this is bbc news. i'm ben brown. the headlines... deaths from covid in the uk are down by a quarter in one week to the lowest level since the start of the year. what all this shows is that the vaccine is working, reducing the number of deaths among those who were vaccinated first and preventing hospital admissions. this is real—world evidence. we'll have all the latest on coronavirus, as the search for the person linked to the brazilian variant is narrowed to a few hundred houses in south east england. a bump to england's struggling culture sector — the chancellor's to announce more than 400 million pounds to help museums, theatres and galleries. france changes its policy on the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine. will other european countries follow suit?

holiday firm pontins makes charges after a whistle—blower reveals it was routinely discriminating against some families. makes changes. —— makes changes. back on tv — the bbc revives the channel behind normal people, killing eve and fleabag. tributes to ian stjohn, one of liverpool's most influential football players, who's died aged 82. and coming up this hour, a congregation in herefordshire shocked to discover an ordinary looking painting of the last supper is actually a long—lost masterpiece. good afternoon. there's new evidence that the battle

against covid—19 is being won. the number of weekly registered coronavirus deaths in england and wales has fallen by more than a quarter in a week, to the lowest level since the start of the year. the figures from the office for national statistics suggest that the latest national lockdown and the sucessful vaccination programme are working. there's good news too on hospital admissions, down by 80% for those aged over 80 who've received a single dose of vaccine. the results have been described by the head of the oxford vaccine project as �*stunning'. our health correspondent anna collinson reports. more than a third of adults in the uk have now had theirfirst coronavirus vaccine. widely hailed a success, the roll—out has received a further boost after real—world data suggests one dose of either the oxford or the pfizerjab cuts the risk of serious illness by 80% in the over 80s. this data comes from the hardest group to protect, those who are the most frail, the oldest adults in our population.

and we are seeing an 80% reduction in hospitalisation in that group, which is stunning. there are now clear signs the epidemic is moving in the right direction and the vaccine roll—out is working. new data shows covid deaths are continuing to fall, with 4,410 registered in the uk in the week to the 19th of february — that's down byjust over a quarter on the previous week. the number of people who've developed immunity also appears to be rising. latest figures estimate one in four people have coronavirus antibodies in england. in wales and northern ireland it's thought to be one in six and in scotland, one in eight. but there are concerns that the vaccine is not working as well against some emerging variants, particularly one which was first detected here in manaus injanuary. six cases of the so—called brazil variant have been identified in the uk. while the hunt goes on to locate other potential cases, epidemiologists say they are more

concerned about studying how the virus�*s genes are changing. the uk is leading the way in terms of molecular surveillance of the virus, but we are still only genotyping about 25% of cases. if we could really bring down the number of cases much lower, we could be genotyping every case and we could be much more confident about new variants arising and our vaccine strategy. the government is promising brighter days ahead, but for now, the advice is to remain vigilant. anna collinson, bbc news. health secretary matt hancock told mps that the search for one unidentified person in the uk linked to the brazil variant has been narrowed to south east england. he was speaking in the house of commons this lunchtime. we know five of these six people have quarantined at home as they are legally required to do. we have been in contact with them. i would like to place on record my gratitude for them for following the rules.

whenever we find a new variant we respond fast and come down hard by bringing in enhanced sequencing and testing, so we are stepping up our testing and sequencing in south gloucestershire as a precaution. we have no evidence that the variant has spread further but, unfortunately, one of the six people completed a test but did not fully leave contact details. incidences like this are rare. i can update the house on the latest information on identifying this case. we'ave identified the batch of home test kits in question and our search we've identified the batch of home test kits in question and our search has narrowed from the whole country down to 379 households in the south—east of england and we're contacting each one. in the past hour the government has released the latest coronavirus figures

for the uk. they show that 315 people have died within 28 days of a positive test and there were a further 6,391 cases. the number of people who have received their first dose of a vaccine is now well over 20 million. let's speak now to david spiegelhalter, professor of statistics at cambridge university. who better to decipher the latest trends that we can see in the statistics? they are very encouraging. they're all heading in a downward direction, what do you make of them? figs a downward direction, what do you make of them?— a downward direction, what do you make of them? as usual, because it's a tuesda , make of them? as usual, because it's a tuesday. the _ make of them? as usual, because it's a tuesday, the number— make of them? as usual, because it's a tuesday, the number of— make of them? as usual, because it's a tuesday, the number of deaths - make of them? as usual, because it's a tuesday, the number of deaths is i a tuesday, the number of deaths is much higher than the real number of deaths that happened. we're doing some catch up. so, myjudgment would be that it's now less than 200 covid deaths happening per day, which is extraordinary given that it was 1200

a dayjust extraordinary given that it was 1200 a day just six extraordinary given that it was 1200 a dayjust six weeks ago. that reflects the latest data for the office for national statistics, showing the big reduction in deaths. i we hope these would work, but it is actually quite extraordinary that the death rates in the vaccinated groups, they're having in a bit over a week. they really are coming quite down. , ., ., ., ., down. does not mean the roll-out in terms of its — down. does not mean the roll-out in terms of its success _ down. does not mean the roll-out in terms of its success exceeded - terms of its success exceeded expectations? i terms of its success exceeded “mentions?— terms of its success exceeded expectations? i think they have exceeded everyone _ expectations? i think they have exceeded everyone because - expectations? i think they have exceeded everyone because 's| exceeded everyone because �*s expectations. there's multiple things. —— everyone's expectations. secondly, the effectiveness, particularly the astrazeneca vaccine, rememberwe particularly the astrazeneca vaccine, remember we didn't have data at the beginning on its

effectiveness in over 65 �*s, and that's why some european countries, many european countries said they should be given to over 65s. they've been proven wrong. both vaccines are showing really good effectiveness at stopping hospitalisations in older age groups, 80, 90% reduction. this is really extraordinary. d0 age groups, 80, 90% reduction. this is really extraordinary.— is really extraordinary. do you think those — is really extraordinary. do you think those european - is really extraordinary. do you | think those european countries is really extraordinary. do you - think those european countries like france and germany, do they rush to judgment a little in terms of their view of the oxford vaccine? have they paid a price? because a lot of people in the countries are not wanting the oxford vaccine as a result. ., ., , , ., , result. yeah, for the best reasons, and they were _ result. yeah, for the best reasons, and they were being _ result. yeah, for the best reasons, and they were being cautious. - result. yeah, for the best reasons, | and they were being cautious. they say it's not enough evidence, but there's no evidence it didn't work. i think people making the judgements of the uk i think took the bold and correct decision that all the other evidence suggested they would be

fine, and they went for it boldly. but then you've got stupid remarks like from president macron, and then it's given the impression that this vaccine is second best. what we're showing is that's not the case. i know you're a man of physicians, not a politician. —— amanda statistics. if the data is better than we had expected, if the vaccine is exceeding expectations, is there a case for speeding up the easing of lockdown restrictions? —— a man of statistics. if the government says we might have to slow it down according to the data, could they may be speeded up at the data is better than expected? i am may be speeded up at the data is better than expected?— may be speeded up at the data is better than expected? i am not going to cive an better than expected? i am not going to give an opinion _ better than expected? i am not going to give an opinion on _ better than expected? i am not going to give an opinion on that, _ better than expected? i am not going to give an opinion on that, but - better than expected? i am not going to give an opinion on that, but i - better than expected? i am not going to give an opinion on that, but i am l to give an opinion on that, but i am going to say that many people will be making that opinion because i think it's almost certain that by

easter, by the end of this month, the total deaths in the country will be below the five—year average. there'll be no excess death, lower than the average before easter. non—covid deaths are running at such a low level because there's no flu. that will bring a huge argument to bring things forward faster. i won't give an opinion except to say i think it is reasonable to be cautious given the huge uncertainties. a new variant and then comes along and messed everything up, we don't know the effect of opening schools, we hope it won't be huge in terms of provoking more cages, but that may happen. —— more cases. there are huge uncertainties, so in this situation, i think i would be cautious, but there will be many who say we've got to speed things up. even when you don't give an opinion,

it's always fascinating to hear you. thank you so much for being with us. let me bring you some breaking news. one of reggae's most important voices has died. at the age of 73. the star, whose real name was neville o'riley livingston, had been a childhood friend of bob marley. he was also the winner of three grammys and was given jamaica's order of merit in 2017. his death was confirmed by his manager and jamaica's culture minister. bunny had been in hospital since having a stroke injuly last year. borisjohnson and rishi sunak say they want tomorrow's budget to "unleash growth". the prime minister's press secretary told reporters that the budget

would be about business growth and supporting jobs. earlier, the business secretary kwasi kwarteng has all—but confirmed that the furlough scheme will be extended untiljune. it's also being reported that there'll be extra support for the badly—hit culture sector. 408 million pounds will help museums, theatres and galleries in england to reopen once restrictions start to ease. there'll be a 150 million—pound fund to help communities to take over local pubs. £300 million will go to sport, with what's being called a "significant chunk" being given to cricket. and an extra 77 million pounds will be given to the devolved administrations in scotland, wales and northern ireland to provide their culture groups with similar backing. our economics correspondent andy verity has this report. remember this? the atmosphere of a busy pub. but after a covid christmas and no punters for months on end, pubs are in deep financial trouble

and unlikely to be back to normal business when the furlough scheme was scheduled to stop at the end of april. but today the business secretary confirmed it would be extended beyond that. a key budget announcement affecting 4.7 million people put out a day before the budget. can you tell us are you looking at extending furlough and when might that be until? i think the chancellor has already indicated that we will be extending furlough, i think that's been part of a public announcement. i think there will be other measures that we will see tomorrow. for now, what we have to do is to support businesses, individuals and families through what has been an extremely difficult time. the government has also announced a £150 million fund to help communities take over stricken pubs. there will also be £300 million to help sports venues recover, such as cricket clubs, and 408 million for museums, theatres and galleries. pub owners say to stay afloat this

year, they will need more help on top of the furlough scheme. we're paying 100% rent. even though our rent has been deferred, when we go to open up, with restrictions, our rent is going to be higher because they are going to be clawing back the rent that's been deferred on top. it's a load of rent to find when your doors have been closed for a long period of time. so far this financial year, rishi sunak has spent £271 billion more than the government income from taxes, nearly twice the deficit after the financial crisis. senior politicians across parties are calling for that to be dealt with by tax rises. with few calls so far for spending cuts. but timing is crucial. if the government raises taxes or withdraws support from businesses too soon, it could stifle any economic recovery. the chancellor's critics say he must now help millions of small business owners and self—employed workers who struggled for a year without a penny from either the furlough scheme or self—employed income support, when they could be

contributing to a recovery. i'm extremely worried that there are thousands of small businesses and self—employed people who are teetering on the brink and we could see an avalanche of redundancies if we don't have really ambitious action, so the liberal democrats are calling for a budget that is targeted on small businesses, on the high street, cafe owners, hairdressers, bricklayers, and those sorts of people, some of them who've had no help during the pandemic. at least one big question remains unanswered ahead of tomorrow — how big are rishi sunak�*s plans to stimulate the economy? in the united states, the biden administration is planning to spend unprecedented sums creating newjobs to get the economy going again. so far, the uk government's plans are on a far smaller scale. andy verity, bbc news. the next stage of a phased return to schools in scotland is to get koba deaths are down from a corridor in one week. —— covid deaths. the

search for the person linked to the brazilian variant has narrowed down to just a few hundred homes in the southeast of england. there's a boost for england's struggling culture sector. the chancellor is to announce more than £400 million to help. the next stage of a phased return to schools in scotland is to get underway later this month. children in primary years p1 to p3 are already back at school. this afternoon first minister nicola sturgeon set out the next steps to the scottish parliament. the next phase of reopening education will take place on the 15th of march and i can confirm that from that date, unless new evidence and new circumstances force us to reconsider which we hope will not be the case, all children in primary 4—7 will go back to school on a full—time basis. all primary schoolchildren will also be able to return to regulated child care including after—school

and breakfast clubs. we will also take the next steps in a phased return to secondary schools from the 15th of march with a clear expectation that all school pupils, secondary school pupils will be back in school on a full—time basis following the easter holidays. but it is the intention that all secondary school pupils will return to spend some time in school from the 15th of march until the easter break. students in the senior phase of secondary school, years 4—6, who are taking national qualifications, they will have priority for face—to—face lessons in school and this will make sure they can have their hard work fairly recognised with qualifications under the alternative certification model. and although years 4—6 might have priority, we expect that all children in secondary school will receive some in—school education each week until the break and then return full—time following that. this will allow pupils to get used to being back in school and allow them to start seeing friends again and i'm sure everyone will agree that this is important

for the well—being of young people as well as for education. let's discuss this with larry flanagan, general secretary of the teaching union, the educational institute of scotland. so, nicola sturgeon was setting out the next steps roughly as planned. do you welcome that? i the next steps roughly as planned. do you welcome that?— the next steps roughly as planned. do you welcome that? i know i'm keen to see peeple's — do you welcome that? i know i'm keen to see people's returned _ do you welcome that? i know i'm keen to see people's returned to _ to see people's returned to face—to—face teaching and scottish government isn't driven by data —— is driven by data instead of days. only one... we need to assess that impact in relation, and we hope we can deliver the phase return, but we are mindful that covid infection levels remain relatively high and we shouldn't proceed unless we really

do have the data to say that it's safe to do so. we're not going to... are you suggesting the scottish government is not being cautious enough? government is not being cautious enou~h? , ., , government is not being cautious enou~h? , .,, ., ., enough? even in phase one, we wanted to see this is — enough? even in phase one, we wanted to see this is back _ enough? even in phase one, we wanted to see this is back on _ enough? even in phase one, we wanted to see this is back on a _ enough? even in phase one, we wanted to see this is back on a part-time - to see this is back on a part—time basis. one of the concerns when the first minister announces the dates, we would be keen to see that the data is published well in advance of the final decision, which will be sometime next week. we all concerned are slow about the —— we are also concerned about easter because of the moment, for practical subject, that's on the basis of two metre physical distance. students are

young adults. that was to just about to metre distancing and will be removed, i think that will be a concern because young people with the new variant are as likely as adults to transmit the infection. we would be concerned if the government planned to remove that as the full return. ,, ., planned to remove that as the full return. , .,, , ., i. return. some people listening to you would say we've _ return. some people listening to you would say we've lost _ return. some people listening to you would say we've lost enough - would say we've lost enough schooldays already, pupils have already been massively damaged by this huge gaping hole in their education. we need to get schools back as fast as possible, we've got the vaccine roll—out going full speed ahead, deaths are coming down. getting kids back to school is the total priority. getting kids back to school is the total priority-— total priority. well, we ended up because we _ total priority. well, we ended up because we didn't _ total priority. well, we ended up because we didn't take _ total priority. well, we ended up because we didn't take the - total priority. well, we ended up - because we didn't take the necessary steps to keep the virus suppressed. as i heard an earlier piece in your

programme, we went from one in one week talking about five day christmas break from the regulations to a full lockdown. so, the virus can take over very, very quickly, and ifully understand can take over very, very quickly, and i fully understand young people in destructive learning despite the best efforts of staff. remote learning is a substitute to face—to—face interaction, so we do want to see schools reopen in a sustainable way that doesn't lead to a further lockdown and a further closure. so, ithink a further lockdown and a further closure. so, i think we do need to, and scotland at least, continue with our cautious approach and we will be watching what happens next week in england with the full return. that does seem to be the approach we will be taking. does seem to be the approach we will be takina. ., , does seem to be the approach we will be takina. . , . ., ., does seem to be the approach we will be takin. . , ., ., ., , does seem to be the approach we will be takin.. . , . . . , be taking. larry flanagan, very good to talk to you — be taking. larry flanagan, very good to talk to you as _ be taking. larry flanagan, very good to talk to you as ever. _

in the last hour the northern ireland executive have outlined their plans for easing lockdown restrictions. the five—step plan for easing does not include a concrete timetable. deputy first minister michelle o'neill has been speaking to the stormont assembly. we'll be optimistic and we'll be realistic in our pathway. we recognise that our citizens need hope and that they understand that we will need to move carefully through the coming months. hope and care are equally important, and that requires a balanced approach. our approach is built on some core considerations, and we will set those out now. first and foremost, our approach is risk—based and will be driven by health, community and economic data analysis. we will not be driven by hard dates. we recognise that everyone will be looking for certain dates, but we do not want to set potentially unachievable dates that will only disappoint.

our commitment is that we will keep restrictions in place only as long as needed, and as and when we build headroom to open a sector, we will most certainly take that opportunity. second, we will continue to be open and transparent in our decision—making. we will keep everyone up—to—date and we will explain our thinking. keeping restrictions in place will only be done if that is necessary and proportionate to the threat that we face from covid—19. our correspondent chris page is in belfast. she was talking about being careful and cautious, but this was a sort of road map without any dates. yes. and cautious, but this was a sort of road map without any dates. yes, and business groups _ road map without any dates. yes, and business groups have _ road map without any dates. yes, and business groups have been _ road map without any dates. yes, and business groups have been critical - business groups have been critical of that. they said they would have preferred to have a firmer timetable. what the northern ireland executive's plan does is focuses on nine areas of the economy in northern ireland, so for example,

education, travel and tourism, retail, hospitality. against each of those nine areas, there are five phases and movement through those phases and movement through those phases will depend on the public health situation. for example, by the vaccination programme, the number of infections and the number of hospital admissions. while there are no target dates for reopening each one of those sectors, what is in the executive's plan is a some dates when the restrictions will be formally reviewed. so, in the middle of april, one in may, and one mentioned in the document the 10th ofjune. while the executive is stressing those dates should be taken as potential moments when restrictions will be lifted, i think it's fair to read into that timetable of dates for reviews to indicate that by the middle ofjune, ministers do hope be significant progress through those five stages.

chris, thank you very much indeed. the scottish government has admitted its lawyers had reservations about its position in a civil court case brought by alex salmond. mr salmond successfully sued the government over its investigation into him which cost the taxpayer at least half a million pounds. he claims they should have dropped it months earlier. meanwhile, the top law officer in scotland has defended the crown office after it expressed concerns about the publication of parts of mr salmond's evidence to msps. nick eardley reports. this is a politicalfallout on the grandest scale. nicola sturgeon�*s government is facing big questions. herformer mentor, alex salmond, says he's convinced she broke the rules ministers have to follow several times. i have no doubt that nicola has broken the ministerial code, but it's not for me to suggest what the consequences should be. this is alex salmond in 2019. he'd just taken the scottish government to court. judges found that the policy used

to investigate him had been unlawful, but mr salmond has claimed that ministers knew for weeks that they were likely to lose the case. waiting could have cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds. for months, parliament has been trying to force the government to publish its legal advice. until now, it has refused. but faced with a vote of no confidence, scotland's deputy first minister has been forced to change his mind. mr swinney admitted reservations were raised by lawyers in october, that is two months before they admitted defeat. he goes onto argue that were reasonable grounds to continue with the case. this is very clear in the legal advice that it was not going to be a successful case that had been launched, and the government should have acknowledged that. this crisis has seen criticism of the leadership of a number of scotland's institutions, from the government to the civil service. last week, there were even claims of a cover—up after the crown office, which is the prosecution body

in scotland, said some of alex salmond's evidence had to be taken down from parliament's website because it could be in contempt of court. today, the scottish government's top lawyer hit back. any suggestion from any quarter that the crown's decision making has at any time been influenced by irrelevant considerations or improper motivations would be wholly without foundation. it will be nicola sturgeon�*s turn to appear before the committee tomorrow. she's denied breaking the ministerial code and said claims of a conspiracy against alex salmond aren't true. nick eardley, bbc news. after france changed its mind — announcing it will now allow

the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine to be given to people between 65 and 74— it looks like germany may well follow suit. last month president macron said the vaccine was only quasi—effective on older people, but now the data has suggested that's wrong. it comes as the eu says it's going to explore the introduction of digital vaccine passports. they might be at the front of the vaccine queue, but at this care home in france there's not quite the rush that you might expect. translation: we've been offered the vaccine. - they've given appointments for elderly home staff, but honestly for my part i'm not confident for now. i was waiting to get some more information and to see how it goes, since i thought it came about too fast. translation: | haven't. gotten the vaccine so far. i'm not particularly afraid of the vaccine. that's not it. it's really about me. it's really about me,

my perception of my own health and my vision of my health in general. i think my body can perfectly defend itself. france's roll—out is going slowly. just 5% of people have had their first dose. early comments from the french president that the astrazeneca vaccine was quasi ineffective in older people didn't help the cause, but with the evidence quickly stacking up, the country and the president have backtracked. within days, people up to the age of 75 will start receiving the vaccine. translation: as of today, the french national- authority for health considers that all the vaccines - available in france — _ astrazeneca, pfizer and moderna — are remarkably effective. across the eu, the roll—out is still stubbornly slow and a looming summer is playing on people's minds. the eu is now working on plans to allow people who have been vaccinated to go on holiday, but it is unclear whether they will include uk travellers. to be on the safe side,

greece and spain are already in talks with the british government about creating their own travel or vaccine corridors. countries are losing patience. some are even now buying up unauthorised vaccines from russia and china. if they're going to be ready for summer, it is time, they feel, to shop elsewhere. jean mckenzie, bbc news, brussels. hugh schofield joins us now from paris. we us now from paris. saw pictures in that reports of empty we saw pictures in that reports of empty vaccine centres. when president macron said that the vaccine in older people is because i ineffective, he clearly got that wrong, according to all the latest data. and that mistake has had real consequences, hasn't it?— consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean, i consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean. ithink— consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean, i think we _ consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean, i think we should - consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean, i think we should be - consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean, i think we should be a . consequences, hasn't it? well, i mean, i think we should be a bit careful about drawing a direct link between what the president said and the slow roll—out. it think there probably is a connection in the sense that he set a tone and it has

created a kind of feeling across the country that the astrazeneca vaccine is not as good as the other ones. we've made it quite clear, the pfizer vaccine or myjournal, but on astrazeneca, there is no doubt that the take—up is much lower than the other vaccines. the take—up is much lower than the othervaccines. it's the take—up is much lower than the other vaccines. it's something like only a quarter of the doses of astrazeneca that have arrived have been used. now, partly that is explained by the different distribution method for the astrazeneca, because astrazeneca is not going to the same people as pfizer, pfizer is going to old people in homes and hospitals and so on, and that's easy to administer because the people are there. the astrazeneca is the second way, and thatis astrazeneca is the second way, and that is for people who are required to contact their doctors, and that's not such an obvious way, and it does partly explain why it's been much slower to go out. but i think part

of it is also this second—class status that is attached to it, and even the government's own vaccination guru has said he doesn't understand why astrazeneca has had a very bad press in france. welcome i can tell him partly way, it's because people in government were kind of pooh—poohing it at the very start. i5 kind of pooh-poohing it at the very start. , ., ,., ., ,, kind of pooh-poohing it at the very start. , ., ., ,, ., start. is there also an issue, a more underlying _ start. is there also an issue, a more underlying issue - start. is there also an issue, a more underlying issue with . start. is there also an issue, a - more underlying issue with vaccine hesitancy in general in france, because that's what people talk about, the people there are a little more worried, a little more sceptical about the idea of having a vaccine anyway. sceptical about the idea of having a vaccine anyway-— sceptical about the idea of having a vaccine anyway. again, i think what needs to be — vaccine anyway. again, i think what needs to be -- _ vaccine anyway. again, i think what needs to be -- one _ vaccine anyway. again, i think what needs to be -- one needs - vaccine anyway. again, i think what needs to be -- one needs to - vaccine anyway. again, i think what needs to be -- one needs to be - needs to be —— one needs to be cautious with this. the polls keep showing or use to show that france was a very sceptical country about vaccinations. i think there is an of truth in that. but you have to be careful and look beyond the statistic and remember that when it comes to other vaccinations, the standard ones for children, in france so different

from anywhere else. france has a population that is very, very sceptical about an event comes from the top, particularly now commence antigovernment commence anti—elites, there is a lot of conspiracy, so my conspiracy theories like you heard there about a woman saying she thinks her body can look after itself. so there is a reluctance to get involved. i don't think that in the long term, that's going to play. i think in the long term, we will see similar statistic in france as we do in countries like the uk of people taking the vaccine. goad we do in countries like the uk of people taking the vaccine. good to talk to you. _ people taking the vaccine. good to talk to you. as _ people taking the vaccine. good to talk to you, as ever, _ people taking the vaccine. good to talk to you, as ever, thanks - people taking the vaccine. good to talk to you, as ever, thanks so - talk to you, as ever, thanks so much. our paris correspondent. hello this is bbc news. the headlines... deaths from covid in the uk are down by a quarter in one week to the lowest level since the start of the year. the search for the person linked

to the brazilian variant a boost to england's struggling culture sector — the chancellor's to announce more than 400 million pounds to help museums, theatres and galleries. holiday firm pontins makes changes after a whistleblower reveals it was routinely discriminating against some families. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport center, here's gavin. good evening. good to see you, thinks very much indeed. tributes have been coming for ian stjohn today — after it was announced the liverpool legend died at the age of 82 following a long illness. stjohn joined liverpool in 1961 from motherwell, and was a key member of the famous bill shankley side, that became one of the biggest teams in europe. capped 21 times by scotland — he later established a career in a television — alongsidejimmy greaves, for the popular saint and greavsie show back in the 80's and 90's. another reds hero, sir kenny dalglish, reflected on stjohn was great at lifting spirits.

he was a funny guy, loved a chuckle, and most of the time, he was chuckling anyway even when he was on the telly, he used to wind grieves the telly, he used to wind grieves the up and get a chuckle out of him. he made an amazing contribution, not just in football, but obviously in media as well, and that show went on for years and years, and everybody loved it. reflecting on the life of ian st john who died at the age of 82. the government has backed a plan by the football associations of the uk and ireland to put together a joint bid to host the world cup in 2030. prime minister borisjohnson is fully on board, pledging 2.8—million pounds to kick—start the process. a formal bid wouldn't begin to take shape until next year, after the five governing bodies have completed a feasilbility study. leading trainer gordon elliot says he fears his licence will be taken away, after a picture emerged on social media showing him sitting on a dead horse. he told david jennings of the racing post that his

world was crumbling. eliott has apologised, saying it was a "moment of madness" but he's been suspended from racing in great britain until an investigation is concluded. elliott has won the grand national three times — twice with tiger roll — and he's licensed in ireland — but the british horseracing authority said it was appalled. the formula one constructors champion mercedes have unveiled their new car for the season ahead. it carries on the anti—racism black paint theme — updated with a flick of silver — to represent their traditional colours. world champion lewis hamilton is aiming for what would be a record 8th career title in what could be his final season with the team. last month he extended his contract till the end of this campaign — but said he hadn't ruled out staying longer if success continues. that's all the sport from me for now. katherine downes will have have more for you in sportsday at 6:30. gavin, many thanks. we will be watching you then. thank you so much. the holiday company pontins has agreed to change its working practices and culture after a whistle—blower revealed it was operating a blacklist as part

of a system of routine discrimination against gypsy and traveller families. an investigation by the equality and human rights commission found that the firm had been using the blacklist of mainly irish surnames as part of a policy of refusing bookings by gypsies and travellers to its holiday parks. the list was uploaded to the pontins intranet under the heading "undesirable guests", instructing call handlers that people using these names were "unwelcome". our business correspondent vivienne nunis is here. this extraordinary revelation —— these are extraordinary revelation. they are. the detail in this story is shocking in some ways. when you look at the list of names that was published on the internet, we are talking about names like murphy, mcginnis, really kind of common irish surnames, any potential customer who would try and book with that surname or indeed try to ring up, even if they had an irish

accent, were kind of red flagged by this company who sought to then blacklist them, prevent them from booking so that they couldn't stay at the six holiday parks that punted zones across england and wales. 50 zones across england and wales. so what will be the repercussions of this revelation?— this revelation? well, what's happened — this revelation? well, what's happened now _ this revelation? well, what's happened now is _ this revelation? well, what's happened now is that - this revelation? well, what's i happened now is that pontoons this revelation? well, what's - happened now is that pontoons have been forced to sign this legally binding agreement saying they will change their working practices. the e hrc will then monitor them for a year and make sure that there are no further breaches like that we have seenin further breaches like that we have seen in the past. if there are breaches commit could lead to court action further down the road, but for now, that's all they will have to do. there has been a lot of reaction though, alister pringle, the director of the e hrc said it's hard to not draw comparisons as displayed in public does years ago explicitly barring irish people and black people, the ceo of the travel movement has said, while this is a truly shocking case, she's not surprised because she frequently

hears of gypsies and travellers being turned away from holiday parks because of their ethnicity across the country, that is, notjust this company. also, the prime minister's official spokesperson was asked about this, he said it's completely unacceptable to base on race or ethnicity and it's right that they are being investigated over this. so are being investigated over this. so a strong reaction given those claims that were so damning, really. aha, that were so damning, really. a strong reaction. since you mentioned alister pringle, we can talk to him right now, as if by magic, executive director of the equality and human rights commission, which looked into those working practices at pontoons. as vivian was just saying, you have been comparing this to racial discrimination half a century away. yeah, shines up in windows saying no irish yeah, shines up in windows saying no irish and _ yeah, shines up in windows saying no irish and no— yeah, shines up in windows saying no irish and no blacks welcome. that's what _ irish and no blacks welcome. that's what we _ irish and no blacks welcome. that's what we find is similar to their practices — what we find is similar to their practices that were undertaken by pontins. _ practices that were undertaken by pontins, and it's great that it whistle—blower has come forward. we

responded _ whistle—blower has come forward. we responded very quickly. we identified policies and practices which _ identified policies and practices which are — identified policies and practices which are notjust identified policies and practices which are not just unacceptable, they are — which are not just unacceptable, they are unacceptable. gypsies and travellers _ they are unacceptable. gypsies and travellers are protected from the equality— travellers are protected from the equality act, and that's what this was _ equality act, and that's what this was so— equality act, and that's what this was. so this list of undesirable guests, — was. so this list of undesirable guests, there was guidance for those who were _ guests, there was guidance for those who were taking bookings to look out for irish— who were taking bookings to look out for irish accents are this list of surnames. _ for irish accents are this list of surnames, and it's also a policy banning — surnames, and it's also a policy banning holiday—makers surnames, and it's also a policy banning holiday— makers from arriving in commercial vehicles. so all of that was— in commercial vehicles. so all of that was designed to exclude this group _ that was designed to exclude this group unlawfully from its holiday parks _ group unlawfully from its holiday arks. ,, group unlawfully from its holiday arks, ., , ~' group unlawfully from its holiday arks. ,, , ,, .,, parks. quite shocking, as we were hearin: , parks. quite shocking, as we were hearing. how _ parks. quite shocking, as we were hearing, how long _ parks. quite shocking, as we were hearing, how long do _ parks. quite shocking, as we were hearing, how long do you - parks. quite shocking, as we were hearing, how long do you think- parks. quite shocking, as we were. hearing, how long do you think that guidance was in place there? have you been able to find that out? pontins have put their hands up and they have _ pontins have put their hands up and they have signed up to a formal agreement, which is what we are announcing. it's really over to them, — announcing. it's really over to them, we _ announcing. it's really over to them, we are not going to go into some _ them, we are not going to go into some of— them, we are not going to go into some of that detail, they need to go into the _ some of that detail, they need to go

into the detail. they need to identify— into the detail. they need to identify how this was allowed to happen — identify how this was allowed to happen. investigate this list of undesirable guests and train up their— undesirable guests and train up their staff, so they know that this practice _ their staff, so they know that this practice was unlawful and unacceptable. do practice was unlawful and unacceptable.— practice was unlawful and unacceptable. practice was unlawful and unaccetable. ~ , , unacceptable. do you think this is otentiall unacceptable. do you think this is potentially more _ unacceptable. do you think this is potentially more widespread - unacceptable. do you think this is potentially more widespread than j potentially more widespread than just pontins?— potentially more widespread than just pontins? well, as we referred to, we just pontins? well, as we referred to. we have _ just pontins? well, as we referred to, we have seen _ just pontins? well, as we referred to, we have seen over— just pontins? well, as we referred to, we have seen over the - just pontins? well, as we referred to, we have seen over the years . to, we have seen over the years discriminatory adverts, particularly in campsite saying no gypsy travellers allowed. and we also know from years _ travellers allowed. and we also know from years of research and monitoring that gypsy and traveller communities face a pretty significance poor health outcomes, educational outcomes that create prejudicial attitudes towards these people _ prejudicial attitudes towards these people. so there's been a lot of issues _ people. so there's been a lot of issues over— people. so there's been a lot of issues over the years, but not anything — issues over the years, but not anything quite as blatant or specific— anything quite as blatant or specific as this. | anything quite as blatant or specific as this.— anything quite as blatant or specific as this. i suppose the other question _ specific as this. i suppose the other question is _ specific as this. i suppose the other question is how - specific as this. i suppose the other question is how do - specific as this. i suppose the other question is how do you | specific as this. i suppose the - other question is how do you stop this sort of thing happening again?

this came to light because of a whistle—blower, but it might well never have come to light. whistle-blower, but it might well never have come to light. welcome e es never have come to light. welcome eyes certainly _ never have come to light. welcome eyes certainly encourage _ eyes certainly encourage whistle—blowers not just on eyes certainly encourage whistle—blowers notjust on issues of gypsy— whistle—blowers notjust on issues of gypsy traveller come up where they see — of gypsy traveller come up where they see any issues that they think are discriminatory in this sort of vain— are discriminatory in this sort of vain to — are discriminatory in this sort of vain to get _ are discriminatory in this sort of vain to get in touch with us so that we can— vain to get in touch with us so that we can check out what's happening. i hope this— we can check out what's happening. i hope this is— we can check out what's happening. i hope this is a — we can check out what's happening. i hope this is a wake—up call for all firms, _ hope this is a wake—up call for all firms, not— hope this is a wake—up call for all firms, notjust holiday firms, but all firms— firms, notjust holiday firms, but all firms to — firms, notjust holiday firms, but all firms to make sure that they look— all firms to make sure that they took at — all firms to make sure that they look at their policies and their practices _ look at their policies and their practices and that they understand what is _ practices and that they understand what is lawful and what is not in terms _ what is lawful and what is not in terms of— what is lawful and what is not in terms of discrimination law, because this is— terms of discrimination law, because this is definitely not acceptable. alister— this is definitely not acceptable. alister pringle, thank you very much from the equality and human rights commission. and i should just say, senator in a statement, pontins parent company, britanniajinkyjersey pontins parent company, britannia jinkyjersey limited said.... a congregation in herefordshire have been shocked to discover a fairly

ordinary—looking painting of the last supper in their church is actually a long—lost masterpiece. sian lloyd has been to see it. an imposing painting of the last supper. it has hung in this parish church since the beginning of the last century. gifted by a localfamily, who brought it back from a visit to italy. never had it been supposed that the 12.5 foot artwork would be an original. but it had not always looked like this. two years ago, extensive renovation work was commissioned, and more of the picture was revealed. it had, over the centuries, got very dark. it was brown and sludgy, and didn't look at all inspiring. and then it was restored and we see what we have now. and it is a joy and a delight. the restoration was carried out by art historian ronald moore, in his studio on the welsh english border. he was inspired to delve further.

11,000 hours of research, in fact, in which he uncovered its history. examination under ultraviolet light revealed the inscribed name of titian, one of the 16th century's greatest masters, and he's convinced the artwork was created by painters from the titian workshop, a common practice of the time. there is sufficient evidence, not just with the signature, but many, many facets, all come together to show that this is indeed a titian workshop picture. we've got a lot of evidence to indicate that. it's extremely important in that there is no titian workshop picture on this scale which has been undiscovered for such a long period of time. he believes that the apostle wearing the golden robe is titian as a young man.

the most likely painter of this figure, he believes, was titian's son. the value of the artwork can only be guessed at. a titian workshop painting last sold for more than £7 million. but at the parish church where it hangs in ledbury, its worth is not measured by its monetary value, but by the joy it brings to the congregation. they say it will be displayed here for years to come. sian lloyd, bbc news, ledbury. that's not bad either, is it? in less than a week's time, schools in england will have fully reopened, but with secondary pupils needing negative covert test before heading back into the classroom, people are asking how that will work exactly. fiona landon reports. ——fiona lamdin reports. school biology labs transformed into testing centres. up and down, on your tonsils,

a good four strokes of each tonsil. all secondary school pupils will need a negative test before they are allowed back into the classroom next week. fantastic. 0k? these key worker children have been in school since january. they are now used to the tests. i felt a bit nervous at first, but then, as soon as the test was finished, i felt much more relieved. it feels like i have got a protection bubble around us and my classmates. that everyone has got a test. we all know that we are safe. other schools have turned their drama and dance hall into a testing site. that's it and then in that test—tube there for me, please. by the end of the week, they will be testing over 1000 students in two days. so they come into the hall, they pick up their registration card and then they queue before being tested in one of these eight booths. first time, it is kind of scary, but, once you do it again, then you'll get used to it and it's much normal and easier. it feels normal. the first two times, yeah, it felt tickly. normally, these staff

work in the admin team, sorting out admissions and exams. now they are running the whole operation. i think it is fair to say, in education, in the last 12 months, we have been used to turning our hand to many things, but, yes, setting up an nhs test site has probably been the biggest one. we have taken a pragmatic approach. we have started testing a bit earlier. we tested thursday, friday this week and we are testing again on monday, tuesday. that means that all children will be back into their normal timetable from wednesday morning. teachers are also being tested. many welcome the extra measures. ifeel a lot more reassured knowing there is testing going on. especially with the idea that students are possibly asymptomatic. i think it is just an added layer to provide a little bit more reassurance. but it won't be long before students will be doing this at home. and you are trying to avoid touching your teeth, your tongue, or the roof of your mouth. the reason why we are doing three tests in school is because we want them to be competent and confident with their technique, so that then when they are at home, they know exactly what they are doing.

instead of students, boxes with thousands of covid tests are now filling classrooms, as schools prepare for their next logistical challenge. fiona lamdin, bbc news. bbc three is to return as a broadcast tv channel in january next year. the channel behind shows including normal people, killing eve and fleabag— moved online in 2016 and is expected to start rebroadcasting in 2022, subject to ofcom approval. the bbc says it is part of a drive to deliver "more value to audiences". our media editor explains why this decision has been taken now — after the channel was originally moved to online—only in 2016. since then, a few things have happened, they've gone to that new platform, but bbc theory has had a number of absolutely in our misfits. three has had a number

of absolutely enormous hits. you mentioned a couple there, fleabag, normal people, killing eve, amongst others, but the bbc has come under huge pressure to prove it is relevant to young people. they've done a bit of market research, but there's still a hard core of young people who will watch bbc three on linear tv, and the calculation they have made with the circumstances of 2021 is that despite the need to save money, it is worth putting these massive hits back on a linear channel, because it is a few more young people, and when the bbc comes that this very difficult negotiation with the government and the government says, are you relevant to young people? they have this linear station on offer for young people which is getting an audience and that will be handy. that's our media editor. with the pandemic hitting different parts of england in different ways, there is concern it could exacerbate regional inequalities. the government says it's committed to handing more power from westminster to local communities as the country starts to recover, part of its plan to "level—up". so could more elected mayors be the answer?

our political correspondent alex forsyth reports. even in lockdown, manchester's not lost its vibe. but the shoppers can't browse when the shutters are down. the city's grown used to restrictions. they stayed in place here last year, even when elsewhere things seems more upbeat. that prompted anger from greater manchester's mayor. remember this? this is no way to run the country in a national crisis. he said, despite significant government support, parts of the north were getting an unfair deal. at this restaurant, the owner has a similar view. she's kept ticking over with takeaways, but feels hospitality in manchester was hard—hit. all of a sudden, london was saying, "right, we're going down "a tier now so we can open our bars, restaurants and shops and it can "sort of go back to normal." you think, "well, it's almost like two "different rules for one country." manchester wasn't the only place

to push back against government policy, despite ministers saying it was fair. this was the conservative mayor when the west midlands faced extra restrictions. it is, in my view, not the right decision, both for the health and indeed the livelihoods of citizens across the west midlands. the pandemic raised the profile of these elected mayors, who are meant to boost their areas with budgets and powers independent of westminster. but across england, not everywhere's got one. powers have been handed down to local areas at a different pace. in hull, two local councils have teamed up. they want a mayor, which they say would attract investment and mean more local decision—making, though not everyone's convinced. i think there's plenty of scope for local choice now. when it goes bad, they blame westminster. when it goes good, they take the praise for it. i don't think you need another layer of decisions. look what boris did for london, you see? he was mayor, wasn't he? he was. so, yeah, i think maybe a mayor

would be a good idea. back in manchester, businesses can't wait to open their doors. normally this would be full of pianos and full of people, all trying them out. unfortunately that can't be happening at the moment. at dawsons music, the owner's confident of bouncing back if, he says, local and national politicians work together. and there is that adage that those who shout loudest, kind of, get. there needs to be a balance. yes, we fight for what we need, but not at the expense of not having a voice at national level. the government says it is committed to giving communities more resources and control away from westminster, making the recovery fair across the country. how that happens could be crucial as towns and cities start moving again. alex forsyth, bbc news. for a year now — some of the most frail and vulnerable people have had to go without the most basic need — a hug from a loved one.

from monday restrictions in england are being relaxed. for people like west end star ruthie henshall it'll be life—changing: for her and her mother. graham satchell reports. can you see me? wave! it makes me very emotional, because i am watching my mother die from a window. that is what is happening. # i dreamed a dream in time gone by #. # when hope was high and life worth living...# ruthie henshall is a star of west end musical theatre. # i dreamed that love would never die...#. she says she owes her success to her mum, gloria. # someone who'll watch over me #. ruthie's mum now has dementia. they facetime like this and visit through the window. but ruthie hasn't been able to see gloria in person since october. she was walking and talking before lockdown and,

four months later, she couldn't speak, she couldn't walk. they were mushing up herfood. she took such a severe dive. this is ruthie's sister, abi. their mum's care home allows one visitor perfamily — behind a screen with no physical contact, in accordance with current government guidance in england. because of ruthie's work commitments, they decided abi should be the designated visitor. i think it's unfair to you and susan. i think it's unfair to mum. it's cruel to leave old people wasting away mentally, physically, emotionally. us eruer — there's no other word for it. the new guidelines in england, starting next week, will still only allow one visitor, but will let them meet loved ones without a screen and hold hands. ruthie says that's not enough. she's part of a campaign group called rights for residents. it says, with testing and ppe, at least two family members should be able to visit with proper physical contact, hugging.

i think if you ask every single one of those people in the homes, they would say, "please let me see my loved ones. "i'll swallow the risk." you can understand, can't you, care homes needing to be cautious, because they've lost so many of their residents? yes, but you have to weigh it up against the risk of them dying of loneliness. imagine that you are in a world of dementia where you are losing reality, you are losing memories, and you are not even allowed to be touched, either. you can't have that luxury. that is all they have left. give them their family. ruthie's mum's care home says it will follow the government's new guidance. the government in westminster told us the guidance is a cautious first step to allow greater visiting in the future. but, for now, ruthie is left having

to visit her mum through a window. i'm here, mummy. i'm here. ruthie henshall ending that report by graham satchell. one bit of breaking news before we go to the weather, the united states we are just hearing of the european union have imposed sanctions on russia after concluding that the kremlin attempted to kill the russian opposition leader alexei navalny with a nerve agent. there are 14 firms involved in the production of biological and chemical agents. production of biological and chemicalagents. mosques production of biological and chemical agents. mosques —— moscow is denounced the moves and vowed to respond in kind. much more on that throughout the evening, and george will be next with the news at six p: m.. now it's time for a look at the weather with louise lear. hello there. contrasting conditions once again across the country.

it was all about location across the bitter styles on tuesday. a chilly start in the far northwest, but that's where we had beautifuljune clear skies for much of the day. further eased, once again, low cloud rolling in off the north sea, made for a rather great—looking afternoon, and at times, it felt on the chilly side. some of that cloud did break up, if you look at the satellite picture, you can see how the sunshine got to work nibbling away pushing that's cloud back to the north sea. so the best of the sunshine certainly further west and along that south coast. this cloud down into the southwest, those are showers that will arrive through the night tonight tubing up through cornwall across devon and eventually into south wales. here it could be on the chilly side. but generally speaking, it's going to be a pretty messy story to tell once again for wednesday. this weather front will continue to enhance from showers up into the southwest, elsewhere, it

stays largely quiet. now come if you do have a chance to see the sunrise, the chances are it could be a slightly more orange flavour to it with some zohar and dust in the upper atmosphere. with some zohar and dust in the upperatmosphere. so with some zohar and dust in the upper atmosphere. so if you are a weather watcher, get out with your camera and take a shot and send it in for us. so as we go through wednesday then, we can split the country into three. some clear skies, some sunshine up to the northwest, low cloud from murky conditions again along the east coast. that band of stars gradually drifting its way into the midlands and perhaps into the southeast. ahead of it with some sunshine, we are likely to see highs of 14 degrees. as we move out of wednesday into thursday, this high—pressure sink its way steadily down from the north and a brisk northeasterly wind will start to dominate the weather story, and that is introducing a cooler air mass. so a noticeable difference to the feel of the weather. there's a weak weather front as well which will brings bits and spots of rain, really, out of scotland into the northeast of england. quite a lot of clout around

on thursday as well, but more importantly, it's good to feel noticeably cooler for all of us with temperatures ranging from six to 8 degrees, ten and the southwest if we're lucky. that's the trend as we head into friday into the start of the weekend. largely drive much cooler.

today at six — the latest official figures show that covid deaths are down by a quarter in a week. down to the lowest level since the start of the year — a clear sign that vaccinations and the lockdown are doing theirjob. what all this shows is that the vaccine is working, reducing the number of deaths among those who were vaccinated first, and preventing hospital admissions. this is real world evidence. and the search for the person with the brazil variant has been narrowed down to a few hundred households in the south—east. also tonight... the chancellor says he'll be protecting jobs in tomorrow's budget — the furlough scheme is to be extended. scotland's battle of the first ministers — did nicola sturgeon fight alex salmond in court even when her own lawyers had doubts?