past in this way legacy of the past in this way through unilateral imposition for westminster without the support of any political party in northern ireland is foolish and unsustainable. a way forward has to be found. one done with people, not to them, that genuinely prioritises reconciliation and upholds the rule of law. it's striking that the secretary of state made scant reference to the government's obligations under article two to conduct effective investigations. if his proposals are not legal, they will be tied up in the courts for many years to come. the work of operation can over is demonstrating that even now important evidence can be retrieved. the case way, hence of legacy process, as outlined in storr malthouse, through investigations with empty micro police powers remain strong and compelling. it is totally wrong to abandon it. in closing, mr speaker, iwould

totally wrong to abandon it. in closing, mr speaker, i would say the secretary of state's deliberations can send most shattering moments. the midnight hour of some of the darkest days seen on these islands. they concerned with the families for whom the violence was so intimate have a chance of coming to terms with what happened with their loved ones. i would urge him in his deliberations to ask himself whether society's interests are truly served by an amnesty or whether it is in his own party was my interest that he is serving. this is the last chance for many victims to find the truth. the decisions of the secretary of state takes could be the last word on this issue more than any other those most affected by the dark legacy of the past must come first. . ~ by the dark legacy of the past must come first. ., ~ , ., ~ by the dark legacy of the past must come first. ., ~ ,, ~ ,,, ., ~ come first. thank you, mr speaker. we are committed _ come first. thank you, mr speaker. we are committed to _ come first. thank you, mr speaker. we are committed to addressing i come first. thank you, mr speaker. |

we are committed to addressing the legacy of the past, that is what the command paper that we will publish today set out and i would suggest the honourable lady has a look to see some of the issues she has raised the issues we have talked about and issues that we cover in that command paper. clearly as i have said before anything we do we are determined to ensure is article two compliant and i would just point out to the honourable lady, she used the reference of the operation which has done excellent work in the four or five years that has been functioning. of course no prosecutions. but there is a modelling about how these things can work and there is a very clear information about how you can move forward and that is the kind of process i think would be constructive for us to be looking at and dealing with. i would just say to the honourable lady, in terms of storr malthouse, it is increasingly clear and i have been clear that anything dealing with the legacy of the past that focuses on criminal litigations will be unlikely to

deliver the outcomes people hopeful. there is a point where we need to be honest with people about the very painful, difficult reality where we are today and the cases we have seen recently have shown a sum that is probably why one of the previous police ombudsman of northern ireland themselves made the comment that some of those things were simply unworkable. we are also very clear that we will never accept any moral equivalence between those who upheld the law in northern ireland, those who serve their country and those on all sides who sought to destroy it. i would gently say to the honourable lady that while she stands here and talks about engagement with some of the people she has criticised as not engaging in fact we were engaging just last week. along a wide range of engagement that has gone over the last 18 months and will continue. this is intended, this paper, is part of the talks that are ongoing at the moment and will continue in the weeks ahead. in light of not

hearing from the honourable lady a single thing about what the labour party would propose as a way forward, i would finish, as i did in my opening statement, with a quote. instead of releasing the sort of politics that can ensure the success of the good friday agreement, the party is an obstacle to progressive political development. that a quote from boyd black today, the secretary of the labour party in northern ireland. . ~ of the labour party in northern ireland. ., ~ ,, of the labour party in northern ireland. . ~' ,, ~ of the labour party in northern ireland. ., ~ ~ .,~ ireland. thank you mr speaker. the belfast good _ ireland. thank you mr speaker. the belfast good friday _ ireland. thank you mr speaker. the belfast good friday agreement - ireland. thank you mr speaker. the i belfast good friday agreement enable police to come to northern ireland, opened up the prospect of a much brighter future opened up the prospect of a much brighterfuture for opened up the prospect of a much brighter future for that part of the united kingdom. but does my right honourable friend agree that young people today, and future generations, will only be able to enjoy that brighter future if northern ireland can find a path to reconciliation and is able to address and crucially move on from the legacy of the past? yes. address and crucially move on from the legacy of the past?— the legacy of the past? yes, my riaht the legacy of the past? yes, my right honourable _ the legacy of the past? yes, my right honourable friend, - the legacy of the past? yes, my right honourable friend, who - the legacy of the past? yes, my right honourable friend, who i i the legacy of the past? yes, my - right honourable friend, who i know has had a great interest in northern ireland for many, many years, is absolutely right. it cannot be right that, 23 years on from the good fide agreement, still only some 7% of children in northern ireland are

able to enjoy integrated integration. if we want to see society move forward, we need to be clear and honest with ourselves that there is much more work to do on that and she is absolutely right. we need to end the intergenerational trauma we are seeing to help more than ireland move forward, so that the next generation and —— northern ireland can move forward. whilst understanding what has happened but have the ability to look forward. can i associate myself with your remarks at the start of this session, about the unfortunate way this information has entered into the public domain? while i thank the secretary of state for advanced site of your statement, we shouldn't be reading these things on the bbc and itv website before we are able to discuss them in the house. mr speaker, allow me to acknowledge first of all of the untidy and imperfect nature some of the compromises that have had to be made over the decades, first of all to achieve peace in northern ireland and then to maintain it. but

whatever merits there might be in principle a proposal surrounding aspects of truth, reconciliation, and ensuring that the hidden truths of the troubles are at last able to be told while it is still possible to do so. there is a concern about the lack of formal consultation and engagement there seems to have been over these proposals. could i ask the secretary of state, as he understand the huge concern and the uneasily upset that these proposals for a statute of limitations will cause, notjust across northern ireland, but right across these islands? will he acknowledge that and commit to engage with victims's groups and political leaders to discuss the way forward, and will he also think again about that statute of limitations? and find a way to ensure that whatever final proposals he brings forward to this house that wherever independent prosecutors, they will consider a sufficiency of

evidence, a likely success of conviction and way importantly they also independentlyjudged that it is in the public interest to bring forward a prosecution, that they will still be able to do so? i would sa to the will still be able to do so? i would say to the honourable _ will still be able to do so? i would| say to the honourable gentlemen, will still be able to do so? i would i say to the honourable gentlemen, i absolutely agree with him around the issue of making sure we are able to get to the truth, get to information. nobody in this house can ever want to see again a situation where we have done recently with the families of the ballybofey case have had to wait 50 years to get to the truth, we got to find a better way forward. the current system is failing everybody so to do nothing simply isn't an option that is going to deliver four people in northern ireland. he is absolutely right, we want to engage, we have been engaging, notjust over the last 18 months but even myself, my officials engaging with victims groups in these very issues, and in the weeks ahead with this command paper for people to give it a read through, look at and engage with, that engagement will continue as well as with the political parties and our parties —— partners in the

irish government. my and our parties -- partners in the irish government.— irish government. my right honourable _ irish government. my right honourable friend - irish government. my right honourable friend should l irish government. my rightl honourable friend should be commended for trying once again, as others have tried, to resolve legacy, and as we do so can we resolve not to use the language? i know he hasn't, drawing a line and closing a chapter for those who suffer still, that is something unreachable and we need to show utmost sensitivity on those points. mr speaker, the work of operation kenova has commanded cross community support. where does that model fit in my right honourable friend's thinking as he tries to pursue troops and reconciliation? how will he evolve these plans working in concert with the irish government in order to ensure and maximise buy in for a joint approach? and is there a george mitchell like figure hovering in the wings who could be deployed to help to act as an honest broker,

as we tried to resolve this all too long an issue? i as we tried to resolve this all too long an issue?— long an issue? i appreciate the comments _ long an issue? i appreciate the comments of _ long an issue? i appreciate the comments of the _ long an issue? i appreciate the comments of the chair - long an issue? i appreciate the comments of the chair of - long an issue? i appreciate the comments of the chair of the l long an issue? i appreciate the - comments of the chair of the select committee. there is a lot of work to do with our partners, notjust victims and veterans who are also of course, often they think it is victims of the troubles themselves in a wide sense as well and directly in a wide sense as well and directly in some cases, the parties in northern ireland but also the irish government, there are still a range of cases that i know exist, that the first minister of northern ireland not that long ago wrote to the taoiseach about, that is why we want to make sure we are looking at how we can work together to ensure that as we look at information, we find a way that gets to the truth, to information that we have not yet been able to secure in a process that works for families and victims. i think operation kenova is a very, very good example of how you can show that you can get to the truth, you can get information in a format that hasn't been heard before. we

need to accept the difficult reality over the last five years that has not seen any successful prosecutions, but the model of how they have worked and worked with victims and with families i think is an important part of the discussion is to have around information recovery, and i share with him the view that this is never about ignoring what has happened. we shouldn't do that. it would be wrong to do that. we have to be conscious of our pasts in order to learn about where we can go for a future and that has to be the aim of where we can go for the future and the young people of northern ireland in the future. i people of northern ireland in the future. ~' ., people of northern ireland in the future. ~ ., , , people of northern ireland in the future. ~ ., , , . future. i know this is a difficult issue, future. i know this is a difficult issue. and _ future. i know this is a difficult issue, and the _ future. i know this is a difficult issue, and the secretary - future. i know this is a difficult issue, and the secretary of- future. i know this is a difficult l issue, and the secretary of state future. i know this is a difficult - issue, and the secretary of state is not the first to attempt to address these matters. and i think we all have to take responsibility for the failure, since 1998, to deal effectively with this matter. today, on the 14th ofjuly in 1984, two of my comrades in the ulster defence

regiment, private norman mckinlay and corporal heather kerrigan were murdered by the ira near castle derek in a landmine explosion. i think also today even of members of this house had lost their lives during the troubles, for whom no one has been brought tojustice. i think of the reverend robert bradford, the memberfor of the reverend robert bradford, the member for south belfast, of the reverend robert bradford, the memberfor south belfast, murdered member for south belfast, murdered in memberfor south belfast, murdered in his advice centre, for whom no one has been brought tojustice. like the former prime minister, i want to take the path to reconciliation, but i cannot believe that the path to reconciliation is made easier when we sacrifice justice. and i think that the victims have to be at the centre of this, and i would urge the secretary of state in taking forward his proposals to listen to their voices. this must be a victim centred process. it cannot be at their expense. i want northern ireland to move forward. i want that young

generation to see a northern ireland that looks to the future, and not living in the past. but the rule of law is important, and upholding the rule of law, after all that we have been through in northern ireland, is important. justice is important. yes, truth is important as well, but i think the secretary of state, mr speaker, needs now to reassure the victims that they will be part of the discussion of these proposals, that their quest for justice will not be ignored. justice will not be ignored. thank you mr speaker. the _ justice will not be ignored. thank you mr speaker. the honourable | you mr speaker. the honourable gentleman is right victims must be an important part of the process. i know we were engaged with organisations such as wave and i i met with the south—east fermanagh association and their stories are moving and harrowing. and he is right to talk about members of this house and members of my party have

been victims, i noticed comments today from lord tebbit around his views on this. it is right we have victims in our mind and we often forget many of those who served are also victims and close to victims as well. that is why we have taking this approach is right and there is a point at which we need to be honest with people and deal with that very painful reality of where we are and what is achievable and acknowledge the reality of where we are with justice following the act after the good friday agreement and looking at reconciliation as a way forward and how we get to truth and reconciliation. we think this is a way forward, after so many years, this is the right way, but i look forward to having that debate with him and others. for

forward to having that debate with him and others.— him and others. for many families who lost loved _ him and others. for many families who lost loved onces, _ him and others. for many families who lost loved onces, the - him and others. for many families who lost loved onces, the chancesj we will pull studio: we will pull awa from we will pull studio: we will pull away from that _ we will pull studio: we will pull away from that in _ we will pull studio: we will pull away from that in the _ we will pull studio: we will pull away from that in the commons, j we will pull studio: we will pull. away from that in the commons, we are keeping an eye on all of that but the government announcing its proposals in relation to a statute of limitations relating to the trouble is, in which so many thousands of people died over many years in northern ireland. i will speak to someone from the campaign group relatives forjustice at speak to someone from the campaign group relatives for justice at the moment butjust to summarise what has been said thus far in the comments, let'sjoin danjohnson who is listening in belfast. a comments, let's join danjohnson who is listening in belfast. a statute of limitations. explain what is being outlined here. hot of limitations. explain what is being outlined here.— of limitations. explain what is being outlined here. not a huge amount of— being outlined here. not a huge amount of detail _ being outlined here. not a huge amount of detail on _ being outlined here. not a huge amount of detail on how- being outlined here. not a huge amount of detail on how excelli | being outlined here. not a huge - amount of detail on how excelli that would work. how far back that limitation would reach but it was one of the three key proposals that

brandon lewis outlined in the heart of the british government. he said the statute of limitations would apply equally to all troubles related incidents. that means whether crimes were committed by either side, whether crimes were committed by eitherside, in whether crimes were committed by either side, in terms of palameika tree's, all members of the security service, this would apply across the board —— in terms of paramilitaries. he said we know it will be difficult for some to accept and this is not a position we take lightly, but we have arrived at the view that this would be the best way to facilitate an effective information retrieval and provisioning process and the best way to help northern ireland move further along the road to reconciliation. he said it is a painful recognition of the reality of where we are. the british government saying it doesn't think pursuing further prosecutions is realistic. the best use of resources. brandon lewis outlined that the early service of northern ireland is currently investigating 1200 cases, has potentially a couple

of thousand more to look at. he said with current resources in place that will take over 20 years. he said it would become increasingly difficult for the courts to provide families with the answers they are seeking. that is why there are alternative proposals being made here but you have the reaction in the commons, it has gone down very badly on all sides, all the main parties in northern ireland are opposed to this move, the irish government is opposed to it as well to stop this is a move the british government is making unilaterally, really going against previous arrangements, agreements that have been made in previous years, so this will be a contentious move. it will be met with anger from particularly groups representing victims's families and survivors who have suffered through so many attacks over so many years but brandon lewis stating there that some of these crimes go back 40 or 50 years and it is the british government's view that pursuing a prosecution, criminal prosecution in

those cases is no longer realistic nor helpful for the peace process those cases is no longer realistic nor helpfulfor the peace process in northern ireland and that is why they are proposing instead an information sharing process to try to give families facts, truths, answers, if not criminaljustice. thanks very much. as i said, let's speak to mike richie, who is from the organisation, relatives for justice. good afternoon. your initial responses, please? this has been a shameless _ initial responses, please? this has been a shameless statement. - initial responses, please? this has been a shameless statement. it i initial responses, please? this has been a shameless statement. it is| been a shameless statement. it is sugar— been a shameless statement. it is sugar coated with talk about reconciliation and concern for victims — reconciliation and concern for victims but it is deeply, deeply cynical— victims but it is deeply, deeply cynical to — victims but it is deeply, deeply cynical to be coming out with this proposal— cynical to be coming out with this proposal now and there is lots of talk about — proposal now and there is lots of talk about consultation and collaboration in working with people to try— collaboration in working with people to try and _ collaboration in working with people to try and achieve something here. this is— to try and achieve something here. this is simply an imposition of the government's will in the face of opposition from all the political

parties. — opposition from all the political parties, victims organisations and the irisb— parties, victims organisations and the irish government. this place works. _ the irish government. this place works, northern ireland works when all the _ works, northern ireland works when all the parties in the two governments work hand in hand. by doing _ governments work hand in hand. by doing this, — governments work hand in hand. by doing this, the british government is setting — doing this, the british government is setting things back many, many years— is setting things back many, many years will— is setting things back many, many years will stop the reason they have been so _ years will stop the reason they have been so many delays in such prevarication over these cases is that the — prevarication over these cases is that the ministry of defence and authorities have been so slow in providing — authorities have been so slow in providing information to the courts, even _ providing information to the courts, even when — providing information to the courts, even when there are investigations, the slowness comes from the mod failing _ the slowness comes from the mod failing to _ the slowness comes from the mod failing to provide information in a timely— failing to provide information in a timely fashion. so this is just simply— timely fashion. so this is just simply a _ timely fashion. so this is just simply a load of nonsense, sorry, a hard _ simply a load of nonsense, sorry, a hard piece — simply a load of nonsense, sorry, a hard piece of— simply a load of nonsense, sorry, a hard piece of government policy coated — hard piece of government policy coated with sugar and it should be seen _ coated with sugar and it should be seen for— coated with sugar and it should be seen for what it is. find coated with sugar and it should be seen for what it is.— seen for what it is. and yet the government — seen for what it is. and yet the government says _ seen for what it is. and yet the government says one - seen for what it is. and yet the government says one of- seen for what it is. and yet the government says one of the i seen for what it is. and yet the i government says one of the very things that would emerge from what is being proposed is information. they are suggesting that as a way forward, providing facts and data

and information forfamilies. yes. and information for families. yes, but they should _ and information for families. yes, but they should be _ and information for families. yes, but they should be doing - and information for families. yes, but they should be doing this anyway and all— but they should be doing this anyway and all the _ but they should be doing this anyway and all the evidence that we have is that when— and all the evidence that we have is that when the request for information by an independent body looking _ information by an independent body looking at— information by an independent body looking at the facts there is just prevarication and delay coming from the ministry of defence and from the nio the ministry of defence and from the mo and _ the ministry of defence and from the n10 and they are supposed to be providing — n10 and they are supposed to be providing information, so this will not speed — providing information, so this will not speed things up, from our perspective. this willjust lead to rancour— perspective. this willjust lead to rancour and further dissatisfaction for victims — rancour and further dissatisfaction for victims. i rancour and further dissatisfaction forvictims. i mean, it is important to state _ forvictims. i mean, it is important to state that — forvictims. i mean, it is important to state that the reason for this is that the _ to state that the reason for this is that the government does not want former— that the government does not want former soldiers having to appear in court _ former soldiers having to appear in court and _ former soldiers having to appear in court and answer questions. that is the bottom — court and answer questions. that is the bottom line of an independent investigation that people who have caused _ investigation that people who have caused death have to give an account under— caused death have to give an account under caution to investigators and the invest— under caution to investigators and the invest —— the government does

not want _ the invest —— the government does not want this to happen. that's why this whole _ not want this to happen. that's why this whole rigmarole is being brought— this whole rigmarole is being brought into place. they don't want to give _ brought into place. they don't want to give a _ brought into place. they don't want to give a statute of limitations to form _ to give a statute of limitations to form a _ to give a statute of limitations to form a loyalist but they do want to - ive form a loyalist but they do want to give one _ form a loyalist but they do want to give one to — form a loyalist but they do want to give one to soldiers in order for it to be _ give one to soldiers in order for it to be illegal, it has to be provided across— to be illegal, it has to be provided across the — to be illegal, it has to be provided across the board. so it is prelude to -- _ across the board. so it is prelude to -- purely— across the board. so it is prelude to —— purely to protect former soldiers — to —— purely to protect former soldiers who have been involved in criminal— soldiers who have been involved in criminal activity during the conflict _ criminal activity during the conflict. they want to protect them from facing the courts, and that's why this — from facing the courts, and that's why this statute of limitations has been _ why this statute of limitations has been brought in. the cynical and shameless. been brought in. the cynical and shameless-— been brought in. the cynical and shameless. ,, . ., , ., ,, ., shameless. the secretary of state was challenged _ shameless. the secretary of state was challenged specifically - shameless. the secretary of state was challenged specifically about | was challenged specifically about families, families who have lost so many, as we know, loved ones during the years of the troubles, and he says they will be an important part of the process. i mean, do you know any families that have been approached already, what sort of contact is your organisation had, do you take anything from that statement there that he just made? there has been one short meeting in

the last— there has been one short meeting in the last year— there has been one short meeting in the last year and a half since the government promised to publish legislation implementing the stormont house agreement in 100 days to christmas ago. there has been one very short _ to christmas ago. there has been one very short and very rancorous meeting. _ very short and very rancorous meeting, where the government tried to set— meeting, where the government tried to set out— meeting, where the government tried to set out its proposals and was met with deep— to set out its proposals and was met with deep anger from our representatives. that is the sum total. _ representatives. that is the sum total. and — representatives. that is the sum total, and we will be speaking to political — total, and we will be speaking to political parties who say they have had minimal contact with the n10 about— had minimal contact with the n10 about these issues. i have to say, it is lies _ about these issues. i have to say, it is lies to— about these issues. i have to say, it is lies to talk about collaboration and consultation. we will see _ collaboration and consultation. we will see what happens from now on, but basically this is a proposal, which _ but basically this is a proposal, which has — but basically this is a proposal, which has been rejected by everyone who had _ which has been rejected by everyone who had an — which has been rejected by everyone who had an interest in this in northern— who had an interest in this in northern ireland, and that is not going _ northern ireland, and that is not going to — northern ireland, and that is not going to change any time soon. i would _ going to change any time soon. i would just— going to change any time soon. i would just like to say, i mean, it

seems _ would just like to say, i mean, it seems to— would just like to say, i mean, it seems to us— would just like to say, i mean, it seems to us that these are the actions — seems to us that these are the actions of— seems to us that these are the actions of a cowardly government, on behalf— actions of a cowardly government, on behalf of— actions of a cowardly government, on behalf of a _ actions of a cowardly government, on behalf of a cowardly military, who don't _ behalf of a cowardly military, who don't want — behalf of a cowardly military, who don't want their former soldiers to appear— don't want their former soldiers to appear in— don't want their former soldiers to appear in court, and a cowardly secret— appear in court, and a cowardly secret service that doesn't want its actions _ secret service that doesn't want its actions during the conflict to be put under— actions during the conflict to be put under a microscope. article two was mentioned by i think louise haigh, _ was mentioned by i think louise haigh, article two of the european convention of human rights. that states _ convention of human rights. that statesjurisprudence convention of human rights. that states jurisprudence from those cases— states jurisprudence from those cases states that where the state life, cases states that where the state life. they — cases states that where the state life, they need to be independent investigations, with a view, which have _ investigations, with a view, which have the — investigations, with a view, which have the potential to bringing people — have the potential to bringing people to court to prosecute those who have — people to court to prosecute those who have been found to have been involved _ who have been found to have been involved in — who have been found to have been involved in wrongdoing, or are suspected _ involved in wrongdoing, or are suspected of being involved in wrongdoing. that is what article two requires, _ wrongdoing. that is what article two requires, that has been taken away from _ requires, that has been taken away from the _ requires, that has been taken away from the state—run government. mike from the state-run government. mike richie, thanks — from the state-run government. mike richie, thanks for _ from the state—run government. ii as: richie, thanks forjoining us from the state—run government. ii 12 richie, thanks forjoining us so quickly after that statement. senior

casework director at relatives for justice, and we will no doubt be getting much more reaction to that government statement over the course of the afternoon. now, before we move on to talk about face coverings and facemasks, because we will move on to covid news because there is an awful lot of developments to catch up awful lot of developments to catch up with in relation to that particular story. just bring your one other update, in relation to covid travel essentially, we're just hearing the transport secretary grant shapps has just said that malta has changed its travel advice, so that it means anyone who has had an astrazeneca vaccine in this country is able to travel without being turned away. this follows on from a story you might have been aware of, a couple who had booked to go on holiday to malta, but they were not allowed, it appears, to get on the flight in this country,

because it transpired their particular dose of astrazeneca, the astrazeneca covid vaccine, was one of those that had been manufactured in india, and there was some debate about all of this that you may be aware of. it appears they were not allowed to get on the flight, even though they had legitimately booked a trip there. so we have an update on that and the transport secretary saying malta has now changed its advice, so as long as you have both doses of covid vaccine and you can prove that, you can travel without being turned away. that is just coming through to us from our colleagues at westminster. as i say, let's talk about face coverings. there's growing confusion about the guidance on wearing facemasks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it will continue to be compulsory on public transport in london, but not in the rest of england from monday, when restrictions are lifted: london's mayor, sadiq khan, says the rule should have been retained throughout the country. in scotland, masks still have to be worn for now in enclosed spaces,

and in wales, face—coverings will remain mandatory on public transport and in health care settings. our transport correspondent caroline davies reports. whether a mask is a must, orjust recommended when busy, will depend where you are travelling on public transport from monday. in london, you will need to wear one to travel on all of transport for london's services or risk being turned away or removed. wearing a facemask indoors reduces the chances of transmission, don'tjust take my word for it, the government's own advisers sage say that, as to the world health organisation but also, speaking to transport workers, the trade unions, londoners, businesses, wearing a facemask gives greater public confidence. what do londoners make up their decision? for people who don't

want to use it, they feel they are fine without a facemask, i think they should just carry on without it but if you don't feel safe, just use it. i think a common—sense approach is to keep it. on, i think most. people will do that. everybody is a bit scared still, aren't they? if facemasks make people feel safer, we should do it. tfl is the first operator to do this. the mayor of manchester has said he has not ruled it out for the city's tram network and, in gateshead, the local council had asked the government for powers to enforce it on all seven of the north—east council services. in scotland, masks will continue to be mandated on public transport and wales are likely to do the same. but, despite the differing attitudes, the government is keeping to its policy that it is personal responsibility, not a law. it is common sense, when you think about it, you would be in a crowded area and transport organisations are welcome, as i said last week, to make it

a condition of carriage in the same way as other rules are done in that way. although many unions welcomed london's decision, there are concerns by some that it will leave staff in a difficult position and could lead to disputes. the majority of bus and train operators in england are expected to just encourage passengers to wear a mask when services are busy, not as a condition of travel. transport operators are also weighing up how requiring a mask to be worn on board might make people feel about travelling on public transport. the mayor of london says he thinks it will give people more confidence and other operators are not so certain. we think the trains probably don't need to be tarred with a brush that they are somehow less safe than other indoor settings, we don't think that is helpful for the long—term recovery of getting people back onto public transport. as restrictions lift around the uk, once again, the face of the pandemic will look different depending on where you are. caroline davies, bbc news. the first minister of wales mark drakeford has announced

most coronavirus restrictions will be scrapped by seventh august but facemasks are to remain in some indoor places. mark hutchings is in cardiff. well, we've just had the announcement from the welsh government. mark drakeford himself will be laying out the details of the latest easing of restrictions at the senned this afternoon. but quite a significant announcement has just come through from the welsh government, subject to a heavy caveat. they say if covid rates are low from august the 7th, then most restrictions will go, not all, but most. there would be no legal limits on the number of people who could meet, night clubs could reopen, social distancing would be replaced by risk assessments. crucially, though, facemasks would still be compulsory in most indoor public places, except hospitality such as pubs, for instance. that is subject to approval. from saturday, it has been approved that the rule of six would be allowed in private homes and accommodation. ice rinks could be reopened,

and there is no need for social distancing outdoors. quite a significant announcement, certainly for august the 7th, but it is subject to plenty of ifs and buts and the odd maybe. just to explain in fact that we are expecting, anyway, a formal statement from mark drakeford about all of that, the official confirmation of that due around about three o'clock. so we will bring you that as soon as he gets up to make those official announcements. but we will stay very much with the topic of face coverings, because certainly as we are seeing in england, we are getting this increasing difference of opinion and difference of regulation, depending where you live, and this all follows on particular for the mayor of london, sadiq khan, saying essentially if you're travelling from the tube in london you are going to have to wear a face covering, unless you are legitimately exempt. it is a topic of huge debates let's talk about someone about the science of it all.

dr laurence aitchison is from the university of bristol. he's a senior author on a worldwide study on the effectiveness of masks that was published last year. hello. very good afternoon. hello. good afternoon. _ hello. very good afternoon. hello. good afternoon. so _ hello. very good afternoon. hello. good afternoon. so just _ hello. very good afternoon. hello. good afternoon. so just to - hello. very good afternoon. hello. good afternoon. so just to clarify l good afternoon. so 'ust to clarify our good afternoon. so 'ust to clarify your study. h good afternoon. so 'ust to clarify your study. am _ good afternoon. so 'ust to clarify your study. am i_ good afternoon. so just to clarify your study, am i right _ good afternoon. so just to clarify your study, am i right in - good afternoon. so just to clarify your study, am i right in saying l your study, am i right in saying this was last year but it was very wide? it went across many, many countries?— wide? it went across many, many countries? yes, absolutely, so we looked at over— countries? yes, absolutely, so we looked at over 100 _ countries? yes, absolutely, so we looked at over 100 regions, - looked at over 100 regions, including us states, and yeah, we selected a time period for the analysis that sort of started at the start of when good mask wearing dater came about and ended before things like new variants came about, and new variants tended to complicate the analysis, especially as we don't know when new variants became dominant in various different countries. but became dominant in various different countries. �* , 1, became dominant in various different countries. �* , ., ., countries. but it showed what? it showed what _ countries. but it showed what? it showed what about _ countries. but it showed what? it showed what about the _ countries. but it showed what? it - showed what about the effectiveness, or otherwise, of covering your nose and your mouth? it

or otherwise, of covering your nose and your mouth?— and your mouth? it showed that on ai iireate and your mouth? it showed that on aggregate in _ and your mouth? it showed that on aggregate in realistic _ and your mouth? it showed that on aggregate in realistic settings - and your mouth? it showed that on | aggregate in realistic settings mask wearing reduces the transmission rates by about 25%. that is quite a significant, chunky number, but it is not by any means a perfect solution. many other interventions are necessary to arrest the virus effectively. {lii are necessary to arrest the virus effectively-— effectively. of course, in and of itself that _ effectively. of course, in and of itself that was _ effectively. of course, in and of itself that was a _ effectively. of course, in and of itself that was a 2596 _ effectively. of course, in and of itself that was a 25% reduction l effectively. of course, in and of. itself that was a 2596 reduction in itself that was a 25% reduction in the r number and we loosely use the word masks. were you able to analyse whether you are looking at people who were wearing very high—end, high—grade, fully efficient, medical masks, versus somebody who had just wrapped their scarf around their mouth? is there anything you can tell us about the certain type of mask you were. talk us through that. no, so our particular study used data from questionnaires. sorry, we

used datasets which asked people whether they had one mask on most of the time in public, without distinguishing between different types of mask. i think the best source of data for that kind of analysis really is looking experimentally at how different masks impact the production of virus particles and their inhalation. those kind of studies definitely have shown that more sophisticated masks to protect the wearer more, for instance. but to my mind it is not necessarily practical to get everyone to wear very sophisticated, hospital grade masks. the sort of approach we have been taking so far of requiring some type of face covering really is the sensible, practical way forward. {lii covering really is the sensible, practical way forward. of course, i am 'ust practical way forward. of course, i am just interested _ practical way forward. of course, i am just interested in _ practical way forward. of course, i am just interested in how- practical way forward. of course, i am just interested in how much i am just interested in how much detail you were able to find. it is still fascinating and a really

striking statistic, that 25%. from your perspective and given all the work that you have been doing, is a face covering something that you personally are very strict about? does it leave you in any doubt as to the point of wearing them? ida. the point of wearing them? no. certainly i _ the point of wearing them? no. certainly i always _ the point of wearing them? iii; certainly i always wear face coverings in any public indoor setting. yes, iwould coverings in any public indoor setting. yes, i would definitely advise that we all do that. really interesting _ advise that we all do that. really interesting to _ advise that we all do that. really interesting to talk _ advise that we all do that. really interesting to talk to _ advise that we all do that. really interesting to talk to you. i advise that we all do that. really interesting to talk to you. thank| interesting to talk to you. thank you for your time. doctor lawrence aitchison, based at the university of bristol. we stay with this particularly in relation to public transport. i can now speak tojohn leach who's london transport regional organiser at the rmt union. hello, john, good afternoon. hello. so, in the capital it is going to be compulsory to wear a face covering on the tube, for example, from next week, unless you are except of course. your union's response to

that? ~ course. your union's response to that? . ., course. your union's response to that? . . , course. your union's response to that? . , .,, . that? we are pleased to see it. we airee that? we are pleased to see it. we a i ree with that? we are pleased to see it. we agree with the _ that? we are pleased to see it. we agree with the mayor _ that? we are pleased to see it. we agree with the mayor when i that? we are pleased to see it. we agree with the mayor when he i that? we are pleased to see it. we agree with the mayor when he is i agree with the mayor when he is right and we criticise him when he is wrong and on this occasion we think he is right. he is putting the people who use the tube, docklands, the river services, the cable car, the river services, the cable car, the buses, the trams, the people who work there and the people who use it will be kept safe. there will be confidence to use the system and we think that is the right thing. we think that is the right thing. we think the government has got it wrong and we need to rethink it. it is irresponsible to not give that clear, clear instruction, let's keep things safe, let's keep things steady and give people confidence to travel. we think the mayor has got it right this time in london. do travel. we think the mayor has got it right this time in london.- it right this time in london. do you feel it is also _ it right this time in london. do you feel it is also beneficial— it right this time in london. do you feel it is also beneficial to - it right this time in london. do you feel it is also beneficial to bus i feel it is also beneficial to bus drivers, people working on tube platforms, who might feel they have a right to challenge someone who is

not wearing a face covering? we have all seen people with it pulled down around their necks, that sort of thing. does that give your staff a bit more courage or give them the ability to challenge that if they seeit? ability to challenge that if they see it? ~ ,, 1, ability to challenge that if they see it? ~ ,, ., .,, see it? well, we kind of hope it will not come _ see it? well, we kind of hope it will not come to _ see it? well, we kind of hope it will not come to that. _ see it? well, we kind of hope it will not come to that. we i see it? well, we kind of hope it will not come to that. we hope | see it? well, we kind of hope it i will not come to that. we hope the people who use the tube will obey the rules to keep the situation safe. we had a meeting with senior tube management and they explained to me that they will be having a complete uplift of their comms as they would call it, telling people that the masks are still in place after the 19. that the masks are still in place afterthe19. let's that the masks are still in place after the 19. let's hope everyone can be sensible and do the right thing going forward. our members will not be expected to police it and enforce it as such, but they will oversee it and make sure that everything is kept safe. wejust have to do the right thing now and the fantastic men and women who work on the london tube and all these other train companies and the

railway, and all the other tfl services i havejust mentioned, you know, they have worked all the way through the pandemic. masks have been part of the way we keep them safe and that is what we have got to stick with going forward. keep it safe and give people the confidence to use the tube on the other networks and that is what we would like to see. we just think the government has got it wrong and the mayor has got it right this time. thank you for your time. john leech from the rmt transport union. whilst i was talking tojohn, we have just had a comment through from the health secretary sajid javid about the vaccination programme. he is saying that two thirds of all adults across the uk have now had both doses of covid vaccine. two thirds of all uk adults have now had both doses and the health secretary is saying that means we have beaten our target by nearly a week. a very busy

afternoon. more on that to come, but right now it is time to catch up with the latest sports news. austin has all of that for us. good afternoon. we start with some breaking rugby union news in the last few moments. the british and irish lions have announced that tour captain alun wynjones will return to squad, despite dislocating his shoulder just over two weeks ago. jones picked up the injury, early on in the lions�* first warm—up match against japan, before the tour even started. but after training with the wales squad over the last few days, he'll now fly out to south africa tomorrow to rejoin the lions. head coach warren gatland says it's a "massive boost" for the rest of the squad who have their biggest test so far this evening. they face a very strong south africa a side in cape town ahead of the first test a week on saturday. there is no doubt that he is an incredible person and player on and

off the pitch. incredibly diligent, works extremely hard and if he does get injured i know how hard he works to get himself back as quickly as possible. nothing surprises me with him. if he is able tojoin us at some point in time it would be a huge boost for the squad and everyone involved, no doubt about that. elsewhere, nine of the players forced to isolate after the positive covid tests in the england squad, have returned for the t20 series against pakistan. eoin morgan will lead the side, whilejos buttler�*s back after a calf injury. however, that does mean a number of the make—shift team from their one day series miss out, despite a record—breaking win last night. bowler saqib mahmood was one of those who kept his spot in the side. it has been a special week. to put inconsistent performances has been great. the first game i did really well and then my drive after that was to keep backing up performances

and keep putting in those performances and show some consistency and i am glad i did that in the end. a week ago no one was talking about me, i was not part of the squad. everything has happened very quickly and i am just trying to take it in my stride a little bit. now, golf�*s open championship is less than 24 hours away lee westwood will be hoping not to create his own bit of history at royal saint georges this week. the former world number one would overtake the record for the most major appearances without a victory should he be unable to lift the claretjug on sunday. although that because you can see there has got the better of him before, he has been pretty confident.— the better of him before, he has been pretty confident. coming into this week i have _ been pretty confident. coming into this week i have played _ been pretty confident. coming into this week i have played here i been pretty confident. coming into this week i have played here twice| this week i have played here twice in the open championship and missed the cut both times. i had a bit of a mental block that i didn't like the golf course and i played it yesterday and i really enjoyed it. i loved the way it was set up. it

turned my head around and made me look forward to the week even more. so, yes, iam positive look forward to the week even more. so, yes, i am positive and look forward to the week even more. so, yes, iam positive and hoping i can find some form and get into contention. can find some form and get into contention-— can find some form and get into contention. 1 , ., ., ., contention. lee westwood, and the first round starts _ contention. lee westwood, and the first round starts tomorrow - contention. lee westwood, and the | first round starts tomorrow morning. that is all your support. the prime minister has promised action to deal with racism in football. he says fans who racially abused players will be banned from matches. he said no ifs, no buts, no excuses. he also threatened to fine social media companies 10% of their global revenue if they fail to deal with global abuse and hate online. but in the commons the labour leader sir keir starmer said borisjohnson sir keir starmer said boris johnson had sir keir starmer said borisjohnson had to be contempt for failing to condemn those who booed when the players took the knee.

taking a stand against racism at wembley on sunday. england took the knee before every game of the european championship, but, following defeat in the final, there was a torrent of racist online abuse against three of the teen's black players. in withington, a mural of marcus rashford was defaced before being covered up. and, in the commons this lunchtime, borisjohnson said there would be action taken. what we are doing is today taking practical steps to ensure that the football banning order regime is changed, so that if you are guilty, mr speaker, of racist abuse online of footballers then you will not be going to the match, no ifs, no buts, no exemptions and no excuses. but some in the england squad say the government should have done more to support their stand against racism. the defender tyrone mings accused the home secretary priti patel of stoking the fire after she previously called taking the knee gesture politics. some tory mps and activists have said their party has ended up on the wrong side of the issue.

i think it has been difficult for many people on our side of the house to see the distinction between their very good and proper reasons as to why footballers take their knee and the supporters agree with them taking the knee and, unfortunately, some of the stranger views, as some of the black lives matter organisations, which i don't agree with at all. at prime minister's questions leader said borisjohnson had failed to condemn the fans who booed the england team. the prime minister has tried to stoke the culture war and they have realised they are on the wrong side and now they hope no one has noticed. why else would a conservative mp boast that he is not watching his own team? why else would another conservative mp say that marcus rashford spends too much time playing politics when he is actually trying to feed children the government won't?

i don't want to engage in a political culture war of any kind, i want to get on with delivering for the people of this country. he simply wants to get on with dithering. the snp�*s westminster leader asked if there were systemic racism in the uk? i do think that racism is a problem in the united kingdom and i believe it needs to be tackled and it needs to be stamped out. the racial abuse that followed sunday's final has been met with condemnation far beyond westminster, but it has underscored the issue footballers have been protesting about and has kicked it right back into the centre of politics. ben wright, bbc news. let's discuss all of this in greater detail with the young man you saw in that report from ben wright, because he is co—founder of conservatives against racism, for equality. good

afternoon. ., against racism, for equality. good afternoon-_ i - against racism, for equality. good afternoon._ i know| afternoon. good afternoon. i know ou have afternoon. good afternoon. i know you have written _ afternoon. good afternoon. i know you have written a _ afternoon. good afternoon. i know you have written a letter, - afternoon. good afternoon. i know you have written a letter, is i afternoon. good afternoon. i know you have written a letter, is it i afternoon. good afternoon. i know you have written a letter, is it to l you have written a letter, is it to all conservative mps? explain who you have written to and what you are outlining to them, what you are trying to get across here. yes. trying to get across here. yes, absolutelv- — trying to get across here. yes, absolutely. yesterday - trying to get across here. yes, absolutely. yesterday i i trying to get across here. yes, absolutely. yesterday i wrote. trying to get across here. yes, | absolutely. yesterday i wrote a letter to all conservative mps. absolutely. yesterday i wrote a letter to all conservative mp5. the letter to all conservative mp5. the letter was then posted on some tory mp whatsapp groups. essentially on the letter i outlined something very simple, which is that the understanding of taking the knee by many conservative mps who have spoken out against the gesture throughout the football tournament andindeed throughout the football tournament and indeed since last year after the george floyd protest, the understanding has been fundamentally inaccurate. and we really should be listening to people who have decided to take the knee when they tell us that taking the knee is not about black lives matter, it is not about

anti—capitalism, it is not about being anti—british, they tell us it is about being antiracist. if that is about being antiracist. if that is what they are saying, we need to listen to them and alter what we are saying to reflect that. that listen to them and alter what we are saying to reflect that.— saying to reflect that. that is interesting. _ saying to reflect that. that is interesting. a _ saying to reflect that. that is interesting. a lot _ saying to reflect that. that is interesting. a lot of - saying to reflect that. that is interesting. a lot of people l saying to reflect that. that is | interesting. a lot of people in saying to reflect that. that is i interesting. a lot of people in the cabinet will be of a certain age, probably, as in my kind of age, i have to put that out there as well, and i am very interested therefore what our younger generation thinks of this. whether they get it in a way that an older generation doesn't, for example. i know it is not as straightforward as just being about your age, but you are talking about your age, but you are talking about and understanding that you clearly feel a lot of political representatives do not have. i think there is potentially _ representatives do not have. i think there is potentially a _ representatives do not have. i think there is potentially a difference i representatives do not have. i think there is potentially a difference in l there is potentially a difference in view between people of a certain age, but i think maybe that is a little bit overplayed. it is certainly true that racism is a

bigger issue for younger voters and people from ethnic minorities, but actually racism is an issue for the entire electorate. they feel very strongly about it, as we have seen from the outpouring of support that we have seen for our football team since the awful scenes that we saw online and indeed on the streets of london and in other cities around the country on sunday night. i think the country on sunday night. i think the government needs to take note of that. �* ., , �* ., that. and if it doesn't, what will ha-oen? that. and if it doesn't, what will happen? by _ that. and if it doesn't, what will happen? by 2050| _ that. and if it doesn't, what will happen? by 2050| believe i that. and if it doesn't, what will happen? by 2050| believe the l that. and if it doesn't, what will i happen? by 2050| believe the oxford miiration happen? by 2050| believe the oxford migration observatory _ happen? by 2050| believe the oxford migration observatory have _ happen? by 2050| believe the oxford migration observatory have predicted that something like 38% of the uk population will not be white, there will be mixed—race, totally black or totally ageing. it is an existential crisis for the conservative party in the future if the polling levels of ethnic minority voters voting for the conservative party continue as they are. it will be very difficult

for the conservative party to win the large majority is that it has enjoyed in the last general election. it is important we are seen to be taking a stand electorally stop it is important morally because racism is a matter of right and wrong, not left and right, and it is also important personally to me and to millions of other black and minority ethnic people that call this country their home. ~ , ,., ., home. the prime minister said at pmqs that someone _ home. the prime minister said at pmqs that someone who - home. the prime minister said at pmqs that someone who is i home. the prime minister said atj pmqs that someone who is found guilty of racist abuse, the government will ensure that they cannot go to football matches in the future. yesterday there was a lot of talk from ministers about social media, clamping down on social media companies who do not tackle it. are those measures helpful in any way? what are your thoughts on the offerings that the government is making on this issue?— offerings that the government is making on this issue? yes, of course these measures _ making on this issue? yes, of course these measures are _ making on this issue? yes, of course these measures are helpful, - making on this issue? yes, of course these measures are helpful, but i making on this issue? yes, of course these measures are helpful, but we. these measures are helpful, but we need to be talking about these measures in conjunction with other policy ideas that we, with. we had a race report that was quite

controversial when it came out earlier on this year, but what very few people know is that in that race report there were over 20 solid recommendations of policy ideas that this government could put to level “p this government could put to level up the agenda to deliver for the minority ethnic people in this country. no one in the government has spoken about those recommendations at all. instead the focus of that report was on claims that institutional racism did not exist. there is a lot of talk from fellow conservatives about what we are against. we are against taking the knee, but nothing really about what we are for. that is what people want to hear from the government. that is what will change people's mines and maybe make more ethnic minorities vote for the conservative party like i am doing. yen; party like i am doing. very interesting. _ party like i am doing. very interesting. by _ party like i am doing. very interesting. by the - party like i am doing. very interesting. by the way, i party like i am doing. very i interesting. by the way, have you had responses privately from mps to your letter? had responses privately from mps to our letter? , �* had responses privately from mps to our letter? , ~ ., your letter? yes. all of the responses _ your letter? yes. all of the responses i _ your letter? yes. all of the responses i have _ your letter? yes. all of the responses i have had i your letter? yes. all of the responses i have had so i your letter? yes. all of the | responses i have had so far your letter? yes. all of the - responses i have had so far have been supportive. i think the letter

has been well received by the majority of conservative mps and i do hope that when it comes to the world cup next year that we don't find ourselves in this sticky position again because it has been a little bit awkward for everyone, i think. ., ~ , ., , little bit awkward for everyone, i think. ., ~ ,, , . think. thank you very much. the cofactor for— think. thank you very much. the cofactor for conservatives - think. thank you very much. the | cofactor for conservatives against racism, for equality. it is coming up racism, for equality. it is coming up to 23. a slow and steady approach is the safest option. that's the advice from politial leaders in the north east of england as the country prepares to remove all covid restrictions on monday. leaders from 7 local authorities, including newcastle, northumberland, gateshead and sunderland, are asking people in their area to continue to take precautions against covid including wearing masks on public transport. there's growing concern about a rise

in coronavirus cases in the north east of england. i'm joined now by the labour leader of gateshead council martin gannon. good afternoon. good afternoon. we had a broad — good afternoon. good afternoon. we had a broad brush _ good afternoon. good afternoon. we had a broad brush of— good afternoon. good afternoon. we had a broad brush of what _ good afternoon. good afternoon. we had a broad brush of what you - good afternoon. good afternoon. we had a broad brush of what you are i had a broad brush of what you are advising, what is your suggestion to people in an area where cases are on the rise? at people in an area where cases are on the rise? �* , , the rise? at the present time in the north-east — the rise? at the present time in the north-east of _ the rise? at the present time in the north-east of england _ the rise? at the present time in the north-east of england we _ the rise? at the present time in the north-east of england we are - north—east of england we are experiencing some of the highest levels of transmission that we have had during the whole of the pandemic in gateshead. we had one of our secondary schools closed yesterday and there are other schools across the region which have closed as well. there is a real problem. we are very supportive of opening up the economy. we know we have to get the economy. we know we have to get the balance right and we are completely supporting the government's moves to reopen the economy and get people back into work. the lockdown has an enormous

impact on people's health and well—being. but i think there is a need for common sense and i have to say that all of the leaders of the seven authorities in the north east of england, conservative, liberal democrat, labour councils and the others, this is not a party political issue. we have written to the prime minister collectively today to ask him to make the wearing of facemasks compulsory on public transport and inside. it is not a curtailment of freedom. we are not asking people to do complicated, acrobatic moves. we are just saying wear a mask, acrobatic moves. we are just saying weara mask, it acrobatic moves. we are just saying wear a mask, it is common sense. it wear a mask, it is common sense. it is interesting. the mayor of london has mandated that from next week on public transport in the capital. am i right in saying that you would not have the right powers to do this unilaterally? you are saying it

needs to come from westminster? yes. needs to come from westminster? yes, and that highlights _ needs to come from westminster? “a: and that highlights how stupid this position has become. you can travel across london on the underground and you have to wear a mask. you get to king's cross station, get a train and go to edinburgh and as you travel through gateshead and newcastle you can take the mask off, but you have to put it back on again when you go to scotland. come on, boris, get a grip. ifully expect eventually he was see common sense, i expect he will make an announcement hopefully before monday. it is plain common sense. this is ridiculous. he monday. it is plain common sense. this is ridiculous.— this is ridiculous. he says it is ersonal this is ridiculous. he says it is personal responsibility. - this is ridiculous. he says it is personal responsibility. the i this is ridiculous. he says it is i personal responsibility. the vast ma'ori personal responsibility. the vast majority of _ personal responsibility. the vast majority of peeple _ personal responsibility. the vast majority of people do _ personal responsibility. the vast majority of people do get - personal responsibility. the vast majority of people do get it. - personal responsibility. the vast majority of people do get it. i i personal responsibility. the vast i majority of people do get it. i have been double vaccinated, 66% now of the population have been double vaccinated. we will wear masks and be very sensible, but unfortunately

there is an irresponsible minority. we are not expecting there will be huge fines handed out or heavy—handed enforcement, it isjust a simple fact. when something is the law we comply with it. i can remember driving without a seat belt before it was the law and now i would never think about driving a car without putting my seat belt on. not because i think a policeman will arrest me, but because it is a law. similarly, i do not smoke in restaurants, not because i will get arrested, but because it is the law. the government not making this a legal requirement at a time when cases are climbing significantly, this pandemic is not finished, we are still in the middle of a very difficult situation. it is right to open up the economy, but let's have support from central government and just the application of common

sense. retain the regulations and make it a requirement across the country to wear a mask on public transport. the other factor is if that does not happen, people who want to use public transport who feel nervous will not use public transport, so the use of public transport, so the use of public transport will go down. so it is counter—productive and will damage the economy by not making it a requirement. as i say, i think sometimes boris gets there slowly. i can remember when all schools will open, schools will open, and then eventually common sense prevailed and he announced 2a hours beforehand, 0k, we will not reopen the schools. ifully beforehand, 0k, we will not reopen the schools. i fully expect we will eventually see common sense on this one. . ~' eventually see common sense on this one. ., ~ , ., y eventually see common sense on this one. ., ~ , . eventually see common sense on this one. ., ~ i. , . ., ., one. thank you very much, we wait to see whether — one. thank you very much, we wait to see whether things _ one. thank you very much, we wait to see whether things change _ one. thank you very much, we wait to see whether things change as - one. thank you very much, we wait to see whether things change as you - see whether things change as you predict. the labour leader of gateshead council, one of the council areas where rates and cases of covid-i9 council areas where rates and cases of covid—i9 are going up. we will

talk much more about all of that, face coverings, covid, travel, after the top of the hour. right now, before the weather, we are squeezing in one more story, something you will be familiar with, but we have not had a chance to touch on so far this hour. it is about britney spears' battle to end the controversial conservatorship that has controlled her life for 13 years. it goes back to court today. i'm joined now by our reporter steve holden. you can explain much more than i ever could. would you be going back to court? she ever could. would you be going back to court? ,, , ., , ., to court? she might be on the phone, but she will— to court? she might be on the phone, but she will not _ to court? she might be on the phone, but she will not be _ to court? she might be on the phone, but she will not be there _ to court? she might be on the phone, but she will not be there in _ to court? she might be on the phone, but she will not be there in person. i but she will not be there in person. today we are expecting a legal argument. three weeks ago britney spears gave evidence to the court, saying she found this conservatorship abusive, stupid and embarrassing, herwords. she says she wants her life back. one thing

she wants her life back. one thing she does what is her own lawyer because the lawyer she has had all this time it was court appointed, samuel ng. he says he does not want their own any more and she wants a new lawyer. their own any more and she wants a new lawyer-— their own any more and she wants a newla er. , new lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in — new lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place _ new lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and _ new lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and it _ new lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and it controls - has been in place and it controls what? remind us what she is trying to eradicate. the what? remind us what she is trying to eradicate-— to eradicate. the conservatorship has been in _ to eradicate. the conservatorship has been in place _ to eradicate. the conservatorship has been in place since _ to eradicate. the conservatorship has been in place since 2008 - to eradicate. the conservatorship| has been in place since 2008 over fears about her mental health. it is a court ordered, legal process, which means her personal, business and financial affairs are controlled largely by her father, jamie, and financial affairs are controlled largely by herfather, jamie, and she wants out of that now. the only problem is, she cannot do that herself and she has to have a lawyer to argue that on her behalf. she has approached a high—profile lawyer in hollywood who will argue today to the court that he should represent her. the onus for britney to get out of the conservatorship herself is to say that she can manage her finances

and businesses herself. this is a very long, legal process. i and businesses herself. this is a very long, legal process.- very long, legal process. i was about to say — very long, legal process. i was about to say from _ very long, legal process. i was about to say from what - very long, legal process. i was about to say from what you - very long, legal process. i was| about to say from what you are describing there is still a long way to go. fix. describing there is still a long way to no. �* . , describing there is still a long way to no. �* ., , ., describing there is still a long way toao. ., , ., to go. a really long way. the conservatorship _ to go. a really long way. the conservatorship is _ to go. a really long way. the conservatorship is in - to go. a really long way. the conservatorship is in place i to go. a really long way. the i conservatorship is in place until september at least and then again, once the lawyer gets involved, it is another legal row to go down. but her fans, another legal row to go down. but herfans, who are another legal row to go down. but her fans, who are so integral to this, will be out in force again at the courtroom in la, cheering her on, the free britney movement which we have so much of this year, back out in force. it will be interesting to hear what goes on today, another chapter in this long—running legal saga for britney spears. more chapter in this long-running legal saga for britney spears. more from ou later saga for britney spears. more from you later on _ saga for britney spears. more from you later on as— saga for britney spears. more from you later on as that _ saga for britney spears. more from you later on as that gets _ saga for britney spears. more from you later on as that gets going. - saga for britney spears. more from you later on as that gets going. a l you later on as that gets going. a big time difference between here and la, so more later on in the day. steve holden with the latest on that

court battle in california. let's pause. as promised, let's take a look at the weather. it is across england and wales that we have the best of the sunshine. turning cloudy through the afternoon in northern ireland and the odd patch of rain working into the scottish highlands. reaching up to 25 in london and cardiff. it will feel warm in the sunshine. overnight, cloud will spread in from the north—west and as it works its way in, it will trap the heat in, so it will be quite a warm night. these are the lowest temperatures that we will see by the end of the night. tomorrow there will be more cloud in the sky across england and wales, but in the afternoon it should break and some sunshine for most of the day in scotland and it will be a

good deal warm with temperatures reaching 25.

this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines — in the next few minutes, the first minister of wales is expected to lift most coronavirus restrictions in wales from 7th august — but facemasks will still be required in most indoor public places. meanwhile, the mayor of london makes face coverings mandatory on tfl public transport services when england's restrictions are lifted next week. the government confirms it will ban all prosecutions against those who committed crimes during the troubles in northern ireland — labour says it's an amnesty in all but name and is highly offensive to victims�* families. we know that the prospect of the end of criminal prosecutions will be difficult for some to accept, and

this is not a position that we take lightly. but we have come to the view that this is the best, and only come away to facilitate an effective information retrieval and decision process and the best way to help northern ireland move further along the road to reconciliation. borisjohnson promises new measures to deal with racism in football — including banning fans who racially abuse players from attending matches. and britney spears' battle to end the conservatorship that has controlled her life for 13 years goes back to court in los angeles. hello and a very good afternoon.

let's take you to the senndd — where mark drakeford will soon announce changes to coronavirus restrictions — it's expected in the next few minutes — we'll take you to it — as soon as it starts. because we do want to get the full details there as to how and when and what sort of restrictions will indeed be lifted in wales. we are hearing a very slight delay so we will be back there in may be about ten minutes or so, so once mark drakeford stands up, we will be back there for that. meanwhile, as we wait to hear from the first minister of wales... there's growing confusion about the guidance on wearing facemasks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it will continue to be compulsory on public transport in london, but not in the rest of england from monday, when restrictions are lifted: london's mayor, sadiq khan, says the rule should have been retained throughout the country. in scotland, masks still have to be worn for now in enclosed spaces,

and in wales, face—coverings will remain mandatory on public transport and in health care settings. our transport correspondent caroline davies reports. whether a mask is a must, orjust recommended when busy, will depend where you are travelling on public transport from monday. in london, you will need to wear one to travel on all of transport for london's services or risk being turned away or removed. wearing a facemask indoors reduces the chances of transmission — don'tjust take my word for it, the government's own advisers, sage, say that, as to the world health organisation but also, speaking to transport workers, the trade unions, londoners, businesses, wearing a facemask gives greater public confidence. what do londoners makeof the decision?

for people who don't want to use it, they feel they are fine without a facemask, i think they should just carry on without it but if you don't feel safe, just use it. i think a common—sense i approach is to keep it on, i think most people will do that. everybody is a bit scared still, aren't they? if facemasks make people feel safer, we should do it. tfl is the first operator to do this. the mayor of manchester has said he has not ruled it out for the city's tram network and, in gateshead, the local council had asked the government for powers to enforce it on all seven of the north—east council services, too. in scotland, masks will continue to be mandated on public transport and wales are likely to do the same. but, despite the differing attitudes, the government is keeping to its policy that it is personal responsibility, not a law. it is common sense, when you think about it, you would be in a crowded area and transport organisations are welcome, as i said last week, to make it a condition of carriage

in the same way as other rules are done in that way. although many unions welcomed london's decision, there are concerns by some that it will leave staff in a difficult position and could lead to disputes. the majority of bus and train operators in england are expected to just encourage passengers to wear a mask when services are busy, not as a condition of travel. transport operators are also weighing up how requiring a mask to be worn on board might make people feel about travelling on public transport. the mayor of london says he thinks it will give people more confidence and other operators are not so certain. we think that trains probably don't need to be tarred with a brush - that they are somehow less safe than other indoor settings, - we don't think that is helpful for the long—term recovery. of getting people back onto public transport. | as restrictions lift around the uk, once again, the face of the pandemic will look different depending on where you are. caroline davies, bbc news. and a little later, i'll

be joined by the mayor of newham, in east london, rokhsana fiaz. newham is a london council, which will continue to ask residents to wear facemasks after 19th july to help stop the spread of covid. the government has confirmed plans to introduce a statute of limitations which would end all prosecutions related to the troubles in northern ireland. the secretary of state, brandon lewis, has told parliament the decision is "the best way to help northern ireland move further along the road to reconciliation". let's take a look at the three proposals in the white paper. firstly, the statute of limitations would end all prosecutions of ex—paramilitaries and former members of the security services in troubles—related cases. the proposals also include plans for a new, independent body to focus

on the recovery and provision of information about troubles—related deaths and most serious injuries. brandon lewis said another proposal included a "major oral history initiative". he said it would create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives related to the troubles, in which 3,500 people lost their lives. let's hear more of what the secretary of state has been saying in parliament in the past hour. if we fail to act now, to properly address, acknowledge and account for the legacy of the troubles, we will be condemning current and future generations to yet further division, preventing reconciliation of both the individual and societal level. mr speaker, that is why i am today laying before this house and publishing a paper that proposes a

series of measures to address the legacy of the past in northern ireland. these proposals are being considered as part of an ongoing and an important engagement process, which i announced alongside the irish government, the british irish intergovernmental conference last month. as set out in the framework, which we publish at the same time, this engagement process is committed to involving notjust the uk and irish governments and the northern ireland parties but also those directly affected by the troubles and expert and members of committees in this house on the other place. the objective of this engagement is to deal with legacy issues in a way that supports information recovery and reconciliation, complies fully with international human rights obligations and responds to the needs of individual victims and survivors, as well as society as a whole. labour has accused the government of putting its own party political interests before the country in its plans for an "amnesty" on the troubles in northern ireland. society, the peace process

in general, remain so fragile precisely because the pain runs so deep. it is why any proposal to deal with legacy must have victims and the communities of northern ireland at its heart. that requires real care from the secretary of state. so it is deeply regrettable that his approach has already seen trust among victims reach rock bottom. let's go straight to cardiff and here the first minister of wales, mark drakeford, talking about the easing of covid restrictions. is in easing of covid restrictions. is in every part _ easing of covid restrictions. is in every part of _ easing of covid restrictions. is in every part of our— easing of covid restrictions. is in every part of our country - easing of covid restrictions. is “1 every part of our country and spreading quickly. it is the dominant form of the virus in wales, just as it has become the dominant form in the united kingdom, and in many other countries in europe.

there can be no doubt but that we are experiencing the anticipated third wave of this pandemic, with the rate in wales raising overnight to 145 cases per 100,000 people. in a moment, iwill set to 145 cases per 100,000 people. in a moment, i will set out some reasons for greater optimism in dealing with this third wave then either of its predecessors. but i wanted to leave members in no doubt at all that community prevalence on this scale brings with it a set of real dangers that no responsible government or senedd should ignore. our technical advisory group now says that the prevalence of infection in wales will remain extremely high for at least the rest of the summer. that level of circulation of the virus will increase the risk of new variance

emerging, increase the risk of the virus re—entering hospitals, care homes and other closed settings. it will increase the risk that the virus will move from younger to older people, repeating the pattern of both waves one and two. it will increase the number of people suffering from long covid. it will increase workforce absences, including in our key public services. and it will place greater strain on our test, trace protect service and the genomic sequencing service, making of the identification of new variants more difficult. what are the other countervailing factors? first and foremost, vaccination, and particularly our high rates of vaccination in wales is changing our relationship with the virus, and

doing so faster than any other uk nation. today, more than 73% of all adults in wales have received two doses of the vaccine. the figure in england and scotland is 66%, and it is 65% in northern ireland. the rising tide of cases has not translated into higher rates of serious illnesses, hospital admissions and deaths in the same way it did during the first wave, or in the winter, and that is because of vaccination. i want to put on record again my thanks to all those people who have worked so hard to plan and run this highly successful programme. the second way in which the position is more promising in this third wave is the way we have lived, and that has left some

positive legacy. the ons weekly estimate states that of all the four home nations, wales has the highest level of acquired immunity, and that now stands at 92% of the whole population. thirdly, we have the defence of the ttp system. in the week ending 3rd ofjuly, 95% of index eligible for follow—up work contacted within 24 hours, and 93% of their contacts were traced. so thatis of their contacts were traced. so that is the context in which the cabinet has completed our three weekly review of coronavirus restrictions. our assessment is that taking all these factors, negative and positive, together, we can now proceed to a full level one set of regulations. and this means that from the 17th ofjuly, from

saturday, up to six people will be able to meet indoors in private homes and accommodation. organised indoor events for up to 1000 people seated, or 200 people standing, will be able to take place following a risk assessment and that ice rinks will be able to reopen, and we believe we can go a step further, as we move to the new alert level zero. and that we will be able to introduce alert level zero levels of restrictions for outdoor events and gatherings also from 17th ofjuly. we will therefore remove the limits on the number of people who can gather outdoors. outdoor premises and events will have more flexibility around physical distancing. this will continue, though, to be one of the mitigations

to be considered in carrying out and implementing risk assessments. we are able to do this because of our long—standing conclusion that the risk of transmission outdoors is much lower than indoors, and because we need to take advantage of the summer period. in the same time, from 17th ofjuly, the regulations will also change, to allow up to 30 people from organisations such as the brownies or scouts, to attend residential centres over the summer holidays. today, we are also publishing an updated version of our coronavirus control plan which sets out more broadly how we can move beyond the current alert level one to a new alert level zero. the

cabinet's intention is that wales should move to alert level zero on the 7th of august, provided the public health position in three weeks' time still allows us to do so. and i emphasise today, as i always do, the importance of that proviso. in a position where public health challenges remain so volatile, we will assess and reassess that position on the 2nd of august but with the intention that wales should move to alert level zero, provided the public health position remains as it is today. at alert level zero, we have focused on retaining those restrictions which help people to keep safe but have the smallest detrimental effect on their wider, the smallest detrimental effect on theirwider, physicaland the smallest detrimental effect on their wider, physical and emotional health. at level zero therefore they

will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others, including in private homes, public places or at events, and at alert level zero, all businesses and premises will be open. life will have returned very substantially to how it was before the coronavirus pandemic began. but here in wales we will not abandon all those measures which have done so much to keep us all safe. at alert level zero, and from the 7th of august therefore, people should continue to work from home wherever possible. where a return to the workplace is necessary, we will continue to ensure that covert risk assessments will be a legal requirement for businesses, employers and event organisers. it will be a legal

requirement that these assessments are drawn up with the involvement of employees, and the mitigating measures set out in those risk assessments must be implemented. in wales as well, at alert level zero, face coverings will continue to be a legal requirement, on public transport, in health and care settings, and in all indoor public places, with the exception of education settings and hospitality. and the aim of the government will be gradually to ease these requirements is the risk of coronavirus decreases. finally, i tend to further changes to self—isolation requirements. i much regret the decision of the uk government to remove the requirement

for doubly vaccinated travellers returning from amber list countries to self—isolate. the risk of reimportation of coronavirus from other parts of the world, and especially new variance, has not gone away. the removal of a defence against that risk, and especially at against that risk, and especially at a time when the virus is in such rapid circulation, is very difficult to understand. but because the vast majority of international travel to and from wales is via england, it is, as our chief medical officer says, untenable for us not to do the same thing. we will therefore remove the requirement for all adults who have had two nhs covid vaccines, and for under 18—year—olds to self—isolate on their return from amber list countries, and we will remove those requirements from the

19th ofjuly. however, we continue to advise against all but essential travel abroad, and we continue to strongly recommend to people to holiday at home this summer. i turn now to the position in relation to domestic self—isolation. the other cabinet has decided that during the next three week cycle, beginning 7th of august, we will remove the requirement for people who have been fully vaccinated to self—isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive. there is still work to be done before these changes can come into force. for example in adjusting our ttp system and putting in place arrangements for those who work in health and care settings. self—isolation will continue to play a very important role in breaking the train of transmission for anyone who has symptoms of the virus, anyone who

tests positive, and anyone who has not had two doses of the vaccine. coronavirus has not gone away. whatever the cupping months whatever the coming months and weeks old, keeping your distance, meeting outdoors, being in well ventilated place, avoiding crowded places where possible, wearing a face covering where it is not, and good hand hygiene. he speaks welsh. so the first minister mark _ he speaks welsh. so the first minister mark drakeford - he speaks welsh. so the first minister mark drakeford talking minister mark dra keford talking about minister mark drakeford talking about changes in wales from the 19th ofjuly, talking about the need for face coverings continuing on public

transport and in indoor health settings, essentially anything indoors accept hospitality, he said. so again, that continues our theme which is very much the forefront of the news today, the whole issue around face coverings on public transport and indoor public settings. that increasing division, depending where you live in the uk. in fact, as i talk about that, we have also seen a tweet from andy street, the conservative mayor of the west midlands, who has just said he expects all passengers in all forms of public transport in the west midlands to keep wearing a face covering.

so again, we are seeing that continuing divergence. it all started with the mayor of london, sadiq khan, saying it would be compulsory to wear a mask on public transport in the capital, unless you are exempt. we know that scotland and wales have had different rules to england as well, and here we have andy street the mayor of west midlands saying similarly. so very interesting to see where that is going and where the mood music, really, is playing on that issue of face coverings in enclosed public places. much more on that to come, as you would expect, over the afternoon. we are keeping an eye on mark drakeford as well, i should say, still talking, doubtless going to be taking questions, but we willjust keep an eye and an ear across that. but he was outlining some changes

from the 19th ofjuly. in terms of the day's other major news stories... the prime minister has promised action to deal with racism in football. he says fans who racially abuse players online will be banned from matches, "no ifs, no buts, no excuses". he also threatened to fine social media companies 10% of their global revenues if they fail to deal with racial abuse and hate online. but in the commons, the labour sir keir starmer accused borisjohnson of failing to condemn those who boo players when they take the knee. our political correspondent ben wright has the latest. taking a stand against racism at wembley on sunday. england took the knee before every game of the european championship, but, following defeat in the final, there was a torrent of racist online abuse against three of the team's black players. in withington, a mural of marcus rashford was defaced before being covered up. and, in the commons this lunchtime,

borisjohnson said there would be action taken. what we are doing is today taking practical steps to ensure that the football banning order regime is changed, so that if you are guilty, mr speaker, of racist abuse online of footballers, then you will not be going to the match, no ifs, no buts, no exemptions and no excuses. but some in the england squad say the government should have done more to support their stand against racism. the defender tyrone mings accused the home secretary priti patel of stoking the fire, after she previously called taking the knee "gesture politics". some tory mps and activists have said their party has ended up on the wrong side of the issue. i think it has been difficult for many people on our side of the house to see the distinction between their very good and proper

reasons as to why footballers take the knee and their supporters agree with them taking the knee and, unfortunately, some of the stranger views, as some of the black lives matter organisations, which i don't agree with at all. at prime minister's questions, labour's leader said borisjohnson had failed to condemn the fans who booed the england team. the prime minister has tried to stoke a culture war and they have realised they are on the wrong side and now they hope no one has noticed. why else would a conservative mp boast that he is not watching his own team? why else would another conservative mp say that marcus rashford spends too much time playing politics when he is actually trying to feed children the government won't? i don't want to engage in a political culture war of any kind, i want to get on with delivering for the people of this country. he simply wants to get on with dithering. the snp's westminster leader asked if there was systemic racism in the uk.

i do think that racism is a problem in the united kingdom and i believe it needs to be tackled and it needs to be stamped out. the racial abuse that followed sunday's final has been met with condemnation, far beyond westminster, but it has underscored the issue footballers have been protesting about and has kicked it right back into the centre of politics. ben wright, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris. hello, there. well, for most of us with the weather is going to be fine and dry through the rest of the day today. it is across england and wales that we have the best of the day's sunshine. the exception, parts of east anglia, but even here it will eventually turn a bit brighter. quite a lot of cloud across most areas of scotland, and certainly cloudier

through the afternoon in northern ireland and the odd patch of rain working into the scottish islands, but nothing heavy. the highest temperatures reaching a high up to 25 in both london and cardiff, as well. it will feel warm in thejuly sunshine. overnight tonight, cloud will tend to spread in from the north—west, and as that cloud works its way in, it will trap the day's heat in, so it's going to be quite a warm night. these are the lowest temperatures we will see by the end of the night, about 12 to even 16 there in liverpool. now, tomorrow, there will be more cloud in the sky across england and wales, but it should thin and break as we go through the afternoon, with some sunshine. much more in the way of sunshine for most of the day in scotland, and here it is going to be a good deal warmer, with temperatures locally reaching a high of around 25. that's your weather.

hello, this is bbc news with jane hill. let's bring you a summary of today's main story here this afternoon.

leaders in the north—east of england put pressure on the prime minister as they call for national restrictions to remain for wearing face coverings on public transport. it comes after london's mayor makes them mandatory on tfl public transport services. the first minister of wales announces that most coronavirus restrictions are lifting in wales from 7th august, but face masks will still be required in most indoor public places. the government confirms it will ban all prosecutions against those who committed crimes during the troubles in northern ireland. labour says it's an amnesty in all but name and is highly offensive to victims�* families. we know that the prospect of the end of criminal prosecutions will be difficult for some to accept and this is not a position that we take lightly. but we have come to the view that this is the best and only way to facilitate an effective information retrieval and provision process and the best way to help northern ireland move further along the road to reconciliation.

borisjohnson promises new measures to deal with racism in football, including banning fans who racially abuse players from attending matches. and britney spears' battle to end the conservatorship that has controlled her life for thirteen years goes back to court in los angeles. we will talk more in this half hour about face coverings and covid restrictions and all those topics, but right now we are talking about sport and all the latest from austin. good afternoon. we start with rugby news because within the last hour, the british and irish lions have announced that tour captain alun wynjones will return to the squad, despite dislocating his shoulder just over two weeks ago. jones picked up the injury, early on in the lions�* first warm—up

match against japan, before the tour even started. but after training with the wales squad over the last few days, he�*ll now fly out to south africa tomorrow to rejoin the lions. they have their biggest test so far this evening. they face a very strong south africa a side in cape town ahead of the first test a week on saturday. nothing is in doubt with him, he is an incredible person and player on and off the pitch. he works extremely hard and if he does get injured i know how hard he works to get himself back as quickly as possible. nothing surprises me with him. if he is able tojoin us at some point in time, it will be a huge boost for the squad and everyone involved.— huge boost for the squad and everyone involved. rafael benitez has been accepted _ everyone involved. rafael benitez has been accepted by _ everyone involved. rafael benitez has been accepted by the - everyone involved. rafael benitez| has been accepted by the majority everyone involved. rafael benitez i has been accepted by the majority of everton fans, despite taking over as manager and despite being manager with liverpool. he spent almost six

years with everton forced back to city rivals liverpool, guiding them to champions league and fa cup titles. now he says he is determined to fight for everton, a club that is getting bigger and bigger. the evertonians — getting biggerand bigger. fie: evertonians around my getting biggerand bigger. ii2 evertonians around my place are quite happy and they are very supportive, even the opponents were accepting that it is a chance and an opportunity for me to come back to the premier league, to compete for something. it was quite good. we can talk about one or two people, you never know. we can think about how a lot of people were encouraging me to do well and i am happy with that. elsewhere, nine of the cricketers forced to isolate after the positive covid tests in the england squad, have returned for the t20 series against pakistan. eoin morgan will lead the side but that does mean a lot of the make—shift team,

that sealed a 3—0 series win over pakistan last night miss out. bowler saqib mahmood impressed throughout the series though and he�*s kept his spot. it has been a special week. to put in consistent performances has been great. the first game i did really well and then my drive after that was to keep backing up performances and keep putting in those performances and show some consistency and i am glad i did that in the end. a week ago no one was talking about me, i was not part of the squad. everything has happened very quickly and i am just trying to take it in my stride a little bit. the final preparations are under way at royal saint georges for the start of the open championship tomorrow. englishman lee westwood will be hoping not to create his own bit of history at royal st george�*s this week. the former world number one would overtake jay haas�* record for the most major

appearances without a victory should he be unable to lift the claretjug on sunday and although the course has got the better of him before, he�*s feeling pretty confident. coming into this week i have played here twice in the open championship and missed the cut both times. i had a bit of a mental block that i didn�*t like the golf course and i played it yesterday and i really enjoyed it. i loved the way it was set up. it turned my head around and made me look forward to the week even more. so, yes, iam positive and hoping i can find some form and get into contention. lee westwood ahead of the open that starts tomorrow. that is all for now, more in the next hour. thank you, austin. good afternoon, you are with bbc news, and we are focusing on one of the stories that is dominating here today within the

framework of the lifting of covid restrictions. days are different depending on which part of the uk you live in. but on top of all of that, there is this growing debate about the use of face coverings in enclosed public spaces. it all follows on from the london mayor sadiq khan, because he has the power to make facemasks compulsory on london�*s public transport, and that is what he is doing when things change in england next week. bringing you up—to—date with what we have heard from andy street, who you know is the conservative mayor of the west midlands, he is essentially urging everyone to wear face coverings on public transport from next week when things change. he is making the point that transport for the west midlands does not have the power to make them compulsory. that has to come from central government, but it is quite striking reading a very clear statement from him

saying, we have a clear expectation of all passengers to continue to wear face coverings across all modes of public transport. we will have staff out and about at stations relaying this message and handing out masks where needed. i believe wearing face coverings on public transport, particularly on busy services, has an important role to play in protecting staff and vulnerable passengers. we would ask all passengers to join in this collective effort. really striking that language, a real exhortation on the part of the mayor of the west midlands, a conservative mayor, of course. we are hearing from other councils in other parts of england similarly who do not have the power to make it compulsory. only sadiq khan in london has that power in england. but they similarly are not 1 million miles of the sort of thing andy street has been saying as well. also we are in a situation where

some london boroughs where there are low vaccination rates are also trying to ask residents to wear masks, to wear face coverings when they are in enclosed public spaces. newham in east london is one of those councils. let�*s speak to its mayor, rokhsana fiaz. good afternoon. hello. what are you askin: good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people _ good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people in _ good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people in new— good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people in new to _ good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people in new to do? - good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people in new to do? i- good afternoon. hello. what are you asking people in new to do? i am - asking people in new to do? i am asking, along with the entirety of our public health team here that all residents should continue to wear masks following the easing or ending of restrictions next monday and the reason being is all of us have a responsibility as part of this amazing community here in our borough to keep each other say. for absolute clarity you are talking

about masks or a face covering when somebody is indoor or in a public place. somebody is indoor or in a public lace. ., . ., , somebody is indoor or in a public lace. ., , , place. that could be libraries, -ublic place. that could be libraries, public buildings. _ place. that could be libraries, public buildings. what - place. that could be libraries, public buildings. what sort . place. that could be libraries, public buildings. what sort of| place. that could be libraries, - public buildings. what sort of other buildings? it will be on transport in london. ., buildings? it will be on transport in london-— buildings? it will be on transport in london. ., ., , ., ., in london. the mayor has made that announcement _ in london. the mayor has made that announcement to _ in london. the mayor has made that announcement to protect _ in london. the mayor has made that announcement to protect londoners| announcement to protect londoners and here in newham, it is really important given the vulnerabilities and risks we have faced throughout this entire covid—19 pandemic period since last march that newham residents also play their part. i am talking about our staff in our council buildings, residents who access our council buildings, be there libraries or youth hops, etc. but also when we are going out and about and doing our regular things, such as shopping. we have a large shopping mall here in newham. i certainly will be continuing to wear

my mask when i step into a shop or go into a cinema. i think i have a responsibility to play my part in making other residents safe and maintaining my diligence with regards to recognised and endorsed by world health organization public health requirements. mask wearing, covering your face, particularly in the context of the delta variant, which we know has a higher rate of transmission, against the backdrop of a low number of vaccines that we have been able to achieve amongst our resident communities. in newham we only have 35% of our residents who are fully vaccinated and we have only a slightly higher number that have been vaccinated with one jab, some 56% of our resident population. so we are particularly vulnerable

and that is not because our residents do not want to get vaccinated, it is because the vaccine supply has not been officially marshalled towards newham and wearing a face covering will be really important over the coming few weeks. is really important over the coming few weeks. , .., , ., really important over the coming few weeks. , .. , ., ., weeks. is it the case that newham 'ust weeks. is it the case that newham just cannot — weeks. is it the case that newham just cannot get _ weeks. is it the case that newham just cannot get enough _ weeks. is it the case that newham just cannot get enough doses - weeks. is it the case that newham just cannot get enough doses of. weeks. is it the case that newham. just cannot get enough doses of the vaccine? i have spoken to gps in that borough who talked about the outreach work they have been trying to do to encourage adults to take up the offer of a vaccine. 35% is way lower than the national average, isn�*t it? lower than the national average, isn't it? ~ , , lower than the national average, isn'tit? ~ , , , lower than the national average, isn'tit? , , , , isn't it? absolutely. gps locally are right. _ isn't it? absolutely. gps locally are right. we — isn't it? absolutely. gps locally are right, we have _ isn't it? absolutely. gps locally are right, we have worked - are right, we have worked brilliantly together in developing localised access points in local community centres. we have got a number of top sites where any resident can step into. we have established a covid—19 health champions network and have a vaccine

support network to impart information. and we are doing some really effective outreach. in the events that we have organised we have had an overwhelming response of positivity amongst our community to get vaccinated. the simple fact is we simply have not been receiving the sufficient levels of supply that we need for our resident community and that is the reason that explains the 35% number of fully vaccinated residents and only 56% of our adult population who are eligible, 18 and over, have only received one jab so far, albeit 18—year—olds only recently came on screen. is far, albeit 18-year-olds only recently came on screen. is there more that — recently came on screen. is there more that central _ recently came on screen. is there more that central government - recently came on screen. is there | more that central government can recently came on screen. is there - more that central government can do to try to ease that? are you saying that the help is required in terms of actually getting the doses as opposed to more help from public

health officials on the ground to persuade people who might still have reservations for whatever reason? both elements are really important, but there is no point doing that really vital public outreach if you don�*t have the vaccine supplies. i have already written to the minister for vaccination supply, requesting that he urgently intervenes because we have done our analysis, we have spoken to our health partners, there have been issues with vaccine supply across the system and this is an example of how a nationally, centrally driven vaccine supply regime or setup does not effectively work. we should be driving it much more at a local level because we know our communities much better, we know our communities much better, we know all the access points, we know they are far more comfortable going to their gps or to pharmacists, or accessing vaccines through our

community centres, places of worship, pop up sites. that is what we want to be maximising. next week in newham we have got a walking week where we have established more access points for our residents in order to help boost that vaccination rate for at least one vaccine jab before the 19th. but we are trailing behind and the reason is because of vaccination supply. in the context of the so—called freedom day on the 19th, which even the sage experts have said it will risk an exit wave, having 200 people dying, that is the prognosis, up to 200 people a day dying, thousands of people being hospitalised over the summer months to avoid a wave kicking in in autumn or winter, and that is why i am urging newham residents to continue wearing a facial covering over the coming weeks as we progress through summer and increase our vaccine

rates. but we need to have the vaccine supplies.— rates. but we need to have the vaccine supplies. thank you very much for now, _ vaccine supplies. thank you very much for now, the _ vaccine supplies. thank you very much for now, the mayor- vaccine supplies. thank you very much for now, the mayor of- vaccine supplies. thank you very - much for now, the mayor of newham in east london. the labour mayor of the east london borough. as talk about one of the neocons of the covid pandemic. —— knock on. nearly 75,000 people are having to wait to get the support they need because council care services in england are struggling to meet what has been described as an avalanche of needs resulting from the pandemic. the association of directors of adult social services says unprecedented numbers of people needing support are having to wait for information and help, with seven thousand people waiting more than six months just to be assessed. i�*m joined now by stephen chandler, president of the association of directors of adult social services and director of adult social care in oxfordshire. good afternoon. good afternoon.

there are some _ good afternoon. good afternoon. there are some fairly _ good afternoon. good afternoon. there are some fairly staggering | there are some fairly staggering figures here. the sort of figures i have just read out, figures here. the sort of figures i havejust read out, are figures here. the sort of figures i have just read out, are they greatly up have just read out, are they greatly up on what one might normally expect? is that entirely a result of the pandemic in your assessment? this is the first year we have asked directors to report directly on numbers of people waiting for assessment and practice and care. this is the first time we have that level of detail. however, we have had ten years of austerity and even longer waiting for a clear strategy for adult social care, so in some ways it is no surprise that things are getting harder and harder and more difficult for our communities and services. covid has added an even greater challenge to that. just some headlines you may not be aware of. we asked directors a few months ago to describe any change in activity they were experiencing an 70% were saying they had seen an

increase in community—based referrals, people living in communities, asking for help. we saw 70% of directors reporting an increase in referrals for people asking for help with mental health issues. really worryingly we saw 60% of directors saying they had an increase related to domestic abuse and safeguarding. this is a really stark moment for us in adult social care. ~ . ~' stark moment for us in adult social care. ~ ., ~ ., ., care. when we talk about social care i think care. when we talk about social care i think perhaps _ care. when we talk about social care i think perhaps people's _ care. when we talk about social care i think perhaps people's minds - care. when we talk about social care i think perhaps people's minds turn l i think perhaps people�*s minds turn to the older generation, to people who are retired. i am interested in actually the group of people you are finding who are making the greatest demand on your services. yes. demand on your services. yes, indeed, demand on your services. yes, indeed. and — demand on your services. yes, indeed, and that _ demand on your services. yes, indeed, and that is _ demand on your services. yes, indeed, and that is an - demand on your services. 123 indeed, and that is an important point and often one that is overlooked. the majority of council expenditure on adult social care no longer relates to supporting older people, but rather working age adults. that will be young people with learning disabilities entering

adulthood. people who have had a life changing illness or accident. people are managing lifelong conditions. people recovering and trying to keep their life on track following a mental health breakdown. it is people who are homeless, people who are struggling to get employment. it is far more than what the public and indeed the press often portrayed as adult social care to be. we are helping people live good lives, but of course we are unable to do that in the way that we want. partly that is because we lack the resources to do that, but equally and more importantly, we lack a very clear plan for the future. just to be clear, that is not because we are sitting waiting for government to provide us with that plan, though obviously we need that, we have been talking to government, we have been talking to civil servants as a sector about what we think should be in that plan and there is an amazing consensus

across adult social care of the key components. in some ways it is will thatis components. in some ways it is will that is stopping us having a clear plan. that is stopping us having a clear lan. . that is stopping us having a clear ian, ., , that is stopping us having a clear ian. ., , , that is stopping us having a clear lan. ., , , ., . , plan. that is interesting. councils have statutory — plan. that is interesting. councils have statutory responsibilities. i have statutory responsibilities. there are certain levels of services that they are bylaw obliged to provide. our council leaders telling you that they have enough resources to deal with that demand that you are talking about? if they don�*t, one assumes they have to provide certain services, so by the time they have paid for those they have to do, it is other things on the periphery one assumes that will suffer. ., ., ., , , ., suffer. you are absolutely right and this is the tension _ suffer. you are absolutely right and this is the tension that _ suffer. you are absolutely right and this is the tension that local- this is the tension that local government and councils are facing each and every day. we have a legal duty to balance our budget and we cannot overspend. we have legal responsibilities in relation to aduu responsibilities in relation to adult social care, primarily set out in the care act, which relate to ensuring people have an assessment in a timely manner. if they meet the

eligibility we provide them with support. in a way for the first time we are highlighting starkly the challenge and difficulty in meeting legal responsibility that councils and people like myself as a director of adult services who hold that statutory responsibility are facing. a quick thought on the human impact of this. if we are talking, for example one of the statistics is 7000 people waiting at least six months for an assessment, what is happening to those people in that time? can they go to work? what are they doing and how are they living? there is a human impact here, isn�*t there? there is a human impact here, isn't there? �* , , there is a human impact here, isn't there? 3 , . . there is a human impact here, isn't there? 2, . ., , , there? let's be clear, behind every number there _ there? let's be clear, behind every number there is _ there? let's be clear, behind every number there is an _ there? let's be clear, behind every number there is an individual, - there? let's be clear, behind every number there is an individual, a . number there is an individual, a family, and unpaid carer, akira a carer providing that support. what

will happen is those individuals will happen is those individuals will be subject to a high—level review to ensure they are not deteriorating. but i will not hide behind the fact that for some people waiting longer will have a detrimental impact on their independence. that is why it is counter—productive for us not to be able to work with people early. we want to work with people well before they hit that statutory level. we want to help people remain as independent as possible because it is good for them and their communities and families, and it is good for us in councils. we are not able to do that and are increasingly finding it harder to do that, which is why we need a long—term plan with a clear direction for adult social care. on the basis of what we have a sector been helping the government define, we also need the investment to ensure that we can stabilise the service today and make the transformation in the future. stephen chandler, thank you very

much, president of the directors of aduu much, president of the directors of adult social services. we will tell you about a tweet from sajid javid who was announcing that two thirds of all adults across the uk have now had both doses of covid vaccine. let�*s hear what he has been saying. more than two in three adults across the uk have had their second dose of the vaccine, this is a significant milestone in our vaccination programme, already the best in the world. this is building up our vaccine wall, giving us the protection we all want to see, and we have some 8 million people who have not been infected because of the vaccine. it has saved 30,000

lives. this speaks to the huge success of our programme, the strength of the union and how we can all work together on this. we have got more to do and we want more people to come forward, but at this point we can mark this milestone and think about the huge wall that we have collectively built together. secretary sajid javid. one more story before we moved to the weather. it was called the black woodstock. in 1969 stevie wonder, nina simone and gladys knight were some of the stars who played at the harlem cultural festival in new york. it was all filmed, but the footage was left to gather dust in a basement. now, the archives have been turned into an award winning movie. our entertainment correspondent colin paterson reports. the summer of 1969. woodstock. neil armstrong walking on the moon.

and more than 300,000 people attended the harlem cultural festival. are you ready, black people, are you ready? an event almost no one has heard of until now. six weekends of major artists. the panthers were the security and kids sitting in the trees. i was nervous. i didn't expect a crowd like that. something very important was happening. summer of soul is a documentary exploring why this event, which it argues could have become the black woodstock, has been ignored for more than half a century. the film is directed by questlove, who drums for hip—hop outfit the roots and is a professor at nyu, where he is an expert in black music history. but even he hadn�*t heard of the festival. we�*re talking about stevie wonder, nina simone, sly and the family stone, comedians, politicians, everybody was there. the thing is that it is preserved professionally on tape

and what winds up happening is that not one producer or outlet is interested. so this film just sits in the basement for 50 years. nobody ever heard of the harlem culture festival. nobody would believe it happened. however, a couple of film producers heard about the 40 hours of archive, managed to secure the rights, and decided that questlove was the man to bring it to life. it took me five months ofjust constantly having these monitors in my house, in every room in my house — my kitchen, my bathroom, my bedroom. i kept it on a 24—hour loop. i kept notes on anything that gave me goose bumps. 1969 was a change of era in the black community. the styles were changing. music was changing. a revolution was coming together. but as well as highlighting

sensational performances, questlove also wanted to put the event into a cultural context. this might be my new destiny and i didn�*t even know it yet. but, you know, iwelcome it, i welcome it. colin paterson, bbc news. everyone here is sitting here watching that saying, i really want to see that. colin patterson with that report. much more in the next hour. let�*s have a look right now at the weather. our weather is getting drier, sunnier and warmer over the next few days as pressure rises. a fine spell of summer weatherjust days as pressure rises. a fine spell of summer weather just around the corner. the reason it is changing to become much more settled is down to this area of warm air pushing northwards across the atlantic. it has been changing the jet stream pattern. these waves have been

getting much bigger. that will build an area of high pressure, but across in europe they get stuck with some low pressure which will bring some nasty storms into western areas of germany and some flash flooding over the next few days. but for us pressure will continue to rise and it is this pressure will continue to rise and nememn pressure will continue to rise and it is this that will continue to bring us sunny weather. it is all down to those big waves in the jet stream. today from northern england southwards we have got thin cloud that will break up. lots of sunshine for most areas. the cloud across east anglia is slow to thin and break. in east anglia the cloud will build, particularly in western areas later today. might even see a few patches of light rain moving in. temperatures at the highest of 25 in london. warm in the dry sunshine. overnight that cloudy weather pushes into scotland and northern ireland

and sinks southwards. quite a warm night for sleeping. these are the lowest temperatures towards the end of the night. a mild start to the day on thursday, more in the way of cloud moving southwards across england and wales. that will thin and break with sunshine coming out later. in scotland a lot warmer here with temperatures pushing into the mid 20s. we ended the week with the high pressure still dominating the weather picture. more in the way of sunshine across england and wales, but fine for scotland and northern ireland and day by day we will see those temperatures rise. looking at highs of 26 in birmingham, london and cardiff. it will get hotter than that as we head into the weekend. temperatures into the mid 20s in manchester. the highest temperatures further southwards could reach the very high 20s this weekend.

this is bbc news. i�*m jane hill. the headlines — city and council leaders around england put pressure on the prime minister to reconsider keeping masks mandatory on public transport. most covid rules are set to be lifted in wales on 7th august but facemasks will still be required in most indoor public places. the government confirms its planning to end all prosecutions related to the troubles in northern ireland before 1998. victims�* groups claim it amounts to an amnesty. we know that the prospect of the end of criminal prosecutions will be difficult for some to accept, but this is not a decision that we take

lightly, but we have come to the view that this is the best and only way to facilitate an effective information retrieval process and the best way to help northern ireland move further along the road to reconciliation. borisjohnson promises new measures to deal with racism in football — including banning fans who racially abuse players from attending matches. and britney spears�* battle to end the conservatorship that has controlled her life for 13 years goes back to court in los angeles. hello. a very good afternoon. there�*s growing confusion about the guidance on wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it will continue to be compulsory on public transport in london, but not in the rest of england from monday, when

restrictions are lifted. london�*s mayor, sadiq khan, says the rule should have been retained throughout the country. they have been plenty developments on this. in the past hour, the west midlands mayor says he is �*expecting�* all passengers on all forms of public transport in the west midlands to wear face coverings. in scotland, masks still have to be worn for now in enclosed spaces, and in wales, face—coverings will remain mandatory on public transport and in health care settings. our transport correspondent caroline davies reports. whether a mask is a must, orjust recommended when busy, will depend where you are travelling on public transport from monday. in london, you will need to wear one to travel on all of transport for london�*s services or risk being turned away or removed. wearing a facemask indoors reduces the chances of transmission — don�*tjust take my word for it, the government�*s own advisers, sage, say that, as to the world health organisation but also, speaking to transport workers, the trade unions, londoners, businesses,

wearing a facemask gives greater public confidence. what do londoners make of the decision? for people who don�*t want to use it, they feel they are fine for people who don't want to use it, they feel they are fine without a facemask, i think they should just carry on without it but if you don't feel safe, just use it. i think a common—sense i approach is to keep it on, i think most people will do that. everybody is a bit scared still, aren�*t they? if facemasks make people feel safer, we should do it. tfl is the first operator to do this. the mayor of manchester has said he has not ruled it out for the city�*s tram network and, in gateshead, the local council had asked the government for powers to enforce it on all seven of the north—east council services, too. in scotland, masks will continue to be mandated on board public transport and wales are likely to do the same. but, despite the differing

attitudes, the government is keeping to its policy that it is personal responsibility, not a law. it is common sense, when you think about it, you would be in a crowded area and transport organisations are welcome, as i said last week, to make it a condition of carriage in the same way as other rules are done in that way. although many unions welcomed london�*s decision, there are concerns by some that it will leave staff in a difficult position, and could lead to disputes. the majority of bus and train operators in england are expected to just encourage passengers to wear a mask when services are busy, not as a condition of travel. transport operators are also weighing up how requiring a mask to be worn on board might make people feel about travelling on public transport. the mayor of london says he thinks it will give people more confidence and other operators are not so certain. we think that trains probably don't need to be tarred with a brush - that they are somehow less safe than other indoor settings, - we don't think that is helpful for the long—term recovery.

of getting people back onto public transport. | as restrictions lift around the uk, once again, the face of the pandemic will look different depending on where you are. caroline davies, bbc news. let�*s try to unravel what has been a really busy afternoon on all of this. let�*s talk to our political correspondent iain watson. i�*v e i�*ve spoken to the mayor of gateshead, the mayor of one major london borough, we have heard from andy street. it is so interesting, politically, isn�*t it, how more and more leaders are trying to exhort people in their area to wear a face covering. some of them don�*t have the power but that is the exhortation. i mean, it�*s really striking. it exhortation. i mean, it's really strikinu. , ~ exhortation. i mean, it's really strikinu. , . ., ., ., striking. it is. we are going to end u . striking. it is. we are going to end u- clearl striking. it is. we are going to end up clearly with _ striking. it is. we are going to end up clearly with a _ striking. it is. we are going to end up clearly with a patchwork - striking. it is. we are going to end up clearly with a patchwork of - up clearly with a patchwork of different practices throughout the country. so, for example, most obviously, but if you take a train say from london to glasgow, when you reach the border north of carlisle

you would be expected to put a facemask on, but you are under no requirement by the train operator to do so travelling through 300 miles of england in the first place. and within local authority areas in england of course there is now some divergent too. we have heard from sadiq khan, mayor of london, and he has quite widespread powers over transport in his area. not all of the surface transport but some of the surface transport but some of the train lines, the overground, tube and the bus services. so in london, he is saying, yes, you must wear a mask, this is mandated as a condition of carriage. elsewhere though, some of the powerful local mayor actually in truth that powerful when it comes to enforcing masks. i think we will hear from andy burnham, the mayor of greater manchester, later. he later. he says he has the power to get people to wear masks on the trams they are, but not in other forms of transport. the north—east councils, around tyneside have issued a statement. as you said, you were speaking to the leader of gateshead council, the

spokesman for that group, and he was saying people should have a moral obligation to wear a facemask, but also it should be backed up by law. what they have the power to do is to say if you�*re going to be travelling by the metro, the light rail system in newcastle on tyneside, and indeed between newcastle and sunderland, you would have to wear a mask. but they don�*t have the same powers when it comes to buses. so it becomes very confusing and i think the one thing that is beginning to unite them is to call on central government to make the rules consistent throughout the country, and they are saying please rethink this idea that you are going to have guidance rather than an instruction, rather than the regulation, to say that you have to wear a facemask. obviously that changes on the 19th, as so many other things too, when it comes to the coronavirus restrictions, when it comes to social distancing, but they are saying the problem they have is they feel that some people who are particularly vulnerable might feel

less likely, more worried about going onto public transport, and it is for their safety and well—being and reassurance that everyone else should be required to wear a mask, rather than left to their own interpretation of what they think they should be doing, or whether a railway carriage is busy or not. that pressure is definitely piling on the government but it is pressure so far, i can tell you, that it is resisting. so far, i can tell you, that it is resisting-— so far, i can tell you, that it is resistinu. ., ., , ., ., so far, i can tell you, that it is resistinu. ., ., ., , resisting. ok. that was going to be m final resisting. ok. that was going to be my final thought — resisting. ok. that was going to be my final thought to _ resisting. ok. that was going to be my final thought to you, _ resisting. ok. that was going to be my final thought to you, your - my final thought to you, your crystal ball moment, iain. are we going to see a shift, because the prime minister has used the phrase consistently, it is personal responsibility. that�*s where he left this issue. responsibility. that's where he left this issue. . �* , responsibility. that's where he left this issue. ., �* , , this issue. that's right, he is effectively — this issue. that's right, he is effectively saying _ this issue. that's right, he is effectively saying that - this issue. that's right, he is - effectively saying that compulsion should be replaced by caution. that people themselves can use personal responsibility. so for example if you are in an empty train carriage why wear a mask but if you are busy, in a crowded situation, then the guidance as to where it but what some people are worried about,

especially those council leaders we talked about, is enforcement. it is not backed up by the law so staff can tell people where to get off literally if they don�*t have a facemask or an exemption but will that lead to disputes, possibly more abuse or assault of staff, so there are genuine concerns i think by local government leaders but i think the government does not want to water down this principle that we are moving to a situation of having to learn to live with the virus, more personal responsibility. i think the only thing that would make them change their mind is a kind of situation you have for example in israel, where many people are double vaccinated, masks disappeared, and now they are being brought back. but thatis now they are being brought back. but that is really driven by the incidence of the virus, rather than anything else. i think as far as the rule changes are concerned, the government we want to see how this works out and see whether people are indeed taking personal responsibility, because nobody is really quite sure it makes it very difficult to modeljust how many extra infections were going to get. all yep, thank you for now. iain

watson. let�*s assess the situation in wales as well because we�*ve been hearing from mark drakeford. the welsh government is planning to lift most covid restrictions on august the 7th. but face masks will still be required on public transport and in most indoor public places. some restrictions will be eased from saturday — when up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation. the plans depend on the state of the pandemic in wales. the first minister of wales mark drakeford has also confirmed that people who have been double—jabbed will no longer need to self—isolate on returning to wales from an amber list country. though he told the welsh parliament that he regretted the move. i much regret the decision of the uk government to remove the requirement for doubly vaccinated travellers returning from amber list countries to self—isolate. the risk of reimportation of coronavirus from other parts

of the world, and especially new variants, has not gone away. the removal of a defence against that risk, and especially at a time when the virus is in such rapid circulation, is very difficult to understand. but because the vast majority of international travel to and from wales is via england, it is, as our chief medical officer says, untenable for us not to do the same thing. we will therefore remove the requirement for all adults who have had two nhs covid vaccines, and for under 18—year—olds, to self—isolate on their return from amber list countries, and we will remove those requirements from the 19th ofjuly. however, we continue to advise against all but essential travel abroad, and we continue to strongly recommend to people to holiday at home this summer.

let�*s go now to mark hutchings who�*s in cardiff for us. the issue of face coverings dominating political conversation here today so just remind us exactly what mark drakeford is saying about theirs in wales.— theirs in wales. quite an easy answer really, _ theirs in wales. quite an easy answer really, nothing - theirs in wales. quite an easy answer really, nothing is - theirs in wales. quite an easy - answer really, nothing is changing, certainly for the foreseeable future. until at least the 7th of august and in most cases beyond, where ever you wear a facemask now, you will have to carry on wearing a facemask. we already knew about public transport and health care settings, but reaffirmed today that you will also have to carry on wearing facemasks in shops and in hospitality, the only caveat to that is that the changes that are planned for the 7th of august, subject to covert rates being sufficiently low, and the welsh government say that

they will lift the need to wear facemasks in hospitality, so pubs for example. so it is quite clear cut at the moment, you will have to carry on wearing a facemask. i know there are concerns people raise about confusion, certainly in travelling across the border. i suppose the order that those making the case for devolution, that is the nature of devolution, individual nations are fully entitled to set their own rules. 50 nations are fully entitled to set their own rules.— nations are fully entitled to set their own rules. so some easing of regulations. _ their own rules. so some easing of regulations. we — their own rules. so some easing of regulations, we have _ their own rules. so some easing of regulations, we have had - their own rules. so some easing of regulations, we have had that - regulations, we have had that outlined, but again a sense of caution i think from mark drakeford? yes, i mean he is by nature a cautious man. very different of course from the prime minister, the style of the presentation of the uk and welsh governments have been like chalk and cheese really during the whole course of this pandemic and so that continuous. we heard a clip there of the first minister raising concerns about people not having to quarantine coming back from those amber countries if they are double

vaccinated and still advising people within wales not to travel abroad for holidays. having said that, i think the planned changes for the 7th of august to go beyond what many people were expecting. it would see the end to social distancing, the two metre rule, they would have to be risk assessments put in place instead. and limits on how many people could meet they would be lifted. so i don�*t —— i think it does go further than many people have anticipated but it is subject to all those caveats, and another review within the next three weeks before there is any talk of restrictions being lifted completely and certainly no talk of any sort of freedom day. and certainly no talk of any sort of freedom day-— freedom day. mark hutchings in cardiff, freedom day. mark hutchings in cardiff. thank — freedom day. mark hutchings in cardiff, thank you _ very much. now we will turn to northern ireland. the government has confirmed plans to bring forward legislation to ban all prosecutions related to the troubles in northern ireland. the secretary of state brandon lewis has told parliament the decision is "the best way to help northern ireland move further along the road to reconciliation." let�*s take a look at the three proposals in the white paper.

a statute of limitations, which is a law preventing legal proceedings being taken after a certain period of time, would end all prosecutions of ex—paramilitaries and former members of the security services in troubles—related cases. the proposals also include plans for a new independent body to focus on the recovery and provision of information about troubles—related deaths and most serious injuries. brandon lewis said another proposal included a "major oral history initiative�*. he said it would create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives related to the troubles, in which 3,500 people lost their lives. i can speak now to lord dannatt, who was head of the british army and is now a member of the house of lords.

a very good afternoon. jane, good afternoon- — a very good afternoon. jane, good afternoon. what _ a very good afternoon. jane, good afternoon. what balm, _ a very good afternoon. jane, good afternoon. what balm, if - a very good afternoon. jane, good afternoon. what balm, if any, - a very good afternoon. jane, good afternoon. what balm, if any, can| afternoon. what balm, if any, can these proposals, can this white paper offer to those so many families who were affected by the troubles? for years we have all been trying to find a _ for years we have all been trying to find a way— for years we have all been trying to find a way to bring closure to many of the _ find a way to bring closure to many of the so _ find a way to bring closure to many of the so far— find a way to bring closure to many of the so far unresolved deaths. you have mentioned quite correctly some 3500 people lost their lives during the period of the troubles. i would point _ the period of the troubles. i would point out — the period of the troubles. i would point out that actually 90% of those where _ point out that actually 90% of those where the _ point out that actually 90% of those where the hands of parliamentary and only 10%_ where the hands of parliamentary and only 10% are to do with the military. _ only 10% are to do with the military, most of whom were carrying out their— military, most of whom were carrying out their operations thoroughly legally — out their operations thoroughly legally. but there is this issue of unresolved deaths, and i think the proposal— unresolved deaths, and i think the proposal to have a statute of limitations is not ideal. i would call it— limitations is not ideal. i would call it a — limitations is not ideal. i would call it a least worst option but actually — call it a least worst option but actually it does provide an opportunity for families to know what _

opportunity for families to know what happened and have some degree of closure _ what happened and have some degree of closure about the loss of their loved _ of closure about the loss of their loved ones, and this enquiry process will be _ loved ones, and this enquiry process will be able — loved ones, and this enquiry process will be able to go forward in a much freer— will be able to go forward in a much freer fashion when people who have been questioned won't feel that they run the _ been questioned won't feel that they run the risk— been questioned won't feel that they run the risk of incriminating themselves or incriminating their friends _ themselves or incriminating their friends and running the risk of being — friends and running the risk of being charged and being prosecuted, because _ being charged and being prosecuted, because we have seen with the collapse — because we have seen with the collapse of recent trials that trying — collapse of recent trials that trying to _ collapse of recent trials that trying to get admissible evidence to follow— trying to get admissible evidence to follow a _ trying to get admissible evidence to follow a resolution through the courts — follow a resolution through the courts just follow a resolution through the courtsjust isn't follow a resolution through the courts just isn't working. follow a resolution through the courtsjust isn't working. so follow a resolution through the courts just isn't working. so this statute — courts just isn't working. so this statute of— courts just isn't working. so this statute of limitations to have an open _ statute of limitations to have an open fact—finding process i think is to be _ open fact—finding process i think is to be welcomed as a way of trying to -et to be welcomed as a way of trying to get closure _ to be welcomed as a way of trying to get closure for many of these so far unresolved — get closure for many of these so far unresolved deaths and issues arriving — unresolved deaths and issues arriving -- _ unresolved deaths and issues arriving —— arising from the troubles _ arriving —— arising from the troubles |_ arriving -- arising from the troubles-— arriving -- arising from the troubles. , ., ., ., troubles. i spoke to someone from the a-rou troubles. i spoke to someone from the group relatives _ troubles. i spoke to someone from the group relatives for— troubles. i spoke to someone from the group relatives forjustice, - troubles. i spoke to someone from. the group relatives forjustice, who described these proposals is the actions of a cowardly government that doesn�*t want its soldiers in court. is there truth in that statement?—

court. is there truth in that statement? ., , , ., statement? no, but i can understand wh that statement? no, but i can understand why that group _ statement? no, but i can understand why that group might _ statement? no, but i can understand why that group might want _ statement? no, but i can understand why that group might want to - statement? no, but i can understand why that group might want to say - why that group might want to say that _ why that group might want to say that but — why that group might want to say that but i — why that group might want to say that. but i think we have to put this thing — that. but i think we have to put this thing in the widest context and i this thing in the widest context and l was _ this thing in the widest context and i was alluding to that just now. 3500 _ i was alluding to that just now. 3500 people lost their lives, 10% as a result— 3500 people lost their lives, 10% as a result of— 3500 people lost their lives, 10% as a result of security forces's action, _ a result of security forces's action, that in some 350 lives lost. the vast _ action, that in some 350 lives lost. the vast majority of those lives lost as — the vast majority of those lives lost as a — the vast majority of those lives lost as a result of security forces action— lost as a result of security forces action was— lost as a result of security forces action was through soldiers and policemen returning fire horse topping — policemen returning fire horse topping incidents where paramilitaries were attacking them. so it can _ paramilitaries were attacking them. so it can only be seen in the widest context _ so it can only be seen in the widest context 0f— so it can only be seen in the widest context. of course you can criticise the process, — context. of course you can criticise the process, but actually this i think— the process, but actually this i think is— the process, but actually this i think is a — the process, but actually this i think is a welcome move. it is a beneficial— think is a welcome move. it is a beneficial process. it will also have — beneficial process. it will also have the _ beneficial process. it will also have the effect of freeing veterans from the _ have the effect of freeing veterans from the worry that if they are questioned and this is about events going _ questioned and this is about events going back— questioned and this is about events going back to the 70s and 80s, they will be _ going back to the 70s and 80s, they will be free — going back to the 70s and 80s, they will be free from the worry of possible _ will be free from the worry of possible further prosecution, and that means we have a chance of getting — that means we have a chance of getting to — that means we have a chance of getting to the truth and solving and

understanding how some people lost their lives _ understanding how some people lost their lives. sol understanding how some people lost their lives. so i can understand why that group— their lives. so i can understand why that group would say that but i think— that group would say that but i think we — that group would say that but i think we got to put it in the widest context— think we got to put it in the widest context and actually welcome this as a positive _ context and actually welcome this as a positive step, another step to help— a positive step, another step to help northern ireland move forward, deal with— help northern ireland move forward, deal with the past, enjoy the present— deal with the past, enjoy the present and look forward to a better future _ present and look forward to a better future. but— present and look forward to a better future. �* ., , , ., future. but if it was truly about reconciliation, _ future. but if it was truly about reconciliation, if _ future. but if it was truly about reconciliation, if that _ future. but if it was truly about reconciliation, if that could - future. but if it was truly about reconciliation, if that could be | reconciliation, if that could be achieved, wouldn�*t we be looking at something where families felt included and involved, where power—sharing parties were part of it? i mean, there are so many different groups who simply don�*t agree with this that that surely can�*t result in reconciliation? i can't result in reconciliation? i think reconciliation is a wonderful aim, _ think reconciliation is a wonderful aim, i_ think reconciliation is a wonderful aim, ithink— think reconciliation is a wonderful aim, i think it may be difficult to achieve — aim, i think it may be difficult to achieve in— aim, i think it may be difficult to achieve in significant measure. i think— achieve in significant measure. i think it — achieve in significant measure. i think it should be there as a goal but i _ think it should be there as a goal but i think— think it should be there as a goal but i think what is more achievable, as far— but i think what is more achievable, as far as— but i think what is more achievable, as far as the — but i think what is more achievable, as far as the statute of limitations proposal— as far as the statute of limitations proposal is— as far as the statute of limitations proposal is concerned is getting greater— proposal is concerned is getting greater clarity on what happened in the number of incidents so that families— the number of incidents so that families who want to know, and not every— families who want to know, and not every family does want to know but those _

every family does want to know but those families who want to know will actually _ those families who want to know will actually be _ those families who want to know will actually be able to get hold of the facts more easily about what happened to their loved one. currently, as i have said just now, trying _ currently, as i have said just now, trying to— currently, as i have said just now, trying to follow cases through the criminal— trying to follow cases through the criminaljustice system, that'sjust criminal justice system, that's just not criminaljustice system, that'sjust not working. too much evidence is old, not working. too much evidence is old. is _ not working. too much evidence is old, is inadmissible, and i think if people _ old, is inadmissible, and i think if people really want to know what's happening, they should embrace this proposal— happening, they should embrace this proposal in— happening, they should embrace this proposal in the command paper that comes— proposal in the command paper that comes out— proposal in the command paper that comes out in the legislation the government will bring forward probably in the autumn. xliter? government will bring forward probably in the autumn. very many thanks for your _ probably in the autumn. very many thanks for your time _ probably in the autumn. very many thanks for your time this _ probably in the autumn. very many| thanks for your time this afternoon. the former head of the british army of course, lord dannatt. 20 past four. these are the afternoon�*s headlines. leaders in the north east of england put pressure on the prime minister, as they call for national restrictions to remain for wearing face coverings on public transport. it comes after london�*s mayor makes them mandatory on tfl public transport services. the first minister of wales announces most coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in wales from 7th august — but face masks will still be required in most

indoor public places. over two thirds of adults across the uk have had their second dose of the covid—19 vaccine. that is the equivalent of nearly 67% of all people aged 18 and over. in the past hour, the health secretary sajid javid has been speaking about this latest milestone. well, more than two in three adults across the uk have now had their second dose of the vaccine. this is a significant milestone in our vaccination programme. already the best in the world. this is building up best in the world. this is building up our huge vaccine wall, giving us the protection that we all want to see, which has already meant, according to the latest numbers we have, some 8 million people have not been infected because of the

vaccine. it has saved some 30,000 lives, and i think thisjust vaccine. it has saved some 30,000 lives, and i think this just speaks to the huge success of our programme, the strength of the union, how we can all work together on this, and we have more to do. we want more people to come forward but i think at this point we can mark this milestone and really think about the huge wall of defence we have collectively built together. the health secretary talking about the latest in the vaccination programme. the prime minister has promised action to deal with racism in football. he says fans who racially abuse players online will be banned from matches — �*no if, no buts, no excuses�*. he also threatened to fine social media companies 10% of their global revenues if they fail to deal with racial abuse and hate online. but in the commons, the labour leader sir keir starmer accused borisjohnson of failing to condemn those who boo players when they take the knee. our political correspondent ben wright has the latest. taking a stand against racism at wembley on sunday. england took the knee before every game of the european championship, but, following defeat in the final,

there was a torrent of racist online abuse against three of the team�*s black players. in withington, a mural of marcus rashford was defaced, before being covered up. and, in the commons this lunchtime, borisjohnson said there would be action taken. what we are doing is today taking practical steps to ensure that the football banning order regime is changed, so that if you are guilty, mr speaker, of racist abuse online of footballers, then you will not be going to the match, no ifs, no buts, no exemptions and no excuses. but some in the england squad say the government should have done more to support their stand against racism. the defender tyrone mings accused the home secretary priti patel of stoking the fire, after she previously called taking the knee "gesture politics". some tory mps and activists have said their party has ended up on the wrong side of the issue.

i think it has been difficult for many people on our side of the house to see the distinction between the very good and proper reasons as to why footballers take the knee, and their supporters agree with them taking the knee and, unfortunately, some of the stranger views, as some of the black lives matter organisations, which i don't agree with at all. at prime minister�*s questions, labour�*s leader said borisjohnson had refused to condemn the fans who booed the england team. the prime minister has tried to stoke a culture war - and they have realised _ they are on the wrong side and now they hope no one has noticed. why else would a conservative mp boast that he is not _ watching his own team? why else would another conservative | mp say that marcus rashford spendsj too much time playing politics i when he is actually trying to feed children the government won't? i don�*t want to engage

in a political culture war of any kind, i want to get on with delivering for the people of this country. he simply wants to get on with dithering. the snp�*s westminster leader asked if there was systemic racism in the uk. i do think that racism is a problem in the united kingdom and i believe it needs to be tackled and it needs to be stamped out. the racial abuse that followed sunday�*s final has been met with condemnation, far beyond westminster, but it has underscored the issue footballers have been protesting about and has kicked it right back into the centre of politics. ben wright, bbc news. let�*s speak now with carmel glassbrook, from the uk safer internet centre, a partnership of three organisations which promote the safe use of technology for young people. hello. a very good afternoon, carmel. .,

hello. a very good afternoon, carmel.- how— hello. a very good afternoon, carmel.- how helpful i hello. a very good afternoon, carmel.- how helpful is| hello. a very good afternoon, i carmel.- how helpful is it hello. a very good afternoon, - carmel.- how helpful is it to carmel. hello. how helpful is it to ut carmel. hello. how helpful is it to put so much _ carmel. hello. how helpful is it to put so much emphasis _ carmel. hello. how helpful is it to put so much emphasis on - carmel. hello. how helpful is it to put so much emphasis on trying i carmel. ij2i.i.;r>. how helpful is it to put so much emphasis on trying to tackle social media companies in all of this? , 1' tackle social media companies in all of this? , ~ ., ., of this? yes, i think that social media companies _ of this? yes, i think that social media companies certainly - of this? yes, i think that social| media companies certainly have of this? yes, i think that social i media companies certainly have a part to play in tackling this abuse and responding to incidents when they happen, but it is not the be all and end all, and i think tackling racism generally requires a combination of lots of different agencies and laws and policies and certainly there is a lot more work that needs to be done off—line to find the root cause and tackle that and educate it around this issue of racism more broadly.— and educate it around this issue of racism more broadly. because people weren't dealing _ racism more broadly. because people weren't dealing with _ racism more broadly. because people weren't dealing with it _ racism more broadly. because people weren't dealing with it they _ weren�*t dealing with it they wouldn�*t be going on twitter or otherwise would they? it is wouldn't be going on twitter or otherwise would they? it is real --eole at otherwise would they? it is real people at home _ otherwise would they? it is real people at home writing - otherwise would they? it is real people at home writing this - otherwise would they? it is real| people at home writing this that otherwise would they? it is real- people at home writing this that are saying these horrible things that is what needs to be i think as well. so

while instagram, facebook and twitter have a role to play and there are certainly more they could do, there is always room for improvement. i would like to see more of a focus on the kind of broad societal structures we have that are systemically racist.— systemically racist. yes. when you sa there systemically racist. yes. when you say there are _ systemically racist. yes. when you say there are some _ systemically racist. yes. when you say there are some extra - systemically racist. yes. when you say there are some extra things i systemically racist. yes. when you i say there are some extra things they could do, some extra measures they could do, some extra measures they could take, what could they be doing that they don�*t currently manage to do? i that they don't currently manage to do? 1' . , that they don't currently manage to do? 1' ~ , ~ that they don't currently manage to do? ~' ., , ., . , do? i think what they are currently doinu a do? i think what they are currently doing a great _ do? i think what they are currently doing a great but _ do? i think what they are currently doing a great but there _ do? i think what they are currently doing a great but there is - do? i think what they are currently doing a great but there is perhaps| do? i think what they are currently| doing a great but there is perhaps a room for scaling up. so safety and policy teams within these platforms are usually quite small. we see platforms could employ more moderators, we could see platforms adopt pre—moderation, so looking at stuff before it is uploaded on their platforms. obviously that is not going to be something that is a big win for every platform because a lot of social media is about constantly

having content there and having people engaged, so if there was a delay in posting stuff it might not be suitable for everyone, there are things around moderation that could maybe be improved, or what they are doing which is larger. i think as well there is a lot of technology that could come into play here. a lot of social media platforms already use artificial intelligence to look out for keywords and phrases. if you have used instagram in the last few months, you will notice that if you post anything to do with covid it will come up with a little banner telling you where to access more information about covid—19, so there are definitely kind of things in place on these platforms and i think it is about using that technology for other behaviours and other harms. sometimes, this is probably a very technically ignorant question, and i�*m not sure how to phrase it, but are there situations where situations are actually exaggerated by the technology? i suppose i mean

bots that pick up on things and somehow get things we tweeted? she might have one horrible racist individual out there who does is something that is racist and that person needs to be stopped but actually that is picked up and repeated and repeated and repeated and it makes it look as if there are 1000 vile people saying racist things. 1000 vile people saying racist thins. , , , ., 1000 vile people saying racist thins. , , ., , things. yes, i suppose that could be art of the things. yes, i suppose that could be part of the problem. _ things. yes, i suppose that could be part of the problem. i _ things. yes, i suppose that could be part of the problem. i think- things. yes, i suppose that could be part of the problem. i think we - things. yes, i suppose that could be part of the problem. i think we saw| part of the problem. i think we saw that quite a lot in the last few elections we have had as well, the last couple of years, with bots being made to enlarge stories, or spread kind of misinformation, and that�*s where i think there is technology within platforms to weed out these fake accounts, and i certainly would like to see more of that as well, i think that fake accounts are a really big problem, not only in matters like this where it is enlarging your problem, or drawing too much attention to it, but kind of in information warfare as well, it is easy to spread

misinformation via facebook accounts that aren�*t attached to a real person and have no accountability. exactly. goodness, we have been talking about fake accounts for years, what more could be done in terms of providing id, verification, understanding which country there�*s accounts are based in, because even gareth southgate talked about the fact that some of the really vile abuse had originated outside the uk. i mean, where are we on trying to tackle all of that?— i mean, where are we on trying to tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that — tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that is _ tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that is not _ tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that is not me _ tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that is not me that - tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that is not me that has - tackle all of that? well, you know, luckily that is not me that has to i luckily that is not me that has to come up with the solution because i think it is going to be really hard, and there is no real silver bullet here. i have seen a petition going round unlined of the last couple of days calling for social media companies to require that people share a photographic id in order to have an account. and on paper that looks like a really good idea, but actually, it is kind of quite tone deaf to suggest that because not everyone has a photo id. there are i think 2 million adults in the uk that don�*t actually own a piece of

photographic id and there is a large proportion of people that would not want to share that information with a social media platform. we have seen them have a telex in the past and people often are reluctant to even use their own real name on a social media accounts of what is the likelihood that they are then going to share one of the most personal bits of information that we hold with these platforms? so that is certainly not a solution, although i think it is good that people are having these ideas in these conversations are going on. i think there is an industry of online safety and we need people to be thinking about this. but photo id is not the one so far. maybe there are other tactics and things people can employ. i think one of the main things around the online hamas bill as well will be about how police and law enforcement can access information about accounts and the users behind them. at the moment, there is a really long process and

it is called ripper, basically an online search warrant at police have to do to get information from social media networks. at the moment that stores quite a lot of the process. if there was a quicker, more succinct way and get information about users and where they are, so what their vpn is, sorry, their isp address, then that will probably make people a bit more accountable online as well because they will be a lot easier to track.— a lot easier to track. good to talk to ou. a lot easier to track. good to talk to you- thank— a lot easier to track. good to talk to you. thank you. _ now it is time for the weather. here is chris. for most of us, the weather will be fine and dry through the rest of the day. in england and wales we have the best of the sunshine. the exception is east anglia, but even here it will turn brighter. turning

cloudierfor the rest of here it will turn brighter. turning cloudier for the rest of the afternoon in northern ireland and a patch of rain in the scottish highlands. the highest temperatures, 25 in london and cardiff. it will be warm in the sunshine. overnight, cloud will spread in from the north—west and it will trap the day�*s heat in and it will be quite a warm night. these are the lowest temperatures by the end of the night, 12 to 16. there will be more cloud in the sky across england and wales tomorrow, but it should break and there will be sunshine. much more sunshine in scotland and it will be a good deal warmer with temperatures reaching 25. hello this is bbc news with jane hill. the headlines... leaders in the north—east of england put pressure on the prime minister as they call for national restrictions to remain for wearing face coverings on public transport.

it comes after london�*s mayor makes them mandatory on tfl public transport services. the first minister of wales announces that most coronavirus restrictions are lifting in wales from 7th august, but face masks will still be required in most indoor public places. the government confirms it will ban all prosecutions against those who committed crimes during the troubles in northern ireland. labour says it�*s an amnesty in all but name and is highly offensive to victims�* families. borisjohnson promises new measures to deal with racism in football, including banning fans who racially abuse players from attending matches. and britney spears�* battle to end the conservatorship that has controlled her life for thirteen years goes back to court in los angeles.

sport and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre here�*s austin. good afternoon. the british and irish lions have had a major boost before their first test against south africa next week. tour captain alun wynjones will return to the squad, despite dislocating his shoulder just over two weeks ago. the wales captain picked up the injury, in the lions�* first warm—up match against japan last month before the tour even started. but after training with the wales squad over the last few days, he�*ll now fly out to south africa tomorrow to rejoin the lions who have their biggest test so far this evening. they face a very strong south africa a side in cape town ahead of the first test a week on saturday. he is an incredible person and player on and off the pitch. he is diligent, works extremely hard and if he does get injured, i know how

hard he works to get himself back as quickly as possible. nothing surprises me with him. if he is able tojoin us at surprises me with him. if he is able to join us at some point surprises me with him. if he is able tojoin us at some point in surprises me with him. if he is able to join us at some point in time, surprises me with him. if he is able tojoin us at some point in time, it will be a huge boost for the squad and everyone involved. in will be a huge boost for the squad and everyone involved.— and everyone involved. in the last few minutes _ and everyone involved. in the last few minutes the _ and everyone involved. in the last few minutes the man _ and everyone involved. in the last few minutes the man in _ and everyone involved. in the last few minutes the man in the - and everyone involved. in the last| few minutes the man in the yellow jersey, first to the summit on the hardest, steepest stage of the race means the defending champion has extended his lead to five minutes and 39 seconds. the ineos grenadiers team finished behind to move up to second and third in the overall stages. rafael benitez says he�*s been "accepted" by the majority of everton fans after taking over as manager, despite his previous links with rivals liverpool. the spaniard held his first press conference earlier, after signing as manager this summer.

benitez spent almost six years with everton�*s city—rivals liverpool, guiding them to champions league and fa cup titles. but now, he says he�*s determined to "fight for everton", a club that�*s "getting bigger and bigger". the evertonians around my place, they are quite happy and they are very supportive, even the liverpudlians were accepting that it is a chance and an opportunity for me to come back to the premier league, to compete for something. so it was quite good, we can talk about one or two people, we never know, so then i think it is better to talk about being positive, how a lot of people were encouraging me to do well and i am people were encouraging me to do welland i am happy people were encouraging me to do well and i am happy with that. elsewhere, nine of the cricketers forced to isolate after the positive covid tests in the england squad, have returned for the t20 series against pakistan. eoin morgan will lead the side but that does mean a lot

of the make—shift team, that sealed a 3—0 series win over pakistan last night, miss out. bowler saqib mahmood is one of the few that keeps his place. it has been a special week. to put in consistent performances has been great. the first game i did really well and then my drive after that was to keep backing up performances and keep putting in those performances and show some consistency and i am glad i did that in the end. a week ago no one was talking about me, i was not part of the squad. everything has happened very quickly and i am just trying to take it in my stride a little bit. final preparations are under way at royal st george�*s ahead of the start of golf�*s open championship tomorrow. and englishman lee westwood will be hoping not to create his own bit of history at royal st george�*s this week. the former world number one would overtake jay haas�* record for the most major appearances without a victory should he be unable to lift the claretjug on sunday.

and although the course has got the better of him before, he�*s feeling pretty confident. coming into this week i have played here twice in the open championship and missed the cut both times. i had a bit of a mental block that i didn�*t like the golf course and i played it yesterday and i really enjoyed it. i loved the way it was set up. it turned my head around and made me look forward to the week even more. so, yes, iam positive and hoping i can find some form and get into contention. that�*s all the sport for now. i�*ll have more for you in the next hour. the european commission has published plans for the world s first "carbon border tax" as part of an ambitious package of proposals to help reduce the eu s carbon emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels by the end of the decade. its a first step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050. so how does the carbon

border tax work? our reality check correspondent chris morris is here to explain. the carbon border tax is an idea whose time appears to have come. ?it s potentially a hugely significant move, which will be watched closely around the world, not least here in the uk, where the government is thinking about doing something similar to help meet its carbon emissions targets, and to protect local industry. so how does it work? officially its known as a carbon border adjustment mechanism or cbam. and what the eu scheme will do is establish a carbon price for the import of certain goods from outside the eu. the aim — to avoid what s known as carbon leakage, bringing in dirtier, cheaper products from abroad. both the eu and the uk run emissions trading schemes which means some domestic manufacturers or energy companies

are charged for each tonne of carbon dioxide they emit when they produce things. the idea is to create a financial incentive for companies to bring those emissions down by, for example, using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. here s what happening to the price of carbon in the eu at the moment. it s just over ?50 a tonne. ?since the uk s own post—brexit scheme opened in may it has been about the same, but slightly higher. and the uk also has a separate carbon levy of £18 a tonne, giving it the highest overall carbon price in the world. so, companies based in europe are paying for their carbon and the border tax is designed to level the playing field, and make sure pollution doesn t get imported. the eu scheme may focus first on importers of electricity, iron and steel, cement, aluminium, and some fertilisers. in other words, not all imports.

we are talking about heavy industry, power generation and these are the factors that are exposed to carbon in the eu and the idea is to make sure that the same time and price that you produced domestically is the same price that the importers or exporters or to pay when they want to trade with the eu. but there are still several issues surrounding carbon border taxes which cause concern. could they create trade disputes? china and india, along with russia in particular, are among several countries worried about trade protectionism. could a new layer of bureaucracy make it more difficult for smaller companies to import goods? if the system for calculating carbon input is really complicated, then potentially yes. and should the very poorest countries around the world be exempt? they don t export that much anyway, and they probably can t afford

to compete with an extra carbon tax on their products. this is a new area of policy, and the debate about it isn t only happening in europe — the united states is also looking line, its supporters say there s no point in having carbon pricing at home, unless you also tax carbon at your borders as well. ? ? chris morris, thank you. we are going to bring you the latest covid figures that have come through in the last few moments. 42,302 new cases confirmed in the last 24—hour period. also 49 deaths confirmed with covid in the last 24—hour period. as ever, that is someone who has died within 28 days of having a positive covid test.

those are the new coronavirus figures. we do know that more than two thirds of all uk adults have now had both doses of covid vaccine. in terms of covid more broadly, you may note that the continuing conversation this afternoon has been about masks. covid restrictions are due to ease in england on monday. it is difficult depending where you live in the uk, but we have had all sorts of political comments and movement over the course of the afternoon. it started with the mayor of london, sadiq khan, saying face coverings will remain compulsory on tfl. that means all public transport in the capital. when things ease on monday that does not mean you can stop wearing a mask on monday in the

capital. sadiq khan says he felt that rule should have been maintained across the country, but he has the power to make it compulsory in the capital. from monday, rules do not change, you have to wear a mask on public transport. but then over the last couple of hours we have had lots of political leaders in other parts of england making similar noises. it is complicated because they do not have the power sadiq khan has in the capital. we heard from the mayor of the west midlands, andy street, and he has been pretty forthright this afternoon, the conservative mayor saying he expects all passengers on all forms of public transport in his region to keep wearing a face covering. other various political leaders have been making similar noises as well. i�*m joined now by tom ba rtosak—harlow. he�*s the head of external relations at the confederation of passenger transport uk. good afternoon. good afternoon. what

would ou good afternoon. good afternoon. what would you like — good afternoon. good afternoon. what would you like to _ good afternoon. good afternoon. what would you like to see? _ good afternoon. good afternoon. what would you like to see? what _ good afternoon. good afternoon. what would you like to see? what do - good afternoon. good afternoon. what would you like to see? what do you . would you like to see? what do you think the rules should be? istate would you like to see? what do you think the rules should be? we think it is for the government _ think the rules should be? we think it is for the government to - think the rules should be? we think it is for the government to make . think the rules should be? we think it is for the government to make it. it is for the government to make it clear on whether face coverings should or should not be worn on public transport. the government has access to the science and it has to be clear that face coverings still have a role to play in combating kevin 19, in which case they need to be mandating them as which they are today in all enclosed, public spaces. orthey today in all enclosed, public spaces. or they no longer have a role, and they need to be clear about that, and remove this halfway house, which is encouraging public transport operators to still require it without making it a legal requirement as it is today. does the confusion and _ requirement as it is today. does the confusion and the _ requirement as it is today. does the confusion and the difference - confusion and the difference depending on which part of the country you live and make it tricky for staff, for people running public transport? for staff, for people running public transort? ~ , , ~ for staff, for people running public transort? ~ , , . ., for staff, for people running public transort? ~ , . ., , transport? absolutely. we have been workin: transport? absolutely. we have been working really — transport? absolutely. we have been working really closely _ transport? absolutely. we have been working really closely with _ transport? absolutely. we have been working really closely with the - transport? absolutely. we have been working really closely with the bus i working really closely with the bus industry to make sure there is a

consistency of message for people outside london. clearly the mayor of london has made his own decision today. what passengers can expect from bus operators outside of london from bus operators outside of london from next week is we will not be mandating face coverings because thatis mandating face coverings because that is a decision for government to take with access to the science, but we will be encouraging people to follow that clear government guidance to wear a face covering on public transport and we will be asking people to do so. so public transport and we will be asking people to do so. so you are askin: asking people to do so. so you are asking people _ asking people to do so. so you are asking people to — asking people to do so. so you are asking people to do _ asking people to do so. so you are asking people to do so. _ asking people to do so. so you are asking people to do so. we - asking people to do so. so you are asking people to do so. we know i asking people to do so. so you are i asking people to do so. we know the prime minister says it is a matter of personal responsibility. that is how he views it.— how he views it. yes, and i think that is right. _ how he views it. yes, and i think that is right, but _ how he views it. yes, and i think that is right, but one _ how he views it. yes, and i think that is right, but one of- how he views it. yes, and i think that is right, but one of the i that is right, but one of the problems with what the government has done is they have now made it possible for millions of people to make an individual choice over whether to wear a face covering on public transport or not. it is something they should have taken leadership on and made it clear they are either still required and mandating them in enclosed public spaces as well, or making it clear

they are not required and removing any guidance or requirement for them to be there. that halfway house is adding to the confusion. istate to be there. that halfway house is adding to the confusion.— to be there. that halfway house is adding to the confusion. we will see how all of this _ adding to the confusion. we will see how all of this pans _ adding to the confusion. we will see how all of this pans out. _ adding to the confusion. we will see how all of this pans out. thank i adding to the confusion. we will see how all of this pans out. thank you i how all of this pans out. thank you very much for now. the government is publishing a strategy for radically cutting carbon emissions from transport in the united kingdom. it�*s the latest move to banish almost entirely emissions from every sector of the british economy by 2050. roger harrabin reports. transport is central to all of our lives. we can�*t do without it. it is also the biggest source of the uk�*s planet—heating carbon emissions. so what to do? the government�*s biggest decision

so far to phase in electric cars has already been taken. now ministers want to speed up the process by imposing targets on manufacturers to sell more clean vehicles. lorries are next in line. dirty diesel will be banished for new trucks by 2040. manufacturers are working to improve electric lorries. batteries or hydrogen look likely solutions. then there is aviation, the most controversial. climate experts say ministers must curb the projected growth in people flying on holiday as well as seeking new technologies for aviation. electric planes and hydrogen planes are already operating, but at a tiny scale. they will be expected to be zero carbon for domestic flights by 2040 and internationalflights by 2050. any residual emissions will be offset by, say, planting trees. the answer in the future is to get to guilt—free flying and this country is committed to becoming the first in the world to fly transatlantic, within our generation, carbon free. it is all to do with the technology that we are starting

to see developed now. and that is the way forward. not to think that we have to suddenly stop being able to move around. but critics say the government�*s policies don�*t add up. they complain that the uk�*s £27 billion road programme will increase traffic when ministers want to decrease traffic. the high—speed rail project, hs2, with all its steel and concrete may not be zero emissions until the end of the century. we welcome the fact that the government has a strategy. but its technology heavily relies on developments that have not yet occurred. the idea of zero emission aviation is, frankly, pie in the sky. what the government should be doing now to deal with carbon is to move people away from planes and private cars onto buses and trains which are much less carbon intensive. experts say tackling the climate crisis will require some degree of behaviour change. like getting me or perhaps you out of our car onto a bike or our feet. either way, it won�*t be solved, they say, by technology alone. roger harrabin, bbc news.

prince charles has warned that the uk is in danger of "ripping the heart out of the british countryside" by letting small family farms go to the wall. he says that the focus on producing cheap and plentiful food threatens their survival as well as undermining nature itself. the prince of wales has made his concern for the future of both farming and the environment clear over many years as our chief environment correspondent justin rowlatt reports. super—efficient, intensive agriculture is a dead—end, prince charles said today. he warns that the pursuit of cheap food has damaged our soils and watercourses, as well as producing emissions that have driven global warming. such has been the damage to the natural systems we depend upon, we must achieve profound and rapid change to reverse it. we must put nature back at the heart of the equation. the prince is adamant that small

farms must be a part of that effort. he has been deeply concerned with food and the environment for most of his adult life. our current approach is forcing many small family farms to the wall. if they go, it will quite simply rip the heart out of the british countryside and break the backbone of britain�*s rural communities. prince charles praises the efforts of marcus rashford and jamie oliver to improve the nation�*s diet. i think sometimes just the smell of the fruit and vegetables. he believes we need to switch from industrial farming methods and adopt more sustainable practices. only by benefiting nature can we benefit people. and that will ensure the future of our living planet. prince charles�*s comments come ahead of the publication tomorrow of the national food strategy,

the first major review of britain�*s food system in over 70 years. justin rowlatt, bbc news. britney spears�*s battle to end a controversial conservatorship that has controlled her life for thirteen years goes back to court today. the legal arrangement has given the singer�*s father and others authority over her career and personal life. during a hearing last month britney spears made a passionate case for that to end, describing it �*abusive�*. she claimed the arrangement has forced her to work and take medication against her will and has stoppped herfrom getting married or having a baby. it�*s unclear whether she will appear in court in los angeles for today�*s hearing. our reporter steve holden has been explaining how we got here. three weeks ago, britney spears herself gave evidence to the court, saying she found this

conservatorship abusive, stupid and embarrassing, herwords. she says shejust embarrassing, herwords. she says she just wants embarrassing, herwords. she says shejust wants her embarrassing, herwords. she says she just wants her life embarrassing, herwords. she says shejust wants her life back. one thing she does want is her own lawyer because the lawyer she has had all this time was court appointed, a guy called samuel ingham, he says he does not want the role any more and she wants new lawyer. role any more and she wants new la er. , ' , ., , , role any more and she wants new laer. lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place — lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and _ lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and it _ lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and it controls - lawyer. reminders, 12 years this has been in place and it controls what? i been in place and it controls what? remind us of what she is trying to eradicate. _, , ., ., , , remind us of what she is trying to eradicate. , ., ., , , eradicate. the conservatorship has been placed _ eradicate. the conservatorship has been placed in _ eradicate. the conservatorship has been placed in 2008 _ eradicate. the conservatorship has been placed in 2008 over - eradicate. the conservatorship hasj been placed in 2008 over concerns about her mental health. it is a court order, legal process which means her personal affairs, business affairs, finances, are controlled by largely her father, jamie, and affairs, finances, are controlled by largely herfather, jamie, and she wants out of that. the only problem is she can�*t do that herself, she has to have a lawyer to argue on her behalf. she has approached this high—profile lawyer in hollywood who will argue today to the court that he should represent her. the owners

for britney to get out of this conservatorship herself is to say that she can manage herfinances, she can manage her business herself. more legal argument. this is a very long legal process and this is another marker today. you long legal process and this is another marker toda . ., , , another marker today. you pre-empted me because i — another marker today. you pre-empted me because i was _ another marker today. you pre-empted me because i was about _ another marker today. you pre-empted me because i was about to _ another marker today. you pre-empted me because i was about to say - another marker today. you pre-empted me because i was about to say there i me because i was about to say there is still a long way to go. aha, me because i was about to say there is still a long way to go.— is still a long way to go. a really lona is still a long way to go. a really long way- _ is still a long way to go. a really long way- the — is still a long way to go. a really long way. the conservatorship l is still a long way to go. a really| long way. the conservatorship is is still a long way to go. a really i long way. the conservatorship is in place until september at least and then again once the lawyer gets involved, that she wants, if she gets appointed it, it is another legal row to go down. but her fans, who are so integral to this, they will be out in force again at the courtroom in la, cheering her on, the free britney movement, which she has seen so much of over the last year, back out in force. it will be interesting to hear what goes on today, another chapter in this long—running, legalsaga today, another chapter in this long—running, legal saga for britney spears. long-running, legal saga for britney sears. ,, ., ., ., ~ , spears. our steve holden. that takes us to the weather. _

our weather is going to get drier, sunnier and warmer over the next few days as the pressure rises. find somewhere around the corner. the reason it is changing is down to this area of warm air pushing northwards across the atlantic and that has been changing the jet stream pattern. these waves have been getting much bigger. for us that will build an area of high pressure, but in europe they get stuck with this low pressure and that will bring some really nasty storms into some western areas of germany. we will see some flash flooding problems over the next few days. for us pressure will continue to rise and it is this that will continue to bring us sunny weather. it is all down to those big waves in the jet stream. today from northern england south as we have got then cloud which will thin and break.

across scotland it will stay quite cloudy, and the cloud will build across western areas later today. maybe even a few patches of light rain moving in. temperatures, the highest 25 in london area, warm in the dry sunshine. overnight, cloudy weather pushes into scotland and northern ireland and sinks into england and wales. it is a warm night before sleeping. these are the lowest temperatures for the end of the night. a mild start to the day on thursday. more cloud moving southwards across england and wales and that will thin and break with sunshine later in the day. in scotland much more in the way of sunshine and a lot warmer here with temperatures pushing on to the mid 20s. we end the week with the high pressure still dominating the weather picture and there will be more sunshine in england and wales, but fine as well for scotland and northern ireland and we will see the temperatures rise. highs of 26 in

birmingham, london and cardiff and it will get even hotter than that as we head into the weekend. temperatures into the mid 20s in manchester with good spells of sunshine. we could well see temperatures reaching the very high 20s this weekend.

this is bbc news. the headlines... leaders in the north east of england put pressure on the prime minister, as they call on him to keep national rules on face coverings on public transport. it comes after the mayor of london made them mandatory on public transport in the capital. most covid rules are set to be lifted in wales on seventh august— but facemasks will still be required in most indoor public places. the government confirms its planning to end all prosecutions related to the troubles in northern ireland before 1998. victims�* groups claim it amounts to an amnesty for killers. we know that the prospect of the end of criminal prosecutions will be difficult for some to accept and this is not a position that we take lightly. but we have come to the view that this is the best and only way

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