good morning, it's thursday, welcome to bbc news, i'm victoria derbyshire. here are your latest headlines. it's gcse results day in england, wales and northern ireland with high grades expected after exams were again cancelled due to the pandemic. but the government insists people can be confident in the results. inevitably you will get a higher proportion of top grades in this system this year, but they are still valid grades that are backed up by very real evidence of the performance of those young people. if you're getting you're gcse's today, tell me what the last pretty turbulent year has been like for you? email victoria@bbc.co.uk or message me on instagram or twitter — it's @vicderbyshire. taliban fighters in afghanistan say they have captured the strategically important

city of ghazni as the un warns of an unfolding humanitarian disaster. the uk economy grows by nearly 5% between april and june following the easing of restrictions. new zealand says it will keep its border closed until at least the end of the year to keep covid out. and more wildfires in italy, as sicily records what could be europe's hottest—ever temperature. and coming up this hour — we'll talk to the new star of the track 23—year—old matt walls who won gold and silver at his first olympics.

sorry about that delay. good morning. good morning. more than half a million students in england, wales and northern ireland are receiving their gcse grades this morning with record results predicted. for the second year running, the grades have been based on teachers�* assessments, after exams were cancelled. let's speak to elaine dunkley, our education correspondent, who's in dagenham. have they got their results yet, or is it imminent?— is it imminent? they have got the results. is it imminent? they have got the results- the _ is it imminent? they have got the results. the weight _ is it imminent? they have got the results. the weight felt _ results. the weight felt nerve—racking, but the journey to get to this point has been so difficult for so many students, the disruption, the anxiety. but here today those emotions have turned to relief. let's have a chat to some of the students who have literallyjust opened the envelopes. how did you get on? i opened the envelopes. how did you net on? . opened the envelopes. how did you iet on? ., ., , opened the envelopes. how did you et on? . . , . opened the envelopes. how did you net on? . . , . ., get on? i am really excited, i am really relieved, _ get on? i am really excited, i am really relieved, i _ get on? i am really excited, i am really relieved, i can _ get on? i am really excited, i am really relieved, i can finally - get on? i am really excited, i amj really relieved, i can finally sleep todax _ really relieved, i can finally sleep todax i _ really relieved, i can finally sleep today. i have got the grades i wanted, _ today. i have got the grades i wanted, i_ today. i have got the grades i wanted, i can get into the sixth form _ wanted, i can get into the sixth form i— wanted, i can get into the sixth form i wanted and i can pursue my

careen _ form i wanted and i can pursue my career. really happy. how form i wanted and i can pursue my career. really happy.— career. really happy. how difficult has the journey — career. really happy. how difficult has the journey been _ career. really happy. how difficult has the journey been to _ career. really happy. how difficult has the journey been to this - career. really happy. how difficult has the journey been to this point| has the journey been to this point where you have got the results in your hand?— where you have got the results in your hand? five years of study, it ma be your hand? five years of study, it may be two _ your hand? five years of study, it may be two years _ your hand? five years of study, it may be two years out, _ your hand? five years of study, it may be two years out, definitely l may be two years out, definitely hard. _ may be two years out, definitely hard, definitely a lot of topics missed — hard, definitely a lot of topics missed out and catching up at home and that— missed out and catching up at home and that is_ missed out and catching up at home and that is meant to be a place where — and that is meant to be a place where you _ and that is meant to be a place where you relax, it has been difficult _ where you relax, it has been difficult. in where you relax, it has been difficult. , ., , ., , , difficult. in terms of your results, how are you _ difficult. in terms of your results, how are you feeling? _ difficult. in terms of your results, how are you feeling? satisfied, . difficult. in terms of your results, how are you feeling? satisfied, it| how are you feeling? satisfied, it has not how are you feeling? satisfied, it has got me _ how are you feeling? satisfied, it has got me to — how are you feeling? satisfied, it has got me to the _ how are you feeling? satisfied, it has got me to the place - how are you feeling? satisfied, it has got me to the place i - how are you feeling? satisfied, it has got me to the place i want, l how are you feeling? satisfied, it l has got me to the place i want, but the sky— has got me to the place i want, but the sky is _ has got me to the place i want, but the sky is the limit. you has got me to the place i want, but the sky is the limit.— the sky is the limit. you have done well today and _ the sky is the limit. you have done well today and you _ the sky is the limit. you have done well today and you are _ the sky is the limit. you have done well today and you are happy. - the sky is the limit. you have done well today and you are happy. forl well today and you are happy. for anyone who did not sit exams and had assessed grades, what would you say? people might say it was an easier option. people might say it was an easier 0 tion. ~ , ., ~' people might say it was an easier otion. ~ , ., ~' , option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest. option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest- in _ option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest. in the _ option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest. in the end _ option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest. in the end of— option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest. in the end of the - option. well, i studied, iwork my hardest. in the end of the tests i hardest. in the end of the tests that we — hardest. in the end of the tests that we did _ hardest. in the end of the tests that we did were _ hardest. in the end of the tests that we did were similar- hardest. in the end of the tests that we did were similar to- hardest. in the end of the tests that we did were similar to thei that we did were similar to the gcses, — that we did were similar to the gcses, if— that we did were similar to the gcses, if not _ that we did were similar to the gcses, if not harder, - that we did were similar to the gcses, if not harder, becausel that we did were similar to the . gcses, if not harder, because we that we did were similar to the - gcses, if not harder, because we did more _ gcses, if not harder, because we did more tests — gcses, if not harder, because we did more tests i — gcses, if not harder, because we did more tests. i did _ gcses, if not harder, because we did more tests. i did 62— gcses, if not harder, because we did more tests. i did 62 exams- more tests. i did 62 exams personally. _ more tests. i did 62 exams personally, which - more tests. i did 62 exams personally, which was - more tests. i did 62 examsl personally, which was hard. more tests. i did 62 exams- personally, which was hard. but i think— personally, which was hard. but i think the — personally, which was hard. but i think the work— personally, which was hard. but i think the work that _ personally, which was hard. but i think the work that we _ personally, which was hard. but i think the work that we did - personally, which was hard. but i think the work that we did was i think the work that we did was enough — think the work that we did was enough to— think the work that we did was enough to prove _ think the work that we did was enough to prove the _ think the work that we did was enough to prove the grades. think the work that we did was i enough to prove the grades that think the work that we did was - enough to prove the grades that we

-ot. enough to prove the grades that we not. ~ , ., , ., , got. when you pulled open the envelope. _ got. when you pulled open the envelope, and _ got. when you pulled open the envelope, and you _ got. when you pulled open the envelope, and you know- got. when you pulled open the envelope, and you know what. got. when you pulled open the | envelope, and you know what it got. when you pulled open the i envelope, and you know what it is like with your emotion, your heart pounding, the butterflies, what was your emotion? i pounding, the butterflies, what was your emotion?— your emotion? i was happy because all the hard — your emotion? i was happy because all the hard work _ your emotion? i was happy because all the hard work i _ your emotion? i was happy because all the hard work i put _ your emotion? i was happy because all the hard work i put in _ your emotion? i was happy because all the hard work i put in paid - your emotion? i was happy because all the hard workl put in paid off, l all the hard work i put in paid off, i all the hard work i put in paid off, lwas _ all the hard work i put in paid off, i was happy. _ all the hard workl put in paid off, i was happy-— all the hard workl put in paid off, iwashau . ., i was happy. school life has changed so much, i was happy. school life has changed so much. what _ i was happy. school life has changed so much, what have _ i was happy. school life has changed so much, what have the _ i was happy. school life has changed so much, what have the past - i was happy. school life has changed so much, what have the past two - so much, what have the past two years been like? it so much, what have the past two years been like?— years been like? it has been so hectic, years been like? it has been so hectic. we _ years been like? it has been so hectic, we have _ years been like? it has been so hectic, we have had _ years been like? it has been so hectic, we have had to - years been like? it has been so hectic, we have had to stay - years been like? it has been so hectic, we have had to stay at i years been like? it has been so - hectic, we have had to stay at home, isolate, _ hectic, we have had to stay at home, isolate, do _ hectic, we have had to stay at home, isolate, do online _ hectic, we have had to stay at home, isolate, do online school, _ hectic, we have had to stay at home, isolate, do online school, miss - hectic, we have had to stay at home, isolate, do online school, miss out . isolate, do online school, miss out on quite _ isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a — isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a lot— isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a lot of— isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a lot of work, _ isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a lot of work, but - isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a lot of work, but in- isolate, do online school, miss out on quite a lot of work, but in the l on quite a lot of work, but in the end we _ on quite a lot of work, but in the end we are — on quite a lot of work, but in the end we are all— on quite a lot of work, but in the end we are all where _ on quite a lot of work, but in the end we are all where we - on quite a lot of work, but in the end we are all where we need i on quite a lot of work, but in the end we are all where we need toj on quite a lot of work, but in the i end we are all where we need to be and it— end we are all where we need to be and it is— end we are all where we need to be and it is great— end we are all where we need to be and it is great to _ end we are all where we need to be and it is great to finally _ end we are all where we need to be and it is great to finally have - and it is great to finally have these — and it is great to finally have these results _ and it is great to finally have these results in _ and it is great to finally have these results in our- and it is great to finally have these results in our hands. i and it is great to finally have . these results in our hands. the hardest part — these results in our hands. hardest part about all these results in our hands. tin; hardest part about all the disruption that you went through? probably trying to catch up on things— probably trying to catch up on things that we missed outside of school— things that we missed outside of school and trying to separate being at home _ school and trying to separate being at home and being at school. it was very stressful, we had to do a lot of things— very stressful, we had to do a lot of things by ourselves.— very stressful, we had to do a lot of things by ourselves. what has it been like as _ of things by ourselves. what has it been like as a _ of things by ourselves. what has it been like as a parent _ of things by ourselves. what has it been like as a parent having - of things by ourselves. what has it been like as a parent having to - been like as a parent having to watch them go through this? so difficult watching them. i think the school— difficult watching them. i think the school themselves— difficult watching them. i think the school themselves have _ difficult watching them. i think the school themselves have given- difficult watching them. i think thel school themselves have given them difficult watching them. i think the - school themselves have given them so much support, — school themselves have given them so much support. even— school themselves have given them so

much support, even though _ school themselves have given them so much support, even though they- school themselves have given them so much support, even though they have | much support, even though they have not had _ much support, even though they have not had the _ much support, even though they have not had the contact. _ much support, even though they have not had the contact. online _ much support, even though they have not had the contact. online they- not had the contact. online they have _ not had the contact. online they have had — not had the contact. online they have had so _ not had the contact. online they have had so much— not had the contact. online they have had so much support - not had the contact. online they have had so much support from| not had the contact. online they. have had so much support from the school _ have had so much support from the school and — have had so much support from the school and the _ have had so much support from the school and the teachers _ have had so much support from the school and the teachers and - have had so much support from the school and the teachers and that i have had so much support from the i school and the teachers and that has made _ school and the teachers and that has made the _ school and the teachers and that has made the difference _ school and the teachers and that has made the difference for— school and the teachers and that has made the difference for me - school and the teachers and that has made the difference for me as - school and the teachers and that has made the difference for me as a - made the difference for me as a parent. — made the difference for me as a parent. knowinq _ made the difference for me as a parent, knowing it _ made the difference for me as a parent, knowing it is _ made the difference for me as a parent, knowing it is not - made the difference for me as a parent, knowing it is notjust. made the difference for me as a parent, knowing it is notjust as| parent, knowing it is notjust as supporting _ parent, knowing it is notjust as supporting the _ parent, knowing it is notjust as supporting the kids, _ parent, knowing it is notjust as supporting the kids, the - parent, knowing it is notjust as supporting the kids, the schooll parent, knowing it is notjust as i supporting the kids, the school is there _ supporting the kids, the school is there as — supporting the kids, the school is there as well _ supporting the kids, the school is there as well.— there as well. incredibly proud arents there as well. incredibly proud parents and — there as well. incredibly proud parents and an _ there as well. incredibly proud parents and an incredibly - there as well. incredibly proud| parents and an incredibly proud there as well. incredibly proud - parents and an incredibly proud head teacher. what a day for your students, but also for the teachers as well. there cannot be many professions that have been through as much change as the teaching profession. how do you feel with the results finally through? we profession. how do you feel with the results finally through?— results finally through? we are so deliahted. results finally through? we are so delighted. seeing _ results finally through? we are so delighted. seeing their— results finally through? we are so delighted. seeing their reactions l delighted. seeing their reactions this morning has been that moment to remember. _ this morning has been that moment to remember, that this is what it is all about — remember, that this is what it is allabout~ it— remember, that this is what it is all about. it is their future asthma. _ all about. it is their future asthma, it is what they have worked so hard _ asthma, it is what they have worked so hard for~ — asthma, it is what they have worked so hard for. it has been hard for teachers. — so hard for. it has been hard for teachers, hired for families and tight— teachers, hired for families and tight for— teachers, hired for families and tight for everybody, but when you put it _ tight for everybody, but when you put it in _ tight for everybody, but when you put it in context of these are young people _ put it in context of these are young people who have had a big part of that youth— people who have had a big part of that youth restricted in so many ways _ that youth restricted in so many ways and — that youth restricted in so many ways and yet here today they are celebrating fantastic achievements.

and there _ celebrating fantastic achievements. and there are those at home getting their results are celebrating their achievements and we really could not be more _ achievements and we really could not be more proud. its achievements and we really could not be more proud-— be more proud. as much as the academic— be more proud. as much as the academic achievements - be more proud. as much as the academic achievements you - be more proud. as much as the l academic achievements you have really had to keep across the emotional and the mental pressures that this pandemic has caused for pupils. that this pandemic has caused for --uils. ., ., that this pandemic has caused for “uils, ., ., 4' ., that this pandemic has caused for --uils. ., ., ~' ., ., pupils. you and i both know how we felt at different _ pupils. you and i both know how we felt at different times _ pupils. you and i both know how we felt at different times through - pupils. you and i both know how we felt at different times through this i felt at different times through this pandemic and you put that through our young — pandemic and you put that through our young people and it is incredibly difficult. the home circumstances, the point about trying — circumstances, the point about trying to— circumstances, the point about trying to separate being at home and learning _ trying to separate being at home and learning and working is incredibly challenging. so the pressures have been real. — challenging. so the pressures have been real, but i think it is having seen _ been real, but i think it is having seen what — been real, but i think it is having seen what they have been able to achieve _ seen what they have been able to achieve over the last couple of months — achieve over the last couple of months and to get those results has made _ months and to get those results has made what — months and to get those results has made what they have been through so worthwhile. how made what they have been through so worthwhile. ., ., , ., , ., worthwhile. how do you feel when you hear about the — worthwhile. how do you feel when you hear about the comparison _ worthwhile. how do you feel when you hear about the comparison to - hear about the comparison to previous years and grade inflation? i don't think it is particularly helpful— i don't think it is particularly helpful because i think we have to really— helpful because i think we have to really focus today on what the students _ really focus today on what the students have achieved and the same

for the _ students have achieved and the same for the a—level results the other day _ for the a—level results the other day. they — for the a—level results the other day. they have been assessed and awarded _ day. they have been assessed and awarded results on the merit of what they have _ awarded results on the merit of what they have produced. that cannot be taken _ they have produced. that cannot be taken away — they have produced. that cannot be taken away from them. it looks really _ taken away from them. it looks really different this year to how it looked _ really different this year to how it looked in — really different this year to how it looked in previous years. let's focus — looked in previous years. let's focus on — looked in previous years. let's focus on the fact they have worked hard and _ focus on the fact they have worked hard and they have got the results they deserve. it hard and they have got the results they deserve-— they deserve. it has been a day of celebration _ they deserve. it has been a day of celebration here, _ they deserve. it has been a day of celebration here, but— they deserve. it has been a day of celebration here, but this is - they deserve. it has been a day of celebration here, but this is a - celebration here, but this is a result they like no other, but there are many similarities. there will be students checking their e—mails who will build disappointed and will be worried about the next stage. there is a lot of advice out there, stay positive. we have got a lot of advice on bbc bite size. speak to your teachers and friends and stay positive and well done on your results. . positive and well done on your results. , ., . ., results. cheers, elaine. well done, everybody- — results. cheers, elaine. well done, everybody- give — results. cheers, elaine. well done, everybody. give yourselves - results. cheers, elaine. well done, everybody. give yourselves a - results. cheers, elaine. well done, everybody. give yourselves a round of applause. we have got some advice coming up in the next few minutes. we have got some advice coming up in the next few minutes. the schools minister for england, nick gibb, has defended the government's policy

of using teacher predicted grades, saying the measure was the best alternative to sitting exams. i think people can be confident of the grades that are being awarded this year. if you think about it, if you think about a teacher assessing a group of students in their class, say that ten of them were very capable of getting an a grade, but in a normal year of those ten a proportion would actually only get a b grade. this year, of course, with all the evidence the teacher has, they are going to allocate as to all ten of the students and that is why inevitably you get a higher proportion of top grades in this system this year, but they are still valid grades that are backed up very real evidence of the performance of those young people. here is a message on instagram. i received my gcse results today and i am happy but i know i could have done better. this past year has not been easy at all after being disrupted by the gcse course with the first lockdown, then the second

one. covid made me sufferfrom ocd and depression and i did not tell the teachers and i have not been able to go to a gp to formally confirm the diagnosis. but i got grades ranging from a to of a maxi, including three as. liz says i cannot stand all this exam results inflation. kids have been through such a difficult time and it would be nice to acknowledge that. if you got your gcse results today are you are getting them this morning, let me know what the last year has been like for you. send me an e—mail or you can catch me on instagram. with me isjoanne elliott who is a careers advisor at the national careers service. and also i'm joined byjorja snook—bevis, a student at budehaven school who is getting her results today. but not before you have been to the okehampton show. tell us why you are going there first, jorja. i am

going there first, jor'a. i am showin: going there first, jor'a. i am showing my i going there first, jor'a. i am showing my two _ going there first, jorja. i am showing my two hereford i going there first, jorja. ian showing my two hereford calves at the show today. i was given the opportunity to show them here, so i thought i have already done the test for my results and i can get the results after the show. i for my results and i can get the results after the show.- for my results and i can get the results after the show. i can see that ou results after the show. i can see that you have — results after the show. i can see that you have got _ results after the show. i can see that you have got one _ results after the show. i can see that you have got one calf- results after the show. i can see| that you have got one calf there. who's that? would you like see her? yes, of course. we have got lottie here. come on. ok? filth. yes, of course. we have got lottie here. come on. ok?— yes, of course. we have got lottie here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have 'ust here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have just seen _ here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have just seen what _ here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have just seen what we _ here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have just seen what we put - here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have just seen what we put on - here. come on. ok? oh, my god, i have just seen what we put on the l have just seen what we put on the television. ., ., ., ~ ., television. lottie, cao. and on the other side — television. lottie, cao. and on the other side we _ television. lottie, cao. and on the other side we have _ television. lottie, cao. and on the other side we have got _ television. lottie, cao. and on the other side we have got dotty. - television. lottie, cao. and on the other side we have got dotty. can| television. lottie, cao. and on the i other side we have got dotty. can we see do ? other side we have got dotty. can we see dotty? no _ other side we have got dotty. can we see dotty? no worries, _ other side we have got dotty. can we see dotty? no worries, thanks, - see dotty? no worries, thanks, georgia. see dotty? no worries, thanks, geora ia. , see dotty? no worries, thanks, georaia. , ., , ., ., see dotty? no worries, thanks, georia. , ., , ., ., , ., georgia. they are 'ust over a year. she has georgia. they are 'ust over a year. she has got _ georgia. they are 'ust over a year. she has got a — georgia. they are just over a year. she has got a head _ georgia. they are just over a year.

she has got a head collar. - georgia. they are just over a year. she has got a head collar. just - georgia. they are just over a year. she has got a head collar. just on | she has got a head collar. just on cue as well. _ she has got a head collar. just on cue as well, she _ she has got a head collar. just on cue as well, she is _ she has got a head collar. just on cue as well, she is mooing. - she has got a head collar. just on cue as well, she is mooing. i - she has got a head collar. just on cue as well, she is mooing. i am | cue as well, she is mooing. i am assuming you want to take them to the show and you want to win first class? , the show and you want to win first class?- don't _ the show and you want to win first class?- don't apologise. - the show and you want to win first | class?- don't apologise. you class? sorry. don't apologise. you want to take _ class? sorry. don't apologise. you want to take them _ class? sorry. don't apologise. you want to take them to _ class? sorry. don't apologise. you want to take them to the - class? sorry. don't apologise. you want to take them to the show- class? 9 don't apologise. you want to take them to the show and you want lottie and dotty to win first place. how do you do that? 50. first place. how do you do that? so, we will brush _ first place. how do you do that? so, we will brush their coats first place. how do you do that? srr, we will brush their coats and first place. how do you do that? sc, we will brush their coats and put on hair gel to keep it nice and pretty. and then it is just practising and training them and getting them to stand nicely and walking them nicely and putting time in with them. good luck with that. _ and putting time in with them. good luck with that, jorja. _ and putting time in with them. good luck with that, jorja. tell _ and putting time in with them. good luck with that, jorja. tell me what the past year has been like for you in terms of the run—up to these gcses. it in terms of the run-up to these gcses. . . in terms of the run-up to these gcses. ., , .,. ., , in terms of the run-up to these gcses. .,, ., , , gcses. it has actually been quite stressful. gcses. it has actually been quite stressful- l— gcses. it has actually been quite stressful. i struggle _ gcses. it has actually been quite stressful. i struggle severely - gcses. it has actually been quite| stressful. i struggle severely with dyslexia, the fact i didn't have the

teachers to us directly was difficult. but the school was so good. they did live lessons every single day. theyjust really helped me through the time that i was struggling. but fingers crossed for my results. struggling. but fingers crossed for m results. , struggling. but fingers crossed for my results-— struggling. but fingers crossed for m results. ~ , , ., , my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? _ my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? so, _ my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? so, i _ my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? so, i will _ my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? so, i will be - my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? so, i will be in - my results. absolutely. the show is at what time? so, i will be in the i at what time? so, i will be in the rim at at what time? so, i will be in the ring at 1245- _ at what time? so, i will be in the ring at 1245. 1245, _ at what time? so, i will be in the ring at 1245. 1245, and _ at what time? so, i will be in the ring at 1245. 1245, and then - at what time? so, i will be in the ring at 1245. 1245, and then 1- at what time? so, i will be in the ring at 1245. 1245, and then i willj ring at 12115. 12115, and then i will be getting my results at 12, so i will not look at my results. dotty and lottie _ will not look at my results. dotty and lottie approve _ will not look at my results. dotty and lottie approve of— will not look at my results. dotty and lottie approve of the - will not look at my results. dotty and lottie approve of the timetable. good luck with showing the calves, i know it is a huge deal for you. joanne, what kind of advice can you give to gcse students getting their results today?— give to gcse students getting their results today? good morning, thank ou for

results today? good morning, thank you for having _ results today? good morning, thank you for having me. _ results today? good morning, thank you for having me. the _ results today? good morning, thank you for having me. the advice - results today? good morning, thank you for having me. the advice i - you for having me. the advice i would — you for having me. the advice i would give _ you for having me. the advice i would give is whatever you see on that e-mail— would give is whatever you see on that e—mail or on that piece of paper— that e—mail or on that piece of paper when you open the envelope is not to— paper when you open the envelope is not to panic — paper when you open the envelope is not to panic. whether you have done amazingly _ not to panic. whether you have done amazingly or have not done quite what _ amazingly or have not done quite what you — amazingly or have not done quite what you thought you were going to do, what you thought you were going to do. there _ what you thought you were going to do, there are so many different options — do, there are so many different options that are available to you. i highly— options that are available to you. i highly recommend you speak to a careers— highly recommend you speak to a careers adviser at your school or you give — careers adviser at your school or you give the national careers service — you give the national careers service exam results helpline a call _ service exam results helpline a call we — service exam results helpline a call. we can talk about all the different _ call. we can talk about all the different options available to you and we _ different options available to you and we can give support to parents and we can give support to parents and parents of guardians as well. it is not _ and parents of guardians as well. it is notjust_ and parents of guardians as well. it is notjust young people, they go through— is notjust young people, they go through that entire journey with young _ through that entire journey with young people also. i through that entire “ourney with young people also._ young people also. i have got a messale young people also. i have got a message here _ young people also. i have got a message here on _ young people also. i have got a message here on instagram - young people also. i have got a | message here on instagram who young people also. i have got a . message here on instagram who is asking what should you do if you didn't pass your gcses and you cannot now go into the sixth form? there are a couple of options available _ there are a couple of options available. firstly, you can appeal, so you _ available. firstly, you can appeal, so you need — available. firstly, you can appeal, so you need to speak to your school about _ so you need to speak to your school about that — so you need to speak to your school about that. they will then review your grade — about that. they will then review your grade and if you are still not happy_ your grade and if you are still not happy with— your grade and if you are still not happy with the outcome, you can go to the _ happy with the outcome, you can go to the exam — happy with the outcome, you can go to the exam board that you did the

qualification with and if you are not happy_ qualification with and if you are not happy with that outcome, you can then go— not happy with that outcome, you can then go to _ not happy with that outcome, you can then go to quual. just not happy with that outcome, you can then go to 0fqual._ then go to quual. just to pause there. i then go to quual. just to pause there- i was _ then go to quual. just to pause there. i was 16 _ then go to quual. just to pause there. i was 16 and _ then go to quual. just to pause there. i was 16 and a _ then go to quual. just to pause there. i was 16 and a long - then go to quual. just to pause there. i was 16 and a long time | then go to quual. just to pause - there. i was 16 and a long time ago. i can't imagine taking all that on to try and appeal against my grades. is that realistic? you have got that option. _ is that realistic? you have got that option. but— is that realistic? you have got that option, but the other option is you can sit— option, but the other option is you can sit the — option, but the other option is you can sit the exam as well. who wants to do that? — can sit the exam as well. who wants to do that? there _ can sit the exam as well. who wants to do that? there are _ can sit the exam as well. who wants to do that? there are other- can sit the exam as well. who wants to do that? there are other optionsl to do that? there are other options be ond to do that? there are other options beyond that — to do that? there are other options beyond that also. _ to do that? there are other options beyond that also. if— to do that? there are other options beyond that also. if they _ to do that? there are other options beyond that also. if they want - to do that? there are other options beyond that also. if they want to i to do that? there are other options| beyond that also. if they want to go through— beyond that also. if they want to go through that process, you need to go to your— through that process, you need to go to your school by october and you will set _ to your school by october and you will set your exam somewhere between november _ will set your exam somewhere between november and december, will set your exam somewhere between novemberand december, orthe other option— novemberand december, orthe other option is— novemberand december, orthe other option is speak to a careers adviser because _ option is speak to a careers adviser because there are going to be more options _ because there are going to be more options available to you than just a-levels — options available to you than just a—levels. you could do btec and level— a—levels. you could do btec and level one. — a—levels. you could do btec and level one, two, three. you have got the option— level one, two, three. you have got the option of— level one, two, three. you have got the option of apprenticeships as well _ the option of apprenticeships as well the — the option of apprenticeships as well. the other option are the new t levels _ well. the other option are the new t levels this — well. the other option are the new t levels. this is between a btec and an apprenticeship where you do a

mixture _ an apprenticeship where you do a mixture of— an apprenticeship where you do a mixture of learning within a classroom and on—the—job learning as well. classroom and on—the—job learning as well it— classroom and on—the—job learning as well it is— classroom and on—the—job learning as well. it is through an industry placement and you will have a placement and you will have a placement for up to 45 days where you can _ placement for up to 45 days where you can gain valuable work experience. you can also have the option— experience. you can also have the option of— experience. you can also have the option of doing a traineeship. if you are — option of doing a traineeship. if you are an— option of doing a traineeship. if you are an individual that has really— you are an individual that has really struggled, what they will support— really struggled, what they will support you with is ensuring you get your maths— support you with is ensuring you get your maths and english at a pass rate. _ your maths and english at a pass rate. but— your maths and english at a pass rate, but they will also support you with all _ rate, but they will also support you with all the — rate, but they will also support you with all the different options from employment, cv, and interview skills. _ employment, cv, and interview skills. and — employment, cv, and interview skills, and you will gain valuable work— skills, and you will gain valuable work experience in an industry that you are _ work experience in an industry that you are particularly interested in for 70 _ you are particularly interested in for 70 hours. there are so many options — for 70 hours. there are so many options available to you.- for 70 hours. there are so many options available to you. thank you very much. — options available to you. thank you very much. i— options available to you. thank you very much, i want— options available to you. thank you very much, i want to _ options available to you. thank you very much, i want to quickly - options available to you. thank you very much, i want to quickly go - options available to you. thank you | very much, i want to quickly go back tojorja and dotty and lottie. your family ran a goat farm, what are you doing with calves? brute family ran a goat farm, what are you doing with calves?— doing with calves? we showed goes orilinall . i doing with calves? we showed goes originally. i work— doing with calves? we showed goes originally. i work on _ doing with calves? we showed goes originally. i work on a _ doing with calves? we showed goes originally. i work on a dairy - doing with calves? we showed goes originally. i work on a dairy farm - originally. i work on a dairy farm and i enjoy working with cattle and

i thought i could do this with cattle at home and start my own heard. i put a business plan towards my mum and dad and had to really convince them because they were not 100% sure about cattle, so after a lot of persuasion we went to market and bought the two calves and we are going to see how far we can go with them. ~ ., . ., going to see how far we can go with them. e ., , ., ., them. what brilliant initiative. thank you _ them. what brilliant initiative. thank you very _ them. what brilliant initiative. thank you very much, - them. what brilliant initiative. thank you very much, jorja. i l them. what brilliant initiative. - thank you very much, jorja. i know you, dotty and lottie will be the highlight of my day, never mind anyone else's. and joanna, thank you for your advice. the international red cross has warned of a catastrophe for civilians in afghanistan as the taliban continues to advance across the country. it comes as afghanistan replaces its army chief as the insurgents take control of ten of the country's 311 provincial capitals. the un say more than 1000 civilians have died in the past month.

let's take a look at the latest developments. intense street—by—street fighting is taking place in the city of kandahar, where the taliban have also taken control of the jail and released hundreds of prisoners. overnight the taliban clamed to have taken control of the strategically important city of ghanzi, which is on the road to the capital, kabul. president ashraf ghani earlier flew to the northern city of mazar—i—sharif, traditionally an anti—taliban bastion, to try to rally pro—government forces. let's speak to our correspondent yogita limaye. tell us about the situation in the capital. well, in the capital things are tense. people are worried about what lies ahead for the city. we are also really beginning to see the fallout of the violence that has taken place in different parts of this country. every day people have been displaced by the fighting and

they are arriving in the city. yesterday i was on the outskirts in the north of cobble and there is an open, dusty field where thousands of people who have fled fighting in the past few days have arrived. they have very little food, no access as such to water or sanitation. they are very angry because they feel like they have been left to fend for themselves. they have been through unimaginable trauma. we have met so many people who have lost multiple members of their family. they have had to leave their dead behind to try to save their own lives. they have seen their homes and shops being bad. these people had jobs, full lives, children who went to school, men and women who went to work, and were paid for that. they lived lives of dignity and now they are here with barely anything. when someone comes to distribute milk or bread, we saw people surrounding them, trying to grab what they can.

while we were there we did not really see any presence of government agencies or humanitarian agencies either, although the vice president says that they are trying to arrange for these people to be housed in mosques and they are trying to provide them with aid and support. but i think the fears also are about how long will this city be safe? yesterday the us press was reporting that intelligence officials in washington, dc were telling them that the city could fall within 30 to 90 days and that is something people are registering here with a sense of shock and disbelief. if here with a sense of shock and disbelief. ., ., , , , ., disbelief. if that happens, what does that mean _ disbelief. if that happens, what does that mean for _ disbelief. if that happens, what does that mean for the - disbelief. if that happens, what. does that mean for the residents disbelief. if that happens, what - does that mean for the residents of the capital? it does that mean for the residents of the capital?— the capital? it is very difficult to sa what the capital? it is very difficult to say what that — the capital? it is very difficult to say what that means. _ the capital? it is very difficult to say what that means. we - the capital? it is very difficult to say what that means. we have i the capital? it is very difficult to - say what that means. we have heard what the taliban were saying in doha about them having change their ways and learn from their mistakes and them saying they want women to go to school, they believe in women's

rights. but at the same time when our colleagues have talked to them on the ground they seem to say quite different things. one taliban member told a bbc colleague that they don't believe girls should go to school. in many areas they have taken over we have learnt that girls are not being allowed to go to school, they have given out orders saying they cannot go out of the house if they are not escorted by male members of the family. i have asked caliban spokes persons in the past whether thatis spokes persons in the past whether that is true and they deny it. but there is a disconnect between what they are saying and what is happening on the ground. un agencies and other humanitarian agencies are increasingly worried and raising an alarm about women's rights abuses and human rights abuses, persecutions and killings that are taking place in areas that are being taken over by the taliban.- taking place in areas that are being taken over by the taliban. thank you very much- — im joined now by vicki aken,

afghanistan director of international rescue committee. hello to you. how desperate is the situation do you believe? i hello to you. how desperate is the situation do you believe?— situation do you believe? i think the situation _ situation do you believe? i think the situation in _ situation do you believe? i think the situation in afghanistan - situation do you believe? i think the situation in afghanistan is i the situation in afghanistan is quite bad because we are facing a triple threat of covid, climate change and the conflict which has been heating up quite a bit in the last few months. are you in kabul? yes, that is correct. are you in kabul? yes, that is correct- you _ are you in kabul? yes, that is correct. you just _ are you in kabul? yes, that is correct. you just heard - are you in kabul? yes, that is correct. you just heard our. correct. you just heard our correspondence _ correct. you just heard our correspondence saying - correct. you just heard our| correspondence saying that correct. you just heard our- correspondence saying that kabul could fall within 30 and 90 days. what does that mean for you and your colleagues and the work that you are trying to do there? it colleagues and the work that you are trying to do there?— trying to do there? it would -robabl trying to do there? it would probably mean _ trying to do there? it would probably mean a _ trying to do there? it would probably mean a temporaryj trying to do there? it would - probably mean a temporary pause in our work. we are determined to stay here no matter what. we have been inside afghanistan and working since 1988 and we have noted that in other

provinces where the control has changed to caliban they have asked ngos to continue their work. obviously it is difficult to work when the fighting is intense and we are concerned for our staff and for our clients because we have seen a lot of civilian casualties. so it will mean a difficult period where our ability to provide aid will slow down for a while. you our ability to provide aid will slow down for a while.— down for a while. you and your colleagues _ down for a while. you and your colleagues have _ down for a while. you and your colleagues have been - down for a while. you and your colleagues have been there - down for a while. you and your i colleagues have been there since 1998... , ":~:~ ., 1998. .. sorry, 1988. that was under taliban. 1998. .. sorry, 1988. that was under taliban- then _ 1998. .. sorry, 1988. that was under taliban. then they _ 1998. .. sorry, 1988. that was under taliban. then they were _ 1998. .. sorry, 1988. that was under taliban. then they were pushed - 1998. .. sorry, 1988. that was under| taliban. then they were pushed out. 20 years on it looks like the taliban are gaining ground again. i wonder how you reflect on the last 20 years and what you have achieved?

there has been a lot of progress in afghanistan and we see a lot of girls in school who did not have that opportunity before. 20% of the parliament is women and we have seen economic development. the important thing is that these gains to be protected and we hope that no matter who comes to power that they will find a way to protect these gains. sorry, go ahead. it is incredibly important that the diplomatic community stay engaged so they can help us gain humanitarian access, protect humanitarian law and can call for ceasefires and protection of civilians. i call for ceasefires and protection of civilians.— of civilians. i wonder how much confidence _ of civilians. i wonder how much confidence you _ of civilians. i wonder how much confidence you have _ of civilians. i wonder how much confidence you have in - of civilians. i wonder how much confidence you have in the - of civilians. i wonder how much i confidence you have in the taliban to make sure the gains that you have just described are maintained across the country? you just described are maintained across the country?— the country? you know, it is going to be difficult. _

the country? you know, it is going to be difficult. the _ the country? you know, it is going to be difficult. the un _ the country? you know, it is going to be difficult. the un have been. to be difficult. the un have been engaging with the taliban leadership to ensure that we can continue the type of programming that we do. as far as the political aspect, i can't speak to that, but i can speak to the need for humanitarian aid and programmes like schools and economic development to continue. thank programmes like schools and economic development to continue.— development to continue. thank you ve much development to continue. thank you very much for— development to continue. thank you very much for talking _ development to continue. thank you very much for talking to _ development to continue. thank you very much for talking to us. - development to continue. thank you very much for talking to us. from i very much for talking to us. from the international rescue committee. australia's capital canberra is going into a snap seven—day lockdown after recording its first coronavirus case for more than a year. the authorities do not know how the infected person caught the virus and residents will only be able to leave home for essential reasons. meanwhile, new zealand's prime ministerjacinda ardern, says her country's borders will remain shut until at least the end of the year because of the pandemic. let's speak to shaimaa khalil who's in sydney. let's talk about new zealand first.

what has brought this decision from the prime minister? this what has brought this decision from the prime minister?— the prime minister? this has been off the back _ the prime minister? this has been off the back of _ the prime minister? this has been off the back of a _ the prime minister? this has been off the back of a report _ the prime minister? this has been off the back of a report by - the prime minister? this has been off the back of a report by a - the prime minister? this has been off the back of a report by a group| off the back of a report by a group off the back of a report by a group of health experts that said that vaccination and getting as much of the population vaccinated as soon as possible is a new zealand's way out to reopen for the rest of the world. the prime minister spoke today, responding to that, saying that while new zealand is not yet in a position to be fully reopened, she did set out a gradual plan of what that might look like. later this year we are going to see a pilot scheme that sees a number of selected vaccinated, and vaccinated is the secret word here, passengers come back to new zealand that will self—isolate at home and not have to go through hotel quarantine. by 2022, we don't have a solid date on that yet, we will see a new risk—based system. that will mean different requirements of isolation and quarantine depending on whether

the passenger is fully vaccinated and whether they come from a high or and whether they come from a high or a low risk area. ultimately, a passenger from a low risk area can enter new zealand without having to quarantine. they of course have been quite successful in containing the spread of covid—19 because of these really strict measures and the border closures, but it has come at an economic cost and what they are doing is they are trying to solidify that success but gradually trying to find a road map of what it might look like for people to come in safely. look like for people to come in safel . �* , . , ., safely. briefly, the citizens of new zealand, safely. briefly, the citizens of new zealand. are _ safely. briefly, the citizens of new zealand, are they _ safely. briefly, the citizens of new zealand, are they still— safely. briefly, the citizens of new zealand, are they still on - safely. briefly, the citizens of new zealand, are they still on board i zealand, are they still on board with this plan? i zealand, are they still on board with this plan?— zealand, are they still on board with this plan? i think there is a treat with this plan? i think there is a great deal _ with this plan? i think there is a great deal of — with this plan? i think there is a great deal of support _ with this plan? i think there is a great deal of support there. i with this plan? i think there is a i great deal of support there. there is a bit of frustration that they have not been vaccinated as fast as they wanted. they are looking at australia, especially in new south wales where i am, where we are seeing cases increase and where the criticism is australia has missed its chance to vaccinate when there

were very low numbers of cases. this is what new zealand is looking at gradually and carefully reopening, but making sure that as many people are vaccinated as possible. let but making sure that as many people are vaccinated as possible.— are vaccinated as possible. let me ask ou are vaccinated as possible. let me ask you about _ are vaccinated as possible. let me ask you about canberra. _ are vaccinated as possible. let me ask you about canberra. is - are vaccinated as possible. let me ask you about canberra. is this i are vaccinated as possible. let me ask you about canberra. is this an | ask you about canberra. is this an overreaction? a seven—day lockdown because of one positive case? i because of one positive case? i always have to kind of like tell everybody you have to look at it from the australian perspective. this is a country where for a very long time before the sydney outbreak it had gone back to near normalfor people. we used to travel at least domestically, not internationally. there were areas where people were not wearing masks. people could forget there was covid—19 in some areas of australia. this is why there is a great deal of care about this and of concern. in canberra the main concern is that they don't know how this one case has got the virus.

there could be other close contacts that we have heard reports of and they want to go in and go early and avoid what we are seeing in new zealand of a longer lockdown with cases increasing.— cases increasing. thank you very much. breaking news from the greek coastguard and they say a british flagged vessel has sunk of one of the greek islands. it is me silent. there is a rescue operation under way for 17 passengers. that is all the information we have at the moment, but the greek coastguard says a rescue operation is under way for 17 passengers after a british flagged vessel has sunk off the island of milos. the economy grew by 11.8% between april and june as most businesses emerged from lockdown. the growth was fuelled by retail, restaurants and hotels.

it's slightly less than the prediction from the bank of england. the chancellor rishi sunak has been speaking about the figures this morning. today's figures show the economy is recovering very strongly, the fastest quarterly growth in the g7 group of countries, and evidence that our plan forjobs is working. but i'm not complacent. the shock that our economy and public finances have experienced is significant and it will take us time to fully recover. that is why we are not done supporting businesses or people, most importantly giving them the skills and the opportunities they need to find great, well paid jobs. let's speak to our business presenter alice baxter. what is the reaction to these figures? what is the reaction to these filures? ,., ., ., what is the reaction to these filures? ., . ., ., figures? good morning, victoria. hue figures? good morning, victoria. huge attention — figures? good morning, victoria. huge attention on _ figures? good morning, victoria. huge attention on these - figures? good morning, victoria. huge attention on these figures. | huge attention on these figures. this was the quarter from april to june when the world started to open up june when the world started to open up again and consumers could get back into a cafe is in shops and people could get back into school.

as we heard, the chancellor is pleased with the numbers. stop to sarah ewan, chief economist at standard chartered. is this figure of 11.8%, below the prediction of 5%, proof that the delta variant and the pandemic have not come to fruition? it is a very good number so we have to be _ it is a very good number so we have to be pleased. the vaccinations are obviously _ to be pleased. the vaccinations are obviously taking effect. iam very i am very sorry, i think we are going to have to stop you due to technical issues. what a shame. she

wasjust talking us technical issues. what a shame. she was just talking us through the latest gdp numbers from the latest quarter, issued this morning from the office of national statistics coming in a ll.8%. the strong growth number, slightly below the bank of england target of 5%, but a sign that growth is on course and the chancellor, rishi sunak, pleased with the number. the big question i did want to put to sarah is this growth set to continue? are we going to see the economy return to pre—pandemic levels? that is the question on everybody�*s mine. back to you, victoria. brute question on everybody's mine. back to you. victoria-— to you, victoria. we will bring you a full weather _ to you, victoria. we will bring you a full weather forecast _ to you, victoria. we will bring you a full weather forecast just - to you, victoria. we will bring you a full weather forecast just before j a full weather forecast just before ten o'clock. before that, here's the sport. good morning. chelsea are the super cup champions. they beat villarreal on penalties last night in belfast in the match between last season's champions league and europa league winners. chelsea took the lead through hakim ziyech just before 30 minutes, volleying in a great

cross from kai havertz. but the europa league winners equalised in the second half through gerard moreno. after extra time it was still 1—1, so the game went to penalties. chelsea manager thomas tuchel made a big call to swap his keepers, kepa arrizabalaga coming on for edouard mendy, but it paid off with kepa making two crucial saves to give his side the 6—5 win. tuchel said they hadn't wanted to go past 90 minutes, never mind penalties. physically, this was the worst thing that could happen to us, playing over time. mentally and psychologically, this was the best thing, to start with a trophy, because there was no way to delay the game or play it in four weeks. this was the moment where we needed to start. chelsea fans are still waiting for confirmation of romelu lukaku's move back to stamford bridge. we understand that deal is done forjust under

£100 million. and they could recoup some of that money by selling tammy abraham to roma. their general manager, tiago pinto, is in london, hoping to negotiate that move for the england striker. james anderson will have a fitness test this morning to see if he can play in the second test against india at lord's later. england have already lost stuart broad, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series because of a calf injury. anderson is struggling with a quad muscle problem so there could be a number of changes to the side — that are already under pressure, following a number of disappointing batting performances — butjonny bairstow says that criticism is unfair. over the last four years in england, the average scores throughout potentially not making the 500s and 1100s as consistently due to conditions. and that's notjust the england side. you look at overseas teams that have been coming here and the average scores they have made, we're not far off what the average scores are. so i don't think you can question the ability, the desire and the want

from the guys to go out there and to score runs. one other linejust in — batsman ollie pope has been released from the squad to play for surrey in their royal london cup fixture at derbyshire later today. the premier league returns tomorrow evening with brentford hosting arsenal at the brentford community stadium. approximately 300,000 fans are expected to attend premier league games over the weekend as many of the covid restrictions have been lifted but richard masters, the premier league chief executive, says that fans should be prepared for some changes. we've got no clear guidance from government yet. we're obviously working the possibility that covid certification will be brought in at some point during the autumn. so that's what's going on in our clubs now. we're trying to prepare for that in stages. so fans should be expecting some sort of differences to normal procedures. but the main thing is they come

back, we have a raucous premier league atmosphere in a safe environment. jo konta will play coco gauff in the last sixteen at the canadian open later. the british number one beat elina svitolina in three sets. konta has missed a lot of tennis after pulling out of wimbledon becasue she was a close contact of someone who tested positive for covid, and then missed the olympics because she tested positive herself. however, she is back, and showing some good form ahead of the us open at the end of the month. former world heavyweight champion, david haye is making a return to the ring three years after retiring at the age of 110. haye officially hung up his gloves in 2018 after back—to—back defeats against tony bellew. haye — on the right of your screen — said on social media that he'll be boxing joe fournier over eight rounds in los angeles, but that it wasn't a comeback. for the last few years, haye has

been a manager and promoter. that's all the sport for now. gcse pupils in england, wales and northern ireland have received another crop of record grades, in the second year of covid disruption to exams. those getting the top grades rose by 2.7% to 28.9% while passes rose by just under 1% to 76.3%. it's a smaller rise than last year — which as u know was the first time exams were cancelled and teacher assessed grades were used. the grades were calculated by teachers — from a combination of mock exams, course work and tests. let's speak to our education correspondent sean dilley. what has been some of the reaction

to these grades?— what has been some of the reaction to these grades? what we are going to these grades? what we are going to do, we to these grades? what we are going to do. we are _ to these grades? what we are going to do, we are going _ to these grades? what we are going to do, we are going to _ to these grades? what we are going to do, we are going to use - to these grades? what we are going to do, we are going to use the i to do, we are going to use the academy we are at in richmond park. richmond park academy, what you can see is students coming in to get their results. there are a lot of nervous faces, but there have been students who are incredibly happy. i am quickly going to flag up, if you go to the bbc news website, we have lots of explainer is. so if you're not sure what the number of grades mean in england versus wales and the old grade, but in the meantime let's chat to elizabeth the first. one word to encapsulate how you are feeling? word to encapsulate how you are feelinl? ., . , word to encapsulate how you are feeling?- what _ word to encapsulate how you are feeling?- what about i word to encapsulate how you are| feeling?- what about your feeling? happy. what about your trade? i feeling? happy. what about your grade? i got _ feeling? happy. what about your grade? i got all— feeling? happy. what about your grade? i got all 9s, _ feeling? happy. what about your grade? i got all 9s, because i feeling? happy. what about your grade? i got all9s, because i- grade? i got all 9s, because i worked really _ grade? i got all 9s, because i worked really hard _ grade? i got all 9s, because i worked really hard and - grade? i got all 9s, because i worked really hard and it i grade? i got all 9s, because i worked really hard and it is i grade? i got all 9s, because i worked really hard and it is a| worked really hard and it is a reflection _ worked really hard and it is a reflection of how hard i work. girls

have done better _ reflection of how hard i work. (1: i3 have done better than boys this year, did you do better than traditional exams? i year, did you do better than traditional exams?- year, did you do better than traditional exams? i think roughly the same because _ traditional exams? i think roughly the same because it _ traditional exams? i think roughly the same because it was - traditional exams? i think roughly the same because it was quite i traditional exams? i think roughly. the same because it was quite hard because _ the same because it was quite hard because there was more uncertainty to do— because there was more uncertainty to do with _ because there was more uncertainty to do with exams, so we had less motivation — to do with exams, so we had less motivation because we didn't have a set deadline. i still worked quite hard _ set deadline. i still worked quite hard. ., . set deadline. i still worked quite hard. ., ., ., ., ,, ., , hard. there was a lot of talk early in the week _ hard. there was a lot of talk early in the week with _ hard. there was a lot of talk early in the week with a-levels - hard. there was a lot of talk early in the week with a-levels when i hard. there was a lot of talk early i in the week with a-levels when they in the week with a—levels when they were talking about grade inflation, that has been smaller compared to gcses. there has been about the same grade inflation from the pre—pandemic years, but you have had it harder than most years? it has been a tough _ it harder than most years? it has been a tough year _ it harder than most years? it has been a tough year and _ it harder than most years? it has been a tough year and that i it harder than most years? it has been a tough year and that has l it harder than most years? it has been a tough year and that has been quite _ been a tough year and that has been quite a _ been a tough year and that has been quite a lot— been a tough year and that has been quite a lot of disruption, sol been a tough year and that has been quite a lot of disruption, so i hope everyone — quite a lot of disruption, so i hope everyone has worked really hard and done well _ everyone has worked really hard and done well. ., ., ., ., , , done well. congratulations, stay with us a moment. _ done well. congratulations, stay with us a moment. jake, - done well. congratulations, stay with us a moment. jake, tell- done well. congratulations, stay with us a moment. jake, tell us| with us a moment. jake, tell us about your exam results? i with us a moment. jake, tell us about your exam results?- about your exam results? i am incredibly _ about your exam results? i am incredibly relieved. _ about your exam results? i am incredibly relieved. i _ about your exam results? i am incredibly relieved. i am i about your exam results? i am incredibly relieved. i am very l about your exam results? i am incredibly relieved. i am very happy that they— incredibly relieved. i am very happy that they have _ incredibly relieved. i am very happy that they have come _ incredibly relieved. i am very happy that they have come through - incredibly relieved. i am very happy that they have come through is i incredibly relieved. i am very happyl that they have come through is what i hoped _ that they have come through is what i hoped fire — that they have come through is what i ho ed. �* , l, that they have come through is what ihoed.�* a, , _ t,, a, that they have come through is what ihoed. a, a, i hoped. are you happy to share that with the bbc — i hoped. are you happy to share that with the bbc news _ i hoped. are you happy to share that

with the bbc news audience? - i hoped. are you happy to share that with the bbc news audience? i - i hoped. are you happy to share that with the bbc news audience? i have | with the bbc news audience? i have mostly eight — with the bbc news audience? i have mostly eight and _ with the bbc news audience? i have mostly eight and 9s. _ with the bbc news audience? i have mostly eight and 9s. i _ with the bbc news audience? i have mostly eight and 9s. i have - with the bbc news audience? i have mostly eight and 9s. i have enrolledi mostly eight and 9s. i have enrolled for si>

impacted? i think it has been hard at this year because _ impacted? i think it has been hard at this year because of _ impacted? i think it has been hard at this year because of the - impacted? i think it has been hard at this year because of the added l at this year because of the added stress _ at this year because of the added stress of— at this year because of the added stress of revising, we have had the pandemic— stress of revising, we have had the pandemic going on.— stress of revising, we have had the pandemic going on. there is a lot of uncertainty — pandemic going on. there is a lot of uncertainty and _ pandemic going on. there is a lot of uncertainty and there _ pandemic going on. there is a lot of uncertainty and there has _ pandemic going on. there is a lot of uncertainty and there has been - pandemic going on. there is a lot of uncertainty and there has been over the past _ uncertainty and there has been over the past two — uncertainty and there has been over the past two years— uncertainty and there has been over the past two years where _ uncertainty and there has been over the past two years where we - uncertainty and there has been over the past two years where we have i the past two years where we have been _ the past two years where we have been given — the past two years where we have been given one _ the past two years where we have been given one thing _ the past two years where we have been given one thing and - the past two years where we have been given one thing and then- the past two years where we have | been given one thing and then the next week— been given one thing and then the next week it — been given one thing and then the next week it has _ been given one thing and then the next week it has turned _ been given one thing and then the next week it has turned around. i been given one thing and then the . next week it has turned around. hour next week it has turned around. how ha - are next week it has turned around. how happy are you? _ next week it has turned around. how happy are you? i— next week it has turned around. how happy are you? i am _ next week it has turned around. how happy are you? i am really _ next week it has turned around. how happy are you? i am really happy, i next week it has turned around. howl happy are you? i am really happy, we have missed. — happy are you? i am really happy, we have missed, because _ happy are you? i am really happy, we have missed, because of— happy are you? i am really happy, we have missed, because of the - have missed, because of the pandemic, we have missed almost ten months _ pandemic, we have missed almost ten months of— pandemic, we have missed almost ten months of learning. just pandemic, we have missed almost ten months of learning.— months of learning. just one last cuestion, months of learning. just one last question. how — months of learning. just one last question, how are _ months of learning. just one last question, how are you _ months of learning. just one last l question, how are you celebrating later? ,., ., question, how are you celebrating later? _, ., , question, how are you celebrating later? ., , . , . later? going out with my family and friends? i later? going out with my family and friends? i am _ later? going out with my family and friends? i am going _ later? going out with my family and friends? i am going to _ later? going out with my family and friends? i am going to meet - later? going out with my family and friends? i am going to meet with i later? going out with my family and | friends? i am going to meet with my cousin. i friends? i am going to meet with my cousin- i am — friends? i am going to meet with my cousin. i am being _ friends? i am going to meet with my cousin. i am being with _ friends? i am going to meet with my cousin. i am being with my- friends? i am going to meet with my cousin. i am being with my family. i cousin. i am being with my family. you are much _ cousin. i am being with my family. you are much more _ cousin. i am being with my family. you are much more sedate - cousin. i am being with my family. you are much more sedate than i cousin. i am being with my family. i you are much more sedate than when cousin. i am being with my family. - you are much more sedate than when i was picking up my results, and i had to wait six or seven hours to open the because of what i was doing that day. we have some very happy students here, despite missing some of their school in korea, can move on to the next stage of their education. that is what they say is important.

education. that is what they say is imortant. ., . . ., , ., important. congratulations to those students. important. congratulations to those students- a — important. congratulations to those students. a message _ important. congratulations to those students. a message on _ important. congratulations to those students. a message on mark - important. congratulations to those students. a message on mark on i students. a message on mark on twitter who says, grades have not spiked or inflated since 2019 but have been awarded using two different methods since. we cannot compare as if like for like, because they are three different metrics calculated using three different methods. almost 40% of gsce entries in northern ireland have been awarded a or a* grades. the proportion of entries awarded top grades by teachers has increased by 3.6 percentage points to 39.9%. chris page is in belfast. hello, chris. welcome to this high school in east _ hello, chris. welcome to this high school in east belfast _ hello, chris. welcome to this high school in east belfast where - hello, chris. welcome to this high school in east belfast where therei school in east belfast where there were early bursts of results. this is the second group who have come into get their envelopes. pupils being brought in in small groups in these covid times. you can get a

sense of nervousness as people woke up sense of nervousness as people woke up to the deaths, but a real sense of achievement from people a few moments later. let's talk to becky, thank you for talking to us on bbc news, how has it gone for you? hetero; news, how has it gone for you? very ha - with news, how has it gone for you? very happy with my _ news, how has it gone for you? very happy with my results, _ happy with my results, i was a bit nervous _ happy with my results, i was a bit nervous coming in, but better now. what _ nervous coming in, but better now. what were — nervous coming in, but better now. what were the great you are most proud of? what were the great you are most roud of? , , , , proud of? definitely my english, i not a a". proud of? definitely my english, i got a a*- top _ proud of? definitely my english, i got a a*- top of — proud of? definitely my english, i got a a". top of the _ proud of? definitely my english, i got a a". top of the tree - proud of? definitely my english, i got a a". top of the tree in - got a a". top of the tree in english- — got a a". top of the tree in english. a-levels - got a a". top of the tree in english. a-levels are - got a a". top of the tree in | english. a-levels are next? got a a". top of the tree in l english. a-levels are next? i got a a". top of the tree in - english. a-levels are next? i am ”lannin english. a-levels are next? i am planning to _ english. a-levels are next? i am planning to maybe _ english. a-levels are next? i am planning to maybe stay - english. a-levels are next? i am planning to maybe stay here, - english. a-levels are next? i am | planning to maybe stay here, that english. a-levels are next? i am - planning to maybe stay here, that is the plan _ planning to maybe stay here, that is the plan and i will do health and social— the plan and i will do health and social care — the plan and i will do health and social care and history. studying for our social care and history. studying for your gcses— social care and history. studying for your gcses over _ social care and history. studying for your gcses over these - social care and history. studying for your gcses over these last i social care and history. studying l for your gcses over these last two years, i am sure that whenever you are thinking about what this stage in your life might be like in the years beforehand, you never expected it to be like this? blot years beforehand, you never expected it to be like this?— it to be like this? not at all, we were out of— it to be like this? not at all, we were out of school— it to be like this? not at all, we were out of school more - it to be like this? not at all, we were out of school more than i it to be like this? not at all, we| were out of school more than we it to be like this? not at all, we - were out of school more than we were in and _ were out of school more than we were in and it— were out of school more than we were in and it was— were out of school more than we were in and it was a— were out of school more than we were in and it was a weird period of

time, — in and it was a weird period of time, especially trying to learn online, — time, especially trying to learn online, but the teachers were amazing _ online, but the teachers were amazing i_ online, but the teachers were amazing. i don't think i would have -ot amazing. i don't think i would have got the _ amazing. i don't think i would have got the results if it wasn't for the support— got the results if it wasn't for the support from my teachers.- got the results if it wasn't for the support from my teachers. en'oy the celebrations — support from my teachers. en'oy the celebrations with i support from my teachers. en'oy the celebrations with your fl support from my teachers. en'oy the celebrations with your mum _ support from my teachers. enjoy the celebrations with your mum and - support from my teachers. enjoy the i celebrations with your mum and thank you for sharing your big moment with us on bbc news. plenty of happiness in her corner. to give you an idea of the picture, across northern ireland, almost 40% of gcse entries were awarded the top grades, a or two. in 2019, three covid times, full exams took place, the figure was 33%. there has been a rise in the top grades, not as big a rise for the a—level results two days ago. girls have continued to outperform the boys. the overall pass rate in northern ireland, almost 90%. for more on this year's gcse results, including how grades have been decided and other questions,

go to the bbc news website at bbc.co.uk/news or visit the bbc news app. now, time to bask in some reflected olympic glory. matt walls won team gb's first track cycling gold at his debut games in tokyo. he got that for the omnium and went on to win silver in the madison with his partner ethan hayter. let's take a look at matt in action. big race this, the men's madison. he is flat out for the final few laps. britain go to the front of the race with matt walls. emptying the tank here. big finish by matt walls. maximum points for britain at the end of the race. britain get the silver. first event of the day in

the men's omnium, matt world going for great britain. matt walls is really well—placed, in the top half. matt walls has won the first event of the omni. and now, as they take the bell, we are on the final lap. matt walls of great britain is leading the way. he has been the class of the field throughout this event. that was a brilliant display of riding. fortune favours the bold. it has led to a gold medal for great britain. matt walls is the olympic champion. and we can speak to matt now. how are you, tell us what it feels like to be a gold medal winner and a silver medal winner at your first olympics? it silver medal winner at your first ol mics? . silver medal winner at your first olympics?— silver medal winner at your first olmics? ,, _.,. olympics? it is pretty cool. it was a very good _ olympics? it is pretty cool. it was a very good experience. -

olympics? it is pretty cool. it was a very good experience. you - olympics? it is pretty cool. it was. a very good experience. you sound really low- key _ a very good experience. you sound really low- key about _ a very good experience. you sound really low-key about it. _ really low—key about it. laughter. come on, give me some excitement. it come on, give me some excitement. it was pretty unbelievable, to be honest. i was pretty unbelievable, to be honest. ~ ., . was pretty unbelievable, to be honest. ~' ., . ., was pretty unbelievable, to be honest. ~ ., . ., , honest. i know you have done loads of interviews _ honest. i know you have done loads of interviews already, _ honest. i know you have done loads of interviews already, and _ honest. i know you have done loads of interviews already, and i - honest. i know you have done loads of interviews already, and i am - honest. i know you have done loadsi of interviews already, and i am sure i will ask some of the same questions, but i know i only got back to the north west of england last night and you haven't seen your mum and dad?— last night and you haven't seen your mum and dad? they are having a few da s awa mum and dad? they are having a few days away in — mum and dad? they are having a few days away in wales _ mum and dad? they are having a few days away in wales to _ mum and dad? they are having a few days away in wales to recover - mum and dad? they are having a few days away in wales to recover and . days away in wales to recover and have a bit of a break.— have a bit of a break. obviously they couldn't — have a bit of a break. obviously they couldn't be _ have a bit of a break. obviously they couldn't be out _ have a bit of a break. obviously they couldn't be out there, - have a bit of a break. obviously they couldn't be out there, but| have a bit of a break. obviously| they couldn't be out there, but i know your family and friends were watching back here, did you know what they had planned when it came to watching you? i what they had planned when it came to watching you?— to watching you? i knew they were iioin to to watching you? i knew they were going to do — to watching you? i knew they were going to do something _ to watching you? i knew they were going to do something and - to watching you? i knew they were going to do something and they i to watching you? i knew they were i going to do something and they would meet up with family and friends, but i wasn't expecting that many people. i wasn't expecting that many people. i think we have got some footage of it, some mobile phone footage, which we will show of your family really cheering you on. here it is, i love this. i love these family videos.

horns blaring cheering and applause superb. i want to ask you about the omnium because it is tactical and it is really long, you go through the scratch, the tempo, elimination and the points. towards the end it seemed pretty straight forward, i wonder if you are thinking, please, don't mess this up now? i had wonder if you are thinking, please, don't mess this up now?— wonder if you are thinking, please, don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about _ don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about 40 _ don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about 40 laps _ don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about 40 laps to _ don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about 40 laps to go - don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about 40 laps to go in i don't mess this up now? i had a good lead with about 40 laps to go in the l lead with about 40 laps to go in the points race. as long as i stay on my bike and no one close to me get a lap, then i will win. you bike and no one close to me get a lap, then i will win.— lap, then i will win. you are not from a cycling _ lap, then i will win. you are not from a cycling family, _ lap, then i will win. you are not from a cycling family, so - lap, then i will win. you are not from a cycling family, so whenl lap, then i will win. you are not. from a cycling family, so when did you first think, i quite enjoy this cycling lark? you first think, i quite en'oy this cycling taint you first think, i quite en'oy this cycling lanai you first think, i quite en'oy this cycling lark? you first think, i quite en'oy this clinl lark? . ., i. cycling lark? when i was youngerl did a bit of— cycling lark? when i was youngerl did a bit of mountain _ cycling lark? when i was youngerl did a bit of mountain biking - cycling lark? when i was youngerl did a bit of mountain biking with i cycling lark? when i was younger i l did a bit of mountain biking with my dad just forfun. ifirst did a bit of mountain biking with my dad just for fun. i first went on to the velodrome when i was eight, just to try it and see what it was like.

i loved it and just did more and more and then got into racing. haring more and then got into racing. how hel-ful more and then got into racing. how helpful have _ more and then got into racing. how helpful have people like ed clancy been an jason helpful have people like ed clancy been anjason kenney? filth. helpful have people like ed clancy been an jason kenney?— helpful have people like ed clancy been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i looked u- been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i looked up to _ been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i looked up to them _ been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i looked up to them when _ been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i looked up to them when i - been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i looked up to them when i was i been an jason kenney? oh, yeah. i. looked up to them when i was growing up looked up to them when i was growing up and always wished i would be in their shoes and racing at the top races in the world. i have been there and i have been their team—mates, which is pretty cool. what do you think you have learned from them? i what do you think you have learned from them?— from them? i have learned quite a lot, 'ust from them? i have learned quite a lot. just to — from them? i have learned quite a lot. just to keep — from them? i have learned quite a lot, just to keep a _ from them? i have learned quite a lot, just to keep a cool, _ from them? i have learned quite a lot, just to keep a cool, calm i from them? i have learned quite ai lot, just to keep a cool, calm head and take it how it is and just focus on the race rather than other distractions.— on the race rather than other distractions. . ., distractions. there might be quite a few --eole distractions. there might be quite a few people watching _ distractions. there might be quite a few people watching today, - distractions. there might be quite a few people watching today, you i distractions. there might be quite a | few people watching today, you may not describe it as giving up or sacrificing, but as a teenager growing up, knowing this is something you want to do at the olympics and professionally, because

you are a member of the german road team, what kind of things have you put to one side to focus on this? obviously when you are in school and all your mates are starting to go out and party, you can't really do that. you have got to focus on what you are doing. yeah, it was also quite hard to mix doing my studies and cycling as well. but i knew i wanted to be a professional cyclist. that is what i focused on more. obviously you have one with ethan, who is your housemate, how have you celebrated? i who is your housemate, how have you celebrated? ., �* who is your housemate, how have you celebrated? . �* ., , who is your housemate, how have you celebrated? . �* . , , celebrated? i haven't really seen him since i _ celebrated? i haven't really seen him since i got _ celebrated? i haven't really seen him since i got back. _ celebrated? i haven't really seen him since i got back. he - celebrated? i haven't really seen him since i got back. he went i celebrated? i haven't really seen | him since i got back. he went and saw his family in london. my thing he comes back home this weekend, i think. i am sure we will do something. think. i am sure we will do something-— think. i am sure we will do something. think. i am sure we will do somethinl. ., . ., .,., something. you are off to no on monda , something. you are off to no on monday, because _ something. you are off to no on monday, because you _ something. you are off to no on monday, because you started i something. you are off to no on i monday, because you started with the german team?—

german team? yes, going to norway, racinl. german team? yes, going to norway, racing- straight — german team? yes, going to norway, racing. straight back— german team? yes, going to norway, racing. straight back into _ german team? yes, going to norway, racing. straight back into it, _ german team? yes, going to norway, racing. straight back into it, but- racing. straight back into it, but it should be fun.— racing. straight back into it, but it should be fun. how do you relax? to be fair. — it should be fun. how do you relax? to be fair, watch _ it should be fun. how do you relax? to be fair, watch netflix, _ it should be fun. how do you relax? to be fair, watch netflix, play i it should be fun. how do you relax? to be fair, watch netflix, play a i to be fair, watch netflix, play a bit of my xbox.— bit of my xbox. what is your favourite — bit of my xbox. what is your favourite on _ bit of my xbox. what is your favourite on xbox? - bit of my xbox. what is your favourite on xbox? war- bit of my xbox. what is your. favourite on xbox? war zone, bit of my xbox. what is your i favourite on xbox? war zone, i bit of my xbox. what is your - favourite on xbox? war zone, i would sa . ok, favourite on xbox? war zone, i would say- ok. thank _ favourite on xbox? war zone, i would say- ok. thank you — favourite on xbox? war zone, i would say. ok, thank you very _ favourite on xbox? war zone, i would say. ok, thank you very much - favourite on xbox? war zone, i would say. ok, thank you very much and i favourite on xbox? war zone, i would | say. ok, thank you very much and you are a hero in — say. ok, thank you very much and you are a hero in oldham _ say. ok, thank you very much and you are a hero in oldham and _ say. ok, thank you very much and you are a hero in oldham and across i say. ok, thank you very much and you are a hero in oldham and across the i are a hero in oldham and across the country, so many congratulations and i hope the reunion with your mum and dad is amazing. i hope the reunion with your mum and dad is amazing-— i hope the reunion with your mum and dad is amazing._ thank i i hope the reunion with your mum and dad is amazing._ thank you i dad is amazing. thank you. thank you for talkinl dad is amazing. thank you. thank you for talking to — dad is amazing. thank you. thank you for talking to us. _ breaking news, the number of people in england waiting to start hospital treatment has risen to a record high. a total of 4.5 million people are waiting to start treatment at the end ofjune, according to figuresjust out from the end ofjune, according to figures just out from nhs england. this is the highest number since records began back in august 2007. let's talk to the chief executive of nhs providers which represents

trusts. how do you react to this number of patients, 4.45 billion people? good morning, victoria. there is two things going on here, we know because of covid we have a backlog, but the nhs is running incredibly fast to try and get through that backlog. so in the month in question these statistics were released, we did 2 million diagnostic tests, the highest number last year. brute diagnostic tests, the highest number last ear. . . :: 11:11: last year. we also checked 250,000 --eole last year. we also checked 250,000 leo . le for last year. we also checked 250,000 people for cancer — last year. we also checked 250,000 people for cancer and _ last year. we also checked 250,000 people for cancer and that _ last year. we also checked 250,000 people for cancer and that is - last year. we also checked 250,000 people for cancer and that is the i people for cancer and that is the second highest figure on record, despite the fact we were trying to deal with 70,000 a&e attendances a day and that was up 20,000 attendances from the year before. so we have the slightly odd position, whereby you have a growing backlog, but the nhs is going as fast as ever to try and catch up with that backlog. it is an interesting position. it

backlog. it is an interesting losition. . ~ ., backlog. it is an interesting losition. , ,, . . , ., . position. it is like a hamster on a wheel, position. it is like a hamster on a wheel. the _ position. it is like a hamster on a wheel, the question _ position. it is like a hamster on a wheel, the question is, - position. it is like a hamster on a wheel, the question is, when i position. it is like a hamster on ai wheel, the question is, when will the nhs staff, who are working unbelievably hard and powering on through, when will they catch up with the backlog? that through, when will they catch up with the backlog?— with the backlog? that is the problem. _ with the backlog? that is the problem. it _ with the backlog? that is the problem, it is _ with the backlog? that is the problem, it is very _ with the backlog? that is the problem, it is very difficult i with the backlog? that is the| problem, it is very difficult to know. you will have seen those predictions made for people like the institute for fiscal studies over the weekend, when they were talking about a potential backlog of 40 million. that is on an assumption that everybody who didn't present and come forward last year will come forward this year and going into next year. but we don't know whether that will happen. the bit i can say, which is really, really clear, nhs staff, exactly as you say are going as fast as they possibly can, they are having to cope with dealing with that backlog, they are having to cope with the fact that we are 8000 beds short compared to the normal number of beds we have because of infection control. we have staff

isolating and in the peak leave period and we have very large numbers of people coming in for accident and emergency care and we still have 5000 covid patients in hospital beds. if you combine those six factors together you get a very busy nhs that is going afful pelts, but we are still in a position where i think this backlog will grow for a period of time. that is not because the nhs isn't doing everything it can to get through as quickly as possible. 50 can to get through as quickly as lossible. , , ., possible. so it might be trying to turn round _ possible. so it might be trying to turn round a _ possible. so it might be trying to turn round a tanker _ possible. so it might be trying to turn round a tanker very - possible. so it might be trying to turn round a tanker very slowly, | turn round a tanker very slowly, what could help speed it up? there is no doubt — what could help speed it up? there is no doubt that _ what could help speed it up? there is no doubt that the _ what could help speed it up? there is no doubt that the key _ what could help speed it up? there is no doubt that the key issue i what could help speed it up? y“,, is no doubt that the key issue of the moment, and this is an issue for the moment, and this is an issue for the next few weeks, the government is about to decide the amount of funding the nhs is going to get for the second half of this year. it is also probably going to decide the funding for the nhs for the next three years. one example, the government gave the nhs £1 billion

this year, nonrecurrent, but £1 billion this year to get through the elected backlog. we used it up in the first six months of the year. effectively, we are going to need a multi—year investment programme to get through the backlog. if you look in history, you go back to the early 2000, we had a waiting list of roughly the size, but we got through it. the crucial bit, the government at the time gave the nhs at least three years of 7% annual funding rises and that is what made the difference. but this is the key point over the next three or four weeks, the funding envelope for the nhs will be decided and it is absolutely vital we get that, the right funding. we will need to ensure some of that funding is used to expand their workforce, it is not just a question of money, but that is the key decision the prime minister and the chancellor now face. �* ., minister and the chancellor now face. �* . , . ., minister and the chancellor now face. �* . , . . . face. but what percentage increase are ou face. but what percentage increase are you calling _ face. but what percentage increase are you calling for— face. but what percentage increase are you calling for for— face. but what percentage increase are you calling for for the _ face. but what percentage increase are you calling for for the nhs i face. but what percentage increase are you calling for for the nhs in i are you calling forfor the nhs in england for the next three years, per year? brute england for the next three years,

ler ear? ~ ., england for the next three years, er ear? . . ., per year? we are in the middle of doinl the per year? we are in the middle of doing the detailed _ per year? we are in the middle of doing the detailed work _ per year? we are in the middle of doing the detailed work with i per year? we are in the middle of doing the detailed work with the i doing the detailed work with the treasury about what exactly that will look like. it is a difficult sum to do because we need to identify what our best guess is going to be of the extra covid cost. but clear is, the current settlement the the current settlement the nhs had come if you remember injune 2018, theresa may, when she was prime minister said, this is a five year settlement, funding settlement for the nhs through to 2023, 24, but what is clear, is that money is not going to be enough given the extra covid costs, but also the government made a series of manifesto commitments like building 40 new hospitals, new nurses and 50 million gp appointments. that is the bit we need to make sure happens to be clear about what the extra amount of money needed is. but what is very clear is, the current settlement is not going to be enough. i am clear is, the current settlement is not going to be enough.— not going to be enough. i am not lloin to not going to be enough. i am not going to hold _ not going to be enough. i am not going to hold you _ not going to be enough. i am not going to hold you to _ not going to be enough. i am not going to hold you to it, _

not going to be enough. i am not going to hold you to it, but i not going to be enough. i am not going to hold you to it, but you i not going to be enough. i am not i going to hold you to it, but you are thinking right now, as you are working through this, what sort of percentage increase are you thinking it might be? if percentage increase are you thinking it milht be? ,, percentage increase are you thinking it milht be? i. , ., it might be? if you set aside the covid costs. _ it might be? if you set aside the covid costs, and _ it might be? if you set aside the covid costs, and that _ it might be? if you set aside the covid costs, and that is - it might be? if you set aside the covid costs, and that is the i it might be? if you set aside the covid costs, and that is the bit i covid costs, and that is the bit which will have to come on top, the nhs on average has received since 1948, a funding increase of about 3.8%. the view is, you are probably talking about an increase of more like five or 6% for two, three years to get through the backlog. it is a significant increase. what i was saying in terms of the early 2000, there were three years of 7% plus increases. there is a real need here increases. there is a real need here in terms of making sure we get the right amount. the great thing is, we are all ready to go and we are confident in the nhs that we can do this. wejust need confident in the nhs that we can do this. we just need the financial backing of the government. at the moment, if you don't mind me saying, the mood music from the treasury is

very much focused on, we have got to recover our public finances, the nhs is eating up too much public expenditure and has got to go back to thejune 2018 settlement. there is a difficult argument we need to have over the next few weeks about what the funding settlement should look like. ., ~ what the funding settlement should look like. . ,, , ., what the funding settlement should look like. ., ~' ,, ., what the funding settlement should look like. . ,, ., . ,, ., look like. thank you for talking to us. thank look like. thank you for talking to us- thank you. — look like. thank you for talking to us. thank you, victoria. - now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. low pressure is going to continue to dominate our weather for the next few days. it looks like it's not going to be until the middle of next week high pressure will start to try and take over. so for the rest of this week, turning cooler, blustery, rain at times, especially in the north and west. that's certainly the case today as this area of low pressure in the atlantic edges ever closer to us with it weather front. we also still have yesterday's weather front draped across southern areas producing some cloud and some spots of rain. that will edge a little bit further north through the course of the day. so eastern scotland, much of england seeing some sunshine. we've got the rain across western scotland, some showers in northern ireland.

one or two showers getting in across western parts of wales as well, but they will be the exception rather than the rule. and here's the cloud with some drizzly bits and pieces on it in southern england. to the south of that, feeling humid. to the north of that, fresher. and also, some strong winds across the far north—west. those winds continue tonight, as indeed will the showers. our weather front across england and wales still draped across southern areas in between some clear skies and it's not going to be as cold a night in the northern half of the country as it was last night. most of us staying in double figures. so for tomorrow, our low pressure edges a little bit further north eastwards. one look at those isobars tells you there's going to be brisk winds where ever you are during the course of friday. so we still have our weather front, a fairly weak affair, across southern areas bringing in a bit more cloud across the south—west and some murky conditions, but it should break up elsewhere. the showers continue across scotland, some of those again, heavy and thundery in temperatures down a touch on today. into the weekend, there's a level of uncertainty into the forecast

because we've got this area of low pressure developing and it's where exactly it ends up. so this may well change, so what we think at the moment is there will be more cloud across england and wales with some rain coming in spreading steadily northwards. for northern ireland, for northern england and for scotland, it looks like you'll have something drier and brighter with some sunshine and just the odd shower. temperatures — 15 to 22 degrees. of course, what happens to that low pressure on saturday will have a bearing on what happens on sunday. and what we think at the moment is, it's going to be a mixture of sunshine and showers. and into monday, still continuing with that theme.

good morning. this is bbc news, i'm victoria derbyshire. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. taliban fighters in afghanistan say they've captured the strategically important city of ghazni as the un warns of an unfolding humanitarian disaster. it's gcse results day in england, wales and northern ireland, with record grades achieved after a second year of cancelled exams. the government says people can be confident in the results. inevitably, you'll get a higher proportion of top grades in this system this year, but they're still valid grades that are backed up by very real evidence of the performance of those young people. the number of people in england waiting to start routine hospital treatment has led to a record high of 5.45 million people. the

treatment has led to a record high of 5.45 million people.