the prime minister urges us all to be cautious, as lockdown restrictions in england begin to be rolled back today. enjoying a chilly dip, as outdoor facilities resume. getting together, as groups of up to six can meet outdoors. it's only because of months of sacrifice and effort that we can take this small step towards freedom today, and we must proceed with caution. and it's comfirmed that up to 60 million doses of a new vaccine — novavax — is to be manufactured here in the uk. also tonight... supporters take the knee outside court in minneapolis, as the trial begins of the police officer accused of killing george floyd. iamat i am at the court where we are

already getting a sense of what the two sides will argue in this, one of the most high profile, potentially consequential cases, in recent american history. and the giant ship wedged across the suez canal for nearly a week has at last been freed. coming up on sportsday later in the hour on the bbc news channel: hal robson—kanu — and two other wales players — are thrown out of the squad for breaking covid protocols. good evening and welcome to the bbc�*s news at six. within the last hour, the prime minister has urged caution, as restrictions start to be rolled back in england. borisjohnson has warned that as a third wave of covid infections builds in europe, it is inevitable that we will see more cases and

deaths here in the uk. but the easing of lockdown in england starts today, with groups of six people — or two households of whatever size — able to meet in parks or private gardens. outdoor sports facilities like tennis courts can open, along with outdoor team sports, but people have to stay local as much as possible. and holidays abroad are still banned. in two weeks' time, on april the 12th, restrictions ease further, with a planned opening up of non—essential shops and gyms. outdoor settings too like beer gardens and theme parks, along with indoor gyms and indoor pools. the message throughout remains clear — still wear masks and maintain social—distancing. for the other nations, some restrictions were eased in wales on saturday. in northern ireland, things begin to ease from thursday, and from friday in scotland. here's our health editor, hugh pym. new freedoms and all on a sunny day, no wonder the swimmers at a lado in

norfolk were enjoying themselves with outdoor pools in england allowed to reopen.— with outdoor pools in england allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovel , it allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovely. it is _ allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovely, it is amazing, _ allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovely, it is amazing, it _ allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovely, it is amazing, it is - allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovely, it is amazing, it is a - allowed to reopen. very nice. it is lovely, it is amazing, it is a great| lovely, it is amazing, it is a great feeling — lovely, it is amazing, it is a great feelina. , ., , lovely, it is amazing, it is a great feelina. , . , feeling. pretty great. it is cold! until today. — feeling. pretty great. it is cold! until today, weddings - feeling. pretty great. it is cold! until today, weddings were - feeling. pretty great. it is cold! | until today, weddings were only permitted in exceptional circumstances, but no ceremonies with up to six people are allowed. in coventry, this couple tied the knot after postponing in the winter. even yesterday, they could just ring and go, actually, not today. so, it is surreal, it is wonderful.- is surreal, it is wonderful. today, the prime — is surreal, it is wonderful. today, the prime minister _ is surreal, it is wonderful. today, the prime minister and _ is surreal, it is wonderful. today, the prime minister and his - is surreal, it is wonderful. today, the prime minister and his key i the prime minister and his key advisers appeared at the new downing street media briefing room. is there not a danger of mixed messaging when you talk both about a road map to freedom and getting back towards normal life, but also the need to be cautious because of cases raising in some parts of europe? we are raising in some parts of europe? - are pleased to be able to have some

measure of relaxation today, it is important, it is valuable. i know it will be praised by people, but also very important to stress that we are continuing to be cautious. the very important to stress that we are continuing to be cautious.— continuing to be cautious. the main thin we continuing to be cautious. the main thing we are — continuing to be cautious. the main thing we are concerned _ continuing to be cautious. the main thing we are concerned about - continuing to be cautious. the main thing we are concerned about is - continuing to be cautious. the main thing we are concerned about is the risk of— thing we are concerned about is the risk of importing into the uk variants _ risk of importing into the uk variants which could have a reduced effectiveness of the vaccines we are currently _ effectiveness of the vaccines we are currently using. now, in the long term, _ currently using. now, in the long term, there _ currently using. now, in the long term, there would be ways around that, _ term, there would be ways around that, but _ term, there would be ways around that, but in— term, there would be ways around that, but in the short term that is the principal thing driving concerns about— the principal thing driving concerns about border issues at this stage. fresh_ about border issues at this stage. fresh air— about border issues at this stage. fresh air dilutes the virus particles _ fresh air dilutes the virus particles and _ fresh air dilutes the virus particles and can - fresh air dilutes the virus particles and can blow . fresh air dilutes the virus . particles and can blow them fresh air dilutes the virus - particles and can blow them away. fresh air dilutes the virus _ particles and can blow them away. it particles and can blow them away. government advert reminds people that meeting outdoors is less risky than in their homes.— than in their homes. hands, face, sace than in their homes. hands, face, space and — than in their homes. hands, face, space and fresh _ than in their homes. hands, face, space and fresh air. _ than in their homes. hands, face, space and fresh air. and - than in their homes. hands, face, space and fresh air. and labour . space and fresh air. and labour uraed space and fresh air. and labour urged ministers _ space and fresh air. and labour urged ministers not _ space and fresh air. and labour urged ministers not to - space and fresh air. and labour urged ministers not to drop - space and fresh air. and labourl urged ministers not to drop their guard. it urged ministers not to drop their ruard. , urged ministers not to drop their i uard, , ., ., urged ministers not to drop their ruard. , ., ., ., ., urged ministers not to drop their ruard. , ., ., ., guard. it is good we have got to this stage _ guard. it is good we have got to this stage of — guard. it is good we have got to this stage of lifting _ guard. it is good we have got to this stage of lifting some - guard. it is good we have got to this stage of lifting some of - guard. it is good we have got to this stage of lifting some of the | this stage of lifting some of the restrictions, we have got to be cautious about it. but i think the single biggest risk is what we are seen happening in other countries where the numbers are still going

up. where the numbers are still going u -. where the numbers are still going u . _ , where the numbers are still going u -. , ., where the numbers are still going up. the number of daily reported cases was _ up. the number of daily reported cases was coming _ up. the number of daily reported cases was coming down, - up. the number of daily reported cases was coming down, but - up. the number of daily reported cases was coming down, but it i up. the number of daily reported i cases was coming down, but it has been fairly stable for the last few weeks, between 5,000 and 6,000 on the seven day rolling average. but the seven day rolling average. but the number of daily hospital admissions with covid is falling steadily, it is down to around a few hundred a day. health officials say fewer people are getting seriously ill with covid and the vaccine is having an impact. from ice hockey and rock concerts to communityjabs, the sse arena in belfast has opened as a mass vaccination centre. ministers said it was a significant milestone. in northern ireland from thursday, outdoor sports will resume and six people can meet in private gardens. some beaches in wales were busy over the weekend, with travel restrictions lifted. 0utdoor sports for those under 18 and meetings of six people outside are permitted. scotland's stay—at—home message changes to stay local on friday,

each nation moving at its own pace out of lockdown. hugh pym, bbc news. and you can find out more about what measures are being lifted — and when — across the uk, by visiting bbc.co.uk/news. as we've heard, outdoor sports facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses have reopened in england and organised outdoor team sports have also resumed. 0ur sports editor dan roan been talking to some of those who've wasted no time in getting started. go on, go! good! 0ur sports editor dan roan been talking to some of those who've an early start for this girls rugby league team in warrington. this morning's preschool session the first chance they've had to enjoy full training together for more than a year. becasue we've been inside for so many months, we've not done anything, it's nice to get out and do stuff with your friends and, like, the school. and it's also nice to be active, instead of sitting down on computers and stuff. so, yeah, i like it. how much have you missed it in the recent months? it's been hard and you've missed it a lot.

my last match was in march. it is important for mental health and keeping yourself fit and in, like, the right head space. coaching the girls today, a former pupil here and now england internationaljodie cunningham, who also works on tackling the issue of depression in the sport. not having that interaction for such a long period of time really has affected young people, so the importance of getting this and i know it's that final light at the end of the tunnel to start getting back to normal for these young people. and for some, there was no time to waste. 0n the stroke of midnight, round of golf. elsewhere, a moonlit cycle ride in derbyshire. after months of lockdown, outdoor sport in england finally back. in manchester, this walking football team relishing their return, having not played since november. it's amazing. it really is, because just boredom.

and just to get out and just - have the company and the exercise as well, it's really . good for everybody. for indoor sport, however, the wait goes on, with gyms and swimming pools only reopening from mid—april, and then just for individual use or household groups. we can't lose sight of the fact we only have around 110 publicly accessible outdoor pools in this country, and there is a massive north—south divide. there's still a long way to go before we can get everybody back swimming. time to tighten the laces... after a dramatic slump in activity levels during lockdown, today, the government urged young people to do an hour's exercise a day. this video released in a bid to get the nation moving. but some believe more needs to be done, starting in schools. i got into rugby because of a pe teacher, you know, and we need to make sure that the teachers themselves, you know, are at the right level to be able to teach pe. but for me, it needs to be a core subject. it should be up there with maths and english. because the health and well—being of children is massively important to this country. with the risk of transmission from outdoor sport extremely low,

according to experts, the suspension of such activity has been among the most contentious elements of lockdown. but amid concern over the health of the nation, the challenge now is to make up for lost time. children are back playing sport, the sun is shining, these other scenes are so many people have been longing for and certainly the hope here at didsbury football club in manchester and many others up and down the country will be about the sheerjoy of being back outdoors playing sport again with your friends leads to a new—found appreciation of the value of exercise and physical activity in all of our lives. dan roan, in manchester, thank you. 0ur health editor hugh pym is here. much emphasis on caution in the press conference in the last hour and also great progress in the vaccination programme. officials very positive _ vaccination programme. officials very positive and _ vaccination programme. officials very positive and emphasising i vaccination programme. officials. very positive and emphasising again be impact vaccinations are having in

reducing hospital admissions from covid and death. and the chief scientific adviser sir patrick vallance produce states that for every 100,000 people, you might expect about 30 to end up in hospital with covid if they have not had vaccine, but that number. six per 100,000 if they have had a jab. it was emphasised, though, that younger people can get covid, those stats were for the 55 to 64 age group and cases are spreading amongst younger people who haven't had the vaccine, and that was a need for caution emphasised again. and a study from the office for national statistics emphasised again the differences and take up depending on ethnic groups. for those over 70, 60% of black african communities had had a job, hire for other communities. and the study said only about a third of that can be explained because of underlying factors like health and socioeconomic issues —— had had a jab. the rest is unexplained and

down to hesitancy and officials are concerned about getting the vaccine rolled out more extensively to certain communities.- rolled out more extensively to certain communities. thanks very much. let's take a look at the latest government figures. there were 4,654 new coronavirus infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average, 5,257 new cases were reported per day in the last week. 23 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period, that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test, and is usually lower on a monday. on average, in the past week, 63 deaths were announced every day. the total number of deaths is now 126,615. as for vaccinations, 293,542 people have had theirfirst dose of a covid vaccine in the latest 24—hour period, bringing the total to 30,444,829. 3,674,266 people have had both

doses of the vaccine. in what's being regarded as a pivotal moment in race relations in america, the trial of the white former police officer accused of killing a black man, george floyd, has begun. derek chauvin pinned george floyd to the ground in minneapolis last year by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes. his death sparked protests around the world. 0ur washington correspondent aleem maqbool is outside the court room in minneapolis. there were emotional scenes outside the court room before the trial began. absolutely, a lot of the family are taking a knee outside the courthouse before the trial began and things have been moving very quickly. since then, opening statements from both sides and we have already got into witnesses and we have heard from the white house joe witnesses and we have heard from the white housejoe biden is watching proceedings very closely. we have also had it confirmed, something we predicted, that one of the main thrust of the argument of those

representing the former office at derek chauvin will be that george floyd might have died anyway, even if he had not had his neck knelt on by that officer. this marks the start of what will be an emotional and fraught few weeks for the family of george floyd. but the remainders have of course never gone away of the way he died. we need justice. nothing throughout this whole trial, there is one word that you will hear, me and my family say a lot, just us. somebody needs to be held accountable. d0 somebody needs to be held accountable.— somebody needs to be held accountable. , ., ., accountable. do you swear or affirm? the outrage — accountable. do you swear or affirm? the outrage the _ accountable. do you swear or affirm? the outrage the case _ accountable. do you swear or affirm? the outrage the case but _ accountable. do you swear or affirm? the outrage the case but became - accountable. do you swear or affirm? the outrage the case but became an l the outrage the case but became an examination of systemic racism in the us. prosecution lawyers started by bringing back the focus to the man seen here. this case is about mr derek chauvin and not _ this case is about mr derek chauvin and not about any of those men and women _ and not about any of those men and women and — and not about any of those men and women and it is not about all police at alt _ women and it is not about all police at alt and — women and it is not about all police at all. and this case is not about split—second decision making. in

nine _ split—second decision making. in nine minutes and 29 seconds, there are 479 _ nine minutes and 29 seconds, there are 479 seconds, not a split second among _ are 479 seconds, not a split second among them. it are 479 seconds, not a split second among them-— among them. it is rare for police officers in _ among them. it is rare for police officers in the _ among them. it is rare for police officers in the us _ among them. it is rare for police officers in the us to _ among them. it is rare for police officers in the us to be - among them. it is rare for police l officers in the us to be prosecuted for murder and convictions are almost unheard of. taste for murder and convictions are almost unheard of.— for murder and convictions are almost unheard of. we have faith, but faith has _ almost unheard of. we have faith, but faith has shown _ almost unheard of. we have faith, but faith has shown not _ almost unheard of. we have faith, but faith has shown not to - almost unheard of. we have faith, but faith has shown not to be - almost unheard of. we have faith, but faith has shown not to be a - almost unheard of. we have faith, l but faith has shown not to be a good predictor— but faith has shown not to be a good predictor in — but faith has shown not to be a good predictor in all— but faith has shown not to be a good predictor in all cases _ but faith has shown not to be a good predictor in all cases in _ but faith has shown not to be a good predictor in all cases in america. - predictor in all cases in america. so what — predictor in all cases in america. so what will_ predictor in all cases in america. so what will be _ predictor in all cases in america. so what will be the _ predictor in all cases in america. so what will be the former- predictor in all cases in america. j so what will be the former police officer's defence? i so what will be the former police officer's defence?— officer's defence? i think the defence. _ officer's defence? i think the defence, the _ officer's defence? i think the defence, the defence's - officer's defence? i think the defence, the defence's main | defence, the defence's main arguments will focus around whether or not chauvin actually caused his death. ., , ., or not chauvin actually caused his death. . , . ., ., death. that is an argument that he would have — death. that is an argument that he would have died _ death. that is an argument that he would have died anyway. _ death. that is an argument that he would have died anyway. right, i would have died anyway. right, riuht. would have died anyway. right, right- yes. _ would have died anyway. right, right. yes, and _ would have died anyway. right, right. yes, and i _ would have died anyway. right, right. yes, and i think, - would have died anyway. right, right. yes, and i think, well. i would have died anyway. right, i right. yes, and i think, well. that, for a lot of— right. yes, and i think, well. that, for a lot of people _ right. yes, and i think, well. that, for a lot of people who _ right. yes, and i think, well. that, for a lot of people who saw - right. yes, and i think, well. that, for a lot of people who saw the i for a lot of people who saw the video, will sound ludicrous, frankly. video, will sound ludicrous, frankl . ~ ., , ., frankly. well, the video is not the whole story- _ frankly. well, the video is not the whole story- it — frankly. well, the video is not the whole story. it is _ frankly. well, the video is not the whole story. it is a _ frankly. well, the video is not the whole story. it is a piece - frankly. well, the video is not the whole story. it is a piece of i frankly. well, the video is not the whole story. it is a piece of the i whole story. it is a piece of the story. and that is what the jury will have to decide. story. and that is what the “my will have to decide.i story. and that is what the “my will have to decide. these protests outside the — will have to decide. these protests outside the courthouse _ will have to decide. these protests outside the courthouse are - will have to decide. these protests outside the courthouse are a i outside the courthouse are a reminder of the strength of feeling there was last summer notjust here, but all over the world. this case,

one of the most important in recent us history, it will come down to the opinion of 12jurors and us history, it will come down to the opinion of 12 jurors and there, there are no guarantees. aleem maqbool, bbc news, in minneapolis. more than 8,000 allegations of sexual violence and abuse have now been made by current and former school pupils on the website �*everyone's invited'. the head of child protection for the national police chiefs' council has urged parents to take their son to the police if they are responsible for a sexual assault. our special correspondent lucy manning has been talking to young people about their experiences. their voices are now being heard. their voices are now being heard. the schools. _ their voices are now being heard. the schools, police _ their voices are now being heard. the schools, police and _ their voices are now being heard. | the schools, police and politicians are finally listening. with pupils at this school and others demanding change, claims of harassment and abuse are now being taken seriously. if parents are aware that their son or their daughter has been a victim of abuse, then please come forward. if as a parent you are aware that

yourson if as a parent you are aware that your son has been responsible for a sexual assault then i think you should again be taking your son to the police and saying, look, i have now become aware that this is what my son has done. the now become aware that this is what my son has done.— my son has done. the website everyone's _ my son has done. the website everyone's invited _ my son has done. the website everyone's invited has - my son has done. the website everyone's invited has now- my son has done. the website i everyone's invited has now received 8000 anonymous posts. it started as a trickle of allegations, now a roar of women demanding it has to stop. this group, part of a charity called tender, working with pupils to educate them about relationships. that educate them about relationships. at school, there was a lot of experiences with people dealing with sexuat— experiences with people dealing with sexual harassment and physical abuse and sexuat— sexual harassment and physical abuse and sexual abuse, and unfortunately these _ and sexual abuse, and unfortunately these kind _ and sexual abuse, and unfortunately these kind of conversations weren't happening — these kind of conversations weren't happening in schools.— happening in schools. there were loads of incidences _ happening in schools. there were loads of incidences of _ happening in schools. there were i loads of incidences of inappropriate behaviour. — loads of incidences of inappropriate behaviour, lots— loads of incidences of inappropriate behaviour, lots of— loads of incidences of inappropriate behaviour, lots of sexually- behaviour, lots of sexually aggressive _ behaviour, lots of sexually aggressive behaviour- behaviour, lots of sexually aggressive behaviour that i behaviour, lots of sexually| aggressive behaviour that i behaviour, lots of sexually- aggressive behaviour that i think we werent— aggressive behaviour that i think we weren't educated _ aggressive behaviour that i think we weren't educated on, _ aggressive behaviour that i think we weren't educated on, we _ aggressive behaviour that i think we weren't educated on, we didn't- weren't educated on, we didn't understand, _ weren't educated on, we didn't understand, but— weren't educated on, we didn't understand, but we _ weren't educated on, we didn't understand, but we felt - understand, but we felt uncomfortable - understand, but we felt uncomfortable with. i understand, but we felt uncomfortable with. ~ ., ., uncomfortable with. what do you think bo s uncomfortable with. what do you think boys need _ uncomfortable with. what do you think boys need to _ uncomfortable with. what do you think boys need to do _ uncomfortable with. what do you think boys need to do to - uncomfortable with. what do you think boys need to do to change. uncomfortable with. what do you i think boys need to do to change the

situation? ads, think boys need to do to change the situation? �* ., ., , , ., , ., situation? a lot of these people or ounu situation? a lot of these people or young boys — situation? a lot of these people or young boys don't— situation? a lot of these people or young boys don't understand i situation? a lot of these people or young boys don't understand thatl young boys don't understand that they actually are doing sexual harassment. they might think it is jokes and banter, all these kind of words. it jokes and banter, all these kind of words. , ,., jokes and banter, all these kind of words. , . .,, jokes and banter, all these kind of words. , . , words. it is so much easier putting out a tweet — words. it is so much easier putting out a tweet to _ words. it is so much easier putting out a tweet to say _ words. it is so much easier putting out a tweet to say this _ words. it is so much easier putting out a tweet to say this doesn't i out a tweet to say this doesn't apply— out a tweet to say this doesn't apply to — out a tweet to say this doesn't apply to me, hashtag not all men, then it _ apply to me, hashtag not all men, then it is _ apply to me, hashtag not all men, then it is to— apply to me, hashtag not all men, then it is to engage with meaningful conversation that is happening. this woman has a _ conversation that is happening. ti 3 woman has a teenage son at one of these because that has been named. the buck stops with me as a parent, and what _ the buck stops with me as a parent, and what our— the buck stops with me as a parent, and what our kids _ the buck stops with me as a parent, and what our kids will— the buck stops with me as a parent, and what our kids will do _ the buck stops with me as a parent, and what our kids will do eventuallyl and what our kids will do eventually will he _ and what our kids will do eventually will he the — and what our kids will do eventually will be the values _ and what our kids will do eventually will be the values that _ and what our kids will do eventually will be the values that they - and what our kids will do eventually will be the values that they take i will be the values that they take away— will be the values that they take away from — will be the values that they take away from us, _ will be the values that they take away from us, from _ will be the values that they take away from us, from our- will be the values that they take away from us, from our family, i will be the values that they take i away from us, from our family, from their— away from us, from our family, from their parents. — away from us, from our family, from their parents, where _ away from us, from our family, from their parents, where they— away from us, from our family, from their parents, where they grow- away from us, from our family, from their parents, where they grow up, i their parents, where they grow up, where _ their parents, where they grow up, where they— their parents, where they grow up, where they learn— their parents, where they grow up, where they learn from _ their parents, where they grow up, where they learn from exhibited i where they learn from exhibited behaviours _ where they learn from exhibited behaviours and _ where they learn from exhibited behaviours and a _ where they learn from exhibited behaviours and a lot _ where they learn from exhibited behaviours and a lot of- where they learn from exhibited behaviours and a lot of stuff- where they learn from exhibited | behaviours and a lot of stuff that isn't said — behaviours and a lot of stuff that isn't said so _ behaviours and a lot of stuff that isn't said. ., , ., ~' isn't said. so do you think the arents isn't said. so do you think the parents need _ isn't said. so do you think the parents need to _ isn't said. so do you think the parents need to take - isn't said. so do you think the parents need to take more i parents need to take more responsibility than the schools? we as parents cannotjust responsibility than the schools? we as parents cannot just delegate and outsource _ as parents cannot just delegate and outsource our — as parents cannot just delegate and outsource our kids _ as parents cannot just delegate and outsource our kids values, - as parents cannot just delegate and outsource our kids values, and i as parents cannot just delegate and outsource our kids values, and the| outsource our kids values, and the way they— outsource our kids values, and the way they behave _ outsource our kids values, and the way they behave and _ outsource our kids values, and the way they behave and code - outsource our kids values, and the way they behave and code of- outsource our kids values, and the i way they behave and code of conduct. labour _ way they behave and code of conduct. labour is _ way they behave and code of conduct. labour is calling _ way they behave and code of conduct. labour is calling for— way they behave and code of conduct. labour is calling for an _ way they behave and code of conduct. labour is calling for an enquiry. - way they behave and code of conduct. labour is calling for an enquiry. a i labour is calling for an enquiry. a police helpline is being set up. it's clear what some are calling a rate culture in schools will no

longer be tolerated. lucy manning, bbc news. the time is 6:17pm. our top story this evening — lockdown begins to ease in england, as outdoor sport resumes, and groups of six, or two families, can meet outside. still to come... secret filming by bbc panorama reveals shoddy practices and potential contamination at one of the uk's largest covid testing labs. coming up on sportsday in the next 15 minutes on bbc news, as the world cup qualifiers continue this week, will there be more protests about alleged human rights abuses in qatar? for now, fifa say the players are allowed their freedom of speech. the giant ship that has blocked the suez canal for nearly a week has been finally freed. 400 metres long, and weighed down with 18,000 containers, the ever given was wedged across one of the world's busiest shipping routes. it took 13 tugs and the removal of tens of thousands of tonnes

of sand to free her. 0ur global trade correspondent dharshini david reports. for six days, it has gripped and confounded the world, but the bottleneck sealing one of the busiest shipping lanes has been uncorked. the ever given owned by company evergreen is finally on the move thanks to a fleet of tug boats, diggers and an exceptionally high tide. moving the ship was never going to be easy. the 150—year—old canal is less than 300 metres wide. by canal is less than 300 metres wide. by contrast, the mega ship is 400 metres long, and 20 times heavier than the eiffel tower. almost 30,000 cubic metres of mud have had to be shifted. also shifting, the costs. carrying 20,000 containers, the ever given is the answer to our growing shopping lists. a similar number of ships go down the canal as did 40 years ago, but now they are carrying

more than three times as much. around 50 to go through everyday, accounting for around 12%, or e7 accounting for around 12%, or £7 billion, of global trade. accounting for around 12%, or £7 billion, of globaltrade. now, behind the ever given, there have been than 300 vessels queueing, their cargo everything from food to medicine to livestock and cars. they too may have more trouble on the horizon. , ., ., too may have more trouble on the horizon. , . ., ., too may have more trouble on the horizon. , . ., . ,, ., ., horizon. there is a large backlog of vessels that _ horizon. there is a large backlog of vessels that are _ horizon. there is a large backlog of vessels that are waiting _ horizon. there is a large backlog of vessels that are waiting to - horizon. there is a large backlog of vessels that are waiting to go i vessels that are waiting to go through the canal from both sides, and i think even operating at full capacity, it's going to take probably several weeks to get back to normal. and in the mean time of course, the vessels that are starting off that were due to travel through the canal at the moment will continue to be diverted. the through the canal at the moment will continue to be diverted.— continue to be diverted. the ever given and its _ continue to be diverted. the ever given and its cargo _ continue to be diverted. the ever given and its cargo was _ continue to be diverted. the ever given and its cargo was due i continue to be diverted. the ever given and its cargo was due to i given and its cargo was due to arrive in felixstowe next week, that its customers and many other still await an edta. brute its customers and many other still await an edta.— await an edta. we have six containers _ await an edta. we have six containers on _ await an edta. we have six containers on the _ await an edta. we have six containers on the sea i await an edta. we have six

containers on the sea on i await an edta. we have six| containers on the sea on the await an edta. we have six - containers on the sea on the wrong side of— containers on the sea on the wrong side of the — containers on the sea on the wrong side of the suez canal, and the reality. — side of the suez canal, and the reality. we _ side of the suez canal, and the reality, we are a fun gift business, which _ reality, we are a fun gift business, which means our product isn't critical, — which means our product isn't critical, but there are a lot of critical— critical, but there are a lot of critical products and essentials on those _ critical products and essentials on those vessels.— critical products and essentials on those vessels. ~ ., ., , those vessels. about how to prevent a re eat of those vessels. about how to prevent a repeat of this _ those vessels. about how to prevent a repeat of this disruption? - a repeat of this disruption? analysts say the egyptian authorities will be looking closely. it is a major artery for the world so none — it is a major artery for the world so none of— it is a major artery for the world so none of us _ it is a major artery for the world so none of us wants _ it is a major artery for the world so none of us wants to - it is a major artery for the world so none of us wants to see i it is a major artery for the world so none of us wants to see thisl so none of us wants to see this happening _ so none of us wants to see this happening again. _ so none of us wants to see this happening again, so— so none of us wants to see this happening again, so anything i so none of us wants to see this i happening again, so anything that can be _ happening again, so anything that can be done — happening again, so anything that can be done to _ happening again, so anything that can be done to create _ happening again, so anything that can be done to create a _ happening again, so anything that can be done to create a safe - can be done to create a safe environment _ can be done to create a safe environment for— can be done to create a safe environment for this- can be done to create a safe environment for this i- can be done to create a safe environment for this i thinkl can be done to create a safe i environment for this i think will can be done to create a safe - environment for this i think will be looked _ environment for this i think will be looked at — environment for this i think will be looked at and _ environment for this i think will be looked at and dealt _ environment for this i think will be looked at and dealt with _ environment for this i think will be looked at and dealt with in - environment for this i think will be looked at and dealt with in due i looked at and dealt with in due course — looked at and dealt with in due course it— looked at and dealt with in due course. ~ . . ., , ., course. a pandemic, changes due to brexit, course. a pandemic, changes due to brexit. rising — course. a pandemic, changes due to brexit, rising shipping _ course. a pandemic, changes due to brexit, rising shipping costs - course. a pandemic, changes due to brexit, rising shipping costs and i brexit, rising shipping costs and now this. the trade that propels jobs and profits has faced fierce headwinds. they will be awhile before it gets back on course. —— you david, bbc news. bbc arabic�*s correspondent sally nabiljoins us from ismailia on the west bank of the suez canal, and normal shipping traffic through the canal has now begun? sally, so shipping has begun to go through the suez canal but it is clear there will still be long delays?

clear there will still be long dela s? , , , , ,, ., delays? yes, this is true, ships are exected delays? yes, this is true, ships are expected to _ delays? yes, this is true, ships are expected to cross _ delays? yes, this is true, ships are expected to cross the _ delays? yes, this is true, ships are expected to cross the canal - delays? yes, this is true, ships are expected to cross the canal quite l expected to cross the canal quite soon. no exact timeframe has been given yet, but we understand that they will be allowed through the canal on a first—come, first—served basis. 0fficials canal on a first—come, first—served basis. officials say that there might be some exceptions given to specific ships, based on the kind of cargo on board. 0fficials specific ships, based on the kind of cargo on board. officials will say that they will have to work around the clock to clear the huge congestion in the waterway. hundreds of ships are waiting here to continue their journeys. of ships are waiting here to continue theirjourneys. the blockage of the suez canal has put the authorities here under immense pressure, given the big impact it has on global economy. however, there is a big sense of achievement, spirits are high, people feel that this breakthrough has given them something, they feel proud. as for the ever given, it is now running safety checks, it's going to be examined by experts, so that it can operate again, after they have

confirmed that there has been no damage caused to the body of the ship. damage caused to the body of the shi -. ., .. damage caused to the body of the shi. ., ~' ,, let's take a look at some of today's other news. the inquiry into the grenfell tower fire, in which 72 people died injune 2017, has been told that residents who raised safety concerns were bullied and accused of scaremongering. barristers representing those who lived in the block said residents had correctly identified safety concerns and that the fire was both predictable and preventable. police in london are appealing for help in tracing a teenager who has been missing for a week. richard 0korogheye, who is 19, was last seen leaving his home in west london. his family say the student had been �*struggling to cope' with university. the bbc�*s panorama programme has uncovered evidence of poor practice at one of the largest coronavirus testing labs. an undercover investigation into the biocentre in milton keynes has revealed samples allegedly being put at high risk of contamination, with a danger that

some people tested could get the wrong results. experts have described the evidence as "shocking" and "beyond terrible". our health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. the first glimpse of undercover filming inside the coronavirus testing lab in milton keynes, shot this winter during the second wave. what it revealed has alarmed experts. terrible. beyond terrible. robotic machines pipette people's samples onto processing plates for lab—based pcr testing. but some are thick and gloopy, and are being dragged across the area where other samples are being tested. the lab says technicians are trained to stop the process if this happens, and thoroughly clean up, but some technicians are seen simply wiping gloop off with a glove or tissue and continuing. experts say the risks are clear. there is almost zero question that this would lead to contamination.

the amount of virus and genetic material that is required to create a positive is absolutely minuscule, so that action of touching it and then moving onto the next, and touching that, and touching that, every time there's a point of contact like that, there's potential for contamination. and there are other problems. you can see here some swabs getting stuck in the machine's pipettes, and technicians knocking them down with their hands. this is about as disgusting as i have ever seen. - you're going to have false positives everywhere, i so all these people are going to be told that they have _ covid when they haven't. this is where some of the tens of thousands of daily test results are checked. the orange dot shows a test is inconclusive, suggesting contamination. a scientist says there are hundreds of them every day, and that they should be retested, but he says there is pressure

on staff not to do that. the lab says the panorama programme is a selective representation of its efforts. it says staff are not pressured, and that its rate of void tests is as good, if not better, than other similar—sized labs, but this is not the first time the lab has faced criticism. a whistle—blower described it as chaotic and dangerous in a bbc news investigation last autumn, all of which the lab denied. hi, folks, i'm here at the milton keynes mega lab, where they are doing a most phenomenal amount of testing. the government has spent more than £1 billion on a network of testing labs like this. it says it takes concerns extremely seriously and will be fully investigating. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. and you can see the full report

in panorama tonight, at 7:30pm on bbc one — 10:45pm in scotland — and on the iplayer. back now to the easing of lockdown in england. with the rule of six, groups can now meet outside or families from two households can get together. for the first time in months, children's birthday parties can take place and friends can be reunited — as our correspondent adina campbell reports. feeling the burn in the fresh air. for these mums in manchester, they are now able to get fit again outdoors, and, more importantly, socialise face—to—face. filth. outdoors, and, more importantly, socialise face-to-face._ outdoors, and, more importantly, socialise face-to-face. oh, it feels areat. i socialise face-to-face. oh, it feels great- i feel _ socialise face-to-face. oh, it feels great- i feel happy _ socialise face-to-face. oh, it feels great. i feel happy already, - socialise face-to-face. oh, it feels| great. ifeel happy already, happier than i've been without being able to do anything like this, definitely. it's been quite difficult, actually, a bit _ it's been quite difficult, actually, a bit isolating, not being able to meet _ a bit isolating, not being able to meet new— a bit isolating, not being able to meet new mums, so this is exciting we can— meet new mums, so this is exciting we can do— meet new mums, so this is exciting we can do this now. now meet new mums, so this is exciting we can do this now.— we can do this now. now that they stay-at-home _ we can do this now. now that they stay-at-home message _ we can do this now. now that they stay-at-home message in - we can do this now. now that they| stay-at-home message in england we can do this now. now that they i stay-at-home message in england has stay—at—home message in england has been lifted, outdoor group activities can once again continue, and this next age out of lockdown

means friends and family can finally see each other again in open spaces, providing they stay is socially distanced. but for the time being, they have to stick to the rule of six, which also includes children of all ages. the rule of six in england now means a group of up to six people can now meet outdoors for things like picnics and barbecues, and they can be from six different households. alternatively, two households. alternatively, two households can now get together outside, regardless of the number of people, making it much easierfor largerfamilies, and with people, making it much easierfor larger families, and with weather like this in some parts of the country, today has been made even sweeter. wearing a dress her favourite superhero would be proud of, today storm got to celebrate her third birthday in the sunshine with a special surprise. it is third birthday in the sunshine with a special surprise.— a special surprise. it is a really secial a special surprise. it is a really special day _ a special surprise. it is a really special day for _ a special surprise. it is a really special day for us. _ a special surprise. it is a really special day for us. storm - a special surprise. it is a really special day for us. storm is - special day for us. storm is actually a premature baby, she was born at 2a weeks, so to celebrate

her birthday is, it means a lot to ourfamily. her birthday is, it means a lot to our family-— her birthday is, it means a lot to our famil . ,, ., �*, ., our family. storm's godfather was also invited. _ our family. storm's godfather was also invited, a _ our family. storm's godfather was also invited, a emotional- our family. storm's godfather was also invited, a emotional reunionl also invited, a emotional reunion after a year apart. l also invited, a emotional reunion after a year apart.— after a year apart. i know, i feel like i'm doing — after a year apart. i know, i feel like i'm doing something - after a year apart. i know, i feel| like i'm doing something wrong! after a year apart. i know, i feel - like i'm doing something wrong! but it is a _ like i'm doing something wrong! but it is a blessing really, because we kind of— it is a blessing really, because we kind of got— it is a blessing really, because we kind of got into a new norm of staying — kind of got into a new norm of staying away, only contacting by phone, — staying away, only contacting by phone, so — staying away, only contacting by phone, so it is nice to actually see someone — phone, so it is nice to actually see someone in — phone, so it is nice to actually see someone in person. with phone, so it is nice to actually see someone in person.— phone, so it is nice to actually see someone in person. with many more celebrations — someone in person. with many more celebrations like _ someone in person. with many more celebrations like this _ someone in person. with many more celebrations like this expected - someone in person. with many more celebrations like this expected in - celebrations like this expected in gardens and parks up and down the country, we are still being encouraged to be cautious, but the future is looking brighter, and for birthday girl storm, she's having her cake and eating it. adina campbell, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. here's stav da naos. thank you very much. we saw temperatures widely reach the high teens celsius across eastern england but it was the london area, particularly central london, which was the warm spot. 20.3 celsius recorded at st james's park makes it

the warmest day of the year so far and they are set to rise again tomorrow. it is attributed to this area of high pressure, across most of the country. this weather front is plaguing the north—west of scotland, bringing some very heavy and persistent rainfall here this evening and overnight, there is a continued risk of localised flooding. generally more cloud across northern areas, windy in the north, clearer skies in the south, chile in the south by the end of the night, a bit of mist and fog to greet us first thing tomorrow but that will clear very quickly. in england and wales, another dry, sunny day and as temperatures soar into the afternoon, again a bit more cloud over the north, perhaps northern ireland, southern and eastern scotland, away from the north—west that will be very wet continually. it will be a mild day wherever you are but very warm in central and eastern england, 22 a 23 celsius. 0n central and eastern england, 22 a 23 celsius. on wednesday subtle changes, the weather front begins to sink southwards, a pretty wet day for scotland and northern ireland, some of the rain turning wintry over the higher ground as cold northerly winds dig in. in england and wales

after a cool start, another very