this is bbc news. the headlines. the uk's chief medical officers move the covid—19 alert level from the highest level of five down to four. teachers will decide gcse and a—level grades in england this summer, to avoid a repeat of last year's exams chaos — no algorithms will be used and students will be sent their results earlier than usual. exam boards will be issuing grade descriptions to help teachers make sure their assessments are fair and consistent. i think most educational professionals would accept that this is the best way forward under very difficult circumstances. a dangerous and quite deluded conspiracy theory — nicola sturgeon dismisses allegations that she's breached the ministerial code in a case against her predecessor, alex salmond.

a daughter of the ruler of dubai asks british police to reopen their inquiry into her sister's disappearance, 20 years ago. how thousands of thermal images of elephants could help protect endangered species. and india thrash england by ten wickets — in an eventful third test — to take a 2—1 series lead. the uk's covid—19 alert level has been reduced. the alert has been at level five — the highest — since early january and is now going down to to four. it means the risk of the nhs being overwhelmed in the coming weeks has fallen. our health editor hugh pym has more

on the alert level change. it is based on a decision by the uk's four chief medical officers, working with officials from the joint biosecurity centre. it is, in a way, a nonpolitical, independent take on how serious the alert level is. it was level three from may onwards all the way through to september, when it was moved up to level four — that's when cases were really beginning to accelerate again — and then level five, the highest level, onjanuary the 4th, the day the prime minister announced lockdown restrictions for england and of course there were similar measures being taken in the uk's other nations. and the key determining factor for level five, is there a material risk of the nhs being overwhelmed within 21 days without further action? and given that risk, as they perceived it, the chief medical officers moved up to level five. they are now moving back down to level four. in a statement released on behalf of the four cmos, they say, "hospital numbers have been consistently declining "for covid patients and therefore the pressure

"is considerably less, so it is a "moment to move back to level four," but they add that, "there are still "significant issues and relatively high numbers "of patients in hospital. "in time, vaccines will have a major impact, but for the "time being everybody, vaccinated or not, should remain vigilant." so everyone should remain vigilant. does this mean, then, that although the level has been brought down, it makes no difference to the way in which we are expected to live our lives? that's right, it is not saying to people that there is a sudden further easing of lockdown. the announcement in england was made on monday and in scotland on tuesday, and wales and northern ireland have their own plans. those are decisions made by governments. this doesn't suddenly mean going — down to level four — anything has changed in terms of what people can and can't do. in a sense, it is again giving this framework of the assessment of

the risk to back up decisions made by governments on lockdown restrictions, which have been planned to take place pretty gradually in the weeks and months ahead, as we have been hearing earlier this week. in the past hour the government has released the latest coronavirus figures for the uk. another 9,985 people have tested positive for the virus, down from last thursday when 12,057 positive cases were confirmed. a further 323 people have died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in the uk — on the same day last week, a54 deaths were reported. and the number of those receiving their first dose of the vaccine is now almost 18.7 million. teachers will decide grades for this year's gcses, a—levels and written vocational qualifications in england, after the exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. the education secretary gavin williamson has confirmed that unlike last year, no algorithms will be used to calculate pupils�* grades. exam boards will check random

samples, and students will receive their results earlier than usual, to allow extra time to log any appeals. here's our education correspondent, danjohnson. they're heading back to lessons knowing their final results will come from teachers awarding grades they think pupils deserve. coursework, essays and mock results will be considered and there may be classroom tests using previous exam questions to help teachers make their judgments. philip is reaching the end of his gcses. i'd rather do an exam myself because i think i would do better in an exam because you can actually show physically what you can do, rather than people guessing what you can do. so, abigail, what about you? abigail is expecting her a—level results. i do trust what my teachers will give me, but at the same time, it does make you wonder,

if i did actually sit the exam, would this have been what i got? it'll be difficult to compare your grades to people in the north of england or somewhere else because it's hard to know whether they were tested in the same way. last yea r�*s calculated grades brought students to the streets in protest, which prompted officials to admit they'd got the maths wrong, putting some university places in doubt. there were government u—turns across the uk and promises there would be no repeat. the algorithm is gone, does that make you happy? yes, very much so. i think most education professionals would agree this is the best way forward under very difficult circumstances. the issues i think you're going to face are the timescales in terms of appeals and the criteria for appeals. results will come earlier in august, in anticipation of more appeals. these guidelines are only for england, but the rest of the uk will follow a similar approach. vocational subjects will be awarded in the same way, though some students may need to sit exams for professional qualifications.

we need a narrative here from government that explains to schools that yes, teachers are being trusted but also their overall results need proper anchoring so that the results this year are credible. if we don't have that, then students will end up with very good grades, but grades that everybody will be worrying about the credibility of. there is a promise of further guidance on that. exam boards will be issuing grade descriptions to help teachers make sure their assessments are fair and consistent. these will be broadly pegged to performance standards from previous years, so that teachers and students are aware teachers and students are clear what is expected at each grade. most teachers agree it's the least worst option to avoid the turmoil of last time and deliver fair results in another difficult year. danjohnson with that report —

and a little earlier dan told my colleaguejane hill there was relief all round that there would be no algorithm this year. yes, teachers are being given a lot of flexibility, lots of discussion here. in a sense, in a change from last year, where everything was really tightly controlled to stop grade inflation, to stop any inconsistency, now teachers are being given a lot of freedom, which could result in a lot of grade inflation and perhaps in inconsistency and unfairness across the system because it will be difficult to work out if a certain grade given at one school has actually been given according to the same criteria as the same grade given somewhere else. are they actually the same? are they fair? are all students being treated consistently? that's the real test in this and there is more guidance to come for teachers to help them with these assessments so that they and pupils know what a certain grade should look like, what the work should be to qualify for that particular result. it is fraught, really, isn't it? it is. because the only fair way is to make students sit the exam! and that can't happen!

well, you start thinking, perhaps we'll build extra safeguards into the system like the possibility of appeals, spot checks by examination boards and you think, we could keep building into this and going over it and eventually someone will say, shouldn't we just do an exam that everyone sits to see where they all are? i don't think there will be a u—turn of that kind, but there may have to be extra safeguards built into this system to try to ensure that it is fair, it is robust and people can have faith in these results in future, but the conclusion for now is that it is the right thing because it will allow teachers who know pupils best to give them a fair result for the work they have done through such tough times. joining me are two a level students affected by the change, aidan rhode from buxton, and leah collis in leamington spa. good afternoon to you both. first of all, what do you think about the plan that the government has come up with, no exams this year and teacher assessments instead? it’s

with, no exams this year and teacher assessments instead?— with, no exams this year and teacher assessments instead? it's good there is not an algorithm _ assessments instead? it's good there is not an algorithm this _ assessments instead? it's good there is not an algorithm this year, - assessments instead? it's good there is not an algorithm this year, that - is not an algorithm this year, that was worrying a lot of people that they would keep that but it's difficult to ensure that and a star grade is the same as awaiting entities to be moderation by the exam board to make sure it's equal throughout the country. how exam board to make sure it's equal throughout the country.— exam board to make sure it's equal throughout the country. how do you feel personally _ throughout the country. how do you feel personally about _ throughout the country. how do you feel personally about it? _ throughout the country. how do you feel personally about it? i _ throughout the country. how do you feel personally about it? i did - throughout the country. how do you feel personally about it? i did sort l feel personally about it? i did sort of see this — feel personally about it? i did sort of see this coming, _ feel personally about it? i did sort of see this coming, as _ feel personally about it? i did sort of see this coming, as of- feel personally about it? i did sort of see this coming, as of the - feel personally about it? i did sort i of see this coming, as of the exams being cancelled this year so i've taken all of the mocks so seriously so far am my working grades are fairly decent, so i'm not too worried but for some of my peers who tend to wait until the final exam to pull things out of the bag they are kicking themselves slightly at the moment. ., . , kicking themselves slightly at the moment. ., ., , ., kicking themselves slightly at the moment. ., . , ., ., kicking themselves slightly at the moment. ., ., , ., ., , moment. you are trying not to smile, ou took moment. you are trying not to smile, you took the — moment. you are trying not to smile, you took the right _ moment. you are trying not to smile, you took the right decision, _ moment. you are trying not to smile, you took the right decision, good - you took the right decision, good for you. you took the right decision, good foryou. leah, you took the right decision, good for you. leah, what do you think about this? i for you. leah, what do you think about this?— for you. leah, what do you think about this? ~ . , , , about this? i think finally students are bein: about this? i think finally students

are being listened _ about this? i think finally students are being listened to _ about this? i think finally students are being listened to and - about this? i think finally students are being listened to and we - about this? i think finally students are being listened to and we have | are being listened to and we have certainty — are being listened to and we have certainty of what's going to happen with our— certainty of what's going to happen with our grades, because i think so far it's _ with our grades, because i think so far it's caused a kind of mental health— far it's caused a kind of mental health burn—out especially among me and my— health burn—out especially among me and my friends, because we have been consistently— and my friends, because we have been consistently working but not knowing what we _ consistently working but not knowing what we are working towards, but now we know _ what we are working towards, but now we know our— what we are working towards, but now we know our teachers best and not deprive _ we know our teachers best and not deprive us — we know our teachers best and not deprive us of any opportunities that we can— deprive us of any opportunities that we can normally get when we can sit exams _ we can normally get when we can sit exams l _ we can normally get when we can sit exams i think it's the best solution that anyone could come to. must be really tough — that anyone could come to. must be really tough to _ that anyone could come to. must be really tough to me _ that anyone could come to. must be really tough to me you've _ that anyone could come to. must be really tough to me you've been - that anyone could come to. must be | really tough to me you've been doing your lessons remotely i assume, but not knowing how you are going to be assessed. it’s not knowing how you are going to be assessed. �* , ., not knowing how you are going to be assessed. �* , . ., , not knowing how you are going to be assessed. �* , ., ., , ' . assessed. it's a really difficult because you _ assessed. it's a really difficult because you just _ assessed. it's a really difficult because you just had - assessed. it's a really difficult because you just had to - assessed. it's a really difficult because you just had to workl assessed. it's a really difficult i because you just had to work as assessed. it's a really difficult - because you just had to work as hard as you _ because you just had to work as hard as you can— because you just had to work as hard as you can consistently whereas a lot of _ as you can consistently whereas a lot of people would work hard throughout the year but when it comes— throughout the year but when it comes to — throughout the year but when it comes to exams, work extremely hard but i comes to exams, work extremely hard but i feel— comes to exams, work extremely hard but i feel especially for me i've 'ust but i feel especially for me i've just been— but i feel especially for me i've just been consistently flat out every — just been consistently flat out every day studying as much as i can to get— every day studying as much as i can to get the _ every day studying as much as i can to get the best grade that i can.

and it's — to get the best grade that i can. and it'sjust because so much stress and stuff— and it'sjust because so much stress and stuff on — and it'sjust because so much stress and stuff on my mental health. | and stuff on my mental health. i feel and stuff on my mental health. feel for and stuff on my mental health. i feel for you. aiden, and stuff on my mental health. i feelforyou. aiden, how has and stuff on my mental health. i feel for you. aiden, how has it been for you? feel for you. aiden, how has it been for ou? ~ ., ~' feel for you. aiden, how has it been for ou? ~ ., ~ ., ., for you? working from home i find that i'm for you? working from home i find that m not _ for you? working from home i find that i'm not nearly _ for you? working from home i find that i'm not nearly as _ for you? working from home i find that i'm not nearly as productive i for you? working from home i find| that i'm not nearly as productive at home as there would be at school because it's a different working environment. there's many more distractions, you've got family members bursting and cannot catch up on your desk and stuff like that. it certainly is not as productive as being in the school environment, but unfortunate enough to have a decent wi—fi connection which is more than a lot of people can say. so yeah, it's going 0k. considering the circumstances.— it's going 0k. considering the circumstances. . ., ., ., circumstances. see you have not got too lona circumstances. see you have not got too long now — circumstances. see you have not got too long now before _ circumstances. see you have not got too long now before you _ circumstances. see you have not got too long now before you go - circumstances. see you have not got too long now before you go back- circumstances. see you have not got too long now before you go back to i too long now before you go back to school. a . too long now before you go back to school. n, . j~ too long now before you go back to school. . j~ ., , ., school. march the 8th, so only two more weeks- _ school. march the 8th, so only two more weeks. leah, _ school. march the 8th, so only two more weeks. leah, how— school. march the 8th, so only two more weeks. leah, how do - school. march the 8th, so only two more weeks. leah, how do you - school. march the 8th, so only two i more weeks. leah, how do you think about, more weeks. leah, how do you think about. what — more weeks. leah, how do you think about. what do _ more weeks. leah, how do you think about, what do you _ more weeks. leah, how do you think about, what do you think— more weeks. leah, how do you think about, what do you think about - more weeks. leah, how do you think about, what do you think about the i about, what do you think about the fact that it's going to be left up to teacher's discretion in as far as we know as to how they award these

grades? it will be a mixture of mocks and coursework and assessments, what do you think of that? �* , ., ._ , assessments, what do you think of that? a ., ._ , ., assessments, what do you think of that? a ., , ., ., assessments, what do you think of that? a ., ., ., , that? there's always going to be flaws no matter _ that? there's always going to be flaws no matter what _ that? there's always going to be flaws no matter what solution i that? there's always going to be flaws no matter what solution it| flaws no matter what solution it came _ flaws no matter what solution it came to, — flaws no matter what solution it came to, so i think different schools— came to, so i think different schools are going to interpret grades — schools are going to interpret grades differently, like what goes up grades differently, like what goes up more. — grades differently, like what goes up more, coursework or other tests. it's up more, coursework or other tests. it's like _ up more, coursework or other tests. it's like the — up more, coursework or other tests. it's like the pressure has been deflected onto teachers, so i think i’ilht deflected onto teachers, so i think right now— deflected onto teachers, so i think right now it's important to recognise their mental health as well as— recognise their mental health as well as hours which isjust be kind into the _ well as hours which isjust be kind into the best that you can. do well as hours which isjust be kind into the best that you can.- into the best that you can. do you worried that _ into the best that you can. do you worried that the _ into the best that you can. do you worried that the ways _ into the best that you can. do you worried that the ways that - into the best that you can. do you worried that the ways that rules i into the best that you can. do you i worried that the ways that rules are interpreted will be different from each school? i do interpreted will be different from each school?— interpreted will be different from each school? i do worry about that because i know _ each school? i do worry about that because i know they've _ each school? i do worry about that because i know they've done - each school? i do worry about that because i know they've done two i each school? i do worry about that. because i know they've done two sets of mocks _ because i know they've done two sets of mocks during lockdown that will not have _ of mocks during lockdown that will not have been monitored in exam conditions — not have been monitored in exam conditions whereas i have not done anything _ conditions whereas i have not done anything like that, so i wonder whether— anything like that, so i wonder whether there will be used towards their grades, so in comparison it's

not representative of what it usually — not representative of what it usually would be.— not representative of what it usually would be. yes. i can see that. usually would be. yes. i can see that- you _ usually would be. yes. i can see that. you know _ usually would be. yes. i can see that. you know now _ usually would be. yes. i can see that. you know now what - usually would be. yes. i can see that. you know now what the i usually would be. yes. i can see i that. you know now what the months ahead hold for you. aiden, what are your plans when you finish school? it's hard to say for now, because the june 21 it's hard to say for now, because thejune 21 deadline, while the guidelines for the complete opening up guidelines for the complete opening up is only a guideline. it's the earliest i could possibly happen, so we've got no set in stone plans. so we've got no set in stone plans. so we have not booked any summer holidays yet and especially with the new deadline for the exam results day being august ten rather than august 2a, i'm sure that is scuppered a lot of peoples plans. and leah what about you? hopefully

u . and leah what about you? hopefully u- to a and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level — and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level so _ and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level so i _ and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level so i will _ and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level so i will have _ and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level so i will have a - and leah what about you? hopefully up to a level so i will have a much i up to a level so i will have a much better— up to a level so i will have a much better summer than last year, have a lot of— better summer than last year, have a lot of fun _ better summer than last year, have a lot of fun and — better summer than last year, have a lot of fun and go out hopefully when restrictions are eased and looking forward _ restrictions are eased and looking forward to— restrictions are eased and looking forward to starting university in september. forward to starting university in september-— forward to starting university in setember. ~ , september. well, very good luck with it all, both of — september. well, very good luck with it all, both of you. _ september. well, very good luck with it all, both of you. and _ september. well, very good luck with it all, both of you. and thank- september. well, very good luck with it all, both of you. and thank you i it all, both of you. and thank you so much for talking to us here on the bbc, so aiden and leo. good luck to you both. —— leah. first i want to bring you a tweet by the chief medical officer of england, you can see it there. this is about to the change in the covid alert level which has been brought down from level five to level four. as you can see he is praising what he calls the remarkable efforts of the public to bring the case numbers down but also a warning that death and infections are still very high and infections are still very high and the nhs remains under significant pressure. and urging

people to really continue to follow the guidance and saying if we do cases will continue to fall. the headlines on bbc news. the uk's chief medical officers move the covid—19 alert level from the highest level of five down to four. teachers will decide gcse and a—level grades in england this summer, to avoid a repeat of last year's exams chaos — no algorithms will be used and students will be sent their results earlier than usual. a dangerous and quite deluded conspiracy theory — nicola sturgeon dismisses allegations that she's breached the ministerial code in a case against her predecessor, alex salmond. scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon has dismissed allegations that she breached ministerial code in the scottish government's investigation of sexual harrassment claims against her predecessor, alex salmond. ms sturgeon called it a dangerous and quite deluded conspiracy.

our political correspondent nick eardley has the latest from edinburgh. this is an extraordinary story on any level, really, that is going on in scottish politics. you have the former first minister, alex salmond, accusing the current first minister, his protege, breaking the ministerial code, the rules by which ministers have to abide. normally that would be a resignation matter, but mr salmond is alleging a lot more, he is saying that some people around nicola sturgeon were part of a malicious campaign against him to remove him from public life and possibly even to have him jailed. we are going to hear from mr salmond tomorrow. he is pencilled in for a mammoth session before a committee that is looking into how the scottish government has dealt with complaints against mr salmond, but today at first minister's questions there was an extraordinary exchange, where different parties in holyrood were accusing each other of undermining scottish democracy. firstly, we had ruth davidson, who is the scottish tory leader at

holyrood, saying that ms sturgeon had tried to cover up what had gone on. a culture of secrets and cover—up that is only growing, and it is all taking place on nicola sturgeon's watch. and there'sjust one further question i want to ask. first minister, is saving your own skin worth all the damage that you are doing? there were similar accusations from the scottish labour party, saying that this had been terribly dealt with by the scottish government and it has seen that something is fundamentally wrong with the way that things were going. the snp completely deny that and they are furious... their political opponents are playing a political game with what is a very serious issue. i have seldom seen nicolas sturgeon so angry as she was in the scottish parliament this afternoon. have a look at nicola sturgeon's response to ruth davidson.

scrutiny of me, is, i as i said earlier, it's important, it's necessary, it's entirely legitimate. i what is not legitimate is to pursue a conspiracy theory, _ a scorched earth policy, i that threatens the reputation and the integrity of scotland's i independentjustice institutions, just because you happen i to dislike this government, and to sacrifice all of that, - if i may say so, presiding officer, on the altar of the ego of one man. no prizes for guessing who that man is, it is alex salmond. it is just a sign of how much the relationship between nicola sturgeon and alex salmond, once the dream team at the snp and the scottish independence movement, has completely disintegrated and over the next few days there are going to be some really high drama when he accused her of doing something that could cost her herjob and she appears before the committee next week to refute those claims. it is extraordinary to hear them speaking in those terms today, nick. what is interesting is that often in political parties

are experiencing war within the party, where there are real internal splits, the opposition will stand to one side and let them get on with it. that has just changed, hasn't it? i think that right. one of the reasons is quite simply that the scottish election is ten weeks away today and there is no doubt that some political calculation as to how opposition parties are dealing with this, but also some genuine concern about what is going on here because there is a committee in the scottish parliament that is looking into how the scottish government dealt with harassment allegations made against alex salmond back in 2018. that process was flawed, salmond challenged them in court, he won, the court said that the scottish government's approach had been unlawful and tainted by apparent bias. that committee has regularly found itself struggling to get documents at once and there was an almighty row

yesterday when the crown office, scotland's prosecution service, asked the parliament to unpublished parts of mr salmond's evidence. the argument to the crown office made was that part of that evidence could be in contempt of court, so it was an offence to have them up on the website, but there are many people disputing that. the other argument we heard from ruth davidson today in first minister's questions, was that the parts of mr salmond's evidence that have been taken down some of the most damaging for nicola sturgeon. they involve the accusations that she broke the ministerial code. nicola sturgeon completely denies that and as you head on that clip a minute ago she accuses her opponents of engaging in deluded conspiracy theories and she is clearly furious that they are engaging in what she calls a scorched earth policy, but this is an extraordinary, it feels to me like the biggest row in the devolution era of scottish politics and over the next few days it is

only going to get more intense. we will hear from alex salmond, all being well, 1230 tomorrow and i am told that session could last up to four hours, so get the coffees in. blimey, indeed! nick eardley, our political correspondent there, to there's more evidence that shows the pfizer—biontech vaccine is producing a good antibody response in all age groups, particularly among people who've already been infected with covid 19. but there are also fears that some of the communities that could most benefit from a jab are those where vaccine hesitancy is greatest. our health correspondent dominic hughes has the details: as the vaccination programme accelerates past 18 million, further evidence that vaccines are producing antibodies to fight covid—19. the react 2 study looked for the presence of covid antibodies in more than 155,000 people in england. antibodies were found in nearly 14% of volunteers overall, either as a result of infection, or, for more than 17,000

participants, as a result of vaccination, with results especially encouraging among those who'd already had covid. having had covid previously increased the antibody response in all age groups, so that with a single dose of the vaccine, plus having been primed, as it were, by having previous infection, gave a very, very good antibody response. but of course the best response overall was when people had two doses of the vaccine. are you ready? just relax your arm. the survey has highlighted concerns around levels of vaccine hesitancy, especially in black and asian communities, but these are the same communities that are more at risk of falling seriously ill with covid—19, so there's a real worry that those who need it most might miss out on the vaccination programme. so, having vaccination programmes that are run out of mosques, synagogues, temples — they are places of safety,

places you recognise and you feel like that is something that is where you would go to for comfort, and so knowing that vaccination programmes are run by that, and your community leaders are part of that, that's really important. and this is going to be particularly important — having people like myself on mainstream media because if you see someone that looks like you, speaks like you, you're thinking, "i'm going to take this information really seriously." the main goal of the vaccine is to make sure you don't get a bad case of covid... with nearly three million followers on tiktok, doctors like karan raj are also trying to get in touch with hard—to—reach communities, providing reassurance that vaccines are safe and effective. but the fear is that just as the virus has exposed deep inequalities in our health, some may miss out on the promise of a vaccine—led recovery. dominic hughes, bbc news. jeremy brown is a professor of respiratory infection at university college london and sits on thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation. he is speaking today

in a personal capacity. good afternoon to you. let's start with the good news first, that study says that 14% of england's population have antibodies. this is partly from people who have already had the virus as well, but it does also show the power of vaccination. it's good news that people are getting antibodies. but also would frame it that saying 86% of people do not have antibodies and we need to roll out the vaccine as much as possible to make sure that everyone is protected in the future. i5 is protected in the future. is always a time lag with the studies, so more people have been vaccinated in the interim so one would assume that this committee presence of antibodies is more widespread. you

it's likely out of the more people have _ it's likely out of the more people have been— it's likely out of the more people have been vaccinated in the meantime. and it will show an increase — meantime. and it will show an increase in_ meantime. and it will show an increase in the prevalence of antibodies and higher proportion of publisher— antibodies and higher proportion of publisher will be protected against covid _ publisher will be protected against covid because of the antibodies being _ covid because of the antibodies being present. covid because of the antibodies being present-— being present. looking in more detail at the _ being present. looking in more detail at the figures, _ being present. looking in more detail at the figures, 91% i being present. looking in more detail at the figures, 91% had i detail at the figures, 91% had antibodies after two doses of the pfizer vaccine, that must be something that you really welcome. yes, that 91% might be an understatement.— yes, that 91% might be an understatement. there's other statements — understatement. there's other statements with _ understatement. there's other statements with tests - understatement. there's other statements with tests showing j statements with tests showing probably a higher proportion of patients— probably a higher proportion of patients getting two doses, having antibodies, so there's a good response _ antibodies, so there's a good response to the vaccine, that's a very— response to the vaccine, that's a very positive thing. we response to the vaccine, that's a very positive thing.— response to the vaccine, that's a very positive thing. we should say this is concentrating _ very positive thing. we should say this is concentrating on _ very positive thing. we should say this is concentrating on the - very positive thing. we should say this is concentrating on the pfizerl this is concentrating on the pfizer vaccine but does not mean to say that the same cannot be necessarily

read across to the oxford one, just this was not part of the study. this was introduced _ this was not part of the study. this was introduced roughly a month before _ was introduced roughly a month before the astrazeneca vaccine so all the _ before the astrazeneca vaccine so all the data we are going to get initially, — all the data we are going to get initially, and then the astrazeneca vaccine _ initially, and then the astrazeneca vaccine will follow. what is coming through _ vaccine will follow. what is coming through is— vaccine will follow. what is coming through is that there's neck would be any— through is that there's neck would be any significant difference between the vaccines. we be any significant difference between the vaccines. we saw there in the correspondent _ between the vaccines. we saw there in the correspondent report, - between the vaccines. we saw there in the correspondent report, a i between the vaccines. we saw there in the correspondent report, a lot i in the correspondent report, a lot of work being done to try and persuade people who might be hesitant to take the vaccine, to take it. but this study suggested there were about six point sent percent of people unsure about vaccination, a small portion added 1.5% said they would not take one, how concerned are you are about the hesitancy? brute how concerned are you are about the hesitan ? ~ ., _, . ., hesitancy? we are concerned about it in different parts _ hesitancy? we are concerned about it in different parts of— hesitancy? we are concerned about it in different parts of the _ in different parts of the population. so there is a lower

uptake — population. so there is a lower uptake of— population. so there is a lower uptake of the vaccine amongst ethnic minorities— uptake of the vaccine amongst ethnic minorities and as your report mentioned that's actually paradoxical because the more chance of getting _ paradoxical because the more chance of getting severe covid is higher if you are _ of getting severe covid is higher if you are an— of getting severe covid is higher if you are an ethnic minority. the reasons— you are an ethnic minority. the reasons for— you are an ethnic minority. the reasons for that might be complicated and notjust reasons for that might be complicated and not just vaccine lack of _ complicated and not just vaccine lack of enthusiasm, and my also and very importantly be access to the vaccine _ very importantly be access to the vaccine because it's about how to improve — vaccine because it's about how to improve access and different populations to ensure the highest proportion possible can have the opportunity to have the vaccine. gk opportunity to have the vaccine. 0k can opportunity to have the vaccine. can we've got opportunity to have the vaccine. oi; can we've got to leave it there, thank you very much. professor jeremy brown from university college london. thank you. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes

a culture has a working through chemistry of cloud a little bit of light patchy rank of a few showers for scotland as well as many of us having a bright day in our maximum temperatures ten to 12 celsius. still mild, but not as toasty as it was yesterday. overnight tonight pressure builds across the uk, so we will have lengthy clear spells and light winds, a combination that will give us a cold night with some patches of frost around. the only real exception the far north of scotland with thicker cloud here will bring a few patches of rain, fierce friday morning will become drier and then elsewhere most of the uk having a finding out friday with long spells of sunshine, still on the mild side of things. temperatures widely between around ten to 12 celsius and we have got more of this fine weather come up for most of us lasting throughout the weekend as well.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines: the uk's chief medical officers

move the covid—19 alert level from the highest level of five down to four. teachers will decide gcse and a—level grades in england this summer, to avoid a repeat of last year's exams chaos — no algorithms will be used and students will be sent their results earlier than usual. exa m exam boards will be a shearing grade descriptions to help teachers make sure their assessments are fair and consistent. i sure their assessments are fair and consistent. ~' ., , sure their assessments are fair and consistent. ~ .,, .. ., ., consistent. i think most educational professionals _ consistent. i think most educational professionals will _ consistent. i think most educational professionals will accept _ consistent. i think most educational professionals will accept that i consistent. i think most educational professionals will accept that this i professionals will accept that this is the _ professionals will accept that this is the best way forward under very difficult _ is the best way forward under very difficult circumstances. it is the best way forward under very difficult circumstances. a dangerous and lead -- — difficult circumstances. a dangerous and lead -- diluted _ difficult circumstances. a dangerous and lead -- diluted conspiracy i and lead —— diluted conspiracy theory, nicola sturgeon dismisses allegation that she breached the code in a case against her predecessor. a daughter of the ruler of dubai asks british police to reopen their inquiry into her sister's disappearance, 20 years ago. sport and for a full round up,

from the bbc sport centre, many thanks where we started that remarkable finish for the third test. england lost by ten wickets. so often relied upon to secure. taking five wickets to lead to an english but second innings backing collapse left meeting runs for victory. a ring which they wrapped up victory. a ring which they wrapped up inside three days. asjoe wilson continues. all traces of batsmen removed, even reason brushed away in thursday's dust. england began meeting wickets and if only they had another spin bowler. they do. they fell to the first ball and could not get better until it did. look back in anguish. pretty bald. nbi145 all

out. joe ruth took five wickets for eight runs. the member strictly speaking, he is not even a bowler. come back quickly hear back. they found with the score of nine. the shiny pink ball surveyed in an ben stokes and jo roberts now like so many. how do i play that? england's second inning, 81 all out. it meant in the immediate 49 to win unless you had tickets for friday. they hit the winning runs with maximum impact. especially on the ball the captain. it impact. especially on the ball the catain. . , , impact. especially on the ball the catain. ., , ., ,, impact. especially on the ball the catain. , ., captain. it has been tough you can see it's been _ captain. it has been tough you can see it's been tough _ captain. it has been tough you can see it's been tough for _ captain. it has been tough you can see it's been tough for their- captain. it has been tough you can see it's been tough for their guysl see it's been tough for their guys as well. more used to these conditions then we are. they have to

keep looking to explore and experiment. he keep looking to explore and experiment.— keep looking to explore and exeriment. . , ., ., , experiment. he has the authorities should decide _ experiment. he has the authorities should decide if _ experiment. he has the authorities should decide if it _ experiment. he has the authorities should decide if it was _ experiment. he has the authorities should decide if it was fit _ experiment. he has the authorities should decide if it was fit for i should decide if it was fit for purpose. there is a week to prepare for the final test and to try to forget this one. india 2—1 up in the series. scott and's game with france has been postponed after another positive case taking the number of players to 11. training had been suspended with the group in isolation. organisers say a new one will be arranged. scotland to be without a number of them if the game is moved to a beat outside of the international window. george northway later in his 112 cap when they play england in cardiff on saturday once they codify the triple crown. he has been recalled to the starting line—up after missing the wing with foot injury. whales have won two out of 20 —— so far in 2010.

a bill for england. after he suffered a test injury in training yesterday. mark wilson comes in. he was among the longest of players dropped after the defeat to scotland in their opening match. he replaces one of only two changes from inside to beat italy. meanwhile, ireland captain returns by their match against italy in the along with the vice captain who will both be covered from head injuries. there are seven changes in all with a revamped front row and they made their worst start to a six nation campaign with defeats the rails advanced so far. after failing to game time they on stage five. he is not expected to maintain his 45 second lead to the final two sprint

stages. that is it from the bbc sport centre. plenty more on this point website including all the build—up to this evening zero pretty good last 32 second neckties. the ranges begin their games around 20 minutes and later both manchester united and alastair are in action as well. you can find more at bbc got 0 uk and don't forget sports day as well for a full round up of all the action at 6:30 p:m.. more now on one of our main stories. teachers will decide grades for this year's gcses, a—levels and written vocational qualifications in england, after the exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. glynn potts is the headteacher of newman college in oldham. good afternoon. so what do you make of this decision by the government for this teacher led assessment

which is the best way i had? it's been a difficult time for all the young people and what they need now is some clarity and direction for the next steps. in this difficult time is probably the best situation. we have a wealth of evidence on academic performance of all of her children and we test them far more than the vast majority would. it's now about making sure that we use our professional skill and knowledge to make sure every young person's talent and their achievements are recognised. based last year has not been a normal year has it? what sort of work will teachers in your school be able to draw on? i of work will teachers in your school be able to draw on?— be able to draw on? i think most schools that _ be able to draw on? i think most schools that have _ be able to draw on? i think most schools that have tried _ be able to draw on? i think most schools that have tried to - be able to draw on? i think most schools that have tried to have i be able to draw on? i think most| schools that have tried to have as many assessments that suit the development of children as possible and we have got coursework and he also got market examinations from last year and we will have a assessments from this year and mock exams from this year because being still anticipating doing that. three little pieces of information we can arrive at the judgement of each

individual child. [30 arrive at the judgement of each individual child.— arrive at the judgement of each individual child. do you think you need more _ individual child. do you think you need more from _ individual child. do you think you need more from that _ individual child. do you think you need more from that exams i individual child. do you think you i need more from that exams make it a try to find out exactly how teachers should be cutting about doing this assessment? do you think you have enough information? i think there going to release more information on that and that will be welcome. ii it that and that will be welcome. if it su orts that and that will be welcome. if it supports the teachers in their will to do this. let's not forget they are experts in their role and their goal is about the young person in front of them and be able to deliver that with integrity because it's a vocation. no one that comes at the track to become a millionaire. teachers have got until the 18th of june to submit grades. school starts up june to submit grades. school starts up again on march the 8th. what is not going to be like in your school? i think it will be a challenge but the key message is the idea that i think getting our children back exactly where they should be in a school is not a school if you don't have any children in the building. i think we have to accept there are going to be some pinch points. the testing is logistical and a a lot of pressure on school and at the same

time as well as the children who i am blessed to have the hardest working team in education and be able to make it happen and that the focus here is the young people, not the difficulties. let's find a way through. the focus is on those who are taking gcses and hit a levels. but for everybody else they had such a hard year as well. what do you make of the government's proposals for extra funding to help students catch up with things that they have missed and i year in favour of some for past some form of summer school as well? i for past some form of summer school as well? . ., ., ., ., as well? i welcome the additional fundin: as well? i welcome the additional funding but _ as well? i welcome the additional funding but i _ as well? i welcome the additional funding but i think _ as well? i welcome the additional funding but i think we _ as well? i welcome the additional funding but i think we are - as well? i welcome the additional funding but i think we are wrong i as well? i welcome the additional. funding but i think we are wrong to start to talk about recovery. let's talk about redesign. our assistant whether it be for young people in certain parts of our country or young people from different backgrounds. the summer school proposal is a positive one. there are questions over who will be delivering but we should not be exempt activities. i think activities such as the duke of edinburgh award all of these are

opportunities for our young people to do over the summer to develop skills that employers recognise and parents are proud of alongside academic qualifications.- parents are proud of alongside academic qualifications. thank you so much. that's _ academic qualifications. thank you so much. that's the _ academic qualifications. thank you so much. that's the head - academic qualifications. thank you so much. that's the head teacher. academic qualifications. thank you i so much. that's the head teacher of newman college. thank you for your time. the white house says president biden plans to speak to king salman of saudi arabia 'soon' — as the administration prepares to publish a report into the murder of the saudi journalist, jamal khashoggji. the report is widely expected to implicate the saudi crown prince — mohammed bin salman — something he denies. earlier i spoke to our security correspondent frank gardner — and i asked him to remind us what exactly happened. this was an absolutely shocking case that santa vibrations around the world. in october 2018 a well—known saudi journalist with over a million twitter followers was a us resident

and went to visit his country's consulate in istanbul and turkey in order to get his divorce papers signed and he turned up and they said come back in a week and that gave his enemies inside saudi arabia enough time to put together a mission to basically tear him. and when he turned up a week later by them in a team of 15 saudi agents, government agents turned up into government agents turned up into government planes in istanbul together with a forensic pathologist who had a bone saw abby overpowered him inside the concept and suffocated him and dismembered him and disposed of the body. the saudi government tried to cover this up and pretend they did not know what happened to him but it turns out that turkey, turkish intelligence played the tape of what happened to a number of western intelligence agencies. one of those where the cia

was director has been fed into the classified us intelligence reports which may now become the classified and made public. 50 which may now become the classified and made public.— and made public. so given all of that, are and made public. so given all of that. are you — and made public. so given all of that, are you under— and made public. so given all of that, are you under the - and made public. so given all of i that, are you under the impression that, are you under the impression that the biden administration is ready to confront saudi arabia about this? i ready to confront saudi arabia about this? ~' ., ,., , , this? i think there are some pretty frantic conversations _ this? i think there are some pretty frantic conversations taking - this? i think there are some pretty frantic conversations taking place i frantic conversations taking place behind closed doors. the biden administration i said they want to reset and recalibrate relations for saudi arabia and on the president trump the light has basically gave the saudi crown prince free reign. he was not interested in human rights and said basically do what you like in your name and so them a lot of weapons many of which had ended up killing civilians. not by design but by default and the biden administration has said that has got to stop. he had put a moratorium on us weapons going to saudi arabia for the wedding and then i may also want to make human rights front and centre of their relationship. so

they are resetting it. he's also said that he wants to deal directly with king salman. this is the crown prince's father. he is 85 years old and he's not in good health and he's already evolved running the country to his favourite sign, the crown prince who could well be implicated in the support. so it's incredibly messy. wade does it leave britain you're probably thinking? little britain tends to try to follow the american in relation to the gulf. it has got good relations with all the golf rulers. borisjohnson have a personal relationship with the saudi crown prince so this would be potentially embarrassing for him i think. is it going to mean britain breaking off relations at saudi arabia? they go very deep and they are worth billions of dollars but i think that may possibly prompt some statements from the far development office. last week, bbc news reported on the plight of princess latifa,

who claimed she was being held captive by her father — the ruler of dubai — sheik mohammad rashid al maktoum. now, the bbc can reveal another development in the case — this time raising questions for britain. it centres around allegations that latifa's sister — shamsa — was also abducted by their father while she was living in the uk, and an investigation by cambridgeshire police which was closed due to insufficient evidence. nawal al—maghafi reports. sheikh mohammed rashid al maktoum. the billionaire ruler of dubai, and one of the most powerful men in the middle east. last week, the bbc released secret recordings of his daughter, princess latifa. in them, she claims he is responsible for her abduction and imprisonment. the messages sparked international concerns. but latifa is not the only daughter of sheikh mohammed to try to escape. 20 years ago, her sister shamsa ran away from the family estate in surrey.

in 2000, my sister shamsa, while she was on holiday in england, she was 18 years old, going on 19, she ran away. so, yeah, after two months, they found her. the police launched an investigation, but it hit a dead end. now the bbc has obtained an exclusive letter written by princess latifa from her captivity. in it, a plea to reopen her sister's case. the letter, delivered by her friends yesterday to cambridgeshire police, says shamsa has "strong links with england. "herfondest memories are of her time here. "your help and attention could free her." we've pieced together shamsa's extraordinary story. she was a passionate horse rider and loved spending summers at her father's estate in the surrey countryside. shamsa was cheeky, liked to push all the boundaries, and she wasn't what you would call "a princess", you know?

she was full of life and adventure. she dreamt of going to university, but says that her father wouldn't allow it. so in the summer of the year 2000, she drove a black range rover to the edge of the estate and she ran away. after shamsa escaped her father's estate in longcross, she lived as a free woman for around two months. she then checked into this hotel in cambridge. suddenly, herfather�*s operatives arrived and she was captured. by sam the next morning, she was on a helicopter to northern france, where she was transferred to a private jet that took her to dubai. on her enforced return to dubai, shamsa was kept locked up for the next eight years. she was then released from confinement, but her life remained heavily controlled. we spoke to someone who had regular contact with her

after she was released. she was tranquilised all the time. everything she did was controlled. there was no spark in shamsa any more. there was no fight in her. and i understand that people can't get their head around it. theyjust see some rich girl. it's not like that at all. it's horrific. the uae government maintain that shamsa and latifa are cherished and adored by their family. they�* re yet to prove that they are still alive and well. nawal al—maghafi, bbc news. zookeepers have compiled the world's largest collection of thermal images of elephants — which show the animals as they play, eat and hang out in their enclosure at whipsnade zoo. the 30,000 photographs are part of a conservation project to help save the lives of both endangered elephants and humans. helen briggs reports. elephants posing for photos at whipsnade zoo. but they look very different

through a thermal camera. 30,000 selfies that are notjust incredible to look at, but a vital conservation tool. it is truly an elephantcam. it's made by elephants themselves. they've taken the photo with us, and it now works. it detects elephants confidently at a certain distance. and we want to get this into the field now, and actually put it in the wild, helping wild elephants and communities live side by side. the images are being used to train a camera to recognise the shape of an elephant from its body heat. it'll be able to identify when an elephant�*s close by, even in the dark, and send an alert. humans and elephants are being forced into ever closer contact, as the human population grows and wild habitat disappears. this can end in trashed crops, damaged property and the loss of lives.

we find ourselves in ever decreasing numbers, this is only likely to increase due to climate change and if you are a subsistence farmer were in a protected area an area commit —— elephant coming in at night and destroying your livelihood is genetic. it's hoped the new technology will be an affordable solution to helping wildlife and humans live in harmony, and help protect endangered species. helen briggs, bbc news. in a few minutes it's the bbc news at six with george alagiah but before that you've been sending your questions in to us about exams in england. my colleaguejane hill wasjoined by gron—ya hallahan from the education publication, tes. welcome. you have been sending in lots of questions about a levels and gcses and more besides no exams this

year of course because of the coronavirus pandemic. that is get through as many of your questions as we can. hello. welcome. let us go straight into a question from a parent who says they want to remain anonymous but who asks, why can't we just trust the grades that the teachers gave without moderation? all of this about the fact that it is teachers this year that are being given the strong hand here in choosing and providing grades. it’s choosing and providing grades. it's reall choosing and providing grades. it�*s really important to note that moderation is not a negative process. it's really useful and teachers welcome the fact that these grades will be moderate at. all moderation means is we will check between teachers and check between schools that's what one peter says it's a great name is the same as what another teacher says if a grade nine. unfortunately there are not many tools at the hands of teachers at the moment being able to do this

moderation but from what we've heard from the governing sulphide there will be an element of moderation in this process. we will be an element of moderation in this process-— this process. we should also have a auestion this process. we should also have a question from _ this process. we should also have a question from a _ this process. we should also have a question from a student. _ this process. we should also have a question from a student. noah i this process. we should also have a question from a student. noah says he is a gcses student and he says i want to know whether people can opt out of doing that many exams. probably better explain what they are first and his points are you allowed to opt out? $55 are first and his points are you allowed to opt out?— are first and his points are you allowed to opt out? as many exams are not many _ allowed to opt out? as many exams are not many exams _ allowed to opt out? as many exams are not many exams at _ allowed to opt out? as many exams are not many exams at all. - allowed to opt out? as many exams are not many exams at all. our i are not many exams at all. our assessment questions the exam board to locate the and b&b made up of past questions and new questions as well. they are optional for their teach us to choose whether or not the students tend to them but unfortunately students will not be able to say no i do not want to do that test. whatever the teacher says you're doing in class you will do that past but the teacher will not be peaking for you to do anything you have not studied in class. he would only be tested on the topics are covered in ice if you miss something because your school is closed because of coronavirus you will not be tested on that.-

will not be tested on that. you'll onl be will not be tested on that. you'll only be tested _ will not be tested on that. you'll only be tested on _ will not be tested on that. you'll only be tested on what - will not be tested on that. you'll only be tested on what you i will not be tested on that. you'll. only be tested on what you studied. near wants to know what happens to people who have been privately taught to watch a particular subject thatis taught to watch a particular subject that is not in the school curriculum? i think, that is not in the school curriculum? ithink, do that is not in the school curriculum? i think, do you think he means if you are taking an extra exam on top of everything that you might normally do in school? i think that's what he's getting at. yes. might normally do in school? i think that's what he's getting at.- that's what he's getting at. yes. we have a huge — that's what he's getting at. yes. we have a huge amount _ that's what he's getting at. yes. we have a huge amount of _ that's what he's getting at. yes. we have a huge amount of private i have a huge amount of private candidates in england to study for exams and delete on top of what they're doing in school or sometimes they're doing in school or sometimes they are completely home—schooled but they still do gcses. a good news is this year they are going to make allowances for private candidates and there is going to be in a few weeks more details and to be able to contact schools and colleges and exam cemeteries and provide the evidence and work with the teacher and being assigned a grade and be able to still get a gcses grade or a level grade. i think this ties in with a question much further down on our long list of questions which is

fun is referencing the fact that her son was meant to be sitting gcses the italian which was not taught by his school. i the italian which was not taught by his school. ~' , ,., , his school. i think the message is what ou his school. i think the message is what you are _ his school. i think the message is what you are just _ his school. i think the message is what you are just saying. - his school. i think the message is what you are just saying. yes. i what you are 'ust saying. yes. exactly she — what you are just saying. yes. exactly she would _ what you are just saying. yes. exactly she would have - what you are just saying. yes. exactly she would have a i what you are just saying. yes. l exactly she would have a chance what you are just saying. jazz exactly she would have a chance to contact the school by the centre and they would be able to arrange a time to look through the evidence and come up with a grade and students can agree the evidence submitted reflects their ability and they will still get a gcses or a level. this is a really _ still get a gcses or a level. this is a really interesting _ still get a gcses or a level. this is a really interesting question. she says what is going to happen to the students sitting at exams next year? they've already had a massive gap in learning over the last 12 months. that is interesting because not surprisingly we are so caught up with all the students who should have been thinking exams this me and we have not thought about the poor people doing next year. what are your thoughts about that? i people doing next year. what are your thoughts about that?- your thoughts about that? i think students who _ your thoughts about that? i think students who are _ your thoughts about that? i think students who are in _ your thoughts about that? i think students who are in the - your thoughts about that? i think students who are in the poor- your thoughts about that? i think i students who are in the poor people doing next year. what are your thoughts about that? i think students who are in year ten agyei

12 make me like they are not being thought of because the focus is on exam your students but i can promise you schools are thinking about this and all the teachers and help teachers and school leaders i speak to talk about this problem all the time and they are thinking about the students who in some ways are more impacted because they have had lots of time in the run up in there gcses ' next time out of school. we do not know what's going to be done at a high level yet but we do now in schools they will be working really hard with the students to make sure they can be working on their studies as soon as they go back to school. i suppose it's fair enough that they would want some reassurance because they have lost a massive chunk of really important time and yet unlike this year when the exams are scrapped the sem all being well a levels and gcses a written vocation exams will go away as normal next year? exams will go away as normal next ear? ., , ., ., year? one of the things that are thinkin: year? one of the things that are thinking about _ year? one of the things that are thinking about is _ year? one of the things that are thinking about is how _ year? one of the things that are thinking about is how the - thinking about is how the information is going to work. we know in 2020 we had serious great innovation because part of the

reason was we had to access grades and they were not moderated at all because he abandoned it computer model and the 20 20 —— 2022 students who don't know how they're going to work the information for that yes it's possible that's rather than seeing a sharp drop down to its 1990 levels perhaps even the cmr grade fatigue for those students that they will not be disadvantaged. it's interesting to be thinking about that. fit. interesting to be thinking about that. �* , ., interesting to be thinking about that. . , ., ., ., , interesting to be thinking about that. , ., ., , ., that. a question about dates from chris who says _ that. a question about dates from chris who says if _ that. a question about dates from chris who says if the _ that. a question about dates from chris who says if the exam - that. a question about dates from chris who says if the exam results have to be submitted to boards by the 18th ofjune does this mean students will not need to return to school after this date? i don't know whether that's a student hoping that's the case or a parents getting anxious but either way do you know the answer? i’ll anxious but either way do you know the answer?— the answer? i'll we know is that the answer? i'll we know is that the be the answer? i'll we know is that they be able — the answer? i'll we know is that they be able to _ the answer? i'll we know is that they be able to submit - the answer? i'll we know is that they be able to submit their- the answer? i'll we know is that i they be able to submit their grades it does not necessarily mean the term is going to and. we are imagining that some schools and colleges might want to put their

students onto college ready programmes or to do my catch—up work with them. we've also got this option of the autumn recess or the first sittings of the exam and the students not happy with their grades. so maybe if you're a student who missed a lot and you're not ready to pass you gcses yet perhaps he should be thinking that the term will not end on that base but you might need to do some more work if you need to be sitting on exam into autumn? , ., , ., autumn? the next question is from someone who _ autumn? the next question is from someone who wants _ autumn? the next question is from someone who wants to _ autumn? the next question is from someone who wants to stay - autumn? the next question is from i someone who wants to stay anonymous saying what is the decision around 36 students? i have not heard much about that. i think they're talking about that. i think they're talking about students from last year, from 2020. ,, , ., ., ., , _ 2020. students who were not happy with their grades _ 2020. students who were not happy with their grades that _ 2020. students who were not happy with their grades that bear - 2020. students who were not happy with their grades that bear got i 2020. students who were not happy with their grades that bear got last i with their grades that bear got last year and have either chose not to be set in the autumn. those students are being catered for. we will make sure those students who have been working towards fixing and exam this summer who did sit it have a scent

ss great last summer will be awarded a grade. he will have to do the same thing as a private candidate put together a body of evidence, be assigned a centre, and have their grade decided that way. hello, there. yesterday we were talking about temperatures reaching 18 celsius in parts of suffolk. those kinds of temperatures, really high for february, about ten degrees above average and more like the temperatures we should still be above average for the time of year. some change was brought about by this area of proud and rain. a cold front and behind that the air has been fresh. some showers for scotland and northern ireland and many of us had seen some sunshine as well. temperature is have been above normal across parts of england by a few degrees celsius

and across europe they departed the reds show you where they are really unusual. it's been pretty widespread in the very same number of cities have set all—time record for february and the weather has been very unusual. overnight pressure is going to build across the uk and that means for many of us the wind will be light and clear skies. it's a recipe containing pretty cold. they would be patches of frost around particularly in the countryside. northern scotland frost around 5 degrees and about 6 degrees in the look of a night. the reason for that is we have put the crowds and let it fund will be bringing some rain. towards the end of the night and first on friday as well. the rain will push outs of the way. clouds looking and break up. it will turn bright. for most of the uk after a cold and frosty start to the day. it will be sunshine from dawn until dusk. it will be a glorious kind of day. mild temperatures, ten to 12 celsius. it is similar to what we had today. into the weekend

forecast, this area of high—pressure going nowhere very far. we have weak leather funds crossing into this of high pressure and bringing for cloud rebate. across parts of scotland at night in england. a few spots of light patchy rain but many games that have more fine weather with further sunshine to go around. temperature is not changing very much day by day. ten to 12 celsius. perhaps 14 with some sunshine across the one parts of the country in the southeast. sunday and next week it stays very quiet with high—pressure and it will be dry leather on the mild side. see you later.

today at six. they gcses and a lever exam grades in england will be decided by teachers. after the controversy following last yea r�*s exa m controversy following last yea r�*s exam results the government said it's going to trust teachers this time. what do their pupils think? it's come as a relief to me. i'm sure it has to the majority of a—level students. up and down the country. it feels as though it's the best option for this situation we find ourselves in. but there are questions about fairness — is one teacher's a grade another�*s b grade? also tonight... a culture of secrets and cover—up that is _ a culture of secrets and cover—up that is only — a culture of secrets and cover—up that is only growing, and it's all

taking _ that is only growing, and it's all taking place on nicola sturgeon's watch _