hello, good morning. this is bbc news with the latest headlines. the uk economy shrank by nearly 10% last year — the biggest drop ever recorded. whilst there are some signs of resilience overwinter, what's clear is right now, many families and businesses are experiencing hardship. are you still working? have you been furloughed? or have you lost yourjob? how has the pandemic affected your life over the past year economically? please do get in touch with your stories. on twitter, i'm @annita—mcveigh. the bbc has learned the rules for quarantine hotels in england will be less strict than australia's — allowing travellers to go

outside for short spells. the australian state of victoria announces a third lockdown — because of a cluster of cases linked to a quarantine hotel in melbourne. wales becomes the first part of the uk to offer a vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups. in england, the over—65s will be invited to have theirjabs from next week. democrat prosecutors finish making their case in the impeachment trial of donald trump, arguing he incited his supporters to attack the capitol building last month. the head of the tokyo olympics organising committee has resigned, after he was criticised for making "inappropriate" remarks about women.

good morning and welcome to bbc news. official figures have confirmed the uk economy shrank by more in 2020 than any other year on record — due to the coronavirus pandemic. gross domestic product — which measures the value of goods and services produced by the economy — dropped by 9.9% last year. figures from the office for national statistics show the economy did grow slightly in december, at i.2%, as some lockdown restrictions were eased. in the run—up to christmas. in the daily mail, the chief economist for the bank of england, andy haldane sounds optimistic. he says �*the economy is poised like a coiled spring' — and ready to rebound when lockdown is lifted and poeple

start spending again. speaking this morning, the chancellor rishi sunak says the economy had suffered a �*serious shock�* and that his focus was on supporting people through the crisis. i think today's figures show that last year, our economy experienced a significant shock. and whilst there were some signs of resilience overwinter, what's clear is right now, many families and businesses are experiencing hardship. that's why we've put in place a comprehensive plan forjobs to support people through this crisis, and we will set out the next stage of our economic response at our budget in early march. let's discuss this with our business correspondent, victoria fritz. good morning, victoria. we have the figures for the last quarter of 2020 which give the complete picture for the whole of 2020, so break that down. �* , , . ., the whole of 2020, so break that down. �*, , . ., , the whole of 2020, so break that down. �*, , ., ., , ., down. let's start with a bit of context. _ down. let's start with a bit of context, these _ down. let's start with a bit of context, these numbers, - down. let's start with a bit of| context, these numbers, yes, down. let's start with a bit of- context, these numbers, yes, give the picture for the whole year, they are worse than expected. they are twice as severe as the numbers we saw for a year during the global

financial crisis in 2009, on a par with what we saw 100 years ago when britain was just after the first world war, it had spanish flu, we are looking at economic depression, mass unemployment, we were looking at civil unrest in the form of coal strikes, that is where britain finds itself today. in terms of value, the economy is back where it was in 2013. it is interesting that the chief economist of the bank of england andy haldane has chosen to put a positive spin on this and said there is a lot of saving currently constricted and once that is released, britain will bounce back, as he says, like a coiled spring. what i would say is there are two things which are quite interesting. one is an overwhelming reliance on vaccinating our way to recovery. the speed and scale of any economic recovery seems to be very much linked to, certainly in terms of official documentation, to what we are going to see with the speed and scale of the vaccine roll—out. and the second is pretty widespread

relief that we didn't see a double—dip recession last year. we did see a little bit of growth when restrictions were somewhat eased. that poses a very interesting question, which is, what price are we willing to pay under some freedom, however limited, to get businesses open can a school is open, restaurants and the like? we have seen that in new zealand and the cost for them has been closed international bodies, that is the sort of conversation we will look at in the next few months. it is something — in the next few months. it is something we _ in the next few months. it is something we will _ in the next few months. it is something we will talk- in the next few months. it is something we will talk about more today in fact, victoria. in terms of last year, tell us a bit more in terms of the detail about which sectors have been hardest hit and i am guessing our viewers can absolutely tell what those are. yes. absolutely tell what those are. yes, they certainly _ absolutely tell what those are. yes, they certainly well _ absolutely tell what those are. yes, they certainly well and _ absolutely tell what those are. yes, they certainly well and we _ absolutely tell what those are. yes they certainly well and we are asking people to call us and contact us today to tell us what their experiences have been over the last year so do get in touch. yes, it is right across the board. where we saw some of the pick—up which is

particularly interesting is things like services and also construction and production. but one thing i would say about the recovery, the so—called recovery and bounce back everyone is expecting this year, it might not be quite as straightforward or optimistic as many people are hoping because we are unlikely to see restrictions ripped off like a wrung poll from f can of coke, that is not going to happen. repeated lockdowns are attritional physically, emotionally, mentally, you cannot open multiple factories and get back to work. investment has moved, perhaps overseas, and there is the delay time for the labour markets, we won't know what will happen in terms of the labour market until the furlough schemes end and then we will see the full effects of what this pandemic has done to britain and also brexit as well because we are in a post—brexit world. there is are in a post—brexit world. there is a lot going on in the tail end of this is likely to be felt for many more years to come.— this is likely to be felt for many more years to come. victoria, thank ou ve more years to come. victoria, thank

you very much- _ with me now to discuss this is ruth gregory, senior uk economist at the research firm capital economics. and david abrahamovitch, the founder and chief executive of grind coffee. good morning to both of you. thanks forjoining us. ruth, first of all, if your assessment of the figures, not a huge surprise, a tiny bit of pick—up in december which was a mixed month in terms of a little bit of opening up and then further lockdown. , of opening up and then further lockdown-— lockdown. yes, we did see the economy _ lockdown. yes, we did see the economy record _ lockdown. yes, we did see the economy record that _ lockdown. yes, we did see the - economy record that record-breaking economy record that record—breaking 9.9% annual contraction last year. but as you said, at least the economy did manage to record a pretty decent rate of growth in december as those covid restrictions, despite those covid restrictions, despite those covid restrictions being imposed later in the month. and we did see a recovery, quite a strong recovery early in december in shops, pubs, restaurants among other things. she said, that was enough to ensure that

a double—dip recession, so unlike in the eurozone, a double—dip recession will probably now be avoided in the uk. ., a ., ., , uk. overall, the uk economy shrinking _ uk. overall, the uk economy shrinking by _ uk. overall, the uk economy shrinking by a _ uk. overall, the uk economy shrinking by a record - uk. overall, the uk economy shrinking by a record amount| uk. overall, the uk economy - shrinking by a record amount more in 2020 than any other year on record. slightly mixed messages, i suppose, it is fair to say, from the bank of england. a lot of optimism from the chief economist andy haldane about pent—up demand for people who have stayed in theirjobs, who have been able to save really wanting to spend their money once they can, yet the bank of england is predicting a further contraction in the first quarter of this year so where does that leave is exactly?— quarter of this year so where does that leave is exactly? well, i think we did see — that leave is exactly? well, i think we did see the _ that leave is exactly? well, i think we did see the economy _ that leave is exactly? well, i think we did see the economy return - that leave is exactly? well, i think we did see the economy return to| we did see the economy return to growth in december, but i think this is unlikely to last. the current lockdown, the closure of schools means the economy will almost certainly take another step down in january. at least the economy has been building up an immunity to the covid restrictions and firms have found ways of doing business despite

those restrictions such as the widespread use of click and collect, consumers are shopping online, social—distancing measures have allowed it activity in some areas to continue —— allowed activity. and there has been an increase in home—working capability over the year. the good news is a third lockdown will be much less painful for the economy than the previous two but we still expect that step down in january. two but we still expect that step down injanuary. we are a bit more optimistic later on in the year. as long as the vaccines continue to be rolled out fairly quickly, provide protection against the various variants of the virus, then after the restrictions and the economic restraint in the first half of the year, the theme for the second half of the year may be one of perhaps a release of restrictions and a rapid economic recovery. let release of restrictions and a rapid economic recovery.— release of restrictions and a rapid economic recovery. let me bring in david, david _ economic recovery. let me bring in david, david abrahamovitch, -

economic recovery. let me bring in l david, david abrahamovitch, founder of grind coffee. in terms of what we have learnt about the full picture for last year, the fortunes of your business very much mirror that depending on whether we were in lockdown or not?— depending on whether we were in lockdown or not? yes, absolutely. my business is a — lockdown or not? yes, absolutely. my business is a bit _ lockdown or not? yes, absolutely. my business is a bit of _ lockdown or not? yes, absolutely. my business is a bit of a _ lockdown or not? yes, absolutely. my business is a bit of a unique _ business is a bit of a unique example _ business is a bit of a unique example because we have lots of high—street bars restaurants that are in— high—street bars restaurants that are in very— high—street bars restaurants that are in very busy parts of central london — are in very busy parts of central london that have become ghost towns so that _ london that have become ghost towns so that half— london that have become ghost towns so that half of the business is down 90% or— so that half of the business is down 90% or something, it has effectively been closed for a year now. we also have an _ been closed for a year now. we also have an online side of the business where _ have an online side of the business where we _ have an online side of the business where we sell coffee to people online — where we sell coffee to people online for our website and we have seen _ online for our website and we have seen 22 _ online for our website and we have seen 22 times growth in that part of the business. ithink seen 22 times growth in that part of the business. i think that probably mirrors— the business. i think that probably mirrors 6 — the business. i think that probably mirrors a lot of experience because those _ mirrors a lot of experience because those on _ mirrors a lot of experience because those on the high street have been absolutely battered by this. and it 'ust absolutely battered by this. and it just seems to keep ongoing at the moment — just seems to keep ongoing at the moment. to just seems to keep ongoing at the moment. ., . , ., moment. to what extent in terms of our moment. to what extent in terms of your online — moment. to what extent in terms of your online business _ moment. to what extent in terms of your online business have _ moment. to what extent in terms of your online business have you - moment. to what extent in terms of your online business have you been | your online business have you been able to promote and really push that to try to make up for the loss elsewhere in the physical shops?

yes, we were lucky that we started investing _ yes, we were lucky that we started investing in — yes, we were lucky that we started investing in that back in 2019 and we have — investing in that back in 2019 and we have a — investing in that back in 2019 and we have a huge social following at grind _ we have a huge social following at grind and — we have a huge social following at grind and we are fortunate we did that when— grind and we are fortunate we did that when we did because without that, _ that when we did because without that, we _ that when we did because without that, we would be in serious trouble _ that, we would be in serious trouble. but it still doesn't make up trouble. but it still doesn't make up for— trouble. but it still doesn't make up for a — trouble. but it still doesn't make up for a year trouble. but it still doesn't make up fora year of trouble. but it still doesn't make up for a year of loss trading through— up for a year of loss trading through ten or 11 physical sites in centrai— through ten or 11 physical sites in central london. it has been incredibly difficult and there are lots of — incredibly difficult and there are lots of people who are not fortunate enough _ lots of people who are not fortunate enough to _ lots of people who are not fortunate enough to have that other side of their— enough to have that other side of their business, you are basically 'ust their business, you are basically just sat — their business, you are basically just sat there now trying to stay alive _ just sat there now trying to stay alive. ., .., . .,, ., ., ~' alive. how concerned, as we look ahead to this _ alive. how concerned, as we look ahead to this year, _ alive. how concerned, as we look ahead to this year, are _ alive. how concerned, as we look ahead to this year, are you - alive. how concerned, as we look ahead to this year, are you by - alive. how concerned, as we look| ahead to this year, are you by the idea that people may continue in significant numbers to work from home and not return to those inner—city locations, though central city locations where businesses like yours are located?— yours are located? yes, it is a concern- _ yours are located? yes, it is a concern- i— yours are located? yes, it is a concern. i did _ yours are located? yes, it is a concern. i did a _ yours are located? yes, it is a concern. i did a podcast - yours are located? yes, it is a concern. i did a podcast the l yours are located? yes, it is a - concern. i did a podcast the other week— concern. i did a podcast the other week with — concern. i did a podcast the other week with william grant and the stats _ week with william grant and the stats coming out of that, a third

more _ stats coming out of that, a third more time — stats coming out of that, a third more time online,10 million more shoppers— more time online,10 million more shoppers this march versus us much online _ shoppers this march versus us much online. these trends are potentially damaging _ online. these trends are potentially damaging for anywhere that has a physical— damaging for anywhere that has a physical restaurant or store —— versus— physical restaurant or store —— versus iast _ physical restaurant or store —— versus last march. even if the numbers— versus last march. even if the numbers back to central london reduce — numbers back to central london reduce to— numbers back to central london reduce to 20% because people do one more day— reduce to 20% because people do one more day per week working from home, a 20%_ more day per week working from home, a 20% drop _ more day per week working from home, a 20% drop would be game over for many— a 20% drop would be game over for many pubs, — a 20% drop would be game over for many pubs, restaurants and bars in centrai— many pubs, restaurants and bars in central london. so it is scary and the sector— central london. so it is scary and the sector really does need urgent support— the sector really does need urgent support and it needs it sooner than the march — support and it needs it sooner than the march budget really. there support and it needs it sooner than the march budget really.— support and it needs it sooner than the march budget really. there is a lot for businesses _ the march budget really. there is a lot for businesses like _ the march budget really. there is a lot for businesses like yours - the march budget really. there is a lot for businesses like yours to - lot for businesses like yours to think about. ruth, victoria was alluding to this discussion around vaccinating our way out of the problem, out of the virus. do you see any risks around that as a strategy to get businesses back up and running, to get people back shopping, back into factories and so forth? , ,, . ., ,

forth? yes, i think clearly, further setbacks on _ forth? yes, i think clearly, further setbacks on the _ forth? yes, i think clearly, further setbacks on the virus _ forth? yes, i think clearly, further setbacks on the virus front - forth? yes, i think clearly, further setbacks on the virus front could l setbacks on the virus front could mean that those restrictions are keptin mean that those restrictions are kept in place for longer. so clearly, getting the virus under control will be critical to the recovery this year. i think as things stand, there are good reasons to think that after a difficult first stuck to the year, we may see, given the rapid vaccination roll—out, we may see the economic outlook stuck to brighton over the second half of the year —— difficult first to start to the year. big risks around the evolution of the pandemic. —— to brighten up over the second half of the year. to pandemic. -- to brighten up over the second half of the year.— second half of the year. to pick up on a point — second half of the year. to pick up on a point we _ second half of the year. to pick up on a point we had _ second half of the year. to pick up on a point we had a _ second half of the year. to pick up on a point we had a second - second half of the year. to pick up on a point we had a second ago, i second half of the year. to pick up i on a point we had a second ago, the budget in march, rishi sunak says thatis budget in march, rishi sunak says that is the next point at which the government will set out its strategy for the way ahead and david says a lot of businesses need some guidance before then. if they don't get it before then. if they don't get it before march, what at the very least would you expect to see the chancellor do in the budget? itruiith chancellor do in the budget? with the economy _ chancellor do in the budget? with the economy set _ chancellor do in the budget? with the economy set to _ chancellor do in the budget? tn the economy set to contract chancellor do in the budget? try

the economy set to contract again earlier —— early this year with the third lockdown, it will be imported for the chancellor to focus on supporting people and the recovery in the budget in march the 3rd. he is expected to extend the furlough scheme perhaps until the end of may and i think that is the right thing to do. i think the big risk really is that the chancellor raises taxes or cut spending and that undermines the economic recovery. i think that would be a big mistake. for the public finances, it could actually cause more problems than it solves. ruth gregory, from k make economics and david abrahamovitch, founder of grind coffee, thank you for your thoughts this morning. concerns are being raised about the rules for quarantine this hotels in england for travellers arriving from covid hotspots. the scheme is due to begin on monday, but the bbc has learned there are no plans for regular testing of hotel staff, and people will be allowed to go outside. the government insists

the rules are tough enough. ministers have also announced extra police patrols at ports and airports from monday. simonjones reports. returning home is about to be accompanied by a whole new set of requirements. if you arrive in england from one of the 33 countries considered high—risk, you'll have to go straight to a quarantine hotel. there'll be more money for the police to ensure this happens. patrols will be stepped up at airports and ports, so travellers arriving from covid hotspots follow the new rules. in scotland, new restrictions will apply to residents arriving from any country by air. the government's been speaking to the authorities in australia, which have been running quarantine hotels for almost a year now. where infections have occurred, lessons have been learned, such as the risk of the virus spreading in the air from people's rooms. all they found for some of these security workers that were in the halls of these hotels, particularly the one in adelaide, from the hours of cctv, the only thing that person was doing that caused them to get covid—19

was breathing in the hall. but there will be some key differences from the australian model. in australia, hotel staff are tested every day, but there are no plans for that in the uk. instead, staff with symptoms will be told to stay at home. in australia, all hotel guests must remain in their rooms at all times. but in the uk, people will be allowed out for fresh air or to smoke, if they're accompanied by security. security guards, for example, whether they be in hotels or not, they're being put at risk if they are having to accompany people, customers, to and from their room. that is something that the government should absolutely be putting in its guidelines. the government has secured 4,700 rooms in 16 hotels. people will have to pay £1,750 for ten days' quarantine. failing to follow the rules could lead to a fine of up to £10,000. ministers have insisted the changes, which come into force on monday, are measured and proportionate.

and simonjoins us now from heathrow. sign on, let's begin by talking about the practicalities of all of this and the website to book rooms in these quarantine hotels has been down —— simon. what is the state of play right now? it down -- simon. what is the state of play right now?— play right now? it hasn't got off to the best start _ play right now? it hasn't got off to the best start because _ play right now? it hasn't got off to the best start because the - play right now? it hasn't got off to j the best start because the website people are supposed to use to book one of these quarantine hotels was launched yesterday, it was up for just a short period of time and then it crashed. i havejust just a short period of time and then it crashed. i have just checked and it crashed. i have just checked and it still is not accessible this morning. the government says it is working to solve what it calls a small technical issue, it thinks the website will be back up and running later on today, it says that will give people enough time to book these hotels before the scheme comes into play on monday. but opposition politicians say this shows once again the chaos of the system and there have been calls for these

hotels to be introduced earlier, and some people say they should apply to far more people. haifa some people say they should apply to far more people-— some people say they should apply to far more people. how many people are likel to far more people. how many people are likely to stay — far more people. how many people are likely to stay at — far more people. how many people are likely to stay at these _ far more people. how many people are likely to stay at these hotels, - far more people. how many people are likely to stay at these hotels, at - likely to stay at these hotels, at least coming in from the countries which this scheme does apply to? well, at the moment, around 1&00 people a week are flying into the uk, having visited these coronavirus hotspots. the government thinks, though, overtime, hotspots. the government thinks, though, over time, that number will reduce as people realise now what is going to be involved. because anyone coming into the uk from abroad needs to have a —10 macro test within three days of taking their flight. —— a negative coronavirus test. once people go to quarantine hotels, they will need two further coronavirus test, one on day two and a second on day eight. if someone tests positive on day eight, they have to spend another ten days in the hotel, potentially looking at spending 18 daysin potentially looking at spending 18 days in a quarantine hotel. there is

of course the cost of this and people also have to fill out those passenger located form —— forms stating where they have travelled from and if people are not honest on that, the government say people could face ten years in jail. the government defending the system today against the criticisms, insisting it is fit for purpose and saying that our borders are some of the most secure in the world. {lilia the most secure in the world. ok, thank ou the most secure in the world. ok, thank you very — the most secure in the world. 0k, thank you very much for that. simon jones at heathrow. our political correspondent iain watson joins us from westminster. good morning. let's focus on the difference between the scheme as it is due to between the scheme as it is due to be run in england and as it has been run in places like australia pretty successfully, there have been some problems but, by and large, it has worked really well. yet the rules here won't be quite as strict. some people are asking, why or is the uk government not prepared to look at lessons from the australian quarantine system?-

lessons from the australian quarantine system? there are definitely some _ quarantine system? there are definitely some differences i quarantine system? there are l definitely some differences and elsewhere, i think there is still a lack of clarity even though the system will be introduced on monday for uk residents arriving back in england. i think what is interesting is that there is an obvious difference on this question of whether people would be confined to their rooms and what they had found out in australia is when guessing the initial stages were mingling, that lead to infections and they have even had the lockdown in victoria as a result of infections of quarantine hotels in australia even now. people are confined to their rooms here, people would be allowed out for a breath of fresh air or to go allowed out for a breath of fresh air orto go fora allowed out for a breath of fresh air or to go for a cigarette for example. what is less clear is the testing regime. we know travellers who come into these hotels will be tested as we heard from simon on day two and day eight. what is not clear is the testing regime yet for the hotel staff. we have asked the

department of health for this and some colleagues asked yesterday and i have asked again this morning, how regularly would hotel staff be tested? so far, they have said the government is rolling out systems of rapid testing, these are the lateral flow tests, for companies which have employees of more than 50 staff. it is not clear yet whether, if a hotel employs fewer than 50 people and the whole group employs more than 50, does the hotel itself get those tests or does each individual hotel have to employ more than 50? so there is a lack of clarity about the testing regime for staff at this stage which we hope will be cleared up stage which we hope will be cleared up at some point today. where there is also some difference as well within australia as well but certainly one australian state gives very much state—of—the—art, top of the range ppe and again, there are questions here about whether surgical masks that might be available to staff will be of the

same standard. so still a lack of clarity there, victoria atkins the home office minister, was asked on the bbc this morning about those differences and she said the whole system would be kept under review. i think we have to look at our own measures— think we have to look at our own measures in— think we have to look at our own measures in our own country. the hotel— measures in our own country. the hotel will, — measures in our own country. the hotel will, of— measures in our own country. the hotel will, of course, measures in our own country. the hotelwill, of course, be measures in our own country. the hotel will, of course, be adhering to all— hotel will, of course, be adhering to all of— hotel will, of course, be adhering to all of the very strict measures we have — to all of the very strict measures we have in— to all of the very strict measures we have in place in relation to social—distancing and facemasks and social—distancing and facemasks and so on _ social—distancing and facemasks and so on so— social—distancing and facemasks and so on so i_ social—distancing and facemasks and so on. so i think allowing someone a ullp so on. so i think allowing someone a gulp of— so on. so i think allowing someone a gulp of fresh — so on. so i think allowing someone a gulp of fresh air, apart from anything _ gulp of fresh air, apart from anything else, we know that being outside _ anything else, we know that being outside is — anything else, we know that being outside is less likely to transmit them _ outside is less likely to transmit them being inside. but i think allowing — them being inside. but i think allowing someone a gulp of fresh air during _ allowing someone a gulp of fresh air during a _ allowing someone a gulp of fresh air during a ten day visit in a hotel, with— during a ten day visit in a hotel, with all— during a ten day visit in a hotel, with all the _ during a ten day visit in a hotel, with all the very strict measures that we — with all the very strict measures that we have, i think is reasonable. people are not supposed to travel anyway unless in very specific circumstances and the government

will hope the sorts of measures will be a further deterrent to travel. and in addition to that, it is introducing some changes to the way countries can be added to the red list, i believe.— list, i believe. that's right, yes, a ma'or list, i believe. that's right, yes, a major disincentive _ list, i believe. that's right, yes, a major disincentive to - list, i believe. that's right, yes, a major disincentive to travel, i list, i believe. that's right, yes, i a major disincentive to travel, the first is, as you rightly say, it is illegal to travel on holiday at this stage. but equally, as restrictions perhaps shift domestically, there are questions to be raised about what still will be happening and controlling the uk's borders. if you are arriving anywhere from anywhere in the world and you arrive directly to scotland, you have to go into hotel quarantine. in england, if you arrive here is a uk resident, you go into hotel quarantine can if you are coming from a country on the so—called red list, 33 countries where these variants, brazilian, south african variant, are said to be quite prominent. it is to be the case the government then reviewed this every week as they used to do with the travel corridors back in the summer last year and could add

occasionally or remove countries from that list. but today, that is changing and head of hotel quarantine coming in on monday, they are now saying there will be a fast—track process and countries could be added to this red list with just a few hours notice. so you could find yourself out of the country and suddenly, very suddenly, the prospect of having to pay £1700 to quarantine in a hotel on your return. that will be a big disincentive to travel. you're not supposed to travel now at the moment, but what is worrying some conservative mps is this will last much longer than some of the domestic restrictions and it will be difficult to unwind and it could mean further disincentive for people to use the travel or anything —— or aviation industries in due course. in addition, it has announced there will be £2 million more for policing at airports and ports. again, police may ask, is yourjourney really necessary? a much tougher and more obvious this intensive for people to

try and travel if they are not supposed to do so at this stage —— obvious disincentive. supposed to do so at this stage -- obvious disincentive.— obvious disincentive. thank you, iain obvious disincentive. thank you, iain watson _ obvious disincentive. thank you, iain watson and _ obvious disincentive. thank you, iain watson and westminster. i obvious disincentive. thank you, i iain watson and westminster. the over—65s inning that will be invited to have theirjabs next week, a further sign things are on target. meanwhile, the welsh government says it has reached the target of offering a vaccine to everyone in the first four priority groups. every part of the uk is aiming to offer a first dose to people aged over 70, healthcare workers and the extremely vulnerable by the end of this week. wales' first minister, mark drakeford, has been talking about a potential road map out of lockdown. here in wales, numbers of people infected with coronavirus continue to go down. if that can be sustained over the weeks to come, then we can see a pathway into the spring in which we will be able to restore freedoms to people

that they've had to go without while we've been in this second wave. but that is a very big if, because there are so many unknowns. new variants that are happening in different parts of the world that could make a difference here in the united kingdom. but with vaccination and with numbers falling, provided we reopen society carefully and cautiously, and don't allow the virus to get away from us again, we can see a path into the spring where it will be possible for us to go back to doing some of the things that we're all missing so much. well, in that interview, mr drakeford also suggested that easter might be the time to start reopening some parts of the economy. we've got easter at the beginning of april this year. it's always a very important moment for our tourism and hospitality industry. we are talking with them about what might be possible around the easter period, but it is all very much caveated

in the way that you did in asking me the question. but the current progress that is being made can continue, and that in a careful and cautious way, we look to reopen things. but that is, those are amongst the dates that we are using in our conversations with businesses and workers here in wales. mark drakeford, mark dra keford, first mark drakeford, first minister of wales. a five—day lockdown has been imposed in the australian state of victoria, following a cluster of covid cases linked to a quarantine hotel for returning travellers at melbourne airport. 13 cases of the uk virus variant have so far. variant have so far been identified. the government has said the australian open tennis tournament will continue in melbourne, but without spectators. our correspondent in australia, phil mercer, has the latest. disappointing news for australia, and also for those thousands of tennis fans who would have had tickets for the weekend's

play, going into next week at melbourne park. so for at least the next five days, those tennis fans will have to watch events unfold on the television. but of course, this goes far beyond the world of sport. millions of people are now subject to stay—at—home orders, or they will be in the next seven or eight hours. schools will close and masks will be mandatory. and the state government in victoria, it's australia's second most populous state, says that a circuit breaker is needed in order to curb these outbreaks that were first detected at that quarantine hotel for returned travellers at melbourne airport. the authorities believe that a nebuliser, this vaporiser — it turns medicine into a vapour — was probably the source of the uk variant infections that have now tested positive within 13 people.

other experts believe that poor ventilation in those quarantine hotels could be allowing the virus to spread. what we do know is that those snap lockdowns in other parts of australia appear to have worked, and that's what we get the sense from victorian authorities — they are pinning their hopes that this sudden, five—day lockdown will be doing the trick, will confine people essentially to barracks. in the meantime, that will allow them to track down all known cases of the virus and life can begin to return to some sort of normality. so, the next five days will be pivotal, as melbourne and the entire state of victoria goes into another lockdown. to the us. lawyers for donald trump will start presenting their defence of the former president at his impeachment trial in the us senate this afternoon. last night, democrat prosecutors finished making their case and urged senators to convict mr trump,

arguing that he incited his supporters to attack the capitol building last month. barbara plett usher has this report from washington. after reconstructing the anatomy of the riot in brutal detail, the prosecution rested its case. if you don't find this a high crime and misdemeanor today, you have set a new terrible standard for presidential misconduct in the united states of america. democrats focused their second day on donald trump's role and his alleged intent, arguing that the violence was foreseeable and he wilfully encouraged it. they sought to demonstrate that mr trump had a history of inciting political violence, and that his supporters listened and got the message. the security guys, we have wonderful security guys, they said, "mrtrump, there may be somebody with tomatoes in the audience." so if you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of him, would you? seriously. the rioters at the capitol building did believe they were following

the president's orders. their own words presented as evidence. we were invited by the president of the united states! the defence takes over now. mr trump's lawyers are under pressure to step up their game, after a bumbling performance that angered him. they'll make the case that his fiery rhetoric wasn't meant literally, and that he has the right to freedom of speech. republicans were shaken by the democrats' graphic video evidence, but mr trump's lawyers will argue that he never intended for the violence to happen. and they're expected to be brief — not more than a day — suggesting they're confident they have the votes to acquit him. barbara plett—usher, bbc news, washington. a serial sex offender will be sentenced later today, after being found guilty of raping and murdering university student libby squire. pawel relowicz attacked the 21—year—old as she made her way home after a night out in hull

two years ago. jurors heard relowicz had previously committed a string of offences against women. he was convicted yesterday after a three—week trial at sheffield crown court. emergency services have warned members of the public to stay away from a large fire on dartmoor. firefighters worked through the night to try and contain the flames which took hold of grassland near tavistock and spread to an area three miles wide. strong winds and poor visibility made it extremely dangerous to tackle the fire, but no homes are under threat. archaelogists say they've found evidence that part of stonehenge is second hand — and was orginally put together in wales. a team from university college london believe there are key elements linking stonehenge to the remains of a welsh ancient stone circle. they say it could give the answer to one of the great mysteries about the monument — why its stones came from so far away, rather than a local quarry. now it's time for a

look at the weather. matt taylor has the details. it wasn't quite as cold last night as the night before, was it? it's not often we get to say it was warmer last night when you have a temperature of —15 in parts of north yorkshire and the highlands. but not as cold at this time yesterday. but still every bit as chilly out there through today and tomorrow because the wind is set to increase. you will notice a marked wind—chill across the country, the wind bringing the return of snow showers today across the north—east of england, already falling in north—east scotland, adding to the snow already there. the cloud we have to the west will break up more and sunny spells developing. the strongest wind touching gale force at times, not helping with fighting that wildfire. the wind will make it feel more like “4 or —5 this afternoon was that most of the show to eastern scotland tonight. later tonight and into tomorrow, get ready

for a spell of snow in northern ireland. widespread frost across many areas. it's could cause disruption in northern ireland tomorrow, fizzling out across the western areas and then as we going to sunday, weather fronts coming in, south—westerly winds, and it will turn milder. this is bbc news with the latest headlines. i'm annita mcveigh. the uk economy shrank by nearly 10% last year — the biggest drop ever recorded. the chancellor says the economy has experienced a serious shock as a result of the pandemic. the bbc has learned the rules for quarantine hotels in england will be less strict than australia's — allowing travellers to go outside for short spells. the australian state of victoria announces a third lockdown — because of a cluster of cases linked to a quarantine hotel in melbourne. wales has become the first part of the uk to offer a coronavirus vaccine to everyone

in the top four priority groups. in england, the over—65s will be invited to have theirjabs from next week. democrat prosecutors finish making their case in the impeachment trial of donald trump, arguing he incited his supporters to attack the capitol building last month. after the sport we hear more on the concerns raised for quarantine hotels in england for those arriving from covid hotspots with the chief executive of the travel association. sport and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. mike bushell, it's good the tennis can continue in australia, even if unfortunately for the moment the spectators can't be there. thea;r unfortunately for the moment the spectators can't be there. they are still at the moment. _ spectators can't be there. they are still at the moment. but, - spectators can't be there. they are still at the moment. but, at - still at the moment. but, at midnight tonight australia time, they won't be. good morning. let's start in melbourne, where the clock is ticking for fans

at the australian open. a new coronavirus lockdown begins in the state of victoria at midnight — meaning there will be no spectators allowed at the tournament from then until wednesday at the earliest. our tennis correspondent russell fuller is here. the authorities really moving quickly on this to contain the latest outbreak.— quickly on this to contain the latest outbreak. . ., , ., , ., , latest outbreak. ya, a short, sharp shock, they _ latest outbreak. ya, a short, sharp shock, they describe _ latest outbreak. ya, a short, sharp shock, they describe it _ latest outbreak. ya, a short, sharp shock, they describe it as - latest outbreak. ya, a short, sharp shock, they describe it as a - latest outbreak. ya, a short, sharp shock, they describe it as a circuit| shock, they describe it as a circuit breaker, but the restrictions those in victoria are under for the next five days will be like those in the uk at the moment. in just over three hours' time people will need to be at home. tonight's matches may well finish with empty stadio, potentially, if they are late finishes, and for the next five days, matches will continue, because professional athletes are deemed essential workers, professional athletes are deemed essentialworkers, but professional athletes are deemed essential workers, but there will be no crowd to stop cameron norrie's big match against rafa nadal in the third round, saturday night in the rod laver arena, saturday morning in the uk, there will be closed doors but the hope is fans will be allowed

back for the semifinals from thursday. back for the semifinals from thursday-_ back for the semifinals from thursda. �*, .,, back for the semifinals from thursda. �*, thursday. let's hope so. fans lucky enou:h thursday. let's hope so. fans lucky enou . h to thursday. let's hope so. fans lucky enough to be _ thursday. let's hope so. fans lucky enough to be there _ thursday. let's hope so. fans lucky enough to be there are _ thursday. let's hope so. fans lucky enough to be there are making - enough to be there are making themselves heard as australian favourite nick kyrgios is on court. he is playing a spectacular match against the third seed, the last year runner—up in the us open, dominic thiem. he hasjust broken dominic thiem. he hasjust broken dominic thiem. he hasjust broken dominic thiem to lead the second set 5-4. he dominic thiem to lead the second set 5—4. he looks like he is playing to lift the morale of a state that knows it will be restricted by lockdown for the next five days. he is as animated as i have ever seen him before. dominic thiem, so far, has very little answer. kyrgios is trying to win and do it before lockdown because the last thing he wants is the stadium empathy with people heading home. what wants is the stadium empathy with people heading home.— wants is the stadium empathy with people heading home. what about the other highlights _ people heading home. what about the other highlights in _ people heading home. what about the other highlights in court _ people heading home. what about the other highlights in court today? - other highlights in court today? it's good news for the leading names in the women's draw. a win for serena williams. she struggled in

the first set in her match against anastasia potapova. she was a set down but then won in straight sets. simona halep hasjust won down but then won in straight sets. simona halep has just won through as well, the reigning wimbledon champion for top and garbine muguruza. in the doubles, jamie murray and bruno soares through to the third round. heather watson and her partner fernando is through to the third round. joe salisbury kicked off his mixed doubles campaign with a win as well. so much to kee on campaign with a win as well. so much to keep on top _ campaign with a win as well. so much to keep on top of- _ campaign with a win as well. so much to keep on top of. you _ campaign with a win as well. so much to keep on top of. you mentioned - to keep on top of. you mentioned naomi osaka. a lovely moment from that match. she is through to the fourth round. but she had to deal with an unexpected guest on court in melbourne. a butterfly doing it's best to put her off. is that a red admiral, i'm not quite sure of australian species of butterflies. she does well not to be put off too much. rather a nice moment. moving away from the tennis

now, and back home. we have the final eight in the fa cup. chelsea were the last team to book their place in the quarterfinals, but it wasn't easy. a much—changed side struggled against the championship side barnsley, but they did eventually make a breakthrough. tammy abraham with the only goal of the game at oakwell. they play sheffield united in the quarters. southampton are also through to the last eight. they beat wolves 2—0 at molineux, with stuart armstrong's late strike, meaning a tie next against their south coast neighbours bournemouth next month. the man in charge of the tokyo olympics organising committee has resigned after being criticised over inappropriate comments about women. yoshiro mori was quoted as saying women talk too much, and that meetings with many female board directors would "take a lot of time". the 83—year—old had apologised for the remarks, but has now stepped down. now, in the early hours of this morning, british sailor pip hare became only the eighth woman in history to finish the vendee globe solo around—the—world race. more men have been on the moon.

hence the emotional scenes, as pip became the first brit to finish, after 95 days at sea, non—stop for 28,000 miles. she's also done it in a boat that is 21 years old — the oldest vessel to cross the finish line, in this year's race. one of the things that i'm really kind ofjust only coming to terms with is how well i've done and against all the other campaigns, as you said, i started in 2019 with nothing. i took out a personal loan to cover the first couple months charter. i guess the whole thing has been incredible but that back story helped me get through the race, for

sure. . , .,. helped me get through the race, for sure. . , .. ., , sure. incredible achievement and she still has to get _ sure. incredible achievement and she still has to get back _ sure. incredible achievement and she still has to get back on _ sure. incredible achievement and she still has to get back on the _ sure. incredible achievement and she still has to get back on the boat - still has to get back on the boat and sailed back to poole in the coming weeks. that's all the sport for now. ican bring i can bring you right up to date with some really important research from the ons on coronavirus and social impacts. it covers a period from the 3rd—7 february based on adults in great britain. it looks at the vaccination programme and compliance with guidance and also about people's feelings about satisfaction with their life at the moment, optimism and happiness. a lot of areas covered but i will try to bring you some of the detail. first of all, on the vaccine, around one in five, 20 2% of adults, said they had received at least one dose of the vaccine with a further 5% being offered it and awaiting it.

fewer than 1% of respondents said they had been offered a vaccine but declined it. among those aged 70 or over, almost eight in ten, 70 8%, reported receiving at least one dose. additionally, 78% had been offered it and were awaiting it. only 5% in that age group said they hadn't yet been offered to the covid—19 vaccine. looking at mass testing, another area the research covers, around three quarters of adults said they would be likely to get a test for covid if it was offered, even if they had no symptoms, up from 69% in the previous week. on compliance, compliance with most measures to stop the spread of covid such as hand washing and using a face covering remained high, similarto recent weeks, over half adults, 56% reported staying at home or only leaving for work, exercise, essential shopping or medical needs. on the personal well—being scores, life satisfaction, the feeling that

things done in life are worthwhile and happiness, that remained at some of the lowest level this recorded since the survey began, says the ons. however, anxiety levels have gradually lessened, it says. i guess this far into the pandemic, not surprising that we are all feeling a little bit down in the dumps at times about how things are. it's absolutely natural and we are all feeling it, but interesting to see the results of those latest studies by the ons on coronavirus and its social impacts. we are going to explore all of this a bit more now. we can get more on the concerns being raised in the rooms for quarantine hotels for travellers arriving from covid hotspots. the scheme is due to begin on monday but the bbc has learned there are no plans for regular testing of hotel staff and those in quarantine. people will be allowed to go outside. that's different to the australian system where if someone

is in a quarantine hotel they have to stay inside the hotel for the entire quarantine period. we can speak now to the chief executive of the business travel association and joins me now. on these quarantine hotels, it's not something you are overjoyed about, is it?— overjoyed about, is it? good morning- — overjoyed about, is it? good morning- no. _ overjoyed about, is it? good morning. no, clearly - overjoyed about, is it? good morning. no, clearly not, i overjoyed about, is it? good l morning. no, clearly not, but overjoyed about, is it? good - morning. no, clearly not, but as an industry we have been supportive of the government in putting these restrictions in place and we understand why, but the frustration is clearly one, we are not putting in the restrictions as strict as we would like them to see to get it done right first time. there is no end plan and that is very serious for us as an industry and frankly for us as an industry and frankly for us as an industry and frankly for us as a country and the economy recovery at some point. just for us as a country and the economy recovery at some point.— recovery at some point. just to be clear, recovery at some point. just to be clear. you — recovery at some point. just to be clear. you not _ recovery at some point. just to be clear, you not keen _ recovery at some point. just to be clear, you not keen on _ recovery at some point. just to be clear, you not keen on the - recovery at some point. just to be clear, you not keen on the hotels| clear, you not keen on the hotels book as they are going to be part of the landscape for the foreseeable future, you would like the government to be even tougher on the people staying in them? we government to be even tougher on the people staying in them?—

people staying in them? we need to be world leading. _ people staying in them? we need to be world leading. i— people staying in them? we need to be world leading. i noticed - people staying in them? we need to be world leading. i noticed the - be world leading. i noticed the foreign minister said this morning that among the best in terms of quarantine, we need to be the best. this needs to be a short—term strategy that protects public health, but we need to see an exit route out of this, otherwise we risk the uk becoming cut off from the rest of the world from an economic perspective. so, yes, we support it but it absolutely needs to be a shorter term strategy and if we get it done absolutely gold standard and be as strict as we can, that would enable us to exit quicker. for example. _ enable us to exit quicker. for example, would like to see the staff in those hotels and the security staff who are escorting people outside for a breath of fresh air, would you like to see those staff are getting a daily covid test, as is done in australia? it are getting a daily covid test, as is done in australia?— are getting a daily covid test, as is done in australia? it seems to make sense _ is done in australia? it seems to make sense to _ is done in australia? it seems to make sense to us _ is done in australia? it seems to make sense to us as _ is done in australia? it seems to make sense to us as an - is done in australia? it seems to | make sense to us as an industry. is done in australia? it seems to - make sense to us as an industry. we have seen in the aviator aviation industry, staff being tested every day as you going to work. it seems that people —

day as you going to work. it seems that people are _ day as you going to work. it seems that people are in _ day as you going to work. it seems that people are in quarantine - day as you going to work. it seems that people are in quarantine and i that people are in quarantine and being tested as part of that programme, they are in the hotel, or outside briefly, but the security staff and hotel staff, they are the people moving backwards and forwards between the hotels and their homes and the community, going to the supermarket for example. it seems if there was to be a weak spot in that, that could be yet.— that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i think— that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i think that _ that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i think that has _ that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i think that has been _ that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i think that has been seen - that could be yet. yes, absolutely, and i think that has been seen in i and i think that has been seen in australia recently as well. it is critical we don't import the virus into the hotels that are quarantining people from exporting it out into the community. yes, absolutely, we need to make sure those security guards and the rest of the staff are tested on a daily basis. bill of the staff are tested on a daily basis. . ., of the staff are tested on a daily basis. �* ., , of the staff are tested on a daily basis. . ., , ., ., basis. all of this with the aim of o enin: basis. all of this with the aim of opening up _ basis. all of this with the aim of opening up travel— basis. all of this with the aim of opening up travel again. - basis. all of this with the aim of opening up travel again. in - basis. all of this with the aim of. opening up travel again. in terms basis. all of this with the aim of - opening up travel again. in terms of the business travel sector, how much appetite is there for people to be able to travel for business right now because presumably a lot of work is being done on zoom and teams and

all these other platforms.— all these other platforms. that's true, but travelling _ all these other platforms. that's true, but travelling for _ all these other platforms. that's true, but travelling for work - all these other platforms. that's true, but travelling for work and | true, but travelling for work and business travel takes many varied forms. anything from marine workers, oil and gas, teachers, medical research, humanitarian aid, they are all business travellers and none of them can travel right now. of course there is the opportunity to do lots of business over zoom but there is still a huge number of people waiting to get businesses back and running again that need to travel and can't physically do the job over and can't physically do the job over a video call. and can't physically do the 'ob over a video can.— and can't physically do the 'ob over a video call. how do you square this circle? it seems _ a video call. how do you square this circle? it seems like _ a video call. how do you square this circle? it seems like an _ a video call. how do you square this circle? it seems like an impossible. circle? it seems like an impossible ask at the moment. do you have any timeframe in mind by which you think the government ought to be saying, let's try and open this up gradually again and see if it's working? the bi est again and see if it's working? tia: biggest frustration we again and see if it's working? tue: biggest frustration we have is there is no plan from the government. the business travel industry have been talking to them and asking for them to have that strategy. 50m; talking to them and asking for them to have that strategy.— to have that strategy. sorry to interru -t to have that strategy. sorry to interrupt but _ to have that strategy. sorry to interrupt but the _ to have that strategy. sorry to interrupt but the government | to have that strategy. sorry to - interrupt but the government says it does have a plan and it will

announce more details a little later this month. that's once it has collated the latest data looking at how the vaccination programme is going on to what the transmission rate is etc. , ., ., , going on to what the transmission rate is etc-— rate is etc. the plan as we understand _ rate is etc. the plan as we understand it _ rate is etc. the plan as we understand it comes - rate is etc. the plan as we understand it comes out i rate is etc. the plan as we i understand it comes out later rate is etc. the plan as we - understand it comes out later this month and it is a much wider plan thanjust the travel month and it is a much wider plan than just the travel industry. as an industry we clearly understand that travel is one of those things that needs to be closely looked at. the frustration is we need to understand how we get people back moving again and the plan needs to be there. it doesn't matter if it introduced next week or this week, whenever the time is right to the government decrees, but we need to get businesses ready, need to get staff back off furlough, and our customers want to get their businesses kick—started again and they need to plan for that. we realise it is difficult but if the plan is there at least you can start building a business ready for that moment will stop if there is no plan you don't know what to do. goad moment will stop if there is no plan you don't know what to do.- you don't know what to do. good to talk to you — you don't know what to do. good to talk to you and _ you don't know what to do. good to talk to you and thank _ you don't know what to do. good to talk to you and thank you _ you don't know what to do. good to talk to you and thank you for- talk to you and thank you for joining us. the chief executive of the business travel association.

around one in five adults in the uk say they have now received a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, with a further 5% saying they have been offered one and are waiting to receive it according to new research from the office for national statistics. 90% recorded having had a jack or would take one if it was offered. what does this mean for the potential of using lockdown restrictions? the reports social distancing might have to go on until the autumn. we can speak to a professor who is the member of the sage subcommittee on behavioural science. a fellow of the royal society of edinburgh and a professor at st andrews. an interesting article in the financial times today quoting the scientific advisers asking whether a big wave or an infection should be allowed to run through the population once the vaccination of the most vulnerable members of society has taken place.

hints of herd immunity there. what are your thoughts on that notion? brute are your thoughts on that notion? we have are your thoughts on that notion? - have been hearing this for a long time with people basically saying let it rip, as if there would be no harm in letting it go through millions of people. there are a number of reasons why such a suggestion is very dangerous and in fact absurd. first of all, if you were to let the infection ripped through tens of millions of people, it would overwhelm the nhs, because evenif it would overwhelm the nhs, because even if younger people are less likely to die, they are fairly likely to die, they are fairly likely to die, they are fairly likely to have to go to hospital. younger people are more likely to go on to intensive care and icu. it would overwhelm that and the impact would overwhelm that and the impact would be on the nhs. the second reason, if you let that many people get infected, you would still have tens of thousands of deaths and we are learning more and more about long covid, so the long term harm is immense. the third thing is, the more you let the infection let rip and let it reproduce, the more

likely it is to mutate and the more likely it is to mutate and the more likely you are to get mutations that undermine the vaccine. it would be completely counter—productive to vaccinate people, to let the infection rip and create new variants that undermine the vaccine for stop i think this argument, which has been around for a long time and has been debunked, it says on the idea that come back from the dead time and again, we hear it again and it is simply pernicious and immoral. it would cause immense harm and it certainly won't be a solution. , ., ., harm and it certainly won't be a solution. , . ., ., solution. this idea that vaccinating our wa of solution. this idea that vaccinating our way of the _ solution. this idea that vaccinating our way of the solution, _ solution. this idea that vaccinating our way of the solution, that i solution. this idea that vaccinating our way of the solution, that is i solution. this idea that vaccinating our way of the solution, that is the complete answer, is a false one in your opinion?— your opinion? first of all, vaccination _ your opinion? first of all, vaccination is _ your opinion? first of all, vaccination is a _ your opinion? first of all, vaccination is a huge i your opinion? first of all, vaccination is a huge part| your opinion? first of all, i vaccination is a huge part of the answer. vaccination for everybody. we have to vaccinate not only the elderly but we have to go on to vaccinate the rest of the population. not only so they don't get infected and also so they don't infect others. the evidence coming out is beginning to be optimistic in

showing the vaccine is not only stop you getting ill but stop you infecting others so there is good news out there. but vaccination has always got to be part of a strategy, not the whole strategy. first of all you have to keep the infection down in other ways. as i say, if the infection is raging it potentially undermines the vaccines. so it has to be one pillar of an overall strategy. the problem is, what we have seen time and again is the government in a sense putting all its hopes on one magic bullet, whether it is testing or vaccines, and the truth of the matter is we need an integrated strategy that includes vaccines and includes a test and trace system, so if there are infections we pick them up. includes support for people to self—isolate, so if people test positive they stay in and don't transmit. that includes making our public spaces more covid compliant and safe so we don't get infected in the first place and includes controlling board us so we don't get international circulation and new

variants coming in. we need an integrated strategy. if you have an integrated strategy. if you have an integrated strategy. if you have an integrated strategy then you can get on top of this disease and get on top of the pandemic. we see the countries that have a systematic and comprehensive strategy, which have got on top of the strategy of its mac virus, they are beginning to reopen. looking at headlines of pop concerts with 30,000 people in new zealand. wouldn't we were in such a situation. the zealand. wouldn't we were in such a situation. ~ , . situation. the prime minister and cabinet are _ situation. the prime minister and cabinet are urging _ situation. the prime minister and cabinet are urging people - situation. the prime minister and cabinet are urging people to i situation. the prime minister and cabinet are urging people to holdj cabinet are urging people to hold the line, but alongside the scientific debate there is a political one. you have the covid recovery group of mps who are saying to the prime minister, the economy really needs to start opening up around april. how difficult does it make it to get that message out to people, that they should hold the line in terms of complying with the measures that are needed to reduce transmission of the virus when you have that sort of political debate as well? ., ., ,., ,

as well? there are two points their. in terms as well? there are two points their. in terms of— as well? there are two points their. in terms of the _ as well? there are two points their. in terms of the political— as well? there are two points their. in terms of the political debate, i in terms of the political debate, all i would say is the evidence suggests that those countries which act early and act hard, or those which are more likely to reopen early. in other words, taking clear, strong and adequate measures is the way to reopen the economy. taking half measures or pretending the virus is not there at all, is the best way to make the misery continued. the second point about the public, earlier you cited the ons figures, and they tell a very clear story that the public, by and large, is complying and continues to comply. it's not easy and people are fatigued and down, but they are being quite remarkable. the problem is not the public. time and time again we ask, will the public stick with it. the answer is yes. the real problem lies elsewhere. for instance... problem lies elsewhere. for instance. . ._ problem lies elsewhere. for instance. . . problem lies elsewhere. for instance... , ., , ., instance... sorry to interrupt on that but i _ instance... sorry to interrupt on that but i want _ instance... sorry to interrupt on that but i want to _ instance... sorry to interrupt on that but i want to pick _ instance... sorry to interrupt on that but i want to pick up i instance... sorry to interrupt on that but i want to pick up on i instance... sorry to interrupt on | that but i want to pick up on that point because it speaks to your specialism. as you say, the latest

study from the ons, personal well—being scores remain at some of the lowest levels recorded by the survey since it began. i want to take you back to a talking point from early in the week and the notion of holidays and we have had contradictory things from members of the cabinet about whether it is possible to go on holiday this summer or not will stop some people think the idea of even considering it is selfish but some people say they really need it for their well—being to at least have the hope of a break in the summer. what's the best approach from a political perspective on this? is it to under promise and over deliver? what do you think? t promise and over deliver? what do ou think? ., , , promise and over deliver? what do ou think? ,, , , ._ you think? i think the best way forward is _ you think? i think the best way forward is to _ you think? i think the best way forward is to explain _ you think? i think the best way forward is to explain to - you think? i think the best way forward is to explain to people| you think? i think the best way i forward is to explain to people what we can do to make things get better sooner. in other words, to empower people. if you just give a date and say we will reopen them, you say to people, it will happen anyway and there is nothing for you to do. what we need to do clearly is explained very clearly how all of us, and i include the government in this, not just the public, all of us can act in such a way as to lower infections

to get on top of the pandemic and get out of it sooner. the first and most obvious point is, this pandemic, this virus, spreads through human contact. that's why it is so difficult to deal with, it thrives on the very thing that makes life worthwhile, being with others. the more we limit our contacts with others, the more we get on top of the pandemic. that's something we as individuals can do informally, but by and large we are doing it. looking at the ons data, we are doing it. this is a crucial point. the real problem is elsewhere. if you look at the ons data, it also tells us that 47% of people are having to travel to work. they don't necessarily want to. there was evidence that came out yesterday that fully 20% of workers, millions of people who want to work at home, are not being allowed to by their employers. we need to be much stricter in making sure that if people want to stay at home, they

can. the real problem isn't people breaking the rules and choosing to go out. the real problem is people being forced to go out by rules and regulations which are too lax and by a refusal to act when a pressure is put on people to go out to work. that's not people flexing the rules, it's the rules that are too flexible and it is insufficient support for people to stay at home when they want to. ., , ., , ., want to. one more brief answer on the voint want to. one more brief answer on the point about— want to. one more brief answer on the point about restrictions - want to. one more brief answer on the point about restrictions lasting | the point about restrictions lasting into the autumn. we obviously hope the situation has greatly improved by the summer and to the autumn, but could people at least be expecting to continue to wear masks, and do you think that would be an advisable thing for people to change their mindset and think this is the norm throughout the year. in mindset and think this is the norm throughout the year.— mindset and think this is the norm throughout the year. in the spanish flu pandemic— throughout the year. in the spanish flu pandemic of _ throughout the year. in the spanish flu pandemic of 1918, _ throughout the year. in the spanish flu pandemic of 1918, a _ throughout the year. in the spanish flu pandemic of 1918, a number- throughout the year. in the spanish flu pandemic of 1918, a number of. flu pandemic of 1918, a number of things changed in society. we learn certain lessons we have forgotten, the importance of fresh air, the

importance of ventilation and the importance of ventilation and the importance of ventilation and the importance of having housing that was open and airy. it changed our culture. in a similar way i think we need to relearn some of those lessons. we need to learn practices that keep us safe, practices that limit infection. we need to win a sense think about the issues of how we build housing, how we relate to each other. yes, inevitably, an event as huge as this will impact our culture, and it will create a new every day, but hopefully it will be better in many ways and will deal not only with this pandemic but will deal with general inequalities in health. i hope we will learn the lessons and i hope we will live in a society that is healthier and fairer because of the lessons we have learned from the pandemic. thank you ve much, learned from the pandemic. thank you very much, professor. _ learned from the pandemic. thank you very much, professor. time _ learned from the pandemic. thank you very much, professor. time for- learned from the pandemic. thank you very much, professor. time for a i very much, professor. time for a look at the weather with matt taylor. milderair milder air will be with us by the time we finish the weekend but today and tomorrow it will be cold especially as the wind picks up. a

marked wind—chill for all parts over the next couple of days will stop the next couple of days will stop the breeze already picking up today bring in the return of some snow flurries to the north—east of england. they continue across north—east otley, most dry and sunny forced a bit of sunshine developing through ireland, wales and the south—west, some in devon and cornwall in temperature could stay cloudy with the odd shower stop gale force winds in the west, those wins will make 1—4 c feel more like “4 and —5 in a few areas. staying windy if not when you're still in through tonight will stop snow flurries in north—east scotland. by the end of tonight, the most scenic and snow in north and ireland. away from that, i once per trust, not quite as cold as recent nights but still all parts starting with frost or ice into tomorrow morning. significant still potentially into tomorrow morning, a bit of light snow in western areas. that fades into sunday and the mild air returns with some rain as well.

this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the uk economy shrank by nearly 10% last year — the biggest drop ever recorded. whilst there were some signs of resilience overwinter, what's clear is right now, many families and businesses are experiencing hardship. are you still working? have you been furloughed? or have you lost yourjob? how has the pandemic affected your life over the past year economically? please do get in touch with your stories. on twitter, i'm @annita—mcveigh. the other headlines this morning.

the australian state of victoria announces a deadlocked and because a cluster of cases linked