this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. borisjohnson will today reveal more details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown. schools in england will open to all children from march the 8th. some younger pupils in scotland and wales are going back to class this morning. we've been working with schools to make sure we deliver that reopening safely. and i think that the majority of the teaching profession think it's the right thing to do. children are our priority, i think. more outdoor socialising will be allowed, with the rule of six making a return just before easter. but pubs, shops and restaurants will have to wait a little longer. let me know what you make of the plans to come out of lockdown. how do you feel about the prospect

of lockdown easing? a new study in scotland shows covid vaccination substantially cuts risk of hospitalisation — pfizer's cut the risk by up to 85%. for the astrazeneca shot the reduction was 94%. as vast crowds in myanmar fill the streets as part of a general strike against the military coup earlier this month, the un puts pressure on the generals to hand power back power. boeing recommends dozens of its 777 planes be grounded over an engine fault which sparked an emergency landing in colorado at the weekend. hello and welcome if you're

watching in the uk or around the world. borisjohnson will announce his road map for lifting lockdown in england today, as infections decrease and the vaccine programme continues to roll out. the government's confirmed this morning that all pupils will return to school in england on march 8th. phased returns are planned in the rest of the uk — younger children are going back today in scotland and wales, with northern ireland's schools partially reopening in march. the prime minister is also expected to announce that from march 29th, six people or two households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens. outdoor sports could also return. this morning, mrjohnson said on twitter that his priorities would be schooling, and reuniting people with loved ones, but added that decisions "will be made on the latest data at every step". he will share his plans in full with mps in the house of commons at 3.30 this afternoon, followed by a press conference at seven this evening. helen catt reports.

it's been seven weeks since everyone in england was told, once again, to stay—at—home. later, borisjohnson will set out how he plans to start opening things up again. but he has warned his road map will be cautious. that means it is likely it will be some time yet before we are back in the shops, hairdressers or the pub. it is understood the road map will be built around four phases, each separated by several weeks. phase one starts on march 8th. it is understood all schools will reopen to all pupils, despite teaching unions�* concerns. there might be a few days of flexibility built in, but not the sort of phased return that scotland, wales and northern ireland have chosen. outdoor clubs and activities run by schools can restart, too. allowing friends and family to start meeting again is also expected in phase one. so, from the 8th of march, care home residents will be allowed to see one regular visitor indoors. it is also expected that two people will be allowed to meet in a public outdoor space for coffee, chat or picnic instead of just for exercise.

later in the first phase, on march 29, it is understood that groups of six, or two households, will be able to meet up. it will have to be outdoors, but it can be in a private garden. sports such as golf, tennis and grass roots football are expected to start again, too. it is at this point it is thought that the instruction to stay at home will finally be lifted. but staying overnight elsewhere is still likely to be banned. health leaders have backed caution. what we don't want to see is that the health services come under the pressure that we have seen before. so what we are suggesting is we take baby steps out of this to ensure that some of the systems and detail that we are giving people are correct. remember, we came out of this once before and absolutely it didn't work very well for us. we actually had to go into lockdown very soon after. but keeping restrictions causes economic and social damage. for the many businesses that have been forced to shut, it is understood the road map

will set out a lot more detail on when and how they can open again. the prime minister will present his plans to mps this afternoon and then again in a news conference at seven o'clock this evening. helen catt, bbc news. our political correspondent, ben wright, is at westminster. if caution is the watchword, how can 10 million pupils go back on my clearthe? �* ., _ , ., clearthe? i'm told by teachers who haven't been _ clearthe? i'm told by teachers who haven't been given _ clearthe? i'm told by teachers who haven't been given vaccinations, . haven't been given vaccinations, most of them haven't. it is a big bad the government are taking here, that that is the safe thing to do. there probably is an expectation within government that that move might produce an uptake in terms of infections. but they think it is the right things —— what the right thing for all children in england to go back on my ta. that is different to the phased approach among the other uk nations. this morning boris johnson has been tweeting. he has been saying he will set out a road

map to bring lockdown to an end cautiously. but he says the priority has always been getting children back into school. we know what that means. at least the sketch of it. as well as schools going back in march the 8th, we think the rules around meeting outside will be relaxed slightly then, that people will be able to meet one other person for a cup of coffee or a picnic, without having to be doing exercise at the same time, which is what the current rules say. the vaccines minister, nadhim zahawi, spelt it out this morning. 0n the 8th of march, it's two people being able to meet outdoors for a coffee or socially. 0n the 29th of march, it will be two families or the rule of six meeting outdoors and outdoor sports — tennis, golf and other outdoor sports, including team sports.

is the labour party broadly supportive? broadly, yeah. they are certainly not agitating for a quicker relaxation of lockdown, of the sort that boris johnson quicker relaxation of lockdown, of the sort that borisjohnson is hearing from some of his own backbenchers and has done for many weeks. they think businesses should open far more quickly. libor subscribe to a far more cautious approach, spacing this out carefully. —— labour. they have said for a while they believe there are more questions around school is the government should address. for instance, the question about vaccinating —— vaccinating teachers. this is whatjonathan ashworth had to say this morning. we will continue to push him to put in place those measures around testing, ground ventilation, guidance around mask wearing, the plans to vaccinate teachers and teaching assistants. the last thing we want is to reopen schools for all pupils and then many pupils are sent home because we have another outbreak of the virus. jonathan ashworth there. i think for

people running small businesses, hairdressers, for instance, nonessential retail, the owners of james, people who want to travel the country and see their families, they may be a bit disappointed later, because those dates are not going to because those dates are not going to be spelt out in the same clarity a lot of people would like to see. but it's quite clear the government are going to proceed very tentatively with this and there could be gaps of “p with this and there could be gaps of up to five weeks between each stage of the lockdown relaxation. that means that the earliest the whole of lockdown could have been lifted is probably early summer.— lockdown could have been lifted is probably early summer. downing street says the four tests are currently being made. the first stage in march the 8th can go ahead. the government look at the data in between every phase of lifting lockdown to assess the impact previous changes. the four conditions are, the vaccine

programme continues to go to plan. evidence shows the vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying from the virus or needing hospital treatment. infection rates don't risk a surge in hospital admissions. and new variants of the virus don't fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions. let's take you through what's happening today. at 3.30, the prime minister will set out his strategy to exit from lockdown to mps — you can see that on the bbc news channel. and then at seven o'clock this evening, he will lead a briefing from downing street, which will be on bbc one. myanmar�*s military are calling it anarchy, but demonstrators are turning out in ever greater numbers as they protest against the military coup of three weeks ago. and they do so in defiance of a warning to protesters issued on the state—run tv channel, which declared that they faced a danger to life if they continued. in the capital naypidaw, marchers carried placards calling for a rejection of the military takeover, and waved pictures of the deposed de facto

leader, aung san suu kyi. the security forces were making their presence known in naypidaw, with road closures and armoured vehicles deployed. so far there are no reports of any clashes. there were also street protests in yangon, and a number of other cities, where demonstrators were accompanied by volunteer guards in yellow construction helmets. translation: we are all here because we would like — translation: we are all here because we would like to _ translation: we are all here because we would like to show— translation: we are all here because we would like to show that _ translation: we are all here because we would like to show that we - translation: we are all here because we would like to show that we are - translation: we are all here because we would like to show that we are in . we would like to show that we are in the same boat as the people who sacrificed their life during the process. we will close all of our shops and come here to protest on the streets against military dictatorship. we all have our reasons to protest. translation: ., ., translation: today is a day for countrywide _ translation: today is a day for countrywide protests. _ translation: today is a day for countrywide protests. we - translation: today is a day for countrywide protests. we don't l translation: today is a day for - countrywide protests. we don't want to stay under control of a military dictatorship, so we came here to join the protests regardless of the salaries we make. nothing will

happen to me if my salary is cut. but if we stay under the control of a military dictatorship we will become their slaves. the security forces are in place since last night. not invisible. some key bridges are closed. the regime has recently stepped up its crackdown. at least four civilians dead already. and dozens more in jail. despite the threat of being shot or getting arrested, there is no sign of it becoming less intense and even drawing more people out there, including many civil servants. as you see, protests shall

their sheer grit and determination to take down the regime. there is, however, a key question whether the jo hunter will use force again against those protesters who refused to live under the military regime. the un's secretary general, antonio guterres, has called on the military in myanmar to respect democracy. we see the undermining of democracy, the use of brutal force, arbitrary arrest, repression. restrictions of civic space. attacks on civil society. serious violations against minorities with no accountability, including what was rightly been called ethnic cleansing of the ranger population. the list goes on. it is all coming together in a perfect storm. today, i call on the

myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. release the prisoners and end the violence, respect human rights and the will of the people expressed in recent elections. cools have no place in our modern world. our south east asia correspondent jonathan head is monitoring developments from neighbouring thailand. he explained that the warnings against protests from the military are getting tougher by the day. they basically claimed that young people joining the protesters were being incited tojoin and would face loss of life. now that looks like a threat of lethal force, but it could also be a reference to the killing of two men in mandalay when police used extensive live fire. one of them was a 16—year—old boy. so it's quite possible that they were acknowledging that. either way, it has had no effect at all on this general strike. i mean, you can't get an accurate sense of numbers, but we are seeing images coming from multiple towns and cities all over the country that show very large numbers of people filling out the streets, at least in the areas they are protesting,

for several streets back. so you are talking about possibly hundreds of thousands in the big cities, certainly many thousands in other cities. and in some towns a complete and total shutdown of all commercial life. no shops, no markets, nothing virtually at all. i don't know how complete that is. we know that up north all commercial life is totally stopped. maybe less so in yangon. this is an impressive show, this general strike. it is an attempt to show the military they don't have any public support. as a visual show of defiance it does not get bigger. the us plane maker, boeing, has recommended that dozens of its 777 airliners be grounded over an engine fault which sparked an emergency landing in colorado. it's after an engine on a united airlines flight carrying 241 people burst into flames shortly after take—off.

pictures show debris from the plane scattered near houses and other buildings, but there were no reports of any injuries. the headlines on bbc news: borisjohnson will today reveal more details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown. schools in england will open to all children from march the 8th. some younger pupils in scotland and wales are going back to class this morning. more outdoor socialising will be allowed with the �*rule of six' making a return just before easter. but pubs, shops and restaurants will have to wait a little longer. the duke of edinburgh, has spent a sixth night in hospital in london. prince philip, who's 99, was admitted last tuesday for a period of observation and rest, after feeling unwell at windsor castle. the exact reason for his admission hasn't been disclosed. however, his stay isn't related to coronavirus.

the annual commonwealth day service — due to take place on march 8th — will not take place due to the pandemic, westminster abbey has said. instead, the queen will share her annual message in a bbc one programme, a celebration for commonwealth day, on sunday march 7th, the same day that meghan and harry's interview with oprah winfrey is expected to air. more on coronavirus in the uk, and as we wait to hear the details of how borisjohnson hopes to steer england out of its third national lockdown, nina warhurst has been looking at what businesses are hoping to learn from the so—called road map. what more can hairdressers, shop workers and gym workers do except hope and prepare for the best? in normal times, there would be 12 busy staff in melissa's bustling manchester salon. but for 25 weeks since lockdown one started, these doors have been closed. it has been really tough being on and off, and keeping

in check your staff's well—being, your well—being, clients' well—being. when i was doing the calculations, we've had a £10,000 vat bill, a £6,000 rent bill. so as you can imagine, that hits the bank balance very hard. a few miles south, this is stockport where leanne's women only gym usually thrives on the buzz of group activity. for now, online classes will have to do. our members are desperate to get back in the gym. theyjust want that experience of being here. when you're so used to training in the gym, and that's been your routine, and we have members that have been with us for over five years, that's been their routine every single week to train at least three times a week here with us. and that's all gone. leanne had big expansion plans for 2020. now her only ambition is to open the doors. dorothy has seen the seasons come and go in her chesterfield store for three years.

but how can she now plan what to stock when she doesn't know when she'll open? when we closed, we just went into sales. so it's very difficult because when we open again, whether it's march, april, we will be then spring summer. it's a completely different colour, it's a completely different style. i'm very, very optimistic that things will come right again. we've got some very lovely and loyal customers and i'm sure it will come back. it's just when. melissa is optimistic, but cautiously so. she says the road ahead must be a clear one. what we are all hoping for is clarity and fairness. clarity on clear rules that are in place, and if it is going to be a tiered system, what that entails for hairdressers. and fairness, because last time, there was a lot of misunderstanding and a lot of stress, time and money wasted on unclear rules. they have done all that they can to prepare. now all that's left to do is wait.

let's bring you more on the scottish study which is looking at the effectiveness of the various vaccinations that we have being rolled out at the moment. our health correspondent anna collinson is with me. talk us through the findings? some really exciting findings, actually. until now we have spoken about vaccine efficacy. talking about clinical trials which involve tens of thousands of people. this study is about what is going on in the real world, is about what is going on in the realworld, how is about what is going on in the real world, how the vaccine is working. and crucially, this is the first study to describe the effect the two vaccines are having based on the two vaccines are having based on the uk's roll—out on an entire country in preventing hospitalisations in relation to coronavirus. it looks at more than 1.1 million first doses admitted in scotland between the start of december and mid—february. they compared those admitted to hospital

with covid to those admitted who were not vaccinated. just over 8000 people ended up in hospital, but only 58 of those were the ones vaccinated four weeks previously. in the case of pfizer, hospitalisations were reduced by 85%, and oxford—astrazeneca 94%. among the over 80s the combined figure was an 81% reduction. it's important to point out that these findings are preliminary. nothing has been published. this is all suggestions. but it is a real hopeful sign of the impact the vaccine roll—out is having on the coronavirus. so impact the vaccine roll-out is having on the coronavirus. so what does that mean _ having on the coronavirus. so what does that mean for _ having on the coronavirus. so what does that mean for all _ having on the coronavirus. so what does that mean for all of _ having on the coronavirus. so what does that mean for all of us - having on the coronavirus. so what does that mean for all of us who i having on the coronavirus. so what. does that mean for all of us who are still waiting for vaccines?— still waiting for vaccines? well, first and foremost _ still waiting for vaccines? well, first and foremost what - still waiting for vaccines? well, first and foremost what the - first and foremost what the researchers say is if and when it is your turn to have a jab, take it. notjust your turn to have a jab, take it. not just the first dose but the crucial second dose. they also say our behaviour doesn't change. policy shouldn't change on who is being prioritised. they say the positive impact this will have on the nhs,

which is had an incredibly difficult year. it has been an extreme a challenging time for them. the hope is that while we had hints of the vaccine roll—out working, we have seen signs in the data last week and positive signs in israel, this is showing that hopefully with hospitalisations already coming down, the vaccine is going to take that even further.— that even further. brilliant. thank ou ve that even further. brilliant. thank you very much- — scottish and welsh schools are returning a different timeline to england, with both having a phased return from today. many schools in wales are welcoming their younger students back this morning. our wales correspondent visited a school in penarth to see what preparations they were making. the school has just opened. we have children up to seven years old. half the school back in today. a phased

return in wales primary the rest of primary schoolchildren will hopefully be coming back on the of march. that is as long as things keep moving in the right direction. so say the welsh government. that means vaccination rates continuing to go in the same way and hospital numbers and covid transition rates continuing to come down. transmission rates. hi schoolchildren may come back to schoolchildren may come back to school as well. you might be able to see just behind school as well. you might be able to seejust behind me school as well. you might be able to see just behind me the school as well. you might be able to seejust behind me the reception class. i don't know if you can see through the glass. many of them dressed as dinosaurs today. a way to get them back in the mood, back to school after a long period out. the school after a long period out. the school has been putting protocols in place. it is the head teacher. talk to me a little bit about the difference this time around compared to september? the difference this time around compared to september?— difference this time around compared to september? the main difference is that we have — to september? the main difference is that we have got _ to september? the main difference is that we have got just _ to september? the main difference is that we have gotjust half— to september? the main difference is that we have got just half of - to september? the main difference is that we have got just half of our - that we have got just half of our school _ that we have got just half of our school back. just at the foundation phase _ school back. just at the foundation phase it _ school back. just at the foundation phase it is— school back. just at the foundation phase. it is a more gradual return. a chance _ phase. it is a more gradual return. a chance to— phase. it is a more gradual return. a chance to come i suppose, look at

how this _ a chance to come i suppose, look at how this affects the r number and the numbers with coronavirus and to see whether— the numbers with coronavirus and to see whether or not it is safe to bring _ see whether or not it is safe to bring the — see whether or not it is safe to bring the rest of the school back in three _ bring the rest of the school back in three weeks' time. i hope that is the case — three weeks' time. i hope that is the case it— three weeks' time. i hope that is the case. it would be a good thing for everyone. i�*m the case. it would be a good thing for everyone-— for everyone. i'm sure it has been difficult, for everyone. i'm sure it has been difficult. it — for everyone. i'm sure it has been difficult, it has _ for everyone. i'm sure it has been difficult, it has been _ for everyone. i'm sure it has been difficult, it has been frustrating. l difficult, it has been frustrating. how would you sum up the past year as a teacher? it how would you sum up the past year as a teacher?— as a teacher? it has been very different- _ as a teacher? it has been very different. we _ as a teacher? it has been very different. we all _ as a teacher? it has been very different. we all came - as a teacher? it has been very different. we all came into . as a teacher? it has been very| different. we all came into this profession to work with children and young _ profession to work with children and young people and to make a difference to their lives. i think we are — difference to their lives. i think we are still making a difference to their lives— we are still making a difference to their lives are put in a different wax _ their lives are put in a different wax we — their lives are put in a different way. we have had to think about very different _ way. we have had to think about very different ways of approaching the children— different ways of approaching the children about their mental health, their well—being, trying to give them _ their well—being, trying to give them things which still make them feel part _ them things which still make them feel part of the school and part of the community. even though they are doing _ the community. even though they are doing it _ the community. even though they are doing it remotely from home. what has been the _ doing it remotely from home. what has been the biggest _ doing it remotely from home. twist has been the biggest challenge? has it been putting the safety measures in place, building these new awnings so there's more space work outside? i think the biggest challenges safety~ — i think the biggest challenges safety. the most important thing in any schaot— safety. the most important thing in any school is the safeguarding of children — any school is the safeguarding of children. we think about their safety, — children. we think about their safety, their health, the health of their parents, the health of my

staff, _ their parents, the health of my staff, the — their parents, the health of my staff, the wider community. it is making — staff, the wider community. it is making sure we get it right that whatever— making sure we get it right that whatever we do has the safety of the children _ whatever we do has the safety of the children and all our stakeholders at the heart _ children and all our stakeholders at the heart of it.— the heart of it. looking ahead now, a hased the heart of it. looking ahead now, a phased return, _ the heart of it. looking ahead now, a phased return, you _ the heart of it. looking ahead now, a phased return, you mentioned, i the heart of it. looking ahead now, i a phased return, you mentioned, here in wales, difference to what is happening in england. we are hearing potentially that all schools will be returning in march the 8th. you must have colleagues north of the border. do you think this is the right decision in wales? i do you think this is the right decision in wales?— do you think this is the right decision in wales? i think it's sensible- _ decision in wales? i think it's sensible. there _ decision in wales? i think it's sensible. there has - decision in wales? i think it's sensible. there has not - decision in wales? i think it's sensible. there has not been| decision in wales? i think it's - sensible. there has not been any rushed _ sensible. there has not been any rushed decision to bring children hack _ rushed decision to bring children back its — rushed decision to bring children back. it's gradual. looking at the younger— back. it's gradual. looking at the younger ones, they find it most difficult — younger ones, they find it most difficult to work at home remotely with their— difficult to work at home remotely with their parents. they find it hard _ with their parents. they find it hard to— with their parents. they find it hard to engage. it makes sense to bring _ hard to engage. it makes sense to bring the — hard to engage. it makes sense to bring the younger ones back first. if it bring the younger ones back first. if it is _ bring the younger ones back first. if it is possible in three weeks' time _ if it is possible in three weeks' time and — if it is possible in three weeks' time and the numbers go down, we can brin- time and the numbers go down, we can bring everyone back.— bring everyone back. mark, thank you so much for — bring everyone back. mark, thank you so much for that. _ bring everyone back. mark, thank you so much for that. as _ bring everyone back. mark, thank you so much for that. as you _ bring everyone back. mark, thank you so much for that. as you mentioned, | so much for that. as you mentioned, up so much for that. as you mentioned, up to seven years old in school today. the other children across

wales in school will be the ones where the children of vulnerable and workers. most children up to the age of seven will return by the end of the week. we'll be coming back today, actually. at some schools in north wales, where the case rates are higher, will not open until the end of the week. radio 2'sjo whiley, has described "emotional scenes", in an update on the health of her sister, who is ill in hospital with coronavirus. frances, who has a rare genetic disorder, can be seen waving from the hospital window in a video posted by the broadcaster last night. it comes afterjo made an heartfelt plea for vulnerable people with learning disabilities, like frances, to be given the covid vaccine urgently. the funeral of captain sir tom moore will be held on saturday, in what the family said would be a "small" service as they asked the public to stay at home. a statement issued on behalf of his daughters lucy teixeira

and hannah ingram—moore said: we have no choice but to hold a small family funeral on saturday. while many people want to pay their respects to our father, we asked the public and the price to continue to support the nhs by staying at home. a national memorial service has been held in new zealand to mark ten years since an earthquake in the city of christchurch. 185 people lost their lives in the quake, which had a magnitude of 6.2. our correspondent phil mercer reports. the christchurch earthquake was one of new zealand's darkest days. a five—week—old baby girl was among 185 people who died. other victims came from around the world, including japan, china and thailand. ., world, including japan, china and

thailand. . ~. new zealand's prime minister has praised the hope and optimism that was helping to rebuild the city. she also acknowledged the pain. the toll could not have been more significant and daily reminders made it harder. a fractured landscape, after—shocks, struggling friends and neighbours, and children with deep and unseen scars. i hope you find the space to be kind to yourself. as you have no doubt been to others who knew you were carrying the same burden. the earthquake struck at lunchtime. in an instant, one of new zealand's biggest cities was overcome by panic and terror. they were frantic efforts to save those who were trapped. others ran for their lives. those who were trapped. others ran fortheir lives. for those who were trapped. others ran for their lives. for many, the trauma has been immense.

it remains very surreal to this day. it is something that will be etched in my memory and those of my colleagues all of my life. those working in christchurch now, there has been about an 80% staff turnover with staff leaving the service i'm going to other roles. so clearly it does have an impact. two thirds of the victims died in the canterbury television building. it was poorly built and no match for such a powerful tremor. more than half of the buildings in christchurch were damaged. the shaking of the earth was brutal. the shaking of the earth was brutal. the famous cathedral was inspired. it became a symbol of a city in pain. lives and livelihoods were lost. so many homes. but from the rubble a greener and safer place to live and work is gradually emerging. you never get over it. we did know people who died in the earthquake.

it is just one of these things, you have to get on with your life and just look forward to the revival of the city, really. if i'm still around another ten years, christchurch will be just the most amazing place. the disaster in christchurch was made worse by another big earthquake a few months earlier that had weakened many buildings. ten years on, a devastated city is slowly being reborn. phil mercer, bbc news. time to bring you the headlines on bbc news. borisjohnson will you the headlines on bbc news. boris johnson will today you the headlines on bbc news. borisjohnson will today reveal more details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown. schools in england will open to all children from march the 8th. some younger pupils in scotland and wales are going back to class this morning. more outdoor socialising will be allowed, with the rule of six making allowed, with the rule of six making a returnjust allowed, with the rule of six making a return just before easter. allowed, with the rule of six making a returnjust before easter. but pubs, shops and restaurants will have to wait a bit longer.

boeing has recommended dozens of its triple seven planes be grounded over an engine fault which sparked an emergency landing in colorado at the weekend. as vast crowds in myanmar fill the streets as part of a general strike against the military coup earlier this month, the un puts pressure on the generals to hand power back. whether it's wanting to know when your children will be back in the classroom, or how you can reopen your business, or when you can hug yourfamily... we've all got so many questions about what the next few months might look like. and with borisjohnson set to announce how lockdown restrictions will be eased across england later, some of those questions might be finally be answered. but with our old lives feeling more like a distant memory, how ready are we to get back to normal? graham satchell has been finding out. walk into almost any room in emily's house and there are children on their devices. online lessons all day

and then chatting with friends and playing games. it is life lived on a screen. i don't think it's healthy for them. life is quite different for them. that has had an impact. we have had tears, we have had tricky times to manoeuvre around. emily says her children desperately need a return to normality. if i can say to the children, here's a date when you're going to be back in school, then we have something to work towards. and if they said we'd like to reopen the schools, have them ready tomorrow morning, then i'd be there and my children would be dressed and at the door! the lifting of some restrictions like opening schools is being made possible by the remarkable vaccination programme. the government in westminster saying the road map out of lockdown this time will be based on evidence, data, not dates. i think it's important that with a jab out there that we're all going to get soon, we are maybe struggling economically, but we can make it back up again.

phil is a chef who has been furloughed for most of the year. he set up a go find me page and has been cooking for key workers, food banks in vulnerable i am been cooking for key workers, food banks in vulnerabl— been cooking for key workers, food banks in vulnerable i am dying to go back to work. _ banks in vulnerable i am dying to go back to work, but _ banks in vulnerable i am dying to go back to work, but i _ banks in vulnerable i am dying to go back to work, but i wanted - banks in vulnerable i am dying to go back to work, but i wanted to - banks in vulnerable i am dying to go back to work, but i wanted to be - back to work, but i wanted to be safer _ back to work, but i wanted to be safe, i_ back to work, but i wanted to be safer i am — back to work, but i wanted to be safe, i am sick of covid. and i think— safe, i am sick of covid. and i think that _ safe, i am sick of covid. and i think that some people, sometimes because _ think that some people, sometimes because they don't see the desk, emergency numbers on tb, they think it is not— emergency numbers on tb, they think it is not important. it is. they are dead _ it is not important. it is. they are dead people and it's horrible. businesses can start again... you can't start another life. in the east end of london, annalise is showing us her wedding dresses, she has struggled to keep her business open. the last year has been tarumatic in a lot of ways. there was some months

where i thought maybe i should cut my losses and close the business, because there is no way to plan for the future. rules changed at such short notice, it's impossible to plan anything. no weddings means lives on hold for thousands of people wanting to settle down and start families. she says she needs certainty. i need dates, a clear structure. on x date this can happen. our customers need to know when weddings can happen, so we can plan. i understand there is moving parts, you can't gamble with a virus and stuff is going to change, but we need to at least have something to work with. we have come out of lockdown before twice and come back in. the government says this time, opening up will be cautious, phased, and in its words, irreversible. in scotland pupils have

begun a phased return to the classrooms today. our correspondent alexandra mckenzie sent this update from a school in glasgow. children have been arriving back in the classroom. that is primary 123 here. most have been excited, some a little nervous, because they haven't seen their teachers are friends for quite a few weeks now. i am joined by the headmistress here at this primary school in glasgow. how does it feel to get the primary 1— threes backin it feel to get the primary 1— threes back in the classroom? it it feel to get the primary 1- threes back in the classroom?— back in the classroom? it feels lovel , back in the classroom? it feels lovely. there — back in the classroom? it feels lovely, there is _ back in the classroom? it feels lovely, there is less _ back in the classroom? it feels lovely, there is less anxiety i back in the classroom? it feelsl lovely, there is less anxiety this time because we have been here before, we were here in august when we welcome the children back after lockdown one, and we were more anxious then about adhering to the measures in place and the risk assessment. this time, however, we are used to those measures, and we look forward to the children coming in and back to the classroom

learning again.— in and back to the classroom learning again. in and back to the classroom learnin: atain. , . , learning again. teachers have been tested as well, _ learning again. teachers have been tested as well, is _ learning again. teachers have been tested as well, is that _ learning again. teachers have been tested as well, is that right? - learning again. teachers have been tested as well, is that right? yes, i tested as well, is that right? yes, teachers have _ tested as well, is that right? yes, teachers have used _ tested as well, is that right? yes, teachers have used the _ tested as well, is that right? re: teachers have used the lateral flow tests, we have started using those already because we have the children of key workers in school, and they do those tests at home twice a week. what about the other children from primary four onwards? any idea when we are likely to have them back in the classroom and how do you feel about having the primary 1—3 at the moment? i about having the primary 1-3 at the moment? ~ , ., ., ., moment? i think it is a good idea to have a phased _ moment? i think it is a good idea to have a phased return _ moment? i think it is a good idea to have a phased return and _ moment? i think it is a good idea to have a phased return and primary i moment? i think it is a good idea to. have a phased return and primary 1-3 have a phased return and primary 1—3 common, they are the children at least risk, however, i think they are the children at least risk, however, i think the living in our school is that the sooner the better for the children of 4—7. you for the children of 4-7. you teachers — for the children of 4-7. you teachers being _ for the children of 4-7. you teachers being coping - for the children of 4—7. you teachers being coping with home learning? will be glad to see a partial end to that? element oh, yes, some teachers will be. the teachers are _ yes, some teachers will be. iie: teachers are working incredibly

hard. they are exhausted. children are fed up with it. learning now is very practical, collaborative, and thatjust very practical, collaborative, and that just can't very practical, collaborative, and thatjust can't be replicated online. i thatjust can't be replicated online. ~ , ., , thatjust can't be replicated online. ~ , , ., online. i think probably some of the atents online. i think probably some of the patents are — online. i think probably some of the patents are fed _ online. i think probably some of the patents are fed up _ online. i think probably some of the patents are fed up with _ online. i think probably some of the patents are fed up with home - patents are fed up with home learning as well, and we have one parent here. becky, who has it been going at home with the two boys? home learning has been going well, but obviously they want it over and it as soon — but obviously they want it over and it as soon as— but obviously they want it over and it as soon as i want it over and done _ it as soon as i want it over and done with _ it as soon as i want it over and done with. am working from home as wellr _ done with. am working from home as well, i_ done with. am working from home as well, i am _ done with. am working from home as well, i am also a teacher, sol done with. am working from home as well, i am also a teacher, so i am juggling _ well, i am also a teacher, so i am juggling what i am working on and their work — juggling what i am working on and theirwork. but juggling what i am working on and their work. but the days where i say we will _ their work. but the days where i say we will leave it for today are later on, they— we will leave it for today are later on, they are delighted, theyjust want _ on, they are delighted, theyjust want to— on, they are delighted, theyjust want to get back into classroom learning — want to get back into classroom learning. they were singing to salty hands-on— learning. they were singing to salty hands—on activities they are looking forward _ hands—on activities they are looking forward to, — hands—on activities they are looking forward to, painting, lego, all of these _ forward to, painting, lego, all of these things they are looking forward — these things they are looking

forward to doing with their friends. how do _ forward to doing with their friends. how do you — forward to doing with their friends. how do you feel about them coming back today?— how do you feel about them coming back toda ? , , ., ., back today? delighted, they are more than read . back today? delighted, they are more than ready. when _ back today? delighted, they are more than ready. when sonny _ back today? delighted, they are more than ready. when sonny was - back today? delighted, they are more than ready. when sonny was at - back today? delighted, they are more| than ready. when sonny was at school last time _ than ready. when sonny was at school last time the transition was great, he knew— last time the transition was great, he knew what he was doing, the routines — he knew what he was doing, the routines from school, coming home and wash— routines from school, coming home and wash his hands, he knew how important — and wash his hands, he knew how important they were and it was normality for him, it wasn't a big dealt _ normality for him, it wasn't a big deal. so — normality for him, it wasn't a big deal. so i — normality for him, it wasn't a big deal, so i have no apprehensions about them going back to school. your _ about them going back to school. your sex, — about them going back to school. your sex, which means your primary two, how does it feel to be coming back to school at last? , you are six. what have you been learning? maths. what have you been learning? maths. what are you — what have you been learning? maths. what are you hoping to _ what have you been learning? maths. what are you hoping to do _ what have you been learning? maths. what are you hoping to do at - what have you been learning? maths. what are you hoping to do at school. what are you hoping to do at school today? what are you hoping to do at school toda ? ._ , , ., today? playing with my friends and -la in: today? playing with my friends and playing lego- _ today? playing with my friends and playing lego- have _ today? playing with my friends and playing lego. have you _ today? playing with my friends and playing lego. have you met - today? playing with my friends and playing lego. have you met your. playing lego. have you met your friends a lot? _

playing lego. have you met your friends a lot? gray _ playing lego. have you met your friends a lot? gray yes. - playing lego. have you met your friends a lot? gray yes. what - playing lego. have you met your| friends a lot? gray yes. what are home—schooling been like for you? good and i learned about numbers from _ good and i learned about numbers from ten _ good and i learned about numbers from ten to— good and i learned about numbers from ten to 20 and 30. i liked that. wow _ from ten to 20 and 30. i liked that. wow what — from ten to 20 and 30. i liked that. wow. what are you hoping to do today? i wow. what are you hoping to do toda ? ., wow. what are you hoping to do toda ? . ., , ., wow. what are you hoping to do toda ? . ., , , today? i am hoping to play with my friends, today? i am hoping to play with my friends. lego _ today? i am hoping to play with my friends, lego and _ today? i am hoping to play with my friends, lego and paint _ today? i am hoping to play with my friends, lego and paint cassette . today? i am hoping to play with my friends, lego and paint cassette is| friends, lego and paint cassette is my favourite thing to do and mummy this and _ my favourite thing to do and mummy this and let _ my favourite thing to do and mummy this and let me do it at home. how do ou this and let me do it at home. how do you feel — this and let me do it at home. how do you feel about _ this and let me do it at home. firm do you feel about seeing year friends today?— do you feel about seeing year| friends today?_ i do you feel about seeing year- friends today?_ i think friends today? great, 100%. ithink we're going — friends today? great, 100%. ithink we're going to _ friends today? great, 100%. ithink we're going to let _ friends today? great, 100%. ithink we're going to let them _ friends today? great, 100%. ithink we're going to let them head - friends today? great, 100%. ithink we're going to let them head back. we're going to let them head back into the classroom to see their friends, phased approach primary 1—3 today, for practical classes, not sure when other children will come back to school, it will be at least

the middle of march. we can now speak to paul whiteman, general secretary at the national association of head teachers. how do you react to all pupils going backin how do you react to all pupils going back in england on march the 8th? element we are calling on the government to make a compelling case as to why it is determined that this and absolutely safe to go. irate as to why it is determined that this and absolutely safe to go. we have been countering _ and absolutely safe to go. we have been countering for— and absolutely safe to go. we have been countering for a _ and absolutely safe to go. we have been countering for a phased - and absolutely safe to go. we have | been countering for a phased return to make sure the impact on our community isn't leading us towards a third lockdown of schools that would be absolutely devastating. we need to make clear that children should be back and we want children back in school as quickly as possible. whether that is a big bang tattooing the gates open or a slightly more met our response, i am looking forward to hearing the prime minister when he makes his statement as to what the science he chooses is telling him and why he says that is the right approach, that is what we are looking forward to hearing...

the compelling cases that some children will be seriously suffering because of the amount of time out of the classroom. because of the amount of time out of the classroom-— the classroom. that's absolutely ri . ht and the classroom. that's absolutely right and what _ the classroom. that's absolutely right and what we _ the classroom. that's absolutely right and what we are _ the classroom. that's absolutely right and what we are focused i the classroom. that's absolutely| right and what we are focused on the classroom. that's absolutely i right and what we are focused on a speaking should be maximise that time in the classroom. this has got to be the last time we kick the gates open, this has got to be an absolutely saleable return. we want to make sure that the prime minister is reassured his decision doesn't run that risk of a third school lockdown, which would be even more devastating than taking a more measured approach to getting children back in school i want to be absolutely clear, all teachers and school leaders want to see children back in school. but teachers and school leaders want to see children back in school.- see children back in school. but we want to make _ see children back in school. but we want to make sure _ see children back in school. but we want to make sure they _ see children back in school. but we want to make sure they stay - see children back in school. but we want to make sure they stay there | want to make sure they stay there when they return, that is what we are concerned about. {we when they return, that is what we are concerned about.— when they return, that is what we are concerned about. one of the four conditions the _ are concerned about. one of the four conditions the government _ are concerned about. one of the four conditions the government says - are concerned about. one of the four conditions the government says it i are concerned about. one of the four conditions the government says it is| conditions the government says it is using before it makes decisions like this include infection rates, not risking a surge in hospital admissions. there could be a rise in infections. —— they're only been

seen as a barrier if they risk a surge in hospitalisations? does not seem fair enough cut element we do not want by the government says it is becoming too dangerous and therefore they are going to lock the gate on another occasion. my understanding _ on another occasion. ij�*i�*i understanding of the on another occasion. my understanding of the evidence i am reading is that it is very balanced and there is an scientific consensus about how to get a return to school that make sure it is sustainable. that is why the government really needs to make its case today. it is simply not going to be good enough to make broad statements that they believe a return to school is safe... they need to explain why they say that, they need to bring confidence and credibility to those statements. if they can do that, then i know that the school profession, the education profession will respond positively to that, we need to make sure that return really a sustainable and that it is not just window dressing... if we really have a commitment to education, we

are to make sure that when we get children back to stay back and we can begin to rebuild and make better all the damage that has happened over this last period. flan all the damage that has happened over this last period.— all the damage that has happened over this last period. can i ask you about the additional _ over this last period. can i ask you about the additional challenge i over this last period. can i ask you about the additional challenge of l about the additional challenge of schools having to test pupils? do you know what the practicalities are for schools? it is you know what the practicalities are for schools?— for schools? it is a logistical challenge. _ for schools? it is a logistical challenge, obviously. i for schools? it is a logistical. challenge, obviously. schools for schools? it is a logistical i challenge, obviously. schools will respond that. one of the biggest problem and secondary schools is that, as we understand that, the demand will be to do a number of test before children come back. between the announcement today and the full return plan for the 8th of march, is probably practically impossible to make that happen, so thatis impossible to make that happen, so that is why some of the suggestions i've been hearing about today, some flexibility around the return date or probably to address those practical issues school leaders and their teams know their communities, and they know the children in their care really well. some flexibility to organise the practicalities right across all phases of education will be very

welcome today. you can't open and close schools like turning a light on and off, it is not a flick of a switch. they are much more complex organisations than that. aha, switch. they are much more complex organisations than that.— organisations than that. ajoint organisations than that. a “oint statement from all i organisations than that. ajoint statement from all teaching i organisations than that. a joint i statement from all teaching unions on friday suggest that before pupils go back in england, that would be reckless. are you rolling back from that now? element we were saying it as reckless base on the information we had at that point —— as reckless base on the information we had at that point -- that as reckless base on the information we had at that point --_ we had at that point -- that is why i'm we had at that point -- that is why i'm saying — we had at that point -- that is why i'm saying the _ we had at that point -- that is why i'm saying the government - we had at that point -- that is why i'm saying the government is i we had at that point -- that is why i'm saying the government is to i we had at that point -- that is why i i'm saying the government is to make its case. if it can't make its case and can make a compelling case, it would be reckless to take the chance of a third lockdown for schools that would have a devastating impact on children and on their education. if it is a gamble and reckless, if there are signs out there yet to be published in the interpretation of that size the governments were to bring forward that makes a compelling case, then it won't be. that is what the government has to do, it has to say why the eighth

with the big bang opening is the right thing to do and give us the science that supports it. with peace talks between the afghan government and taliban stalled, president ashraf ghani has told bbc news that hard decisions and sacrifices lie ahead on all sides. violence has surged in the country in recent months and nato has already said that foreign troops may not leave by the end of april — a deadline set in a us agreement with the taliban last year but now under review by the biden administration. our chief international correspondent, lyse doucet, reports from kabul. a front line of this forever war. afghan soldiers in brutal battle against the taliban, a time of blistering violence. the calm of the commander—in—chief in kabul. president ghani calls his men in the field just days after his nato allies

confirmed they're not pulling out yet. the nato decision provides a window of opportunity to accelerate the peace process. to shape an enduring, just, and lasting peace. is it a question of months or years before the last of the nato forces and crucial assets like airsupport...? it depends on the intensity of the war. my message is those who provide sanctity to the taliban should be talked to very straight. we met a president clearly pleased there's a new partner in the white house. biden's team is now reviewing last year's us taliban deal which shut out the afghan leader. i'm delighted with the nature of conversation that's taking place between us. it is a conversation about mutual interests,

mutual respect, and mutual trust. there are going to be hard decisions and one has to expect that. the american war is over. this deal was meant to pave the way for foreign forces to leave by may. but the us says the taliban haven't kept their word, including cutting ties with al-qaeda and pursuing peace talks. it is time that taliban and their supporters show the same will for seeking peace as they have demonstrated in seeking conflict. the taliban say that your insistence on completing your five year term is an obstacle in this peace process. what is the alternative? i have only one criteria — the holding of elections. early elections. elections.

the republic is a system that runs by the will of the people. the source of legitimacy of the next government has to be absolutely clear. it has to be the will of the people of afghanistan. does that have to come at the end of your five—year tenure? no. so it could be earlier if the right conditions are in place? this is a premature discussion. but everyone is talking about it. everyone is talking, everyone is free, this is a free country. it's being talked about by regional powers, it's being talked about by opposition politicians. let them talk. washington doesn't want its forces here a day longer than necessary. it's stepping up pressure on all sides to end this war. this, the year the afghan president agrees, peace will be won or lost. lyse doucet, bbc news kabul. iran and the un's nuclear watchdog, the iaea,

say they have reached a deal. — which will allow un inspectors to carry on essential monitoring of iran's nuclear work, despite iran's threat to stop snap inspections from tuesday. the move buys time for efforts to try to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. the headlines on bbc news... borisjohnson will today reveal more details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown. boeing has recommended all of its triple—seven planes be grounded over an engine fault which sparked an emergency landing in colorado at the weekend. as vast crowds in myanmar fill the streets — as part of a general strike against the military coup earlier this month — the un puts pressure on the generals to hand power back power. new images of the surface of mars will be released later today from nasa's perserverence rover.

late last week nasa released the first high—resolution colour photo from the jezero crater, where it landed on thursday.... drjessica whiteside is associate professor of geochemistry at the university of southampton and joins me now... good morning. how excited are you by this whole project? _ good morning. how excited are you by this whole project? i— good morning. how excited are you by this whole project? i am _ good morning. how excited are you by this whole project? i am thrilled i this whole pro'ect? i am thrilled be ond this whole project? i am thrilled beyond belief. _ this whole project? i am thrilled beyond belief. there _ this whole project? i am thrilled beyond belief. there is - this whole project? i am thrilled beyond belief. there is a - this whole project? i am thrilled beyond belief. there is a great i this whole project? i am thrilled i beyond belief. there is a great line by an apollo astronaut that said the excitement and thrills and pride associated with apollo something that would not be repeated again until we go to mars, and here we are. ~ ., until we go to mars, and here we are. . ., ., ,. until we go to mars, and here we are. . ., ., y., ., ~ ., until we go to mars, and here we are. . ., ., .,~ ., ,. are. what do you make of the picture so far? they — are. what do you make of the picture so far? they are _ are. what do you make of the picture so far? they are breathtaking, - are. what do you make of the picture so far? they are breathtaking, the i so far? they are breathtaking, the big question _ so far? they are breathtaking, the big question now— so far? they are breathtaking, the big question now is _ so far? they are breathtaking, the big question now is are _ so far? they are breathtaking, the big question now is are those i big question now is are those roxette and terry, are they layered, could they harbour life or the volcanic? —— are those rocks

sentimentality? the perseverance rover is heading towards the dell tour, but itjust has to get around a few sand dunes first, —— around —— the delta. it could have been ripped out a travel guide from somewhere on earth, from death valley or a beach somewhere. earth, from death valley or a beach somewhere-— somewhere. what is it about this creature that _ somewhere. what is it about this creature that is _ somewhere. what is it about this creature that is so _ somewhere. what is it about this creature that is so intriguing? i somewhere. what is it about this. creature that is so intriguing? this is an ancient _ creature that is so intriguing? t�*i 3 is an ancient crater, there was a lake in this creature 3.5 billion years ago back when mars was a blue planet, not the red planet we see today. it is possible that harper's life. it is something kind of like value, like the mississippi delta. there are rivers that cut in, then flow and an outflow, meaning the lake leper quite a long time. there were still waterfor a lake leper quite a long time. there were still water for a long time lake leper quite a long time. there were still waterfor a long time —— the lake lived for a long time.

possible that life could have evolved and remained there. —— preserved. it evolved and remained there. -- preserved-— evolved and remained there. -- reserved. . , , , preserved. it was preserved there, what knowledge _ preserved. it was preserved there, what knowledge would _ preserved. it was preserved there, what knowledge would that - preserved. it was preserved there, what knowledge would that leave l preserved. it was preserved there, | what knowledge would that leave us with? , , ., ., , with? the big question, was live ever present _ with? the big question, was live ever present en _ with? the big question, was live ever present en masse - with? the big question, was live ever present en masse miss i with? the big question, was live ever present en masse miss alll with? the big question, was live i ever present en masse miss all the building blocks for life are there. it would mean the building blocks are in the universe, it primes the situation for life. it is fantastic. here we are in 2021, the first one able to drill and collect samples to bring back to earth for us to be able to look for signatures of this life. it would mean we are not alone in the universe. it would be tremendous.— in the universe. it would be tremendous. . ., , ., , tremendous. well, that blows your mind. tremendous. well, that blows your mind- thank _ tremendous. well, that blows your mind. thank you _ tremendous. well, that blows your mind. thank you very _ tremendous. well, that blows your mind. thank you very much. i tremendous. well, that blows your mind. thank you very much. we i tremendous. well, that blows your i mind. thank you very much. we wait for new pictures to emerge.

motor racing driver billy monger returned to motorsportjust a year after becoming a double amputee following an horrific crash he went on to finish on 3rd in his first solo competitive race back when he was stilljust18. now, he's taking on his biggest task outside of a racing car. tim muffett spoke to him. it still feels so surreal that it is happening. i've never done anything like this before. it's completely different to motorsport, my background in racing. and what an extraordinary background it is. billy lost both his legs in a motor racing accident in 2017. we met him nine months later as he got back behind the wheel for the first time. you have your prosthetics here and you are still able to control the car and the pedals. many people will find that extraordinary. when you control the pedal normally, you do it all through your ankle, that's how you control how much input you're putting into the pedals.

but with me, because i haven't got ankles, the way i simply control it is just through my leg like this. this will be another enormous challenge. a 140 mile triathlon across england in four days. walking, cycling and kayaking. it is all for such a wonderful cause and i know you will be the inspiration that you were born to be. so good luck, billy. billy, you're such an inspiration, you're an extraordinary person i and i'm honoured to call you a friend. _ let's be honest, you're going i to absolutely beat this challenge. you could pretty much do the whole thing with me on your back. - but failing that, i i am there in spirit. lots of love, good luck. it will be a pretty sensational and special feeling. really trying to challenge myself.

people living in a village in eastern poland have built a thousand snowmen in an effort to raise money for a local toddler who needs life saving heart surgery. tim allman has been finding out more.. across the fields of korycin, an army gathers its forces but not just any army, mind you, an army of snowmen, proud and true. dozens upon dozens of them, in fact. a lot of carrots, a lot of cold and more than a few scarves. and this is an army that knows exactly what its mission is. translation: a thousand snowmen for bartek. we have to do something crazy to draw your attention to this little boy who has a heart defect, and needs surgery urgently. we are running out of time. the surgery is planned for april and we still need a lot of money. funds are being raised to try and send a local boy abroad. he desperately needs an operation but poland does not have the right

kind of surgeon. the whole community, young and old, is doing its best to help. "i was making a snowman by myself," said this boy, "it is not very big, it is not finished yet but it is for bartek from my heart." time is of the essence, if the two—year—old child is to get his life—saving operation. soon enough these snowmen will melt away and disappear. the commitment these people are showing never will. tim allman, bbc news. you're watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather. yesterday we had the warmest day of the year so far. the temperature reached 15.9 in norfolk. today we don't expect it to get that high.

a ridge of high pressure keeping things fairly settled. the cloud will continue to build in the south—eastern corner of the country, with some light rain following on. you can see a lot of dry weather with some sunshine. the north—west of scotland hanging onto a bit more cloud. there will be one or two showers. temperatures today ranging from seven in the north to 13 in the south—east. as we head through this evening and overnight, the dregs of that weather front push away. mist and fog patches forming but they won't last, because the wind is strengthening. more especially out towards the west, and here it is one to be accompanied by some rain which will turn heavier as we go to the rest of the night and tomorrow. not a particularly cold night, so it won't be a cul—de—sac today, but we have this potent area of low the isobars telling you it will be when they were ever you are.

the driest conditions tomorrow are more than likely going to be in some eastern areas. snow falling, gales out towards the west and heaviest rain across south—west scotland and north—west england, and north—west wales could lead to issues with flooding. the black circles represent the strength of the wind gusts, so it will be windy whereever you are, but especially so in the west. these are our temperatures 8—11t , so still above average everywhere for the stage in february. as we get to thursday, we still have a weather front rates across parts of the west and the north introducing all that cloud and rain, again enhancing the risk of localised flooding for south—west scotland and cumbria, in particular. the winds won't be as strong and we are looking at temperatures, 8 in the north to 17 in the south. there is a small chance we could even hit 18, way above average. the average for london at this time of year is 8.6. on thursday, a lot of dry weather, showery rain in the north of scotland with a few showers

and these are our temperatures, 8—14. a little lower but still above average.

this is bbc news. i'mjoanna gosling. the headlines at 11: borisjohnson will reveal the long awaited details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown, this afternoon. it's confirmed schools in england will open to all children from the 8th of march. some younger pupils in scotland and wales have gone back to class this morning. we've been working with schools to make sure we deliver that reopening safely. and i think that the majority of the teaching profession think it's the right thing to do. children are our priority, i think. more outdoor socialising will be allowed from the end of march — with the �*rule of six' making a return just before easter. opening pubs, shops and restaurants will come later. the first study to report on the impact of the uk's covid

vaccination progamme finds it massively reduces the risk of severe illness resulting in hospitalisation. boeing recommends all of its 777 planes be grounded over an engine fault which sparked an emergency landing in colorado at the weekend. huge crowds fill the streets in myanmar as part of a general strike against the military coup, as the un puts pressure on the generals to hand power back power. also coming up — the double amputee professional racing driver, who aims to to walk, cycle and kayak 140 miles — in four days — for comic relief.

borisjohnson will announce his road map for lifting lockdown in england today, as infections decrease and the vaccine programme continues to roll out. the government's confirmed this morning that all pupils will return to school in england on march 8th. phased returns are planned in the rest of the uk — younger children are going back today in scotland and wales, with northern ireland's schools partially reopening in march. the pm is also expected to announce that from march 29th, six people or two households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens. outdoor sports could also return. this morning mrjohnson said on twitter that his priorities would be schooling, and reuniting people with loved ones — but added that decisions "will be made on the latest data at every step". he will share his plans in full with mps in the house of commons at 3.30pm this afternoon. followed by a press conference at 7 this evening. helen catt reports.

it's been seven weeks since everyone in england was told, once again, to stay—at—home. later, borisjohnson will set out how he plans to start opening things up again. but he has warned his road map will be cautious. that means it is likely it will be some time yet before we are back in the shops, hairdressers or the pub. it is understood the road map will be built around four phases, each separated by several weeks. phase one starts on march 8th. it is understood all schools will reopen to all pupils, despite teaching unions' concerns. there might be a few days of flexibility built in, but not the sort of phased return that scotland, wales and northern ireland have chosen. outdoor clubs and activities run by schools can restart, too. allowing friends and family to start meeting again is also expected in phase one. so, from the 8th of march, care home residents will be allowed to see one regular visitor indoors. it is also expected that two people will be allowed to meet in a public outdoor space for coffee, chat or picnic instead of just for exercise. later in the first phase, on march 29, it is understood that

groups of six, or two households, will be able to meet up. it will have to be outdoors, but it can be in a private garden. sports such as golf, tennis and grass roots football are expected to start again, too. it is at this point it is thought that the instruction to stay at home will finally be lifted. but staying overnight elsewhere is still likely to be banned. health leaders have backed caution. what we don't want to see is that the health services come under the pressure that we have seen before. so what we are suggesting is we take baby steps out of this to ensure that some of the systems and detail that we are giving people are correct. remember, we came out of this once before and absolutely it didn't work very well for us. we actually had to go into lockdown very soon after. but keeping restrictions causes economic and social damage. for the many businesses that have been forced to shut, it is understood the road map will set out a lot more detail on when and how they can open again.

the prime minister will present his plans to mps this afternoon and then again in a news conference at seven o'clock this evening. helen catt, bbc news. our political correspondent, damian grammaticas, is at westminster. this day has been long—awaited. it has. many people will be looking for the sort of detail in this and there will be things to welcome foremost but for some businesses particularly there is going to be quite a long wait. the government is talking about caution and that is understandable. if you think about the background level of infection but also the history, cast your mind back almost one year, to april last year and that first lockdown we had, borisjohnson after he was hospitalised himself then talked about the need to be cautious and to take things slowly. he said another lockdown could be disastrous for the

economy. we have had two since then. so wanting to be careful now. boris johnson tweeting this morning that he'll be setting a road map to be bringing us out of lockdown cautiously... our priority is a ways been getting children back to school which is crucial for educational well—being and also that he'll be prioritising ways for families to reunite with loved ones safely. so schooling is a big step and a bit of a gamble because that approach in england is going to be different elsewhere with all children going back from early march but the vaccines minister was laying out how other steps may work. on the 8th of march, it's two people being able to meet outdoors for a coffee or socially. on the 29th of march, it will be two families or the rule of six meeting outdoors and outdoor sports — tennis, golf and other outdoor sports,

including team sports. from the labour side generally we have a supportive approach. labour once sat slow and steady cautious moving forward, one that is backed by the scientist as well. —— labour wants that slow and steady cautious moving forward. but they do say that they should be a focus on schools and protecting teachers. they want teachers vaccinated because of their concerns about virus spreading through schools themselves. this is whatjonathan ashworth had to say. we will continue to push him to put in place those measures around testing, ground ventilation, guidance around mask wearing, the plans to vaccinate teachers and teaching assistants. the last thing we want is to reopen schools for all pupils and then many pupils are sent home because we have another outbreak of the virus.

remember too the beginning of january saw schoolchildren in england being sent home after one day. so all of this underlines the government's approach. looking forward what it also means is that it will be pretty slow, not until easter, that we are looking at groups of people reuniting outside and then after easter into april and even later may and june for retail, things like hairdressers and then perhaps later things like pubs and likes to be opening. for them, i think there is going to be a very long wait. think there is going to be a very lont wait. . ., ,, think there is going to be a very lont wait. ., ., ~ ,. , long wait. damian, thank you very much. today's road map will outline the four conditions that must be met for lockdown in england to be eased. downing street said the four tests are currently being met, so the first stage on march 8th can go ahead — but the government will look at the data in between every phase of lifting lockdown to assess the impact

of previous changes. the four conditions that must be met are: the vaccine programme continues to go to plan, evidence shows that vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying from the virus or needing hospital treatment. infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions. and new variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions. let's take you through what's happening today. at 3.30pm — the prime minister will set out his strategy to exit from lockdown to mps — you can see that on the bbc news channel. and then at 7 o'clock this evening — he will lead a briefing from downing street — which will be on bbc one. as we've been reporting, scottish and welsh schools are returning on a different timescale to england — with both nations beginning a phased return today. in a moment we'll hear from our scotland correspondent alexandra mackenzie at a school in glasgow — but first here's our wales correspondent tomos morgan —

who visited a school in penarth in wales to see what preparations they are making. this school has just opened. we have children up to seven years old. half the school back in today. a phased return in wales of primary schools — the rest of primary schoolchildren will hopefully be coming back on the 15th of march. that is as long as things keep moving in the right direction, so say the welsh government. that means vaccination rates continuing to go in the same way, and hospital numbers and covid transmission rates continue to come down. high school children may come back to school as well. you might be able to see just behind me the reception class. i don't know if you can see through the glass. many of them dressed as dinosaurs today, a way to get them back in the mood, back to school after a long period out.

the school has been putting protocols in place. mark is the head teacher. talk to me a little bit about the difference this time around compared to september? the main difference is that we have got just half of our school back. just the foundation phase. it is a more gradual return. a chance to, i suppose, look at how this affects the r number and the numbers with coronavirus, and to see whether or not it is safe to bring the rest of the school back in three weeks' time. i hope that is the case. it would be a good thing for everyone. i'm sure it has been difficult, it has been frustrating. how would you sum up the last year as a teacher? it has been very different. we all came into this profession to work with children and young people and to make a difference to their lives. i think we are still making a difference to their lives, but in a different way. we have had to think about very different ways of approaching the children about their mental health, their well—being, trying to give them things which still make them

feel part of the school and part of the community, even though they are doing it remotely from home. what has been the biggest challenge? has it been putting the safety measures in place, building these new awnings so there's more space work outside? i think the biggest challenge is safety. the most important thing in any school is the safeguarding of children. we think about their safety, their health, the health of their parents, the health of my staff, the wider community. it is making sure we get it right, that whatever we do has the safety of the children and all our stakeholders at the heart of it. looking ahead now, a phased return, as you mentioned, here in wales, different to what is happening in england. we are hearing potentially that all schools will be returning in march the 8th. you must have colleagues north of the border. the other side of the border. do you think this is the right decision in wales? i think it's sensible. there has not been any rushed decision to bring children back. it's gradual. looking at the younger ones, they find it most difficult to work at home remotely with their parents. they find it hard to engage.

it makes sense to bring the younger ones back first. if it is possible in three weeks' time and the numbers go down, we can bring everyone back. mark, thank you so much for that. as you mentioned, up to seven years old in school today. the other children across wales in school will be the children of vulnerable and key workers. most children up to the age of seven will return by the end of the week — will be coming back today, actually. some schools in north wales, where the case rates are higher, will not reopen until the end of the week. children have been arriving back in the classroom, primary one to three here _ the classroom, primary one to three here so _ the classroom, primary one to three here. so most of been excited but some _ here. so most of been excited but some are — here. so most of been excited but some are bit nervous because i haven't— some are bit nervous because i haven't seen their teachers or friends — haven't seen their teachers or friends for— haven't seen their teachers or friends for a few weeks now. i am joined _ friends for a few weeks now. i am joined by— friends for a few weeks now. i am joined by maddie mccall, she is the headmistress here at this primary school— headmistress here at this primary school in — headmistress here at this primary school in glasgow. how does it feel

to be _ school in glasgow. how does it feel to be getting all of the children back— to be getting all of the children back in— to be getting all of the children back in the classroom or at least primary— back in the classroom or at least primary one to three? it is lovely to net primary one to three? it is lovely to get them _ primary one to three? it is lovely to get them back _ primary one to three? it is lovely to get them back into _ primary one to three? it is lovely to get them back into the - primary one to three? it is lovely i to get them back into the classroom. there is definitely less anxiety this time because we have been here before in august when we welcome the children back after the first lockdown. we were more anxious then about adhering to measures that were in place and the risk assessment. this time we are used to those measures and we just look forward to the children coming in and back to the children coming in and back to the classroom learning again. and teachers have been tested, is that right? yes, teachers have used lateralflow right? yes, teachers have used lateral flow test. we used them already because we have children of key workers and school and they do this test at home twice a week. iitafhat this test at home twice a week. what about the children _ this test at home twice a week. what about the children from _ this test at home twice a week. what about the children from primary four onwards _ about the children from primary four onwards. when might we have them back in— onwards. when might we have them back in the _ onwards. when might we have them back in the classroom? and how do you feel— back in the classroom? and how do you feel aboutjust back in the classroom? and how do you feel about just having the primary— you feel about just having the primary one to three at the moment?

ithink— primary one to three at the moment? i think it _ primary one to three at the moment? i think it is _ primary one to three at the moment? i think it is a — primary one to three at the moment? i think it is a good idea to have a phased return and let the primary ones come in. we know they are the children at least risk. the feeling at our school is that the sooner the better for children from four to seven returning.— seven returning. how are the children coping _ seven returning. how are the children coping with - seven returning. how are the children coping with home i seven returning. how are the - children coping with home learning? —— our teachers coping with home learning? — -- our teachers coping with home learnin: ? , ., , -- our teachers coping with home learnin: ? , . , ., ~ learning? they have been working incredibly hard. _ learning? they have been working incredibly hard. some _ learning? they have been working incredibly hard. some teachers i learning? they have been working i incredibly hard. some teachers have been putting out many videos a day, sometimes individuals a whole class of four groups. they are exhausted. children are fed with it. learning now is very practical, very collaborative and thatjust can't be replicated online. some breaking news now. some quite shocking news about italy's ambassador in congo. we are hearing

he has been killed in the eastern democratic republic of the congo in what is being described as an attempted kidnapping by the italian media. the member of the italian police travelling with him has also died. the nature of the attack is not clear. he died in hospital but as i mentioned, some of the italian media saying that is an attempted kidnapping. we will bring you more on that as we hear it. last week it was announced that care home residents in england will be allowed one regular visitor from the 8th march, in the first easing of lockdown since its reintroduction last month. they will be able to meet indoors and hold hands — but visitors must wear ppe and be tested beforehand. the health secretary said the move was a �*first step' in allowing more visits. we can speak now to nicci gerrard who is the co—founder ofjohn's campaign — which works to extended visiting rights for family carers of dementia patients in hospitals.

it isa it is a charity she set up after the death of her own father which had a huge impact on her. welcome. what do you think about this easing which will mean there can be one family member who can have direct contact albeit in quite constrained circumstances? riff albeit in quite constrained circumstances? , circumstances? of course, we welcome an ste circumstances? of course, we welcome any step forward _ circumstances? of course, we welcome any step forward out _ circumstances? of course, we welcome any step forward out of— circumstances? of course, we welcome any step forward out of this _ circumstances? of course, we welcome any step forward out of this hideous i any step forward out of this hideous mess of the last year. we are very cautious in that welcome. we are not breaking open the champagne quite yet. as we have learned over this last wretched year there are often so many caveats around this desire to open the home to an essential carer. we really want to assert that this should be a bedrock principle which underlies everything that goes on in the care home. essential carers should be allowed in and even if there is another outbreak, even

if there is another outbreak, even if terrible things happen, that should remain as a bedrock principle. so we have become very used to it being a wish, an express desire but then things get in the weight like an outbreak or not enough testing and tracing. we want there to be an opening of doors but we don't want there to be an opening of doors that then get slammed shut again at the first sign of trouble. completely understandable. do you mind just refreshing our memories on what the situation has been? there will be some people who may have lost track because they have been so many discussions about how things can be facilitated and what should be happening. it is can be facilitated and what should be happening-— be happening. it is really hard to sa what be happening. it is really hard to say what the _ be happening. it is really hard to say what the situation _ be happening. it is really hard to say what the situation has i be happening. it is really hard to say what the situation has been l say what the situation has been because it has been very different for different people in different care homes in different parts of the country. that is one of the problems. there had been an

incoherence. there has been guidelines laid down by the government but changed at various times and relaxed or restricted. then care homes have interpreted those guidelines very differently. some care homes have managed wonderfully to stay open throughout and have been using all the precaution they use for paid carers and let essential caregivers into the home because they are essential. other care homes have, in spite of guidance that says wherever possible people should be let in and individual risk assessment should be made, in spite of all of that, some care homes have remained closed pretty much for an entire year. so there are quite a lot of people in care homes who have not had meaningful contact with the people they need the most for pretty much a year now. that is such a cruel and brutal situation. alongside that,

the guidelines have been saying that you should be allowed in, we are taking precautions, if you are individually assessed as needing your loved one beside you, if you need that therapeutic benefits that a family member can give you but if there are outbreak then the home closes and often the home can close the 28 days and then the next outbreak comes and it as another 28 days. so in effect, even if the guideline is assuming that you will be allowed in, the restrictions another caveat meant that homes will be basically close. there is a way in which old people living in residential homes have been locked in for a year and people wanting to visit those residential homes have been locked out for a year. so there is a whole section of society who

have been treated as if they have fewer human rights and the rest of the country and we have been saying as a collaborative group and dementia charity and organisation that this is completely unacceptable. it has been unacceptable. it has been unacceptable for out but now after year and now the vaccines have been rolled out as well, it is absolutely unacceptable. no matter what happens with the rates of covid, the doors of care homes must now be open to essential caregivers. it has been enough. there will always be risks in this life there are always risks but the risks of people who live in care homes and to have a very short life expectancy of just care homes and to have a very short life expectancy ofjust spending the last months of their lives alone, feeling abandoned, feeling punished and feeling like they are no longer loved, that i must now be over. i mention the very difficult experience you had with your own dad

which let —— lead to you setting up your charity. i know one of the things you feel very strongly about is that when people are at that stage in their lives they are vulnerable. anything that is lost in terms of their capacity you cannot get back. terms of their capacity you cannot tet back. ., .. �* ., get back. you can't. links are severed and _ get back. you can't. links are severed and you _ get back. you can't. links are severed and you cannot i get back. you can't. links are severed and you cannot get i get back. you can't. links are i severed and you cannot get back. get back. you can't. links are - severed and you cannot get back. the experience i had my own father is that he was in hospital for five weeks and unable to be visited. during those five weeks he lost to us and he lived another nine months after that but he was effectively kind of raised and his life had no meaning. he lay in bed and that was what his life was. that was just five weeks. and we have seen is now going on in care homes for pretty much a year. lots of people have died of sadness. i mean, they have literally died of sadness. the access deaths from dementia in care homes over the last year has been

over 50%. homes over the last year has been over50%. people homes over the last year has been over 50%. people have deteriorated drastically. their relatives have suffered such trauma and guilt at being forbidden to be with their loved one in the greatest time of need. the unresolved grief and trauma of this last year is incalculable. now we must be able to say that is over, whatever now happens with covid, care homes must open their doors. many members, people who love the people living in a care home would take all precautions. they have always been willing and eager to do so. they must be treated as if they have the essential value that they do have an be allowed in. they are not visitors. we talk about visitors, they are not visitors. they are family, close partners, life support

of the person in the home. what does it mean to be human? what does it mean to love somebody? spouses who have pledged to be together in sickness and in health to death us do part. they have been made to break those vows to each other and the suffering that has been going on on a mass scale must now be over. so we are very pleased if the government is now saying care homes should open their doors badly want this to be a bedrock principle not just a wish that can be washed away by small or large disasters but something that continues day in, day out whatever happens.— out whatever happens. thank you so much forjoining _ out whatever happens. thank you so much forjoining us. _ analysis from public health scotland show that the coronavirus vaccines have had a significant impact on the risk of serious illness in scotland. the preliminary data covers 1.14 million vaccinations given

between december the 8th and middle of february. and middle of february. the study found that by the fourth week after the first dose hospitalisations were reduced by 85% and 94%, for the pfizer and astrazeneca jabs respectively. it is the first sign of the real world impact of the covid vaccination programme in the uk. figures for england are expected to be released later. lead researcher of the study professor aziz sheikh is here. do you? your study so brilliantly it would. would you expect the data to be the same for england?— same for england? while there is a very similar —

same for england? while there is a very similar vaccine _ same for england? while there is a very similar vaccine strategy - same for england? while there is a very similar vaccine strategy across all of the home nation so we would expect that we will hear very encouraging results from england. those results that you have, 85% reduction in hospitalisation after the first dose for pfizer and 94% for astrazeneca. the first dose for pfizer and 94% forastrazeneca. do the first dose for pfizer and 94% for astrazeneca. do they defy the expectations you had? isoftens expectations you had? were absolutely — expectations you had? were absolutely thrilled _ expectations you had? were absolutely thrilled with i expectations you had? were absolutely thrilled with the i absolutely thrilled with the results. if you get the entire population, particularly among the high—risk populations, i'm absolutely overjoyed with these results. yeah, look forward to seeing the results from england and then also the results in due course from the effects of the second dose. what about those not hospitalised? was there much illness? irate what about those not hospitalised? was there much illness?— what about those not hospitalised? was there much illness? we have not studied the population _ was there much illness? we have not studied the population in _

was there much illness? we have not studied the population in this - studied the population in this particular analysis so i'm not in a position to comment on that. iitafhat position to comment on that. what about those _ position to comment on that. what about those hospitalised then after the first dose? how sick did they get? what were you able to ascertain about the impact of the vaccination there. that about the impact of the vaccination there. �* ., , ., there. at the moment these are preliminary _ there. at the moment these are preliminary data, _ there. at the moment these are preliminary data, so _ there. at the moment these are preliminary data, so at - there. at the moment these are preliminary data, so at the i there. at the moment these are i preliminary data, so at the moment we'rejust preliminary data, so at the moment we're just looking at the risk of hospitalisation. what we're seeing is that these benefits are being seenin is that these benefits are being seen in the elderly. the elderly were not studied so much in these trials. , , ., were not studied so much in these trials. , y., ., trials. did you look at if there were any _ trials. did you look at if there were any deaths _ trials. did you look at if there were any deaths in _ trials. did you look at if there were any deaths in hospital i trials. did you look at if there i were any deaths in hospital with patients who had a first dose? yes. patients who had a first dose? yes, the deaths we _

patients who had a first dose? yes, the deaths we are _ patients who had a first dose? ies the deaths we are tracking, we created a linked dataset so we should be obvious to get a readout on what the impact has been in debt in a few weeks' time but we don't really have the moment. once we have those we will be releasing those within a few weeks. did those we will be releasing those within a few weeks.— those we will be releasing those within a few weeks. did you look at all at the impact _ within a few weeks. did you look at all at the impact on _ within a few weeks. did you look at all at the impact on the _ all at the impact on the transmission of the virus. hat all at the impact on the transmission of the virus. not in this study. _ transmission of the virus. not in this study. no- _ transmission of the virus. not in this study, no. so _ transmission of the virus. not in this study, no. so just _ transmission of the virus. not in this study, no. so just go - transmission of the virus. not in this study, no. so just go back i transmission of the virus. not in | this study, no. so just go back to this study, no. so 'ust go back to the headline i this study, no. so just go back to the headline figures _ this study, no. so just go back to the headline figures that - this study, no. so just go back to the headline figures that you i this study, no. so just go back to the headline figures that you do | the headline figures that you do have, the reduction in hospitalisations after the first dose. how would you describe the importance of those statistics? i think these are incredibly important for several reasons. one is that we are extending beyond the control trials. numbertwo are extending beyond the control trials. number two is that we are studying the effects of well over a million people currently vaccinated.

what we are particularly concerned about are those serious outcomes, so hospitalisations is the first of those that we are getting data on from scotland, hopefully from the other uk nations pretty shortly. things like intensive care unit admissions, deaths are lagging indicators so i would expect there to be read out on those fronts in the coming weeks but overall we are very, very encouraged with this data. it isjust very, very encouraged with this data. it is just another measure that we now have that policymakers can draw on when they try and decide the next steps. the can draw on when they try and decide the next steps-— the next steps. the data you have looked at this _ the next steps. the data you have looked at this for _ the next steps. the data you have looked at this for people - the next steps. the data you have looked at this for people who i the next steps. the data you have | looked at this for people who have just the first dose, the second dose would further boost immunity. absolutely. the second dose, as you say is a booster dose. we're not showing 100% effectiveness so when

the invitation comes round to the second dose people should really take that seriously and going get that booster dose of the vaccination. professor professor sheikh, thank you so much for joining us. us plane manufacturer boeing has grounded all 777 aircraft with the same type of engine that suffered failure and shed debris over denver on saturday. it's after an engine on a united airlines flight carrying 241 people burst into flames shortly after take—off. pictures show debris from the plane scattered near houses and other buildings, but there were no reports of any injuries. the civil aviation authority has confirmed that no uk—registered boeing 777s are fitted with the variant of engine involved in the denver incident. let's speak to our business correspondent theo leggett.

a big step that presumably an inevitable step? yes, boring looking —— it is not the first time aircraft with this type of pension suffered what appears to be a similar engine failure. engine failures aircraft but they do happen. uncontained engine shrapnel out from the engine can damage other parts of the aircraft, his air. but they do happen from time to time. experts say that appears to have happened in this case. it appears that part of the engine able to fly out. what parts of the engine is spinning

fast. this looks like a potential dangers failure. this kit is want to forget why this happened, to see if there are similarities with his failures. investigations are only just beginning. if it does appear... how much of the four boeing is this, particularly after the grounding of 737 mac? boeing is not the engines. the engines are made by another company. back for a recommendation to

airlines using this to ground the aircraft. we can fairly see boeing employing the precautionary principle. there has been an incident. it is to be investigated. it is potentially dangerous, therefore keep the planes on the ground until they know what has caused the problem with it happening in the future. sport and a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. thank you. manchester city on an 18 game winning run, their seemingly unstoppable march towards the premier league title continued yesterday with a 1—0 win over arsenal at the emirates, which leaves them ten points clear.

asjoe lynskey reports. manchester city have won 18 games in a row. they are well clear at the top and playing brilliant football. they even score headers with their five foot seven forward. and manchester city have scored! what a start for city! inside two minutes, city were ahead. on this winning run they have taken some teams apart, but city were made to wait for more goals. arsenal were staying in it but never really going for it. it should have been 2—0 when this shot missed the target. but manchester city are doing what they need to, winning at any cost, ten points ahead at the top. so difficult, but the second half we were so good. it was not easy to play and we played so calm and intelligent, it was a good game. other teams will try and keep up every week now the evidence grows

that in this premier league season there is only one winner. second—placed manchester united are attempting to offer some kind of challenge at the top, beating newcastle 3—1 at old trafford. danieljames scored and has done so in each of united's last three games. there were also wins for third—placed leicester and west ham in fourth. england bowlerjames anderson says he's frustrated at being rested for matches but understands why with a total of 17 test matches being played this year. the 38—year—old didn't feature in the second test defeat to india, after england's victory in the first. the third of four matches is a day—night game in ahmedabad starting wednesday. there will be times when we are frustrated, when you want to play.

but we are taking the thought process that we want to keep everyone as fit as possible. we can pick and choose who can play at certain times and hopefully that will benefit those who is having a rest every now and then. new zealand beat austalia in the first of their five—match t20 series in front of nearly 10,000 fans in christchurch. a minute's silence was held before the game as the city marked ten years since 185 lives were lost in the earthquake of 2011. when the match got under way, devon conway was the star of the show — he just missed out on his century — scoring an unbeaten 99 as new zealand posted a target of 185. australia made a fast start in reply but were eventually bowled out for 131. the next game will be in dunedin on thursday. there was a huge shock in snooker. jordan brown was working in a petrol

station three years ago and on the brink of dropping off the professional circuitjust a few months ago. well now the northern irishman has beaten six—time world champion ronnie o'sullivan by 9 frames to 8 to win the welsh open title. the world number 81 had never made it past the quarterfinals of a ranking tournament before. i have had some dark days but that is what we shoot stronger and the person. i never stopped believing in myself. i was working full—time in a petrol station that viewed him as a sticker for. petrol station that viewed him as a stickerfor. it is petrol station that viewed him as a sticker for. it is all being. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour.

more now on our top story — that borisjohnson is due to announce his plans for easing lockdown in a news conference this evening.

it is life on screen. it is not healthy for them. sees her children a return to normality. if the state, schools, i would be here. ie: if the state, schools, i would be here. ' ., if the state, schools, i would be here. ., , . ., , if the state, schools, iwould be here. ., , ..,, here. 15 of some restrictions has made possible — here. 15 of some restrictions has made possible by _ here. 15 of some restrictions has made possible by their - here. 15 of some restrictions has i made possible by their programme. government has seen to what will be based on data sheets. we are struggling economically that

you can again. as each shift. has been on for for most of the year. i as each shift. has been on for for most of the year.— most of the year. i have dying to net back most of the year. i have dying to get back to _ most of the year. i have dying to get back to work. _ get back to work. sometimes people do not see the deaths, theyjust see numbers. it is horrible. businesses can start again. you cannot start life.

it is impossible to plan anything. we have come out of what came before and come back in.

then, tell us more about the impact on business. then, tell us more about the impact on business-— on business. yeah, you are hearing there in graham's _ on business. yeah, you are hearing there in graham's report _ on business. yeah, you are hearing there in graham's report that i there in graham's report that business right now once three things. they want clarity, they want fairness and they want advance warning of what can happen and when. it is very easy for us to think that business can just open the doors and it returns to life as normal. but we know from previous experience from the last two lockdowns are bad just not happen. the worst affected areas are hospitality but also retail and also travel and tourism. they will be looking most closely at what the changes could mean for them. just to take hospitality for example, remember in the summer there were some gradual easing of restrictions. we were able to go back to

hospitality businesses, two bars and cafes and restaurants but there were limits on the number of people who could go in. there are curfews and how long we could stay there. most businesses even though they were open were able to make revenues of 30 to 40% of their normal revenue. most need about 70% to take even. this concern about when the businesses can open even if restrictions are eased it won't be business as usual. there is also concern about the possibility of being able to have people drinking outside pubs and beer gardens or with tables and chairs outside premises. 40% of premises do have some sort of outside seating but there is worth membrane that might just be a couple of tables and the pavements. there is real concern that unless there is a marked change in the number of people who can get back into those premises even if they are open, they will struggle to make money. i was speaking to one

owner of a chain of restaurants in london yesterday and he said amid all of this he has been operating few of his premises as takeaways. he says that has been great because it has kept a brand name out there and kept customers on side and copped some of the staff in a job. but it has cost money even to run them while they are empty and of course staff need to be trained. many have been unfurlough for close to one year. so there is close to —— concern about that too. a lot of businesses are haemorrhaging cash right now and say they don't have the money to get them through to the summer. one in five say they will run out of cash in march unless there is a big change in how government support is offered. there is a concern about there is not any big changes more firms could go under before restrictions are lifted. the budget is coming up, what is expected from the government

and what do businesses want to see? they want a continuation of support. we know there have been things like cuts in vat, there have been rent and rate reductions. they have been grants of smaller businesses and of course support schemes we saw over the summer, things like eat out to help out is to encourage people back out again. there are sony different elements to this because firms will now have to think about their suppliers, if they have the right things in their kitchens and in their stock rooms when businesses are able to reopen. how much should they spend up front for potentially there is not the clarity about when they can reopen. if you are a shop, do you have the right stock in store for the season you are open, remember so many businesses closed last year and were left of spring and autumn stock by the summer they reopened and didn't have the right things to sell. businesses want continued support and want money in their pocket to see them through the worst of those restrictions but at

the same time if we look at things like travel and tourism, they want a bit of clarity about whether we can book a holiday, go away over the summer, airlines need to start thinking about where their planes are, if they have fuel and if they have staff on board those planes to fly us if there is an opening up and if there isn't what they do with a star. in the uk, similarly lots of pent—up demand for uk holidays this summer. there are so many ifs, buts and maybes about it that these businesses find it very hard to plan. there will be hope the chancellor can offer them something from his budget on march the 3rd. would theyjust want right now is a bit of clarity and a bit of fairness to make sure the rules of the same for everyone across the board. if we look at things like hairdressers and beauty salons again, last on the restrictions were lifted, there was a real divide about who can do what and when so they want clarity on

dates, fairness and opening up and they also want a bit of financial support to see them through. i say there is a lot of pent—up demand if and when they can reopen but they need the money to get them through to that point. need the money to get them through to that point-— to that point. let's talk to one business manager _ to that point. let's talk to one business manager in - to that point. let's talk to one business manager in kent. - to that point. let's talk to one i business manager in kent. thank to that point. let's talk to one - business manager in kent. thank you forjoining us. the indications are and it is important to emphasise the government emphasises letters about data and updates, some hospitality enterprises can open in late april but it is possible that would only be outdoors. what is your reaction to that. we need a long—term recovery plan. we to that. we need a long-term recovery plan-— to that. we need a long-term recovery plan. to that. we need a long-term recove lan. ~ ., �* , ., recovery plan. we don't 'ust need a data recovery plan. we don't 'ust need a date eeenp * recovery plan. we don't 'ust need a data reopen. we h recovery plan. we don't 'ust need a data reopen. we want _ recovery plan. we don'tjust need a data reopen. we want to _ recovery plan. we don'tjust need a data reopen. we want to reopen i data reopen. we want to reopen softly, safely and we want to stay open. we are a people industry and we people but we must keep people safe. we spent so much money coming

out of the first lockdown to make our environment safe so we are more due diligence than a lot of other industries and we are on our knees. help us! a complete roller—coaster. we have been fortunate that we have had grants, furlough, reductions in vat. to remain open, it is massive cost. we have been fortunate that one of our landlord has charged no rent which is given as the opportunity to

look after our community by offering delivery service and just dry and keepin delivery service and just dry and keep in the hearts of our community and customers. we want to be on the other side of this but it is getting harder and harder. we werejust heeding harder and harder. we were just heeding there, talking about the impact on business overall, even when there is a reopening, it will not be back to normal. when they talk about the next stage of the reopening, possibly middle of the pubs and restaurants could reopen indoors, there will still be limits on the numbers that can't meet indoors, and social distancing. you will not be able to get up to full capacity for the foreseeable future. what sort of support do you think you will need in that context? through our deliveries, the fact we cannot operate on weddings, we are only treating 7% of normal turnover, what we ask the government to consider, is that we need a minister that can represent our voice.

this industry employs the most under 25. we are not only asking them to give as a recovery day, but a recovery plan because we are going to need help for the long term, not just as but our supply chains, brewers, and the mental well—being for everybody including our customers, we need a glimmer. we will work towards that future but we need to work together. the summer, is an one need to work together. the summer, is anyone making _ need to work together. the summer, is anyone making bookings _ need to work together. the summer, is anyone making bookings with - need to work together. the summer, is anyone making bookings with you, | is anyone making bookings with you, on the optimistic basis? for is anyone making bookings with you, on the optimistic basis?— on the optimistic basis? for every one booking _ on the optimistic basis? for every one booking we — on the optimistic basis? for every one booking we receive, - on the optimistic basis? for every one booking we receive, we - on the optimistic basis? for every i one booking we receive, we receive on the optimistic basis? for every . one booking we receive, we receive a cancellation. people just one booking we receive, we receive a cancellation. peoplejust do not know which way they are going. people just need to have something to look forward to, a little bit of

hope. the vaccination programme is incredible. to all those in the nhs and everyone who has made that happen for us, a round of applause, we are so grateful. we just want a road of recovery with sensible timelines that we can all work to add look forward to.— timelines that we can all work to add look forward to. wishing you all the very best- _ add look forward to. wishing you all the very best. thank— add look forward to. wishing you all the very best. thank you. _ the very best. thank you. let us get the thoughts of one mp, peter bone. thank you forjoining as. the plan is for a slow one way end to lock down following data, not states. what is your reaction to that approach?— that approach? first of all, you know more _ that approach? first of all, you know more about _ that approach? first of all, you know more about what - that approach? first of all, you know more about what is - that approach? first of all, you - know more about what is happening than i do as a member of parliament. this is supposed to be announced in the house of commons but it has been given to the media in advance,

apparently, i will have to wait until half past three this afternoon to see what the prime minister says. obviously, any reduction in these restrictions is welcomed. the fact is, we have the toughest restrictions anywhere in the developed world. anything that is reducing those restrictions is good. but i think the prime minister may be announcing to slow a lifting of them. we have to wait and see until he makes that announcement. what he makes that announcement. what would ou he makes that announcement. what would you want _ he makes that announcement. what would you want to _ he makes that announcement. what would you want to see _ he makes that announcement. what would you want to see happen? this revolves around the great success of the vaccine programme. great credit to boris and the government for being the leaders in the world in developing and securing and distributing the vaccine. we have already done the top groups, the most vulnerable have already had their first vaccination. the the most vulnerable have already had theirfirst vaccination. the next group i'm going to be finished by the 15th of april. everyone is going to be done by the end ofjuly. when

you get to the 15th of april, 99% of people who die in that category. if they are protected by the vaccine, why can't we return to some of sensible normality, with no restrictions about people using their common sense from the end of april, beginning of may? that their common sense from the end of april, beginning of may?— april, beginning of may? that sort of what the _ april, beginning of may? that sort of what the government _ april, beginning of may? that sort of what the government is - april, beginning of may? that sort of what the government is doing, | of what the government is doing, isn't it? saying, the 15th of april isn't it? saying, the 15th of april is that current end date for when the vaccination programme will be completed. nine groups but it is three weeks after that for it to be effective. that takes you to end of april, beginning of may. that is sort of the schedule that the government is looking at. but obviously with some social distancing restriction still in place at that stage. you are talking about having nothing, are you? if the vaccines are as good as we all

believe they are, and with the caveat, of course some events might knock as, but if not, if the vaccine roll—out is on track, and everyone has the right protection, then it seems to me we could go back to a situation where, yes, the government would give health advice about social distancing. for instance, if there was a crowded pub open on the ist of may, would i go into it? no. ist of may, would i go into it? no. i would use my common sense as it is prettily not a great thing to do. but i would leave it to the british people. we are used to having freedom in this country. we are not an x come in a state where they are used to government telling them what to do, having id cards, having to produce your papers to the police. we have got to get away from those rules and regulations and relates to the common—sense of the british people. it may well be that is what boris intends to do. but, that leaks

in the paper seem to say it will be much slower than that. we have to remember, that on the other side of the coin, is the damage it is doing to their mental health of people in the country. i do not think you can understate how much damage is being done at the moment. to lift a lockdown would help that enormously. i do not know if you could hear cera talking to us from the pub that she runs, talking about that even once things open up, if there are still restrictions in terms of numbers allowed in, and the scope of the business can do, the long tail to this is going to keep going in terms of the level of business support needed. what are your thoughts on how long is things like feral should be extended?— be extended? there is a real point on makin: be extended? there is a real point on making sure — be extended? there is a real point on making sure people _ be extended? there is a real point

on making sure people are - be extended? there is a real point i on making sure people are supported through this crisis but the sooner we can't return to normal, the less of a problem that is. the sooner we can get pubs and restaurants acting more or less normally, yes, with certain measures in place, people using their own common sense to decide whether to go or not, that is good for everyone. it is good for the industry, it is good for people with mental health, it is good for the economy. if the vaccination programme, which has been such a success, continues to work so well, i think we could probably open hospitality much earlier than is being suggested by that leaks in the media this morning. all will be revealed at half past three. you will be there, watching, we will all be watching as well, cabbage on the bbc news channel. thank you. thank you. the prime minister will address the nation with that press conference as well at seven o'clock. carriage as well on bbc one.

the duke of cambridge has been asked about the health of his grandfather, the duke of edinburgh. he was visiting a vaccination centre, he was asked about the health of his grandfather. he said, health of his grandfather. he said, he is ok, they are keeping an eye on him. prince philip has spent his sixth night in hospital in london having been admitted on tuesday last week as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell. he had the visit from his son, the prince of wales, he made the 200 mile round trip at the weekend to visit. prince william says the hospital are keeping an eye on him. here is the weather.

yesterday we had the warmest day of the year so far. the temperature reached 15.9 in norfolk. today we don't expect it to get that high. a ridge of high pressure keeping things fairly settled. the cloud will continue to build in the south—eastern corner of the country, with some light rain following on. you can see a lot of dry weather with some sunshine. the north—west of scotland hanging onto a bit more cloud. there will be one or two showers. temperatures today ranging from seven in the north to 13 in the south—east. as we head through this evening and overnight, highs of 13 or iii.

this is bbc news. the headlines... borisjohnson will reveal the long awaited details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown, this afternoon. it's confirmed schools in england will open to all children from the 8th of march. some younger pupils in scotland and wales have gone back to class this morning. we've been working with schools to make sure we deliver that reopening safely. and i think that the majority of the teaching profession think it's the right thing to do. children are our priority, i think. more outdoor socialising will be allowed from the end of march — with the 'rule of six' making a return just before easter. opening pubs, shops and restaurants will come later. the first study to report on the impact of the uk's covid

vaccination programme finds it massively reduces the risk of severe illness resulting in hospitalisation. boeing recommends all of its triple—seven planes be of its 777 planes be grounded over an engine fault which sparked an emergency landing in colorado at the weekend. huge crowds fill the streets in myanmar as part of a general strike against the military coup, as the un puts pressure on the generals to hand power back power. the duke of cambridge says prince philip gives a reassuring sign after being asked about the health of his grandfather the duke of edinburgh. borisjohnson will announce his road map for lifting lockdown in england today, as infections decrease and the vaccine programme continues to roll out. the government's confirmed this morning that all pupils will return

to school in england on march 8th. phased returns are planned in the rest of the uk — younger children are going back today in scotland and wales, with northern ireland's schools partially reopening in march. the pm is also expected to announce that from march 29th, six people or two households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens. outdoor sports could also return. this morning mrjohnson said on twitter that his priorities would be schooling, and reuniting people with loved ones — but added that decisions 'will be made on the latest data at every step�*. he will share his plans in full with mps in the house of commons at 3.30 this afternoon, followed by a press conference at seven this evening. helen catt reports. it's been seven weeks since everyone in england was told, once again, to stay—at—home. later, borisjohnson will set out how he plans to start opening things up again. but he has warned his road map will be cautious. that means it is likely it will be

some time yet before we are back in the shops, hairdressers or the pub. it is understood the road map will be built around four phases, each separated by several weeks. phase one starts on march 8th. it is understood all schools will reopen to all pupils, despite teaching unions' concerns. there might be a few days of flexibility built in, but not the sort of phased return that scotland, wales and northern ireland have chosen. outdoor clubs and activities run by schools can restart, too. allowing friends and family to start meeting again is also expected in phase one. so, from the 8th of march, care home residents will be allowed to see one regular visitor indoors. it is also expected that two people will be allowed to meet in a public outdoor space for coffee, chat or picnic instead of just for exercise. later in the first phase, on march 29, it is understood that groups of six, or two households, will be able to meet up. it will have to be outdoors, but it can be in a private garden. sports such as golf, tennis and grass roots

football are expected to again, too. it is at this point it is thought that the instruction to stay at home will finally be lifted. but staying overnight elsewhere is still likely to be banned. health leaders have backed caution. what we don't want to see is that the health services come under the pressure that we have seen before. so what we are suggesting is we take baby steps out of this to ensure that some of the systems and detail that we are giving people are correct. remember, we came out of this once before and absolutely it didn't work very well for us. we actually had to go into lockdown very soon after. but keeping restrictions causes economic and social damage. for the many businesses that have been forced to shut, it is understood the road map will set out a lot more detail on when and how they can open again. the prime minister will present his plans to mps this afternoon and then again in a news conference at seven o'clock this evening. helen catt, bbc news.

our political correspondent damian grammaticas has been updating us on the latest developments ahead of this afternoon's announcement. many people will be looking for the sort of detail in this and there will be things to welcome foremost but for some businesses particularly there is going to be quite a long wait. the government is talking about caution and that is understandable. if you think about the background level of infection but also the history, cast your mind back almost one year, to april last year and that first lockdown we had, borisjohnson after he was hospitalised himself then talked about the need to be cautious and to take things slowly. he said another lockdown could be disastrous for the economy. we have had two since then. so really wanting to be careful now. borisjohnson tweeting

this morning... so schooling is a big step and a bit of a gamble because that approach in england is going to be different to elsewhere with all children going back from early march but the vaccines minister was laying out how other steps may work. on the 8th of march, it's two people being able to meet outdoors for a coffee or socially. on the 29th of march, it will be two families or the rule of six meeting outdoors and outdoor sports — tennis, golf and other outdoor sports, including team sports. from the labour side generally

we have a supportive approach. labour wants that slow and steady cautious moving forward. one that is backed by the scientist as well. but they do say that they should be a focus on schools and protecting teachers. they want teachers vaccinated because of their concerns about virus spreading through schools themselves. this is whatjonathan ashworth had to say. we will continue to push him to put in place those measures around testing, around ventilation, guidance around mask wearing, the plans to vaccinate teachers and teaching assistants. the last thing we want is to reopen schools for all pupils and then many pupils are sent home because we have another outbreak of the virus. remember too the beginning of january saw schoolchildren in england being sent home after one day. so all of this underlines the government's approach.

looking forward what it also means is that it will be pretty slow, not until easter, that we are looking at groups of people reuniting outside and then after easter into april and even later may and june for retail, things like hairdressers and then perhaps later things like pubs and the like to be opening. for them, i think there is going to be a very long wait. let's take you through what's happening today. at 3.30pm — the prime minister will set out his strategy to exit from lockdown to mps — you can see that on the bbc news channel. and then at 7 o'clock this evening — he will lead a briefing from downing street — which will be on bbc one. analysis from public health scotland show that the coronavirus vaccines have had a significant impact on the risk of serious illness in scotland. the preliminary data covers 1.14 million vaccinations given

between december the 8th and middle of february. the study found that by the fourth week after the first dose hospitalisations were reduced by 85% and 94%, for the pfizer and astrazeneca jabs, respectively. it is the first sign of the real world impact of the covid vaccination programme in the uk. figures for england are expected to be released later. earlier i spoke to the lead researcher of the study into the impact of the vaccines, professor aziz sheikh given it is the same vaccine we are talking about and a similar vaccine strategy across the uk nations, i would anticipate we would hit some very encouraging results from england. those results that you have, 85% reduction in hospitalisation after the first dose for pfizer and 94% for astrazeneca. do they defy the expectations you had?

we're absolutely thrilled with the results. we're looking at the entire population, particularly among the high—risk populations, i'm absolutely overjoyed with these results. yeah, look forward to seeing the results from england and then also the results in due course from the effects of the second dose. what about those not hospitalised? was there much illness? we have not studied the less severe population in this particular analysis so i'm not in a position to comment on that. what about those hospitalised then after the first dose? how sick did they get? what were you able to ascertain about the impact of the vaccination there? at the moment these

are preliminary data, so at the moment we're just looking at the risk of hospitalisation. what we're seeing is that these benefits are being seen in the elderly. we are particulary encourage we are seeing benefits in the elderly. the elderly were not studied so much in these trials. so this is the first look. today's road map will outline the four conditions that must be met for lockdown in england to be eased. downing street said the four tests are currently being met, so the first stage on march 8th can go ahead — but the government will look at the data in between every phase of lifting lockdown to assess the impact of previous changes. the four conditions that must be met are: the vaccine programme continues to go to plan,

evidence shows that the vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying from the virus or needing hospital treatment, infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions, and new variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions. joining me now to discuss this is dr katherine henderson, president of the royal college of emergency medicine. so we are heading for a slow end to the lockdown. what is your response to that strategy? the the lockdown. what is your response to that strategy?— to that strategy? the nhs is still in a re to that strategy? the nhs is still in a pretty precarious _ to that strategy? the nhs is still in a pretty precarious situation i to that strategy? the nhs is still| in a pretty precarious situation so thatis in a pretty precarious situation so that is where it has been. we have a lot of patients still in hospital and ric you numbers are onlyjust below what they were below the peak of the first wave. —— i see you numbers. we still have 6500 patients in hospital beds. we hear about the huge backlog of elective surgery that there is but there is also a

huge backlog of patients who have just not been presenting with quite serious illness or are presenting delayed and therefore are more ill when they come in. so we need to get the health of the nation back on track. both for covid and for elective work but also for the things that have cropped up during the last year that people have maybe not reacted to and have not come into hospital with and we need to see that getting sorted out before we can be confident that we can risk there being any upswing in the number of covid patients. i’m a there being any upswing in the number of covid patients. i'm a bit confused as _ number of covid patients. i'm a bit confused as you _ number of covid patients. i'm a bit confused as you are _ number of covid patients. i'm a bit confused as you are bringing - number of covid patients. i'm a bit confused as you are bringing those two elements together, dealing with the backlog and the patients who haven't been presenting for non—covid and covid because those other patients are going to be there for a very long time to come commando? we are hearing talks of long waiting lists for a long time. there are long waiting lists for

elective patients but there are many patients in the last year who have not come forward with serious symptoms. not come forward with serious symptoms-— not come forward with serious s m toms. �* ., ., , not come forward with serious s mtoms. �* ., ., , ,., symptoms. i'm going to interrupt you for one second _ symptoms. i'm going to interrupt you for one second because _ symptoms. i'm going to interrupt you for one second because we _ symptoms. i'm going to interrupt you for one second because we have - symptoms. i'm going to interrupt you for one second because we have to i for one second because we have to say goodbye to viewers on bbc two. thank you for your company. sorry, if you could just pick up exactly where you were.— if you could just pick up exactly where you were. there are patients who have not _ where you were. there are patients who have not presented _ where you were. there are patients who have not presented with - where you were. there are patients l who have not presented with serious illness in the last year who need to have confidence that coming into hospital is a good idea and so we need to see hospital numbers of covid patients coming right down. if we risk another surgery will dent that confidence. people talk about the common—sense of the british people but there are many very vulnerable who have lost confidence in presenting to health care because they are so frightened about the possibility of catching covid in hospital or in the process of getting there and we have to reverse that. we have to make it safe again so we need numbers to be incredibly

low before we risk there being an upsurge. low before we risk there being an u ensure. ~ low before we risk there being an u-esure. ~ ., ., ., ., upsurge. when we look at that data toda from upsurge. when we look at that data today from public _ upsurge. when we look at that data today from public health _ upsurge. when we look at that data today from public health scotland l today from public health scotland that has shown that hospital admissions were dramatically reduced after the vaccine, i mean, there is understandable caution but those hard facts not indicate that actually we are going in the right direction and some of the caution is perhaps unnecessary? i direction and some of the caution is perhaps unnecessary?— direction and some of the caution is perhaps unnecessary? i think we need all of the evidence _ perhaps unnecessary? i think we need all of the evidence to _ perhaps unnecessary? i think we need all of the evidence to be _ perhaps unnecessary? i think we need all of the evidence to be in. _ perhaps unnecessary? i think we need all of the evidence to be in. as - all of the evidence to be in. as your last speaker said, this is preliminary evidence. it is incredibly encouraging and we are absolutely thrilled and delighted that appears to be the case but we know there are vulnerable groups who have not yet been vaccinated, we know that a lot of admissions are in 60 or 70—year—olds who are quite ill when they come to hospital, so we know there is a lot of work to be done. will be great if we can start taking steps towards normality but

it has to be on the basis of you do something, you wait and see what the effect is and if there is any sign in an upsurge, you go hang on a minute, we have to take this slowly. the last thing that the health service could bear thinking about this to have another lockdown because there is another surge. if we have another surge in hospitals it will be incredibly difficult to manage. it will be incredibly difficult to mana . e. . ~' it will be incredibly difficult to manaee. ., ~ ,., it will be incredibly difficult to manaee. . ~ ,. y it will be incredibly difficult to manaee. . ~' , . it will be incredibly difficult to manaee. . ~' y . ., manage. thank you very much for 'oinin: manage. thank you very much for joining us- — let's go live now to first minister's questions in holyrood where nicola sturgeon is taking questions from msps... a slight increase in the number of people in hospital and 99 people are currently receiving intensive care which is no change to yesterday. no more deaths were released in the last 2a hours but you know by now that the figures we report on a

monday are often artificially low because registration officers tend to be closed on the weekend. since the update on friday, 3a new deaths have been recorded taking the total number of deaths under this measurement to 6950 and again, i want to send my condolences to everyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. there chief medical officer will help me answer questions shortly but before then i have two topics that i want to briefly update on today. firstly, just an update on the vaccination programme. as of 8:30am this morning i can see thati million, 445,000 488 people in scotland have received the first dose of the vaccine. that is a increase of 13,546 from yesterday and in addition to that

over a thousand people got their second dose. we have had slightly lower supplies in recent days which is why the daily number has gone down. we expect to see that ramp up again in the weeks to come. take—up rates in all of the initial priority categories, which are categories one to four, has been extraordinarily high. for example, we have been giving a first dose to 96% to the most elderly... as of this week, we are also now starting to vaccinate people with the first dose in priority group six. priority group six includes people with certain underlying health conditions,

including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes or are severe or profound learning disability. i can confirm today that we intend to include people with mild or moderate learning difficulties in group six but we have work to do to make sure we identify and reach everyone in that category. priority group six includes unpaid carers who often need to spend time in close proximity to vulnerable people. it is important to stress that despite the group six is a large group we will cover so far. it includes approximately 1 will cover so far. it includes approximately1 million people in total which to put in context is more than one fifth of the entire aduu more than one fifth of the entire adult population of the country. because of that it will take some weeks to provide first doses to everyone in the group and so if you don't receive a letter giving you an appointment this week or next week, i would ask you not to worry. we will get to you as quickly as possible. it is likely that the

first people to be invited within group six will be those with underlying health conditions identified by the jcvi who underlying health conditions identified by thejcvi who are also on the flu vaccine list. these people will be invited at the same time as unpaid carers who receive care as benefits or have been identified as carers by their gps. we are also working to identify people with underlying conditions who are not on the modified flu vaccine list and if you are in that category you will be invited for vaccination shortly. carers who don't receive specific benefits for carers who who have not been identified by their gps will be asked to come forward to register for the vaccine at a later date. i expect that to be in early march. as i say, just because of the size of this group it will take a bit of time to work through everyone in group six and of course, as always, the speed at which we can offer first doses is dependent on our

suppliers. i would ask everyone in that group, and i know it is hard to show, some patients, as you have been doing already. the good progress we have made with the programme so far, i hope will assure you to get your first dose as quickly as possible. there is one other thing on that, edinburgh university this morning by the fourth week after getting a first dose, and astrazeneca as vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisation for covid by 85% and 94% respectively. that is exceptionally encouraging news. on this monday, i hope it gives all of us that little bit of optimism that we need now for the future. the final point i want to highlight today is just to remind you that they will not be a media briefing here at 1215 tomorrow. instead i will give a statement to

parliament which will be at around 2:20pm tomorrow afternoon. that statement will set out our current thinking on the overall state of the pandemic and it will provide details of the revised strategic framework document that we are publishing tomorrow. as i said last week, the framework will not set out hard and fast dates for the easing of all restrictions. as i indicated last week, it is really important at this stage of the pandemic, particularly given everything have learned from a merchant, more than we are driven by dates. —— we are driven by data, more than we are driven by dates. however, we will set out the likely phasing of the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions and energy course a return to the geographic level system when we were decide whether all or parts of the country that may be moved out of level four

down to level three and that is a point at which more points of the economy can open up. this will be a cautious way forward because it is really important as we come out of this lockdown that we do so sustainably. we have and all are —— all the indications are that the vaccination programme is working. sure and steady, even if a bit slow, over the next few weeks is how we want to succeed. as we —— as i have said before, if we can't do everything at once, what we set out tomorrow will be very clear again about the priority we are placing on the education of young people and getting young people back to school as quickly as possible. that priority is of course very evident and in action today. many children in early education and childcare in

primary is one to three are going backin primary is one to three are going back in nurseries and school buildings today for the first time since before christmas. in addition, some, albeit a limited number of secondary school students, are able to return to school to carry out essential practical work qualifications. i hope all of the children and young people getting back to school today enjoy seeing their friends and teachers and others in person again. i want to take this opportunity to thank all childcare operation staff and everything they have done to continue to support remote learning for other children. today is undoubtedly an important milestone and are very welcome milestone. that first step to restoring greater normality to our lives. i know it will be a particular relief to many parents throughout the country. it is really important that we remember it has been made possible only by the sacrifices we have all made to

bring numbers down. our headroom and room for manoeuvre remains limited. we hope that more children will be able to go back to in—school education next month but our ability to achieve that depends on our ability to continue to suppress the virus. overtime, ability to continue to suppress the virus. over time, vaccination will play a bigger and bigger role in allowing us to do that. as i have said earlier on, all of the early indication so far are very positive and encouraging. for the moment the vital thing that we all have to do to keep the virus under control is to keep the virus under control is to continue to do all of the things that have been driving case numbers down over these past few weeks. let me close again by emphasising the key advice, the most important thing of all right now is to stay at home, except for essential purposes. that role is going to be in place for a little bit longer stop don't meet up with other households indoors. outdoors, you should make with no more than one other person from one

of the household. please work from home if you can and employers remember to support your workforce to do that wherever possible. if you are a parent whose child has returned to school and nursery today, don't let your child's return it increase the number of contacts you are having unnecessarily with other children or adults. i know thatis other children or adults. i know that is difficult but we don't want this to lead to an increase in transmission and send our progress back away. more generally, when you are out and about please remember to follow facts, face coverings, avoid crowded places, clean your hands and surfaces, use to meet a distancing. it is by continuing to do all of this that we are able to continue down that path we have started on today in getting some children back today in getting some children back to school, a path that does lead

hopefully over these next number of weeks to greater normality but it will take discipline and common sense and patience for us to do that. i appeal to everybody to show all of those things as the majority have been doing so far. thank you for listening and we will go now to questions. for listening and we will go now to cuestions. ., �* ., ~ ., questions. you've talked about the cautious approach _ questions. you've talked about the cautious approach to _ questions. you've talked about the cautious approach to moving - questions. you've talked about the i cautious approach to moving forward. later today— cautious approach to moving forward. later today we will hear what is coming — later today we will hear what is coming out of downing street. to what _ coming out of downing street. to what extent do you expect, if we can call it _ what extent do you expect, if we can call it the _ what extent do you expect, if we can call it the johnson plan and a sturgeon _ call it the johnson plan and a sturgeon plan, to be similar and to what _ sturgeon plan, to be similar and to what extent you expect them to diverge? — what extent you expect them to diverge? and i asked the chief medicat— diverge? and i asked the chief medical officers, on vaccines, how encouraged— medical officers, on vaccines, how encouraged was he by those figures from edinburgh university this morning — from edinburgh university this morning and whether that adds some more _ morning and whether that adds some more justification to the 12 week

rather— more justification to the 12 week rather than three week strategy. we have heard — rather than three week strategy. we have heard of some cases people in their 40s _ have heard of some cases people in their 40s who say they don't seem to fall into _ their 40s who say they don't seem to fall into any _ their 40s who say they don't seem to fall into any group that you have talked _ fall into any group that you have talked about, getting invitations for vaccine appointments. should they go— for vaccine appointments. should they go and get them because they have been— they go and get them because they have been invited or should they stand _ have been invited or should they stand aside for people who might fall into _ stand aside for people who might fall into some of the other groups? i will_ fall into some of the other groups? i will hand — fall into some of the other groups? i will hand over to gregor on the points about vaccination. fin i will hand over to gregor on the points about vaccination.- points about vaccination. on the route map _ points about vaccination. on the route map out — points about vaccination. on the route map out of _ points about vaccination. on the route map out of lockdown. - points about vaccination. on the route map out of lockdown. i . points about vaccination. on the | route map out of lockdown. i had points about vaccination. on the - route map out of lockdown. i had to leave early to come to the briefing but i was in full nations discussion that was under way giving an update about what the pro minister set out this afternoon. i want pre—empt his announcement so i will only comment what has been suggested in the media. i would think that while our plans out of lockdown will not be identical, they are already not identical, they are already not identical because we have some kids back at school today which is not the case in england until march, so they will not be identical but i think there will be broad

similarities. firstly, from what i read about the announcement is the prime minister is going to make later, and i welcome this, he is likely to set out click cautious weight forward and i think that is important and it is vital we learn from past experiences and similar to us it seems they will prioritise children and education in getting life back to normalfor young people before doing other things. i think the principles will be the same. we are living through the same pandemic and there is a limit to how much it is sensible to diverged in circumstances that we are facing but clearly we will make our own judgments about the particular order and particular timing of that. the data is not identical in each of the four nations as well so we have two as we have done all along, make the bestjudgments we can hear and i'm sure borisjohnson, mark brayford

and arlene foster will do the same for their respective countries. i will hand over to gregor on vaccination. on the edinburgh university study this morning, is actually backed up and reflects some of what we were saying in our own data last week in terms of deaths coming from national records in scotland. it is good to see that backed up in a study which i think is probably the first whole country study of the impact of vaccination and hospitalisation. the bit we don't yet know quite as much about is the impact of transmission of the virus but the early indications of even that are positive. we just need to get more data to be sure about that. so everything that has been reported to me about the vaccination programme gives me every reason to feel positive and optimistic and thatis feel positive and optimistic and that is important but it is going to take us even with good supplies coming forward and being able to

accelerate this as much as possible, it will take is a bit of time to get through the whole adult population. until we do that and have more certainty about the impact, we have to continue to play our part in driving cases down and keeping them down. on vaccination more generally i will hand over to gregor. lam i am excited just now because of the number— i am excited just now because of the number of— i am excited just now because of the number of vaccine studies we are about— number of vaccine studies we are about to — number of vaccine studies we are about to see published. we must continue — about to see published. we must continue to track this over time. it was encouraging to see a high quality— was encouraging to see a high quality piece of research which gives— quality piece of research which gives as — quality piece of research which gives as encouraging news about both vaccines— gives as encouraging news about both vaccines that we are currently using — vaccines that we are currently using an _ vaccines that we are currently using. an the size of the effect on

hospitalisations, 85%, 85% respectively, is beyond what we hope to see _ respectively, is beyond what we hope to see at _ respectively, is beyond what we hope to see at this point in time. we must _ to see at this point in time. we must not — to see at this point in time. we must not become complacent. we must continue _ must not become complacent. we must continue to— must not become complacent. we must continue to track this data over time _ continue to track this data over time to— continue to track this data over time to make sure we are seeing that same _ time to make sure we are seeing that same effect _ time to make sure we are seeing that same effect being maintained over time _ same effect being maintained over time. particularly encouraging in li-ht time. particularly encouraging in light of— time. particularly encouraging in light of the question about schedule, is that that vaccine effect — schedule, is that that vaccine effect was an increasing effect of the time — effect was an increasing effect of the time of these observations. we must _ the time of these observations. we must continue to chart these observations, but at this point in time, _ observations, but at this point in time, it— observations, but at this point in time, it does seem that the vaccine effect _ time, it does seem that the vaccine effect increases over that time period — effect increases over that time period as — effect increases over that time period as well. let _ period as well. let us leave the scottish pre—think they are. some schoolchildren back to school in scotland today, it is the same in wales, a gradual return to classrooms. here is the welsh education minister in a few moments ago. if conditions continue to improve, over the next three weeks, we will

be in a position to see all of our primary age children start to return to our classrooms from march 15. at the same time we would also like to see those in years 11 and 13 in schools, and those doing similar qualifications in colleges, able to return to face—to—face learning in a safe and flexible way. where possible, we also want to give some flexibility around other learners, such as year 12, and those in year ten, who may also have been entered for qualifications this summer. unfortunately for those learners in the secondary settings or colleges that will not necessarily be a return to full on—site learning. however, we will do all that we can to support these learners, because i know how anxious this time can be, as they consider key decisions about their next steps in life. last time i spoke to you at the press conference i announce how our education staff would be tested twice weekly as part of our testing

strategy. today i am pleased to see that this will now be extended to older learners in years 11—13, and those in further education settings. this testing will be done through lateral flow devices, which this testing will be done through lateralflow devices, which means they can be done from the home of a learner, and which will assist with the planned return for older pupils from the 15th of march. i want to be clear once again, we are told time and time again, that because of the hard work of local education authorities, head teachers, and education staff of all kinds, our education premises are safe. but it is the added movement around them that contributes to the r number. i make a plea to all parents and carers to follow the guidelines. by following the guidance and restricting contact with others we are ensuring that children and young people's bill are able to do what we all want, which is to be back learning with their

friends. let us get more on the prime ministers plan to exit lockdown in england. he'll share his finalised with mps at 3.30 today — and then lead a news conference at seven tonight from downing street. let's look at the plans in more details. from the 8th of march — all schools will open and two people will be able to meet outdoors to socialise in a public place. from the 29 march — outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed. it's understood this will include gatherings in private gardens. outdoor sport facilities such as tennis or basketball will also reopen — and organised sport can restart. steps after that will be determined by the vaccine rollout, infections, hospitalisations, deaths and new variants. but with our old lives feeling more like a distant memory, how ready are we to get back to normal? graham satchell has been finding out. walk into almost any

room in emily's house and there are children on their devices. online lessons all day, then chatting with friends and playing games. it is a life lived on a screen. i do not think it is healthy for them. life is quite different for them. it has had an impact. we have had tears and we have had tricky times to manoeuvre around. emily says her children desperately need a return to normality. if i can say to the children here is the date when you will be back in school, then we have something to work towards. if they said they could reopen schools tomorrow morning, i would be there, the children would be at the door. the lifting of some restrictions like opening schools is being made possible by the remarkable vaccination programme. the government in westminster is saying the road out of lockdown this time will be based on evidence, data, not dates. it is important that a jab out there that we are all going to get soon, we are maybe struggling economically,

but we can make it back up again. phil is a chef. he has been furloughed for most of the year. he has set up a go fund me page and has been cooking for food banks and vulnerable residents. i want to go back to work but i wanted to be safe. i am sick of covid. sometimes, people, because they do not see the deaths, theyjust see numbers on tv, it is not important. it is. they are dead people. it is horrible. businesses can start again. you can start again. you cannot start another life. in the east end of london annelise is showing us her wedding dresses with the help of her flatmate. annalise has really struggled to keep her business open. the last year has been traumatic in a lot of ways. there were some months where i thought maybe i should just

cut my losses and close the business because there is no way to plan for the future. rules changed at such short notice that it was impossible to plan anything. no weddings means lives on hold for thousands of people wanting to settle down and start families. annelise says what she needs today is some certainty. ijust i just need dates. ijust need dates. i need a clear structure, on a certain date, this can happen. our customers need to know when weddings can happen. i understand you cannot gamble with a virus and things are going to change but we have to have something to work with. we but we have to have something to work with. ~ ., .., ., ., work with. we have come out of lockdown before, _ work with. we have come out of lockdown before, twice, - work with. we have come out of lockdown before, twice, and - work with. we have come out of. lockdown before, twice, and gone back in. the government says this time, opening up will be cautious, fees, and, in its words,

irreversible. so, let's look more closely at the reopening of schools. that's starting on march the 8th in england and northern ireland, while today, pupils in scotland and wales begin a phased return. here's our education correspondent danjohnson. how will every pupil across the uk get back to school? the answers can't come soon enough for north london a—level student sophia, who's had enough of home learning. as much as teachers do try, it's just not the same. and it would be helpful to be back at school with others. all our mental states have gone down, especially this lockdown, because you're constantly in lesson or doing homework and you're sat at a computer screen, and it's just difficult. many teachers are also raring to go because they know there is so much to do. we cannot get around the fact that our students have not been in school. they haven't had that face—to—face, they haven't had the regularity of their normal lessons or what a normal environment

would look like for them, never mind the peer—to—peer interaction. you know, they've missed so much. i don't know how we would manage that if we have a further deadline. in aberdeenshire, it's a school day for six—year—old finlay, who is heading back, while big brother harry stays at home. we get to play together and we do some bits of work together, like art and pe and things. if itjust won't be the same. you'll miss him? i'm just going to be stuck with... laughter. we have been able to concentrate on the things that they need more help with and, obviously, i can give that one—to—one or one to two. but it isjust the general experience of school. itjust can't be replicated. there are a few older scottish children, like lily, going back part time from today — if they are studying practical subjects. the reason i get to go back is because i'm in s5 doing cyber security and the only way i can pass the course is if i go in and sit the assessments and use the software

that's on the computers at school, because we can't access it at home. i'm a bit nervous about going back, but i'm optimistic it will be ok, because i think my school has got all the stuff in place and should have it in place and it should work out ok. in chepstow, in wales, amelia is another younger sibling going back while big brother henry stays at home. older welsh pupils aren't due in for another three weeks. kids are going to be several months behind and i think it would be good if the government was able to find some investment for maybe extra classroom support for the next 2—3 years or so, because if you could maybe over the next year be teaching kids in groups of six or eight a little bit more intensively, i think, particularly at this age, they could probably catch up quite quickly. this is the lateral flow test centre that has been set up. back in north london, they are preparing to test secondary pupils for the virus when they do come back. they can't check everybody on day

one, and some parents are anxious. we are looking forward to the schools to reopen, but, at the same time, we are a bit worried about that. what is your worry? i worry about the covid. the two have found some positives in home learning. going back to school will be a change. i miss my friends a lot. i'm just a bit worried about corona because i know some kids don't really follow the rules. they don't follow the lines on the floor, like two metres, two metres. but i really am keen to go back to school. schools in northern ireland will open to the youngest children in a fortnight, older ones in a month. but it will be after easter before everyone is back in. but so far — there's been little news on what businesses can expect to hear, nina warhurst has been looking at what businesses are hoping to learn from the so—called roadmap.

what more can be done except hope and prepare for the best? it has been really tough being on and off— it has been really tough being on and off and keeping it has been really tough being on and offand keeping in it has been really tough being on and off and keeping in check their well being — and off and keeping in check their well being of your staff, your clients — well being of your staff, your clients. when i was doing the calculations, we have had a £10,000 vat hilt, _ calculations, we have had a £10,000 vat bill, a _ calculations, we have had a £10,000 vat bill, a £6,000 rent bill. that hits the _ vat bill, a £6,000 rent bill. that hits the bank balance very hard. if you _ hits the bank balance very hard. if you miles south, stockport, this gymnasium usually thrives on the buzz of activity. for gymnasium usually thrives on the buzz of activity.— buzz of activity. for now, online classes will _ buzz of activity. for now, online classes will have _ buzz of activity. for now, online classes will have to _ buzz of activity. for now, online classes will have to do. - buzz of activity. for now, online classes will have to do. our- buzz of activity. for now, online - classes will have to do. our members are desperate to get back in the gym. we have had members who have

been with us for over five years, who train three times per week. that is all gone. leanne had big expansion plans for twenty20, now her only ambition is to reopen the doors. dorothy has seen the seasons come and go and her chesterfield store. now, how can she plan what to stock, which does not know when she can open? it which does not know when she can 0 en? , , ' . ~ open? it is very difficult. whether it is march. _ open? it is very difficult. whether it is march, april, _ open? it is very difficult. whether it is march, april, spring, - open? it is very difficult. whether. it is march, april, spring, summer, it is march, april, spring, summer, it is march, april, spring, summer, it is a completely different colour, a different style. i am optimistic that we will come back again. we have loyal customers. they will come back. it have loyal customers. they will come back. , , ~ back. it isjust when. melissa is optimistic. _ back. it isjust when. melissa is optimistic, but _ back. it isjust when. melissa is optimistic, but cautiously - back. it isjust when. melissa is optimistic, but cautiously so. . back. it isjust when. melissa is l optimistic, but cautiously so. she says the road ahead must be a clear one. what we are hoping for is clarity and fairness. clarity on clear rules

that are in place, and if it is going to be a tiered system, what that entails for hairdressers. fairness, because last time there was a lot of misunderstanding, and a lot of stress, time and money wasted, on and clear rules. they have done all that they can to prepare. now all that is left to do is wait. let's take you through what's happening today. at 3.30 the prime minister will set out his strategy to exit from lockdown to mps — you can see that on the bbc news channel. and then at 7 o'clock this evening — he will lead a briefing from downing street, which will be on bbc one. the headlines on bbc news... borisjohnson will today reveal more details of his plan to gradually release england from lockdown. schools in england will open to all children from march the 8th. some younger pupils in scotland and wales are going back

to class this morning. more outdoor socialising will be allowed — with the rule of six making a return just before easter. but pubs, shops and restaurants will have to wait a little longer. the duke of cambridge has said that prince philip is ok while visiting a coronavirus vaccine centre in norfolk this morning. william was asked about the health of his grandfather, who has spent six nights in hospital. he said: "yes he's ok, they're keeping an eye on him". the duke of edinburgh was admitted to the king edward vii hospital in london last week as a precaution. the exact reason for his admission has not been disclosed but his stay is not related to coronavirus. the annual commonwealth day service — which was due to be held on march 8th — will not take place due to the pandemic, westminster abbey has said. instead, the queen will share her annual message in a bbc one programme, a celebration for commonwealth day, on sunday march 7th. it's the same day that meghan and harry's interview with

oprah winfrey is expected to air. the funeral of captain sir tom moore, who captured the nation's hearts with his fundraising for the nhs, will be held on saturday. captain tom died three weeks ago at the age of 100. he'd raised more than 32 million pounds for the health service by walking a hundred laps of his garden. his family say his funeral will be a small event, and have urged people to stay at home. they've opened an online book of condolence. us plane manufacturer boeing has grounded all triple—seven aircraft with the same type of engine that suffered failure and shed debris over denver on saturday. it's after an engine on a united airlines flight carrying 241 people burst into flames shortly after take—off. pictures show debris from the plane scattered near houses and other buildings, but there were no reports of any injuries. the civil aviation authority has confirmed that no uk—registered boeing triple—sevens are fitted with the variant of engine involved in the denver incident.

vast crowds of people in myanmar have again filled the streets of towns and cities as part of a general strike against the military coup earlier this month. businesses have mostly closed for the day. the military has warned protesters they are risking their lives. in the capital marchers carried placards calling for a rejection of the military takeover — and waved pictures of the deposed de facto leader, aung san suu kyi. last week it was announced that care home residents in england will be allowed one regular visitor from the 8th march, in the first easing of lockdown since its reintroduction last month. they will be able to meet indoors and hold hands — but visitors must wear ppe and be tested beforehand. the health secretary said the move was a first step in allowing more visits. i've been speaking to nicci gerrard who is the co—founder ofjohn's campaign — which works to extended visiting rights for family carers of dementia

patients in hospitals. we welcome any step forward from this hideous mess of that last year. but we are cautious in that welcome. we are not breaking open champagne yet. as we have learned over this last wretched year, there are often so many caveats around this desire to open a home to an essential carer, and we want to assert that this should be a bedrock principle, which underlies everything that goes on in a care home. so that essential carers should be allowed in. even if thatis carers should be allowed in. even if that is another outbreak. even if terrible things happen. that should remain as a bedrock principle. we have become used to it being a wish, and express desire. we want there to

be an opening of doors, but we do not want it to be an opening of doors, and then they slam shut again at the first sign of trouble. completely understandable. refresh our memories on what the situation has been? there will be some people for whom they are away at daily because they are dealing with it, but others who may have lost track, because there have been so many discussions around how visits can be facilitated and what should be happening?— facilitated and what should be haueninu? , , . .,, happening? yes. it is hard to see what the situation _ happening? yes. it is hard to see what the situation has _ happening? yes. it is hard to see what the situation has been - happening? yes. it is hard to see i what the situation has been because it has been very different for different people in different care homes in different parts of the country. that is one of the problems. there has been incoherence. there has been guidelines laid down by the governments, and changed at various times, and relax, or made more restrictive. and then care homes have interpreted those guidelines are very differently. some care homes have managed, wonderfully, to stay open throughout, and using all

the precautions that they use for paid carers, have let essential caregivers into the home. because they are essential. other homes have,in they are essential. other homes have, in spite of guidance that says that whenever possible people should be let in, and individual risk assessments should be made, in spite of all of that, some care homes have remained closed, pretty much for an entire year. there are quite a lot of people in care homes who have not had meaningful contact with those people that they love the most and need them most, for pretty much one year. that is such a cruel and brutal situation. alongside that, the guidelines have been seeing that you should be allowed in, precautions are being taken, if you are individually assessed as needing your loved one beside you. if you need that therapeutic benefit that a family member, that a person that

you love, can give you, but if it is an outbreak, then their home closes. and then the home could close for 28 days. then the next outbreak comes, it is another 28 days. in effect, evenif it is another 28 days. in effect, even if the guideline is assuming that you would be allowed in, the restrictions on all the caveats have meant that homes have been basically closed. there is a way in which old people living in residential homes have been locked in for a year, and people wanting to visit those residential homes, have been locked out for a year. there is an entire section of society who have been treated as if they have fewer human rights than the rest of the country. we have been seeing is a collaborative group of dementia charities and organisations that this is not acceptable. it has been unacceptable throughout, but now after a year, and that vaccines are being rolled out as well, it is

absolutely unacceptable, and no matter what happens with the rates of covid, the doors of care homes must now be open. billy monger likes a challenge. after becoming a double amputee following an horrific racing crash in 2017, he returned to motorsport a year later, and went on to finish on 3rd in his first solo competitive race back. he was stilljust 18. now, he's taking on his biggest task outside of a racing car. he's aiming to walk, cycle and kayak 140 miles in four days for comic relief. tim muffett reports. it still feels so surreal that it is happening. i've never done anything like this before. it's completely different to motorsport, my background in racing. and what an extraordinary background it is.

billy lost both his legs in a motor racing accident in 2017. we met him nine months later as he got back behind the wheel for the first time. you have your prosthetics here and you are still able to control the car and the pedals. many people will find that extraordinary. when you control the pedal normally, you do it all through your ankle, that's how you control how much input you're putting into the pedals. but with me, because i haven't got ankles, the way i simply control it is just through my leg like this. this will be another enormous challenge. a140 mile triathlon across england in four days. walking, cycling and kayaking. it is all for such a wonderful cause and i know you will be the inspiration that you were born to be. so good luck, billy. billy, you're such an inspiration, you're an extraordinary person l and i'm honoured to call

you a friend. _ let's be honest, you're going i to absolutely beat this challenge. you could pretty much do the whole thing with me on your back. - but failing that, i i am there in spirit. lots of love, good luck. it will be a pretty sensational and special feeling. really trying to challenge myself. now it's time for a look at the weather. the final week of meteorological winter with plenty of mild air. air coming in from the south. warmest weather of the year so far in the south and east. in the north and west, temperatures are not so high. west, temperatures are not so high. we are about to get more rain. an

area of low pressure bringing in this weather front that won't hang around for tuesday and into wednesday. a prolonged period of heavy rain for some of us. there is a met office amber warning enforce for some parts of scotland. some areas could receive over 100 millimetres of rain. not there yet. today, we are in the sunshine. for more of england by the end of the day. just east anglia. tonight, quite chilly for a time, particularly in eastern parts. temperatures rise later in the night as the bodies picks up. tomorrow, thatis as the bodies picks up. tomorrow, that is through the rain will be at

its heaviest, northern ireland, much of scotland. much wetter in cambria and western england. turning windier in all areas, especially in northern ireland and scotland. winds could be disruptive. through central and eastern england it stays mainly dry. tuesday night, into wednesday, many of the same area are still seeing outbreaks of rain, perhaps using a bit in parts of northern ireland and scotland for a time. to the east of that where the system, that is where we see that warmest weather of the year so far. thursday into the weekend, building inforas year so far. thursday into the weekend, building in for as all as high—pressure settles down.

the lifting of lockdown in england — the prime minister will unveil his plan this afternoon. school children in england will return to their desks on march 8th — and we'll be able to socialise with one friend outside. pubs, hairdressers, and hospitality venues will have to wait, as the prime minister urges caution at every step. we have to make sure we are able to protect the nhs by not allowing the reopening of the economy to allow for another spike that would then cause many more people to go into hospital. the prime minister will say he wants a phased approach. we'll be live in westminster to see what that might mean. also this lunchtime... the first study of the uk vaccination programme suggests it's having a "spectacular" impact on preventing serious illness in scotland.

the youngest pupils in scotland and wales