this is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. nurses prepare for strikes over a proposed pay rise of 1% this year. nhs staff who've worked through the pandemic say it's an insult. i thought this sort of, this time would prove, like, how valuable we were to, like, the system and stuff like that, but i feel like that hasn't been translated with this at all. elsewhere in the public sector, there's a pay freeze in place, and we've proposed what we think is affordable. a warm welcome as the pope becomes the first pontiff to visit iraq, despite covid and security fears. tracked down to south london after a five—day hunt nationwide, a mystery person infected with a concerning brazilian covid

variant has been traced. european countries condemn china's plans to tighten its grip on hong kong's electoral system. and as another sneak peek of the interview with harry and meghan is released, we'll be looking at the pulling power of oprah winfrey. two unions representing tens of thousands of health care workers are warning of possible strike action after the government suggested a 1% pay rise for most nhs workers in england. it has been branded an insult and hypocrisy in its greatest form around a million other public sector staff — including teachers, the armed forces, firefighters and police officers — are about to have their pay frozen for a year.

from westminster, our deputy political editor vicki young sent this report. the covid pandemic�*s taking its toll on nhs staff. definitely undervalued is i think what a lot of people are feeling now. the government suggesting a 1% pay rise. really sad, yeah, just very disappointed. alice and ella just two of the many nurses dismayed at today's news. and it's raising awkward questions for ministers. health secretary, you stood at that podium in may last year and said that nursing deserved fair reward. is a 1% rise fair? elsewhere in the public sector, there's a pay freeze in place, l and we've proposed what we think is affordable to make _ sure that, in the nhs, . people do get a pay rise. i bow to nobody in my| admiration for nurses. . in fact, i learnt that at the knee i of my grandmother, who was a nurse. the independent pay review body will look at a range of nhs workers' pay, including nurses.

their starting salary is almost £25,000. the government says newly qualified nurses have had a 12% rise over the last three years. the royal college of nursing says a nurse with average experience will be earning over £30,000. i thinkjust a deep sense of worry, really. but for holly, it's the future that worries her. the nhs won't return to normalfor a long time. we're demoralised, we're exhausted, we're fed up, and now i think people are actually quite angry and deeply, deeply worried for our patients. we know that waiting lists are incredibly high at the moment, and there's a big concern of how we're going to manage things when one in three nursing staff want to quit. 0ne nursing union has set up a strike fund in case they decide on industrial action. this was some of the reaction in birmingham today over the pay offer. i think at this time, we really need to be supporting the nhs, and the nurses in particular, who've done an absolutely amazing job.

they've had a bad experience, and they deserve a lot more than that. i in terms of strike action, i can see why they want to do it. it's probably not the best time to do it. i don't think they'd curry much favour with the public. economics in this country are as bad as they've ever been, so overall it's better than nothing. they deserve something. so, it's an offer which i feel should be accepted without the threat of a union strike. others have also worked through this pandemic, but most public sector workers will have their pay frozen. the labour leader says they all deserve a rise. the freeze on public sector pay is wrong. we've challenged - the government on it. i challenged them in the budget. response on it, and we'll continue to challenge them on it. so, you want pay rises for everyone. you don't want any tax rises. is that financially responsible? we have to have a plan| for the future to rebuild the foundations of our country. you don't do that by freezing - the pay of those on the front—line throughout this pandemic,

public sector workers. - the nhs response to this pandemic prompted an outpouring of gratitude from the public, and the decisions ministers make now over how staff are rewarded will be scrutinised extremely closely. vicki young, bbc news, westminster. let's try and break the numbers down in more detail with anita charlesworth, chief economist at the health foundation. that is an independent charity of health care policy provisions in the uk. thank you forjoining us. let's break the numbers down then. the headline about eight patent deal of i% headline about eight patent deal of i% for nurses is not quite tell the full story, does it? ha. 1% for nurses is not quite tell the full story, does it?— 1% for nurses is not quite tell the full story, does it? no. some nurses and staff will— full story, does it? no. some nurses and staff will get _ full story, does it? no. some nurses and staff will get a _ full story, does it? no. some nurses and staff will get a bit _ full story, does it? no. some nurses and staff will get a bit more - full story, does it? no. some nurses and staff will get a bit more than - and staff will get a bit more than that, about 27% in some cases. and staff who earned £24,000 or less will get a guarantee of £250. but it

remains eight patent deal which is at best in line with inflation. and that comes on the back of a decade in which health services earnings have not kept pace with inflation, so if you are an average earner in the nhs today, you are owed £600 less in real terms than you were out in 2011. and you have done worse than the average worker across the economy as a whole. and perhaps what really sticks for all of those staff is that the government's official economic forecast, the office for budget responsibility, expects earnings across the economy to grow by 2.4% next year so with the government is saying to the review bodyis government is saying to the review body is please make nhs earnings fall behind even further. their argument _ fall behind even further. their argument would _ fall behind even further. their argument would be _ fall behind even further. their argument would be there - fall behind even further. their argument would be there are | fall behind even further. their argument would be there are other public sector workers like the police for example who are not getting any pay increase at all. and this is going to be especially economically challenging times

ahead. �* ., , , ,, ahead. and undoubtedly the nhs pay deal is a huge — ahead. and undoubtedly the nhs pay deal is a huge cost _ ahead. and undoubtedly the nhs pay deal is a huge cost to _ ahead. and undoubtedly the nhs pay deal is a huge cost to the _ ahead. and undoubtedly the nhs pay deal is a huge cost to the public- deal is a huge cost to the public purse. the health service is people who work in it and a big chunk of the nhs budget, the biggest chunk of government budget, goes on pay and 1% government budget, goes on pay and i% costs nearly half £1 million. so we would lose a lot of money. but you also have a think that if we cannot recruit and retain nhs staff notjust next cannot recruit and retain nhs staff not just next year cannot recruit and retain nhs staff notjust next year but going forward for several years, we will not be able to recover our health service and will not pay to have the sort of resilient health service that withstood us in much greater stead when covid—i9 hit the country. surely over the last year we have learned that if we scrimp on health care, then there is an economic price to be paid. i5 care, then there is an economic price to be paid.— price to be paid. is there an economic— price to be paid. is there an economic price _ price to be paid. is there an economic price to _ price to be paid. is there an economic price to pay - price to be paid. is there an economic price to pay in - price to be paid. is there an i economic price to pay in terms price to be paid. is there an - economic price to pay in terms of brexit? you mentioned recruitment and retention there. is it your understanding that because of brexit there is going to be a huge impact

in terms of recruiting a medical workforce here in the uk? it is certainly the — workforce here in the uk? it is certainly the case _ workforce here in the uk? it is certainly the case that - workforce here in the uk? it 3 certainly the case that for many decades we have been rely on international workers. and actually the government's plans are that we need 5000 a year more to come in over the next four orfive need 5000 a year more to come in over the next four or five years. the numbers coming in from the eu have fallen sharply, but before covid—i9 stopped to travel, we were seeing that people were coming from other parts of the world. globally there is a big increase in the demand for health care workers, and supplied and is not keeping up with that. so there is an international race to secure health care workers and ethical issues long—term about whether it is right to take people who have been trained in other countries, where that country has invested heavily in the training, often low income countries. so the right strategy in the uk is to train enough people in the uk to work and support the nhs in the uk and that

will mean you have to make sure that pay is competitive. not the only factor to do with a good job, having a worklife balance, all those issues, feeling valued, they really matter but the biggest concern about this is it sends a message to so that they don't feel valued as your piece showed. that they don't feel valued as your piece showed-— that they don't feel valued as your iece showed. ., ~ i. . ., piece showed. thank you so much for shafinu piece showed. thank you so much for sharing your — piece showed. thank you so much for sharing your thoughts _ piece showed. thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with _ piece showed. thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. - pope francis has urged iraq's different religious communities to join together in a journey towards peace at the start of the first ever papal visit to the country. it has been described as his most risky foreign trip. there are rising security concerns in the country, and its coronavirus case numbers have been surging. but the pope said he felt obliged to visit a place that had suffered so much. the pope says it is a special trip and he is encouraging people to practice their faith, hope and charity in iraqi society. translation: i express my deep gratitude to the president, -

mr salih, for the kind invitation and the warm welcoming words that he kindly addressed to me, also on behalf of the authorities and his beloved people. i would like equally to greet all the members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the social society. i also greet affectionately all bishops, all religious... all priests, bishops, nuns... priests and nuns. and as i'm coming here as a pilgrim to encourage them to express and practise their faith, hope and charity in the iraqi society. 0ur correspondent mark lowen is following the pope's tour. he sent this update from baghdad. well, this is a trip as historic as it is risky — the first ever visit to iraq by a pope, to a country that is central to the christian faith, the birthplace of the prophet

abraham. risky, of course, because of the security concerns, the interreligious and sectarian conflict that have long torn through this country, but also of course because of the coronavirus pandemic, with iraq seeing new daily highs and infection rates. today, the pope met the president and prime minister of iraq. he urged the country to strengthen its democracy. the president of iraq thanked pope francis for coming here, particularly he said at a time when many would advise him not to come because of the pandemic. he's also meeting leaders and members of the dwindling and persecuted christian minority. and then on saturday, he holds a hugely important meeting with the top shia cleric, grand ayatollah ali al—sistani. so, it is a meeting over the next three days, a trip over the next three days, that is as rich with symbolism as it is fraught with danger.

myanmar�*s military rulers are facing further international condemnation at a un security council meeting in new york as protesters continue to defy the army's attempts to crush opposition. the un human rights investigator on myanmar has called for targeted sanctions and a global arms embargo on the country. this comes as reports from myanmar say police opened fire on protesters in the second city, mandalay, killing one person. these are some of the latest pictures of security forces using teargas against protesters in the city of dawei. rallies have been taking place in towns and cities across the country despite the rising threat to protesters. 38 protesters were killed on thursday. china's top lawmaking body, the national people's congress, has formally unveiled plans to ensure all candidates standing for hong kong's assembly to be approved by a committee whose members would be loyal to beijing. the european union has sharply criticised china's plans to tighten its grip on hong kong's electoral system, claiming

the changes would undermine freedoms and democracy. 0ur correspondent in beijing, stephen mcdonell, sent this report. nearly 3000 delegates are in the chinese capital to rubber stamp initiatives already approved by the upper echelons of the communist party. and over the next week, the many challenges this country is facing will be presented in various forms. however, one issue is set to dominate the news — the complete overhaul of hong kong's electoral system, a change which will remove even limited opposition from formal politics in the city. the chinese government says there's nothing wrong with this because only patriotic hong kongers should be allowed to hold office anyway. translation: we will stay true to the spirits of the principle - of "one country, two systems", and reach the people of hong kong, administer hong kong. this change will be ushered in without even a hint of dissent here.

but why rebuild an electoral system already rigged in favour of your allies? it could be because of the shock result in the most recent local council elections, when pro—democracy teams seized control of all but one municipality. so, under the new rules, not just anybody will be able to stand for election in hong kong. they must first be vetted by an election committee controlled by beijing. the same committee will also directly appoint a large proportion of the city's mini—parliament, the legislative council. it'll be almost impossible for any candidate advocating democratic change to be elected. the chinese communist party is trying to annihilate the electoral system of hong kong, and its proposal is moving backwards in terms of its openness and fairness. and it has become an extremely autocratic election system. here in the chinese capital, the central government is rapidly changing the very nature of hong kong.

for party loyalists, they're celebrating rolling victories over a rebellious city that needed to be brought under control. there's not even the slightest bit of acknowledgement that ever—deteriorating freedoms there seem to show a breach of promises made at the time of handover. loyalty to the motherland is paramount. nothing else is getting a look in. stephen mcdonell, bbc news, beijing. let's get more on this. i'm joined by drjane duckett, director of the scottish centre for china research. thank you forjoining us. the timing of this, what did you make of that? it is quite extraordinary that this is a central part of the announcement regarding members of the assembly in the improvement of a committee to be enshrined in law. i think the timing is all around the

chinese political cycle actually. the national... is a way of the chinese government kind of in some ways trying to stick to the letter of the constitutional arrangements around hong kong. so the national people's congress, which is the chinese legislature for the whole of the republic, that is meeting now and that if the body with the power to make changes in relation to hong kong. so it's kind of important that the npc itself is the body to announce this and to make that. that's all you're seeing the announcement now right at the start of this current two weeks of the meeting of this body. to the national people's congress meets for two weeks every year. last year, it announced it would introduce a national security law in hong kong, which it did and we have sinned repercussions of that. this year they are now moving to the electoral system and i think that's the reason for it. they are also of course keen to ensure that changes are in place ahead of a series of elections which

are scheduled over the next year in hong kong. and wanting to make sure that they have these new institutions in place before then. the outcome of this is again quite something when we think about what the pro—democracy groups are saying and their criticism of it. what do you think that response is likely to be? ., ., . , you think that response is likely to be? ., ., ,, ., be? pro-democracy groups in hong kona are be? pro-democracy groups in hong kong are already — be? pro-democracy groups in hong kong are already starting _ be? pro-democracy groups in hong kong are already starting to - be? pro-democracy groups in hong kong are already starting to say - kong are already starting to say this is just yet another rolling back of democracy and institutions and conventions of the basic law in their view. so it really is another way of just cutting their view. so it really is another way ofjust cutting back their power. what listeners probably need to understand is probably that there is it legislature that i have been thinking about in beijing, hong kong has its own legislature, and in that there has been quite a strong pro—democracy and sort of

anti—people's republic of china tightening up of control group of legislators. and under the current system, they could have and it was possible for them to perhaps win greater support and perhaps we control or at least be able to sometimes strategically have control over certain decisions. so these moves are an attempt to reduce that ability and to weaken those legislators and to basically make them a smaller subset, a smaller minority in the hong kong legislature. so obviously they are going to be unhappy about that. indeed, a tightening of the grip of power there. the european union have come out say this undermines freedoms and democracy. when the international community are looking on here, what are the options in terms of helping to kind of promote some kind of democratic message to those that might be seeking help

from the international community in hong kong? it’s from the international community in hong kong?— hong kong? it's really difficult because the — hong kong? it's really difficult because the louder _ hong kong? it's really difficult because the louder the - hong kong? it's really difficult - because the louder the international community protests, the more the beijing leadership can say that this is for interference and it is an infringement on their sovereignty. so it is a really difficult thing to do and it is very difficult to have leverage over beijing, over china because it's a big economy. so introducing economic sanctions is probably not an option, i would say. thank you so much for being with us. we have run out of time and have to leave it there. thank you, doctor. a mystery sixth person who was infected with the concerning brazilian variant has been found following a five—day search. the news comes as coronavirus infection rates continue to fall across the uk. the number of deaths is falling sharply, too. our health correspondent catherine burns reports. dinner lady, teacherand mum —

lucy has been home—schooling her children since term started nine weeks ago. now, it's over, and it's fair to say they've got mixed feelings. it's the end of home school. no! i don't want to go back to school! what i'm most excited about is being iable to see my teachers and friendsl again and being able to play with them. . so, what's this question? primary and secondary school children in england will be swapping the kitchen table for the classroom on monday. the rest of the uk is taking things more gradually. slightly nervous about everyone going back next week, a little bit apprehensive, to be honest. this has been a strange time. when term or home—schooling started, figures from the office for national statistics suggested that about one in 50 people across the uk would've tested positive for coronavirus. by the end of january, cases had fallen to one in 65. and now, another drop,

to one in 230 people. schools going back is the first step towards things opening up, and authorities will be keeping a close eye to see what kind of impact it has. one possibility is that the fall in infections will begin to slow down. another is that new cases could begin to rise, potentially pushing up the r number, how the virus spreads, up by 30%. but the vaccine roll—out means that isn't necessarily a huge problem. until now, high infection levels have inevitably meant high numbers in hospital and then high deaths, but as the vaccines have more impact, that link has been broken. and now, a covid mystery has been solved. on sunday, authorities announced that six people in the uk had tested positive for a worrying variant of coronavirus linked to brazil, but they didn't know who the sixth person was because they hadn't managed to register their test properly. authorities narrowed it down to 10,000 people, and then again to a few hundred.

at this point, enhanced contract tracing kicked in, with call handlers calling, e—mailing and phoning all of the individuals that could've received a test in that time. these calls narrowed it down to 27 individuals. now we know that the man lives in croydon in south london. he'd recently come back from brazil and had quarantined at home, but there will be extra testing to make sure it hasn't spread any further. catherine burns, bbc news. the duke of edinburgh has been transferred back to london's king edward vii hospital after his heart procedure this week.

prince philip, who's 99, was taken by ambulance from st bartholomew's hospital, where he underwent the procedure on a pre—existing condition on wednesday. the duchess of sussex says she feels "liberated" now that she and prince harry can make their own choices without the royal family. millions of people around the world are expected to watch the couple's interview when it's broadcast on monday. daniela relph has been looking at the power of oprah winfrey. "would you please give me an interview?" and you said... for three years, oprah winfrey has pursued this interview. finally we get to sit down and have this conversation. well... for the duchess of sussex, talking to oprah a sign that the restrictions of royal life have lifted. it's really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege, in some ways, to be able to say, "yes, i'm ready to talk." and to say it for yourself. to say it for yourself. and not to have to consult with anybody at this point. yeah, to be able tojust make a choice on your own and just be able to speak for yourself. meghan and harry are just the latest in a long line of high—profile confessionals. when people make up stories that i don't want to be - who i am, it hurts me. oprah winfrey got cyclist lance armstrong to finally come clean. yes or no, did you ever take banned substances to enhance your cycling performance?

yes. and she's previously persuaded royalty to bear their soul. it was so hard because the last bride up that aisle was me. - news anchor and war correspondent christiane amanpour has been interviewed by oprah winfrey. she says her interview style is perfect for drawing out royal revelations. there's been a bit of chat that perhaps she isn't going to be the most challenging interviewer for harry and meghan, particularly cos there is a sort of friendship, a personal friendship, there. but i wonder if that's underestimating oprah a bit. she's not an investigative reporter, she's not a pit bull, _ she's not massively aggressive. but if you look back and see - the interviews she's done, oprah has been able to get the answers. iand i think it's unfair to suggestl that sitting down with her for two hours is an easy ride. welcome to the show! oprah winfrey is a media powerhouse. for 25 years, the oprah winfrey show was a phenomenon, the most—watched

chat show in tv history. we're going to take a break! she is now a media executive worth an estimated £1.8 billion. and that oprah brand provides meghan and harry with an influential platform. oprah is the most powerful woman in america. she's also the wealthiest black woman in america. it's great for them to be aligned with her because she can really give a lot of guidance to them in navigating life as public figures in america. you wanted a—list, we're going to give you a—list. oprah winfrey was a guest at harry and meghan's wedding, so there will be a familiarity for this interview. the timing is also sensitive, with the duke of edinburgh still in hospital and royal relationships strained. but oprah is an expert at dealing with family dramas. daniela relph, bbc news.

you are watching bbc news. stay with us. back with the headlines next. hello there. the weekend is nearly upon us now, and it doesn't look that bad. it's going to stay mainly dry thanks to a big area of high pressure which will be sitting overhead. it's going to be chilly, though, both by day and by night. we could see some frost and fog in places, but we should see a bit of sunshine, too. i can't promise wall—to—wall sunshine, though, cos underneath this high, there's some cold air trapped into it, like i mentioned, but also quite a bit of cloud, too. we will have variable amounts of cloud through tonight, thickest cloud across the north and the west of the uk, where here, we could see the odd spot of rain. the odd shower elsewhere towards the east coast, which could be wintry in nature, but for most, dry with some clear skies, and that's going to allow for pretty widespread frost to develop. lows down to —3, maybe —4 celsius across parts of england and wales. as we start saturday, we notice that cold frosty start, but bright with some sunshine around.

there will be variable amounts of cloud, too, a little bits of early mist and fog. through the afternoon, it could be that the cloud tends to build through the day, so some places turning a little bit grayer. a few spots of rain for the north west of scotland, most places dry but chilly, temperatures of 5—7 degrees. and then saturday night, it's going to be another cold one. particularly where skies are clear, we'll see further frost and also some fog to greet us for sunday morning. but again, some in england and wales will start cold, bit of sunshine and then start to see the cloud building up into the afternoon. for the north and west of scotland, though, slight changes taking place here. with a weather front pushing, going it's to turn windier with outbreaks of rain and the temperatures lifting by a degree or so, highs of 8—9 degrees. as we head on into next week, for monday, it starts to turn more unsettled across the north west of the uk. further south, our area of high pressure is ebbing away. but it will still bring another fine, pretty chilly day to large parts of england and wales. a little bit of sunshine, then the cloud builds up again into the afternoon.

for scotland, northern ireland, though, here, breezier, cloudier with outbreaks of rain. temperatures reaching 9—10 degrees, tending to stay around 6—8 for england and wales. and then as we move out of monday into the middle part of next week, it turns very unsettled. the potential of some deep areas of low pressure sweeping in to bring some spells of rain and gales. and for a time, certainly around the middle parts of the week, we'll see a blast of milder air moving up from the south—west before things potentially turning colder by the end of the week. so, turning much more unsettled as we move through the week, with spells of wet and windy weather for all of us.

this is bbc world news. the headlines... pope francis has urged different religious communities to come together in a journey towards peace. at the start of the first ever visit to the country, he called for an interim —— end to violence. rulers are facing further international condemnation at a un security council meeting in new york as protesters continue to defy the army's attends to crush the competition. the world should they were revealed by the national people's congress. in the latest

clip from her forthcoming people's congress. in the latest clip from herforthcoming interview with oprah, the duchess of success says he feels liberated that she and prince harry can make their own choices about the royal family —— thus duchess of sussex. more than a million nhs workers have now had the covid vaccine in england, but there are still tens of thousands who haven't. london in particular stands out — more than 20% of staff our health editor hugh pym reports on efforts to vaccinate nhs staff who may be hesitant. it's a vaccine promotional video with a difference — an nhs trust reaching out to its own staff via social media in a range of languages. here at hampshire hospitals, they are preparing for the next consignment of the vaccine doses. 90% of staff have had their first dose, and management are trying to talk to the others

who still haven't had a jab. we're making sure that we're having individual conversations with people who haven't had it to really understand why, and if it is around misinformation, we're making sure that we correct that. three senior staff are working as vaccine champions, and they're addressing the concerns they hear. they're working with colleagues at the three hospitals in the trust. it's notjust our diverse communities that have had concerns about the vaccine. the are the other non—bame communities as well, but also our eastern european contacts and colleagues have also expressed some concerns in a similar fashion, but we're trying to share the message that it is safe. i've had the vaccine myself, i have recommended my family to take the vaccine. ministers are now actively reviewing whether vaccination should be compulsory for nhs staff. it'll be a tricky decision. they'll have to weigh up boosting public confidence but also

whether such a move would alienate or antagonise staff. a gp at a surgery in hereford wrote to her local mp saying it was her personal choice not to have the vaccine, and she'd quit if she was made to have it. one nurse at a different practice, who didn't want to be identified, told me why she wouldn't be vaccinated. if i'm vaccinating people, i'm at risk myself of getting covid, and that's my responsibility. senior health leaders are saying it's your professional responsibility, and other nhs staff, to have the vaccine. they can say that, but to me, that would be against my human rights. it's forcing me into doing something, where i should be able to make my own decision. doctor monica alabi is a gp in luton running extra vaccination clinics for local people. a couple of her practice staff have been hesitant, but she says persuasion

is the answer, not compulsion. there has to be dialogue, and you have to trust the local leaders to deal with this rather than mandating it from the top. it can have unintended consequences. we don't want to lose staff, we don't want to lose people from the nhs. we are a struggling workforce as it is. vaccination rates among care home staff are lower than in the nhs. the review will consider that, and the calls which have been made for further intervention. hugh pym, bbc news. infection rates are continuing to fall across the uk, according to the office for national statistics. the data suggests the number of people with the virus fell by about a third last week. let's speak to professor deirdre hollingsworth, who's an infectious disease modeller at the university of oxford. she's also a member of the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling, which advises the government. but she's speaking to us this afternoon in a personal capacity. thank you so much for being with us.

we know the numbers are falling. give us your assessment of where we are at, because the numbers are falling across the uk but not necessarily in every area, are they? that's true. the general message is really, the numbers are continuing to fall and the estimates of the r8, the number of infections that each individual causes, is now 0.7 —— the r rate. there's quite a lot of variability across the uk. there are plenty of areas in the uk where the number of cases is still above a hundred per 100,000, so we've still got a way to go. hundred per100,000, so we've still got a way to 90-— hundred per 100,000, so we've still got a way to go. when you say we've not a wa got a way to go. when you say we've got a way to _ got a way to go. when you say we've got a way to go. — got a way to go. when you say we've got a way to go. can _ got a way to go. when you say we've got a way to go, can you _ got a way to go. when you say we've got a way to go, can you elaborate? | got a way to go, can you elaborate? where are we at in terms of... lots of people are saying there's light at the end of the tunnel, but how many more months or be looking at? i think the road map that's been put out is cautious because it allows us

to evaluate the impact of opening schools. we're going to need to see what happens over the next few weeks, and then see what happens as weeks, and then see what happens as we do the next bit of opening. it's going to take until the summer to get levels really low and have a reasonable quality of life. i5 get levels really low and have a reasonable quality of life. is the o enin: reasonable quality of life. is the opening up _ reasonable quality of life. is the opening up going _ reasonable quality of life. is the opening up going to _ reasonable quality of life. is the opening up going to set - reasonable quality of life. is the opening up going to set things i reasonable quality of life. is the opening up going to set things back in terms of having a quality of life? ~ ., , ., in terms of having a quality of life? ~ .,, ., . in terms of having a quality of life? .,, ., . .,, in terms of having a quality of life? ., . �*, in terms of having a quality of life? ., . life? we hope not. we hope there's a wa of life? we hope not. we hope there's a way of managing _ life? we hope not. we hope there's a way of managing great _ life? we hope not. we hope there's a way of managing great levels - life? we hope not. we hope there's a way of managing great levels of- way of managing great levels of social interaction while keeping the r rate low, and schools are top priority. that's the first move which is happening this weekend and lots of people are really excited to be going back to school, and schools are working really hard to make sure that there won't be transmission in those schools, so i think there's lots of reasons.— those schools, so i think there's lots of reasons. what's driving the thou . ht lots of reasons. what's driving the thought process _ lots of reasons. what's driving the thought process in _ lots of reasons. what's driving the thought process in terms - lots of reasons. what's driving the thought process in terms of - thought process in terms of reopening the a comedy —— the

economy? are we thinking we have to have regular testing? are we thinking more about the vaccine roll—out in order to make sure that some kind of normality will come back to our life? i some kind of normality will come back to our life?— back to our life? i think it's got to be a combination _ back to our life? i think it's got to be a combination of - back to our life? i think it's got to be a combination of all - back to our life? i think it's got| to be a combination of all those things. there's never going to be a silver bullet for any infectious disease. it's always combination. we don't know how... in terms of effects, but there are lots of reasons to think it will be very impactful. we will see what's going to happen, so combination of the vaccine, people maintaining some level of covid safety in their behaviour. hopefully we can start to open up a little bit.— open up a little bit. people are thinkin: open up a little bit. people are thinking about _ open up a little bit. people are thinking about dates, - open up a little bit. people are thinking about dates, of - open up a little bit. people are. thinking about dates, of course, which is normal when the government is telling us about pubs reopening

or going back to school, but when you say that, we're thinking about the summer. do you think there could be a situation where we will have to pause and call back some of the changes implemented? we pause and call back some of the changes implemented? we hope not. i think we've learned _ changes implemented? we hope not. i think we've learned an _ changes implemented? we hope not. i think we've learned an awful _ changes implemented? we hope not. i think we've learned an awful lot - changes implemented? we hope not. i think we've learned an awful lot as - think we've learned an awful lot as individuals. we've learned to live our lives in a different way and we've learned to meet people outside in the summer, hopefully will be much easier like it was last summer. so, i don't think we're going to go back to where we were injanuary, february last year because we've changed as individuals. it'll take us a while to get back to the types of behaviour we had a year ago, and so we would love to go back to exactly how it was, but we just have to take it gradually. exactly how it was, but we 'ust have to take it graduallyh to take it gradually. thank you so much for your— to take it gradually. thank you so much for your considered - to take it gradually. thank you so l much for your considered thoughts to take it gradually. thank you so - much for your considered thoughts on that. both cyprus and portugal say they hope to welcome vaccinated british tourists from may when travel restrictions may be lifted in england.

it's not clear how vaccine status would be proved, and some government ministers say it's too soon to book overseas holidays. from monday anyone leaving england will have to fill out a form to say why they're travelling. our transport correspondent caroline davies looks at how the industry is gearing up for the summer. the run—through well before the runway. while many of easyjet�*s planes aren't going to carry passengers yet, many are stored on the tarmac, waiting. staff training has continued during the pandemic, putting pilots in simulators... facemasks are required to be worn at all times. ..and cabin crew through mock scenarios. while airports sit almost empty. scotland, wales and northern ireland are yet to set a date on when international travel might return, but the prime minister's road map for england means that things are already starting to change here in gatwick. since the announcement, we've started work on returning all our colleagues back to work. the timescales around bringing the numbers of people back

in the volumes of equipment and restarting the infrastructure, it takes time. it's not something that can be switched on overnight. the industry is desperate to welcome passengers back up the steps and into international travel again, but the question is, where will they be going to? how do other countries feel about having british tourists back? some are already working on their plans. cyprus has announced that they'll welcome british tourists as soon as the uk will allow them to go. everybody is going to be able to fly from the uk to cyprus, as long as they have the necessary tests, and no matter what the case, there will be no quarantines unless, of course, you test positive when you get here. they say that vaccinated british travellers can come to cyprus without a test at all from may if the uk allows them to fly. portugal is currently on the uk's red list, meaning anyone arriving from there in the uk has to go into hotel quarantine up their own expense, but the tourism minister is optimistic about may, too. for the time being, non—essential

travel needs to be restricted, but we do believe that portugal will soon allow restriction free travel, not only for vaccinated people but for those that are immune or test negative, and that will happen soon, a couple of months, maybe may, early may, we'll have everything ready to enable british people to come and visit the country, for sure. going on holiday is still illegal, and from monday, anyone travelling will have to carry a form which says their trip is permitted. there are no government guarantees that trips to cyprus, portugal or any other country will be possible from the 17th of may. after a year of crushingly low passenger numbers, the industry is holding its breath and hoping that the summer will save them. caroline davies, bbc news. the government have announced a £79 million fund for children's and young people's mental health services in england which were disrupted during the pandemic. mental health charities have cauthiously welcomed the boost in funding. one in six young people in the uk are estimated

to have a mental health problem. with me is paul farmer, chief executive of the mental health charity, mind. and i'm alsojoined by 18—year—old saadia from south wales, who is a volunteer for mind. she was part of group of young people who today spoke with the prime minister about young people's mental health. welcome to both of you. thank you so much for being with us. saadia, let's start with you. how is your meeting today and what was said? i think it was a success. it was honestly very great to just be able to share our message across and also amplify the voices of so many young people. so, yeah, it was great, thank you so much. did people. so, yeah, it was great, thank you so much.— people. so, yeah, it was great, thank you so much. did the prime minister get _ thank you so much. did the prime minister get what _ thank you so much. did the prime minister get what you're - thank you so much. did the prime minister get what you're saying i thank you so much. did the prime| minister get what you're saying do you think? minister get what you're saying do ou think? ., , ~ you think? yeah, i definitely think we were able _ you think? yeah, i definitely think we were able to _ you think? yeah, i definitely think we were able to get _ you think? yeah, i definitely think we were able to get our _ you think? yeah, i definitely think we were able to get our words - you think? yeah, i definitely think. we were able to get our words across to him. it’s we were able to get our words across to him. �* , , ., to him. it's interesting, paul, we talk about— to him. it's interesting, paul, we talk about the _ to him. it's interesting, paul, we talk about the amount _ to him. it's interesting, paul, we

talk about the amount the - to him. it's interesting, paul, we - talk about the amount the government has pledged today. we said in our introduction that charities have been cautiously welcoming his announcement. what's your reaction to it? ~ ~ ., ., to it? well, we know that as the -h sical to it? well, we know that as the physical health _ to it? well, we know that as the physical health dimension - to it? well, we know that as the physical health dimension of - to it? well, we know that as the l physical health dimension of covid received. — physical health dimension of covid received, the consequences of it becoming — received, the consequences of it becoming ever more clear. that's particularly — becoming ever more clear. that's particularly true of young people. we know — particularly true of young people. we know that some estimates suggest that the _ we know that some estimates suggest that the number of people who now... young _ that the number of people who now... young people with a mental health problem _ young people with a mental health problem have shifted to one in eight to one _ problem have shifted to one in eight to one and _ problem have shifted to one in eight to one and six, so it's really important _ to one and six, so it's really important to see this accelerated in of investment into young people's support— of investment into young people's support for the nhs, and that is welcome, — support for the nhs, and that is welcome, but we also need to see an equivalent— welcome, but we also need to see an equivalent of support from the department for education. so, that's both what— department for education. so, that's both what young people who are struggling with potential mental health— struggling with potential mental health problems, get the help and support— health problems, get the help and support they need. that's what it was important that the prime minister— was important that the prime minister listened to saadia and other— minister listened to saadia and

other volunteers.— minister listened to saadia and other volunteers. saadia, i can see ou other volunteers. saadia, i can see you nodding- _ other volunteers. saadia, i can see you nodding. how— other volunteers. saadia, i can see you nodding. how important- other volunteers. saadia, i can see you nodding. how important is- other volunteers. saadia, i can see you nodding. how important is it . other volunteers. saadia, i can see l you nodding. how important is it for you nodding. how important is it for you to make sure your voice is heard, but also the voices of many of the people that you represent today when you spoke to the prime minister? , �* , , today when you spoke to the prime minister? , �*, , ., minister? yes, it's very important because at _ minister? yes, it's very important because at the — minister? yes, it's very important because at the end _ minister? yes, it's very important because at the end of _ minister? yes, it's very important because at the end of the - minister? yes, it's very important because at the end of the day, . minister? yes, it's very important | because at the end of the day, this funding that the government has now put in is for young people, so we need to be at the front of that conversation. we need to be able to influence those very, very important decisions because at the end of the day, it's our lives. that's our mental well—being, so it is very, very important that we're involved in that process.— in that process. there's probably one thing that _ in that process. there's probably one thing that you, _ in that process. there's probably one thing that you, i _ in that process. there's probably one thing that you, i and - in that process. there's probably one thing that you, i and paul i in that process. there's probably i one thing that you, i and paul share in common, the time and our lives where we had challenges with our mental health. i know you've been very open about what you have gone through. if you wouldn't mind, could you just share with our viewers some

of your own experiences and really what it means in terms of communicating what mental health is all about? ., , communicating what mental health is allabout? . , all about? yeah, definitely. so, when i all about? yeah, definitely. so, when i first— all about? yeah, definitely. so, when i first started _ all about? yeah, definitely. so, when i first started my - all about? yeah, definitely. so, when i first started my gcses i all about? yeah, definitely. so, j when i first started my gcses at all about? yeah, definitely. so, i when i first started my gcses at the age of 15, i put a lot of pressure on myself and so i ended up suffering a lot with anxiety. i actually had my first anxiety attack in school. it was a very nice. however, i was very fortunate to have the support from my school and they supported me —— it wasn't very nice. i was able to understand what mental health was and how important it was for me to look after my well—being while studying for my exams. so, now i'm in a position where my well—being is my responsibility and i 100% acknowledge that, so i put in the right steps and i use whatever

tools, the best tools, to ensure that i'm looking after myself and i put myself first and my mental well—being for. it’s put myself first and my mental well-being for.— put myself first and my mental well-being for. it's really pleasing to hear that _ well-being for. it's really pleasing to hear that your _ well-being for. it's really pleasing to hear that your school _ well-being for. it's really pleasing to hear that your school is - to hear that your school is supportive of what you were going through as well. paul, this is clearly... this has to be rolled out nationwide. the schools have the support system to offer many young people like saadia, but also the provisions that they can really support. provisions that they can really su ort. , ~ provisions that they can really su--ort. , ~ ., �*, support. yes, i think that's absolutely _ support. yes, i think that's absolutely right. _ support. yes, i think that's absolutely right. i - support. yes, i think that's absolutely right. i think- support. yes, i think that's absolutely right. i think of| support. yes, i think that's| absolutely right. i think of a recent— absolutely right. i think of a recent years, we started to see schools _ recent years, we started to see schools and the nhs and local authorities working much more closely— authorities working much more closely together, so in some parts of the _ closely together, so in some parts of the country, we've heard people do get _ of the country, we've heard people do get these experiences but we know for lots _ do get these experiences but we know for lots of— do get these experiences but we know for lots of that still very rare. we know _ for lots of that still very rare. we know how — for lots of that still very rare. we know how important it is to reach out and _ know how important it is to reach out and offer people help and support— out and offer people help and support and those very early days when _ support and those very early days when somebody might be struggling with poor— when somebody might be struggling with poor mental health. so, that

system _ with poor mental health. so, that system needs to be in place so that wherever _ system needs to be in place so that wherever you are in the country, somebody— wherever you are in the country, somebody gets the right kind of help and support. we're still playing catch _ and support. we're still playing catch up— and support. we're still playing catch up with a very long period when _ catch up with a very long period when young people's mental health services _ when young people's mental health services weren't very well—funded, so i services weren't very well—funded, so i think— services weren't very well—funded, so i think the importance of this new funding is it accelerates the bil new funding is it accelerates the big plan— new funding is it accelerates the big plan for making sure that more young _ big plan for making sure that more young people get the help and support— young people get the help and support they need, and that now needs— support they need, and that now needs to — support they need, and that now needs to be supported by really enabling — needs to be supported by really enabling people in schools, whether that's— enabling people in schools, whether that's teachers or support staff or parents _ that's teachers or support staff or parents to— that's teachers or support staff or parents to also be able to provide... spot the signs for people who might — provide... spot the signs for people who might be struggling with their mental— who might be struggling with their mental health. how who might be struggling with their mental health.— mental health. how important is that, paul? _ mental health. how important is that, paul? we're _ mental health. how important is that, paul? we're talking - mental health. how important is that, paul? we're talking about| mental health. how important is| that, paul? we're talking about a pandemic? it’s that, paul? we're talking about a andemic? �*, , ., , ., that, paul? we're talking about a andemic? �*, , ., . pandemic? it's usually important. we know that during _ pandemic? it's usually important. we know that during the _ pandemic? it's usually important. we know that during the first _ pandemic? it's usually important. we know that during the first phase i pandemic? it's usually important. we know that during the first phase of i know that during the first phase of lockdown — know that during the first phase of lockdown that many, many young people _ lockdown that many, many young people really struggled with their mental— people really struggled with their mental health, and in fact, we started — mental health, and in fact, we started to _ mental health, and in fact, we started to see a really worrying rise in — started to see a really worrying rise in increased referrals into the nhs over—

rise in increased referrals into the nhs over recent months, particularly for young _ nhs over recent months, particularly for young people with eating disorders. we've seen a very large rise in_ disorders. we've seen a very large rise in referrals as a result of that, — rise in referrals as a result of that, and _ rise in referrals as a result of that, and i_ rise in referrals as a result of that, and i think that's the consequences of the pandemic. there's— consequences of the pandemic. there's so— consequences of the pandemic. there's so many young people, it's been _ there's so many young people, it's been incredibly tough, for all of us, but — been incredibly tough, for all of us, but for— been incredibly tough, for all of us, but for young people being deprived — us, but for young people being deprived of your friends, of your school _ deprived of your friends, of your school environment, also just deprived of your friends, of your school environment, alsojust not school environment, also just not having _ school environment, also just not having a — school environment, alsojust not having a chance to do things like go out and _ having a chance to do things like go out and about and do things like team _ out and about and do things like team sports and so on and so forth, we know— team sports and so on and so forth, we know that's had a depleting effect — we know that's had a depleting effect on — we know that's had a depleting effect on many young people's mental health _ effect on many young people's mental health so. _ effect on many young people's mental health. so, that's why we've seen that shift— health. so, that's why we've seen that shift from one in eight young people _ that shift from one in eight young people to — that shift from one in eight young people to one in six young people now reporting a mental health problem. _ now reporting a mental health problem, so there is a real need to address— problem, so there is a real need to address that. of course, we've also had the _ address that. of course, we've also had the challenges around exams and a lot of— had the challenges around exams and a lot of uncertainty about the future, — a lot of uncertainty about the future, so _ a lot of uncertainty about the future, so this generation is the generation that deserves a really

significant care and attention, not 'ust significant care and attention, not just for— significant care and attention, not just for this year but over the course — just for this year but over the course of— just for this year but over the course of the next few years. saadia, — course of the next few years. saadia, here on bbc news, you've been speaking to the prime minister as well. when you wake up tomorrow and you think about the changes ahead for young people, particularly when it comes to mental health, do you feel supported, do you feel optimistic?— you feel supported, do you feel optimistic? you feel supported, do you feel 0 timistic? , , ., optimistic? yes, i definitely do. i see there's _ optimistic? yes, i definitely do. i see there's more _ optimistic? yes, i definitely do. i see there's more awareness i optimistic? yes, i definitely do. i see there's more awareness now| optimistic? yes, i definitely do. i- see there's more awareness now and things that a lot of young people view on social media, it's very nice to see that there is so much more awareness around mental health and that stigma is slowly being eradicated. for me, ifeel very, very optimistic and i really, really do hope as long as young people are able to influence those decisions, i think we're going to be on the right path. think we're going to be on the right ath. ., ,

think we're going to be on the right ath. . , ., ., think we're going to be on the right ath, ., , ., ., 4' ., path. yeah, it is important to know there's always _ path. yeah, it is important to know there's always hope. _ path. yeah, it is important to know there's always hope. thank- path. yeah, it is important to know there's always hope. thank you i path. yeah, it is important to know there's always hope. thank you so | there's always hope. thank you so much. thank you both, keep up the good work and hopefully we'll be able to tap again to see how things are progressing after this announcement. —— be able to chat again. for some of the most deprived areas in england, january was the deadliest month since the pandemic began. one town that has suffered greatly is burnley in lancashire, where deaths from all causes were 60% higher in burnley than the england average. our special correspondent ed thomas has been talking to people who are trying to help families struggling with their finances and their grief. we thank you for their lives... this is now a weekly routine. we thank you for their love... in burnley, covid and lockdown have taken a heavy toll on the poorest. amen. my days are full dealing with torment, death, tears. people don't really see it. it's unreal.

for some of the most deprived areas, january was the deadliest month since the pandemic began. and lord, we pray for grace... today's prayers are for grace. her mental health suffered terribly during lockdown. she was 28. everything going for her. and ifeel like i have failed her now. you haven't failed her. the family desperate for comfort. a mum, nanna and son. don't want to see us children... you want to see them get married. he's been so brave, but he is trying to be brave for us. what do you want to happen? just bring her back and tell her never to go. just stay with me. i mean, i'm only ten, i'm too young. donations are paying

for grace's funeral. i was saying, mum, where _ are we going to get the money from? i was suicidal. without mick's help, what would have happened to grace? she would have been in a box grave. she would just have gone i in with people she didn't know. it's becoming more and more and more obvious that there is a growing number of people who are too poor to die. it's about dignity, this. it's too late forjanet to claim some of that dignity. it's a funeral but with no body. even though he won't be there he's there in our hearts. _ you know? kevin had acute respiratory problems. his health got worse during the pandemic. he couldn't walk. were you asking for help? we kept asking, saying we wanted carers in, but we didn't get nowhere. how old was he when he passed away? 56. she had no money to collect her husband's body so he will be cremated by the hospital.

when they've done it they are going to ring me and tell me and then i have to get somebody to go over for his ashes to fetch them back. do you know when that's going to happen? no. i'm seeing the consequences of lockdown. i'm doing funeral after funeral after funeral of people that don't have the finances and support. and we've come together to grieve for kevin. and now this is pastor mick's church. a closed—down gym. another casualty of the pandemic. but it's here janet and the family can say goodbye. we can express our love and our grief. i appreciate doing it this way. at least he's getting a send—off and all the family can be there. and it's goodwill and charity that gifted grace's family this day.

these people are not statistics. they hurt, they bleed, they cry. mum, don't leave me, ijust want you in my life forever. these children that are losing their parents — they are not numbers on a board and i want their stories to be told because this should not be happening. that report from our special correspondent ed thomas. details of organisations offering information and support with bereavement are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free at any time to hear recorded information on 08000158 707. rangers are on the verge of winning the scottish premiership for the first time in a decade. if results go their way this weekend they'll end celtic�*s ten—year

dominance of football in scotland and cap a remarkable comeback from financial liquidation. jane dougall reports from glasgow. this was the goal that sent rangers to within touching distance of the title. and alfredo morelos has surely won this for rangers! victory meant the blue side of glasgow could wrap up the scottish premiership this weekend. when rangers last led scottish football, david weir was captain. the teams were so evenly matched than that it was going to be competitive for the foreseeable future. there's been a lot of ups and downs, and primarily downs since then, so the rangers fans, they're ready for it. the scottish football- champions rangers have signalled their intention i to go into administration. severe financial difficulties forced the club into liquidation, and in 2012 it had to re—enter scottish football in the then third division. but rangers rose rapidly back up the leagues, with three promotions in four

seasons, eventually regaining top—flight status in 2016. while rangers were destitute, bitter rivals celtic dominated, winning nine premiership titles in a row. for fans like alan park, who's supported rangers for 40 years, it's been a difficult decade. it's been a long time coming, jane, it really, really has. as i say, there's been dark times. we always knew we would come back. when we would come back, we didn't know, but now we are back. the man credited with steering the club back to the top, former liverpool and england captain steven gerrard. it's his first senior coaching role, and this would be his first managerial silverware. but rangers still have work to do. they need to win here tomorrow against st mirren and hope that celtic drop points against dundee united on sunday. that would effectively hand rangers the title and halt celtic in their efforts to win a record ten titles in a row. for ten years, ibrox has been the home to a sleeping

giant of scottish football. it's woken up. jane dougall, bbc news, glasgow. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. hello there. the weekend is nearly upon us now, and it doesn't look that bad. it's going to stay mainly dry thanks to a big area of high pressure which will be sitting overhead. it's going to be chilly, though, both by day and by night. we could see some frost and fog in places, but we should see a bit of sunshine, too. i can't promise wall—to—wall sunshine, though, cos underneath this high, there's some cold air trapped into it, like i mentioned, but also quite a bit of cloud, too. we will have variable amounts of cloud through tonight, thickest cloud across the north and the west of the uk, where here, we could see the odd spot of rain. the odd shower elsewhere towards the east coast, which could be wintry in nature, but for most, dry with some clear skies, and that's going to allow for pretty widespread frost to develop. lows down to —3, maybe —4 celsius across parts of england and wales. as we start saturday, we notice that cold frosty start, but bright

with some sunshine around. there will be variable amounts of cloud, too, a little bits of early mist and fog. through the afternoon, it could be that the cloud tends to build through the day, so some places turning a little bit greyer. a few spots of rain for the north west of scotland, most places dry but chilly, temperatures of 5—7 degrees. and then saturday night, it's going to be another cold one. particularly where skies are clear, we'll see further frost and also some fog to greet us for sunday morning. but again, sunday for england and wales will start cold, bit of sunshine and then start to see the cloud building up into the afternoon. for the north and west of scotland, though, slight changes taking place here. with a weather front pushing, going it's to turn windier with outbreaks of rain and the temperatures lifting by a degree or so, highs of 8—9 degrees. as we head on into next week, for monday, it starts to turn more unsettled across the north west of the uk. further south, our area of high pressure is ebbing away. but it will still bring another fine, pretty chilly day to large parts of england and wales. a little bit of sunshine, then the cloud builds up again into the afternoon. for scotland, northern ireland,

though, here, breezier, cloudier with outbreaks of rain. temperatures reaching 9—10 degrees, tending to stay around 6—8 for england and wales. and then as we move out of monday into the middle part of the week, it turns very unsettled. the potential of some deep areas of low pressure sweeping in to bring some spells of rain and gales. and for a time, certainly around the middle parts of the week, we'll see a blast of milder air moving up from the south—west before things potentially turning colder by the end of the week. so, turning much more unsettled as we move through the week, with spells of wet and windy weather for all of us.

this is bbc news, i'm kasia madera. our headlines... pope francis begins his historic visit to iraq with an appeal for all religions to come together and work for peace. translation: i'm coming - here as a pilgrim to encourage them to express and practice theirfaith, hope and charity in the iraqi society. more clashes in myanmar — as the united nations security council meets to decide what action to take against the generals who seized power. some nursing staff in england say they are considering taking strike action — after the government says it can only afford a one percent pay increase. also ahead — more from meghan markle's interview — as she reveals what she felt when she joined the royal family.