this is bbc news with the latest headlines. a final day of campaigning ahead of voting on super thursday — the biggest set of local and national elections in nearly 50 years. and i m here in edinburgh as the last pitches for votes are made in the crucial elections for the scottish parliament here at holyrood. a major investment in vaccines to fight new variants of coronavirus — nearly £30m will be spent on labs and extra tests to identify new strains. a candlelit vigil is held for police community support officerjulia james, one week after her body was found in woodland in kent. and coming up... a pioneering initiative in indonesia to try to restore life and colour to coral reefs.

millions of voters in england, scotland and wales are preparing to head to the polls tomorrow for the biggest set of elections in nearly 50 years. many have been postponed from last year, due to the pandemic. on the final day of campaigning, lets take a look at what's at stake. in england, 4,650 council seats are being contested across 143 local authorities. 13 directly elected mayors are being sought, including in the capital, where 25 seats are also up for grabs in the london assembly.

elsewhere, all eyes will be on hartlepool, where there's also a parliamentary by—election to choose a new mp for the town. meanwhile, voters in scotland will elect 129 members of the scottish parliament. 60 members of the senedd will be elected by voters in wales. people there will also have the chance to select new police and crime commissioners. a total of 39 will be elected across england and wales. clive myrie is at holyrood for us this morning. i think there are going to be some fascinating stories once the votes are in, perhaps none more so than where you are?— where you are? yes, a metre. a beautiful — where you are? yes, a metre. a beautiful day — where you are? yes, a metre. a beautiful day here _ where you are? yes, a metre. a beautiful day here in _ where you are? yes, a metre. a beautiful day here in edinburgh. i one last chance to appeal to voters, one final chance to make a pitch in a campaign where door—knocking and pressing the flesh has obviously been curtailed by the covid pandemic. we had the scottish leaders' debate

last night, lots of sparks but no clear winner. and all eyes were on snp leader nicola sturgeon. can her party win a clear majority, giving them what they say will be a mandate to call for a second independence referendum? but of course, there are elections across the rest of great britain. there are no votes in northern ireland. let's get the picture on the races across england and talk it's a mixed bag. local elections, crime and police commissioners and a by—election in hartlepool, but there is one overarching message. whether or not the conservatives consolidate the gains they made in 2019, turning those into local council seats after doing so well in the so—called red wall areas of britain is back that is the overarching message of this. as you pointed out, we are looking at pretty— as you pointed out, we are looking

at pretty much the whole political spectrum — at pretty much the whole political spectrum in these elections in england. _ spectrum in these elections in england, from councils at one end up to the _ england, from councils at one end up to the hartlepool by—election at the other, _ to the hartlepool by—election at the other, which is the only election in which _ other, which is the only election in which someone has being directly elected _ which someone has being directly elected to westminster. there are local issues that will play heavily in the _ local issues that will play heavily in the decisions of how people go to vote across — in the decisions of how people go to vote across the country. but they are seen — vote across the country. but they are seen as — vote across the country. but they are seen as a way of taking the temperature of the political parties at westminster too and you are right, _ at westminster too and you are right, this — at westminster too and you are right, this is the first public test since _ right, this is the first public test since keir— right, this is the first public test since keir starmer took over as labour— since keir starmer took over as labour leader. it is going to be a test of— labour leader. it is going to be a test of whether the conservatives can hold — test of whether the conservatives can hold some of those games they have made, particularly in seats in the north— have made, particularly in seats in the north of england. are we going to see _ the north of england. are we going to see that— the north of england. are we going to see that reflected in the local council — to see that reflected in the local council result and the mayoral results — council result and the mayoral results as— council result and the mayoral results as well, or are labour going to he _ results as well, or are labour going to be able _ results as well, or are labour going to be able to make some gains there. there _ to be able to make some gains there. there is— to be able to make some gains there. there is particular pressure on labour— there is particular pressure on labour because of that hartlepool by—election. that has been labour

since _ by—election. that has been labour since 1974, — by—election. that has been labour since 1974, so there is pressure to make _ since 1974, so there is pressure to make sure — since 1974, so there is pressure to make sure they hold it this time too _ make sure they hold it this time too that — make sure they hold it this time too that is _ make sure they hold it this time too. that is the overarching picture we are _ too. that is the overarching picture we are looking at, even though the contests— we are looking at, even though the contests themselves are local. and let's not forget _ contests themselves are local. fific let's not forget the liberal democrats and the greens. local politics, local government. that is part of their heartland where they do wield a considerable amount of power, although they don't have it to the same degree at westminster. these are important elections for those parties too.— these are important elections for those parties too. they are and you are riiht. those parties too. they are and you are right. traditionally, _ those parties too. they are and you are right. traditionally, this - those parties too. they are and you are right. traditionally, this is - are right. traditionally, this is where — are right. traditionally, this is where the _ are right. traditionally, this is where the liberal democrats and the greens— where the liberal democrats and the greens perform better in local elections _ greens perform better in local elections than in westminster ones in generat — elections than in westminster ones in general. so there will be a case of looking — in general. so there will be a case of looking at, is very resurgence, are there — of looking at, is very resurgence, are there areas where they are performing strongly? that will give an indication of that and provide them _ an indication of that and provide them with— an indication of that and provide them with the foot soldiers and the base to _ them with the foot soldiers and the base to build on that when looking at westminster. so it's an

interesting mix back to watch. helen, — interesting mix back to watch. helen, thanks for that. 0ur wales correspondent tomos morgan is in cardiff. asimilar a similar note there with the races where you are. can the conservatives turned the welsh gains they made at the elections in 2019 into local council seats? the so—called western edge, if you like, of the red wall, the vale of clwyd, wrexham in those areas? , �* , ., the vale of clwyd, wrexham in those areas? , �*, ., ., ., ., . ., areas? yes, it's a national election here, the election _ areas? yes, it's a national election here, the election for _ areas? yes, it's a national election here, the election for the - areas? yes, it's a national election here, the election for the welsh i here, the election for the welsh senedd~ — here, the election for the welsh senedd. you are right, it's that north-east _ senedd. you are right, it's that north—east red war that there has been _ north—east red war that there has been the — north—east red war that there has been the focus of labour and the conservatives in the last few days of campaigning. they took a few seats— of campaigning. they took a few seats in— of campaigning. they took a few seats in 2019. so they will hope they can — seats in 2019. so they will hope they can do the same again, trying to gain _ they can do the same again, trying to gain a _ they can do the same again, trying to gain a few of those constituency

seats _ to gain a few of those constituency seats here — to gain a few of those constituency seats here. 40 constituency seats, 20 regional, making up 60 going into the last— 20 regional, making up 60 going into the last parliament. labour has always— the last parliament. labour has always been the dominant party in wales— always been the dominant party in wales since the senedd started 22 years— wales since the senedd started 22 years ago. — wales since the senedd started 22 years ago, always ruling in some shape _ years ago, always ruling in some shape or— years ago, always ruling in some shape or form, coalition, years ago, always ruling in some shape orform, coalition, i years ago, always ruling in some shape or form, coalition, i a government or a power share. the polls— government or a power share. the polls and _ government or a power share. the polls and pundits are suggesting it is unlikely that any other party will come _ is unlikely that any other party will come close to labour getting the majority of seats again. however, it looks increasingly likely— however, it looks increasingly likely that they probably won't get a majority again. that begs the question— a majority again. that begs the question of what will happen when it comes— question of what will happen when it comes to _ question of what will happen when it comes to forming a government. there has been _ comes to forming a government. there has been a _ comes to forming a government. there has been a lot of talk between the parties _ has been a lot of talk between the parties and questions to opposition leaders _ parties and questions to opposition leaders about coalitions. the most likely— leaders about coalitions. the most likely one — leaders about coalitions. the most likely one would be a potential plaid _ likely one would be a potential plaid cymru and labour. plaid cymru would _ plaid cymru and labour. plaid cymru would then— plaid cymru and labour. plaid cymru would then need to hold their seats or potentially make a few gains. as well as— or potentially make a few gains. as well as the — or potentially make a few gains. as well as the north—east of england, there _ well as the north—east of england, there are — well as the north—east of england, there are a — well as the north—east of england, there are a few seats in the south

and brecon — there are a few seats in the south and brecon and radnorshire. those are the _ and brecon and radnorshire. those are the only— and brecon and radnorshire. those are the only lib dem seats they have -ot are the only lib dem seats they have got here _ are the only lib dem seats they have got here. kirsty williams, the education minister, is standing down from there. — education minister, is standing down from there, so there is a possibility that if the lib dems don't — possibility that if the lib dems don't hold onto that, they could be wiped _ don't hold onto that, they could be wiped out— don't hold onto that, they could be wiped out in the welsh elections, 'ust wiped out in the welsh elections, just as _ wiped out in the welsh elections, just as they were in 2019. one other sentiment _ just as they were in 2019. one other sentiment to mention here quickly is that plaid _ sentiment to mention here quickly is that plaid are obviously pushing for an independence referendum in their manifesto _ an independence referendum in their manifesto. but on the other side of the spectrum, we have got sentiment to abolish _ the spectrum, we have got sentiment to abolish the welsh assembly. there was potential that they could pick up was potential that they could pick up a was potential that they could pick up a few— was potential that they could pick up a few seats in the regional areas — up a few seats in the regional areas. that will make an interesting make _ areas. that will make an interesting make up— areas. that will make an interesting make up to — areas. that will make an interesting make up to all the members of parliament that will come here after may the _ parliament that will come here after may the 6th. parliament that will come here after may the 6th— may the 6th. tomos, that is interesting. _ may the 6th. tomos, that is interesting. i— may the 6th. tomos, that is interesting. i am _ may the 6th. tomos, that is interesting. i am also - may the 6th. tomos, that is - interesting. i am also interested in plaid cymru. as you say, if labour

need a partner in coalition, although plaid cymru has made it clear it is not going to go into a formal coalition, there could be some sort of supply backing for the labour party. would they push for some kind of vote on independence over the next parliament? titer;r some kind of vote on independence over the next parliament? they have alwa s said over the next parliament? they have always said that _ over the next parliament? they have always said that is _ over the next parliament? they have always said that is something - over the next parliament? they have always said that is something they i always said that is something they want _ always said that is something they want it— always said that is something they want it is— always said that is something they want. it is at the top of their manifesto this year. they said this was the _ manifesto this year. they said this was the most radical manifesto for a number— was the most radical manifesto for a number of— was the most radical manifesto for a number of years, plaid cymru. i did speak— number of years, plaid cymru. i did speakto_ number of years, plaid cymru. i did speaktoa— number of years, plaid cymru. i did speak to a senior minister in the government a few weeks ago who was trying _ government a few weeks ago who was trying to— government a few weeks ago who was trying to dampen down whether or not the coalition would take place at all and _ the coalition would take place at all and maybe they would look for a power _ all and maybe they would look for a power supply situation as you say, or some _ power supply situation as you say, or some sort of deals between the parties _ or some sort of deals between the parties rather than going into coalition _ parties rather than going into coalition. if that happened, it is very— coalition. if that happened, it is very unlikely that an independence referendum would come on the table. to get— referendum would come on the table. to get that, _ referendum would come on the table. to get that, they would need a huge share _ to get that, they would need a huge share of— to get that, they would need a huge share of votes in the senedd. without— share of votes in the senedd. without that huge power share or a

coalition, _ without that huge power share or a coalition, they would not have enough — coalition, they would not have enough votes to get an independence referendum. independence isn't on the same _ referendum. independence isn't on the same scale as it is where you are in— the same scale as it is where you are in scotland, but it is growing slightly — are in scotland, but it is growing slightly it — are in scotland, but it is growing slightly. it would take a fair bit of momentum and a sea change for it to become _ of momentum and a sea change for it to become a — of momentum and a sea change for it to become a reality in wales, but anything — to become a reality in wales, but anything can happen. it's been quite anything can happen. it's been quite a year. _ anything can happen. it's been quite a year. so _ anything can happen. it's been quite a year, so we will see.— a year, so we will see. indeed. tomos morgan _ a year, so we will see. indeed. tomos morgan in _ a year, so we will see. indeed. tomos morgan in cardiff. - a year, so we will see. indeed. tomos morgan in cardiff. let's| a year, so we will see. indeed. - tomos morgan in cardiff. let's get the picture here in scotland. political correspondent nick eardley is with me now. it isa it is a nascent independence movement in wales. but here in scotland, nicola sturgeon is obviously looking for a clear majority in the holyrood parliament over there that she believes will give her the mandate to call for a second independence referendum. how is it looking in terms of them

possibly getting there? it’s is it looking in terms of them possibly getting there?- possibly getting there? it's a fascinating — possibly getting there? it's a fascinating election, - possibly getting there? it's a fascinating election, clive. . possibly getting there? it's a fascinating election, clive. nobody is pretending that anyone apart from the snp _ is pretending that anyone apart from the snp are going to be the biggest party in _ the snp are going to be the biggest party in the next scottish parliament. the question is, how big can they— parliament. the question is, how big can they win? nobody knows. it's been _ can they win? nobody knows. it's been a _ can they win? nobody knows. it's been a strange election. we have not had the _ been a strange election. we have not had the normal canvassing you would have _ had the normal canvassing you would have the _ had the normal canvassing you would have. the parties are all nervous about— have. the parties are all nervous about making cast—iron predictions. if about making cast—iron predictions. if you _ about making cast—iron predictions. if you flick— about making cast—iron predictions. if you flick through the scottish papers — if you flick through the scottish papers this morning, you see how mixed _ papers this morning, you see how mixed the — papers this morning, you see how mixed the baggies. if you read the times, _ mixed the baggies. if you read the times, they suggest the snp are in line for— times, they suggest the snp are in line for a _ times, they suggest the snp are in line for a comfortable maturity. if you read — line for a comfortable maturity. if you read the scotsman, they suggest snp are _ you read the scotsman, they suggest snp are in— you read the scotsman, they suggest snp are in line for the worst results _ snp are in line for the worst results since 2007, falling well short— results since 2007, falling well short of— results since 2007, falling well short of the majority. so you get an idea of— short of the majority. so you get an idea of how— short of the majority. so you get an idea of how uncertain that picture is. idea of how uncertain that picture is and _ idea of how uncertain that picture is and it— idea of how uncertain that picture is. and it really matters, because if the _ is. and it really matters, because if the snp — is. and it really matters, because if the snp have that majority, they will be _ if the snp have that majority, they will be able to go to boris johnson and even — will be able to go to boris johnson and even though he plans to say no to another— and even though he plans to say no to another referendum, they will be able to— to another referendum, they will be able to say — to another referendum, they will be able to say, we controlled the

scottish — able to say, we controlled the scottish parliament, we can vote this through whenever you want. the electorate _ this through whenever you want. the electorate have given us the power to make _ electorate have given us the power to make the decisions in holyrood that we _ to make the decisions in holyrood that we need to. it's notjust about that _ that we need to. it's notjust about that this— that we need to. it's notjust about that. this place has significant control— that. this place has significant control over devolved areas, the most _ control over devolved areas, the most important of which at the moment, — most important of which at the moment, everybody is talking about the post—pandemic recovery. but this election— the post—pandemic recovery. but this election that is notjust the post—pandemic recovery. but this election that is not just for scotland, but for the whole of the uk. scotland, but for the whole of the uk all _ scotland, but for the whole of the uk. all through today, you are going to see _ uk. all through today, you are going to see the _ uk. all through today, you are going to see the unionist parties and the other— to see the unionist parties and the other smaller parties out making their— other smaller parties out making their case — other smaller parties out making their case for the regional votes and some — their case for the regional votes and some constituency votes. but it does feel_ and some constituency votes. but it does feel at— and some constituency votes. but it does feel at the moment incredibly hard to— does feel at the moment incredibly hard to predict what is going to happen — hard to predict what is going to ha en. ., . hard to predict what is going to hauen. ., . ., hard to predict what is going to ha en. ., ., ., ," ., hard to predict what is going to ha en. ., ., ., y., ., ., happen. you have got your ear to the round. i happen. you have got your ear to the ground- l was — happen. you have got your ear to the ground. i was here _ happen. you have got your ear to the ground. i was here waking _ happen. you have got your ear to the ground. i was here waking you - happen. you have got your ear to the ground. i was here waking you last i ground. i was here waking you last night and talking to operatives on the phone and i wonder, whether conservatives feel they are in relation to labour? do they feel they can take second place and become, for another term, the opposition towards the snp?

maintaining the caveat that this is an uncertain election, the tories seem _ an uncertain election, the tories seem pretty confident that they will hold onto _ seem pretty confident that they will hold onto second. they would acknowledge that the new scottish labour _ acknowledge that the new scottish labour leader, anas sarwar, has been popular~ _ labour leader, anas sarwar, has been popular~ he _ labour leader, anas sarwar, has been popular. he has had a good campaign. he had _ popular. he has had a good campaign. he had another decent performance in the lead _ he had another decent performance in the lead up _ he had another decent performance in the lead up to activate last night. but some — the lead up to activate last night. but some in the labour party would acknowledge that his personal popularity isn't translate into votes — popularity isn't translate into votes. you get two votes in the scottish— votes. you get two votes in the scottish parliament election. 0ne votes. you get two votes in the scottish parliament election. one is for scottish parliament election. 0ne is for your— scottish parliament election. one is for your constituency, so that is where _ for your constituency, so that is where the — for your constituency, so that is where the snp are focusing to try and get _ where the snp are focusing to try and get a — where the snp are focusing to try and get a majority through those seats _ and get a majority through those seats. but the conservatives and labour _ seats. but the conservatives and labour will target some local areas. they are _ labour will target some local areas. they are focusing on the regional list, they are focusing on the regional list. the — they are focusing on the regional list, the proportional representation part of this. for months. — representation part of this. for months, all you have heard from the tories _ months, all you have heard from the tories in _ months, all you have heard from the tories in scotland is, vote for us on the _ tories in scotland is, vote for us on the regional list. labour's message _ on the regional list. labour's message on that has been a bit late to the _ message on that has been a bit late to the game, some in the party think _ to the game, some in the party think. impossible to tell what is

going _ think. impossible to tell what is going to — think. impossible to tell what is going to happen because it's been such a _ going to happen because it's been such a strange election and we have not had _ such a strange election and we have not had the — such a strange election and we have not had the colour and confrontation that often _ not had the colour and confrontation that often bring these things to life. that often bring these things to life but — that often bring these things to life. but the big questions facing us today— life. but the big questions facing us today and tomorrow and that we will be _ us today and tomorrow and that we will be analysing from friday, can the snp _ will be analysing from friday, can the snp when that majority on their own? _ the snp when that majority on their own? how— the snp when that majority on their own? how big will the pro—independence block b in the next scottish— pro—independence block b in the next scottish parliament, and just how split is— scottish parliament, and just how split is the — scottish parliament, and just how split is the unionist vote? many thanks for _ split is the unionist vote? many thanks for that. _ split is the unionist vote? many thanks for that. the _ split is the unionist vote? many thanks for that. the liberal - thanks for that. the liberal democrats and greens are of course hoping to make inroads as well. if you live in england, scotland or wales, you can find out what elections are taking place in your area, by entering your postcode into our search tool, on our website, or the bbc news app. that's it from edinburgh. much more throughout the day, but now back to annita. brute throughout the day, but now back to annita. ~ ., .,

throughout the day, but now back to annita. ~ . ., ., throughout the day, but now back to annita. ~ . . ., ., annita. we have a learning line a bakini is annita. we have a learning line a baking is that _ annita. we have a learning line a baking is that brighton's - annita. we have a learning line a baking is that brighton's annual i baking is that brighton's annual pride event has been cancelled to the second year in a row. it was due to take place across the weekend of the seventh and 8th of august, but organisers say that continuing uncertainty over how mass gatherings could proceed after the 21st ofjune meant that organising this year's event was impossible to achieve in the time left. director paul kemp said that while community fundraising and local businesses would suffer without the safety net of viable covid cancellation insurance, we can'tjeopardise our ability to deliver a sustainable fundraising pride in future years. so bright pride has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to covid —— brighton pride. more than £29 million of government funding will be put into developing vaccines that fight new variants of covid—19. experts say this is vital to stay ahead of a virus that will continue to mutate. the investment will expand

testing facilities at public health england's porton down research laboratory. 0ur reporter aruna iyengar reports. in the fight to stay on top of the coronavirus pandemic, the vaccines minister nadhim zahawi said a third jab could be offered to everyone over 50. the aim — to eradicate the threat of covid—19 by christmas. we want to give the scientists as many options to be able to deploy a booster. coupled with that, jonathan van—tam is conducting a clinical piece of research called covboost to look at which additional shot — is it novavax, valneva, is it astrazeneca, is it pfizer — that would deliver the greatest protection. we have to make that available to them, and the nhs team is already planning to be ready for deployment from september onwards. meanwhile, work goes on to battle against new versions of coronavirus circulating around the globe, such as the kent and south africa variants. to counter that threat and stay ahead of the virus, the uk government is investing more

money in vaccine research. the extra £29.3 million, on top of nearly the 20 million already promised, will boost testing facilities at porton down, where scientists are checking how well existing and new vaccines fight covid variants. the cash will allow scientists to test 3,000 blood samples a week to measure the levels of protective antibodies against covid—19 generated by different vaccines. these new facilities will double our capacity and allow us to do these studies more rapidly and effectively. we do know that new variants are a major concern in our fight against the virus. so these new facilities will mean that we hopefully will be able to stay one step ahead of the virus. if plans proceed for a booster covid vaccine programme in the autumn, that could involve using updated vaccines that are a better match for variants.

a dealfor 50 million doses has been made with a german company called cu revac. let's get more on this from dr mohammad munir, virologist and professor of biomedicine at lancaster university. iam i am interested in the process here. if we look at flu vaccines, the vaccine produced each year sometimes doesn't end up being suitable for the particular strain of flu that is dominant that winter. so how do you begin with looking at ten short mutant variants of the covid virus and working out what might be needed to counteract those?— to counteract those? absolutely. we all understand _ to counteract those? absolutely. we all understand that _ to counteract those? absolutely. we all understand that this _ to counteract those? absolutely. we all understand that this year - to counteract those? absolutely. we all understand that this year is - to counteract those? absolutely. we all understand that this year is a - all understand that this year is a year of variants and the only thing that can undo the success we have had so far as the variants. the

first factor is to look into which a vaccine is effective against which variant. to do that, there is a testing process at porton down and they are currently testing 500 samples a week, which will be ramped up samples a week, which will be ramped up to around 3000 a week to test the blood from people who are vaccinated and match that against the new variants which are predominantly in the uk, but also emerging in the rest of the world. that information will give us an idea of which variant is not being protected using the current vaccine and a variant will be used to manufacture a vaccine for the future so we can match with the variant so effectively that the vaccine will work. 50 effectively that the vaccine will work. ,, ., effectively that the vaccine will work, ,, ., ., effectively that the vaccine will work. ., . ., ., ., , work. so if a particular variant is lookin: work. so if a particular variant is looking like _ work. so if a particular variant is looking like it's _ work. so if a particular variant is looking like it's going _ work. so if a particular variant is looking like it's going to - work. so if a particular variant is| looking like it's going to become work. so if a particular variant is l looking like it's going to become a problem and more dominant, how quickly can a new vaccine, a booster vaccine, be turned around? the first ste is to vaccine, be turned around? the first step is to test _ vaccine, be turned around? the first step is to test whether _ vaccine, be turned around? the first step is to test whether it _ vaccine, be turned around? the first step is to test whether it is - vaccine, be turned around? the first step is to test whether it is really i step is to test whether it is really neutralised by the current vaccines.

for example, when the indian variant started to adhere, those cases were tested against vaccinated people. there was a certain level of immunity. so that means that that antigen taken from the indian isolates can be used to manufacture the vaccine. depending on the technology being deployed, for example when it comes to the mrna based vaccine, that is a quick process. so it means the new mrna can be made which would take the antigen from these new variants. afterwards, there is a process in the laboratory to look for the efficacy against those variants and then go into human trial. that would be quicker than what we did in the first place as the overall process is streamlined.— is streamlined. this is obviously about being _ is streamlined. this is obviously about being prepared _ is streamlined. this is obviously about being prepared to - is streamlined. this is obviously about being prepared to stay . is streamlined. this is obviously i about being prepared to stay ahead of the virus. but do you think these boosters will be needed if, for example, community transmission in the uk stays low and if the immunity

from the vaccinations that are currently being given last a bit longer than we think they might. yes, i have no doubt that the vaccine introduced immunity would last longer than we are anticipating, more than a year. but we have to look at the variants and whether they would escape the immunity or not. if they do, that would mean a booster would be required or a variant matching vaccine would be required. we cannot allow this virus to spread beyond the health community. as you highlighted, the important thing is that if we keep the virus under control, it will not replicate at the level it wants to. that means the level it wants to. that means the new variant is less likely to emerge. idr the new variant is less likely to emerie. , ., ., ~ the new variant is less likely to emerie. , . ., ~ ., emerge. dr mohammad munir from lancaster university, _ emerge. dr mohammad munir from lancaster university, thank - emerge. dr mohammad munir from lancaster university, thank you. i this morning, the vaccines minister has confirmed

that there will be an update laterthis week on international travel. nadhim zahawi told the bbc that the transport secretary would set out this week the traffic light system — which will govern which countries people can travel to without having to quarantine. there's huge anticipation from businesses that rely on british tourists in countries that could be included on the "green list" of destinations. neil breakwell owns gaffers bar at las americas in tenerife. thank you forjoining us. you have owned the barfor ten thank you forjoining us. you have owned the bar for ten years, i understand, in a place where tourism is the driving force. what has the last year been like? flat is the driving force. what has the last year been like?— is the driving force. what has the last year been like? not the best. but we last year been like? not the best. lbut we got _ last year been like? not the best. but we got through _ last year been like? not the best. but we got through it. _ last year been like? not the best. but we got through it. we - last year been like? not the best. but we got through it. we are i last year been like? not the best. j but we got through it. we are just waiting for the tourists to come back. the hotels will start opening up back. the hotels will start opening up again soon. we just need boris to put us on the green light. band up again soon. we just need boris to put us on the green light.— put us on the green light. and what is businesslike _ put us on the green light. and what is businesslike at _ put us on the green light. and what is businesslike at the _ put us on the green light. and what is businesslike at the moment? i is businesslike at the moment? scarce. it's very quiet. mainlyjust

people who live here, that is all we get in the bars. 0bviously, everybody are struggling for money here as well, so not many people have much to spend.— here as well, so not many people have much to spend. barely worth 0 ”enin , have much to spend. barely worth opening. then? — have much to spend. barely worth opening, then? but _ have much to spend. barely worth opening, then? but we _ have much to spend. barely worth opening, then? but we have i have much to spend. barely worth opening, then? but we have to i have much to spend. barely worth i opening, then? but we have to open because we — opening, then? but we have to open because we don't _ opening, then? but we have to open because we don't get _ opening, then? but we have to open because we don't get much - opening, then? but we have to open because we don't get much help i opening, then? but we have to open because we don't get much help of l because we don't get much help of the government, the spanish government. if we don't open, we don't earn any money.— don't earn any money. have many businesses — don't earn any money. have many businesses in _ don't earn any money. have many businesses in your _ don't earn any money. have many businesses in your area _ don't earn any money. have many businesses in your area closed i don't earn any money. have many businesses in your area closed forj businesses in your area closed for good? businesses in your area closed for aood? ., ,., businesses in your area closed for iood? ., ,., businesses in your area closed for aood? ., ,, g, businesses in your area closed for aood? ., ,, ., ., good? not so good. quite a few are closed, good? not so good. quite a few are closed. but — good? not so good. quite a few are closed, but the _ good? not so good. quite a few are closed, but the majority _ good? not so good. quite a few are closed, but the majority will - good? not so good. quite a few are closed, but the majority will be i closed, but the majority will be open once they can. taste closed, but the majority will be open once they can.— closed, but the majority will be open once they can. we don't have definite word _ open once they can. we don't have definite word on _ open once they can. we don't have definite word on this, _ open once they can. we don't have definite word on this, but - open once they can. we don't have definite word on this, but it - open once they can. we don't have definite word on this, but it is i definite word on this, but it is looking good for the canary islands, including tenerife. the foreign & commonwealth office seem to have removed it from the do not travel list although clearly, holidays from the uk are currently still illegal.

we are waiting to hear confirmation from spain about when tourists can come in, which we think will be from the beginning ofjune. what will that mean for you if tenerife is on the green list?— that mean for you if tenerife is on the green list? well, hopefully we can aet the green list? well, hopefully we can get back _ the green list? well, hopefully we can get back to — the green list? well, hopefully we can get back to normal— the green list? well, hopefully we can get back to normal and - the green list? well, hopefully we can get back to normal and start l can get back to normal and start earning a living again. they are trying to do the canary islands separate from mainland spain, because our figures separate from mainland spain, because ourfigures are separate from mainland spain, because our figures are totally different from mainland spain. but we have to go on what their figures say. we have to go on what their figures sa . ., y ., we have to go on what their figures sa . ., , ., , ., we have to go on what their figures sa. ., ., we have to go on what their figures sa. ., , we have to go on what their figures sa. ., say. how will you plan to keep your customers safe? _ say. how will you plan to keep your customers safe? well, _ say. how will you plan to keep your customers safe? well, we - say. how will you plan to keep your customers safe? well, we have i say. how will you plan to keep your. customers safe? well, we have been 0 en since customers safe? well, we have been open since the _ customers safe? well, we have been open since the lockdown _ customers safe? well, we have been open since the lockdown in _ customers safe? well, we have been open since the lockdown in may i customers safe? well, we have been open since the lockdown in may last| open since the lockdown in may last year. we have to abide by the restrictions here. everybody has to wear masks on the streets. if they come into the bar, they have to wear

a mask. if they are sitting down on drinking, they are ok. the restrictions change all the time, so it is hard for us to keep up, never mind what the tourists are going to do. �* ., , ., ~' mind what the tourists are going to do. �* ~ ., ,, do. but do you think tourists will be feelin: do. but do you think tourists will be feeling pretty _ do. but do you think tourists will be feeling pretty relaxed - do. but do you think tourists will be feeling pretty relaxed if i do. but do you think tourists will be feeling pretty relaxed if theyl be feeling pretty relaxed if they get to that point where they can travel to you and from your perspective, it is clearly about the economic argument and keeping the business going?— business going? yeah. we are still iaettin business going? yeah. we are still getting tourists, _ business going? yeah. we are still getting tourists, just _ business going? yeah. we are still getting tourists, just not _ business going? yeah. we are still getting tourists, just not british i getting tourists, just not british tourists. we get them from eastern europe, italy. we are down in the south and there are hardly any cases here. the main cases in tenerife are in the capital in the north. so being in the south, we are just waiting for the tourists to come. you are pleased. yeah, we are ready! we expect to get more news by the

end of the week. i am sure you will be waiting with bated breath. thank you for talking to us and good luck, neil breakwell, the owner of gaffers bar in tenerife. the french government has warned it could cut electricity to jersey, amid a growing row over post—brexit fishing rights. jersey is the largest of the channel islands and receives 95 percent of its electricity through underwater cables from france. the uk government said it was working closely with the eu and jersey government. known as underwater rainforests , to around 25% of marine species. but threats such as over—fishing and rising sea temperatures mean more and more were lying grey and lifeless. now, a pioneering initiative to try to restore them is taking place in indonesia, as our science editor david shukman reports. it's one of the most shocking sights in the underwater world when corals die, either because they're damaged

or because the sea becomes too hot for them and they turn into what looks like a graveyard. when you dive on a reef and it's just quiet and it's all monotone grey, it's desolate, it's so depressing. the solution, pioneered by professor smith, involves whole communities in indonesia. they take these metal frames, called reef stars, and fix them to the sea bed. fragments of live corals are attached to them, and the result is a revival of a habitat that many depend on. you see fish come in, you dive on it one day and you see the small fish sort of finding a hole in the reef stars amongst the corals. six months later, medium sized fish, the whole ecosystem responds when you give it this chance of kick—starting the system. the latest reef to be helped in this way is called hope. the word is spelt out in the new corals and the aim is to apply the same technique

in other areas around the world. over the years, there have been dozens of attempts to try to bring reefs back to life, some more successful than others. and they have all been on a really small scale, as with this latest initiative. so there will be questions about it. it is funded by the pet food company sheba, which uses a lot of fish in its products, so can this venture really make any kind of difference? well, scientists i have spoken to are impressed by the way that reefs that were once dead are now being revived. and because the task is so huge, they welcome funding from big—name companies. for businesses involved, dependent on fish and marine resources, to actually invest in restoring the ocean, in recovering depleted reefs, is a good thing. obviously in business, you always have that extra filter of scrutiny. and because most corals are threatened as global temperatures continue to rise, any attempt to save even small areas will need real determination.

david shukman, bbc news. we arejust we are just hearing that the indian foreign minister has confirmed that there are two cases of covid in the delegation that is here in london for the g7 summit of leading industrialised nations. the vaccines minister was asked about this earlier today. at that point, the cases were not confirmed and he in reply was talking about the tough covid security protocols around this event, which is taking place over three days. but now we have confirmation from the indian foreign minister that there are in fact two covid cases in the indian delegation to the g7, so we wait to find out

what impact that may have for the g7. that confirmation hasjust what impact that may have for the g7. that confirmation has just come into us. during last year's lockdown, one man helped a family of ducks that had nested on the balcony of his 9th floor flat in salford quays get safely to the water. well, the mother duck was so happy on steve stuttard's balcony that she returned to raise another family this year! yesterday was hatching day, so with the help of a friend, steve began "operation mallard", carefully lowering the chicks in a bucket to the ground below. despite the howling wind, the mission was successful — and the mother duck was reunited with her 11 ducklings. and if you're wondering why he didn't use the lift, it's because he didn't want to break the bond between the ducklings and the mother, which could happen if she couldn't hear them at any point during theirjourney.

now it's time for a look at the weather with carole. hello. in some parts of the north of scotland we woke up to a covering of snow. although it will rise through the course of today, tonight it will be back down again. we continue with the showers across scotland, some of those wintry in the hills. showers across northern ireland, wales and south—west england. some of those could also be wintry. showers across eastern england. in between, sunshine with gusty winds and temperatures below par for the time of year. through this evening, and overnight, many showers fade but further wintry showers in scotland, leaving as far south as the borders. a widespread frost to start the day and a bit more cloud coming in across south—west england. some rain will arrive. that rain clears quite quickly on thursday, remaining

unsettled with sunshine and showers and feeling cool until the weekend when we see some wet and windy conditions coming our way. the temperature will rise. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines. a final day of campaigning ahead of voting on super thursday — the biggest set of local and national elections in nearly 50 years. a major investment in vaccines to fight new variants of coronavirus — nearly £30m will be spent on labs and extra tests to identify new strains. a candlelit vigil is held for police community support officerjulia james — one week after her body was found in woodland in kent. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's sally nugent. good morning.

manchester city manager pep guardiola says he's incredibly proud after seeing his side reach theirfirst champions league final. a 2—0 victory over paris saint—germain means they remain on course for the treble — and most importantly — the main trophy they've yet to win under guardiola. ben croucher has the story. city, city! manchester city fans came in hope and expectation outside the etihad stadium. not even a pre—match hail storm could dent a night of celebration. from this wintry scene, city were making the champions league final, come what may. 2—1 up from the first leg, riyad mahrez broke the ice to put his side on track for a first champions league final. a rearguard was needed to keep them in front but whatever paris st germain sprung their way, it pinged straight back. not even neymar could break through. city's blocks were being celebrated like goals. soon, mahrez gave them another opportunity for the real thing. pace, teamwork, clinicalfinishing, the hallmarks of pep guardiola's vision in one swift counterattack.

out and soon down to ten men, paris st germain's drizzly misery was compounded when former manchester united winger angel di maria's petulance got what you would expect. still, city know expectation and reality are rarely aligned. but for all their promise, all their success in the last decade, one trophy has eluded them. now, they'rejust one match away from being hailed european champions. ben croucher, bbc news. so, a fantastic night for city and manager pep guardiola. afterwards he said it was a shame there weren't any fans inside the stadium to celebrate the victory, especially after the bitter disappointment of losing in the quarter finals two years ago. it is a pity. played the semifinals, we lost the semifinal against tottenham two years ago, and a bit disappointed, but the fans were there, the crowd, we saw them, enjoying one minute, and sad another one.

and today it's nice to reach the final but it's not the same. we miss them but it is what it is. could we have an all—english final for the second time in three years? chelsea will be hoping so. thomas tuchel�*s side are level at 1—1 with real madrid ahead of the return leg at stamford bridge tonight. the chelsea boss has urged his players to have confidence and belief or they'll have no chance. we will encourage them, we will demand from them and be strong with a big goal to overcome real madrid and this will happen if we bring the best level to the pitch, and the best level to the pitch, and the best level to the pitch, and the best level means we fight to win it. in rugby league, wigan forward

tony clubb has been banned for eight matches and fined £500 after being found guilty of using racist language during last week's super league win over hull fc. the 33—year—old directed his comment towards hull forward andre savelio, and it was then reported to the referee during the match. an independent tribunalfound clubb guilty of using "unacceptable language based on national or ethnic origin" but went on to say they didn't believe he is a racist. now finally, last year, spectators around the world held their breath as the formula 1 car driven by romain grosjean burst into flames, after he crashed during the bahrian grand prix. remarkably, grosjean was pulled to safety and escaped with only burns to his hands. but, it did end his formula 1 career. now, for one day only, he's been given the keys to lewis hamilton's world championship winning car, to ensure his final memory on an f1 track is a positive one. i spoke to him earlier this morning and asked him what triggered his survival instinct.

it was my kids. i couldn't imagine them growing up without a doubt. that's what gave me that last thought to jump out of the car when i thought it was all over. obviously, i tried to escape many times and i was stuck there. then i thought it was going to be the end, but thinking about my three kids and thinking they wouldn't have a dad growing up, it gave me that extra piece of power and energy to jump out. i was aware my hands were burning and that i was in pain, and the situation, i knew it was get out or die. obviously, i managed to get out and since then, obviously it's a big thing in my life but i must say i'm very happy nowadays. that experience was a tough one. i don't

wish anyone to go through that but also make my life better. than also make my life better. an incredible — also make my life better. an incredible story from raymond —— romain grosjean. that's all the sport for now. politicians are spending their final day campaigning before elections take place across england, scotland and wales tomorrow. it's the biggest set of elections in nearly 50 years, because of delays caused by the pandemic. ballots will be cast for the scottish and welsh parliaments, english councils, mayors and police and crime commissioners. there's also a by—election to elect a new mp for the town of hartlepool. clive myrie is at holyrood. welcome back to edinburgh on a beautiful day. we are going to be talking to representatives of all the main parties and with me is the co—leader of the scottish greens, patrick harvie. ijust want

co—leader of the scottish greens, patrick harvie. i just want to co—leader of the scottish greens, patrick harvie. ijust want to be clear how close you are willing to lash yourself to the snp, all independence party together to get what you want. idem; independence party together to get what you want-— what you want. very clearly, i hope there's going _ what you want. very clearly, i hope there's going to _ what you want. very clearly, i hope there's going to be _ what you want. very clearly, i hope there's going to be a _ there's going to be a pro—independence majority in the new session— pro—independence majority in the new session of— pro—independence majority in the new session of the scottish parliament. a lot of— session of the scottish parliament. a lot of the — session of the scottish parliament. a lot of the debate has been dominated by the question. it should take up— dominated by the question. it should take up very little time. i can accept — take up very little time. i can accept perfectly willingly that if the anti—independence parties have a majority— the anti—independence parties have a majority in _ the anti—independence parties have a majority in the parliament after the election— majority in the parliament after the election then a referendum isn't going _ election then a referendum isn't going to — election then a referendum isn't going to happen. if they can simply accept _ going to happen. if they can simply accept the — going to happen. if they can simply accept the same democratic principle we can— accept the same democratic principle we can get— accept the same democratic principle we can get on with the debate on health. _ we can get on with the debate on health, education, the economy and how to _ health, education, the economy and how to respond to the climate emergency. the decision clearly lies with the _ emergency. the decision clearly lies with the scottish people, it's for them _ with the scottish people, it's for them to— with the scottish people, it's for them to decide what kind of parliament they are going to elect and if_ parliament they are going to elect and if it's— parliament they are going to elect and if it's a — parliament they are going to elect and if it's a pro—independence majority. _ and if it's a pro—independence majority, the question should be put

to them _ majority, the question should be put to them if— majority, the question should be put to them if they want to be an independent country with a chance to -et independent country with a chance to get back— independent country with a chance to get back into europe. how independent country with a chance to get back into europe.— get back into europe. how close are ou willin: get back into europe. how close are you willing to _ get back into europe. how close are you willing to tie _ get back into europe. how close are you willing to tie yourself— get back into europe. how close are you willing to tie yourself to - get back into europe. how close are you willing to tie yourself to the i you willing to tie yourself to the snp? would you go into a formal coalition? i snp? would you go into a formal coalition? ~' ., , ., coalition? i think if the opinion olls are coalition? i think if the opinion polls are right. _ coalition? i think if the opinion polls are right, and _ coalition? i think if the opinion polls are right, and we - coalition? i think if the opinion polls are right, and we don't i coalition? i think if the opinion i polls are right, and we don't know yet, polls are right, and we don't know yet. the _ polls are right, and we don't know yet, the snp being the largest party and forming a government again, i suspect— and forming a government again, i suspect it— and forming a government again, i suspect if they didn't have a majority— suspect if they didn't have a majority on their own they would probably— majority on their own they would probably continue as a minority government. that's been a very stable _ government. that's been a very stable position for five years and for a _ stable position for five years and for a previous term of parliament from _ for a previous term of parliament from 2007— for a previous term of parliament from 2007 as well. when i first started. — from 2007 as well. when i first started, minority government, there were pundits and speculators saying it's going _ were pundits and speculators saying it's going to last a fortnight, it will all— it's going to last a fortnight, it will all fall apart. it's going to last a fortnight, it willallfallapart. it's it's going to last a fortnight, it will all fall apart. it's actually very— will all fall apart. it's actually very stable and like a lot of other independent northern european countries — independent northern european countries with proportional voting systems— countries with proportional voting systems for decades, pluralistic politics— systems for decades, pluralistic politics really works. what it does to opposition parties as it forces

you to _ to opposition parties as it forces you to be — to opposition parties as it forces you to be constructive. that's why the greens — you to be constructive. that's why the greens have achieved a fairer tax system — the greens have achieved a fairer tax system for scotland than the rest of _ tax system for scotland than the rest of the uk which has raised hundreds— rest of the uk which has raised hundreds of millions of pounds for local services. it's why we've got pandemic— local services. it's why we've got pandemic relief payments for families— pandemic relief payments for families who have suffered the most during _ families who have suffered the most during covid—19, it's why we've managed — during covid—19, it's why we've managed to cancel evictions during the pandemic, we've got free bus travel— the pandemic, we've got free bus travel for— the pandemic, we've got free bus travel for scotland's young people. it's travel for scotland's young people. it's about _ travel for scotland's young people. it's about putting forward constructive ideas from a position that you _ constructive ideas from a position that you get results. before the other— that you get results. before the other party is only acknowledged that i_ other party is only acknowledged that i behaved the same way instead of trying _ that i behaved the same way instead of trying to— that i behaved the same way instead of trying to score points we would see more — of trying to score points we would see more progress. i�*m of trying to score points we would see more progress.— of trying to score points we would see more progress. i'm going to take that as a yes. — see more progress. i'm going to take that as a yes. you — see more progress. i'm going to take that as a yes, you have _ see more progress. i'm going to take that as a yes, you have no _ see more progress. i'm going to take that as a yes, you have no problem i that as a yes, you have no problem going into a formal coalition with the snp. what's your price for that? i don't expect they would do that. but you _ i don't expect they would do that. but you would if that was on the table in order to get the majority in parliament that they need and you need to get another independence referendum, so what would your price

before that? if referendum, so what would your price before that?— before that? if they wanted to talk about a closer _ before that? if they wanted to talk about a closer working _ before that? if they wanted to talk i about a closer working arrangement, and there's— about a closer working arrangement, and there's a wide range of options for what _ and there's a wide range of options for what that might be, i expect we would _ for what that might be, i expect we would be _ for what that might be, i expect we would be willing to have the conversation, and it would a democratic decision. the party were decided _ democratic decision. the party were decided democratically. i think the issues _ decided democratically. i think the issues people would be most concerned about other things like the snp — concerned about other things like the snp failure to follow through on land reform. huge swathes of our country— land reform. huge swathes of our country is — land reform. huge swathes of our country is being managed in an environmentally destructive way so rich people can shoot things for fun _ rich people can shoot things for fun. transport emissions were going up fun. transport emissions were going up not _ fun. transport emissions were going up not down — fun. transport emissions were going up not down before covid—19. as a result— up not down before covid—19. as a result of— up not down before covid—19. as a result of scottish government transport policies. the snp, like all of— transport policies. the snp, like all of the — transport policies. the snp, like all of the other political parties in holyrood, is still committed to the idea — in holyrood, is still committed to the idea of— in holyrood, is still committed to the idea of maximum oil and gas extraction — the idea of maximum oil and gas extraction. we have more stuff in the north— extraction. we have more stuff in the north sea than we can afford to burn _ the north sea than we can afford to burn if— the north sea than we can afford to burn if we — the north sea than we can afford to burn. if we are serious about the

survival— burn. if we are serious about the survival of— burn. if we are serious about the survival of the world around us, we need _ survival of the world around us, we need to— survival of the world around us, we need to transition away from fossil fuels _ need to transition away from fossil fuels which isn't only sociallyjust but rapid — fuels which isn't only sociallyjust but rapid. my mum was a green activist — but rapid. my mum was a green activist in — but rapid. my mum was a green activist in the 70s and 80s. if the world _ activist in the 70s and 80s. if the world had — activist in the 70s and 80s. if the world had listened then, we could have made the changes necessary slowly _ have made the changes necessary slowly and easily. the reason we have _ slowly and easily. the reason we have a _ slowly and easily. the reason we have a climate emergency now is because — have a climate emergency now is because the world didn't listen. if because the world didn't listen. if you because the world didn't listen. you get because the world didn't listen. if you get into some kind of semi formal coalition, isn't the green agenda likely to be overshadowed by all the talk about independence? and hasn't that really been the case over the last few years, because you have backed the snp in their most critical election point, which is getting a second independence referendum?— getting a second independence referendum? . ., , referendum? that is part of green party policy _ referendum? that is part of green party policy as _ referendum? that is part of green party policy as well. _ referendum? that is part of green party policy as well. what - referendum? that is part of green party policy as well. what about i referendum? that is part of green | party policy as well. what about all the other stuff? _ party policy as well. what about all the other stuff? it's _ party policy as well. what about all the other stuff? it's exactly - party policy as well. what about all the other stuff? it's exactly what i the other stuff? it's exactly what we work on _ the other stuff? it's exactly what we work on and _ the other stuff? it's exactly what we work on and why _ the other stuff? it's exactly what we work on and why we - the other stuff? it's exactly what we work on and why we believe i we work on and why we believe

scotland — we work on and why we believe scotland needs independence. as we emerge _ scotland needs independence. as we emerge from covid—19, this is a historic— emerge from covid—19, this is a historic opportunity to shape the kind of— historic opportunity to shape the kind of society that emerges. will it be a _ kind of society that emerges. will it be a fairer, more equal society? will it— it be a fairer, more equal society? will it be _ it be a fairer, more equal society? will it be a — it be a fairer, more equal society? will it be a society that's greener and invests for the featured to create — and invests for the featured to create sustainable jobs? 0r and invests for the featured to create sustainable jobs? or will it be one _ create sustainable jobs? or will it be one that continues with the economic— be one that continues with the economic part the uk is on? scotland at the _ economic part the uk is on? scotland at the moment doesn't have the power to shape _ at the moment doesn't have the power to shape its— at the moment doesn't have the power to shape its own recovery, so if we really _ to shape its own recovery, so if we really care — to shape its own recovery, so if we really care about those big issues we have — really care about those big issues we have to — really care about those big issues we have to put the big question is back to _ we have to put the big question is back to the — we have to put the big question is back to the public.— back to the public. thank you, patrick harvie, _ back to the public. thank you, patrick harvie, co-leader- back to the public. thank you, patrick harvie, co-leader of i back to the public. thank you, | patrick harvie, co-leader of the patrick harvie, co—leader of the green party. we will be speaking to all the main parties throughout the day. we've just had some statistics from the office for national statistics.

the news is there were fewer deaths from covid in the past week ending 23rd of april. that's 112 fewer than the previous week and the lowest since last september. official figures just released from the office for national statistic show that around 1 in 5 adults, or 21% of adults, experienced some form of depression in the period between 27 january to 7 march. this is an increase since november 2020 when the figure was at 19%, and more than double that observed before the pandemic. let's get more on this from professor kavita vedhara, professor of health psychology at the university of nottingham. thank you forjoining us this

morning. you've done several studies since the pandemic began looking at the impact on people's mental health. , , , health. so, very consistent with toda 's health. so, very consistent with today's data _ health. so, very consistent with today's data from _ health. so, very consistent with today's data from the _ health. so, very consistent with today's data from the ons, i health. so, very consistent with today's data from the ons, we | health. so, very consistent with i today's data from the ons, we have found repeatedly throughout last year that levels of anxiety and depression far exceed what we normally see in the british population. of course, the groups that appear to be hardest hit are younger adults, women and people with pre—existing or previous mental health difficulties. with pre-existing or previous mental health difficulties.— health difficulties. interestingly, there was very _ health difficulties. interestingly, there was very little _ health difficulties. interestingly, there was very little difference l health difficulties. interestingly, | there was very little difference in those levels even when the lockdown is eased. what do you read into that? i is eased. what do you read into that? “ is eased. what do you read into that? ~ , , ., ., that? i think it speaks to the wider issue in terms _ that? i think it speaks to the wider issue in terms of— that? i think it speaks to the wider issue in terms of how _ that? i think it speaks to the wider issue in terms of how the - that? i think it speaks to the wider| issue in terms of how the pandemic has affected people's well—being and lives. even though we had an easing of restrictions, most notably last summer, the threat of the virus hadn't really receded and people were very aware. many people of

course had already experienced significant economic harm. people have lost theirjobs, were struggling to find new employment and the data were painfully clear about increases in domestic violence and other harmful experiences. i think the pandemic has had wide—ranging consequences for many aspects of people's lives. i5 wide—ranging consequences for many aspects of people's lives. is it difficult to _ aspects of people's lives. is it difficult to pinpoint _ aspects of people's lives. is it difficult to pinpoint which aspects, which of the impacts of the pandemic have had the most negative effect on people's mental health? i have had the most negative effect on people's mental health?— people's mental health? i think it's one of those _ people's mental health? i think it's one of those situations _ people's mental health? i think it's one of those situations where i people's mental health? i think it's one of those situations where it i one of those situations where it will be very different for different people and different sections of society. so, as we have seen in the last 3—6 months of the disease, we've seen it's become a disease of poverty and we are seeing the same thing happening with mental health as well. we are seeing the greatest mental health difficulties in people on lower incomes. for a lot of

people the drivers will have been financial, they've lost theirjobs, there's more precariousness at work and for other people there will be more social consequences like social isolation. i think it's hard to pinpoint any one factor. it's likely to be a wide range of considerations.- to be a wide range of considerations. ~ ~ ., ., considerations. we know that there are larie considerations. we know that there are large backlogs _ considerations. we know that there are large backlogs for— considerations. we know that there are large backlogs for all— considerations. we know that there are large backlogs for all sorts i considerations. we know that there are large backlogs for all sorts of i are large backlogs for all sorts of services across the nhs. you must have concerns about looking these increases in people suffering from depression, stress and anxiety. what will happen to them as they go to seek help? i will happen to them as they go to seek hel ? ~ ., will happen to them as they go to seek help?— seek help? i think i am gravely concerned _ seek help? i think i am gravely concerned about _ seek help? i think i am gravely concerned about this. - seek help? i think i am gravely concerned about this. as i seek help? i think i am gravely concerned about this. as you l concerned about this. as you probably know, 90% of mental health is managed in primary care and primary care is already on its knees, having to deal with all of the physical health concerns that people have been reticent about coming forward with. primary care

will be under unprecedented pressure. of will be under unprecedented pressure. of course, everyone will be under unprecedented pressure. of course, everyone is getting used to a new way of working and for a lot of these mental health difficulties it may not be the case that these kind of virtual connections with your primary care physicians are what is required, and we desperately need research to explore whether that is fit for purpose for the coming mental health tsunami i think we may experience. finally, what is the solution to that? there are a finite number of people working in primary care. we hear reports of lots of gps and other staff deciding to retire from primary care at this stage. where does the help come from? we need root and branch _ does the help come from? we need root and branch investment - does the help come from? we need root and branch investment in i root and branch investment in primary care. we need more doctors going into primary care, we need more of a multidisciplinary base so it's not so reliant on the gps, that there are mental health

professionals they can access more easily and in larger numbers. i think it's really important to understand that, as with physical health, early intervention is key. overall, it costs less and works better. we need to pivot the way we deliver these services so we can pick up these difficulties earlier and better. pick up these difficulties earlier and better-— a doorstep candlelit vigil was held last night for police community support officer julia james, one week after her body was discovered in woodland. a murder investigation is underway, but police say they still don't have a motive and no arrests have been made. the local community have been warned to be "vigilant" if heading out alone. simonjones reports. they are calling for justice forjulia. pcso james's son was among those lighting candles in her memory last night near to the spot where she was found dead just over a week ago. local people have paid tribute, too, to a woman described as a much—loved member of the community

and the policing family. while her killer remains at large, officers are advising people in the area to always have their phones with them when they go out. that's exactly what people should be doing — being vigilant, of course. thinking very carefully about their own safety, but making sure that if you go out alone, telling people where you are, where you are going and such like. how determined are you to get to the bottom of this? the same with any murder, we are hugely determined to get to the bottom of it. it is a bit raw, when it is one of your own, as you would imagine, but we will do everything we can, as we can with any murder, throw all resources at it to find out who did this and bring them to justice. hundreds of officers are involved in the investigation, but there has been no breakthrough. julia james's body was discovered in woodland over there. the police admit they still have no clear motive for the attack and no clear suspect. that is why they have been stopping vehicles coming and going from the area, to ask local people whether they saw anything unusual or suspicious at the start of last week.

officers are also trying to offer reassurance, but this is a community that remains deeply concerned. no, i won't go out on my own, at the moment to walk the dog, which is a shame, but, you know, there is nothing else you can do about that. i've actually put a location app now on my phone and sent it to all my family so that when i'm out, they will know where i am and what time i'm getting back. it kind of makes me feel a little bit safer. anxious, i suppose. obviously, we don't know anything more about what has happened. i julia james's daughter has remembered her mother with the words "there are no goodbyes for us, wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." simonjones, bbc news, aylesham. online fashion retailer boohoo has reported a 37% jump in profit to £173.6 million, benefiting from the huge growth in demand for online shopping during the covid—19 pandemic.

let's speak now to tamara sender — senior fashion analyst at mintel. do you think this rise in profit is all down to the online shopping boom or are there other factors at play? it morning. these are outstanding results and they've really managed to maintain the momentum of strong growth throughout the year. they've absolutely benefited from the whole covid—19 pandemic, the shift towards shopping online, the closure of nonessential retail. but i think the business model has also helped the company, as they've been really quick and nimble to pivot their product offering away from the occasion where they used to focus on towards much more casual and sporty clothing styles. haifa towards much more casual and sporty clothing styles-— clothing styles. how are they going to fare now — clothing styles. how are they going to fare now that _ clothing styles. how are they going to fare now that physical _ clothing styles. how are they going to fare now that physical shops i clothing styles. how are they going to fare now that physical shops are | to fare now that physical shops are open again?—

to fare now that physical shops are o-ienaain? , , , , open again? yes, absolutely, because we exect open again? yes, absolutely, because we exoect a — open again? yes, absolutely, because we exoect a legacy — open again? yes, absolutely, because we expect a legacy trend _ open again? yes, absolutely, because we expect a legacy trend of— open again? yes, absolutely, because we expect a legacy trend of shopping | we expect a legacy trend of shopping online to continue, but shopping is something that people like to do in person. they like to visit stores to try on clothes, to collect items, return items. it's part of the shopping experience. so, they will have much more competition. they've benefited from stores like primark being closed, but people do prefer overall, even when online, to shop for multichannel retailers that have physical stores. however, for multichannel retailers that have physicalstores. however, boohoo really knows its customer base of young, fashion customers, and therefore their very clever at marketing to them and designing clothes that they want to wear. i5 clothes that they want to wear. is there any sign that it's taken any

sort of hit at all from scandal, the questions last year regarding poor working conditions at its leicester factories? ., ., ~' working conditions at its leicester factories? ., working conditions at its leicester factories? . , factories? so, looking at the sales and the strong _ factories? so, looking at the sales and the strong growth, _ factories? so, looking at the sales and the strong growth, it - factories? so, looking at the sales and the strong growth, it doesn't. and the strong growth, it doesn't look like in the short term that it's impacted the way that it's young customers are shopping. but we have to be aware that consumer attitudes are changing, there is growing awareness of sustainability, of ethics, of workers' rights. this is gradually impacting businesses such as boohoo and they really are having to respond and change how they work. so, it will, we haven't seen an impact immediately, but it will over the longer term require them to change their model. thank

ou. a seaside town injapan has raised eyebrows after it used funding from an emergency covid relief grant to build a giant statue of a squid. noto has had a very low number of coronavirus cases, but it has been impacted by the significant drop in tourists, and officials argue that the statue will help drum up more business. the government grant isn'tjust earmarked for covid relief, but some are criticizing the move at a time whenjapan is battling a third surge in coronavirus cases. now it's time for a look at the weather with carole. today we are looking at a mixture of sunshine and showers. the low pressure system that brought all of this inclement weather has moved away to the near continent but the wind around it is still coming from a chilly direction, the north or north—west. you can see that quite

nicely indicated by all the blues moving across the uk, that's know i was talking about came down to 150 metres in scotland this morning. it will come back down again tonight. we've got further showers across northern ireland, wales, south—west england, moving eastwards through the day. some of those heavy and thundery with hail mixed in and some showers coming in across eastern england. gusty winds around the showers but generally the winds are lighter than yesterday. temperatures still below average for the time of year. this evening, many of the showers but not all of them will fade. more will come in across scotland, getting far south with a wintry flavour, potentially in the borders, down to about 150 metres. cold night, potentially cooler than last night with a widespread frost. still with the showers coming in across the north, we've also got a system moving across the english

channel bringing in more cloud and some rain. in between, a lot of dry weather and a fair bit of sunshine around. light winds with temperatures eight in aberdeen, ten in liverpool and 12 in cardiff. on friday, high—pressure moving across us. things are quieter, a frosty start of the day with some showers as we go through the day. lighter winds, temperatures are still below par, maybe not feeling quite as bad. as we move into the weekend, temperatures rise. we've got a change in wind direction as the area of low pressure moves in from the atlantic bringing wet and windy conditions. pushing across much of the uk, not quite making it up into the uk, not quite making it up into the northern isles. looking at that, a few places across the country, you can see we've got rain on the way with a few showers and temperatures rising.

this is bbc news ? these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. g7 ministers meeting in britain are urged to take action so coronavirus vaccines are shared more fairly around the world. india's entire delegation at the g7 in london is self—isolating after two of its members tested positive for covid—19. a final day of campaigning ahead of voting on super thursday — the biggest set of local and national elections in great britain for nearly 50 years. a major uk investment in vaccines to fight new variants of coronavirus — nearly £30m will be spent on labs and extra tests to identify new strains. and coming up... a pioneering initiative in indonesia to try to restore life and colour to coral reefs.