48 hours to the big brexit vote — the prime minister says trust in democracy is at stake. theresa may urges mps to do what is right for the country — but there is little sign she has the support she needs. might there be anything the eu can say now to help swing the vote? we'll be live in brussels and westminster. also tonight: an avalanche kills three people in the austrian alps as the region struggles with perilous conditions. nicola sturgeon refers herself for investigation after claims she broke the scottish government's ministerial code. the 11—year—old killed in a hit and run in manchester — police are questioning a suspect. and gearing up despite the pain — andy murray is about to begin what could be his last grand slam. good evening.

in the 48 hours before the parliamentary vote that could define brexit — and herfuture — the prime minister has told mps not to play games but to do the right thing for the country. theresa may is widely expected to lose a commons vote on the withdrawal deal she's negotiated with the eu, withjeremy corbyn saying today labour will table a vote of no confidence in the government soon after. but mrs may says voters' trust in the democratic process is at stake if brexit is not delivered. our chief political correspondent vicki young reports. she bought herself more time by delaying this crucial brexit vote but theresa may has just two days to persuade mps to back her deal. so far there's little sign of growing support but the prime minister continues to make her case. writing in the sunday express, she warned mps that, if parliament

stopped brexit, it would be a catastrophic and unforgivable breach of trust in our democracy. the government's hoping for more reassurances from the eu on the terms of the uk's departure. the brexit secretary admitted the government faces a challenge to get its deal through. we're working hard with colleagues, we're working hard with eu leaders. the prime minister has been speaking to them in terms of the specific concerns we've heard, particularly on the issue of the backstop. after losing crucial votes in the commons, downing street now says it's worried that opponents of brexit could find a way to take control of parliamentary business. mr barclay said that should focus the minds of brexiteers. the uncertainty in terms of what will happen in the house has increased and so those on the brexiteer side seeking ideological purity with a deal are risking brexit. last week the speakerjohn bercow made it clear he is determined to allow mps to have their say on brexit, so an unpredictable political situation is now even more uncertain. but even if mps can seize control

of what's going on there in the house of commons, can they agree on an alternative to theresa may's plan? some want to stop a no—deal brexit, others want a different kind of deal or another referendum. will you win a confidence vote? so, what does the labour leader want? jeremy corbyn is against theresa may's deal and wants a general election. many in his party want another referendum. he, though, sounds reluctant. my own view is that i would rather get a negotiated deal now if we can to stop the danger of a no—deal exit from the eu on the 29th of march, which would be catastrophic for industry, catastrophic for trade, and the long—term effects of that would be huge. we will do everything we can to prevent a no—deal exit. the people's vote campaign group were out in force in sheffield this weekend — insisting support for another referendum is increasing. the liberal democrat leader thinks

mps will assert themselves if the government loses on tuesday. parliament will take control of this process, will insist that we pursue the option of no brexit. it can happen in one of two ways. it can happen simply by cancelling article 50, which i think would be resented by lots of people, or it can happen by parliament saying actually we go back to the public to have the final say. it's hard to find anyone in westminster who thinks theresa may will win the vote. everyone is talking about plan b but there is no agreement about what that is. well, tomorrow mps will continue their debate on the deal agreed by the prime minister with the eu. they're scheduled to vote on it on tuesday. if — as expected — the government loses, ministers have until monday week to come back to parliament with their preferred alternative. in a moment, we'll be looking at some of the possible scenarios with vicki young in westminster.

but first to our europe editor katya adler, who's in brussels. is there anything at this stage that the eu could or would offer? lets say first that the eu is unwilling to make any significant move. until it can see that parliament is behind theresa may, or it can see mps kind of moving around to a particular alternative to her deal, or around a particular amendment, if the eu thinks it can swallow that amendment. but we are nowhere near there at the moment. so, at the moment, lines of communication ahead of the vote are wide open between brussels and number 10. my sources here are telling me that they have a letter of assurance ready on the deal, and that they are waiting for the go—ahead from number 10 as to when to publish that letter, and whether to publish it at all, actually. because it won't contain anything new, it will contain assurances, for example, on the irish backstop, where the eu will

say once again that it is a guaranteed mechanism, something that it doesn't want to activate, that is attached to activated it would not wa nt to attached to activated it would not want to keep it alive for any longer than absolutely necessary. as i say, brussels is not willing to go any further than that until it can see in what direction parliament is going. for now, the eu wants to keep up going. for now, the eu wants to keep up the pressure on the uk, saying this is the only deal, end of story. but europe will be watching that vote on tuesday extremely carefully to see if the deal passes, and if it doesn't, by how much, and then the internal conversation will start inside eu circles as to what next. in the end, you see, the eu is a pragmatic organisation. it will want to avoid a no—deal brexit, but not at any price. on that note about the way that parliament is going, let's turn to vicki young in westminster tonight. are there any fresh signs about the sort of support that the prime minister can command? about the sort of support that the prime minister can command ?|i about the sort of support that the prime minister can command? i would describe it as maybe a crumb of comfort for the prime minister. four

of her own brexit backing mps have said that they will now swing behind her deal. i spoke to one of them, sir geoffrey clifton—brown, her deal. i spoke to one of them, sir geoffrey clifton— brown, and her deal. i spoke to one of them, sir geoffrey clifton—brown, and he said he still has deep reservations. he actually thinks bits that you are very bad. but he said the uncertainty means that we could have i'io uncertainty means that we could have no brexit at all. particularly he focuses on the controversial role of the speaker, that intervention last week where john bercow made it clear he would give mps a much greater say in the process. that is leading some to think that a brexit not happening at all, there is a far higher chance of that. of course, theresa may needs dozens more to agree with that, and there isn't much sign of it. meanwhile, around westminster, everybody is talking about their plan b, some leaning towards another referendum, although it is clear jeremy corbyn is very reluctant to go down that route. 0thers saying that in law, no deal is still the default position. 0thers that in law, no deal is still the default position. others say that we should have a much closer relationship with the eu after brexit. 0f relationship with the eu after brexit. of course, they can't all be

right. although it looks bleak for the prime minister tonight, right. although it looks bleak for the prime ministertonight, it right. although it looks bleak for the prime minister tonight, it feels like a damage limitation exercise, unless mps can agree what they want instead of her deal, she could just keep trying. vicki young in westminster, catty adler in brussels, thank you both. the family of an 11—year—old who was killed in a hit and run accident in manchester yesterday have paid tribute to him, saying he was an intelligent, loving boy who was always smiling. taylor schofield was treated by paramedics at the scene, but died of his injuries in hospital. police are questioning a suspect, as fiona trott reports. he was an 11—year—old boy out of playing on his bike. taylor scofield was treated at the scene, but died a short time later. it happened here, on albert street, in beswick, just after six o'clock last night. greater manchester police say they are trying to establish the full details of what happened. a grey volkswagen golf was abandoned nearby. they're asking anybody with information to come forward. today, people living in this close community

came out to lay flowers, including members of taylor's family. friends and neighbours say they're devastated. it's heartbreaking, it's absolutely awful what happened. and stuff that have been affected by it. it's absolutely devastating. the police investigation into what happened here is still ongoing, but people in the neighbourhood say this has been a dangerous road for years. how many lives have got to be taken before they step up? they need bumps on this road to stop it. it's disgusting. something needs to be done. tonight, taylor's family have released a statement saying he was a cheeky, handsome lad who loved his mates, football and man united. he's going to be missed by everyone, he was taken too soon from us. fiona trott, bbc news, greater manchester. scotland's first minister has referred herself to a standards panel over meetings she had with her predecessor — alex salmond — while he was being investigated over claims

of sexual harassment. he denies the allegations. let's go live to our scotland editor sarah smith in glasgow. why has nicola sturgeon taken this step? well, because, quite frankly, she is facing the biggest political threat of her career, and she is hoping that this panel of independent advisers will establish she did not break the ministerial code. nicola sturgeon say she has not done anything wrong, but she is struggling to explain why she met three times in person with alex salmond and spoke to him twice on the phone during the scottish government's investigation into these allegations of sexual misconduct. when, as first minister, she was not allowed to have any involvement in that investigation, she wasn't even supposed to know it was under way. 0pposition parties are demanding far more detail about what was said in his conversations. but that is not nicola sturgeon‘s only problem is by far. there is

also outright civil war inside the snp between supporters of alex salmond and those loyal to nicola sturgeon herself. alex salmond says he think there is a conspiracy against him, and people are trying to re m ove against him, and people are trying to remove him as a political threat. now the real political threat is to nicola sturgeon, as these meetings pose a real threat to her position. two men have died in separate falls in the mourne mountains in northern ireland, an area popular with hill walkers. emergency services responded to both incidents, which occurred within around an hour of each other, but both men died at the scene. neither death is being treated as suspicious. three people have been killed and a fourth is missing after an avalanche near the austrian ski resort of lech. austria has been hit by record snowfall in the past week, and there have been more than 20 weather related deaths across parts of the alps so far this month. bethany bell reports. mountain regions in austria are used to snow — but this is extreme. days of heavy snowfall are taking their toll.

last night three skiers from germany were killed in an avalanche in lech. their bodies were found on a ski route that had been closed off because of the danger of avalanches. a fourth person is still missing. translation: yesterday evening we decided to cancel the search because it had become too dangerous. we know how the weather will develop, so we can probably initiate the search again on wednesday. the risk of more avalanches is very high. some ski resorts and mountain villages have had to be evacuated. other areas are snowed in. these firefighters near the town of kleinzell in central austria are working round the clock to clear snow from homes and buildings. the snow is very heavy and there is a real risk this roof could cave in. translation: it's quite dangerous work. as you can see, all the men

are harnessed because you can easily slip off while coming down. so the risk is relatively high. driving conditions are treacherous. it's a struggle to keep the streets clear. underneath this white blanket is a tarmac road. this area hasn't seen this much snow in well over a decade. in neighbouring germany, the army has been brought in to help clear the roads and people here are bracing themselves for more. heavy snow is forecast over the next few days. bethany bell, bbc news, near kleinzell in the austrian alps. president trump has again blamed the democratic party for the partial shutdown of the us government — which is now in its 23rd day. the stand—off over the funding the president wants to build a wall along the mexican border has affected more than 800,000 people who work for the federal government and aren't being paid. 0ur north america editorjon sopel joins us from washington. how long can this go on, jon?

how long can this go on, jon7m could go on a very long time. donald trump is holed up in the white house behind me. he says he is waiting for any behind me. he says he is waiting for a ny calls behind me. he says he is waiting for any calls that might come from the democrats. i wouldn't hold your breath. donald trump sees this as his signature promise he made to the american people and he is determined not to compromise on it. the democrats see it as a vanity project and so they don't want to give ground. 0ne senator, republican senator very close to donald trump, has suggested maybe the way forward to reopen government for the next three four weeks and see if talks can resume. and if not, then declare a state of emergency and get the funding that way. there are all sorts of other ways of stealing money from other budgets to try to get the money for the border wall, but none of them are right deal.

donald trump, if he wants an absolute victory, he is not going to get it. the democrats would like an absolute victory, they are not going to get it. donald trump has tweeted in the last five minutes saying, wish i could share with everyone the beauty and majesty of being in the white house and looking outside the snow filled lawns. probably better from the inside, with the heating on, than outside! jon sopel in washington, thank you. in yemen, clashes this weekend in the strategic port city of hodeida have dealt a fresh blow to the fragile truce that's been in place since last month. the ceasefire agreed between houthi rebels and government forces backed by saudi arabia and western allies has allowed some much—needed aid into the country. the un says 80% of yemen's population are in need of assistance. but some of the more remote areas have yet to receive any aid at all. a bbc team travelled to one such village, raymah, that's had no outside help since the war began four years ago. nawal al maghafi reports. in the mountains of yemen, villages like raymah are sheltered from the war.

but not its consequences. aid agencies can no longer reach these remote areas, and all government funding has stopped. 16—year—old samar is one of many children who have been forced to leave school in order to earn a little money to survive. she's carrying rice and flour to a local village. translation: i want to live like the other girls. they get provided for, they get to rest. the money samar made today is only enough to pay for this bread and tea. like two thirds of yemenis, she doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. her mum says life hasn't always been like this. translation: we were once happy and

co mforta ble. translation: we were once happy and comfortable. now we live day—to—day. if she is sick, we all end up hungry, waiting for her to get better. i'm sad because of this reality that we are living in. death is kinder than this. seven months ago, fatima gave birth to her daughter, lamia, and has struggled to feed her since. doctors have told us she is severely malnourished. translation: i want her to get better, to grow like other children. i don't want her to stay like this. i want her to to take her first steps and walk. but because of the war, she won't get better. it has left us with nothing. 4000 families used to rely on daud mohammed's clinic for basic health services. we used to care for the children suffering from malnutrition, we used to distribute aid, he says. but without any support,

it's been forced to close. outside, a man arrives with severe fever and urgently needs to be taken to the nearest clinic. with fuel so expensive, the car isn't an option. people have to make these dangerous and lengthy journeys through the mountains on foot. abdullah has been walking for over three hours, carrying his grandson in a basket. translation: we just can't afford to take a car here. i've been walking for hours with the baby on my back, because he needs to see a doctor. this centre was set up to provide with vaccinations and aid. now, it has to cope with life—threatening illnesses. it's overwhelmed. and it's notjust the clinic that is struggling. at this school, one of the few in the area still open, teachers haven't been paid for over two years.

but they still show up, hoping the children at least have a chance at a better future. nawal al maghafi, bbc news. with all the sport now, here's karthi gna nasegaram at the bbc sport centre. it was a pivotal weekend in rugby union's european champions cup. saracens booked their place in the quarterfinals. glasgow kept themselves in contention with a win over caridff blues, but it was in devon that league leaders exeter had a 3k points to 12 win over french league champions, castres, as patrick gearey reports. it's a rugby mystery. the curious case of exeter in europe. one of england's strongest sides strangely struggle in continental competition. jack nowell has an alibi. the england man's been out since november. and just under three minutes into his return from injury he did this. good timing for him ahead of the six nations. welcome back and see you later. the first clue as to

the chiefs' problems followed soon afterward,s though. all too easy for taylor paris to bring castres — the reigning french champions — level. without a win, exeter were out — cue the 0llie devoto show. his strentgh and skill created this try forjoe simmonds. johnny hill followed him over. now the chiefs look like the side top of the premiership. henry slade guided one perfectly down the runway for tommo flaherty to do the landing. a bonus point in the baggage. any remaining castres hopes were slayed by slade and a red card for their prop. how exeter must wish they had solved this riddle sooner. patrick geary, bbc news. it is time to pop out of the room if you don't want to know today's premier league results, as match of the day 2 follows soon on bbc one. manchester united's interim manager, 0le gunnar solskjaer, made it six wins out of six matches, as his side beat tottenham 1—0. also today, everton beat bournemouth. england's netballers have made a winning start

to their quad series, with a 511—41 win over new zealand. the commonwealth champions will play south africa and australia next. the first grand slam of the tennis season starts in the next couple of hours, with seven british players in action on day one. the focus though will be on andy murray, who may be playing his last—ever match, which has led to glowing tributes from two of the sport's all—time greats. joe wilson reports. in melbourne, andy murray warns us he has very little left. well, that's ok because he's given everything. he shared every emotion on court with some of the greatest men's players who've ever lived. the fiercest rivals can also be close friends. that is the essence of sport and that is why murray will be missed. it's sad notjust for me but for all the sport because andy is a very respected and likeable guy around the locker room. he is a great champion.

he is a legend of the sport without a doubt. murray's decision to stop is also a reality check. an era when the best male players seemed ageless can't go on forever. i was disappointed and sad — a little bit shocked, you know — to know now that we're going to lose him at some point but we're going to lose everybody at some point, so it's just that now it's definite. well, andy murray's lived in pain so long he's had time to imagine the end but, until the last ball is struck in anger, he admits he has zero motivation to do anything different. joe wilson, bbc news. that's all from us. now on bbc one it's time for the news where you are. hello.

this is bbc news with lukwesa burak. almost a fifth of councils in england have introduced a ban on begging, yet only ten of 244 fines issued have been paid. a new system that allows people to donate to the homeless via a contactless payment in the street is being piloted in peterborough to try and deter beggars. jo taylor reports. 28—year—old max says he has been homeless for two years, and has no choice but to beg. he is standing metres away from a sign saying he is not allowed to beg. the amount of money he makes varies from day to day. how much? £7.90. it's notjust money people donate. while filming, a passer—by gave him a jumper and food. that looks warm. yeah, a big woollyjumper. around the corner i meet andy — not his real name — who says he is homeless.

due to his circumstances, we have protected his identity. i got sacked injanuary because of the pressure of the job. my mental health went downhill. across england, 54 out of 302 councils told the bbc they have introduced a public spaces protection order prohibiting begging. but only 244 fines have been issued over four years, and only ten of those have been paid. some spare change, please, ma'am? home office advice is to only use the powerfor genuine anti—social behaviour, and not target the vulnerable. peterborough council banned begging last year, but have not issued a single fine, as they want to give those that beg the opportunity to get off the street first. now they are trying something new. a contactless donation point. you just put your card up to the screen and it will immediately take £3, which goes into a charitable donation. right.

we want to make sure the money goes to the right place so we can provide support to get them off the streets, so they don't have to beg in the first place. the money goes into this and it will fund a number of different initiatives. is it actually going to work in stopping people holding their hand out? this is about making inroads. it will still go on, but it's about to what extent. over three months, almost £1000 has been donated through the contactless point. that is helping to fund a new day centre which offers homeless people services. the main aim is to get people off the streets for good. jo taylor, bbc news, peterborough. and you can find out what happened to max and others begging in peterborough on inside out, tomorrow at 7:30pm on bbc one in the east of england — and then afterwards across the uk on the iplayer. stay with us for ‘the papers' in a few minutes — but first time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. hi there.

for many of us it has been another mild day today, but the weather is set to turn colder towards the end of the week ahead. we do have a whiff of winter in the air tonight, because we have got a cold front moving in across northern scotland, and behind that, yes, the air is properly turning colder, we will see a few sleet or perhaps snow showers pushing into shetland for a time overnight. it's a glancing blow of cold air and the cold really limited to scotland, where a frost will set in in the countryside. away from that, there is too much in the way of cloud or breeze for it to be particularly cold overnight. temperatures more widely round six to eight degrees. after a sunny and frosty start to the day in scotland, the weather will cloud over, and through the afternoon we will see rain arriving in the north—west of the country. there will be dry and bright weather elsewhere, but the mildest weather will be in southern and western parts of the uk, a glancing blow of cold affecting the north east, where it will feel much cooler than the weather we have had over the weekend. the cold weather doesn't last long, we are back into the mild stuff as we head into tuesday.

slow moving weather fronts will bring heavy rain to western scotland, and in the highlands, that rain could amount to round 50—100 millimetres of rain before it eases south wards. tuesday, temperatures for most of the uk reaching double figures, ten or 11. temperatures rising as well in the northern isles, with shetland, lerwick seeing a high of 7 degrees. through tuesday into wednesday, the weather front pushes southwards, the rain moves from scotland finally into northern ireland, and across into parts of england and wales as well. this area of rain is a cold front pushing southwards, some uncertainty the exact position through wednesday afternoon, but to the south of our front we still have the mild air hanging round, so ten degrees in london on wednesday. further north temperatures taking a tumble. cold enough for snow to move into the scottish mountains through wednesday afternoon, as the colder air arrives. as the cold air clears southwards we are into straight northerly winds coming down from the arctic.

as well as the colder air, for most of us there will be a lot of dry and sunny weather. after a cold and frosty start temperatures struggle somewhat. there will be some wintry showers in the north of mainland scotland and the northern isles, temperatures struggling, highs between three and seven degrees. hello. this is bbc news. we'll be taking a look at tomorrow mornings papers in a moment —