this is bbc news with the headlines... president biden is to outline his plans to tackle the economic crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic — we'll bring it to you live. articles of impeachment against the former us president donald trump, will be delivered to the senate on monday — paving the way for his trial to begin. new research suggests the new uk strain of the coronavirus may be more deadly than the original virus. there is some evidence that the new variant, the variant that was first identified in london and the southeast, may be associated with a higher degree of mortality. and, the european commission presses pharmaceutical giant pfizer over delays that have led to vaccine shortages in italy,

spain and germany. president biden is expected to outline his plans to tackle the economic crisis that's resulted from the coronavirus pandemic. he's announced a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan aimed to help small businesses and add $1400 directly into many americans�* wallets. we are waiting for the president to speak. we are waiting for the president to speak. let's get more — lebo diseko — our washington correspondentjoins me now. a little bit of a delay but when he does speak what can we expect from the president?—

the president? there is some really interestin: the president? there is some really interesting things _ the president? there is some really interesting things going _ the president? there is some really interesting things going to - the president? there is some really interesting things going to be - interesting things going to be signed off today. two executive orders that he's meant to sign. one looks at as you've said at financial help for people who have been affected by the covid crisis. they are looking at things like food stamps, increasing that money. increasing funding for families of children who usually receive free school meals. mr president biden has said this is going to be a priority addressing the financial challenges that have come as a result of the coronavirus crisis.— that have come as a result of the coronavirus crisis. when it comes to the stimulus — coronavirus crisis. when it comes to the stimulus package _ coronavirus crisis. when it comes to the stimulus package excel - coronavirus crisis. when it comes to the stimulus package excel for - coronavirus crisis. when it comes to the stimulus package excel for talk| the stimulus package excel for talk about $1.9 trillion. a figure that's absently staggering but necessary given what the us is going through right now. given what the us is going through ri . ht now. , given what the us is going through riaht now. , ~ ., given what the us is going through riahtnow. , ~ . ., right now. yes. we heard doctor anthony fauci — right now. yes. we heard doctor anthony fauci who _ right now. yes. we heard doctor anthony fauci who is _ right now. yes. we heard doctor anthony fauci who is now - right now. yes. we heard doctor anthony fauci who is now the i anthony fauci who is now the president biden as chief medical officer really outlining the fact that the us is still in a bad way. they are expecting half a million deaths by the end of next month at

least. there are a lot of challenges. and with this, people not able to work. people being laid off from work, businesses not being able to open in the way they might have been far. a lot of pressure and the president has said this is going to be what he goes to sleep thinking about and what he wakes up thinking about and what he wakes up thinking about every day. this about and what he wakes up thinking about every day-— about every day. as we monitor the live shot they _ about every day. as we monitor the live shot they are _ about every day. as we monitor the live shot they are we _ about every day. as we monitor the live shot they are we are _ about every day. as we monitor the live shot they are we are expecting | live shot they are we are expecting for him to speak eminently. this is the scene in washington. we are expecting presidentjoe biden to outline his plans in the white house state dining room, in fact. when it comes to his plans, they are ambitious, he has many of them and not least starting the roll—out of a vaccination programme for an awful lot of americans when it comes to the numbers in the first 100 days of his presidency. he the numbers in the first 100 days of his presidency-— his presidency. he has actually received some _ his presidency. he has actually received some criticism - his presidency. he has actually received some criticism from l his presidency. he has actually - received some criticism from people here saying that it's not ambitious enough. and that he set the bar

fairly low in order that he can reach that target of the vaccines delivering them to people. i think from his perspective he will be trying to show the american people that he can do what he has promised to do. he has set out a lot of targets. rememberthe to do. he has set out a lot of targets. remember the democrats, this very tiny root majority that they have in the senate, this 50—50 split with kamala harris as the tiebreaker. so getting some of these measures through it might be difficult. that is why you're seeing a lot of these measures being done by executive order it now. {iii a lot of these measures being done by executive order it now. of course it's this new— by executive order it now. of course it's this new dynamic, _ by executive order it now. of course it's this new dynamic, they've - by executive order it now. of course it's this new dynamic, they've got i it's this new dynamic, they've got that potential kamala harris pushing the votes over. but we know that president biden has so much experience when it comes to diplomacy and bringing people with them. we've heard him talk so much about unity. he wants congress on side to deliver this with the american people. he

side to deliver this with the american people.— side to deliver this with the american people. side to deliver this with the american --eole. ., , , ~ american people. he does but i think we are 'ust american people. he does but i think we are just in — american people. he does but i think we are just in very — american people. he does but i think we are just in very divided _ american people. he does but i think we are just in very divided times. - we are just in very divided times. the country is very divided at the moment. i think thatjoe biden might want to pursue this unity agenda. whether he will be able to is a different matter. there are lots of people in his own party that are saying you are not going to be able to do this. forget this.... saying you are not going to be able to do this. forget this. . . ._ to do this. forget this.... we remain in _ to do this. forget this.... we remain in the _ to do this. forget this.... we remain in the public— to do this. forget this.... we remain in the public health - to do this. forget this.... we remain in the public health crisis that led — remain in the public health crisis that led to — remain in the public health crisis that led to the most unequaljob and crisis _ that led to the most unequaljob and crisis in _ that led to the most unequaljob and crisis in modern history. and the crisis _ crisis in modern history. and the crisis is — crisis in modern history. and the crisis is only— crisis in modern history. and the crisis is only deepening. it's not getting — crisis is only deepening. it's not getting bader delete not better it's deepening. yesterday we learned that 900.000 _ deepening. yesterday we learned that 900,000 more americans file for unemployment. 900,000. theyjoined unemployment. 900,000. they joined mitiions— unemployment. 900,000. they joined millions of— unemployment. 900,000. theyjoined millions of americans who through no fault of— millions of americans who through no fault of their own have lost the dignity— fault of their own have lost the dignity and respect that comes with a 'ob dignity and respect that comes with a job and _ dignity and respect that comes with a job and a — dignity and respect that comes with a job and a paycheck. so many of them _

a job and a paycheck. so many of them never— a job and a paycheck. so many of them never thought they would ever be out _ them never thought they would ever be out of _ them never thought they would ever be out of work in the first place. and just — be out of work in the first place. and just like my dad did when he used _ and just like my dad did when he used to— and just like my dad did when he used to tie — and just like my dad did when he used to lie awake at night when i was a _ used to lie awake at night when i was a kid — used to lie awake at night when i was a kid staring at the ceiling, unable — was a kid staring at the ceiling, unable to— was a kid staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep because he was worried — unable to sleep because he was worried about whether or not he was about _ worried about whether or not he was about to _ worried about whether or not he was about to lose his healthcare. weather _ about to lose his healthcare. weather would have the money to pay the mortgage because of the economic circumstances. and now a lot of these _ circumstances. and now a lot of these folks _ circumstances. and now a lot of these folks are facing eviction. they're — these folks are facing eviction. they're waiting hours in their cars, literatiy— they're waiting hours in their cars, literally hours in their cars waiting _ literally hours in their cars waiting to be able to feel not feed their children as a guide to the food _ their children as a guide to the food bank. this is the united states of america — food bank. this is the united states of america. and there waiting to feed _ of america. and there waiting to feed their— of america. and there waiting to feed their kids. folks who are able to still— feed their kids. folks who are able to still keep theirjobs, many have seen _ to still keep theirjobs, many have seen their— to still keep theirjobs, many have seen their paycheques reduced. and they are _ seen their paycheques reduced. and they are barely hanging on. and wondering what's next. sometimes the anxiety— wondering what's next. sometimes the anxiety about what's can happen next is more _ anxiety about what's can happen next is more consequential than actually what happens. but this is happening today— what happens. but this is happening today in_ what happens. but this is happening today in america. and there cannot be who— today in america. and there cannot

be who we — today in america. and there cannot be who we are is a country. these are not— be who we are is a country. these are not the — be who we are is a country. these are not the values of our nation. we can not— are not the values of our nation. we can not wiii— are not the values of our nation. we can not will not let people go hungry — can not will not let people go hungry. we cannot let people be evicted _ hungry. we cannot let people be evicted because of nothing they did themselves. we cannot watch people lose themselves. we cannot watch people iose their— themselves. we cannot watch people lose theirjobs and we have to act. we have _ lose theirjobs and we have to act. we have to — lose theirjobs and we have to act. we have to act now. it's notjust to meet _ we have to act now. it's notjust to meet the _ we have to act now. it's notjust to meet the moral obligation to treat our fellow— meet the moral obligation to treat our fellow americans with the dignity— our fellow americans with the dignity and respect they deserve, this is— dignity and respect they deserve, this is an — dignity and respect they deserve, this is an economic imperative. a growing — this is an economic imperative. a growing economic incentives that we must act _ growing economic incentives that we must act decisively and boldly to grow— must act decisively and boldly to grow the — must act decisively and boldly to grow the economy for all americans, notjust— grow the economy for all americans, notjust for— grow the economy for all americans, notjust for tomorrow but grow the economy for all americans, not just for tomorrow but in the future — not just for tomorrow but in the future. there is a growing chorus of top economists that agree that at this moment of crisis with the interest— this moment of crisis with the interest rates as low as they are, historic— interest rates as low as they are, historic lows it is smart fiscal investment, including deficit spending. and they are more urgent than ever~ _ spending. and they are more urgent than ever. and that return on these

investments injobs in racial equity is going _ investments injobs in racial equity is going to — investments injobs in racial equity is going to prevent long economic damage _ is going to prevent long economic damage and benefits of going far surpassed the cost. if we don't act the rest _ surpassed the cost. if we don't act the rest of— surpassed the cost. if we don't act the rest of their world is not standing _ the rest of their world is not standing still in terms of the competitive advantage, parts abilities — competitive advantage, parts abilities at ours. our debt situation will be more stable and less stable according to these economies. an investment in our people _ economies. an investment in our people is— economies. an investment in our people is going to strengthen our economic— people is going to strengthen our economic competitiveness as a nation and help— economic competitiveness as a nation and help us— economic competitiveness as a nation and help us outcompete our competitors in the global economy. because _ competitors in the global economy. because were going to grow the economy— because were going to grow the economy with these investments. on the covid—19 package that passed in december— the covid—19 package that passed in december was the first step. as i sat at— december was the first step. as i sat at the — december was the first step. as i sat at the time it isjust december was the first step. as i sat at the time it is just a december was the first step. as i sat at the time it isjust a down payment — sat at the time it isjust a down payment. we need more action and we need to— payment. we need more action and we need to move fast. last week i laid out a _ need to move fast. last week i laid out a 2-step — need to move fast. last week i laid out a 2—step plan of rescue and recovery — out a 2—step plan of rescue and recovery to _ out a 2—step plan of rescue and recovery. to get through the crisis and to— recovery. to get through the crisis and to a _ recovery. to get through the crisis and to a better and stronger more secure _ and to a better and stronger more secure america. the first step of our american rescue plan is a plan

to tackle _ our american rescue plan is a plan to tackle the pandemic and get direct— to tackle the pandemic and get direct financial relief to americans who needed the most. you know, in 'ust who needed the most. you know, in just a _ who needed the most. you know, in just a few— who needed the most. you know, in just a few days it just been a few days— just a few days it just been a few days since — just a few days it just been a few days since i outlined this plan and its received bipartisan support from a majority_ its received bipartisan support from a majority of american mayors and governors — a majority of american mayors and governors. businesses and labour organisations have together welcomed it as an _ organisations have together welcomed it as an urgent action that's needed _ it as an urgent action that's needed. even wall street firms have underscored its importance. in fact, an analysis — underscored its importance. in fact, an analysis by moody's estimates that it— an analysis by moody's estimates that if we — an analysis by moody's estimates that if we pass our american rescue plan the _ that if we pass our american rescue plan the economy would create 7.5 million _ plan the economy would create 7.5 millionjobsjust in this plan the economy would create 7.5 million jobs just in this year alone _ million jobs just in this year alone. that would be on the way to more _ alone. that would be on the way to more than — alone. that would be on the way to more than 18,000,000, i think was 18,600,000 jobs that would be created — 18,600,000 jobs that would be created over the 84. with our build back better — created over the 84. with our build back better recovery plan. and with our american rescue plan our economy would _ our american rescue plan our economy would return _ our american rescue plan our economy would return to full employment, a full year _ would return to full employment, a full year faster than without the

plan _ full year faster than without the plan. even president trump's now, not some — plan. even president trump's now, not some liberal organisation, president _ not some liberal organisation, president trump's top former economic— president trump's top former economic adviser said quote, he absolutely— economic adviser said quote, he absolutely is in favour of this rescue — absolutely is in favour of this rescue plan. this almost doesn't have _ rescue plan. this almost doesn't have a _ rescue plan. this almost doesn't have a partisan piece to it. we are seeing _ have a partisan piece to it. we are seeing they— have a partisan piece to it. we are seeing they support because this plan takes a step that we so urgently— plan takes a step that we so urgently need. more thanjust a step. _ urgently need. more thanjust a step. a — urgently need. more thanjust a step, a number of steps. it funds bil step, a number of steps. it funds big parts— step, a number of steps. it funds big parts of— step, a number of steps. it funds big parts of the covid—19 national strategy— big parts of the covid—19 national strategy that we released yesterday. our national strategy puts us on a war footing — our national strategy puts us on a war footing to aggressively speed up our covid—19 response. especially on vaccines— our covid—19 response. especially on vaccines and — our covid—19 response. especially on vaccines and testings and reopening our schools. i find vaccines and testings and reopening our schools. ifind it vaccines and testings and reopening our schools. i find it fascinating yesterday — our schools. i find it fascinating yesterday the press asked the question, is 100 million enough? a week_ question, is 100 million enough? a week before there's a biden, you're crazy— week before there's a biden, you're crazy you _ week before there's a biden, you're crazy you can't do 100,000,100 days. well, _ crazy you can't do 100,000,100 days. well, god _ crazy you can't do 100,000,100 days. well, god willing not only do 100

million _ well, god willing not only do 100 million working to do more than that _ million working to do more than that but — million working to do more than that. but we have to do this, we have _ that. but we have to do this, we have to — that. but we have to do this, we have to move. the american rescue plan also _ have to move. the american rescue plan also includes economic relief for most — plan also includes economic relief for most americans who are in need. we are _ for most americans who are in need. we are going — for most americans who are in need. we are going to finish the job of getting — we are going to finish the job of getting an total of 2000 direct payments to folks. $600 which is already _ payments to folks. $600 which is already past is simply not enough. if already past is simply not enough. if you _ already past is simply not enough. if you still— already past is simply not enough. if you still have to choose between paying _ if you still have to choose between paying your rent and putting food on the table _ paying your rent and putting food on the table. we will extend unemployment benefits for millions of workers beyond the deadline that is not _ of workers beyond the deadline that is not set _ of workers beyond the deadline that is not set. it means that 60 million americans— is not set. it means that 60 million americans who are currently relying on unemployment benefits while they look for _ on unemployment benefits while they look for work can count on these checks— look for work can count on these checks continuing to be there in the middle _ checks continuing to be there in the middle of— checks continuing to be there in the middle of this crisis. the american rescue _ middle of this crisis. the american rescue plan — middle of this crisis. the american rescue plan also addresses the growing — rescue plan also addresses the growing housing crisis in america. approximately 14 million americans have fallen behind on rent and many risk eviction — have fallen behind on rent and many risk eviction. if we fail to act there — risk eviction. if we fail to act there will— risk eviction. if we fail to act there will be a wave of evictions and foreclosures in the coming

months — and foreclosures in the coming months. as this pandemic rages on for some _ months. as this pandemic rages on for some because there's nothing we can do— for some because there's nothing we can do to _ for some because there's nothing we can do to change the trajectory of the pandemic in the next several months — the pandemic in the next several months. so look, this would overwhelm emergency shelters and increase _ overwhelm emergency shelters and increase covid—19 infections as people — increase covid—19 infections as people have nowhere to go and can't socially _ people have nowhere to go and can't socially distance. the american rescue — socially distance. the american rescue plan asks congress to provide rentai— rescue plan asks congress to provide rental assistance for millions of hard-hit— rental assistance for millions of hard—hit families and tenants. this will also _ hard—hit families and tenants. this will also be — hard—hit families and tenants. this will also be a bridge to economic recovery— will also be a bridge to economic recovery for countless mum and pop landlords— recovery for countless mum and pop landlords who can't afford not to have _ landlords who can't afford not to have the — landlords who can't afford not to have the rent. but they can't wait. so on _ have the rent. but they can't wait. so on inauguration day i directed my administration to extend nationwide restrictions on evictions and foreclosures. these crises are straining _ foreclosures. these crises are straining the budgets of the states in the _ straining the budgets of the states in the cities and tribal communities that are _ in the cities and tribal communities that are forced to consider lay—offs and service — that are forced to consider lay—offs and service reductions among

essential— and service reductions among essential workers. police officers, firefighters, first responders, nurses— firefighters, first responders, nurses all at the risk of losing their— nurses all at the risk of losing theirjobs _ nurses all at the risk of losing theirjobs. overthe nurses all at the risk of losing theirjobs. over the last year more than 600,000 educators have lost theirjobs— than 600,000 educators have lost theirjobs in cities and towns. the american — theirjobs in cities and towns. the american rescue plan will provide emergency funding to keep these essential workers on the job and maintain — essential workers on the job and maintain essential services. it will also help— maintain essential services. it will also help small businesses that are the engines of our economic growth. when _ the engines of our economic growth. when you _ the engines of our economic growth. when you say solve business most people _ when you say solve business most people think the major corporate entities — people think the major corporate entities are the ones that hire everybody. these small businesses are the _ everybody. these small businesses are the glue of hope and their important these small businesses are the glue _ important these small businesses are the glue that holds these communities together. they are hurting — communities together. they are hurting badly. and they count for nearly— hurting badly. and they count for nearly half of the entire us workforce. nearly half. our rescue plan will _ workforce. nearly half. our rescue plan will provide flexible grants to help the _ plan will provide flexible grants to help the hardest hit small businesses survive the pandemic. and low cost _ businesses survive the pandemic. and low cost capital will help

entrepreneurs of all backgrounds create _ entrepreneurs of all backgrounds create and maintainjobs plus provide — create and maintainjobs plus provide essential goods and services that community so desperately depend on. i that community so desperately depend on iwork— that community so desperately depend on. i work with recovery plan also calls— on. i work with recovery plan also calls for— on. i work with recovery plan also calls for an — on. i work with recovery plan also calls for an increase in the minimum wage _ calls for an increase in the minimum wage of— calls for an increase in the minimum wage of at— calls for an increase in the minimum wage of at least $15 an hour. no one in america _ wage of at least $15 an hour. no one in america she works 40 hours a week making _ in america she works 40 hours a week making below the poverty line. $15 -ets making below the poverty line. $15 gets people above the poverty line. we have _ gets people above the poverty line. we have so many millions of people working _ we have so many millions of people working 40 — we have so many millions of people working 40 hours a week working and some _ working 40 hours a week working and some with _ working 40 hours a week working and some with twojobs working 40 hours a week working and some with two jobs and they are still below the poverty line. our plan includes access to affordable childcare — plan includes access to affordable childcare that can enable parents critically— childcare that can enable parents critically women to get back to work — critically women to get back to work. millions are not working now because _ work. millions are not working now because they don't have that care. all told _ because they don't have that care. all told the — because they don't have that care. all told the american rescue plan would _ all told the american rescue plan would lift — all told the american rescue plan would lift 12 million americans out of poverty— would lift 12 million americans out of poverty and cut child poverty in half _ of poverty and cut child poverty in half that's — of poverty and cut child poverty in half. that's 5 million children lifted — half. that's 5 million children lifted out _ half. that's 5 million children lifted out of poverty. our plan will

reduce _ lifted out of poverty. our plan will reduce poverty in the black community by one third and reduce poverty— community by one third and reduce poverty in— community by one third and reduce poverty in the hispanic community by almost _ poverty in the hispanic community by almost 40%. i look forward to working — almost 40%. i look forward to working with members of congress of both parties to move quickly to get this american rescue plan to the american — this american rescue plan to the american people. and then we can move _ american people. and then we can move with — american people. and then we can move with equal urgency and bipartisanship to the second step of our economic plan to build back better— our economic plan to build back better recovery plan. it's a plan that's— better recovery plan. it's a plan that's going to make historic investments in infrastructure, manufacturing innovation, research and development and clean energy and so much _ and development and clean energy and so much more. is going to create millions— so much more. is going to create millions more jobs. good paying jobs not minimum wage jobs. while we work with both _ not minimum wage jobs. while we work with both members of parties in congress — with both members of parties in congress there are steps that we can and must _ congress there are steps that we can and must take right now. for ekample _ and must take right now. for example, on inauguration day i directed — example, on inauguration day i directed my administration to pause student— directed my administration to pause student loan repayments for interest

for americans with federal student loans— for americans with federal student loans until at least september. so they are _ loans until at least september. so they are not good have to pay until september, they still pay the bill as it stands now but it will not accrue — as it stands now but it will not accrue interest and they don't have to pay— accrue interest and they don't have to pay until september. and we may have to _ to pay until september. and we may have to look beyond that, i might add _ have to look beyond that, i might add today— have to look beyond that, i might add. today i'm signing an executive order— add. today i'm signing an executive order that _ add. today i'm signing an executive order that directs the whole of government to help millions of americans who are badly hurting. it requires _ americans who are badly hurting. it requires all— americans who are badly hurting. it requires all federal agencies to do what they— requires all federal agencies to do what they can do to provide relief to families, small business communities. and in the days ahead i ekpect— communities. and in the days ahead i expect agencies to act. let me touch on two _ expect agencies to act. let me touch on two ways— expect agencies to act. let me touch on two ways these actually could help change americans lives. we need to tackle _ help change americans lives. we need to tackle the growing hunger crisis in america — to tackle the growing hunger crisis in america. one in seven households in america. one in seven households in america. _ in america. one in seven households in america, one in seven, more than one in— in america, one in seven, more than one in five _ in america, one in seven, more than one in five black and latino households in america report they do

not have _ households in america report they do not have enough food to eat. that includes _ not have enough food to eat. that includes nearly 30 million adults and as— includes nearly 30 million adults and as many as 12 million children. again _ and as many as 12 million children. again they— and as many as 12 million children. again, they are in this situation through— again, they are in this situation through no— again, they are in this situation through no fault of their own. it's unconscionable. the american rescue plan provides additional food and assistance for tens of millions of children— assistance for tens of millions of children and families to address this crisis — children and families to address this crisis. families literally cannot— this crisis. families literally cannot wait another day. as a result of the _ cannot wait another day. as a result of the executive order i'm going to shortly— of the executive order i'm going to shortly sign the department of agricultural will consider taking immediate steps to make it easier for the _ immediate steps to make it easier for the hardest hit families to enrol— for the hardest hit families to enrol and _ for the hardest hit families to enroland claim for the hardest hit families to enrol and claim more generous benefits— enrol and claim more generous benefits in the critical food and nutrition — benefits in the critical food and nutrition assistance area. this can help tens — nutrition assistance area. this can help tens and millions of families especially those who can provide meals _ especially those who can provide meals for— especially those who can provide meals for the kids. who are learning remotely— meals for the kids. who are learning remotely at — meals for the kids. who are learning remotely at home and not receiving the regular— remotely at home and not receiving the regular meal plans that they have _ the regular meal plans that they have at— the regular meal plans that they have at school for breakfast or lunch — have at school for breakfast or lunch we _ have at school for breakfast or

lunch. we also need to protect the health— lunch. we also need to protect the health and — lunch. we also need to protect the health and safety of the american worker~ _ health and safety of the american worker. right now approximate 40% of households _ worker. right now approximate 40% of households in america have at least one member with a pre—existing condition — one member with a pre—existing condition. just imagine, you're out of work— condition. just imagine, you're out of work through no fault of your own, _ of work through no fault of your own you — of work through no fault of your own, you file for unemployment while you're _ own, you file for unemployment while you're looking for a job, you find one and — you're looking for a job, you find one and you _ you're looking for a job, you find one and you get an offer. but then you find _ one and you get an offer. but then you find out— one and you get an offer. but then you find out if there is a high risk of your— you find out if there is a high risk of your getting infected with covid—19 because of your condition, you and _ covid—19 because of your condition, you and your— covid—19 because of your condition, you and your loved ones have an even greater— you and your loved ones have an even greater risk— you and your loved ones have an even greater risk of death and serious illness— greater risk of death and serious illness because of the pre—existing condition — illness because of the pre—existing condition. so you're turn it down. right _ condition. so you're turn it down. right now— condition. so you're turn it down. right now if— condition. so you're turn it down. right now if you did that you can be denied _ right now if you did that you can be denied unemployment insurance because — denied unemployment insurance because you're offered a job and didn't— because you're offered a job and didn't take it. it's wrong. no one should _ didn't take it. it's wrong. no one should have to choose between their livelihood _ should have to choose between their livelihood and their own health or the health— livelihood and their own health or the health of their loved ones in the health of their loved ones in the middle of a deadly pandemic. because — the middle of a deadly pandemic. because the executive order i'm about— because the executive order i'm about to — because the executive order i'm about to sign, i expect the department of labour to guarantee

the right— department of labour to guarantee the right to refuse employment that would _ the right to refuse employment that would jeopardise your health and if you do— would jeopardise your health and if you do so— would jeopardise your health and if you do so you'll still be able to qualify— you do so you'll still be able to qualify for— you do so you'll still be able to qualify for insurance. that's a judgement the labor department will make _ judgement the labor department will make. there are just two consequential ways that the action i'm consequential ways that the action i'm taking — consequential ways that the action i'm taking today will help people in need _ i'm taking today will help people in need. another way to help approximate 2 million veterans maintained their financial footing by pausing federal collections on overpayments and debts. another makes _ overpayments and debts. another makes sure that federal contractors who are _ makes sure that federal contractors who are shaming taxpayer dollars provide _ who are shaming taxpayer dollars provide their workers with their pay and benefits they deserve. they say are places _ and benefits they deserve. they say are places where federal tax dollars are places where federal tax dollars are administered and made available to bill— are administered and made available to bill things from ships to staircases. and we let out the federal— staircases. and we let out the federal government, let's the contract — federal government, let's the contract and we are going to make sure that _ contract and we are going to make sure that they buy american and are

made _ sure that they buy american and are made in _ sure that they buy american and are made in america. here's another, right— made in america. here's another, right now— made in america. here's another, right now they're up to 8 million people _ right now they're up to 8 million people that are eligible for direct payments from the cares act in the relief— payments from the cares act in the relief bill— payments from the cares act in the relief bill passed in december. they are entitled to those payments but there's _ are entitled to those payments but there's not an easy way for those folks _ there's not an easy way for those folks to _ there's not an easy way for those folks to access them. so we are making — folks to access them. so we are making it — folks to access them. so we are making it a _ folks to access them. so we are making it a priority today to fix that problem and get them to relief they're _ that problem and get them to relief they're entitled to. look, i'm going to close _ they're entitled to. look, i'm going to close and — they're entitled to. look, i'm going to close and summarise this way, a lot of— to close and summarise this way, a lot of america is hurting. the virus is surging. — lot of america is hurting. the virus is surging, we are for hundred thousand _ is surging, we are for hundred thousand dead, expected to reach well over— thousand dead, expected to reach well over 600,000. families are going _ well over 600,000. families are going hungry, people are at risk of being _ going hungry, people are at risk of being evicted, job losses are mounting again. we need to act. no matter— mounting again. we need to act. no matter how— mounting again. we need to act. no matter how you look at it, we need to act _ matter how you look at it, we need to act if— matter how you look at it, we need to act if we — matter how you look at it, we need to act. if we act now our economy will be — to act. if we act now our economy will be stronger in both the short and long — will be stronger in both the short and long run. that's what economist left right— and long run. that's what economist left right and centre are telling us. left right and centre are telling us both — left right and centre are telling

us. both liberal and conservative will be _ us. both liberal and conservative will be better, stronger across the board _ will be better, stronger across the board if— will be better, stronger across the board if we — will be better, stronger across the board if we act now. we will be better— board if we act now. we will be better able to compete with the world — better able to compete with the world if— better able to compete with the world. if we act now we will be better— world. if we act now we will be better able to meet our moral obligations to one another as americans. i don't believe the people — americans. idon't believe the people of— americans. i don't believe the people of this countryjust want to stand _ people of this countryjust want to stand by— people of this countryjust want to stand by and watch the friends and neighbours co—workers, fellow americans go hungry, lose their homes — americans go hungry, lose their homes and _ americans go hungry, lose their homes and sense of dignity and hope and respect. i don't believe that. and respect. idon't believe that. especially— and respect. i don't believe that. especially in the middle of the pandemic. that has so we can and wreaked _ pandemic. that has so we can and wreaked so — pandemic. that has so we can and wreaked so much havoc and cause so much _ wreaked so much havoc and cause so much pain— wreaked so much havoc and cause so much pain on— wreaked so much havoc and cause so much pain on america. that's not who we are _ much pain on america. that's not who we are the _ much pain on america. that's not who we are. the bottom line is this, we are in— we are. the bottom line is this, we are in a _ we are. the bottom line is this, we are in a national emergency, we need to act— are in a national emergency, we need to act like _ are in a national emergency, we need to act like we — are in a national emergency, we need to act like we are in a national emergency. so we got to move. with everything _ emergency. so we got to move. with everything we've got and we gotta do it together. i don't believe democrats or are going hungry and

losing _ democrats or are going hungry and losing jobs. democrats or are going hungry and losingjobs. i believe democrats or are going hungry and losing jobs. i believe americans are going _ losing jobs. i believe americans are going hungry and losing theirjobs. we have _ going hungry and losing theirjobs. we have the tools to fix it. we have the tools _ we have the tools to fix it. we have the tools to — we have the tools to fix it. we have the tools to get through this. we have _ the tools to get through this. we have the — the tools to get through this. we have the tools to get this fire is under— have the tools to get this fire is under control and our economy back on track _ under control and our economy back on track we — under control and our economy back on track. we had the tools to help people _ on track. we had the tools to help people so— on track. we had the tools to help people so let's use the tools. all of them, — people so let's use the tools. all of them, use them now. so i'm going to sign— of them, use them now. so i'm going to sign this _ of them, use them now. so i'm going to sign this executive order but let me conclude again by saying, folks, this is— me conclude again by saying, folks, this is one _ me conclude again by saying, folks, this is one of the cases where business. _ this is one of the cases where business, labour, wall street, main street, _ business, labour, wall street, main street, labral, conservative economists know we have to act now. not only— economists know we have to act now. not only to _ economists know we have to act now. not only to help people who are in need _ not only to help people who are in need now— not only to help people who are in need now but to allow us to be in a competitive — need now but to allow us to be in a competitive position worldwide and be the _ competitive position worldwide and be the leader of the world economy in the _ be the leader of the world economy in the next — be the leader of the world economy in the next year two and three going forward _ in the next year two and three going forward so— in the next year two and three going forward. so thank you, and get it signed _ forward. so thank you, and get it signed this— forward. so thank you, and get it signed this executive order.

president biden signing, about to sign the executive order for his emergency stimulus package. signing that $1.9 trillion stimulus package for a national emergency in which he said that the country needs to act. protecting the federal workforce. the country needs to act, the politicians need to act as though it is a national emergency. he spoke that he doesn't see democrats or republicans suffering he sees american sufferings. losing their jobs because of this pandemic. thank ou ve jobs because of this pandemic. thank you very much- _ jobs because of this pandemic. thank you very much- l _ jobs because of this pandemic. thank you very much. i haven't _ jobs because of this pandemic. thank you very much. i haven't heard - jobs because of this pandemic. thank you very much. i haven't heard the detail— you very much. i haven't heard the detail but— you very much. i haven't heard the detail but do that having some time to get— detail but do that having some time to get the _ detail but do that having some time to get the administration up and

running — to get the administration up and running i— to get the administration up and running. iwant to get the administration up and running. i want to thank the senate for passing — running. i want to thank the senate for passing on our secretary defense _ for passing on our secretary defense. what's our secretary of treasury — defense. what's our secretary of treasury, secretary of state is in place _ treasury, secretary of state is in place the — treasury, secretary of state is in place. the more time we have to get up place. the more time we have to get up and _ place. the more time we have to get up and running to beat these crisis the better~ — up and running to beat these crisis the better. , �* , ., the better. president biden they are bein: asked the better. president biden they are being asked about _ the better. president biden they are being asked about the _ the better. president biden they arej being asked about the impeachment the better. president biden they are i being asked about the impeachment of donald trump. his press secretary had a bit earlier on avoided that question. but we saw that they are that he was referencing a bit of time would be good for his new administration to get up and running. and they've got an awful lot to do as we've heard there. moral obligation, economic imperative to end the suffering of all of those americans who would not have lost their jobs all of those americans who would not have lost theirjobs and who are experiencing deep economic frustrations because of the pandemic. one of the things that stood out for me very much is there is nothing we can do to change the trajectory of this pandemic. yet they need to act quickly. yes.

they need to act quickly. yes, that's certainly _ they need to act quickly. yes, that's certainly what - they need to act quickly. yes, that's certainly what joe - they need to act quickly. yes, | that's certainly what joe biden they need to act quickly. yes that's certainly whatjoe biden is trying to do. interesting he said there are no republicans or democrats that lost theirjob just americans that have lost theirjob. that unity message once again for the top of course there will be republicans i hang on, just before christmas we agreed another stimulus deal for that we are not happy about this. i think he may have a little more opposition to some of the plans that he has to tackle the economic side of things, for sure.— side of things, for sure. when he, obviously he _ side of things, for sure. when he, obviously he was _ side of things, for sure. when he, obviously he was asked _ side of things, for sure. when he, obviously he was asked about - side of things, for sure. when he, obviously he was asked about the | obviously he was asked about the impeachment process just bring us up—to—date where we are on that. the up-to-date where we are on that. the democrats up—to—date where we are on that. tue: democrats say up—to—date where we are on that. he democrats say they up—to—date where we are on that. tte: democrats say they will up—to—date where we are on that. t'ta: democrats say they will deliver up—to—date where we are on that. tte: democrats say they will deliver the article of impeachment on monday. according to the rules as they stand the senate will need to take up a trial the next day by one o'clock. that is unless they come up with new rules. we are expecting over the weekend they are to be quite some negotiation between republicans and democrats in the senate over what happens next. democrats in the senate over what happens next-—

happens next. thanks so much for talkin: us happens next. thanks so much for talking us through _ happens next. thanks so much for talking us through that. _ happens next. thanks so much for talking us through that. yes, - happens next. thanks so much for| talking us through that. yes, we've just heard president biden outlined his emergency economic stimulus package. much more details coming up. good evening. most places that have been affected by flooding this week should have something of a chance to dry out over the weekend, because we have change the weather type, we have changed to something colder. we will see some spells of sunshine, we will also see some snow in places. what we have is low—pressure to the northeast, the remnants of storm christoph, which brought all the rain earlier in the week. with that low sitting to the northeast of us, it's driving a northerly wind, and that is going to be feeding quite a few wintry showers in through tonight, those showers moving in from the northwest, some sleet and snow, even to quite low levels, and some widespread ice with temperatures dropping to freezing or below. we could well get to —8 or —9 celsius across parts of eastern scotland. so, a frosty, icy start

to tomorrow morning with a covering of snow in places. a little bit of fog first thing as well for southern counties of england. as we go through the day, it turns into a sunshine and wintry showers day, really. those showers through the afternoon lining up across western scotland into northwest england, merseyside, the midlands, perhaps getting into east anglia. these could be wintry, even to quite low levels, but certainly over the hills. temperatures of 2—7 celsius, and it will quickly turn cold again during saturday night with a widespread frost. and then we're keeping a close eye on this little weather feature pushing in from the west. quite a small scale whether feature, and there is still some uncertainty about exactly how it will behave and just how far east or how far north it will get across the british isles. different computer whether models have slightly different ideas, but certainly during sunday, there is the chance for some snow across parts of england and wales, but don't take this chart too literally, there is uncertainty

about how far east and how far north that sleet and snow will get. but some places could well see a covering of a few centimeters or more over high ground. sunshine and wintry showers further north, certainly a very cold feeling day. some places barely getting above freezing. we start next week in the cold air, but that will change. milder air is going to surge in from the southwest, but with that milder air, we'll have rain bearing weather systems. so, more wet weather to come next week, worth staying in touch with the forecast because there could be further flooding.

this is bbc world news.

the headlines — leading democrats will deliver the article of impeachment against donald trump to the senate on monday. this paves the way for a trial for incitement of insurrection last week after the capitol was stormed by his supporters. there's evidence the new coronavirus variant that originated in the uk has a higher mortality rate than the original european strain. the new variant is more transmissible, but leading british scientistists believe it will still respond to the vaccine. the european commission presses pharmaceutical giant pfizer over delays that have led to vaccine shortages in italy, spain and germany. the company blames scaling up of production for the shortfall. google has threatened to shut down its search engine in australia if the government passes a law forcing digital giants to pay media outlets for news content.

you are watching bbc news. a 14—year—old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 15—year—old in birmingham. keon lincoln was attacked in broad daylight in the handsworth area of the city yesterday afternoon. witnesses reported seeing a group of youths armed with knives and hearing gunshots. sian lloyd reports. keon lincoln, described as a beloved son, who was full of life. police said he was subjected to inconceivable violence. the 15—year—old was attacked yesterday in the middle of the afternoon. this mobile phone footage was recorded soon after. forensic officers today continued to examine the street in the handsworth area of birmingham where it happened. witnesses saw a group of young people carrying knives, and shots were heard. police officers tried to give first aid before the ambulance arrived, but keon died shortly after being taken to hospital. this is a 15—year—old boy who has been murdered in the streets of birmingham. and our belief is that the other

people responsible for it were also round about that age. we know we've got a 14—year—old lad who's been arrested. his attackers fled in a white car, which crashed into a house a short distance away. why they targeted keon isn't yet known. people living here are shocked. the cycle of violence on our streets is of major concern. we've been seeking ways to make our streets safer for a number of years. our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of the young man. the 14—year—old boy remains in custody. police believe others were involved. keon's family are grieving a teenager who they remember as fun—loving, with an infectious laugh that lit up a room. they're asking anyone with information to come forward. sian lloyd, bbc news. with the government saying border restrictions are tightening to prevent the spread of covid—19, a former british ambassador has shared an image of what he says is a crowded heathrow terminal taken this afternoon.

the image from the former ambassador to turkey, france and the usa peter westmacott�*s twitter was posted this evening, saying it was taken at heathrow terminal two. four men have been sentenced to between 13 and 27 years in prison for the manslaughter of 39 vietnamese migrants whose bodies were found in the back of a lorry in essex in october 2019. the old bailey heard the victims suffered "excruciatingly painful" deaths when they suffocated in the container bringing them to the uk from belgium. 12 more people have died with coronavirus in northern ireland according to figures reported by uk government, taking the nation's total number of deaths to 1704. a further 865 new cases have also been reported, and a total of 151,039 first doses of the vaccine have been administered.

dr tom black is the chair of the british medical association in northern ireland. thank you so much for your time. bring us your reaction to another day of difficulty for northern ireland when it comes to the desk. we have seen a lot of deaths over the last few weeks in northern ireland due to the coronavirus. we have seen a lot of infections building up in the new year. the number infected each week is now starting to go down. unfortunately we have a lot of pressure on our medical wards and hospitals and that is reaching a peak in the medical wards. our is reaching a peak in the medical wards. 0ur concern is reaching a peak in the medical wards. our concern is that due to the lag period that next week we will see the biggest pressure probably on our intensive care units so that is ahead of us still. tote so that is ahead of us still. we have heard — so that is ahead of us still. we have heard the health minister in northern ireland said it is unrealistic to expect i'll lockdown restriction to be lifted on march the 5th. what is your reading and

would you concur with that? certainly the more strict your lockdown is, the greater the effect in terms of reducing the transition of the virus that is very important. we have a good solid lockdown in northern ireland at the moment and it is having an effect on reducing the transmission of the virus. and hopefully in hospital we will now see a reduction in admissions and hopefully over a few weeks' time a reduction in the pressure in intensive care. with the next 2—4 weeks are going to be very difficult for the nhs in northern ireland. flan for the nhs in northern ireland. can ou talk to for the nhs in northern ireland. can you talk to us _ for the nhs in northern ireland. can you talk to us with the new variant that been causing so many problems across the uk? tote that been causing so many problems across the uk?— that been causing so many problems across the uk? we have some cases a northern ireland _ across the uk? we have some cases a northern ireland but _ across the uk? we have some cases a northern ireland but not _ across the uk? we have some cases a northern ireland but not the _ across the uk? we have some cases a northern ireland but not the same - northern ireland but not the same extent as the south of england. but obviously it's a big concern and now we are told that there is increased fatality and it is causing an increase in transmission, that is a

real concern for the whole island of ireland and indeed for the united kingdom as a whole as well. in ireland and indeed for the united kingdom as a whole as well. in that case, kingdom as a whole as well. in that case. when — kingdom as a whole as well. in that case. when it _ kingdom as a whole as well. in that case, when it comes _ kingdom as a whole as well. in that case, when it comes to _ kingdom as a whole as well. in that case, when it comes to travelling, i j case, when it comes to travelling, i assume your advice is don't do it, stay put. assume your advice is don't do it, sta ut. ., , assume your advice is don't do it, sta ut. . , ., stay put. certainly. northern ireland stay put. certainly. northern lreland is— stay put. certainly. northern ireland is doing _ stay put. certainly. northern ireland is doing its _ stay put. certainly. northern ireland is doing its best - stay put. certainly. northern ireland is doing its best to i stay put. certainly. northern| ireland is doing its best to try stay put. certainly. northern - ireland is doing its best to try to stay put and reduce the transmission rate because this is how you stop the health service from being overwhelmed and we have seen northern ireland with operations being cancelled in their hundreds and some red flag cancer surgery having to be postponed. that's a real concern for those individuals and theirfamilies and real concern for those individuals and their families and obviously what we need from our community is not to travel about, not have as many contacts, reduce the stressors are right and honestly we have the vaccination programme which is coming through and northern ireland is doing an excellentjob in the vaccination and we have probably a higher percentage than the other three countries, which is good. ianthem three countries, which is good. when it comes to — three countries, which is good. when it comes to schools _ three countries, which is good. when it comes to schools as _ three countries, which is good. when it comes to schools as well, - three countries, which is good. when it comes to schools as well, a -

three countries, which is good. when it comes to schools as well, a lot - it comes to schools as well, a lot of parents concerned about their children public education of course. talk us through your advice where you think the situation should be with children returning to school. so the micro to his always try to reduce interest rate by reducing contact you have always had the view that the last ignition go is the schools. academic achievement and education of our children. obviously the easing of the lockdown should be guided by the chief medical officer and sheep scientific adviser and how they see the data and how they see transmission of infections we will gotta buy that. but always key to get children back to school if at all possible but at the moment we have got this great light at the end of the tunnel with vaccinations. we are doing a really good job throughout the uk in terms of vaccination and we want to be able to be in a position with a lockdowns that we get advantage from that reduction in vaccination, or sorry

the increase of vaccination and reduction in the deaths of the public as it is obviously what we all want. �* ., , ., ., public as it is obviously what we all want. �* ., i. ., .,, all want. and do you have those firures all want. and do you have those figures to _ all want. and do you have those figures to hand _ all want. and do you have those figures to hand or— all want. and do you have those figures to hand or you _ all want. and do you have those figures to hand or you are - all want. and do you have those figures to hand or you are with i figures to hand or you are with vaccination figures there? tote figures to hand or you are with vaccination figures there? we are at a hither vaccination figures there? we are at a higher rate — vaccination figures there? we are at a higher rate than _ vaccination figures there? we are at a higher rate than the _ vaccination figures there? we are at a higher rate than the rest - vaccination figures there? we are at a higher rate than the rest of - vaccination figures there? we are at a higher rate than the rest of the i a higher rate than the rest of the uk but i have not seen today the latest rate. all the countries have a very good vaccination system. the uk's not quite leading the world but certainly at the front of the queue for this with the pfizer vaccination programme for the health care workers and with the oxford vaccination here in northern ireland for the population.— for the population. doctor black, thank ou for the population. doctor black, thank you very — for the population. doctor black, thank you very much _ for the population. doctor black, thank you very much for - for the population. doctor black, thank you very much for talking i for the population. doctor black, i thank you very much for talking us through that, thank you. many more details on coronavirus on our website. more than 3.5 years after the deadly grenfell tower blaze, new figures show work to remove similar style cladding on residential tower blocks has been completed on less than half of the buildings that have it. the government identified almost 400

tower blocks in england alone that needed cladding removed. it says good progress is now being made, with work started, if not completed, on almost all of them. ministers say that's a significant milestone, but residents say its taking far too long. sarah corker reports. we have the same cladding that was on grenfell. another day trapped in an unsafe home. flat—owners like amy were told in 2017 that this block in sheffield had dangerous cladding, but repair work restarted last month and progress has been slow. the government seem to think that it's ok for 3.5 years, and they've literallyjust started to take a few panels off. it's not good enough. while the government's building safety fund is paying for this cladding to be removed, the building has otherfire safety faults that are not covered by the fund.

and they could cost more than £6 million to fix. so flat—owners are now facing repair bills of up to £50,000 each. where do the shortfalls in the fund leave you? financially unstable. in a position where we could go bankrupt, notjust me, but all the leaseholders. and i'm stuck in a building that's effectively unsafe, and it's absolutely terrifying. the £1.6 billion building safety programme was set up to remove grenfell—style cladding. ministers say 95% of blocks have had it taken off or repairs are under way. but analysis of new data shows that work has been completed on just 58% of social housing, while in the private sector, cladding repairs have been finished on only 30% of blocks. and those applying to the fund, usually building managers or owners, are concerned about parts of the contract.

the problem is there's a clause in here that says they'll have to pay for any repair works not covered by the fund, so an unknown and potentially huge cost is likely to be passed onto flat—owners. it's a growing national scandal. this solicitor specialises in housing law and warns that the fund doesn't go far enough. this scheme is significantly oversubscribed and underfunded. the result of that is somebody's going to need to pick up the bill, and who's that going to be? the contract makes clear that it's going to be the leaseholders. and that could potentially be tens of thousands of pounds, which of course could be ruinous. and these huge costs and delays are paralysing parts of britain's property market. more than 50% of the valuation requests that we get through, i we're unable to deal with. because of? because they're unsellable. a lender will not lend money on those properties. - the government refused our request for an interview, but told us

significant progress has been made removing dangerous cladding and ministers continue to press building—owners to make homes safer. but those living in flammable flats say it's taking far too long. sarah corker, bbc news, sheffield. more rain and flooding could be on the way for areas in england and wales that were already hit hard by storm christoph. flood warnings remain in place after thousands of homes had to be evacuated in england and wales, with around 400 properties being flooded so far. but the environment agency says over 27,000 properties in greater manchester, merseyside and cheshire were protected from flooding. retail sales saw the largest annual fall on record last year. official figures show sales fell by 1.9% in 2020 compared with the previous year. the pandemic hit clothing sales hardest, with a record fall of more than 25%. the release of the latest james bond film no time to die has been delayed

again as the entertainment industry continues to be hit by the pandemic. daniel craig's final outing as 007 has been pushed back for a third time. it is now due to reach cinemas in october rather than april. our entertainment correspondent lizo mzimba reports. it's nearly two years since no time to die started filming, but fans still face a long wait for the film to be unveiled. bond films cost a huge amount, and to make their money back, they need to take a huge amount at the global box office. the past isn't dead. with so many cinemas around the world closed, and no firm date for when they might reopen, the latest release date bond was aiming for, april of this year, was clearly becoming an impossible ask. it's disappointing for cinemas, who need films like bond as soon as possible, and for fans who've been waiting

more than five years since the last 007 film. but it's not all bad news. there is also a confident message to be taken from this for the cinema industry, which is that the producers of bond have pushed the film back, they've not put it onto streaming, they've not put in on video on—demand. they know that putting that film on the big screen is the best thing for audiences and for the future of the industry. today started out as - the best day of my life... other movies have taken the route of moving to streaming services. pixarfilm soul missed out on cinemas completely to debut instead on disney+. i did it, i got the gig! while wonder woman 1984 chose to make the film available on streaming services only days after its release in the limited number of cinemas that were open over christmas. no time to die might be tempted if a streaming service were to offer a massive sum of hundreds of millions of dollars, but elements like its complicated product placement deals make it much harder to make the switch from cinemas to streaming. 007 has saved the world

many, many times. the cinema industry is still confident it can do the same for them, however long it might take. lizo mzimba, bbc news. other films are available if you are disappointed. now the film review with mark kermode. hello, and welcome to the film review with me, mark kermode, reminding you that whilst cinemas may be closed due to lockdown, there's still plenty of new movies to be watched in the comfort and safety of your own home. in the 2014 film 99 homes, writer—director ramin bahrani