this is bbc news. the headlines at five. covid boosterjabs may be available as early as september, with the over—seventies and front—line health workers first in line. lockdown eases in wales — the first uk nation to lift travel restrictions within its borders. the mp kenny macaskill announces he is quitting the snp, to stand for alex salmond's new party at the holyrood election. security forces in myanmar are reported to have shot dead at least 20 people protesting against the military coup, after a show of force from the army. efforts have resumed to refloat the giant container ship blocking egypt's suez canal.

the suez canal authority says 1a tug boats are involved in the operation. and coming up this hour. amid a surge in migrants at the southern us border we'll examine the impact ofjoe biden�*s migrant policy changes. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the government is preparing to roll out booster vaccines from september to protect people from new variants of the coronavirus. the vaccines minister, nadhim zahawi, told the daily telegraph, he expected there would be eight different vaccines available by the autumn, and they'd be offered first to the over 70s as well as care and health workers and the extremely vulnerable. simonjones reports.

on track, the government is confident of offering all adults the first of two doses of a covid vaccine by the end ofjuly, but now it's looking further ahead. the vaccines minister has told the telegraph that the most vulnerable could be given a third dose as early as september. nadhim zahawi says the boosterjabs, if needed, would initially go to people over 70 as well as nhs workers and care home staff. manufacturing in the uk will be stepped up to avoid any issues with the supply chain. the government hopes eight different vaccines will be available by the autumn. one of them could offer protection against three variants in a single dose. more than 324,000 people had their first dose of a covid vaccine in the latest 24—hour period, bringing the total to more than 29 million. over three million people have now had both doses.

when nonessential shops reopen in england on april 12 — after months of closures — they will be allowed to stay open until 10:00 at night, six days a week. the government says the extended opening hours will help shoppers return safely to the high street, protectjobs, and reduce pressure on public transport. but any effect on the number of coronavirus cases will need to be closely monitored. simon jones, bbc news. wales has become the first uk nation to lift travel restrictions within its borders, as lockdown rules are eased. the "stay local" rule has been scrapped from today to allow unlimited movement within the country. nonessential travel to other parts of the uk is still banned and people are being urged to avoid crowding at beauty spots. tomos morgan reports. just as the weather takes a turn for the better, things have begun looking brighter in wales. the beaches of the gower, cardigan bay and the llyn peninsula

can now welcome visitors once again, as travel is allowed in wales. having been in lockdown since the 19th of december, it's a welcome relief to leave merthyr tydfil for saundersfoot, for the mcleerfamily. we started off this morning at 8:15, the traffic was very good, weather was very good, we got down here at about quarter to ten and we're hopefully going for a walk on the beach shortly, as soon as i can unpack. self—contained accommodation is now open for one household, and travelling within wales is permitted, but crossing the border either way is still not allowed — for now — other than forwork, childcare or emergency circumstances. and although some holiday premises rely heavily on the english coming here, the prospect of any tourists back is good news for those in the industry. getting the owners back today will really help bring the park back to life.

we only have a handful of local owners — of people within the county — but, even so, even that is a start to the season where we can start looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality. last year, when restrictions began to lift, beauty spots across wales were flooded, leading to concerns the virus could spread, and those concerns have been echoed once again. we are expecting our hotspot areas to get busy, and we would advise people to maybe have a couple of plans up their sleeve so that if they arrive in one place and it's busy and they're not comfortable being there, they've already got a plan b. six people from two households are also able to meet outside from today, an increase from the current four person limit. any travel further afield, however, will be discussed at the welsh government's next free weekly review on thursday. but for now, an ice cream on the sand or a coffee on the summit will do in this glorious welsh sunshine. tomos morgan, bbc news, south wales.

coronavirus restrictions are being stepped up in parts of europe as a third wave of infections continues to sweep the continent. eu states have seen some of the deadliest outbreaks of the pandemic — and are racing to vaccinate people. the prime minister of poland has warned that the country's hospitals may not be able to cope with soaring covid cases. the uk kent variant of the virus is now responsible for 80% of all infections there. its government has brought in tighter restrictions affecting shops, supermarkets and churches. tougher measures have also been brought in paris and several other parts of france. residents face more stringent police checks, with people in high—risk areas not allowed to travel more than ten kilometres from home, except in emergencies. with the latest from across europe here's tanya dendrinos. speeding around the national velodrome, the french cycling team

is training hard for the olympics, but if you look closely, you will notice the hive of activity in the heart of the stadium and it has nothing to do with cycling. this track doubles as a vaccination centre. translation: well, we're happy to be vaccinated. i will continue doing the same things because in any case, we were in lockdown so we know the safety measures while in lockdown and eagerly await the second dose. 400,000 people were vaccinated in frnce on friday as the country continues to battle an increase in cases. 19 areas have been placed in lockdown while close to 5,000 patients are being treated in intensive care. in germany, public health experts have warned case numbers could rise to 100,000 per day.

translation: at the moment, the numbers are rising too fast, and the variants make the situation particularly dangerous. if this continues unchecked, we run the risk that our healthcare system will reach breaking point through the course of april. it's prompted a clampdown on borders. negative tests will be required for airport arrivals from tuesday and from sunday, along with a negative test, travellers from france go into ten day quarantine, with the entire country declared high risk. in poland, restrictions are tightening as well. cases are up by 35% from the number reported a week ago. there were more than 35,000 new cases on friday, the third record—breaking day in a row. it's been a year since the pandemic began. but with a number of countries adamant new variants are behind the current surge, this the third wave could be the worst yet. tanya dendrinos, bbc news.

the mp kenny macaskill has announced he is quitting the snp to stand for alex salmond's new party at the holyrood election. mr macaskill said the new party — alba — would help achieve independence. mr salmond launched his new party yesterday and said the aim was to to create a so—called "super—majority" for independence. kenny macaskill says that this will not be the "alex salmond party" it's about giving scotland the right to choose. scotland opposed brexit, it rejected borisjohnson, as it has every tory government before even i was born. scotland cannot go on with this. the gamble is not in going for an independent supermajority, the gamble is remaining in a united kingdom led by borisjohnson, enforcing austerity and making the world a riskier place. this is a chance to deliver the right for scotland

to decide its own future and reject the right of borisjohnson to veto scotland's right to choose. and when you had that conversation with nicola sturgeon, what did she say to you? i have not spoken to her. i have communicated my position to ian blackford, i was a member of the group there, and will be forming an alba party group in westminster and will take it from there. my comments have been towards members in east lothian, where i will continue to serve, but making it clear this is about continuing to drive forward the cause of independence. i did not leave the snp lightly, but i've been committed to the cause of independence throughout all of my life and it has never been more vital or necessary than now. that is why i want to deliver an independent supermajority it's scottish parliament that is juxtaposed to borisjohnson and can take forward the legitimate views of the scottish people to create the country scotland can

be, rather than see our economy be damaged by brexit, our health service threatened by trade deals, our survival as a human race endangered by nuclear warheads being increased. these are all enforced upon scotland by posterity. now is the time. we can choose a different way, a different direction, but to do that, we need the powers of an independent nation. that is why alba was formed and that is what we will deliver. you mention ian blackford, the snp�*s westminster leader. he says your departure has been a relief and you have been an increasing embarrassment to the party. what have you done? i don't know, ask him. i am part of a broader yes movement and there are people in the snp and those not in a party.

i would hope he would not attack another independence—supporting party and i will not rise to any bait and will continue to fight for independence to deliver the independent supermajority to allow scotland to be all things we know it can be. the time for sitting taking taking abuse stupinely is over and the risk is too great. earlier today on the campaign trail, scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon said there were significant questions about alex salmond's return to politics it's not an opportunity to gamble with the future of the country. i know, from knowing him well in years gone by, alex salmond's a gambler, it's what he enjoys doing, but this is not the time to gamble with the future of the country. this is the time to make a serious choice. strong, experienced leadership, a policy programme for recovery and the chance

to choose independence. our scotland correspondent jamie mcivor, says that the creation of a new independence party by alex salmond and the defection of kenny macaskill to alba from the snp will seriously worry first minister, nicola sturgeon. once the prodigy and close friend of alex salmond, now political enemies and their personal friendship is over too. nicola sturgeon would want to be focusing on what she would see as a positive vote for the snp in may's holyrood elections post in the constituency vote and regional vote, both in the constituency vote and regional vote, which is where alex salmond's party will be focusing their resources. there will be lots of questions over this spat with her four closest political friend and it was just after she gave that interview today that we heard the news of kenny macaskill�*s defection.

the late coronaviruses figures from the government. the late coronaviruses figures from the government. there've been 58 deaths reported in the last 2a hours, those deaths are within 28 days of a positive test. there have been 11,715 new cases, and the government data shows that 29,727,435 people have been give the first dose of a covid—19 vaccine. the headlines on bbc news. covid boosterjabs may be available as early as september, with the over—seventies and front—line health workers first in line.

lockdown eases in wales — the first uk nation to lift travel restrictions within its borders. the mp kenny macaskill announces he is quitting the snp, to stand for alex salmond's new party at the holyrood election. reports suggest that at least 60 people have been shot dead in myanmar, on its bloodiest day since last month's military coup. the foreign secretary, dominic raab, said the killings marked a "new low". security forces in myanmar have cracked down on new protests as the leaders of its coup marked armed forces day. protesters took to the streets of yangon and other cities. laura bicker reports. defiant, determined and undaunted, even when faced with bullets. they scream in protest, armed with sticks and slingshots.

street battles sprung up in over 40 towns and cities across the country. protesters sheltered behind makeshift barriers in their neighbourhoods, but the gunfire at times appeared relentless. one by one, they carried — and counted — their injured and dead. this is the deadliest day since the military staged its coup on february the 1st. state tv had issued this chilling warning. to the youth who own the future, you should learn from the tragedy of earlier ugly deaths that you can be in danger of getting shot to the head and back. convince and prevent your friends, before doing something wrong. earlier, the generals had gathered in celebration of armed forces day. and in his address, myanmar�*s military leader, general min aung hlaing, promised the country would hold elections. translation: violent acts that affect stability -

is and security, in order to make demands, are inappropriate. but the people of myanmar want their elected government back, and appear ready to continue their protest, even if it means that their cities have to burn in the process. laura bicker, bbc news, bangkok. efforts have resumed to refloat the giant container ship blocking egypt's suez canal. the suez canal authority says 14 tug boats are involved in the operation to free the ever given, which has been stranded since tuesday. officials say that wind speed was not the main reason for the incident, which has left more than 300 vessels currently waiting for passage through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. borisjohnson has described as "disgraceful" attacks on the police in bristol on friday night. ten people were arrested in the city after officers took action to clear

the third mass protest in the city in a week. around a thousand people had gathered to oppose law changes that would give police more powers to restrict demonstrations. unions are warning that up to 1,000 british gas engineers could lose theirjobs on monday in a deadlocked dispute over pay and conditions with parent company centrica. the gmb union which represents some 7000 british gas workers says the company will give formal notice of termination next week for staff who have not accepted the changes to their terms and conditions which they say are unacceptable. centrica says the new terms and conditions are "still very competitive" and that the vast majority of staff have now accepted the new terms. this follows months of negotiation and months of industrial action by the gmb. the national crime agency has said phone companies must do more

to tackle an "explosion" of impersonation scams since the pandemic started a year ago. it's told the bbc that fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in how they target victims. dan whitworth is a reporter with bbc radio 4's money box. the technical term is impersonation fraud, but essentially, what it is is that criminals use technology to copy genuine phone numbers. so they might copy genuine phone numbers from hmrc or other government agencies, the police, your bank, and make it look as though they are calling you, calling the victim, from those agencies, when in fact they are not at all, they are criminals and are trying to steal your money. they do this through either getting information from you or actually tricking people into transferring the money direct to themselves. now, as you said in your introduction, there has been a huge increase in the number and the amount of these spam calls, these spoof calls, that have been happening in the last 12 months.

it's still an uncertain summer for festival organisers — some have already postponed events to next year, whilst others are pressing ahead in the hope they can take place when restrictions lift. organisers say a government—backed insurance scheme to protect against the risk of losses, if a festival or concert is forced to cancel due to covid, would help immensely — but currently there's no sign of that happening. our entertainment correspondent colin paterson reports. this is where the uk's music festival season is set to start. eridge park in kent. it's the oldest deer park in england and it's the most fabulous place ever. black deer festival. these two are long—term friends who have now become festival bosses. we're like ant and dec, she always answers that question. after careers in radio and live

music, they decided to set up their own event celebrating country and americana music, the black deer festival. the best new festival on the block. we want promoter of the year, music event of the year. we have really made our mark. why so special? wow, the fact it's run by two women. that's not true, there is loads of people involved. the festival is scheduled to start on the 25th ofjune, just four days after the date given by the government at the earliest time that legal limits on social contact can be removed in england. but they believe black deer will go ahead. this is the front of the main stage. this is where robert plant, van morrison will be. a little bit further this way. here. and they are able to put everything in place because many people

are asking to only be paid if it does happen. suppliers are all aware of that so ordinarily we would have lots of deposits everywhere now, securing all of our kit, infrastructure for the festival. we have absolutely done that but everybody understands so everybody is halting payments, holding payments until. the bands? the agents are, but they've been great as well. we are working as a community, it's unbelievable. are either of your houses at risk? they always are. one change is that travel restrictions mean the line—up now is entirely almost made up of acts from the british isles such as ward thomas the first uk act to have a number one country album.

during lockdown, they released a new album, invitation, but had to reschedule their tour three times so they are thrilled at playing the festival. it means the world to us and i think i can speak for so many other artists, so many other bands, the whole team, the crew, everything who have lost work this year. it means so much to so many people and for us, we just can't wait to be back on stage. as performers, people didn't dare look forward to a live show because it's been so far in the future, maybe we will be out but to have dates in the diary to actually look forward to is really exciting. however, a note of caution from the boss of the association of independent festivals. he believes the lack of a government backed insurance scheme will mean more cancellations in the next fortnight. it's an enormous risk for any independent festival to proceed with costs and bear in mind costs an average of over £6 million to stage an independent festival.

i think probably the later you are in the small you are, the more reason you have or optimism. you have for optimism. back at the black deer festival, optimism isn't something that debs and jill are lacking. it would mean the world to open the gates, people laughing and smiling and people having the best time, i will cry. you will? i will be crying, yes. for lots of reasons. some of our bbc�*s weather watchers have grabbed some great shots of the northern lights recently. simon king spoke to an aurora chaser from the arctic circle to find out why the viewing has been so good recently. as you can see, we're

having a really good show tonight in the skies. equinoxes are an amazing time to see northern lights. today, for example, we are not supposed to see any northern lights, but thanks to the effect of the equinox, we are seeing this amazing show behind me. the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, as most of us call them, have been lighting up the skies over the last few months. this winter has definitely been an been amazing for the aurora, as we are re—emerging from the solar minimum into the solar maximum. and now spring is the best season to see them. that was an aurora enthusiast, who spoke to me from a frozen lake in northern finland. the green and purple lights have been dancing in the night sky, bringing one of nature's greatest light shows. the most intense aurora is during the solar maximum, where you have got lots of sun spots on the sun, releasing charged particles towards the earth. but in its 11—year cycle, the sun goes to its quieter minimum period,

where there are fewer sun spots. we are just coming out of the minimum period now, so how have we had such good aurora this winter without those sun spots? there is a different process on the sun which can lead to aurora. these are called coronal holes, and essentially what we get from coronal holes is a faster solar wind, and these are the charged particles which are pushed out from the sun all of time. and when we get coronal holes, we get faster solar winds, this reacts with the earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere. so we can actually see some geomagnetic storming and some aurora from these coronal holes. these are more frequent at solar minimum, theyjust aren't strong as from sun spots. there needs to be a strong geomagnetic storm to get the aurora across the uk, but you're most likely to see it in northern scotland, where lots our bbc weather watchers have been sharing pictures with us. in the arctic circle, however, weather permitting, it can be seen most nights. the aurora belt is the region north from here and the northern

scandinavia, norway, sweden, finland, where auroras can be seen more often than anywhere else the world. this is where auroras are born, and even if activity is very low, you can still see some action. we are now into a new solar cycle, so with the sun waking up, there will be more sun spot activity as we arise to the solar maximum in 2025, and therefore a greater chance of seeing a more intense aurora — weather permitting, of course. now it's time for a look at the weather with matt taylor. picking up, the cloud is gethered in the west, the through today bringing rain to the evening, will bring rain more widely. drying up later in

western scotland, and here, we will see clear skies into the morning but for most a windy night with gales widely e temperatures in double figures for one or two, now as you go into tomorrow, a mild start, plenty of cloud round, early sunshine in scotland giving way to cloud and the return of some relentless rain in western scotland through the afternoon, drying up a bit for north wales and northern england before more rain moves into tomorrow evening and across the board it will be a windy day, that will puncture holes in the cloud to the south and east so sunshine here, not quite the level of today but it is a milder wind and with the sunshine it will feel warmer, 15 or 16 celsius, certainly possible. see you soon.

good afternoon. wales has become to the first nation in the uk to relax the lockdown measures which have been in place since december. the "stay local" rule has been scrapped in favour of unlimited travel within wales and groups of six people from two households can meet up outdoors in private gardens. next week will see some rules change in england and scotland too. our wales correspondent tomas morgan has this report. things are beginning to look a bit brighter in wales today, as beaches

across the nation are open once again. travel is allowed. much to the delight of these visitors to barry island. fix, the delight of these visitors to barry island-— the delight of these visitors to bar island. �* , ., ., , ., barry island. a breath of fresh air. the kids love _ barry island. a breath of fresh air. the kids love being _ barry island. a breath of fresh air. the kids love being here. - barry island. a breath of fresh air. l the kids love being here. ice-cream the kids love being here. ice—cream and chips. it the kids love being here. ice-cream and chi s. , the kids love being here. ice-cream and chis. , ., ., the kids love being here. ice-cream and chis. , . ., , and chips. it feels amazing being out with our— and chips. it feels amazing being out with our family. _ and chips. it feels amazing being out with our family. tourism - and chips. it feels amazing being out with our family. tourism has| out with our family. tourism has also partially _ out with our family. tourism has also partially re-opened - out with our family. tourism has also partially re-opened a - out with our family. tourism has i also partially re-opened a welcome also partially re—opened a welcome relief for this family, who have travelled here after being in lockdown since the 19th december. we started off this morning at 8.15. traffic— started off this morning at 8.15. traffic was— started off this morning at 8.15. traffic was good. _ started off this morning at 8.15. traffic was good. weather - started off this morning at 8.15. traffic was good. weather was i started off this morning at 8.15. - traffic was good. weather was good. he got— traffic was good. weather was good. he got here — traffic was good. weather was good. he got here quarter— traffic was good. weather was good. he got here quarter to _ traffic was good. weather was good. he got here quarter to ten. - traffic was good. weather was good. he got here quarter to ten. we - traffic was good. weather was good. he got here quarter to ten. we saidl he got here quarter to ten. we said we have _ he got here quarter to ten. we said we have escaped, _ he got here quarter to ten. we said we have escaped, we _ he got here quarter to ten. we said we have escaped, we have - he got here quarter to ten. we said| we have escaped, we have escaped. there _ we have escaped, we have escaped. there is_ we have escaped, we have escaped. there is that — we have escaped, we have escaped. there is that feeling. _ we have escaped, we have escaped. there is that feeling.— there is that feeling. although travel within _ there is that feeling. although travel within wales _ there is that feeling. although travel within wales is - there is that feeling. although l travel within wales is permitted, crossing the border is not allowed, other than for work, child care or emergencies. some holiday premises rely on the english coming here, however the prospect of any tourists

coming back is good news for those in the industry. coming back is good news for those in the industry-— in the industry. getting the owners back today will _ in the industry. getting the owners back today will help _ in the industry. getting the owners back today will help bring - in the industry. getting the owners back today will help bring the - in the industry. getting the owners back today will help bring the park| back today will help bring the park back today will help bring the park back today will help bring the park back to life. we only have a handful of local owners of people within the county. but even so, even that is a start to the season, where we can look forward to getting back to normality. look forward to getting back to normali . ., , look forward to getting back to normali . . , , ., normality. last year when restrictions _ normality. last year when restrictions began - normality. last year when restrictions began to - normality. last year when restrictions began to lift, | normality. last year when - restrictions began to lift, beauty spots were flooded. today people were more cautious, planning their visits carefully. that were more cautious, planning their visits carefully.— visits carefully. at half five there was only two _ visits carefully. at half five there was only two cars _ visits carefully. at half five there was only two cars here. - visits carefully. at half five there was only two cars here. it - visits carefully. at half five there was only two cars here. it is - visits carefully. at half five there l was only two cars here. it is more of a shock. everyone's still in the stage of going, is it real? are we allowed out now?— stage of going, is it real? are we allowed out now? national parks and natural resources _ allowed out now? national parks and natural resources wales _ allowed out now? national parks and natural resources wales have - allowed out now? national parks and natural resources wales have asked l natural resources wales have asked people be sensible. six people from two households are also able to meet outside and organised activities and sports for under 18s can resume. any travel further afield will be

discussed on thursday. for now an ice—cream on the land will do in this —— sands will do in the glorious welsh sunshine. the first minister of scotland, nicola sturgeon, has said there are "significant questions" over the appropriateness of her predecessor, alex salmond's plans to return to public office. mr salmond launched a new party yesterday called alba which will contest the scottish parliamentary elections in may. it's emerged that mp kenny macaskill has left the snp to join the alba party. our scotland correspondentjamie mciver has the details. nicola sturgeon wanted to focus on the snp�*s own election campaign today, but instead she's been facing questions about another party's campaign. the new party led by her former friend and mentor, alex salmond. nicola sturgeon questions both his motivation and suitability to return to public life. it's not an opportunity to gamble with the future of the country.

i know from knowing him well in years gone by, alex salmond is a gambler, it is what he enjoys doing, but this is not the time to gamble with the future of the country. this is the time the make a serious choice. strong experienced leadership, a policy programme for recovery and a chance to choose independence. the alba party. mr salmond unveiled the new party yesterday. he says he wants to create a so—called super majority at holyrood for independence. he got a boost today when a prominent member of the snp defected. kenny macaskill was the scottishjustice secretary and is now a westminster mp. this isn't just the - alex salmond party or even the alex salmond and kenny macaskill. . , ty party, it s a par for— those who support the cause _ of independence and who want to make sure that we grasp that nettle, - which is badly required, because of the risks and challenges that we face. _ the scottish election is still six weeks away and it's hard to predict how much support mr salmond's new party may attract, but the battle between the snp and his

party may well become the defining theme of this campaign. the united nations says it's received reports of shocking violence in myanmar today. around 90 pro—democracy protestors are reported to have been killed by security forces following armed forces day parades. some reports suggest children are among the victims. the uk and the eu have condemned the violence as "indefensible". borisjohnson has launched the conservatives' campaign for england's local and mayoral elections in may. in a pre—recorded speech at the party's virtual spring forum, the prime minister said the conservative party continues to fulfil its mandate, despite facing the difficulties of a global pandemic. we're a one nation conservative government and we continue, in spite of the pandemic, to deliver on the promise that we made in that great election of 2019. we have recruited more

than 6,000 of the 20,000 police, we are building the 40 new hospitals, we're recruiting the 50,000 more nurses, 10,600 now in the nhs this year, as opposed to last year. people over 70 could be given what have been called booster jabs in september in order to protect them from new variants of coronavirus, the government has indicated. nhs workers and care home staff would also be eligible. the vaccines minister said eight different vaccines are expected to be available in the uk by the autumn. here's our health correspondent katherine da costa. nearly 30 million poom in people have at least one dose of the covid vaccine. scientists are looking at whether booster shots may be needed. they could be rolled out to the over 70s, health and care workers and people vulnerable from september. the immune system tends to become

forgetful as people become older. so this new plan to give boosters has a lot of merit. this new plan to give boosters has a lot of merit-— lot of merit. viruses mutate to survive. some _ lot of merit. viruses mutate to survive. some mutations- lot of merit. viruses mutate to i survive. some mutations caused concern if they make the virus more harmful. one mutation called e484k has been found in the south britain and brazilian viruses. it helps the virus escape immunity from past infections. current vaccines provide some protection. france germany and poland are seeing in a surge in infections. there is concern lifting travel restrictions with europe could increase the risk of bringing new variants into the uk.- could increase the risk of bringing new variants into the uk. there is

interconnectness _ new variants into the uk. there is interconnectness in _ new variants into the uk. there is interconnectness in the _ new variants into the uk. there is interconnectness in the worlds - new variants into the uk. there is interconnectness in the worlds we live and _ interconnectness in the worlds we live and people move from one place to another— live and people move from one place to another and viruses move and there _ to another and viruses move and there is— to another and viruses move and there is connectedness in vaccine production — there is connectedness in vaccine production. it is a complicated task enough _ production. it is a complicated task enough now and it is not going to -et enough now and it is not going to gel easier— enough now and it is not going to get easier as we look towards what to do— get easier as we look towards what to du , , ., get easier as we look towards what tod , ,., ., 4' to do next. scientists are working on adapting _ to do next. scientists are working on adapting vaccines, _ to do next. scientists are working on adapting vaccines, but - to do next. scientists are working| on adapting vaccines, but keeping cases low while ramping up vaccinations the best way to give us faith we will see an end to this pandemic. motor racing. and lewis hamilton begins his defence of the formula one driver world championship in bahrain tomorrow, but he won't be on pole position for the race, as adam wild reports. in bahraint in bahrain t it was familiar faces and familiar names out to put a stop the the familiar tale of a lewis hamilton victory. the talk is of the

closest season in years, but how would that sound once the chatter was drowned out? names don't get bigger than schumacher and this is is mick, the son of michael schumacher. max verstappen has much anticipate about his duel with hamilton. this perhaps a taster. take its in turns to go fastest until verstappen couldn't be caught. the perfect start. well done. if there the perfect start. well done. there is the perfect start. well done. if there is the battle to watch, it is a rivalry that has started early. that's all for now, we're back

with the late news at 10 tonight. this is bbc news.

as we've been hearing, wales is the first part of the uk to lift travel restrictions within its borders, as the "stay local" rule is being relaxed from today. tourist accommodation can reopen and six people from two households can now meet out outside — and in private gardens. earlier we heard from the thomas family, who can't wait to start playing football again. we spoke to ryan thomas, who's a football coach at cascade youth club in caerphilly and his 12—year—old son will, and stepson tom, who is 9. i'v e i've missed football a lot. because i've missed football a lot. because i've been playing since i was six, it's been a massive difference from missing a year. it’s it's been a massive difference from missing a year-— it's been a massive difference from missing a year. it's in where, yeah. what have — missing a year. it's in where, yeah. what have you _ missing a year. it's in where, yeah. what have you missed _ missing a year. it's in where, yeah. what have you missed the - missing a year. it's in where, yeah. what have you missed the most? l missing a year. it's in where, yeah. - what have you missed the most? well, i oorl what have you missed the most? well, i poorly miss — what have you missed the most? well, i poorly miss hanging _ what have you missed the most? well, i poorly miss hanging out _ what have you missed the most? -ii i poorly miss hanging out with my friends, training, being part of a team like, all of it, to be honest. anton, what about you? i'm trying to

see what strip you've got on. me see what strip you've got on. i've missed being _ see what strip you've got on. i've missed being part of the team as well as— missed being part of the team as well as well again being with my friends — well as well again being with my friends to— well as well again being with my friends tojust do well as well again being with my friends to just do training and all of that— friends to just do training and all of that stuff.— friends to just do training and all of that stuff. , , ., ., ., , ., of that stuff. yes. ryan thomas, how lona has it of that stuff. yes. ryan thomas, how long has it been _ of that stuff. yes. ryan thomas, how long has it been since _ of that stuff. yes. ryan thomas, how long has it been since you've - of that stuff. yes. ryan thomas, how long has it been since you've been i long has it been since you've been allowed to train it you've been able to run your courses? for allowed to train it you've been able to run your courses?— to run your courses? for us it's been the — to run your courses? for us it's been the best _ to run your courses? for us it's been the best part _ to run your courses? for us it's been the best part of _ to run your courses? for us it's been the best part of the - to run your courses? for us it's been the best part of the year. | been the best part of the year. march — been the best part of the year. march 2020 _ been the best part of the year. march 2020 when _ been the best part of the year. march 2020 when we - been the best part of the year. march 2020 when we first - been the best part of the year. | march 2020 when we first start training — march 2020 when we first start training and _ march 2020 when we first start training and playing _ march 2020 when we first start training and playing we - march 2020 when we first start training and playing we did - march 2020 when we first starti training and playing we did have march 2020 when we first start. training and playing we did have a little bit _ training and playing we did have a little bit of— training and playing we did have a little bit of a — training and playing we did have a little bit of a return _ training and playing we did have a little bit of a return but _ training and playing we did have a little bit of a return but it - training and playing we did have a little bit of a return but it was - little bit of a return but it was kind _ little bit of a return but it was kind of— little bit of a return but it was kind of almost _ little bit of a return but it was kind of almost could - little bit of a return but it was kind of almost could even - little bit of a return but it was . kind of almost could even start. little bit of a return but it was - kind of almost could even start. we had no _ kind of almost could even start. we had no real— kind of almost could even start. we had no real football— kind of almost could even start. we had no real football be _ kind of almost could even start. we had no real football be able - kind of almost could even start. we had no real football be able to - had no real football be able to sustain — had no real football be able to sustain football _ had no real football be able to sustain football for— had no real football be able to sustain football for a - had no real football be able to sustain football for a year- had no real football be able toi sustain football for a year now. had no real football be able to - sustain football for a year now. find sustain football for a year now. and presumably — sustain football for a year now. presumably football training sustain football for a year now. aim} presumably football training is isn't really something you could do a resume, is a? ida. isn't really something you could do a resume, is a?— isn't really something you could do a resume, is a? no. we try to keep encuaes a resume, is a? no. we try to keep engages best _ a resume, is a? no. we try to keep engages best we — a resume, is a? no. we try to keep engages best we can _ a resume, is a? no. we try to keep engages best we can with _ a resume, is a? no. we try to keep engages best we can with the - a resume, is a? no. we try to keep engages best we can with the kids. | engages best we can with the kids. some _ engages best we can with the kids. some of— engages best we can with the kids. some of the — engages best we can with the kids. some of the kids _ engages best we can with the kids. some of the kids use _ engages best we can with the kids. some of the kids use the _ engages best we can with the kids. i some of the kids use the footballers it's an _ some of the kids use the footballers it's an eventful— some of the kids use the footballers it's an eventful life _ some of the kids use the footballers it's an eventful life and _ some of the kids use the footballers it's an eventful life and obviously- it's an eventful life and obviously we haven't— it's an eventful life and obviously we haven't been— it's an eventful life and obviously we haven't been habited - it's an eventful life and obviously we haven't been habited do - it's an eventful life and obviouslyj we haven't been habited do that. it's an eventful life and obviously- we haven't been habited do that. we try to _ we haven't been habited do that. we try to keep— we haven't been habited do that. we try to keep kids _ we haven't been habited do that. we try to keep kids engaged _ we haven't been habited do that. we try to keep kids engaged as- we haven't been habited do that. we try to keep kids engaged as much. we haven't been habited do that. wej try to keep kids engaged as much we can. try to keep kids engaged as much we can 0bviously—

try to keep kids engaged as much we can. obviously as _ try to keep kids engaged as much we can. obviously as a _ try to keep kids engaged as much we can. obviously as a grassroots - try to keep kids engaged as much we can. obviously as a grassroots team i can. obviously as a grassroots team we want _ can. obviously as a grassroots team we want everyone _ can. obviously as a grassroots team we want everyone coming _ can. obviously as a grassroots team we want everyone coming back - can. obviously as a grassroots team l we want everyone coming back when football _ we want everyone coming back when football resumes. _ we want everyone coming back when football resumes. hopefully - we want everyone coming back when football resumes. hopefully the - football resumes. hopefully the majority — football resumes. hopefully the majority come _ football resumes. hopefully the majority come back— football resumes. hopefully the majority come back and - football resumes. hopefully the majority come back and don't i football resumes. hopefully the | majority come back and don't go football resumes. hopefully the - majority come back and don't go down other avenues — majority come back and don't go down other avenues.— other avenues. tom, how difficult the ast other avenues. tom, how difficult the past few _ other avenues. tom, how difficult the past few months _ other avenues. tom, how difficult the past few months been - other avenues. tom, how difficult the past few months been not i other avenues. tom, how difficult i the past few months been not being able to see your friends and play out a team, what's up in my? well, it's been quite _ out a team, what's up in my? well, it's been quite difficult. _ out a team, what's up in my? well, it's been quite difficult. because i it's been quite difficult. because football— it's been quite difficult. because football is quite a big thing for me _ football is quite a big thing for me and — football is quite a big thing for me and i_ football is quite a big thing for me. and ijust love it.- football is quite a big thing for me. and ijust love it. me. and i 'ust love it. what is it that ou me. and ijust love it. what is it that you love — me. and ijust love it. what is it that you love so _ me. and ijust love it. what is it that you love so much _ me. and ijust love it. what is it that you love so much about i me. and ijust love it. what is it that you love so much about it? | that you love so much about it? well, it'sjust that you love so much about it? well, it's just very fun with your friends — well, it's just very fun with your friends and _ well, it's just very fun with your friends and you get to learn and be with new_ friends and you get to learn and be with new people and all that stuff. yeah _ with new people and all that stuff. yeah. well, are you concerned in any way that your standard might have dropped off a bit?— way that your standard might have dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. but in dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. itut in doing _ dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. itut in doing as _ dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. but in doing as much _ dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. but in doing as much as _ dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. but in doing as much as we - dropped off a bit? yeah, probably. but in doing as much as we can i but in doing as much as we can indoors and in our back garden. but it's not the same. it's going to be a lot different, it's going to be

challenging for lots of people to go back football at the same standards. we are just watching pictures of you kicking a ball about in the garden. ryan, what is it exactly it you can do from monday and are there still things you can't do?— things you can't do? obviously there's a lot _ things you can't do? obviously there's a lot of _ things you can't do? obviously there's a lot of control- things you can't do? obviously l there's a lot of control measures things you can't do? obviously i there's a lot of control measures in place _ there's a lot of control measures in place we — there's a lot of control measures in place we are — there's a lot of control measures in place. we are allowed _ there's a lot of control measures in place. we are allowed to _ there's a lot of control measures in place. we are allowed to train. i there's a lot of control measures in place. we are allowed to train. sol place. we are allowed to train. so we've _ place. we are allowed to train. so we've managed _ place. we are allowed to train. so we've managed to _ place. we are allowed to train. so we've managed to secure - place. we are allowed to train. so we've managed to secure training| we've managed to secure training slots _ we've managed to secure training slots. grassroots _ we've managed to secure training slots. grassroots set _ we've managed to secure training slots. grassroots set up - we've managed to secure training slots. grassroots set up on - we've managed to secure training slots. grassroots set up on the i slots. grassroots set up on the eighth— slots. grassroots set up on the eighth grades _ slots. grassroots set up on the eighth grades which _ slots. grassroots set up on the eighth grades which we - slots. grassroots set up on the eighth grades which we vent i slots. grassroots set up on the | eighth grades which we vent 11, slots. grassroots set up on the i eighth grades which we vent 11, 12 between — eighth grades which we vent 11, 12 between boys _ eighth grades which we vent 11, 12 between boys and _ eighth grades which we vent 11, 12 between boys and girls _ eighth grades which we vent 11, 12 between boys and girls without i eighth grades which we vent 11, 12 i between boys and girls without we've done really _ between boys and girls without we've done really well — between boys and girls without we've done really well to _ between boys and girls without we've done really well to secure _ between boys and girls without we've done really well to secure places. i done really well to secure places. we've _ done really well to secure places. we've been— done really well to secure places. we've been training _ done really well to secure places. we've been training 35— done really well to secure places. we've been training 35 kids - done really well to secure places. we've been training 35 kids on i done really well to secure places. we've been training 35 kids on half a pitch— we've been training 35 kids on half a pitch which— we've been training 35 kids on half a pitch which is— we've been training 35 kids on half a pitch which is inclusive _ we've been training 35 kids on half a pitch which is inclusive of- a pitch which is inclusive of quarters _ a pitch which is inclusive of quarters. spectators - a pitch which is inclusive of quarters. spectators are i a pitch which is inclusive ofl quarters. spectators are not a pitch which is inclusive of- quarters. spectators are not allowed again— quarters. spectators are not allowed again which— quarters. spectators are not allowed again which is— quarters. spectators are not allowed again which is obviously— quarters. spectators are not allowed again which is obviously more - quarters. spectators are not allowed again which is obviously more ideal. again which is obviously more ideal but a _ again which is obviously more ideal but a price — again which is obviously more ideal but a price where _ again which is obviously more ideal but a price where more _ again which is obviously more ideal but a price where more than - again which is obviously more idealj but a price where more than willing to play— but a price where more than willing to play to _ but a price where more than willing to play to keep— but a price where more than willing to play to keep playing _ but a price where more than willing to play to keep playing football. i to play to keep playing football. 0ther— to play to keep playing football. other control _ to play to keep playing football. other control measures - to play to keep playing football. other control measures taking i other control measures taking everyone's_ other control measures taking everyone's temperatures i

other control measures taking . everyone's temperatures coming other control measures taking - everyone's temperatures coming and going. _ everyone's temperatures coming and going. washing — everyone's temperatures coming and going. washing hands, _ everyone's temperatures coming and going. washing hands, sanitising i going. washing hands, sanitising equipment— going. washing hands, sanitising equipment before _ going. washing hands, sanitising equipment before and _ going. washing hands, sanitising equipment before and after- going. washing hands, sanitising equipment before and after his. equipment before and after his sessions — equipment before and after his sessions with— equipment before and after his sessions with top _ equipment before and after his sessions with top it's _ equipment before and after his sessions with top it's a - equipment before and after his sessions with top it's a little i equipment before and after his| sessions with top it's a little bit more _ sessions with top it's a little bit more work— sessions with top it's a little bit more work and _ sessions with top it's a little bit more work and a _ sessions with top it's a little bit more work and a little - sessions with top it's a little bit more work and a little bit i sessions with top it's a little bit more work and a little bit but . sessions with top it's a little bit . more work and a little bit but like you said — more work and a little bit but like you said a — more work and a little bit but like you said a small— more work and a little bit but like you said a small price _ more work and a little bit but like you said a small price to- more work and a little bit but like you said a small price to pay- more work and a little bit but like you said a small price to payjustl you said a small price to payjust to be _ you said a small price to payjust to be back— you said a small price to payjust to be back playing. _ you said a small price to payjust to be back playing. the - thomas family there. now on bbc news... ros atkins on biden's border problem. on the challenges president biden faces over migrants at the us—mexico border. this week, we are focused on the us—mexico border and a test of whetherjoe biden can match his words with actions. what do you do with an unaccompanied child that comes to the border? do you repeat what trump did? do you rip them from their dad, take them from their mother? we are not doing that. sincejoe biden became president, tens of thousands of people have arrived at the us border. most have been turned back but in a change of policy, unaccompanied children are now

not turned back. these pictures are our first sight of where they initially stay, children packed into confined areas, surrounded by screens and republicans are blaming the president. this crisis was created by the presidential policies. there's no way to claim it. they are hoping nobody said they admitting to the tragicl human failed costs. and the government says this is on donald trump. president trump dismantled the orderly and efficient way of allowing children to make their way under united states law. he dismantled the central american minor programme, those orderly and safe processes. joe biden has put kamala harris in charge of this and she acknowledges

there is a lot of work to be done. we've been in office less than 100 days, we are addressing it and dealing with it. it will take time. are we frustrated, are you frustrated? yes, we are. frustration for kamala harris, frustration for republicans, frustration all around. where does responsibility lie? to credit donald trump, hasjoe biden made the situation worse and is this a problem with no obvious solution? let's work through it, starting with the numbers. here is the us—mexico border, more than 3,000km long, the most frequently crossed international border in the world. this graphic shows the number of encounters with us border patrol. you will see a peak in 2019, then a sharp fall, then a rise in 2020 so beforejoe biden took office and we should note, but this time of year, march 2021 is higher than three previous years. also, look at this.

the number of unaccompanied is rising. that started under president trump and it is increased more rapidly under president biden. and we know where they are coming from. some from mexico, others from guatemala, honduras, el salvador and nicaraguans and the question at the heart of their stories and this issue for the white house is why they are heading to the us. this is one reason. these pictures show the aftermath of hurricane iota last year. many lost homes. and the pandemic, which has disrupted everything, creating reasons to leave and reasons to delayjourneys. both explain the current surge on the borders and drug cartels, political repression and poverty, all of these reasons leading people to conclude that the us might be their best, perhaps only, hope.

the bbc�*s sophie long spoke to some people heading to the border. sophie long: these boys fled violence and poverty. - they don't know who president biden is. all this man knows is how hard it was to say goodbye to his mum and young siblings. they didn't know ofjoe biden but the president is part of the equation for others. this is a photo of a protest in tijuana on the mexican side of the border. "biden, please let us in," read the t—shirts. and please listen to this teenage boy. and whether right or wrong, this expectation is repeatedly being heard. translation: these teenagers get l here now with the hope joe biden. will let them in as refugees. some us officials are drawing similar conclusions. before the new president, we didn't have these kinds of numbers coming across.

we see children all the time. we caught one on monday coming from bolivia that was 10 years old, by himself. does this add up? joe biden is only two months into his presidency. can we really connect him to what's happening? tojudgejoe biden, we need to look at the numbers but also at how the us is treating people. this audio, obtained by propublica, reportedly came from inside a borderfacility in texas during the trump administration. you can hear children separated from their parents and calling out for them. this was one of the most divisive moments of donald trump's presidency and after all, he stopped the child separation policy, but not before hundreds of children had been taken from their parents. and joe biden led the condemnation. now they can't find over 500

sets of those parents and the kids are alone, nowhere to go, nowhere to go. it's criminal. it's criminal, and it makes us a laughing stock and violates every notion of who we are as a nation. joe biden is also clear that if he were president, the us would help those in need. i would in fact make sure that we immediately surged to the border all those people seeking asylum. they deserve to be heard, that's who we are. and if this wasn't clear enough, he also said this. where a nation says if you want to flee and you are freeing oppression, you should come. nowjoe biden is pesident and he's taking immediate action. we are going to work on the moral and national shame of the previous administration, literally, not figuratively, ripped people from the arms of their families, of mothers and fathers, at the border. this all got attention, as did the shift on the

policy of unaccompanied children. and the president added to his message. i can say clearly, don't come, don't leave your town or city or community. so first come, then don't come until we tell you to, all while changing the rules on children and republican senator mitt romney has tweeted: now, as we've seen, the data appears to show a rise in the number of unaccompanied children after the change of policy and that rise in arrivals means more children are in facilities like this and on that, the white house had this to say. it's not acceptable but i think the challenge here is that there are not that many options. the argument being the trump

administration didn't maintain sufficient facilities but the trump administration is no longer in power and it also didn't change the policy on unaccompanied children, and pressure is growing. the democratic congresswoman alexandria ocasio—cortez has tweeted about the children situation, saying:. and these pictures i showed you earlier were released by another democrat, a texas congressman, henry cuellar, who wants to show people what's happening. and underlying all this concern from across the political spectrum is the question of whether the president has perhaps been naive because make no mistake, americans loathed the child separation policy, many wanted the biden administration to treat children differently, to treat them better, but changing the policy straightaway before facilities are ready risks in influx and risks children ending up in unacceptable conditions. and some would argue it also doesn't

address the more fundamental issue here because the border between the us is largely closed at the moment, because of the pandemic and thousands of people are waiting in makeshift camps like these but of course, the border won't stay closed forever and when it opens, just like his predecessors, joe biden will need to outline how him plans to manage america's borders when many, many people want to get in. as sabrina rodriguez writes in politico: to that, some would add that while the work on the border is urgent, it's actually america's role in the region beyond its borders that may offer the longer term solution. have a listen tojonathan blitzer from the new yorker:

biden's pitch to the american people was in part simply that he isn't donald trump, that he would follow the signs on the pandemic, stop spreading misinformation. ——science this was a low bar. immigration is harder, much harder and cramped detention centres filling up with unaccompanied children is a long way from joe biden's vision of america, but that's what's happening and his next move matters both to those children and his presidency. hello. spring is the season which always likes to keep us on our toes. this morning, some parts of the uk almost felt like winter return. snow on the ground here

in cumbria, but lovely clear, crisp air for many. temperatures this afternoon around ten or 11 degrees. early part of next week, though, it will almost feel as if summer has given us an early taste of. 23 degrees folsom of the south and east. high teens, low 20s quite widely. but before you get carried away, winter will have its little bite back as we head towards easter. and temperatures only part of the story. with the wind is coming in from the south—west over the next few days and a milder air, plenty of rain in western scotland, where there is an increased risk of flooding. and the cloud out to the atlantic is going to be responsible. the first batch is pushing in at the moment, it is that which has seen many western areas cloud over through the day. outbreaks of rain developing as we head into the evening. heaviest and most persistent in western scotland during the first half of the night. strong winds across the board. most others will see some rain, although to the south and east of england, many will say it dry. and whilst it will stay windy here, the winds will come in from a south—westerly direction, so not as chilly as last night.

temperatures to start your sunday morning somewhere between six and nine degrees. fairly cloudy start for many, although there will be some clear skies across scotland with some morning sunshine before the cloud and rain returns to the west later. outbreaks of rain early doors and an on off in northern ireland, easing little bit in northern england, north and west wales. driest towards the south and east of england throughout, with some sunny spells. not the level of sunshine we have seen through today, but even here it will be windy. across—the—board, we will see wind gusts in excess of 40 miles an hour at times. but it is a mild one. coming in from the south—west, temperatures 15, 16 degrees across some parts of eastern england. certainly warmer for all then we have seen over the past three days. there south—westerly winds then continue through sunday into monday, bringing ever milder air, particularly towards the south and east as high pressure builds. but whether fronts continue to pile in the rain across parts of western scotland and also for some in northern ireland. the further south and east you are, though, clearerskies, sunny conditions return and even in eastern scotland, with some hazy sunshine, we could see temperatures here peak at around 18 degrees. but by this stage, 21, maybe 22 celsius possible in eastern

england and it looks, as we head through into tuesday, sunshine continued, especially across england and wales, things will get milder still. we could see temperatures quite widely into the low 20s. goodbye for now.

this is bbc news. the headlines at six. lockdown eases in wales — the first uk nation to lift travel restrictions within its borders. borisjohnson says england's road map out of lockdown remains on track — as it's revealed covid booster jabs may be available as early as september. the mp kenny macaskill announces he is quitting the snp, to stand for alex salmond's new party at the holyrood election. it's a party for those who support the cause of independence, and who want to make sure that we grasp that nettle, which is badly required because of the risks and challenges that we face. because of the risks and challenges that we face. the un says its received �*shocking' reports of violence in myanmar —