this is bbc news. i'm reeta chakrabarti. the headlines: covid rules are eased across britain — meaning indoorfood and drinks, in limited groups, are back on for millions of people. i'mjane hill in essex, where i've been hearing all day from business owners about just been hearing all day from business owners aboutjust how important todayis owners aboutjust how important today is to them and from the many families who are very keen to take advantage of the new rules. a vaccination drive in bolton and blackburn, where the indian covid variant is rising. people living in bedford are urged to "exercise caution" and get tested. the early laboratory data from oxford university corroborates the provisional evidence from bolton hospital and the additional observational data

from india that vaccines are effective against this variant. thousands take advantage of the new travel rules and head overseas in the first legal foreign holidays for months. ijust want to get to the villa. she laughs. ijust want to get out in the sun. the weather's been so awful in the uk. as fighting between israel and palestinian militants enters its second week, the us urges both sides to ensure the protection of civilians and says it's working intensively to try to bring an end to the conflict. the government condemns a series of anti—semitic incidents in london and parts of essex, describing them as "intimidatory and racist". and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings — prince charles is encouraging people to plant a tree for the queen's jubilee next year.

good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. borisjohnson has urged people to exercise a �*heavy dose of caution�* as many covid restrictions are lifted across england, wales and much of scotland. the changes come amid growing fears about the spread of the india variant in britain. let's take a closer look at some of the relaxations today. in england, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve people inside. cinemas, museums, soft play centres and hotels can also reopen. groups of six people, or two households, can meet indoors and stay overnight. 30 people are allowed to gather outdoors. many of the changes in wales are similar to england, but it's still only extended households that are allowed to meet in homes.

up to 50 people can gather outside for organised activities and events such as weddings. in most of scotland, six people from three households will be able to meet indoors at home. outdoors it can be eight people, from up to eight different households, rising to 12 on most of the islands. the changes do not apply to glasgow and moray, where tighter restrictions remain. there's no change today in northern ireland, but it's thought a review on thursday will lead to relaxation in a week's time. in the last hour, the health secretary, matt hancock, has told mps that the india coronavirus variant is more transmissible, but that early data shows vaccines are effective against it. let's cross to my colleaguejane hill, who's in essex for us today. jane. good evening again. we have spent the day hearing from business owners of all kinds aboutjust how vital

todayis of all kinds aboutjust how vital today is for them. they've had such a tough time over the last year. some of them have been shut for many months. i'm talking to you from a well—known restaurant which has been doing take away over the last few months, but today is the first time that people can eat a meal indoors. even though it's only five o'clock, their families doing just that, escaping torrential rain outside. the families themselves i've been speaking to say how pleased they are to have just that sense of normality. but as you say, all against the backdrop of the indian variant that we have been talking about. we'll talk more about that a little bit later on. first, this report fromjim little bit later on. first, this report from jim reed. the tables are being laid, the beer is being delivered, the cinema screens are ready to be switched on again. i'm so excited, very, very much excited. today is the single most significant day for lockdown easing across england, wales, and most of scotland. the message from ministers is one

of cautious optimism. the data is positive, but it's up to the public to use common sense. i would suggest that people exercise caution, as the prime minister said, and that involves washing your hands, keeping social distance, making sure there is ventilation, in terms of windows that can be opened, that will minimise the risk of infection. instead of shivering together, outside, or in the back garden, groups are now allowed to meet inside once again, with overnight visits allowed in both england and most of scotland. most scientists are broadly supportive of the move, but say it does come with some risks. i think this is the most difficult policy decision, frankly, - of the last 15 months or so. it's very, very finely balanced. we are at this point where we have lifted restrictions, _ and yet we don't have that full amount of information. - i think it's reasonable to lift them today, i but i do believe people, all of us, need to be -

really, really careful. there are likely to be plenty of possible stumbling blocks on this road back to normality. in bolton, more than 6,000 vaccinations were given over the weekend, as the town battles an outbreak of a variant of the virus first found in india. all right, sharp scratch. scientists believe this version can spread more easily than the so—called kent variant, dominant across the country, but, crucially, an early study indicates our current vaccines are still likely to be effective. we have 1,300—odd cases of the indian variant spreading in our community and that this is why the screening — sorry, the testing, the pcr tests, they have really brilliantly set down and started giving out pcr tests in areas like bolton. and we, as doctors, are aware of it and we're trying to make sure we keep a handle on the situation. the message, then, is for anyone who is eligible for a jab to come forward and get one. across most of the uk,

the signs are still positive. social contact inside is a reality once again, and families can properly catch up, after a long, hard winter. jim reed, bbc news. as we've been reflecting, matt hancock has been on the his feet in the commons. he's talking about the new variant and the number of cases, but also saying the feeling is that the vaccine is working well. let's hear a little more up what he's had to say. the evidence of suggest it is more transmissible than the previous dominant be triple i7. transmissible than the previous dominant be triple 17. we do not yet know to what extent it's more transmissible, and while we also don't have the complete picture on the impact of the vaccine, the early laboratory data from oxford

university corroborates the provisional evidence from bolton hospital in the initial observational data from india that vaccines are effective against this variant. this of course is reassuring, but the higher transmission poses a real risk. matt hancock speaking _ transmission poses a real risk. matt hancock speaking in _ transmission poses a real risk. matt hancock speaking in the house of commons. we've been talking to business owners all day here. there is no doubt about the importance of today from a financial perspective. i talked to the manager —— i'll talk to the manager and the few minutes. nina wore hers has more on today's opening. morning! looks amazing. 7am and jackie is back. a regular at gran t's cafe, she has bought takeaway here over lockdown, but being back, sitting in what's known as jackie's corner, is so much better. it'sjust lovely. i mean, i used to be a regular

sitting here in the morning, doing my crossword in my paper, and just generally chatting with the staff, they are amazing staff, i class them as friends now. much of it is what we are now used to, masks on, hand sanitiser on arrival and registering your details, either through the app or on pen and paper, but here's where things are very different from today. you will be able to sit down, indoors, take your mask off, and sit, if you wish, with somebody outside of your bubble, and the hope is that the more relaxed we are, the more we will spend. we're banking on the lot from today, and it's been anxious, _ it's been nervous, it's been scared, it's been happy, excited. _ a whole mix of feelings, l but this is where, today's where the future starts, - i can imagine, for the whole of the hospitality industry. it's estimated covid has cost each pub and restaurant an average of more than £a0,000.

many will not make it. there are now 7% fewer registered licensed premises than there were pre—lockdown, and more will follow, as businesses are prised off government support. at the brewery tap in peterborough, social distancing means they will only be able to fill about a third of their 600—seat capacity. it means that our trade is a fraction of what it normally would be at this time of year, but, you know, we understand what the pandemic has meant, and we've just got to weather the storm and try and get out the far side of it. zaqib, richard and shardelle are gym buddies and this is the first time ever they have had an indoor seated catch—up. i've not really spoken to them since the lockdown, and it's nice just to sit down with somebody and have a quick chat just before work starts. i love it, it's nice - and warm for a start, which is good, and yes, just the social side, - we've missed, haven't we?

do you think you will spend more money now you are allowed back inside? 100%. we've got money to spend now. how long that surge in spend will last is a question for another day, because, for now, drinks are being poured, stories shared, and it feels a little bit like it did before. nina warhurst, bbc news, altrincham. let's talk to the manager of this particular restaurant. he's already busy with a lot of families —— she's already busy. thanks for being with us this evening. this is still a big day for you. it us this evening. this is still a big day for vom— day for you. it is. everybody is really excited. _

day for you. it is. everybody is really excited. it's _ day for you. it is. everybody is really excited. it's great - day for you. it is. everybody is really excited. it's great to - day for you. it is. everybody is| really excited. it's great to see the guests coming back and having them inside. we haven't seen them for such a long time. it's something very specialfor us. we have for such a long time. it's something very special for us. we have a few new dishes coming as well. our whole team is super excited that they can be back here and working together again. it’s be back here and working together aaain. �* , , , ., �* be back here and working together a.ain_ �*, , �* ., again. it's interesting you've got that seeing _ again. it's interesting you've got that seeing regular _ again. it's interesting you've got that seeing regular faces. - again. it's interesting you've got that seeing regular faces. all. again. it's interesting you've got| that seeing regular faces. all the that seeing regularfaces. all the different businesses i've spoken to... it's amazing how many staff... and they've missed a familiar faces. definitely. it'sjust building and they've missed a familiar faces. definitely. it's just building that relationship. 0urteam definitely. it's just building that relationship. our team is

reconnecting. it's really great. the chances reconnecting. it's really great. the changes for— reconnecting. it's really great. the changes for you because you have to have strict safety measures and give your customers confidence. we make sure the, your customers confidence. we make sure the. we — your customers confidence. we make sure the, we obviously... _ your customers confidence. we make sure the, we obviously... to - your customers confidence. we make sure the, we obviously... to make i sure the, we obviously... to make sure the, we obviously... to make sure social distancing is in place. we have removable screams as well. —— screens. we are wearing masks all the time and we have strict safety checks to make sure everyone is covid free. we keep doing those things, definitely, and making sure everybody feels safe.— everybody feels safe. thank you so much. everybody feels safe. thank you so much- crack _ everybody feels safe. thank you so much. crack on _ everybody feels safe. thank you so much. crack on with _ everybody feels safe. thank you so much. crack on with your— everybody feels safe. thank you so much. crack on with your very - everybody feels safe. thank you so j much. crack on with your very busy

restaurant. much. crack on with your very busy restaurant-— much. crack on with your very busy restaurant._ the - much. crack on with your very busy l restaurant._ the manager restaurant. thank you. the manager of this restaurant. _ restaurant. thank you. the manager of this restaurant. very _ restaurant. thank you. the manager of this restaurant. very wet - of this restaurant. very wet outside. another of the many attractions to sitting in and bringing yourfamily attractions to sitting in and bringing your family inside for sure. let's discuss a little further about the science of all of this. we've reflected a lot today about some of the anxieties being expressed by some in the scientific community. we know that one of the main issues around covid is to do with ventilation. let's discuss those issues. joining me now is professor catherine noakes of the university of leeds. she is a member of sage, the government's panel. she is speaking in a personal capacity. many thanks for your time. a very big day and many parts of the country. understandable emotions, but i wonder what we feel about today.

this opening up, given your expertise. this opening up, given your expertise-— this opening up, given your exertise. ., �*, ., expertise. good afternoon. it's a little bit of _ expertise. good afternoon. it's a little bit of mixed _ expertise. good afternoon. it's a little bit of mixed emotion. - expertise. good afternoon. it's a little bit of mixed emotion. i - expertise. good afternoon. it's a | little bit of mixed emotion. i think it's important that people are able to see friends and family again, and life does start to turn to normal. but i think we do need to still be conscious that the virus hasn't gone away. it is quite low prevalence. the risks are lower, but as we heard earlier, the new variant that's circulating does appear to be more transmissible, and that is a concern. so, ithink transmissible, and that is a concern. so, i think one of the real challenges is this virus is in people's breath, and it loves indoor spaces. i think as we go indoors, we need to be extra cautious. ventilation is one of the main mitigations that we can apply in those indoor spaces.— mitigations that we can apply in those indoor spaces. that's really strikina those indoor spaces. that's really striking because _ those indoor spaces. that's really striking because we've _ those indoor spaces. that's really striking because we've seen - those indoor spaces. that's really i striking because we've seen people clearly confident to come to some of

these venues today, whether it's a soft play area, a cinema, a bowling alley. they have no control over the ventilation. they are putting their trust in the people who run the business. what would your advice to those people be? business. what would your advice to those peeple be?— those people be? yeah, i think if ou are those people be? yeah, i think if you are visiting _ those people be? yeah, i think if you are visiting a _ those people be? yeah, i think if you are visiting a place, - those people be? yeah, i think if you are visiting a place, have - those people be? yeah, i think if you are visiting a place, have a i you are visiting a place, have a look and see whether it appears they thought about, is that even on the risk assessment? have they considered ventilation? are there any signs that they're doing something like even propping the door open, or having the windows open or actually, can you see that there are mechanical ventilation? i think for business owners, this is really challenging, but simple things about thinking about how does the air get in and out of the building, checking if the ventilation is working and using it properly is a really important step. evenif

properly is a really important step. even if it's slightly cooler than you would expect, still better than being outside from a weather �*s perspective. i’m being outside from a weather 's perspective-_ being outside from a weather 's --ersective. �* , perspective. i'm interested in the role of the _ perspective. i'm interested in the role of the vaccine _ perspective. i'm interested in the role of the vaccine because - perspective. i'm interested in the role of the vaccine because when | perspective. i'm interested in the | role of the vaccine because when i talk to people using the various parts of this leisure park today, someone said to me they feel very confident coming indoors because they've had both theirjabs. another gentleman said he's had his first vaccine, so that gives him a little bit of confidence. he had no trouble coming here today. whether you had one or two doses of the vaccine, show that factor into yourjudgment call? i show that factor into your 'udgment call? ~' ., show that factor into your 'udgment call? ~ ., , ., ., call? i think for people who are vaccinated. _ call? i think for people who are vaccinated, particularly - call? i think for people who are vaccinated, particularly both i call? i think for people who are - vaccinated, particularly both doses, the risk to them is considerably lower. we don't quite know yet how many of those people can actually catch the virus and spread it to other people, so i think they should still be taking some caution about how they might pose a risk to others. but i agree, the vaccine

does look like it's making a really big difference, particularly in the serious illness. people have been vaccinated are probably are lower —— at a lower risk. this is about everybody, so we should not throw all the caution to the wind. trier? all the caution to the wind. very interesting _ all the caution to the wind. very interesting to _ all the caution to the wind. very interesting to hear— all the caution to the wind. very interesting to hear perspective. professor catherine noakes, thanks for your time on bbc news. i will hand you back to reeta chakrabarti. many thanks. in scotland, most areas will see a relaxation of measures. but restrictions are staying in place for at least another week in glasgow and moray, where rates of infection are higher. earlier, our scotland correspondent james shaw gave us this update. it is a complicated picture here where quite late, in fact it was on friday, the scottish government decided that the situation in glasgow was so difficult, the case rate was so much

above the level that they wanted it to be that they had to delay the easing of restrictions in what is scotland's biggest city, about 630,000 people live in this city. it's the centre, really, of the economic life of scotland. but the rest of the country, huge changes, very similar to what is happening in other parts of the uk. so, that means people can meet indoors, small numbers, so we're talking about six people from three households, physical distancing doesn't need to apply. so, you can hug your loved ones. 0utside, eight people from eight households can meet with social distancing, travel abroad is now allowed, as in the rest of the uk, and pubs and restaurants can serve alcohol until ten at 10:30pm. but really, the situation in glasgow is the concern and there is this effort to try and get people vaccinated in specific parts of the south side of the city,

and for those who know it, it's the postal areas of gao—a2, g 51 and 52, and g 5, a big swathe of glasgow south of the river, it's a big part of the city. pollokshields, strathbungo and areas around queens park. but the question is whether it will be enough. those vaccinations of course will not protect people for at least a couple of weeks, and the national clinical director here jason leitch has warned that the situation in glasgow is not going to be solved over the next week. it could take significantly longer than that. james shaw. matt hancock has been updating mps on the spread of the indian variant. jonathan blake is in westminster for us. indian variant. jonathan blake is in westminsterfor us. he's been talking about how infectious it is, and the effectiveness of the vaccine against it.

and the effectiveness of the vaccine auainst it. . v and the effectiveness of the vaccine auainst it. ., �*, ., ,., against it. that's right and some numbers from _ against it. that's right and some numbers from the _ against it. that's right and some numbers from the health - against it. that's right and some i numbers from the health secretary against it. that's right and some - numbers from the health secretary in the last hour or so to give us the current picture of the spread of the indian variant. he said there are 2323 cases in total, and there is a particular problem in parts of the northwest of england. bolton and blackburn with thor when, where there are a83 cases of that new variant, so a real concentration of it there —— in darwen. there are 86 local authority areas with five or more cases of this new variant, and bedford is a particular area of concern at the moment for the government. mr hancock said there would be surge texting post in place, similar to what we've seen —— surge testing. as you say, you talked about the new variant being more transmissible than others that we've seen previously during the pandemic, but early data shows, and

there is a certain degree of confidence around us from the government, but not necessarily conclusive proof at this stage that there is, that the vaccines are effective against the new variant. not too much cause for concern. he said that those in hospital in bolton were mostly people who had been eligible for the vaccine, but hadn't come forward to take it. he said the new variant hadn't penetrated particularly into those groups of people who are either much older are particularly vulnerable against coronavirus. so, that is an encouraging sign, but it comes with that note of caution that there are some people who are leaving themselves open to infection with this new variant of covid—i9, having been eligible for the vaccine but not yet coming forward to have it. thank you very much, that'sjonathan blake. using restrictions is a

welcome... but for some, blake. using restrictions is a welcome... but forsome, it blake. using restrictions is a welcome... but for some, it could welcome... but forsome, it could bring welcome... but for some, it could bring some anxiety. let's talk to stephen reicher, who's the professor of psychology at st andrews university. he sits on the government's behavioural advisory group, known as spi—b, and joins us from fife in scotland. good afternoon to you. thanks so much forjoining us. could we start off first of all by finding out, what is your view on the fact that governments in the three nations have gone ahead with relaxing the rules today, given the prevalence of the indian variant? the rules today, given the prevalence of the indian variant?— the indian variant? the problem we have at this — the indian variant? the problem we have at this stage _ the indian variant? the problem we have at this stage is _ the indian variant? the problem we have at this stage is we _ the indian variant? the problem we have at this stage is we are - have at this stage is we are uncertain about the data. we know enough about this new variant, the 16172 to know that it is more transmissible, but we don't know how much more transmissible it is. and it may evade the vaccine to some extent, but we don't know how much. what we do know, and this comes from

the stage body, if it were to evade the stage body, if it were to evade the vaccine and if greater transmissibility was about a0%, the danger is we'd see another wave as big as january —— the sage body. 0r possibly bigger. the question is what do you do, do you take the risk and open up? so many people are desperate to open up and businesses need it. or do you say no, because the danger is if you open up, you could find yourself in a position as bad as january? it's not so much a matter of science at the moment. we have uncertainty as to what do you do without —— that uncertainty. that's a question of politics and morality. that's a question of politics and morali . ., ,, . ., , morality. the health secretary has said this afternoon _ morality. the health secretary has said this afternoon that _ morality. the health secretary has said this afternoon that early - morality. the health secretary has said this afternoon that early data | said this afternoon that early data suggests that the vaccine remains effective against the indian variant, although it's not

conclusive. if that fact that it's not conclusive that worries you? first of all, often we talk in binaries in terms of something works or doesn't. it's much more how much it works. if it were to change the level of effectiveness of the vaccine, even a little bit, it would have huge consequences. first of all, i think have huge consequences. first of all, ithink it have huge consequences. first of all, i think it is rather bold to say that we know that it doesn't have any effects on the vaccines, and secondly, yes, there is that uncertainty. as i say, it's taking a big risk to open things up at the moment in this situation. it does risk not only that we will be able to move forward, but if things go badly, we might have to move backwards. if the new variant turns out to be serious, if allowing people to mix it internally, we see that variant more across the country, then there is a very real danger of seeing ourselves in restrictions again. do

danger of seeing ourselves in restrictions again.— danger of seeing ourselves in restrictions again. do you think the three governments _ restrictions again. do you think the three governments should - restrictions again. do you think the three governments should have - three governments should have postponed today's opening? haste three governments should have postponed today's opening? have i sa , i postponed today's opening? have i say. i think — postponed today's opening? have i say. i think it's _ postponed today's opening? have i say, i think it's a _ postponed today's opening? have i say, i think it's a question - postponed today's opening? have i say, i think it's a question of- postponed today's opening? have i say, i think it's a question of what. say, i think it's a question of what do you do with that uncertainty. we're in a situation where the question is how do you move forward from here? ithink question is how do you move forward from here? i think there are number things that can be done and should be done as a matter of urgency. first of all, we heard from the importance of ventilation. i think we estimated how important —— underestimated how important fresh air is. it's quite critical. if we can move outdoors, we should. secondly, we should make sure spaces are properly ventilated. i don't see why the government isn't giving grants to allow businesses to ventilate themselves better. i don't know why the government isn't checking to see where the venues are properly ventilated before people can go in. i don't know why, for instance, as in the united states, they have websites where you can look up from all the bars and restaurants around you whether they

meet ventilation standards. all sorts of things you can do. what i think the government should be doing more and more is giving us the information we need to keep ourselves safe and allowing us to spot where are the hazardous conflicts, what we can do about it and giving us the practical support in order to be able to keep ourselves safe. there's a lot we can do without coming to this question of whether we should have paused or not. .,, ., of whether we should have paused or not. ., , ., , of whether we should have paused or not. .,, ., , ., not. those are things that the businesses — not. those are things that the businesses could _ not. those are things that the businesses could do _ not. those are things that the businesses could do but - not. those are things that the - businesses could do but government could do. what about individuals, given we have opened up today? absolutely, it's important we do the right thing. it's important we ventilate spaces when we meet people indoors and open the windows. to the extent that we can, we do keep our distance. we're a bit wary about turning up the music too loud, so we have to shout at each other because that also spread the virus more. we need to understand those things and

the government needs to give us that information. but it's notjust for the government to say to the public, you've got to behave responsibly. 0ne you've got to behave responsibly. one issue that has been raised time and time again is the issue of when you are infected, it is absolutely critical that you self—isolate. self—isolation is difficult. if this variant spreads more indoors, it's very difficult to isolate yourself in a house without infecting everybody else. people need to be given the option of accommodation outside the house, so again they can self—isolate effectively. that's something we should be doing but we need to —— of the support of the government. it's not enough of them to say it's up to you, it's your choice, it's got to be a partnership. we have to do our bit but we need the support from the government in order to be able to do it. ., ~ , ., , . it. thank you very much indeed, professor _ it. thank you very much indeed, professor stephen _ it. thank you very much indeed, professor stephen reicher. - it. thank you very much indeed, | professor stephen reicher. your time.

israel has launched dozens of new air strikes on gaza, as palestinian militants fire more rockets at southern israeli cities. the pre—dawn raids on gaza were some of the heaviest since the fighting began a week ago. the us said it supports israel's right to defend itself, but insisted that both sides must ensure the protection of civilians. 0ur correspondent tom bateman reports. explosion. the israeli air strikes arrive before gaza's dawn. overnight, some of the most intense yet. it's bringing a devastating human toll. they are still searching through the rubble, after yesterday's raid on a single street left dozens dead. they pray for a miracle, and then it happens. all shouting. six—year—old suzy eshkuntana survives, trapped for seven hours. her mother and four

brothers and sisters died. in the hospital, suzy is reunited with herfather, who's badly wounded. israeli artillery fire continues. israel says it's destroyed hundreds of miles of tunnels used by militants and claims to do everything to avoid civilian casualties in its strikes. meanwhile, the militant rocket fire into israel goes on. most are shot down, but many make direct hits. in this synagogue, as they mark an importantjewish festival today, there are prayers, after a near miss. it does feel like the diplomacy is stepping up a gear. the us has been talking to some of the region's most powerful arab countries, trying to create pressure towards de—escalation, but the talks are very much behind the scenes and, so far, there is still no sign of a quick

end to the fighting. tom bateman, bbc news, jerusalem. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. there is no real end in sight to this prolonged unsettled spell of weather that we are enduring at the moment, this may. today is another day of sunshine and showers. the heaviest storms will be working across from yorkshire and lincolnshire down to the midlands, east anglia and south east england with hail and thunder mixed in with these big downpours. further west, fewer showers around this afternoon, for wales, the west midlands and north—west england, west scotland, as well, so these areas have the best chance of dodging the downpours and staying dry. overnight tonight, the showers that form during the day will be slow to gradually subside but eventually, the skies get clearer and our temperatures drift down to around 5—8c. tomorrow, another day of sunshine and showers but that said, we will see some heavy, probably thundery rain, working into wales and south—west

england during tuesday morning. elsewhere, a largely dry morning on tuesday with some sunshine. the afternoon will see further thunder clouds develop and those showers becoming pretty widespread, and some of them really pokey. hello this is bbc news. the headlines... covid rules are eased across the uk, meaning indoorfood and drinks, in limited groups, are back on for millions of people. thousands take advantage of the new travel rules and head overseas, in the first legal foreign holidays for months. as fighting between israel and palestinian militants enters its second week, the us urges both sides to ensure the protection of civilians and says it's working intensively to try to bring an end to the conflict. the government condemns a series of anti—semitic incidents in london and parts of essex, describing them as

"intimidatory and racist". the covax scheme, which was set up to help poorer countries get equal access to covid vaccines, faces a severe supply shortage. and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings. prince charles is encouraging people to plant a tree for the queen's jubilee next year. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn watson. we've had a handful of governemnt pilot programmes over the past few months, but with the easing of lockdown restrictions, today marks the return of spectators to sports events. racing fans have been the first to benefit, courses have been allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity up to a maximum of a,000 fans at redcar lined the home straight to see miss houdini win one of this afternoon's races.

spectators have also been allowed in at leicester and windsor. and the first race was at carlisle, where the excitement of having spectators back got a bit much for this runner, who got loose in the parade ring. a couple of important matches tonight, in the next half an hour bournemouth's championship playoff semifinal against brentford gets under way, with just over 2,000 fans there for the first leg there will also be a,500 fans at the other semifinal between barnsley and swansea at oakwell — that game kicks off at 8.15. there'll be fans at manchester united, southampton, brighton and chelsea for tomorrow night's premier league matches. three days after their fa cup final defeat, chelsea face leicester again, a huge match for both sides top—four ambitions and there'll be 8000 in the stands at stamford bridge in some matches where we have

struggled a bit with momentum, maybe, and i had the feeling during their run in many matches, that support can help, could help now, and would be crucial to our team, so to our team, so having the fans back is fantastic. i hope they come at the right moment to help us to secure this last win at stamford bridge this season. manchester city are at brighton and the champions have had some good news, kevin de bruyne is back in training after a recent injury scare. he's missed he premier league games against chelsea and newcastle. he's unlikely to be rushed back for tomorrow, but of more importance is his readiness for the champions league final against cheslea at the end of the month. kevin is important, like everyone is important, and the final, when we

are able to stick together, and to push each other, it will be possible to win it, so of course kevin is important, everybody knows it, but everyone is at the same level. britain's hugh carthy and simon yates remain in the top ten of the giro d'italia heading into the race's first rest day. peter sagan sprinted to victory on today's 139 kilometre tenth stage for his first win in this year's race. colombia's egan bernal retained the leader's pinkjersey in the british ineos grenadiers team, by finishing alongside his main rivals. england's summer series against india and pakistan will go ahead despite the two countries being on the covid red list. india's men and women are scheduled to play in the country over the next few months — pakistan are due injuly. the players have been given permission to quarantine at the ageas bowl on—site hotel near southampton rather than government designated accomodation. new zealand are already at that hotel after arriving yesterday ahead of their test series next month.

finally, just returning to horse racing, the legendary jockeyjoe mercer has died at the age of 86. mercer won an incredible 2,810 races in his career including eight british classics one of the greats of flat—racing, he was championjockey in 1979, and his riding career spanned 36 seasons. he won the oaks at epsom, as well as doncaster�*s st leger four times, this is him winning the gold cup at ascot on le moss in 1980, the same year he was awarded an obe. he went on to become a successful trainer. we'll have more for you in sportsday at 6.30. as we've been hearing, the health secretary matt hancock has been updating mps about the indian variant of the covid—19 virus. he said there there are now

2,323 confirmed cases of the indian variant, known as b.1617, in the uk. cases have doubled in the past week and the latest scientific assessment is that the variant is spreading fast. the early evidence suggests that b.1.617 is more transmissible than the previously dominant variant, and we do not yet know to what extent it is more transmissible and while we also don't have the complete picture on the impact of the vaccine, the early lab data from oxford university corroborates the provisional evidence from bolton hospital and the initial observational data from india that vaccines are effective against this variant, and this of course is reassuring. but the high transmission poses a real risk. all this supports our overriding strategy which is gradually and cautiously to replace the restrictions on freedom with the protections from the vaccines.

the data that suggests that the vaccine has already saved over 12,000 lives and prevented over 33,000 people from being hospitalised and we are protecting people at a very rapid pace. last week was the biggest week of vaccinations since the end of march, 36 million people have now had a first dose and yesterday we reached the milestone of 20 million people having had their second dose across the uk. the shadow health secretaryjonathan ashworth warned that we cannot be sure how much vaccines prevent transmission of the virus, and urged caution. alarm bells should be ringing. because while he offers reassurance, that vaccines are effective, we have also heard from professor anthony harding of the jcvi who has warned that vaccines are almost certainly less

effective at reducing transmission of this variant. i entirely appreciate that when questioned i suspect he won't be able to give a cast—iron assurance about opening up on the 21st ofjune, and i'm not going to push him into a corner, we all understand that we are dealing with uncertainties and we have got to be grown up about these things, but we do need a plan now to contain this variant urgently. the government insists the best outbreak strategy is to deliver second doses. good afternoon. you have vaccinated a great many people over the weekend. 6000. what

approach have you been taking, bearing in mind the government advice? , .., ., bearing in mind the government advice? , ., ., ,, advice? everything we can to make sure we get — advice? everything we can to make sure we get right _ advice? everything we can to make sure we get right into _ advice? everything we can to make sure we get right into the - sure we get right into the communities we are talking about. for the past six weeks we have had a mobile bus we have been taken to mosques, churches, just to make sure we give everybody the opportunity who is ready for a vaccine to get a vaccine. 70,000 since january and we are already trying to deliver thousands this week. you are already trying to deliver thousands this week. you are really auoin for thousands this week. you are really going for it- — thousands this week. you are really going for it. when _ thousands this week. you are really going for it. when you _ thousands this week. you are really going for it. when you see - thousands this week. you are really going for it. when you see you - thousands this week. you are really going for it. when you see you are. going for it. when you see you are going for it. when you see you are going into the community offering a vaccine to everybody eligible, are these people who are not younger people, but who have already been called up for a vaccine? arnie people, but who have already been called up for a vaccine?— called up for a vaccine? we have been clear— called up for a vaccine? we have been clear from _ called up for a vaccine? we have been clear from the _ called up for a vaccine? we have been clear from the beginning i called up for a vaccine? we havej been clear from the beginning to called up for a vaccine? we have - been clear from the beginning to say it's not a one—time opportunity. if you are not sure, talk to your gp, talked us and we hope people at 60 and 70 at the weekend who now felt like the time was to get it and that

offer will stand until the vaccination programme is over. what had stopped — vaccination programme is over. what had stopped them — vaccination programme is over. what had stopped them coming before? vaccination programme is over. what i had stopped them coming before? you would had stopped them coming before? gm. would have to ask them. it's a real next. in terms of people's confidence in the vaccine, some of the stuff online, opinions of family members, its a range. no two people are the same. members, its a range. no two people are the same-— are the same. how do you feel about how it has gone? _ are the same. how do you feel about how it has gone? you _ are the same. how do you feel about how it has gone? you have _ are the same. how do you feel about how it has gone? you have clearly i how it has gone? you have clearly achieved great numbers in this latest push. do you feel that you are managing to convince people who previously were sceptical? brute are managing to convince people who previously were sceptical?— previously were sceptical? we are makin: previously were sceptical? we are making progress. _ previously were sceptical? we are making progress. we _ previously were sceptical? we are making progress. we said - previously were sceptical? we are making progress. we said a - previously were sceptical? we are making progress. we said a while| previously were sceptical? we are - making progress. we said a while ago it would be a marathon, not a sprint. i wanted to be as easy as possible for people to have the vaccination. we had people come down at the weekend who were really not sure, quite scared, we can take time, we have nurses on site, we had great support, this weekend. loads of different ways people can access the vaccine. we are on another site

tomorrow and this will be every day, 8am — 8pm. tomorrow and this will be every day, 8am - 8am-— 8am - 8pm. this is a real challenge to our 8am - 8pm. this is a real challenge to your organisational _ 8am - 8pm. this is a real challenge to your organisational skills. - 8am - 8pm. this is a real challenge to your organisational skills. who i to your organisational skills. who are you using to deliver the vaccines?— are you using to deliver the vaccines? ,, . , vaccines? since the beginning we have been working _ vaccines? since the beginning we have been working with _ vaccines? since the beginning we have been working with counsel l vaccines? since the beginning we i have been working with counsel and district nurses from the hospital as i have hinted at. we had a fantastic response, we are a big advocate of the voluntary centre and have worked with them for as long as we have been around. we are hoping to get some support from the military. i'm told the military is coming soon, we have a good experience working with them. we welcome them with open arms. we are really pleased to be able to that glow in the middle to be the bit around the organisation. what is the aim? this is going to have to go on, isn't it? for what is the aim? this is going to have to go on, isn't it?— what is the aim? this is going to have to go on, isn't it? for now. we have to go on, isn't it? for now. we have a target _

have to go on, isn't it? for now. we have a target of— have to go on, isn't it? for now. we have a target of getting _ have to go on, isn't it? for now. we have a target of getting to _ have to go on, isn't it? for now. we have a target of getting to 50,000 | have a target of getting to 50,000 by next weekend. everyday or few daysin by next weekend. everyday or few days in line with managing the vaccine supply, more and more people become eligible so we are planning into next week and the week beyond on top of what we have already been doing to try to make sure as vaccines are available, credit nhs england for providing us with vaccines, we can be ready and offer vaccines, we can be ready and offer vaccines to people when they are ready. vaccines to people when they are read . ., ., . ,, vaccines to people when they are read . ., ., a ., vaccines to people when they are read . a ., ., ready. 0k, good luck for that challenge- — ready. 0k, good luck for that challenge. thank _ ready. 0k, good luck for that challenge. thank you - ready. 0k, good luck for that challenge. thank you for - ready. 0k, good luck for that - challenge. thank you for speaking to us. we stand with ourjewish friends and neighbours who have been the victim of our recent upsurge of anti—semitic abuse in recent years.

anti—semitism has no place in our society. a lot of young britishjews are discovering for the first time that their friends do not understand anti—semitism. cannot recognise it. and do not care that they are spreading it. they are not responsible for the actions of our government thousands of miles away. but are made to feel as if they are. seeing their friends post social media content that glorifies hamas, an illegal terrorist organisation, whose charter calls for everyjew in the world to be killed. the international scheme set up to ensure equal access to covid—19 vaccines is currently 1a0 million doses short, due to the continuing covid crisis in india. now, unicef is calling for the powerful g7 countries — the leaders of which will meet in the uk next month — to share their surplus of doses. the bbc�*s global health correspondent tulip mazumdar reports:

it's a global collaboration that's never been tried on this tight timescale before. the aim of the covax scheme is to ensure all people in all countries get equal access to vaccines to protect them against covid—19. some progress is being made, but doses remain vastly unevenly distributed. and now, the pipeline providing vaccines to some of the world's poorest countries is being squeezed. as india continues its devastating battle against a raging outbreak, the country's prime minister has temporarily banned exports of covid—19 vaccines so that all doses can be used in country. the serum institute of india was due to supply around half of the two billion vaccines for covax this year, but nothing's been shipped since march, leaving a shortfall of around 1a0 million doses, which is due to rise to 190 million by the end ofjune. unfortunately, we are in a situation where we just don't know when the next set

of doses will materialise. our hope is things will get back on track, but of course, the situation in india is uncertain itself. and how much of a concern is that? it's certainly a huge concern, and that's why we are calling on higher income countries that have access to doses to start sharing those doses now. but countries are not being forthcoming with donating doses. data commissioned by unicef suggests that the rich g7 nations, as well as the eu, could make a big dent in the vaccine deficit in poorer countries by donating 20% of their supplies injune, july and august. this would free up around 153 million doses. so far, france is the only country to have already shipped vaccines in view of the crisis in india, pledging half a million doses by mid—june. nations including rwanda, senegal and here in ghana are using up some of their last remaining doses.

it's very important that they could make a promise of solidarity for those countries that have enough vaccines to distribute and share those doses, because unless we stop the transmission everywhere, it will be very difficult to end this pandemic, even in places where people have been completely vaccinated. new deals with different vaccine suppliers and manufacturers are also under way to try and get the covax scheme back on track. but right now, there a gaping hole in supplies which is threatening the global plan to end this pandemic. tulip mazumdar, bbc news. some news about the pfizer—biontech vaccine. our medical editor is seeing the european medicines agency

says the pfizer covid—19 vaccine can be stored at fridge temperature for 31 days instead of five. that is important because it means the short fridge shelf life it has been thought to have had limited its tip distribution and use. the european medicines agency saying it can be stored for considerably longer than it has been at the moment. we will wait to see what reaction we get from authorities in the uk to that information. indoor hospitality has also reopened in wales, with up to six people from different households allowed to meet inside. up to 50 people can attend an organised outdoor event, such as a wedding. here's tomos morgan. the first breakfasts being served inside once again, afterfive months. the bull terrier cafe tried to open as a takeaway last week, but being upstairs in cardiff market

meant they only made a fiver a day. it was diabolical, to be honest. but this is our first day today. and i can't wait. can't wait, i'm so excited. and it's a welcome return for linda, who has been coming here twice a week for a5 years. it's nice, because i live on my own. sometimes, i can't be bothered to cook, as it comes dearer by the time you buy everything. i can come here and it's already cooked, it's already there, and it costs me £6. although bars and restaurants reopened with groups of six able to meet up and have a flat white or a decaf inside, people must socially distance if they don't live together, or are in an extended household. along with indoor hospitality, soft play centres, museums and cinemas reopen their doors today in wales, where social distancing allows. but the first minister here has held back on giving much detail on the next phase of unlocking society here in wales, because of concerns over

the indian variant. so that means there are some industries still waiting for clarity on when they can reopen. with a capacity of 3,000 — the biggest in south wales — pryzm nightclub will tonight be operating with only 5% of their volume, due to social distancing measures. as a business, that's just not viable. it's great to be open, but it'sjust not sustainable for long—term. i we really need a date i from the first minister for when we can reopenl as a nightclub and, most importantly, when we can reopen without any restrictions. - as service resumes across the uk, each of the devolved nations will continue to do so at different speeds. tomos morgan, bbc news, cardiff. visitor attractions in england can now welcome people indoors for the first time in months. it's a welcome relief for businesses

which have had to stay shut during the lockdown. our correspondent, fiona lamdin, has been to the sea life aquarium in blackpool, where staff, and the fish, have been preparing for the return of families. a beautiful underwater world, unseen by the public for months. but every day throughout lockdown, scott and his team have been caring for the 2,500 creatures who live here in blackpool. yellow tangs, a rare orange lobster, and phoenix, a 21—year—old green sea turtle who was very intrigued by our camera, to name but a few. the majority of the staff have been on furlough. their team of 60 down to just eight. have been on furlough. what's the best way to touch these creatures? the best way to do it, two fingers together, just nice and gentle at the top. you can do this for the starfish, and just the same way with the anemones, as well.

we have been doing lots of water tests, to make sure all the water is ok, feeding the animals. some of the animals that we have here have to be fed up to six times a day. and also, we've been playing music around the centre, so the animals have been getting used to the noise, ready for reopening. and after six months, today, they finally will, as indoor attractions are allowed to reopen. the pandemic, though, has cost sea life here in blackpool over £1 million. it's been very tough in lockdown, especially here in lancashire, because we've had some of the most severe restrictions in place during the whole pandemic. i started here on the first day of lockdown, so i haven't actually seen any guests in the building. so the animals have been my only friends, so i can't wait to have people back and see the excitement on everyone's face. tourism experts believe these fish, and attractions like these, are vital to the success of the staycation. indoor attractions i are hugely important. we know that visits to attractions were two—thirds down last year, i

so getting everything open, i you know, those big museums, the historic houses that you might | drive out and make a day trip to, | i and some of the sea life centres. and the aquariums that people can go to when it looks a bit cold _ and rainy, and we need to be inside. for months, these animals have been looking out at no—one. but, for the first time today, they will finally have a very different view. fiona lamdin, bbc news. when someone mentions a royaljubilee, you might think of street parties and bunting. but next year, celebrations could involve a humble spade and sapling. the queen's green canopy project is encouraging us all to plant a tree to mark the queen's 70 years on the throne. here's our royal correspondent, daniela relph. there is planning to do 70... 70 clumps of trees. she left the spade work to her son.

the queen, wrapped up in her headscarf, a prolific tree—planter during her reign, kept a watchful eye. this is one of thousands we will see planted to mark the platinum jubilee, next year. planting a tree is a statement of hope and faith in the future. as we approach this most special year, i invite you all tojoin me, to plant a tree for thejubilee. in other words, a tree—bilee. and that tree—bilee that started here in the grounds of windsor castle, aims to get us all involved, to create a lasting, green tribute to 70 years of public service. newsreel: after the spadework, a good watering ensured - that the seedling got a proper start in life. _ whether it was chile, or here in india... by planting a sapling, — her majesty commemorated her visit. ..the queen has planted around 1,500 trees during her reign. it makes the green canopy project a fitting legacy to the world's

longest—reigning monarch. we are putting trees on the ground which will be standing there into the 22nd century, and trees are something that we've all cherished over the last difficult year, and outdoor space in general, so creating a new, ancient forest, as it were, seems entirely apt to celebrate her reign. royal mail staff have already begun planting trees around their workplaces. and three million free saplings will also be available to schools and community groups. everybody who has got - the opportunity to plant a tree, whether it is a single tree i at your school, or on a playing field, or in your garden, - or on your farm, should take this opportunity to celebrate her majesty'sjubilee. i the aim is to get the whole country planting a tree for thejubilee. something that can survive and flourish for decades. daniela relph, bbc news, windsor great park. time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes.

hello again. you have probably already noticed our weather pattern has got stuck. we've had low pressure in charge of our weather for ages now and those rainfall totals this month have been really mounting up, topcliffe top of the rainfall league, that is in north yorkshire, with over twice as much rain as we would normally see in the whole of the month of may and of course, we are onlyjust past the halfway stage. there is loads more rain to come, with no change unsettled weather pattern for the foreseeable time. today is a showery kind of day. what is really important for the showers across england and wales is this trough, that will be working its way eastwards and will be taking the heaviest of the showers with it. so across parts of yorkshire, down to the midlands, east anglia and south—east england, that is where the heaviest storms are going to be as we go through the afternoon, but behind that feature, showers become much less common across wales, parts of the west midlands and parts of north—west england, where you have got a much better chance of the weather staying dry. with broken cloud and sunshine through the afternoon. temperatures are about 1a to 16c. overnight, showers are going to take quite a long time

to slowly fade away, but eventually, the skies will become a little bit clearer and our overnight temperatures drift down to around 5—8c. looking at the satellite picture we have at the moment, we are going to zoom away from the uk and down towards the south—west. this area of cloud is going to be responsible for bringing the heaviest showers our way on tuesday. otherwise, most parts of the uk should have lighter showers. most parts of the uk will have these heavy downpours. middle part of the week and guess what, it is another day of sunshine and showers. at this time they are most likely to form a crust eastern scotland and eastern areas of england. those storms will be slow—moving in nature and if you catch one, there could be large rainfall totals

coming from those storms and as well as that, they could be with you for quite a length of time. the good news is, thursday and friday, no showers, but the area of low pressure is going to bring many of us a thorough soaking. lots of heavy rain to come towards the end of the week and it will be windy, windy enough for the gusts to bring down a few tree branches.

a big step back to normal life as most of the uk lifts restrictions on indoor gatherings. in england, most of scotland and wales, up to six people can meet indoors — not a moment too soon for the hospitality industry. it is absolutely great to be back. it's great to welcome all of my staff back. they've been on furlough for the last five months, so it's nice to be back as a team, it's nice to be seeing our regulars once again. a vaccination drive in bolton, where cases of the indian covid variant are rising — infections have gone up 77% across england in five days. downing street says concern about the rise in the indian variant could delay a review of the next easing of social distancing measures in england — but today travel is allowed once more to a few countries.