this is bbc news. the headlines... a delay in the full lifting of england's lockdown, has been agreed by ministers. the pause could be for another four weeks. borisjohnson will make a full announcement later today. but a glimmer of hope for those waiting to be married, with hints that restrictions on weddings might still be eased, in blackpool, devastating as the verdict of one business owner to a potential delay four weeks. we will speak to the director of public health here to see if he agrees with the delay. nato leaders — including the prime minister — are in brussels — where its secretary general has urged members to respond to china's expanding nuclear arsenal.

a bbc review finds no evidence that the bbc decision to appoint martin bashir as religious affairs correspondent was to "contain and/or cover" up events surrounding the panorama programme with pincess diana. i think that when you look at it, you say, if they'd known what we know now, and this is what the report says, there's absolutely no way you would've hired martin bashir. christian eriksen�*s agent tells the bbc, he's feeling fine and thanks everyone wising him well. the czech republic beat scotland 2—0 at hampden in the men's team's first match at a major tournament in 23 years. and we're feeling hot. the uk has recorded its hottest day of the year so far — with temperature reaching 28.6c

good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the final easing of covid restrictions in england, planned for next monday, is almost certain to be delayed by up to four weeks. borisjohnson is expected to make the announcement in an hour's time from downing street, alongside his chief advisers, professor chris whitty and sir patrick vallance. several senior ministers have already signed off on a postponement, as cases of the delta variant, first detected in india, continue to rise. latest figures suggest the uk is on track for a major wave of new infections. if the current rate of increase continues, there could be more than 15,000 cases a day by the 21st june, in just one week. the government had four tests it said had to be passed before the next stage of easing could go ahead. they include a successful vaccine programme.

a drastic fall in the numbers of hospitalisations and deaths. pressure on the nhs had to ease. and the severity of new variants must be diminished. with more, here's our health correspondent, jim reed. people in england will, it looks like, have to wait longer until restrictions like this are finally lifted. ministers always said june 21st was the earliest all social—distancing rules could be scrapped, allowing more than six people to meet inside again. a rise in infections means that is now very unlikely to happen. sadly, we are in the grip of the early stages of a third wave of the virus, and it is this delta variant, the so—called indian variant, which has a very significant transmission advantage over the previous alpha variant, the kent variant. covid cases are still well below the peak injanuary, but they have been going up, driven by that delta variant.

ministers say the data shows our vaccines can still stop many of those cases turning into hospital admissions. we're not seeing, by and large, that pull through into hospitalisations or deaths at the moment, and although they are going up a little bit they are not going up as much, and predominantly those people who are ending up in hospital, sadly, with severe cases of the virus, by and large are unvaccinated people. a delayed reopening would allow more people to get a second vaccine dose before full mixing is allowed again. labour said the country wouldn't be in this position if the variant had been stopped at the border. here we are, june 21st was meant to be freedom day, and why are we not going to hit it? and it looks like we're not. the answer, because of the government's pathetic borders policy. the delay to full reopening will be confirmed at a news conference later. rules in scotland, wales and northern ireland are also due to be relaxed or reviewed this month. jim reed, bbc news.

7,742 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the last 2a hours. there were three deaths recorded within 28 days of a positive test. and almost 30 million people have now received two vaccinations against covid—i9. 0ur political correspondent jessica parkerjoins us from westminster. the groundwork has been laid, we are all expecting the prime minister, at around six o'clock this evening, to say there will be a pause in the lifting of restrictions in england? yes, you are right. clearly we are now expecting that announcement broadly to be made. there will be close attention as well to details within that announcement. so, of course, there has been a lot of speculation around what might happen with weddings, whether there could be some special relaxations for weddings, because so many couples are waiting to get married and have their plans laid out based on the original road map. so i think people

will be keen to keep across that kind of detail. whether as well there might be some kind of break clause or review period, whether this will be a blanket four week extension, for example, with no chance of it moving earlier, or whether there will be a chance for ministers to review the data and perhaps lift things a little earlier if they see fit. it is those kind of details that people will be looking out for. but obviously we have come to understand the broad announcement, which is a delay of up to four weeks, because of this particular concern about the delta variant, about rising case rates. something the ministers have always had a close eye on, or talked about having a close eye on, is the impact on hospitalisations and the strain that could potentially put on the nhs. so that is the kind of data they will be looking at. clearly, it has caused all of concern to prompt a delay. it isjust has caused all of concern to prompt a delay. it is just those details within that that we will wait to hear about late this evening.

0bviously hear about late this evening. obviously this was the kind of announcement the prime minister, when he makes it, and it is highly likely he will, he clearly did not want to have to make that announcement to the nation. to be seen to be going backwards. if the extension is seen to be about four weeks, clearly, the belief is that the number of vaccinations will reach that stage where an unlocking could potentially take place then, evenif could potentially take place then, even if the delta variant continues to be a problem? fine even if the delta variant continues to be a problem?— to be a problem? one of the key thins to be a problem? one of the key things that _ to be a problem? one of the key things that has _ to be a problem? one of the key things that has been _ to be a problem? one of the key things that has been under - things that has been under consideration is the difference between the level of protection that you have when you have the first dose of the vaccine, the level of protection you have after the second dose of the vaccine. your protection, rising significantly with that second jab. we have been hearing in recent days the idea behind a delay is, as you say, to allow the vaccination programme to take a greater effect, allow more of those second jabs to be put to

people, so more people have protection, a month on from where we are now. that is certainly the idea. but, of course, the flip side of thatis but, of course, the flip side of that is that there aren'tjust for example couples hoping to get married, but businesses that were hoping to resume normal activity, not have to operate under the capacity limits that are causing them such great concern. there was also hopes of easing restrictions on those larger events. so it will have serious implications, and, as we were hearing from the labour party and from sir keir starmerjust a moment ago, one of the criticisms of the government has been its border policy in this regard. it has pushed back on the criticism. but whether it acted fast enough in terms of trying to stop the arrival of this delta variant.— trying to stop the arrival of this delta variant. thank you. we are auoin to delta variant. thank you. we are going to get _ delta variant. thank you. we are going to get more _ delta variant. thank you. we are going to get more on _ delta variant. thank you. we are going to get more on the - delta variant. thank you. we are i going to get more on the potential impact on businesses on this potential delay of the unlocking in england, when it comes to coronavirus restrictions.

0ur health correspondent anna collinson is here. are we seeing the transfer of increased infections as the result of the delta variant into hospitalisations, the one thing that the government doesn't want, none of us want, because it puts pressure on the nhs? ., ., ., ., the nhs? you have hit the nail on the nhs? you have hit the nail on the head. that _ the nhs? you have hit the nail on the head. that is _ the nhs? you have hit the nail on the head. that is the _ the nhs? you have hit the nail on the head. that is the key - the nhs? you have hit the nail on the head. that is the key detail i the head. that is the key detail that we are all looking out for in the data. we actually have the latest government data reported in the last half hour or so. in cases, they are continuing to rise, with 7742 cases recorded. if you look back over the past two weeks, they have gone up by 45%. so we are seeing that real increase with cases. then, as you say, with hospitalisations, that is where the real focus is. hospitalisations, that is where the realfocus is. and there hospitalisations, that is where the real focus is. and there are hospitalisations, that is where the realfocus is. and there are now just over 1000 people in hospital with covid, far lower than the peak that we saw in january, with covid, far lower than the peak that we saw injanuary, around 38,000. but, ultimately, the fear

is, and why there is this big push for a few more weeks to give them a bit more time, if the infections continue to increase, even though we had a successful boxing roll—out, not everybody at risk has been vaccinated, millions in their 20s have not had their firstjabs. if infections continue to rise, they will creep through into hospitalisations, the fear is, and that could put a lot of pressure on a really tired nhs, which has not only been battling a pandemic, but had to spend... well, had a giant long waiting list, 5 million people currently waiting for really important operations. any delay in easing restrictions, means more hardship for industries already badly hit by successive lockdowns. katy austin has more. the 21st ofjune had been billed by some as freedom day, the earliest possible date that all restrictions could be lifted. now the removal of all remaining rules is not expected

to happen that day. for many businesses which remain closed, there's frustration and even anger at the idea of a four—week delay. it's thought most nightclubs have already been gearing up for a 21st ofjune reopening. it's going to be catastrophic to us. this will possibly hurt us more than the initial lockdown back in march last year. because you've already put money, have you, into opening from the 21st? we've been buying stock, booking staff for the last four weeks. we've had people in, getting the venue ready to open. it's notjust something where we can literally turn the keys and just open up in two weeks' time. theatres can only operate with reduced numbers at the moment due to social distancing. 0ne producer told the bbc that just isn't sustainable. while masks are absolutely fine, and obviously temperature—taking as you come in is absolutely fine, and all the other deep cleaning and all the other safety measures are fine,

the social distancing simply doesn't make the model viable. the trade body for restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels says 300,000 jobs could be at risk if restrictions aren't lifted next week. wedding businesses and couples are also waiting anxiously to see if rules, including a 30—person limit, will be relaxed. the british chambers of commerce says there needs to be adequate support for businesses if a full reopening is delayed, something we should know for sure later today. katy austin, bbc news. well, as we all wait for borisjohnson's announcement in 45 minutes, my colleague victoria derbyshire, is in blackpool, gauging the mood there to a pissible delay in lifting covid restrictions. yes, hello, good afternoon. we spoke earlier to the woman who runs merlin entertainment, in charge of

blackpool tower, the ballroom, madame tussauds, the aquarium. she said a delay of up to four weeks would be absolutely devastating. we are going to talk now to the director of public health for blackpool. do you think there should be a delay? i blackpool. do you think there should be a dela ? ~ ,., be a delay? i think the government is riaht to be a delay? i think the government is right to take _ be a delay? i think the government is right to take a _ be a delay? i think the government is right to take a cautious _ is right to take a cautious approach. in blackpool, along with many— approach. in blackpool, along with many parts of the north—west, we are starting _ many parts of the north—west, we are starting to— many parts of the north—west, we are starting to see an increase in cases — starting to see an increase in cases 50. _ starting to see an increase in cases. so, what this does, if the reports — cases. so, what this does, if the reports are — cases. so, what this does, if the reports are correct that we are going _ reports are correct that we are going to — reports are correct that we are going to delay by four weeks, it buys _ going to delay by four weeks, it buys us — going to delay by four weeks, it buys us time to vaccinate more people — buys us time to vaccinate more people. really, we need to get two doses— people. really, we need to get two doses of— people. really, we need to get two doses of the vaccine in. we have seen _ doses of the vaccine in. we have seen that— doses of the vaccine in. we have seen that the delta variant is more transmissible, and we have already lifted _ transmissible, and we have already lifted some of the restrictions. that— lifted some of the restrictions. that is— lifted some of the restrictions. that is causing the increase. what we really — that is causing the increase. what we really need to do is for everyone to follow _ we really need to do is for everyone to follow the rules as they are, but please, _ to follow the rules as they are, but please, please, come forward for your vaccine when you are invited. you are _ your vaccine when you are invited. you are right, the figures show that positive cases are going up. but if we look at the covid rate for blackpool, on friday, it was 131 per

100,000 people. saturday, 158 per 100,000 people. saturday, 158 per 100,000 people. saturday, 158 per 100,000 people. you have a very low hospital admissions, 100,000 people. you have a very low hospitaladmissions, one 100,000 people. you have a very low hospital admissions, one or two going in per day, and nobody has died from covid since march the zist? died from covid since march the 21st? ~ ., , died from covid since march the 21st? . ., , , ., , , 21st? we have very small numbers in hosital, 21st? we have very small numbers in hospital. you're _ 21st? we have very small numbers in hospital, you're absolutely _ 21st? we have very small numbers in hospital, you're absolutely right. - hospital, you're absolutely right. but i _ hospital, you're absolutely right. but i think— hospital, you're absolutely right. but i think that will rise over the conring — but i think that will rise over the coming days. what we don't want is not rising. _ coming days. what we don't want is not rising, that rise to be dramatic _ not rising, that rise to be dramatic. so, we need to get people vaccinated~ — dramatic. so, we need to get people vaccinated. because what we know is that the _ vaccinated. because what we know is that the people going into hospital at this— that the people going into hospital at this moment in time either have not had _ at this moment in time either have not had the — at this moment in time either have not had the vaccine or they have had 'ust not had the vaccine or they have had just one _ not had the vaccine or they have had just one dose. so, we really need time _ just one dose. so, we really need time to— just one dose. so, we really need time to vaccinate everyone. we don't want that— time to vaccinate everyone. we don't want that increase in hospital admissions. the other thing we've -ot admissions. the other thing we've got to— admissions. the other thing we've got to remember is that the nhs is trying _ got to remember is that the nhs is trying to— got to remember is that the nhs is trying to recover. it is trying to do all— trying to recover. it is trying to do all the _ trying to recover. it is trying to do all the stuff it hasn't done for the past — do all the stuff it hasn't done for the past 15 months. and so any

increase — the past15 months. and so any increase in— the past 15 months. and so any increase in covid admissions to the hospital— increase in covid admissions to the hospital will derail, to a degree, all of— hospital will derail, to a degree, all of the — hospital will derail, to a degree, all of the recovery plans the nhs have _ all of the recovery plans the nhs have. �* ,. ._ all of the recovery plans the nhs have. �* , ., ., ., have. but even if it is a delay of a month, have. but even if it is a delay of a month. we _ have. but even if it is a delay of a month, we still— have. but even if it is a delay of a month, we still won't _ have. but even if it is a delay of a month, we still won't have - month, we still won't have vaccinated everybody. what's to stop the government back saying in a month, we need another three weeks? i think we are just delaying it. stage — i think we are just delaying it. stage four will happen. i think we will get _ stage four will happen. i think we will get out of this, that is important to bear in mind. if it is a delay— important to bear in mind. if it is a detayof— important to bear in mind. if it is a delay of fourweeks, important to bear in mind. if it is a delay of four weeks, it gives us a considerable amount of time to vaccinate — considerable amount of time to vaccinate people and get people vaccinated. because we still have people _ vaccinated. because we still have people in— vaccinated. because we still have people in vulnerable categories that haven't_ people in vulnerable categories that haven't been vaccinated, then we have _ haven't been vaccinated, then we have to _ haven't been vaccinated, then we have to move down the age range. we really— have to move down the age range. we really need _ have to move down the age range. we really need to get everybody over the age _ really need to get everybody over the age of 18 vaccinated. the four weeks _ the age of 18 vaccinated. the four weeks eyes is a lot of time. huw bears responsibility _ weeks eyes is a lot of time. huw bears responsibility for - weeks eyes is a lot of time. film-n bears responsibility for this weeks eyes is a lot of time. fit/pr bears responsibility for this delay? i think we, as a society, need to protect— i think we, as a society, need to protect people from covid, and make sure we _ protect people from covid, and make sure we haven't got an increase in cases— sure we haven't got an increase in cases and —

sure we haven't got an increase in cases and deaths from a covid. public— cases and deaths from a covid. public health has to be a priority. i public health has to be a priority. i totally _ public health has to be a priority. i totally understand the impact on businesses. actually, our businesses in blackpool have done an absolutely wonderful— in blackpool have done an absolutely wonderfuljob in putting in covid secure _ wonderfuljob in putting in covid secure arrangements. it�*s wonderfuljob in putting in covid secure arrangements.— secure arrangements. it's not enou~h, secure arrangements. it's not enough, though, _ secure arrangements. it's not enough, though, it _ secure arrangements. it's not enough, though, it will - secure arrangements. it's not enough, though, it will still i secure arrangements. it's not| enough, though, it will still be delayed for a month? the curveball was the delta _ delayed for a month? the curveball was the delta variant. _ delayed for a month? the curveball was the delta variant. but - delayed for a month? the curveball was the delta variant. but why - delayed for a month? the curveball| was the delta variant. but why have we had so many _ was the delta variant. but why have we had so many cases _ was the delta variant. but why have we had so many cases of— was the delta variant. but why have we had so many cases of that? - was the delta variant. but why have l we had so many cases of that? there has been importation _ we had so many cases of that? there has been importation of _ we had so many cases of that? there has been importation of the - we had so many cases of that? there has been importation of the delta variant, _ has been importation of the delta variant, first identified in india, so that— variant, first identified in india, so that has— variant, first identified in india, so that has arrived. that is more transmissible. we have opened up society, _ transmissible. we have opened up society, so— transmissible. we have opened up society, so there is more mixing, currently~ — society, so there is more mixing, currently. we do have people doing more _ currently. we do have people doing more they — currently. we do have people doing more. they are out and about. that has increased cases. we have got a barrel— has increased cases. we have got a barrel of— has increased cases. we have got a barrel of those in mind. in my book, this is— barrel of those in mind. in my book, this isjust _ barrel of those in mind. in my book, this isjust a — barrel of those in mind. in my book, this isjust a small price to pay, really~ — this isjust a small price to pay, really~ we _ this isjust a small price to pay, really. we will get to the end of this _ really. we will get to the end of this it — really. we will get to the end of this it is — really. we will get to the end of this it is a _ really. we will get to the end of this. it is a four week delay, which gives— this. it is a four week delay, which gives us— this. it is a four week delay, which gives us more time. had this. it is a four week delay, which gives us more time.— this. it is a four week delay, which gives us more time. had we put india on the red list — gives us more time. had we put india on the red list earlier, _ gives us more time. had we put india on the red list earlier, would - gives us more time. had we put india on the red list earlier, would we - gives us more time. had we put india on the red list earlier, would we be . on the red list earlier, would we be in this position?— in this position? possibly not. that is for government _

in this position? possibly not. that is for government to _ in this position? possibly not. that is for government to answer, - in this position? possibly not. that. is for government to answer, whether we go _ is for government to answer, whether we go into— is for government to answer, whether we go into those restrictions early enough. _ we go into those restrictions early enough, whether we could have put india enough, whether we could have put india into _ enough, whether we could have put india into the red list. yes, we could — india into the red list. yes, we could have _ india into the red list. yes, we could have done that and it may have avoided _ could have done that and it may have avoided some of this. but i think that is— avoided some of this. but i think that is for— avoided some of this. but i think that is for government officials to answer~ _ that is for government officials to answer. ., ~' that is for government officials to answer. . ~ , ., ., that is for government officials to answer. . ~ ., ., ~ ., , answer. thank you for talking to us toda . we answer. thank you for talking to us today- we wish _ answer. thank you for talking to us today. we wish you _ answer. thank you for talking to us today. we wish you all— answer. thank you for talking to us today. we wish you all the - answer. thank you for talking to us today. we wish you all the best. i answer. thank you for talking to us | today. we wish you all the best. the director of public health for blackpool. the commons speaker, sir lindsay hoyle, has angrily criticised downing street for not informing mps first about the latest decisions on coronavirus restrictions. responding to complaints about the timing of the commons statement from the conservative mps, sir edward leigh and peter bone, he accused downing street of "riding roughshod" over parliament in a way that was "totally unacceptable" and said he would be seeking a meeting with the prime minister. i have repeatedly made it clear how important it is that announcements should be made in this chamber

first. as you are both aware, the secretary of state will be making a statement at 8.30 covid. that will give members of the house and opposition day to question him on government policy. however, it is not what i would have expected, statements to the house after the press is not acceptable. the government back oh determines when they make statements, but in doing so they must show respect to this house. we were not going to get a statement until i was involved with downing street. the fact is, this has been forced, to get a statement today, it was going to be lefty tomorrow, which would have been totally unacceptable. the fact is, i understand the prime minister at the moment is with nato, there is a big conference going on. he isn't here. that is why i insisted somebody make this statement. the timing is 8.30. i thought that was better than waiting for the prime minister to make a statement tomorrow. this house needs to know. it needs to

know first. i find house needs to know. it needs to know first. ifind it house needs to know. it needs to know first. i find it totally unacceptable that, once again, once again, we see downing street running roughshod over members of parliament. we are not accepting it, and i am at a stage where i am beginning to look for other avenues if they are not going to treat this seriously. i would say i think it is time for me to have a meeting with the prime minister, to put on the record here and now, with him, that this house matters! labour mp alex norris is shadow public health minister — he joins me now from westminster. hello, thank you for being with us. do you share that anger of sir lindsay hoyle? the rest of the country is going to find out in a statement injust over country is going to find out in a statement in just over half an hour what exactly is going to happen with regards tojohn the 21st, and a possible extension of the restrictions in england, head of parliament being told?- restrictions in england, head of parliament being told? well, lindsay

ho leis parliament being told? well, lindsay ho le is a parliament being told? well, lindsay hoyle is a very _ parliament being told? well, lindsay hoyle is a very mild _ parliament being told? well, lindsay hoyle is a very mild mannered - parliament being told? well, lindsay hoyle is a very mild mannered and i hoyle is a very mild mannered and really decent bloke. when he gets angry, you know something is not quite right. ultimately, it is not about mps hearing before the population. it is a basic democratic principle that the government, a government drawn from parliament, makes statements on plans to parliament, ratherthan makes statements on plans to parliament, rather than briefing the media first. i am looking at my clock. a0 minutes to the press conference, that is one thing. we are about to have a conversation based on things we both read in the news this morning. it is discourteous. as i say, if mr speaker is mad about it, far be it from me to say that is wrong. looks like we will — from me to say that is wrong. looks like we will get _ from me to say that is wrong. looks like we will get a _ from me to say that is wrong. looks like we will get a delay, _ from me to say that is wrong. looks like we will get a delay, after- like we will get a delay, after about four weeks. does that make sense to you? i about four weeks. does that make sense to you?— about four weeks. does that make sense to you? i thought he meant a dela for sense to you? i thought he meant a delay for the _ sense to you? i thought he meant a delay for the press _ sense to you? i thought he meant a delay for the press conference! - delay for the press conference! well, we will have to see first, it is for the prime minister to make a case of why it is in the interests of the british people and the safety of the british people and the safety of the british people, and the resilience of our national health

service, for that delay, you know, what it is for and for what support he will put into business in the meantime. i will watch that france conference with interest and we will form if you are not. —— that press conference. what marker we know as a result of the delta variant, 60% more transmissible than other variants, it is spreading rapidly. 7000 plus infections in the last 2a hour period. aha, 7000 plus infections in the last 24 hour period-— 7000 plus infections in the last 24 hour eriod. �* , , ., .,~ hour period. a delay seems to make sense. hour period. a delay seems to make sense- iout — hour period. a delay seems to make sense. but having _ hour period. a delay seems to make sense. but having said _ hour period. a delay seems to make sense. but having said that, - hour period. a delay seems to make sense. but having said that, the - sense. but having said that, the effects on businesses, so on and so forth, is continuing? i effects on businesses, so on and so forth, is continuing?— forth, is continuing? ithink it does start — forth, is continuing? ithink it does start a— forth, is continuing? ithink it does start a little _ forth, is continuing? ithink it does start a little bit - forth, is continuing? ithink it does start a little bit before l forth, is continuing? i think it- does start a little bit before that. the prime minister today has an obligation to say why this has happened. i have been on bbc news channel now for months, with regular watchers saying we have not had adequate control of the borders. 0ne adequate control of the borders. one of the country was locked down and we were making personal sacrifices, the border control policies meant

only 1% of those people coming into the country each day actually went into hotel quarantine. that is why we are in this situation. i would say from the prime minister we need contrition and a change of direction there. after that, it has to be based on scientific evidence. the prime minister needs to make that case and we will act, as we always do, in the interests of public health. ~ ., , do, in the interests of public health. ~ . , ., health. what is your message to businesses _ health. what is your message to businesses on _ health. what is your message to businesses on the _ health. what is your message to businesses on the people - health. what is your message to | businesses on the people waiting health. what is your message to - businesses on the people waiting for this day, planning for this day, and going to have it snatched away from them? we going to have it snatched away from them? ~ , ., them? we will be fighting for su ort them? we will be fighting for sopport for— them? we will be fighting for sopport for you _ them? we will be fighting for support for you is _ them? we will be fighting for support for you is my - them? we will be fighting for. support for you is my message them? we will be fighting for- support for you is my message to that. if it is to be another month delay, as has been briefed, and it is vital those businesses that are getting ready, they have already sheued getting ready, they have already shelled out money ahead ofjune the zist, shelled out money ahead ofjune the 21st, they are given adequate support so that they are there in a month's time. we have already seen, from the wonderful scenes of people watching the football, getting back to socialising, that there is a lot

of demand in the british economy. there is going to be very viable businesses. if there is a delay of another month, we must support them for another month.— for another month. thank you for 'oinin: for another month. thank you for joining us- _ and borisjohnson is due to confirm the delay to lockdown easing later in a news conference at six o'clock. with him will be professor chris whitty, the uk government's chief medical adviser, and sir patrick vallance, the uk government's chief scientific adviser. there will also be a ministerial statement from the health secretary, matt hancock at 8.30 tonight, and we'll of course bring you that live, here on bbc news. a review into the decision to appoint martin bashir as religious affairs correspondent at the bbc following his panorama interview with diana, princess of wales has found "no evidence of a cover—up." an earlier report by lord dyson criticised the methods bashir used to secure his 1995 interview. today's investigation concluded that although there were some shortcomings in the process by which he was re—employed, there was no evidence that martin bashir was rehired to contain and/or cover up the events

surrounding the 1995 panorama programme. it also adds if any of the individuals involved in the appointment of martin bashir in 2016 had been aware of what is now publicly known as a result of the dyson report, martin bashir would have never been reappointed to the bbc. let's speak to our media and arts correspondent, david sillito. essentially, too many people have been looking at the events of 1995, 1996, through the lens of 2021. the fact is, those that were involved in reappointing martin bashir, they did not know what happened back then. that is the essence of what ken macquarrie has concluded today. martin bashir, the revelations in

the dyson report, described by tim davie as a dark day for the bbc. the investigation into those fake bank statements that he presented to earl spencer, described as woefully ineffective. many, many questions. remember, it was reported in the papers back in the 1990s, this wasn't entirely unknown to the general public. so, why was it that martin bashir was reappointed back to the bbc as religious affairs correspondent in 2016? well, can mcquarrie says, yes, there were questions. the process was not as fair and transparent is it perhaps could have been. there were shortcomings. but there was no evidence that he was hired to cover up evidence that he was hired to cover up events that happened 25 years before. we had a statement from the former head of news at the time, james harding, who said, well, yes, he didn't know the facts that were then revealed by lord dyson. i'm tim

davie, interview this afternoon, echoes the same points. if they had known then what they know now, it would have been different. ithink, overall, the report says people acted in good faith, i think they were really out to find the right person. i think that when you look at it you say, if they had known what we know now, and this is what the report says, there is absolutely no way you would have hired martin bashir. they did know quite a lot, though. they knew the allegations about the panorama programme, and they knew he had used crude and offensive language and been forced to apologise twice a few years before his reappointment, that did not seem to bother them ? to be fair, they had references from previous employers and they considered those cases which were not perfect but they considered them and they weighed them up but when it came to this, the really important thing is and this is what we have come

to in the last few weeks and months, is they did not have that knowledge of the '96 events. and what had happened in terms of martin bashir's behaviour to secure the interview with princess diana. if they had that, i don't think anyone would have made the hire. what about the suggestion that martin bashir sat on the review panel that ruled there should be a religious affairs editor and they should get a pay rise, and he ends up should get a pay rise, and he ends up getting thatjob? should get a pay rise, and he ends op getting that job?— up getting that 'ob? definitely auestions up getting that job? definitely questions about _ up getting that job? definitely questions about that. - up getting that job? definitely questions about that. this - up getting that job? definitely| questions about that. this was up getting that job? definitely - questions about that. this was the review as to how the bbc handles religious affairs. he isjust review as to how the bbc handles religious affairs. he is just one member of nine people. they say, i think what we need is a religion editor. ken macquarrie said he was by far the most qualified person to get the post. but it does raise a few questions about the process.

also, it's not over when it comes to inquiries. all sorts of issues have been raised about editorial oversight of how stories come to our, so next to roto, on the board of the bbc, is doing in their investigation into editorial processes. also the whistle—blowers. people were speaking up and saying, we got doubts about how martin bashir acted on the panorama programme. and people in the panorama programme were essentially dismissed, and so there will be questions about how it is handled. 0ne questions about how it is handled. one final element, of course, response to all of this. julian knight, the chairman of the commons media select committee, says the fact that martin bashir was rehired when there were these questions at very high levels about his integrity, he says it stretches incredulity to breaking point. he and other members of that committee will be questioning tim davie, the director—general, and the former director—generalsjohn birt and lord hall, who did the inquiry back in 1995, tomorrow. it is not over yet.

now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. hello again. yesterday, temperatures reached 28c in south east england, but it is going to be even hotter than that this afternoon. but the heat is a bit more limited towards the south east of the uk. further north, a fresher feel to the weather. most areas dry with sunshine, but there will be a few passing showers into the highlands and islands in scotland. so, you can see the heat in the south—east, temperatures reaching 29c or so. further north, temperatures more in the range of around 16 to 18c. 0vernight tonight, we will keep some patches of cloud across central areas of the country. it is going to be a dry night. those temperatures slow to fall away in the south east, but a more comfortable night for sleeping further northwards. tomorrow, fine start to the day with some sunshine, but the weather will tend to cloud over in northern ireland, as a weather front approaches here, and eventually that front will bring some rain into western scotland. england and wales, a fresher feel to the weather, but in the sunshine, still very warm, with temperatures

reaching a height of 25c. that's your latest weather.

hello, this is bbc news with clive myrie. the headlines. a delay in the full lifting of england's lockdown, has been agreed by ministers. the pause could be for another four weeks. borisjohnson will make a full announcement later today. but, a glimmer of hope for those waiting to be married, with hints that restrictions on weddings, might still be eased. how will the delays affect you? victoria derbyshire is in blackpool through the day to hear from people living there about what the final stages of unlocking mean for them. nato leaders, including the prime minister, are in brussels — where its secretary general has urged members to respond to china's expanding nuclear arsenal. a bbc review finds "no evidence" that the bbc decision to appoint martin bashir as religious affairs correspondent

was to "contain and/or cover up" events surrounding the panorama programme with pincess diana. christian eriksen's agent tells the bbc he's feeling fine and thanks everyone wising him well. the czech republic beat scotland 2—0 at hampden in the men's team's first match at a major tournament in 23 years. and we're feeling hot, hot, hot. the uk has recorded its hottest day of the year so far — with temperature reaching 28.6c. sport, and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's chetam. as you've been hearing, scotland have lost their opening group game of euro 2020 following a 2—0 defeat to the czech republic at hampden park. an incredible goal from the half—way line sealed scotland's fate and leaves them bottom of the group

— meaning the game against england on friday takes on even greater importance. joe lynskey reports. they've had to wait since 1998. this is scotland's test match at a major tournament this century and 12,000 fans in glasgow were there to see it. after a year of restrictions and silence, that was something to sing for. but now they have the platform, scotland want to bloom. they knew the czech republic at the lowest ranks of their three group opponents and scotland had the noise behind them. andy robertson came this close to making loud but slowly the czech republic gained control. just before the break, they made part quiet. patrik schick's, a forward and abundantly. his club paid £20

million forfinishing like abundantly. his club paid £20 million for finishing like this. responded to look back late scott might have drawn level but for the crossbar and the goalkeeper. but on the biggest stage, mrs are costly and scotland's hopes faded with something extraordinary. and and scotland's hopes faded with something extraordinary. and patrik schick has scored _ something extraordinary. and patrik schick has scored again. _ something extraordinary. and patrik schick has scored again. he's - something extraordinary. and patrik schick has scored again. he's taken | schick has scored again. he's taken the opportunity brilliantly. this was schick _ the opportunity brilliantly. this was schick scoring again, this time the contenderfor goal of was schick scoring again, this time the contender for goal of the tournament. he spotted david marshall way off his line. scotland couldn't find a way back. it’s marshall way off his line. scotland couldn't find a way back.— couldn't find a way back. it's a tou~h couldn't find a way back. it's a tough lesson _ couldn't find a way back. it's a tough lesson for _ couldn't find a way back. it's a tough lesson for us. _ couldn't find a way back. it's a tough lesson for us. at - couldn't find a way back. it's a tough lesson for us. at the . couldn't find a way back. it's a tough lesson for us. at the highest level and _ tough lesson for us. at the highest level and the best tournaments in the world, — level and the best tournaments in the world, you have to take your chances — the world, you have to take your chances when they come. czech republic— chances when they come. czech republic did that, we didn't, and unfortunately that's why we are on the wrong — unfortunately that's why we are on the wrong end of the result. scotland's return to a tournament is only one game and now to keep it going they can't afford more defeats. next up it's england at wembley on friday.

the finland captain tim sparv is the latest player to question whether their game against denmark at the weekend should have resumed less than two hours after christian eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest. the game was suspended near the end of the first half — when the score was 0—0 — following eriksen's collapse. he remains stable in hospital after being revived on the pitch in copenhagen. finland went on to win the game 1—0, but this was the response of their captain when he was asked if he'd rather it had not restarted and taken a 0—0 draw. i don't think that that was something that we would have argued with. for us, it was important that the danish players felt 0k with. for us, it was important that the danish players felt ok with the decision that they take. we didn't want to force or pressure them into something that they weren't comfortable with. so, i wasjust

trying to listen, where are you right now, how do you feel, what you want to do? we were quite... we were prepared to support their decision. next to a huge win for britain's jack draper on the opening day of the queen's club championships. the unseeded british teenager has knocked out the number three seed — and fellow 19—year—old — yannick sinner on the opening day. draper was a—0 down in the first set with sinner, the world number 23 and one of the most exciting players on the tour taking charge, but draperfought back to win on a tie—break. and he kept up the momentum in the second set and won that on a tie break too to complete his first win on the men's tour. british number two cameron norrie has gained revenge on the man who beat him in the final of the estoril 0pen recently. norrie, who had a great clay court season, is hoping that will continue on grass ahead of wimbledon and although he lost the first set

he came back to win the next two against spain's albert ramos vinolas. meanwhile at the birmingham classic, it's been a mixed day for the british women involved so far today. after being knocked out in the first round of the french open heather watson looked in danger after she lost the first set to switzerland's viktoria golubic, who's ranked a place below her at 71 in the world. it's just her fifth win on the wta tour this season. but it was a tough day for british number three harriet dart. she lost in three sets to the french former world number four caroline garcia — who won 7—5, a—6, 6—a. that's all the sport for now. can ca n follow can follow the tennis on the bbc sport website and see what is happening in the second game of the day at the euros. reaction too to scotland's defeat.

let's get more now on our top story — that the final easing of covid restrictions in england, planned for next monday, is almost certain to be delayed by up to four weeks. i'm nowjoined wthulie filmer who is a bride to be. her wedding has been cancelled twice before, she hopes not from the third time. thank you for being with us. you're very welcome- _ thank you for being with us. you're very welcome. we _ thank you for being with us. you're very welcome. we all _ thank you for being with us. you're very welcome. we all sincerely - thank you for being with us. you'rel very welcome. we all sincerely hope it's auoin very welcome. we all sincerely hope it's going to — very welcome. we all sincerely hope it's going to be _ very welcome. we all sincerely hope it's going to be third _ very welcome. we all sincerely hope it's going to be third time _ very welcome. we all sincerely hope it's going to be third time lucky. - it's going to be third time lucky. what date have you planned for the third attempt? till" what date have you planned for the third attempt?— third attempt? our third attempt is the 10th ofjuly- — third attempt? our third attempt is the 10th of july. the _ third attempt? our third attempt is the 10th of july. the 10th _ third attempt? our third attempt is the 10th of july. the 10th of- third attempt? our third attempt is the 10th of july. the 10th of july. i the 10th ofjuly. the 10th ofjuly. 0k. now, _ the 10th ofjuly. the 10th ofjuly. ok. now, there _ the 10th ofjuly. the 10th ofjuly. ok. now, there is _ the 10th ofjuly. the 10th ofjuly. ok. now, there is a _ the 10th ofjuly. the 10th ofjuly. ok. now, there is a suggestion l the 10th of july. the 10th of july. i ok. now, there is a suggestion that 0k. now, there is a suggestion that even though the full unlocking of england could be delayed by four weeks, that weddings could be made an exception. that is what you're desperately hoping mrjohnson is

going to say tonight. latte desperately hoping mrjohnson is going to say tonight. we certainly are. going to say tonight. we certainly are- we've _ going to say tonight. we certainly are- we've got — going to say tonight. we certainly are. we've got everything - going to say tonight. we certainly l are. we've got everything crossed, an early bottle of fizzjust in case but we hope we can have our special day. it but we hope we can have our special da . , , , , �* but we hope we can have our special da. , _ ,�* but we hope we can have our special da. , ., ., day. it simply isn't good enough for ou to day. it simply isn't good enough for you to have — day. it simply isn't good enough for you to have 30 _ day. it simply isn't good enough for you to have 30 guests? _ day. it simply isn't good enough for you to have 30 guests? no. - day. it simply isn't good enough for you to have 30 guests? no. we - day. it simply isn't good enough for| you to have 30 guests? no. we only have 39 but — you to have 30 guests? no. we only have 39 but it's _ you to have 30 guests? no. we only have 39 but it's very _ you to have 30 guests? no. we only have 39 but it's very difficult - you to have 30 guests? no. we only have 39 but it's very difficult to - have 39 but it's very difficult to get rid of nine special people. yes. get rid of nine special people. yes, es. the get rid of nine special people. yes, yes- the planning _ get rid of nine special people. yes, yes. the planning that _ get rid of nine special people. yes, yes. the planning that has gone into all of this. just how much of a wrench has it been to have to cancel and then go back again and then again? it and then go back again and then auain? ., , , , and then go back again and then atain? ., , , , , and then go back again and then atain? . , , , , , and then go back again and then atain? , , , ,., again? it has been very, very up and down. we again? it has been very, very up and down- we are _ again? it has been very, very up and down. we are very _ again? it has been very, very up and down. we are very positive - again? it has been very, very up and down. we are very positive people, | down. we are very positive people, we've tried to take it in our stride and we actually moved it from the sist and we actually moved it from the 31st of may when the new rules came in just so we could actually get these extra few people and we can have all our friends and family there. so, wejust really have all our friends and family there. so, we just really have got everything crossed. i hope to buy

another outfit because my first outfit was february, so that was a winter one so unfortunately i've had to buy another one.— to buy another one. absolutely not. is it in a church? _ to buy another one. absolutely not. is it in a church? it's— to buy another one. absolutely not. is it in a church? it's in _ to buy another one. absolutely not. is it in a church? it's in a _ is it in a church? it's in a registry _ is it in a church? it's in a registry office _ is it in a church? it's in a registry office in - is it in a church? it's in a i registry office in blackpool. they've been lovely, they've been so great, as have other reception people as well. they've been so accommodating and we just hope that it goes through for them as well. if the prime minister says there is going to be a delay, and that's what we are expecting, and if he says he's not going to extend the numbers of people who can go to weddings, we'd be able to understand where he's coming from?— we'd be able to understand where he's coming from? yes, i do. i have a treat he's coming from? yes, i do. i have a great deal— he's coming from? yes, i do. i have a great deal of _ he's coming from? yes, i do. i have a great deal of sympathy. _ he's coming from? yes, i do. i have a great deal of sympathy. we've - he's coming from? yes, i do. i have i a great deal of sympathy. we've been on board with everything that's happened during coronavirus and we have stuck to the rules and done everything possible, which is why

were so disappointed we've got to this final hurdle. hopefully we can carry on and if not, that's the way it's meant to be. we want to be out of this and go on a fantastic honeymoon abroad, maybe next year. hopefully next year. do you think that you will go ahead with less than 30 if there are no changes to the rules onjuly the 10th or are you going to wait another four weeks? it feels like that would make sense. ., �* ., ., ., ., sense. no, we're going to go for it. we'll have — sense. no, we're going to go for it. we'll have just _ sense. no, we're going to go for it. we'll have just our— sense. no, we're going to go for it. we'll have just our family _ sense. no, we're going to go for it. we'll have just our family and - sense. no, we're going to go for it. we'll have just our family and then | we'll have just our family and then hopefully we can have a few friends at the reception and we're going to have a massive party when we can. so you are going to have to lose nine people. 0h you are going to have to lose nine people. oh dear.— people. oh dear. lose more than nine, we people. oh dear. lose more than nine. we can't — people. oh dear. lose more than nine, we can'tjust_ people. oh dear. lose more than nine, we can'tjust take - people. oh dear. lose more than nine, we can'tjust take them - people. oh dear. lose more than i nine, we can'tjust take them away. they all understand.—

they all understand. really good luck to you _ they all understand. really good luck to you and _ they all understand. really good luck to you and your _ they all understand. really good luck to you and your husband - they all understand. really good luck to you and your husband to l they all understand. really good i luck to you and your husband to be. i really hope you get it sorted for july the 10th. rules on giving blood have been relaxed in england, scotland and wales, allowing more people from the lgbt community to donate. from today, gay men in sexually active, monogamous relationships can donate blood for the first time. vetting questions will now be standardised, meaning potential donors will be asked about their recent sexual activity, regardless of their sexuality or gender. chi chi izunda reports. can ijust get you to read both sides, and i'll get everything labelled ? thank you. this is history in the making. ethan, a sexually active gay man, able to give blood. you have just donated for the first time, how do you feel? a little bit emotional to be honest, but also relieved, in a way. i've made a promise that i would repay the donor that had saved my grandfathers life.

previously, gay and bisexual men were unfairly excluded from donating blood and today marks a real landmark change for a more inclusive and fair system. this change is around eligibility, and largely centres around sexual behaviours. that is because of the way blood is screened in the united kingdom. because it can take up to three months to detect certain sexually transmitted infections, and hiv. from today, anyone who engages in certain sexual behaviours will be asked if they have a new partner or if they are having sex with multiple partners. if the answer is no, in many cases they can give blood, which will mean more gay and bisexual men can donate. for such a long time, we have not been able to allow certain groups of people to donate. but what this does is opens up the experience for more people to donate and makes it more inclusive. and many groups that haven't been able to donate, in particular men that have sex with men, if they are in a stable relationship, will be able to come and donate blood safely. and that is a huge change for people

that have expressed a wish to donate for such a long time. these new rule changes begin in england, scotland and wales from today, with northern ireland hoping to start in september. but campaigners say while this is a major victory, and as science evolves, they do hope that even more people will be able to give blood in the future. due to years do, bbc news. the boyfriend of one of two sisters stabbed to death in a london park last year has described the terror of finding their bodies in a bush. bibaa henry and nicole smallman were murdered injune 2020 by a teenager who in a handwritten note said he made a pact with the devil promising to "sacrifice" in exchanged for winning the lottery. danyal hussein denies all charges. priti patel has said she does not support england's footballers taking the knee in protest against racial injustice, labelling the act "gesture politics". the home secretary said she did not condemn football fans who had booed players for taking the knee, calling it a "choice for them".

gareth southgate's side faced jeers from a minority of fans at their first match of euro 2020. the prime minister however said he did support the footballers. the uk committee on standards in public life has suggested amending rules so that those with senior roles in government are banned from political lobbying for up to five years. the review, launched last autumn, comes amid a number of ongoing parliamentary and government inquiries into standards issues in the wake of the greensill capital controversy. the committee's final report and recommendations to the prime minister will be released later this year. arlene foster has addressed the northern ireland assembly for herfinal time as first minister. her departure comes six weeks after she was ousted as the leader of the democratic unionist party. she said she would continue to speak up for women in public life.

0ur correspondent. all periods of leadership must come to an end. that is why when we are privileged with holding such a position we must not waste a moment on frivolous brinkmanship but rather forge ahead on behalf of those we represent. whilst i will miss the exchanges from the seat, i'm looking forward to fresh challenges. this will be my last speech but i plan to continue to speak up on behalf of women in public life as well as our children. by seeking better protections for everyone on social media. the headlines on bbc news. a delay in the full lifting of england's lockdown has been agreed by ministers. the pause could be for another four weeks.

borisjohnson will make a full announcement later today. but a glimmer of hope for those waiting to be married, with hints that restrictions on weddings, might still be eased. how will the delays affect you? victoria derbyshire is in blackpool through the day to hear from people living there about what the final stages of unlocking mean for them. nato leaders have agreed china poses "systemic challenges" to international law and security at a summit in brussels. in a final statement nato branded china a security risk to the western alliance. it's being seen as a diplomatic victory for biden, who had urged his fellow leaders to stand up to what he calls china's authoritarianism. for more details on that statement, here's our correspondentjenny hill. there is some pretty tough language. russia the allies say until it demonstrates compliance with international laws and its international laws and its international obligations, there will be no return to business as usual. we are seeing for the first

time some stronger language on china. china's ambitions and behaviour present systematic challenges, they say, to the rules—based to international order. in both cases they are urging the governments of this country to engage in dialogue and in russia's case to stop some of its aggressions. before any kind of cooperation potentially on things like climate change or global health might be a possibility. but certainly there was really i think today a real degree of cohesion from the leaders around that table about their language on russia. there may have been some debate behind the scenes on how far they should go when it came to discussions on china but it is here in black and white, a clear sense that china is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, cooperating militarily with russia. they talked about cyber warfare, security implications of climate

change, disinformation and so on. all of which in the final communication they say they will try to address in a reformed nato. boris johnson is due _ to address in a reformed nato. boris johnson is due to _ to address in a reformed nato. boris johnson is due to confirmed be delayed to lockdown easing in a news conference at 6pm. with him will be professor chris whitty and sir patrick vallance. there will also be a ministerial statement from health secretary matt hancock at 8:30pm and we will bring you that live on bbc news. earlierthis we will bring you that live on bbc news. earlier this evening my colleague rebecca jones put your questions to help experts about the lifting of restrictions in england and whether it should be delayed or not. as a possible four—week delay to the full lifting of england's lockdown has been agreed

by ministers, and ahead of a briefing by the prime minister in just over two hours' time, you've been sending your questions. to help answer them, we'rejoined by professor sian griffiths, who is an advisory member of the board of public health england and chair of phe�*s global health committee as well as being visiting professor at imperial college, london. and linda bauld is professor of public health at the university of edinburgh specialising as a behavioural scientist in complex public health interventions. thank you both. we've got so many questions. i hope we'll be able to get through as many as we can. professor griffiths, perhaps if i start with you. dylan glenholmes asks, what are the chances of the next relaxation actually happening on the 21stjune, and if it is postponed, how will this impact the wider areas of society?

in terms of the wider areas, i would imagine that dylan is referring to things like theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, the leisure industry. those are the ones who have been locked down the most up until now. there have been gradual relaxation is, obviously of course weddings. in thinking about this, it is about what opportunities to socialisation would be released on the 21st, or will they be held back for another month, we've been told is a possibility. we're waiting to hear from the prime minister to see if it will be a month. this is in england. so it is those bits. it's about getting together and having a good time. and it's about the holiday season. all of that will possibly go a bit slower than was expected and that is because the case numbers are increasing. perhaps i could come

to a question about weddings. kim says my daughter has rescheduled three times. the wedding is now booked for the 1st ofjuly. if people unknown to each other can meet in pubs and restaurants and cinemas and sports venues, why can't a wedding go ahead? i suppose the sense is that people feel that the rules are not entirely consistent. that's true and i think we have seen this at each stage in the pandemic. as we open up, there are multiple different sets of guidance which vary in multiple different parts of the uk and the public is asked about inconsistencies from. in scotland, we have 3000 people for half a day and a fun zone, and then people can only meet tiny numbers in each other's homes or in a restaurant.

and that is not consistent. so, i completely understand the concern. weddings have been a particular pinch point given the investment, family occasion and the planning ahead. at the moment, 30 people in england. we have already heard some rumours from number 10 that in terms of the stalling at england level there may be an exception for weddings. i would point out that in scotland the areas have 15 people at a wedding. so it does work vary over the uk. we will find out more today about that. i think their risks at weddings is that you are with loved ones and there may be a risk of getting closer to them you are indoors, and maybe there is a risk about that. the government has been very

cautious about that sector. hopefully more guests at weddings soon. we should be looking out for that when boris johnson makes his statement this evening. john eustace from newcastle says, does the government have a number of daily new cases in mind which will trigger a halt to the proposed ending of restrictions onjune 21st? what is the government thinking and what are they looking for? all the way through the pathway to lockdown, there have been four criteria that have been looked at. one of those has been numbers of cases and the spread, one of them has been about hospitalisations and pressures on hospital and then about death rates and also about variance. of course, at the current time, we have seen in england and across most of the uk, we have seen the delta variant, the variant that started in india came from india. we have seen that variant take over from the previous variant, the alpha variant which started in kent, and we have seen the numbers really increasing very rapidly, numbers of cases increasing rapidly.

we have not seen the numbers of hospitalisations increasing at the same rate, but we have seen an uptick in hospitalisation and that has not yet translated into death rates but there are some very difficult issues here with this virus. this particular variant is more transmissible so it transmits more easily, up to 60% is the figure being used at the current time. also, there is some evidence that if you do get this particular variant, it is more severe. even though it is younger people that are the most likely to suffer because they are the ones who are unvaccinated, there are still some going to hospital and there is also the threat of long covid—19. there are all these risks and the need to get on top of this particular uptick. so it is not a particular number but a set of numbers and a set

of circumstances which have played into the decision making. many of us have had bright weather with some spells of sunshine coming through. the best of it has been across southern england but at times the midlands and east anglia too. it's been the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures around the greater london area peaking at 29. now, the heat was more confined really to southern england, the midlands and east anglia because we have this stripe of cloud, disintegrating cloud at that. there was no weather on it as such but it brought cooler conditions to northern areas. giants causeway recorded northern ireland's highest temperature of the year yesterday.

today it's been about 12 degrees cooler. 0vernight it's going to be driving some patches of cloud coming and going across central areas. a fresh feel for most of us but temperature is taking a long time to full—back in the capital, where it will be quite a uncomfortable night's sleep. 0n will be quite a uncomfortable night's sleep. on tuesday, things will cloud either in the north—west and we will see rain getting into western scotland, eventually pushing into western counties of northern ireland through the afternoon as well. a similar kind of temperature here for england and wales. those highs are past the peak but it will feel warm in thejune sunshine. heading into wednesday, i will continue to push across into scotland and northern ireland. it will be weakening as it brings rain across scotland, eventually reaching northern england through wednesday. relatively fresh air for scotland and northern ireland. winds coming up and northern ireland. winds coming up from the south will boost the

humidity across england and wales, feeling lucky again and temperatures a bit higher. through wednesday evening we will see some big thunderstorms kicking off in france and they will drift away northwards into the uk into thursday and friday as well. there is some uncertainty about the exact position of these storms but some of them will be torrential and could even bring some localised flash flooding. they will tend to be focused across england, particularly for central and eastern areas. further north and west, a fresh feel with some bright skies. that's your latest forecast. bye for now.

the prime minister is set to announce the next stage of lifting restrictions in england. it's expected many will remain in place afterjune the 21st. borisjohnson is boris johnson is due borisjohnson is due to speak any minute. we will bring you that as soon as it starts. the hopes of the hospitality industry are likely to be dashed with many businesses warning they won't survive an extension to the restrictions. it's a race between the vaccine and the variant as the government rushes to get as many adults double jabbed as possible. june 21st was supposed to be the day that the current form of lockdown would be lifted in england. we'll find out in a few minutes what the government has decided. also tonight... it could be costly, it is the czech republic on the break...

it's heartbreak for scotland at hampden park as they lose