this is bbc news. i'm kate silverton. the headlines... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. he'll announce the details in the next few minutes and we'll bring it to you live. thousands of asda supermarket workers win a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. asda says the case is a long way from being settled, but those bringing the claim are delighted. ijust can't put into words how much this means to me, and every other claimant as well, because it'sjust, we never could have dreamed it would go this far, but we've kept going and we've kept fighting and we're going to see it through to the end. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils

in secondary school. wales will end its "stay local" rules from tomorrow, meaning people will be able to travel within its borders without restrictions. tourist accommodation will also given the green light to reopen. china bans nine britons — including five mps — after the uk took action over human rights abuses. and the boy whose year long adventure in his own back garden raises hundreds of thousands for hospice care, earning him high praise in the process bear grylls here, and just to say, well done for all you're doing. what an incredible achievement. hi, max, it'sjonny wilkinson here, and ijust wanted to send you a little message, really, just to wish you well, especially for this amazing thing you're doing at the moment.

scotland's former first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. he's due to hold a news conference in the next few minutes — we'll bring you that live here on the bbc news channel. we are expecting it any moment. thousands of asda supermarket workers have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. the court upheld an earlier court ruling that lower—paid shop staff, who are mostly women, can compare themselves with higher paid warehouse workers, who are mostly men. the judge stressed the ruling didn't mean the a4,000 claimants had won the right to equal pay — but are now free to take further

action in one of the largest equal pay claims in the uk. emma simpson reports. it's a legal question that's taken years to answer — can workers on the shopfloor at asda be compared to workers in its distribution centres when it comes to equal pay? the highest court in the land has ruled that they can. this court dismisses the appeal brought by asda. this is clearly a very substantial case for asda. however, the court's conclusion does not mean that those claimants have won their equal pay claim. at this stage, all the court has determined is that they can use the terms and conditions of employment enjoyed by the distribution employees as a valid comparison. that's a big win for the a4,000 current and former asda shopworkers. they say they should be paid the same as their colleagues in the depots, who are mostly men and receive up to £3 extra an hour.

we are all so excited about this and it is such a big thing for us. ijust can't put in to words how much this means to me and every other claimant as well, because it'sjust... we never could have dreamt it would go this far, but we've kept going and we've kept fighting and we're going to see it through to the end. asda insists this is only one stage of a complex case, saying... the ripple effects of this ruling could be huge. tesco, sainsbury�*s, morrisons, co—op and next are all defending similar equal pay claims. if ultimately successful, lawyers reckon the overall bill could hit £8 billion for back pay and compensation. it's certainly a landmarkjudgment.

the supreme court's decision basically means that companies can no longer rely on the fact that they've got workers in two different places in order to avoid paying them equally. it's made very clear in the judgment that the purpose of the legislation is to allow these types of comparisons to happen, rather than to try and avoid them. their next legal hurdle is to prove these roles are of equal value, and that there's no material factor which justifies their differences in pay. arguments which may take several years to reach a conclusion. emma simpson told me it was a hugely significant victory. it is significant, kate. no doubt about that. that is why asda has fought this legal battle and lost every step of the way, and it has wound up to the supreme court today to make that final ruling. of course, what we have seen is, equal pay has been a big

battleground in the public sector. you may remember the female cleaners and dinner ladies taking action against birmingham city council. now, this has hit the private sector, and this is a very big, high—profile case. but as i said, this could take years to conclude, there's a long way to go. emma simpson, there. coronavirus infection rates are no longer falling and have begun to level off. figures out today estimate one in 330 people had the virus last week. it comes as the uk's r or reproduction number has risen slightly — it's now estimated at 0.7 to 0.9. meanwhile, wales prepares to end travel restrictions within its borders tomorrow, for the first time since december, and self—catering accommodation reopens, but only for visitors from within wales. katharine da costa reports. no, she doesn't, i'm going to take you to alex salmond now who is

launching his new political party. the strategic aims are clear and unambiguous comic to achieve a successful socially just environmentally responsible independent country. the tactics are disdain for the regional list to secure the supermajority —— art to stand for. we intend to contribute policy ideas to assist scotland pack economic recovery and help build an independence platform to face new political realities. at the last election there were nearly 1 political realities. at the last election there were nearly1 million wasted snp votes in the regional list and only four snp msps were elected in that way and yesterday's survey simple, the snp would elect no regional seats at all from the million votes on the list. they would all be totally wasted independence votes. if alba wins regional list seats, the wastage ends and the number of independent supporting msps in the parliament could reach 90 or even more. the

initiative for independence should then be led by the parliament united then be led by the parliament united the parties. —— uniting. boris johnson has already said no to the snp proposals but he will find it more difficult to say no to a parliament and the country. independence debate will be recast, not as the tories against the snp, but borisjohnson against scotland back parliament representing scottish people. today alba are hosting a flag in the wind. planting a saltire in the hill. in the next few weeks, we will see how many will rally to our standard. thank you very much. i'm about to show a video and then we will move on to questions.

studio: we are waiting to see if mr salmond is going to take questions. clearly they are going to be technical problems when these things

are launched on line. i'm going to wait for a little bit longer to see if he is frozen orjust waiting. let's see if we can wait a little bit longer. as we have heard from alex salmond, he is launching a new party by the name of the alba party, the scottish gaelic name for scotland. the kingdom of scotland, actually, so that is the name of the new party. standing for independence and as he said there was a hashtag supermajority, so more power together, i think, from the little snippet we heard from him, but i hope we will get to return to the questions being posed because we missed the start of his speech and it will be interesting to go back and get more context. the headline there, the former scotland first minister alex salmond launching a new political party, the alba party, and it will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election. we now have the questions. if we

scottish parliamentary election. we now have the questions.— now have the questions. if we can stick to one _ now have the questions. if we can stick to one question _ now have the questions. if we can stick to one question each - now have the questions. if we can| stick to one question each because there are so many. we are going to do television, printjournalists, bloggers, we will get through everybody�*s questions. i will stay here until the questions are answered. first up, jim matthews from sky television. jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon _ jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon is _ jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon is set — jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon is set fair— jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon is set fair for— jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon is set fair for a _ jim matthews from sky news. nicola sturgeon is set fair for a majority - sturgeon is set fair for a majority in the _ sturgeon is set fair for a majority in the forthcoming _ sturgeon is set fair for a majority in the forthcoming election. - sturgeon is set fair for a majority in the forthcoming election. thel in the forthcoming election. the launch— in the forthcoming election. the launch of— in the forthcoming election. the launch of your _ in the forthcoming election. the launch of your party _ in the forthcoming election. the launch of your party will - in the forthcoming election. the launch of your party will create i in the forthcoming election. the| launch of your party will create a fault _ launch of your party will create a fault line — launch of your party will create a fault line in— launch of your party will create a fault line in the _ launch of your party will create a fault line in the independence i fault line in the independence movement _ fault line in the independence movement. is— fault line in the independence movement. is there - fault line in the independence movement. is there a - fault line in the independence movement. is there a danger| fault line in the independence - movement. is there a danger that you will be _ movement. is there a danger that you will be the _ movement. is there a danger that you will be the man— movement. is there a danger that you will be the man who _ movement. is there a danger that you will be the man who took _ movement. is there a danger that you will be the man who took scotland - movement. is there a danger that you will be the man who took scotland toi will be the man who took scotland to the brink— will be the man who took scotland to the brink of— will be the man who took scotland to the brink of independence _ will be the man who took scotland to the brink of independence in - will be the man who took scotland to the brink of independence in 2014, l the brink of independence in 2014, and then— the brink of independence in 2014, and then in— the brink of independence in 2014,

and then in launching _ the brink of independence in 2014, and then in launching this - the brink of independence in 2014, and then in launching this party. the brink of independence in 2014, i and then in launching this party you will pull— and then in launching this party you will pull scotland _ and then in launching this party you will pull scotland back— and then in launching this party you will pull scotland back from - and then in launching this party you will pull scotland back from the - will pull scotland back from the brink— will pull scotland back from the brink of— will pull scotland back from the brink of independence? - will pull scotland back from the brink of independence? can - will pull scotland back from the brink of independence? can i. will pull scotland back from the. brink of independence? can i put will pull scotland back from the - brink of independence? can i put it to you _ brink of independence? can i put it to you that, — brink of independence? can i put it to you that. yes, _ brink of independence? can i put it to you that, yes, you _ brink of independence? can i put it to you that, yes, you were - brink of independence? can i put it. to you that, yes, you were acquitted at your— to you that, yes, you were acquitted at your crirninal— to you that, yes, you were acquitted at your criminal trial, _ to you that, yes, you were acquitted at your criminal trial, but _ at your criminal trial, but everything _ at your criminal trial, but everything we _ at your criminal trial, but everything we heard - at your criminal trial, but. everything we heard about at your criminal trial, but - everything we heard about your behaviour— everything we heard about your behaviour in _ everything we heard about your behaviour in government - everything we heard about your behaviour in government at - everything we heard about your- behaviour in government at holyrood, it scarcely _ behaviour in government at holyrood, it scarcely provides _ behaviour in government at holyrood, it scarcely provides an _ behaviour in government at holyrood, it scarcely provides an ideal— it scarcely provides an ideal platform _ it scarcely provides an ideal platform for— it scarcely provides an ideal platform for you _ it scarcely provides an ideal platform for you to - it scarcely provides an ideal| platform for you to relaunch it scarcely provides an ideal. platform for you to relaunch a it scarcely provides an ideal- platform for you to relaunch a bid to re-enter— platform for you to relaunch a bid to re—enter public— platform for you to relaunch a bid to re—enter public political - platform for you to relaunch a bid to re—enter public political life. i to re—enter public political life. thank— to re—enter public political life. thank you _ to re—enter public political life. thank you 0n— to re—enter public political life. thank you. on the _ to re—enter public political life. thank you. on the question - to re—enter public political life. i thank you. on the question about providing a majority for independence, as we set out, it is very clear, the question about what is going to provide the majority for independence, and as we set out alphabetically, it is very clear indeed, and the latest polling shows absolutely, it shows that on the

constituency section of the snp would win a majority of seats, a bare majority but the majority, the figure was 67, but in the list section of the holyrood poll the snp would win no seats whatsoever, and despite having a best part of a million votes in the list it would win no seats at all. the alba party is a list party, we are standing only in the list, we are not challenging the snp in the constituencies and indeed we are saying, vote snp, we are giving that support. our campaign that we launched is going to be entirely positive. as far as the second part of your question, we have had two court cases and two judges and one jury, three enquiries, and i'm prepared to accept the results of all of these. it is time to move on.

the upstanding things from their were recommended by the enquiries the civil action against the permanent secretary of the scottish government, which came out of the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry, and a report to the police on the lake which has caused so much distress for everyone involved —— the leak. that came out of the hamilton report. so after the two court cases and the jury and the three enquiries, it is time to move on. i wanted to talk about the future of scotland for the last three years and now i've got the opportunity thanks to the alba party and that is exactly what i intend to do. i intend to do it and entirely positive way. we've got to establish the independence platform which will enable us to take this country to independence. we have got to respond to the challenges of the pandemic, the economic challenges which will come upon us very soon, we are not

come upon us very soon, we are not even come upon us very soon, we are not even out of the woods of the pandemic yet. these are the ideas that the alba party will contribute and as you see, the positive platform that emerges will reinforce, i think, platform that emerges will reinforce, ithink, the platform that emerges will reinforce, i think, the momentum behind the independence because in thatis behind the independence because in that is exactly what we intend to do. next up for a question, i think we have the times newspaper, kevin andrews. inaudible i think you have got...

i think ithinki i think i have got your question. this is quite central to what the alba party is putting forward, and we are saying that the independence strategy should lie with a parliament and that is why we need a supermajority and we think it will be fundamentally more difficult for borisjohnson to say no to a parliament than he does to a party, so if you have in the scottish parliament a substantial majority of msps across a range of parties who are supporting independence, that is are supporting independence, that is a very powerful position to start independence negotiations. if you don't do it that way and put forward a proposalfor a section don't do it that way and put forward a proposal for a section 30 don't do it that way and put forward a proposalfor a section 30 or even a proposalfor a section 30 or even a plebiscite of sunchyme, without majority behind you, then the boris johnson will say this is in airbus mp fascination —— even a plebiscite, without a majority behind you, then borisjohnson will say without a majority behind you, then

boris johnson will say this without a majority behind you, then borisjohnson will say this is an snp fascination. this is why the supermajority concept is fundamental to the success of the negotiations for independence. we now move on... you are talking about a supermajority, - you are talking about a supermajority, and - you are talking about a supermajority, and i. you are talking about a i supermajority, and i think you are talking about a - supermajority, and i think a lot you are talking about a _ supermajority, and i think a lot of people _ supermajority, and i think a lot of people will— supermajority, and i think a lot of people will find _ supermajority, and i think a lot of people will find this _ supermajority, and i think a lot of people will find this quite - people will find this quite magnanimous_ people will find this quite magnanimous of- people will find this quite magnanimous of you, - people will find this quite magnanimous of you, so| people will find this quite - magnanimous of you, so what you people will find this quite _ magnanimous of you, so what you say to people _ magnanimous of you, so what you say to people who — magnanimous of you, so what you say to people who are _ magnanimous of you, so what you say to people who are desperate - magnanimous of you, so what you say to people who are desperate for - to people who are desperate for independence _ to people who are desperate for independence but— to people who are desperate for independence but are _ to people who are desperate for independence but are now- to people who are desperate for i independence but are now terrified of another— independence but are now terrified of another term _ independence but are now terrified of another term of— independence but are now terrified of another term of snp _ independence but are now terrified l of another term of snp government because _ of another term of snp government because of— of another term of snp government because of things _ of another term of snp government because of things like _ of another term of snp government because of things like the _ of another term of snp government because of things like the hate - because of things like the hate crime — because of things like the hate crime bill— because of things like the hate crime bill and _ because of things like the hate crime bill and the _ because of things like the hate crime bill and the gender- because of things like the hate i crime bill and the gender reform because of things like the hate - crime bill and the gender reform and the uncontrollable _ crime bill and the gender reform and the uncontrollable crown _ crime bill and the gender reform and the uncontrollable crown office - crime bill and the gender reform and the uncontrollable crown office and. the uncontrollable crown office and civil service? — the uncontrollable crown office and civil service? these _ the uncontrollable crown office and civil service? these people - the uncontrollable crown office and civil service? these people feel- civil service? these people feel abandoned _ civil service? these people feel abandoned and _ civil service? these people feel abandoned and politically - civil service? these people feel- abandoned and politically homeless by the _ abandoned and politically homeless by the snp — abandoned and politically homeless bythe snp~ cah— abandoned and politically homeless by the snp. can you _ abandoned and politically homeless by the snp. can you tell— abandoned and politically homeless by the snp. can you tell them, - abandoned and politically homeless by the snp. can you tell them, is l by the snp. can you tell them, is this a _ by the snp. can you tell them, is this a one—shot _ by the snp. can you tell them, is this a one—shot deal— by the snp. can you tell them, is this a one—shot deal or— by the snp. can you tell them, is this a one—shot deal or do - by the snp. can you tell them, is this a one—shot deal or do you i by the snp. can you tell them, is . this a one—shot deal or do you have aims _ this a one—shot deal or do you have aims of— this a one—shot deal or do you have aims of being — this a one—shot deal or do you have aims of being a _ this a one—shot deal or do you have aims of being a permanent - this a one—shot deal or do you have aims of being a permanent new- aims of being a permanent new political— aims of being a permanent new political force _ aims of being a permanent new political force in— aims of being a permanent new political force in scotland? - aims of being a permanent new political force in scotland? the| political force in scotland? the strate . ic political force in scotland? the strategic aim _

political force in scotland? the strategic aim of _ political force in scotland? strategic aim of the... political force in scotland? the i strategic aim of the. .. inaudible as we 'ust strategic aim of the. .. inaudible as we just said. _ strategic aim of the. .. inaudible as we just said, the _ strategic aim of the. .. inaudible as we just said, the strategic - strategic aim of the. .. inaudible as we just said, the strategic aim | as we just said, the strategic aim of the alba party is to secure scottish independence which is a substantial strategic aim. as i have just said, we think the supermajority, building the substantial majority in the scottish parliament is the key to unlocking that question. it is the key to the way forward. if the alba party helps and it is helping, because we are not standing on the constituency ballot and we expect that to be dominated by the snp. but if the alba party can help by contributing independent supporting msps and their expertise, they are contributing to the new platform that we will have to build in independence to meet the new political realities, ideas to get us out of the pandemic in an economic sense as quickly as possible. that's

an entirely positive thing. as to what happens if we are able to help in achieving our country's independence, that is really what... that is more than enough for me as a person and i'm sure for the alba party msps who are elected, but anything that happens beyond that will be entirely a matter for the scottish people because we like every other political party are in the hands of the people. studio: we will come back _ the hands of the people. studio: we will come back to _ the hands of the people. studio: we will come back to that _ the hands of the people. studio: we will come back to that and _ the hands of the people. studio: we will come back to that and get - the hands of the people. studio: we will come back to that and get more i will come back to that and get more context because it is obviously needed given the technical issues. the essence of that, the former scotland first minister alex salmond launching a new political party, the alba party, a force for independence. the party to contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may and as you can imagine there will be a lot of reaction to that which we will have for you. reaction to that which we will have foryou. now let's

reaction to that which we will have for you. now let's discuss coronavirus infection rates. figures out today estimate one in 330 people had the virus last week. it comes as the uk's r or reproduction number has risen slightly — it's now estimated at 0.7 to 0.9. meanwhile, wales prepares to end travel restrictions within its borders tomorrow, for the first time since december, and self—catering accommodation reopens, but only for visitors from within wales. katharine da costa reports. mass testing in schools is helping to reduce some of the risk of passing on the virus without knowing it. but inevitably, opening up will see more cases. there are signs infections are rising in secondary schools, but it's less clear in primary schools. it's hoped the easter holidays next week will help to slow the spread. the latest survey from the office for national statistics suggests infections have levelled off in england, wales and northern ireland. in scotland, infections

have increased. estimates suggest about 197,000 people in the uk had the virus in the week to last saturday, that is one in 130, with little change from the previous week. if cases are flat now, then further opening could potentially lead to increases, and with the vaccine supply being a bit narrower in april, it also means that we are now slowing the rolling out of vaccines to under—50s, who are often the parents of people in school. many european countries are now facing a third wave of the virus, with growing pressure to boost vaccine supplies. last night, eu leaders stopped short of banning vaccine exports but the european commission insisted manufacturers such as astrazeneca must catch up on eu deliveries before exporting doses elsewhere. even if fair and free trade is in the dna of the european union, we have to take measures if astrazeneca doesn't deliver the right quantities. it's sad but necessary.

here in the uk, nearly 29 million first doses have been administered to more than half the adult population. while supplies are expected to dip during april, pfizer's uk medical director is optimistic science will defeat the pandemic. i actually think we're winning that race. if you look at what's happening in the uk, dramatic reductions in the death rate, dramatic reductions in hospitalisations, dramatic reductions in the number of cases... now, for the cautious unlocking. from tomorrow, people in wales can travel where they want to within its borders, and from monday, people in england will be able to meet outside in groups of six or two households, but experts warn we will still need to keep our guard up to avoid another wave. katharine da costa, bbc news. more now on the major victory for thousands of asda supermarket workers at the supreme court

in their battle for equal pay. the court upheld an earlier court ruling that lower—paid shop staff, who are mostly women, can compare themselves with higher paid warehouse workers, who are mostly men. lauren lougheed is a partner at leigh day solicitors. you are representing the claimants. could you take us back to put in the context of people justjoining us, where this began and how this came about and what the ruling means? absolutely. the crux of the case that was brought against asda is whether the female workers in its shops should be paid the same as the male workers in its distribution centres. today'sjudgment male workers in its distribution centres. today's judgment follows the hearing last year and the supreme court have today decided that the female shop workers can compare themselves to the male workers in the distribution centres.

this follows five years of litigation. this first decision was made by the employment tribunal in 2016, so it's been a long time coming. 50 2016, so it's been a long time comin._ ., 2016, so it's been a long time cominu. ., ., , ., ., coming. so what does today mean in effect? it means _ coming. so what does today mean in effect? it means that _ coming. so what does today mean in effect? it means that we _ coming. so what does today mean in effect? it means that we can - coming. so what does today mean in effect? it means that we can now - effect? it means that we can now move onto _ effect? it means that we can now move onto the _ effect? it means that we can now move onto the next _ effect? it means that we can now move onto the next stage - effect? it means that we can now move onto the next stage of- effect? it means that we can now move onto the next stage of the l effect? it means that we can now - move onto the next stage of the case which is all about equal value, so weather when you look at the demand of the roles that are done in the depots and in the shops, whether they are of equal value, but this is a huge tree for our asda clients, —— huge victory for our asda clients, we are delighted for them. sister we are delighted for them. astor sa s it is we are delighted for them. astor says it is confident _ we are delighted for them. astor says it is confident in _ we are delighted for them. astor says it is confident in its - we are delighted for them. astor says it is confident in its case - we are delighted for them. astor says it is confident in its case so | says it is confident in its case so this will go on —— asda. what does it mean in principle and in practice for those people you are representing? give us a sense of the human stories behind it. i representing? give us a sense of the human stories behind it.— human stories behind it. i think it means a great — human stories behind it. i think it means a great deal— human stories behind it. i think it means a great deal to _ human stories behind it. i think it

means a great deal to them. - means a great deal to them. especially if you look at all of the work during the pandemic over the last 12 months, theyjust want to feel valued. today's decision is one step closer to that, one step closer for them earning equal pay. it is right that this is only the first stage and there there are further stages to go but really how long the rest of the case it takes is down to asda. as you mentioned they could if they wanted to date bring this to an end by reaching an agreement, but it sounds like instead they are going to drag their workers through far more years of unwarranted litigation. more years of unwarranted litigation-— more years of unwarranted litiuation. , ,., , , ., litigation. they say they are defending — litigation. they say they are defending the _ litigation. they say they are defending the claim - litigation. they say they are defending the claim is - litigation. they say they are i defending the claim is because litigation. they say they are - defending the claim is because the pay in their stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the samejobs centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender. retailand their gender. retail and distribution are their gender. retailand distribution are very different sectors, they say, with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates. that is right, but the question that

asda are answering is different to the one the unemployment tribunal is being asked —— employment tribunal. they decided today that the roles of store workers can be compared to the roles of distribution workers even though they are in different locations. the real question now is whether the roles they carry out are of equal value. whether the roles they carry out are of equal value-— of equal value. indeed so. this is auoin to of equal value. indeed so. this is going to have _ of equal value. indeed so. this is going to have implications. - of equal value. indeed so. this isj going to have implications. there will be people watching this elsewhere in the retail sector. what other cases are being brought? brute other cases are being brought? we are other cases are being brought? - are currently bringing cases against tesco, next, sainsbury�*s and morrisons, so this is an issue which is relevant to many retailers and the decision today makes it difficult for them to argue that their store workers cannot compare themselves to workers in distribution centre. given that asda's arguments fail to convince a singlejudge in the supreme court, we would like to think they will now pay attention this decision. there

will be people. — pay attention this decision. there will be people, individuals, - will be people, individuals, watching this, male and female, saying, what advice would you give to an individual who suspects they are not receiving equal pay for equal work? and how is this funded, a case of this magnitude? in equal work? and how is this funded, a case of this magnitude?— a case of this magnitude? in terms of advice for _ a case of this magnitude? in terms of advice for individuals _ a case of this magnitude? in terms of advice for individuals who - a case of this magnitude? in terms of advice for individuals who may i of advice for individuals who may think they are not receiving equal pay for equal work, i think the first instance they are entitled to information and advice, and they need to not be afraid to speak out and to challenge. otherwise we are not going to make any more progress with equality law. the second question, the vast majority of our clients are supported by their union, gmb, and so it is not like they are ina union, gmb, and so it is not like they are in a position where they will have to pay us any fees in the event that the claim is unsuccessful.- event that the claim is unsuccessful. ., ., ., ,

borisjohnson has said he stands "firmly" with the nine british people — including five mps — who have been sanctioned by china after they criticised beijing's treatment of uighur muslims. it follows measures taken by the uk government on monday over human rights abuses against the muslim minority group in xinjiang province. our diplomatic correspondent james landale reports. china has long been accused of human rights abuses in the north—west of the country. the arbitrary detention of more than a million ethnic uighurs, the forced sterilisation of women. wrote the suppression of language and culture. but now china is fighting back. there has been a backlash

against western companies, questioning the use of forced labour in cotton picking in the region. and after britain, with america, canada and the eu, announced sanctions on four top chinese officials, beijing has hit back, imposing travel bans and asset freezes on nine british citizens and four organisations. for some time, certain forces have fabricated a large amount of lies of the century about xinjiang and used these lies to demonise china and interfere in china's internal affairs. the sanctions were aimed at vocal critics of china, accused by the foreign ministry of spreading lies and disinformation. they are five tory mps, including the former party leader sir iain duncan smith, two peers, a lawyer and an academic, along with campaign groups, some of which have accused chinese officials of genocide.

i was elected to chair the foreign affairs committee by the whole house of commons, opposition and mps alike, and so i view this as a direct assault on british democracy, and an attempt to silence the people that the british people have chosen to speak for them. if that isn't an assault on british sovereignty, i don't know what is. borisjohnson said those sanctioned by china are performing a vital role shining a light on the gross human rights violations being perpetrated against uighur muslims and he said we stand firmly with them. we stand in total solidarity with the nine individuals who were sanctioned today. it is not going to stop them and it is not going to stop the british government speaking up about industrial scale human rights abuses taking place in xinjiang. if the chinese government want to continue with these blanket denials that anything wrong is taking place in xinjiang, the obvious thing for them to do would be to allow access to the united nations. today's sanctions were not

unexpected but they mark a further deterioration in uk china relations and will make the positive trade relationship the government wants harder to achieve. james landale, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there are some drenching downpours out there through the rest of today, some of the showers heavy with hail and thunder, some of them turning wintry over high ground. actually, through tonight, there could be a covering of snow over high ground in scotland, northern ireland, north west england, wales, even the south west of england could see a little bit of snow up over the moors. temperatures dropping close to freezing, below freezing in a few places, so tomorrow morning, there could be some icy stretches around, if you do need to make an essential journey. tomorrow morning, for most of us, there's a window of relatively fine weather, some spells of sunshine, but as we head into the afternoon, cloud will start to thicken from the west, the wind will strengthen and we will see outbreaks of rain into northern ireland, western scotland, some western parts of england and wales as well. temperatures between eight and 11 degrees, and are starting to turn a little bit less chilly, turns warmer still particularly

in the south by sunday with some outbreaks of rain further north and west. that's all from me, bye for now. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. the party public city aims are clear and a to six to achieve a successful environments adjust, by mentally responsible, independent country. the tactics are to stand for the regional list, to secure the super majority for independence in our parliament. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. ijust can't put into words how much this means to me, and every other claimant as well, because it'sjust, we never could

have dreamed it would go this far, but we've kept going and we've kept fighting and we're going to see it through to the end. china has imposed sanctions on nine british citizens, including five mps, after the uk took action over human rights abuses. wales will end its "stay local" rules from tomorrow, meaning people will be able to travel within its borders without restrictions. tourist accommodation will also be given the green light to reopen. the european commission president has warned astrazeneca that it needs to catch up with vaccine deliveries to the european union — before exporting doses to other countries. a massive stranded container ship in the suez canal is now holding up an estimated £7 billion of goods each day, according to shipping data. and the 11 —year—old max is about to spend his 365th night camping outside in memory of his neighbour, rick. he's calling on children around

the world tojoin him. i'm hoping to speak to max in person around 345. sport now and a full round up from the bbc sport centre with gavin. good afternoon. england are on the hunt — as they look to achieve a daunting 337 to win the second one day international against india in pune. they're currently 188—1. jonny bairstow going well on 94. let's hope that doesn'tjinx him. england captainjos buttler, filling in for the injured eoin morgan, chose to field first. they made some headway, in reducing india to 37 for 2, but big hitting from rishabh pant, and a 5th 0di century from kl rahul, helped india to a total of 336—6. india lead 1—0, in the three match series. chris thompson and stephanie davis qualified for the tokyo 2020 olympics — with victory in the great britain marathon trials at kew gardens this morning. thompson, who will turn 40 in april, will be competing in his second olympics, having run the 10,000 metres in 2012.

here's our senior sports news reporter laura scott. so, in the marathon it was a looped course here at kew gardens. the route had been done 25 times to shave off seconds here and there and in the men's events, it was won by chris thompson, age 39. he welcomed his first child earlier this week and he got apb ——a pb here today to earn his spot on the plane to tokyo. then, as was second. he realised reach that qualified —— unimportant qualifying standard. in the women's race it was stephanie davis. she was the main contender today. what you need to do was finish in the first two and she did that, it was a really dominant display, so she is on the plane to take you as well. she is on the plane to tokyo as well. earlier, callum wilkinson won the 20 kilometre walk. he didn't get the qualifying time, though. it means he has to wait until tuesday to find out if he gets to go to tokyo.

tom bosworth came second today, but already made the qualifying time in a previous race — and so is going to the games in july. in the women's event, heather lewis, the fastest briton over 20 kilometres in 2019 got the better of her big rival bethan davies. the new formula one season is under way in bahrain with max verstappen showing he'll challenge lewis hamilton again this year. in first practice, the dutchman's red bull was more than a quarter of a second quicker than mercedes�* valtteri bottas. seven—time world champion hamilton wasn't even the quickest briton as mclaren's lando norris pipped him to third by a fraction of a second. sarah hunter returns to captain england women — for their six nations title defence. she was named in the squad for the upcoming tournament. england completed their second consecutive grand slam in november, but the 2020 tournament was hit by postponements and cancellations amid the coronavirus pandemic. hunter was out with injury as the red roses sealed the title. but she's back to lead this year. their first game is against scotland on april 3rd. and the men's six nations finally ends tonight. scotland's trip to france

was postponed last month, due to a covid—19 outbreak in the french camp. and this one will now determine who wins the trophy. after beating wales last saturday to deny them the grand slam, the french can now snatch the title too — if they can score at least four tries against scotland and win by 21 points or more. however, the scots have been wound up by all the talk about france being champions and hope to win themselves with a bonus point, which would mean their best ever six nations finish of second. we read a quote from one of the players saying that they've got a trophy to win. so, as a proud scotsman that hurt me a lot. a lot has been said about what they need to do. we won by eight points and we finished with the highest score that we have ever finished in the six nations. so, that's the motivation for us. it promises to be a great game. that's all the sport for now — more for you in the next hour. the suez canal authority has stepped up efforts to free a gigantic container ship that's been blocking sea—trade through egypt since tuesday. dredgers are attempting

to remove 20,000 cubic metres of sand to free the vessel. freight transport companies are weighing up alternative routes, which could include a lengthy and expensive diversion around africa. the blockage is estimated to be holding up goods worth £7 billion each day. theo leggett reports. one of the world's busiest trade routes blocked by a single giant ship firmly wedged between the bank. eight powerful tugs have been trying to move it, a special suction dredging machine has been brought in to clear away thousands of tonnes of sand and mud. it's a complicated operation and salvage experts from the netherlands have been drafted in. they have done something similar before in the river elbe in february 2016, a similar sized vessel also ran aground in sand and they successfully refloated her after excavating and with the support of tugs. it took six days. giant trafficjams have built up

at both ends of the canal with more than 230 ships waiting to get through. container vessels, oil and tankers and bulk carriers all going nowhere. some $10 billion worth of trade normally passes through the canal every day, but the costs are mounting up. the business interruption claims and business interruption cost to companies, to factories, to other dependent industries is going to be enormous. i don't even dare to pick a number right now. the ever given is a giant of the seas, capable of carrying tens of thousands of containers. some of them are meant to be delivered in the uk with the ship scheduled to dock in felixstowe early next month. meanwhile, other shipping companies are considering their options. the suez canal is a giant shortcut allowing vessels to travel between europe and asia or the middle east relatively quickly. the alternative is a haul round the southern tip of africa. it can take much longer, use more fuel and cost hundreds

of thousands of pounds more, as well as exposing ships to the risk of bad weather and piracy. the blockage of the suez canal has raised questions about the risks involved in sending such huge vessels through such a narrow waterway. but it's also placed a renewed focus on the vulnerability of the global supply chains which provide the goods we rely on every day. theo leggett, bbc news. at least 32 people have been killed and more than 60 injured after two passenger trains collided in egypt. dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene after two carriages were derailed and overturned. in early findings, the egyptian railway authority has said the accident was due to the emergency brakes being activated on one of the trains, causing the other to hit it from behind. here, police officers are being given resilience training and extra psychological support because they're facing an increasing number of complex and challenging incidents. rising levels of violent crime

and domestic abuse has led to officers needing help to cope with round the clock shifts tackling some of society's biggest problems. our home affairs correspondent tom symonds reports. this is a lifestyle, not a job. a 999 shift, with two met pcs. you said it was a lifestyle, is it a healthy lifestyle? probably not. i think it's been proven that it's going to kill us all in the end, with the shiftwork and the stress and the things that we see. gallows humour, possibly, but concerns increasingly being taken seriously. there's a male hanging around in the square watching children... because crime is changing. fewer burglaries, more social problems, like child protection. there are always some things that you will take home, some things that you will think about for weeks and months afterwards. the man watching children is a false alarm, based on social media chat — something else which adds to the pressure. and then there's mental health.

yes, you can toa us, and if you could, send this to les. they are called to check concerns about a woman. we can't show the incident to protect her privacy. but nish, a police officer, has to assess her medical condition... we're getting close to 136 at the moment... ..and whether to take her to hospital under section 136 of the mental health act. it takes a couple of hours. officers say incidents like that are tough to deal with, they're stressful and they're increasing in number. but there's another type of callout which can have a serious effect on the mental health of 999 responders. another stabbing... the call they never want to hear, another stabbing. i'lljust check the other side of the... thankfully, they find no sign of it. i was one of two units arriving first on scene to a man who had been stabbed.

mish onlyjoined three years ago. she's gone from being an events manager to, on one occasion, fighting for her life. we found a pregnant woman had been kicked in the head, the partner was there, with two brothers. and all three of them essentially sat on me and my female colleague. and tell me why you accept that as a person? because i believe in thisjob. it's important, ijoined thisjob to help people and i am willing to sacrifice that if i have to. in return, police forces say they will do more to look after the people on the blue light front line. tom symonds, bbc news, north london. the communities secretary robert jenrick has criticised protests outside a school in yorkshire and called for them to end. demonstrators gathered in front of batley grammar school this morning, following claims that a teacher showed his students a cartoon of the prophet muhammed. a teacher has been suspended. faith, but "it must be mrjenrick, has said that teachers should respect faith, but "it must be

right" for such images to be allowed to be shown in a free society. well, the scenes in batley are deeply disturbing. no teacher or members staff should everfeel threatened or intimidated going into school and doing theirjob. of course, it is incumbent on teachers to show respect and to behave appropriately to communities. we also live in a free society and we want children to be taught contentious issues appropriately and for nothing to be censored in the classroom. this is a matter that the school now has to consider very carefully. but the scenes that we are seeing outside the school gates need to come to an end. it must be right that the teacher can appropriately show images of the prophet muhammad in a free society. we want religions to be taught to children and four children

to question and query them. however, this is a matter that the school needs to consider carefully. we don't have context here, so it is not appropriate for me to question that. but we must see teachers protected and no one should be feeling intimidated or threatened as they go into school and the students that i saw yesterday and this morning in batley are deeply unsettling. the headlines on bbc news... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party, the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. thousands of asda supermarket workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. china has imposed sanctions on nine british citizens, including five mps, after the uk took action over human rights abuses. just under three weeks ago,

bbc news filmed at a primary school in lincolnshire as it reopened after lockdown. hopes were high that a new start would be a permanent one. but since we visited, covid has swept through the rural community. so how is the school doing? danny savage has been back to find out. just under three weeks ago, you could feel the relief, human happiness as this primary school reopened after lockdown. this happiness as this primary school reopened after lockdown. this is it, it is not going _ reopened after lockdown. this is it, it is not going to — reopened after lockdown. this is it, it is not going to happen _ reopened after lockdown. this is it, it is not going to happen again, - reopened after lockdown. this is it, it is not going to happen again, we| it is not going to happen again, we are back, and hopefully, it will be forever. ., , ., , forever. now, things are very different- _ forever. now, things are very different. there _ forever. now, things are very different. there are - forever. now, things are very different. there are no - forever. now, things are very i different. there are no peoples, forever. now, things are very - different. there are no peoples, and no teachers. not even to workers or children. the school is closed. covid—19 has gone through this community, collapsing every bubble. it is pretty devastating. it is

something that we never expected. even the head teacher is a sci—fi setting at home, and we talked on a vehicle. ,., , ,., , vehicle. upon this -- upon this oint, vehicle. upon this -- upon this point. we _ vehicle. upon this -- upon this point. we had _ vehicle. upon this -- upon this point, we had two _ vehicle. upon this -- upon this point, we had two cases, - vehicle. upon this -- upon this point, we had two cases, we i vehicle. upon this -- upon this i point, we had two cases, we had vehicle. upon this -- upon this - point, we had two cases, we had only lost four days, is in september. it has come back with a vengeance. it is not them that way —— something that we dispense, i do not think we were complacent, we got anything in place, we were not naive about the threat, but actually, this is her home quite hard. that threat, but actually, this is her home quite hard.— threat, but actually, this is her home quite hard. at the start of this month. _ home quite hard. at the start of this month, we _ home quite hard. at the start of this month, we saw _ home quite hard. at the start of this month, we saw bobby - home quite hard. at the start of| this month, we saw bobby being dropped off, and it was like starting school over again at the savoy rod. he is now back at home learning. his mum still has to work and is thoroughly fed up.— and is thoroughly fed up. gutted, really gutted- _ and is thoroughly fed up. gutted, really gutted- l — and is thoroughly fed up. gutted, really gutted. i think _ and is thoroughly fed up. gutted, really gutted. i think that - and is thoroughly fed up. gutted, really gutted. i think that that - and is thoroughly fed up. gutted, really gutted. i think that that is l really gutted. i think that that is 'ust really gutted. i think that that is just the — really gutted. i think that that is just the new normal now. is really gutted. i think that that is just the new normal now. is that the wor , just the new normal now. is that the worry. that — just the new normal now. is that the worry. that this _ just the new normal now. is that the worry, that this will _ just the new normal now. is that the worry, that this willjust _ just the new normal now. is that the worry, that this willjust keep - worry, that this willjust keep repeating? worry, that this will 'ust keep repeatingah worry, that this will 'ust keep re-aeatin? , , , repeating? yes. this is something i think we will— repeating? yes. this is something i think we will all— repeating? yes. this is something i think we will all be _ repeating? yes. this is something i think we will all be living _ repeating? yes. this is something i think we will all be living with - repeating? yes. this is something i think we will all be living with the i think we will all be living with the next year. — think we will all be living with the next year, just getting used to the bubble _ next year, just getting used to the bubble closing and and closing.

something to prepare for in the future _ something to prepare for in the future now. something to prepare for in the future now— something to prepare for in the future now. ., , ., ,. , ., ., future now. lots of schools have had a of? since — future now. lots of schools have had a of? since they _ future now. lots of schools have had a of? since they reopened, - future now. lots of schools have had a of? since they reopened, but - future now. lots of schools have had a of? since they reopened, but few. a of? since they reopened, but few have had to close completely like this one. itjust shows that schools have a bumpy year ahead because they are full of people who are not vaccinated. the hope is that the easter holidays will be a firebreak and give everyone a chance to isolate and recover. then, the children and staff will be back. at least five people have been killed in northern alabama after a series of powerful tornados tore through the state destroying entire neighbourhoods. bbc news spoke to a meteorologist who described the situation as unprecedented. tanya dendrinos reports. this is pelham, alabama, and the terrifying moment a tornado tore through. rattling. oh, no!

you can see and hear the sheer force of the wind — an incredibly lucky escape for those in this vehicle. 0h, bleep. oh, my god. what the bleep. and this is the aftermath. george ran downstairs, and the whole roof was off... difficult to comprehend — this home ripped to pieces, looking more like a doll�*s house. you see the bed frame? yeah. i was out there watching the president on tv. there was about a minute left — he was just about to finish — and the power flickered off. i didn't think much about it, came back home. picking through the debris, the family doing its best to salvage whatever possible. it was one of multiple tornadoes to ravage southern states on thursday. this afternoon wasjust unprecedented across northern alabama.

we really feared for our lives there in the birmingham area when that tornado touched down. i began tracking that storm this afternoon in alabama at around 1:30, and we were still tracking it at 4:30 in the afternoon. this tornado was producing winds of at least 150 miles per hour and was on the ground for 150 miles. in a given afternoon, you might see a tornado warning last for maybe 15, 20 minutes — this was three hours! the damage is significant, many now facing the arduous clean—up and recovery effort. tanya dendrinos, bbc news. when twins louie and neve were delivered early by emergency c—section, it was feared they might not survive. neve weighed just one pound seven ounces, while louie needed specialist care. but after two weeks apart they're on the mend — and have been reunited

for their first cuddle together. ian haslam has been speaking to their proud parents. reunited with a cuddle. after being separated at birth, this was the moment twins louis and neve were finally allowed to be in the same incubator together. when we got told our baby was moving to a different unit and neve could come in the same room as louis, we werejust made up. but when they got put in the incubator together, the first thing they done was put their legs over each other, theirarms, it looked like he was kissing her on the head. and then she had her hand round his neck at one point. they're just dead funny to watch. and what was your reaction when you saw that happening, you saw them instantly bonding again? i just felt like crying. it was just dead nice, to watch them both back together again. the siblings getting back together is all the more joyous given what they've overcome. doctors feared neve might not survive in the womb because she had reverse blood flow and wasn't getting enough nutrients, while louis had complications after birth including collapsed lungs.

this picture, are you surprised that it's just gone everywhere? it started off on a virtual pub on facebook. my mum put it up there, a status on and everyone was asking for updates. so i put my own up and itjust went off from there. just thousands after thousands liked it. thankfully, the twins are making good progress and could leave liverpool women's hospital by may. it will be nice, but will be up the wall. we've got all our family members who can't wait to meet them. he'sjust dead calm. like when you do his nappy and stuff, hejust lies there, he's not bothered. she kicks off when she's got a dirty nappy. and when you're trying to change her to put a clean one on, she's still kicking off. she's just dead feisty, she's unbelievable for a two—pound baby. the fun starts here! it does. for the next few weeks, though, they'll continue to get stronger together. what do you think they'll think when they look back on this in years to come? they're going to be embarrassed, aren't they? yeah, but i think they'll be happy at the same time because we are going to do

a little memory box. louis, when he wasn't well, had this hat on, that was holding his oxygen thing on his face together. there's a page in the echo for them so we're just going to put that in and when they're older, show them it. don't forget about us as well! yeah, and yous! they'll probably kill us, like, but it's got to be done, hasn't it? i think they'll be fine with it. ian haslam, bbc news, liverpool. i'm sure they will! an 11—year—old boy who has been sleeping in a tent since the first coronavirus lockdown will have his final night outside this weekend. max woosey, from braunton in devon, is raising money in memory of a terminally ill neighbour, who gave max the tent before he died — telling him to have adventures in it. well, max certainly did that — and has raised more than £300,000 in the process. he's now encouraging children around the world to take part in a "big camp—out" on saturday night. john maguire went to meet him. do you want to leave your sleeping bag here, because it's

going to get soaked? through wind, rain and frost every night for almost a year, max has left the comfort of his house and bedded down under canvas. this was storm bella when his dad, mark, joined him for moral support. it's 11 o'clock on boxing day 2020. he's fast asleep. so, it was about 11 o'clock he came in. the tap was going on to my face. oh, no. the tent had blown down? yeah. oh, no. i didn't notice, i was fast asleep. max was inspired by his friend and neighbour, rick, who died last year of cancer and gave him his tent, telling him to seek out an adventure. during his final days, rick was cared for by staff from the north devon hospice, so max is raising money for the charity. max's initiative, itjust could not come at a better time. we are unable to fund raise, our shops are all shut. it is absolutely a lifeline to us to continue our care.

this weekend, as he celebrates one year under canvas, he's calling on children around the world tojoin him either outdoors or to set up camp indoors. and, he's earned some big—name supporters. hey, max, it's bear grylls here. just to say well done for all you're doing. i what an incredible achievement. hi, max, it'sjonny wilkinson here. ijust wanted to send you a little message, really, just to wish you well, especially for this amazing thing you're doing at the moment. i just can't comprehend that max has done this. and he's done it by himself. so it was his idea. i think the thing with children when they do things is a lot of time we tell them what we're going to do. if they do fundraising, we tell them how they're going to do it and we tell them who they're raising funds for. and this is all off of his own back. what made you think, "no, i'm going to stay out?" one, i thought of all the money i'm raising. two, i thought, if i accomplish this...

and three, i forgot the key, so i couldn't really get in. and he's not ready to return to his bedroom just yet. i think i might carry on for a bit and thenjust see where it goes. see what next adventure i do. he's already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, which will help families cope with extremely difficult times. night—night sweetie, love you. night, mum. see you in the morning. just a couple more sleeps till max—mas. john maguire, bbc news, north devon. i'm very excited because i am hoping to speak to max at around 3:45pm, so we will get a little update from him then. i love that story. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there are some big shower clouds out there today. some drenching downpour is drifting across the british isles, in fact,

that mike in fact, some of those showers over high ground are wintry because we have got some really cold air rushing in from the west. the front itself is bringing a band of very heavy rain, accompanied by wind. behind that, yes, some spells of sunshine but plenty of showers, some heavy and thundery with some hail and those showers turn wintry over high ground. as we go into the evening, it will get quite chilly at five, six, seven degrees. tonight, we will see plenty more showers pushing in through the west. over high ground, even over modest hills, the highest grounds of wales and south—west, those showers could be wintry enough to give a covering of snow. two to five centimetres of snow in scotland. temperatures dropping down to freezing in places, so there will be some icy stretches tomorrow morning. tomorrow morning brings a window of dry weather.

some spells of sunshine. cloud will be thickening from the west into the afternoon. some rain splashing into northern ireland western scotland and perhaps parts of wales and the south—west by the end of the day. temperatures creep up — between eight and 11 degrees. saturday night, there will be some windy weather fulsome of us. ——for some of us. frontal systems pushing in from the north—west with the isobars squeezing in together. we will see some gales around northern ireland. some heavy bursts of rain drifting through as well. on sunday, some of that rain will linger across central parts of the uk. to the north of that, sunny spells and wintry showers. in the south, there will be some break in the clouds for some sunshine. some warmth starting to creep its way in. temperatures between 13 and 15 degrees. in the start of next week, we could see a lot of rain piling up in scotland. potential of some flooding.

temperatures will start to climb across southern parts of the country and we could see highs of 23 or maybe 24 degrees.

garden this is bbc news. the headlines... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. today we are hoisting a flag in the wind, planting a sole tyre on the hill, and in the next few weeks we will see how many will rally to our standing. —— sole coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. china has imposed sanctions

on nine british citizens, including five mps, after the uk took action over human rights abuses. and tent boy — 11 year old max is about to spend his 365th night camping outside in memory of his neighbour, rick. we'll be speaking to him shortly. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. in the last hour, the former leader of the snp, alex salmond, has announced the creation of a new pro—independence party which will stand in the scottish parliament election. the alba party will field candidates in the may elections with the aim of creating a 'supermajority�* for independence from the rest of britain. mr salmond said the party would work towards a "successful, sociallyjust, environmentally responsible, independent

cou ntry". let's take a listen to some of what he had to say. the tactics are to stand for the regional list to secure the supermajority. this would be for independence in our parliament. we intend to contribute policy ideas to assist scotland's economic recovery and help build an independence platform to face new political realities. at the last election there were nearly! million wasted snp votes in the regional list. only four snp msps were elected in that way. in yesterday's survation poll, the snp would elect no regional seats at all from the million votes on the list. they would all be totally wasted independence votes. if alba wins regional list seats, the wastage ends and the number of independence supporting msps in the parliament could reach 90 or even more. the initiative for independence

should then be led by the parliament uniting the parties. borisjohnson has already said "no" to the snp proposals but he will find it more difficult to say "no" to a parliament and a country. the independence debate will be recast, not not as the tories against the snp, but borisjohnson against scotland's parliament representing scottish people. today alba are hosting a flag in the wind. planting a saltire in the hill. in the next few weeks, we will see how many will rally to our standard. let's talk to our scotland correspondent alexandra mackenzie. it wasn't entirely unexpected? no, we were it wasn't entirely unexpected? ldfr, we were expecting something from alex salmond but today we very much got the details about that. he has set up a new party, the alba party,

it is now called, and he has said that he's not going to put up in the constituencies so that would not be in competition with the snp in the constituencies, but they will stand in the eight regional lists running at least four candidates on those lists. he has said this would obviously be a pro independence party. alex salmond was the leader of the snp and he was scotland's first minister and an mp and an msp. very much into an independent scotland, very much part of the referendum in 2014. we heard him in that clip talk about a super and that clip talk about a super and thatis that clip talk about a super and that is what he is hoping to achieve. it is very early days in the campaign. just yesterday, the election campaign started, the

election campaign started, the election is on the 6th of may, and in reference to the supermajority he said, if that can be achieved, that would make it much more difficult for borisjohnson to say no to a second referendum. permission has to come from westminster to have a second referendum. what alex salmond said, if there can be a pro independence majority in holyrood, that makes it more difficult for westminster to deny that second independence referendum. alex salmond has said that he is going to stand as one of the candidates. several candidates were announced and he will stand in the north—east list seat. i and he will stand in the north-east list seat. ., , ,, and he will stand in the north-east list seat. ., , ., ., list seat. i will ask you about the olitical list seat. i will ask you about the political reaction _ list seat. i will ask you about the political reaction in _ list seat. i will ask you about the political reaction in a _ list seat. i will ask you about the political reaction in a moment i list seat. i will ask you about the | political reaction in a moment but picking up on the issue of the supermajority, just explain the concept, because he was asked a question in that press conference, that in fact it could run contrary

to what he is trying to achieve, with independence, and that it could create a fault line in the mission for independence and do the very thing that he would not wish to happen by creating that fault line. that is going to be, it is quite early days for that, and it is the second day of the campaign and we have only heard today that he has launched this party and we are not sure exactly at this stage how many candidates he is going to have. he did say that it could mean altogether that they could have this supermajority which would be about 90 pro independence candidates. obviously we need to get through the election process first and it will be for the voters to decide which candidates end up getting into holyrood. after the election on the 6th of may. holyrood. after the election on the 6th of may-—

6th of may. what is the reaction oliticall 6th of may. what is the reaction politically to _ 6th of may. what is the reaction politically to this? _ 6th of may. what is the reaction politically to this? we _ 6th of may. what is the reaction politically to this? we have - 6th of may. what is the reaction l politically to this? we have heard from the snp _ politically to this? we have heard from the snp and _ politically to this? we have heard from the snp and from _ politically to this? we have heard from the snp and from the - politically to this? we have heard l from the snp and from the scottish conservatives. the snp, i've been hand of this, they say this is perhaps the most predictable development in scottish politics for quite some time. they say the snp has led the country through the last 12 months of the pandemic and that this election, it is them who offer the experience and responsibility for looking forward that the country needs. the scottish conservatives have said that they are the only party in scotland with the strength and determination to take on all nationalists, whether thatis take on all nationalists, whether that is nicola sturgeon's snp or alex salmond.— that is nicola sturgeon's snp or alex salmond. . ., ., ., ., alex salmond. alexandra, thanks for 'oinin: us.

alex salmond. alexandra, thanks for joining us- we _ alex salmond. alexandra, thanks for joining us. we will _ alex salmond. alexandra, thanks for joining us. we will get _ alex salmond. alexandra, thanks for joining us. we will get more - joining us. we will get more reaction from the other political parties in scotland during the afternoon. are we going to have a website trail? maybe not. coronavirus infection rates are no longer falling and have begun to level off. figures out today estimate one in 330 people had the virus last week. it comes as the uk's r or reproduction number has risen slightly — it's now estimated at 0.7 to 0.9. meanwhile, wales prepares to end travel restrictions within its borders tomorrow — for the first time since december, and self—catering accommodation reopens, but only for visitors from within wales. katharine da costa reports. mass testing in schools is helping to reduce some of the risk of passing on the virus without knowing it. but inevitably, opening up will see more cases. there are signs infections are rising in secondary schools,

but it's less clear in primary schools. it's hoped the easter holidays next week will help to slow the spread. the latest survey from the office for national statistics suggests infections have levelled off in england, wales and northern ireland. in scotland, infections have increased. estimates suggest about 197,000 people in the uk had the virus in the week to last saturday, that is one in 130, with little change from the previous week. if cases are flat now, then further opening could potentially lead to increases, and with the vaccine supply being a bit narrower in april, it also means that we are now slowing the rolling out of vaccines to under—50s, who are often the parents of people in school. many european countries are now facing a third wave of the virus, with growing pressure to boost vaccine supplies. last night, eu leaders stopped short of banning vaccine exports but the european commission insisted manufacturers such as astrazeneca must catch up on eu deliveries before exporting doses elsewhere. even if fair and free trade

is in the dna of the european union, we have to take measures if astrazeneca doesn't deliver the right quantities. it's sad but necessary. here in the uk, nearly 29 million first doses have been administered to more than half the adult population. while supplies are expected to dip during april, pfizer's uk medical director is optimistic science will defeat the pandemic. i actually think we're winning that race. if you look at what's happening in the uk, dramatic reductions in the death rate, dramatic reductions in hospitalisations, dramatic reductions in the number of cases... now, for the cautious unlocking. from tomorrow, people in wales can travel where they want to within its borders, and from monday, people in england will be able to meet outside in groups of six or two households, but experts warn we will still need

to keep our guard up to avoid another wave. katharine da costa, bbc news. earlier, i spoke to our health editor hugh pym to find out if these latest figures are a cause for concern. easing means more people meet up with each other and there will be more of a spread, and the ons survey, which covers those who have symptoms, and those who don't, it is a random survey, which is regarded as pretty authoritative, shows that around the uk, there has been a levelling off for the first time since late january, and an increase in scotland. scotland's schools started opening up in late february. we had the opening up of schools in england on the 8th of march, and the ons survey suggests that in year seven to year 11, there has been an increase in cases. now, i don't think there should be any cause for alarm here,

because you get parents meeting at school gates, you have got more children meeting in schools and then going home, this was to be expected. but it will be monitored extremely closely in the weeks ahead, and we've got gradual easing going on from next week in england, as we've heard, in wales. so, officials will want to know where the data is going. the key point that i think we need to keep emphasising is that there is a break in the linkage between more cases, meaning more people getting seriously ill, because of the vaccines. so, if you look at the daily reported case numbers that come out from the government, they are only falling a very small amount at the moment, week on week, whereas hospital numbers, admissions, are falling quite sharply, and deaths falling even more rapidly. basically, people are not getting so seriously ill. so, i think thejury is still slightly out, but no reason at the moment to think this levelling off is a big worry. hugh pym, there.

thousands of asda supermarket workers have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. the court upheld an earlier court ruling that lower—paid shop staff, who are mostly women, can compare themselves with higher paid warehouse workers, who are mostly men. the judge stressed the ruling did not mean the 44,000 claimants had won the right to equal pay — but are now free to take further action in one of the largest equal pay claims in the uk. emma simpson reports. it's a legal question that's taken years to answer — can workers on the shopfloor at asda be compared to workers in its distribution centres when it comes to equal pay? the highest court in the land has ruled that they can. this court dismisses the appeal brought by asda. this is clearly a very substantial case for asda. however, the court's conclusion does not mean that those claimants have won their equal pay claim. at this stage, all the court has determined is that they can use

the terms and conditions of employment enjoyed by the distribution employees as a valid comparison. that's a big win for the 44,000 current and former asda shopworkers. they say they should be paid the same as their colleagues in the depots, who are mostly men and receive up to £3 extra an hour. we're all so excited about this and it's such a big thing for us. ijust can't put in to words how much this means to me and every other claimant as well, because it'sjust... we never could have dreamt it would go this far, but we've kept going and we've kept fighting and we're going to see it through to the end. asda insists this is only one stage of a complex case, saying...

the ripple effects of this ruling could be huge. tesco, sainsbury�*s, morrisons, co—op and next are all defending similar equal pay claims. if ultimately successful, lawyers reckon the overall bill could hit £8 billion for back pay and compensation. it's certainly a landmarkjudgment. the supreme court's decision basically means that companies can no longer rely on the fact that they've got workers in two different places in order to avoid paying them equally. it's made very clear in the judgment that the purpose of the legislation is to allow these types of comparisons to happen, rather than to try and avoid them. their next legal hurdle is to prove these roles are of equal value, and that there's no material factor which justifies their differences in pay. arguments which may take several years to reach a conclusion.

and emma told me it was a hugely significant victory. it is significant, kate. no doubt about that. that's why asda has fought this legal battle and lost every step of the way, and it has wound up to the supreme court today to make that final ruling. of course, what we have seen is, equal pay has been a big battleground in the public sector. you may remember the female cleaners and dinner ladies taking action against birmingham city council. now, this has hit the private sector, and this is a very big, high—profile case. but as i said, this could take years to conclude, there's a long way to go. emma simpson, there. the headlines on bbc news... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils

in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. borisjohnson has said he stands "firmly" with the nine british people — including five mps — who have been sanctioned by china after they criticised beijing's treatment of uighur muslims. it follows measures taken by the uk government on monday over human rights abuses against the muslim minority group in xinjiang province. our diplomatic correspondent james landale reports. china has long been accused of human rights abuses in the north—west of the country. the arbitrary detention of more than a million ethnic uighurs, the forced sterilisation of women. the suppression of language and culture.

people from various ethnic groups live in concord... but now china is fighting back, propaganda films were shown to the media this morning claiming xinjiang is a wonderful place to live. there has been a backlash against western companies questioning the use of forced labour in cotton picking in the region. and after britain, with america, canada and the eu, announced sanctions on four top chinese officials, beijing has hit back, imposing travel bans and asset freezes on nine british citizens and four organisations. for some time, certain forces have fabricated a large amount of lies of the century about xinjiang and used these lies to demonise china and interfere in china's internal affairs. the sanctions were aimed at vocal critics of china, accused by the foreign ministry of spreading lies and disinformation. they're five tory mps,

including the former party leader sir iain duncan smith, two peers, a lawyer and an academic, along with campaign groups, some of which have accused chinese officials of genocide. i was elected to chair the foreign affairs committee by the whole house of commons, opposition and government mps alike, and so i view this as a direct assault on british democracy, and an attempt to silence the people the british people have chosen to speak for them. if that isn't an assault on british sovereignty, i don't know what is. borisjohnson said those sanctioned by china are performing a vital role shining a light on the gross human rights violations being perpetrated against uighur muslims and said he stood firmly with them. we stand in total solidarity with the nine individuals that were is today. it's not going to stop them and it's not going to stop the british government speaking up about industrial scale human bites abuses taking place in xinjiang. if the chinese government want to continue with these blanket denials that anything wrong is taking place in xinjiang, the obvious thing for them to do

would be to allow access to the united nations. today's sanctions were not unexpected but they mark a further deterioration in uk china relations and will make the positive trade relationship the government wants harder to achieve. james landale, bbc news. professor steve tsang is the director of the school of oriental and african studies at the university of london. what is your reading of the situation?— what is your reading of the situation? ., ., , , , ., situation? the relationship is going to net a bit situation? the relationship is going to get a bit more _ situation? the relationship is going to get a bit more difficult _ situation? the relationship is going to get a bit more difficult but - situation? the relationship is going to get a bit more difficult but we i to get a bit more difficult but we should look at not only the chinese sanctions but the time it has taken for the chinese government to come up for the chinese government to come up with the dissension against the uk, in contrast to how very quickly they were able to announce sanctions against the eu when the eu first announced their sanctions against china. i think it shows the chinese

government thinks the british government thinks the british government through the integrated review potentially were not going to sanction china. 50 review potentially were not going to sanction china.— sanction china. so what does that tell us in terms _ sanction china. so what does that tell us in terms of— sanction china. so what does that tell us in terms of the _ sanction china. so what does that tell us in terms of the political- tell us in terms of the political diplomatic relations?- tell us in terms of the political diplomatic relations? what it tells us is the messaging _ diplomatic relations? what it tells us is the messaging from - diplomatic relations? what it tells us is the messaging from the - us is the messaging from the integrated review was read in china integrated review was read in china in a way that was not intended by the british government. the chinese read the message that, yes, the uk sees china as a systemic challenge but first and foremost the uk is interested in businesses and in investments with china. so they were not expecting the uk to take a stand of the human rights issue over xinjiang and that is why they had to wait a few days to work out how they are going to respond to that, but it also shows that for all the talk about the good relationship, they

will firstly and foremost look after the interests of the communist party of china. it the interests of the communist party of china. , , ' . the interests of the communist party of china. , , , . ., of china. it is very difficult now for the british _ of china. it is very difficult now for the british government, - of china. it is very difficult now for the british government, it i of china. it is very difficult now i for the british government, it has got to represent one message to its constituents, the voters in terms of what it is doing on human rights, but at the same time there is, you could argue mixed messages because there is a push for trade and investment deals at the same time. there is always a need to strike the right balance between the two. the british government has now clearly said that china poses a systemic challenge to the uk, so we will have to start with that and then on that basis, see how we can continue to have economic engagement with china, rather than go the other way round. the chinese government always respects strength but they don't respects strength but they don't respect governments who are weak and inconsistent. haifa

respect governments who are weak and inconsistent. ., ., ., respect governments who are weak and inconsistent-— inconsistent. how are we to read these particular _ inconsistent. how are we to read these particular sanctions - inconsistent. how are we to read these particular sanctions in - inconsistent. how are we to read i these particular sanctions in terms of being taken against individuals and for those individuals to say, well, thisjust and for those individuals to say, well, this just spurs us on and it is not really impact us in any real sense? —— it does not. we is not really impact us in any real sense? -- it does not.— is not really impact us in any real sense? -- it does not. we have to understand _ sense? -- it does not. we have to understand that _ sense? -- it does not. we have to understand that it _ sense? -- it does not. we have to understand that it is _ sense? -- it does not. we have to understand that it is in _ sense? -- it does not. we have to understand that it is in some - sense? -- it does not. we have to understand that it is in some waysj understand that it is in some ways interfering with what we actually normally do in this country. the uk sanctions, whetherjustified or not, is based on a systemic or reported systemic abuse of human rights in xinjiang. the chinese sanction is against the british government and individuals or organisations speaking up on issues of human rights abuse. they are not really comparable. in rights abuse. they are not really comparable-— rights abuse. they are not really com arable. ., .,, comparable. in the meantime those human rights _ comparable. in the meantime those human rights abuses _ comparable. in the meantime those human rights abuses as _ comparable. in the meantime those human rights abuses as reported i comparable. in the meantime those | human rights abuses as reported are still continuing. bud human rights abuses as reported are still continuing.— still continuing. and they will

continue- _ still continuing. and they will continue. the _ still continuing. and they will continue. the policy - still continuing. and they will continue. the policy over - still continuing. and they will - continue. the policy over xinjiang is a policy that comes under xi jinping directly and any policy that comes under him cannot be changed because of external pressure. if anything, external pressure will get the chinese government to double down with its existing policy over xinjiang. down with its existing policy over xin'ianu. ~ . , down with its existing policy over xin'ianu. . . , ., , xinjiang. which is worrying indeed. thanks forjoining _ xinjiang. which is worrying indeed. thanks forjoining us. _ the suez canal authority has stepped up efforts to free a gigantic container ship that's been blocking sea—trade through egypt since tuesday. dredgers are attempting to remove 20,000 cubic metres of sand to free the vessel. freight transport companies are weighing up alternative routes, which could include a lengthy and expensive diversion around africa. the blockage is estimated to be holding up goods worth £7 billion each day. theo leggett reports. one of the world's busiest trade

routes blocked by a single giant ship firmly wedged between the banks. eight powerful tugs have been trying to move it, a special suction dredging machine has been brought in to clear away thousands of tonnes of sand and mud. it's a complicated operation and salvage experts from the netherlands have been drafted in. they have done something similar before in the river elbe in february 2016, a similar sized vessel also ran aground in sand and they successfully refloated her after excavating and with the support of tugs. it took six days. giant trafficjams have built up at both ends of the canal with more than 230 ships waiting to get through. container vessels, oil and tankers and bulk carriers all going nowhere. some $10 billion worth of trade normally passes through the canal every day,

and the costs are mounting up. the business interruption claims and business interruption cost to companies, to factories, to other dependent industries is going to be enormous. i don't even dare to pick a number right now. the ever given is a giant of the seas, capable of carrying tens of thousands of containers. some of them are meant to be delivered in the uk with the ship scheduled to dock in felixstowe early next month. meanwhile, other shipping companies are considering their options. the suez canal is a giant shortcut allowing vessels to travel between europe and asia or the middle east relatively quickly. the alternative is a haul round the southern tip of africa. it can take much longer, use more fuel and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds more, as well as exposing ships to the risk of bad weather and piracy. the blockage of the suez canal has raised questions about the risks involved in sending such huge vessels through such a narrow waterway. but it's also placed a renewed focus

on the vulnerability of the global supply chains which provide the goods we rely on every day. theo leggett, bbc news. at least 32 people have been killed and more than 60 injured after two passenger trains collided in egypt. dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene after two carriages were derailed and overturned. in early findings, the egyptian railway authority has said the accident was due to the emergency brakes being activated on one of the trains, causing the other to hit it from behind. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there are some drenching downpours out there through the rest of today, some of the showers heavy with hail and thunder, some of them turning wintry over high ground. actually, through tonight, there could be a covering of snow over high ground in scotland, northern ireland, north west england, wales, even the south west of england could see a little bit of snow up over the moors. temperatures dropping close to freezing, below freezing in a few places, so tomorrow morning, there could be some icy stretches around,

if you do need to make an essential journey. tomorrow morning, for most of us, there's a window of relatively fine weather, some spells of sunshine, but as we head into the afternoon, cloud will start to thicken from the west, the wind will strengthen and we will see outbreaks of rain into northern ireland, western scotland, some western parts of england and wales as well. temperatures between eight and 11 degrees, and are starting to turn a little bit less chilly, turns warmer still particularly in the south by sunday with some outbreaks of rain further north and west. that's all from me, bye for now.

hello this is bbc news with kate silverton. the headlines: the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party, the alba party, will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may.

today, alber, is hosting a flag in the wind. planting our saltire on the wind. planting our saltire on the hill. in the next few weeks, we will see how many will rally to our standard. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. china has imposed sanctions on nine british citizens, including five mps, after the uk took action over human rights abuses. and tent boy — 11 —year—old max is about to spend his 365th night camping outside in memory of his neighbour, rick. we'll be speaking to him shortly. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. thank you very much. england are firing on all cyclinders in india — they're not far off chasing that

total of 337, to win in pune, and level the series... currently on 294—4. . .. losing three quick wickets including that ofjonny bairstow... with a fantastic score of 124. ben stokes was so close tojoining him — he went on 99... earlier, rishabh pant, and kl rahul helped india to their 336 for 6. still around 13 overs or so left, for england to reach their target. as they look to level the series. chris thompson and stephanie davis qualified for the tokyo 2020 olympics — with victory in the great britain marathon trials at kew gardens this morning. thompson, who will turn 40 in april, will be competing in his second olympics, having run the 10,000 metres in 2012. here's our senior sports news reporter laura scott. so, in the marathon it was a looped course here at kew gardens. the route had been done 25 times to shave off seconds here and there and in the men's events, it was won by

chris thompson, age 39. he welcomed his first child earlier this week and he got a pb here today to earn his spot on the plane to tokyo. ben connors is also going to tokyo, because he reached that all—important qualifying standard. in the women's race it was stephanie davis. she was the main contender today. she got the qualifying standard, but she needed to finish in the first two. she did that, it was a really dominant display, so she is on the plane to take you as well. she is on the plane to tokyo as well. earlier, callum wilkinson won the 20 kilometre walk. he didn't get the qualifying time though, which means he has to wait until tuesday to find out if he gets to go to tokyo. tom bosworth came second today, but already made the qualifying time in a previous race and so is going to the games in july. in the women's event, heather lewis, the fastest briton over 20 kilometres in 2019, got the better of her big rival bethan davies. and preparations continue for this year's games

in tokyo with the second day of the torch relay. the three—time winter olympic freestyle skier sho endo carried the torch on skis down this snow—covered mountain in in fukushima. endo was one of the the highlights of the relay, which will complete its tour ofjapan onjuly 23rd at the opening ceremony. everton's plans for a new 53,000—capacity stadium have received government approval. it's a major stepping stone for the club — as they look to compete with the premier league's so—called "big six". liverpool city council approved plans last month and ministers have now given the green light for the project on liverpool's waterfront, which will reportedly cost £500 million. goodison park has been the club's home since 1892, but has a capacity of less than 40,000 and now outdated facilities. the new formula one season is under way in bahrain with max verstappen showing he'll challenge lewis hamilton again this year. in first practice, the dutchman's red bull was more than a quarter of a second quicker than mercedes�* valtteri bottas. seven—time world champion hamilton wasn't even the quickest briton as mclaren's lando norris pipped him

to third by a fraction of a second. second practice is under way at the moment. sarah hunter returns to captain england women for their six nations title defence. she was named in the squad for the upcoming tournament. england completed their second consecutive grand slam in november, but the 2020 tournament was hit by postponements and cancellations amid the coronavirus pandemic. hunter was out with injury as the red roses sealed the title, but she's back to lead this year. their first game is against scotland on april 3rd. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. scotland's former first minister alex salmond has launched a new pro—independence party, which will contest may's scottish parliament election. the ex—leader of the snp is now fronting 'alba', which will put forward candidates in every region. mr salmond believes his new venture will aim to secure what he called a "supermajority" for a new independence referendum, which has so far been rejected by the prime minister.

joining me now is a member of the scottish green party, ross greer. let's get your response to this, russ. hi let's get your response to this, russ. , ,., russ. hi there. it is quite sad, there is. _ russ. hi there. it is quite sad, there is, isn't _ russ. hi there. it is quite sad, there is, isn't it? _ russ. hi there. it is quite sad, there is, isn't it? this- russ. hi there. it is quite sad, there is, isn't it? this is- russ. hi there. it is quite sad, there is, isn't it? this is the i russ. hi there. it is quite sad, i there is, isn't it? this is the very public meltdown of eight thoroughly disgraced individual. this election in scotland should be about the future, should be about how we recover from the pandemic, future, should be about how we recoverfrom the pandemic, how future, should be about how we recover from the pandemic, how we tackle big global challenges like the climate crisis and how we put ourselves on track to becoming an independent nation. this is a man from scott's past who is obsessively pursuing peasant vendettas and he doesn't have anything to offer. he is less popular in scotland than borisjohnson. i'm sure your viewers across the uk can appreciate just how unpopular borisjohnson is in scotland. i'm quite sure that very quickly as today, will be able to go back to ignoring what is a very bad sideshow. just back to ignoring what is a very bad sideshow. , , , .., sideshow. just be careful with the lanuuuae, sideshow. just be careful with the language. he _ sideshow. just be careful with the language. he has— sideshow. just be careful with the language, he has been _ sideshow. just be careful with the language, he has been acquitted | sideshow. just be careful with the i language, he has been acquitted and he is still a very popular figure, language, he has been acquitted and he is still a very popularfigure, a very well—known figure in scotland.

he is more popular than boris johnson, there is no more popular in scottish politics than alex salmond. about 14% of people approve and 70% of people disapprove. he is the most unpopular, divisive, widely condemned individual in scottish politics. condemned individual in scottish olitics. ., , ., ., condemned individual in scottish -olitics. ., , ., ., . politics. criminal behaviour... we will have to _ politics. criminal behaviour... we will have to see, _ politics. criminal behaviour... we will have to see, let _ politics. criminal behaviour... we will have to see, let let _ politics. criminal behaviour... we will have to see, let let -- - will have to see, let let —— pictures because with your language. we will have to see how this plays out. he is standing for independence, but why does the green party stand on this? is also standing on the environment. on your website, we will share it constructively. judging by what others are sad, you will not entertain any idea of working with alex salmond, even if he is pushing for that supermajority.— for that superma'ority. there are two for that supermajority. there are two pro-independence _ for that supermajority. there are two pro-independence parties i for that supermajority. there are two pro-independence parties in | for that supermajority. there are - two pro-independence parties in the two pro—independence parties in the scottish balance, the snp any it's got a screen. we make up an independent majority for that. the elections will happen in may, but they will only be to pry dependents

parties in parliament. if you want to vote for pro—independence party that believes in a genuinely fairer and greener scotland that is a serious that they were blue —— recovery from the pandemic, tackling the cry climate crisis, you can go green. this has led by a disgraced individual who is led by behaviours or i hope we can spend the rest of the campaign talking about the actions that really matter, notjust one man's individual trip. and we'll be speaking to the leader of the scootish green party — and we'll have a full list of the candidates available on the bbc news website, once the nominations close next week. the communities secretary robert jenrick has criticised protests outside a school in yorkshire, and called for them to end. demonstrators gathered in front of batley grammar school this morning, following claims that a teacher showed his students a cartoon of the prophet muhammed. a teacher has been suspended. mrjenrick, has said that teachers should respect faith, but "it must be right" for such images to be allowed to be shown in a free society. well, the scenes in batley

are deeply disturbing. no teacher or member of staff should ever feel threatened or intimidated going into school and doing theirjob. of course it is incumbent on teachers to show respect and to behave appropriately to communities. and to faith groups. we also live in a free society and we want children to be taught contentious issues appropriately and for nothing to be censored in the classroom. this is a matter that the school now has to consider very carefully. but the scenes that we are seeing outside the school gates come to an end. it must be right that a teacher can appropriately show images of the prophet muhammad in a free society. we want religions to be taught to children and four children ——and for children to

question and query them. however, this is a matter that the school needs to consider carefully. we don't have context here, so it is not appropriate for me to question that. but we must see teachers protected and no one should be feeling intimidated or threatened as they go into school and the scenes that i saw yesterday and this morning in batley are deeply unsettling. the mother of two black women who were killed in london last summer has expressed her sympathy for the family of sarah everard — and questioned why the deaths of her daughters received so little attention at the time. mina smallman feels the metropolitan police did not act swiftly when her daughters were reported missing — she was later told police had taken selfies with their bodies. mishal husain has been speaking to her. they were celebrating bibaa's birthday, they were dancing in the fields with lights, just having a real good time.

we never ever spoke to them again. bibaa henry and her sister nicole smallman disappeared injune last year after meeting friends in a london park. they were reported missing but it was a search mounted by family and friends, which found their bodies in the same park. two police officers were later arrested on suspicion of taking and sharing photographs of the bodies at the crime scene. when you saw the way that the police were looking for sarah everard, and you relived the events after nicole and bibaa went missing, what did you think? me and my husband, we just went back in time emotionally and the anxiety, and i know what that family, the parents will be going through. and it is a hell.

you can't begin to understand what it is to lose a child under those circumstances. and then to have a further betrayal. the very organisation, who is paid, and we have an agreement with, that they will protect us, they will honour us and behave in a way that gives our deceased dignity. allegations against the police in relation to this case continue to be investigated. the metropolitan police commissioner cressida dick told us... "i recognise trust in the met is still too low in some black communities, i feel very sorry about that. it is something i have worked to change and i commit now to stepping up that work further." a suspect charged over nicole and bibaa's deaths is due to go on trial this summer. but the response to sarah everard's

disappearance has left the family with new questions. we have received so much kickback from friends and colleagues, who are saying, "excuse me, where was this level of coverage and outrage for two of your daughters murdered?" why do you think that is? i think the notion of all people matter is absolutely right, but it's not true. other people have more kudos in this world than people of colour. and you and your husband, how are you? it will be a year injune.

just two sundays ago, it was my first mother's day without my girls. and...we were destroyed really, you know. i think there's two sides to me. there's mum, and then there's activist, someone who has always stood in the gap for people who are not treated fairly. as mum, i am as broken, i am broken beyond words. it is a vast loss. two faces, two sisters, whose lives were brutally cut short in the same instant. mishal husain, bbc news. a government scheme to house all rough sleepers at the start of the pandemic has seen large

differences across england in the outcomes of those supported. new data shows that in some areas, over 80% of those helped are in longer—term accommodation, whereas in others, it is less than 15 per cent. adam ee—lee reports. this is where i used to live, under here, for 12 months, before the pandemic. i used to have a bit of carpet underneath the floor to keep me warm, basically. so that the concrete doesn't get through you. and i used to have a sleeping bag and a pillow, basically. and that was all we had, under there. if the pandemic didn't happen, i would probably still be living under here now. this is martin. before the pandemic, he slept rough under a bridge here in shrewsbury. then, a year ago, the government launched a scheme called everyone launched a scheme called everyone in, designed to ensure all rough sleepers across england would have a place to stay during the pandemic. figures compiled by the bbc show among the top 20 best performing councils, on average, 82.5% of those helped by the scheme have been moved into long—term accommodation, but in the worst performing councils, around just 13% have

had the same outcome. you have to move away from this postcode lottery approach which can mean that people aren't getting what they need to end their homelessness. across england, more than 11,000 individuals still remain in emergency accommodation. paul from oxford is one of them. he says having a place to stay over the last year has greatly improved his mental health. all the anxieties, stresses began to fall away. if, tomorrow, we were to lose the accommodation, it gets back to square one, isn't it? the government has provided unprecedented amounts of funding, so not least, for example, £4.6 billion of unring—fenced funding to allow for councils to make decisions locally. martin now lives in privately rented accommodation, just a few minutes walk from the bridge he once slept under. this hasjust opened doors again for me. i can now work again.

i don't think i would be otherwise. when you have got a place to wake up in the morning, when you are not on the streets, you got to concentrate you wake up more positive. the headlines on bbc news... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. an 11—year—old boy who has been sleeping in a tent since the first coronavirus lockdown will have his final night outside this weekend. max woosey, from braunton in devon, is raising money in memory of a terminally—ill neighbour,

who gave max the tent before he died — telling him to have adventures in it. well, max certainly did that — and has raised more than 300,000 ——£300,000 in the process. he's now encouraging children around the world to take part in a "big camp—out" on saturday night. i'm delighted to say max and his mum rachaeljoin me now. i camped with my children in our garden, but ijust —— we managed one night! so you have done all this time. can you take us through, we havejust heard time. can you take us through, we have just heard about the friend who encouraged you, can you tell is a little bit about him and that conversation when he gave you the tense? ., ., , ., tense? unfortunately he died of cancer. tense? unfortunately he died of cancer- ibut _ tense? unfortunately he died of cancer. but before _ tense? unfortunately he died of cancer. but before he _ tense? unfortunately he died of cancer. but before he died, - tense? unfortunately he died of cancer. but before he died, he. tense? unfortunately he died of- cancer. but before he died, he gave me a tent, and said, i should have a bunch of the net, and i would! so,

since the hospice looks at good care of him, and all of their shops were shut, i wanted to help them out. by raising the money, so that is what i have done. he raising the money, so that is what i have done-— raising the money, so that is what i have done. ., ., , ., have done. he said that he has done that. i'm have done. he said that he has done that- m going _ have done. he said that he has done that- m going to — have done. he said that he has done that. i'm going to counselling - that. i'm going to counselling camping side of it, but you have raised more than £300,000. that is an extraordinary amounts, and i know the hospice are absolutely delighted because the funds are so short now. but it must... when you heard that news, i think it has been rising steadily all day today, what has that been like? it steadily all day today, what has that been like?— steadily all day today, what has that been like? it has been mad at the moment! _ that been like? it has been mad at the moment! it _ that been like? it has been mad at the moment! it is _ that been like? it has been mad at the moment! it is quite _ that been like? it has been mad at i the moment! it is quite overwhelming toda . his the moment! it is quite overwhelming today- his total— the moment! it is quite overwhelming today. his total has _ the moment! it is quite overwhelming today. his total has gone _ the moment! it is quite overwhelming today. his total has gone up - the moment! it is quite overwhelming today. his total has gone up about i today. his total has gone up about £150,000 — today. his total has gone up about £150,000 in the last 24 and was was done _ £150,000 in the last 24 and was was done it— £150,000 in the last 24 and was was done it is— £150,000 in the last 24 and was was done. it isjust a lot to £150,000 in the last 24 and was was done. it is just a lot to take £150,000 in the last 24 and was was done. it isjust a lot to take in. | done. it isjust a lot to take in. i am done. it isjust a lot to take in. am hard done. it isjust a lot to take in. i am hard suspecting that you might just want to go back into your tent and zip it up, because i know the media attention has been on you. but max, just tell elizabeth about the

experience because i know how cold it can get at night and you have gone through a very cold winter, so what has it been like? what with the best and worst bits? the what has it been like? what with the best and worst bits?— best and worst bits? the best bets have deftly been _ best and worst bits? the best bets have deftly been the _ best and worst bits? the best bets have deftly been the support - best and worst bits? the best bets have deftly been the support and i best and worst bits? the best bets i have deftly been the support and the fun. the worst of it has been... 0h, fun. the worst of it has been... oh, the worst has been the weather and wildlife. the the worst has been the weather and wildlife. ., ., wildlife. the weather and the wildlife? we _ wildlife. the weather and the wildlife? we had _ wildlife. the weather and the wildlife? we had your- wildlife. the weather and the wildlife? we had your dog, i wildlife. the weather and the i wildlife? we had your dog, just then, i gather your dog might have been keeping you company, but watch wildlife are we talking about? foxes? i wildlife are we talking about? foxes? . , , wildlife are we talking about? foxes? ., , , ., foxes? i have seen is fox, face-to-face, _ foxes? i have seen is fox, face-to-face, it _ foxes? i have seen is fox, face-to-face, it came i foxes? i have seen is fox, face-to-face, it came outl foxes? i have seen is fox, i face-to-face, it came out of the face—to—face, it came out of the tent, making a lot of noise, pheasants came, chase me around the garden and a red and nest! they decided to come and feed on me. so it has been a proper adventure, even if, i say, just in your back garden,

but it is an extraordinary feat. you want other children now to take part this weekend in a big campout. tell us about that.— us about that. max's big campout, the idea is that _ us about that. max's big campout, the idea is that children _ us about that. max's big campout, the idea is that children can - us about that. max's big campout, the idea is that children can either| the idea is that children can either build _ the idea is that children can either build a _ the idea is that children can either build a den— the idea is that children can either build a den in their bedroom, they can make— build a den in their bedroom, they can make a— build a den in their bedroom, they can make a tent in their lounge, or build— can make a tent in their lounge, or build a— can make a tent in their lounge, or build a tent— can make a tent in their lounge, or build a tent outside. but through all of— build a tent outside. but through all of this, — build a tent outside. but through all of this, kind of beauty has been that it _ all of this, kind of beauty has been that it has — all of this, kind of beauty has been that it has been all max's doing and choosing, _ that it has been all max's doing and choosing, and when we talked about what we _ choosing, and when we talked about what we could do to kind of finish the year. — what we could do to kind of finish the year, he felt that anything children— the year, he felt that anything children do to fund raise is all quite — children do to fund raise is all quite dictatorial, they are told exactly — quite dictatorial, they are told exactly what they have got to do and who they _ exactly what they have got to do and who they are raising funds for. so he was _ who they are raising funds for. so he was really keen that the children .ot he was really keen that the children got to— he was really keen that the children got to choose and children were in charge _ got to choose and children were in charge of— got to choose and children were in charge of the weekend, and we had some _ charge of the weekend, and we had some talks — charge of the weekend, and we had some talks withjust charge of the weekend, and we had some talks with just giving and they have been— some talks with just giving and they have been amazing. so it's max, they have been amazing. so it's max, they have created — have been amazing. so it's max, they have created the first platform like this for— have created the first platform like this for children where children can si-n this for children where children can sign up _ this for children where children can sign up and — this for children where children can sign up and choose the charity they want to— sign up and choose the charity they want to raise funds for, but they can also— want to raise funds for, but they can also see how much they have all

raised _ can also see how much they have all raised as— can also see how much they have all raised as a _ can also see how much they have all raised as a collective, so we are so excited _ raised as a collective, so we are so excited about that. it is raised as a collective, so we are so excited about that.— excited about that. it is really wonderful- — excited about that. it is really wonderful. and _ excited about that. it is really wonderful. and just _ excited about that. it is really wonderful. and just also i excited about that. it is really wonderful. and just also for l excited about that. it is really i wonderful. and just also for that combination, as you say, rachael, a raising money, but also to encourage children to get out. i have a postage stamp sized garden, butjust sleeping out under the stars is quite a special experience, isn't it, max? . , quite a special experience, isn't it, max? , , , quite a special experience, isn'tl it. max?_ we it, max? yes, it definitely is. we have noticed _ it, max? yes, it definitely is. we have noticed a _ it, max? yes, it definitely is. we have noticed a change _ it, max? yes, it definitely is. we have noticed a change in - it, max? yes, it definitely is. we have noticed a change in max, i it, max? yes, it definitely is. we have noticed a change in max, inj have noticed a change in max, in that he _ have noticed a change in max, in that he is— have noticed a change in max, in that he is a — have noticed a change in max, in that he is a bit taller, but he is proud — that he is a bit taller, but he is proud of— that he is a bit taller, but he is proud of what he has achieved, and i think— proud of what he has achieved, and i think it _ proud of what he has achieved, and i think it is _ proud of what he has achieved, and i think it isjust good for the children— think it isjust good for the children to show is what they can do, children to show is what they can do. to— children to show is what they can do. to push— children to show is what they can do, to push the boundaries a little bit. do, to push the boundaries a little bit -- _ do, to push the boundaries a little bit -- he— do, to push the boundaries a little bit. —— he wants a better taller. even _ bit. —— he wants a better taller. even if— bit. —— he wants a better taller. even if it— bit. —— he wants a better taller. even if it is— bit. —— he wants a better taller. even if it isjust sleeping in a different— even if it isjust sleeping in a different room, for challenges them. how are _ different room, for challenges them. how are you — different room, for challenges them. how are you going to celebrate your love because that is going to be your last night? how you to celebrate?— your last night? how you to celebrate? ., , ., ., ., , celebrate? no, it is not going to be m last celebrate? no, it is not going to be my last night- _ celebrate? no, it is not going to be my last night. that _ celebrate? no, it is not going to be my last night. that is _ celebrate? no, it is not going to be my last night. that is an _ celebrate? no, it is not going to be my last night. that is an ongoing i my last night. that is an ongoing conversation! _ my last night. that is an ongoing conversation! what _ my last night. that is an ongoing conversation! what do _ my last night. that is an ongoing conversation! what do you - my last night. that is an ongoing j conversation! what do you think, rachael? how— conversation! what do you think, rachael? how long _ conversation! what do you think, rachael? how long would - conversation! what do you think, rachael? how long would you i conversation! what do you think, | rachael? how long would you like conversation! what do you think, i rachael? how long would you like to go on for? i

rachael? how long would you like to no on for? ., ~' ., go on for? i would like him to finish, go on for? i would like him to finish. but — go on for? i would like him to finish, but then _ go on for? i would like him to finish, but then i _ go on for? i would like him to finish, but then i have - go on for? i would like him to finish, but then i have had i finish, but then i have had conversations with my husband and we have said. _ conversations with my husband and we have said, well, he hasjust done a really— have said, well, he hasjust done a really miserable winter, so it seems silly to _ really miserable winter, so it seems silly to make him stop now that we are coming — silly to make him stop now that we are coming to spring. but he starts secondary— are coming to spring. but he starts secondary school in september and i would _ secondary school in september and i would like _ secondary school in september and i would like him to bn by thenbut i would _ would like him to bn by thenbut i would also like —— i would also think— would also like —— i would also think the — would also like —— i would also think the more a protest, the longer he is going _ think the more a protest, the longer he is going to stay out. so perhaps i he is going to stay out. so perhaps ijust_ he is going to stay out. so perhaps ijust need — he is going to stay out. so perhaps ijust need to let him do his thing. ijust need to let him do his thing. i hear— ijust need to let him do his thing. i hear you! — ijust need to let him do his thing. i hear you! max, you look like you are pondering on their sex what do you reckon?— you reckon? yes, it doesn't necessary _ you reckon? yes, it doesn't necessary persuade - you reckon? yes, it doesn't necessary persuade me. i you reckon? yes, it doesn't. necessary persuade me. just a you reckon? yes, it doesn't- necessary persuade me. just a quick one, ou necessary persuade me. just a quick one. you have _ necessary persuade me. just a quick one, you have inspired _ necessary persuade me. just a quick one, you have inspired all— necessary persuade me. just a quick one, you have inspired all these i one, you have inspired all these people, would you like to take an adventure feather filled and if so, where would you go? —— further afield. i where would you go? -- further afield. ~' ., ., ,., afield. i think i would go somewhere further, somewhere _ afield. i think i would go somewhere further, somewhere like _ afield. i think i would go somewhere

further, somewhere like exmoor. i afield. i think i would go somewhere further, somewhere like exmoor. ll further, somewhere like exmoor. i missed that that! exmoor, lovely. keep it local. i would love to go somewhere like australia and madagascar. somewhere like australia and madagascar-— somewhere like australia and madauascar. �* . , ., , ., madagascar. amazing, this ambition is auoin to madagascar. amazing, this ambition is going to grow— madagascar. amazing, this ambition is going to grow and _ madagascar. amazing, this ambition is going to grow and grow. _ madagascar. amazing, this ambition is going to grow and grow. your- madagascar. amazing, this ambition| is going to grow and grow. your mum is going to grow and grow. your mum is looking others, but go for it, keep inspiring us and i will be making a dent with my kids on saturday night and your honour. find saturday night and your honour. and donatin: as saturday night and your honour. and donating as well. thank you. i'm - saturday night and your honour. and donating as well. thank you. i'm sol donating as well. thank you. i'm so leased donating as well. thank you. i'm so pleased we — donating as well. thank you. i'm so pleased we managed _ donating as well. thank you. i'm so pleased we managed to _ donating as well. thank you. i'm so pleased we managed to make - donating as well. thank you. i'm so pleased we managed to make it - pleased we managed to make it happen. pleased we managed to make it ha en. . ~' ,, pleased we managed to make it ha--en. . ~' , pleased we managed to make it ha--en. . ~ , . an actress who took part in a bafta initiative, aiming to improve diversity in the film and tv industry, says she was subjected to racist comments while on the scheme and wasn't given appropriate disability support. bafta says the vast majority of its participants have a positive experience. tom roles has more. that one is called dennis. actually, it's called... this is india eva rae appearing in channel 4's

on the edge series in 2019. this is my flat. it is all mine. she was encouraged while working on the show to apply to bafta's programme. she thought that the scheme would further help her overcome some of the obstacles that she faced in the industry as someone from a minority ethnic background with disabilities. but instead, she says, she was subjected to racist comments at a meeting with the casting director at bafta's hq in central london. she said, i don't really have industry advice for you. the advice i have is more about you understanding what you need to meet when you are going up as a lead. and then she went like this. and then said, exotic talent in these rooms with our british talent. i have been listening to you my darling, and i quote, she said, i can't understand the english coming out of your mouth. miss rae then said she was advised to learn english and to take elocution lessons. when she went to ask a mentor on the scheme for advice,

she said she was told she might never work again if she spoke up. bafta says it has not received any complaints about either incidents but if it had, they would have been taken extremely seriously. we were made aware that the participant had a negative experience with the casting director as they mentioned it in passing during a session with another actor. we are not aware that this incident happened as part of the elevate programme. miss rae also has a condition which makes processing spoken information more difficult. despite actors with a disability being specifically encouraged to apply for elevate, she says she had to ask bafta repeatedly for support for her needs. why would bafta create a system, where we are set up to fail? why did bafta fail to organise any access coordinators, access audits... when miss rae tried to raise an official complaint, she was told by a senior bafta figure that her place on the scheme could be at risk if she did so. in response, bafta says it might pause participation to ensure a complainant was supported and that they would consider extending their place

on the programme. the charity disability rights uk says there is still not enough understanding of hidden disabilities in wider society. there are 14 million disabled people in this country, which is about 21% of the population and you won't find anywhere near that as a percentage represented in most organisations. it is certainly harder for people with hidden disabilities though because people just see you as presenting as non—disabled. in response, bafta said... it says it doesn't have in—house disability advisers but that it draws on a wealth of independent experts and if an access support worker was needed, it would cover the costs. it says that in this case, it was confident that everything was done to support miss rae. this year saw one of bafta's most diverse film awards nominations list to date, but these allegations will raise questions about whether more could have been done to help emerging under—representing talent, even on a scheme dedicated to supporting them.

now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there are some big shower clouds out there today. some drenching downpours drifting across the british isles. in fact, some of those showers over high ground are wintry because we have got some really cold air rushing in from the west. the front itself is bringing a band of very heavy rain, accompanied by gusty wind. behind that, yes, some spells of sunshine, but plenty of showers, some heavy and thundery, with some hail and those showers turn wintry over high ground. as we go into the evening, it will get quite chilly at five, six, seven degrees at 6pm. tonight, we will see plenty more showers pushing in through the west. over high ground, even over fairly modest hills,

the highest grounds of wales and south—west, those showers could be wintry enough to give a covering of snow. two to five centimetres of snow in scotland. temperatures dropping down to freezing in places, so there will be some icy stretches tomorrow morning. tomorrow morning brings a window of dry weather with some spells of sunshine. cloud will be thickening from the west into the afternoon. some rain splashing into northern ireland western scotland and perhaps parts of wales and the south—west by the end of the day. temperatures creep up — between eight and 11 degrees. saturday night, there will be some windy weather for some of us. frontal systems pushing in from the north—west with the isobars squeezing in together. we will see some gales around northern ireland, western scotland, some heavy bursts of rain drifting through as well. on sunday, some of that rain will linger across central parts of the uk. to the north of that, sunny spells and wintry showers. in the south, there will be some break in the clouds

for some sunshine. some warmth starting to creep its way in — temperatures between 13 and 15 degrees in the south. in the start of next week, we could see a lot of rain piling up in scotland and the potential of some flooding. temperatures will start to climb across southern parts of the country and we could see highs of 23 or maybe 2a degrees.

this is bbc news. the headlines... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party. the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. today alba are hoisting a flag in the wind, planting a saltire on the hill, and in the next few weeks we will see how many will rally to our standard. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. china has imposed sanctions on nine british citizens, including five mps —

after the uk took action over human rights abuses. and tent boy — 11 year old max is about to spend his 365th night camping outside in memory of his neighbour, rick. he's raised hundreds of thousands for hospice care. good afternoon. the former leader of the snp, alex salmond, has announced the creation of a new pro—independence party which will stand in the scottish parliament election. the alba party will field candidates in the may elections with the aim of creating a 'supermajority�* for independence from the rest of britain. mr salmond said the party would work towards a "successful, sociallyjust, environmentally responsible, independent country". let's take a listen to some of what he had to say.

the tactics are to stand for the regional list to secure the supermajority for independence in our parliament. we intend to contribute policy ideas to assist scotland's economic recovery and help build an independence platform to face new political realities. at the last election there were nearly! million wasted snp votes in the regional list. only four snp msps were elected in that way. in yesterday's survation poll, the snp would elect no regional seats at all from the million votes on the list. they would all be totally wasted independence votes. if alba wins regional list seats, the waste vote ends and the number of independence supporting msps in the parliament could reach 90 or even more. the initiative for independence should then be led by the parliament uniting the parties.

borisjohnson has already said "no" to the snp proposals but he will find it more difficult to say "no" to a parliament and a country. the independence debate will be recast, not as the tories against the snp, but borisjohnson against scotland's parliament representing scotland's people. today alba are hosting a flag in the wind. planting a saltire in the hill. in the next few weeks, we will see how many will rally to our standard. our scotland correspondent, alexandra mckenzie, has this assessment of mr salmond's announcement. we were expecting something from alex salmond but today we very much got the details about that. he has set up a new party, the alba party, it's now called,

and he has said that he's not going to put up candidates in the constituencies so that would not be in competition with the snp in the constituencies, but they will stand in the eight regional lists, running at least four candidates on those lists. he has said this would obviously be a pro independence party. alex salmond was the leader of the snp and he was scotland's first minister and an mp and an msp. very much into an independent scotland, was very much part of the referendum in 2014. we heard him in that clip talk about a supermajority and that is what he is hoping to achieve. it's very early days in the campaign. just yesterday, the election campaign started, the election is on the 6th of may, and in reference to the supermajority he said, if that can be achieved,

that would make it much more difficult for borisjohnson to say "no" to a second referendum. permission has to come from westminster to have a second referendum. what alex salmond said, if there can be a pro independence majority in holyrood, that makes it more difficult for westminster to deny that second independence referendum. alex salmond has said that he is going to stand as one of the candidates. several candidates were announced and he will stand in the north—east list seat. let's get the view of the leader of the scottish labour party, anas sarwar. what do you make of the alba party? scotland deserves better than this. i recognise what alex salmond is trying to say but the truth is, this is about two personalities slugging it out, fighting amongst themselves

and dividing the snp, they risk changing the focus of what the national priorities should be regardless of our political party. we are still in the midst of a pandemic and livelihoods have been lost and livelihoods are still at risk and what we have seen now is they want to use this election and they want to use this election and the next parliament to carry on those fights and arguments rather than focus on the people's recovery and i think that is unacceptable and scotland deserves so much better and thatis scotland deserves so much better and that is why we have got to keep that focus on the pandemic and our recovery from it.— focus on the pandemic and our recovery from it. let's take him at his word, recovery from it. let's take him at his word. the _ recovery from it. let's take him at his word, the idea _ recovery from it. let's take him at his word, the idea of _ recovery from it. let's take him at his word, the idea of creating - recovery from it. let's take him at his word, the idea of creating a i his word, the idea of creating a super majority in the scottish parliament with the snp, and that would be irresistible, if there was a supermajority? preventing the westminster authorities from stopping a future independence vote? i don't think nicola sturgeon takes

him at his word and they have been the closest political allies for the last 20 years. what you have asked goes right to the heart of the situation, what we now risk in this campaign is having a parliament that is purely focused on old arguments, settling old scores and trying to go back to the old fights. scotland has changed in the world has changed because of covid and in the seriousness of the situation we have right now, this is a pandemic election. in many ways a wartime election, when lives and livelihoods are at risk. 330,000 citizens are on the phyllo scheme, hundreds of thousands of people have missed out on a cancer screening programme —— the furlough scheme. this is what the furlough scheme. this is what the country is grappling with and this is what we have got to get a hold with, notjust having these big personalities fighting with each other. we deserve so much better than this argument. you other. we deserve so much better than this argument.—

other. we deserve so much better than this argument. you say he is a bi than this argument. you say he is a his personality _ than this argument. you say he is a big personality but _ than this argument. you say he is a big personality but he _ than this argument. you say he is a big personality but he is _ than this argument. you say he is a big personality but he is also - than this argument. you say he is a big personality but he is also a - big personality but he is also a canny political operator and that spells trouble for labour which is already on the back foot in scotland?— already on the back foot in scotland? ., , ~ already on the back foot in scotland? ., , ,.,, ~ , scotland? the opposite. i think this is an opportunity. — scotland? the opposite. i think this is an opportunity, for— scotland? the opposite. i think this is an opportunity, for us _ scotland? the opposite. i think this is an opportunity, for us to - scotland? the opposite. i think this is an opportunity, for us to say, - is an opportunity, for us to say, what does scotland think the priorities should be? let's take party and personality out of theirs, watch of the priorities be for the next five years? going back to the old arguments and focusing on these two people's individual interest or focusing on the national interest? i will be fighting for and arguing for a parliament over the next five years that focuses on the recovery of a people's parliament, focusing on education and the nhs and getting people back to work. i don't care about the big fights nicola sturgeon and alex salmond are having and people don't care about that either. they are worried about the virus and their jobs. they are worried about the virus and theirjobs. they are worried about theirjobs. they are worried about their livelihoods and that is what their livelihoods and that is what the election needs to be about.

there are people who are worried about and concerned about and want to see scottish independence. you cannot argue with that. where does the alba party and the snp getting a supermajority, where do you think that leaves labour in this discussion?— that leaves labour in this discussion? ,., ., ., discussion? the important thing to sa , this discussion? the important thing to say. this is — discussion? the important thing to say. this is not _ discussion? the important thing to say, this is not about, _ discussion? the important thing to say, this is not about, for - discussion? the important thing to say, this is not about, for alex - say, this is not about, for alex salmond and nicola sturgeon, this is an argument that is about revenge rather than about the referendum. that is what this is about, so we should not fall into that trap, but where we go, i don't support independence and i don't support a referendum but i do support focusing on the issues that we need to focus on the issues that we need to focus on right now. the idea, we are in the midst of a pandemic but we are still in a pandemic, the idea that in the next six weeks it becomes an argument about a referendum and about two personalities and talking about two personalities and talking about a supermajority, as if that should be the focus of the country right now, i don't think that is

credible. scotland deserves so much better than this. we credible. scotland deserves so much better than this.— better than this. we are going to leave it there. _ better than this. we are going to leave it there. thanks _ better than this. we are going to leave it there. thanks for - better than this. we are going to leave it there. thanks forjoining| leave it there. thanks forjoining us. and we'll have a full list of the candidates available on the bbc news website, once the nominations close next week. we have the latest covid statistics. 6187 people have been found to have been infected with covid—i9, in the latest 24—hour period. 70 deaths within 28 days of a positive covid—i9 test. 350 —— within 28 days of a positive covid-19 test. 350 -- 351i within 28 days of a positive covid—i9 test. 350 —— 354 more patients admitted to hospital, so those figures are coming down. 29.3 million people have had theirfirst dose of the vaccine. those are the

very latest coronavirus figures which have just arrived very latest coronavirus figures which havejust arrived in very latest coronavirus figures which have just arrived in the last couple of minutes. coronavirus infection rates are no longer falling and have begun to level off. the latest official estimates are that one in 330 people had the virus last week. the uk's r, or reproduction number, has risen slightly — it's now estimated at 0.7 to 0.9. it comes as wales prepares to end travel restrictions within its borders for the first time since december. katharine da costa reports. mass testing in schools is helping to reduce some of the risk of passing on the virus without knowing it. but inevitably, opening up will see more cases. there are signs infections are rising in secondary schools, but it's less clear in primary schools. it's hoped the easter holidays next week will help to slow the spread. the latest survey from the office for national statistics suggests infections have levelled off in england, wales and northern ireland. in scotland, infections

have increased. estimates suggest about 197,000 people in the uk had the virus in the week to last saturday, that is one in 130, with little change from the previous week. if cases are flat now, then further opening could potentially lead to increases, and with the vaccine supply being a bit narrower in april, it also means that we are now slowing the rolling out of vaccines to under—50s, who are often the parents of people in school. many european countries are now facing a third wave of the virus, with growing pressure to boost vaccine supplies. last night, eu leaders stopped short of banning vaccine exports but the european commission insisted manufacturers such as astrazeneca must catch up on eu deliveries before exporting doses elsewhere. even if fair and free trade is in the dna of the european union, we have to take measures if astrazeneca doesn't deliver the right quantities. it's sad but necessary.

here in the uk, nearly 29 million first doses have been administered to more than half the adult population. while supplies are expected to dip during april, pfizer's uk medical director is optimistic science will defeat the pandemic. i actually think we're winning that race. if you look at what's happening in the uk, dramatic reductions in the death rate, dramatic reductions in hospitalisations, dramatic reductions in the number of cases... now, for the cautious unlocking. from tomorrow, people in wales can travel where they want to within its borders, and from monday, people in england will be able to meet outside in groups of six or two households, but experts warn we will still need to keep our guard up to avoid another wave. katharine da costa, bbc news. thousands of asda supermarket workers have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle

for equal pay. the court upheld an earlier court ruling that lower—paid shop staff, who are mostly women, are comparable to higher paid warehouse workers, who are mostly men. the judge stressed the ruling did not mean the 44,000 claimants had won the right to equal pay — but are now free to take further action in one of the largest equal pay claims in the uk. emma simpson reports. it's a legal question that's taken years to answer — can workers on the shopfloor at asda be compared to workers in its distribution centres when it comes to equal pay? the highest court in the land has ruled that they can. this court dismisses the appeal brought by asda. this is clearly a very substantial case for asda. however, the court's conclusion does not mean that those claimants have won their equal pay claim. at this stage, all the court has determined is that they can use the terms and conditions of employment enjoyed by the distribution employees as a valid comparison.

that's a big win for the 44,000 current and former asda shopworkers. they say they should be paid the same as their colleagues in the depots, who are mostly men and receive up to £3 extra an hour. we're all so excited about this and it's such a big thing for us. ijust can't put in to words how much this means to me and every other claimant as well, because it'sjust... we never could have dreamt it would go this far, but we've kept going and we've kept fighting and we're going to see it through to the end. asda insists this is only one stage of a complex case, saying... the ripple effects of this ruling could be huge. tesco, sainsbury�*s, morrisons,

co—op and next are all defending similar equal pay claims. if ultimately successful, lawyers reckon the overall bill could hit £8 billion for back pay and compensation. it's certainly a landmarkjudgment. the supreme court's decision basically means that companies can no longer rely on the fact that they've got workers in two different places in order to avoid paying them equally. it's made very clear in the judgment that the purpose of the legislation is to allow these types of comparisons to happen, rather than to try and avoid them. their next legal hurdle is to prove these roles are of equal value, and that there's no material factor which justifies their differences in pay. arguments which may take several years to reach a conclusion. the headlines on bbc news... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest

seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. borisjohnson has said he stands "firmly" with the nine british people — including five mps — who have been sanctioned by china after they criticised beijing's treatment of uighur muslims. it follows measures taken by the uk government on monday over human rights abuses against the muslim minority group in xinjiang province. our diplomatic correspondent james landale reports. china has long been accused of human rights abuses in the north—west of the country. the arbitrary detention of more than a million ethnic uighurs, the forced sterilisation of women. the suppression of

language and culture. the people from various ethnic groups live in concord... but now china is fighting back, propaganda films were shown to the media this morning claiming xinjiang is a wonderful place to live. there has been a backlash against western companies questioning the use of forced labour in cotton picking in the region. and after britain, with america, canada and the eu, announced sanctions on four top chinese officials, beijing has hit back, imposing travel bans and asset freezes on nine british citizens and four organisations. for some time, certain forces have fabricated a large amount of lies of the century about xinjiang and used these lies to demonise china and interfere in china's internal affairs. the sanctions were aimed at vocal critics of china, accused by the foreign ministry of spreading lies and disinformation.

they're five tory mps, including the former party leader sir iain duncan smith, two peers, a lawyer and an academic, along with campaign groups, some of which have accused chinese officials of genocide. i was elected to chair the foreign affairs committee by the whole house of commons, opposition and government mps alike, and so i view this as a direct assault on british democracy, and an attempt to silence the people the british people have chosen to speak for them. if that isn't an assault on british sovereignty, i don't know what is. borisjohnson said those sanctioned by china are performing a vital role shining a light on the gross human rights violations being perpetrated against uighur muslims and said he stood firmly with them. we stand in total solidarity with the nine individuals that were sanctioned today. it's not going to stop them and it's not going to stop

the british government speaking up about industrial scale human bites abuses taking place in xinjiang. if the chinese government want to continue with these blanket denials that anything wrong is taking place in xinjiang, the obvious thing for them to do would be to allow access to the united nations. today's sanctions were not unexpected but they mark a further deterioration in uk china relations and will make the positive trade relationship the government wants harder to achieve. james landale, bbc news. the latest attempt to free a gigantic container ship that's blocking traffic through the suez canal has failed. dredgers have been trying to dig it out, but the lack of success has left freight transport companies weighing up alternative routes, including an expensive diversion around africa. the blockage is estimated to be holding up goods worth £7 billion each day. theo leggett reports. one of the world's busiest trade routes blocked by a single giant ship firmly wedged between the banks. eight powerful tugs have

been trying to move it, a special suction dredging machine has been brought in to clear away thousands of tonnes of sand and mud. it's a complicated operation and salvage experts from the netherlands have been drafted in. they have done something similar before in the river elbe in february 2016, a similar sized vessel also ran aground in sand and they successfully refloated her after excavating and with the support of tugs. it took six days. giant trafficjams have built up at both ends of the canal with more than 230 ships waiting to get through. container vessels, oil and tankers and bulk carriers all going nowhere. some $10 billion worth of trade normally passes through the canal every day, and the costs are mounting up. the business interruption claims and business interruption cost to companies, to factories, to other dependent industries is going to be enormous. i don't even dare to pick a number right now.

the ever given is a giant of the seas, capable of carrying tens of thousands of containers. some of them are meant to be delivered in the uk with the ship scheduled to dock in felixstowe early next month. meanwhile, other shipping companies are considering their options. the suez canal is a giant shortcut allowing vessels to travel between europe and asia or the middle east relatively quickly. the alternative is a haul round the southern tip of africa. it can take much longer, use more fuel and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds more, as well as exposing ships to the risk of bad weather and piracy. the blockage of the suez canal has raised questions about the risks involved in sending such huge vessels through such a narrow waterway. but it's also placed a renewed focus on the vulnerability of the global supply chains which provide the goods we rely on every day. theo leggett, bbc news. at least 32 people have been killed and more than 60 injured

after two passenger trains collided in egypt. dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene after two carriages were derailed and overturned. the railway authority said the accident appeared to have happened when the emergency brakes were activated on one of the trains, causing the other to hit it from behind. back to our main story now — the former leader of the snp, alex salmond, has announced the creation of a new pro—independence party which will stand in the scottish parliament elections. the alba party will field candidates in the may elections with the aim of creating a 'supermajority�* for independence from the rest of britain. i'm nowjoined by the leader of the scottish conservative party, douglas ross. what are your thoughts? alex salmond t in: to what are your thoughts? alex salmond trying to return — what are your thoughts? alex salmond trying to return to _ what are your thoughts? alex salmond trying to return to scottish _ trying to return to scottish politics is something that will deeply trouble many people. he admitted when he was first minister of scotland to appalling behaviour against women, and it is wrong that he is seeking election to the scottish parliament, he is not fit

to hold public office. he scottish parliament, he is not fit to hold public office.— to hold public office. he was acquitted — to hold public office. he was acquitted of— to hold public office. he was acquitted of all— to hold public office. he was acquitted of all the - to hold public office. he was acquitted of all the charges| to hold public office. he was - acquitted of all the charges against him and he said he will seek a supermajority for scottish independence with the snp, which is an irresistible proposition, which you should be fearing? that an irresistible proposition, which you should be fearing?— you should be fearing? that is a real risk in _ you should be fearing? that is a real risk in scotland, _ you should be fearing? that is a real risk in scotland, whether i you should be fearing? that is a real risk in scotland, whether it| you should be fearing? that is a i real risk in scotland, whether it is nicola sturgeon or alex salmond and his new party, the national rates are going to drive forward their plans for another divisive struggle for independence when we should be focused on the recovery from the pandemic. the scottish labour party are not strong enough to stand up to them and only the scottish conservatives can do that. only us can do that. if they are going to put forward their plans to separate scotland, then people have got to get behind the unionists. serra; scotland, then people have got to get behind the unionists. sorry for our viewers. _ get behind the unionists. sorry for our viewers, the _ get behind the unionists. sorry for our viewers, the sound _ get behind the unionists. sorry for our viewers, the sound was - get behind the unionists. sorry for. our viewers, the sound was breaking up, but we will persist. you say

that scottish labour are not in a position to challenge the snp and you are the only party that can do that but with the alba party, mr salmond has a point, doesn't he? and getting a supermajority, that will make it very difficult for boris johnson potentially, the scottish nationalists and mr salmond believe, to resist a call for scottish independence.— to resist a call for scottish independence. to resist a call for scottish indeendence. , ., ., , independence. they will do anything ossible to independence. they will do anything possible to have _ independence. they will do anything possible to have another— possible to have another independence referendum to take scotland from the rest of the uk. the scottish labour party have voted with the snp or not voted at all in holyrood. they said they have not been comfortable in the union, but people have got to unite behind the one party which is strongly behind scotland's place in the uk. we can unite behind the strongest party to stop another independence referendum. he stop another independence referendum.— stop another independence referendum. , ., ., .

referendum. he is a powerfulvoice. he still has— referendum. he is a powerfulvoice. he still has a _ referendum. he is a powerfulvoice. he still has a lot _ referendum. he is a powerfulvoice. he still has a lot of _ referendum. he is a powerfulvoice. he still has a lot of support - referendum. he is a powerfulvoice. he still has a lot of support in - he still has a lot of support in scotland. despite what has happened. it is going to be difficult for you to get your message out there when you have nicola sturgeon on one side calling for a particular course of action and alex salmond on the other. it action and alex salmond on the other. , ., , ., , ., ,, other. it shows what is happening here, other. it shows what is happening here. after— other. it shows what is happening here. after 14 _ other. it shows what is happening here, after 14 years _ other. it shows what is happening here, after 14 years of— other. it shows what is happening here, after 14 years of failure - other. it shows what is happening | here, after 14 years of failure from the snp, we are not discussing how we can rebuild the education system and protectjobs and move forward, we are discussing another divisive independence referendum. i want to see us move on in the next five years to focus on rebuilding scotland and our recovery from covid—19, but the nationalists will take you back to the argument and the labour party are too weak to stand up to them, and only the scottish conservatives can focus on the recovery are not another reckless referendum. it the recovery are not another reckless referendum. it would be the democratic thing _ reckless referendum. it would be the democratic thing to _ reckless referendum. it would be the democratic thing to do _ reckless referendum. it would be the democratic thing to do to _ reckless referendum. it would be the democratic thing to do to move - reckless referendum. it would be the democratic thing to do to move on i democratic thing to do to move on towards discussing properly another

referendum if they do get this supermajority? i’m referendum if they do get this supermajority?— referendum if they do get this supermajority? superma'ority? i'm not going to second supermajority? i'm not going to second guess — supermajority? i'm not going to second guess what _ supermajority? i'm not going to second guess what the - supermajority? i'm not going to second guess what the scottish | second guess what the scottish people will do on the 6th of may. the threat is from the nationalists, whether it is nicola sturgeon or alex salmond, driving forward for plans for another referendum, or the scottish conservatives stopping their desire to separate our country and getting the scottish parliament 100% focused on rebuilding our recovery after covid—19. 10096 focused on rebuilding our recovery after covid-19. douglas ross, recovery after covid-19. douglas ross. thanks — recovery after covid-19. douglas ross, thanks for _ recovery after covid-19. douglas ross, thanks forjoining - recovery after covid-19. douglas ross, thanks forjoining us. - borisjohnson called it a 'salvation for humanity�* and this year alone it's on track to provide 300 million covid vaccinations to the uk. the wockhardt plant in wrexham prepares almost all of the country's supply of astrazeneca jabs. now the bbc has been given exclusive access to the plant, and jayne mccubbin went to meet the people working there. if you have had an astrazeneca jab, the chances are it came from this place, in wrexham.

laboratories previously heralded by borisjohnson. do you remember what borisjohnson said about your labs? i think he said that this lab could be a salvation for mankind? that sounds good, doesn't it, say it one more time. salvation to mankind. yes! wales! and there is huge pride amongst everybody that works here. 0k, guys, keep it up. carl is one of the newest recruits here. i started back in january this year. you were recruited just to get the vaccine out? just to get the vaccine out. so i'm here solely to save the world. before saving the world, what were you doing? so, before saving the world, i was in entertainment, where i do fire—eating, whip—cracking. so, there's still a bit of excitement. part of history now instead. the wockhardt labs have a contract with government to bottle up any vaccine they send their way. right now it's the astrazeneca jab. the raw materials come in from oxford and keele to this secure area.

there's a massive weight of responsibility because obviously we're producing the astrazeneca vaccine for uk distribution, so we know that without us, there's people not receiving vaccination against covid. these guys have the capability to get out 120,000 doses every hour, but the pressure is constantly on to make it faster, and more efficient, to get them out into the population much quicker. we can't talk to you properly because you're super sterile, aren't you? yes. you're actually putting the vaccine in the vials. yes. is itjust another day in the office when you're on these lines, or not? i don't know, it'sjust... you know... it's hard to explain but you know you're doing a really good thing, and it's very, very important, and it's actually quite enjoyable. every vial dawn and her colleagues have bottled end up here to be checked. 40 vials checked automatically

every single second. so, the machine is using a total of 15 cameras to inspect a variety of angles of the vial. we can't waste a drop, we've got to get as many in arms as possible. and every arm it hits is making a difference. the uk's covid vaccines have helped to cut hospital admissions by around 90%. jayne mccubbin, bbc news. some dredging downpours at the moment. heavy with hail and thunder. some of the show was telling wintry over high ground. through the night, they could be a covering of snow over high ground in scotland, northern ireland, north—west england, wales, even the south west of england could see a little bit of snow as well over the moors. temperatures dropping close to freezing, below freezing and a few places, so tomorrow morning, they could be some as it stretches around if you do need to make an essentialjourney. tomorrow morning, is for most of us a window of

relatively fine weather, some spells of sunshine, but as we head into the afternoon, that will start to thicken from the west, they went will strengthen and we will see outbreaks of rain into northern ireland, scotland, northern ireland, and western parts of england and wales. temperatures between eight and 11 degrees, and are starting to turn a little bit less chilly, turns warmer still particularly in the south by sunday with some outbreaks of rain further north and west. that's all from me, bye for now.

hello this is bbc news. i'm clive myrie. the headlines: the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. today, alba are hoisting a flag in the wind, planting our saltire on the hill. in the next few weeks, we will see how many will rally to our standard. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. china has imposed sanctions on nine british citizens, including five mps, after the uk took action over human rights abuses. and this is tent boy — 11—year—old max is about to spend his 365th night camping outside in memory of his neighbour, rick.

he's raised hundreds of thousands for hospice care. i do. england have levelled the one—day series against india and in some style too. a brutal batting display from jenny best help them to a six wicket win. england lead chose to field first and they saw kl a smashed his way to a century on their way to a total of 336 for six. best though for this 100 in his first day again, making a mistake this time around. he's got 124, his 11th one—day century for england, ben stokes was just one run shy of his entry, putting england in the driving seat. it was a's highest run chase was not the deciding matches on sunday. chris thompson and stephanie davis qualified for the tokyo 2020

olympics, with victory in the great britain marathon trials. thompson, he will turn 40 in april will be competing in his second olympics having run the 10,000 metres in 2012. so, in the marathon it was a looped course here at kew gardens. the route had been done 25 times to shave off seconds here and there and in the men's events, it was won by chris thompson, age 39. he welcomed his first child earlier this week and he got a pb here today to earn his spot on the plane to tokyo. second place to ben connors who's also going to tokyo, because he reached that all—important qualifying standard. then, as was second. he realised reach that qualified —— unimportant ——all—importa nt qualifying standard. in the women's race it was stephanie davis. she was the main contender today. she got the qualifying standard, but she needed to finish in the first two. she did that, it

was a really dominant display, so she is on the plane to take you as well. she is on the plane to tokyo as well. earlier, callum wilkinson won the 20 kilometre walk. he didn't get the qualifying time though, which means he has to wait until tuesday to find out if he gets to go to tokyo. tom bosworth came second today, but already made the qualifying time in a previous race and so is going to the games in july. in the women's event, heather lewis, the fastest briton over 20 kilometres in 2019, got the better of her big rival bethan davies. and preparations continue for this year's games in tokyo with the second day of the torch relay. the three—time winter olympic freestyle skier sho endo carried the torch on skis down this snow—covered mountain in in fukushima. endo was one of the the highlights of the relay, which will complete its tour ofjapan onjuly 23rd at the opening ceremony. the new formula one season is under way in bahrain with max verstappen showing he'll challenge lewis hamilton again this year. in first practice, the dutchman's red bull was more than a quarter of a second quicker than mercedes�* valtteri bottas. mclaren's lando norris pipped him

to third by a fraction of a second. seven—time world champion hamilton wasn't even the quickest briton adam yates is still leaving —— leading the tour of catalunya after leaving the veteran stage. the german cyclist broke away from the front of the palatine with around four miles to go. yates finished tinnesz behind in the main group but still has a 45 second lead over his team—mates. gareth thomas is five seconds further back in third. everton's plans for a new 53,000—capacity stadium have received government approval. it's a major stepping stone for the club — as they look to compete with the premier league's so—called "big six". liverpool city council approved plans last month and ministers have now given the green light for the project on liverpool's waterfront, which will reportedly cost £500 million. goodison park has been the club's home since 1892, but has a capacity of less than 40,000 and now outdated facilities. that is at the spot from us for now.

borisjohnson has said he stands "firmly" with the nine british people — including five mps — who have been sanctioned by china after they criticised beijing's treatment of uighur muslims. it follows measures taken by the uk government on monday over human rights abuses against the muslim minority group in xinjiang province. one of those sanctioned by china is helena kennedy, a labour member of the house of lords. she helped to create the global pressure group 'inter—parliamentary alliance on china' — which focuses on relations between democratic countries and the chinese communist party. dame helen, thank you forjoining us. did you expect this, is it a shock? 1 us. did you expect this, is it a shock? .., �* us. did you expect this, is it a shock? �* , ., , ., shock? i can't pretend that it is a shock? i can't pretend that it is a shock because _ shock? i can't pretend that it is a shock because a _ shock? i can't pretend that it is a shock because a few— shock? i can't pretend that it is a shock because a few days - shock? i can't pretend that it is a shock because a few days ago, . shock? i can't pretend that it is a l shock because a few days ago, one shock? i can't pretend that it is a - shock because a few days ago, one of the members of our interparliamentary code motion —— coalition is a german green politician he was sanctioned two

days ago, as i think that most of us, silently —— it it certainly areas, we expected that there would be repercussions. it is that tit—for—tat that is almost inevitable in these circumstances so we thought that something might happen. we we thought that something might ha en. ~ ., , happen. we thought it might be sanctions. what _ happen. we thought it might be sanctions. what is _ happen. we thought it might be sanctions. what is it _ happen. we thought it might be sanctions. what is it specificallyj sanctions. what is it specifically though that you have done that has raised this iron rage? ! though that you have done that has raised this iron rage?— raised this iron rage? i think the two present _ raised this iron rage? i think the two present in — raised this iron rage? i think the two present in the _ raised this iron rage? i think the two present in the house - raised this iron rage? i think the two present in the house of- raised this iron rage? i think the l two present in the house of lords who have been put on less, myself and david oakton, we have been very involved in trying to get an amendment attached to the trade bill to say that britain should be deciding whether they want to trade with a genocidal nation, that we should make it a matter of principle that we do not do that. the response of government is, well, we want a court to decide whether some countries committed —— committing genocide and we have provided evidence and i can tell you that, i as a lawyer, i want to see evidence,

before i would make a statement, about human rights abuses and it may be amounting to genocide. the evidence is now becoming stronger by the day. that what is happening in zinchenko province is really about the most reverse human rights provinces dominic rab, our foreign secretary has described it as any human rights abuse on a fine scale. that is what genocide is. ijust wanted to remind everybody that we signed up to the age ofjust genocide prevention to prevent it, not to wait until it has a really happened and then had to wring our hands. we should be stopping a genocide happening and that is why we want action. david alton and myself are trying to get an amendment to the trade bill. we lost in the commons that we won it in the house of lords, it came back to the house of lords, it came back to the house of lords, but the margins became smaller all the time. many conservatives came on board and signed up to the amendment. what we

really have to do is recognise that china is acting with impunity and that's doing it in hong kong, they are doing it to the uighur in xinjiang province, and they are becoming increasingly a great move and shake in the world. so, it is very important that we draw a line in the sand and say, you cannot be doing this, we cannot be bystanders to horrifying human rights abuses and to a central genocide. i am clear about that. but we have to do this with the government. i do not want us to turn it into a cold war against china, because we must be a collaborative in our global endeavours and china's doing interesting things around climate change and so on, but we have to say that there is a rule base order, which you really have two comply with. it gives a bad example to

saudi arabia and other places and of coz we have putin doing some things that we have to make sure that the human rights of people are protected and we can make the democratic nation had to come together and make sure that when we see things happening like this... but sure that when we see things happening like this... but when i think it's quite _ happening like this... but when i think it's quite interesting, - think it's quite interesting, though, that the amendment has not gone through. so you have raise your voice, you have made a criticism, but it has not become law. it is not part of british foreign policy, and you have basically at this moment, essentially, made a complaint and at the moment, the chinese have banned you and put various sanctions on you for making a complaint. what does that say to you about the mindset of the chinese authorities?— the chinese authorities? clive, china has _ the chinese authorities? clive, china has a _ the chinese authorities? clive, china has a track— the chinese authorities? clive, china has a track record - the chinese authorities? clive, china has a track record of - the chinese authorities? clive, china has a track record of not | china has a track record of not liking freedom of speech, we know that because of the treatment of ai

wei wei, the others, as other human rights activist thrown in jail, we have that criticism is not to be that china takes very easily. there is not something —— there is not so they can do to me, i do not have assets in china, but regret that i might not be able to visit again and with it with some of the five academics and people who work on trying to work on creating a better world. —— fine academics. but i can tell you that china is a great breaker of human rights. we have got to say when that is happening. here we are, global britain, but is the new mantra, we must trade with the rest of the world and so on, but it cannot mean that that is at the expense of human rights and the egregious abuses taking place, like theirs, we are seeing, you know, people being locked up in what is essentially gulag, we are seeing children being taken away from their parents and put into a man's home is

to deregulate them, to rid them of that muslim religion. —— d rath nixon, to read them of their cultural heritage. we know from the dead, mosques, they have been discreet —— just right. i have taken testimony from a whole number of women who have given accounts of sexual abuse, violation, forced sterilisation, forced abortion. being forced to leave their families and to go to work in other parts of china. and even rate as well. i cannot believe the accounts of one receiving, of those managing to get into exile and those living in uzbekistan, looking in —— living in different parts of that central asia. and some in london and some in washington. we have got to listen to the testimony and not do the traditional thing of being sceptical. i think that's horrors

are taking place there. and that britain has to act. we should be saying to the chinese, look, let the delegation go from the united nations. elect people there to see what if they are saying is right or not. we have got to be very firm about it. china is becoming a very move and shake in the world that a very great mover and shaker in the world cup we had to be very clear that we welcome that, but they have to play by the walls —— rules. but to play by the walls -- rules. but this is not _ to play by the walls —— rules. but this is not going to affect your continued support for those movements which are calling out, the chinese are doing in xinjiang? clive, i have spent most of my professional life being involved in issues of rights and civil liberties and human rights that are being abused around the world, just now, it is a shocking state, but we have to put our minds to what is being suffered by the people there, and so what is happening to me is nothing,

but what is happening to people there is really terrible. we cannot be silent and we cannotjust wash them back watch from the sidelines. if enough global efficient in this? we know how china is momentarily and more than if a ne economically, but is there enough of an international coalition to bring about change, certainly as far as the uighurs are involved? �* ., , ., ., involved? the biden administration weaves in multilateralism - involved? the biden administration weaves in multilateralism and - involved? the biden administration weaves in multilateralism and that| weaves in multilateralism and that weaves in multilateralism and that we all have to be classed that narrative and that a bettor was created by collaboration, but they have led the way on this because they have put human rights high on their agenda when it comes to foreign policy was that they led the way on sanctioning people in china and i would like our government to be sanctioning the governor of xinjiang province and we have not put him on our list, but the that it has. the united states, canada, the

european union, there is 26 countries, and ourselves, that is that the countries coming together to sanction china over what they are doing to the uighur. that is important, that the democratic world has to speak out when we see terrible human rights abuses. because we sort the level of bullying that there was of the australians when they tried to take on the chinese in this regard. that is why doing _ on the chinese in this regard. that is why doing it _ on the chinese in this regard. twat is why doing it together is so important. that is why working in collaboration is so important. that was why we set up the international parliamentary at the alliance —— alliance, because we have brought in those from united states, australia, although across europe, japan, we are bringing together parliamentarians to say that we have to get our own parliaments, our own governments to work together to draw in china for its abuses. of course,

we should be doing it in relation to saudi arabia and russia and other places as well. i}!(. saudi arabia and russia and other places as well-— saudi arabia and russia and other places as well. 0k, thank you, we will leave it _ places as well. 0k, thank you, we will leave it there. _ places as well. 0k, thank you, we will leave it there. a _ places as well. 0k, thank you, we will leave it there. a meeting - places as well. 0k, thank you, we will leave it there. a meeting to i will leave it there. a meeting to talk to you, thank you. the headlines on bbc news... the former scotland first minister alex salmond is launching a new political party — the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — and there's a rise among some pupils in secondary school. thousands of asda workers in the uk have won a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. the creation of a new pro—independence party that will stand in the scottish parliament elections. the alba party will field candidates including mr salmond himself on a regional list himself

of creating the supermajority for the independence from britain. the leader of another party has been giving his reaction. t leader of another party has been giving his reaction.— leader of another party has been giving his reaction. i think what it shows, giving his reaction. i think what it shows. that _ giving his reaction. i think what it shows, that the _ giving his reaction. i think what it shows, that the snp, _ giving his reaction. i think what it shows, that the snp, they - giving his reaction. i think what it shows, that the snp, they are i shows, that the snp, they are divided right down the middle. and people are sick and tired of all the arguments and the division. we want to focus on putting our recovery first. we have had a terrible year, with people dying because of this pandemic, losing theirjobs, in fact, in the last ten years, we have had huge arguments and we need to move on and unite the country. to unite the country, we need to put recovery first. it is astonishing, isn't it, that the snp�*s two first ministers are at each other�*s throats was not the snp, their movement, they are deeply divided, divided right down the middle. it is not going to do their cause any good because people are sick and tired of all the arguments, all the division. and they want to focus on things that matter to people who did he

daily lives, theirjobs, their house. to get the car may back up and running, notjust this psychodrama between nicola sturgeon and alex salmond. a baby—sitter who threw and violently shook a 21—month old girl, causing a "catastrophic" brain injury which led to her death, has beenjailed in birmingham for life, with a minimum tariff of 20 years. lilly hanrahan died two days after being found with six broken ribs in northfield in birmingham. our correspondent phil mackie told us more about the case. this is another one that can be added to the list of young children who were known to social services at the time. the circumstances of this were 2017, she was being looked after by a legal guardian and sean sadler was in a relationship with her guardian. he had been left in charge of her while she was out as a baby—sitter and he had carried out a sustained and violent attack against the little girl

who was just 21 months old. it led to catastrophic brain injuries amongst others. she was taken to hospital two hours after an ambulance was called. she was taken to the hospital and that's where she died and there was nothing left to be done to save her. and actually, on further examination, they found a total of 40 injuries, so there had been a earlier assault, sometime seven or ten days before the attack. there had been a trial at birmingham crown court which ended earlier this week, where he had been charge of murder and wounding with intent. he denied those charges, always maintained his innocence throughout, but the evidence was just damning against him and thejury found him guilty of both of those charges. so, today he was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence with a minimum tariff of 20 years. three years separately for assault, although that is concurrent. we also heard a really moving statement from lilly's cousin, sophie hanrahan. she read out a very long statement that represented the whole of the family's feelings.

she said that lilly was a funny, happy little girl, too pure for this evil world and she said that her death had rocked our world to the core and changed our lives forever. now, i mentioned that at the time, they were obviously known to social services in birmingham. subsequently, an independent trust has taken over the running of the children's services and a serious case review into lilly hanrahan's death is suspected to be published in june. an 11—year—old boy who has been sleeping in a tent since the first coronavirus lockdown will have his final night outside this weekend. max woosey, from braunton in devon, is raising money in memory of a terminally ill neighbour, who gave max the tent before he died — telling him to have adventures in it. well, max certainly did that — and has raised more than 300,000 ——£300,000 in the process. he's now encouraging children around the world to take part in a "big

camp—out" on saturday night. john maguire went to meet him. do you want to leave your sleeping bag here, because it's going to get soaked? through wind, rain and frost every night for almost a year, max has left the comfort of his house and bedded down under canvas. this was storm bella when his dad, mark, joined him for moral support. it's11 o'clock on boxing day 2020. he's fast asleep. so, it was about 11 o'clock he came in. the tap was going on to my face. oh, no. the tent had blown down? yeah. oh, no. i didn't notice, i was fast asleep. max was inspired by his friend and neighbour, rick, who died last year of cancer and gave him his tent, telling him to seek out an adventure. during his final days, rick was cared for by staff from the north devon hospice, so max is raising money for the charity. max's initiative, itjust could not come at a better time.

we are unable to fund raise, our shops are all shut. it is absolutely a lifeline to us to continue our care. this weekend, as he celebrates one year under canvas, he's calling on children around the world tojoin him either outdoors or to set up camp indoors. and, he's earned some big—name supporters. hey, max, it's bear grylls here. just to say well done for all you're doing. i what an incredible achievement. hi, max, it'sjonny wilkinson here. ijust wanted to send you a little message, really, just to wish you well, especially for this amazing thing you're doing at the moment. i just can't comprehend that max has done this. and he's done it by himself. so it was his idea. i think the thing with children when they do things is a lot of time we tell them what we're going to do. if they do fundraising, we tell them how they're going to do it and we tell them who they're raising funds for. and this is all off of his own back. what made you think, "no,

i'm going to stay out?" one, i thought of all the money i'm raising. two, ithought, can i accomplish this...? and three, i forgot the key, so i couldn't really get in. and he's not ready to return to his bedroom just yet. i think i might carry on for a bit and thenjust see where it goes. see what next adventure i do. he's already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, which will help families cope with extremely difficult times. night—night sweetie, love you. night, mum. see you in the morning. just a couple more sleeps till max—mas. john maguire, bbc news, north devon. the job of a postman can bring many challenges. they have to cope with all weathers, and even deal with the occasional barking dog. but one postie in the norfolk village of brooke has an unusual problem — he's being terrorised by an aggressive pheasant. mike liggins reports.

this is kevin the postman on his round in the village of brooke, not farfrom norwich. he's friendly, popular with the locals and does a greatjob. but for weeks now, kevin has been battling with a filthy—tempered pheasant, called mr angry. he gets very angry, he goes for your ankles and there was one occasion at 24 round the corner, where he flew and knocked the letters out of my hand. mr angry lives in the garden at number 36, and every time kevin comes near, the pheasant gets upset. kevin has to dodge behind gates, but that doesn't always work. squawking. on occasions, kevin has even had to leg it, and seek refuge in his van. to start with, it was a bit of fun, you know, got a couple of nice

photos of him in the snow, thought he was a friendly pheasant. and then he went for my ankles, and ever since that, he's always been in this mood. would mr angry be on patrol today? well, yes, he was and at the start, he had kevin surrounded. why is he angry? is it because kevin wears red? or is he looking for a mate, and thinks kevin might be a female pheasant perhaps? well, no, localfarmers say, he's just being territorial. perhaps he knew he was on tv, but today, the bolshie bird wasn't so much mr angry, more mr mildly annoyed. he seems to be in a good mood today, which is unusualfor him. so it was honours even today. kevin got on with the job and mr angry predictably went off in a huff, unimpressed by his first tv appearance. mike liggins, bbc news.

now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there are some big shower clouds out there today. some drenching downpours drifting across the british isles. in fact, some of those showers over high ground are wintry because we have got some really cold air rushing in from the west. the front itself is bringing a band of very heavy rain, accompanied by gusty wind. behind that, yes, some spells of sunshine, but plenty of showers, some heavy and thundery, with some hail and those showers turn wintry over high ground. as we go into the evening, it will get quite chilly at five, six, seven degrees at 6pm. tonight, we will see plenty more showers pushing in through the west. over high ground, even over fairly modest hills, the highest grounds of wales and south—west, those showers could be wintry enough to give a covering of snow. two to five centimetres of snow in scotland. temperatures dropping down

to freezing in places, so there will be some icy stretches tomorrow morning. tomorrow morning brings a window of dry weather with some spells of sunshine. cloud will be thickening from the west into the afternoon. some rain splashing into northern ireland western scotland and perhaps parts of wales and the south—west by the end of the day. temperatures creep up — between eight and 11 degrees. saturday night, there will be some windy weather for some of us. frontal systems pushing in from the north—west with the isobars squeezing in together. we will see some gales around northern ireland, western scotland, some heavy bursts of rain drifting through as well. on sunday, some of that rain will linger across central parts of the uk. to the north of that, sunny spells and wintry showers. in the south, there will be some break in the clouds

for some sunshine. some warmth starting to creep its way in — temperatures between 13 and 15 degrees in the south. in the start of next week, we could see a lot of rain piling up in scotland and the potential of some flooding. temperatures will start to climb across southern parts of the country and we could see highs of 23 or maybe 24 degrees.

this is bbc news, i'm clive myrie. the headlines scotland's former first minister, alex salmond, is launching a new political party. the alba party will contest seats in the scottish parliamentary election in may. today about our wasting a flag and planting it on the here and the next few weeks we will see how many will rally to our standard. coronavirus infections stop falling and begin to level off — with cases in secondary school—age children rising slightly in england. thousands of asda workers in the uk win a major victory at the supreme court in their battle for equal pay. china imposes sanctions on nine british citizens, including five mps — after the uk took action over human rights abuses. and later this hour,

mark kermode gives his unique take on the best and worst of the week's film and dvd release,