weatherfronts bring in the rain. that is what we will find weather front bring the rain. that is what we're are seeing overnight and into tuesday morning, this rain heading south and east across england and wales. most of the morning, still leaving cloud and pockets of light rain and drizzle here and there. it may brighten up across the west country and eastern parts of scotland but generally a cloudy and damp day with temperatures people tried scotland but generally a cloudy and damp day with temperatures people tried to scotland but generally a cloudy and damp day with temperatures people tried to escape scotland but generally a cloudy and damp day with temperatures people tried to escape by killing on to a aircraft. some have been reported to have fallen into the dust moments later.— reported to have fallen into the dust moments later. they cannot believe the _ dust moments later. they cannot believe the world _ dust moments later. they cannot believe the world abandon - believe the world abandon afghanistan. all of our friends are going to get killed, they're going to kill us. our women are not going to kill us. our women are not going to have any more rights. the takeover _ to have any more rights. the takeover by _ to have any more rights. the takeover by a _ to have any more rights. the takeover by a taliban has led to the closure of western embassies. they have secured the diplomatic quarter of the capital. we have secured the diplomatic quarter of the capital-— of the capital. we are going to try and mccains. .. _ of the capital. we are going to try and mccains. .. maintain - of the capital. we are going to try and mccains... maintain security. i and mccains... maintain security. their lives are saved. that is our duty now.

their lives are saved. that is our duty "ow-— their lives are saved. that is our du now. ~ ., ., , ., duty now. what does the future hold for the peeple _ duty now. what does the future hold for the peeple of— duty now. what does the future hold for the people of afghanistan? - duty now. what does the future hold for the people of afghanistan? we . for the people of afghanistan? we will have reaction from around the world. hello and welcome to bbc news. welcome to special coverage of afghanistan where the taliban is now effectively in control including in the capital of kabul. the takeover the capital of kabul. the takeover the city has triggered deadly scenes at the airport as people are desperately trying to leave. they are —— there are calls for the taliban to continue with diplomatic... and american military transport plane on the runway mobbed by afghans trying to flee the

country. eventually the plane takes off, moments later as it gains altitude, it appears that two people fall to the ground. thousands of american and british troops have been sent to secure the airport with helicopters being use to clear the runways, it is chaotic and ugly. similar scenes on the civilian sad. and afghan airline are unable to leave as crowds frantically tried to reach it. outside the gates, shots ring out as the headlong dash which began yesterday continues. at least two people have died at the airport today. perhaps more. what a contrast from the city's deserted green zone once home to government buildings and foreign embassies, now empty but for pockets of taliban fighters. in

a message posted on social media from their political base, the taliban's co—founder urged his men to remain discipline. now we have to show that we can serve our nation, he said. we show that we can serve our nation, he said. ~ ., ., show that we can serve our nation, he said. ~ . ., . , he said. we want a inclusive government. _ he said. we want a inclusive government. by _ he said. we want a inclusive government. by that - he said. we want a inclusive government. by that we - he said. we want a inclusive i government. by that we mean he said. we want a inclusive - government. by that we mean all other afghans have participation in that government. of course that means it will take a little bit of time and deliberation and talks. anxious moments for the people of kabul unsure of what their new masters have in mind. what were their lives be like? some are sceptical that the taliban can be kept at their word.— sceptical that the taliban can be kept at their word. they are saying the 're

kept at their word. they are saying they're looking _ kept at their word. they are saying they're looking for _ kept at their word. they are saying they're looking for acceptance - kept at their word. they are saying | they're looking for acceptance from countries. but what are they doing in practice? they don't have control of their foot soldiers or they want to legitimacy but they're not willing to do the work.- to legitimacy but they're not willing to do the work. huge and certainty for _ willing to do the work. huge and certainty for the _ willing to do the work. huge and certainty for the agencies - willing to do the work. huge and certainty for the agencies that i certainty for the agencies that provide aid. unicef has been here for decades. we provide aid. unicef has been here for decades-_ provide aid. unicef has been here for decades. we will be continuing our work the _ for decades. we will be continuing our work the taliban _ for decades. we will be continuing our work the taliban has _ for decades. we will be continuing our work the taliban has asked - for decades. we will be continuing our work the taliban has asked us | for decades. we will be continuing l our work the taliban has asked us to stay. they understand the importance of our work. they understand that we are not political. they have asked us to pause the work for a couple of days while they talk to the rank and file and make sure that they understand what unicef is here to do. and that our staff can operate safely. do. and that our staff can operate safel . �* ., , ., do. and that our staff can operate safel.�* ., , ., , do. and that our staff can operate safel. �* . , ., , do. and that our staff can operate safel. . , ., , . safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous — safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous change, _ safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous change, experienced . safely. afghans have seen so much | tumultuous change, experienced so many moments of trauma. this is another such moment. what will it mean for those who leave and those who stay?

were going to speak to our correspondent. you and i love afghanistan it has been an incredibly difficult time to watch the scenes especially in kabul. yes. the scenes especially in kabul. yes, as ou the scenes especially in kabul. yes, as you know. _ the scenes especially in kabul. yes, as you know. in _ the scenes especially in kabul. yes, as you know, in recent _ the scenes especially in kabul. 1a: as you know, in recent months there has been much speculation and analysis about what would happen in the last days of the us—led troop involvement in afghanistan? what would happen after the last of us forces leave? but i think this is beyond anything even the worst case scenarios that many had speculated about and many had feared, deeply feared. the scenes from kabul international airport are frightening and heartbreaking. thousands of people desperately trying to find a way out. any way

out. the us forces struggling to maintain control. inside the city of kabul, we arejust maintain control. inside the city of kabul, we are just mainly getting reports from there because the rest of afghanistan which is under taliban control, it is this new idea that this new order has not yet been established and the old order is falling apart. we have been reporting about some afghans we hear from our hiding in their homes, they don't want the taliban to know that they are there. those that venture out our questions. we know that the taliban is trying to send reassuring messages, that we are in charge, there is nothing to fear, we are establishing order. but i think these are really, really frightening times for the people of afghanistan while this chaos and disorder continues, peoplejust don't while this chaos and disorder continues, people just don't know what lies ahead. and the scenes from

the airport underlines that many afghans do not want to stay around to find out. ., , ., to find out. that is what it symbolises _ to find out. that is what it symbolises because - to find out. that is what it symbolises because the l to find out. that is what it i symbolises because the city to find out. that is what it - symbolises because the city centre is very quiet, very calm. and then you drive half an hour to the airport and utter chaos. people clinging onto the aircraft as it is taxiing. and leaving. you are in dubai, you are supposed to be in kabul, but you can actually get a flight. tell the viewers about hovering over couple because you can actually land. and it's close now. yes, all commercial air traffic into afghanistan has now been suspended. and when we say commercial air traffic, it is not simply a question of normal, the flights going in and out of kabul, they are lifelines for afghans who are desperately trying to escape. in my case, we flew on

the emirate commercial flights, one of the last trying to go in yesterday. we hovered over the city of kabul for about ten hours and then returned... turned back. we were diverted back to dubai. the staff on the aeroplane said, they regretted that we could not land. it was simply not possible. but they also expressed regret that they were supposed to pick up more than 400 afghans who were waiting on the tarmac. that included they said 100 children. in those young people we understand where the girls who were part of the widely acclaimed robotics team of afghanistan, the high school students who had won a global prize in developing robots in the western city. an example if one was needed, that the kinds of success stories of afghanistan that have been held up by the international community who promised time and again to ensure, to use the

phrase, the gains of the last 20 years were protected. of course there was a lot of goodwill and intention to try and ensure that what had been achieved over the last 20 years of intense international engagement would be protected, but right now, many of those young people, that new young educated generation are hiding in their homes or they are trembling on the tarmac wondering whether they will be able to get out. and if they do not, what about all their dreams of university? the taliban says, they have told us many times and you at the weekend, that they will allow all the rights of women and girls within islam that women will be able to work, girls will be able to study. but the reports that we are getting across afghanistan belie that. the girls are not going to school, women are being told to stay at home and not go to work. there are huge question marks about the

future and for many, these question marks are notjust about day—to—day lives, they are existential. it is about the very future and their very sense of belonging in their own country. it sense of belonging in their own count . , ., , ., country. it is not 'ust about the province h country. it is not 'ust about the provinces. we _ country. it is notjust about the provinces. we got _ country. it is notjust about the provinces. we got confirmed i country. it is notjust about the - provinces. we got confirmed reports that the american university of afghanistan is a taliban headquarter and bays. thank you very much for joining us and your commitment to the story. were going to speak to the story. were going to speak to the former ambassador to pakistan to the former ambassador to pakistan to the united states. he comes from washington. these are very dark times. ., p, , washington. these are very dark times. ., ., , , , ~ washington. these are very dark times. ., p, , , , . , times. unfortunately, yes. and very frankl , i times. unfortunately, yes. and very frankly. i am _ times. unfortunately, yes. and very frankly, i am one _ times. unfortunately, yes. and very frankly, i am one of _ times. unfortunately, yes. and very frankly, i am one of those _ times. unfortunately, yes. and very frankly, i am one of those who - frankly, i am one of those who remain sceptical about the taliban. let us understand this movement, it sees itself as a group that is going to reestablish islam as they understand it. while they keep saying we will give all the rights and etc etc, they keep saying within

islam. and that islam is of their interpretation which we already know it is a very brutal one. lastly let me say while they don't have more —— while they do have more articulate spokespeople now. they come on television, they are not a group thatis television, they are not a group that is interested in the development of afghanistan. most of them were in pakistan ensuring that them were in pakistan ensuring that the new order that was being built would not take route. these people certainly are not the ones that the people of afghanistan can trust with their future. ~ ., ., , ., people of afghanistan can trust with their future-— their future. what do you see afghanistan _ their future. what do you see afghanistan looking - their future. what do you see afghanistan looking like - their future. what do you see afghanistan looking like in i their future. what do you see i afghanistan looking like in three months, and six months, in a year? it is often unpredictable. afghans have a tremendous ability to work out compromises amongst themselves. there will be some violence. then there will be some period in which people will realise that this is not

the moment for immediate conflict. we may have some settling down. but the fact remains that it is not going to be in afghanistan of the zist going to be in afghanistan of the 21st century that we had all started becoming accustomed to. it will all depend on who is in charge and in what district. there will be taliban. some will say we want to impose islam literally and there will be debates amongst them. and then there will be a coalition of islamic groups that want to do... that may not let the secular groups into it. they will be targeted. i don't think the taliban have a good track record of working with others. i think that they will be a threat to the rest of the world as well. a

lot of isis and al-qaeda fighters were released yesterday. just as the taliban who had been released last year ended up on the battlefield, i think that these isis and al-qaeda fighters will go back to doing what they did before, at least many of them. will pakistan be safe, china? we cannot be sure. will afghanistan have a stable government? i think, really not. have a stable government? i think, reall not. i, have a stable government? i think, reall not. ., ., . .,~ , ., have a stable government? i think, reall not. ., really not. you watch pakistan, you worked within _ really not. you watch pakistan, you worked within the _ really not. you watch pakistan, you worked within the government. - really not. you watch pakistan, you| worked within the government. you were an ambassador to the washington —— to washington, dc. in the past few weeks and months, there has been a lot of anger within afghanistan towards pakistan. i a lot of anger within afghanistan towards pakistan.— a lot of anger within afghanistan towards pakistan. i think these two countries have _ towards pakistan. i think these two countries have become _ towards pakistan. i think these two countries have become rivals. - towards pakistan. i think these two| countries have become rivals. more afghans have a negative view of pakistan that even indians.

pakistan's concerns in afghanistan was to deny india space. they thought they were going to use it as a staging ground for many insurgencies. unfortunately, the group that pakistan has generally contain relations with says that... that group has a worldview that is not necessarily progressive or forward—looking worldview. pakistan will not have it easy in the days to come. and the anger of the average afghan against pakistan will take a while to subside. will they tell us —— will the taliban remain beholden to pakistan? that is an open question. there will be some who will say why should we remain beholden to secular leaders in pakistan, why not try and push for islamist order? there is a taliban

offshoot in pakistan, and that is where things could get difficult for both countries.— both countries. let's talk a little bit more about _ both countries. let's talk a little bit more about the _ both countries. let's talk a little bit more about the impact - both countries. let's talk a little bit more about the impact of. both countries. let's talk a little | bit more about the impact of this both countries. let's talk a little - bit more about the impact of this on the rest of the region. i mean, in terms of whether the taliban will be recognised by other states. because of course as you know, there are only three states which recognise them in the 1990s. now we are hearing that china is saying it is willing to develop friendly relations, russia's said that its ambassador to kabul would meet the ambassador to kabul would meet the ambassador and decide whether to recognise them. and iran ultraconservative president said what he called the defeat of the united states should offer an opportunity for lasting peace in afghanistan. the opportunity for lasting peace in afghanistan-— opportunity for lasting peace in afihanistan. ,, ., , ., afghanistan. the united states made a hue afghanistan. the united states made a huge mistake- _ afghanistan. the united states made a huge mistake. instead _ afghanistan. the united states made a huge mistake. instead of— afghanistan. the united states made a huge mistake. instead of going - afghanistan. the united states made a huge mistake. instead of going in l a huge mistake. instead of going in and creating afghan government and then trusting it and giving it support, the americans ended up creating the oppression of

occupation. diplomats meddled in afghan politics. when someone went to president car saying as for his resignation things like that. as a result, all of america's enemies and opponents have a stake in trying to humiliate america further. and what could be greater humiliation for america than to recognise and work with a government that the americans did not want to? which is the taliban? all of them will have problems with the taliban. they are a very anti—shiite. yesterday when the taliban marched into kabul, they pulled out all the shi'ite banners. that will be something that the iranians have something to say about. the russians will be worried about. the russians will be worried about the spill—over of islamist extremism in central asia, which they have kept relatively isolated from these trends. there is already

something called the islamic leave islamist movement in whose pakistan. it could come back. the chinese are worried about the east pakistan islamic movement. all three of them, while on the one hand will like to engage with the taliban partly because they want to tell the united states that your enemy is now in power and we are all together. the enemies of the united states foiling america's plans to have a huge base in central asia. after that, there will be problems that may come down the road. �* , will be problems that may come down the road. . , ., ., ,, the road. always good to talk to ou. the road. always good to talk to you- thank _ the road. always good to talk to you- thank you _ the road. always good to talk to you. thank you very _ the road. always good to talk to you. thank you very much - the road. always good to talk to you. thank you very much for i the road. always good to talk to - you. thank you very much forjoining us. let's go back to kabul now. our partner from cbs news us. let's go back to kabul now. our partnerfrom cbs news is there. she sent this update. the taliban say they are now in control of this country, but the situation is very

unclear and volatile. many afghans have been scrambling to leave, fearing the return to taliban rule. video posted online this morning shows people on the tarmac trying to climb onto a us military transport plane taking off. other clips appeared to show those who could not hang on falling to a certain death. it seems no one expected the taliban to reach the capital so fast. they entered yesterday after seizing city after city across the country in just a week and a half. now the fighters are in the streets of kabul, many are arms, some driving vehicles abandoned by the previous security forces. the taliban have also been seen strolling along the green zone. the president of afghanistan vowed to keep thought that i could vowed to keep fighting fled yesterday. he said he wanted to avoid more bloodshed, but some afghans say that he is a coward. this is footage from aljazeera

saying that these are taliban commandos inside the presidential palace. the form of the new regime will be made clear soon was a statement that was released by the taliban recently. we have spoken to afghans who say they are now in hiding. one who used to work for the former afghan government he said last night taliban fighters came knocking on his door looking for him. he called us terrified, begging for help. i have been speaking to a woman in kabul who we are not identifying for security reasons. she explained how people are coping. i think everyone is traumatised. it's chaos at the airport. everyone is trying to escape human no one knows what happens, everyone is afraid. those who could get to the airport, the families that are that

aren't sure they can fly. others are trying to stay put. it is a big city. no one has been walking around. yesterday there was huge traffic because everyone was trying to get to their homes. there are social media reports that the taliban has gone in to search houses. there have been some journalists whose houses were searched as well. taliban is hunger people to make sure everyone is secure. they are trying to announce that they are taking security and everything, but people are afraid. things are bad. i'm sure you know because the foot is you just showed.

diplomatic means they're trying to negotiate. at least i am seeing women removed. there are a lot of taliban around and you don't see a single woman there. we are traumatised. this is bad. the bad thing is there is a power vacuum because the taliban has not announced any government yet, no one is sure what is going to happen. this uncertainty is panicking everyone and especially women. the stories coming that they are searching houses. people who start

the negotiations... the people who started negotiations and then announce a very responsible drawl, they are responsible for this. not completely, but it's up to them as well and they failed us.— well and they failed us. when we s-oke well and they failed us. when we spoke yesterday. _ well and they failed us. when we spoke yesterday, you _ well and they failed us. when we spoke yesterday, you went - spoke yesterday, you went outside, you told me that you went out, he went to see some people, you went to the bank. are you able to get out of your house now? i the bank. are you able to get out of your house now?— the bank. are you able to get out of your house now? i am not. yesterday i did. and your house now? i am not. yesterday i did- and on — your house now? i am not. yesterday i did. and on the — your house now? i am not. yesterday i did. and on the way _ your house now? i am not. yesterday i did. and on the way back _ your house now? i am not. yesterday i did. and on the way back home, i i i did. and on the way back home, i heard gunshots. around the big mosque. today, i could not. taliban are walking around. all the police

and army cars they are in them and moving around him i don't even look outside because i'm afraid they're going to see me. that terror is so real it has happened before. and it is happening now. and i'm not sure evenif is happening now. and i'm not sure even if what i have at home is proper to wear, if i can get out. i don't see any women there to talk on behalf of me. to have a voice. we are already removed from the scene. are you speaking to your friends and colleagues, other women? what are they saying?— they saying? yes, we are. everyone is afraid. they saying? yes, we are. everyone is afraid- we _ they saying? yes, we are. everyone is afraid. we all _ they saying? yes, we are. everyone is afraid. we all are _ they saying? yes, we are. everyone is afraid. we all are trying _ they saying? yes, we are. everyone is afraid. we all are trying to stay i is afraid. we all are trying to stay put. everyone is panicking and waiting to see what will happen. or what decisions the taliban will make about our education and freedom of movement. for now, even yesterday, when i got stuck in traffic... you

won't believe it, but maybe i was the only woman on the street. there were some with their husbands. everyone is afraid. so are my friends, my colleagues. and a lot of people i have worked with. especially the students. they are afraid if they can go to school. or evenif afraid if they can go to school. or even if they go to university, if they will be punished. the panic is real. and also because of bad experiences in the past because of the uncertainty of now, no one is for sure. the uncertainty of now, no one is forsure. it's the uncertainty of now, no one is for sure. it's women who are suffering.

i have had comments from a lot of girls asking if they will be punished for going to university. it is chaotic here. mentally. everyone is chaotic here. mentally. everyone is terrorised. people should find clarity of what is going on, what will happen. if they are safe. the silence and calm this you see in kabul is like a... people are waiting to see if it will explode or not, you know? all day, the only voice that i have is the noise of the military aircraft. that's it. i have not heard anything else. everyone failed us. rho, have not heard anything else. everyone failed us.— have not heard anything else. everyone failed us. a woman we are not identifying _ everyone failed us. a woman we are not identifying for _ everyone failed us. a woman we are not identifying for security _ not identifying for security

reasons. here downing street is holding a meeting of cobra to discuss afghanistan. among the subject expected to be on the agenda of evacuating around 4000 people, both british nationals and afghans who worked with and for the british. the defence foreign minister said that some people will not get back. hears this report. landing in the uk in the early hours, hundreds have been evacuated with more to follow. the government is working to get british passport holders home as well as eligible afghans who worked for british forces, but in emotional minister admits, not everyone will make it here. and it is a really deep pile of regret for me. some people won't get back. some people won't get back and we will have to do our best in third countries to process those people. why do you feel it so personally, mrwallace? because i'm a soldier. because it is sad and the west has done what it's done.

we have to do our very best to get people out and stand by our obligations and 20 years of sacrifice. it is what it is. uk forces first went into afghanistan in 2001 in the wake in the 9/11 attacks. joining the us—led action against al-qaeda and the taliban. 457 british troops and personnel lost their lives during the conflict, many more were injured. jack cummings was on his second tour in 2010 when he lost both legs in an explosion. seeing the sacrifices we have made as british soldiers for it to just go up in smoke in a couple of weeks, you'vejust got to question was it worth it. and for me, at the moment, for many of my friends messaging me, i don't think it was. this long operation has stretched over successive prime ministers. jack straw, labour foreign secretary

for five years from 2001 says it was right to act 20 years ago. a lot of good has happened over the intervening 20 years. my disagreement with president trump, who is the architect of this chaos, and president biden, who is in a sense implementing it, was not over whether it was going to come a time when nato allies and the us would have to withdraw, of course they would. but how you did that. parliament will be recalled on wednesday from its summer break to discuss the crisis. but what can be done as time goes by? insuring a process for the safety of all of those that are remaining there and an assertion of human rights of everybody in afghanistan, including women and girls, particularly women and girls. and an agreement about safe and legal routes for refugees because it is inevitable

there is going to be a refugee crisis coming out of this. now the british military presence here all to get people out of afghanistan while the world watches to see what is left behind. do you stay with us here on bbc news. we will have more newsjust after the weather and the headlines. we will have more news just after the weather and the headlines. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello there. it is a cool day with a chilly northwesterly breeze today. the best of the sunshine has been across eastern parts of scotland, we should see some of that sunshine heading towards the south into eastern areas of england later on. there is still some rain and drizzle heading through the midlands toward the southeast, that is... temperatures struggling to 19 or 20 degrees at best. and always hang on to more cloud in western areas. still some dampness in the air here as we go into this evening. overnight, that cloud will push back towards the east again with the cloud thickening to bring some pockets of rain and drizzle down and some mist and fog over the hills in the west. a mild night, much milder than it was last night in the northeast of scotland. but tuesday looks like another

cloudy, cool, sort of day. we have got this rain and drizzle around and that will head towards the south and east across england. the worst of that clearing, but still leaving some dull, damp weather around here and there. it will brighten up across the west country and eastern parts of scotland, but it's going to be a cool and breezy day with temperatures, again, 17—20 c. hello. this is bbc news. the headlines — chaos and panic at kabul airport, as thousands of people try to flee afghanistan, now controlled by the taliban. it's sparked the closure of western embassies, with the taliban now in control of kabul�*s green zone. british troops continue to evacuate people from the country, but the defence secretary warns that some will be left behind. a one—minute silence is held in plymouth, to remember the five people killed in last week's mass shooting.

and double jabbed people in england and northern ireland will no longer have to isolate, if they've come into contact with someone with covid. sport now, and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn watson. good afternoon. we begin at lord's. england's hopes of victory in the second test disappeared following a brilliant batting display from india just before lunch on the final day. india resuming 154 runs ahead, they lost two quick wickets this morning to give england hope. but a 77 run partnership between mohammed shami and jasprit bumrah turned the match, before captain virat kohli declared shortly after lunch. that set england a target of 272 but crumbled in the face of that scoreboard pressure. both dom sibley and rory burns falling for ducks, the first time that has ever happened

in a home test. a reminder, if play does resume, test match special has ball by ball commentary on 5 live sports extra and the bbc sport website, where there are also in—play video highlights. and there's today at the test on bbc two tonight at seven o'clock. harry kane's been included in tottenham's europa conference league squad, ahead of their first tie this week. if he plays, it would be his first appearance for spurs since last season, with intense speculation surrounding his future. manchester city are yet to meet the club's valuation of the player. kane's part of a 25—man squad set to compete in european football's third tier competition, which they qualified for, having finished seventh in the league last season. mark cavendish is the first british rider to be confirmed for this year's tour of britain. the manx sprinter equalled eddy merckx�*s record of 34 tour de france stage wins last month. cavendish will lead belgian team deceuninck-quick—step when the race begins

in cornwall on september 5th. in snooker, john higgins has made a 147 break at the british open in leicester. the four—time world champion did it in his first frame of the tournament against swiss player alexander ursenbacher. signs perhaps of things to come. it's the 12th maximum of his career, which is second on the all—time list three behind ronnie o'sullivan. roger federer will have further knee surgery, keeping him on the sidelines for "many months". the 40—year—old had double knee surgery last year and says he hopes the latest surgery will give him a chance of comepting again. it's going to be difficult, of course, in some ways, but, at the same time, i know it's the right thing to do, because i want to be healthy, i want to be running around later as well again, and i want to give myself the hope of returning to the tour in some shape or form. i

give myself the hope of returning to the tour in some shape orform. i am realistic, don't get me wrong. i know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it, but, look, iwant right now to do another surgery and try it, but, look, i want to be healthy, and i will go through the process, i think also with the goal, while i'm still active, which i think is going to help me during this long period of time. it's been confirmed that spectators will not be allowed at the tokyo paralympic games. as well as stadiums, fans are also requested not to attend road events. the japanese government has proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency, due to the ongoing pandemic, with the paralympics beginning a week tomorrow. a night of music and entertainment took place at wembley last night to welcome home the olympic stars of team gb. it was the first time the athletes have had a chance to celebrate together, as they flew home within two days of competing in tokyo. when you're out there, you're in

such— when you're out there, you're in such a _ when you're out there, you're in such a little _ when you're out there, you're in such a little bubble that you don't really _ such a little bubble that you don't really know, like, what the kind of atmosphere or the feeling is when you back — atmosphere or the feeling is when you back. so to come back, and you back. soto come back, and obviously— you back. so to come back, and obviously we just had a reception then with — obviously we just had a reception then with the team gb athletes, and it was— then with the team gb athletes, and it was an _ then with the team gb athletes, and it was an incredible buzz, a nice place _ it was an incredible buzz, a nice place to— it was an incredible buzz, a nice place to be _ it was an incredible buzz, a nice place to be full stop in it was an incredible buzz, a nice place to be full stop— it was an incredible buzz, a nice place to be full stop in the olympic games, place to be full stop in the olympic games. you _ place to be full stop in the olympic games. you are — place to be full stop in the olympic games, you are in _ place to be full stop in the olympic games, you are in a _ place to be full stop in the olympic games, you are in a bubble, - place to be full stop in the olympic games, you are in a bubble, but i place to be full stop in the olympic. games, you are in a bubble, but you can normally— games, you are in a bubble, but you can normally slip— games, you are in a bubble, but you can normally slip out _ games, you are in a bubble, but you can normally slip out and _ games, you are in a bubble, but you can normally slip out and see - games, you are in a bubble, but youj can normally slip out and see people and mill_ can normally slip out and see people and iiiillaboul— can normally slip out and see people and mill about but _ can normally slip out and see people and mill about but this _ can normally slip out and see people and mill about but this time - can normally slip out and see people and mill about but this time it - can normally slip out and see people and mill about but this time it was i and mill about but this time it was really— and mill about but this time it was really strict. — and mill about but this time it was really strict, so _ and mill about but this time it was really strict, so we _ and mill about but this time it was really strict, so we were _ and mill about but this time it was really strict, so we were locked i and mill about but this time it wasl really strict, so we were locked up, and it_ really strict, so we were locked up, and it felt_ really strict, so we were locked up, and it felt like _ really strict, so we were locked up, and it felt like a _ really strict, so we were locked up, and it felt like a long _ really strict, so we were locked up, and it felt like a long time - really strict, so we were locked up, and it felt like a long time away- and it felt like a long time away from _ and it felt like a long time away from everyone, _ and it felt like a long time away from everyone, especially- and it felt like a long time away from everyone, especially from| and it felt like a long time away- from everyone, especially from our little boy, — from everyone, especially from our little boy, so— from everyone, especially from our little boy, so it's _ from everyone, especially from our little boy, so it's really— from everyone, especially from our little boy, so it's really special- little boy, so it's really special to come — little boy, so it's really special to come home _ little boy, so it's really special to come home and _ little boy, so it's really special to come home and be - little boy, so it's really special. to come home and be reunited. i little boy, so it's really special- to come home and be reunited. i bet it was. a to come home and be reunited. i bet it was- a nice — to come home and be reunited. i bet it was. a nice chance _ to come home and be reunited. i bet it was. a nice chance for— to come home and be reunited. it was. a nice chance for them to let their hair down after all the hard work and preparation that went into the games. that's all the sport for now. the government says it's confident it can get british nationals out of afghanistan, with plans for hundreds more to leave in the next few days. afghans who worked for british forces will also be evacuated. the first planeload arrived at raf

brize norton in oxfordshire last night. our correspondent sangita myska is at raf brize norton in oxfordshire. raf brize norton is the head of transport operations for the raf. the aircraft that will be taking off and he will be going to kabul, and it is those aircraft that will be used to airlift people who are entitled to be in this country out of kabul, and bring them back. the carriers are voyages, see 17s, hercules and atlas aircraft. voyagers can carry around 300 people, and that goes down to about 150. they can of course also carry freight but sources i have spoken to say they want to minimise the freight, in order that they can get more people on. the exact details of when aircraft are taking off, when they are coming back again, my defence also say we are not going to make that public, because we don't want the taliban knowing. that is for security reasons. let me just explain. kabulairport, the for security reasons. let me just explain. kabul airport, the airport you are seeing pictures of, is in

fact a commercial airport. what has happened is that the air base could not be helped by government forces, it fell two days ago, which means the americans and british have requisitioned, in effect miniaturised parts of the commercial airport in kabul. that is where these aircraft from brize norton will be landing and taking off. we saw some alarming pictures of civilians breaking in to air side, where the american military aircraft are taking off. the british government have told the bbc that is not the case, when it comes to the airstrips being used by the raf. they say they want to make sure that as many people are as safe as possible. the sources i've been speaking to this morning say that is absolutely and an utmost priority. they will make sure there is airstrips are safe before loading passengers on, and before taking off. who is going to be on board?

british passport holders, also those people who are entitled under various schemes to come into the uk. that will include some of the interpreters and some of those very controversial schemes. many campaign saying those schemes to bring the interpreters through to britain are not necessarily working effectively. also we hear today from british government, from the mod in fact, that afghan special forces who were trained by uk special forces and also american special forces will also american special forces will also be given priority access to get out of kabul. also be given priority access to get out of kabul-— with me now is sir nicholas kay, who was the nato's senior civilian representative to afghanistan for a year to may 2020, and also the uk's ambassador in kabul between 2017 and 2018. thank you very much for being with us. there is an inevitability about western troops eventually leaving, the western presence ending in afghanistan, but what do you make about the way this has come about? clearly, it's not good. this is,

overall, a premature military withdrawal. the trainee advice and assistance mission was not complete and it was premature politically as well, without a complaints of peace agreement between the government of afghanistan and the taliban, then this should not have been a comprehensive military withdrawal. that is my strong personal view, one i have held for some time. but i think it's important now that we just look at the challenges that are just look at the challenges that are just coming up, and they are quite numerous. , p, just coming up, and they are quite numerous-— just coming up, and they are quite numerous. , ., ., , numerous. they are quite numerous, the first one — numerous. they are quite numerous, the first one i — numerous. they are quite numerous, the first one i suppose _ numerous. they are quite numerous, the first one i suppose is _ numerous. they are quite numerous, the first one i suppose is the - the first one i suppose is the transitional period, that we are given all these assurances by the taliban about inclusivity, about maintaining the right for women to have education, but is there any evidence that the approach and the time you spent in afghanistan talking to politicians, who honestly weren't taliban themselves, but perhaps talking to some of those that had contacts with the taliban, that had contacts with the taliban, that there was any sense of a different approach potentially if it had returned to power, as it now

appears to have done? i had returned to power, as it now appears to have done?— had returned to power, as it now appears to have done? i think the 'u is appears to have done? i think the jury is extremely _ appears to have done? i think the jury is extremely out _ appears to have done? i think the jury is extremely out on _ appears to have done? i think the jury is extremely out on that. - appears to have done? i think the jury is extremely out on that. we | jury is extremely out on that. we really need to give no benefit of the doubt and justjudge by actions, rather than words, and it is early days, and some of the words are ok, but some of the actions already are not ok. so i think you know, let's see and test this. there are, yes, absolutely, questions to do with respect to human rights, individual freedoms, particularly women's rights and all of that is absolutely important, but there are legion challenges now that the taliban have resumed responsibility for since they have taken over the country, and, you know, they have a humanitarian crisis. already afghanistan was suffering from food insecurity, 5.5 million people because of climate change largely and other factors as well, that number is only going to go up. how are they going to deal with that?

international partners will need to step up and practically cooperate with them for that. they also have a political challenge. let's not forget the taliban are not unopposed, not everyone is on board with them, and they will need to set “p with them, and they will need to set up an inclusive government that brings people, other constituencies come into the government as well. that is a challenge in itself. that is their best _ that is a challenge in itself. that is their best hope _ that is a challenge in itself. that is their best hope presumably of maintaining some stability in afghanistan at least.- maintaining some stability in afghanistan at least. indeed first at in terms _ afghanistan at least. indeed first at in terms of _ afghanistan at least. indeed first at in terms of the _ afghanistan at least. indeed firstl at in terms of the neighbourhood, afghanistan at least. indeed first - at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were, at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were. what — at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were, what does _ at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were, what does it _ at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were, what does it mean _ at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were, what does it mean for- at in terms of the neighbourhood, as it were, what does it mean for those | it were, what does it mean for those countries surrounding afghanistan? actually, in particular, given america has made the decision that has made to strategically withdraw. philip hammond, the former british defence secretary and foreign secretary, described it as a failure of western strategy, but what does it mean for china, do you think? yeah, i mean, all the countries in the region, china, pakistan, iran and russia all have a strong presence and historical engagement

in afghanistan to stop china has apparently already made its position clear that they want —— in afghanistan. china has apparently orally made its position clear that they want a friendly relationship with the taliban government. everyone is going to have to have a practical and at least initially a non—confrontational relationship with the taliban. practical over humanitarian assistance. but looming large as well for the taliban and all afghans as well, is an enormous economic challenge crisis, it is one of the poorest countries in the world, three quarters of its government sent —— spending until now has come from foreign donors. now that is unlikely to continue. the country is essentially broken, and unable to pay its way. now, when you assume government of a country,

you assume government of a country, you take on responsibility for providing services, salary, it is notjust providing services, salary, it is not just occupying providing services, salary, it is notjust occupying buildings and controlling streets, that's the easy bit. so that will be a challenge for the taliban, and it will be a challenge for international communities to decide how, if at all, that can be supported. sir nicholas cage, thank you forjoining us. as we continue talking about the afghanistan where the taliban are in control of the country, let us take a look and remind exactly who the taliban are, where they have come from and who they are funded by. the taliban, which means students in the past two language, emerged in the early 90s in northern pakistan, following the withdrawal of soviet troops from afghanistan.

they were joined by young men from pakistani madrassas or religious schools. after the us—led coalition's offensive resulted in the regime's collapse in 2001 — many taliban leaders took refuge in pakistan and continued to direct attacks from there. the un estimates there are between 58,000 and 100,000 taliban fighters. haibatullah akhundzada became supreme leader of the taliban in 2016, after his predecessor mohammad mansour was killed in a drone strike in pakistan. his deputies include mullah abdul ghani baradar — one of the co—founders of the taliban — who heads the political office in doha. the group's military commission is headed by mullah mohammad yaqoob, the son of the other taliban co—founder, the late mullah omar. sirajuddin haqqani heads the armed combat network, reportedly behind a series of suicide attacks and hostage taking. the un says estimates for the taliban's annual income range from $300 million to $1.6 billion a year, primarily from criminal activities, including drug production and trafficking.

heroin, of course. the headlines on bbc news... desperate scenes at kabul airport, as hundreds try to leave afghanistan, following the taliban takeover of the capital. a minute's silence is held for the five victims of the plymouth shooting. and double jabbed people in england and northern ireland will no longer have to isolate, if they've come into contact with someone with covid. other news now — a minute's silence has been held in plymouth, to remember the five people shot dead on thursday. the home office is asking police forces in england and wales to review the way they deal with firearms applications in the wake of the mass shooting. devon and cornwall police referred itself, as it's required to,

for investigation by the police watchdog, over its decision to allow the killer to possess a shotgun again last month, after his licence had earlier been revoked. sarah ransome reports. a minute to remember and reflect. bell tolls. across the city, people fell silent this morning, in memory of those who died in the mass shooting last week. three—year—old sophie martyn and her dad, lee, kate shepherd, stephen washington and maxine davison all died at the hands of the gunmanjake davison. in the park, next to where the shootings happened, people paused in a moment of collective grief. it's been really hard, i think we're all still in shock at what's happened.

aren't we? it's been a very quiet place for the last few days, it has been very sombre. people have been very respectful and very kind to each other and very compassionate. everyone seems to knowj everybody and it just felt like the right thing to do to come here to pay my respects to - the victims that lost their lives, and obviously the ones that - are still in hospital as well. community leaders also paid tribute to the five who died. at the moment, keyham is grieving, we grieve because we love, grief is love, we are in shock, feel guilty and angry about the events surrounding the deaths of our beloved community members because we love. plymouth is a place where people stand together during dark times. i hope and believe that we will get through the difficult times that lie ahead as we try to come to terms with this dreadful loss by continuing to support each other.

questions still remain on why jake davison had a shotgun and how his licence was returned last month, after an allegation of assault a few months ago. jake davison lived here in biddick drive. the decision to hand him back his licence is under investigation by the police watchdog. in the light of what happened last week, the home office is now reviewing the way all gun permits are granted, for forces throughout england and wales. today, though, was a day to focus on the victims. this community says it may be bowed but not broken. sarah ransome, bbc news, plymouth. people in england and northern ireland who've had both covid jabs no longer have to isolate, if they come into contact with someone with the virus. the change has already been introduced in scotland and wales. our business correspondent emma simpson reports. here's a place that should be doing

a roaring trade with afternoon teas, but this hotel in sutton coldfield's had to scale back as its staff keep getting pinged. well, normally this restaurant would be buzzing at lunchtime but we have had to close it, we have had to close our fine dining restaurant, we have closed all our food outlets during the day. a business trying to keep the plates spinning in the midst of a staycation boom. we found ourselves, a week last sunday, with virtually no kitchen staff. everybody was having to self—isolate. we went down from probably ten to 12 chefs down to two. i suppose today can't come soon enough? absolutely, it can't come soon enough. it will make such a huge difference. at one point, more than 500,000 people were getting pinged a week, causing huge disruption for all sorts of businesses. but with three quarters of adults fullyjabbed, the government says now�*s the right time to relax the rules, another huge

step back to normality. from today, people in england and northern ireland who are fully vaccinated no longer have to self—isolate, if they come into close contact with a positive case. instead, you'll be advised to take a pcr test. if it's positive, you will still have to isolate for ten days. even though they're not vaccinated, the new rules will also apply to under—18s. scotland and wales have already made similar changes. it's all welcome news for parents during the drop—off at this london nursery. every time you leave your house, you have that sort of latent sense of dread that you might walk past somebody, you know, not even be that close to them, and then just get the dreaded ping and have to stay at home. it's very reassuring, i think. yeah, the ability to not have to worry if you get pinged, and just kind of get a test and see what happens. nursery manager alethea agrees it's helpful, but the changes won't solve all the problems in this sector. if you have a nursery where only i half the staff have had a singlel

jab, it will still mean - closures, bubble closures. and as it is at the moment, there is a shortage - of early—year workers. so it would be better- if we can all have the jab, so that the business can continue to run. - today, though, is still a big shift in the rules. and many will drink to that. emma simpson, bbc news, sutton coldfield. let's get more on this with our business correspondent ramzan karmali, who's with me now. there are all sorts of issues this raises, not least costs and things, if people want to just get a test, they just want to reassure themselves. i5 they just want to reassure themselves.— they just want to reassure themselves. , ., ., themselves. is what the government is sa ini is themselves. is what the government is saying is that _ themselves. is what the government is saying is that people _ themselves. is what the government is saying is that people are _ themselves. is what the government is saying is that people are being - is saying is that people are being advised they can take a free pcr test, and they don't have to self—isolate while they are waiting for that result, and then, fingers crossed, they have a negative result

and they can go back to work or whatever. and businesses, as emma was saying, have been really badly affected by this. there was a period where exemptions were brought in to key workers, but there are many in various industries, not least our guest nick alan, who is the british meat processing association chief executive. your business was very badly effective at the start of all this. how do you feel now these rules are being relaxed today? this all hel-s. rules are being relaxed today? this all helps- we _ rules are being relaxed today? this all helps. we are _ rules are being relaxed today? this all helps. we are an industry under huge _ all helps. we are an industry under huge pressure. we've got a massive labour— huge pressure. we've got a massive labour shortage anyway, so this helps, — labour shortage anyway, so this helps, and _ labour shortage anyway, so this helps, and certainly two weeks ago the sort _ helps, and certainly two weeks ago the sort of— helps, and certainly two weeks ago the sort of ping—demic, as it became known. _ the sort of ping—demic, as it became known. was — the sort of ping—demic, as it became known, was causing a of problems. it actually— known, was causing a of problems. it actually tailed off a little bit over— actually tailed off a little bit over the last couple of weeks. i think— over the last couple of weeks. i think the — over the last couple of weeks. i think the combination of them desensitising the app, and i suspect, _ desensitising the app, and i suspect, although none of our members _ suspect, although none of our members instructed staff to come i think quite — members instructed staff to come i think quite a few people actually

turned _ think quite a few people actually turned the app well. so this is a helpful— turned the app well. so this is a helpful thing that helps, but it certainly hasn't got rid of all our problems — certainly hasn't got rid of all our problems. we've got some major issues _ problems. we've got some major issues with— problems. we've got some major issues with shortage of labour and haulage _ issues with shortage of labour and haulage as well. it gets rid of one irritation— haulage as well. it gets rid of one irritation we've got and is helpful. but do _ irritation we've got and is helpful. but do you — irritation we've got and is helpful. but do you not understand the government was taking a stance on this because the health of the nation was paramount, and so they were worried about businesses being responsible? do you think that is a fair argument?— fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to — fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to get — fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to get rid _ fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to get rid of— fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to get rid of this - fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to get rid of this and - fair argument? looks, totally, we all want to get rid of this and we i all want to get rid of this and we all want to get rid of this and we all want — all want to get rid of this and we all want to— all want to get rid of this and we all want to do the right things, and ithink— all want to do the right things, and i think one — all want to do the right things, and i think one of our frustrations with the app. _ i think one of our frustrations with the app, there was a lot of issues around _ the app, there was a lot of issues around you — the app, there was a lot of issues around you were told to self—isolate but it _ around you were told to self—isolate but it was _ around you were told to self—isolate but it was advisory, and that sort of cause — but it was advisory, and that sort of cause some issues, and again with this change _ of cause some issues, and again with this change of the rules, we've got this change of the rules, we've got this advice — this change of the rules, we've got this advice that you should take a pcr test~ —

this advice that you should take a pcr test. now, for employers, that causes _ pcr test. now, for employers, that causes some problems and is an irritation— causes some problems and is an irritation really, and i don't really— irritation really, and i don't really understand why it couldn't be a straightforward instruction. 0k, a straightforward instruction. ok, if you _ a straightforward instruction. ok, if you get— a straightforward instruction. ok, if you get contacted by a test and trace _ if you get contacted by a test and trace or— if you get contacted by a test and trace or you get pinged, get a test, and then— trace or you get pinged, get a test, and then everyone knows where you are really _ and then everyone knows where you are really it — and then everyone knows where you are really. it is frustrating that you use — are really. it is frustrating that you use advise. we all want to work together— you use advise. we all want to work together to — you use advise. we all want to work together to get rid of it and we want _ together to get rid of it and we want to— together to get rid of it and we want to get workers back as quickly as possible, and if they are clear to work. — as possible, and if they are clear to work, we want them and we need them, _ to work, we want them and we need them, because we are desperately short— them, because we are desperately short of— them, because we are desperately short of labour.— short of labour. nick, you have mentioned _ short of labour. nick, you have mentioned other _ short of labour. nick, you have mentioned other problems - short of labour. nick, you have mentioned other problems for| short of labour. nick, you have - mentioned other problems for your industry and not least to staff shortages, what can be done to alleviate that? how can we get more people working in your industry? well, we have increased, government have told _ well, we have increased, government have told us _ well, we have increased, government have told us to increase our wages, and there _ have told us to increase our wages, and there is— have told us to increase our wages, and there is no doubt, employers are increasing _ and there is no doubt, employers are increasing much they are offering, but that— increasing much they are offering, but that doesn't seem to be attracting people. everyone is

trying — attracting people. everyone is trying everything they can to recruit — trying everything they can to recruit people into the industry. we asked _ recruit people into the industry. we asked the _ recruit people into the industry. we asked the government some time ago, two years— asked the government some time ago, two years ago, to actually put witches — two years ago, to actually put witches onto the shortage occupation list, witches onto the shortage occupation list. which _ witches onto the shortage occupation list, which meant we could bring in workers _ list, which meant we could bring in workers from abroad, but they've declined — workers from abroad, but they've declined that, as they have with lorry— declined that, as they have with lorry drivers, and so that would have _ lorry drivers, and so that would have helped. and i think, whilst it is sort _ have helped. and i think, whilst it is sort of— have helped. and i think, whilst it is sort of contentious, a serious look— is sort of contentious, a serious look at — is sort of contentious, a serious look at the _ is sort of contentious, a serious look at the furlough arrangements and actually establishing who actually is on furlough, can we get them _ actually is on furlough, can we get them back— actually is on furlough, can we get them back into work quicker really, because _ them back into work quicker really, because there is no doubt about it, it is not— because there is no doubt about it, it is notjust — because there is no doubt about it, it is notjust our meat industry, the whole — it is notjust our meat industry, the whole food industry is desperate for staff— the whole food industry is desperate for staff really. so there are jobs out there — for staff really. so there are 'obs out there. a , for staff really. so there are 'obs out there.— out there. many thanks for your time. so. _ out there. many thanks for your time. so, staff— out there. many thanks for your time. so, staff shortages, - out there. many thanks for your - time. so, staff shortages, haulage, those are other issues that are coming down the line, as we hopefully come towards the end of this pandemic but these are issues that have just been highlighted throughout this whole 18 months or

so. .. throughout this whole 18 months or so. ., ., , , ., throughout this whole 18 months or so. ., ., so. indeed, and as you say, an oniioin so. indeed, and as you say, an ongoing problem _ so. indeed, and as you say, an ongoing problem that - so. indeed, and as you say, an ongoing problem that we - so. indeed, and as you say, an ongoing problem that we will l so. indeed, and as you say, an. ongoing problem that we will be feeling the effects of for some months. thank you. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello again. it is going to be a quiet week ahead, not very warm mind you. a lot of cloud, rain and drizzle from time to time as well. this sort of sky has been fairly typical across the uk today. we have seen some sunshine, the best of which has been across eastern areas of scotland but even here it doesn't feel particularly warm out there, that's because we've got that win. more sunshine heading southward across eastern parts of england but there are some patchy rain and drizzle heading through the midlands towards the south—east. that would tend to peter out later on and temperatures will struggle up to 19 or 20 degrees at best, always hanging on to more cloud in western areas and a little drizzle as well. that cloud still around this evening, pushing its way further east overnight, the clouds thickening to give some pockets of

rain and drizzle, some mist and fog over the west. a mild cloudy end to the night, and a much milder night thanit the night, and a much milder night than it was last night in the north—east of scotland. today, continuing into tomorrow, this is the weather pattern, high pressure to the south west never makes it to the uk just yet and it is a long sea track, that is where the air is coming from and with that sort of wind flow we pick up a lot of moisture, hence all the cloud. within that flow every now and again we will find some weather fronts bringing in the rain and that is what we are seeing overnight and into tuesday morning. this rain heading southwards, the worst of it clearing away and in the morning but still leaving a lot of cloud, some pockets of light rain and drizzle, may well brighten up a bit towards the west country, so too across some eastern parts of scotland. but generally it is a cloudy, sort of damp feeling day, and those temperatures showing little change on tuesday. more of the same essentially on the wednesday. we have some locations on the chart here for you, and you can see just how cloudy it is. those temperatures

around 17 to 20 degrees. sunshine in short supply, and a cool breeze around as well. by the time we get to thursday, things look a little bit different. the winds won't be as strong. we've got lower pressure heading into the south—west this time, and some weather fronts to bring some rain in across wales, through the midlands, heading eastwards across southern parts of england on thursday. further north, may be some brightness for a while but we could see a bit of cloud bringing some rain in northern parts of scotland, and again temperatures still disappointing for the time of year.

this is bbc world news. i'm yalda hakim. our top stories... chaos at kabul airport as afghans try to flee the taliban. amid desperate scenes, people try to escape by clinging on to a us military aircraft — some are reported to have fallen to their deaths moments later. the taliban's take—over has led to the closure of western embassies. the militants now control the formerly secure diplomatic quarter of the capital. priority now is to maintain security and that their lives are save. that is our priority now. that is our priority now. with no resistance, and the former president having fled, afghans are left wondering how their new rulers will treat them. either they don't have control on

their foot soldiers or they really want the legitimacy but they are not willing to do the work. the united nations security council is about to meet to discuss events in afghanistan — but how will the international community respond? welcome to special coverage of afghanistan — where the taliban is now effectively in control — including in the capital, kabul. the takeover of the city has triggered deadly scenes of panic at the airport, as people desperately try to leave. the international community is now calling on the taliban to ensure the protection of life and property. we start with this report from our diplomatic correspondent paul adams. at kabul airport the desperation is dangerous. and american military

transport plane on the runway this morning mobbed by afghans trying to flee their country. eventually, the plane takes off, moments later, as it gains altitude, it appears that two people fall to the ground. thousands of american and british troops have been sent to secure the airport with helicopters being used to clear the runway, it is chaotic and ugly. similar scenes on the civilian sign, and afghan airline are unable to leave. outside the gates, shots ring out as the headlong dash which began yesterday continues. at least two people have died at the airport today. perhaps more. what a contrast to the city's deserted green zone, once home to

government buildings and foreign embassies, now empty but for pockets of taliban fighters. in a message posted on social media from their political base in qatar, the taliban co—founder urged his men to remain disciplined. now we have to show that we can serve our nation, he said. ~ .. .. that we can serve our nation, he said. . ., ., ~ ., . , said. we want and afghan inclusive islamic government. _ said. we want and afghan inclusive islamic government. by _ said. we want and afghan inclusive islamic government. by that - said. we want and afghan inclusive islamic government. by that we . said. we want and afghan inclusive i islamic government. by that we mean all other afghans have also participation in that government. so of course that means a little bit of time and deliberation and talks. anxious moments for the people of kabul, unsure of what their new masters have in mind. what where their lives be like? some are sceptical of the taliban that they can be taken at their word. 50 sceptical of the taliban that they can be taken at their word. so what the are can be taken at their word. so what they are saying _ can be taken at their word. so what they are saying is — can be taken at their word. so what they are saying is they _ can be taken at their word. so what they are saying is they are - they are saying is they are looking for legitimacy from all these

different countries to be accepted as a legitimate government of afghanistan. but at the same time, what are they doing in practice? either they don't have control of their foot soldiers or they want the legitimacy, but they are not willing to do the work.— legitimacy, but they are not willing to do the work. huge uncertainty too for the aid agencies _ to do the work. huge uncertainty too for the aid agencies on _ to do the work. huge uncertainty too for the aid agencies on whom - to do the work. huge uncertainty too for the aid agencies on whom so - to do the work. huge uncertainty tool for the aid agencies on whom so many afghans rely. unicef has been in afghanistan for decades. helping with education and health. iterate afghanistan for decades. helping with education and health. we will be continuing _ with education and health. we will be continuing our _ with education and health. we will be continuing our work. _ with education and health. we will be continuing our work. the - with education and health. we will. be continuing our work. the taliban has asked us to stay. they understand the importance of our work. they understand that we are not political, they have asked us to pause the work for a couple of days while they talk to the rank and file. and make sure that they understand what unicef is here to do. and that our staff can operate safely. do. and that our staff can operate safel . �* .. . .. do. and that our staff can operate safel.�* .. . .. . do. and that our staff can operate safel. . ., , ., , do. and that our staff can operate safel. ., , ., , . safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous — safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous change, _ safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous change, experienced i safely. afghans have seen so much | tumultuous change, experienced so many moments of trauma. this is another such moment. what will it

mean for those who leave and those who stay? this is the scene and the un ambassador. let'sjust who stay? this is the scene and the un ambassador. let's just have a listen. ih un ambassador. let's 'ust have a listen. ., . . ., ., . g; listen. in accordance with rule 37 ofthe listen. in accordance with rule 37 of the councils _ listen. in accordance with rule 37 of the councils provisional- listen. in accordance with rule 37 of the councils provisional rules. listen. in accordance with rule 37. of the councils provisional rules of procedure, i invite the representative of afghanistan to participate in this meeting. it is so decided. the security council will now begin its consideration of item two of the agenda. i would like to warmly welcome his excellency the secretary—general and would like to give him the floor. you have the floor.

your excellency is the president, excellency, the world is following events _ excellency, the world is following events in — excellency, the world is following events in afghanistan with a heavy heart _ events in afghanistan with a heavy heart and — events in afghanistan with a heavy heart and deep disquiet about what lies ahead. all of us have seen the images _ lies ahead. all of us have seen the images in — lies ahead. all of us have seen the images in real time, chaos, unrest, uncertainty— images in real time, chaos, unrest, uncertainty and fear. much lies in the balance. the progress, the hope, the balance. the progress, the hope, the dreams— the balance. the progress, the hope, the dreams of a generation of young afghan— the dreams of a generation of young afghan women and girls, boys and men _ afghan women and girls, boys and men yet — afghan women and girls, boys and men yet at — afghan women and girls, boys and men. yet at this grave hour, i urge all parties — men. yet at this grave hour, i urge all parties especially the taliban to exercise utmost restraint to protect — to exercise utmost restraint to protect lives and to make sure humanitarian needs can be met. conflict — humanitarian needs can be met. conflict has force hundreds of thousands from their home. the capital— thousands from their home. the capital city — thousands from their home. the capital city has seen an influx of internal— capital city has seen an influx of internal displaced citizens from places— internal displaced citizens from places around the country. i remind

all parties _ places around the country. i remind all parties of their obligation to protect— all parties of their obligation to protect civilians. i call on our parties — protect civilians. i call on our parties to— protect civilians. i call on our parties to provide humanitarians unimpeded success to deliver life—saving services and aid to. and i life—saving services and aid to. and i also _ life—saving services and aid to. and i also urge — life—saving services and aid to. and i also urge all countries to be willing — i also urge all countries to be willing to _ i also urge all countries to be willing to receive afghan refugees and refrain from any deportations. mr president, now is the time to stand _ mr president, now is the time to stand as — mr president, now is the time to stand as one. the international community must be united and use all of its insurance to ensure that we must _ of its insurance to ensure that we must speak— of its insurance to ensure that we must speak with one voice to uphold human— must speak with one voice to uphold human rights in afghanistan. i call upon _ human rights in afghanistan. i call upon the _ human rights in afghanistan. i call upon the taliban and all parties to respect _ upon the taliban and all parties to respect and protect international and humanitarian law, and rights and freedoms _ and humanitarian law, and rights and freedoms of— and humanitarian law, and rights and freedoms of all people. we are receiving — freedoms of all people. we are receiving chilling reports on severe restrictions— receiving chilling reports on severe restrictions on human rights throughout the country. i am particularly concerned by account of

human _ particularly concerned by account of human rights violations rising i against — human rights violations rising i against women and girls. it is essential— against women and girls. it is essential that the hard won rights of afghan— essential that the hard won rights of afghan women and girls are protected. they are looking to the international community for support. the same _ international community for support. the same international community that has— the same international community that has assured them that opportunities would be expanded, education — opportunities would be expanded, education would be guaranteed, freedoms would spread and rights would _ freedoms would spread and rights would be — freedoms would spread and rights would be secured. second, the international community must unite to make _ international community must unite to make sure that afghanistan is never— to make sure that afghanistan is never again used as a platform or safe haven— never again used as a platform or safe haven for terrorist organisations. i appealed to the security— organisations. i appealed to the security council and the international community as a whole to stand _ international community as a whole to stand together to work together and act _ to stand together to work together and act together and use all tools at its _ and act together and use all tools at its disposal to suppress the global— at its disposal to suppress the global terrorist threat in afghanistan and to guarantee that basic human rights will be respected. regardless of who holds

power. _ respected. regardless of who holds power, these two fundamental principles in which our world has such— principles in which our world has such a _ principles in which our world has such a deep and binding interest must _ such a deep and binding interest must be — such a deep and binding interest must be upheld. mr president, the united _ must be upheld. mr president, the united nations is committed to supporting afghans. we continue to have staff _ supporting afghans. we continue to have staff in offices and areas that have staff in offices and areas that have come — have staff in offices and areas that have come under taliban control. i am relieved — have come under taliban control. i am relieved to report that in large measure. — am relieved to report that in large measure, our personnel and am relieved to report that in large measure, our personneland premises have been_ measure, our personneland premises have been respected. we urge the taliban— have been respected. we urge the taliban to — have been respected. we urge the taliban to continue to do so and to honour— taliban to continue to do so and to honour the — taliban to continue to do so and to honour the integrity and invulnerability of diplomatic envoys and premises. the humanitarian crisis _ and premises. the humanitarian crisis in — and premises. the humanitarian crisis in afghanistan affects 18 million — crisis in afghanistan affects 18 million people, fully half of the country's — million people, fully half of the country's population. it is vital that— country's population. it is vital that basic— country's population. it is vital that basic services continue to be provided — that basic services continue to be provided. in a statement issued yesterday, the taliban said that they would work with existing institutions. it is crucial that salaries _

institutions. it is crucial that salaries continue to be paid, infrastructure is maintained, airports _ infrastructure is maintained, airports is _ infrastructure is maintained, airports is reopened and health and education _ airports is reopened and health and education services continue. the united _ education services continue. the united nations's presence will adapt to the _ united nations's presence will adapt to the security situation. above all, to the security situation. above all. we — to the security situation. above all, we will stay and deliver in support— all, we will stay and deliver in support of the afghan people in their— support of the afghan people in their hour of need. looking ahead, i call for— their hour of need. looking ahead, i call for an— their hour of need. looking ahead, i call for an immediate end to violence _ call for an immediate end to violence for the rights of all afghans _ violence for the rights of all afghans to be respected and for afghanistan to comply with all international agreements to which it is a party _ international agreements to which it is a party. mr president, afghans are a _ is a party. mr president, afghans are a proud — is a party. mr president, afghans are a proud people with a rich cultural— are a proud people with a rich cultural heritage. they have known generations of war and hardship. they— generations of war and hardship. they deserve our full support. the following — they deserve our full support. the following days will be pivotable. the world is watching. we cannot and must _ the world is watching. we cannot and must not _ the world is watching. we cannot and must not abandon the people of afghanistan. and i think you. | afghanistan. and i think you. i think afghanistan. and i think you. think the afghanistan. and i think you. i think the secretary—general for his

briefing. i now give the floor to the representative of afghanistan, you have the floor, sir. your excellency the president, the excellency— your excellency the president, the excellency mr secretary—general, excellency, ladies and gentlemen, -ood excellency, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. thank you mr president for this— good morning. thank you mr president for this opportunity to speak at yet another— for this opportunity to speak at yet another council meeting on the situation — another council meeting on the situation in afghanistan and for iiidia's— situation in afghanistan and for india's leadership of the council duririg _ india's leadership of the council during this critical time. we welcome _ during this critical time. we welcome the convening of this emergency session of the security council— emergency session of the security council on — emergency session of the security council on the situation in afghanistan and thank all the councilmembers particularly estonia and norway for their role in organising the session. mr president, today i am speaking on behalf— president, today i am speaking on behalf of— president, today i am speaking on behalf of millions of people in afghanistan. their fate hangs in the

balance _ afghanistan. their fate hangs in the balance and are faced with an extremely un—future —— uncertain future _ extremely un—future —— uncertain future i'm — extremely un—future —— uncertain future. i'm speaking for million of afghan— future. i'm speaking for million of afghan girls and women who are about to lose _ afghan girls and women who are about to lose their— afghan girls and women who are about to lose their freedom to go to school. — to lose their freedom to go to school. to— to lose their freedom to go to school, to work and to participate in the _ school, to work and to participate in the political, economic and social— in the political, economic and social life _ in the political, economic and social life of the country. i am speaking _ social life of the country. i am speaking for thousands of human rights _ speaking for thousands of human rights defenders, journalists, academics, civil servants and former security— academics, civil servants and former security personnel whose lives are at risk _ security personnel whose lives are at risk for — security personnel whose lives are at risk for defending human rights and democracy. i'm speaking for thousands— and democracy. i'm speaking for thousands of internally displaced people _ thousands of internally displaced people who are desperately in need of shelter. — people who are desperately in need of shelter, food and protection in kabut— of shelter, food and protection in kabul and — of shelter, food and protection in kabul and other places. as you are witnessing. — kabul and other places. as you are witnessing, yourself, the situation in kabul. — witnessing, yourself, the situation in kabul. a — witnessing, yourself, the situation in kabul, a city of about 6 million people _ in kabul, a city of about 6 million people is— in kabul, a city of about 6 million people is extremely worrying to say the least _ people is extremely worrying to say the least. you have seen chaotic scenes— the least. you have seen chaotic scenes at— the least. you have seen chaotic scenes at the international airport in kabut— scenes at the international airport in kabul as— scenes at the international airport in kabul as desperate citizens are trying _ in kabul as desperate citizens are trying to— in kabul as desperate citizens are trying to leave the country. mr

president, we are extremely concerned about the taliban not honouring — concerned about the taliban not honouring their promises and commitments made in their statements. we have witnessed time and again— statements. we have witnessed time and again how the taliban have broken — and again how the taliban have broken their promises and commitments in the past. we have seen _ commitments in the past. we have seen gruesome images of taliban mass execution _ seen gruesome images of taliban mass execution of _ seen gruesome images of taliban mass execution of military personnel and targeted _ execution of military personnel and targeted killings of civilians in kandahar and other big cities. mr president. — kandahar and other big cities. mr president, we cannot allow this to happen— president, we cannot allow this to happen in— president, we cannot allow this to happen in kabul, which has been the last refuge _ happen in kabul, which has been the last refuge for many people escaping violence _ last refuge for many people escaping violence and taliban's revenge attacks — violence and taliban's revenge attacks. kabul residents are reporting that the taliban have already— reporting that the taliban have already started house to house searches — already started house to house searches in some neighbourhoods registering names and looking for people _ registering names and looking for people in— registering names and looking for people in their target list. there are already reports of targeted killings — are already reports of targeted killings and looting in the city. kabut— killings and looting in the city. kabul residents are living in

absolute fear right now. mr president, there is no time for the blame _ president, there is no time for the blame game any more. we have an opportunity— blame game any more. we have an opportunity to prevent further violence. _ opportunity to prevent further violence, prevent afghan accounts —— prevent _ violence, prevent afghan accounts —— prevent afghanistan for... descending into a civil war. therefore we should use every means at the _ therefore we should use every means at the disposal in the un to call for the — at the disposal in the un to call for the immediate secession of violence — for the immediate secession of violence and respect for human rights _ violence and respect for human rights and _ violence and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. call on the taliban— humanitarian law. call on the taliban to _ humanitarian law. call on the taliban to cease killing. urge that no public— taliban to cease killing. urge that no public institutions and service delivery — no public institutions and service delivery infrastructure be demolished, including works of arts in museums and media institutions. stress _ in museums and media institutions. stress that— in museums and media institutions. stress that violating human rights of afghan citizens will be held

accountable. urgently establish a humanitarian corridor for the evacuation of those at risk of retribution from the taliban and attacks — retribution from the taliban and attacks. call on neighbouring countries of afghanistan to open their— countries of afghanistan to open their borders and facilitate the exit of— their borders and facilitate the exit of people trying to escape and entry— exit of people trying to escape and entry of— exit of people trying to escape and entry of goods for humanitarian relief— entry of goods for humanitarian relief and — entry of goods for humanitarian relief and operations. call for the immediate establishment of an inclusive — immediate establishment of an inclusive and representative transitional government that includes _ transitional government that includes all ethnic groups and women representatives. this can lead to a dignified _ representatives. this can lead to a dignified and lasting solution to the conflict, bring peace and preserve _ the conflict, bring peace and preserve the gains of the last 20 years. _ preserve the gains of the last 20 years, especially forwomen preserve the gains of the last 20 years, especially for women and girls _ years, especially for women and girls. stressed that the council and the united — girls. stressed that the council and the united nations will not recognise any administration that achieves — recognise any administration that achieves power through force or any government that is not inclusive and representative of its diversity of the country. unequivocally state that it _ the country. unequivocally state that it does not recognise the restoration of the islamic emirate

as reaffirmed in previous council statements and agreements. establish international air and tease for the implementation of a future political agreement. and finally, mobilise urgent _ agreement. and finally, mobilise urgent humanitarian assistance for the i8— urgent humanitarian assistance for the 18 million people of afghanistan, particularly those displaced by current conflict. the you and — displaced by current conflict. the you and humanitarian appeal... we urged _ you and humanitarian appeal... we urged the _ you and humanitarian appeal... we urged the international immunity to meet _ urged the international immunity to meet the _ urged the international immunity to meet the remainder of the life—saving appealed to provide critical — life—saving appealed to provide critical age. at the end, i would like to— critical age. at the end, i would like to thank the united nations and many— like to thank the united nations and many other international organisations who are on the ground providing _ organisations who are on the ground providing life—saving humanitarian support _ providing life—saving humanitarian support and monitoring human rights on the _ support and monitoring human rights on the ground. thank you, mr president _ on the ground. thank you, mr president. | on the ground. thank you, mr president-— president. i think the representative - president. i think the representative of - president. i think the - representative of afghanistan president. i think the _ representative of afghanistan for his statement. i will now give the floor to the councilmembers who wish

to make statements. i give the floor to make statements. i give the floor to the representative of estonia. you have the floor.— to the representative of estonia. you have the floor. thank you, mr president- — you have the floor. thank you, mr president- i— you have the floor. thank you, mr president. i welcome _ you have the floor. thank you, mr president. i welcome the - you have the floor. thank you, mr| president. i welcome the presence and the _ president. i welcome the presence and the strong messages of the secretary—general and the representative of a anniston —— afghanistan. we highlighted that that the numbers of killings had reached — that the numbers of killings had reached the highest on record and the taliban responsible for the highest — the taliban responsible for the highest share of casualties. today having _ highest share of casualties. today having declared control over afghanistan, they bear even a greater— afghanistan, they bear even a greater responsibility and accountability for the safety and security — accountability for the safety and security of all people in afghanistan. estonia calls for those in power. _ afghanistan. estonia calls for those in power, those in position of authority— in power, those in position of authority to adhere to international law in_ authority to adhere to international law in particular international humanitarian law and uphold the norms— humanitarian law and uphold the norms and — humanitarian law and uphold the norms and standards of human rights.

what has _ norms and standards of human rights. what has not — norms and standards of human rights. what has not changed is that more than half— what has not changed is that more than half the population of afghanistan is in need of humanitarian aid to. it is of... of critical— humanitarian aid to. it is of... of critical importance. we call on all parties _ critical importance. we call on all parties to— critical importance. we call on all parties to allow immediate safe and unhindered humanitarian access for you and _ unhindered humanitarian access for you and humanitarian agencies and other— you and humanitarian agencies and other actors providing assistance. this is— other actors providing assistance. this is the — other actors providing assistance. this is the time for building, repairing _ this is the time for building, repairing and healing. not retaliating, looting or profiteering. it is the utmost time to establish peace. the people of afghanistan deserve peace and security — afghanistan deserve peace and security. a sustainable end to the conflict _ security. a sustainable end to the conflict can — security. a sustainable end to the conflict can only be insured through an inclusive... we conflict can only be insured through an inclusive. . ._ conflict can only be insured through an inclusive... we heard from the un representative _ an inclusive... we heard from the un representative of _ an inclusive... we heard from the un representative of estonia _ an inclusive... we heard from the un representative of estonia as - an inclusive. .. we heard from the un representative of estonia as well- an inclusive... we heard from the un representative of estonia as well as l representative of estonia as well as from afghanistan. i'm going to speak to my colleague now. shejoins us from washington. not surprising that

we are talking a lot about the humanitarian assistant. they also highlighted the refugee crisis that will happen as a result of what is happened in afghanistan over the last few days. and then they also highlighted the concerns about the atrocities that have been reported by the taliban.— by the taliban. yes, the un has a big humanitarian _ by the taliban. yes, the un has a big humanitarian mission - by the taliban. yes, the un has a big humanitarian mission in - big humanitarian mission in afghanistan. not surprisingly given that half the country is in need of it. the speakers have stressed the importance of keeping that operational. the secretary—general mentioned that the taliban had by and large respected the human offices. there was an attack in july. but it seems that the taliban have largely stowed away from that kind of threatening behaviour towards you and offices and he urge them to continue. there is a great deal of concern about protecting civilians. earlier, the

secretary—general said that just civilians. earlier, the secretary—general said thatjust in the last month 1000 people had been killed or injured in the fighting. you heard the afghan representatives speak about mass executions and military —— of the military. there's a great deal of concern that executions do not continue, especially targeted killings in kabul. it was mentioned that reports of the taliban going house to house of the taliban going house to house of revenge killings. there is concern about that. there were calls of holding the taliban accountable, especially as they are largely in control. and a shift to what will come next. will the taliban be recognised at the un if they seize the country by force? there are those who want the message put forward that that is not going to be the case and that there will be accountability for those who violate international humanitarian law. and

especially a concern by both of this two speakers about human rights being upheld for women and girls. the bottom line really from what we have heard so far is that the un is going to stay. that is what the un secretary said. they will keep an eye on the security situation. but it is hoping that going forward there can be some peaceful settlement achieved that will protect rights that have been achieved so far. but the council's position on whether they put forward a statement or not and how strong it will be is not clear. {line a statement or not and how strong it will be is not clear.— will be is not clear. one of the other points — will be is not clear. one of the other points is _ will be is not clear. one of the other points is as _ will be is not clear. one of the other points is as you - will be is not clear. one of the other points is as you pointed | will be is not clear. one of the - other points is as you pointed out, the importance of the un in country at this point and time. questions about the legitimacy of the taliban and i suppose, level of... it's almost like they have resigned themselves to the fact that they are

now going to have to work with the taliban because of all the needs and challenges that exist in afghanistan.— challenges that exist in afghanistan. challenges that exist in afihanistan. , ,, ., afghanistan. yes, i think not surprisingly _ afghanistan. yes, i think not surprisingly because - afghanistan. yes, i think not surprisingly because the - afghanistan. yes, i think not surprisingly because the un | afghanistan. yes, i think not i surprisingly because the un has to work with governments that are in charge if it's able to bring help to people who are suffering. that was made clear that they want the taliban to allow them to continue to work. and they are planning to stay. it was also mentioned by and large the taliban had respected the offices of the un and said that they would continue to do so. as well as institutions. it was interesting that the afghan representative talked about all public infrastructure being protected especially mentioning art. there is concern that the taliban will destroy those kinds of installations which they have done previously. it is a question i suppose, at looking

at trying to make the days going forward peaceful. trying to get as representative of a government as possible. at this point, i think it is a big question whether the taliban is willing to have this kind of government that would be diverse and involve other ethnicities and women. i say that looks very unlikely. the secretary—general made an appeal to the dough hop process where they're having this ongoing peace talks which did not stop the taliban from taking over the whole country. some kind of government that can be worked with. and whether they can be worked with on the ground as well.— ground as well. thank you so much for the update. _ ground as well. thank you so much for the update. were _ ground as well. thank you so much for the update. were going - ground as well. thank you so much for the update. were going to i ground as well. thank you so much for the update. were going to go i for the update. were going to go back alive to the united nations in new york where they are discussion the situation in afghanistan. communities affected by the ongoing conflict across the country and stressed the urgent need to bring the perpetrators to justice. stressed the urgent need to bring the perpetrators tojustice. all

parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those referring to the protection of civilians. a sustainable end to the conflict in afghanistan can only be achieved through an inclusive, just, durable and realistic political settlement that upholds human rights, especially for women, children and minorities. we express our support for the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts centred on kabul and doua to secure the transition. we commend the ongoing efforts by many players such as united states qatar and pakistan. the future new government must be united, inclusive, representative and have support. it must have this full equal meaningful participation of women. it must adhere to an international obligations with regards to expecting universal

humanitarian —— universal human rights. finally for peace builders, human rights defenders journal and media workers, especially the brave women who for years have stood up for the rights and demanded equal participation and say in the future, the future feels desperate. reprisals and violence against them and the family members because deep concern about the safety of a political safety wood settlement. we, the council and the wider community have a responsibility to ensure the protection and must use all means of support and diplomatic and political channels to amplify these voices and protect them from harm. thank you. mr president. i

think the representative of norway for his— think the representative of norway for his statement i now give way to the representative of the united states — the representative of the united states. you not have the floor. secretary. _ states. you not have the floor. secretary, thank you for your sobering briefing and for your strong statement. your role along with your personal envoy and special representative lyons and her team on the ground is especially vital now. as we enter an uncertain and crucial period that requires the international community to speak with a clear and hunh avoid —— unified voice. we support the efforts of other actors on the ground that are continuing to provide life—saving assistance to afghans in need. we also thank norway and estonia for calling this meeting and india for convening it given the events of the past 72 hours and we welcome the

participation of afghanistan to this meeting. over this past weekend, and members of the international communityjoin together to state community join together to state unequivocally communityjoin together to state unequivocally that every afghan should be able to live in safety, security and dignity. we also called on all parties in afghanistan to ensure safe departures and the protection of human life and property. today i want to reiterate, reemphasize and reassert this call. civilian populations including journalists and noncombatants, must be protected. attacks against civilians or civilian objects must stop. and the human rights and fundamental freedoms stop. and the human rights and fundamentalfreedoms of stop. and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all afghan citizens especially women, girls and members of minority groups, must be respected. we also call on all parties to prevent terrorism and we

must all ensure afghanistan cannot ever, everagain must all ensure afghanistan cannot ever, ever again be a base for terrorism. we also call on the taliban to allow humanitarian organisations to continue their vital work. organisations to continue their vitalwork. in organisations to continue their vital work. in addition to the ongoing violence, the afghan people are suffering acutely from the effect of covid—19 and drought. these urgent humanitarian needs must be top of mind for all of us in the coming hours, days and weeks and beyond. humanitarian personnel and agencies must have safe, unhindered access to provide life—saving assistance to the increasing numbers of afghans in need. we are deeply concerned that right now aid is not flowing to people in crisis. according to the world food programme, more than 500 tonnes of aid are currently sitting at border crossings, taken over by taliban

forces. these aid deliveries must resume immediately. and the world food programme must have immediate and sustained safe passage to deliver this much needed assistance. finally and critically, all afghan nationals and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so safely. president biden has made it clear that any action that put us personnel or our mission at risk will be met with a swift and strong military response. the united states promises to be generous in resettling afghans in our own country. i am heartened by the pledges that we have seen by other countries to do the same. we need to all do more and the time to step up is now. we urge afghanistan's neighbours and others in the region and beyond to give refuge to be a

temporary or permanent place for afghans attempting to flee. together we must do everything we can to help afghans who wish to leave and seek refuge. i will close where i began. the afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. we in the international community stand ready to assist them. thank you very much. i ready to assist them. thank you very much. .. ready to assist them. thank you very much. ~' , , ., ., much. i think the representative of the united states _ much. i think the representative of the united states for _ much. i think the representative of the united states for her— much. i think the representative of. the united states for her statement. i the united states for her statement. i now— the united states for her statement. i now give _ the united states for her statement. i now give the floor to the representative of france. you have the floor~ — translation: this meeting at a traiic, translation: this meeting at a tragic, historic— translation: this meeting at a tragic, historic time _ translation: this meeting at a tragic, historic time for - tragic, historic time for afghanistan. the situation is very serious because this is a new era and the future of this country that

has suffered so much is more uncertain than ever. we have heard the secretary general expresses concern and we share his concern. all eyes are on kabul, where peace and security of afghanistan and the entire region is injeopardy. i would firstly like to reiterate our firm condemnation of violence and human rights condemnations and violations of ihl which are taken place at the moment in afghanistan. all parties in the conflict must respect their commitment damp and in particular the protection of civilians. we would call for an immediate ceasefire and the respect of international law. in the middle of international law. in the middle of this violence, my heart goes out to all those who have built today's modern afghanistan full stop they must be protected. their protection, but more broadly the protection of civilians, and in particular women and children, must be an absolute priority. the perpetrators of abuse must be brought to justice.

priority. the perpetrators of abuse must be brought tojustice. this council must carefully monitor the evolving situation. civilians and in particular women and children must not be forgotten. women must be protected. their rights must be respected. democratic progress, combating organised crime and in particular fighting combating organised crime and in particularfighting drugs, the particular fighting drugs, the protection particularfighting drugs, the protection of cultural heritage, all of this progress, which has brought afghanistan over the past 20 years into the international community must not be wiped out. priority of course is afghan unity. peace can only prevail if everyone participates in it. finally, the security situation must not blot out the urgent humanitarian situation. the conflict has increased the number of displaced persons and is increasing the already immense needs of the entire population. humanitarian assistance must be accessible to all. to all people in need and also there protection must be guaranteed. in conclusion, i would like to remind you that france

stands shoulder to shoulder with the afghan people and all its partners to make progress towards peace. the primary partner is you nama. to make progress towards peace. the primary partner is you mama. i would like to command the courage and all the work of the teams in the mission under the auspices of deborah lyons, and i would also like to commend the work of the united nations, who have a key role to play in afghanistan, but the un cannot work alone. the resolute commitment of the international community standing behind the afghan community will be decisive over the next months and years. thank you. i decisive over the next months and years. thank you.— years. thank you. i thank the representative _ years. thank you. i thank the representative of _ years. thank you. i thank the representative of france. i i years. thank you. i thank the i representative of france. i now give the floor to the representative of the floor to the representative of the united kingdom.— the floor to the representative of the united kingdom. thank you, mr president, and _ the united kingdom. thank you, mr president, and thank _ the united kingdom. thank you, mr president, and thank you _ the united kingdom. thank you, mr president, and thank you secretary| president, and thank you secretary generalfor your president, and thank you secretary general for your briefing. president, and thank you secretary generalfor your briefing. mr president, what is happening now in afghanistan is a tragedy. we have

long believed that the only path to a sustainable peace in afghanistan and regional stability lay in a negotiated political settlement. we have worked hard to breathe life into peace negotiations between the afghan government and the taliban, working closely with the us, our leading allies, and other regional powers. the taliban pledge at doha to engage in those talks in good faith. their actions on the ground betrayed that promise. mr president, the taliban must immediately do three things. first, they need to cease all hostilities and military action to ensure the protection of civilians, and to allow the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and others who wish to leave. second, they must commit unequivocally to harbour or give safe haven to terrorist groups, which endanger other countries. and third, the taliban must honour their

promises to protect and uphold human rights, including those of women, girls and minorities. we have seen evidence of taliban human rights abuses in areas where they have taken control, including persecution of minority groups, harsh restrictions on women, allegations of forced marriage and using civilians as human shields. if the taliban continue to abuse basic human rights of they cannot expect to enjoy any legitimacy in the eyes of the afghan people or the international community. mr president, given the fragile security situation, afghanistan is now facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. lack of access has masked the true scale of the problem. half the population were already in need of humanitarian assistance at the start of the year, and the situation is much worse now. the taliban must respect international humanitarian law and permit humanitarian organisations to

continue their work with unhindered safe access to those in need. the united kingdom has long been a leading provider of humanitarian aid to afghans, both in afghanistan and in the region. over recent years, the uk has been found to be one of the uk has been found to be one of the leading contributors to the afghanistan humanitarian fund. we will continue to work with our partners in this council, in human rights council, and most importantly in the region to deliver a more stable and inclusive afghanistan for all its people. it is vital that the international community can coordinate closely in the coming days and weeks to ensure that we speak with a single message in our engagement with afghanistan. the uk will use its presidency of the g7 and membership of this council to help forge such close coordination, and to address the humanitarian plates that the afghan people now face. thank you, mr president. i

think the representative of the united kingdom for his statement. i now give the floor to the representative of kenya. you have the floor, please. studio: ok, you are listening to the united nations in new york, where they are discussing the situation in afghanistan. let's actually go to afghanistan. let's actually go to afghanistan now and speak to a kabul resident, who we are not identifying for security reasons. thank you very much forjoining us on the programme. just tell me what the situation in kabul, in your neighbourhood, is right now. thank ou for neighbourhood, is right now. thank you for having _ neighbourhood, is right now. thank you for having me. _ neighbourhood, is right now. thank you for having me. as _ neighbourhood, is right now. thank you for having me. as we _ neighbourhood, is right now. thank you for having me. as we speak, i you for having me. as we speak, there is caliban right at my doorstep, there are a few of them forcing themselves on our family, and we have to provide them dinner. and if we refuse, we will face force. there are hundreds of them in

our industry. many of them don't speak the local language. when i say local language, it is persian or as becky, it is a very foreign language, may be from somewhere from pakistan. many foreign fighters, we are under invasion right now. the un was speaking about afghans living in dignity and peace or security, but no one was talking about freedom. what happens to all these women? you will evacuate 20, you will evacuate 100,000, but what will happen to the rest of these people? my nephew and niece, they grow up, what will happen to them? they will wonder the brutal, savage regime with draconian laws. it seems they have only recognise the taliban. they are just

threatening them that we will not recognise you, you will not have international legitimacy, and then the taliban will make some tweaks to comply with these statements, they will put some tweets in english while theirfighters are will put some tweets in english while their fighters are still killing people. they are searching house—to—house. i've been in contact with people, with female activists and journalists. they tell me they are on to their doors. i have known tens of girls who are living alone, who are single, the taliban will go to them. that was a resident in kabul, telling us about the situation on the ground. he was explaining what is happening in kabul right now, reports are that the taliban are going house—to—house. he spoke about

many single, independent young women, who live on their own in kabul. he was asking, what will now happen to them? iamjoined by i am joined by tim moxley. thanks forjoining us. our guestjust now, who was a cardle resident, was saying that the taliban here seeing outside of his window are speaking foreign languages. the un and the us treasury have long warned that the taliban has not severed its ties with groups like al-qaeda. what more can you tell us about that? iprpfeili. with groups like al-qaeda. what more can you tell us about that?— can you tell us about that? well, i mean, it can you tell us about that? well, i mean. it is — can you tell us about that? well, i mean. it is pretty _ can you tell us about that? well, i mean, it is pretty common - can you tell us about that? well, i i mean, it is pretty common knowledge that it's notjust pure afghans fighting in the taliban. there has been a whole range of different nationalities from pakistan and central asia, around the region, and even coming in from the gulf states.

so i don't find it a surprise. what i find so i don't find it a surprise. what ifind concerning, i mean, your contact mentioned them asking for food and being forced to provide food, that is fairly standard caliban practice out in the rural areas, because they don't have a logistical support network. if that is happening in kabul, it does raise concerns as to what is happening in the rest of the country, because my senseis the rest of the country, because my sense is that the taliban leadership would be pulling out the stops to make carpal look like, you know, it is calm, it is stable, everyone is under control and there are no sort of abuses, they specifically warned their fighters, of abuses, they specifically warned theirfighters, and have had to remind them not to violate people's property and trespass, and this is clearly not happening, so it makes me extremely worried about what is happening in the rest of the country. happening in the rest of the count . ~ .. happening in the rest of the count . ~ ., , , ., country. we have been seeing and heafini country. we have been seeing and hearing this _ country. we have been seeing and hearing this disconnect _ country. we have been seeing and hearing this disconnect between i country. we have been seeing and i hearing this disconnect between the taliban fighters on the ground and the political office in doha, just last week i spoke to a taliban commander who talked to me about

stoning of women, amputation of hands and feet, that would be the kind of law and order that they would want to impose, that girls shouldn't go to school beyond the age of ten or 12. when i have spoken to leadership in doha, they say we want women to go to school, we want them to go to university, and we heard them telling the fighters now is the time we show the world how we behave. but there is this disconnect, tim, isn't there? yeah, i mean, disconnect, tim, isn't there? yeah, i mean. there _ disconnect, tim, isn't there? yeah, i mean, there are _ disconnect, tim, isn't there? yeah, i mean, there are several _ i mean, there are several disconnects, and the biggest one as you have rightly highlighted is between the older, arguably wiser, leadership that are not in afghanistan, and the fighters actually doing stuff on the ground. many of whom are actually young fighters. maybe they weren't part of the original taliban, they have been born may be in refugee camps in pakistan, and maybe they are more fervid than some of the older leadership. so i think, absolutely,

we are going to see this disconnect, and particularly see it play out in the provinces. kabul, ithink, is going to be the main presentational effort for the taliban leadership, because they know everyone is there, international communities, united nations and so on, so they will be busting a gut to resent this is calm and representative of what people can expect in terms of leadership and government. but i am very worried about what we will see in the provinces. worried about what we will see in the provinces-— worried about what we will see in the -rovinces. ., ., ., , ., ~' the provinces. how long do you think the provinces. how long do you think the taliban will— the provinces. how long do you think the taliban will be _ the provinces. how long do you think the taliban will be on _ the provinces. how long do you think the taliban will be on their _ the provinces. how long do you think the taliban will be on their best i the taliban will be on their best behaviour?— behaviour? what we see today, tomorrow. _ behaviour? what we see today, tomorrow. in — behaviour? what we see today, tomorrow, in the _ behaviour? what we see today, tomorrow, in the next - behaviour? what we see today, tomorrow, in the next week- behaviour? what we see today, tomorrow, in the next week or| behaviour? what we see today, i tomorrow, in the next week or two is not going to be representative of what we're can see in the country, in three months, and to an extent we can't do anything other than watch and wait and observe very closely. my and wait and observe very closely. my concerns are, in six months�* time will actually get a proper sense of what the taliban are doing. there is a lot of good talk at the moment

from the taliban, and every so often you hold out a sense of optimism, that maybe they are changing their stance. but i don�*t believe that is the case. there is a lot of extreme behaviour still ongoing, which we should be gravely concerned about. so the next question is if you are concerned, and you say it is knowledge within intelligence, how long do you think the united states has to go back into afghanistan, or do you think that is not a likely scenario or possibility? just do you think that is not a likely scenario or possibility?- scenario or possibility? just to clari , i scenario or possibility? just to clarify. i can't— scenario or possibility? just to clarify, i can't speak _ scenario or possibility? just to clarify, i can't speak for - scenario or possibility? just to clarify, i can't speak for the i clarify, i can�*t speak for the intelligence community, i have been out of that a long time ago. i don�*t think the americans are going to go back, but what we need to watch out for, a quick history lesson, 20 years ago the taliban collapsed in more or less the same way that we have seen in the last few days. it unravelled really quickly, and the

taliban were crushed, humiliated, they fled. the elite out to pakistan, othersjust they fled. the elite out to pakistan, others just went back to being farmers, and others changed sides. so if we lightly follow that model, we might see in the next six months, 12 months, maybe two years, the anti—taliban groups regrouping, reassessing and looking at possible options. i can�*t say for certain thatis options. i can�*t say for certain that is going to happen. we options. i can't say for certain that is going to happen. we are actually seeing _ that is going to happen. we are actually seeing the _ that is going to happen. we are actually seeing the vice - that is going to happen. we are i actually seeing the vice president of afghanistan, we understand he has gone up north, about three hours from kabul. he is probably one of their harshest critics and a sworn enemy. their harshest critics and a sworn enem . .. .. their harshest critics and a sworn enem . ., ., ., , their harshest critics and a sworn enem . ., ., .,, ., their harshest critics and a sworn enem . ., ., ., , ., ., enemy. yeah, and if i was going to voint to enemy. yeah, and if i was going to point to two _ enemy. yeah, and if i was going to point to two regions, _ enemy. yeah, and if i was going to point to two regions, you - enemy. yeah, and if i was going to point to two regions, you are i point to two regions, you are talking about the pangaea valley i am sure. the central highlands. i can�*t for certain say this is going to happen. but in a year or two

years, if the taliban have not evolved in any kind of useful way, these are the sort of things i would see, where people are regrouping, looking to implement some kind of resistance. we might see violent resistance. we might see violent resistance. the thing i�*m intrigued with that we have seen over the last few days, in kabul and herat, the popular protest, thousands of voices raising the protest from the rooftops. six months, 12 months, two years from now, we might see the taliban on the back foot as a government struggling to get things going and resistant starting to develop. 50 going and resistant starting to develo -. going and resistant starting to develo-. , , ., . ., , going and resistant starting to develo-. ,,., . ., ,,., develop. so if resistance does start to develop. — develop. so if resistance does start to develop, would _ develop. so if resistance does start to develop, would you _ develop. so if resistance does start to develop, would you say, - develop. so if resistance does start to develop, would you say, given i to develop, would you say, given afghanistan�*s bloody history, a new phase of warfare could begin? yeah. phase of warfare could begin? yeah, i mean, absolutely. _ phase of warfare could begin? yeah, i mean, absolutely. i— phase of warfare could begin? yeah, i mean, absolutely. i mean, - phase of warfare could begin? yeah, i mean, absolutely. i mean, it- phase of warfare could begin? yeah, i mean, absolutely. i mean, it is- i mean, absolutely. i mean, it is afghanistan�*s tragedy, but i don�*t see this sort of process changing.

unless the taliban do something radically positive and really reinvent themselves, i would imagine organisations that are resisting the taliban that have been thrown out of the country would be looking to, i don�*t know, reactivate their networks, regroup, reprocess what options they might have. and i�*m sure in the back and you will have pakistani intelligence working around —— in the background, you might get the cia taking an interest and i can�*t say for certain that is what will happen but that is what i would expect to see in six months, 12 months, 24 months�* time. would expect to see in six months, 12 months, 24 months' time. thank ou for 12 months, 24 months' time. thank you for your— 12 months, 24 months' time. thank you for your analysis. _ iamjoined by i am joined by our kabul resident, who we are not identifying for security reasons. we were speaking to him a few moments ago and the line cut out. can you hear me? yes. line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can hear— line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can hear you- _ line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can hear you. ok. _ line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can hear you. ok. we _ line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can hear you. ok. we is _ line cut out. can you hear me? yes, i can hear you. ok. we is telling us what _ i can hear you. ok. we is telling us what you _ i can hear you. ok. we is telling us what you are — i can hear you. ok. we is telling us what you are seeing, what you were hearing. _ what you are seeing, what you were hearing. you — what you are seeing, what you were hearing. you have obviously remained in your— hearing. you have obviously remained in your since— hearing. you have obviously remained in your since yesterday?

yes, everyone in my family, my sisters. — yes, everyone in my family, my sisters. my— yes, everyone in my family, my sisters, my brother, everyone is home. _ sisters, my brother, everyone is home. my— sisters, my brother, everyone is home, my parents, questioning us to id home, my parents, questioning us to go outside. _ home, my parents, questioning us to go outside. even the small kids, i have _ go outside. even the small kids, i have a _ go outside. even the small kids, i have a niece, a three and a half -year-old — have a niece, a three and a half —year—old niece and a two—year—old nephew. _ —year—old niece and a two—year—old nephew. and — —year—old niece and a two—year—old nephew, and they are even afraid, and they— nephew, and they are even afraid, and they were talking the taliban as if they— and they were talking the taliban as if they were monsters outside. and there _ if they were monsters outside. and there is— if they were monsters outside. and there is a _ if they were monsters outside. and there is a lot of constant fear everywhere, as every taliban, we can see from _ everywhere, as every taliban, we can see from our— everywhere, as every taliban, we can see from our windows right now, we are afraid _ see from our windows right now, we are afraid they will come inside and they will_ are afraid they will come inside and they will search and find government documents, they will find our phones. _ documents, they will find our phones, and see if we have tweeted against _ phones, and see if we have tweeted against them, they will find our phones — against them, they will find our phones. there is a potential in us to resist— phones. there is a potential in us to resist in— phones. there is a potential in us to resist in the coming few days and weeks _ to resist in the coming few days and weeks and _ to resist in the coming few days and weeks and months. some people romanticise that the taliban might change. _ romanticise that the taliban might change, you know, i don't think they

will change. — change, you know, i don't think they will change. they are trying to establish _ will change. they are trying to establish a theocratic regime, a draconian. _ establish a theocratic regime, a draconian, orwellian style regime, they are _ draconian, orwellian style regime, they are making it, and already the world _ they are making it, and already the world is— they are making it, and already the world is telling them that we are recognising this. so in the next few weeks. _ recognising this. so in the next few weeks. in _ recognising this. so in the next few weeks, in the next few days, you might— weeks, in the next few days, you might not— weeks, in the next few days, you might not hear it, because nobody is reporting _ might not hear it, because nobody is reporting it. — might not hear it, because nobody is reporting it, and if we report it to the media. — reporting it, and if we report it to the media, the media says we cannot verify— the media, the media says we cannot verify or— the media, the media says we cannot verify or we _ the media, the media says we cannot verify or we cannot confirm, therefore _ verify or we cannot confirm, therefore there is no news confirmed by all— therefore there is no news confirmed by all these — therefore there is no news confirmed by all these international media and therefore _ by all these international media and therefore nobody knows what is happening in rural areas in afghanistan, what is happening in kandahar. — afghanistan, what is happening in kandahar, thousands of people were killed _ kandahar, thousands of people were killed. now they are searching women's — killed. now they are searching women's homes, they are going, my friends. _ women's homes, they are going, my friends. they— women's homes, they are going, my friends, they were telling me, i have _ friends, they were telling me, i have had — friends, they were telling me, i have had some friends, they are single. _ have had some friends, they are single, single women, you know,

living _ single, single women, you know, living alone, and they are afraid that the — living alone, and they are afraid that the taliban will find them. they— that the taliban will find them. they are — that the taliban will find them. they are activists. they were freely moving _ they are activists. they were freely moving in _ they are activists. they were freely moving in kabul without headscarves. now they— moving in kabul without headscarves. now they are hiding in their homes in the _ now they are hiding in their homes in the world is talking about taking thousands— in the world is talking about taking thousands of people. what about the rest of _ thousands of people. what about the rest of the _ thousands of people. what about the rest of the people? is a few minutes a-o rest of the people? is a few minutes ago i _ rest of the people? is a few minutes ago i was _ rest of the people? is a few minutes ago i was saying, what happens to the rest _ ago i was saying, what happens to the rest of— ago i was saying, what happens to the rest of the children who will grow— the rest of the children who will grow up— the rest of the children who will grow up and have to live with this type of— grow up and have to live with this type of regime? the taliban are not accountable to anyone. they were accountable to anyone. they were accountable to anyone. they were accountable to pakistan as a proxy group _ accountable to pakistan as a proxy group. they will probably answer to pakistan _ group. they will probably answer to pakistan but i don't think they will answer— pakistan but i don't think they will answer to— pakistan but i don't think they will answer to anyone, not even pakistan any more _ answer to anyone, not even pakistan any more. they will probably collaborate with some groups, because — collaborate with some groups, because have pakistani fighters inside _ because have pakistani fighters inside kabul. i have seen them with my own _ inside kabul. i have seen them with my own eyes. as i walked outside, there _ my own eyes. as i walked outside, there are _ my own eyes. as i walked outside, there are these people, they talked a strange _ there are these people, they talked a strange language that is so strange — a strange language that is so strange to afghanistan, so strange to kabul~ _ strange to afghanistan, so strange to kabul. nobody has seen that type of language in kabul, and they have brought— of language in kabul, and they have

brought it _ of language in kabul, and they have brought it from pakistan regions. | brought it from pakistan regions. i want brought it from pakistan regions. want to ask brought it from pakistan regions. i want to ask you, because you are the quintessential 9—11 generation, your friends are activists, they are journalists, they are artists, singers, musicians. there was a very vibrant community there, very close knit. when you speak to them now, what do you think the future holds for you, what do you think the future holds foryou, because what do you think the future holds for you, because you don�*t remember a time when the taliban existed, they are just tales that you heard from your mother, or an older generation, you have never lived under their regime, actually. iprpfeili. under their regime, actually. well, eve one i under their regime, actually. well, everyone i speak — under their regime, actually. well, everyone i speak to, _ under their regime, actually. well, everyone i speak to, they - under their regime, actually. well, everyone i speak to, they tell- under their regime, actually. well, everyone i speak to, they tell me . under their regime, actually. -ii everyone i speak to, they tell me we wish we were dreaming. this is just a nightmare. we willjust wake up. and everyonejust says a nightmare. we willjust wake up. and everyone just says i wish this was just a nightmare. and everyone just says i wish this wasjust a nightmare. i want and everyone just says i wish this was just a nightmare. i want us to wake up, but it�*s happening. it is happening in front of the world. we

were abandoned. we were left alone. they knew this was coming. a month ago, they knew this, they were prepared for this but we were not. everyone, even our leaders, the president and his team, they were aware of this, because they were also part of this trend. they were the copilots. they were all part of this because every command i spoke to, every commander that came and put their weapons here, i saw some of them. i walked the streets and i saw the members, and they were crying and they were telling us, we are not cowards, we didn�*t surrender ourselves. we were asked to retreat. every region that was given up they were asked to retreat. even the americans were aware of this. the british were aware of this. the whole world was aware of this, because nobody condemned, not even human rights watch or amnesty talked about the human rights violations,

the war crimes committed in kandahar. nobody talked what is happening there. we are in complete awe and shock as to what is happening, and the world is watching. nobody is condemning all these killings. a lot of people were killed in kandahar, in couldn do, nobody saw that. nobody saw that. there would be a lot of people. we don�*t have a lot of money. nobody has jobs any don�*t have a lot of money. nobody hasjobs any more. don�*t have a lot of money. nobody has jobs any more. we don�*t have money in home, we are not able to provide food for a family in the next few days, and nobody can take money from the bank. we are not able to go out of afghanistan. a lot of families like us, we were not contractors, we were just activists, government officials, people working, and wejust government officials, people working, and we just raised our voices on social media against extremism, against the taliban

ideology. i wish they were good people, i wish they could change, but they are not. they didn�*t come and take the force of the capital and take the force of the capital and other cities just to change. if they were going to change, they would have made peace. and everyone thinks we were betrayed, we were betrayed by our partners, by the americans, by the british, by nato, by everyone. let the world know that an ally called americans, an ally called nato abandoned their allies, their friends. called nato abandoned their allies, theirfriends. we called nato abandoned their allies, their friends. we worked with them, we help them, you know, kill osama bin laden and different groups of terrorists, and as soon as they were done, they left us to the walls, to savages, to terrorists. unfortunately we are short of time, but thank you, we really appreciate

you sharing your thoughts, your concern, the pain of other afghans, young afghans, here on the programme. that was our special afghanistan coverage. goodbye for now. it is going to be a quiet week ahead, not very warm, mind you. a lot of cloud, rain and drizzle from time to time as well. this sort of sky has been fairly typical across the uk today. we have seen some sunshine, the best of which has been across eastern areas of scotland but even here it doesn�*t feel particularly warm out there, that�*s because we�*ve got that win. that�*s because we�*ve got that wind. more sunshine heading southward across eastern parts of england but there is some patchy rain and drizzle heading through the midlands towards the south—east. that will tend to peter out later on and temperatures will struggle up to 19 or 20 degrees at best, always hanging on to more cloud, and in western areas and a little drizzle as well. a little drizzle as well. that cloud still around this evening, pushing its way

further east overnight, the clouds thickening to give some pockets of rain and drizzle, some mist and fog over the west. a mild, cloudy end to the night, and a much milder night than it was last night in the north—east of scotland. today, continuing into tomorrow, this is the weather pattern, high pressure to the south west never makes it to the uk just yet, and it is a long sea trek, that is where the air is coming from, and with that sort of wind flow, we pick up a lot of moisture, hence all the cloud. within that flow every now and again we will find some weather fronts bringing in the rain, and that is what we are seeing overnight and into tuesday morning. this rain, heading southwards and eastwards, the worst of it clearing away and in the morning but still leaving a lot of cloud, some pockets of light rain and drizzle, may well brighten up a bit towards the west country, so too across some eastern parts of scotland. but generally it is a cloudy, a sort of damp feeling day, and those temperatures showing little change on tuesday. more of the same essentially into wednesday, as well. we have some locations on the chart here for you, and you can see just how

cloudy it is. those temperatures around 17 to 20 degrees. sunshine in short supply, and a cool breeze around as well. by the time we get to thursday, things look a little bit different. the winds won�*t be as strong. we�*ve got lower pressure heading into the south—west this time, and some weather fronts to bring some rain in across wales, through the midlands, heading eastwards across southern parts of england on thursday. further north, maybe some brightness for a while but we could see a bit of cloud bringing some rain in northern parts of scotland, and again temperatures still disappointing for the time of year.

this is bbc news. the headlines... chaos and panic at kabul airport. thousands of people try to flee the capital of afghanistan. after 20 years, the taliban is once again in control of the country. the united nations urges it to show mercy in victory. at this grave hour, i urge all parties, especially the taliban to exercise utmost restraint to protect lives and to ensure that humanitarian needs can be met. as armed taliban fighters patrol the streets of kabul, there is no time for blame game any more. we have an opportunity to prevent further violence, prevent afghanistan descending into a civil

war. afghanistan descending into a civil war. here, prime minister chairs an emergency meeting in downing streetas the defence secretary says he�*s worried not everyone will be able to leave afghanistan. up up part of the regret for me, that some people will not get back. some people will not get back and we will have to do our best in third countries to process those people. bells toll. a one minute silence is held in plymouth, to remember the five people killed in last week�*s mass shooting. and double—jabbed people in england and northern ireland will no longer have to isolate if they�*ve come into contact with someone with covid.

good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. there is chaos and panic in kabul as thousands of people have flocked to the city�*s airport, desperate to board flights out of afghanistan — after the taliban swept into the capital last night, putting them in control of the whole country. more than 60 countries, including the us and the uk, have signed a statement saying afghans and other citizens who want to leave must be allowed to go. and speaking in the last hour, the un�*s secretary general has said the world must unite to combat the�*global terrorist threat�* in afghanistan. our first report is from our diplomatic correspondent paul adams. at kabul airport the desperation is dangerous. an american military transport plane on the runway this morning mobbed by afghans trying to flee their country. eventually, the plane takes off. moments later, as it gains altitude,

it appears that two people fall to the ground. thousands of american and british troops have been sent to secure the airport with helicopters being used to clear the runway. it is chaotic and ugly. similar scenes on the civilian side. an afghan airline are unable to leave. outside the gates, shots ring out as the headlong dash which began yesterday continues. at least two people have died at the airport today. perhaps more. what a contrast to the city�*s deserted green zone, once home to government buildings and foreign embassies, now empty but for pockets of taliban fighters. in a message posted on social media from their political base in qatar, the taliban co—founder urged his men

to remain disciplined. "now we have to show that we can serve our nation," he said. we want and afghan—inclusive islamic government. by that we mean all other afghans have also participation in that government. so of course that needs a little bit of time and deliberation and talks. anxious moments for the people of kabul, unsure of what their new masters have in mind. what where their lives be like? some are sceptical of the taliban that they can be taken at their word. so what they are saying is they are looking for legitimacy from all these different countries, to be accepted as a legitimate government of afghanistan. but at the same time, what are they doing in practice? either they don�*t have control of their foot soldiers or they want the legitimacy, but they are not

willing to do the work. huge uncertainty too for the aid agencies on whom so many afghans rely. unicef has been in afghanistan for decades. helping with education and health. we will be continuing our work. the taliban has asked us to stay. they understand the importance of our work. they understand that we are not political. they have asked us to pause the work for a couple of days while they talk to the rank and file. and make sure that they understand what unicef is here to do and that our staff can operate safely. afghans have seen so much tumultuous change, experienced so many moments of trauma. this is another such moment. what will it mean for those who leave and those who stay? roxana saberi from our us partner cbs news is in kabul and sent this update.

the taliban say they are now in control of this country, but the situation is very unclear and volatile. many afghans have been scrambling to leave, fearing the return to taliban rule. video posted online this morning shows people on the tarmac trying to climb onto a us military transport plane taking off. other clips appear to show those who could not hang on falling to a certain death. it seems no one expected the taliban to reach the capital so fast. they entered yesterday after seizing city after city across the country in just a week and a half. now the fighters are in the streets of kabul, many are armed, some driving vehicles abandoned by the previous security forces. the taliban have also been seen strolling along the green zone. the president of afghanistan vowed to keep fighting, but fled they country yesterday. he said he wanted to avoid more bloodshed, but some afghans say

that he is a coward. there is footage from aljazeera saying that these are taliban commandos inside the presidential palace. it showed a taliban spokesman saying the form of the new regime will be made clear soon. they have pledged not to harm civilians, foreigners and diplomats. but we have spoken to afghans who say they are now in hiding. one used to work for what was the former afghan government. he said last night taliban fighters came knocking on his door looking for him. he called us terrified, begging for help. let�*s discuss the latest developments in afghanistan with former nato secretary general — anders fogh rasmussen — who was in charge from 2009 to 2014. when you became secretary general, your first visit was to afghanistan. during your time there, it was probably the most significant

deployment of nato troops. i wonder what your observations are on the developments and what comes next. yes, i deeply regret the return of the taliban power in afghanistan. it is yet another demonstration of lessons learned from history. when the americans and the west retreat, the americans and the west retreat, the void will be filled by the bad guys. and that is exactly what we are witnessing right now. you have no optimism _ are witnessing right now. you have no optimism borne _ are witnessing right now. you have no optimism borne by _ are witnessing right now. you have no optimism borne by the - are witnessing right now. you have no optimism borne by the remarks| are witnessing right now. you have i no optimism borne by the remarks of some taliban spokespeople of a changed organisation in any way? well i am... honestly speaking, i�*m concerned that afghanistan will once again become a safe haven for terrorists. we will see an increase in organised crime, drug

trafficking. and he refugees. that is what i fear will happen. of course, we could hope that the afghan people have sensed the sense of freedom and that sense is so strong that the taliban cannot rollback all the progress, but i am deeply concerned.— rollback all the progress, but i am deeply concerned. philip hammond said this lunchtime _ deeply concerned. philip hammond said this lunchtime that _ deeply concerned. philip hammond said this lunchtime that this - said this lunchtime that this represented terrible failure of western strategy. i wonder where you think it leaves the west approach to international order. yes. think it leaves the west approach to international order.— international order. yes, of course there is a clear _ international order. yes, of course there is a clear risk _ international order. yes, of course there is a clear risk that _ international order. yes, of course there is a clear risk that people i there is a clear risk that people will conclude that... nation—building is an issue we should not engage in. but i think

nation—building is part of our duty because democracies and free societies are more peaceful than autocracies and dictatorships, not to speak about in stable countries. that is why we have accomplished our mission in afghanistan, we prevented afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists. no terrorist attacks have been launched from afghanistan during the 20 years and we have achieved a law of social progress. and social progress is a part of building stable democracies or society. part of building stable democracies or socie . . �* part of building stable democracies or socie . , �* ., or society. president biden told the world that america _ or society. president biden told the world that america is _ or society. president biden told the world that america is back - or society. president biden told the world that america is back when i or society. president biden told the world that america is back when he j world that america is back when he became president. and all —— all afghans have seen is the american�*s

backs as they leave. beijing has tried to project that the americans make promises that they cannot keep and that america is no longer the power it once was.— power it once was. yes, you are ruite power it once was. yes, you are quite right. — power it once was. yes, you are quite right. there _ power it once was. yes, you are quite right. there is _ power it once was. yes, you are quite right. there is a _ power it once was. yes, you are quite right. there is a clear i quite right. there is a clear risk that the events in afghanistan undermine the credibility of the west and the world�*s free societies. i think are witnessing three major mistakes. the first was made by president trump who agreed on the so—called peace accord with the taliban. declaring that he would leave afghanistan. so obviously the taliban did not have any incentive to engage seriously in those negotiations. second mistake was made by president biden who implemented that agreement and fix

the 31st of august the date where americans could leave afghanistan. and then the third and very serious mistake is our hesitation to help those who have assisted us in afghanistan. that is really in act that undermines our credibility. denmark was one of those countries that was willing to support the invasion of afghanistan back in 2001. obviously your involvement and also others in your country in terms of support, welfare support, support for human rights and so on. what is the view in your country now about afghanistan? is it kind of a... joe biden talked about we cannot fight the wars of 20 years ago, we have to deal with the world as it is now. i

think the conclusion in denmark as i hope it is in many other countries is of course we could not and we should not stay in afghanistan forever. we are not an occupation force. we will leave it to the afghan people to decide the future of their country. however, the problem is the mistakes i mentioned before show the objective is right, but the timing is wrong. we should have told the taliban yes, we will leave, but on the condition that you stop attacking legitimate government in afghanistan and we can ensure that we will leave a peaceful afghanistan to the future of the afghanistan to the future of the afghan people. that is how we should have dealt with this. we afghan people. that is how we should have dealt with this.— have dealt with this. we have very little leverage _ have dealt with this. we have very little leverage from _ have dealt with this. we have very little leverage from outside - have dealt with this. we have very little leverage from outside and i little leverage from outside and without any presence in the country any longer. but what can countries

like the uk and your own due now? is it a case of actually having to recognise the taliban government? nobody elected them, they effectively depose the outgoing government. not with much resistance it has to be said, but nonetheless how should we approach it now? i would caution against recognition of the new government. lets wait, let�*s see if the taliban has really changed. if we can trust that they have a new approach. i would recommend that we wait and see when it comes to recognition of the new government. furthermore, ithink it comes to recognition of the new government. furthermore, i think we should tell the taliban, ok, we are ready to help develop afghanistan, including economic assistance, provided that you fulfil your obligations when it comes to international law, respect for human

rights, basic freedom and democratic principles. if you fulfil those conditions, we would provide you with help, if not, we should threaten them to withdraw all assistance and not recognise the new government. i think this carrot and stick approach would be the most beneficial in the current situation. former secretary general of nato. thank you very much. thank you for giving us your insight into the subject. the united nations secretary general has urged the taliban to exercise the maximum restraint to protect lives. speaking at an emergency session of the un security council, antonio guterres urged all countries to be willing to receive afghan refugees. iremind i remind all parties of their obligation to protect civilians. and i call on all parties to provide

humanitarians with unimpeded access to deliver timely and life—saving services and aid. and i also urge all countries to be willing to receive afghan refugees and refrain from any deportations. mr president, now is the time to stand as one. the international community must be united. also addressing the session, the permanent representative of afghanistan to the united nations, ghulam isaczai, called on the un to take immediate action to protect the lives and rights of afghan civilians. there is no time for a blame game any more. we have an opportunity to prevent further violence, prevent afghanistan descending into a civil war and becoming afghanistan descending into a civil warand becoming a pariah afghanistan descending into a civil war and becoming a pariah state. therefore, the security council and the un secretary—general should use every means at its disposal to call for in a median secession of

violence and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. call on the taliban to fully respect the cease target killing and attacks. and abide by humanitarian law. and urge that no public institutions and service delivered see —— service delivery be demolished. stress that annual violating of human rights and human military and law will be held accountable. let�*s get more with barbara plett usher. our correspondent has been watching from washington. is there any suggestion that the un might not take any kind of involvement in afghanistan to act in a peacekeeping role? .. . . afghanistan to act in a peacekeeping role? ., , , ., afghanistan to act in a peacekeeping role? .,, , ., , , ., role? there has been no suggestion so far of a peacekeeping _ role? there has been no suggestion so far of a peacekeeping role. i role? there has been no suggestion so far of a peacekeeping role. what| so far of a peacekeeping role. what the focus has been on the un�*s

humanitarian role. that is the big footprint there. it has 3000 employees, local employees, 720 international employee in. and. half of the country is in need of humanitarian subsistence delete mac assistance. he said that the taliban had so far largely respected the un offices and indicated it will continue to work with institutions that were dealing with humanitarian issues and urged the taliban to continue to do so. having said that, the un representative of the united states did note that the world food programme had 500 tonnes of food being held up at the border. another big theme was human rights. that the

taliban must protect civilians, human rights, especially those of women and girls. and must stop all sorts of attacks on civilians. those have been the most immediate preoccupations of the secretary—general and those speaking. iterate secretary-general and those speaking-— secretary-general and those s-ieakin. ~ , ., ., secretary-general and those s-ieakin. ~ . .. .. speaking. we understand that joe biden, president _ speaking. we understand that joe biden, president biden _ speaking. we understand that joe biden, president biden has i speaking. we understand that joe biden, president biden has been | speaking. we understand that joe i biden, president biden has been at camp david and he�*s on his way back to washington. i am expected to hear from him later. how much political pressure now is he under in the united needs over the decision? after all, united needs over the decision? afterall, he united needs over the decision? after all, he has implement to the policy that was set in motion by president trump.— policy that was set in motion by president trump. that is right. that is what he argues. _ president trump. that is right. that is what he argues. president - president trump. that is right. that is what he argues. president trump| is what he argues. president trump forced his hand by making this deal with the taliban, which set an exit date for us troops by the beginning of the month of may. and given them

time to get stronger militarily. his argument is that if he had not gone through with the withdrawal, the taliban would have started re—attacking once again, on the us. and then he would have had to search more troops in. so he had to move ahead this way. that is being debated here in washington, not everyone agrees with the assessment. he is being criticised for the way that decision was executed. criticism that he was not prepared for what happened. that the drawdown happened too quickly. and that he did not have a military strategy to leave in an orderly way. having said that, nobody predicted that the taliban would take over the country as quickly as it did. in fact, even taliban officials were surprised how quickly they were able to take control. much of the afghan army did not even fight. at the same time, this is something that is worrying

people severely here. notjust the safety of personnel and the effects on the mission, but also how it looks globally and the dent it will give to us credibility going forward. he is getting a lot of criticism about that. our washington correspondent. _ criticism about that. our washington correspondent, thank _ criticism about that. our washington correspondent, thank you _ criticism about that. our washington correspondent, thank you very i criticism about that. our washington | correspondent, thank you very much. after 20 years out of power, the taliban are back. it�*s a good time to have a reminder of who they are and how they are funded. students emerged in the early 1990s in northern pakistan following the ritual of troops. after the us—led coalitions offence solution and the regime collapse in early 2001. after the us—led coalition�*s offensive resulted in the regime�*s collapse in 2001 — many taliban leaders took refuge

in pakistan and continued to direct attacks from there. the un estimates there are between 58,000 and 100,000 taliban fighters. he became supreme leader of the taliban in 2016, after his predecessor mohammad mansour was killed in a drone strike in pakistan. his deputies include mullah abdul ghani baradar — one of the co—founders of the taliban — who heads the political office in doha. the group�*s military commission is headed by mullah mohammad yaqoob, the son of the other taliban co—founder, the late mullah omar. sirajuddin haqqani heads the armed combat network, reportedly behind a series of suicide attacks and hostage taking. the un says estimates for the taliban�*s annual income range from $300 million to $1.6 billion a year, primarily from criminal activities, including drug production and trafficking.

including this country. raw yakobi is an activist and fellow of the think tank human security centre, who fled afghanistan in 1999 at a time when the taliban was in power. you have written over the last weekend about your feelings at this time. oh, ithink weekend about your feelings at this time. oh, i think we have lost you. there you are. hello again. you have written about your feelings over the weekend. it must be emotionally very hard for you to see what you are seeing at the moment. and to feel the consequences of that.- the consequences of that. indeed. there are no _ the consequences of that. indeed. there are no words _ the consequences of that. indeed. there are no words that _ the consequences of that. indeed. there are no words that i - the consequences of that. indeed. there are no words that i could i there are no words that i could express how it feels for me. i have not been able to compute. i�*m going through different stages of grief at every moment. what we are seeing unfold in afghanistan is not only a tragedy for the afghan people, but it is a tragedy for humanity. it is

a dark day for us, the afghan people, for decency and integrity in the world. it is not about my feelings, really. it is about... i am thinking about the countless men and women in afghanistan going through this ordeal. it is about the future of all those young men and women who have achieved so much and dreamed and had so much hope from the last 20 years. it is all gone. afghans have a new fight on their hands, at least my generation. when you have people clinging onto aeroplanes that are flying and falling off, you know what it means to have the prospect of life under the taliban. ih to have the prospect of life under the taliban-— the taliban. in saying this, i'm not askini the taliban. in saying this, i'm not asking you — the taliban. in saying this, i'm not asking you to _ the taliban. in saying this, i'm not asking you to tell— the taliban. in saying this, i'm not asking you to tell us _ the taliban. in saying this, i'm not asking you to tell us in detail i the taliban. in saying this, i'm not asking you to tell us in detail or. asking you to tell us in detail or anything about what happened to you,

but it is fair to say you were tortured as a child by the taliban. giving your experience and others that you know back home and your part of the country and indeed what you have heard is going on at the moment, can you square what you went through and what they may be experiencing at the moment with the warm words, if you like, that we have heard from the taliban, the reassurances for respect for girls and the ability to continue with schooling and the desire not to punish anybody who was connected to the old regime? for punish anybody who was connected to the old regime?— the old regime? for me, i was commander— the old regime? for me, i was commander who _ the old regime? for me, i was commander who had _ the old regime? for me, i was commander who had been - the old regime? for me, i was - commander who had been fighting against them. the taliban and their sense had a justification to capture me and hold me and give me a bit of torture. but before the taliban arrived, i had this anxiety about what are they going to do to my father if they get their hands on

him? i was sick with worry. but now that i'm adult and i'm seeing the world, the pain in the language is more intense. i havejust been able to speak to one of my cousins in the village where we come from, the taliban had gathered them in the local mosque this morning, the commander who has captured the village he sent me a little video of that meeting. where the commander has a very aggressive demeanour, ominous words are being said. he tells people it is going to be different from now on. they will be living under the islamic emirate, so they will have to be careful what they will have to be careful what they do. the taliban are already record that you mentioned about changed taliban or the possibility of change, there is no possibility for them to change in the same way you cannot change a hyena to a fluffy panda. a change taliban is

not to tell a man, it is something else. they have been fighting for the very ideas that have been driving them 2.5 decades, really. if they change, they will have a revolt from within. they are enabled to change. they will carry on, irrespective of what the international community will tell. let me ask you finally, we could talk a lot about the ethnic background of this and that perhaps is something we could talk about on another occasion. but ijust wonder what you're feeling is about the political calculation that has been made in the west. arguably princely by the americans. everybody else is leaving because the americans are leaving. this was an american operation. what you make ofjoe biden�*s decision who says i'm just implementing what donald trump agreed to with the taliban and also you cannot fight the battles of 20

years ago. you have to deal with the battles of today?— battles of today? afghanistan is auoin to battles of today? afghanistan is going to be _ battles of today? afghanistan is going to be the _ battles of today? afghanistan is going to be the battles - battles of today? afghanistan is going to be the battles of- battles of today? afghanistan is - going to be the battles of tomorrow. the issues there have not been resolved. the taliban takeover will not bring peace to them. it's just one of those moments in afghanistan's bloodied history. to give you a snapshot, it —— since... of all the rulers only one has finished their terms in office. all the rest of them have either been exiled or killed. what the americans did, not only did they... the die was cast for the taliban to return when the talks began in doha. it was during those that the taliban was elevated to a quasi—state in waiting. biden made things worse

with the deadline. is a total abdication of responsibility. by the free world, the west and also afghanistan was being supported by the west in the clutch of competing interests in the region. you have ira... iran, russia, china, pakistan. afghanistan pays the price for its geography and they will continue to do so. this is not the end of the story for this country. it is a very complicated country. 60% of afghans hate the taliban is much as they fear it. we are not seeing the end of conflict in afghanistan. we are adjusting a new phase. afghanistan. we are ad'usting a new hase. ., ~' ,, , . afghanistan. we are ad'usting a new hase. ., ~ , . ., phase. thank you very much for being with us on bbc—

phase. thank you very much for being with us on bbc news. _ phase. thank you very much for being with us on bbc news. there _ phase. thank you very much for being with us on bbc news. there is - phase. thank you very much for being with us on bbc news. there is lots . with us on bbc news. there is lots more we could talk about. for now, thank you very much. here, downing street has been holding a meeting of cobra, the government's emergencies committee to discuss afghanistan. among the subjects expected to be on the agenda, evacuating around 4000 people, both british nationals and afghans who've worked with and for the british. the defence secretary ben wallace said earlier that "some people won't get back". we are speak to our political correspondent. to have ending indication of what has come of that meeting? we indication of what has come of that meetin: ? ~ ., �* ., ., indication of what has come of that meetinu? ~ ., �* . ., , ., meeting? we don't have an update 'ust et. meeting? we don't have an update just yet- but _ meeting? we don't have an update just yet. but one _ meeting? we don't have an update just yet. but one thing _ meeting? we don't have an update just yet. but one thing that - meeting? we don't have an update| just yet. but one thing that downing street has been stressing today is that the priority is to evacuate uk nationals, but also afghans eligible for the uk's resettlement scheme. those who have supported the uk forces and officials in the country. the thing that is changing very quickly is of course the numbers. we know that 370 uk citizens but also

afghan interpreters were evacuated over saturday and sunday and the uk government say they plan to evacuate hundreds more per day. the defence secretary ben wallace aim to get a thousand a day. we also know that 600 military personnel along what home office staff have been sent out to try and assist some of those evacuations, but as you reference there, ben wallace also made the admission in a rather emotional interview that not everyone would be able to be evacuated and that is something that we do not have numbers forjust something that we do not have numbers for just yet. what is interesting is that a growing question that is being put on the government today and something they will be discussing among ministers and international leaders in the coming days is notjust the plans for evacuating citizens and afghans who supported british forces over a year but every day afghan citizens. we have seen the harrowing images of afghans chasing after us planes, trying to desperately flee the country. there is a question of how

will the uk and otherforeign nations respond to what is looking like an inevitable refugee crisis coming out of afghanistan. downing street said they will be making plans in the coming days and outlining a detail how the broader plans for processing asylum claims, but also any plans to expand eligibility for the resettlement scheme. sport now with john sport now withjohn watson. it is india's day so far. india are on top on the final day and need five wickets to win the second test with england at lords. the day has belonged to the visitors, two early indian wickets this morning had given england a glimmer of hope victory could be theirs. but a 77—run ninth wicket partnership between mohammed shami and jasprit bumrah turned the match, as india declared setting england a target of 272. both english openers dom sibley and rory burns fell for ducks. england falling to 68—5.

a reminder, if play does resume, test match special has ball by ball commentary on 5 live sports extra and the bbc sport website, where there are also in—play video highlights. and there's today at the test on bbc two tonight at seven o'clock. play has resumed. harry kane's been included in tottenham's europa conference league squad, ahead of their first tie this week against portuguese side pacos de ferreira. if he plays, it would be his first appearance for spurs since last season with intense speculation surrounding his future. manchester city are yet to meet the club's valuation of the player. kane's part of a 25 man squad set to compete in european football's third tier competition which they qualified for having finished seventh in the league last season.

the bristol city women's manager, tanya oxtoby, has today stepped down from her role, after three years in charge. the australian had been on maternity leave since january and following the birth of her son in march, had not returned to the game. the new super league season starts in just under three weeks' time. mark cavendish will race on home soilfor the first time since the tour de france, after confirming he'll compete in the tour of britain. the manx sprinter equalled eddy merckx�*s record of 3a tour de france stage wins last month. cavendish will lead belgian team deceuninck-quick—step begins in cornwall on september 5th. in snooker, john higgins has made a11i7 break at british open in leicester. the four—time world champion did it in his first frame of the tournament against swiss player alexander ursenbacher. it's the 12th maximum of his career, which is second on the all—time list, three behind ronnie o'sullivan.

it's been confirmed that spectators will not be allowed at the tokyo paralympic games. as well as stadiums, fans are also requested not to attend road events. the japanese government has proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency, due to the ongoing pandemic, with the paralympics beginning a week tomorrow. and finally — a former captain of the afghanistan women's football team says she fears for the safety of her former team—mates and other female athletes in the country. khalida popal, who fled to denmark ten years ago, also helped found the afghan women's football league following the lifting of the ban on women playing sport after the taliban were overthrown 20 years ago. when i received the messages and voice messages from the players from afghanistan, i was crying, and saying that we are abandoned, and we are just stuck at home, where we are

not able to get out, and we are too afraid. all the dreams just gone. it's just like a nightmare. afraid. all the dreams just gone. it'sjust like a nightmare. ijust keep writing to them, saying please close down your social media, to have some sort of safety, because your identities, they will not find you. i have taken down the national team account, the twitter account we have taken down, all the accounts, just to make sure they are protected, and their information is not out. and that's what we have been doing the past two days, and this is very sad, because we did everything possible to be there, and now we are going against what we say. now we are going against what we sa . ., u, , ., ., say. the former captain of the afghanistan — say. the former captain of the afghanistan women's - say. the former captain of the i afghanistan women's purporting. say. the former captain of the - afghanistan women's purporting. you can hear more from her in sportsday

on bbc news at 6:30pm. that is all from me for now. i will have another update in around an hour's time. when the taliban, or "students" in pashto, came to power they vowed to restore peace and security to the country. but they were accused of brutally enforcing sharia law, with public executions for those convicted of murder and amputation for those found guilty of theft. chris morris has been looking back at their history. the taliban first emerged as a movement during the civil war in afghanistan in the early 1990s, many of their leaders coming from religious schools across the border in pakistan. they promised to fight corruption and practised a hard line version of sharia or islamic law. they took power in kabul in 1996, and soon controlled most of the country. television, music and cinema were banned, teenaged girls were prevented from going to school, and public executions were introduced for murderers and adulterers.

in 2001, the taliban destroyed the famous buddha statues in bamiyan, despite international calls for restraint. but 2001 was also the year when everything changed — 9/11, and the attacks on new york and washington. the man behind the attacks — the al-qaeda leader osama bin laden — was based in afghanistan. within weeks, a us—led military coalition launched attacks, and before the end of the year, the taliban regime had collapsed. it was the start of 20 years of western military involvement in afghanistan. in 2004, after lengthy negotiations, a new constitution was agreed, and hamid karzai was elected president. but his government still depended heavily on military support from abroad. in 2006, for example, british troops were deployed to helmand province, a taliban stronghold in the south. the initial aim was reconstruction, but they were soon drawn into combat operations. in 2009, president obama ordered a surge in us troops

to try to cement security and government control, but it was never entirely successful. five years later, formal combat operations under the leadership of nato came to an end. the focus for us and other foreign troops now was on training and supporting the afghan security forces. but the taliban were resurgent, launching a series of suicide attacks and car bombings in kabul and elsewhere. they had certainly never been defeated outright. in february 2020, the united states signed what was called "an agreement for bringing peace to afghanistan" with the taliban, with foreign troops being gradually withdrawn. this summer, that process accelerated dramatically, and last month, with no warning, us troops pulled out of their main military base at bagram overnight. the taliban began to advance with stunning speed, capturing province after province. this past weekend, kabul fell into their hands, president ashraf ghani fled aboard,

president ashraf ghani fled abroad, and a few weeks before the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the taliban are once again in control of most of the country. thank you very much. i'm joined now by conservative mp nusrat ghani — she's one of those who condemned the uk's withdrawal from afghanistan. thank you very much for being with us. why? thank you very much for being with us. wh ? ~ , ., ., wh us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do ou us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do you think — us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do you think it — us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do you think it was _ us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do you think it was a _ us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do you think it was a mistake _ us. why? why, what? forgive me. why do you think it was a mistake to - do you think it was a mistake to withdraw? ~ ~ do you think it was a mistake to withdraw?— do you think it was a mistake to withdraw? ~ ~ ., do you think it was a mistake to withdraw? ~ ~ . ., withdraw? well, i think what we have seen unravel — withdraw? well, i think what we have seen unravel on _ withdraw? well, i think what we have seen unravel on our _ withdraw? well, i think what we have seen unravel on our tv _ withdraw? well, i think what we have seen unravel on our tv screens - withdraw? well, i think what we have seen unravel on our tv screens and l seen unravel on our tv screens and on twitter was inevitable, once the americans decided to withdraw in such haste. it was remarkable that the view among so many western leaders was that the taliban would not be able to reach kabul. they obviously have no understanding of the taliban or of afghanistan. and all of the hopes that we had four

afghan men and women feel dashed. i have very little optimism, but everything we are seeing on tv was inevitable with the withdrawal of american troops. usa, haste, but we knew this was going to happen, what, 18 months ago, when donald trump did his famous peace deal with the taliban. joe biden made clear earlier in the year, should we not have made more effective preparation, then, for the transfer and the transition out, rather than what looks like a kind of rout? that is also correct. _ what looks like a kind of rout? that is also correct. there _ what looks like a kind of rout? that is also correct. there seem to be no evidence of any exit strategy whatsoever. the chaos at kabul airport is incredibly difficult to watch, especially the scenes are people running towards the aircraft or falling off the aircraft, and also, like many members of parliament, we are receiving now harrowing correspondence from afghans, especially those who have worked with us, the british, who are now feeling at threat at home. we

have made no provision to get them out, and the desperation to get people out is very hard to deal with. you are right, they should have been with. you are right, they should have bee— have been progression and no progression — have been progression and no progression was _ have been progression and no progression was done, - have been progression and no progression was done, which l have been progression and no| progression was done, which is have been progression and no - progression was done, which is why this chaos, it needn't have been like this, but we are where we are we do need an international response, as well as we need to make sure we get people out fast as we can, provide safe passage and provide refuge too. the question then i suppose — provide refuge too. the question then i suppose is _ provide refuge too. the question then i suppose is what _ provide refuge too. the question then i suppose is what do - provide refuge too. the question then i suppose is what do you i provide refuge too. the question i then i suppose is what do you think that effective international response could be, because presumably our biggest leverage was our presence in the country, the second is money, which presumably the taliban, one of my interviewees earlier today were saying the country is broke. 70 odd percent of the money in the afghan treasury came from foreign sources. the german government i think has a body said we're not going to give money to the taliban. what do you think the british approach should be this question? we the british approach should be this ruestion? ~ ., ., , question? we need to do everything we can to provide _ question? we need to do everything we can to provide safe _

question? we need to do everything we can to provide safe passage - question? we need to do everything we can to provide safe passage for l we can to provide safe passage for those people who worked with the british armed forces, but also those that worked with us, side by side. those phenomenal women that went out and stood for election. i've been hearing about the very young female afghan mayor of an area in kabul, who now is waiting, sitting and waiting to be killed by the taliban. these are all the people that we should not have abandoned, and we have come and we now need to make sure we get them out to a safe place as soon as we can to stop you are also right, there is going to be huge economic crisis, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis, and we need to work with the international community to make sure we can try and get resources in somehow. and most of all, my biggest concern at the moment is listening to the un statements, and lots of other people speaking on this issue, when they talk about the taliban. they need to remember that the taliban will never provide peace for afghanistan, and they will never

allow women and girls to live freely. their version of an islamic state is nothing we can recognise, if we go back 20 years, the way that women and young girls were treated then, it will be a barbaric regime and we need to do everything we can so those women and young girls were going out of their home, where they were seeking educational teaching and working on other civil society positions. there are so much work for us to be done now.— for us to be done now. used a hrase, for us to be done now. used a phrase. in _ for us to be done now. used a phrase, in the _ for us to be done now. used a phrase, in the course - for us to be done now. used a phrase, in the course of - for us to be done now. used a phrase, in the course of your. phrase, in the course of your answer, which is chilling, when taken out of that answer and repeated again. "sitting waiting to be killed". i . . repeated again. �*sitting waiting to be killed'- i— repeated again. "sitting waiting to be killed'- i— be killed". i am, at the moment, deahnu be killed". i am, at the moment, dealing with _ be killed". i am, at the moment, dealing with a — be killed". i am, at the moment, dealing with a very _ be killed". i am, at the moment, dealing with a very difficult - be killed". i am, at the moment, dealing with a very difficult case | dealing with a very difficult case of a family who have worked in charitable work in afghanistan, talking about the rule of law, promoting women to positions of authority outside of the home. the people that run this charity in afghanistan, theirfather people that run this charity in afghanistan, their father was people that run this charity in afghanistan, theirfather was made afghanistan, their father was made to afghanistan, theirfather was made to go out into the streets under the previous taliban rule and burn his books will stop once he bent his

books, the taliban shot in the head. this family has been doing charitable work for 20 years, upholding the rule of law, promoting the role of women. they are now telling me they are sitting ducks and desperate to get out of afghanistan. these are the people we should have been standing by and we let them go. we have not stood by our friends and allies in afghanistan, and unfortunately the rise of the taliban will mean the rise of the taliban will mean the rise of the taliban will mean the rise of islamic extremism,, which will be an issue here in the uk. nusrat ghani, thank you for talking to us this afternoon. in other news now... a minute's silence has been held in plymouth, to remember the five people shot dead last week. the home office is asking police forces in england and wales to review the way they deal with firearms applications in the wake of the mass shooting. devon and cornwall police are being investigated as to why jake davison was allowed to have his shotgun back injuly, after his licence had been revoked.

sarah ransome reports. a minute to remember and reflect. bell tolls. across the city, people fell silent this morning in memory of those who died in the mass shooting last week. three—year—old sophie martyn and her dad lee, kate shepherd, stephen washington and maxine davison all died at the hands of the gunmanjake davison. in the park next to where the shootings happened, people paused in a moment of collective grief. it's been really hard, i think we're all still in shock at what's happened, aren't we? it's been a very quiet place for the last few days, it has been very sombre. people have been very respectful

and very kind to each other and very compassionate. everyone seems to knowj everybody and it just felt like the right thing to do to come here to pay my respects to - the victims that lost their lives, and obviously the ones that - are still in hospital as well. community leaders also paid tribute to the five who died. at the moment, keyham is grieving. we grieve because we love, grief is love, we are in shock, feel guilty and angry about the events surrounding the deaths of our beloved community members because we love. plymouth is a place where people stand together during dark times. i hope and believe that we will get through the difficult times that lie ahead as we try to come to terms with this dreadful loss by continuing to support each other. questions still remain on why jake davison had a shotgun and how his licence was returned last month after an allegation of assault a few months ago.

jake davison lived here in biddick drive. the decision to hand him back his licence is under investigation by the police watchdog. in the light of what happened last week, the home office is now reviewing the way all gun permits are granted for forces throughout england and wales. today, though, was a day to focus on the victims. this community says it may be bowed but not broken. sarah ransome, bbc news, plymouth. the uk's competition watchdog has said ticket resale firms should face tighter rules. the competition and markets authority said current laws meant it was not possible to act swiftly and effectively against touts. ramzan is here with more. which firms are we talking about? because it is quite a busy sector. ., but the big two we all know about our stubhub and via gogo. it has been awhile since we were talking

about going to a gig. i can't remember the last one, it has been so long! it is not the first time they have intervened in this market, they have intervened in this market, they have intervened in this market, they have done nine years ago but they have done nine years ago but they are really concerned about people for instant selling tickets they don't own. so putting up a ticket to sell. it they don't own. so putting up a ticket to sell.— ticket to sell. it is astonishing. it is astonishing _ ticket to sell. it is astonishing. it is astonishing for— ticket to sell. it is astonishing. it is astonishing for is - ticket to sell. it is astonishing. it is astonishing for is that - ticket to sell. it is astonishing. | it is astonishing for is that they have come up with a number of recommendations that you can't sell more tickets than you are legally allowed to have bought in the first place, that the website should have the correct information on, or there will be consequences, they also want a new licensing system put into place so they can fine these companies if they step out of line as well. one person who has been calling for more change is which, and we can speak to adam french joins us now. you must be very delighted that the cma are looking to tighten the rules here? yes. delighted that the cma are looking to tighten the rules here?- to tighten the rules here? yes, we are really pleased, _ to tighten the rules here? yes, we are really pleased, absolutely, - to tighten the rules here? yes, we | are really pleased, absolutely, that the cma _ are really pleased, absolutely, that the cma are looking to tighten up the cma are looking to tighten up the rules— the cma are looking to tighten up the rules on secondary selling websites. we have been reporting issues _ websites. we have been reporting issues with the sites for seven or

eight _ issues with the sites for seven or eight years— issues with the sites for seven or eight years now. we have repeatedly been contacted by consumers who feel they have _ been contacted by consumers who feel they have been ripped off, overcharged for tickets, they haven't — overcharged for tickets, they haven't had the appropriate information at the time of the purchase _ information at the time of the purchase. so this is only good news really— purchase. so this is only good news really for— purchase. so this is only good news really for consumers, but these are 'ust really for consumers, but these are just proposals at the moment and to be honest— just proposals at the moment and to be honest they can't come in swiftly enough _ be honest they can't come in swiftly enough to— be honest they can't come in swiftly enough to ensure that people are rightfully— enough to ensure that people are rightfully protected when buying tickets _ rightfully protected when buying tickets online. that rightfully protected when buying tickets online.— rightfully protected when buying tickets online. ., , , ., , tickets online. that brings me to my next question. _ tickets online. that brings me to my next question” _ tickets online. that brings me to my next question,, how _ tickets online. that brings me to my next question, , how confident - tickets online. that brings me to my next question,, how confident are l next question,, how confident are you that these rules will be implement and eventually and how effective can they be? a new licensing system sounds great but will they be able to fine these companies, take their websites down if they break the rules? the information _ if they break the rules? the information requirements put on secondary— information requirements put on secondary ticket websites have actually — secondary ticket websites have actually been in law since 2015. there _ actually been in law since 2015. there is — actually been in law since 2015. there is a — actually been in law since 2015. there is a whole chapter in the consumer— there is a whole chapter in the consumer rights act which came in then, _ consumer rights act which came in then, all— consumer rights act which came in then, all about the information these — then, all about the information these ticketing websites are supposed to provide. the big challenge we have seen in that intervening six or seven years now

has been — intervening six or seven years now has been that the ticketing companies themselves say it is not our fault, _ companies themselves say it is not ourfault, speak companies themselves say it is not our fault, speak to the people listing — our fault, speak to the people listing the tickets on the website, they should be providing the information. so we've got two really -ood information. so we've got two really good moves here from the cma, one is making _ good moves here from the cma, one is making it _ good moves here from the cma, one is making it really, really clear it is on the _ making it really, really clear it is on the ticketing website itself to ensure _ on the ticketing website itself to ensure that information is being provided — ensure that information is being provided. you know where you will be set, provided. you know where you will be set. you _ provided. you know where you will be set, you know the first value of the trickett, _ set, you know the first value of the trickett, if— set, you know the first value of the trickett, if there are any restrictions, for example, if it has been _ restrictions, for example, if it has been sold — restrictions, for example, if it has been sold in— restrictions, for example, if it has been sold in breach of terms and conditions — been sold in breach of terms and conditions. that is all positive, and then— conditions. that is all positive, and then the cma has increased powers. — and then the cma has increased powers, which is something we could benefit _ powers, which is something we could benefit from across the board, it could _ benefit from across the board, it could mean they could act really quickly — could mean they could act really quickly to — could mean they could act really quickly to take down these websites, take down— quickly to take down these websites, take down these listings that shouldn't be in there at the moment. this is— shouldn't be in there at the moment. this is a _ shouldn't be in there at the moment. this is a real— shouldn't be in there at the moment. this is a real step change. at the moment— this is a real step change. at the moment the cma is the big regulator in consumer markets in the uk but they have — in consumer markets in the uk but they have analog powers in a digital world, _ they have analog powers in a digital world, so— they have analog powers in a digital world, so if— they have analog powers in a digital world, so if they can act quickly, they— world, so if they can act quickly, they are — world, so if they can act quickly, they are empowered to act more quickly— they are empowered to act more quickly by— they are empowered to act more quickly by government, they can actually— quickly by government, they can actually intervene and protect consumers, the pounds in your pocket

much _ consumers, the pounds in your pocket much more _ consumers, the pounds in your pocket much more effectively.— much more effectively. adam french from which. — much more effectively. adam french from which, thanks _ much more effectively. adam french from which, thanks for _ much more effectively. adam french from which, thanks for your - much more effectively. adam french from which, thanks for your time. i much more effectively. adam french| from which, thanks for your time. so i think, well, from which, thanks for your time. so ithink, well, may from which, thanks for your time. so i think, well, may be, from which, thanks for your time. so ithink, well, may be, this from which, thanks for your time. so i think, well, may be, this could happen down the loan, but for now, it is a proposal —— down the road. it sounds like it is a good thing, it will make a difference, so let's hope it does. in it will make a difference, so let's hope it does-— it will make a difference, so let's hope it does. in the meantime, do check terms _ hope it does. in the meantime, do check terms and _ hope it does. in the meantime, do check terms and conditions. - hope it does. in the meantime, do check terms and conditions. just i hope it does. in the meantime, do| check terms and conditions. just be really careful- _ check terms and conditions. just be really careful. thank _ check terms and conditions. just be really careful. thank you. _ people in england and northern ireland who've had both covid jabs no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone with the virus. the change has already been introduced in scotland and wales. our business correspondent emma simpson reports on the difference the new rules will make. here's a place that should be doing a roaring trade with afternoon teas, but this hotel in sutton coldfield's had to scale back, as its staff keep getting pinged. well, normally this restaurant would be buzzing at lunchtime, but we have had to close it, we have had to close our fine dining restaurant, we have closed all our food outlets during the day.

a business trying to keep the plates spinning in the midst of a staycation boom. we found ourselves, a week last sunday, with virtually no kitchen staff. everybody was having to self—isolate. we went down from probably ten to 12 chefs down to two. i suppose today can't come soon enough? absolutely, it can't come soon enough. it will make such a huge difference. at one point, more than 500,000 people were getting pinged a week, causing huge disruption for all sorts of businesses. but with three—quarters of adults fullyjabbed, the government says now�*s the right time to relax the rules, another huge step back to normality. from today, people in england and northern ireland who are fully vaccinated no longer have to self—isolate, if they come into close contact with a positive case. instead, you'll be advised to take a pcr test. if it's positive, you will still have to isolate for ten days. even though they're not vaccinated, the new rules will also apply to under—18s. scotland and wales have already made similar changes.

it's all welcome news for parents during the drop—off at this london nursery. every time you leave your house, you have that sort of latent sense of dread that you might walk past somebody, you know, not even be that close to them, and thenjust get the dreaded ping and have to stay at home. it's very reassuring, i think. yeah, the ability to not have to worry if you get pinged, l and just kind of get a test and see what happens. i nursery manager alethea agrees it's helpful, but the changes won't solve all the problems in this sector. if you have a nursery where only half the staff have had a single jab, it will still mean closures, bubble closures. and, as it is at the moment, there is a shortage of early—year workers. so it would be better if we can all have the jab, so that the business can continue to run. today, though, is still a big shift in the rules.

and many will drink to that. emma simpson, bbc news, sutton coldfield. a bbc investigation has found that hospitals across the country have taken part in emergency exercises, in case ageing concrete causes a roof collapse. one hospital is limiting operations on patients who weigh more than 19 stone, because of fears the floor could give way. 32 nhs buildings and seven hospitals across the country are constructed with a low—quality lightweight concrete. nhs england says trusts have continued to provide safe services for patients. nikki fox has this exclusive report. steel posts holding up the roof on a children's ward, on a maternity unit, where mothers lie with new babies. seven hospitals in england, all constructed with a type of lightweight concrete. but it is failing and all need to be rebuilt. so we are currently on one

of our service corridors. what you can see above you is a latticework of structural timbers. should a plank fail, they will cradle them and support them. the west suffolk hospital was built with concrete rack planks. they were never meant to last and are 15 years beyond their expected life span. the trust's risk assessment is clear — without the safety measures, the threat of planks failing is immediate. but they will take two years to install, so they have commissioned a corporate manslaughter report in case anything goes wrong. the situation we are facing, it is unprecedented. why would you describe it as being unprecedented? no one is clear the way in which this structure will perform as it gets to that kind of age. documents obtained by bbc look east show, last year, trusts in the east took part in exercise hodges. it simulated a scenario in which part of the hospital collapsed because of concrete planks failing. at west suffolk, all the external

walls are made of rack. the technical briefing states that now, nearly all of the wall planks have some corrosion, with a risk of severe corrosion in two thirds. and how much do these planks weigh? broadly, they are about a third of a tonne. so that is why it is so important to make sure that this support is in place? it is, yes. a new west suffolk hospital could be nine years away. seven hospitals across the country need rebuilding because of crumbling concrete. airedale in west yorkshire has no guarantee of funding. nor does hinchingbrooke in cambridgeshire, where the ageing building is causing major issues. the concrete panelling is also affecting the load bearing on some of the floors, which means that patients heavier than 19 stone can't be operated on in some of the theatres. shutting some of the hospitals to do the repairs quicker was considered. if we were to close a hospital, then the burden would fall on those

neighbouring hospitals, and the nhs as a whole is going through a time when we are extremely busy. thousands of emergency beds would be lost if all seven hospitals closed for repairs. nhs england says trusts are maintaining a safe service for patients, who should access hospital care as they normally would. nikki fox, bbc news. a pentagon spokesman says when us soldier has been injured in kabul. now the weather with darren. hello there. it is a cool day with a chilly northwesterly breeze today. the best of the sunshine has been across eastern parts of scotland, we should see some of that sunshine heading towards the south into eastern areas of england later on. there is still some rain and drizzle heading through the midlands toward the southeast, that is tending to peter out.

temperatures struggling to 19 or 20 degrees at best. and always hang on to more cloud in western areas. still some dampness in the air here as we go into this evening. overnight, that cloud will push back towards the east again with the cloud thickening to bring some pockets of rain and drizzle down and some mist and fog over the hills in the west. a mild night, much milder than it was last night in the northeast of scotland. but tuesday looks like another cloudy, cool sort of day. we have got this rain and drizzle around and that will head towards the south and east across england. the worst of that clearing, but still leaving some dull, damp weather around here and there. it will brighten up across the west country and eastern parts of scotland, but it's going to be a cool and breezy day with temperatures, again, 17—20 c.

this is bbc news. the headlines... chaos and panic at kabul airport as thousands of people desperately try to flee the capital of afghanistan — reports say several people died in the mayhem. as armed taliban fighters patrol the streets of kabul and enter the presidential palace, afghanistan's ambassador to the un calls for peace. there is no time for blame game any more. we have an opportunity to prevent further violence, prevent afghanistan descending into a civil war. british embassy staff and british nationals are among the first to arrive home — they flew into raf brize norton last night. and coming up — an interview with nobel prize

winner malala yousafzai — she was shot in the head