this is bbc news. i'm ben brown. our top stories... president trump suggests he could make a political comeback after he's cleared of inciting insurrection in his impeachment trial. democrats are furious with the verdict. despite the results of the vote on donald trump's conviction in the court of impeachment, he deserves to be convicted. i believe he will be convicted in the court of public opinion. british prime minister borisjohnson comes under pressure from some of his own mps to end covid restrictions by the end of april. rolling out to the under—70s in the uk. more than a million people aged between 65 and 69 are to be offered a coronavirus vaccination. thousands of protestors in myanmar

return to the streets for a ninth day of demonstrations against the military coup. and skating on thin ice,a rare skating event could return to the netherlands thanks to the cold weather but will covid restrictions get in the way? hello and welcome to bbc news. donald trump has hinted he could return to politics, after being acquitted in his second impeachment trial in the us senate. the former president said he planned to put forward "a vision for a bright, radiant and limitless american future." the senate voted by 57 to 43 to acquit mr trump — well short of the the two—thirds majority needed to find him guilty of incitement to insurrection over the attack by his supporters on congress, last month.

nomia iqbal reports from washington. donald john trump, former president of the united states, is not guilty as charged in the article of impeachment. this wasn't a typical trial, but it had an ending we all saw coming. nearly half of the jurors, the republican senators, had voted unsuccessfully to stop the trial from happening. there was a plot twist when it looked like witnesses may have been called, but soon the drama concluded, making it the fastest impeachment trial in history. at the heart of it all was the question, "did the then president, donald trump, insight of violent mob to overturn the election results on january the 6th?" mr mcconnell, not guilty. mr romney, guilty. only seven republicans said yes, along with 50 democrats. that was more republicans than expected. democrats had spent three days presenting new, harrowing footage and audio showing how mr trump, not only encouraged

rioters, but backed them when the violence was happening. all the senators had been inside the capitol that day, including vice president mike pence and top democrat nancy pelosi. they were targeted by the mob and had to flee. what we saw in that senate today was a cowardly group of republicans who apparently have no options because they were afraid to defend theirjob. a lot of her anger was directed at this man, top republican mitch mcconnell. there's no question, none, that president trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. no question about it. the people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president.

tough words, but he voted to acquit mr trump on a technicality, saying it was unconstitutional to remove a president who had already left office. in a lengthy statement, donald trump said the trial was a witch hunt and that his make america great again movement had only just begun. the capitol was the crime scene and the scene of acquittal. the stakes were high. the republican party can't let go of donald trump, even though he's no longer in the white house. and as for the country, it means in four years' time, he could run to be the us president once again. nomia iqbal, bbc news, washington. drjonathan parker senior lecturer in us politics at the university of keele joins me. thank you for being with us. no huge surprise the senate voted to acquit him. ., , , . ~'

him. no, we pretty much knew the outcome coming _ him. no, we pretty much knew the outcome coming internet. - him. no, we pretty much knew the outcome coming internet. i- him. no, we pretty much knew the outcome coming internet. i was i outcome coming internet. i was surprised so many republicans did crossover. we surprised so many republicans did crossover. ~ . ., ., ., crossover. we had heard from donald trump suggesting _ crossover. we had heard from donald trump suggesting and _ crossover. we had heard from donald trump suggesting and hinting - crossover. we had heard from donald trump suggesting and hinting a - trump suggesting and hinting a political comeback may be on. do you think he is strengthened by this decision? i think he is strengthened by this decision? ., ., , decision? i do not say. this was mitch mcconnell _ decision? i do not say. this was mitch mcconnell being - decision? i do not say. this was mitch mcconnell being very - decision? i do not say. this was i mitch mcconnell being very careful in trying to hold the republican party together. it was an exercise in trying to manage public opinion. all parties savaged donald trump. savaged that how popular is he in the country? if he is thinking about running for election in 2024, what would that mean for the republican party? would that mean for the republican pa ? , , a, party? this is the battle. more important _ party? this is the battle. more important are _ party? this is the battle. more important are the _ party? this is the battle. more important are the primary - party? this is the battle. more important are the primary is i party? this is the battle. morel important are the primary is for party? this is the battle. more - important are the primary is for the midterms. donald trump has said he will go after people. it is a long way to the next presidential election. donald trump is not the

most healthy of people and it is a long way to go before he runs again. the party is not particularly split. the party is not particularly split. the donald trump side is in the ascendancy. this is why the republicans did not vote to convict him. mitch mcconnell was very calculated in his actions.- him. mitch mcconnell was very calculated in his actions. does it mean, if donald _ calculated in his actions. does it mean, if donald trump's - calculated in his actions. does it - mean, if donald trump's supporters are that dominant in the party, any candidates how to effectively have the blessing of donald trump? if there is to be another candidate for there is to be another candidate for the white house, he or she would have the blessing of donald trump if he does not run? he have the blessing of donald trump if he does not run?— he does not run? he is currently in the ascendancy. — he does not run? he is currently in the ascendancy, he _ he does not run? he is currently in the ascendancy, he is _ he does not run? he is currently in the ascendancy, he is very - he does not run? he is currently ml the ascendancy, he is very popular. his base is extremely motivated. will it continue? will people be bothered when he is no longer

president and no longer on twitter? what aboutjoe biden? does he want it all out of the way and getting on with the business of governing america? , . , with the business of governing america? , ., , ., ., with the business of governing america? ., ., with the business of governing america? , ., ., ., america? democrats had to make a choice in making _ america? democrats had to make a choice in making this _ america? democrats had to make a choice in making this a _ america? democrats had to make a choice in making this a very - choice in making this a very partisan fight, and that is the battle you saw with the witnesses, or get a vote, get your movement and keep going. that is whatjoe biden wants, he wants his agenda. thank ou ve wants, he wants his agenda. thank you very much _ wants, he wants his agenda. thank you very much indeed. _ wants, he wants his agenda. thank you very much indeed. from - wants, he wants his agenda. thank you very much indeed. from the i you very much indeed. from the university of keele, and q. -- thank you. people in england, aged between 65 and 69, and those who are regarded as clinically vulnerable, will start getting letters in the next few days inviting them for a coronavirus vaccination. borisjohnson says "huge progress" has been made, and that he's optimistic about setting out plans later this month on how and when the current lockdown will be eased. 0ur health and science correspondent, james gallagher, reports.

with every injection we inch closer to normality. mass vaccination started just under ten weeks ago and already more than 14.5 million people have received their first dose. the rapid pace will continue and from tomorrow more groups will be invited to book a jab. this will include people aged between 65 and 69, as well as those who have been identified as clinically vulnerable. this includes people with conditions such as chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, profound learning disabilities and some cancers. gps will lead the push to vaccinate their clinically vulnerable patients, rather than the large vaccination centres. coronavirus is certainly going to be with us for some time to come. we already have nearly 20,000 people still in our hospitals suffering the consequences of this virus. so the key thing is in the months to come, we get everybody vaccinated who is eligible for the vaccine and we start to protect society against this disease.

there will soon be big decisions to make. the level of infection in the uk is falling, yet it remains high. but as more of us gain some protection from covid through vaccination, it will give politicians the space to begin easing restrictions. starting with schools, we very much hope on march the 8th, that's got to be the priority. 0ur children's education is the number one priority. but then working forwards to getting nonessential retail open as well, and in due course, as and when we can, prudently and cautiously, of course, we want to be opening hospitality as well. the prime minister is expected to reveal his road map out of lockdown by the end of the month. james gallagher, bbc news. borisjohnson has been urged by his own backbenchers to remove all coronavirus restrictions in england by the end of april.

0ur political correspondent, nick eardley, joins me now. i suppose he is under pressure from his own backbenchers on the one side and scientists advising him on the other. ., , ~ other. that is right. when the government _ other. that is right. when the government and _ other. that is right. when the government and tomorrow i other. that is right. when the government and tomorrow it | other. that is right. when the i government and tomorrow it has other. that is right. when the - government and tomorrow it has met its first target to vaccinate or give a first dose to 50 million people, the most at risk groups in society, you will start to hear more pressure from conservative mps to outline what that means for reopening society. some lockdown sceptic mps have been pretty quiet over the last couple of months, the simple reason being the virus was in such a bad way in the uk. giving he had deaths going down, hospitalisations going down, infection rates going down, you will be hearing more and more from them. a letterfrom 60 plus be hearing more and more from them. a letter from 60 plus mps saying the prime minister must guarantee schools will reopen on the 8th of

march. we know that is the plan. this group also wants pubs and restaurants to be open for easter. and all restrictions lifted by the end of april. the reason they are saying the end of april is, at that point, the government hopes to have given a first dose of the vaccine to the nine most at risk people in the uk, everyone over 50. the nine most at risk people in the uk, everyone over50. it the nine most at risk people in the uk, everyone over 50. it is not as simple as that. there is political pressure. we are hearing scientists raising concern, saying do not go too far, too quickly, or you might be forced into a u—turn like you are at the end of last year and we know the government was stung by the fact it opened large parts of society and had to change its mind. a, it opened large parts of society and had to change its mind.— had to change its mind. a difficult balancin: had to change its mind. a difficult balancing act- _ had to change its mind. a difficult balancing act. we _ had to change its mind. a difficult balancing act. we are _ had to change its mind. a difficult balancing act. we are in _ had to change its mind. a difficult balancing act. we are in a - had to change its mind. a difficult balancing act. we are in a third i balancing act. we are in a third lockdown in england. the government is keen to avoid a lockdown after this. , ' :: ., , is keen to avoid a lockdown after

this. , ':: ., , , .,, this. number 10 wants this to be the last lockdown. _ this. number 10 wants this to be the last lockdown. they _ this. number 10 wants this to be the last lockdown. they feel _ this. number 10 wants this to be the last lockdown. they feel people - this. number 10 wants this to be the last lockdown. they feel people are l last lockdown. they feel people are becoming a bit wary of it, the economic impact is huge. boris johnson is prepared to move back some of the dates potentially to wait a bit longer to open up, to make sure this is the last time. the other thing we can be pretty certain of, when borisjohnson sets out his road map a week tomorrow, it will be incremental and quite slow. yes, schools may be the first thing back that i would not expect massive changes over the next few weeks. the government will want to see figures were opening schools means that what will it due to the reproduction rate of the virus? does it put it back above one? does it produce a dangerous increase in the number of cases? they want to see how it interacts with the vaccine. 50 million people in the uk from tomorrow are expected to have been

given a first dose. we do not know the impact of what it will be like when society is open. it is an unenviable task to balance these various factors plus pressure from different sides. boris johnson various factors plus pressure from different sides. borisjohnson has a bad week to look across the data and decide with cabinet colleagues what he wants to do.— new zealand prime minister, jacinda ardern, has announced a three—day lockdown in the country's biggest city auckland, after three new covid cases were reported. the level 3 restrictions will require everyone to stay home, except for essential shopping and work. new zealand hadn't had any local cases for months and has been one of the most successful countries in containing the spread of the virus. mrs ardern said the authorities would work quickly to assess the extent of the new infections. three days should give us enough

time to get further information, undertake large—scale testing, and establish if there has been wider community transmission. that is what we believe the cautious approach requires and is the right thing to do. a ban on evictions in england is being extended until the end of march. the government says the move will ensure tenants who fall behind on their rent because of the pandemic are not forced out of their homes in all but the most serious cases. but housing charities argue it won't help those who've fallen into arrears. 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake reports. my income went from reasonable to zero. as a parent, it's really important that you feel you can provide for your children and put a roof over their head. the pressures of the pandemic have left many like ian at risk of losing their home. when work as a wedding dj dried up, he had to find a newjob.

while struggling to pay the rent, he was served with a notice of eviction. i was working earlier this year but i had a car accident last week, so that stopped me from being able to get to work. but i have been able to make a full rent payment and start also paying some of the arrears. but the situation is still pretty dire at this stage, if i'm honest. it's estimated that at least half a million private renters in the uk have fallen into arrears during the pandemic, meaning landlords like elena are losing income. so, i've just had to go through all of my savings and i had to borrow more from kind friends, because obviously i can't take a loan because i wasjobless. i think the government, first of all, shouldn't pass on the welfare state onto the landlords. a lot of them are like me, it'sjust one property. you know, the government should support the landlords and, or support the tenants,

who are really struggling. confirming the extension to a ban on evictions in all but the most extreme cases, the housing secretary robertjenrick said the government's measures strike the right balance, between protecting tenants and enabling landlords to exercise their right to justice. but across the housing sector and from opposition parties, there are calls for more financial support. emergency grants or loans, similar to schemes in scotland and wales. the government needs to make sure the resource is there, the support�*s there for people to be able to continue living in their own home and to plan for the future, so they make good on their promise that nobody should lose their home because of coronavirus. this extension to the ban on evictions may bring some relief to those most at risk of losing their home, but there is more uncertainty ahead. jonathan blake, bbc news. president trump suggests he could make a political comeback after he's cleared of inciting

insurrection in his impeachment trial. uk prime minister borisjohnson comes under pressure from some of his own mps to end covid restrictions by the end of april. thousands of people in myanmar return to the streets for a ninth day of protests against the military coup. germany has re—introduced controls on its borders with the czech republic and parts of austria, to try to limit the spread of new coronavirus variants. trade will be allowed to continue but transport links have been cut, and most people won't be able to move between countries. damien mcguinnessjoins me now from berlin. so, the authorities are playing pretty tough here. that so, the authorities are playing pretty tough here.— so, the authorities are playing pretty tough here. that is right. what it means _ pretty tough here. that is right. what it means in _ pretty tough here. that is right. what it means in concrete - pretty tough here. that is right. i what it means in concrete terms, pretty tough here. that is right. - what it means in concrete terms, for most people wanting to travel into germany via their land border from

the czech republic or austria, it means they will not be able to cross. if they are a commuter, a shopper, an average worker. it means for those people, their borders are effectively closed. that is to limit the spread of the new variants, which have shot up in the czech republic and near the border in austria. you are looking at incidence rates of 1000 new cases per one 100,000 in population. in germany, more like 200 new infections per 100,000 population. the disparity is quite large. germany has decided the thing to do with the south—eastern border is to effectively close the borders. there are some exemptions. trade will carry on, lorries will still travel. key workers like health workers will still be able to cross. for most people, the border is effectively closed. that means certain

communities are split in half. these borders usually are invisible. what generally happens is people crossed many times a day, to shop, work, visit family and friends. it has a big impact on local communities, a big impact on local communities, a big impact on the economy and it is controversial. there has been criticism from eu officials, saying you cannot do it unilaterally. we made an agreement last year when the pandemic started to enable commuters to still cross. they are accusing journey of contravening those agreements. —— germany. that has been countered by saying, you cannot criticise anyone can make your vaccine roll—out has been a mess. some quite bad—tempered exchanges. that is all in the background of stopping this new variants spreading into germany was that they are present but not the predominant strain. that is what the chairman government is trying to do, stopping

it being imported from the czech republic and this part of austria. he mentioned the german vaccine roll—out. how much unrest is there that it roll—out. how much unrest is there thatitis roll—out. how much unrest is there that it is not as high as a country like the uk?— that it is not as high as a country like the uk? ., ., , ., , like the uk? not as high as the uk but they are _ like the uk? not as high as the uk but they are getting _ like the uk? not as high as the uk but they are getting there. - like the uk? not as high as the uk but they are getting there. what i like the uk? not as high as the uk| but they are getting there. what we had found in the last week, numbers have really shot up. the majority of most nursing home residents, most key health workers had been vaccinated. the policy is slightly different here. more people are getting two vaccine doses within a specified time frame, in other words a couple of weeks later. fewer people are getting one dose, a slightly different policy. the overall numbers, you are talking more like a couple of million rather than the 30 million you are seeing in britain. their numbers are still lower, it is still a controversial issue here is that logistics had

been set up that it does not have the number of doses coming through. the government hopes that will change because a new plant has opened. if that goes ahead, there will be huge capacity. lots of bad—tempered exchanges. that is in the backdrop to a big election year in germany. from march key regions will go to the polls, and the national government is being re—elected in september. that means some of this is a political football. lots is german politician trying to off—load potential problems onto the eu. it is getting nasty in terms of political debate. the hope is vaccine numbers will go up the hope is vaccine numbers will go up in the next few weeks. that is what the government hopes. myanmar�*s military leaders have named seven opposition campaigners they want arrested, under the rare charge of "disturbing tranquility". the army is performing night—time raids, following mass protests sparked by the military coup. tim neilson has more.

an eighth successive day of demonstrations. this was yangon city on saturday afternoon. hundreds of thousands still marching, and still ignoring the military crackdown on the protests. the latest tactic by the coup leaders, suspending laws stopping security services from detaining suspects, or searching private property without court approval. they have also released the names of seven opposition activists they accuse of disturbing tranquillity — a rarely used charge. human rights watch says over 300 people have now been detained, many during night—time raids. we have neighbourhoods who are trying to organise. they are using pot banging when it looks like the police, or military, are coming into the local area, to the area, to possibly arrest someone, to warn people. it really has become a situation where the crackdown is now

going after anybody that the military identifies as leaders of these protests. meanwhile, football is also playing its part in the protests. outside the country's national stadium, many of the country's top footballers have also been making their voices heard. translation: we will only play football on the street _ until we get democracy. we won't play for the national team under the military dictatorship. we are protesting to send that message. translation: we are football players i but we're also citizens of myanmar. i we know people have relied on each other at this moment, so people from sport are participating in this revolution, too. the us is the only country to impose sanctions on my emma's —— myanmar�*s military so far. with the rest of the world still wondering whether to follow suit, the protests

and the arrests go on. freezing temperatures in the netherlands have seen the canals ice over and there is a glimmer of hope that the world's biggest competition on natural ice might go ahead this year. but the current coronavirus measures have turned the mass skating race into a politically charged cultural debate, as anna holligan reports. every formation brings hope the legendary race might just take place. everybody who skates, it's their dream to do it. you are talking about the elfstedentocht, yes. when you are skating in holland, you have to skate 11 city tours. i've skated it three times, in 1985, '86 and 1997. 1997 was the last elfstedentocht. this was 1963, 10,000 skaters competed but brutal temperatures meant only 69 finished. the event attracts millions of spectators. the ice must be 15 centimetres thick across the 200 kilometre route.

even if those climate conditions are met, the dutch covid guidance remains. 1.5 metres social distancing, essential travel only and a ban on mass gatherings. but professional athletes are still allowed to train and compete under certain conditions and there are calls for elfstedentocht to go ahead with competitors only in a natural ice bubble. this year is even more special because of the covid, of course. we can't go on holidays as much as we do, we can't go out. it is a perfect thing right now. nobody wants to get the blame if something goes wrong. but even this is already unique, just to dream about it is even fun. the discussion has turned into a culture war this year as the anti—lockdown populace argue elfstedentocht should be allowed. while the health and skating experts have advised it impossible without the risk of breaking

the covid rules. what began as a means of transportation utilising the extensive waterways to keep the country moving during winter, today offers a rare opportunity to get out and indulge in something they love together. why are we so passionate? it's part of who we are, we grew up with from the time we can walk. we are on the ice if it's there. here, they couldn't wait to get their skates on and scenes like these are replicated right across the netherlands, generations of skaters making the most of what they've got before it's gone. anna holligan, bbc news. the recent cold weather across the uk has seen many people out enjoying the snow.

but for some struggling with the cost of heating their homes, it's added to the financial burden, which has grown since lockdown. frankie mccamley reports. i think we have been to a great extent forgotten. we have to have some sort of heating on. we haven't any choice, we cannot turn it off. as temperatures drop during lockdown, concerns were many stuck at home increase. it is worrying when you think, what is the next bill going to be? you know your income is not going to increase. this is 67—year—old maureen, keeping busy during the pandemic and trying to keep warm means higher bills. i know our council tax is going up. the electricity company we are with the same we should be paying £30 a month more than we are.

when you find electricity bills are going up that much, what are your thoughts? what else can we cut? when the weather is as cold as this, there is help out there, like the cold weather payment. that is only for people already on support, living in areas which have seen sub zero temperatures for at least seven days. aside from financial concerns, with cafes only offering takeaways and social venues closed, loneliness can setting. —— can set in. it is about finding someone to talk to, to share thoughts and daily routine. you do not want to stay at home and feel lonely. what they do is come here, have a coffee. this man has lots of elderly customers. they used to sit for hours but now he barely sees them. you do worry about them. they cannot get the bus, especially with these icy conditions and snow and corona and covid,

it is very worrying. people across the country are coming out of their way to help those who need it. lending a hand with the shopping or an ear when no—one else can. we all know some relish this cold weather but it is those you do not see out here that may need looking out for. now it's time for a look at the weather with sarah. turning gradually windier and milder. there is the threat of freezing rain. that could be really icy conditions. winds gusting 60, 70 miles an hour. big waves around the irish sea coast. 12 degrees in belfast. chile, up to three celsius

in norwich. wendy wherever you are. east anglia and the south—east remaining drive for a big part of the day. tonight rain sweeping in. overnight lows, five to 10 degrees, significantly warmer than we had in the daytime over the past week or so. monday morning, rain clears from southern and eastern england. still showers in scotland, northern ireland and england. temperatures between eight and 14 degrees. goodbye for now. this is bbc news, the headlines:

president trump suggests he could make a political comeback