this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. desperate scenes in india as the number of deaths from coronavirus passes 200,000. as covid—19 continues to surge through india we bring you a day of special reports on the latest situation there. new research suggests a single dose of the covid—19 vaccine can halve transmission rates. a new uk study says the most common side—effect of the covid—19 jab is a sore arm. as the travel industry gears up for the summer, the uk transport secretary says a version of the nhs app could facilitate international trips. we are to have systems in place that

enable internationally for people to recognise that, yes, this is a standard of vaccination or a standard of vaccination or a standard of vaccination or a standard of testing that can be relied on. so are you thinking of booking a holiday abroad now? do get in touch — #bbcyourquestions and i'm in hartlepool in the north—east of england were a week tomorrow voters will go to the polls tomorrow voters will go to the polls to choose their next mp. this town has been laboured for decades, but could the conservatives snatch it from them next week? northern ireland's first minister arlene foster faces pressure over her leadership of the dup. small axe leads the way in the bafta tv nominations with 15 for sir steve mcqueen�*s series for the bbc.

hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. a second wave of coronavirus is wreaking havoc across india — cases are rising sharply, hospital beds are filling up fast, and the country's health care system is crumbing. the government is considering a recommendation to introduce lockdowns in 150 of the worst—hit districts. a recent surge of infections has brought the country to its knees and the death toll is rising. the total number of deaths now stands at more than 200,000 since the pandemic began, with a seven—day average of 2,480. two million infections were recorded in just one week. crematoriums are overwhelmed — running day and night in several cities. experts say this shows that the actual number of deaths could be much higher.

big recent religious gatherings, election rallies and the reopening of public places as well as new variants are being blamed for the rapid increase in cases — as you can see from this graph — the second wave is spreading much faster across the country than the first. hospitals across major cities are struggling — nearly all icu beds are occupied and oxygen supplies remain dangerously low. the bbc is bringing you a special day of coverage on india's crisis. 0ur india correspondent yogita limaye has spent the day with one nurse who works at the holy family hospital in delhi. years of training. but nothing could have prepared them for this. manjusha mathew — a nurse and the mother of three young children.

a new patient is brought in. seema! 0xygen mask... she's constantly scanning how others are holding up... ..treating as many as they can. translation: "people say, "sister, please save our loved one." they call us god. that makes us so emotional because we can only do so much." with resources so short, they're having to choose who they might save — decisions they should never have had to make. translation: "at

times we break down. some nights i wake up crying. but i also feel a sense of satisfaction that i'm doing something to help." this is a hospital in a big city, and out of reach for most indians. the situation at this point is so difficult that all the people who work here, everyone who's exposing themselves to risk on a daily basis, knows that if they or their families were to get sick, even they would struggle to find the right medical care. in a city overrun, it's hard to leave the trauma behind. the risks follow you home, too. manjusha's children know not to hug her when she'sjust back from hospital... ..but they're too young to fully understand what their mother does — her front line role at one of the most grim times in india's history.

yogita limaye, bbc news, delhi. our correspondent arunoday mukharji is delhi. a really grim scene in the hospital. this is what we have been hearing now for quite some time, hospitals under extreme pressure. we know that everyone over 18 is now eligible to have a vaccine across india, but one wonders is the pace of new transmission outstripping the efforts to actually try to get a grip of this crisis?— efforts to actually try to get a grip of this crisis? that's right. that is just _ grip of this crisis? that's right. that is just one _ grip of this crisis? that's right. that isjust one of— grip of this crisis? that's right. that is just one of the - grip of this crisis? that's right. l that isjust one of the concerns, grip of this crisis? that's right. - that isjust one of the concerns, to that is just one of the concerns, to be very honest. in about an error and after the government will be opening registrations online —— in an error and a half. for those above 18 years of age to register for the vaccine starting 1st of may. the

question is whether there will be enough vaccine is available in the market or not. complaints coming in from several quarters across radio city is that when people have already registered, those above the age of a5, rightly trying to go ahead and get their second dose of vaccines, hospitals are saying they do not have any fresh stock available so they need to go ahead and check again. this is delaying the process and is a very real problem persisting. many experts asking if there is a clear delay in the vaccinations for those above a5, how is the government planning to open up furtherfor those how is the government planning to open up further for those above 18 years of age? that is a critical question. we will see in one hour and a half what kind of response the website gets, because people are desperate to get the vaccine, given the circumstances prevailing across the circumstances prevailing across the country. the circumstances prevailing across the country-— the country. lockdown is a proven method to — the country. lockdown is a proven method to spotting _ the country. lockdown is a proven method to spotting curves - the country. lockdown is a proven method to spotting curves in - the country. lockdown is a proven method to spotting curves in this | method to spotting curves in this pandemic, so what is the government saying about these proposals it is considering to bring in further

lockdown is in some of the worst affected districts? that lockdown is in some of the worst affected districts?— lockdown is in some of the worst affected districts? that is one way that the government _ affected districts? that is one way that the government has - affected districts? that is one way that the government has said - affected districts? that is one way that the government has said it i that the government has said it wants to fight this. the prime minister had come on air about one we can have a half ago speaking to the nation saying and i quote him, we must save the country from a nationwide lockdown. the economy cannot be halted because of this. he made it very clear that a nationwide lockdown was completely out of the question. he did say that we need to practice micro—containment zones in areas worst affected, and that is why you're seeing cities like delhi, currently in its second week of lockdown, mumbai under tight restrictions until the end of the month, some positive results, but in cities like delhi and many other smaller cities observing curfews for a couple of days, we are yet to see any kind of concrete impact of that

lockdown to actually reflect the numbers we are seeing. the numbers we are seeing is a result of testing happening on a delayed manner. many people continue to witness symptoms, suffer symptoms, people continue to witness symptoms, suffersymptoms, but people continue to witness symptoms, suffer symptoms, but when they go ahead and try and get an appointment to get tightness their white testing, they can only get it or three days later, so essentially the numbers you are seeing currently over 600,000 are clearly not the accurate numbers, because the reality on the ground, the numbers experts fear could be far higher. notjust of the number of positive cases, but also the number of deaths in the country. how serious is the crisis in india? 0ur reality check correspondent, who also used to be our india correspondent, chris morris is here. very interesting to hear about the

numbers they are and how the numbers we are seeing are likely not the full picture. what do we know in terms of official statistics? it is the speed _ terms of official statistics? it is the speed with _ terms of official statistics? it 3 the speed with which it terms of official statistics? it 1 the speed with which it has happened which is shocking. india locks down really hard last year, but seemed to have taken its eye off the ball if you —— over the last few weeks, political rallies and religious gatherings, and so we can see a graph of daily cases in india. you can see in the last few weeks how sharply they have skyrocketed. up until yesterday, a seven day average of 330 new cases a day. in the last 24 of 330 new cases a day. in the last 2a hours the number was 360, so that graph is still going to be going up. as you say, these are just the cases we know about. so far, a total of about 18 million. there will be others not being reported. sadly, as we've seen elsewhere in the world, that shape of graph cases is reflected when we look at the graph in the number of people who have

died. the number of people have died in india, we can that graph up, very similar, the seven day average of number of deaths, that we know about that have been officially reported, 2480 up until yesterday. we know that nearly 3380 people have been officially reported to have died with covatti last 24 hours, so that graph at the end there is rising sharp —— with covid. and numbers are expected to increase per two or three more weeks at least, is the infection spreads. the three more weeks at least, is the infection spreads.— three more weeks at least, is the infection spreads. the steepness of that s - ike infection spreads. the steepness of that spike telling _ infection spreads. the steepness of that spike telling a _ infection spreads. the steepness of that spike telling a horrendous - that spike telling a horrendous story. what does it look like, if we consider the country as a whole, a large country, what does it look like? ., ., , , large country, what does it look like? ., ., , like? unfortunately it is bad across the country- _ like? unfortunately it is bad across the country- a _ like? unfortunately it is bad across the country. a lot _ like? unfortunately it is bad across the country. a lot of— like? unfortunately it is bad across the country. a lot of the _ like? unfortunately it is bad across the country. a lot of the reporting | the country. a lot of the reporting we have seen from outside the country has been from delhi and from mumbai, one of the things you have to remember about india, when you look at a map of the world, it does not look that bad, but a population

of 1.4 not look that bad, but a population of1.4 million, not look that bad, but a population of 1.4 million, well over twice the population of the whole of western europe —— billion. you understand that so many stories come down to massive numbers. you can see the worst affected places, the city of mumbai,...— worst affected places, the city of mumbai,... one of the wealthiest laces in mumbai,... one of the wealthiest places in the _ mumbai,... one of the wealthiest places in the country. _ mumbai,... one of the wealthiest places in the country. as - mumbai,... one of the wealthiest places in the country. as we - mumbai,... one of the wealthiest places in the country. as we know from eumpe. _ places in the country. as we know from europe, covid _ places in the country. as we know from europe, covid doesn't - places in the country. as we know from europe, covid doesn't take l from europe, covid doesn't take account of wealth. the graph is rising sharply are actjustly concerning thing. even though we have seen horrific scenes from delhi and mumbai, in smaller cities around the country, medicalfacilities and mumbai, in smaller cities around the country, medical facilities are not as good, and even in the big cities, we are seeing they are being stretched to and beyond the limit. elsewhere in the country things and possibly even worse. we can to and beyond the limit. elsewhere in the country things and possibly even worse. we can't bit on delhi, because this is a good indication of patients in the city at the moment. by patients in the city at the moment. by the 26th of april there were

19,000 covid patientsjust in delhi. the present perspective, that is just short of the worst day right across the uk. in one city, a big city, delhi has about 20 million people, but nearly the same number of patients we had on the worst day right across the uk. huge numbers, the perspective is that because india is such a big country, the deaths per capita is not still as bad as it has been here or the united states, but the potentialfor things to get worse is really worrying. things to get worse is really worrying-— things to get worse is really wor inc. ,., ., , worrying. the potential is there. what do they — worrying. the potential is there. what do they need? _ worrying. the potential is there. what do they need? we - worrying. the potential is there. what do they need? we know i worrying. the potential is there. - what do they need? we know about oxygen, that has been the subject of some of the really desperate since we have seen over the last week or so. family trying desperately to get hold of relatives. bear so. family trying desperately to get hold of relatives.— hold of relatives. bear is running out, i hold of relatives. bear is running out. i see _ hold of relatives. bear is running out. i see you — hold of relatives. bear is running out, i see you space, _ hold of relatives. bear is running out, i see you space, this - hold of relatives. bear is running out, i see you space, this graph| out, i see you space, this graph shows —— beds. lower and middle

income countries, minus the top ten richest countries in the world if you like, and the need for oxygen, the darker the country is, the more they need. you can see the darkest country of all at the moment is india. they currently need about 13 million cubic metres of oxygen every day. normally, about 15% of india's oxygen supply is used in medical facilities, the rest was into industry. they have diverted nearly all of that industrial oxygen into the medical system, but still they don't have enough. stuff is coming in from abroad, things sent from here in the uk, ventilators and what are called oxygen concentrators, which essentially suck oxygen out of the surrounding air to replicate what you might get from an oxygen tank. 0ther what you might get from an oxygen tank. other countries are also sending things in common but it is the sheer size and scale of india which makes this emergency so acute. thank you for taking us through those grafts. really starkly illustrating the seriousness of the situation there.

well, we can speak now to dr trupti gilada an infectious diseases physician, at both the masina hospital and prince aly khan hospital in mumbai. doctor, thank you for your time today. we know you and all your colleagues are hugely busy at the moment. describe the situation, if you would come in the hospitals where you work. the you would come in the hospitals where you work.— you would come in the hospitals where you work. the hospitals, we have never— where you work. the hospitals, we have never had _ where you work. the hospitals, we have never had so _ where you work. the hospitals, we have never had so many _ where you work. the hospitals, we have never had so many covid - have never had so many covid patients all coming in for use of icus beds. while the teams are very well trained to manage the patients, i think the problem is the wait lists for hospitals. patients from across other cities also calling and for oxygen, for medicine, and i think this kind of a medical scenario, it was something we had never imagined and never wanted to be in the situation, especially after the first wave in 2020, when we did have a shortage of beds, but

oxygen was never a shortage. this time around, i think the oxygen being short is really causing a lot of chaos. ., ., ., ., ., ., , of chaos. how low are the available ox ten of chaos. how low are the available oxygen levels _ of chaos. how low are the available oxygen levels in — of chaos. how low are the available oxygen levels in those _ of chaos. how low are the available oxygen levels in those hospitals - oxygen levels in those hospitals where you work right now? watches the situation with icus beds? are the situation with icus beds? are the awful? i the situation with icus beds? are the awful? , , ., the situation with icus beds? are the awful? , i. , , ., the awful? i see you beds are filled, we _ the awful? i see you beds are filled, we always _ the awful? i see you beds are filled, we always have - the awful? i see you beds are filled, we always have a - the awful? i see you beds are filled, we always have a wait| the awful? i see you beds are i filled, we always have a wait list of a hundred patients for i see you beds. 0ver of a hundred patients for i see you beds. over the last few days it has slowed down. fortunately most hospitals in the main city of mumbai did not see an oxygen shortage, but we know that in the suburbs and the rest of the country there has been a lot of oxygen shortage. lloathed rest of the country there has been a lot of oxygen shortage.— rest of the country there has been a lot of oxygen shortage. what sort of toll is this taking _ lot of oxygen shortage. what sort of toll is this taking on _ lot of oxygen shortage. what sort of toll is this taking on you _ lot of oxygen shortage. what sort of toll is this taking on you and - lot of oxygen shortage. what sort of toll is this taking on you and your. toll is this taking on you and your colleagues? i toll is this taking on you and your colleagues?— toll is this taking on you and your colleagues? i think we have never felt so helpless _ colleagues? i think we have never felt so helpless as _ colleagues? i think we have never felt so helpless as medical - felt so helpless as medical professionals and as doctors. we

have just tried to help everyone who comes to the hospital. this time around, help is limited by resources and oxygen, and that feeling of helplessness and seeing that many deaths, because we know that people are waiting at home for two or three days to get into icus, we know that during that which i many lose their life at home. during that time relatives and friends calling up begging for beds, medicine and oxygen. it is horrendous, something we never want to live again. how an: we never want to live again. how angry and — we never want to live again. how angry and frustrated _ we never want to live again. how angry and frustrated are you that the situation has been allowed to develop? develop to the point where hospitals are being overwhelmed? i wonder what you think about the public health messaging that has been out there for people? has not been out there for people? has not been done to try to get the right messages, to try to avoid situations like this? i’m

messages, to try to avoid situations like this? �* , ,., . ., like this? i'm sure so much more could have _ like this? i'm sure so much more could have been _ like this? i'm sure so much more could have been done, _ like this? i'm sure so much more could have been done, but - like this? i'm sure so much more could have been done, but i - like this? i'm sure so much more| could have been done, but i think the second wave took us all buys surprise. we were not expecting it to be such an infectious or transmitting virus, and the speed at which it is rising is enough tojust collapse any health care system that would have been there. so we could have done much more, but at this time i think it is a blame game. we are focusing on getting our act together and doing as much as we can together and doing as much as we can to slow it down.— to slow it down. what do you think are the key — to slow it down. what do you think are the key things _ to slow it down. what do you think are the key things that _ to slow it down. what do you think are the key things that need - to slow it down. what do you think are the key things that need done | to slow it down. what do you think i are the key things that need done to get a grip of the academic to bring down transition rates —— to get a grip of the epidemic? down transition rates -- to get a grip of the epidemic?— down transition rates -- to get a grip of the epidemic? people have to be reminded — grip of the epidemic? people have to be reminded again _ grip of the epidemic? people have to be reminded again and _ grip of the epidemic? people have to be reminded again and again - grip of the epidemic? people have to be reminded again and again that. be reminded again and again that masking work site magic full stop on the 1st of may we are opening the vaccination drive to everyone above

the age of 18, and encouraging people to go ahead and take the vaccine. we have seen that in the second wave. if third most important thing would be to ramp up both health care infrastructure and oxygen availability at the earliest, so that we can save as many lives in households as we can. a single dose of a covid vaccine can cut transmission of the virus by up to half, according to a new study by public health england. it found that people given either the astrazeneca or pfizerjabs were less likely to pass the infection on to others living in their homes. a separate study shows that the most common side effect of the vaccine is a sore arm. john mcmanus reports. the public health message has been clearfor some time — receiving a vaccine is the best way to avoid becoming ill with covid—19. this new research, though,

has found that vaccination has a second benefit — a single dose of some vaccines can cut transmission of the virus by up to half amongst people who become infected after receiving a jab. the findings from public health england show that those who caught covid—19 three weeks after being given either the astrazeneca or pfizerjab were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on to those they lived with. both vaccines require two jabs to be fully effective, but it now appears just one injection still helps to halt the spread of covid to others. and most of those tested were under 60 years of age. the findings haven't been peer—reviewed yet, but they've been dubbed "terrific news" by the health secretary, matt hancock, who said...

meanwhile, a separate study into the side effects of vaccines has shown that one in four people experience short—lived symptoms — with headaches, tenderness and tiredness being the most common type. effects usually peaked within 24 hours of receiving a dose, while women and those under 55 were more likely to experience them. and there were some differences between the vaccines. our data show that you're more likely to get a local painful bruised arm with the pfizer one than you are with the astrazeneca, but stay less likely to have these mild side effects. and this reallyjust tells us that those severe side effects are incredibly rare. in general, vaccine confidence is growing in the uk, with a big rise in the number of people who say they want to have the jab as soon as possible. john mcmanus, bbc news.

and this evening at 5pm there will be a downing street press conference led by health secretary matt hancock. we'll of course be covering that live for you here on bbc news. the leader of the liberal democrats, sir ed davey has said the prime minister should resign if he did make a comment about being prepared to �*see bodies pile high' rather than impose a third national lockdown. it comes as borisjohnson continues to face accusations from labour that he lied over who paid for renovations to his downing street flat. the prime minister will face mps in the commons later. 0ur political correspondent damian grammaticas is in westminster. sir ed davey, leader of the liberal democrats, not satisfied with what the prime minister has said about this apparent quote of bodies piling high. this apparent quote of bodies piling hiuh. . �* , ~ this apparent quote of bodies piling hi h. . �* , . , this apparent quote of bodies piling hiuh. . �* , 1 , ., high. that's right. we will see more ressure

high. that's right. we will see more pressure on — high. that's right. we will see more pressure on the _ high. that's right. we will see more pressure on the prime _ high. that's right. we will see more pressure on the prime minister - high. that's right. we will see more. pressure on the prime minister about this, are likely to add prime minister's questions, when boris johnson as they appear in front of mps at lunchtime today. this harks back to last year, that time around 0ctober, discussions around a lockdown happening and they claim that the prime minister had made that the prime minister had made that comment about the fact he would rather let bodies pile high than see another lockdown, a third lockdown imposed. and this is what ed davey has been seeing today. aha, imposed. and this is what ed davey has been seeing today.— imposed. and this is what ed davey has been seeing today. a number of --eole has been seeing today. a number of people have — has been seeing today. a number of people have said — has been seeing today. a number of people have said they _ has been seeing today. a number of people have said they overheard - has been seeing today. a number of| people have said they overheard him say that, _ people have said they overheard him say that, so — people have said they overheard him say that, so to go back to your point — say that, so to go back to your point about whether the prime minister— point about whether the prime minister tells the truth, i'm not sure _ minister tells the truth, i'm not sure he — minister tells the truth, i'm not sure he has. you should come clean and apologise. frankly, if he did say that, — and apologise. frankly, if he did say that, i— and apologise. frankly, if he did say that, i think the prime minister should _ say that, i think the prime minister should resign. ithink say that, i think the prime minister should resign. i think it is one of the most — should resign. i think it is one of the most callous, awful comments i've the most callous, awful comments i've ever_ the most callous, awful comments i've ever heard. and when they're out there — i've ever heard. and when they're out there are thousands tens of thousands of families across our

couniry— thousands of families across our country mourning their loved ones, hurt and _ country mourning their loved ones, hurt and angry by the comments by the prime _ hurt and angry by the comments by the prime minister, i really think this is— the prime minister, i really think this is very— the prime minister, i really think this is very serious. as you said, the payments are likely to face some forensic questioning from the labour leader during prime minister's questions. on the refurbishment of a spa, what is the latest? ., refurbishment of a spa, what is the latest? . ., ., ., , , latest? year we have another issue also ilin: latest? year we have another issue also piling pressure _ latest? year we have another issue also piling pressure -- _ latest? year we have another issue also piling pressure -- the - also piling pressure —— the refurbishment of his flat. he has all these different things to deal with. here we know that yesterday the conservative party issued a statement, rather, the number ten spokesman issued a statement saying that any costs of the wider refurbishment of the flat he said, beyond those provided for in the annual allowance, beyond those provided for in the annualallowance, £30,000 beyond those provided for in the annual allowance, £30,000 prime ministers get every year to contribute to upkeep, have been met

ljy contribute to upkeep, have been met by the prime minister personally. conservative funds are not being for this. the issue there is around the use of that are being met personally. the questions for the payments have been about where they are did he get a donation or a loan initially, was the work paid for by someone else? and he has lent since paid it back? which enables the government to say the cuts are being met by him then. that is something i think that the labour leader sir keir starmer may pick up on m prime minister's questions, but the government says the transport secretary today saying that the cabinet secretary, the top of the civil servant —— a top civil servant will be looking into this. the cabinet secretary is the person who will undertaking the review to go through the conduct and the approach taken to refurbishing downing street —

this is not a new problem. i was looking at press reports from the early 20005 where new labour spent about half a million over a period of time refurbishing downing street, including the flat, on taxpayer money. i think it is right that a long—term solution is found to these things. the most important thing is, the prime minister is paid for it, we can carry on discussing it round and round, i don't have any more information. possibly a long time so that report. the issue for the opposition, has he been beholden to anyone else who might have loan to money or party donation in the past? the transport secretary says coronavirus statistics in the uk look good to enable the limited resumption of foreign holidays next month.

grant shapps is expected to outline which countries fall into the "green", "amber" and "red" categories under the new risk—based traffic light system. he also said the nhs app is being worked on to become a health certificate for international travel. speaking to the bbc earlier this morning and explained he's feeling positive the uk is on track to allow international travel from 17th may. the earliest time people can travel internationally is the 17th of may. that is stage three of the unlock, no earlier than the 17th of may. looking at the data, i think we are quite positive about it, as far as the uk is concerned. 0bviously what we will be doing is looking at what is happening in other countries, and for that i'm waiting for thejoint buyers security centre to provide me with the data so i can categorise countries into the red, amber and critically the green category where you will be able to travel, come back and not have to quarantine. you will need to take a test when you leave and arrive home.

i will be meeting with the g7 group next week, my equivalence — i will be chairing that meeting in order to work on how we internationally exchange information. what people call covid certification, to make sure there is a system that internationally becomes recognised, and so i will be saying more about the whole thing in the next couple of weeks. sean tipton is from the travel association, abta. thank you forjoining us. i wonder, thank you for “oining us. i wonder, personable. — thank you forjoining us. i wonder, personable, what _ thank you forjoining us. i wonder, personable, what more _ thank you forjoining us. i wonder, personable, what more you - thank you forjoining us. i wonder, personable, what more you can i thank you forjoining us. i wonder, | personable, what more you can tell someone where you might know about what the transport secretary... the nhs are being worked on to become a health certificate for international travel? ii health certificate for international travel? , ., health certificate for international travel? ., ., travel? if you look around the world, there _ travel? if you look around the world, there country - travel? if you look around the world, there country is - travel? if you look around the | world, there country is already travel? if you look around the - world, there country is already such as israel that have apps that show that you have been vaccinated or that you have been vaccinated or that you have recently recovered from covid, so it is something i think it's a sensible step forward. exactly how that will work in terms of the uk is something that will be

looked into, so it is a positive step forward. it's something that will be internationally recognised, so we see the individual countries have their own apps, certifications, which are recognised by every country. that could cause problems if you want to travel to it. it is a positive step forward that mr sharps will be talking with countries around the world see what kind of situation they would accept that it is important that we have not done quickly, because it is one of the most essential things we need to see to get travel moving again —— mr shapps. not everybody will be in a position to have been vaccinated. it becomes a call there are vaccine passport in effect, doesn't it? exactly and we are not in favour of that. the majority of us will be vaccinated. there will be people for medical reasons, or other reasons, cannot or choose not to be vaccinated, so they cannot be excluded from travel. that's why it is important we sell testing, and an important role to play there. it is

still a positive step forward, and i think a lot of people who have not been able to go on holiday overseas for quite some time now we'll look at the something, great, this might well mean i can get away sometime this summer. istate well mean i can get away sometime this summer-— well mean i can get away sometime this summer. ~ . , ., this summer. we have been looking at the cruise industry _ this summer. we have been looking at the cruise industry today, _ this summer. we have been looking at the cruise industry today, so _ this summer. we have been looking at the cruise industry today, so taking i the cruise industry today, so taking that into account and other forms of travel, how confident should people feel at this stage? taking into account what is happening with the vaccine programme, what we have heard about the vaccine and the reduction of transmissibility, etc. domestic cruising will start, people cruising around the coastal worth to remote waters of the uk, but they almost sold out. it says something about the dedication of the crews, who loves theirjobs, and people feeling confident enough to book, and the cruise lines have said to their customers, would you be happier if everyone on board the

ship was vaccinated? i think the answer came back very overwhelmingly, yes they would. people in those domestic cruises, initially, at least, will have been vaccinated. they tend to be a little bit older, so they are more likely to have had the vaccinations, so i think it would be very popular and they pretty much sold out. moving forward, at the moment there are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity, it's very early days, first toe in the water, if i can put it away, it will be under review and that capacity will rise once we can see that actually the measures that been put in place will ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise. the headlines on bbc news: desperate times in india — as the number of deaths from coronavirus surpasses 200,000. new research suggests a single dose of the covid—19 vaccine can halve transmission rates. as a new study reports the most common side—effect

from the covid jab is a sore arm. the uk transport secretary says a version of the nhs app could help facilitate international travel. northern ireland's first minister arlene foster is coming under pressure — over her leadership of the dup. and coming up, the bafta tv nominations — sir steve mcqueen's small axe drama for the bbc leads the field — with 15 nominations. as india continues to battle an aggressive second wave of coronavirus, many british indians are turning their attention to what they can do to help loved ones back home. as part of a special day of coverage looking at the growing crisis in the country, sima kotecha has been to meet some of those trying to make a difference from afar. special prayers here for those thousands of miles away. a small hindu congregation at a temple in wembley chanting

what's known as the hanuman chalisa. it's a devotional hymn believed to have immense power and helping those in need. 0ur duty. we should do and we should pray to the god to protect india, protect all the people, protect all the indian and the whole universe, and give us a strength to fight with covid. through continuous prayer, worshippers think about their loved ones living in the midst of the crisis. some of them want to travel there. they can't see their relatives. and some of them cannot even attend the funerals. and some of them are here from india and they can't travel back. so on the whole, generally, indian community here are really upset. the media and whatsapp messages have kept british indian connections with the motherland, and with the covid crisis, in vivid focus. the horror and helplessness many here feel

is really striking. with their relatives and friends thousands of miles away, some have told us their only option is to pray. some uk charities have set up donation pages, urging those who want to help to give money for essential medical supplies. right now, the big issue is getting sufficient oxygen to the front line, to the hospitals. much of the story over the last week has been around mumbai and delhi, but the secondary cities, the tertiary cities, they've got huge challenges that are about to hit them. so we're really working very closely with organisations to acquire those, but notjust acquire them, distribute them, manage them and ensure that they get to the places of greatest need. the stream of horrific pictures are a constant reminder of what people are enduring. hospitals overwhelmed, and a struggle for survival. the situation is very critical because so much really has spread everywhere.

we've never had to see people piling up outside hospitals, and in india, the images that we are seeing at the moment, of peoplejust stuck outside a hospital, not being able to get intensive icu treatment, it is very saddening. so ijust hope that it does improve in india. british doctors have been providing people in india with advice and support. my knowledge of treating the covid, and also research, sharing the knowledge with my healthcare professional friends in india, that's been useful. the racial and cultural connection is strong. many british indians are pulling out the stops to try and hold up a nation apparently teetering on the brink of a medical collapse. seema kotecha, bbc news. so how are they coping around india? over the coming hours, we'll bring you reports from the bbc�*s indian language services correspondents, across the country. here's the view from the western

states of gujarat and maharashtra. gujarat has refused to impose look down even though the cases arising. many people here's livce unchanged. there are some the streets to purchase nonessential commodities. it says there is no scientific basis, it says lockdown stops the spread of the virus. it also says that lockdown harms the economy. some trade unions have imposed self restrictions in many parts of the state. the government says they should follow norms to control covid. something which is not seen here. .,

covid. something which is not seen here. . j~:: here. here, hundred and 80 kilometres _ here. here, hundred and 80 kilometres from _ here. here, hundred and 80 kilometres from mumbai, i here. here, hundred and 80 kilometres from mumbai, is| here. here, hundred and 80 - kilometres from mumbai, is this hospital. at this hospital 24 people died because of an oxygen leak. for half an hour there was no oxygen, leaving covid patients gasping for air. two days after the leak, hospital got on fire leaving 30 people died. in another incident in mumbai, an national hospital got on fire, leaving more dad. as india struggles with its covid crisis, everything is in short supply. the entire system is stretched out, at a time when india needs all the help it can get. much more coming through the day on the continuing crisis. 0ne much more coming through the day on the continuing crisis. one piece of news to bring you, and of big

concern as vaccine programmes roll—out around the world, is whether those vaccines will work on the variants. 0ne whether those vaccines will work on the variants. one of the co—founders of bion tech is saying that they are confident that they are confident the faisal biontech vaccine works against the indie environment. that just into us. on may 6th, voters in many parts of england will get the chance to elect their local councillors, who are responsible for running services such as schools and bin collections. 0n the same day there will be a by—election to elect a new mp in the uk constituency of hartlepool. victoria derbyshire is spending the day there for us, but first she's been taking a closer look at the demographics of the town. just over 90,000 people live in hartlepool, and it's a town that has had a labour mp since the seat was created in 1974. hartlepool is one of the most deprived areas in the country. over 33% of children in the town are eligible for free school meals. average earnings in hartlepool

are a 7% lower than the national average. life expectancy is also below the national average, and the hartlepool by—election will be a key focus on may the 6th, and it's an election that could test political ties and potentially send shock waves far beyond the town's boundaries. and we can cross to victoria now. victoria, as we heard in that short film from you, it's been a labour heartland for as long as the seat has existed. the big question is, will it stay that way? yeah, well, who knows? it's really close between the conservatives and labour. it could tell us all sorts about political allegiances in this part of the country, the popularity of the newish labour leader, sir keir starmer. el na runs as baby

bank, and she has voted for both labour and conservatives. mohammed is a web developer, and has previously voted for labour and conservatives in past elections. you're both genuinely undecided at this point, with a week to go. what you want from your next mp. {lister this point, with a week to go. what you want from your next mp. over the ast four you want from your next mp. over the past four years — you want from your next mp. over the past four years we've _ you want from your next mp. over the past four years we've seen _ you want from your next mp. over the past four years we've seen a _ you want from your next mp. over the past four years we've seen a lot - you want from your next mp. over the past four years we've seen a lot of - past four years we've seen a lot of division because of brexit and immigration. we would like the new mp, the new leader to bring people together rather than work towards their own political careers, and we want the new person to be honest.

the prophet muhammad said that the leader as a servant of the nation. in that spirit, if we had a leader who works in that spirit, we could have a lead greatly during the town. i want them not to be afraid to break— i want them not to be afraid to break the _ i want them not to be afraid to break the whip, i wanted to be interested in grassroots, infrastructure fifth children and families, — infrastructure fifth children and families, we also need more children centres. _ families, we also need more children centres. and — families, we also need more children centres, and i want them to be not afraid _ centres, and i want them to be not afraid to _ centres, and i want them to be not afraid to speak their own mind. in the introduction, there were a few facts that i read out, and i have some more, and it includes 33% of children are eligible for free school meals on the spot the world. that's way above the average of 19%. the pandemic has things worse. 80% of children went hungry in hartlepool last year wager 7% lower here. than the national average. we

have had a conservative government for 11 years. do you see evidence that they have cared about how people in that times? ida. that they have cared about how people in that times? no. boris johnson was — people in that times? no. boris johnson was here _ people in that times? no. boris johnson was here last _ people in that times? no. boris johnson was here last week, i people in that times? no. borisj johnson was here last week, we people in that times? no. boris - johnson was here last week, we have not had borisjohnson before the campaign, so it's tough to tell that they have had any target here. i feel we have been ignored, forgotten about _ feel we have been ignored, forgotten about. maybe we are too far away from _ about. maybe we are too far away from westminster, but don't feel that we _ from westminster, but don't feel that we had thought about. fire from westminster, but don't feel that we had thought about. are you considerin: that we had thought about. are you considering the _ that we had thought about. are you considering the conservative - considering the conservative candidate in this by—election? hat candidate in this by-election? not massively. — candidate in this by—election? not massively, but i will give a fair chance — massively, but i will give a fair chance i— massively, but i will give a fair chance. i will read over what she has to _ chance. i will read over what she has to say— chance. i will read over what she has to say again, and i will go is my guts — has to say again, and i will go is my guts. maybe conservative, maybe lahour~ _ my guts. maybe conservative, maybe labour. . ., i. ., labour. can i ask you about the labour. can i ask you about the labour leader? _ labour. can i ask you about the labour leader? you _ labour. can i ask you about the labour leader? you have - labour. can i ask you about the labour leader? you have voted| labour. can i ask you about the - labour leader? you have voted labour in the past. it sir keir starmer cutting through to you? i’m in the past. it sir keir starmer cutting through to you?- in the past. it sir keir starmer cutting through to you? i'm a little disappointed- _ cutting through to you? i'm a little disappointed- i— cutting through to you? i'm a little disappointed. i was _ cutting through to you? i'm a little disappointed. i was up _ cutting through to you? i'm a little disappointed. i was up for- cutting through to you? i'm a little disappointed. i was up for him. i i disappointed. i was up for him. i thought—

disappointed. i was up for him. i thought with his career, i expected him a _ thought with his career, i expected him a lot— thought with his career, i expected him a lot more hitting punches, a lot more — him a lot more hitting punches, a lot more cutting through, and it hasn't _ lot more cutting through, and it hasn't happened for me. he's turned out to— hasn't happened for me. he's turned out to he _ hasn't happened for me. he's turned out to be wishy—washy, and i have been _ out to be wishy—washy, and i have been disappointed. fire out to be wishy-washy, and i have been disappointed.— out to be wishy-washy, and i have been disappointed. are you affected, muhammad. — been disappointed. are you affected, muhammad. by _ been disappointed. are you affected, muhammad, by national— been disappointed. are you affected, muhammad, by national issues? - been disappointed. are you affected, | muhammad, by national issues? how leaders have done in the pandemic, the sleaze allegations around boris johnson at the moment, other part of your thinking or not? it johnson at the moment, other part of your thinking or not?— your thinking or not? it does build a lack of trust _ your thinking or not? it does build a lack of trust in _ your thinking or not? it does build a lack of trust in the _ your thinking or not? it does build a lack of trust in the leadership, i a lack of trust in the leadership, which obviously does impact our decision—making, as well, so if we vote for conservative, can we trust the conservative leader, who is making all the calls? borisjohnson, in this case. flan making all the calls? boris johnson, in this case-— in this case. can i ask you who you voted for in _ in this case. can i ask you who you voted for in the _ in this case. can i ask you who you voted for in the 2019 _ in this case. can i ask you who you voted for in the 2019 general- voted for in the 2019 general election? i voted for in the 2019 general election? ., ., ,., voted for in the 2019 general election?_ i i voted for in the 2019 general- election?_ i voted election? ivoted labour. ivoted to . election? ivoted labour. ivoted tory- you— election? ivoted labour. ivoted tory- you have _ election? ivoted labour. ivoted tory. you have four— election? ivoted labour. ivoted tory. you have four elections - election? i voted labour. i voted i tory. you have four elections here next week- _ tory. you have four elections here next week. police _ tory. you have four elections here next week. police and _ tory. you have four elections here next week. police and crime, - tory. you have four elections here j next week. police and crime, local elections, by—election, and the mayoral election. how are you feeling about all that? overwhelmed.

there are so — feeling about all that? overwhelmed. there are so many _ feeling about all that? overwhelmed. there are so many candidates - feeling about all that? overwhelmed. there are so many candidates are - feeling about all that? overwhelmed. there are so many candidates are sol there are so many candidates are so many— there are so many candidates are so many elections, it is too much, and ithink— many elections, it is too much, and i think that — many elections, it is too much, and i think that is — many elections, it is too much, and i think that is also i am undecided, there _ i think that is also i am undecided, there is— i think that is also i am undecided, there is so— i think that is also i am undecided, there is so much information. i want to ask you. — there is so much information. i want to ask you, finally, _ there is so much information. i want to ask you, finally, about _ there is so much information. i want to ask you, finally, about the - there is so much information. i want to ask you, finally, about the work l to ask you, finally, about the work you've done in the past year through the pandemic in hartlepool. muhammad, you have volunteered a local mosque. tell us about that. we have local mosque. tell us about that. - have donated over 4000 hot meals to sane aidan's church in the last year, we thought it was a good opportunity to serve the community. we have been working for other charities, for example the royal british legion for the poppy collection, and other things. we have been cooking meals, 150 meals a week, on a weekly basis, and fortnightly basis, and donating them. the food is very much liked by everyone. them. the food is very much liked by eve one. . �* . them. the food is very much liked by eve one. . h , them. the food is very much liked by eve one. , h _,_ them. the food is very much liked by everyone-_ so. i everyone. yes, it's very tasty! so, ou've everyone. yes, it's very tasty! so, you've been — everyone. yes, it's very tasty! so, you've been running _ everyone. yes, it's very tasty! so, you've been running the _ everyone. yes, it's very tasty! so, you've been running the baby- everyone. yes, it's very tasty! so, l you've been running the baby bank. tell us what that isn't how you have been here. ., .,

tell us what that isn't how you have been here-— tell us what that isn't how you have been here. ., ., , .,, ., been here. donating four people have been here. donating four people have been feeling — been here. donating four people have been feeling the _ been here. donating four people have been feeling the pinch, _ been here. donating four people have been feeling the pinch, previously - been feeling the pinch, previously it is about — been feeling the pinch, previously it is about 30 people a week, it has gone _ it is about 30 people a week, it has gone up _ it is about 30 people a week, it has gone up to— it is about 30 people a week, it has gone up to about 70 week on week. we do have _ gone up to about 70 week on week. we do have pop—up baby bank, because the government closed our buildings, but we _ the government closed our buildings, but we could not stop. rain or shine we are _ but we could not stop. rain or shine we are in_ but we could not stop. rain or shine we are in the — but we could not stop. rain or shine we are in the park park outside, we are seeing — we are in the park park outside, we are seeing many families coming to ourcar— are seeing many families coming to our car boot— are seeing many families coming to our car boot so get supplies. it is unreal. _ our car boot so get supplies. it is unreal. we — our car boot so get supplies. it is unreal, we are really feeling the pinch _ unreal, we are really feeling the pinch of— unreal, we are really feeling the pinch of pnr. unreal, we are really feeling the pinch of pnr-— unreal, we are really feeling the pinch of pnr. thank you both very much. we pinch of pnr. thank you both very much- we are _ pinch of pnr. thank you both very much. we are going _ pinch of pnr. thank you both very much. we are going to _ pinch of pnr. thank you both very much. we are going to talk - pinch of pnr. thank you both very much. we are going to talk a - pinch of pnr. thank you both very much. we are going to talk a little later to some more of the key candidates up for election this by—election, and you can get a list of all of them on the bbc news website. yes, you can see all of the candidates on the bbc website. a

full list here on the hartlepool by—election. more than 60% of people in the uk had coronavirus antibodies by the 11th of april, according to the latest data from the office for national statistics. the evidence suggests the majority of people in the uk have either been infected with coronavirus or have had a vaccine. the figures are up from around 50% of people in the uk when compared with the last round of data. it shows that antibody levels in the uk population have been rising steadily since january. the future of the leader of the democratic unionist party — arlene foster — is under threat. it's understood a number of her colleagues have signed a letter of no confidence in her. she's led the dup, and been northern ireland s first minister, for more than five years. the dup says it won t comment on internal party processes. 0ur ireland correspondent chris page explained what had led to the move.

brexit, the trading arrangements for northern ireland in particular, really central to everything that is going on here. unionists strongly oppose the part of the brexit known as the northern ireland protocol, which has in effect created a trade border between northern ireland and the rest of the uk, goods arriving here from england, scotland and wales have to be checked, because northern ireland in effect remains in the eu single market for goods. so, the big issue in the background has been discontent in the dup about how the party's leadership has been tackling that particular issue. there is some thinking that the northern ireland protocol should have been more strongly opposed by arlene foster. another issue is that some of the more conservative members of the party perceive miss foster has been taken a softer stance on social issues such as lgbt rights. two events in the last week or so have brought things to a head. one was the continuance of meetings between dup ministers here at stormont

and their counterparts in dublin. the politicians in the dup who want a harder stance on brexit want to minimise cooperation with dublin, and also there was a vote in the northern ireland assembly last week on gay conversion therapy, a motion to ban gay conversion therapy. most of the dup voted against that motion, but mrs foster was among several assembly members who abstained on that vote. that has brought things to a head now. also, in many party members' minds, the fact that a stormont election is coming around this time next year and the recent poll has shown the dup may be using electoral ground, both with the traditional unionist voice party, a party to the right of the dup formed in opposition to the dup's decision to go into government with sinn fein, and also apparently votes going to the cross community alliance party, a more moderate force, obviously. so, concern about how all this could play out electorally, and that has led to a situation

where 80% of dup assembly members and mps at westminster have signed this letter of no confidence. so, if mrs foster does lose a no confidence vote, who might replace her? would they automatically become first minister? and if it is someone more socially conservative, what impact could that have on the workings of the devolved government? there's very little expectation at all that mrs foster's leadership will survive this. attention already turning to other candidates. it doesn't automatically follow that whoever leads the party must be the first minister here, but certainly arlene foster wouldn't be able to continue if she is ousted as dup leader or has to resign. you could have a situation where an mp at westminster is the party leader and there is a separate party leader here at stormont who becomes first minister. maybe that person could be deputy leader of the party overall.

of the candidates, the mp sirjeffrey donaldson leads the dup at westminster as things stand. sammy wilson the party's brexit spokesperson, gavin robinson, one of the younger mps. at stormont, the front runner would seem to be edwin poots, who is currently the agriculture minister and is seen as a party traditionalist. a lot will depend as to what direction the new leader will take the party in. will it be a more moderate direction or will it be a more hard—line direction? and if it is the latter, certainly that could be destabilising for relations within the power—sharing executive. members of the european parliament have overwhelmingly voted in favour of the post—brexit trade deal agreed between the european union and the united kingdom. the deal�*s final hurdle. the important agreements of the eu —

uk agreements the votes was for consent. the deal was agreed just before christmas and came into effect on new year's day but ratification was delayed due to the short amount of time between the deal being struck and coming into force. reacting to the approval — the european commission president ursula von der leyen said the approval was the foundation of a strong and close partnership with the uk. but added "faithful implementation is essential". responding to the final approval of the brexit deal the prime minister said: new details have emerged of the impact of the government's decision to cut its overseas aid budget. a leaked ministerial briefing paper says uk funding for water and sanitation projects will be cut by more than 80% this year. and the devex website is reporting

that uk funding for polio eradication will cut by 95%. steve mcqueen's bbc drama series small axe leads the field at this year's bafta television awards, receiving 15 nominations across the main catagories, with netflix's the crown following shortly behind with 10 nominations. the winner will be announced as part of the ceremony on the sixth ofjune. unlike last year, the awards will be held in person, at a venue yet to be announced. colin paterson is our entertainment correspondent. lets get his thoughts on these nominations. let's begin with those two big hitters for the nominations, small axe and the crown. a strong feature, the crown, in recent years. yes, it's the show that is popular

in the world, dealing with the royal family in the 1980s. it's interesting to see a drama series to see which members of the cast get nominated, becausejosh 0'connor, nominated, because josh 0'connor, nominated, becausejosh 0'connor, nominated for playing prince charles, tobias menzies, nominated for playing the duke of edinburgh, very poignant only a few weeks after his death, and helena bonham carter nominated for playing princess margaret. who has missed out? two people who won awards at the golden globes, emma corrin, who won there for playing princess diana, not even nominated, and also you have gillian anderson, who plays margaret thatcher in the series, winner of the golden globes, not nominated in the golden globes, not nominated in the baftas. �* . the golden globes, not nominated in the baftas. �* , ., the golden globes, not nominated in the baftas-_ the golden globes, not nominated in the baftas. let's look at small axe, with 15 nominations. _ the baftas. let's look at small axe, with 15 nominations. yeah, _ the baftas. let's look at small axe, with 15 nominations. yeah, leading i with 15 nominations. yeah, leading the wa , with 15 nominations. yeah, leading the way. small _ with 15 nominations. yeah, leading the way, small axe. _ with 15 nominations. yeah, leading the way, small axe. the _ the way, small axe. the oscar—winning director steve mcqueen made the series, a passion project. he said he did it because he wanted to make a series that reflected the

life his mum had growing up. its tales of black britain that he felt had not made it to the screen when he had they deserve to. it has won awards all around the world it was shown in prior time sunday night bbc one and was onlyjust scraping over a million viewers, so perhaps all these button nominations will give people a chance to discover it now. john boyega is nominated for the red, white and blue episode, about a black police officer who decided to join the force after he witnessed two white policemen beating up his father. very powerful role. also nominations for shaun parkes and leticia wright, for mangrove about a restaurant in west london that became a hub of the black community. a posthumous nomination for paul

ritter, star of friday night dinner, among other things. ritter, star of friday night dinner, among otherthings. . ritter, star of friday night dinner, among other things. . he ritter, star of friday night dinner, among other things.— among other things. , he died of a brain tumour. _ among other things. , he died of a brain tumour, and _ among other things. , he died of a brain tumour, and is _ among other things. , he died of a brain tumour, and is nominated i among other things. , he died of a | brain tumour, and is nominated for this role which brought so muchjoy to so many people are so many years. great that he's finally landed his first bafta nomination.- first bafta nomination. normal peole, a first bafta nomination. normal people. a big — first bafta nomination. normal people, a big hit. _ first bafta nomination. normal people, a big hit. nomination . first bafta nomination. normal i people, a big hit. nomination are both the stars _ people, a big hit. nomination are both the stars of— people, a big hit. nomination are both the stars of that _ people, a big hit. nomination are both the stars of that series, - people, a big hit. nomination are| both the stars of that series, paul maskell and emilyjones. both the stars of that series, paul maskell and emily jones.- maskell and emily jones. those awards on _ maskell and emily jones. those awards on the _ maskell and emily jones. those awards on the 6th _ maskell and emily jones. those awards on the 6th of _ maskell and emily jones. those awards on the 6th ofjune, - maskell and emily jones. those awards on the 6th ofjune, as i maskell and emily jones. those l awards on the 6th ofjune, as we were saying, where they are going to be held, while the venue has yet to

be held, while the venue has yet to be announced, but it will be in person, unlike last yea r�*s event. you're watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. last night there was another frost in the highlands. we have continued our trend of somewhere in the uk during the month of april seeing a night—time frost every night. today, though, we will be looking at scattered showers, some rain and still the chilly wind in the forecast, and if you have an allergy to pollen, it's tree pollen that is prevalent at the moment. for most of us, the levels are moderate, low in the northern isles, and also wales. now, low pressure is really driving our weather currently. it's been sinking southwards taking its cloud and its rain with it. we can see that it's not particularly windy today, but we still won't notice the breeze that's coming from a chilly direction, namely from the north—east, so, it will feel cool, particularly along the north sea coastline. now, we've seen some heavy rain

already across parts of the vale of glamorgan, in particular, but you can see where we have got the rain. brightening up across northern england with some sunshine and showers. sunshine and showers in northern ireland and scotland today, but some of the showers in the north and east could be heavy and also thundery. our top temperature inland up to about 12 or 13 degrees. now, through this evening and overnight, the rain spreads a bit more across the south, getting into the south—east. behind it, under clear skies, the temperatures will fall away quite quickly. there will be still be showers around, and, on the tops of the mountains in scotland, some of those will be wintry — but you can see why we are looking at a widespread frost inland. we have still got the cloud in the south—east, that's why temperatures are that little bit higher. the rain that is left with that cloud pulling away tomorrow morning, and tomorrow will be a brighter day than today, with more of us seeing some sunshine, but it's not going to be bone dry. there will still be some showers around, and still, in the very tops of the mountains, some of those could be wintry. now, these white circles represent the average wind speed, so,

not particularly windy, but it still is coming from a chilly direction. temperatures tomorrow cool along the north sea coastline, 12s or 13s, 10s and 11s in the north. now, as we head on through the weekend, what you will find is the isobars space out, so it is not going to be as windy, we won't have that cold feel, but we still are importing wind from the north or the north—east, so it's coming down from the arctic. so, note the temperatures. they are on the slide. the other thing is there will be some sunshine around, but equally there will be some showers, too.

this is bbc news, i'm annita mcveigh. the headlines at 11. desperate times in india — as the number of deaths from coronavirus surpasses 200,000. prince charles has sent a message of support to india and says he is deeply saddened by what has happened there. new research suggests a single dose of covid—19 vaccine could cut transmission rates by up to a half. as a separate study says the most common side—effect of a covid jab is a sore arm. the uk transport secretary grant shapps says a version of the nhs app could help facilitate international travel. we have got to have systems in place of course that enable

internationally, for people to recognise, yes, this is a standard of vaccination or this is a standard of testing that can be relied on. northern ireland's first minister arlene foster is coming under pressure — over her leadership of the dup. and coming up — the bafta tv nominations. sir steve mcqueen's bbc drama small axe leads the way — with 15 nominations. hello and welcome to bbc news. a second wave of coronavirus is wreaking havoc across india — cases are rising sharply, hospital beds are filling up fast, and the country's health care system is crumbing. care system is crumbling. the government is considering

a recommendation to introduce lockdowns in 150 of the worst—hit districts. a recent surge of infections has brought the country to its knees and the death toll is rising. the total number of deaths now stands at more than 200,000 since the pandemic began, with a seven—day average of 2,480. two million infections were recorded in just one week. crematoriums are overwhelmed — running day and night in several cities. experts say this shows that the actual number of deaths could be much higher. big recent religious gatherings, election rallies and the reopening of public places as well as new variants are being blamed for the rapid increase in cases — as you can see from this graph — the second wave is spreading much faster across the country than the first. hospitals across major cities are struggling — nearly all icu beds are occupied and oxygen supplies remain dangerously low.

in the past few minutes, the prince of wales has called for support for india. its ingenuity had helped other countries in the pandemic, he said... the bbc is bringing you a special day of coverage on india's crisis. 0ur india correspondent yogita limaye has spent the day with one nurse who works at the holy family hospital in delhi. years of training. but nothing could have prepared them for this. manjusha mathew — a nurse and the mother of three young children. a new patient is brought in. seema! 0xygen mask...

she's constantly scanning how others are are holding up... ..treating as many as they can. "people say, "sister, please save our loved one." they call us god. that makes us so emotional because we can only do so much." with resources so short, they're having to choose who they might save — decisions they should never have had to make. "at times we break down. some nights i wake up crying. but i also feel a sense of satisfaction that i'm doing something to help." this is a hospital in a big city,

and out of reach for most indians. the situation at this point is so difficult that all the people who work here, everyone who's exposing themselves to risk on a daily basis, knows that if they or their families were to get sick, even they would struggle to find the right medical care. in a city overrun, it's hard to leave the trauma behind. the risks follow you home, too. manjusha's children know not to hug her when she'sjust back from hospital... ..but they're too young to fully understand what their mother does — her front line role at one of the most grim times in india's history. yogita limaye, bbc news, delhi.

we will return to the situation india in a moment.— we will return to the situation india in a moment. breaking news cominu india in a moment. breaking news coming from _ india in a moment. breaking news coming from the _ india in a moment. breaking news coming from the electoral- coming from the electoral commission, saying they are now satisfied there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence or offences may have occurred in relation to the flat at downing street, the flat occupied by the prime minister borisjohnson. mr johnson is due to face mps in the house of commons at noon in prime minister's questions. he of course faces accusations from labour that he has lied over who paid for the renovations to his downing street flat and this breaking news just coming to us from the electoral commission saying that we are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred. there are more —— no more details that we have on the statement at the moment. a number ten spokesman has reviewed

to save whether mrjohnson initially received a loan to cover the costs of the renovations of the flat, this is the flat at number 11 which is larger than the one at number ten. labour has demanded a detailed explanation from the prime minister on this. undoubtedly he will be facing some forensic questioning from the labour leader keir starmer during prime minister's questions at noon. we will be bringing that to you live. let me repeat before we return to the situation in india, uk electoral commission says, with regards to the situation over boris johnson's flat, the renovation of that flat, we are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred. i think our political correspondence are on the phone to downing street right now. we will bring you some more detail

on that as soon as we get it. let's return to the desperate situation in india as it battles a huge wave of coronavirus. i guessed i smoked earlier display it not as a second wave but us in arming. how are people coping. we will bring you reports across the country. over the coming hours, we'll bring you reports from the bbc s indian language services correspondents, across the country. here's the view from the western state maharashtra and the northern state of punjab. india's western maharashtra is the worst effect did state by covid—19 pandemic. along with cities like mumbai and pune. its rural areas, like this place where i am today, are also suffering from a rise in coronavirus cases. some districts in maharashtra have reported a massive 700% rise as compared to last year in the first wave. the availability of icu beds is a major

cause of concern as few districts have already run out. maharashtra is the home of the world was my biggest vaccine maker but one maharashtra is the home of the world's biggest vaccine maker but one in ten indians have managed to receive the covid—19 jab so far. the north indian state of punjab has the highest death rate in the country and is a major cause of concern. experts say that people are reluctant to get themselves tested for covid—19. this is a majorfactor contributing to the high death rate. outside the district hospital here, people have told me that covid does not exist. they say it has been created by the authorities to stop protests by farmers who have been gathering in big numbers since last year. health experts say that people only reach hospitals after developing serious complications when it is not

easy to save them. medical supplies from the uk have begun to arrive in india — with the first international shipments aimed at stemming a devastating covid—19 surge. ventilators and oxygen equipment landed in delhi yesterday, but far more will be needed, with many hospitals overwhelmed and people waiting in the streets outside. india recorded 320,000 new infections yesterday, and deaths are now close to 200,000 in total. well, we can speak now to drjs bamrah, consultant psychiatrist at north manchester general hospital and chair of the british association of physicians of indian 0rigin. thank you very much for your time today. before i talk about what you're doing is an organisation to try and help with the situation in india, it's a nightmarish situation thatis india, it's a nightmarish situation that is evolving and one that must be heartbreaking for you and your

colleagues as you think of family and friends there? heartbreaking 80s indie. and and friends there? heartbreaking 80s indie- and of— and friends there? heartbreaking 80s indie. and of course _ and friends there? heartbreaking 80s indie. and of course there _ and friends there? heartbreaking 80s indie. and of course there is - and friends there? heartbreaking 80s indie. and of course there is an - indie. and of course there is an organisation we have strong ties with india. because of the way that we came here to support and work in the nhs, i have been working for four decades with greater manchester health trust. this is like a feverish thermometer as you see the numbers going up. it is such a contrast, because today in manchester there have been no deaths but yet my heart is over there at the minute in india when i fearfor my relatives, ifearfor the minute in india when i fearfor my relatives, i fear for my friends of which we have very many. tell us about the strategy the association has to help in the most effective way? we thought that sitting here, you feel a bit helpless. this is a

numbers game, the numbers are going up. so what we have done is, we set “p up. so what we have done is, we set up a three pronged strategy, the three prongs are firstly, try and source medical supplies of oxygen from here and also medical supplies. the second strategy is to raise funds for food and the third strategy is to set up a virtual hub so we can take the pressure off our colleagues there because it is the demand is outstripping supply. experts who are nationally or internationally known, it is about getting together, it is a national crisis but they have been slow to act. this is the time, we have written to the prime minister on

sunday, to borisjohnson saying we need to get out of the blocks quickly and give appropriate help to india. . , ., quickly and give appropriate help to india. . ,, . quickly and give appropriate help to india. . i. ., ., quickly and give appropriate help to india. . ., ., , quickly and give appropriate help to india. . . . , we india. have you had a response? we have not yet. _ india. have you had a response? we have not yet. we _ india. have you had a response? we have not yet, we hope _ india. have you had a response? we have not yet, we hope so _ india. have you had a response? we have not yet, we hope so soon. - india. have you had a response? we have not yet, we hope so soon. the | have not yet, we hope so soon. the numbers that we saw yesterday, there were some deliveries to india but it is not enough. we really need the whole world. this pandemic, the virus does not have any boundaries, it does not need a passport to travel. if it is in india today it will be on somewhere else tomorrow. chile, brazil, uk, it travels without a passport. we need a more international concerted effort to beat this and the postmortem can be done afterwards as to why india is in the place it is at the moment. at the present time we need to garner support, get together and support. get as out there and support the

country. get as out there and support the count . . .. get as out there and support the count . ., ~ i. get as out there and support the count . . ~' ,, , get as out there and support the count . ., ~ i. , . ., country. thank you very much for our country. thank you very much for your time — country. thank you very much for your time today. _ country. thank you very much for your time today. who _ country. thank you very much for your time today. who is - country. thank you very much for your time today. who is chair - country. thank you very much for your time today. who is chair of. country. thank you very much for. your time today. who is chair of the british association of physicians of indian origin. let's bring you more on the breaking news. the uk electoral commission says the are satisfied that an offence or offences may have occurred in relation to the renovation of the prime minister's flat. we now have the full statement, let me read you more about that. we have made contact with the conservative party since late march. the put that line, we are satisfied there are reasonable grounds that an offence or offences may have occurred. we will therefore continue this work as a formal investigation to establish whether this is the case. 0ur political

correspondent damian grammaticas is in westminster. your assessment of this announcement and what else the electoral commission is saying.- and what else the electoral commission is saying. this is a serious step — commission is saying. this is a serious step forward _ commission is saying. this is a serious step forward in - commission is saying. this is a serious step forward in this - commission is saying. this is a i serious step forward in this whole affair about the prime minister's personal flat. affair about the prime minister's personalflat. the affair about the prime minister's personal flat. the government flat that he lives in above downing street and the renovation works there. this has been bubbling along for some time in the background, journalists asking a question about refurbishment works that have been happening there and how they had been paid for. all of that of course burst out into the open on friday with the prime minister's former chief adviser dominic cummings and his blog saying that the prime minister had discussed with him what he said he thought was an unwise, possibly illegal plan to get tory donors to fund it. if it had worked out in that way, and he had not

discussed it after with the prime minister, now we know that is the statement says, the electoral commission, which looks at issues about donations, finding, that that has been discussing this matter behind—the—scenes, as has the civil servants inside downing street. the electoral commission now with the statement coming out today saying that it statement coming out today saying thatitis statement coming out today saying that it is moving to open a formal investigation. as clearly the statement says, the electoral commission has been in contact with the conservative party since march. and the fact that they are no opening an investigation is based on the fact that they are satisfied, they say there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence or offences may have occurred. what that now means is that this formal investigation will give them purse

to look into this, to request evidence. they say they will not be making any further statements well that go forward but they have got some quite serious sanctions available here, which i think includes the possibility of fines of thousands of pounds, or even referring matter onwards to police, possibly. but of course they will look into the issue and the issue really is that this is focused on is the question of did someone pay for our loan the prime minister the money in order to initially pay for the works that were carried out in downing street? we know that they downing street? we know that they downing street? we know that they downing street have issued a statement and they have stuck to that wording in the last few days which has said any costs of the wider refurbishment this year, beyond those provided by the annual allowance, an allowance of £30,000

every year that the government provides for the upkeep of that flat, any cause beyond that have been met by the prime minister personally. conservative party funds are not being used for this. the are not as the crucial part of that. that's tells us that conservative party funds are not being used now, the questions are focused around where their donations help, loans, any sort of funding earlier in the renovation process. find any sort of funding earlier in the renovation process.— any sort of funding earlier in the renovation process. and should that have been released. _ renovation process. and should that have been released. this _ renovation process. and should that| have been released. this statement, there is a crucial paragraph in relation to that. it says the investigation will determine whether entered transactions fall within the regime regulated by the commission and whether such funding was reported as required. the prime minister obviously due to take part in prime minister's questions in about 40 minutes' time. there was already going to be a tough session

already, questions about the refurbishment of the flat, questions over the bodies piling high issue. and one imagines that keir starmer is going to look at this forensically and really drilling into this with the prime minister. you would imagine so. the labour party have been pressing on this question for days now. saying that the government, the prime minister needs to come clean, needs to put all the information on the table and the questions that we don't know the answers to at the minute, how much did the refurbishments cost? above that £30,000 amount that the government provides every year. how was that cost met originally? was it through some sort of loan or assistance or a donation to the party? was that declared properly? should that have been declared properly? there are many issues there and following on from that, or

is there anything in this that was untoward? so many aspects for the opposition to press on. we know today that the transport secretary was on the airwaves this morning and he was talking up the fact that the cabinet secretary who sits at the heart of government, advising government on the proper functioning of things, that he has been also looking into this. grant shapps was saying wait until his report which will come out later in the year, in the summer. he was saying that that is the proper place for this. there now moves into a different arena. thank you very much and of course we will bring you prime minister's questions live at noon when it begins. the co—founder of the pfizer biontech vaccine has said he is confident their vaccine works against the indian variant of coronavirus thought to be partially to blame for the rapid

spread in country. ugur sahin said that the company are still testing on the variant but that it has been shown to be effective against similar mutations. more than 60% of people in the uk had coronavirus antibodies by the 11th of april, according to the latest data from the office for national statistics. the evidence suggests the majority of people in the uk have either been infected with coronavirus or have had a vaccine. the figures are up from around 50% of people in the uk when compared with the last round of data. it shows that antibody levels in the uk population have been rising steadily since the vaccination campaign began in earnest injanuary. a single dose of a covid vaccine can cut transmission of the virus by up to half, according to a new study by public health england. it found that people given either the astrazeneca or pfizerjabs were less likely to pass the infection on to others living in their homes. a separate study shows that the most common side effect of the vaccine is a sore arm. john mcmanus reports.

the public health message has been clearfor some time — receiving a vaccine is the best way to avoid becoming ill with covid—19. this new research, though, has found that vaccination has a second benefit — a single dose of some vaccines can cut transmission of the virus by up to half amongst people who become infected after receiving a jab. the findings from public health england show that those who caught covid—19 three weeks after being given either the astrazeneca or pfizerjab were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on to those they lived with. both vaccines require two jabs to be fully effective, but it now appears just one injection still helps to halt the spread of covid to others. and most of those tested were under 60 years of age. the findings haven't been peer—reviewed yet, but they've been dubbed "terrific news" by the health secretary, matt hancock, who said...

meanwhile, a separate study into the side effects of vaccines has shown that one in four people experience short—lived symptoms — with headaches, tenderness and tiredness being the most common type. effects usually peaked within 24 hours of receiving a dose, while women and those under 55 were more likely to experience them. and there were some differences between the vaccines. our data show that you're more likely to get a local painful bruised arm with the pfizer one than you are with the astrazeneca, but stay less likely to have these mild side effects. and this reallyjust tells us that those severe side effects are incredibly rare.

in general, vaccine confidence is growing in the uk, with a big rise in the number of people who say they want to have the jab as soon as possible. john mcmanus, bbc news. joining me now is paul hunter, professor in medicine at the university of east anglia. good to have you with us. we already knew that having a vaccine greatly reduced your risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from covid. the issue of stopping transmission, we did not know quite so much about until this latest study which seems to be great news. it until this latest study which seems to be great news.— to be great news. it does. it is not entirely surprising _ to be great news. it does. it is not entirely surprising because - to be great news. it does. it is not entirely surprising because we - to be great news. it does. it is notl entirely surprising because we have been seeing studies coming out showing that people who get infected after a vaccine shed less virus and it is likely to be the case that infection, transmission infection would be lower as well. the thing to remember here is first of all if you

have had the vaccine, you are less likely to get infected anyway and if you don't get infected you won't transmit the infection. but even if you do, and you get sick, you are still less likely to transmit the infection then somebody who is also sick and has not had the vaccine. so both of these things working together mean they're actually the vaccine will be preventing rather more than 50% of the transmission that would have been located if you did not have the vaccine.— did not have the vaccine. which is really good _ did not have the vaccine. which is really good news. _ did not have the vaccine. which is really good news. what _ did not have the vaccine. which is really good news. what does - did not have the vaccine. which is really good news. what does this | really good news. what does this mean against the fight against coronavirus in the uk and an ability to get back to doing the things that we want to get back into? it is still not clear _ we want to get back into? it is still not clear whether - we want to get back into? it 1 still not clear whether or not even this is enough to give the herd immunity that everyone is talking about. i think the balance on evidence is still uncertain about that and probably against that idea

but what it does mean is that if you are already suppressing the r value through the vaccine, then any further control measures that may be neededin further control measures that may be needed in the autumn, don't need to be anywhere near as strict as we have lived through these last few months. i think it doesn't mean that we are out of the woods yet, but it does mean that we are unlikely to require the same degree of restrictions that we have lived through to date.— restrictions that we have lived through to date. let's talk about variants, does _ through to date. let's talk about variants, does that _ through to date. let's talk about variants, does that news - through to date. let's talk about variants, does that news on - through to date. let's talk about i variants, does that news on cutting transmission only apply to certain variants? . . transmission only apply to certain variants? ., ., ., . , , variants? the data on which this is based will essentially _ variants? the data on which this is based will essentially be _ variants? the data on which this is based will essentially be based - based will essentially be based around the kent variant which isn't an escape variants of the vaccine works against the kent variant as it did to previous variants. there is still uncertainty of the other variants where we know the vaccine

isn't as effective against the south africans variant, either the astrazeneca or the pfizer vaccines. there is evidence of all three of those not being as effective. we don't know yet about the indian variant. it may be the case that because it has got to escape mutations that there may be even less effective against the indian variant. there is some evidence from india to suggest that is the case but really it is too early to be certain. �* ., ., ., certain. although one of the co-founders _ certain. although one of the co-founders of— certain. although one of the co-founders of biontech i certain. although one of the - co-founders of biontech saying that co—founders of biontech saying that they are confident the vaccine works against the indian variant. i am they are confident the vaccine works against the indian variant.— against the indian variant. i am not so confident- _ against the indian variant. i am not so confident. ok. _ against the indian variant. i am not so confident. ok. on _ against the indian variant. i am not so confident. ok. on the _ against the indian variant. i am not so confident. ok. on the os - against the indian variant. i am not i so confident. ok. on the os antibody statistic. so confident. ok. on the os antibody statistic- do — so confident. ok. on the os antibody statistic. do antibodies _ so confident. ok. on the os antibody statistic. do antibodies necessarily i statistic. do antibodies necessarily mean immunity?— mean immunity? they are not an absolute guarantee _

mean immunity? they are not an absolute guarantee because... it| absolute guarantee because... it depends what you mean by immunity. evenif depends what you mean by immunity. even if you have had vaccine and have antibodies, you can still potentially get infected at some point, maybe not in the next month orso point, maybe not in the next month or so but later on this year perhaps. what it does mean is you are much less likely to get the infection then if you had no antibodies. so it's not an absolute guarantee, but it is a pretty strong hint that you are immune. professor paul hunter. — hint that you are immune. professor paul hunter, thank _ hint that you are immune. professor paul hunter, thank you _ hint that you are immune. professor paul hunter, thank you very - hint that you are immune. professor paul hunter, thank you very much i hint that you are immune. professorl paul hunter, thank you very much for your time. paul hunter, thank you very much for yourtime. ma; paul hunter, thank you very much for our time. p . .,, let's ta ke let's take a look at what has been happening around bbc news. later on today at 5pm this evening there will be a downing street news conference, led by the health secretary. we will

be covering that life are you hear on bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. for many of us today we are looking at a lot of cloud and rain and actually went. most of the rain is across parts of england and wales. it will brighten up in northern england, shares in northern ireland and scotland but sunshine in between some of these showers could be heavy and thundery. the white circles indicate the average wind speeds. the wind accentuating the cold feel along the north sea coastline. top temperatures today up to 13 degrees, so cooler than yesterday. through this evening and overnight, we have a lot of clear skies so temperatures will fall away and the rain gets into the south east. some shares will be wintry and we are looking at a widespread frost away from the

south east where we will have more cloud. that cloud tomorrow morning will produce rain and pushing away and for the next few days sun sign and for the next few days sun sign and showers and at least the wind starts to ease. —— sunshine.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: the electoral commission launches an investigation into the refurbishment of boris johnson's downing street flat. it borisjohnson's downing street flat. says it is satis reasonable it says it is satisfied there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence or offences may have occurred. offence or offences may have occurred. desperate times in india as the number of deaths from coronavirus surpasses 200,000. new research suggests a single dose of covid—19 vaccine can cut transmission rates by up to a half. as separate research says the most common side—effect from the covid—19 jab is a sore arm. transport secretary grant shapps says a version of the nhs app could help facilitate international travel. and coming up, the bafta tv nominations, with 15 of them for sir steve mcqueen's bbc drama small axe. sport, and for a full round up, from the bbc

sport centre, here's sarah. round up, from the bbc good morning. round up, from the bbc george north will miss the british and irish lions tour of south africa in the summer with a serious knee injury. the wales winger, who won his 100th cap during this year's victory in the six nations, had been expected to feature in warren gatland's squad. it would have been a third lions tour for north after he was part of the squad in australia in 2013 and new zealand four years later. this morning north tweeted, "sport can be cruel. "we all know the risks when we take the field. "unfortunately i ruptured my acl on saturday and will "need surgery next week. "heartbroken is an understatement" the premier league has held talks with broadcasters about scrapping the auction for the rights to show matches in the uk. the government is now considering whether to approve a roll—over of the current £4.7 billion deal. talks have been held with the existing live

rights—holders — sky, bt and amazon — about extending their current deals on similar terms. after chelsea and real madrid kicked things off in spain with a 1—1 draw in the first leg of their champions league semifinal, manchester city are at thomas tuchel�*s old club paris saint germain for the second semi later today. the french club are now run by former tottenham manager mauricio pochettino, who took over at the end of last year and knows city very well. i think manchester is one of the greatest teams in the world. for me, with the best coach, and of course, it is going to be tough.— it is going to be tough. there is onl one it is going to be tough. there is only one thing _ it is going to be tough. there is only one thing you _ it is going to be tough. there is only one thing you cannot - it is going to be tough. there is only one thing you cannot do, i it is going to be tough. there is - only one thing you cannot do, enjoy the game — only one thing you cannot do, enjoy the game. enjoy the responsibility, enjoy— the game. enjoy the responsibility, enjoy the _ the game. enjoy the responsibility, enjoy the pressure, enjoy the

responsibility, enjoy the fact that maybe _ responsibility, enjoy the fact that maybe you are living the situation. that is _ maybe you are living the situation. that is elite. the top players enjoy these _ that is elite. the top players enjoy these situations because they take responsibility. sarah voss says she wants to be a "role model for young gymnasts who don't feel very safe in every situation" after she competed in a full—body suit at the european championships last week. the german's outfit defied convention, as previously women and girls had only covered their legs in international competition for religious reasons. voss hopes others will follow her lead. it is quite in your head every time you do not feel safe, it is distracting you from what you want to perform. i think with everything going around, the focus of this beautiful sport is fading away. there are a lot of points that make this sport so beautiful and everyone should feel safe, everyone should feel like they are just there for

that performance and not their body. the quarterfinals of the world snooker championship are back under way this morning at the crucible in sheffield. two former world champions are battling it out. mark selby started the day 6—2 ahead of mark williams and he has stormed further ahead, taking the first three frames of the session. that's live on the bbc sport website. it is the first to 13 frames that will progress there. anotherformer world champion neil robertson is in a very tricky match with kyren wilson. they were 8—all overnight, but wilson has won the first four frames of this session as well to lead 12—8. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour.

the government has announced that lord has been appointed as new independent adviser on ministers' interests following the resignation of alex allan from the post in november last year. according to the government, he has agreed with the prime minister that he will begin by ascertaining the facts surrounding the refurbishment of the downing street flat and advise the prime minister on any further registration of interest that might be needed. this comes hot on the heels by the announcement by the electoral commission that it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred in relation to the refurbishment of that downing street flat. there is lord geidt the crossbench peer appointed as the new independent adviser on ministers'

interests. back to that statement from the electoral commission. we have been in contact with the conservative party since late march and have conducted an assessment of the information they have provided to us. we are satisfied they are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence or offences may have occurred, therefore we will continue this as a formal investigation to establish if this was the case. the investigation will determine whether any transactions relating to the work at 11 downing st was funded and reported as required. we will provide an update once that investigation is complete, says that report. the prime minister will be under pressure at prime minister's questions as he is questioned by labour leader sir keir starmer, that is coming up live here on bbc news. former manchester united footballer ryan giggs has denied charges of assaulting two women

and controlling or coercive behaviour manchester magistrates' court. 0ur sport editor dan roan is outside manchester magistrates' court. bring us up—to—date with what happened there. bring us up-to-date with what happened there.— bring us up-to-date with what happened there. bring us up-to-date with what ha ened there. ~ , , ., happened there. well, dressed in a dark suit and _ happened there. well, dressed in a dark suit and tie, _ happened there. well, dressed in a dark suit and tie, ryan _ happened there. well, dressed in a dark suit and tie, ryan giggs, - happened there. well, dressed in a dark suit and tie, ryan giggs, whol dark suit and tie, ryan giggs, who is of course one of the most decorated former players in the game, arrived here at court this morning for his first court appearance inside. appearance inside morning for his first court appearance inside he spoke only to confirm his name, address and plead not guilty to the charge that he assaulted his former girlfriend last year and that he also subjected her to coercive and controlling behaviour over a three—year period between december 2017 and november 2020. he has also denied an allegation that he assaulted her sister on the 1st of november 2020. the court heard he had subjected her

to a deliberate head—butt last year, aggravated by domestic background and being in drink. the prosecution said he had also subjected ahead to behaviour intended to humiliate and degrade, with fear of violence on many occasions. the court heard that the trial will be set for may 26 and it is expected to last up to three weeks at manchester crown court. thank you very much, dan. on may 6th, voters in many parts of england will get the chance to elect their local councillors, who are responsible for running services such as schools and bin collections. 0n the same day, there will be a by—election to elect a new mp in the uk constituency of hartlepool. victoria derbyshire is spending the day there for us, but first she's been taking a closer look at the demographics of the town. just over 90,000 people live

in hartlepool, and it's a town that has had a labour mp since the seat was created in 1974. hartlepool is one of the most deprived areas in the country. over 33% of children in the town are eligible for free school meals. average earnings in hartlepool are a 7% lower than the national average. life expectancy is also below the national average, and the hartlepool by—election will be a key focus on may the 6th, and it's an election that could test political ties and potentially send shock waves far beyond the town's boundaries. and we can cross to victoria now. good morning again. i have to tell ou, it is good morning again. i have to tell you, it is absolutely _ good morning again. i have to tell you, it is absolutely freezing - good morning again. i have to tell| you, it is absolutely freezing here, even though the sun has come out, there is a breeze off the north sea, oh, my goodness, iam there is a breeze off the north sea, oh, my goodness, i am thankfulfor people coming down to talk to us because it is so cold. here is darren, principal of hartlepool

couege darren, principal of hartlepool college of further education. good morning. and we have two of your pupils, two sisters,. you look freezing! thank you for your time. talk to me about what you do at couege talk to me about what you do at college and what you study at the college. i college and what you study at the colle . e. . college and what you study at the colleue. . ., ., ., college. i am doing health and social care- — college. i am doing health and social care. i— college. i am doing health and social care. i am _ college. i am doing health and social care. i am doing - college. i am doing health and i social care. i am doing childcare and education. _ social care. i am doing childcare and education. ultimately, - social care. i am doing childcare j and education. ultimately, what social care. i am doing childcare - and education. ultimately, what you want to dobecome _ and education. ultimately, what you want to dobecome a _ and education. ultimately, what you want to dobecome a special- and education. ultimately, what you i want to dobecome a special education teacher. a, want to dobecome a special education teacher. �* . want to dobecome a special education teacher. 1 . ., , want to dobecome a special education teacher-— gu i teacher. a mental health nurse. gu think ou teacher. a mental health nurse. gu think you will _ teacher. a mental health nurse. gu think you will stay _ teacher. a mental health nurse. gu think you will stay in _ teacher. a mental health nurse. gu think you will stay in hartlepool - think you will stay in hartlepool all you want to do? i think you will stay in hartlepool all you want to do?— think you will stay in hartlepool all you want to do? i hope to stay in hartlepool— all you want to do? i hope to stay in hartlepool if _ all you want to do? i hope to stay in hartlepool ifjobs _ all you want to do? i hope to stay in hartlepool ifjobs are _ all you want to do? i hope to stay| in hartlepool ifjobs are available, but i _ in hartlepool ifjobs are available, but i would move away if i needed to. . ., to. there are quite a few opportunities _ to. there are quite a few opportunities for - to. there are quite a few opportunities for me - to. there are quite a few opportunities for me in i to. there are quite a few- opportunities for me in hartlepool so i opportunities for me in hartlepool so i will— opportunities for me in hartlepool so i will stay _ opportunities for me in hartlepool so i will stay-— so i will stay. what is it like . rowinu so i will stay. what is it like growing up? _ so i will stay. what is it like growing up? i— so i will stay. what is it like growing up? i enjoyed - so i will stay. what is it like growing up? i enjoyed it i so i will stay. what is it like | growing up? i enjoyed it but so i will stay. what is it like i growing up? i enjoyed it but there growing up? i en'oyed it but there is a stigma — growing up? i enjoyed it but there is a stigma around _ growing up? i enjoyed it but there is a stigma around the _ growing up? i enjoyed it but there is a stigma around the town i growing up? i enjoyed it but there is a stigma around the town that i growing up? i enjoyed it but there i is a stigma around the town that we are guite~ —

is a stigma around the town that we are quite... what is the word? not very nice. — are quite... what is the word? not very nice, that we get pregnant young _ very nice, that we get pregnant young and _ very nice, that we get pregnant young and we are not very good people — young and we are not very good people. but we are really not that bad. ., . people. but we are really not that bad. . , ., , ., people. but we are really not that bad. . , ., i. ., bad. that is not true, you are sa in: bad. that is not true, you are saying basically. _ bad. that is not true, you are saying basically. let - bad. that is not true, you are saying basically. let me i bad. that is not true, you are | saying basically. let me speak bad. that is not true, you are i saying basically. let me speak to the principle, then. what is it like for young people when it comes to jobs and opportunities? i for young people when it comes to jobs and opportunities?— jobs and opportunities? i think a lot has been _ jobs and opportunities? i think a lot has been made _ jobs and opportunities? i think a lot has been made about i jobs and opportunities? i think a lot has been made about the i jobs and opportunities? i think a i lot has been made about the impact on the _ lot has been made about the impact on the economy of the pandemic and young _ on the economy of the pandemic and young people, but what we try to do at the _ young people, but what we try to do at the college is provide high quality— at the college is provide high quality technical education so young people _ quality technical education so young people can progress from the college _ people can progress from the college, whether that is into the world _ college, whether that is into the world of— college, whether that is into the world of university or work. but are there “obs world of university or work. but are there jobs here? _ world of university or work. but are there jobs here? the _ world of university or work. but are l there jobs here? the unemployment therejobs here? the unemployment rate here is higher than the country's average.- rate here is higher than the country's average. yes, there are challenges — country's average. yes, there are challenges but _ country's average. yes, there are challenges but there _ country's average. yes, there are challenges but there are - country's average. yes, there are challenges but there are bright i challenges but there are bright spots _ challenges but there are bright spots as— challenges but there are bright spots as well. there are some wonderful— spots as well. there are some wonderful bright spots and wonderful firms here _ wonderful bright spots and wonderful firms here in hartlepool, but policymakers need to be mindful of

the fact _ policymakers need to be mindful of the fact more needs to be done to create _ the fact more needs to be done to create those jobs so wonderful people — create those jobs so wonderful people like abigail and janine can progress — people like abigail and janine can progress and move on from college and into— progress and move on from college and into those high—qualityjobs. and stay— and into those high—qualityjobs. and stay living here. how long have you been principal? eight and stay living here. how long have you been principal?— and stay living here. how long have you been principal?_ so| you been principal? eight years. so that is almost _ you been principal? eight years. so that is almost as _ you been principal? eight years. so that is almost as as _ you been principal? eight years. so that is almost as as conservative i that is almost as as conservative have been in power. what evidence do you see as to what the westminster government has done all the hartlepool mp and opposition has been able to do for your town? part ofthe been able to do for your town? part of the narrative _ been able to do for your town? part of the narrative is _ been able to do for your town? part of the narrative is left behind places — of the narrative is left behind places and you will find hartlepool in that _ places and you will find hartlepool in that bracket. eleanor could you feel left— in that bracket. eleanor could you feel left behind? there are some challenging circumstances but there are bright— challenging circumstances but there are bright spots and wonderful firms — are bright spots and wonderful firms. we were recently written about _ firms. we were recently written about in — firms. we were recently written about in the times and they said we were leading the way in terms of bringing — were leading the way in terms of bringing high quality technical education. they have been challenging circumstances since the

banking _ challenging circumstances since the banking crisis and the college is trying _ banking crisis and the college is trying to— banking crisis and the college is trying to do its bit to give the opportunity to young people stop yes, you — opportunity to young people stop yes, you are 21. no, you are 20, you are 21. i had the way round. as you have grown up through your teenage years into adult hood, have you felt that either the westminster government or york labour representative who has been in opposition for most of your teenage years had been able to do much for the town? —— or your labour representative. the town? -- or your labour representative.— the town? -- or your labour representative. they say they will roduce representative. they say they will produce more _ representative. they say they will produce more jobs _ representative. they say they will produce more jobs and _ representative. they say they will produce more jobs and open i produce more jobs and open opportunities for us but never followed _ opportunities for us but never followed through with it. i've never seen _ followed through with it. i've never seen evidence of that for the jobs we want — seen evidence of that for the jobs we want to— seen evidence of that for the jobs we want to get into, we need experience but we can't get into the 'obs experience but we can't get into the jobs for— experience but we can't get into the jobs for that experience. it is very hard _ jobs for that experience. it is very hard for— jobs for that experience. it is very hard for us — jobs for that experience. it is very hard for us |_ jobs for that experience. it is very hard for us—

hard for us. i agree. we need experience — hard for us. i agree. we need experience for _ hard for us. i agree. we need experience for that _ hard for us. i agree. we need experience for that job i hard for us. i agree. we need i experience for that job application but with— experience for that job application but with the — experience for that job application but with the colleges, _ experience for that job application but with the colleges, obviously i but with the colleges, obviously with hartlepool— but with the colleges, obviously with hartlepool college, - but with the colleges, obviously with hartlepool college, we i but with the colleges, obviouslyl with hartlepool college, we gain experience — with hartlepool college, we gain experience on— with hartlepool college, we gain experience on placement- with hartlepool college, we gain experience on placement so- with hartlepool college, we gain experience on placement so wel with hartlepool college, we gain i experience on placement so we can .et experience on placement so we can get the _ experience on placement so we can get the job— experience on placement so we can get the job we _ experience on placement so we can get the job we want. _ experience on placement so we can get the job we want. fire _ experience on placement so we can get the job we want.— get the 'ob we want. are you going to get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes- _ get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes. i— get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes. i am _ get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes. i am not. _ get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes. i am not. why- get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes. i am not. why not? l get the job we want. are you going to vote? yes. i am not. why not? i do not believe _ to vote? yes. i am not. why not? i do not believe me _ to vote? yes. lam not. why not? i do not believe me voting will make a hu-e do not believe me voting will make a huge difference. _ do not believe me voting will make a huge difference. i— do not believe me voting will make a huge difference. i hope _ do not believe me voting will make a huge difference. i hope they- do not believe me voting will make a huge difference. i hope they follow i huge difference. i hope they follow through— huge difference. i hope they follow through and — huge difference. i hope they follow through and what _ huge difference. i hope they follow through and what they _ huge difference. i hope they follow through and what they say - huge difference. i hope they follow through and what they say they. huge difference. i hope they follow| through and what they say they will do, through and what they say they will do. but _ through and what they say they will do. but i _ through and what they say they will do. but i do — through and what they say they will do. but i do not— through and what they say they will do, but i do not think— through and what they say they will do, but i do not think i— through and what they say they will do, but i do not think i can - through and what they say they will do, but i do not think i can make i do, but i do not think i can make much _ do, but i do not think i can make much difference. _ do, but i do not think i can make much difference. 50 _ do, but i do not think! can make much difference.— much difference. so it does not matter what — much difference. so it does not matter what the _ much difference. so it does not matter what the politician i much difference. so it does not matter what the politician is, i much difference. so it does not i matter what the politician is, they make a promise but do not follow it through? i make a promise but do not follow it throu~h? ., , , make a promise but do not follow it throu~h? .,, , ., , through? i hope they do, but i haven't seen _ through? i hope they do, but i haven't seen anyone _ through? i hope they do, but i haven't seen anyone follow i through? i hope they do, but i haven't seen anyone follow it. haven't seen anyone follow it through — haven't seen anyone follow it through guite _ haven't seen anyone follow it through quite a _ haven't seen anyone follow it through quite a while. - haven't seen anyone follow it through quite a while.- haven't seen anyone follow it through quite a while. what do you think about — through quite a while. what do you think about about? _ through quite a while. what do you think about about? and _ through quite a while. what do you think about about? and as - through quite a while. what do you think about about? and as a i through quite a while. what do you i think about about? and as a woman, about 100 years _ think about about? and as a woman, about 100 years ago _ think about about? and as a woman, about 100 years ago when _ think about about? and as a woman, about 100 years ago when we i think about about? and as a woman, about 100 years ago when we fought | about 100 years ago when we fought for this, _ about 100 years ago when we fought for this, i_ about 100 years ago when we fought for this, i am undecided on who i will vote — for this, i am undecided on who i will vote for, but i will vote

because _ will vote for, but i will vote because voices need to be heard, don't _ because voices need to be heard, don't they? — because voices need to be heard, don't they?— because voices need to be heard, don't the ? �* i. don't they? don't tell me, tell your sister! do it- _ don't they? don't tell me, tell your sister! do it. if— don't they? don't tell me, tell your sister! do it. if you _ don't they? don't tell me, tell your sister! do it. if you do _ don't they? don't tell me, tell your sister! do it. if you do not - don't they? don't tell me, tell your sister! do it. if you do not vote, i sister! do it. if you do not vote, ou sister! do it. if you do not vote, you forfeit _ sister! do it. if you do not vote, you forfeit the _ sister! do it. if you do not vote, you forfeit the right _ sister! do it. if you do not vote, you forfeit the right to - sister! do it. if you do not vote, | you forfeit the right to complain, but... i you forfeit the right to complain, but... . ., , . you forfeit the right to complain, but... .., , ., ., but... i will complain if nothing nets but... i will complain if nothing gets done. _ but... i will complain if nothing gets done, but _ but... i will complain if nothing gets done, but i _ but... i will complain if nothing gets done, but i do _ but... i will complain if nothing gets done, but i do not - but... i will complain if nothing gets done, but i do not think i but... i will complain if nothing gets done, but i do not think if| but... i will complain if nothing | gets done, but i do not think if i vote _ gets done, but i do not think if i vote i_ gets done, but i do not think if i vote icant— gets done, but i do not think if i vote, i can't be _ gets done, but i do not think if i vote, i can't be right, _ gets done, but i do not think if i vote, i can't be right, i- gets done, but i do not think if i vote, i can't be right, i can't i gets done, but i do not think if i vote, i can't be right, i can't bel vote, i can't be right, i can't be wrong, — vote, i can't be right, i can't be wrong, but _ vote, ican't be right, i can't be wrong, but if— vote, i can't be right, i can't be wrong, but if i _ vote, i can't be right, i can't be wrong, but if i vote _ vote, ican't be right, i can't be wrong, but if i vote for- vote, i can't be right, i can't be wrong, but if i vote for the i vote, i can't be right, i can't be i wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person. _ wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person. i— wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person. i can't— wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person, i can't be _ wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person, i can't be blamed, - wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person, ican't be blamed, if- wrong, but if i vote for the wrong person, i can't be blamed, if that makes _ person, i can't be blamed, if that makes sense _ person, i can't be blamed, if that makes sense.— person, i can't be blamed, if that makes sense. yes. what does this town need — makes sense. yes. what does this town need from _ makes sense. yes. what does this town need from the _ makes sense. yes. what does this town need from the next - makes sense. yes. what does this town need from the next mp? i makes sense. yes. what does this | town need from the next mp? first makes sense. yes. what does this i town need from the next mp? first of all, we town need from the next mp? first of all. we have — town need from the next mp? first of all, we have had _ town need from the next mp? first of all, we have had big _ town need from the next mp? first of all, we have had big ticket _ town need from the next mp? first of all, we have had big ticket items i all, we have had big ticket items announced, brexit and the recent budget— announced, brexit and the recent budget freebuds convention, lots of promises _ budget freebuds convention, lots of promises made about those sort of things— promises made about those sort of things but— promises made about those sort of things but we need to see those things— things but we need to see those things delivered and feel it is at making — things delivered and feel it is at making an impact onjobs and the economy — making an impact onjobs and the economy. they need to invest in institutions— economy. they need to invest in institutions like the college and

the government says that every pound invested _ the government says that every pound invested in_ the government says that every pound invested in education returns £20 to the economy. so it is an investment. we need _ the economy. so it is an investment. we need to— the economy. so it is an investment. we need to focus on the young people. — we need to focus on the young people, as you have said there. there _ people, as you have said there. there is— people, as you have said there. there is a — people, as you have said there. there is a lot of evidence that if young _ there is a lot of evidence that if young people do not get experience of the _ young people do not get experience of the real— young people do not get experience of the real world, that can have a starring _ of the real world, that can have a starring effect. also, the economy here in_ starring effect. also, the economy here in hartlepool and across the tees _ here in hartlepool and across the tees valley is made up of small businesses and they need the help as the economy starts to unlock and recon _ the economy starts to unlock and recon out — the economy starts to unlock and recon out of the coronavirus. they need _ recon out of the coronavirus. they need support so they can flourish. -- and _ need support so they can flourish. -- and we — need support so they can flourish. —— and we come out of the coronavirus. think about where you will vote or not. i coronavirus. think about where you will vote or not.— will vote or not. i probably sound like our will vote or not. i probably sound like your mum! _ will vote or not. i probably sound like your mum! thank— will vote or not. i probably sound like your mum! thank you i will vote or not. i probably sound like your mum! thank you all. i will vote or not. i probably sound i like your mum! thank you all. back to you, anita. i like your mum! thank you all. back to you. anita-—

to you, anita. i hope you get a chance to _ to you, anita. i hope you get a chance to warm _ to you, anita. i hope you get a chance to warm up, _ to you, anita. i hope you get a chance to warm up, victoria. i to you, anita. i hope you get a i chance to warm up, victoria. more from victoria throughout the day and you can find the full list of candidates standing in the hartlepool by—election on our website. you can see the list right now on our screen. you can see the list right now on ourscreen. let's you can see the list right now on our screen. let's return to the breaking news of the last half an hour or so. there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred in the refurbishment of 11 downing st, according to the electoral commission. i can discuss this further with hannah white who's deputy director at the institute for government. clearly the electoral commission cares about this.— clearly the electoral commission cares about this. this is their “ob, to look at the i cares about this. this is their “ob, to look at the allegations i cares about this. this is theirjob, to look at the allegations made i cares about this. this is theirjob, to look at the allegations made in these circumstances and they are the

arbiter as to whether the political party's political referendums act, which governs questions relating to political parties and politics, they are the arbiter of whether it has been broken or not and we now know that they think there is sufficient grounds for the information that they have seen from the government to suspect that the law may have been broken. the key thing is, they need to do further investigations. what scope will be eligible commission have in and investigation of this nature and what sanctions can they bring to bear? of this nature and what sanctions can they bring to hear? the? of this nature and what sanctions can they bring to bear? they already have significantly _ can they bring to bear? they already have significantly more _ can they bring to bear? they already have significantly more information. have significantly more information about what has gone on and the rest of us, and they will have the power to go and look at the financial transactions that have gone on tween the conservative party and the cabinet office to look at where those funds came from and intent of sanctions, that is mostly the sanctions, that is mostly the

sanctions they have at their disposal around lines. the most important issue at this point, if they were to find the law had been broken, that would have a significant effect on public trust in terms of the conservative party had done something that had broken the law in relation to the funding of the renovation of 11 downing st. and timing is everything. we have had this announcement that the government has announced lord geidt as independent adviser of ministers' interests. the statement says that he has agreed with the prime minister that he will begin by looking into the refurbishment of the flat and advise the prime minister on any further decorations needed. in terms of retrospective action on all of this, —— any further declarations needed. the

oint further declarations needed. the point around _ further declarations needed. ire: point around what lord further declarations needed. inez point around what lord geidt might now do is separate to the legal investigation the electoral commission is committing. his remit will be to be looking at whether the ministerial code has been broken and the sanctions around that are for the sanctions around that are for the prime minister to determine, the ironic thing in this case. the prime minister is the arbiter as to whether the ministerial code has been broken so he will look at what m3 �*s view is and whether he himself broke the code. there are sanctions —— what lord geidt�*s view is. it is an odd situation. -- what lord geidt's view is. it is an odd situation.— -- what lord geidt's view is. it is an odd situation. said the electoral commission. _ an odd situation. said the electoral commission, to _ an odd situation. said the electoral commission, to focus _ an odd situation. said the electoral commission, to focus on _ an odd situation. said the electoral commission, to focus on that, - an odd situation. said the electoral| commission, to focus on that, says it will continue to work through this formal investigation to establish whether any offence or offences may have occurred. how does this fit into the political climate at the moment? we are about to see prime minister's questions in ten minutes' time, they will be huge pressure on the prime minister and it already is pressure on the prime

minister. i it already is pressure on the prime minister. ~ , minister. i think the timing is significant- — minister. i think the timing is significant. the _ minister. i think the timing is l significant. the announcement minister. i think the timing is - significant. the announcement has been made immediately prior to pmqs, which gives keir starmer, as opposition leader, little time to prepare. iassume opposition leader, little time to prepare. i assume borisjohnson's answers to many of the questions mps were put to him today will be that now the electoral commission has confirmed these matters are under investigation, it would be inappropriate for him to comment, which gives him some breathing space. ok, hannah, thank you. as we head towards noon and prime minister's questions, let's look ahead to that with damien. damien, some of the — ahead to that with damien. damien, some of the smaller _ ahead to that with damien. damien, some of the smaller parties - ahead to that with damien. damien, some of the smaller parties have . some of the smaller parties have spoken to mr lee mack the speaker with regards to how the prime minister answers questions —— have speaking to the speaker with regards to how the prime minister answers questions. to how the prime minister answers cuestions. . , .,

questions. that itself will have little impact — questions. that itself will have little impact on _ questions. that itself will have little impact on what _ questions. that itself will have little impact on what we - questions. that itself will have little impact on what we are i questions. that itself will have - little impact on what we are about to see. that was an issue that those six smaller parties have raised, they had a meeting yesterday with they had a meeting yesterday with the speaker, and that was the question they wanted to press on, and how ministers, if they make statements in the house, which are incorrect, untruthful, how that could be corrected and the issue there, i think the speaker was saying, was the question is, those who made the comments should come back to the house to correct this statement. but the difficulty is about how you enforce that and how much that has been happening, that is a question the opposition parties... 50 is a question the opposition parties- - -— is a question the opposition arties... ., . , ., ., parties... so not so much bearing on prime minister's _ parties... so not so much bearing on prime minister's questions - parties... so not so much bearing on prime minister's questions today, i prime minister's questions today, then, but the prime minister already under a lot of pressure in advance of today and wonders how the

statement by the actual commission will affect all of that, certainly belabour team will be looking perhaps to find tune their questions in light of this. —— the labour team. it in light of this. -- the labour team. , ., ., , , . team. it is a double-edged effect, reall , team. it is a double-edged effect, really. because — team. it is a double-edged effect, really, because it _ team. it is a double-edged effect, really, because it ramps _ team. it is a double-edged effect, really, because it ramps up - team. it is a double-edged effect, really, because it ramps up the i really, because it ramps up the issue of those donations and whether the prime minister received those donations and where they were made and whether some sort of loan was made, whether prime minister received help, if that happened and whether it should have been declared, we are now at the level of a much more serious investigation with potential real sanctions at the end of it. but, as you were just hearing, it also affords the prime minister to say, well, and investigation is happening and it is right to let that be carried out and seen through to the end. that may mean that labour might want to

switch the focus to the other issue he has been under pressure on today, his comments about the pandemic. and his comments about the pandemic. and on that, then, we have heard that the leader of the liberal democrats has said to the bbc this morning that he is really not satisfied with what the prime minister has had to say so far on that issue of, well, the prime minister has denied saying that he would rather see the bodies pile up then have a third lockdown. he has absolutely denied that. clearly the other parties, with elections in the offing, sense there is more room for them to work on that issue. is more room for them to work on that issue-— is more room for them to work on that issue. possibly, both of these issues have _ that issue. possibly, both of these issues have aspects _ that issue. possibly, both of these issues have aspects which - that issue. possibly, both of these issues have aspects which cause . issues have aspects which cause trouble for the prime minister. on this issue, what the liberal democrat leader was tapping into was whether there was sensitivity there

and had said that tens of thousands of families in this country had lost people in the pandemic and how they would view this statement about the prime minister allegedly saying he would rather have bodies piling up in their thousands and imposing a third lockdown. as you say, he denied he made those comments. one issueis denied he made those comments. one issue is around the propriety of the prime minister saying about something if he did, and then there is the impact on those who have lost people in the pandemic. on the other side, the issue about his flat and the funding of renovation work there plays into, for labour, the question for then they have been trying to raise over the last week, ten days, about what they call tory sleaze, the broad questions around the government and how they conduct themselves, and access to the government by either business people, former politicians, how that

has been dealt with. labour have been pushing on a whole range of issues there. pandemic contracts given through vip fast lane, allsorts of things. they might be tempted to want to continue on that, particularly on the issues around the flat, but there are many ways this could go. the flat, but there are many ways this could go— the flat, but there are many ways this could no. . ~ ,. , . this could go. thank you very much. now a quick — this could go. thank you very much. now a quick look _ this could go. thank you very much. now a quick look about _ this could go. thank you very much. now a quick look about what - this could go. thank you very much. now a quick look about what is - now a quick look about what is happening across bbc news. we'll bring you prime minister's questions — following that breaking news that electorial commission has launched a formal inquiry into the funding of the prime minister's downing street flat. and this evening at 5pm there will be a downing street press conference led by health secretary matt hancock.

now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. for many others, we're looking at scattered showers and wind. most of the ring is across parts of england and wales. there are showers across northern ireland and scotland, but showers are in between and they could be heavy infantry. foremost, not particularly windy, but wind accentuating the cold feel over the north sea coastline. top temperatures today 13 degrees. cooler than yesterday. through this evening and overnight, lots of clear skies so temperatures will fall away, train into the south—east, some showers in the north—east will be wintry and we are looking at a widespread frost, which is where we will have more cloud. the cloud tomorrow will produce rain and over the next few days, it is sunshine and showers but the wind at least starts to ease.

this is bbc news. the headlines: the electoral commission has launched an investigation into the refurbishment of boris johnson's downing street flat. are you worried about the investigation prime minister? the commission says it is "satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred" the government has appointed crossbench peer lord geidt as the new independent adviser on ministers' interests. let's go live to prime minister's questions. i will have meetings

later today. questions. i will have meetings later today-— questions. i will have meetings later today. you are on new. -- meet. have you got the answer? i am sure the prime — have you got the answer? i am sure the prime minister knows the answer. we are _ the prime minister knows the answer. we are going to try and come back. we are going to try and come back. we will— we are going to try and come back. we will go — we are going to try and come back. we will go to the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. canl we will go to the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin the prime minister i opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin the prime minister and i opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin the prime minister and his �* opposition, keir starmer. can ijoin the prime minister and his remarks| the prime minister and his remarks about the human any —— humanitarian disaster we are seeing in india. given the scale and gravity of the disaster i hope the foreign secretary will set out what more the uk can do to help the indian people

in their hour of need. can ijoin him in his remarks about the post office case and the ongoing injustice. today is international workers' memorial day. this year, after all the sacrificer is a front line workers have made during the pandemic it is even poignant than usual. ijoin in solidarity with all those mourning loved ones today. it is reported this week, including in the daily mail, the bbc and itv, backed up by numerous sources, that the end of october, the prime minister said he would rather have and i quote" bodies piled high than implement another lockdown end quote. can there prime minister tell the host categorically, yes or no, did he make those remarks are remarks to that effect? ida. did he make those remarks are remarks to that effect?- remarks to that effect? no, mr

seaker. remarks to that effect? no, mr speaker- the — remarks to that effect? no, mr speaker. the right _ remarks to that effect? no, mr speaker. the right honourable gentleman is a lawyer, i am given to understand. if he is going to nippy allegations like that, he should come to this house and substantiate those allegations and see where he heard them and who exactly is supposed to have said those, who is exactly so said those things. what i can certainly tell him and he asks about the october decisions, they were very bitter, very difficult decisions as they would be for any prime minister. no one wants to put this country into lockdown with all the consequences with it means to education and losses to people's like chances and the medical backlog it entails. it is thanks to that lockdown, that tough decision that we took, thanks to the heroic people of the british people, that we have got through to this stage in the pandemic where we roll out our vaccine, where we have done 50% of

the population, 25% of the adult population have had two doses. lockdowns are miserable. they are appalling things to have to do but i have to say, that i believe we had absolutely no choice.— have to say, that i believe we had absolutely no choice. somebody here is not absolutely no choice. somebody here is rrot telling — absolutely no choice. somebody here is not telling the _ absolutely no choice. somebody here is not telling the truth. _ absolutely no choice. somebody here is not telling the truth. the _ absolutely no choice. somebody here is not telling the truth. the house . is not telling the truth. the house will have heard there prime minister's answer and i remained an the ministerial code says, ministers who knowingly mislead parliament will be invited to offer their resignation. i will leave it there for now. turning to another issue... there will be further on this. believe you me. who initially, prime minister, initially as the key word here, who initially paid for the redecoration of his downing street flat? mr redecoration of his downing street flat? ~ ,,, ., ~ redecoration of his downing street flat? ~ , ., flat? mr speaker, when it comes to misleadin: flat? mr speaker, when it comes to misleading parliament _ flat? mr speaker, when it comes to misleading parliament he _

flat? mr speaker, when it comes to misleading parliament he may - misleading parliament he may recollect it was only a few weeks ago that he said that he didn't oppose this government, this country staying, leaving the european medicines agency, that he was then forced to take back. it was last week that he said james dyson was a personal friend of week that he said james dyson was a personalfriend of mine. the fact that james dyson was corrected in the newspaper this morning. as for the newspaper this morning. as for the fact of the latest stuff he is bringing up, he should know that i paid for the refurbishments personally, mr speaker. i contrasted any further declaration that i have to make, if any, any further declaration that i have to make, ifany, i any further declaration that i have to make, if any, i will be advised upon by lord geidt. if he talks about housing costs, then the people of this country can make their decision in eight years —— eight days' time. liberal democrat

councils charge 100 and 20p more, that i think is the issue upon which the british people would like him to focus. ., . , the british people would like him to focus. ., ., , , ., , the british people would like him to focus. ., ., , , ., �* focus. normally when people don't want to incriminate _ focus. normally when people don't want to incriminate themselves - focus. normally when people don't. want to incriminate themselves they go no comment. let me ask this, let's explore this a bit further, prime minister. let ask in a different way, either, this is the initial invoice, either the taxpayer paid the initial invoice, or it was the conservative party. or it was a private donor, or it was the prime minister. i am private donor, or it was the prime minister. iam making it easy private donor, or it was the prime minister. i am making it easy for the prime minister, it is no multiple choice. there are only four options, it should be easier than finding the chatty rat. i asked the prime minister again, who paid the initial invoice for the redecoration of the prime minister's flat, the initial invoice? i

of the prime minister's flat, the initial invoice?— initial invoice? i have given him the answer— initial invoice? i have given him the answer and _ initial invoice? i have given him the answer and the _ initial invoice? i have given him the answer and the answer - initial invoice? i have given him the answer and the answer is i l initial invoice? i have given him - the answer and the answer is i have covered the costs and i think most people will find it absolutely bizarre. of course there is an electoral commission investigation into this and i have informed in full with the ministerial code and officials have been kept, have been advising me throughout this whole thing will stop people will think it bizarre that he is focusing on this issue. what people want to know is what plans the government might have to improve the life of people in this country and let me tell you, if he talks about housing again, i would rather not spend taxpayers money, like the last government. i would... yes, they did. iwould much rather help people on, get on their

property ladder. it is this conservative government that have built 244,000 homes in the last year which is a record over 30 years. this is a government that gets on with delivering on the people's priorities. he with delivering on the people's riorities. ., with delivering on the people's riorities. . ., , ., , priorities. he talks of priorities. what is he _ priorities. he talks of priorities. what is he spending _ priorities. he talks of priorities. what is he spending his - priorities. he talks of priorities. what is he spending his time i priorities. he talks of priorities. - what is he spending his time doing? this is a prime minister who during the pandemic was nipping out of meetings to choose wallpaper at £820 a roll of wallpaper. last week, he spends his time owning journalists to moan about his old friend dominic cummings. and he's telling the civil service to find out who paid for the redecoration of his flat. the cabinet secretary is being asked to investigate who paid for the refurbishment, why does the prime minister not tell him, that will be the end of the investigation. mr speaker it has been widely reported that lord brownlow who has been

given a peerage by the conservative party is asked to donate £58,000 to help pay for the cost of this refurbishment. can the prime minister confirm, did lord brownlow make that payment for that purpose? mr speaker, i think i have answered this question several times now and the answer is that i have covered the answer is that i have covered the cost. i have met the requirements that i have been obliged to meet in full and when it comes to the taxpayer and the costs of number 10 downing street, it was the previous labour government, tony blair racked up a bill of £350,000. what the people of this country want to see is minimising tax payer expense, they want to see a government focused on their needs and delivering more homes for the people of this country and cutting council tax which is what we are doing. it is on that basis that i think people willjudge our parties

on may the 6th. think people will 'udge our parties on may the 6th.— think people will 'udge our parties on ma the 6th. �* , , ., on may the 6th. answer the question, that is what the _ on may the 6th. answer the question, that is what the people _ on may the 6th. answer the question, that is what the people scream - on may the 6th. answer the question, that is what the people scream at - that is what the people scream at their televisions. the prime minister has not answer the question, he knows he has not answered the question. the prime minister will be aware that he is required to declare any benefits that relate to political activities, including loans or credit arrangements within 28 days. he will also know that any donation must be registered. it must be registered and declared so the rules are very clear, the electoral commission now think that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred. that's incredibly serious. can the prime minister tell the house, does he believe that any rules or laws have been broken in relation to the

refurbishment of the prime minister's flat?— refurbishment of the prime minister's flat? ., ., �* . ., minister's flat? no, i don't. whatl believe has— minister's flat? no, i don't. whatl believe has been _ minister's flat? no, i don't. whatl believe has been strained - minister's flat? no, i don't. whatl believe has been strained to - believe has been strained to breaking point is the credulity of the public. he has half an every week to put serious and sensible questions to me about the state of the pandemic, about the vaccine roulette, about what we are doing to support our nhs, about what we are doing to fight crime and to bounce back from this pandemic, the economic recovery, aboutjobs for this country and he goes on and on about wallpaper will stop as i have told them up in times now, i paid for it! mr told them up in times now, i paid for it! ~ ,,, ., ~ told them up in times now, i paid for it! ~ ., ~ ., ., for it! mr speaker, and i remain the prime minister _ for it! mr speaker, and i remain the prime minister of _ for it! mr speaker, and i remain the prime minister of the _ for it! mr speaker, and i remain the prime minister of the principles - prime minister of the principles which are meant to govern the behaviour of those in public office. selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability,

openness, honesty and leadership. instead, what do we get from this prime minister and this conservative government? dodgy contracts, jobs for their mates and who is at the heart of it, the prime minister, major sleaze sitting there! mr speaker, meanwhile he talks about priorities. crime is going up, nhs waiting lists are up at record levels and many people are worried about theirjobs. don't levels and many people are worried about their jobs. don't the levels and many people are worried about theirjobs. don't the british people deserve a prime minister they can trust and a government that is mired in sleaze, cronyism and scan? mr speaker, last week he came to this chamber and he attacked me to talking to james dyson about ventilators. we are sending ventilators. we are sending ventilators to help the people of india. the following day the labour front bench said any prime minister in my position would do the same

thing. it was only a few months ago that they were attacking kate meng, she was a crony when she set up the vaccine task force which delivered vaccines to this country. this is a government that is getting on with delivering on the people's priorities. many more nurses, 10,000 more nurses in the nhs than there were this time last year. more police officers on our streets before i was elected, including tougher sentences for... we are getting on and iforgot tougher sentences for... we are getting on and i forgot to tougher sentences for... we are getting on and iforgot to mention it, last night, ourfriends in the european union voted to approve our brexit deal, which he opposed. which enables us notjust to take back control of our borders but to deliver freedom, control of our borders but to deliverfreedom, which he opposed and enabling as amongst other things to deal with such threats as the european super league. but enables us to deliver free ports in places

like teesside and above all taking back control of our country has allowed us to deliver the fastest vaccine roulette in europe as he well knows, mr speaker which not have been possible if we had stayed in the european medicines agency, which he voted for. week after week the people of this country can see the people of this country can see the difference between a labour party that twists and turns with the wind, that thinks of nothing but playing political games, whereas this party gets on with their learning on the people because my priorities and i hope people will vote conservative on may the 6th! can we calm down a little. john morris e- _ can we calm down a little. john morris e. the _ can we calm down a little. john morris e. the uk _ can we calm down a little. john morris e. the uk is _ can we calm down a little. jon“! morris e. the uk is indeed a world leader in 19 vaccination. may i thank the prime minister for the swift action he has taken to deliver this for our country and will the prime ministerjoined me in thanking the many local volunteers such as kirsty griffith who has spent

volunteering and gary hollis who have been volunteering alongside the denim immunity health. thank you for the vaccine roulette. mr; denim immunity health. thank you for the vaccine roulette.— the vaccine roulette. my honourable friend should _ the vaccine roulette. my honourable friend should thank _ the vaccine roulette. my honourable friend should thank everybody - friend should thank everybody involved and it has been a fantastic national effort, led by the nhs, led by overwhelmingly by gps but by local council officers, officials, by the army and many others and huge numbers of volunteers in her constituency and elsewhere. and i thank them all very much for everything they have done. let’s thank them all very much for everything they have done. let's go to the leader _ everything they have done. let's go to the leader of _ everything they have done. let's go to the leader of the _ everything they have done. let's go to the leader of the snp, _ everything they have done. let's go to the leader of the snp, ian - to the leader of the snp, ian blackford. to the leader of the snp, ian ltlackford-— to the leader of the snp, ian blackford. . ., , ., , , blackford. can i associate myself with the remarks _ blackford. can i associate myself with the remarks of— blackford. can i associate myself with the remarks of the - blackford. can i associate myself with the remarks of the prime i with the remarks of the prime minister and the leader and of the opposition of the humanitarian crisis in india and the post office.

over 127,000 people have died from covid in the united kingdom. people have lost their mothers and fathers, grandparents and children. nhs staff have given their all, fighting to keep people alive. that is why so many people find the prime minister's remarked that he would rather let their bodies pile high in their thousands then go into lockdown utterly, utterly sickening. the bbc and itv have multiple sources confirming that this is what the prime minister said. people are willing to go under oath confirming that the prime minister said these exact words, under oath, mr speaker. parliamentary rules stop me from saying that the prime minister has lied to the public over the last week. can i ask the question, are you a liar, prime minister?- you a liar, prime minister? prime minister. you a liar, prime minister? prime minister- mr— you a liar, prime minister? prime minister. mr speaker, _ you a liar, prime minister? prime minister. mr speaker, i— you a liar, prime minister? prime minister. mr speaker, i leave - you a liar, prime minister? prime

minister. mr speaker, i leave it i you a liar, prime minister? prime| minister. mr speaker, i leave it to you tojudge whether the minister. mr speaker, i leave it to you to judge whether the right honourable gentleman's remarks were in order. what i will say ten is that... i am grateful to you. what i would say to my right honourable gentleman is that if he is going to relieve that kind of quotation, it is up to him in a place like parliament to produce the author, the person who claims to have heard it. i can't find them. he says they are willing to go on oath, perhaps they are sitting in this building, i rather doubt it. because i did not say those words. what i believe is that a lockdown is a miserable thing and i did everything i could to protect the british public throughout the pandemic, to protect them from lockdowns and to protect them from lockdowns and to protect them from lockdowns and to protect them from disease. he is right to draw attention to the wretched old that covid has brought. we grieve, i know the whole house grieves for

every family that has lost a loved one, it has been a horrendous time. it is thanks to that lockdown and the vaccine roll—out that we are making the progress we are. and i may say, we are making progress across the whole of the united kingdom. at}! across the whole of the united kinudom. .., , across the whole of the united kinudom. , , kingdom. of course it is the prime minister's behaviour _ kingdom. of course it is the prime minister's behaviour that - kingdom. of course it is the prime minister's behaviour that is - kingdom. of course it is the prime minister's behaviour that is not. kingdom. of course it is the prime minister's behaviour that is not in | minister's behaviour that is not in order. he is in up to his neck in tory sleaze, cash for curtains. the prime minister has dodge these questions all week and he has dodge them again today about these questions simply are not going to go away. when exactly was money funnelled through tory hq into his personal bank account. when did he pay back this money, was it an interest free loan and who are the donors who contributed? if he continues to fail to answer these questions, the electoral commission has the powers to prosecute him. all

the prime minister publish these details today is he going wait until the police come knocking at his door? mr the police come knocking at his door? ~ ,,, ., ~ .,, the police come knocking at his door? ~ .,~ ., the police come knocking at his door? ~ ., door? mr speaker, as i have said, i look forward _ door? mr speaker, as i have said, i look forward to _ door? mr speaker, as i have said, i look forward to what _ door? mr speaker, as i have said, i look forward to what the _ door? mr speaker, as i have said, i look forward to what the electoral i look forward to what the electoral commission has to say. but i can tell that for the rest of it, he is talking complete nonsense. the only thing i will say is it is thanks to our investment in policing that we are going to have 20,000 more officers on the street, of the streets of our country. and we will be making sure that that gets through to scotland as well. what we want to see is a scottish nationalist government stop obsessing about breaking up our country which is all they can think about and talk about, and talk about tackling crime and using that investment to fight crime which is what i think the people of scotland want to see. if

what i think the people of scotland want to see-— want to see. if the prime minister was to walk _ want to see. if the prime minister was to walk down _ want to see. if the prime minister was to walk down bristol - want to see. if the prime minister was to walk down bristol road - want to see. if the prime minister i was to walk down bristol road south on longbridge today he would see a small army ofjcb diggers levelling out the old road and west work site to deliver a levelling up project locally. what people want to see is a regeneration of northfield high street with a proper plan and money on the table. so the prime minister agree with me that we need people like andy street, driven and energetic mayors delivering for the east midlands, working with me and councils to deliver on this plan stop teamwork makes the dream work after all. i stop teamwork makes the dream work after all. ., .,, ., ., ., after all. i have lost in admiration to what andy _ after all. i have lost in admiration to what andy street _ after all. i have lost in admiration to what andy street has - after all. i have lost in admiration to what andy street has been i after all. i have lost in admiration i to what andy street has been doing. he has got a fantastic vision for transport, jobs, growth and recovery and i hope everyone votes for him on may the 6th. and i hope everyone votes for him on may the 6th-—

may the 6th. let's go to liz savo roberts. may the 6th. let's go to liz savo roberts- l _ may the 6th. let's go to liz savo roberts. ithink— may the 6th. let's go to liz savo roberts. | think it _ may the 6th. let's go to liz savo roberts. i think it is _ may the 6th. let's go to liz savo roberts. i think it is worth i may the 6th. let's go to liz savo i roberts. i think it is worth meeting the seven guiding _ roberts. i think it is worth meeting the seven guiding principles. i the seven guiding principles. selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. the prime minister has spent the week taking them off on his don't do list at the same time he tries to play down allegations of saying let the bodies pile high. given that the solejudge and questions relating to the conduct of ministers and the conduct of the prime minister is the prime minister himself, what happens when a prime minister goes rogue? mr speaker, the people of this country have a chance to make their own minds up on may the 6th. and when they look at what is happening in wales, they have a chance to make a choice between... are continually

failing welsh labour government or welsh conservative administration in cardiff. i believe has... 65,000 high skilled jobs, addressing the problems of the a 55, getting 5000 more teachers, 3000 more nurses into the welsh nhs, solving the problems about the m4 which i have spoken about the m4 which i have spoken about so many times before in the chamber. i hope people will avoid voting for plaid cymru and that they will vote for welsh conservatives on may the 6th in wales. this will vote for welsh conservatives on may the 6th in wales.— may the 6th in wales. as probably the only former _ may the 6th in wales. as probably the only former sub-postmaster i may the 6th in wales. as probably| the only former sub-postmaster in the only former sub—postmaster in parliament, last friday's ruling was the beginning, not the end. yes it will cost a lot of money and yes it will cost a lot of money and yes it will take time and there is more compensation is needed, does the prime minister agree with me that only a properjudge led public enquiry can bring justice to those

victims of this horrendous accounting scandal and also hold to accounting scandal and also hold to account those involved behind the scenes? i account those involved behind the scenes? , . ., ., ., scenes? i share... i am gratefulto my honourable _ scenes? i share... i am gratefulto my honourable friend _ scenes? i share... i am gratefulto my honourable friend for— scenes? i share... i am gratefulto my honourable friend for his i my honourable friend for his expertise in this matter and thank him for what he has just said because he is totally right. i think what happened to those post office workers, the postmasters and sub—postmaster was appalling. and we are looking indeed at the issues involved and the former high court judge will be making recommendations about what further action, what further apologies we need to make. the prime minister has mentioned the general election. intercepted a deal between wales and a pharmaceutical

company for 5000 daily covid tests. those tests were going to england, those would have been crucial to saving jobs in wales. well the prime minister tell us why welsh lives menzel little to him? —— meant so little. i menzel little to him? -- meant so little. ., menzel little to him? -- meant so little. . ., ., ., ., ., , little. i am afraid the honourable gentleman _ little. i am afraid the honourable gentleman is _ little. i am afraid the honourable gentleman is wrong _ little. i am afraid the honourable gentleman is wrong in _ little. i am afraid the honourable gentleman is wrong in what i little. i am afraid the honourable gentleman is wrong in what is i little. i am afraid the honourable i gentleman is wrong in what is said about tests. he is right about one thing is that wales has made a an amazing contribution to a uk fightback against covid. it was incredible again to go to the factory in wrexham, to go to that site. it is working with other companies that has led us to roll out the vaccine. i want to say a massive thank you again to those well scientist, all those people working on that factory because they

have helped to sell —— might save countless lives across the uk. the inte . rated countless lives across the uk. inez integrated review confirms the vital role the atomic weapons establishment in berkshire will play in our future nuclear capability. establishment in berkshire will play in ourfuture nuclear capability. i want to pay tribute to him and particularly to the senior female employees in their work against —— in society —— security and science. will my right honourable friend see how he plans to improve women's participation in these fields, which have been historically underrepresented and can i invite him to the centre. i underrepresented and can i invite him to the centre.— him to the centre. i would be honoured _ him to the centre. i would be honoured to _ him to the centre. i would be honoured to take _ him to the centre. i would be honoured to take up - him to the centre. i would be honoured to take up her- him to the centre. i would be i honoured to take up her invitation as soon as i can. in terms of female representation in that sector, she of course notes that alison atkinson became the chief executive officer in may 2020 and there are huge

numbers of opportunities for women tojoin our armed numbers of opportunities for women to join our armed services. numbers of opportunities for women tojoin our armed services. thank you for the uplift in defence spending. i you for the uplift in defence spending-— you for the uplift in defence sendina. . ., spending. i welcome the prime minister pulls _ spending. i welcome the prime minister pulls my _ spending. i welcome the prime minister pulls my commitment| spending. i welcome the prime i minister pulls my commitment last week to include aviation and shipping into our target emissions. actually the prime minister knows that we will miss this target if we proceed with a third runway at heathrow. and furthermore, that that would undermine the progress that this government hopes to make towards net zero. well the prime minister take this opportunity to commit to amending the airport is national policy statement in light of these commitments? mr speaker, the third runway _ of these commitments? mr speaker, the third runway at _ of these commitments? mr speaker, the third runway at heathrow- of these commitments? mr speaker, the third runway at heathrow as i of these commitments? mr speaker, the third runway at heathrow as she l the third runway at heathrow as she knows is a private sector venture, it is up to them to produce the capital to do it. i do not see any side of that project coming off, i think what we should be looking at

instead as the prospect ofjet zero aviation, flying without carbon emissions. orwith aviation, flying without carbon emissions. or with far lower carbon emissions. or with far lower carbon emissions. it is in that area that the departments are working with the manufacturers so this country leads and guilt free flying. right manufacturers so this country leads and guilt free flying.— and guilt free flying. right now and eve art and guilt free flying. right now and every part of— and guilt free flying. right now and every part of the — and guilt free flying. right now and every part of the country, - and guilt free flying. right now and every part of the country, levels i and guilt free flying. right now and every part of the country, levels of| every part of the country, levels of business optimism are higher than they have been since the start of they have been since the start of the pandemic with many firms planning to hire more staff and create more apprenticeships for our young people. there is one factor more than anything else that underpins that optimism and that is the success of the uk vaccination programme. does he agree with me that there has never been a more important moment for voters in scotland and in wales to reject the negativity and the decisiveness of the nationalists and instead to look forward to a brighter and stronger

future as one united kingdom? i don't know why the shadow leaders are shaking our head.— are shaking our head. surely she would agree _ are shaking our head. surely she would agree with _ are shaking our head. surely she would agree with that. _ are shaking our head. surely she would agree with that. we i are shaking our head. surely she would agree with that. we want | are shaking our head. surely she i would agree with that. we want to together across the whole of the uk and i pay tribute to the incredible work of the factory in wales and the factory in scotland. the whole of the united kingdom coming together, represented by our armed services and overall by our nhs working together to deliver the vaccine roulette and protect the country. it is absolutely shocking that we have heard the electoral commission is investigating funding of the prime minister's downing street flat saying that there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence. why does the prime minister think that all the stories about sleaze, and dishonesty keep happening to him and

his conservative government? i think it is because — his conservative government? i think it is because people _ his conservative government? i think it is because people are _ his conservative government? i think it is because people are determined to find anything they can hang onto to find anything they can hang onto to talk about except the vaccine roulette, except our plans to unite level up across the country, except our plans to fight crime and give people the opportunity to buy their own homes because they don't want to discuss those issues because they cannot win on those measures because they have nothing to say. that is what has become clear over the last year. what has become clear over the last ear. �* ., ., a , what has become clear over the last ear. �* ., ., , , ., year. before i asked my question, ma i year. before i asked my question, may i first — year. before i asked my question, may i first asked _ year. before i asked my question, may i first asked the _ year. before i asked my question, may i first asked the prime - year. before i asked my question, i may i first asked the prime minister and thanking all the staff of doncaster royal infirmary and the emergency services to deal swiftly with a major water leak yesterday. fortunately no one was hurt and all patients have been moved safely to other wards, patients have been moved safely to otherwards, however patients have been moved safely to other wards, however back to my original question, the local elections are only days away and i would like to ask the prime minister if you will offer his full support

to our mayoral candidate. he is a local businessman and will shout out for our time local businessman and will shout out for ourtime and local businessman and will shout out for our time and work closely with me to deliver the government's levelling up agenda. my my right honourable friend is absolutely right. hang on. he is right, mr speaker, to want to thank all of the staff at doncaster royal infirmary for what they did to the emergency services in dealing with the incident last night. i would also like to take the opportunity to support him in his support for the male candidate. i hope the people of doncaster will support him on may the 6th. ~ , , ., , the 6th. the prime minister promised in a series of— the 6th. the prime minister promised in a series of texts _ the 6th. the prime minister promised in a series of texts to _ the 6th. the prime minister promised in a series of texts to fix _ the 6th. the prime minister promised in a series of texts to fix attacks i in a series of texts to fix attacks issue forjames dyson. at that dispatch box, he promised to publish them and has not made good on that promise. when will he publish them?

i promise to publish my account with james dyson and that is what i have done. they do not learn their lesson, mr speaker. they attacked the government for having any kind of discussions with a british ventilator maker last week, and then the following day they did a u—turn and said any prime minister would do it, but now they have done another u—turn and are trying to bash me again. which is it? do you believe the government should support british manufacturing delivering ventilators? yes or no? that is the question for labour. mr ventilators? yes or no? that is the question for labour.— ventilators? yes or no? that is the question for labour. mr speaker, my constituency — question for labour. mr speaker, my constituency is _ question for labour. mr speaker, my constituency is known _ question for labour. mr speaker, my constituency is known best _ question for labour. mr speaker, my constituency is known best for i question for labour. mr speaker, my constituency is known best for the i constituency is known best for the battle of bosworth, but there are other attractions that all support superb cafes and pubs. with the bank

holiday weekend coming up, does the prime minister want to pop up a aquis but more importantly, what is the government doing to suspend at domestic tourism going into the summer? —— to support domestic tourism. i summer? -- to support domestic tourism. ., ., , tourism. i want to tell my right honourable _ tourism. i want to tell my right honourable friend _ tourism. i want to tell my right honourable friend that - tourism. i want to tell my right honourable friend that matterl tourism. i want to tell my right i honourable friend that matter how many pints i have lifted in bosworth, it could not do as much for the economy of bosworth and what the £50 million welcome back fund is doing, more welcome than my presence in bosworth, hotly contested perhaps. we have extended the cut in vat for hospitality and tourism to 5% right the way through until the end of timbre.— 596 right the way through until the end of timbre.— end of timbre. thank you, mr speaker- _ end of timbre. thank you, mr speaker- -- _ end of timbre. thank you, mr speaker. -- until— end of timbre. thank you, mr speaker. -- untilthe - end of timbre. thank you, mr speaker. -- untilthe end i end of timbre. thank you, mr speaker. -- until the end of. speaker. —— until the end of september. isn't the truth behind the end of this, the sleaze, the jokes, that the prime minister

thinks that rules, laws and decency are for other people? the sort of people who shop atjohn lewis or ikea or argos, who do not have wealthy donors to fund their lifestyle, not for people like him and his ministers. i lifestyle, not for people like him and his ministers.— and his ministers. i think what --eole and his ministers. i think what people think _ and his ministers. i think what people think is _ and his ministers. i think what people think is the _ and his ministers. i think what people think is the labour i and his ministers. i think what. people think is the labour party and his ministers. i think what i people think is the labour party are losing all the arguments across british politics, they have nothing to say and have no plan for our future, no vision for our country. they see a conservative government getting on with uniting and levelling up with the most ambitious agenda any government has had for generations and i think that is what they are listening to!— they are listening to! prime minister. — they are listening to! prime minister, next _ they are listening to! prime minister, next week - they are listening to! prime i minister, next week residence they are listening to! prime - minister, next week residence in nottinghamshire will vote, and despite the success, many areas like mansfield will have mainly labour

candidates. does the premise to have a message for nottinghamshire voters who can elect a conservative mp? yes, and i want to thank him for the wonderful work he does for his constituency. my message would be, yes, i hope the people of nottinghamshire will get out and vote conservative because we share your priorities on crime, the nhs, investment and infrastructure and levelling up across our country, so i hope your vote conservative on may the 6th. ., ~ i hope your vote conservative on may the 6th. i, ~ _, i hope your vote conservative on may the 6th. ., ~ ,., ~ i hope your vote conservative on may the 6th. i, ~ _, ~ ,,, i, ~ i hope your vote conservative on may the 6th. i, ~ ~ i the 6th. thank you, mr speaker. when was the prime — the 6th. thank you, mr speaker. when was the prime minister _ the 6th. thank you, mr speaker. when was the prime minister and _ the 6th. thank you, mr speaker. when was the prime minister and chief - the 6th. thank you, mr speaker. when was the prime minister and chief of. was the prime minister and chief of staff made a aware of a plant for a european super league? i staff made a aware of a plant for a european super league?— staff made a aware of a plant for a european super league? i was first made aware _ european super league? i was first made aware of _ european super league? i was first made aware of a _ european super league? i was first made aware of a plan _ european super league? i was first made aware of a plan for - european super league? i was first made aware of a plan for a - european super league? i was first l made aware of a plan for a european super league on the sunday night and we acted decisively, using the

arsenal of legislative freedoms we now have thanks to leaving the european union, which she opposed. we made clear that the uk government took a dim view of this matter, mr speaker, and the same goes for my chief of staff. speaker, and the same goes for my chief of staff-— chief of staff. thank you, mr speaker. — chief of staff. thank you, mr speaker. my _ chief of staff. thank you, mr speaker, my constituency i chief of staff. thank you, mr speaker, my constituency ofi chief of staff. thank you, mr - speaker, my constituency of stroud recently won the best place to live and there is much to visit there, including historic lamp standard that was directed to use celebrate the diamond jubilee. next year, the queen will mark a succession to the throne of 70 years, and will the prime ministerjoin me to celebrate? i want to thank my right honourable friend for her wonderful proposal and i would encourage all colleagues

to support and contribute to her project. to support and contribute to her ro'ect. . ~ to support and contribute to her ro'ect. ., ~' , ., to support and contribute to her ro'ect. ., ~' ,, ~ to support and contribute to her ro'ect. ., ~ ~ ., ~ project. thank you, mr speaker. next week, we project. thank you, mr speaker. next week. we will — project. thank you, mr speaker. next week, we will have _ project. thank you, mr speaker. next week, we will have elected _ project. thank you, mr speaker. next week, we will have elected our - project. thank you, mr speaker. next week, we will have elected our first l week, we will have elected our first minister... has too long labour... they will be strong voices and champions for infrastructure and housing and jobs. we must seize this chance to build back better after the pandemic and only the conservatives will deliver on this. well, mr speaker, they do not like that sort of thing, do they? they do not like focusing on the issues that matter to the british people and the people of west yorkshire. i thank my right honourable friend, as she is absolutely right, i hope the people and may the 6th will get out and vote for a party that believes in

supporting the nhs, fighting crime, not being soft on it, and will bring jobs and regeneration across the whole country and i hope they will vote conservative on may the 6th. speaker: i am vote conservative on may the 6th. speaker: iam now vote conservative on may the 6th. speaker: i am now suspending the house _ speaker: i am now suspending the house for— speaker: i am now suspending the house for three minutes to enable the necessary arrangements for the next business. we the necessary arrangements for the next business.— next business. we are expecting studio: we _ next business. we are expecting studio: we are _ next business. we are expecting studio: we are expecting - next business. we are expecting studio: we are expecting an . next business. we are expecting - studio: we are expecting an urgent question from labour on the situation in india with regards to the crisis there. that was prime minister's questions, the last before the upcoming elections. keir starmer initially began with the alleged comments on bodies piling high, to rather have bodies piling high, to rather have bodies piling high then impose a third lockdown. he asked whether he made those comments. borisjohnson said no. and keir starmer then moved on to who

paid for the refurbishment of the downing street flat, and in particular who initially paid for it. he said he would make it easy for the prime minister and give him a multiple—choice. what at the taxpayer, the conservative party, a private donor or the prime minister? —— was it the taxpayer. he said he paid for it personally. let's speak to our political correspondent damian grammaticas. ido i do not think i have ever seen the prime minister quite so angry as he was today in the face of that line of questioning from the labour leader. , i, , , of questioning from the labour leader. , ., , , ., , �* leader. this was interesting, wasn't it? keir starmer _ leader. this was interesting, wasn't it? keir starmer chose _ leader. this was interesting, wasn't it? keir starmer chose to _ leader. this was interesting, wasn't it? keir starmer chose to focus - leader. this was interesting, wasn't it? keir starmer chose to focus the | it? keir starmer chose to focus the heart of his questioning on very specific points he wanted to address. and he asked the prime minister about the source of the money for the initial payment on the downing street flat. and it sir keir starmer very pointedly saying to the

prime minister on the outside of that list of questions, reminding him about the ministerial code, that if you mislead parliament then you may be expected to resign, and then he focused in on that issue. so what we saw is the prime minister responding, i think, we saw is the prime minister responding, ithink, clearly we saw is the prime minister responding, i think, clearly with our view that, as you say, he was angry about this, but attack was the best form of defence. so he had very clear sort of summary statement that he responded with, similar to what we have heard before, saying that borisjohnson had paid for the downing street refurbishment personally and that any declarations that he had to make been complied with. but that he had to make been complied with. �* ., , ., with. but he did not use the word initiall , with. but he did not use the word initially. and _ with. but he did not use the word initially, and that _

with. but he did not use the word initially, and that was _ with. but he did not use the word initially, and that was the - with. but he did not use the word initially, and that was the point i initially, and that was the point sir keir starmer was trying to hammer sir keir starmer was trying to hamme ., , ., ., , ., hammer home. yes, and that is what he honed in — hammer home. yes, and that is what he honed in on _ hammer home. yes, and that is what he honed in on again _ hammer home. yes, and that is what he honed in on again and _ hammer home. yes, and that is what he honed in on again and again - hammer home. yes, and that is what he honed in on again and again and i he honed in on again and again and the prime minister returned to this same formulation. but then he repeated the formulation but stepped forward to come on to the attack, which was interesting. those angry exchanges pointing out a whole raft of things. when the question of his flat was raised, he turned that around on two labour's policy on housing, council tax in labour areas, on the amount of money spent on the flat by previous prime ministers, although those sums where the official allowance paid for on that flat. and then, also on the issue of ventilators and the prime minister turning around and saying that he was believing that he wanted to focus on the priorities of dealing with the pandemic, priorities he said people cared

about law. priorities he said people cared about law-— priorities he said people cared about law. �* , ., , ., about law. and 'ust to recap on the other breaking — about law. and just to recap on the other breaking news _ about law. and just to recap on the other breaking news from - about law. and just to recap on the other breaking news from the - about law. and just to recap on the other breaking news from the last. other breaking news from the last hour also on the electoral commission and its investigation into the refurbishment of the downing street flat and who paid for it. , ., _, , downing street flat and who paid for it. ,., , downing street flat and who paid for it. yes, of course, so that is the news that _ it. yes, of course, so that is the news that came _ it. yes, of course, so that is the news that came just _ it. yes, of course, so that is the news that came just before - it. yes, of course, so that is the i news that came just before prime minister's questions. the electoral commission saying on this issue of donations other possible donations being made or alone being made that it now is looking at that. it believes because, in its words, there is a satisfied elite mac, they are satisfied —— they are satisfied that an offence or offences may have occurred. what offence? well, if there is one, the failure to declare there is one, the failure to declare the donation, whether it is to the party or to the individual. i am

sor to party or to the individual. i am sorry to interrupt, _ party or to the individual. i am sorry to interrupt, we - party or to the individual. i am sorry to interrupt, we will - party or to the individual. i am sorry to interrupt, we will head back to the commons. urgent question from lisa nandy. back to the commons. urgent question from lisa mandy-— from lisa nandy. statement on the su ort of from lisa nandy. statement on the support of the _ from lisa nandy. statement on the support of the government - from lisa nandy. statement on the support of the government is - support of the government is providing to the indian government. thank you, mr speaker. the heartbreaking scenes in india in the last few days have shocked us all. the pandemic has brought unprecedented human suffering and we send our condolences to the indian people at this difficult time. as the prime minister has said, we stand side by side with india as a friend and partner in the fight against covid—i9. the foreign secretary spoke with his counterparts, the minister for external affairs on the 26th of april. he emphasised the uk's commitment to supply urgent medical equipment to support our indian friends at this difficult time stop ministers and officials are in close contact with counterparts in the indian government to follow—up on that commitment. the government in india told us that oxygen has been a

particular challenge, so we moved quickly to deliver a package of medical equipment to address this need. the first shipments, mr speaker, of 200 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in india in the early hours of yesterday and is already being distributed to indian hospitals. a further 400 oxygen concentrators will follow today and tomorrow. this equipment will boost the oxygen supplies in india's hospitals, which remain under severe pressure. so it is without doubt that the support provided by the uk will save lives. i am pleased that other countries are also responding to india's need, the pandemic has shown the importance of international action. no one is safe until everyone is safe, so we will keep working closely with the indian government to help with the huge challenge they face and continue to show our solidarity with the indian people.

this response is just solidarity with the indian people. this response isjust a part of solidarity with the indian people. this response is just a part of the uk's wider international efforts to tackle the pandemic. the uk has committed up to £i.3 tackle the pandemic. the uk has committed up to £1.3 billion of official development assistance funding to address the health, economic and humanitarian impact of covid—i9. we have been at the forefront of efforts to get vaccines to developing countries and where one of the largest owners to the covax programme. 0ur one of the largest owners to the covax programme. our commitment of £548 million will support the distribution of 1.3 billion doses of vaccines to up to 92 low and middle—income including india. despite the urgency of the current situation in india, this remains an important year in the uk — india relationship. india is a key partner for the uk and the prime minister had planned to visit india this week. regretfully, he had to cancel

because of the covid outbreak. he now has plans to speak to the prime minister of india via video to take forward key rules across trade, defence, climate change, health and migration. we also look forward to the prime minister meeting prime minister modi at the g7 summit in june and welcoming india's guest participation in the g7 foreign and development ministerial meeting next week. the subject of the covid—19 situation in india may also be an opportunity for the prime minister to visit in person later in the year. we stand with the indian people in this time of need, taking our lead from what the indian government advisers is most useful. we face is pandemic together and the uk will continue to support global efforts to overcome the brave challenges we all its today. —— the grave challenges we all face. the

domestic grave challenges we all face. tue: domestic challenge grave challenges we all face. the: domestic challenge in india now constitutes a global emergency. it is infected with at least 40% of all new cases in the world, more than 2 million have been confirmed in the last week alone and the peak of this crisis may yet be weeks away. this surely us to be a prime priority for the foreign secretary, as the scale of this crisis became clear over the last ten days. there are more than a million britons with relatives in india and is a moment of fear and anxiety. through my own heritage, i am personally acutely aware of our connection. many will have gone to work in the nhs to help us through this crisis whilst desperately worried about love ones in india. we must do more. can i hear about a clear plan to ramp up the delivery of vital equipment and welcome the

600 pieces of equipment that we have shipped so far, but he will know through his discussions, as i do, that india is still badly short of oxygen, cylinders, concentrators, and therapeutic drugs, especially remdesivir. i spoke to the eu ambassador this morning to talk about how to avoid duplication and get help to where it is most needed. has the uk being part of discussions with the who and the un? he needs a plan for increasing the production and manufacturing capacity for vaccines and to overcome barriers to expanding supply. i was surprised not to hear a commitment to make good on the health secretary's promised to throw open our unique expertise to the world. we are world leaders in genomic sequencing and epidemiology, tracking variables would be a major contribution to the world. it is now almost a year to

the date since the uk steeped in our own crisis, hopefully unprepared for the pandemic, was forced to ask the world to help. india stepped forward and exported paracetamol in an act of solidarity and friendship. there are millions of people in india and around the world and the uk for whom this is really a test of the bond between our two nations. i heard what he said and thank him for his warm words, but words are not enough. now is the time to step forward with a real plan of action to tackle this domestic tragedy and this global emergency. t to tackle this domestic tragedy and this global emergency.— this global emergency. i thank the riaht this global emergency. i thank the right honourable _ this global emergency. i thank the right honourable lady _ this global emergency. i thank the right honourable lady for - this global emergency. i thank the right honourable lady for her - right honourable lady for her question. if i could just say to her that the foreign secretary may have answered this question today but he is in geneva outwith the un, so he is in geneva outwith the un, so he is out of the country. what i would say, particularly over the cooperation we have seen from the

indian government specifically around drugs last year, we are very thankfulfor around drugs last year, we are very thankful for the around drugs last year, we are very thankfulfor the support around drugs last year, we are very thankful for the support we had in that regard. but what i would say, and she references words not deeds, what you have seen over the weekend is deeds, not words. we were the first country to deliver support to the indian people. in fact, mr speaker, it is absolutely the case that we have been described by the bbc know less, the uk has been commended for the speed of its initial package. they describe it as the first international shipment aimed at stemming the devastating covid—19 search. i'm not sure how much quicker we could have been. we have been working on this over the weekend. i would like to thank our staff across our networks and in the department of health for all of the work they have done in putting together this package, so instead of talking, we were shipping and

delivering these vital pieces of equipment. and there is more to come, mr speaker, in terms of equipment and support and we will continue to speak with the indian government on what they actually require and we will respond to what they require in very short order. thank you, mr speaker. i have a great privilege essay of speaking to my indian opposite number and he expressed great gratitude for the support for the indian people. i was very pleased he said so. however, india is not the only country with which we have a living bridge and common feeling. we need to make sure we are prepared to support other countries in the commonwealth, not just for their benefit but for hours. could the minister assure me we are ready we have the 0da budget

available and we are prepared to act should such a pool of infection arise in any other country, particularly one with which we share such a close link? t particularly one with which we share such a close link?— such a close link? i thank my right honourable _ such a close link? i thank my right honourable friend, _ such a close link? i thank my right honourable friend, the _ such a close link? i thank my right honourable friend, the chairman i such a close link? i thank my right| honourable friend, the chairman of the select committee for that question. we are speaking with international partners on a regular basis, and this is a situation where no one is safe until everybody is safe. we are working collaboratively. good example of thatis collaboratively. good example of that is on vaccines. we are one of the biggest contributors to the vaccine programme, the covax programme, set up in particular to support countries in this regard. we will continue to do whatever we need to do to support our international partners. what we have to do, because of the pressing emergency in india, which is one of our closest allies, is react quickly, get the

equipment onto planes and onto the ground and that is what we will do now. :, ~' ground and that is what we will do now. :, ~ , :, ground and that is what we will do now. :, ~ ,, ~ ground and that is what we will do now. :, ~ ~ :,~ , , now. thank you, mr speaker. it seems we have all _ now. thank you, mr speaker. it seems we have all seen _ now. thank you, mr speaker. it seems we have all seen a _ now. thank you, mr speaker. it seems we have all seen a truly _ now. thank you, mr speaker. it seems we have all seen a truly tragic- we have all seen a truly tragic situation and our hearts throughout all others suffering. there is nothing more tragic than seeing people die on the pavements outside overstretched hospitals. covid patients. and dead loved ones being lined up for cremation. sadly, we must recognise that these scenes will not be the last of the devastation of covid we will see and the uk must step up across the world to help. it is welcome the uk has been able to offer some support, but what assistance has been provided for vaccines to prevent further covid waves across the country? will be uk government support a waiver to overcome intellectual property barriers so countries have much needed access to vaccines and we do not see what is happening in india replicated elsewhere? and given the need for a fully resourced global

vaccine roll—out, will be government finally listened to the experts and retreat from the proposed cuts to the uk's life—saving aid at this critical time? the uk's life-saving aid at this critical time?— the uk's life-saving aid at this criticaltime? :, ~ , :, :, :, ~ critical time? thank you and i thank the riaht critical time? thank you and i thank the right honourable _ critical time? thank you and i thank the right honourable gentleman - critical time? thank you and i thank the right honourable gentleman for| the right honourable gentleman for his question. it is clear we have been at the forefront, mr speaker, of efforts to get vaccines to developing countries. i cannot think of many countries that have done more. i mentioned previously the advanced commitment to covax, created to deliver exactly that. we will be supporting the distribution of 1.3 billion doses of vaccine to up of 1.3 billion doses of vaccine to up to 92 low and middle income countries, including india and others. we will obviously need to complete our own roll—out and we are looking to what we do with any particular, if there are surplus doses available, we will keep that

under constant review. but i am proud of our commitments. the £548 million leading international funding conference last year on vaccines to help those who need our assistance. :, ~' , :, vaccines to help those who need our assistance. :, ~ , :, ~ ,,, :, ~ assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact — assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact of _ assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact of covid _ assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact of covid in _ assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact of covid in india - assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact of covid in india is - assistance. thank you, mr speaker. the impact of covid in india is a - the impact of covid in india is a tragedy. i heard from a family member in delhi and he says that people are terrified. people are profiteering and ramping up prices and making it unaffordable. nearly half of all global covid cases are now in india and nowhere is safe until we are all safe. it is vital uk has provided ventilators and oxygen, but there are also issues with vaccination logistics and supplies. but can i ask the minister what he knows about how kashmiris in

india are faring given there has been no ability forjournalists to visit since nearly two years ago? t visit since nearly two years ago? i thank the right honourable lady for her question. i am thank the right honourable lady for her question. iam not thank the right honourable lady for her question. i am not the minister responsible for that particular region, but i know we have regular dialogue, sorry, for those particular countries, but we have a regular dialogue. my right honourable friend who is responsible speaks with representatives and i am happy to ask him to give the right honourable lady update.— happy to ask him to give the right honourable lady update. thank you, mr speaker- — honourable lady update. thank you, mr speaker. many _ honourable lady update. thank you, mr speaker. many of— honourable lady update. thank you, mr speaker. many of us _ honourable lady update. thank you, mr speaker. many of us have - mr speaker. many of us have constituents deeply worried about loved ones in india. please can my right honourable friend reassure them that the foreign secretary will

continue to engage with the undine government about the practical help thatis government about the practical help that is needed and how we can provided? —— with the indian government. mr; provided? -- with the indian government.— provided? -- with the indian covernment. g :, :, :, , government. my right honourable friend is absolutely _ government. my right honourable friend is absolutely right. - government. my right honourable friend is absolutely right. the - friend is absolutely right. the foreign secretary has spoken directly in the last few days with the foreign minister in india on exactly this. and that is nigel adams, the ministerfor asia adams, the minister for asia responding adams, the ministerfor asia responding to the initial urgent question stop you can continue to watch this on bbc parliament. in a moment, the news at one, but before that, look at the weather. some welcome rainfall on the dry ground but not all areas through today. it looks like most of the rain will be across parts of england and wales with the best of the sunshine across scotland and

northern ireland. the rainfall is down to this area of low pressure that has been sliding southwards across the country. the weather front is affecting more southern part of the uk, so for the rest of the uk, it is wales, the midlands and the south—west seen most of the rain. —— seeing the most of the rain. —— seeing the most of the rain. they could be colder air across northern areas, particularly close to the coast. temperatures in single digits. it will feel cool we have the cloud, the breeze and rain across the south—west corner of the country. this evening and overnight, the cloud and rain clears hanging back affecting the south—east of england. elsewhere, clearspells, england. elsewhere, clear spells, showers, england. elsewhere, clearspells, showers, and these will be wintry again. there will be a large chance of seeing frost again for much of the country because we will have clearer skies. the country because we will have clearerskies. lows the country because we will have clearer skies. lows of four or 5

degrees. eventually clears away on thursday morning and then most places will be brighter, some sunshine around. they will be showers developing into the afternoon, some of which may be heavy with fundamental in. they could be long spells of rain over higher ground. it will feel chilly if you factor in the brisk wind. particularly chilly across northern and eastern coasts. temperature wise, below parfor the and eastern coasts. temperature wise, below par for the time of year, 11, 12 or13 in wise, below par for the time of year, 11, 12 or 13 in the south with sunny spells. at area of low pressure clears away and we are left with a run of cold arctic north north—easterly winds, but light winds. however, we will see showers developing through friday and the weekend. similarfor friday, saturday and sunday. called starts, frost around again, sunshine and showers in the afternoon and then a sign of things turning wetter and

windier as we head on into the bank holiday monday.

the electoral commission launches a formal investigation into the funding of the refurbishment of boris johnson's downing street flat. are you worried about the investigation, prime minister? who coughed up for the flat, sir? the watchdog says there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence or offences may have occurred. labour went on the attack. the ministerial code says, and i quote, ministers who knowingly mislead parliament will be expected to offer their resignation. you— to offer their resignation. you to offer their resi-nation. should know that i paid ' downing you should know that i paid for the downing street refurbishment personally, mr speaker, and i contrast— personally, mr speaker, and i contrast it _ personally, mr speaker, and i contrast it any further declaration that i_ contrast it any further declaration that i will— contrast it any further declaration that i will have to make, if any, i

will be _ that i will have to make, if any, i will be advised upon.