this is bbc news with the latest headlines the duchess of sussex has accused the royal family of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and prince harry. i don't know how they could expect that after all of this time, we would stilljust be silent if there is an active role that the firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us. the chancellor defends his plans to raise overall taxation to the highest level since the 1960s as he faces criticism for doing too little to tackle inequality. this is a good way to raise money that we need because it's a progressive measure, it means those on higher incomes contribute a lot more than those on lower incomes. if you want to tell me your

reaction to the budget — or any of our main stories today — you can tweet me at annita countries which have more overweight people have had the highest death rates from covid 19, a report says, as the government looks at a reward scheme to encourage people to lose weight. i'm dressed up as my favourite character. and as children dress up to mark world book day, campaigners call for more books with characters from ethnic backgrounds. good morning and welcome to bbc

news. the duchess of sussex has suggested the royal family have played a part in what she called "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and prince harry. she made the comments in an interview with oprah winfrey, to be broadcast in the us this weekend. last night, buckingham palace said its human resources team was looking into claims that the duchess had bullied staff while she was a working royal in 2018. simon jones has more. meghan is making it clear she will not be afraid to speak out in a second trailer for the interview released overnight. how do you feel about the palace i hearing you speak your truth today? i don't know how they could expect that after all of this time we would stilljust be silent, if there is an active role that the firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us. if that comes with risk of losing things, i mean, there's a lot

that's been lost already. this is a second clip released by cbs but the first in which we have heard the duchess speak. the interview was recorded before buckingham palace began an investigation into claims meghan had bullied former royal staff. the times newspaper has obtained an e—mail, written in late 2018, byjason knauf, the couple's communication secretary, to simon case, he is now the cabinet secretary. in it he is reported to have written, i'm very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two pas out of the household in the past year. the treatment of x was totally unacceptable. buckingham palace said it was very concerned about the allegations. former members of staff are being invited to participate in its investigation. in a statement, it added... the royal household has had a dignity at work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace. but a spokesperson for meghan said... the duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself. she will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and good.

the latest interview clip will do little to heal any apparent rifts between the sussexes and the palace. simon jones, bbc news. let's talk to our royal correspondent sarah campbell. good morning to you. this is the second preview clip to be released from the oprah when free interview and it's quite something, isn't it? yes, you could say that and i think we knew, certainly from the first clip from harry released earlier this week and the ongoing narrative from him that the press was likely to come in for criticism in this interview. he is made that absolutely clear. what we didn't know was the level of criticism which might be levelled at the royal family and the royal household and i think that is why this clip is so indicative and five people at the palace will be particularly concerned about what's going to be aired on us television this weekend.

because it does appear from that clip and this interview with oprah winfrey is due to run for two hours, it's mainly meghan markle, there is a little bit of harry but she will have a lot to say during that time. and from this clip that's been released, she really saying that members of the firm, the phrase she uses, have actively been spreading falsehoods, spreading lies, effectively, about the couple? and when she says the firm, is she meaning the royal household, the palace machine or is she going to directly accuse individual members of the royal family of spreading lies about them? that, obviously, is a huge accusation but that's the point of trailers, we have to wait until this weekend to find out the context, it's going to be all about the context. context, it's going to be all about the context-— the context. this interview done well before _ the context. this interview done well before the _ the context. this interview done well before the news _ the context. this interview done well before the news at - the context. this interview done - well before the news at buckingham palace, its human resources team was looking into these claims that the

duchess had bullied staff while she was a working royal. what more do we know about this investigation? excuse me, this followed reports in the times newspaper earlier this week that staff had complained about accusations of bullying in 2018, the year that harry and meghan got married. that's why they were still working royal is within the royal family so those points were published in the times and there was the unprecedented stab of buckingham palace announcing yesterday evening that they were going to set up an investigation into the claims which had been detailed about people that used to work for the duke and duchess of sussex, and so that investigation is due to start soon, former members of their household, people currently there, will be invited to come in confidence, give their side of the story. so you know, it's a narrative, they said,

she said, what's going on? it's a real tit—for—tat and i think it certainly exposes the division between the sussexes and the royal family and anyone that was thinking that actually, what happened is a shame, relations are still good between the two, i think it's putting an end to all of that speculation. and of course, but we also have to remember in terms of royalfamily terms and also have to remember in terms of royal family terms and the news that they will be thinking about at the moment, the duke of edinburghjust starting his third week in hospital. so, you know, a lot for people within the palace to be thinking about at the moment.— within the palace to be thinking about at the moment. sarah campbell, thank ou. the chancellor, rishi sunak, has defended his decision to raise corporation tax for the most profitable companies to 25% in 2023. this measure — along with other moves such as freezing income tax thresholds — mean that britain is on course to have the highest tax burden since the 1960s. paul hawkins reports. billed as a budget to rescue

an economy ravaged by covid. can the country afford this budget? the chancellor has promised to protectjobs. tax increases loom, taking the uk's tax burden to its highest level since the 1960s, according to the office for budget responsibility. obviously, the pandemic has dealt us pretty bad damage to the public finances and the economy, and i think i and the government have a responsibility to put those back in a strong position over time but do that in a way that is supportive of economic recovery in the short—term but also do so in a way that is fair. this is how he intends to do it. the furlough scheme is to be extended until the end of september, as will higher universal credit payments. the headline rate of corporation tax will go up from 19% to 25% from 2023, though smaller firms will be exempt. and a freeze on income tax thresholds is expected to lead to 1.3 million more people paying income tax, plus1 million more paying the higher rate.

but there will be some more help for hospitality. pubs won't have to pay business rates until the end ofjune. we have been open forfour months out of the last 12 when we get to reopen. when we reopen, it's going to be gardens only, and then restricted inside. we are going to need all the help we can get to get hospitality through. labour talk of a missed opportunity. ijust think this didn't deliver the scale of what was required. for most people what they're going to see is a very big increase in council tax, possibly a universal credit cut, and a very high level of unemployment, no matter where they live. although much of the focus has been on business, some number crunchers say the effects of the budget will also be felt far wider. much less attention was paid to what is happening to british households. in many ways, the year ahead for them is more difficult than the year we've been through, with falling living standards this autumn.

and actually come up for public services, further cuts to public spending mean that we may be seeing what feels a lot like austerity. there is now a route out of lockdown. but tough times ahead. the chancellor says not all his decisions will be popular but they are, he insists, honest. paul hawkins, bbc news. let's speak to our chief political correspondent, adam fleming. adam, good morning. you spend a lot of time since yesterday poring over the detail of this budget, in terms of your assessment, what does it mean for the pound in people's pockets? i mean for the pound in people's ockets? ~ , , mean for the pound in people's ockets? ~' , , ., pockets? i think the best way to understand _ pockets? i think the best way to understand this _ pockets? i think the best way to understand this is _ pockets? i think the best way to understand this is a _ pockets? i think the best way to understand this is a story - pockets? i think the best way to understand this is a story of- pockets? i think the best way to i understand this is a story of three chapters. — understand this is a story of three chapters, the first, the government continuing — chapters, the first, the government continuing to spend billions of pounds — continuing to spend billions of pounds to support people and businesses through what they hope is the last— businesses through what they hope is the last stage of the pandemic. and that will_ the last stage of the pandemic. and that will last until september. when society— that will last until september. when society is— that will last until september. when society is supposedly opening up again _ society is supposedly opening up again. then it's chapter two, the recovery— again. then it's chapter two, the recovery the government hopes which

will he _ recovery the government hopes which will be boosted by a massive, massive — will be boosted by a massive, massive tax break worth billions of pounds _ massive tax break worth billions of pounds for— massive tax break worth billions of pounds for businesses to invest in staff _ pounds for businesses to invest in staff then, — pounds for businesses to invest in staff. then, the rafter, chapter three. — staff. then, the rafter, chapter three. and _ staff. then, the rafter, chapter three, and that's when see the government raising more money in taxation _ government raising more money in taxation. first of all, by increasing the rate of corporation tax, increasing the rate of corporation tax. paid — increasing the rate of corporation tax, paid by companies earning more than a _ tax, paid by companies earning more than a quarter of £1 billion in profits— than a quarter of £1 billion in profits a _ than a quarter of £1 billion in profits a year, and secondly, freezing _ profits a year, and secondly, freezing those thresholds for the rates _ freezing those thresholds for the rates of — freezing those thresholds for the rates of income tax which means that more _ rates of income tax which means that more and _ rates of income tax which means that more and lower earners will start paying _ more and lower earners will start paying the — more and lower earners will start paying the basic rate and more higher— paying the basic rate and more higher earners will start paying the higher— higher earners will start paying the higher rate. and rishi sunak at the chance _ higher rate. and rishi sunak at the chance that — higher rate. and rishi sunak at the chance that this morning has been defending — chance that this morning has been defending that as a fair way of mending — defending that as a fair way of mending the public finances. people's current take—home pay won't be affected by this policy but you are right and i was clear yesterday, that this does mean that the incremental benefit that they would have experienced had those thresholds continued to rise with inflation won't be there. we're going to keep putting up the thresholds next year as we promised, but then they will be frozen at that

higher level but you mentioned the resolution foundation, i think they've also said this is a good way to raise money that we need because it's a progressive measure, it means those on higher incomes contribute a lot more than those on lower incomes and i think that's what most people would accept is a fair way to do what we need to do. the resolution foundation that the chancellor mentioned is a think tank that looks _ chancellor mentioned is a think tank that looks on people at lower incomes. _ that looks on people at lower incomes, they are doing an analysis now: _ incomes, they are doing an analysis now. which— incomes, they are doing an analysis now, which will be followed by the very famous institute for fiscal studies — very famous institute for fiscal studies and it's always the economists view of the budget the day after— economists view of the budget the day after that tends to shape people's reactions. in terms of reactions. _ people's reactions. in terms of reactions, the labour party as opposed — reactions, the labour party as opposed to tax rises now, they think that would _ opposed to tax rises now, they think that would be bad for the recovery but the _ that would be bad for the recovery but the shadow chancellor anneliese dodds— but the shadow chancellor anneliese dodds is— but the shadow chancellor anneliese dodds is in favour of those freezes to the _ dodds is in favour of those freezes to the income tax threshold. so in principle, on that. freeze, we're not against the freeze in principle. what i am concerned about though

- is the fact that this is taking - place when we have got those changes - to council tax but also changes - to social security as well. you quoted a speaker- from the resolution foundation | a moment ago who pointed out thati actually, you know, the government is planning to switch _ off its increase in social security, i actually, right at the time when we. anticipate the peak in unemployment. that's not a sensible approach to take. i labour also critical of this think that the — labour also critical of this think that the government has got called the town— that the government has got called the town is a fund, about £1 billion allocated _ the town is a fund, about £1 billion allocated for investment in towns around _ allocated for investment in towns around england and if you look at the towns. — around england and if you look at the towns, the vast majority of them are in— the towns, the vast majority of them are in seats — the towns, the vast majority of them are in seats that are held by conservative mps. which labour says is cronyism, — conservative mps. which labour says is cronyism, the conservativesjust say it's— is cronyism, the conservativesjust say it's a _ is cronyism, the conservativesjust say it's a product of levelling up and what — say it's a product of levelling up and what the result was of the last election _ and what the result was of the last election. $0 and what the result was of the last election. :: ., ., ., , election. 40 out of 45 towns receiving — election. 40 out of 45 towns receiving that _ election. 40 out of 45 towns receiving that money - election. 40 out of 45 towns receiving that money from l election. 40 out of 45 towns l receiving that money from the newtown deal that's been mentioned in the budget, to be precise. what was left out, what is conspicuous by its absence, would you say? we

was left out, what is conspicuous by its absence, would you say?- its absence, would you say? we are auoin to its absence, would you say? we are going to be — its absence, would you say? we are going to be dealing _ its absence, would you say? we are going to be dealing with _ its absence, would you say? we are going to be dealing with a _ its absence, would you say? we are going to be dealing with a lot - its absence, would you say? we are going to be dealing with a lot of- going to be dealing with a lot of uncertainty so does the pandemic pan out in _ uncertainty so does the pandemic pan out in a _ uncertainty so does the pandemic pan out in a way— uncertainty so does the pandemic pan out in a way that is better or worse than _ out in a way that is better or worse than rishi — out in a way that is better or worse than rishi sunak predicts? also, do we have _ than rishi sunak predicts? also, do we have businesses investing in the way that— we have businesses investing in the way that he — we have businesses investing in the way that he hopes in the next year? and then _ way that he hopes in the next year? and then also, can you raise as much from _ and then also, can you raise as much from corporation tax as you expect? so there's— from corporation tax as you expect? so there's lots of things to deal with over— so there's lots of things to deal with over the next few years. in terms _ with over the next few years. in terms of— with over the next few years. in terms of other things that aren't there. _ terms of other things that aren't there, what about social care? there is meant _ there, what about social care? there is meant to _ there, what about social care? there is meant to be a big referring to how social— is meant to be a big referring to how social care is done by the end of the _ how social care is done by the end of the year. — how social care is done by the end of the year, no mention of that, the office _ of the year, no mention of that, the office for— of the year, no mention of that, the office for budget responsibility is missing _ office for budget responsibility is missing any idea of how to handle the backlog in the nhs, operations and treatment that haven't happened because _ and treatment that haven't happened because of— and treatment that haven't happened because of covid, that requires more money— because of covid, that requires more money to— because of covid, that requires more money to deal with it, education, money— money to deal with it, education, money has — money to deal with it, education, money has gone into the catch up funds— money has gone into the catch up funds so— money has gone into the catch up funds so there can be more tuition for pupils— funds so there can be more tuition for pupils who have in their learning, _ for pupils who have in their learning, will that require a lot

more? — learning, will that require a lot more? and also the other thing the office _ more? and also the other thing the office for— more? and also the other thing the office for budget responsibility pointed out is if interest rates or government debt go up, well then, the government will have to spend a lot more _ the government will have to spend a lot more servicing its debt which could _ lot more servicing its debt which could mean more interest, tax rises and potentially more spending cuts. and so, _ and potentially more spending cuts. and so, when rishi sunak comes back to the _ and so, when rishi sunak comes back to the house — and so, when rishi sunak comes back to the house of commons in the autumn — to the house of commons in the autumn, potentially, foranother autumn, potentially, for another budget, — autumn, potentially, foranother budget, and definitely for a spending review we will talk about the allegations of spending to government departments, will be be --oin government departments, will be be going through all of this all over again? — going through all of this all over auain? �* . . ~ going through all of this all over auain? . . ., ,, ,., we can speak now to the director of the institute for fiscal studies, pauljohnson. who has also spent many hours from yesterday digesting the contents of the budget. good morning. iwas looking at your twitter account and something you have picked on relating to what the independent office for budget responsibility has been saying which you agree with very much as you say spending plans

for 2022 include precisely nothing for 2022 include precisely nothing for dealing with additional pressures arising from the pandemic. this really underlines the budget, doesn't it? this level of uncertainty despite the fact that the vaccine programme is going incredibly well because we don't know exactly what will happen with this virus, with the situation be better or worse? this virus, with the situation be better orworse? i this virus, with the situation be better or worse?— better or worse? i think you're riaht, better or worse? i think you're right. there — better or worse? i think you're right, there is _ better or worse? i think you're right, there is a _ better or worse? i think you're right, there is a huge - better or worse? i think you're right, there is a huge amountl better or worse? i think you're. right, there is a huge amount of uncertainty about the forecast and all of this, we all grab onto the central forecast for the old br and the central numbers that the chancellor talks about. but of course much more than usual, we don't have much of an idea, frankly, what's going to happen in the economy in the next year or two. but associated with that, and the separate point, is the chancellor has pencilled in some really very tight spending plans into his spending review in the autumn and into this budget which involves actually spending quite a lot less next year and in subsequent years than he was planning pre—pandemic.

now, frankly, that doesn't strike me as being terribly plausible, the idea that we will need to be spending less on education, health, social care and local government and all of those things, after the pandemic than we thought we were going to beforehand, just doesn't look in the least bit likely, given that even for the minimum things like vaccination and test and trace and ppe and so on, let alone catching up with the huge backlog of operations and the need to catch up children who have lost so much school and the need to help local authorities and so on, these numbers don't look like they are going to hold. i don't look like they are going to hold. . , , don't look like they are going to hold. ., , ., ,~ don't look like they are going to hold. , ~ ., ., hold. i was 'ust asking adam a second age— hold. i wasjust asking adam a second ago what _ hold. i wasjust asking adam a second ago what do _ hold. i wasjust asking adam a second ago what do you - hold. i wasjust asking adam a second ago what do you think| hold. i wasjust asking adam a . second ago what do you think was left out that you would have liked to have seen in there? what is conspicuous by his absence? your thoughts on that?— thoughts on that? well, i wrote a -iece on thoughts on that? well, i wrote a piece on monday _ thoughts on that? well, i wrote a piece on monday which _ thoughts on that? well, i wrote a piece on monday which said - thoughts on that? well, i wrote a piece on monday which said there thoughts on that? well, i wrote a - piece on monday which said there are two challenges for the chancellor,

the first is telling us how he is going to balance the books and he's given us a sense of that. the other is what's he going to do about the big inequalities that have opened up over the last year. inequalities in education, particularly for children who have done badly, inequalities in employment, the young and those with lower levels of education who have done badly. inequalities between generations, once again, it is younger people who have suffered economically and older people who actually come economically at least are better off over this period and he didn't really offer anything on those. he didn't really begin to address the challenge of the economic inequalities that have opened up as a result of this pandemic. opened up as a result of this pandemic-— pandemic. and quite a lot of traction for _ pandemic. and quite a lot of traction for this, _ pandemic. and quite a lot of traction for this, again, - pandemic. and quite a lot of - traction for this, again, something i was talking about with adam just a second ago, the fact that 40 out of 45 towns getting this £1 billion deal are conservative

constituencies. now i don't have the exact breakdown of which constituencies those are yet but does that strike you as levelling up? i does that strike you as levelling u . ? ., �* ., ., ~' does that strike you as levelling u? ., �* ., does that strike you as levelling up? i haven't looked at the details of which towns _ up? i haven't looked at the details of which towns are _ up? i haven't looked at the details of which towns are getting - up? i haven't looked at the details of which towns are getting which l of which towns are getting which funds, i mean, there is, frankly, whenever allocation like this are done on a geographic basis, and this works also when finances are sent to local authorities, there's always a little bit of a political overlay on some of the marginal decisions. but i think the key point of about levelling up, it sounds like a lot of money, but across a lot of towns, across a period of time, and given the scale of inequalities, it's going to make only a relatively small and quite localised difference. i think the real challenge for the government here is that they are promising a lot but i think people might be expecting a lot but it's going to take a very long time and certainly well beyond

a parliament to see really noticeable changes in those differences between local areas and towns. ., ., ,, differences between local areas and towns. ., ., the headlines on bbc news... the duchess of sussex has accused the royal family of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and prince harry. the chancellor defends his plans to raise overall taxation to the highest level since the 1960s — as he faces criticism for doing too little to tackle inequality: countries with more overweight people have had the highest death rates from covid 19 as the government looks at a reward scheme to encourage people to lose weight. scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus say infections in england have continued to fall, but the rate of decline may have slowed. the latest react study by imperial college london — covering the 4th to the 23rd

of february — involved 165,000 people taking tests. the researchers estimate that levels of the virus dropped by two thirds since their last assessment in january. the mhra says new coronavirus vaccines to fight variants, like the one from brazil, can be fast—tracked through the approval system. the uk's regulator has issued guidance, along with authorities in australia, canada, singapore and switzerland, on what checks and measures would be necessary. let's talk about all of this now with michelle roberts, our health correspondent. michelle, good morning to you, on that study, we've talked to the director of the study many times over the last few months so broadly, absolutely the numbers going on the right direction but a slowdown in the rate of decline, it seems, more so in some areas than others. clearly, people tracking the virus are watching any of these changes, even subtle changes like this very closely. the changes, even subtle changes like this very closely.—

changes, even subtle changes like this very closely. the key now is to kee- this very closely. the key now is to keep cases — this very closely. the key now is to keep cases down _ this very closely. the key now is to keep cases down as _ this very closely. the key now is to keep cases down as low— this very closely. the key now is to keep cases down as low as - this very closely. the key now is to i keep cases down as low as possible, that's always been the strategy, to try and stop the infection spreading. we know we can't get rid of it completely, but the more of it that's out there, obviously, for individuals, the more risk there is you could catch it but the more chance for the virus itself to mutate and change and we are already seeing some of these changes. we've heard about the south african and the brazil variant. this is why the nhra, the medicines regulator today has been talking about what the next steps could be to keep up the pressure on this virus and fight it. we've already got brilliant vaccines that are working really well in the real world now, lots of people protected. but it appears that with some of these new variants, the protection you get from the current vaccine although it's good, could possibly be made a little better by tweaking the design of these jabs. when they talk about fast tracking, how much faster are we talking about, than say the production of

the current vaccines, pre—variant, because that was done at an incredibly fast pace? it because that was done at an incredibly fast pace?- because that was done at an incredibly fast pace? it took ten months to _ incredibly fast pace? it took ten months to go — incredibly fast pace? it took ten months to go from _ incredibly fast pace? it took ten months to go from zero - incredibly fast pace? it took ten months to go from zero to - incredibly fast pace? it took ten i months to go from zero to having vaccines available which was incredible. now that we have that science, the new tweaks, if you like, should be even quicker, we are talking months. you know, maybe three, four months to get something that's available. it's very much like with the flu jabs we have every year, you can modify those, you don't need the lengthy clinical trials in thousands of patients because you already know the vaccine itself is really safe and effective. you are making minor changesjust to make it a better match for the virus and that's what we are doing with covid. in and that's what we are doing with covid. ., and that's what we are doing with covid. . , , ., , ., covid. in that, there seems to be an acceptance — covid. in that, there seems to be an acceptance with _ covid. in that, there seems to be an acceptance with the _ covid. in that, there seems to be an acceptance with the vaccine - acceptance with the vaccine programme rolling out, here in the uk, and elsewhere, other countries, the us talking about ramping up their speed of delivery of vaccines,

their speed of delivery of vaccines, the covax programme getting vaccines out to more countries, that governments don't want to contemplate an scientist, none of us want to contemplate going back to a position where we are going into a spiral of lockdown, reopening, lockdown, there has to be a way of marching forward and tackling the variance, whatever it takes. the vaccines are _ variance, whatever it takes. the vaccines are one _ variance, whatever it takes. tie: vaccines are one way to do that, also testing are so important. and getting people who test positive to isolate. that's what we've heard about surge testing happening to try and clamp—down particularly on the south african and the brazil variant and the uk variant.— south african and the brazil variant and the uk variant. michelle, thank ou. the national institute for health research is calling for more volunteers from ethnic minority backgrounds to take part in clinical trials for vaccines. 7.4 per cent of people on the uk vaccine register of research volunteers are from black, asian and other minority ethnic groups. scientists say better representation in clinical trials will improve the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations for everyone.

scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, has insisted she had no motive, intention or desire to �*get�* her predecessor alex salmond. giving evidence to the inquiry into her government's handling of harassment allegations against mr salmond, she described claims of a plot against him as �*absurd.’ our political correspondent nick eardley reports. after months of allegations, yesterday nicola sturgeon had her chance to make her case. i solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that i will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. scotland's first minister insists she followed the rules — that her government was right to investigate alex salmond, and that there was no plot to take him down. alex salmond has been, for most of my life, since i was about 20, 21 years old, not just a very close political colleague, a friend and, in my

younger days, somebody i looked up to and revered. you know, i had no motive, intention, desire, to get alex salmond. this was a marathon session, more than seven hours of questioning. ms sturgeon apologised to women, who were let down by the government, but she insisted all the decisions she made were for the right reasons. i have never claimed in this or anything else to be infallible. i have searched my soul on all of this many, many times over. it may very well be that i didn't get everything right, that's for others to judge. but in one of the most invidious, political and personal situations i have ever faced, i believe i acted properly and appropriately, and that overall i made the best judgments that i could. this row isn't over, though. there could be more claims to come. and a report on whether ms sturgeon broke the rules ministers have to follow is expected this month. nick eardley, bbc news, holyrood.

humza yousaf is the snp�*s justice minister. and hejoins me now. thank you for your time this morning. marathon evidence session yesterday for nicola sturgeon but the opposition says she still has questions to answer. are there any further questions the first minister needs to answer in your view? it’s questions the first minister needs to answer in your view?— to answer in your view? it's a ludicrous _ to answer in your view? it's a ludicrous suggestion - to answer in your view? it's a ludicrous suggestion by - to answer in your view? it's a ludicrous suggestion by the i ludicrous suggestion by the opposition that the first minister was there for almost eight hours, that's longer than the chilcott inquiry into the iraq war. she was there for eight hours, not only did she answer every single question, she answer every single question, she dismantled all of those conspiracy theories that have been concocted over the months and years. and the opposition didn't land a single blow because there unsubstantiated. if the committee has further questions i'm sure they will write to the first minister but she answered honestly, truthfully, and that's why for example, we have seen a huge number of people in the

last 24 hours, joined the snp because they have given their verdict on the first minister �*s performance. indie verdict on the first minister 's performance-— verdict on the first minister 's performance. verdict on the first minister 's -erformance. . .., . ,, ., performance. we will come back to that in a moment. _ performance. we will come back to that in a moment. some _ performance. we will come back to that in a moment. some people . performance. we will come back to | that in a moment. some people are saying that her account, some of her answers were muddled and inconsistent. do you think there is anything more she can do to address this? you clearly believe she has answered everything that she needs to. but is there more that you think she can do to reach out to those people who are saying some of her answers were muddled and inconsistent, to clear that up? the o- -osition inconsistent, to clear that up? tie opposition have already inconsistent, to clear that up? tij: opposition have already prejudge the outcome, you will remember the conservatives said they would launch a vote of no confidence today before she had even given her evidence. they had decided already before hearing any of the eight hours of evidence that the first minister had lied, misled parliament, she had to resign. forgive me, i'm not going to take many lessons from the opposition who says she hasn't answered questions. she absolutely has, every single question put to

her she had an answer for. has, every single question put to her she had an answerfor. istrui’ith her she had an answer for. with res-ect, her she had an answer for. with respect. are _ her she had an answer for. with respect. are you _ her she had an answer for. with respect, are you prejudging the outcome by saying she doesn't have any more questions to answer before the inquiry is finished? tia. any more questions to answer before the inquiry is finished?— the inquiry is finished? no, because i've the inquiry is finished? no, because we already — the inquiry is finished? no, because i've already said _ the inquiry is finished? no, because i've already said in _ the inquiry is finished? no, because i've already said in my _ the inquiry is finished? no, because i've already said in my first - i've already said in my first answer, if there are more details the inquiry once, of course they should write to the first minister, they should ask for that detail and of course that detail will be provided in the same vein they have asked for further legal advice that we had to be published, we are publishing those documents very shortly. so if there is more information they need, more questions needing answered, then of course we will do that but please, let's not take the baseless claims of the opposition who demanded her resignation from the first minister before even hearing a single utterance or a word and to me, they arejust continuing utterance or a word and to me, they are just continuing with what can only be described as a concocted conspiracy theory. you mentioned [are e conspiracy theory. you mentioned large numbers _ conspiracy theory. you mentioned large numbers people _ conspiracy theory. you mentioned large numbers people have - conspiracy theory. you mentioned large numbers people have been. large numbers people have been joining the snp overnight. obviously sturgeon is very much tied to the

campaign, the push for another independence referendum. it's been very much tied to her personal approval ratings. so, based on what you're saying, it doesn't seem to have damaged the snp so far but do you think the government system needs to be looked at in any way, based on what we've seen in this inquiry so far. the based on what we've seen in this inquiry so far-— based on what we've seen in this inquiry so far. the short answer is es. the inquiry so far. the short answer is yes- the first _ inquiry so far. the short answer is yes. the first minister _ inquiry so far. the short answer is yes. the first minister was - inquiry so far. the short answer is yes. the first minister was right i inquiry so far. the short answer is| yes. the first minister was right to apologise, i also apologised for when the government got the procedure wrong, in terms of its inaction. we ended up enacting it with a proceduralfloor, that led inaction. we ended up enacting it with a procedural floor, that led to the judicial review and for us not proceeding with that case and settling that case and conceding the case to the former first minister, that lead down two women who were making allegations of inappropriate conduct towards the former first minister and for that we absolutely apologised. let's not forget, that is the genesis of all of this very sorry affair. and while the scottish

government apologised it's a great shame that the former first minister couldn't find it in his heart to apologise to those women for the behaviour but of course, he has admitted to. in terms of your question on independence, you are right to bring us back to the focus of this which is women who should be and must be made to be able to feel safe when there are allegations of there is work to do in that regard but in terms of independence, first minister i think is our greatest asset, she is head and shoulders above any other political leader in the uk, opinion poll after opinion poll shows that but i think it's the competency of the government. we have led the country through this pandemic, we will continue to do so and we have an election in a short time. i and we have an election in a short time. ., ., , and we have an election in a short time. . ., , , ., and we have an election in a short time. ., . , , ., , time. i am really sorry to interrupt ou but time. i am really sorry to interrupt you but we — time. i am really sorry to interrupt you but we are _ time. i am really sorry to interrupt you but we are out _ time. i am really sorry to interrupt you but we are out of _ time. i am really sorry to interrupt you but we are out of time - time. i am really sorry to interrupt you but we are out of time but - time. i am really sorry to interrupt i you but we are out of time but thank you but we are out of time but thank you so much for your time this morning.

we have got news now on the duke of edinburgh's treatment at a london hospital. my royal correspondent, nicholas witchell, joins me now. i believe you havejust i believe you have just received a statement on the duke above my condition. what can you tell us? shah condition. what can you tell us? in update from buckingham palace in condition. what can you tell us? iffy update from buckingham palace in the last few moments about his condition and it says this. he underwent a successful procedure yesterday for “p successful procedure yesterday for up pre—existing heart condition at saint bartholomew hospital. his royal highness will remain in hospitalfor royal highness will remain in hospital for treatment rest and recuperation for a number of days. so a successful procedure for this pre—existing heart condition, this surgical procedure took place yesterday. it has been successful. it will remind us of course what happened nearly ten years ago when he had a stent inserted in his heart to treat a blocked coronary artery. whether there has been another stent

inserted or whether there has been some adjustment to the existing stent, we simply don't know and i don't think the palace will enlighten us any further but the important point is that this procedure was carried out yesterday for this pre—existing heart condition which must imply that there is something to do with the stent inserted ten years ago and he will remain in hospitalfor treatment, rest and recuperation, as the statement says, for a number of days. the statement says, for a number of da s. , ~ , ' ' the statement says, for a number of da s. , ~ , " ., , days. the duke is 99 and i believe this is the start _ days. the duke is 99 and i believe this is the start of _ days. the duke is 99 and i believe this is the start of his _ days. the duke is 99 and i believe this is the start of his third - days. the duke is 99 and i believe this is the start of his third week. this is the start of his third week in hospital. do we have any idea when he might be allowed to go home? this statement does say a number of days but obviously the family hoping that he is over the worst of this period in hospital.— that he is over the worst of this period in hospital. yes, 16 nights initiall in period in hospital. yes, 16 nights initially in hospital _ period in hospital. yes, 16 nights initially in hospital initially - period in hospital. yes, 16 nights initially in hospital initially at - initially in hospital initially at the king edward vii hospital where he went on the 16th of february and

then he was transferred to saint bartholomew is on monday of this week. very much in the expectation that there would be some sort of expertise are because of course, saint bartholomew is a centre of cardiac excellence, particular skills and expertise there. that skills and expertise there. that skill and expertise has now been brought to bear. this procedure carried out yesterday, successfully the palace said. how long will he remain in hospital? well, a number of days. a man of his age, just 14 weeks short of his 100th birthday, to have a surgical procedure involving your heart i would imagine that he would need rest, recuperation and further treatment, we don't know. a number of days, i would have thought, that will take us into next week, that is clear. providing everything goes to plan and i expect we won't hear anything

whilst the duke leaves hospital. neither the palace or the hospital are into this what's the latest situation? there is never a latest except insofar as they issue statements such as this when there is something tangible to report so i think it is entirely possible that there will be no further statements from the palace in lesser is any significant change in the duke's condition or in such time that he is ready to go home.— ready to go home. nicholas, thank ou ve ready to go home. nicholas, thank you very much _ ready to go home. nicholas, thank you very much for _ ready to go home. nicholas, thank you very much for that _ ready to go home. nicholas, thank you very much for that update. - you very much for that update. nicholas witchell, r row corresponding just reminding us of that statement. just saying that the 99—year—old duke of edinburgh underwent a successful procedure for a pre—existing heart condition on wednesday and will remain in hospital for rest and recuperation for a number of days.

the chancellor, rishi sunak, has promised another 65—billion pounds of economic support in his budget, which he says will help businesses and people through the pandemic. he also explained how he plans to start paying the bill, which will push britain's tax burden to its highest level since the 1960s. nina warhurst has been getting reaction from people in redcar. every town and every city has thousands of stories of what should happen now. bailey deserves a break. he trained for three years as a rail engineer before cancer treatment cut off his career before it even had a chance to start. i was trying to get a job with amazon but 700 people applied for the same job that i applied for. so that is probably going to be a no—go. he sings. kobe dreams of being a singer. but times are tough for his mum. she used to be a special needs nurse but stopped to look after her daughter who has complex disabilities. they just about get

by on universal credit and her husband's income. it has been a bit of a struggle, definitely. during the first lockdown people are quite happy to get segways and things. to get ——takeaways and things. my husband is a takeaway driver. then obviously, that's not there. so his hours have been up and down in bits. but yeah, we get by. so things are ok at the moment but do you worry about what comes next and what things will be like for the kids? yeah, absolutely. kids are the future, aren't they? it is notjust about education, it is about mentally. you ask all the time about covid and about when he is going to see his friends, when he can hug people. joanna runs three pubs. she is desperate to get customers back through the doors but she is worried about what happens if tax goes up and punters can't splash out. she is glad vat has come down and thinks it should stay down. one thing i would like to see

is something they do in europe and that is a fixed vat percentage for the hospitality trade. a country like spain and france that does rely heavily on tourism a country like spain and france that does rely heavily on tourism and hospitality, we are in that boat now here in the uk. a fixed rate that is lower than the standard rate that everybody else pays is what they do in spain. i think it is around about 11%. something like that to be brought over here in the uk that would be a great asset. but gary's hair salon isn't farfrom joanne's pub. he was hoping he might have had a surprise vat cut from the chancellor. we pay 20% vat where hospitality pays 5%. we are not a service you can put online or a takeaway service. when we are closed we are closed. the theory is that once things are back to normal then everyone will want a haircut so you will be able to bounce back quickly. there is no doubt we are going to be really, really busy. i worry for salons because they will have

taken out extra debts, extra loans, they will have deferred payments. they will have to be paid back eventually it is added pressure on businesses. who are the real winners? who will be the long—term losers? we won't truly know how successful the chancellor's support has been for months, even years. for now, everyone is just trying to make it to tomorrow. so what's been the response to the budget by business owners, and what support can they expect to receive over the coming months? i'm joined now by lauralyn clinton, she owns a hair salon, hair by lauralyn, and william coe, managing director of coe's department stores. william is in ipswich and lauralyn is in london. william, i believe 90% of your staff is unfurlough. you hoping to be open for business well

before september and the fellow scheme has been extended to. but does that protect some of the jobs of your staff? it does that protect some of the “obs of your stemfi of your staff? it certainly does. the big thing — of your staff? it certainly does. the big thing about _ of your staff? it certainly does. the big thing about the - of your staff? it certainly does. the big thing about the whole l the big thing about the whole endemic is uncertainty. not being able to predict what will happen on able to predict what will happen on a week by week basis. by having the fellow carry on we can balance our staffing levels to the demand we face. hopefully the demand will be strong from day one but no one can predict that so we have flexibility. yes, because you're not planning on bringing a 130 staff members back initially then? he. bringing a130 staff members back initially then?— initially then? no, it will be staggered- _ initially then? no, it will be staggered. after _ initially then? no, it will be staggered. after the - initially then? no, it will be staggered. after the first i initially then? no, it will be - staggered. after the first lockdown it took a bit of wire for the confidence to come back in. the second lockdown it was a stronger surge because of christmas. the third time, i'm hoping it will be a stronger surge because of the vaccine and people wanting to get out but if it is not looking strong as we hope we can say to people,

look, work a four—day week, we conferred no you and then we can barrenness costs accordingly. empty chairs behind — barrenness costs accordingly. empty chairs behind you _ barrenness costs accordingly. empty chairs behind you in _ barrenness costs accordingly. empty chairs behind you in your— barrenness costs accordingly. empty chairs behind you in your salon, - chairs behind you in your salon, lauralyn. you have self—employed stylists and technicians in your salon. what is the situation for you? salon. what is the situation for ou? �* ., , . ., , salon. what is the situation for ou? .. ., salon. what is the situation for ou? , ., ., salon. what is the situation for ou? ., ., , you? basically, one of the things i'm ve you? basically, one of the things i'm very happy — you? basically, one of the things i'm very happy about _ you? basically, one of the things i'm very happy about is - you? basically, one of the things i'm very happy about is that - you? basically, one of the things i'm very happy about is that theyj i'm very happy about is that they are going — i'm very happy about is that they are going to be helping us get back up are going to be helping us get back up and _ are going to be helping us get back up and running with more grants from the government. it is really good to hear that— the government. it is really good to hear that when it comes to self—employed there will also be able to _ self—employed there will also be able to get additional help. that will go _ able to get additional help. that will go a — able to get additional help. that will go a long way. obviously, because — will go a long way. obviously, because of the way we do work we will have _ because of the way we do work we will have to — because of the way we do work we will have to consider the fact that we will— will have to consider the fact that we will have to work on a skeleton basis _ we will have to work on a skeleton basis and — we will have to work on a skeleton basis and spread our clients out a lot more — basis and spread our clients out a lot more than we would have done normally — lot more than we would have done normally. we are going to have to pace _ normally. we are going to have to pace ourselves although it is going

to be _ pace ourselves although it is going to be extremely busy and i will probably— to be extremely busy and i will probably be a large demand for services — probably be a large demand for services. is probably be a large demand for services. , ., , services. is there enough in this budoet to services. is there enough in this budget to get — services. is there enough in this budget to get you _ services. is there enough in this budget to get you through - services. is there enough in this budget to get you through the i services. is there enough in this i budget to get you through the third lockdown given you are not back yet end of all businesses have accrued a lot of debt and the lockdown? unfortunately, i was one of those who wasn't— unfortunately, i was one of those who wasn't able to get a bounce back loan so _ who wasn't able to get a bounce back loan so i _ who wasn't able to get a bounce back loan so i wasn't able to get that additional— loan so i wasn't able to get that additional funding. loan so i wasn't able to get that additionalfunding. i loan so i wasn't able to get that additional funding. i was able to -et additional funding. i was able to get the — additional funding. i was able to get the grants that were applicable to my— get the grants that were applicable to my business as i do pay business rates _ to my business as i do pay business rates but— to my business as i do pay business rates but as — to my business as i do pay business rates. but as for it being enough, i don't _ rates. but as for it being enough, i don't think— rates. but as for it being enough, i don't think we could expect it to be enough _ don't think we could expect it to be enough because of the spending we have had _ enough because of the spending we have had to do in the reductions and also to— have had to do in the reductions and also to introduce ppe and other measures— also to introduce ppe and other measures made will never be enough but it— measures made will never be enough but it goes— measures made will never be enough but it goes a long way to help. sol wouldn't _ but it goes a long way to help. sol wouldn't complain. it would be, of course, _ wouldn't complain. it would be, of course, better if there was more but i'm course, better if there was more but i'm grateful— course, better if there was more but i'm grateful for what there is. there — i'm grateful for what there is. there is— i'm grateful for what there is. there is still going to be a deficit

and there — there is still going to be a deficit and there is definitely still going to be _ and there is definitely still going to be a _ and there is definitely still going to be a gap, especially for those who have — to be a gap, especially for those who have taken out additional funding — who have taken out additional fundino. ~ ., who have taken out additional fundino. . ., ., ,. who have taken out additional fundin-.~ ., ., , , ,, funding. william, for your business as well, funding. william, for your business as well. your _ funding. william, for your business as well, your turnover _ funding. william, for your business as well, your turnover last - funding. william, for your business as well, your turnover last year - funding. william, for your business | as well, your turnover last year was half before that. does the extension of the business rates holiday help a bit? i know you think there needs to be a more fundamental look at inequality in the high street versus online business and presumably rates is one of the things you would like to see sorted out on a long—term basis? to see sorted out on a long-term basis? �* ., to see sorted out on a long-term basis? . . , . ., , basis? again, it is the uncertainty. what he has _ basis? again, it is the uncertainty. what he has done _ basis? again, it is the uncertainty. what he has done with _ basis? again, it is the uncertainty. what he has done with rates - basis? again, it is the uncertainty. what he has done with rates is - basis? again, it is the uncertainty. what he has done with rates is a l what he has done with rates is a huge step forward. it would be nice if it were zero for the whole year because it would have helped plug that gap because it is that gap, the losses we have ta ken that gap because it is that gap, the losses we have taken on just to try and survive is mammoth. but the high street pays a quarter of all the rates in the country. that cannot be right but unfortunately that has been an elephant in the room and has

been an elephant in the room and has been going on and on. the government keeps saying they will reform it and review it but we still don't know what that is so you are sitting here saying, "i may be better off this year but what will happen next year or the year after?" that needs to be addressed and still we have no answer. �* , ., addressed and still we have no answer. �* ., addressed and still we have no answer. �* , . ., ., ., answer. but is a risky and ongoing concern for _ answer. but is a risky and ongoing concern for you. _ answer. but is a risky and ongoing concern for you. lauralyn, - answer. but is a risky and ongoing concern for you. lauralyn, in - answer. but is a risky and ongoing| concern for you. lauralyn, in terms of the future of the business, i guess it is just about focusing on getting restarted and staying open. do you have these concerns about business rates? riff do you have these concerns about business rates?— do you have these concerns about business rates? of course. business rates for me — business rates? of course. business rates for me as _ business rates? of course. business rates for me as a — business rates? of course. business rates for me as a hairdresser, - business rates? of course. business rates for me as a hairdresser, i - business rates? of course. business rates for me as a hairdresser, i am i rates for me as a hairdresser, i am on the _ rates for me as a hairdresser, i am on the high — rates for me as a hairdresser, i am on the high street but unfortunately my business rates are at the low end to so— my business rates are at the low end to so even— my business rates are at the low end to so even though i am paying high street— to so even though i am paying high street prices, the grants that i got were _ street prices, the grants that i got were just — street prices, the grants that i got were just about able to help with the refurbishment. it wasn't even able to— the refurbishment. it wasn't even able to go— the refurbishment. it wasn't even able to go towards rent unfortunately. so having the grants frozen _ unfortunately. so having the grants frozen finau is definitely an asset

for me _ frozen finau is definitely an asset for me and — frozen finau is definitely an asset for me and if it was able to be extended _ for me and if it was able to be extended that will be a definite help extended that will be a definite heip for— extended that will be a definite help for me as one of the smaller businesses — help for me as one of the smaller businesses on the high street. there is that— businesses on the high street. there is that niche — businesses on the high street. there is that niche market of those who aren't— is that niche market of those who aren't above the 15,000 business rate bands— aren't above the 15,000 business rate bands but our rates are in excess — rate bands but our rates are in excess of _ rate bands but our rates are in excess of £24,000 so we still have to pay— excess of £24,000 so we still have to pay a _ excess of £24,000 so we still have to pay a considerable amount of it comes— to pay a considerable amount of it comes to — to pay a considerable amount of it comes to business rates. lauralyn, i have heard you say that there should be a lot of demand when people want to get back to salons. william, i know you hire suits for your business, clearly we are not back to big events yet like weddings and the races whatever events you can hire suits for but how optimistic are you at this point alongside those concerns you have outlined to us? do you manage to hold onto a bit of optimism about what later this year might look like

for you? what later this year might look like foryou? i what later this year might look like for ou? ., ., ., �* , for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fioohtin for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fighting so _ for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fighting so hard _ for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fighting so hard to _ for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fighting so hard to keep - for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fighting so hard to keep it - for you? i do. if not i wouldn't be fighting so hard to keep it going. | fighting so hard to keep it going. the higher market last year we did 10% what we did the year before. it absolutely destroyed. since the announcement of the path out of lockdown we have had a huge number of enquiries about wedding so i am very hopeful that will come back. the other big thing we need to happen italy so a lot of formal wear for events and for work so it will be really interesting to see what point offices start to go back as well because apple have a huge impact notjust in terms of what people are wearing but also seeing more people around the town and city centres. ~ ., more people around the town and city centres. . . ., more people around the town and city centres. . . . ., ., , centres. william and lauralyn, good to talk to both — centres. william and lauralyn, good to talk to both of _ centres. william and lauralyn, good to talk to both of you. _ centres. william and lauralyn, good to talk to both of you. all _ centres. william and lauralyn, good to talk to both of you. all the - centres. william and lauralyn, good to talk to both of you. all the very i to talk to both of you. all the very best of luck with your businesses as they reopen. the headlines on bbc news...

the duke of edinburgh has undergone a successful procedure for a pre—existing heart condition and will remain in hospital for a number of days the chancellor defends his plans to raise overall taxation to the highest level since the 1960s —— as he faces criticism for doing too little to tackle inequality: countries with more overweight people have had the highest death rates from covid—19, a report says —— as the government looks at a reward scheme to encourage people to lose weight. the united nations says 38 people have been killed during protests in myanmar. yesterday was the worst day of violence since the military coup last month. security forces opened fire on large crowds in several cities across the country, despite growing international condemnation. for the second day running, brazil has posted a record death toll...

for the second day running, brazil has posted a record death toll from covid—19. in the past 24 hours, 1,910 people have died from the virus — the country also registered more than 70,000 new cases. after the us — brazil is the worst—hit country in the world with more than a quarter of a million fatalities to date — and it's a situation that experts warn is going to get worse in the coming weeks. our south america correspondent katy watson now reports from sao paulo. brazil's grave—diggers are on the front line in this deepening crisis. witnesses to the growing number of dead, with no sign of any let up. hospitals right across the country are struggling to contain the virus. some patients are being transferred to different states to get treatment. up and down brazil, intensive care units are full. most experts agree that brazil never really came out of its first wave but the numbers are spiking again,

and much of the blame has been put on the new variant, so—called p1, originally found in the amazon, a variant that's since spread beyond brazil's orders. beyond brazil's borders. president bolsonaro has remained largely silent, only speaking out to criticise the media for creating panic. he has shunned lockdown measures and said people would die of hunger or depression if they were made to stay at home. it's a view that many people here share. translation: i'm worried, | but we have a lot of physical and psychological needs. we need to work, we need to go out on the street and make our money and earn our bread. with no leadership from the top, local politicians are taking measures to protect the people. from this weekend, sao paolo, the country's biggest and wealthiest state will partially shut down for two weeks, with only essential services remaining open. the governor made clear his disdain

for the way the president is handling the pandemic. translation: it is not - the media's fault, president, just as it is not the fault of your opponants, but not only are you incompetent in brazil, a pariah in the world, to have the humility to admit your failures, to admit that brazilians were buried because you are not able to do your duty, defending the lives and health of brazilians. this pandemic has become deeply political. not only that, but the combination of the new variant, a slow vaccination programme and no plan to steer the country out of crisis, means experts are warning the coming weeks are set to be even worse. fishermen on lake victoria in kenya have begun using some of africa's first electric fishing boats. battery—powered engines are being offered to tens of thousands of fishermen. our africa correspondent leila nathoo reports.

sunrise and these fishermen are making their way back to shore after a night out on the water. ready to sell their catch at the market. these slippery piles are the fruits of hours spent scouring the lake. some have been trying out a new way of getting around, using electric motors. translation: , ., motors. translation: , . , . translation: there is a difference but was with — translation: there is a difference but was with these _ translation: there is a difference but was with these motors - translation: there is a difference but was with these motors there - translation: there is a difference | but was with these motors there are fewer fumes but was with these motors there are fewerfumes in but was with these motors there are fewer fumes in the fumes get into your lungs so this is good and works well. she. your lungs so this is good and works well. �* .. ., , your lungs so this is good and works well. ., ,, ,, your lungs so this is good and works well. ., ,, well. a new canyou based business is winnin: well. a new canyou based business is winning support _ well. a new canyou based business is winning support here _ well. a new canyou based business is winning support here by _ well. a new canyou based business is winning support here by leasing - winning support here by leasing electric engines designed to be cleaner and more affordable than petrol ones. you can seejust cleaner and more affordable than petrol ones. you can see just how busyit petrol ones. you can see just how busy it is this morning. fishing is the main source of income for people living here. their livelihoods depend on it. so they welcome anything that make it a cheaper and more reliable activity. the company

delivers fully charged batteries to fishermen in the early evening. two will power the boat for the entire night. there is no worried about wasted fuel on occasions when fish is scarce. i wasted fuel on occasions when fish is scarce. ., ., wasted fuel on occasions when fish is scarce. . ., , ., , is scarce. i had a petrol engine but the problem _ is scarce. i had a petrol engine but the problem was _ is scarce. i had a petrol engine but the problem was it _ is scarce. i had a petrol engine but the problem was it kept _ is scarce. i had a petrol engine but the problem was it kept breaking i the problem was it kept breaking down _ the problem was it kept breaking down. with this one they repaired themselves so we can focus on preparing — themselves so we can focus on preparing our fishing trips while the rest — preparing our fishing trips while the rest is — preparing our fishing trips while the rest is covered by them. even if we don't _ the rest is covered by them. even if we don't get — the rest is covered by them. even if we don't get any fish, it is not a problem. — we don't get any fish, it is not a problem. it— we don't get any fish, it is not a problem, it isjust unlucky. so we don't get any fish, it is not a problem, it isjust unlucky. problem, it is 'ust unlucky. so far the electric— problem, it isjust unlucky. so far the electric engines _ problem, it isjust unlucky. so far the electric engines are _ problem, it isjust unlucky. so far the electric engines are powering | the electric engines are powering just a handful of boats like this but it is thought that around 60,000 make similarjourneys onto the lake each night. attracting the fish using lamps. pollution from petrol engines threatens the water they depend on and their emissions are harmful as well. technological progress could now offer the chance for change. progress could now offer the chance for chance. 1, , progress could now offer the chance forchanae. , . ., ., , for change. batteries technology, stora . e,

for change. batteries technology, storaae, it for change. batteries technology, storage. it is _ for change. batteries technology, storage, it is becoming _ for change. batteries technology, storage, it is becoming more - storage, it is becoming more affordable by the day. appliances such as a motor like this are becoming better and more reliable by the day, higher performing. we think all of these parts come together now and this is a really good spot to start. it and this is a really good spot to start. , ., , and this is a really good spot to start. , . ., start. it is a risky and labour-intensive - start. it is a risky and - labour-intensive business to start. it is a risky and _ labour-intensive business to earn a labour—intensive business to earn a living from these waters but electric motors could ease tensions in community like this one on the banks of africa's largest lake. leila nathoo, bbc news, lake victoria. as thousands of children dress up to mark world book day, campaigners are calling forfamilies, schools and nurseries to have books with more characters from black, asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. our community affairs correspondent adina campbell reports. dressing up as a favourite book characters. i dressing up as a favourite book characters-— characters. i am dressed up as fantastic mr _ characters. i am dressed up as fantastic mr fox, _ characters. i am dressed up as fantastic mr fox, my _ characters. i am dressed up as fantastic mr fox, my favourite | fantastic mr fox, my favourite character. fantastic mr fox, my favourite character-—

fantastic mr fox, my favourite character. . ., , ., ., character. world book day is one of the biggest — character. world book day is one of the biggest events _ character. world book day is one of the biggest events in _ character. world book day is one of the biggest events in the _ character. world book day is one of the biggest events in the school- the biggest events in the school character but campaigners think characters from asian ethnic minority backgrounds are not represented enough. we minority backgrounds are not represented enough. we don't see iconic roles. _ represented enough. we don't see iconic roles, charlie _ represented enough. we don't see iconic roles, charlie and _ represented enough. we don't see iconic roles, charlie and the - iconic roles, charlie and the chocolate _ iconic roles, charlie and the chocolate factory, alice in wonderland, they are amazing but they are _ wonderland, they are amazing but they are white. it would be great to see more _ they are white. it would be great to see more characters pushed into the iimeiight— see more characters pushed into the limelight so they could be more iconic— limelight so they could be more iconic and — limelight so they could be more iconic and more selection when it comes— iconic and more selection when it comes to — iconic and more selection when it comes to book day.— iconic and more selection when it comes to book day. despite a third of schoolchildren _ comes to book day. despite a third of schoolchildren from _ comes to book day. despite a third of schoolchildren from the - comes to book day. despite a third of schoolchildren from the uk - comes to book day. despite a third | of schoolchildren from the uk being from an ethnic minority backgrounds, latest figures show just 5% of all published children's book feature someone as a main character from one of these backgrounds. over the last 30 years, children two authors like trish kirk have been trying to increase representation. there is no

reason why — increase representation. there is no reason why black — increase representation. there is no reason why black characters - reason why black characters shouldn't be more prominent. in everyday— shouldn't be more prominent. in everyday life we have main roles, we notjust— everyday life we have main roles, we notjust a _ everyday life we have main roles, we not just a or — everyday life we have main roles, we not just a or supporting everyday life we have main roles, we notjust a or supporting role. the stories— notjust a or supporting role. the stories i'm — notjust a or supporting role. the stories i'm telling a universal stories. — stories i'm telling a universal stories, stories that happened to everyone — stories, stories that happened to everyone but i'm writing them from the point _ everyone but i'm writing them from the point of— everyone but i'm writing them from the point of view of a black writer to make — the point of view of a black writer to make sure these characters get out there — to make sure these characters get out there because they haven't been out there because they haven't been out there _ out there because they haven't been out there before. a out there because they haven't been out there before.— out there before. a third of children and _ out there before. a third of children and young - out there before. a third of children and young people| out there before. a third of. children and young people in out there before. a third of - children and young people in the uk say they are reading more during lockdown according to the national literacy trust will stop some businesses have seen a growth in sales. i businesses have seen a growth in sales. , . ., . ,, ., sales. i get such great feedback and oarents dm sales. i get such great feedback and parents dm me _ sales. i get such great feedback and parents dm me all— sales. i get such great feedback and parents dm me all the _ sales. i get such great feedback and parents dm me all the time - sales. i get such great feedback and parents dm me all the time to - sales. i get such great feedback and parents dm me all the time to say i parents dm me all the time to say thank you, that finally my child sees a character. i believe in a saying, "you cannot be what you cannot see. i feel like a lot of children now are seeing themselves as astronauts, politicians, they are realising they can literally be anything. realising they can literally be an hina. ., ,. ., anything. for some parents change has been too _

anything. for some parents change has been too slow. _ anything. for some parents change has been too slow. it _ anything. for some parents change has been too slow. it doesn't - anything. for some parents change has been too slow. it doesn't fairly| has been too slow. it doesn't fairly reflect the uk today. their message is clear. we reflect the uk today. their message is clear. ~ ., reflect the uk today. their message is clear. . . ., , is clear. we are raising the next generation. _ is clear. we are raising the next generation, then _ is clear. we are raising the next generation, then exchange - is clear. we are raising the next - generation, then exchange makers, the next business owners. in order for 20 years time for us to not be having this conversation, we need to start now, it starts with books. you watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again, another cloudy and chilly start to the day and as we go through the next few days we will hang on to a bit of cloud with some sunshine at times. fog in the morning, isolated showers and it will turn colder but it will be more settled and dry. this area of high pressure will drift across the uk and settle things down. we have this weather front today which is sinking down towards the south—west and what

it is doing is introducing patchy light rain, hill snow and brighter conditions behind it with this north—easterly feed coming in. ahead of it there is still a lot of cloud. some of the fog this morning is lifting into low cloud but there will be brighter breaks here and there as well. under the clouds temperatures hold up to nine or ten in the south—west. even though there are still some cloud in the north—east of england there isn't as much as i was so it won't feel quite as cold for you as it has done in recent days. the weather front drift towards the south—west with patchy rain overnight, there will be some clear skies overnight and that's where we will have low temperatures falling potentially 2—4 in parts of the highlands. some of us will wake up the highlands. some of us will wake up to tomorrow to a frost. this front takes charge of our weather and sits across the uk keeping things fine and settled in mostly dry. we start off on a drying out with a fair bit of sunshine but through the day a bit more cloud

will build and we will see that extend across many areas. it will still be a fine and dry day and bright with temperatures five in aberdein to seven or eight in the south. so we say goodbye to the double—figure temperatures for now. overnight it will be cold frosty, to bridges and parts of east anglia could fall as low as —4 so a cold start today but when we have clear will start with some sunshine. on saturday the clouds thicken from the west heralding the arrival of an atlantic weather front. this will herald a change in our weather as well. temperatures are five in aberdein to seven or eight as we push down towards london. into the weekend in the early part of next weekend in the early part of next week we start to see more of an atlantic influence coming our way so the weather will turn more unsettled. it will also mean it will become less cold with temperatures closer to average.

this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the duke of edinburgh has undergone a successful procedure for a pre—existing heart condition and will remain in hospital for a number of days. the duchess of sussex has accused the royal family of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and prince harry. i don't know how they could expect that after all this time we would stilljust be silent if there is an active role that the firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us. the uk chancellor defends his plans to raise overall taxation to the highest level since the 1960s — as he faces criticism for doing too little to tackle inequality this is a good way to raise money that we need because it's a