this is bbc news with the latest headlines. a major report commissioned by the government in response to the black lives matter protests concludes the uk is not institutionally racist. no one in the report is saying that racism doesn't exist. we found anecdotal evidence of this. however, what we did find was the evidence of actual institutional racism, no, that wasn't there, we didn't find that in our report. what's your experience? is britain is a model for other white majority countries, as this report suggests? let me know this morning on social media or e—mail. also this

morning... "don't blow it now" — health secretary matt hancock's message as crowds of people enjoy the hottest march temperatures for more than 50 years. germany suspends the astrazeneca covid vaccine for the under 60s. it's the final day of shielding for millions of clinically vulnerable people in england and wales. and glastonbury — the organisers of the festival announce a global virtual event to be held at worthy farm in may this year. and speaking out for the first time in years — britney spears said she cried for two weeks after being embarrassed by a high—profile documentary that explored her career. good morning. inequalities in the uk are as much to do with class as they are to do with race, according to a new report published today by the comission on race

and ethnic disparities. it was set up last year in the wake of the black lives matter protests to investigate the extent of racism in the uk. the report found that while there is still overt racism throughout the uk, the country is not institutionally racist and inequalities have as much to do with social class and family structure as race. the report makes 2a recommendations, including that the acronym bame, which stands for black asian and minority ethnic, should no longer be used, as it dismisses the differences between these groups. it recommends that organisations stop funding unconscious bias training, turning instead to resources being developed by the government to advance workplace equality, and that extended school days should be phased in, specifically in disadvantaged areas, to help students catch up on learning they have missed due to the pandemic. dr tony sewell, chair of the commission, explained the reports findings. the report's findings. no one denies and no one in the report is saying that

racism doesn't exist. we found anecdotal evidence of this. however, what we did find was the evidence of actual institutional racism, no, that wasn't there, we didn't find that in our report. what we have seen is that the term institutional racism is sometimes wrongly applied and it has been a sort of catch—all phrase for microaggressions or acts of racial abuse. our correspondent greg mackenzie is here. some people have already pushed back on the conclusions of the report but why don't you give us a bit more detail before we talk about the reaction? ,, ., detail before we talk about the reaction? , ., , ., detail before we talk about the reaction? , ., , , , detail before we talk about the reaction? , ., , _ ., reaction? some people are simply not ha - with reaction? some people are simply not happy with the — reaction? some people are simply not happy with the conclusion _ reaction? some people are simply not happy with the conclusion of - reaction? some people are simply not happy with the conclusion of the - happy with the conclusion of the report, and as you just heard from the chairman, tony sewell, he says the chairman, tony sewell, he says the uk is not institutionally racist, or at least, they have not seen the evidence to back that up. now, many campaign groups will be outraged by that bold statement to

say that because ultimately, those black lives matter protests you will have seen last summer were off the back of racial tensions in this country, you know, following the murder of george floyd in the states and it resonated around the world but people came together, hundreds of thousands of people marching up and down the country, saying they want to change, that institutional racism was one of them, stop and searches among young black boys were one of the issues, they are nine times more likely to be stopped and searched. none of that has been mentioned thus far, i've not seen that in what we have seen so far. we have to expend to the audience we have to expend to the audience we have not seen the full report because it is not devout to 11:30am so we have got a press release with some of the findings are. the? so we have got a press release with some of the findings are. they have ut some some of the findings are. they have put some stuff _ some of the findings are. they have put some stuff forward, _ some of the findings are. they have put some stuff forward, the - some of the findings are. they have put some stuff forward, the main i put some stuff forward, the main findings, children from ethnic communities did well or better than white pupils in compulsory education. with black caribbean pupils, the only group to perform less well, i can already tell you, theissues less well, i can already tell you, the issues around that is no doubt due to high exclusion rates in schools across the country, you

know, black boys in particular being excluded far more quickly and easily than their white counterparts. that is to do with deprivation and social issues. it is so multifaceted, victoria, this whole issue. the report says the pay gap between all ethnic minorities and the white majority population had shrunk to 2.3% overall and was barely significant for employees under 30. diversity has increased in professions like the law and medicine. some good things to come out of the report and as for the recommendations, victoria, one is that we should get rid of the acronym bame, black, asian and minority ethnic. that has been an issue for decades for many in the black community, and the asian community, too. they were not happy with the term, putting all the races into one box, bame, so you have an employer, and you say, show us who

you have employed, they say they have got the bame quota but when you break down the figures, some of the races within those categories were doing far better than the others. to be frank, black asians, so you will often find asian people doing far better in some industries than black people but they are all listed under bame so the employer is kind of off the hook when it comes to those issues. these are some of the things. they will say on one of the recommendations that organisations should stop funding unconscious bias training. some will differand should stop funding unconscious bias training. some will differ and say maybe that is a good thing or the wrong thing. but i think it is a bold statement and i think a lot of people are simply going to be not happy with these findings and as you say, the report comes out at 11:30am and the whole bame renaming, that stems back from the 1970s. in america, victoria, they have a complex system in terms of race and identity but they keep it simple, so

you can be african—american, italian—american, caribbean american, so does that need to happen here? that is the question but all will be revealed at 11:30am when the full details of the report come out but i can say lots of campaigners will simply not be happy. campaigners will simply not be ha . _ ., ~' , ., campaigners will simply not be hau. . ., ., , let's speak now to dr halima begum, director of the runnymede trust, a race and equality think tank. hello. what are your initial thoughts on the headlines from the report? 50 thoughts on the headlines from the re ort? ,, ., thoughts on the headlines from the re ort? ~ .,, thoughts on the headlines from the reort? ~ .,, , thoughts on the headlines from the reort? ~ report? so we knew as soon as the commission _ report? so we knew as soon as the commission was — report? so we knew as soon as the commission was announced - report? so we knew as soon as the commission was announced eight l commission was announced eight months ago with tony sewell and the other chiefly that that it was not going to have any credibility with black and minority ethnic people and we knew it would be read into a 10 downing street script and that is what has happened.— downing street script and that is what has happened. sorry, we have to be really clear— what has happened. sorry, we have to be really clear about _ what has happened. sorry, we have to be really clear about what _ what has happened. sorry, we have to be really clear about what you - what has happened. sorry, we have to be really clear about what you are - be really clear about what you are saying, why do you say you already knew what was going to come out of it? �* h, ,

knew what was going to come out of it? �* u, , ., knew what was going to come out of it? , it? because the two people appointed to lead an independent _ it? because the two people appointed to lead an independent commission i to lead an independent commission were on record denying structural racism and institutional racism 15 years ago so it is no surprise that we have tony sewell saying that he could not find any evidence of institutional racism when he denied its existence 15 years ago. he's hardly going to change his mind. he says he has looked at the evident. the evidence we have looked at, and have been around —— since 1988, looking at race relations in this country so we have been around a lot longer than the commission, so to speak, and all the evidence we have heard about and we have submitted from the david lammy review, the ewan mcgregor review on health inequalities, all of that evidence shows that structural racism exists. but i want to give you a few facts because it is quite convenient to ignore them. we are just trying to recover from the pandemic, ignore them. we are just trying to recoverfrom the pandemic, as we know, and black and ethnic minority nurses and doctors were 64% more likely to have died from covid than white nurses and doctors, so if that

is not a reality of institutional racism, what is? that is a fact. 50 racism, what is? that is a fact. so ou are racism, what is? that is a fact. so you are saying because of racism in health care, that is why 64% more died in the medical profession? yes. died in the medical profession? yes, that is correct _ died in the medical profession? yes, that is correct because _ died in the medical profession? yes that is correct because nobody goes into the health service to work in the health service, to be directly racist but what we know is that 64% of black doctors and nurses died from covid and the reason for that is institutionally, a young black nurse was not able to say to her white manager, you know what? i'm a bit scared going to work because i feel a bit exposed. they were not able to voice their fears and that is what we mean by institutional racism. black boys are six times more likely to be excluded from school and the report is likely to say that education is a vehicle for social mobility but if that is the case, why are black boys six times more likely to be excluded from school? that is institutional racism. it does not mean a teacher

goes into school and decides to be races today and exclude a child, but if the outcomes are showing that black boys are disproportionately excluded, that is institutional racism. ~ . , , excluded, that is institutional racism. . , , racism. what might be helpful as well is how _ racism. what might be helpful as well is how would _ racism. what might be helpful as well is how would you _ racism. what might be helpful as well is how would you define - well is how would you define institutional racism? it is one of the phrases that is used a lot but can you break it down for us, how would you describe it? that means, hypothetically. _ would you describe it? that means, hypothetically. you _ would you describe it? that means, hypothetically, you and _ would you describe it? that means, hypothetically, you and i _ would you describe it? that means, hypothetically, you and i are - hypothetically, you and i are liberals, right, but we mightjoin the metropolitan police because we want to make a contribution to stopping crime in this country. but if the institutional policies of the metropolitan police are racialised, which means that we apply racialised policies that end up with black boys being searched 19 more times, by the way, i know the previous person said nine times, it is 19 times more likely that black boys are stopped and searched, that means you and i end up applying racial policies when we are not individually racist, it is to do with the institution. does that make sense? no, i don't think anyone enters the police force these

days intending to be racist but indirectly, we end up stopping and searching young black boys or young muslim boys. flan searching young black boys or young muslim boys-— searching young black boys or young muslim boys. can i ask you what you say about--- — muslim boys. can i ask you what you say about... your _ muslim boys. can i ask you what you say about... your reaction _ muslim boys. can i ask you what you say about... your reaction to - muslim boys. can i ask you what you say about... your reaction to what i say about... your reaction to what this report says as far as we know about education, that actually... i am just about education, that actually... i amjust finding my about education, that actually... i am just finding my notes because i have not been able to read the report... for example, looking at gcses, dr sewell said the black caribbean group of children performed worse than their white counterparts but the black african group of children performed better than their white counterparts. what do you say about that? essen than their white counterparts. what do you say about that?— do you say about that? even this government _ do you say about that? even this government would _ do you say about that? even this government would probably - do you say about that? even this - government would probably concede that minority aspirations and work ethics, and the kind of hard work of parents and communities, is what is driving attainment in minority communities but how does that relate to government policy around the education system? even this government can't say... they have accepted, i think, government can't say... they have

accepted, ithink, that government can't say... they have accepted, i think, that minorities work harder. we would say that minorities work harder in school because their parents instill in them a strong work ethic. well, we already know about the work ethic because we have to work two, three, five times harder than white counterparts just to keep up on the treadmill. so i am not surprised that those figures are positive but it doesn't mean that institutional racism doesn't exist. i havejust said to you that black boys are six times more likely to be excluded from school. how does that tally up with the fact that institutional racism doesn't exist? 50 with the fact that institutional racism doesn't exist?- with the fact that institutional racism doesn't exist? so how would ou racism doesn't exist? so how would you describe — racism doesn't exist? so how would you describe this _ racism doesn't exist? so how would you describe this report, _ racism doesn't exist? so how would you describe this report, then? - racism doesn't exist? so how would you describe this report, then? it i you describe this report, then? it is a whitewash, nothing less. and most of our allies and most of our friends say, if we were going to set “p friends say, if we were going to set up a commission that was going to look at racism on the back of george floyd's meadow, the very least it could do is acknowledge the suffering of black and ethnic minority communities, notjust minority communities, not just because minority communities, notjust because of historic races are current racism in institutions, that show disproportionate outcomes. but it could actually acknowledge the fact that, you know, covid has had a

devastating impact on our lives. all of this is is a whitewash and a script that has been written to 10 downing street because the people appointed on the commission had no interest in resolving racism. their total interest was to think about, you know, a version of post—racial britain that they thought they could get away with by saying they could not find that evidence but even this government can't go far enough to say we are post—racial. government can't go far enough to say we are post-racial.— say we are post-racial. thank you forjoining — say we are post-racial. thank you forjoining us- _ let's get more reaction to the report with communities secretary robertjenrick who is in westminster. good morning to you. good morning. do ou good morning to you. good morning. do you think — good morning to you. good morning. do you think the _ good morning to you. good morning. do you think the uk _ good morning to you. good morning. do you think the uk is _ do you think the uk is institutionally racist? do you think the uk is institutionall racist? ., ., �* institutionally racist? no, i don't, and the report— institutionally racist? no, i don't, and the report that _ institutionally racist? no, i don't, and the report that is _ institutionally racist? no, i don't, and the report that is going - institutionally racist? no, i don't, and the report that is going to i institutionally racist? no, i don't, and the report that is going to be | and the report that is going to be published later today, it has not been published yet, so your previous contributor has not been able to read it yet, but when it is published, i hope it will set out in

an evidence—based way what the commissioners have found over the course of the last nine months. the prime minister asked them to do this report because although he thinks that there is a good deal of progress that has been made in recent years, there is a lot more to do, and so we will be listening and reading very carefully the recommendations from the commissioners about whatmore the needs to do to tackle inequalities. you may have heard dr begum describing the contents of the report as a whitewash and a script written for 10 downing street. what do you say to that? dr written for 10 downing street. what do you say to that?— written for 10 downing street. what do you say to that? dr begum has not read the report _ do you say to that? dr begum has not read the report because _ do you say to that? dr begum has not read the report because it _ do you say to that? dr begum has not read the report because it has - do you say to that? dr begum has not read the report because it has not - read the report because it has not been published yet. hesse read the report because it has not been published yet.— read the report because it has not been published yet. have you read it? no, it is _ been published yet. have you read it? no, it is published _ been published yet. have you read it? no, it is published at _ been published yet. have you read it? no, it is published at 11am, - been published yet. have you read it? no, it is published at 11am, ii it? no, it is published at 11am, i think, today. — it? no, it is published at 11am, i think, today, so _ it? no, it is published at 11am, i think, today, so she _ it? no, it is published at 11am, i think, today, so she is - it? no, it is published at 11am, i think, today, so she isjumpingl it? no, it is published at 11am, i. think, today, so she isjumping to conclusions. i hope when it is published she will read it before she comments on it further. what published she will read it before she comments on it further. what she said to me--- —

she comments on it further. what she said to me... it _ she comments on it further. what she said to me... it is _ she comments on it further. what she said to me... it is an _ she comments on it further. what she said to me... it is an independent - said to me... it is an independent re ort said to me... it is an independent report stop _ said to me... it is an independent report stop what _ said to me... it is an independent report stop what you _ said to me... it is an independent report stop what you say - said to me... it is an independent report stop what you say that - said to me... it is an independent report stop what you say that but | report stop what you say that but she said dr tony sewell, the chairman of the commission behind this report, actually wrote many years ago that there was no... that the uk was — years ago that there was no... that the uk was not _ years ago that there was no... that the uk was not institutionally racist and he was hired by the head of policy at number ten, who also does not believe the uk is institutionally racist. sony conclusions have been decided already, is the accusation. —— southee conclusions. i already, is the accusation. -- southee conclusions.- already, is the accusation. -- southee conclusions. i don't think that is fair- _ southee conclusions. i don't think that is fair. this _ southee conclusions. i don't think that is fair. this is _ southee conclusions. i don't think that is fair. this is an _ southee conclusions. i don't think| that is fair. this is an independent report and there are a range of commissioners, leading individuals in theirfield and commissioners, leading individuals in their field and practitioners, people who work in the criminal justice system, teachers, school governors. they have got a wide range of experience and they have taken nine months to prepare this report. it is set out to be evidence—based, so it is looking in detail at different areas of our national life to see what are the inequalities, what are the causes and the consequences of them as i say, i have not read it yet but what

i have seen reported, it seems to suggest there has been quite a lot of very positive progress in some areas, particularly education and employment. the educational opportunities of ethnic minority children have improved dramatically in recent decades to the point where all communities, bar black caribbean children, are outperforming the national average. there remains work to do with black caribbean young people. and that is starting to move forward into the workplace and you are seeing the pay gap is beginning to narrow. it is still around 2.5%, which is 2.5% too much, but what we have seen reported from the commissioners work is that at under 30, perhaps that is even a negligible difference now perhaps suggesting that there is beginning to be an equal workplace for younger people but there will be more work to be done to move forward with

that. i'm sure there will be recommendations elsewhere so i don't want to make it seem as if people are resting on their laurels or that there are laurels to rest on. there's a lot of work to be done and there will be recommendations that there will be recommendations that the government will need to consider and i hope to take forward in the years ahead as the next stage in our agenda of making the uk a genuinely equal opportunity country that is post—racial. equal opportunity country that is post-racial— equal opportunity country that is post-racial. equal opportunity country that is ost-racial. , ., , ., post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a ounu post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a young black _ post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a young black mother, _ post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a young black mother, why - post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a young black mother, why is - post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a young black mother, why is a - post-racial. 0k, why, then, does a| young black mother, why is a young black mother four times more likely to die in childbirth than her white friend? why is a young black man 19 times more likely to be stopped and searched by the metropolitan police than his young white friend? why are black boys are six times more likely to be excluded from school than their white counterparts if it is not institutional racism? well, i have not read _ not institutional racism? well, i have not read the _ not institutional racism? well, i have not read the report, - not institutional racism? well, i have not read the report, as - not institutional racism? well, i have not read the report, as i i have not read the report, as i say... have not read the report, as i sa , ., have not read the report, as i sa ., �* have not read the report, as i sa .,�* ., have not read the report, as i sa ., ., say... you don't need to, those are 'ust say... you don't need to, those are just facts- — say... you don't need to, those are just facts. there _ say... you don't need to, those are just facts. there will _ say... you don't need to, those are just facts. there will be... - say... you don't need to, those are just facts. there will be... well, i just facts. there will be... well, there are _ just facts. there will be... well, there are instances _ just facts. there will be... well, there are instances of _

just facts. there will be... well, there are instances of racism i just facts. there will be... well, there are instances of racism in | there are instances of racism in this country, no one is doubting that, and we want to change that, we want to live in a country where there are no instances of racism. some of the challenges i think the report will identify have broader issues at the heart beyond racism, like socioeconomic issues, issues of access to housing and health care and other things, which are not exclusively about race but which can be seen in other communities as well, and also need to be tackled, there's no excuses for those, they also need to be tackled but they are not exclusively issues of race. what i hope the report will do is look in great detail at the evidence behind each of the things you have just described and suggest what we might need to do to change that, for example, one area which i think the report looked into was why young people from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to get longerjail backgrounds are more likely to get longer jail sentences when backgrounds are more likely to get longerjail sentences when they commit crimes than white young

people. the evidence there, as i understand it, suggests that white young people who have committed crimes are more likely to plead guilty than those from ethnic minority backgrounds. that is looked at in very great detail, at the specific reasons behind that and then we need to work out what the answers are, to provide... in that case, it might be providing the right support and advice to those young people so they can make the right choices when they find themselves in that situation but we want a detailed, granular, evidence—based approach so we can tackle these issues going forward. you have an announcement today i think about new planning laws which will enable unused commercial buildings to be changed into homes. briefly tell the audience about that because i've got some other questions about another issue if i may stop you of course, thank you. the high street has been challenged enormously over the last year. there's lots of empty shops, neglected and derelict buildings, some of them are eyesores. we want to ensure they can be put to good

use so we have provided already a lot of flexibility so small businesses and entrepreneurs can turn one type of shop into another and now from today, if that is not possible, and the shop is sat empty for a period of time, people will be able to turn it into high quality homes. this i hope will help to make high streets and town centres more vibrant places where yes, there remains retail but there is also leisure, workspaces and housing, high quality housing for people of all ages. that seems to be the formula for more vibrant town and city centres that we will need post—pandemic. city centres that we will need post-pandemic.— city centres that we will need post-pandemic. city centres that we will need ost- andemic. ., ,, , ., ., post-pandemic. 0k, thank you for tellin: us post-pandemic. 0k, thank you for telling us about _ post-pandemic. 0k, thank you for telling us about that. _ post-pandemic. 0k, thank you for telling us about that. do _ post-pandemic. 0k, thank you for telling us about that. do you - post-pandemic. 0k, thank you for telling us about that. do you know the financier elects green cell? trio. the financier elects green cell? no. you have never— the financier elects green cell? tip. you have never met him? the financier elects green cell? no. you have never met him? not - the financier elects green cell? no. you have never met him? not as i the financier elects green cell? no. | you have never met him? not as far as i'm you have never met him? not as far as im aware. _ you have never met him? not as far as im aware. no- — you have never met him? not as far as i'm aware, no. are _ you have never met him? not as far as i'm aware, no. are not— you have never met him? not as far as i'm aware, no. are not as - you have never met him? not as far as i'm aware, no. are not as far- you have never met him? not as far as i'm aware, no. are not as far as l as i'm aware, no. are not as far as ou're as i'm aware, no. are not as far as you're aware- — as i'm aware, no. are not as far as you're aware- no. _ as i'm aware, no. are not as far as you're aware. no, i've _ as i'm aware, no. are not as far as you're aware. no, i've never- as i'm aware, no. are not as far as you're aware. no, i've never met | you're aware. no, i've never met him. you're aware. no, i've never met him- right. — you're aware. no, i've never met him- right. 0k, — you're aware. no, i've never met him. right, 0k, what _ you're aware. no, i've never met him. right, 0k, what do - you're aware. no, i've never met him. right, 0k, what do you - you're aware. no, i've never met. him. right, 0k, what do you think about the fact _ him. right, 0k, what do you think about the fact he _ him. right, 0k, what do you think about the fact he had _ him. right, 0k, what do you think about the fact he had such - him. right, 0k, what do you think about the fact he had such access| him. right, 0k, what do you think i about the fact he had such access to

the conservative government when david cameron was prime minister? well, i have only read reports into this, as i say, it is not someone that i've ever come into contact with as far as i'm aware but what i understand happened was that he acted as an unpaid adviser to the then government on a particular issue around financing and supply chains. there are unpaid adviser to government. they have to go through certain processes advised by the civil service, and beyond that, i don't know what happened at that time. that was obviously a previous government. in relation to what this government. in relation to what this government has done with respect to his company, he asked for some support during the pandemic, as many businesses have done and correct processes were followed there and as i understand it, no support was in the end given by the treasury or backing to him and his businesses. labour want to know why this unpaid adviser, lex greensill, had a

downing street business card, a downing street business card, a downing street business card, a downing street e—mail address and a direct downing street phone number. what might be the answer to that? well, i don't know exactly what role he was fulfilling. you well, i don't know exactly what role he was fulfilling.— he was fulfilling. you have 'ust told me, he was fulfilling. you have 'ust told me. an i he was fulfilling. you have 'ust told me, an unpaid * he was fulfilling. you have just told me, an unpaid adviser. if| he was fulfilling. you have just l told me, an unpaid adviser. if he had a business _ told me, an unpaid adviser. if he had a business card _ told me, an unpaid adviser. if he had a business card or _ told me, an unpaid adviser. if he had a business card or an - told me, an unpaid adviser. it us: had a business card or an e—mail address, then that will have been, i imagine, signed off by civil servants at the time who followed the procedures. as i say, there are unpaid advisors and it is important for the government to take advice from people who have expertise and are willing to offer it. so from people who have expertise and are willing to offer it.— are willing to offer it. so they get are willing to offer it. so they get a business _ are willing to offer it. so they get a business card _ are willing to offer it. so they get a business card and _ are willing to offer it. so they get a business card and an _ are willing to offer it. so they get a business card and an e-mail- a business card and an e—mail address all saying downing street? well, i don't want to comment on that specific example because i don't know the details. that was some time ago.— don't know the details. that was some time ago. ok, let's use... do ou have some time ago. ok, let's use... do you have unpaid — some time ago. ok, let's use... do you have unpaid advisers _ some time ago. ok, let's use... do you have unpaid advisers and - some time ago. ok, let's use... do you have unpaid advisers and do i some time ago. ok, let's use... do | you have unpaid advisers and do you give them a business card that says downing street on or the community department address or whatever? well, there are people who offer

their services free of charge, for example, during the pandemic, i was advised by dame louise casey on homelessness and rough sleeping issues. she used herfantastic expertise and experience completely free of charge, worked extremely hard to support the government. so it is important the government makes use of people like that you generously are willing to offer their time and expertise to us. as i say, i don't know lex greensill and i can't comment on what role he might have availed, which i think was before i was in government myself. —— he might have fulfilled. but i'm just asking if it's common practice dealfor unpaid but i'm just asking if it's common practice deal for unpaid advisers do have things like that which is pretty privileged access because most of the rest of us don't have that kind of access, do we? —— common practice still. the that kind of access, do we? -- common practice still.- common practice still. i've not heard of other _ common practice still. i've not heard of other examples, - common practice still. i've not heard of other examples, no, | common practice still. i've not i heard of other examples, no, but common practice still. i've not - heard of other examples, no, but as i say, i don't work in downing street or know the arrangements. these things would be signed off i imagine at the time by the civil

service so they would have to go through procedures. [30 service so they would have to go through procedures.— service so they would have to go through procedures. do you think it looks good? _ through procedures. do you think it looks good? i _ through procedures. do you think it looks good? i think _ through procedures. do you think it looks good? i think it _ through procedures. do you think it looks good? i think it is _ through procedures. do you think it looks good? i think it is important i looks good? i think it is important we make use _ looks good? i think it is important we make use of _ looks good? i think it is important we make use of good, _ looks good? i think it is important we make use of good, talented i looks good? i think it is important - we make use of good, talented people with great expertise and as i say, in my own sphere of housing and homelessness and local communities, we do make use of people with real stellar expertise whenever we can and if people are willing to do that, hopefully, free of charge, out of altruism and desire to change things for the better. i of altruism and desire to change things for the better.— of altruism and desire to change things for the better. i want to ask ou, do things for the better. i want to ask you. do you _ things for the better. i want to ask you. do you think— things for the better. i want to ask you, do you think the _ things for the better. i want to ask you, do you think the rules - things for the better. i want to ask you, do you think the rules around former prime ministers and politicians, when it comes to lobbying, do they need tightening in the light of all of these reports of david cameron lobbying government on behalf of lex greensill? weill. david cameron lobbying government on behalf of lex greensill?— behalf of lex greensill? well, the rules today _ behalf of lex greensill? well, the rules today prohibit _ behalf of lex greensill? well, the rules today prohibit former - rules today prohibit former politicians from lobbying government i think for a period of at least two years. do i think for a period of at least two ears. y i think for a period of at least two ears. , years. do they need tightening? after that, _ years. do they need tightening? after that, they _ years. do they need tightening? after that, they have _ years. do they need tightening? after that, they have to - years. do they need tightening? after that, they have to make i years. do they need tightening? i after that, they have to make their own choices but i think it is very important that those who leave public office, having had the privilege of serving, act with great

care as to how they conduct themselves when they leave office. i can't comment on david cameron's own affairs, i don't know the details, thatis affairs, i don't know the details, that is really a question for him but for those of us who are lucky enough to be in public office when that comes to an end, then you have to exercise great care with what you do next. 0bviously, to exercise great care with what you do next. obviously, you are private citizens and you have to make a living but you have to be careful to uphold standards in public life. do you think the length of time should be extended from two years, perhaps to five or possibly ten or possibly the rest of your life? i to five or possibly ten or possibly the rest of your life?— the rest of your life? i think it is difficult to _ the rest of your life? i think it is difficult to prohibit _ the rest of your life? i think it is difficult to prohibit somebody i the rest of your life? i think it is l difficult to prohibit somebody who is a private citizen from earning a living. a former prime minister is an exceptional example but of course, there's a wide range of people who hold public office. it is not about them earning a living, it about lobbying the government. but i think ou about lobbying the government. but i think you do — about lobbying the government. but i think you do have _ about lobbying the government. emit i think you do have to be very careful how you conduct yourself once you leave office and not to use any of

the privileged information and contacts that you might have in a way which does harm to your office or to public life more generally. [30 or to public life more generally. do ou or to public life more generally. do you think mr cameron acted with care when he texted the chancellor asking for financial help for the company he is involved in?— he is involved in? well, i don't know the _ he is involved in? well, i don't know the details _ he is involved in? well, i don't know the details of _ he is involved in? well, i don't know the details of what - he is involved in? well, i don't- know the details of what happened there. what i have read is that the chancellor ensured that civil servants within his department took theissue servants within his department took the issue forward, which sounds like it is completely the right way to handle the issue and in the end, those loans or whatever was being sought by the company were not provided so it sounds like the process was handled by this government in exactly the right way. thank you forjoining us. communities secretary robert jenrick, there. germany has suspended the use of the astrazeneca vaccine for people under the age of 60, because of concerns about blood clots. the german medicines regulatorfound 31 cases of a type of rare blood

clot out of 2.7 million people who had received the jab, though the european medicines agency and the uk's regulatory body has said there is no indication that the vaccine is linked to blood clots. it comes after canada limited use of the vaccine to the over—55s. mark lobel reports. 31 cases of a rare form of blood clot in the brain appearing between four to 16 days after an astrazeneca jab now linked to nine deaths caused german chancellor angela merkel to raise the alarm. translation: trust rises - from the knowledge that every suspicion, every individual case will be investigated. the federal and state governments stand behind this. the german leader concedes this sudden change will delay germany's vaccination programme in the nearfuture. so far, only 11% of the population has received their firstjab. now the over 60s may see more of the astrazeneca supply coming their way.

it has been quite a roller—coaster with this jab. 0riginally, astrazeneca hadn't delivered what they'd promised to germany. germany's vaccine committee then only advised it for people under 65. then there was a brief pause while blood clots were investigated. now this. the agency is recommending an immediate pause in the use of the astrazeneca vaccine. canada has also suspended use of the vaccine for people under 55. though even those behind that recommendation fear it risks undermining confidence at a critical time. the last thing we want to do is contribute any sort of hesitancy around the vaccine. that's what keeps me up at night. but at the same time, if i can't confidently tell someone that i know that the benefits outweigh the risks because of their age, because of their risk of covid, i can't give them that medication. but astrazeneca insists the benefits far outweigh any of the risks.

the who and uk regulator both say it's fine. mark lobel, bbc news. jenny hill is in berlin and joins us now. what effect is this going to have a germany's vaccination programme? it is hard to say, the government say from now on, they are going to start throwing astrazeneca vaccine at the over 60s where they have been concentrating on different priority groups before which is why we may have seen younger women disproportionately affected by this very rare side effect, hard to say at this stage. the government says, angela merkel said last night they are sticking to their promise to offer every adult in germany a vaccine by the end of the summer and they are expecting more doses of vaccine to arrive in the second quarter. at this stage, it is hard to say but naturally there are concerns that it will further slow the roll—out of the vaccine. angela merkel is under huge pressure to get germans vaccinated, not least because case numbers are rising so

fast here, fuelled by the variant which did so much damage in britain over the winter.— over the winter. thank you for “oininu over the winter. thank you for joining us- _ over the winter. thank you for joining us- it _ over the winter. thank you for joining us. it is _ over the winter. thank you for joining us. it is coming - over the winter. thank you for joining us. it is coming up - over the winter. thank you for joining us. it is coming up to l joining us. it is coming up to 9:30am. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again, yesterday was the warmest march day since 1968 but it will turn colder through the weekend. today, bit more cloud across northern england, wales, the south—east and south—west, reducing the odd shower and a spot of brazil. across northern ireland and scotland, again a week where the front producing rain, turning increasingly patchy through the day and behind it, colderair digging in but as we push further south and east, progressively the temperature will be that bit higher, especially in any prolonged spells of sunshine. we could hit 23 and may be 2a again. through this evening and overnight, a weatherfront sinks through this evening and overnight, a weather front sinks south as a weak feature, taking a weather front sinks south as a weakfeature, taking its a weather front sinks south as a weak feature, taking its cloud, clear skies remain across southern england and wales and parts of

northern scotland and it is here that we will see some frost. it is also here that we will start with some sunshine tomorrow morning. tomorrow a fair bit of cloud around but still some sunny spells, the temperature going down and on good friday, still some sunshine and some cloud around but again, the temperature slipping. hello, this is bbc news with victoria derbyshire. the headlines. a major report commissioned by the government in response to the black lives matter protests concludes the uk is not institutionally racist. but a leading race equality campaigner dismisses its key findings. all it is is a whitewash and a script that has been written to 10 downing street. because the people appointed on this commission had no interest in resolving racism. as temperatures soar — the health secretary matt hancock's warns people to stay safe and follow covid rules as they enjoy the sunshine. germany suspends the astrazeneca

covid vaccine for the under—60s over concerns over cases of bloodclots. it's the final day of shielding for millions of clinically vulnerable people in england and wales. and glastonbury — the organisers of the festival announce a global virtual event to be held at worthy farm in may this year. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn watson. a big win for wales in world cup qualifying, theirfirst in a big win for wales in world cup qualifying, their first in the group after their defeat to belgium. they got back on track at cardiff as andy swiss reports. there might have been no fans but you would hardly have guessed it. if it sounded like a big night for wales, it was. after losing their opening world cup qualifier, victory was vital but against the czech republic not so

easy. gareth bale should have scored and didn't he know it. but it was still goalless at the break. after it was a tale of two red cards. 0n the right shove to the face of connor roberts. after this challenge it was ten against ten and seemingly stalemate but in the nick of time gareth bale crossed and wales found a winner. relief at last courtesy of dan james' a winner. relief at last courtesy of danjames' superb header but still the czech republic weren't done. this wasn't the prettiest performance but for wales the 1—0 win was all that mattered. with belgium likely to top the group and qualify automatically, wales and the czech republic are expected to battle it out for second place and a route in via the play—offs — a fact not lost on assistant coach rob page. we were pleased with the performance in belgium, the second half

performance, especially. but we came away with nothing so we knew going into this game there was a little bit more pressure. but even though it was early on in the tournament, especially because of the way the result went with belgium and the czech republic. so we knew the three points would help us a lot tonight. we are grateful to see danjames stand up at the back post and head the goalfor us. there were more protests aimed at qatar last night — belgium wearing "football supports change" t—shirts, in reference to the plight of migrant workers there, before they beat belarus 8—0. the republic of ireland played the world cup hosts in a friendly last night. and it's fair to say things aren't going well for the irish — they went ahead in hungary, throuthames mcclean. but then they let in an equaliser. manager stephen kenny said the critics were kicking them while they're down, after defeats in their two world cup qualifiers — but they are still without a win after his 11 games in charge. later, scotland go in search of their first win in qualifying, they're up against the faroe islands, while northern ireland take on bulgaria. and it's so far, so good

for england — but tonight at wembley they face poland — their trickiest opponents yet — and even though the poles' star striker robert lewandowki is out injured, they'll provide a real test. i've played polish teams before. they fight for the cause. they are a proud country. they are a good football team. they have got a new coach. so they have high motivation. we all know this is a key game in the qualification group. we have got to keep improving. we have shown a good level in our first two matches this week. we have got to keep stepping up and i believe the players can do that. helen glover's bid to make the great britain team for tokyo 2020 is on track. she's been named in the squad for the european championships in italy next week. she retired after winning her second olympic gold in rio, but made a comeback three months ago. she says her mission is to become the first woman in british rowing history to make an olympic team after having children.

world number one ash barty says she's playing her best in a long time, and she's through to the semi—finals of the miami 0pen. she's didn't play much in 2020, choosing to stay in australia due to the covid travel restrictions — and she needed all her stregth to overcome aryna sabalenka in three sets. she faces elina svitolina next. that's all the sport for now. offenders in england who commit alcohol fuelled crimes will be made to wear electronic "sobriety tags". the devices will be used to see if those convicted are breaching court—ordered drinking bans. authorities in wales have been using the technology since october and say it's proving to be a success. phil mackie reports. this is what a sobriety tag looks like. it's an electronic device which is worn around the ankle, either as part of an offender's sentence or as a condition of their release from jail. it tests the wearer's sweat for alcohol every half an hour.

a positive result could mean being sent to prison. it's already been rolled out in wales where those wearing the tags stayed alcohol free for 95% of the time. since i've had the tag off, i don't think the same. since it's been on, it has changed my way of thinking, my point of view has dramatically changed. my life is going better as well, i'm doing things about my life whereas before i was just drinking and spending all the little money i did have on booze and making things ten times worse. i'm trying to redeem all them now, like. public health england estimates the social and economic cost of offending caused by alcohol to be around £21.5 billion per year. the ministry ofjustice says booze plays a part in 39% of violent crime. so, we know that alcohol is an enormous driver of crime in this country, not least violent crime. and it sits behind a lot of quite problematic offending. whether that is low—level

inquisitive crime, violence in the public realm or even some domestic violence. and so that's why we think using this sort of technology, a really innovative way to tackle these crimes, can make a huge difference. it is hoped this kind of innovative approach will keep less serious offenders out of prison and give them a chance to turn their lives around. phil mackie, bbc news. let's speak tojohn wicks, ceo cansford laboratories — a cardiff—based drug and alcohol testing laboratory that looked into the pilot scheme in wales. also i'm joined by dr richard piper, chief executive of alcohol change uk, a charity and campaign group whose aim is to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. describe they work. effectively, you ut a describe they work. effectively, you put a bracelet _ describe they work. effectively, you put a bracelet on _ describe they work. effectively, you put a bracelet on an _ describe they work. effectively, you put a bracelet on an ankle - describe they work. effectively, you put a bracelet on an ankle and - describe they work. effectively, you put a bracelet on an ankle and it - put a bracelet on an ankle and it detects the alcohol in sweat on a

continuous basis. ii detects the alcohol in sweat on a continuous basis.— continuous basis. if you sweat a lot, continuous basis. if you sweat a lot. you've _ continuous basis. if you sweat a lot, you've been _ continuous basis. if you sweat a lot, you've been drinking? - continuous basis. if you sweat a lot, you've been drinking? if. continuous basis. if you sweat a - lot, you've been drinking? if you've been drinking _ lot, you've been drinking? if you've been drinking and _ lot, you've been drinking? if you've been drinking and you're _ lot, you've been drinking? if you've been drinking and you're sweating, | been drinking and you're sweating, thenit been drinking and you're sweating, then it will pick up, all people produce sweat constantly, so it will pick up the alcohol in the sweat. and then they use mobile or the internet to transmit the results back to a monitor, where the reports are generated. it requires a mobile phone and some sort of connection to work. �* ., , , , . ., ., work. and who will be sub'ect to a tan ? as i work. and who will be sub'ect to a tag? as i understand _ work. and who will be sub'ect to a tag? as i understand it, h work. and who will be subject to a tag? as i understand it, its- work. and who will be subject to a | tag? as i understand it, its people cominu tag? as i understand it, its people coming out — tag? as i understand it, its people coming out of _ tag? as i understand it, its people coming out of prison, _ tag? as i understand it, its people coming out of prison, people - tag? as i understand it, its people coming out of prison, people who | coming out of prison, people who have actually violent behaviour as a result of alcohol or alcohol associated, and the people going into this scheme need to be agreeing

to it and compliant and really wanting to actually change their behaviour. most of the people that we test for alcohol use are in domestic abuse situations and families. people who are addicted to alcohol will find this very difficult to handle. would you advise against _ difficult to handle. would you advise against using - difficult to handle. would you advise against using this - difficult to handle. would you advise against using this on l advise against using this on somebody who is dependent on alcohol? ii somebody who is dependent on alcohol? , ., �* somebody who is dependent on alcohol? , i, , alcohol? if you're physically dependent _ alcohol? if you're physically dependent on _ alcohol? if you're physically dependent on alcohol, - alcohol? if you're physically| dependent on alcohol, these alcohol? if you're physically - dependent on alcohol, these tags don't _ dependent on alcohol, these tags don't apply to you. they only apply to drinkers — don't apply to you. they only apply to drinkers who are not physically dependent. usually they will have a psychological dependency, like many of us do. _ psychological dependency, like many of us do, low or medium level habit where _ of us do, low or medium level habit where we _ of us do, low or medium level habit where we used to drinking and for those _ where we used to drinking and for those sorts— where we used to drinking and for those sorts of drinkers, these tags enforce _ those sorts of drinkers, these tags enforce a _ those sorts of drinkers, these tags enforce a period of abstinence. but there _ enforce a period of abstinence. but there are _ enforce a period of abstinence. but there are real questions about the evidence _ there are real questions about the evidence here. we know that the

government states that sobriety tags are a proven technology. we've looked — are a proven technology. we've looked at — are a proven technology. we've looked at the evaluations and it's not clear— looked at the evaluations and it's not clear that it's proven. 0ne looked at the evaluations and it's not clear that it's proven. one of the real— not clear that it's proven. one of the real issues right now, it's fantastic— the real issues right now, it's fantastic the government is taking action— fantastic the government is taking action on— fantastic the government is taking action on alcohol, but there are a range _ action on alcohol, but there are a range of— action on alcohol, but there are a range of proven methods that the government is not pursuing and we would _ government is not pursuing and we would like — government is not pursuing and we would like to see them pursuing things— would like to see them pursuing things we — would like to see them pursuing things we know work rather than the bright _ things we know work rather than the bright and _ things we know work rather than the bright and shiny so—called innovative things. bright and shiny so-called innovative things.- innovative things. that's interesting. _ innovative things. that's interesting. what - innovative things. that's interesting. what the i innovative things. that's - interesting. what the government innovative things. that's _ interesting. what the government say on this pilot scheme in wales, 100 people, it says more than a hundred people, it says more than a hundred people have been tagged since then, offenders stay sober on over 95% of the day is monitored. what don't you like about that? flit the day is monitored. what don't you like about that?— like about that? of course they will sta sober like about that? of course they will stay sober while _ like about that? of course they will stay sober while they _ like about that? of course they will stay sober while they have - like about that? of course they will stay sober while they have the - like about that? of course they will stay sober while they have the tag | stay sober while they have the tag on because if they don't they could io on because if they don't they could go back— on because if they don't they could go back to — on because if they don't they could go back to prison, lose theirjob or be kicked —

go back to prison, lose theirjob or be kicked out of their home. the question— be kicked out of their home. the question is, _ be kicked out of their home. the question is, what change does it lead to— question is, what change does it lead to in— question is, what change does it lead to in the long term drinking? a sobriety— lead to in the long term drinking? a sobriety tag on its own, unsupported by a specialist treatment is not going _ by a specialist treatment is not going to — by a specialist treatment is not going to work. what the evaluations don't _ going to work. what the evaluations don't do _ going to work. what the evaluations don't do is _ going to work. what the evaluations don't do is say whether this person has gone _ don't do is say whether this person has gone on — don't do is say whether this person has gone on to reoffend, whether they've _ has gone on to reoffend, whether they've gone on to carry on thinking. — they've gone on to carry on thinking. we know that a short period — thinking. we know that a short period of— thinking. we know that a short period of abstinence can lead to long-term — period of abstinence can lead to long—term change but you have to be motivated _ long—term change but you have to be motivated. these people don't have to agree, _ motivated. these people don't have to agree, so you can have a sobriety ta- to agree, so you can have a sobriety tag without — to agree, so you can have a sobriety tag without agreeing and if you're not agreeing you're not expected to change. _ not agreeing you're not expected to change, you'll get 330—60 days not drinking _ change, you'll get 330—60 days not drinking and then no real change has happened _ drinking and then no real change has happened. that is the real challenge. is happened. that is the real challenge-— happened. that is the real challenue. , . ., ., i] challenge. is that a fair point? i think so, challenge. is that a fair point? i think so. yes. _ challenge. is that a fair point? i think so, yes, absolutely. - challenge. is that a fair point? i think so, yes, absolutely. you | challenge. is that a fair point? i i think so, yes, absolutely. you get challenge. is that a fair point? i - think so, yes, absolutely. you get a short—term change. i think tagging

probably helps the individual to concentrate on staying away from alcohol but it's not a permanent solution. the concentration needs to be on the behaviour of the individual as opposed to the alcohol trigger. tell individual as opposed to the alcohol triu cer. , ., . individual as opposed to the alcohol triner. , . . trigger. tell us what evidence based solutions do — trigger. tell us what evidence based solutions do look _ trigger. tell us what evidence based solutions do look like _ trigger. tell us what evidence based solutions do look like when - trigger. tell us what evidence based solutions do look like when it - trigger. tell us what evidence based j solutions do look like when it comes to reducing alcohol fuelled crime. the first thing is in relation to alcohol— the first thing is in relation to alcohol treatment services. the government should provide free treatment to anybody who has developed an alcohol problem. but over the _ developed an alcohol problem. but over the last ten years, there has been _ over the last ten years, there has been an— over the last ten years, there has been an absolute huge cuts in those services _ been an absolute huge cuts in those services and introducing a roll—out of sobriety — services and introducing a roll—out of sobriety tagging but without having — of sobriety tagging but without having alcohol treatment services we think is— having alcohol treatment services we think is not— having alcohol treatment services we think is not a joined up policy from the government. go with it if you think— the government. go with it if you think the — the government. go with it if you think the evidence is there, but we definitely— think the evidence is there, but we definitely know that alcohol treatment works and we need a proper

investment— treatment works and we need a proper investment in that. at the moment only one _ investment in that. at the moment only one in — investment in that. at the moment only one in six people who need alcohol— only one in six people who need alcohol treatment get it. if you or i alcohol treatment get it. if you or i break— alcohol treatment get it. if you or i break our— alcohol treatment get it. if you or i break ourarm alcohol treatment get it. if you or i break our arm and were told, sorry, — i break our arm and were told, sorry. only— i break our arm and were told, sorry, only one in six people can -et sorry, only one in six people can get your— sorry, only one in six people can get your arm ended on the nhs, there would _ get your arm ended on the nhs, there would be _ get your arm ended on the nhs, there would be uproar. they should be uproar— would be uproar. they should be uproar about this. everybody who requires — uproar about this. everybody who requires alcohol treatment should have access to it and the fact that doesn't _ have access to it and the fact that doesn't happen right now should be the government's top priority. secondly, pricing. we know that price _ secondly, pricing. we know that price has— secondly, pricing. we know that price has a — secondly, pricing. we know that price has a massive effect on consumption and consumption is the key. consumption and consumption is the key if_ consumption and consumption is the key. if you _ consumption and consumption is the key. if you can bring consumption down _ key. if you can bring consumption down you — key. if you can bring consumption down you can both cut crime and the health— down you can both cut crime and the health problems from alcohol. there are so _ health problems from alcohol. there are so many— health problems from alcohol. there are so many really effective measures around pricing. alcohol is more _ measures around pricing. alcohol is more affordable now than it has been for decades. supermarkets have been making _ for decades. supermarkets have been making a _ for decades. supermarkets have been making a killing, and i use that word _ making a killing, and i use that word on— making a killing, and i use that word on purpose, over lockdown, selling _ word on purpose, over lockdown, selling really cheap alcohol. lifting — selling really cheap alcohol. lifting up the floor price with something like a minimum unit price,

or stop _ something like a minimum unit price, or stop freezing alcohol duty which is crazy. _ or stop freezing alcohol duty which is crazy, would have a massive effect — is crazy, would have a massive effect and _ is crazy, would have a massive effect and it's been proven to work. we think— effect and it's been proven to work. we think the government should have a joined _ we think the government should have a joined up _ we think the government should have a joined up alcohol policy, tagging is fine _ a joined up alcohol policy, tagging is fine but — a joined up alcohol policy, tagging is fine but you need these other measures— is fine but you need these other measures that are proven to work as welt _ measures that are proven to work as well. . ~ measures that are proven to work as well. . ,, , ., ., ., measures that are proven to work as well. . ,, ., ., ., , the health secretary matt hancock has warned people who are enjoying the easing of lockdown restrictions not to "blow it" ahead of another day of hot temperatures. speaking after the country's hottest march day in 53 years, mr hancock said people should enjoy the sun, but they should do it safely. andy moore reports. it was enough to make you dance with joy. a wonderful spring day with some of the highest temperatures in more than half a century. and with lockdown easing, the freedom to go out and enjoy it. beaches were busy in many locations. this was rhyl in north wales. there's more good weather forecast in many parts of the uk today. but the health secretary is warning us not to abuse our new—found freedoms. in a tweet, matt hancock said...

and the scientists are echoing that cautious message. just because you're out in the fresh air, that doesn't mean you can't catch covid. if you are meeting other people in an outdoor environment, you do need to keep that two metre distance at all times. if you don't, of course, then the fact that we're outdoors is somewhat negated by the fact that you are in close proximity to one another and there is the risk then, if you happen to be infected or you are close to someone who is infected, then there is a greater risk of the virus being transmitted. not surprisingly, public parks have been crowded. this was platt fields park in manchester, where police estimated around 3000 people had gathered. it was quieter yesterday at nottingham's arboretum after police declared powers to clear away anyone being disruptive. visitors were being searched for alcohol on entry.

on monday, on the first day of lockdown easing, there were large unruly crowds in the park with no signs of social distancing. this was the message from the council leader to anyone breaking the guidelines. please stop. covid is not something to be messed around with, to be trifled with. this is a dangerous disease that has caused people to die in our city. we are not yet at a situation where all of our restrictions have been rolled back, just a gradual easing of those restrictions. please don't abuse that. london's parks have also been busy with sun seekers. with a temperature of 2a and a half degrees celsius at kew gardens, it was the hottest march day in 53 years. temperatures in the capital could reach similar or even higher levels today. soon, many of the 4 million people who have been shielding in england and wales will be able to get out and about and enjoy the good weather. this is their last day under special restrictions.

it's tempting to think the worst months are now behind us. but the message from the authorities is, stay safe and stay cautious. andy moore, bbc news. from tomorrow, millions of clinically vulnerable people in england and wales will no longer be asked to stay at home and shield. the new guidance is a sign that case rates and hospital admissions are heading in the right direction, but the advice differs around the uk. shielding comes to an end at midnight tonight for 3.8 million people in england and nearly 130,000 people in wales. in scotland, shielding advice will remain in place until the 26th of april. people in northern ireland do not yet have a date for when the guidance will change, but the executive has said, "a graduated easing of the advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people is planned, to commence on the 12th of april." for some, the chance to see family and friends for the first time in months will come as a welcome relief, but others are feeling anxious about the change.

we can speak now to anisha gangotra, whojoins me now from buckinghamshire, and has spent the past year shielding. you've only been out for medical appointments, is that right? yes. appointments, is that right? yes, that is correct. _ appointments, is that right? yes, that is correct. i've _ appointments, is that right? yes, that is correct. i've been - appointments, is that right? jes that is correct. i've been shielding since the beginning of the pandemic because i live with ulcerative colitis which is an autoimmune condition whereby my immune system attacks the healthy tissue in my gut. i take medication which suppresses my immune system. hogs gut. i take medication which suppresses my immune system. how has it been? it's been _ suppresses my immune system. how has it been? it's been really _ suppresses my immune system. how has it been? it's been really tough. _ suppresses my immune system. how has it been? it's been really tough. the - it been? it's been really tough. the whole pandemic _ it been? it's been really tough. the whole pandemic has _ it been? it's been really tough. the whole pandemic has been - it been? it's been really tough. the whole pandemic has been really - whole pandemic has been really difficult, there's been a lot of ups and downs, right at the beginning of the first few months, it was really challenging, trying to navigate things like access to feed. 0nline delivery slots have been pivotal in

accessing food and also access to medicines and medical appointments as well. how do i navigate attending appointments safely and what sort of precautions should i be taking? what's really important is that i myself am clinically vulnerable but i live with my parents and older sister who all fall into the vulnerable category. we really have to think about the decisions we make as a family as a whole in order to be able to stay safe over this past year and going forwards. is be able to stay safe over this past year and going forwards.- year and going forwards. is that a icture of year and going forwards. is that a picture of you _ year and going forwards. is that a picture of you and _ year and going forwards. is that a picture of you and your _ year and going forwards. is that a picture of you and your sister - year and going forwards. is that a picture of you and your sister and j picture of you and your sister and your mum behind me?— picture of you and your sister and your mum behind me? yes, it's a icture your mum behind me? yes, it's a picture of — your mum behind me? yes, it's a picture of myself _ your mum behind me? yes, it's a picture of myself and _ your mum behind me? yes, it's a picture of myself and my - your mum behind me? yes, it's a picture of myself and my two - picture of myself and my two sisters. �* , . ., �*, picture of myself and my two sisters.�* , . ., �*, , sisters. i'm sorry. what's it been like as a family, _ sisters. i'm sorry. what's it been like as a family, making - sisters. i'm sorry. what's it been like as a family, making that - like as a family, making that decision to shield together for a year? in decision to shield together for a ear? , ., ., , , decision to shield together for a ear? �* decision to shield together for a ear? ,., .,y , .,, �* ., year? in some ways it wasn't a difficult decision _ year? in some ways it wasn't a difficult decision to _ year? in some ways it wasn't a

difficult decision to make - year? in some ways it wasn't a i difficult decision to make because year? in some ways it wasn't a - difficult decision to make because i think we recognise that for each of us, the virus actually could potentially be fatal. we've looked at it as or death. i think the shielding for me personally and for my family in many ways was a positive, because it's allowed us and supported us to have access to food, medicines. i've been working from home throughout the whole of the pandemic, which again has been very important for me to look after my mental health to still be able to do what i'm doing. it's provided an element of additional protection for me in orderfor me and my family to stay safe. me in order for me and my family to sta safe. �* , ., ., , me in order for me and my family to sta safe. �* , ., . , ., , me in order for me and my family to sta safe. �* , ., ., , ., , ., stay safe. any minor family rows are ut into stay safe. any minor family rows are put into perspective _ stay safe. any minor family rows are put into perspective because - stay safe. any minor family rows are put into perspective because you'rel put into perspective because you're thinking, actually, it's life or death so we got to crack on? absolutely. it has been challenging, usually we would be out and about living our different lives and then coming together sporadically. so it has been really challenging but

ultimately, yes, it's come down to this could be life or death. at the end of the day, we do love each other despite the rows we might have. ., �* .., , , other despite the rows we might have. ., �* , , ., ., other despite the rows we might have. , , ., ., a have. you're completely normal. as i understand — have. you're completely normal. as i understand it. _ have. you're completely normal. as i understand it, you _ have. you're completely normal. as i understand it, you and _ have. you're completely normal. as i understand it, you and your - have. you're completely normal. as i understand it, you and your family i understand it, you and yourfamily have all had your first dose of the vaccine and the rules changed from midnight tonight. how do you feel about your new freedom from tomorrow? t0 about your new freedom from tomorrow?— about your new freedom from tomorrow? ., , ., , ., , tomorrow? to be honest, nothing is actually going _ tomorrow? to be honest, nothing is actually going to _ tomorrow? to be honest, nothing is actually going to change _ tomorrow? to be honest, nothing is actually going to change for - tomorrow? to be honest, nothing is actually going to change for us. i tomorrow? to be honest, nothing is actually going to change for us. we | actually going to change for us. we are still waiting for our second jab. i think it's great that for many people where shielding has been particularly difficult, that it gives them an element of control over what they can choose to do. but for me and my family, nothing will be changing. i think it's important we have the second jab and it's important we monitor what's happening around transmission, because even though it might prevent you from becoming seriously ill we don't know yet around transmission,

so our ultimate aim is to not catch the virus at all. i so our ultimate aim is to not catch the virus at all.— the virus at all. i know you love dancin: , the virus at all. i know you love dancing. have _ the virus at all. i know you love dancing, have you _ the virus at all. i know you love dancing, have you been - the virus at all. i know you love dancing, have you been able i the virus at all. i know you love dancing, have you been able to j the virus at all. i know you love i dancing, have you been able to dance in your home with the rest of your family? in your home with the rest of your famil ? . in your home with the rest of your famil ? , , ., , , in your home with the rest of your famil ? , ,., , , ., family? yes, so, we spent the whole of lockdown — family? yes, so, we spent the whole of lockdown dancing. _ family? yes, so, we spent the whole of lockdown dancing. happy? - family? yes, so, we spent the whole of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! l of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been part _ of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been part of _ of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been part of a _ of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been part of a dance _ of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been part of a dance team i of lockdown dancing. happy? cool! i've been part of a dance team and | i've been part of a dance team and it's part of a campaign which has been supporting people with long—term health conditions to stay active. we had a virtual dance team that i was taking part in and my sister and my mum, so we got to do it as a family with people across the country, with our fantastic teacher katie. it meant we could stay active but there was also peer support, so we helped each other through the highs and lows of the pandemic and also i've been teaching my own classes. i'm an inclusive dance instructor and zumba

instructor. i teach people with health conditions and mental health issues. these classes can be done seated or standing. the need to be able to teach my own classes and connect with my students, have that social element, because obviously i haven't been able to do anything in person but also to stay active, it has been really important, particularly around motivation. my motivation has fluctuated throughout the pandemic, so knowing i'm going to see my students, we are going to dance whether in a class orjust having a dance in the kitchen has been absolutely key to maintaining my physical and mental health during a really, really difficult year so far. . ., a really, really difficult year so far. ., ., ., ~' a really, really difficult year so far. . ., ., ,, ., , far. thanks for talking to us, good luck and take _ far. thanks for talking to us, good luck and take care. _ the metropolitan police commissioner, cressida dick, has this morning told the bbc she feels people in responsible positions should "stop and think" before passing judgment on actions taken by the metropolitan police.

speaking on the today programme following yesterday's hm inspectorate of constabulary and fire & rescue services report that found the metropolitan police acted "appropriately" at a vigil for sarah everard in south london earlier this month, she inferred that senior public figures expressed public opinions before knowing all of the facts. people in public life, people in responsible positions, should stop and think before theyjudge, whoever they may be. and as sir tom says, broadly speaking, the police officer is entitled to public support when they act professionally. this is the author of the report? absolutely, the chief inspector of constabulary. and so people should stop and think because if they comment without knowing the facts, they may, and i would suggest on this occasion, some people did, affect public confidence in their police service inappropriately and secondly affect the officers' confidence about,

you know, volunteering for the same duty in the next instance if they are actually going to be criticised even when they've done a really good job. fans who were disappointed that the glastonbury festival has been cancelled this year might still be able to get their fix of live music after all. for the first time ever, glastonbury is going virtual. the organisers of the festival have announced a global livestream event to be held at worthy farm on may 22nd. here's fiona lamdin with more details. we are underneath glastonbury tor and worthy farm where the festival is held is three miles that way. 0n the 22nd of may, for five hours, the festival will be online. they have got coldplay, idles, jorja smith. it's the first time it will be online. you will see the pyramid field. it's the first time they have a performance inside the stone circle. we can meet a huge fan of glastonbury, who has been coming

for many years. pretty much never missed a festival, is that right? yes, if i can possibly make it, i have made it every year bar one or two. last year, when it did not happen. you were hugely disappointed. it was a real shame. it is part of who everyone is, yourfamily are involved. my children work there, as well. everyone is involved. what was your reaction when you heard for the first time the festival was going online? i think it's fantastic. anything to get performances going. if it is online, you are streaming it... i do not have a screen but i'm sure i can double up with someone else's. with a mask, maybe! keep two metres apart. i definitely will be watching. brilliant, thank you very much. emily eavis this morning saying we are bringing you a bit of glastonbury to your own homes for one night only when people all over the world will be able

to join us on the journey as we go through the farm. it has been a year when everybody has gone online and it seems glastonbury is no exception. now it's time for a look at the weather with carole. hello again, yesterday was the warmest march day since 1968 but it will turn colder through the weekend. today, a bit more cloud across northern england, wales, the south—east and south—west, producing the odd shower and a spot of drizzle. across northern ireland and scotland, again a weak weather front producing rain, turning increasingly patchy through the day and behind it, colder air digging in but as we push further south and east, progressively the temperature will be that bit higher, especially in any prolonged spells of sunshine. we could hit 23 and maybe 2a again. through this evening and overnight, a weatherfront sinks south as a weak feature, taking its cloud, clear skies remain across southern england and wales and parts of northern scotland and it is here that we

will see some frost. it is also here that we will start with some sunshine tomorrow morning. tomorrow, a fair bit of cloud around but still some sunny spells, the temperature going down and on good friday, still some sunshine and some cloud around but again, the temperature slipping.

this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a major report commissioned by the government in response to the black lives matter protests concludes the uk is not institutionally racist. no one in the report is saying that racism doesn't exist but we found what we did bomb of the evidence of actual institutional racism, no, we did not find that in our report. what is is a whitewash and a script that has been written to 10 downing street because the people appointed on this commission had no interest in resolving racism. what's your experience? is britain is a model for other white majority countries, as this report suggests?

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