the covid vaccination programme shifts up a gear — with millions more people qualifying for the jab people in england aged 70 and over will begin receiving offers of a coronavirus vaccine this week. we are ramping up the vaccination programme every week, there's more vaccines available this week and it's important we get through those top priority groups as quickly as possible, and the most effective way of doing that is to keep the focus on the over 80—year—olds, but then start to vaccinate the over 70—year—olds as well. with those listed as clinically extremely vulnerable also qualifying — we'll be giving more details. also this lunchtime. new travel restrictions: international passengers must now test negative for coronavirus if travelling to the uk under pressure — borisjohnson is urged to give millions of families a "helping hand" — and extend benefit

increases worth £20 a week on shift with a welsh ambulance crew — we go behind the scenes to see how they're coping during the pandemic cricket — and england wrap up a seven—wicket victory over sri lanka — in the first test of a two—match series and coming up in sport on bbc news... phil neville leaves his role as manager of england's women. he's now set to take over at david beckham's major league soccer side intermiami. good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news at one. it's the first bit of really good news for a while — the government's vaccination programme is not only on track — it's beginning to pick up real pace. it's likely to achieve its goal of vaccinating the top four most

vulnerable groups by mid—february — which the government hopes will allow it to consider easing off some lockdown restrictions. more than 5 million people aged 70 and over or listed as clinically extremely vulnerable, living in england, will be invited to receive the coronavirus vaccine this week — with 10 new mass vaccination centres opening across england today. our health correpondent jim reed reports. the biggest vaccination drive in this country �*s history continues to pick up pace. ten new mass vaccination centres opened today in england from blackburn in lancashire, to taunton in the south—west, to st helens in merseyside. south-west, to st helens in merseyside-_ south-west, to st helens in merseyside. south-west, to st helens in merse side. ~ ., ~ ., merseyside. we can now think about auoin to merseyside. we can now think about going to the — merseyside. we can now think about going to the future _ merseyside. we can now think about going to the future with _ merseyside. we can now think about going to the future with a _ merseyside. we can now think about going to the future with a bit - merseyside. we can now think about going to the future with a bit more i going to the future with a bit more optimism. going to the future with a bit more 0 timism. , ., �* optimism. doing things we haven't done for 12 months. _ optimism. doing things we haven't done for 12 months. so _ optimism. doing things we haven't done for 12 months. so far, - optimism. doing things we haven't done for 12 months. so far, staff i done for12 months. so far, staff had been giving _ done for12 months. so far, staff had been giving jabs _ done for12 months. so far, staff had been giving jabs to - done for12 months. so far, staff had been giving jabs to those . done for12 months. so far, staff had been giving jabs to those in | done for 12 months. so far, staff i had been giving jabs to those in the groups most at risk from covid. top of the list are care home residents and their carers, the aim is to

immunise all of them by the end of this month. the over 80s and front line health workers are also in the first wave. at some places in england have now vaccinated 90% or more in those groups. they will now be allowed to offerjabs to the next two groups down the list, over 70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable, for example, those with respiratory disease or having cancer treatment. i respiratory disease or having cancer treatment. ., respiratory disease or having cancer treatment. . . ., u, treatment. i am confident we can meet our target _ treatment. i am confident we can meet our target mid-february, . treatment. i am confident we can i meet our target mid-february, the meet our target mid—february, the top four cohorts, the most vulnerable, 80% of mortality comes from the top four cohorts, they will be offered the vaccine by mid—february. it be offered the vaccine by mid-february.— be offered the vaccine by mid-february. be offered the vaccine by mid-februa . , ., , mid-february. it comes as the pressure _ mid-february. it comes as the pressure on — mid-february. it comes as the pressure on hospitals - mid-february. it comes as the pressure on hospitals in - mid-february. it comes as the pressure on hospitals in some| mid-february. it comes as the - pressure on hospitals in some parts of the country shows little sign of letting up. many wars are still busy as the health service deals with the winter wave of this pandemic. i don't think we will see the effects of the vaccine programme on deaths and hospital admissions until well into february so it's really important at the moment, that

everybody sticks to those social distancing guidelines, the lockdown measures that are in place. we know they are effective, they worked in april, and again in november and there are signs they are working again now. in there are signs they are working again nova— there are signs they are working aaain now. ., , again now. in scotland, the focus has been on _ again now. in scotland, the focus has been on vaccinating - again now. in scotland, the focus has been on vaccinating health i again now. in scotland, the focus l has been on vaccinating health care workers and care home residents with the plan to reach 400,000 a week by next month. in wales, mass vaccination centres have also been opened up and in northern ireland, more than 90% of care homes have been visited by a mobile vaccination team. it's thought there is enough raw vaccine in the country to last until at least february the government accepts the supply has been bumpy and those involved in distribution say something as simple as the weather could still throw the programme of track. it as the weather could still throw the programme of track.— as the weather could still throw the programme of track. if we got some reall bad programme of track. if we got some really bad weather, _ programme of track. if we got some really bad weather, snow _ programme of track. if we got some really bad weather, snow days - programme of track. if we got some really bad weather, snow days and l really bad weather, snow days and things like that, that could disrupt things like that, that could disrupt things and also, if you have, for example, a batch of vaccine which had to be put into quarantine because some safety tests done on

it, you have to remember this is highly regulated, the supply chain, that could delay things slightly. the government has said today if it meets its vaccine target and strict lockdown rules could start to be eased by march as immunity starts to take effect. any return to normal, though, will be gradual, unlikely to see a move back to the regional tiered system, rather than a sudden lifting of restrictions. jim reed, bbc news. in a moment, we'll speak to mark hutchings in wales and chris page in northern ireland, but first to alexandra mackenzie in glasgow. what's the situation there? almost a quarter of a million people in scotland have now received the first dose of their vaccine, the current priority group that is being worked on is care home staff and residents, the over 80s, and front line health workers. now, the government has said that they are on track to have these people vaccinated by the beginning of february, they are about halfway through, almost

halfway through. they have said this is dependent on supply. and there has been some concern from the british medical association that supply has been patchy within the community. and some gps are receiving some doses of the vaccine, other gps are not getting any doses of the vaccine. the scottish government has said this is a problem, not a problem with supply, vaccines are coming into the country and are going out to gp surgeries as soon as possible. the uk government has said this will improve each week. in has said this will improve each week. ~ ., , has said this will improve each week. ~ . , ., ., week. in wales, we have had the latest figures _ week. in wales, we have had the latest figures and _ week. in wales, we have had the latest figures and as _ week. in wales, we have had the latest figures and as of _ week. in wales, we have had the latest figures and as of last - week. in wales, we have had the| latest figures and as of last night, more _ latest figures and as of last night, more than — latest figures and as of last night, more than 151,000 people have had their first _ more than 151,000 people have had their first dose of the vaccine which — their first dose of the vaccine which equates to about 4.8% of the welsh _ which equates to about 4.8% of the welsh population and wales has been behind _ welsh population and wales has been behind the other uk nations in the pace of— behind the other uk nations in the pace of the — behind the other uk nations in the pace of the roller, the welsh government stressing they are moving as quickly—

government stressing they are moving as quickly and safely as possible. the first — as quickly and safely as possible. the first minister mark drakeford has walked into a bit of a row over the ptizer— has walked into a bit of a row over the pfizer vaccine, or supplies not expected — the pfizer vaccine, or supplies not expected to come to come to wales until the _ expected to come to come to wales until the beginning of february and the first _ until the beginning of february and the first minister says as a consequence, the doses have to be spaced _ consequence, the doses have to be spaced out — consequence, the doses have to be spaced out at mass vaccination centres — spaced out at mass vaccination centres to— spaced out at mass vaccination centres to avoid them running out and leaving vaccinated standing around — and leaving vaccinated standing around with nothing to do. those comments — around with nothing to do. those comments have been sharply criticised _ comments have been sharply criticised by many, including the former_ criticised by many, including the former welsh secretary stephen crahh, _ former welsh secretary stephen crabb, who says it is a sign of a go slow— crabb, who says it is a sign of a go slow process, denied by the government which says it will meet its target — government which says it will meet its target. the government which says it will meet its tar: et. ., , government which says it will meet its tarret. . , ,.,. government which says it will meet its tarret. . , . ., its target. the early pace of the vaccine programme _ its target. the early pace of the vaccine programme here - its target. the early pace of the vaccine programme here in - its target. the early pace of the - vaccine programme here in northern ireiand _ vaccine programme here in northern ireiand has— vaccine programme here in northern ireiand has led — vaccine programme here in northern ireland has led the _ vaccine programme here in northern ireland has led the first— vaccine programme here in northern ireland has led the first minister- ireland has led the first minister of the _ ireland has led the first minister of the devolved _ ireland has led the first minister of the devolved government - ireland has led the first minister. of the devolved government arlene f0ster— of the devolved government arlene foster to _ of the devolved government arlene foster to say — of the devolved government arlene foster to say that _ of the devolved government arlene foster to say that northern - of the devolved government arlene foster to say that northern irelandl foster to say that northern ireland is one _ foster to say that northern ireland is one of— foster to say that northern ireland is one of the — foster to say that northern ireland is one of the top— foster to say that northern ireland is one of the top performing - foster to say that northern ireland| is one of the top performing places in the _ is one of the top performing places in the world — is one of the top performing places in the world. so _ is one of the top performing places in the world. so far, _ is one of the top performing places in the world. so far, upwards - is one of the top performing places in the world. so far, upwards of. in the world. so far, upwards of 110,000 — in the world. so far, upwards of 110,000 people _ in the world. so far, upwards of 110,000 people have _ in the world. so far, upwards of 110,000 people have received i in the world. so far, upwards ofl 110,000 people have received at least _ 110,000 people have received at least one — 110,000 people have received at least one dose, _ 110,000 people have received at least one dose, more _ 110,000 people have received at least one dose, more than- 110,000 people have received at. least one dose, more than 20,000 have also— least one dose, more than 20,000 have also received _ least one dose, more than 20,000 have also received their _ least one dose, more than 20,000 have also received their second - least one dose, more than 20,000. have also received their second dose of that— have also received their second dose of that means — have also received their second dose of that means in _ have also received their second dose of that means in a _ have also received their second dose of that means in a place _ have also received their second dose of that means in a place where - have also received their second dose of that means in a place where the l of that means in a place where the population— of that means in a place where the

population of— of that means in a place where the population of about _ of that means in a place where the population of about 1.9 _ of that means in a place where the population of about 1.9 million - population of about 1.9 million people. — population of about 1.9 million people. we _ population of about 1.9 million people. we are _ population of about 1.9 million people, we are talking - population of about 1.9 million people, we are talking more . population of about 1.9 million i people, we are talking more than population of about 1.9 million - people, we are talking more than 6% of the _ people, we are talking more than 6% of the population— people, we are talking more than 6% of the population have _ people, we are talking more than 6% of the population have had _ people, we are talking more than 6% of the population have had their- of the population have had their firstioh — of the population have had their firstioh so— of the population have had their firstjob. so far, _ of the population have had their firstjob. so far, ministers - of the population have had their first job. so far, ministers are l firstjob. so far, ministers are very— firstjob. so far, ministers are very pleased _ firstjob. so far, ministers are very pleased at _ firstjob. so far, ministers are very pleased at how— firstjob. so far, ministers are very pleased at how it's - first job. so far, ministers arei very pleased at how it's going. there — very pleased at how it's going. there has— very pleased at how it's going. there has been— very pleased at how it's going. there has been some - very pleased at how it's going. there has been some public. very pleased at how it's going. - there has been some public debate, some _ there has been some public debate, some controversy, _ there has been some public debate, some controversy, about— there has been some public debate, some controversy, about the - there has been some public debate, some controversy, about the gap- some controversy, about the gap between — some controversy, about the gap between doses, _ some controversy, about the gap between doses, the _ some controversy, about the gap between doses, the likes - some controversy, about the gap between doses, the likes of- some controversy, about the gap between doses, the likes of the i between doses, the likes of the british— between doses, the likes of the british medical— between doses, the likes of the british medical association - between doses, the likes of the british medical association in i british medical association in northern— british medical association in northern ireland _ british medical association in northern ireland saying i british medical association in i northern ireland saying doctors should — northern ireland saying doctors should he — northern ireland saying doctors should be prioritising _ northern ireland saying doctors should be prioritising and i northern ireland saying doctors should be prioritising and theyl should be prioritising and they should — should be prioritising and they should have _ should be prioritising and they should have their— should be prioritising and they should have their second i should be prioritising and they should have their second job l should be prioritising and they- should have their second job within three _ should have their second job within three weeks— should have their second job within three weeks of— should have their second job within three weeks of the _ should have their second job within three weeks of the first _ should have their second job within three weeks of the first and - should have their second job within three weeks of the first and not i three weeks of the first and not three _ three weeks of the first and not three months— three weeks of the first and not three months as _ three weeks of the first and not three months as is _ three weeks of the first and not three months as is now- three weeks of the first and not three months as is now the i three weeks of the first and not| three months as is now the case however. — three months as is now the case however. the _ three months as is now the case however, the devolved - three months as is now the case i however, the devolved government is very, however, the devolved government is very. very— however, the devolved government is very. very clear— however, the devolved government is very, very clear that _ however, the devolved government is very, very clear that they— however, the devolved government is very, very clear that they are - however, the devolved government is very, very clear that they are on i very, very clear that they are on course _ very, very clear that they are on course to— very, very clear that they are on course to inoculate _ very, very clear that they are on course to inoculate everybody i very, very clear that they are on i course to inoculate everybody over 80, course to inoculate everybody over 80. all _ course to inoculate everybody over 80. all care — course to inoculate everybody over 80, all care home _ course to inoculate everybody over 80, all care home residents- course to inoculate everybody over 80, all care home residents and i course to inoculate everybody over| 80, all care home residents and all front— 80, all care home residents and all front line _ 80, all care home residents and all front line health _ 80, all care home residents and all front line health and _ 80, all care home residents and all front line health and social - 80, all care home residents and all front line health and social staff- front line health and social staff by the _ front line health and social staff by the end _ front line health and social staff by the end of— front line health and social staff by the end ofjanuary. - front line health and social staff by the end ofjanuary. all- front line health and social staff by the end ofjanuary. all set i front line health and social staff by the end ofjanuary. all set to continue — by the end ofjanuary. all set to continue they— by the end ofjanuary. all set to continue they think _ by the end ofjanuary. all set to continue they think what - by the end ofjanuary. all set to continue they think what has i by the end ofjanuary. all set to i continue they think what has been a -ood continue they think what has been a good start — continue they think what has been a aood start. ., ~ continue they think what has been a aood start. ., ,, , ., continue they think what has been a aood start. ., ~' ,, ., continue they think what has been a aood start. ., ,, i. ., ., ., ., good start. thank you to all of our correspondence. _ and our health editor hugh pym is here now. the vaccination programme looks to be well on track.— be well on track. indeed, we detect some optimism _ be well on track. indeed, we detect some optimism around _ be well on track. indeed, we detectl some optimism around government, be well on track. indeed, we detect i some optimism around government, and governments around the uk, as well

as westminster and nhs leaders. but here is a very ambitious programme, the biggest in the history of the nhs, for mass immunisation which is progressing reasonably well so far. around 300,000 a day, first doses administered over the last two or three days, in england, as we've been hearing, a roll—out from today for 70s and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable. that is not happening in every part of england, it depends on where the local gp helps have got through their initial priority groups and done quite a large proportion of the over 80s. so there will be some areas where the 70s and over don't here for a little while because their area needs to catch up. then, into a wider group, 15 million by the middle of february and then 17 million by april or the early spring. which is the 15—year—olds and over. and then, at that point, there is some debate about what happens next. that will have got through all the initial nine priority groups, indications

this morning from ministers that the teachers and shop workers and other public sector workers might be prioritised at that point. with every adult as we heard yesterday, dominic raab, the foreign secretary, saying by september, every adult would have been offered the first dose. now it's a very ambitious programme, it seems to be going well so far, but supply problems could always unhinge what has been planned. but i think it's fair to say so far, so good.— planned. but i think it's fair to say so far, so good. hugh pym, thank ou. new controls on travellers entering the uk have come into force to try to keep out variants of coronavirus from other countries. people will be asked to produce evidence of a negative covid test taken within 72 hours and almost all those arriving will be required to spend time self—isolating. fewer workers are now exempt. 0ur transport correspondent caroline davies has more. no queues, few suitcases. a near empty gatwick airport this morning. it is noticeably incredibly quiet inside gatwick airport today. to give you an idea of quite how

quiet it is, the airport says that they are averaging around 20 flights a day during the course of this week. now, that's by comparison to, say, a normal november, where it would be about 600 flights a day. anyone arriving to the airport from abroad today will have to show that they have a negative covid test taken less than 72 hours before they depart. when they arrive, they must now quarantine for ten days no matter where they have flown from in the world, or pay for a covid test on the fifth day. if it is negative, they can leave quarantine early. as well as airports, the policy applies to the eurostar and seaports, but won't apply to anyone travelling within the uk or ireland, or to some jobs like hauliers. few were travelling today. the first international flight didn't arrive until around 11:30am. those on board thought the system went smoothly. those on board thought the system went smoothly-— those on board thought the system went smoothly. you've only got three documents. — went smoothly. you've only got three documents. your—

went smoothly. you've only got three documents, your passport, _ went smoothly. you've only got three documents, your passport, test, i went smoothly. you've only got three documents, your passport, test, and| documents, your passport, test, and passenger locator for which you have time. it’s passenger locator for which you have time. �* , , ., ., passenger locator for which you have time. �*, , ., ., �*, ., time. it's straight through. it's a bit more hassle _ time. it's straight through. it's a bit more hassle but _ time. it's straight through. it's a bit more hassle but if _ time. it's straight through. it's a bit more hassle but if it - time. it's straight through. it's a bit more hassle but if it keeps i bit more hassle but if it keeps people — bit more hassle but if it keeps people safer, it's reasonable. the airline industry has broadly accepted the changes for now, but wants to know how the government plan to reverse them. quarantine is the thing that, obviously, kills demand, let's say, so the planning after this phase is quite critical and important to us. after months of very low passenger numbers, many in the industry are desperate. over the weekend, the aviation minister said that a support scheme for airport and ground operations will open this month. it's been welcomed, but some say it doesn't go far enough. even before the latest travel bans and lockdown measures and now the new predeparture test, we saw around about £4 billion worth of losses last year and, you know, hundreds of thousands ofjobs being lost. the government have said that more details of the scheme are yet to be released. today's new measures are intended to try and protect those in the uk from new variants that emerge

around the world. how long they'll be in place is the question that many are desperate to know. caroline davies, bbc news. the government is under pressure to extend the twenty pounds a week boost to universal credit which was introduced at the start of the pandemic. the higher payments, which cost an extra £6—billion a year, are due to stop at the end of march. a debate is due to take place this afternoon — but conservative mps have been told to abstain from voting. iain watson reports. universal credit is a new service that helps... universal credit is a new service that helps- - -_ that helps. .. you can receive universal— that helps... you can receive universal credit _ that helps... you can receive universal credit if _ that helps... you can receive universal credit if you i that helps... you can receive universal credit if you are i that helps... you can receive | universal credit if you are out that helps... you can receive i universal credit if you are out of work or on low income. last april with a country unlocked, the government put it about £20 a week with this temporary increase is due to run out at the end of march. cindy is the mother of two young children and says the extra cash has been essential. it children and says the extra cash has been essential.— been essential. it can be the piece of clothin: been essential. it can be the piece of clothing they — been essential. it can be the piece of clothing they really _ been essential. it can be the piece of clothing they really need, i been essential. it can be the piece of clothing they really need, that l of clothing they really need, that pair of new shoes in september i might not be able to buy and they are wearing shoes that are too small

are wearing shoes that are too small are falling apart. i have had two superglue shoes back together to get through an extra few months. hour through an extra few months. how much is universal— through an extra few months. how much is universal credit currently worth, with the temporary increase, the basic monthly payment has risen from just under £320 to nearly £410 and nearly 6 million people are eligible for some form of payment. the labour leader was visiting a centre where goods are distributed to food banks in south london. he has called a debate in parliament today to put pressure on government today to put pressure on government to extend the universal credit increase. ~ ., to extend the universal credit increase. . . , increase. we are still in the middle of a pandemic— increase. we are still in the middle of a pandemic and _ increase. we are still in the middle of a pandemic and the _ increase. we are still in the middle of a pandemic and the government j of a pandemic and the government wants to get rid of that buffer which is vital for those families. it's the wrong thing to do. i think many tory mps in their heart of hearts know it's the wrong thing to do. it's about priorities, put families first, keep this uplift. ads, families first, keep this uplift. a former conservative work and pensions secretary is calling for the extra payment to be extended for a further 12 months when the economy is rebuilt. ., ., a further 12 months when the economy is rebuilt. ., . , , is rebuilt. one of the great myths of universal— is rebuilt. one of the great myths of universal credit _ is rebuilt. one of the great myths of universal credit is _ is rebuilt. one of the great myths of universal credit is it _ is rebuilt. one of the great myths of universal credit is it is - is rebuilt. one of the great myths

of universal credit is it isjust i is rebuilt. one of the great myths of universal credit is it isjust an l of universal credit is it is just an out of work benefit, it's not more than a third of people on universal credit have been going out to work every day during a pandemic, they are on low incomes and we stand on the side of those people. i think now is not the moment for withdrawing it and that's quite regrettably, i will find myself probably supporting the labour party motion denied. the probably supporting the labour party motion denied.— motion denied. the cost of keeping the £20 increase _ motion denied. the cost of keeping the £20 increase would _ motion denied. the cost of keeping the £20 increase would be - motion denied. the cost of keeping the £20 increase would be around i motion denied. the cost of keeping i the £20 increase would be around £6 billion, that's the equivalent of a penny on income tax which would cost someone in an average income around £170 more each year. so the treasury is resisting any move to make the extra cash per minute. but the government still has not decided whether to extend the payment. the home secretary �*s line is that the government is spending £280 billion to protect and support those affected by the pandemic and she hit out at the labour party. i affected by the pandemic and she hit out at the labour party.— out at the labour party. i think it's a sorry _ out at the labour party. i think it's a sorry state _ out at the labour party. i think it's a sorry state of _ out at the labour party. i think it's a sorry state of affairs i out at the labour party. i think it's a sorry state of affairs that| it's a sorry state of affairs that the labour party want to play politics right now when we have a government that is delivering not just on people's priorities but delivering and making sure those in need are getting the help and

support they absolutely need because of coronavirus. the support they absolutely need because of coronavirus.— of coronavirus. the course of the pandemic — of coronavirus. the course of the pandemic has — of coronavirus. the course of the pandemic has been _ of coronavirus. the course of the pandemic has been difficult i of coronavirus. the course of the pandemic has been difficult to i pandemic has been difficult to predict and the government has already had to increase support to those who have been affected. its policy on universal credit may well be the next to be revised. and we can speak to iain watson now. might be the next to be revised but in the meantime, conservative mps are being told to abstain? either devote or against the labour motion _ either devote or against the labour motion. borisjohnson is advising his mps_ motion. borisjohnson is advising his mps not to vote with labour or against _ his mps not to vote with labour or against him — his mps not to vote with labour or against him because it could well be portrayed _ against him because it could well be portrayed if they vote against as being _ portrayed if they vote against as being against low income families at a difficult _ being against low income families at a difficult point up and down. if they— a difficult point up and down. if they were — a difficult point up and down. if they were to vote in favour as we heard _ they were to vote in favour as we heard one — they were to vote in favour as we heard one or two of them might, of course _ heard one or two of them might, of course that— heard one or two of them might, of course that would give keir starmer something — course that would give keir starmer something of a victory so they have been _ something of a victory so they have been told _ something of a victory so they have been told effectively to sit on their— been told effectively to sit on their hands, but perhaps some of the other— their hands, but perhaps some of the other reasons they are basically ducking — other reasons they are basically ducking out of this is the government simply hasn't made up its mind what— government simply hasn't made up its mind what to do when the extra £20 a week payment comes to an end towards

the end _ week payment comes to an end towards the end of— week payment comes to an end towards the end of march. i think the reason for that— the end of march. i think the reason for that is— the end of march. i think the reason for that is that there are different debates— for that is that there are different debates going on inside government, so for— debates going on inside government, so for example the chancellor as i was saying — so for example the chancellor as i was saying does not want to make this permanent but the czech treasury _ this permanent but the czech treasury is discussing whether it could _ treasury is discussing whether it could be — treasury is discussing whether it could be extended for perhaps three months _ could be extended for perhaps three months or— could be extended for perhaps three months or six months, or whether it is tletter— months or six months, or whether it is better to — months or six months, or whether it is better to give people a one—off payment — is better to give people a one—off payment. there is a meeting between the work— payment. there is a meeting between the work and pensions secretary, the chancettor— the work and pensions secretary, the chancellor and the prime minister last friday— chancellor and the prime minister last friday and they didn't come to any conclusion, but i do think the policy— any conclusion, but i do think the policy changes on its way, either very soon— policy changes on its way, either very soon ought certainly no later than _ very soon ought certainly no later than the — very soon ought certainly no later than the march budget.— very soon ought certainly no later than the march budget. thank you very much. _ than the march budget. thank you very much. iain — than the march budget. thank you very much, iain watson _ than the march budget. thank you very much, iain watson there. - the manchester arena inquiry has begun to hear evidence about the emergency services response to the attack. the parents of the youngest victim, eight—year—old saffie roussos, say a report they commissioned concluded she might have survived if she had received better first aid. saffie asked the paramedic whether she was going to die. eight—year—olds don't ask those questions. doesn't matter how hurt they are. our medical experts have suggested

that there was procedures that saffie could have had, and she didn't. she was losing that much blood and there wasn't a successful procedure in place to get that blood into safie. even in a&e. why? judith moritz is in manchester. what's been happening today? this mornin: what's been happening today? this morning the — what's been happening today? “in 3 morning the qc counsel to the manchester arena inquiry open the section of the hearings which will deal with the emergency response to the attack and he said that the issue of the survivability of a potential survivability of saffie roussos will be something that they will need to consider. let me tell you that for three years, saffie's parents believed she had died

instantly. they told me they derive comfort from thinking that she didn't suffer. experts who work commissioned by the inquiry found that saffie could not have survived but lawyers representing the family commissioned their own medical experts to produce a second opinion report and they disagree. they say it is possible she might have survived if treatment had been different. in particular they point to the fact they say that nobody used a tourniquet or to reduce the bleeding from saffie's legs and they want that to be examined. over the coming weeks and once the inquiry will look at the emergency response and the roussos family will get the opportunity to hear evidence from witnesses who were with their daughter in those last crucial moments of her life.- daughter in those last crucial moments of her life. judith moritz, thank ou moments of her life. judith moritz, thank you very _ moments of her life. judith moritz, thank you very much. _ our top story this lunchtime. the covid vaccination programme shifts up a gear — with millions more people qualifiying for the jab we are ramping up the vaccination

programme every week, there's more vaccines available this week and it's important we get through those top priority groups as quickly as possible, and the most effective way of doing that is to keep the focus on the over 80—year—olds, but then start to vaccinate the over 70—year—olds as well. and coming up in sport on bbc news... delight for england's cricketers, who wrap up a seven—wicket win over sri lanka in the first of their two—match test series in galle. a year ago this week, china ordered its first lockdown — to contain the spread of coronavirus. it was the moment which signalled just how deadly and debilitating the new coronavirus could be not just in china, but around the world. our china correspondent stephen mcdonell entered hubei as the borders were closing back in january 2020. now he's returned to the place where this global emergency started.

loudspeaker announcement it was the start of what would become a global health emergency. 60 million people were being locked down as we entered hubei province in january 2020. a year later, we've returned to see how people are faring. well, last time, actually at this exact point, we were stopped by a police roadblock. not now, though. in we go. we'll be inside hubei any minute. in this rural community, people tell us they're having celebrations,

like weddings, again. hubei province hasn't had a local coronavirus infection for seven months, and masks are no longer mandatory. as you can see, workers are back out in the streets, preparing their traditional foods in the way they used to. they certainly were not doing this in january last year. the closer we get to the regional capital, the busier it becomes. apart from the sheer number of those on the streets now, compared to this time last year, one thing you notice is a change of people's attitudes. there seems to be a feeling that the authorities now know how

to control these coronavirus outbreaks when they come, and that does spur confidence. next stop, wuhan, home to the world's first coronavirus clusters. it's now hard to imagine this city of 11 million people shut down — a lockdown, many here say, they don't regret. there's no doubt china has done well reining in the virus, but if you believe the propaganda, it's as if nowhere else at all has had any success. in the crucial early days of the outbreak, people were silenced here for trying to sound a warning, and we still don't know how the pandemic started. but, after months of hardship, the city first struck by the coronavirus is now

functioning pretty much as normal. and many around the world can only dream of returning to such a state. stephen mcdonell, bbc news, wuhan. russian opposition activist alexei navalny has appeared at hastily—arranged hearing in a moscow police station — where he's been held after returning to the country last night. authorities want him to complete a three—and—a—half year suspended sentence. they say he broke parole conditions by staying in germany after leaving hospital — where he was treated for a nerve agent attack which he blames on vladimir putin. he's accusing the russian president of acting unlawfully. translation: why is the hearing l being held at a police station? l why wasn't anyone informed? why was there no summons? i've seen a lot of mockery ofjustice, but the old man in the bunker is probably so afraid that they have obviously torn up and binned the criminal procedure code. this is impossible. what's going on here is lawlessness of the highest grade. let's speak to our

correspndent steve rosenberg. there has been international combination but does vladimir putin care? ., combination but does vladimir putin care? . ., , �* combination but does vladimir putin care? . .,, �* care? vladimir putin hasn't said an hinr care? vladimir putin hasn't said anything about _ care? vladimir putin hasn't said anything about alexei _ care? vladimir putin hasn't said anything about alexei navalny's returned to russia, last month he did deny that russian agents had been involved in the poisoning. i think there is no doubt the kremlin did not want mr navalny to come back to russia. the russian authorities have been dropping very strong hints in recent weeks that if mr navalny returned he would face legal action. he chose to ignore those hence and the russian authorities will certainly not bluffing. but the kremlin faces a dilemma here, because if authorities in prison alexei navalny they risk turning him into a political matter. a russian nelson mandela if you like. and sparking more western sanctions. but if they don't, alexei navalny, the

kremlin's most vocal critic, will probably remain a thorn in president putin's sighed. probably remain a thorn in president putin's sighed-— probably remain a thorn in president putin's sighed. thank you very much, steve rosenberg. _ england wrapped up the first test against sri lanka with a seven—wicket win — the first time they've won four consecutive overseas tests since 1957. it was all played out in front of empty stands. there was, though, one fan — who'd waited a very long time in sri lanka to see england's victory this morning. our sports correspondent joe wilson has more. 36 runs needed in galle. that's all. and here's how to score four of them. jonny bairstow. simple? well, a wicket would still have caused panic. how close was that? well, yeah, pretty close. and what if dan lawrence had been given out lbw here? now, that's close. what if sri lanka had decided to review the decision? they didn't. he remained. lawrence and bairstow were still together when the victory came. "yes," says bairstow. reward for days of play. it's tough to win matches away, but going back to south africa

last winter, england have now won four consecutive tests on foreign soil. they've not done that since the �*50s. there will be more, bigger challenges throughout this winter and beyond, but we are going in the right direction, and you can't ask any more from the players in that respect. this test should have happened last march, and one fan has waited in sri lanka since then. rob lewis was allowed to watch from galle's historic ramparts as a media representative. and after all his fortitude, the england captain phoned to say thank you. we've certainly enjoyed you being there supporting us, singing your heart out as well. i can't even tell you how happy i am this morning. yeah, it was certainly worth the wait. it was the something of my dreams, and much, much more than that. the rest of us waited at home to be transported to england's next test match. see you friday. same time, same place. joe wilson, bbc news. after experiencing its most

difficult period of the entire covid—i9 pandemic in december, the boss of welsh ambulance service says they are still under "extreme pressure". at one stage, 400 staff — that's 12% of all workers — were sick or self—isolating. paramedics and ambulance staff have been speaking about the daily pressures they face. tomos morgan reports. we were given a red coat for somebody who was unresponsive and not breathing, our highest priority of cold. ~ , not breathing, our highest priority ofcold. ~ , ~ , ., . not breathing, our highest priority ofcold. ~ , ~ , ,, . of cold. the welsh ambulance service have been at — of cold. the welsh ambulance service have been at their _ of cold. the welsh ambulance service have been at their highest _ of cold. the welsh ambulance service have been at their highest and - have been at their highest and rarest alert level since early december. this has been the most challenging period of the pandemic since it began according to those on the front line in wales. staff shortages, the need to risk assess everyjob, wearing ppe to each visit and normal winter pressures have created the perfect storm.

paramedics luke and steve work in cardiff and theirfirst paramedics luke and steve work in cardiff and their first call out is to help cathy an 80—year—old women, one of the most at risk from the virus, who needs treatment after a fall. . , . ., , , the fall. the ambience opened up. the use of ppe — fall. the ambience opened up. the use of ppe makes _ fall. the ambience opened up. the use of ppe makes even _ fall. the ambience opened up. the use of ppe makes even the - fall. the ambience opened up. the | use of ppe makes even the simplest tasks for the team challenging for both them and be patient. cathy can't see me _ both them and be patient. cathy can't see me smiling _ both them and be patient. cathy can't see me smiling under- both them and be patient. cathy can't see me smiling under here and sometimes a smile can put patients at ease that is really difficult. fist at ease that is really difficult. at one stage during the festive period, 12% of staff where isolating or sick due to coronavirus. so to help the service, 80 soldiers have been assisting for the second time during the pandemic. the army have never had to help out the welsh ambulance service until covid—i9 it. the length of time each call—out takes due to additional safety measures means that those patients with less

serious conditions may have had to wait longer. serious conditions may have had to wait longer-— wait longer. everyone is under immense _ wait longer. everyone is under immense pressure, _ wait longer. everyone is under immense pressure, a - wait longer. everyone is under immense pressure, a lot - wait longer. everyone is underj immense pressure, a lot more wait longer. everyone is under - immense pressure, a lot more people calling it 999. if there is no movement within the hospital, unfortunately the patients are stuck with us in the back of an ambulance. but those like cathy will always be grateful for the help of this team during such testing times. i think the are during such testing times. i think they are marvellous. _ during such testing times. i think they are marvellous. tomos - during such testing times. i think - they are marvellous. tomos morgan, bbc news, cardiff. _ time for a look at the weather. here's chris fawkes. in the last couple of hours the met office have issued a new storm warning, storm christophe on the way, bringing heavy rain with flooding likely on wednesday and thursday. this cloud we are looking out on the satellite picture, the big problem is it will bring huge falls of rain and of particular concern is the rain going into the

peaks and the pennines where we could