturing which accounts for around 10% of everything we do in this country was up everything we do in this country was up by everything we do in this country was up byjust everything we do in this country was up by just short everything we do in this country was up byjust short of 4% in the three months to october, compared to the same time in 2016. it's the biggest rise since march of 2011. good news on that front, but construction fell by 2% over the same period. let's

speak to calum pickering, a senior uk economist at birnberg bank. these figures are interesting in the sense that on one hand tainting a picture of sustained growth in the uk, but some bright spots and some not so bright spots? exactly right. think of the contrast. the strong growth late in 2017 reflects the strong growth in the global economy. construction is domestic, so when people are uncertain about brexit and the future, they don't build houses or roads. so we see the contrast between domestic worries and improve external backdrop. we spoken a lot about the weak pound. the value of the pound fell sharply after the brexit vote. that is good news for uk firms selling overseas, but that is the extent that. if you are importing raw materials, steel, coal or energy or anything, that's more expensive. how long does it

last we get a benefit? it the foul in the pound is a double edged sword. keep in mind the uk's products tend to be quite high end. i would not overplay the impact of the weaker sterling. namely the reasons why exports are picking up is because our major market, the eurozone, is doing much better and the global economy is picking up. i would focus on the impact on consumers. 70% of the economy is consumption and we import a lot of stuff. even though exporters benefit, households have seen their real income fall because of brexit. manufacturing accounts for about 10% of the economy. if you look at services, three quarters of the economy, that is the big one. usually exchange rates reflect the relative health of one economy versus the other. the fall in sterling reflects the markets

reducing long—term expectations for economic growth in the uk and that will be disproportionate to the big dominant services sector. so it's not all good news today. thank you for talking to us. light show you the markets. the ftse100 has barely changed. sainsbury‘s. better than expected figures have been released. christmas figures we re been released. christmas figures were crucial. argos and non—food has been a bit of a weak spot for them. crilly and will reveal its business plan ina crilly and will reveal its business plan in a bid to try to avoid colla pse plan in a bid to try to avoid collapse after a series of profit warnings. we will keep a close eye on what happens there for you later. thank you. theresa may will be

answering questions from mps shortly in the first prime minister's questions since the christmas recess. norman smith can join norman smith canjoin us now. what can we expect? the first pmqs of the new year, wearable jeremy corbyn sato of? perhaps the health service, where he left off last year. the announcement that thousands of operations are going to have to be shelved until the end ofjanuary operations are going to have to be shelved until the end of january to get round pressure on the nhs in the winter. he might link it to the reshuffle, the fact thatjeremy hunt is still in place. more than that, he has got a promotion. he helped himself to a promotion by convincing theresa may to give him responsibility for social care. elsewhere, there could be a pick—up on southern rail and criticism of

the government in not recognising the government in not recognising the problems that go via thames link was likely to have. 0n the tory side, it will be interesting whether any tory mps will pick up on the fa ct any tory mps will pick up on the fact that philip hammond and david davis are in germany today to try to get german business to back a special deal. but the focus from all party leaders will be on their mps trying to give their party a bit of a list off at the start of this new year. these pictures were taken near the town of several on the edge of the town of several on the edge of the sahara desert. snow is very rare in this part of the world, even though the desert can be called that night. there is really enough

precipitation for any water. the snow did not last long and it melted away soon snow did not last long and it melted away soon after those pictures were taken. it has been rather misty and murky for many of us. we currently have the sunshine in dorset. we can see this window of clearer weather coming into south—western england and across wales. you noticed this area of white, thicker cloud towards eastern areas, a weather front is continuing to bring some rather misty and murky conditions and also some outbreaks of rain. this was the scene in suffolk a short time ago. green continues over four eastern parts of england and scotland. as we

go into the evening, we could see some fog patches forming. this was 5pm. clearer skies elsewhere over scotland. staying quite damp for norfolk and suffolk. in the sunshine this afternoon, feeling quite pleasa nt this afternoon, feeling quite pleasant with light winds. temperatures up to about 10 degrees. 0ne temperatures up to about 10 degrees. one or two fog patches developing late this afternoon, becoming war widespread and dense to this evening and overnight. especially so for northwest england, west wales, the west cou ntry northwest england, west wales, the west country and parts of southern england. dense fog could well cause some problems first thing tomorrow morning. if you're travelling in those areas, bear that in mind. that could be some disruption. the fog will be fairly slow to clear. some

cloudier skies towards eastern part on thursday. in the west, brighter skies developing, again some sunshine over scotland, wales and the south—west of england, but temperatures dropping by a few degrees. feeling a bit chilly through tomorrow afternoon. into friday, the situation doesn't change a great deal. some patchy fog again forming. but we have this weather front which will move towards the west. eventually picking into northern ireland. friday morning, quite cloudy, a few spots of rain and perhaps in the east, but for many of us, friday should be a dry day. the weekend post a unsettled with a bit of cloud. some rain moving into the north and west, and some cloud as well. this is bbc news and these are the top stories developing at midday. huge mudslides and flooding hit california, killing 13 people and destroying homes.

we dug down and found a little baby...we got it out, got the mud out of its mouth. uk manufacturing output reaches its highest level in ten years — helped by making renewable energy products for export. a new army advertising campaign — focusing on the emotional and physical support given to soldiers. former officers accuse the military of ‘going soft‘. and this is the scene live in the house of commons where the first prime minister‘s questions of the year is about to get underway. good afternoon, it‘s wednesday january 10th. welcome to bbc newsroom live. let‘s take you live now to the house of commons, where theresa may is holding

prime minister‘s questions. 0ur assistant political editor norman smith is at westminster. you were running through the list of issues that make up for the prime minister, it has been a chickie hourly stats to the and —— a tricky early start. it is the plan relaunched with a big reshuffle to a certain authority did not really quite work out with a cabinet shake—up which turned out to be much ado about nothing. there was not much to write home about. down the lower ra n ks much to write home about. down the lower ranks of government there was an awful lot of change, a cull of some of the older mild ministers had to one side and a host of younger and often female tory mps promoted so and often female tory mps promoted soa and often female tory mps promoted so a culture change in the middle

ra nks so a culture change in the middle ra n ks of so a culture change in the middle ranks of government. but many people probably will not notice, all the bill have seen is the lack of real movement in the top ranks in cabinet and the fact that some preferred to leave government so some pressure on mrs some preferred to leave government so some pressure on mrs may today to pretend a strong performance was not she will be buoyed by the fact that all the new ministers on the benches behind to will be cheering her on because they are in great spirits, they just got because they are in great spirits, theyjust got promoted. 0ne because they are in great spirits, theyjust got promoted. one of my collea g u es theyjust got promoted. one of my colleagues was telling me there are no 127 members of government, a huge number of ministers and whips and associated government members, more than 100 mps associated government members, more than100 mps and associated government members, more than 100 mps and that does give government and mrs may a huge amount of bottom supports google support her, what may govern that nearly one third of the tory parliamentary

party is actually in government. as for thejeremy corbyn, he has been quiet over christmas, he has been in mexico on holiday but we have not heard much from him at all so this will be the first has returned to the political fray. i will be the first has returned to the politicalfray. i do not think he will go on reshuffle because she will leave mrs may to stew in her own difficulties, it is more likely to go on some of his favoured themes around austerity for example, cuts to the nhs, pressure on social care and maybe the difficulties and the railway. the public service arguments, maybe he will cite letters or e—mails he has received from train travellers of patients, so from train travellers of patients, soi from train travellers of patients, so i suspect that‘ll be what we hear from jeremy corbyn. and we have a girlfriend brexit who is neverfar

away women pmq ‘s b without a row over breaks. that is often fuelled with tory brexiteers wanted clarification over some part of the brexit negotiation strategy and maybe she will be pressed about what‘s chances of that are of getting a special bespoke deal for the city because we heard from michel barnier the chief to go saying no way, you will not get a special deal for the city, the city cannot expect to get passport rights of british banks to operate in the eu without having this is there but thatis eu without having this is there but that is an absolutely critical issue for the uk government. very obviously because the city and financial services sector is such a big part of our economy and so today we have david davis and philip hammond in munich and berlinjust trying to win in that argument but

enough for me, let‘s cross to the chamber and see what is going to happen cubicle with mrs may. thank you mr speaker. i hope it is not too late to wish all members of staff a happy new year. this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others in addition to my duties in this house and will have further meetings later. i would like to wish members of staff a happy new year. at least 1.4 million households across the uk have been victims of on field practices in the leasehold, it including my constituent. and advice of legislation, what commitment of the prime minister make to ensure that thousands of people tied into this scandal because compensated by developers?”

say that we are concerned when we hear of say that we are concerned when we hearof unfair say that we are concerned when we hear of unfair practices taking place, iam hear of unfair practices taking place, i am sure that the housing secretary will be happy to hear of the particular case as an example of this. we are looking to see what action the government can take to ensure that people are secure in their homes and are not subject to practices that they should not be subject to. thank you. in december when the brexit secretary met michel barnier, they hugged. in that spirit would the prime minister passionately embrace not me, don‘t worry, the agenda she set out last year to rebuild a briton fit for the future to encourage home ownership and improve education and health and

leave this country and a better place than when we found out.” leave this country and a better place than when we found out. i have to say he talks about passionate embraces, i do not think he has had the case that he once asked for. —— the case that he once asked for. —— the kiss. we are determined to deliver a britain fit for the future and that means we need to get brexit right but we need to do a lot more. we are committed to building the homes this country needs, that is why we have put £15 billion of new financial support over the next five yea rs, financial support over the next five years, why we have scrap stamp duty for 80% of first—time buyers. we are also improving school standards, 1.9 million more children and good on outstanding skills today and we are protecting our natural environment. we are building a britain that can look to the future with optimism and hope. could i wish you and all the

house and staff a happy new year. everyone is agreed, yes? thank you. i know it seems a long time ago but just before christmas i asked the prime ministers about the 12,000 people left waiting more than half an houron the people left waiting more than half an hour on the back and of an ambulance. she said the nhs was better prepared for winter than ever before so what words of comfort does the prime ministers have to the 17,000 patients waiting in the back of ambulances after the last week of december. is it that nothing is perfect? i fully accept that the nhs

is under pressure overwinter, regularly at winter times, i have been very clear and apologise to those who had operations delayed and those who had operations delayed and those who had operations delayed and those who have had admissions to hospital delayed. but it is indeed the case that the nhs was better prepared than ever before and it might be helpful but i let the house now some of the issues that were donein now some of the issues that were done in order to ensure that preparedness. more people than ever before having flu vaccines, 2700 more beds made available since november. for the first time ever we have seen argent gp appointments available across the christmas period. more doctors specialising in

treating the elderly. and our last exchange she said mental health budgets have been cut, that is not right. mental health spending has will have both in real terms and as a proportion of the overall spending some of you know apologise for 40 previously said? the prime minister knows very well that budgets have been raided and that many people that need help and not getting that help. we saw on the news that nurses are spending their entire shift treating people and car parks because of backed up ambulances. we know the prime minister recognises that there is a crisis and nhs because she wanted to sack the health secretary last week what weak to do it. —— was too weak to do it.

why was this decision taken to cancel 55,000 operations jullien january? —— during january? cancel 55,000 operations jullien january? -- during january? from the front bench the labour party, if he had listened to the answer i gave to his friend in the leader of the 0pposition, i have already apologised to those whose operations have been delayed. we will make sure that those operations are reinstated as soon as that those operations are reinstated as soon as possible. we are putting record funding into the nhs and mental health but he keeps on about the preparations for the national health service, i was very pleased last week to be able to say in person a thank you to staff at

hospitals for the work they have been doing to deliver for patients across this period of particular pressure a cross across this period of particular pressure across the winter. 0ur nhs staff, not just doctors pressure across the winter. 0ur nhs staff, notjust doctors and buses, support staff like radiographers and admonitions of staff everyone working in a national health service doa working in a national health service do a fantasticjob today and out and particularly when we see these winter pressures. in terms of being prepared, this is what nhs providers said only last week. preparations for winter in the nhs have been more extensive and meticulous than ever before. we all thank nhs staff for what they do but the reality is that the 55,000 operations cancelled means that those 55,000 people joined the already 4 million waiting

for operations on the nhs. perhaps the prime minister would listen to the prime minister would listen to the speeds of vicky, have 82—year—old mother spent 13 hours on a trolley and a coroner on top of the —— on top of a trolley in a corridor. she says a volunteer first responderfrom corridor. she says a volunteer first responder from warwickshire have such as whose dayjob is in the army kept us safe until paramedics arrived. her mother then suffered a heart attack a week before. does the premise that really believe the nhs is better prepared than ever for the crisis it is now going through? can i say that nobody wants to hear people having to experience what vicky at mother had experienced and of course we need to ensure that we

learn from these incidents and that is exactly what we do any national health service and i am very happy to ensure that particular case is looked at if you would like to have me with the details. but we can and week out in the run—up to christmas and today, what he is doing is giving the impression of a national health service that is feeling everybody that tries to use it. the reality and the nhs is that we are seeing 2.9 million more people going to accident and emergency, over 2 million more operations each year. the nhs is something we should be proud of and that is why it is a first—class national health service that has been identified as the number—1 health system in the world. that means it is a best of health system that means it is a best of health syste m tha n that means it is a best of health system than australia and the

netherlands and new zealand, canada switzerland, france, germany and the usa. we are all very proud of the principal of the national health service, health as a human rights but the reality is that in the past year 565,000 people have spent time on trolleys when they should be treated. the number of elderly people being rushed into a any from ca re people being rushed into a any from care homes has risen by 62% since the tories to power. figures suggest nearly a quarter of homes need improvement. not only is this a robbing all the people of their dignity by putting pressure on a&e and ambulance services. why instead of dealing with the social care crisis as the prime minster rewarded the health secretary with a promotion and a newjob title? the health secretary with a

promotion and a new job title? can i say that i think there are many voices across this house including those from his own party who have been encouragingly to ensure better integration between health and social care. i am integration between health and social care. iam pleased integration between health and social care. i am pleased that we have recognised this by making the department of health also social ca re department of health also social care and that has been recognised by auk care and that has been recognised by a uk address is a welcome overjulia recognition of health and social care. i saw last week the good work being done by some hospitals up and down the country, working with gps and care homes and voluntary sector to ensure that elderly people can stay at home safely and do not need to come into hospital with all the consequences of using the beds. that is the way forward, that is what we wa nt to

is the way forward, that is what we want to do, ensuring we see the integration of health and social ca re integration of health and social care at the grassroots level. the way detox, you would think the labour party had all the solutions for the nhs. —— the way he talks. every labour party have got all the a nswe rs every labour party have got all the a nswers why every labour party have got all the answers why is it that we see funding being cut, targets not being met and wales where they are responsible. the prime minister leads a government that is responsible for the funding of national governments such as an wales. she knows full well what has been cut from wales. she is directly responsible for the nhs wales. she is directly responsible forthe nhs in wales. she is directly responsible for the nhs in england and giving the health secretary a newjob title will not hide the fact that 6 billion has been cut from social ca re billion has been cut from social care and the tories. part of the

problem of the nhs is that it is funds are being siphoned off into private companies including any health secretary australia area of study... order. can calm yourself. it'll be good for your health. even more money is being siphoned out of our nhs budgets into private health companies even in the health secretary australia area of study and forced to pay but the premise minister assure patients that this year less nhs money intended for patient care will be feathering in the nests of

shareholders and private companies? 0n wales, this government has given more money to the brash government, —— the welsh government. it is a decision of the welsh government to prioritise funding. while the issue of the private sector, and the french government was it that private access and private use in the health service increased? order i say to the shadow secretary of state for health he is supposed to be auditioning for something. he is normally a very amiable fellow but he is gesticulating a very eccentric fashion, he must come himself, it is

not necessary, not good for his image. i say first of all we have put more money into wales by the labour government and wales has decided to de—prioritise funding for the nhs and yankees scene and private sector companies working in the health service was not under the conservative government that was under the labour government of which the gentleman was a member. the shadow health secretary is auditioning to be health secretary and she shows real passion for our nhs. under this government version ca re nhs. under this government version care got £200 million worth of contract and the last year alone, 50% up on the year before. the prime minister needs to understand that it is hard policies pushing our nhs into crisis. tax cuts for the

super—rich and big business are paid for by longer waiting lists, ambulance delays, staff shortages and cuts to social care. creeping privatisation is dragging our nhs down. the health secretary during his occupation of our office to keep his occupation of our office to keep hisjob said he his occupation of our office to keep his job said he will not abandon the ship. isn‘t that an admission that under his captaincy the ship is indeed sinking. this government is putting more money into the national health service, we see more doctors and an nhs, more nurses, more operations taking place, more people being treated and a&e. we can only

do that if we have a strong economy and 40 bc for the labour party? we have turned on the economy around from the recession will be left with. what is we know about the labour party australia economic policies? the shadow education secretary and did not realise the shadow education secretary was undergoing medical treatment, i apologise unreservedly for that comment. but she did described the economic policies of the labour party and unparliamentary terms, it did include the word bust but didn‘t say the labour party economic policy was high—risk. that means higher

risk for taxpayers and jobs and our nhs and that is a list we will never let them take. on a positive note, my nhs trust has turned around from being one of the worst in the country to one of the best. that was because of injections of huge amount of cash but the staff were amazing, the tel aviv hospital round. can at calais and fight the gentleman to be sensitive to tame, a short question with a? at the end of it. jackie daniels received a payment for turning around morecambe bay trust, would the prime ministers look forward to working with our su ccesso rs forward to working with our successors and carry on turning

around the trust and wishjackie well? i am happy to join him in paying tribute to the work of the staff at the morecambe bay trust and particularly to wish dave jackie well had paid tribute to her work and turning it around, and other example of the huge gratitude that we ought to nhs staff who works tirelessly on our behalf. can i wish all staff and members a good new year. the with rob bell was not fit for purpose and must be changed, these are the words of the member for east british. does the primaries that agree with her colleagues that he must amend clause 11 which is nothing more than a power grab from scotland? he knows full well that we have said we will look to improve

clause 11. if he was in his place when the chancellor of the duchy of lancaster was cancelling questions earlier, he made it very clear that we continue to amend clause 11. we are we continue to amend clause 11. we a re however we continue to amend clause 11. we are however and this is something i discussed with the first minister before christmas, we are looking to work with the devolved the ministrations to ensure that we put the late frameworks in place so that when we come to bring any armaments for what it is in the best possible interests of all concerned. i thought that had been accepted by the snp but who will be looking to bring forward amendments in the lords. that simply is not good enough. we secretary of state for scotla nd enough. we secretary of state for scotland promised a bonanza for scotla nd scotland promised a bonanza for scotland but crucially amendments would be tabled ahead of next week ‘s debate. yesterday it was revealed that no amendments would be launched. the tories always promised scotla nd launched. the tories always promised scotland everything and deliver nothing. the prime ministers has one

last chance, well she assure the house these amendments will be tabled ahead of next week as promised? the snp say they want to work with us on the frameworks and we are doing exactly that. they say they were clause 11 amendment amended and b are doing exactly that. discussions are being intensified as part of this and will be bringing forward amendments but he says this is a government that never delivers for scotland. £2 billion extra as a result of the budget is delivering for scotland. speaking of delivering for scotland, the sterling and clackmannanshire deal is a massive investment and

scotland‘s economy and a huge vote by the government with projects like the institute for agriculture which will have a uk wide impact. more the prime minister confirm today that the uk government is ready to sign off the agreement with the scottish arm ata off the agreement with the scottish arm at a local councils and so that we can get to work? i am very happy to give that commitment to you and say it is another example of how this is a government delivering for scotland. i know the importance of this particular deal, it will be transformative. he this particular deal, it will be tra nsformative. he has this particular deal, it will be transformative. he has championed the scores since he became collected, doing a greatjob for his petulance and we‘re all working to getan petulance and we‘re all working to get an agreement as soon as possible. —— a greatjob for his constituents. i have been contacted

with 11 constituents who are frightened and suicidal because they have been told that they are desperately needed pain infusion treatment will be stopped. this is the cruel reality of the nhs having to ration treatment due to funding cuts. will the prime minister personally intervene to ensure that the decision as reviewed and guarantee an additional funding to fight to be delivered? can i say that we‘re putting extra money into the nhs, we are not cutting the funding. ccgs will be taking individual decisions about how the abortion funding but to stand here and suggest we are cutting funding to the nhs as plain wrong. telford is a rapidly growing new

town of thousands of new houses are built every year and people come to telford to buy on a new build estate and live the dream. but for far too many the reality is unfinished communal areas and an adopted roads and with section 106, developers failing to take responsible at any local co—counsel passing the buck, similar problems across the house. but the prime ministers agreed to strengthen the rights of all mothers when you build estates so that people can come to telford or any other area and buy a new build home confident they can live the dream?” am happy to say to my honourable friend the recognise her concerns, this was a similar issue that was raised and the first question. i understand it is the 50th anniversary of telford so i congratulate them. we are committed

to legislating in relation to the unfair practice because it is on this fear that freeholders should have the same rights as leaseholders to challenge. 0na on a scale between one and ten, how does the prime minister think her brexit is going? with ten being perfect and we know what you want to achieve, and one being chaotic and cluelessness? i know what i would give the prime minister. what would she give herself? can i say to the honourable gentleman, that i think... order. let mejust say honourable gentleman, that i think... order. let me just say to the honourable gentleman who i have known for a long time, i think when he comes to reflect on his conduct, he comes to reflect on his conduct, he will know he can do better than that. the prime minister. thank you.

ican that. the prime minister. thank you. i can say to the honourable gentleman that i think anybody who saw the success we had in negotiating phase one of brexit and getting the sufficient progress will say that this is a government that knows what it is doing, getting on with the job and is doing well. environmentalists across the uk were absolutely delighted with the announcement of cooperation with the woodland trust to develop the new northern forest. but will the prime minister give assurances that plans to create new landscapes will not obscure the need to protect existing areas of outstanding natural beauty? and will she confirm her commitment to protect the children‘s as we pursue the government‘s economic and housing plans? i would like to congratulate her on becoming a dame in the new years honours. it is

well—deserved. i can assure her we are committed to protecting areas of outstanding beauty and designated landscapes. as regards the chill turns a landscapes. as regards the chill turnsa b, landscapes. as regards the chill turns a b, i enjoy walking there and i recognise the value of that area. thank you. i was a teacher and head teacherfor thank you. i was a teacher and head teacher for 34 years, so thank you. i was a teacher and head teacherfor 34 years, so i know i speak on behalf of thousands of teachers and support staff, when i ask if the government will listen to professionals and fully fund our schools and colleges, end the toxic culture of top—down tests and return the joy of teaching and learning

back to our classrooms? can i say to the honourable lady that we are putting record sums of money into our schools. we are ensuring that we are seeing increasing standards in our schools. that‘s why today there are1.9 million our schools. that‘s why today there are 1.9 million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010. i hope she would welcome that. the prime minister will be aware thatis the prime minister will be aware that is great potential in the south—west to increase prosperity and productivity. will therefore confirm how her government will be backing the south—west, in particular investing in road, rail and digital infrastructure? is right and digital infrastructure? is right and he‘s a great champion for the needs of the south—west. we want to increase wealth and prosperity across the country. we are taking particular steps. across the

country, we are committing significant sums of money relating to infrastructure. we are committed to infrastructure. we are committed to creating an expressway in the south—west. it will be part of an important development. i am pleased to say over 600 homes and businesses in the south—west now have access to superfast broadband. the health secretary said the government wanted to be the best in the world for cancer diagnosis, treatment and care. today, according to a memo from the head of chemotherapy at 0xford churchill hospital, terminally ill cancer patients will have their chemotherapy cut because ofa have their chemotherapy cut because of a massive shortfall in specialist nurses. will the prime minister apologise to cancer patients and theirfamilies for this

apologise to cancer patients and their families for this appalling situation? can i say to the honourable lady that the trust has made clear there are absolutely no plans to delay the start of chemotherapy treatment or reduce the number of sessions given. 0ver chemotherapy treatment or reduce the number of sessions given. over the last couple of years, later survival figures show an estimated 7500 people more surviving cancer after successful nhs cancer treatment compared to three years prior. we will continue to look at this, but we are continuing to put the funding m, we are continuing to put the funding in, that enables us to this treatment. when the uk is in the bottom third of countries for heart attack deaths, when we have

significantly worse survival for stroke than france and germany, is it not time to act and establish a royal commission on health and social care act, in this the 70th anniversary year of our most cherished national institution? he is right. we to continued to look at the national health service and ensure we are continuing to improve the performance in a variety of india‘s. the independent commonwealth fund has clearer the nhs is the belfast health care system in the world, is better than systems in germany and france and others that i quoted earlier. we need to look at what more we can do. it is why we are looking at the better integration of health and social care act on the ground. it is about making sure we are doing integration now because that is when

it will make a difference to people. thank you. the prime minister said she had reshuffled her ministers so they looked more like the country they looked more like the country they seemed to represent. in that spirit, will she acknowledge the massive problems we have with the private rented sector, with absentee private rented sector, with absentee private landlords? in which he commit to coming to visit my constituency to gain an appreciation of the problems facing many people? would she give free passage to the bill on homes fit for habitation being put forward by the memberfor westminster north?” being put forward by the memberfor westminster north? i have many fond memories of the time spent in the north—east from when i was a candidate they are. but we do need to ensure that we have a good

private rented sector in this country. i have to say to him that the one set of policies which would damage the private rented sector and other policies put forward by his leader of the opposition.” other policies put forward by his leader of the opposition. i was delighted to hear the environment secretary last week confirmed this government‘s commitment to supporting farmers after we leave the european union. can my right honourable friend assure me that when designing a future system, the unique needs of scottish farmers and crofters will be taken into account in any such new system? my honourable friend is right. when they leave the european union, we will be able to put in place our own policy of support for farmers. you wa nt to policy of support for farmers. you want to recognise the particular needs of farmers across all parts of the uk. and that of course will include farmers in scotland. my

constituency office is receiving ever—increasing complaints about pip claims. cani ever—increasing complaints about pip claims. can i ask the prime minister if she agrees the assessment process is fundamentally flawed and what action she can take to avoid unnecessary action she can take to avoid u nnecessa ry stress action she can take to avoid unnecessary stress and hardship being caused to my constituents and those across the country?” understand the point the honourable gentleman is making, about ensuring as we wanted that these assessments are being conducted as well as they can and people are getting the awards that they are in fact should be getting and they are entitled to. in fact, since we introduced the personal independence payment, we have carried out around 2.9 million assessments. 8% of appeals are

accepted, but then in many cases new evidence is prop forward at the final stage. the department for work and pensions will ensure that these assessments are done properly and people will get the right results. my people will get the right results. my constituentjustin bartholomew was 25 when he committed suicide late last year. his family are convinced that his intake of 15 energy can drinks per day lead to his anxiety. with the prime minister consider introducing a national ban on the sale of these energy drinks for those under 16? on the sale of these energy drinks for those under16? she has raised on the sale of these energy drinks for those under 16? she has raised a tragic case. the thoughts and sympathies of the whole house will be with the family and friends of justin bartholomew. we have introduced the soft drinks industry

levy and we recognise the issues of drinks high in sugar. we are supporting schools and parents to make healthier choices, to be able to identify those who clearer labelling and campaigns. this is an issue that the department for health and social care will continue to look at. i have a constituent that escaped an abusive relationship and has been passed from pillar to post between the old tiles support service and the new child maintenance service agency. she has now been told she has to start the whole process all over again. and they are insisting she passes on her personal and bank details directly to her ex—partner. will the prime minister look at this problem and review the system which has allowed

this abuse to continue? she raises a distressing case. there are arrangements in place which would ensure an individual would not have to pass their bank details directly. the fact she has been asked to do thatis the fact she has been asked to do that is something that i think should be looked into. unsure if she passes those details to the appropriate department, they will look into it. thank you. does the prime minister welcome the findings of the social research survey that the majority of scots believe the rules on trade and immigration should be the same in scotland as the rest of the uk? it looks like we are better together. people across the uk want to see controlled immigration, people in scotland as well as the rest of the united kingdom. as we leave the european union, we will be able to introduce our own immigration rules and control immigration to britain from

europe. the only point of differentiation is we have a scotla nd differentiation is we have a scotland only shortage list to recognise the labour shortage in scotland, but for the most part it matches the uk less. and i think that shows this is an issue for the whole of the uk and we need the same policy approach. in march 2005 interview, the prime minister said not getting things done and seen people‘s lives are by government bureaucracy makes her to press. in light of this comment, can she tell me whether she considers it reasonable and acceptable for the dvla to withhold my constituent‘s license for over 18 months, despite evidence showing he was fit and able to drive? she has not responded to my letter of the 5th of december.” will ensure she receives a response to that letter. she has raised a

particular case in that house and i will need to look at the details of that case and i will respond to a letter. last week, 230 job losses we re letter. last week, 230 job losses were announced at a mine in my constituency. it is by far and away the largest employer in the area. the memberfor the largest employer in the area. the member for redcar and the largest employer in the area. the memberfor redcar and myself agrees it would be helpful but if some of the remaining funds for the rescue package be released. will she commit that government agencies will do all they can to support these people? he is right to raise this case. it‘s obviously a worrying time for the workers affected by the announcement from cleveland potash. we will be working to help those

affected through the rapid response service. we will work together with the local authority to ensure we get the local authority to ensure we get the best possible support available. we will look at the specific issue he has raised. one of my constituents has been a foster carer for years. her landlord evicted her because he did not want to do the repairs to meet safety tests. she is now living with her children in a converted warehouse. the same counsel who placed there are going to withdraw her right to foster because her accommodation is not good enough. can the prime minister

tell her that kids in care foster carers. “— tell her that kids in care foster carers. —— kids in care need foster ca re rs carers. —— kids in care need foster carers and this makes no sense?” would like to pay tribute to the work her constituent has done in foster caring. we all are tremendous debt of gratitude for people who ca re debt of gratitude for people who care as foster parents. as she has raised this in the house, and through the local council will want to look at this again. thank you. while most of us were celebrating over new year‘s eve, mr speaker, the cruise of lifeboats were battling mountainous seas at 70 mile an hour winds off the course of dorset to

prevent a cargo ship from being blown onto the rocks. thanks to the skill of the tub‘s crew, it was fixed and disaster averted. will my right honourable friend join me in praising the professionalism and courage and a terminal is of all those involved, not least the volu nteers those involved, not least the volunteers of the rnli? and happy to do that, to praise all those involved in averting disaster. both the tug crew and those involved in the tug crew and those involved in the rnli. like to go further. those volu nteers the rnli. like to go further. those volunteers do a fantasticjob around coastlines, day in, day out. we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. order. and that brings to an end the first prime ministers question of 2018. the prime minister pushed by jeremy corbyn on the nhs. no surprise there. at your sole face

questions on education, high energy drinks and child support payments. bumper pmqs going on for nearly 50 minutes. it used to be half an hour, but now clearly the speaker is very much in favour of giving the floor to backbenchers. rescue workers in southern california are searching for survivors after mudslides and flooding in which at least 13 people have died. hundreds are reportedly trapped and the number of deaths is expected to rise. more than 160 people have been taken to hospital, and 50 people — including small children — have been rescued. police have described the scene as "looking like a world war one battlefield". 0ur north america correspondent, james cook reports from los angeles. the rains came suddenly just before dawn. torrential and terrifying. they coursed over the slick, scorched earth, gathering speed until mud was roaring down to the sea like an express train. the deluge smashed into the very homes which had just

survived california‘s biggest recorded wildfire. the result — utter devastation. we had a very difficult time assessing the area and responding to many of those areas to assist those people. the only words i can really think of to describe what it looked like, was it looked like a world war i battlefield. despite dangerous conditions, helicopters took to the skies, winching to safety dozens of people who were stranded amidst the rubble. the stories of survival are almost unbelievable. i heard the rumble of the rocks and looked over at the river and the trees were coming down. and we ran into the house and right then the boulders busted through the house and we got upstairs, up to about eight or nine feet up the stairs, and were able to crawl out a window to the roof. the house was wiped out, took everything out.

it took everything out. later, we were worried about a neighbour's house and i went over to see if they were 0k, and we heard a little baby crying. and we dug down and found a little baby, we don't know where it came from. we got it out, got the mud out of its mouth. i hope it is ok, they took it right to the hospital. a baby four feet down in the mud under rocks. i'm glad we got him. but who knows what else is out there. the communities hardest hit were montecito and carpentaria on the pacific coast north of los angeles. these are some of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the united states. home to stars like oprah winfrey. this is how deep the mud is. and the house and back is gone.

ellen degeneres posted this photo online. this is not a river, she wrote on twitter, this is the 101 freeway in my neighbourhood right now. montecito needs your love and support. the damage is not confined to the coast. this is the los angeles suburb of burbank. well, the mud roared down here with terrifying speed, sweeping everything in its path. the firefighters won‘t let us go up there any further, they say the situation could change in the blink of an eye and as you can see, this is how dangerous it is. rescue workers are still scouring scores of damaged and demolished homes, searching for survivors. police say the number of dead here is certain to rise. there will be more a story in the

one 0‘clock news in a few minutes. this time last year billy monger was being tipped by many as the next lewis hamilton. he was 17, and a star of formula four racing. but after a horrific accident in april, billy had both his lower legs amputated. his recovery and determination have astounded doctors, and this week billy will be driving in front of crowds for the first time since his accident. but anyone expecting him to take things slowly — might be in for a shock. tim muffett reports. ‘billy whizz‘, a nickname he was determined to keep. it‘s nine months since billy monger had both lower legs amputated after a car crash. this is a final practice before driving with a stunt team at birmingham‘s nec. the aim is to put on a good show. we‘ve got a great team, a great bunch of lads doing a show, i am just hoping everything goes smoothly and we have a good time and do ourselves proud.

dunnington park, last april. when billy‘s formula 4 car hit a stationary vehicle. commentator: that is horrendous! all i wanted to do was to get through it and be alive. there was a slight moment, when i thought i wouldn‘t drive again. it hasn‘t changed the dream. the dream stays the same, i want to be an f1 driver. you‘ve got your prosthetics and you‘re still able to control the car and the pedals. many people would find that really extraordinary. when you control the pedal normally you do it through your ankle, that is how you control your input to the pedals. because i don‘t have ankles, the way i control it is through my leg like this. rather than going like that, it‘sjust a push motion instead, to control the car. terry grant has been training billy ahead of the international event.

he‘s one of the world‘s top stunt drivers. drive out, drive out! billy‘s a very special lad, for sure. regardless of his injuries. the moment you are rehearsing on an airfield there is going to be concrete pillars were the cones are. the level of control he has now, for prosthetic legs, it is phenomenal. although billy can use the accelerator, his car has been modified so that this lever controls the brake. he has been backed by mission motorsport, a charity which typically helps wounded servicemen and women drive again, often in specially adapted cars. the freedom of mobility is a phenomenal thing. if that‘s taken away from you as an adult, it has a dramatic effect on your life, on your personal freedoms, and also, i think, on your sense of self and your independence. and to be able to give that back to somebody is an extraordinary

thing to be able to do. what do your family think about you getting behind the wheel? my mum was very nervous! but if i don‘t do it what else am i going to do with my life? i need to make my life into something positive. billy monger, back in the driving seat. in a moment, the news at one with sophie raworth. first the weather. after a couple of gloomy days, at least was more sunshine around for some. didn‘t feel too bad considering its january. by the sunshine was more limited across northern ireland. some of the mist and fog lingered into late morning. you can see how patchy it is. is weather front has remained with us across parts of eastern england and eastern scotland. the weather front will be reluctant to clear through

the night and tomorrow. also for parts of wales. it will be a cold night. temperatures will get close to freezing of not below. it could be freezing fog we have to contend with for the travel through the night. you can see the fog is very slow to clear as we go through the morning. at this time of year, it generally want clear until late morning if it clears at all. down the spine of the country, still under the gloomy cloud in the east, the fog at lower levels will give some disruption of the motorway network, so there could be travel disruption as a result. as a whole, it will feel colder tomorrow because

the fog is really reluctant to clear. it takes the sun‘s energy away. in the east, we have lingering cloud. not that much rain or drizzle. were the fog clears, we‘re looking at five or six generally. it will be cold in the countryside. some fog problems. a little bit of drizzly rain. more breeze picking up. that will help to lift the fog. this weather front shows signs of finally clearing stagnant air out of the way. or other grey weekend for many others. mainly dry, what but what out for that dense fog. at least 13 people are dead and the death toll is expected to rise after mudslides slam

into homes in california. the torrent of mud swept through communities near santa barbara — one man heard a baby buried in the mud and managed to pull it out alive. we dug down, we found a little baby. we got it out, got the mud out of its mouth. houses have been crushed by boulders the size of small cars — which rolled down the hillside after heavy rain — the first for months. we‘ll have the latest from california where rescuers are hoping to find more survivors. also this lunchtime. cancer patients face possible delays to their treatment at an oxford hospital because of a shortage of staff, claims a leading doctor. british manufacturing is riding high. figures show output has reached its highest level in ten years.