this is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. plans for a £5 billion grant scheme for pubs, shops and restaurants in england worst—hit by the pandemic, as the chancellor says he'll continue to protect people through the pandemic. violence against anti—coup protests in myanmar — at least six people are reported to have been killed as police open fire on demonstrators. police in hong kong have charged a group of 47 activists with conspiracy to commit subversion under a new security law. us regulators become the first

in the world to approve the single dosejohnson &johnson covid vaccine, for everyone aged 18 and over. and coming up — the stars come out for the virtual golden globes. here in the uk, the chancellor rishi sunak says he's committed to supporting businesses and helping those on the lowest incomes, saying the public should feel assured ahead of wednesday's budget. labour has urged the government to keep the furlough scheme for as long as there are health restrictions on our lives. there are plans for a £5 billion grant scheme, to help pubs, restaurants, shops, and other businesses in england to re—open safely. our business correspondent,

katie prescott, reports. the first signs of spring and with them hope of new beginnings for businesses as lockdown eases but it has not been an easy ride. despite government support, salons like this one still have rents and overheads. we can't do takeaway haircuts, we can't go into people's homes. there is no way a hair salon or beauty salon can pivot or make any income during these lockdowns so when we are shut, we are losing money every day. to help reopen their doors, the government is offering new one—off grants to businesses that have been forced to close by covid, replacing the current monthly grant scheme. non—essential retailers will receive up to £6,000 for each shop they own. hospitality, gyms and beauty businesses will get up to £18,000

per premises as they're due to open with more restrictions or later in the year. 0verall, 700,000 businesses will be eligible and they will be distributed by local authorities in england from april. some businesses say it is not enough. although the £18,000 is fantastic, it is certainly something and it will help a lot of people, it is not going to help me very much. the larger salons, many of us are losing over £1,000 a day. that will not cover half of a month we are closing down. these little crumbs of acknowledgement and grants that come out really probably less than cover the cost of shutting for one month. that might be some help for some small businesses but the truth is the damage done to balance sheets is very severe and we'll need a much

more substantial package than this. in that package, businesses are hoping for an extension to the business rates holiday, the furlough scheme and the lower rate of vat. but the chancellor is treading a difficult path. between spending to support companies like this and what borrowing to pay for it means for the future of the country's finances. katie prescott, bbc news. with me now is our political correspondentjonathan blake. we know that because the pandemic, the nation's finances are in a huge black hole. what are the chancellor's choices about trying to fill a black hole?— fill a black hole? ahead of the buduet fill a black hole? ahead of the budget on _ fill a black hole? ahead of the budget on wednesday - fill a black hole? ahead of the budget on wednesday we - fill a black hole? ahead of the | budget on wednesday we have fill a black hole? ahead of the - budget on wednesday we have been trying to read the signals sent by the chancellor and the treasury, not giving too much away about what is going to be in there but what he has said so far it is pretty clear that in the short—term the support packages put in place like the

furlough scheme to keep people in jobs, increase in universal credit payments, things like the grants and loans that we have heard about in the report there will stay. the chancellor has said there is more support to come and that people should be reassured. but as you point out, although of course is incredibly expensive and the government has borrowed huge sums of money in the last year to pay for its response to the pandemic. and the chancellor has also been very clear that that has left the country's finances, as he put it, exposed to potentially rising levels of interest rates, which could mean that that debt becomes unsustainable. you're right about the sensitivity of our debt interest rates. we have borrowed a lot, so of course we are much more sensitive to changes in those rates. they had been very low, but of course they can change, in the same way that a household will think about their own mortgage, we have to think about those things as well. it's also important to worry about these things for other reasons. if i think about how i've been able

to respond in this crisis, i think generously and comprehensively, i was only able to do that because we came into it with strong public finances and a strong economy. i want to make sure when the next crisis comes along, the person sitting in this chair can do what i've done, and we owe it to them to do that. also i want to deliver on the promises we made on strong public services, so i think in the round, strong public finances are important and that's why i want to level with people about the challenges and address them. addressing the challenges is perhaps the hardest of the challenges facing rishi sunak himself. because to start to address the balance and reduce the debt in the longer term, he needs to raise money. and he needs to do that, if he doesn't want to borrow any more, through raising taxes. some mps are keen for him not to do that at this point. some of the possible measures that have been mooted is a possible rise in corporation tax, which companies pay

on their profits, and also freezing the threshold rates for income tax. so not actually the rate of tax itself but the amount of money at which people have to earn before they start paying a certain level of income tax and that would raise a lot of money for the treasury. but all of that dismissed as speculation at this point, so we will have to wait and see what the chancellor says wednesday. but they are very sensitive moves. now, he has, it has been reported in some quarters, said to mps that he would rather raise taxes in the short term now and then be able to, closer to the election in 2024, be able to cut them again. but that was something which the chancellor denied having said this morning on the andrew marr programme that he didn't recognise that. but nevertheless labour are accusing the government of short—term thinking and that was the point stressed by the shadow chancellor anneliese dodds this morning. it certainly shouldn't be right now in terms of immediate tax rises, and yet that's what we're seeing with council tax rises,

that the government is forcing them on local authorities, up to 5% for struggling families. that isn't the approach that's being taken by other countries. we are an outlier, both in having had the worst economic crisis of any major economy, but now also in having a government that seems to be focused on increasing tax right now on families when other countries are focused on securing the recovery. so ahead of the budget on wednesday what is clear at this point i think is that the chancellor wants to ram home that message that he is concerned about the levels of borrowing the government has had to take on and he does want to take steps towards reducing the debt or making it more manageable. but the unanswered question is how soon he plans to do that and exactly what measures he plans to use to address that challenge. {lila measures he plans to use to address that challenge-— that challenge. 0k, jonathan, thank ou ve that challenge. 0k, jonathan, thank you very much _ that challenge. 0k, jonathan, thank you very much indeed. _ that challenge. 0k, jonathan, thank you very much indeed. jonathan - that challenge. 0k, jonathan, thank l you very much indeed. jonathan blake you very much indeed. jonathan blake that our political correspondent.

some news just coming that our political correspondent. some newsjust coming into us. the coronation street actorjohnny briggs, who played mike baldwin in the british soap opera, has died aged 85 after a long illness, his family said. briggs was in coronation street for 30 years, and left the programme in 2006. he starred in 2349 episodes altogether. his final scenes on the show recorded in march 2006 and broadcast in april 2006. and a real stall wart of one of britain's most popular long running tv shows. and a statement from the family that say we announced with great sadness the death of our fatherjohnny briggs. he passed away this morning after a long illness with family by his

side. he was 85. we politely ask for privacy at this time so we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him. sojohnny briggs, who has died at the age of 85, star in coronation street, mac as mike baldwin in the itv show. police in hong kong have charged 47 pro—democracy activists and opposition figures with conspiracy to commit subversion. it's the biggest single use so far of the controversial security law introduced by beijing last year. the law was widely condemned for giving china wide—ranging powers to control protest and free speech. the charges are in relation to attempts lastjuly to organise unofficial primary votes to select opposition candidates ahead of legislative elections. the authorities said the accused had aimed to paralyse the government.

lester shum is one of the activists who had to report to authorities earlier today. speaking outside the police station said despite detention, he said he's not giving up. so that no matter how difficult it will be, i want to tell all of the hong kong people, no matter where you are, to keep faithful and to be hopeful and we will continue our struggle. let's speak to martin yip in hong kong. just put these charges into some sort of context for us. what does this mean in terms of the pro—democracy movement in hong kong? so, arguably if they would draw tomorrow and they brought to court one likely consequences that the

local election is likely to be held later this year which was postponed from last year because of the covid—19 pandemic there would be a good number of pro—democracy candidates which is why you saw him in his 20s, seen walking into the police station this morning holding the hand of his newlywed wife. he was one of the leaders... she's still a senior official in the government. this group of new joiners of the political scene would not be able to run in this election if they are cut away by the court tomorrow because of this national security challenge. find tomorrow because of this national security challenge.— security challenge. and so what is the reaction _

security challenge. and so what is the reaction of _ security challenge. and so what is the reaction of pro-democracy - the reaction of pro—democracy protesters there? are some of them now thinking they may as well try to get out of hong kong?— now thinking they may as well try to get out of hong kong? some of them have not get out of hong kong? some of them have got out — get out of hong kong? some of them have got out of— get out of hong kong? some of them have got out of hong _ get out of hong kong? some of them have got out of hong kong _ get out of hong kong? some of them have got out of hong kong already. i have got out of hong kong already. for example one is among the people who has been arrested on this case backin who has been arrested on this case back in january. who has been arrested on this case back injanuary. no charges on him today as yet as he is not in hong kong, he is in exile in britain at the moment. we had the democratic party of hong kong already condemning what the government has done as well as statements from the european union expressing great concern saying that the treatment of political opponents will no longer be tolerated in hong kong, so that is one likely to be one of the... summer moving out and concessions

from britain, australia after the national security law was introduced lastjuly. national security law was introduced last jul . ., ~ national security law was introduced lastjul. ., ~ national security law was introduced lastjul . ., ~ ., national security law was introduced lastjul. ., ., ,, last july. thank you for speaking from hong _ last july. thank you for speaking from hong kong. _ police in myanmar have moved swiftly to suppress new protests against an army coup, firing live rounds and rubber bullets at demonstrators in cities across the country. there are reports that at least six people have been killed and 20 others injured, but that number is expected to rise. three of the deaths are reported in dawei in the south. in myanmar�*s largest city, yangon, police have taken up positions at main protest sites. as the bbc�*s burmese service's nyein chan aye described from yangon, they're trying to contain demonstrators within small areas. this is what is happening after deadly protests in several places in yangon. people remained defiant in the ongoing fight for democracy. as

you see, here in the central city, people continue to protest and blocked the main road to prevent security forces from coming. today the security forces were actually out early taking position across the city. they tried to contain the protest in small streets. even before anti—coup protesters were kept together. there were reports of shooting in several places near the university, the major gathering point. the we are not clear but we have seen a number of photos of people appear to be fatally wounded. some reports said a number of protesters were killed as well as

some other cities across the country. police appear to be using stun grenades, tear gas and live rounds. several bloodied people were seenin rounds. several bloodied people were seen in images from other regions as well, which was circulated on social media. it was not clear whether they were her by rubber bullets or live fire. so far we can confirm that a teacher who was protesting died of a heart attack after police used... rescue workers said reportedly two men were reportedly killed. we are still trying to confirm the number of deaths and injured people. despite the crackdown is, thousands of protesters remain on the streets. in many places, people are setting

up in many places, people are setting up barricades and carrying shields to protect themselves. this weekend crackdown is potentially one of the most deadliest since the coup has taken place four weeks ago. it is expected to raise numbers of casualties as well as those who got arrested. bbc news, yangon. the latest there from burma mac. my my r. the headlines on bbc news... in the uk, the chancellor plans a £5 billion scheme in england to support high street businesses hit by the covid pandemic. police in hong kong have charged a group of 47 activists with conspiracy to commit subversion under a new security law us regulators become the first in the world to approve the single—dosejohnson and johnson covid vaccine, for everyone aged 18 and over.

let's get more on that approval in the united states of thatjohnson & johnson covid vaccine. it's the first time this vaccine, which only needs one dose to be effective, has been approved for use anywhere. the us food and drug agency will allow the drug to be shipped out to vaccine centres immediately. because this drug only needs one dose, it's likely to be more cost effective and easier to administer. dose, it's likely to be more cost it can be stored in a refrigerator rather than a freezer. the world health organisation's covax scheme has ordered 500 million doses, while the uk has bought 30 million. 0ur north american correspondent david willis told us more about the advantages of the new vaccine. it doesn't have to be kept in a freezer, unlike the pfizer and moderna vaccines. that makes its transportation and storage easier. and, two, it is a one—shot deal. that means it's a lot easier for mobile vaccination centres, for homeless shelters and people, for example, who can't guarantee

they will be able to come back for a second shot in three to four weeks' time. sailors, people put out to sea, that sort of thing. as you mentioned, these first doses should be available at the start of next week, and altogether the us government has ordered 100 million doses of this new vaccine. they are hoping it will make a significant contribution, combined with the 600 million doses of the pfizer and moderna vaccines that are expected to be available here by the summer. david willis reporting from the united states. a senior german immunologist has urged his country to change course and allow people over the age of 65 to receive the oxford astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine. in an interview with the bbc, the head of the german society for immunology, carsten watzl, said misinformation had led to a poor uptake, across all ages, of the astrazeneca jab, despite the country having

large quantities of it. twice—weekly rapid coronavirus tests are to be made available to families in england when children return to school. adults working with children — such as bus drivers and after—school club leaders — will also be offered them. it's hoped the programme will reduce the chances of cases increasing when pupils return to classrooms on the eighth of march. our health correspondent, naomi grimley, reports. if you live with a school—age child in england, get ready to start using these — the 30—minute tests, also called lateral flow tests, are already used in universities and by key workers. and secondary schools will be supplied with them as they open their doors again. but this latest announcement means all children and anyone who lives with them, as well as people like school bus drivers and carers, will be offered two tests per person each week. health officials hope it will uncover hidden cases

of the virus and break chains of transmission. testing has expanded greatly over the last few months and it's one important component of our battle against coronavirus. if anyone tests positive, they will still need a laboratory—assessed test to double—check the result. naomi grimley, bbc news. nearly two million people aged 60 to 63 in england are being invited to book a coronavirus vaccine. nhs england says people in that age bracket will start receiving letters explaining how to book a jab. nearly 20 million people in the uk have now received their first dose, with the government aiming to offer a first dose to all adults by the end ofjuly. there have been clashes in the irish capital between police and protesters angry at coronavirus restrictions. crowds gathered in a central dublin park to protest against the third national lockdown. a total of 23 arrests were made.

donald trump will make his first big speech since leaving office, later today, at a gathering of conservative republicans in florida. the annual c—pac event is the first big gathering of republican party supporters since the presidential election. it's thought mr trump might indicate whether he's planning to run again in 2024. hollywood is preparing for the golden globe awards, which will be given out at a virtual ceremony later. it's the first major event of the awards season, and is often a good indicator for the oscars. british stars up for awards include sacha baron cohen, and rosamund pike. 0ur los angeles correspondent sophie long reports. well, we're two months into the year and so far everything appears to be just as strange as it was for the vast majority of last year. the golden globes will be no exception. this was last year, all the stars

crammed onto one carpet. the excitement was palpable. brad! as sequins and smiles sparkled in the sunshine, it all seems like some kind of golden yesteryear. now, instead of queueing for passes that could grant you access to some of the hottest people on the planet, we queue for three separate covid tests so we can stand outside an event that we'd normally be inside. but, hey, that's ok, because who wants to hang out with a—list celebrities anyway? luckily, the people who run these kind of things in hollywood are totally down with the fact that the show must go on. what a year for movies! these two are back to offer some comic relief. a year for movies? it's hollywood's most glamorous night. they will be on different coasts of the continent, but what's 3,000 miles if not a safe social distance? in terms of potential winners, mank, a tale of old hollywood and all its glamour and sleaze is the most nominated movie.

season four of the crown, the very british portrayal of strange royal relations, is likely to reign once again in the television categories. preparations have been made for a socially distanced ceremony, but the golden globes will be the same celebration of creativity and talent on and behind the screens both big and small. or rather small and smaller, given that most cinemas have been closed. you were one of those lucky people... but there will be some notable differences. for the first time, more women than men have been nominated for best director. chloe zhao for nomadland, a very real human journey through the american west. emerald fennell for promising young woman, a feminist film full of vengeance and payback. and regina king for her historical fiction, one night in miami. there's no guarantee of course that any of them will win. i don't see your name in lights. chadwick boseman has been nominated

posthumously for his final acting role in ma rainey�*s black bottom. i got talent. what is problem, officer? borat is back, and his creator sacha baron cohen is a double globe nominee this year. he could also be recognised for his rather different role in the trial of the chicago 7. there may be no red carpet and far fewer champagne corks will pop, but despite the same criticism of the obscure voting body's practices, the golden globes will still be the opening ceremony of the award season, and they could still give some indication as to who is in pole position for those coveted academy awards. sophie long, bbc news, hollywood. an ornate roman chariot has been discovered by archaeologists in italy near the buried ancient city of pompeii. it's believed the four—wheeled carriage would have been used for festivals or parades. despite the volcanic eruption almost 2,000 years ago — it remains almost entirely intact.

the italian city of venice has been experiencing an exceptionally low tide — which has left its famous canals almost dry. gondolas and other boats were left beached as the water levels fell almost half a metre below usual. you are watching bbc news. you may have seen lots of birds on your lockdown walks but have you spotted a macaw? heads have been turning in the derbyshire peak district after multi—coloured motley was spotted flying over the hills. 0wner chloe brown has trained him to fly freely in the wild and then return to her, turning motley into a bit of a local sensation. ian white has more. this is motley, a two—and—a—half—year—old hybrid macaw who is fast becoming an internet sensation. he's a blue and gold crossed with a green—wing macaw. so he has the very gentle giant

nature from the green—wing but he's also got the very clownish personality from the blue and gold. motley started to get famous when his owner, chloe, decided to take him free flying, training him to fly in the wild over the peak district and then return to her. birds aren't meant to be kept in cages. in the wild, they would fly on average 15—17 miles a day so we have to give them exercise. they've got very complex respiratory systems and they need the exercise to keep fit and healthy. also mental stimulation as well. it might look fun but free flying can be dangerous. you've got risks that are involved. there will be birds of prey, the wind, just different obstacles, roads. so do macaws make good pets? i've had a lot of people when we've been out and about saying, i want one, i want one — it is an 80—90—year commitment. he will be going into my will. i would never say to anyone, just go out and get a macaw. flying free, this bird

has become a celebrity. everybody takes photos of him, videos. we found him in somebody�*s music video yesterday. so he gets absolutely everywhere. so if you're in the peak district, keep an eye out, you mightjust spot motley on the wing. ian white, bbc news. let's see what the weather is like for bird—watching. ben rich can tell us. hello. it's turning into a fine and mostly sunny sunday in many places, but there is a bit of mist and fog lingering for a few spots, especially for eastern and southern coasts of england. the odd patch elsewhere. more generally cloudy conditions across parts of western scotland, maybe even with the odd spot of rain. the winds will be light for most, but breezier than it was yesterday for southern counties of england. temperatures doing quite nicely in the sunshine with highs between 10—13. staying a touch cooler than that if it remains cloudy and murky where you are. talking of cloud and murk, as we head through tonight, we will see a big lump of low cloud, mist and fog rolling in across a good part of england and getting into parts of wales as well.

the odd fog patch elsewhere. where we have the clearest of the skies — parts northern england and southern scotland, for example — temperatures will get down to freezing or maybe a touch below. plenty of dry weather to come in the week ahead. there will be some spells of sunshine but always some areas of cloud as well. turning cooler later in the week. hello, this is bbc news.

the headlines... in the uk, the chancellor plans a £5 billion support scheme in england for high street businesses hit by the covid—19. police in hong kong have charged a group of 47 activists with conspiracy to commit subversion under a new security law. us regulators become the first in the world to approve the single dosejohnson and johnson covid vaccine, for everyone aged 18 and over. violence against anti—coup protests in myanmar. reports say police have shot dead at least six protestors. and the stars are coming out for the virtual golden globes. now on bbc news, dateline london.