this is bbc news. i'm reeta chakrabarti. the headlines — the government outlines its plans to close the gap between rich and poor areas by "levelling up" the country. labour says the proposals fall well short of what the country needs, though. it shifts power and opportunity towards the north and midlands, scotland, wales and northern ireland. it guarantees increased investment in overlooked and undervalued communities. seriously, is this it? the sum total of our ambition for our coastal and industrial towns, our villages and our great cities is a history lesson on the rise of the roman empire. the pressure on borisjohnson continues to grow as more conservative mps submit letters of no—confidence in his leadership. as russia holdsjoint military drills with belarusian troops

near the border with ukraine, the us says it's deploying 3000 troops to fortify nato forces in eastern europe. the bbc has been told households could see energy bills drop by around £200 under government plans to ease the impact of soaring prices, but some energy companies say the measures haven't been properly thought through. medical regulators are consulting on proposals to make one form of hormone replacement therapy available without a prescription. and school's not out in wales, with a trial to lengthen the school day by five hours a week. the government has announced its plans to close the gap

between rich and poor areas of the country as part of its so—called levelling up agenda. the policy, which the prime minister has described as a "defining mission", will take until 2030 to deliver and aims to tackle regional inequalities and help overlooked communities. there are 12 missions or targets which include increasing regional devolution, with plans to create more mayors with london—style powers, improving public transport to bring it up to london's standards, refocusing education spending on the most disadvantaged areas and providing access to 5g broadband to most households. and there will be increased public investment in research and development away from the south east. but there is no new money attached, and labour says there is little fresh thinking. the minister in charge of levelling up, michael gove, set out some of the plans to the house of commons this afternoon. he said the document proposed a "strategy to make the country more

equal and shift wealth and power decisively towards working people". this white paper lays out a long—term economic and social plan to make opportunity more equal. it shifts power and opportunity towards the north and midlands, scotland, wales and northern ireland. it guarantees increased investment in overlooked and undervalued communities, in research and development, in education and skills, in transport and broadband, in urban parts and decent homes, in grassroots sports and local culture and in fighting crime and tackling anti—social behaviour. it gives local communities the tools to tackle rogue landlords, dilapidated high streets and neglected green spaces, and it demonstrates that this people's government is keeping faith with the working people of this country by allowing them to take back control of their lives, their communities and their futures and i commend this statement to the house. but labour said the plans contained no new money and little fresh thinking. here's lisa nandy, shadow levelling up secretary. seriously, is this it?

the sum total of our ambition for our coastal and industrial towns, our villages and our great cities is a history lesson on the rise of the roman empire. a minister scurrying around whitehall, shuffling the deck chairs, cobbling together a shopping list of recycled policies and fiddling the figures. is this really it? for some of us, madam deputy speaker, this is personal. we've lived these failures every single day. we've watched good jobs go, our high streets boarded up, young people who have to get out to get on — he talks about bury fc. my stepdad was a lifelong supporter of bury fc, a regularat gig lane. his last words to my stepbrother before he died were, "what's the score?" if he were alive today, he would never forgive them for standing aside while this asset at the centre of bury's community was allowed to collapse. and the snp's kate forbes,

scotland's finance secretary, said the work already done by devolved nations should not be overlooked by the british government. the irony perhaps in the proposals today is that on one hand, - the uk government is talking about empowering regions i and nations like scotland more, and yet at the other point, - they're cutting across devolution, devolution that already exists, i by determining how money is spent in areas that are normally devolved i to the scottish government. so, my question would be . if the government is serious about levelling up, why undermine l the very devolution that they are i seeking to progress as part i of their levelling up agenda? let's get more with our political correspondent helen catt. this is a defining policy for boris johnson and his government. how much detail have we had today? figs he

johnson and his government. how much detail have we had today?— detail have we had today? as he said this with the — detail have we had today? as he said this with the central _ detail have we had today? as he said this with the central plank _ detail have we had today? as he said this with the central plank of - detail have we had today? as he said this with the central plank of the - this with the central plank of the government's message to voters in the general election, this product —— promise to level up. and there has been criticism of that phrase so far has been a bit vague, we did not know really what it meant. this follows a bit vague, we did not know really what it meant. this policy paper does actually at least set with the government says it's going to do, what it means by this phrase levelling up. it set out what he calls these 12 missions was to cover a huge range of different areas, so everything from housing to better transport to increasing pay and employment right down to the structures of government. talking about this being a phenomenal shift in the weather central government, local government and the private sector all work together and there is talk of moving some of the power of decision—making out of westminster and into local communities so there is talk of more regional mayors. he discovered a very broad range, quite a long document but some of the consist of you heard there from labour is they don't think this as particularly any new detailed ideas in it and they

worry about the sort of scale of ambition for it. the other think about this is there is a timescale on this government as government seesit on this government as government sees it as a long term project and 2030 is that they put out there for when they want these things to be in place. though there are some projects that they say they recognise that things need to be done quicker in some areas to, so a really big policy and i think we will have to wait and see how it all shakes down. will have to wait and see how it all shakes down-— will have to wait and see how it all shakes down. very significant policy as ou sa shakes down. very significant policy as you say but _ shakes down. very significant policy as you say but in — shakes down. very significant policy as you say but in the _ shakes down. very significant policy as you say but in the meantime, - shakes down. very significant policy | as you say but in the meantime, the prime minister has today lost a public supporter of two of his conservative in peace and i think you have news of a third. i conservative in peace and i think you have news of a third.- you have news of a third. i have also disses _ you have news of a third. i have also disses gary _ you have news of a third. i have also disses gary streeter - you have news of a third. i have also disses gary streeter who . you have news of a third. i have also disses gary streeter who is you have news of a third. i have i also disses gary streeter who is an mp in devon and he has in the last event posted a statement on his website in which he says he has written a letter to the 1922 committee calling for a vote saying

he has no confidence in the prime minister and he said he has no confidence in the prime ministerand he said i minister and he said i cannot reconcile the pain and sacrifice the vast majority of the british military lockdown with the attitude and activities of those working in dentistry and accordingly i've now submitted a letter seeking a vote of no—confidence in the prime minister and i have not come to this decision lightly but he says he will not say any more about that. he is a second mp from devon actually today to do this as earlier anthony mandel who was elected in 2019 as the mp for tightness that he had also submitted a letter and said the mistruths of the prime minister had overshadowed the prime minister had overshadowed the work of the many excellent colleagues. so i think the key point here is that there does not seem to be a sort of organised push of mps to do this. there seems to be a drip of letters which we also had the former defence minister tobias ellwood same he he also has admitted a letter so they dusted to be a

trickle of those letters in. how close they are to reaching the 5a which would trigger a vote of no—confidence, we cannot know at this stage is as a secret process and nine mps have now probably said they put a letter in and more have publicly called for the prime minister to go. where they are in terms of letters, we cannot say that for sure. . ~ terms of letters, we cannot say that for sure. ., ~ i. , . ., for sure. thank you very much. that is helen catt. _ for sure. thank you very much. that is helen catt, our— for sure. thank you very much. that is helen catt, our correspondent - for sure. thank you very much. that is helen catt, our correspondent in l is helen catt, our correspondent in westminster. i'm joined now by miriam cates, conservative mp for penistone and stockbridge. we've got you there to talk about levelling up and i will come to the anime but as we have come on the air we have had this news of this announcement by gary streeter that he has put in the letter of no confidence in the prime minister and he is the third today. this i confidence in the prime minister and he is the third today.— he is the third today. as i said that is news _ he is the third today. as i said that is news to _ he is the third today. as i said that is news to me. _ he is the third today. as i said that is news to me. i've - he is the third today. as i said that is news to me. i've just i he is the third today. as i said - that is news to me. i've just heard that from — that is news to me. i've just heard that from you and i will not comment on individual—

that from you and i will not comment on individual mps that he put the letters_ on individual mps that he put the letters and is that it's up to them but i _ letters and is that it's up to them but i was — letters and is that it's up to them but i was elected in 2019 on this platform of levelling up and i was born and — platform of levelling up and i was born and brought up in sheffield and have lived _ born and brought up in sheffield and have lived there all my life and i feel that — have lived there all my life and i feel that inequality every week when i calmed at to london and that's the important _ i calmed at to london and that's the importantjob the i calmed at to london and that's the important job the government i calmed at to london and that's the importantjob the government is getting _ importantjob the government is getting on with and we have made an incredible progress towards that today _ incredible progress towards that today was this levelling up white paper— today was this levelling up white paper which is separate and really ambitious — paper which is separate and really ambitious strategy for how we are going _ ambitious strategy for how we are going to _ ambitious strategy for how we are going to achieve that aim. we ambitious strategy for how we are going to achieve that aim.- going to achieve that aim. we will talk about levelling _ going to achieve that aim. we will talk about levelling up _ going to achieve that aim. we will talk about levelling up but - going to achieve that aim. we will talk about levelling up but these l talk about levelling up but these are three of your fellow conservative mps who have now put in letters of no confidence in the prime minister and this isjust letters of no confidence in the prime minister and this is just two days after his major apology to the house of commons. they are not persuaded by what he had to say. this persuaded by what he had to say. as you said, there are three who have publicly— you said, there are three who have publicly said they had put in a letter— publicly said they had put in a letter but as i have just said, i'm getting _ letter but as i have just said, i'm getting on with the job of trying to represent — getting on with the job of trying to represent my constituency and i think— represent my constituency and i think this — represent my constituency and i think this is a massive day for south — think this is a massive day for south georgia. even this regional inequality— south georgia. even this regional inequality for decades i grew up through— inequality for decades i grew up through it and now we have a plan to roll back _ through it and now we have a plan to roll back on it and i don't dismiss the allegations that are being made

and the _ the allegations that are being made and the difficult few weeks that we have had~ — and the difficult few weeks that we have had. i have been angry and make it are _ have had. i have been angry and make itare angry— have had. i have been angry and make it are angry and i don't dismiss that, _ it are angry and i don't dismiss that, but today we have a flagship announcement, a strategic change in the history— announcement, a strategic change in the history of this country and i think— the history of this country and i think we — the history of this country and i think we should celebrate that. the timin: is think we should celebrate that. tie: timing is interesting because think we should celebrate that. ti2 timing is interesting because there is this significant announcement and yet we have gary streeter the third mp to put in this letter of no confidence, saying he cannot reconcile the pain and sacrifice of the vast majority of the british public during lockdown with the attitude and activities of those working in downing street. those lockdown activities continue to distract from the main purpose, as he would see it, of the government. i do disagree is distracting. it certainly is was up you're talking about— certainly is was up you're talking about it — certainly is was up you're talking about it and a lot of media talks about— about it and a lot of media talks about it — about it and a lot of media talks about it and a lot of media talks about it and make a sequence of talk about and _ about it and make a sequence of talk about and of course is distracted and there — about and of course is distracted and there is good reason for that. but in terms of the timing of this white _ but in terms of the timing of this white paper, levelling up was one of our core _ white paper, levelling up was one of our core policies in 2019 that one

of the _ our core policies in 2019 that one of the election and our constituents have been— of the election and our constituents have been waiting two years for this and here _ have been waiting two years for this and here it — have been waiting two years for this and here it is in all its detail and i've and here it is in all its detail and we not— and here it is in all its detail and i've not read all to make seven pages — i've not read all to make seven pages of it— i've not read all to make seven pages of it yet but there are some fantastic— pages of it yet but there are some fantastic announcements in there and ithink— fantastic announcements in there and i think this _ fantastic announcements in there and i think this is what we should be focusing — i think this is what we should be focusing on right now. for i think this is what we should be focusing on right now.— focusing on right now. for your own constituency. _ focusing on right now. for your own constituency, how— focusing on right now. for your own constituency, how far _ focusing on right now. for your own constituency, how far is _ focusing on right now. for your own constituency, how far is it _ focusing on right now. for your own constituency, how far is it going - focusing on right now. for your own constituency, how far is it going to l constituency, how far is it going to benefit your own area? significantly. we are one of the most _ significantly. we are one of the most regional in terms of countries in the developed world we have one of the _ in the developed world we have one of the worst problems of regional inequality. blood in the southeast are infinitely productive and incredibly competitive on the role of state _ incredibly competitive on the role of state and that just is not the case and — of state and that just is not the case and the rest of the country and as i case and the rest of the country and as i said i_ case and the rest of the country and as i said i have lived through it and see — as i said i have lived through it and see it _ as i said i have lived through it and see it every week said to have a strategy— and see it every week said to have a strategy that we are going to overcome that and it's not going to be overnight but there are some core policies _ be overnight but there are some core policies like _ be overnight but there are some core policies like improving public transport so it is as good as london and improving connectivity and investing — and improving connectivity and investing in productivity ofjobs and improving education in the preppy— and improving education in the preppy will feel in their place and we have — preppy will feel in their place and we have had some great announcements for sheffield. i have an mp for sheffield and we are one of the two towns and — sheffield and we are one of the two

towns and cities that have been named as — towns and cities that have been named as part of this flash agreed to in europe —— a generation progress _ to in europe —— a generation progress -- _ to in europe —— a generation progress —— project for tails and really— progress —— project for tails and really excited for my constituents. do you _ really excited for my constituents. do you worry at all but given their study buddy for this, that inevitably some areas are going to experience less investment in order for areas like yours to get more equipment is import to be clear this is not a budget or a spending review if it had a spending review and the money for leveling up has been allocated and this is an eight year plan every more budgets and more spending reviews and more investment so it is more about... spending reviews and more investment so it is more about. . ._ so it is more about... about a chance so it is more about... about a change in _ so it is more about... about a change in the _ so it is more about... about a change in the way _ so it is more about... about a change in the way the - so it is more about... about a - change in the way the government spends _ change in the way the government spends money and a good example of that 80% _ spends money and a good example of that 80% of the public investment in alvi go— that 80% of the public investment in alvi go to _ that 80% of the public investment in alvi go to london in the subject formerly— alvi go to london in the subject formerly have worked over the years and that's— formerly have worked over the years and that's wrong clearly. there will not help _ and that's wrong clearly. there will not help us — and that's wrong clearly. there will not help us to level up and nuzzle the kind _ not help us to level up and nuzzle the kind of— not help us to level up and nuzzle the kind of things that are going to be changed this is a strategy about how we _ be changed this is a strategy about how we are going to deliver the levelling — how we are going to deliver the levelling up how we are going to measure — levelling up how we are going to measure the improvement in people's lives _ measure the improvement in people's lives. but_ measure the improvement in people's lives. �* ., , ., ., measure the improvement in people's lives. ., , ., ., ., lives. but does that mean that there mi . ht lives. but does that mean that there miaht be lives. but does that mean that there might be more _ lives. but does that mean that there

might be more money— lives. but does that mean that there might be more money in _ lives. but does that mean that there | might be more money in subsequent budgets? this might be more money in subsequent budaets? , , ., might be more money in subsequent budets? , , . , . might be more money in subsequent budaets? , , . , ., , ., budgets? this is an eight year plan and it sets out _ budgets? this is an eight year plan and it sets out not _ budgets? this is an eight year plan and it sets out notjust _ budgets? this is an eight year plan and it sets out notjust how - budgets? this is an eight year plan and it sets out notjust how we're l and it sets out not just how we're going to — and it sets out not just how we're going to spend public money but how we are _ going to spend public money but how we are going to attract private money and again that's one of the key problems that we have in this country was a blunder in the southeast attract a numerous amounts of private — southeast attract a numerous amounts of private and foreign investment and in _ of private and foreign investment and in places like yorkshire don't. so if— and in places like yorkshire don't. so if we _ and in places like yorkshire don't. so if we can— and in places like yorkshire don't. so if we can change conditions in places— so if we can change conditions in places like — so if we can change conditions in places like pianist and a stocked bridge. — places like pianist and a stocked bridge, better infrastructure and skills. _ bridge, better infrastructure and skills, we're going to attract primitive _ skills, we're going to attract primitive money and for money perhaps— primitive money and for money perhaps to areas like mice was not 'ust perhaps to areas like mice was not just about — perhaps to areas like mice was not just about how the taxpayers spend their money but how we're going to create _ their money but how we're going to create conditions for growth that are going — create conditions for growth that are going to generate investments in all quarters. are going to generate investments in all auarters. ., ~ are going to generate investments in all auarters. . ,, i. are going to generate investments in all quarters— all quarters. thank you so much. conservative _ all quarters. thank you so much. conservative mp _ all quarters. thank you so much. conservative mp there, - all quarters. thank you so much. conservative mp there, miriam l all quarters. thank you so much. - conservative mp there, miriam kate. let's cross to our midlands correspondent phil mackie, who is in wolverhampton. so it like sheffield wolverhampton

is one _ so it like sheffield wolverhampton is one of— so it like sheffield wolverhampton is one of the — so it like sheffield wolverhampton is one of the city— so it like sheffield wolverhampton is one of the city sets _ so it like sheffield wolverhampton is one of the city sets and - so it like sheffield wolverhamptonl is one of the city sets and promised leveling _ is one of the city sets and promised leveling up — is one of the city sets and promised leveling up money— is one of the city sets and promised leveling up money and _ is one of the city sets and promised leveling up money and they- is one of the city sets and promised leveling up money and they don't i leveling up money and they don't know— leveling up money and they don't know exactly _ leveling up money and they don't know exactly how _ leveling up money and they don't know exactly how much - leveling up money and they don't know exactly how much or- leveling up money and they don't know exactly how much or where| leveling up money and they don't - know exactly how much or where we'll io know exactly how much or where we'll go but _ know exactly how much or where we'll go but they— know exactly how much or where we'll go but they are — know exactly how much or where we'll go but they are very— know exactly how much or where we'll go but they are very keen _ know exactly how much or where we'll go but they are very keen to _ know exactly how much or where we'll go but they are very keen to see - go but they are very keen to see it. the first— go but they are very keen to see it. the first impression _ go but they are very keen to see it. the first impression you _ go but they are very keen to see it. the first impression you get of - go but they are very keen to see it. the first impression you get of the i the first impression you get of the city is _ the first impression you get of the city is often — the first impression you get of the city is often the _ the first impression you get of the city is often the defining _ the first impression you get of the city is often the defining one, - the first impression you get of the city is often the defining one, andl city is often the defining one, and visitors _ city is often the defining one, and visitors tend — city is often the defining one, and visitors tend to _ city is often the defining one, and visitors tend to go _ city is often the defining one, and visitors tend to go to _ city is often the defining one, and visitors tend to go to the - city is often the defining one, and visitors tend to go to the city- visitors tend to go to the city centre — visitors tend to go to the city centre and i_ visitors tend to go to the city centre and i think— visitors tend to go to the city centre and i think the - visitors tend to go to the city centre and i think the city. visitors tend to go to the city- centre and i think the city centre here _ centre and i think the city centre here looks — centre and i think the city centre here looks slightly— centre and i think the city centre here looks slightly tired - centre and i think the city centre here looks slightly tired and - centre and i think the city centre . here looks slightly tired and empty as a result — here looks slightly tired and empty as a result of— here looks slightly tired and empty as a result of a _ here looks slightly tired and empty as a result of a lot _ here looks slightly tired and empty as a result of a lot of— here looks slightly tired and empty as a result of a lot of the _ as a result of a lot of the shocks not of— as a result of a lot of the shocks not of the — as a result of a lot of the shocks not of the pandemic— as a result of a lot of the shocks not of the pandemic but - as a result of a lot of the shocks not of the pandemic but also - as a result of a lot of the shocks not of the pandemic but also ofi not of the pandemic but also of years— not of the pandemic but also of years of— not of the pandemic but also of years of decline. _ not of the pandemic but also of years of decline. they - not of the pandemic but also of years of decline. they spent. not of the pandemic but also of years of decline. they spent £5j years of decline. they spent £5 million — years of decline. they spent £5 million in — years of decline. they spent £5 million in a _ years of decline. they spent £5 million in a new— years of decline. they spent £5 million in a new market - years of decline. they spent £5 million in a new market here i years of decline. they spent £5| million in a new market here so years of decline. they spent £5- million in a new market here so that has shown— million in a new market here so that has shown some _ million in a new market here so that has shown some of _ million in a new market here so that has shown some of the _ million in a new market here so that has shown some of the investment i million in a new market here so that. has shown some of the investment but there is lots— has shown some of the investment but there is lots more _ has shown some of the investment but there is lots more to _ has shown some of the investment but there is lots more to come _ has shown some of the investment but there is lots more to come and i- there is lots more to come and i been asking _ there is lots more to come and i been asking young _ there is lots more to come and i. been asking young wolverhampton residents— been asking young wolverhampton residents what— been asking young wolverhampton residents what they _ been asking young wolverhampton residents what they think- been asking young wolverhampton residents what they think should . residents what they think should happen— residents what they think should happen with _ residents what they think should happen with levelling _ residents what they think should happen with levelling up. - bigger businesses, like, would help because at the moment, like, i'm a uni student and because i know that i can't find any good companies here that will help me get to my career path, i'm going elsewhere, out of wolverhampton, which is really sad because my family are all here. but then i'm having to go do a job somewhere else. what do you think money should be spent on to make wolverhampton better? definitely education. i think recently coming out

of education myself, i think it's quite poor. what do you think? when i was in education, i don't | feel like there's enough there. i there was never enough books and things like that. no, no never enough books for people to share, - not even at college. are there good jobs in wolverhampton? i think there isjob opportunities. i think we've got lucky what we've got. yeah, definitely. i think there should be more, though, because i know people who can't get jobs that are our age and they're struggling. so there are lots and lots of very well-known _ so there are lots and lots of very well— known wolverhampton - so there are lots and lots of very- well— known wolverhampton residents who left _ well— known wolverhampton residents who left the _ well— known wolverhampton residents who left the city— well— known wolverhampton residents who left the city and _ well— known wolverhampton residents who left the city and become - well— known wolverhampton residents who left the city and become very - who left the city and become very successful— who left the city and become very successful but _ who left the city and become very successful but they _ who left the city and become very successful but they had _ who left the city and become very successful but they had to - who left the city and become very successful but they had to leave i who left the city and become very . successful but they had to leave the city to _ successful but they had to leave the city to become — successful but they had to leave the city to become successful— successful but they had to leave the city to become successful and - successful but they had to leave the city to become successful and very. city to become successful and very few have _ city to become successful and very few have come _ city to become successful and very few have come back. _ city to become successful and very few have come back. i— city to become successful and very few have come back. i think- few have come back. i think what they would — few have come back. i think what they would like _ few have come back. i think what they would like to _ few have come back. i think what they would like to see _ few have come back. i think what they would like to see in - they would like to see in wolverhampton - they would like to see in l wolverhampton simmered they would like to see in - wolverhampton simmered in the they would like to see in _ wolverhampton simmered in the line and maybe _ wolverhampton simmered in the line and maybe ten— wolverhampton simmered in the line and maybe ten or— wolverhampton simmered in the line and maybe ten or 20 _ wolverhampton simmered in the line and maybe ten or 20 years _ wolverhampton simmered in the line and maybe ten or 20 years as - and maybe ten or 20 years as leveling — and maybe ten or 20 years as leveling up _ and maybe ten or 20 years as leveling up will— and maybe ten or 20 years as leveling up will mean - and maybe ten or 20 years as leveling up will mean that - and maybe ten or 20 years asl leveling up will mean that jobs and maybe ten or 20 years as - leveling up will mean that jobs that are here _ leveling up will mean that jobs that are here and — leveling up will mean that jobs that are here and people _ leveling up will mean that jobs that are here and people can _ leveling up will mean that jobs that are here and people can stay here i are here and people can stay here or come _ are here and people can stay here or come back— are here and people can stay here or come back here _ are here and people can stay here or come back here and _ are here and people can stay here or come back here and live _ are here and people can stay here or come back here and live here - are here and people can stay here or come back here and live here and i are here and people can stay here ori come back here and live here and not have to _ come back here and live here and not have to look elsewhere. _ come back here and live here and not have to look elsewhere. for- come back here and live here and not have to look elsewhere. for good - have to look elsewhere. for good prospects — have to look elsewhere. for good prospects or— have to look elsewhere. for good prospects or moving _ have to look elsewhere. for good prospects or moving to _ have to look elsewhere. for good . prospects or moving to birmingham have to look elsewhere. for good - prospects or moving to birmingham or london _ prospects or moving to birmingham or

london or— prospects or moving to birmingham or london or somewhere _ prospects or moving to birmingham or london or somewhere like _ prospects or moving to birmingham or london or somewhere like that. - prospects or moving to birmingham or london or somewhere like that. that i london or somewhere like that. that is a test _ london or somewhere like that. that is a test with — london or somewhere like that. that is a test with us _ london or somewhere like that. that is a test with us along _ london or somewhere like that. that is a test with us along within - london or somewhere like that. that is a test with us along within the - is a test with us along within the line is— is a test with us along within the line is we — is a test with us along within the line is we just _ is a test with us along within the line is we just been _ is a test with us along within thel line is we just been hearing come this is— line is we just been hearing come this is a _ line is we just been hearing come this is a plan— line is we just been hearing come this is a plan that _ line is we just been hearing come this is a plan that goes _ line is we just been hearing come this is a plan that goes on - line is we just been hearing come this is a plan that goes on until. this is a plan that goes on until 2030, — this is a plan that goes on until 2030, so — this is a plan that goes on until 2030, so there _ this is a plan that goes on until 2030, so there will— this is a plan that goes on until 2030, so there will be - this is a plan that goes on until 2030, so there will be more i this is a plan that goes on until- 2030, so there will be more money allocated over — 2030, so there will be more money allocated over that _ 2030, so there will be more money allocated over that period - 2030, so there will be more money allocated over that period but - allocated over that period but wolverhampton _ allocated over that period but wolverhampton definitely - allocated over that period but. wolverhampton definitely needs allocated over that period but - wolverhampton definitely needs it and i wolverhampton definitely needs it and i think— wolverhampton definitely needs it and i think there _ wolverhampton definitely needs it and i think there will— wolverhampton definitely needs it and i think there will coming - and i think there will coming today's— and i think there will coming today's government - and i think there will coming - today's government announcement. t hank— today's government announcement. thank you _ today's government announcement. thank you and — today's government announcement. thank you and that _ today's government announcement. thank you and that is _ today's government announcement. thank you and that is a _ today's government announcement. thank you and that is a new- today's government announcement. thank you and that is a new one - today's government announcement. thank you and that is a new one onl thank you and that is a new one on me and i'm from the west midlands. thank you very much. now i know. now i know. 0ur north of england correspondent fiona trott has spent the day in middlesbrough. an area that's asked to be levelled up. more than four in ten children live in poverty here and people are likely to live five years less than those in london. does today's announcement make them feel that all that will change? i wouldn't trust the government as far as i could throw them, and that's not far.

the government's saying today it wants to bring the rest of the country's transport up to the same standard as london. she laughs. does that mean they're going to stop all the cars from coming in to middlesbrough? because that won't work. they've got it going on down there, and it'd be nice to reciprocate what's going on in middlesbrough, basically, it'd be beneficial for everything. do you think that will happen? do you trust the government to deliver? hopefully. we know what these things are like, you know, promises, promises, but you never know. i believe the government will do that, yeah. - i believe in them. at the other side of town, students are learning about renewable energy, a sector that's receiving millions of pounds' worth of investment here. we've got a reading of 6.36. i am pretty excited for being in this field of work because i think that it's perfect for the change from steel to green energy now,

and i don't have to travel for work. like, i'm in the perfect place, like, it's happening in teesside where i live, so i don't have to move away. i want to go down the property route, so the whole levelling up will, like, improve that, like, building new houses, newjobs, the whole infrastructure created. mums like jane sayjobs like those are out of her reach. instead, levelling up meansjust having somewhere nice to live. 0n the inside of our house is really nice, but as soon as you come - out of our front door, it lets us down. - we look like scum. i think that money, morej money needs to be spent on education in this community - or in the communities that need it, to help them respect our area and learn more respect ready| for when they have i children in the future. the development of the former steelworks is at the heart of teesside's levelling up agenda. but, like today's announcement,

people can't yet see or feel the change. the question is — do they have the patience to wait? fiona trott, bbc news, middlesbrough. i'm joined by andy preston, mayor of middlesbrough. good afternoon to you. good evening, i should say. thank you so much for joining us. there has been a lot of debate about exactly what levelling up debate about exactly what levelling up is and today the government has put some flesh on those bones. do you feel you have enough detail? do you feel you have enough detail? do you know that means when it comes to middlesbrough? hi you know that means when it comes to middlesbrough?— middlesbrough? hi kim a good evenina. middlesbrough? hi kim a good evening- i _ middlesbrough? hi kim a good evening. ifeel_ middlesbrough? hi kim a good evening. i feelthat _ middlesbrough? hi kim a good evening. i feel that what - middlesbrough? hi kim a good l evening. i feel that what michael gove has done is present some great ideas and something of a plan can plan but in truth, while i believe it's a genuine heartfelt ambition of his, we need money. we need to work with government and we need some cash and resources because we have

local expertise, local knowledge and skills to make great things happen and in a place like middlesbrough, we don't fire on all four cylinders. and we are exhibitor to the key economy but we are a bigger draw than we are a contributor and we could contribute so much more but we need the resources and the investment to get our business is running, to inspire our kids, to renew the housing that creates better economic conditions and better economic conditions and better for the environment with a re—urbanization. so there is so much we can do but we need money, not just talk. 50 we can do but we need money, not 'ust talk. ., ., ., just talk. so we are told that money out of existing _ just talk. so we are told that money out of existing resources _ just talk. so we are told that money out of existing resources is - just talk. so we are told that money out of existing resources is being i out of existing resources is being allocated to the 20 different areas that are going to benefit from this policy. who should be in charge of how that money is spent? that money should be spent _ how that money is spent? that money should be spent locally _ how that money is spent? that money should be spent locally and _ how that money is spent? that money should be spent locally and decided i should be spent locally and decided locally. as i say we have got the locally. as i say we have got the

local skills, the knowledge and the expertise to bring about the results. government is way too remote and what we have is unique problems, unique opportunities and a fantastic chance to get us firing on all four cylinders to contribute properly to the uk economy to emerge in the government to give us money, invest to save money and for us to contribute. we have got great things going, we are a burgeoning tech sector here and with a small amount of money we can help that grow and produce fantastic life changing career opportunities but we just need that kick—start, that help. find need that kick-start, that help. and how will you — need that kick—start, that help. and how will you know if leveling up have succeeded?— how will you know if leveling up have succeeded? well, we will all know when _ have succeeded? well, we will all know when we — have succeeded? well, we will all know when we see _ have succeeded? well, we will all know when we see the _ have succeeded? well, we will all know when we see the results - have succeeded? well, we will all know when we see the results ofl have succeeded? well, we will all - know when we see the results of over three, five to seven years whether we've grown the right kinds ofjobs, whether we've repositioned the centre of our town to be vibrant hubs that they used to be in they still could be. everyone i went up and we see kids entering school. we need our four—year—olds entering school to be school ready because

the kids that are not ready for school age four, they are infinitely more likely to go to prison, cause trouble and be a massive economic cost to society so we need to intervene at early ages to get kids ready for school so they can learn and ultimately earned and that costs money as well but i as i say that's an investment and notjust the cost. so it is leveling up has to happen in all sorts of different sectors, in all sorts of different sectors, in education, in business, and transport links. it's a very ambitious project. can it be delivered? ambitious pro'ect. can it be delivered?— ambitious pro'ect. can it be delivered? ., , , ~ delivered? completely. well, levellina delivered? completely. well, levelling up _ delivered? completely. well, levelling up is _ delivered? completely. well, levelling up is never - delivered? completely. well, levelling up is neverjust - delivered? completely. well, | levelling up is neverjust about moving a government department or doing one thing or creating a business on the outskirts of town. what is about is allowing communities and individuals and towns to reach their full potential, and that needs a holistic approach chemist definitely involves education, definitely involves early

start and definitely involves reliving housing people feel comfortable where they live and the houses around them. so more policing as well, that's critical to people feel confident and safe and ready to work and learn and earn. goad feel confident and safe and ready to work and learn and earn.— work and learn and earn. good to talk to you. _ work and learn and earn. good to talk to you, thank _ work and learn and earn. good to talk to you, thank you _ work and learn and earn. good to talk to you, thank you so - work and learn and earn. good to talk to you, thank you so much, i work and learn and earn. good to - talk to you, thank you so much, andy preston, mayor of middlesbrough, thank you so much for your time. louise haigh is shadow transport secretary and a labourmp. good evening to you. we have had quite a lot of detail on this leveling up agenda and what is your reaction to what we have heard? i think two years after the general election. — think two years after the general election, they have at all that time to really— election, they have at all that time to really decide what levelling up means _ to really decide what levelling up means in— to really decide what levelling up means in practice for the country and what — means in practice for the country and what we have today is a lot of reheated promises and no or very limited _ reheated promises and no or very limited extra funding for our

communities. i think if levelling up is to mean— communities. i think if levelling up is to mean anything to be it makes more _ is to mean anything to be it makes more money in pockets and living standards and income people are facing _ standards and income people are facing a — standards and income people are facing a real catastrophe in living standards — facing a real catastrophe in living standards in the here and now. and instead _ standards in the here and now. and instead of— standards in the here and now. and instead of tackling that, the government intend to put up taxes this year— government intend to put up taxes this year in— government intend to put up taxes this year in the form of national insurance — this year in the form of national insurance attributions, so the proof will be _ insurance attributions, so the proof will be in _ insurance attributions, so the proof will be in the pudding and i think a lot of— will be in the pudding and i think a lot of people will see that levelling up is little more than a slogan _ levelling up is little more than a slogan this year. you levelling up is little more than a slogan this year.— levelling up is little more than a slogan this year. you will be aware that the gap _ slogan this year. you will be aware that the gap between _ slogan this year. you will be aware that the gap between rich - slogan this year. you will be aware that the gap between rich and - slogan this year. you will be aware j that the gap between rich and poor areas is something that has grown over decades, notjust under conservative governments but decades of underinvestment in the past 30 years with the gap widening. this is a government that is trying to do something about the, it is trying to target resources to the areas that most need them.— target resources to the areas that most need them. levelling up and tacklin: most need them. levelling up and tackling regional _ most need them. levelling up and tackling regional inequality - most need them. levelling up and tackling regional inequality has - most need them. levelling up and tackling regional inequality has to | tackling regional inequality has to be a priority of any government coming — be a priority of any government coming to— be a priority of any government coming to that about that but this

government, the tories and been in power— government, the tories and been in power for— government, the tories and been in power for 12— government, the tories and been in power for 12 years now and as you said that — power for 12 years now and as you said that gap has widened. chatfield has had _ said that gap has widened. chatfield has had over £2 million taken out of it and _ has had over £2 million taken out of it and local— has had over £2 million taken out of it and local authority funny and it's been— it and local authority funny and it's been announced as one of the target _ it's been announced as one of the target areas for levelling up with 13 million— target areas for levelling up with 13 million invested so this is an absolute — 13 million invested so this is an absolute drop of the ocean of what the tories — absolute drop of the ocean of what the tories have done to our under invested _ the tories have done to our under invested and the private communities over the _ invested and the private communities over the years whilst we have seen life chances — over the years whilst we have seen life chances for falling back in the inequality widened further and we needed _ inequality widened further and we needed to see a proper plan today to deliver— needed to see a proper plan today to deliver investment, to deliver education going to deliverjobs and improve _ education going to deliverjobs and improve our public transport infrastructure and we have not seen any of _ infrastructure and we have not seen any of that — infrastructure and we have not seen any of that. find infrastructure and we have not seen any of that-— any of that. and on transport because that _ any of that. and on transport because that your _ any of that. and on transport because that your brief, - any of that. and on transport| because that your brief, what any of that. and on transport . because that your brief, what do any of that. and on transport - because that your brief, what do you want to see? we because that your brief, what do you want to see?— want to see? we need to see first and foremost _ want to see? we need to see first and foremost a _ want to see? we need to see first and foremost a proper— want to see? we need to see first and foremost a proper plan - want to see? we need to see first and foremost a proper plan to - and foremost a proper plan to deliver— and foremost a proper plan to deliver bus connectivity and actually _ deliver bus connectivity and actually what the cat out of the back— actually what the cat out of the back today, they trade with the guitar— back today, they trade with the guitar revealed that the £3 billion for the _ guitar revealed that the £3 billion for the funding for transformation premise _ for the funding for transformation premise laughter with the prime minister—

premise laughter with the prime minister actually only amounts to £1.2 minister actually only amounts to £12 billion so we have seen over £1.2 billion so we have seen over half of— £1.2 billion so we have seen over half of that— £1.2 billion so we have seen over half of that funding which means vast sways of the country are not going _ vast sways of the country are not going to — vast sways of the country are not going to see any investment at all in bus— going to see any investment at all in bus services and effect over the last few years we have seen managed decline _ last few years we have seen managed decline of— last few years we have seen managed decline of bus networks across the country _ decline of bus networks across the country it's— decline of bus networks across the country. it's astonishing to me that coming _ country. it's astonishing to me that coming out — country. it's astonishing to me that coming out of the pandemic we would not be _ coming out of the pandemic we would not be seeing investment in public transport — not be seeing investment in public transport to incur people out of their— transport to incur people out of their cars — transport to incur people out of their cars and onto public transport and instead — their cars and onto public transport and instead what we are seeing is that the _ and instead what we are seeing is that the client and under investments people are having to rely on _ investments people are having to rely on their cars rather than get back— rely on their cars rather than get back on— rely on their cars rather than get back on the _ rely on their cars rather than get back on the buses. this government had presided over the years of underinvestment and cuts and are now --oin underinvestment and cuts and are now going even— underinvestment and cuts and are now going even further on public transport. going even further on public transport-— going even further on public transort. , ,, , transport. may be less investment than anticipated _ transport. may be less investment than anticipated but _ transport. may be less investment than anticipated but there - transport. may be less investment than anticipated but there will- transport. may be less investment than anticipated but there will be l than anticipated but there will be investment as you just tell yourself. there will be money put into these things?— yourself. there will be money put into these things? certain areas of it to be decided _ into these things? certain areas of it to be decided but _ into these things? certain areas of it to be decided but as _ into these things? certain areas of it to be decided but as it _ into these things? certain areas of it to be decided but as it stands i it to be decided but as it stands the buses— it to be decided but as it stands the buses will not see a penny in this country which means it won't be able to maintain their already very limited levels of service that they currently — limited levels of service that they

currently enjoy. gk. limited levels of service that they currently enjoy-— limited levels of service that they currently enjoy. currently en'oy. 0k. had to leave it there but currently enjoy. 0k. had to leave it there but thank _ currently enjoy. 0k. had to leave it there but thank you _ currently enjoy. 0k. had to leave it there but thank you very _ currently enjoy. 0k. had to leave it there but thank you very much. - currently enjoy. 0k. had to leave it i there but thank you very much. thank you. here is a look at the weather. hello there. good evening to you and what a cloudy day it's been across the country but we been in a mild sector so it's been very mild for the time of year with the temperatures in the low teens for many tonight and it stays mild was rather breezy but not as windy as it has been of late and there will be thicker clad in the northwest of the country we will see outbreaks of rain. as he moved through the night, we start to see the isobars packing closer together across the north and west it will turn windy here across scotland and northern ireland and northern england and there will be more persistent rain. for the south him the dry but mostly cloudy with a few spots of light ran across western hills but with the breeze and cloud, no signatures no lower than 7—9. mild for thursday to start with a cloud around but could see more gaps in that cloud of the date and life is funny and eastern areas

in the best of that. getting a getting a see a change in scotland and northern ireland with a conference for the south were spending heavy and more persistent rain and two persistent rain anti—retro falling way behind it but ahead of it, another mild day and that with a front moves southwards and it turns colder for all areas on friday with blustery showers wintry in the north and west but shortly because we had to the weekend as it turns milder again but there will be quite a bit of cloud. you later.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... the government outlines its plans to close the gap between rich and poor areas by levelling up the country. labour says the proposals fall well short of what the country needs. in the last half hour, another conservative mp has publicly announced the submitted a letter no confidence in boris johnson as pressure on the prime

minister continues to grow. as russia and belarus hold military drills near the ukrainian border, the us plans to send thousands of extra troops to strengthen nato forces in eastern europe. the bbc has been told that households could see energy bills drop by around £200 and that government plans to ease the impact of soaring prices but some energy companies say the measures have not been properly thought through. consultation has been launched on making one form of hormone replacement therapy available to treat menopause symptoms without a prescription. and a longer school day in wales with more learning and activities as part of a trial to add five hours to the school week. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn. good evening.

the action is underway at the winter olympics, despite the opening ceremony not taking place until friday. with three events to get through the curling has already begun, gb opening with a win in the mixed event. bruce mouat and jen dodds, who'll also compete in the men and women's event, beating sweden 9—5. these two are world champions so high hopes of a medal — gb have a target of between three and seven, topping the tally of five from the last games. it was kind of scrappy by both teams out there. they both struggled with the ice, line and weight, tonight, but britain came through and a win is a win, so it doesn't matter how you get it and they took advantage when they could and they have got a long round robin with nine games to play, so a win is great in the first game. they can come back tomorrow and be happy they have got that win on the board. yes, a good start for the mixed team. earlier china started its olympic torch relay as part of the count down to the games.

the flame will be carried on a three dayjourney by more than a thousand torchbearers — that's a much shorterjourney than usual, because of china's covid restrictions. beijing currently has its highest number of cases sincejune 2020. it's already affecting the medal hopes of some athletes — the latest to be ruled out of the games is austrian ski jump favourite marita kramer, earliertoday. roy hodgson says it will be a dogfight as he prepares to keep watford in the premier league. he was though in poetic mood as he held his first press conference since his appointment as he explained why at 7a he felt this was a job he couldn't turn down with the club second from bottom and looking to stay in the top flight. i thought that i would probably find it easy to resist and when this job came up, it was one that i was never going to turn down because it was quite literally the siren call from the mermaid as the sailor passers—by

ownership. they got the right mermaid going past the right ship if you would like. mermaid going past the right ship if you would like-— you would like. clearly excited about getting _ you would like. clearly excited about getting going, _ you would like. clearly excited about getting going, isn't - you would like. clearly excited about getting going, isn't he? | west bromwich albion have sacked boss valerien ismael. he had taken them to fifth in the championship — but fans voiced concerns over his style of football. steve bruce has emerged as the favourite to take over. he's been out of work since being sacked by newcastle united in october 2021, after their saudi take over. the baggies have a week before their next game against sheffield united at bramall lane. as plans for a super golf league pick up pace, six—time major winner phil mickelson says "pretty much all of the top 100" players have been approached by saudia arabia to take part in a proposed formula one style competition. earlier, britain's lee westwood revealed that he's signed a non—disclosure agreement regarding his possible participation in the breakaway circuit. last year he said it would be a "no—brainer" for him to sign a multi—million pound contract at this stage of his career, but players joining the sgl have been warned they face a lifetime ban

from the pga tour and dp world tour, which would rule them out of any involvement in the ryder cup. in american football, the washington dc based team have announced they will now be known as the commanders. the franchise retired its former name, the redskins, injuly 2020. the name and logo which was introduced back in 1933 has long been criticised for its racist connotations, with sponsors and fans pushing for a change. pressure has also come from the native american communicty who have found the use of the term offensive. —— pressure has also come from the native american community who have found the use of the term offensive. plenty more to come in sports day at half past six.

thank you. the united states said it plans to deploy 3000 groups to fortify native forces in eastern europe. —— nato forces. they will be sent from north carolina to poland and germany while another 1000 already in germany will move to romania. i'mjoined now by already in germany will move to romania. i'm joined now by sir mark lyall grant, the national security adviser and ambassador to the united nations. good afternoon to you. we are expecting the prime minister to have a phone call with president vladimir putin at some time this afternoon. delete from earlier in the week. how significant is this? it is part of essentially a three strand policy that the allies are pursuing, the first of which is one of direct support for ukraine and eastern europeans, and that is why joe biden is now saying he is going

to send more troops to poland to bolster the minute three presence and he has been doing that quite a lot as we saw from the recent visit to kyiv to including the lethal equipment, so that is one important strand and the second is the terence, which is to persuade president putin that the cost to him more generally is too great for him to start some military adventure in ukraine and that is where the sanctions comes in, there is a meeting of the un security council on monday night and the third strand is diplomacy, and that is reaching out, having these multiple meetings, and borisjohnson's delayed phone call with resident putin is part of that second and third strand, if you like, with him giving tough messages about the likely impact of russia takes on military action against ukraine but at the same time exploring the possibility of a wider security dialogue with russia about

european security.— security dialogue with russia about european security. russia, we know, is worried that _ european security. russia, we know, is worried that ukraine _ european security. russia, we know, is worried that ukraine might - european security. russia, we know, is worried that ukraine might join - is worried that ukraine mightjoin the alliance. it does not want ukraine tojoin the alliance. it does not want ukraine to join the alliance as well so what we have at the moment is the spectacle of 100,000 russian troops on ukraine's borders and an increasing number of troops being sent to neighbouring countries. this makes for a tense situation. it is on a knife _ makes for a tense situation. it is on a knife edge _ makes for a tense situation. it is on a knife edge and _ makes for a tense situation. tit 3 on a knife edge and i don't think conflict is inevitable, there are still some room for diplomacy but there is a chance of a miscalculation, a very emotional issue. it does make it more difficult. he believes that ukraine is an integral part of a sphere of

influence and he would be very unhappy at the prospect of ukraine joining nato as you say, the reality as it is very unlikely that they will join as it is very unlikely that they willjoin nato in the nearfuture but leaders are not going to compromise on the principle that there is a freedom of choice, that of countries want to join, they should be allowed to do so if they want to. we know that putin knows ukraine is unlikely tojoin in the nearfuture ukraine is unlikely tojoin in the near future but there is a cast iron guarantee wanted and he will not get that from western leaders. you guarantee wanted and he will not get that from western leaders.— that from western leaders. you have treat that from western leaders. you have great experience _ that from western leaders. you have great experience of _ that from western leaders. you have great experience of diplomacy. - that from western leaders. you have great experience of diplomacy. what| great experience of diplomacy. what is needed to allow president putin to back down without losing face? he to back down without losing face? h2 has achieved a certain amount

already. if you recall six months ago, everyone in the united states was talking about china, everything was talking about china, everything was china —related, the pivot to the far east, the turn to china in the indo pacific region, and putin was very upset by that because he had wanted to say, look, i am still here. he has got the attention by what he has done on ukraine because suddenly he had a summit meeting with president biden. 0ther suddenly he had a summit meeting with president biden. other leaders like borisjohnson are calling him up. and that is part of what he wanted to achieve. there is the status point for him that has already been achieved. he wants more, certainly, he will not get everything he wants but some understanding that what is controlled by the separatists at the moment will not revert to ukraine, the factor will be an ongoing

dialogue particularly in the united states on wider european security concerns that russia might have, there mightjust be enough in that sort of package to satisfy him. what am i good to talk to you. that was certain mark miles grant, former ambassador to the us from the uk. five members of the protest group insight britain have been handed court terms today following a government induction preventing them from protesting on the m25 in september 2021, from protesting on the m25 in september2021, our from protesting on the m25 in september 2021, our correspondent is at the high court in central london. yell a good evening, five insight britain protesters are on their way to jail tonight having been handed down sentences up to 42 days. —— five insulate britain protesters

have been sent to jail. there are suspended sentences that and some were handed jail terms is that the judge said before sentencing that he understood the protest and what they were trying to do. he said that he was here to uphold the court and there were 16 protesters. government highways back from september to prevent them from stepping onto the m25 where he carried out a number of protests and because of that, he handed the sentences to them this afternoon. in terms of insight written —— insulate britain, they caused mayhem up and down the country in central london, birmingham, manchester, even the port of dover and in london alone, the policing cost came to £4 million, that is how much the metropolitan police had to spend in

terms of policing the protests across the capital. insulate britain say they want the government to incite every single british home starting with social housing and they will be continuing their protests in the weeks or months to come. just over 3 million people in uk tested positive for covid in uk last week according to statistics. that is a small rise in a number of the week before. the number testing positive in england scotland remained unchanged but it grows in wales and northern ireland. the latest figures show that 888,000 and 85 cases were recorded in the latest 24 hour period. the number of people in hospital with covid is 15,233 and there are 534 deaths reported in the

latest 24—hour period and that is of people who died within 28 days of a positive test allow there will be some amongst that number who will not have died from covid. time for a look at the headlines now here on bbc news. the government sets out details to close the gaps between rich and poor areas by levelling up the country, labour says the plans fall short of what the country needs. a third tory mp announces he has submitted a letter of no confidence in the prime minister today as pressure grows on boris johnson. russia and belarus are holding joint military drills near the ukrainian border with the us announcing plans to send 3000 troops to eastern europe. let's get more reaction from around the country outlining —— let's return to the goverment outlining its plans to close the gap

between rich and poor areas by 'levelling up' the country. good evening. what is your reaction to the details we have heard today? i'm very pleased the government has set out more clearly what it means by levelling up. we were debating what it means over the last few months, haven't we? and i think there are some good plans here. i'm not sure they have enough details yet about how this will be implemented. it's all very well to set out what your ambition is and there are some really ambitious targets in here which is good but we've also got, by 2030, only eight years away, a lot of this has to delete be delivered and we need something a lot more tangible about how it will happen and how individual cities and towns will be able to act on their own to get the plans they need to make it happen.

the infrastructure commission and it presumably needs a national overview. can actually be delivered at a local level?— at a local level? there are two levels to _ at a local level? there are two levels to it- — at a local level? there are two levels to it. there _ at a local level? there are two levels to it. there are - at a local level? there are two levels to it. there are nationalj levels to it. there are national plans and overarching things and equally, for places, levelling up to work, the city and plans have their own ways of putting things together, infrastructure to be useful as necessary but it is not sufficient, it has to work with employers, it has to work with communities, it has to work with the quality of life, the sustainability option, all these things need to come together, they do not come together in whitehall, they come together on the ground. 0ne they come together on the ground. one for you is the most urgent aspect of the levelling up agenda? from an infrastructure perspective,

what i would really like to see is all the different targets of plans and funds that local authorities have to compete for come together in a much more simplified way and with secure funding over a five year period for counties, cities and a commitment that those five years will be repeated and rolled on, so that people can make long—term plans for world as investments will happen. that i think is one of the key building block for getting a real levelling up agenda going. there is a much more simplified way as well because they are looking in different parts, is that it? yes. different parts, is that it? yes, there are _ different parts, is that it? yes, there are several _ different parts, is that it? yes, there are several different - different parts, is that it? 1213 there are several different funds that authorities want to compete for and all of those have different, slightly different objectives, is not all require effort and time from teams that are already stretched in order to put those plans together, and if we could simply find that and give security funding over a longer period, they will step back, produce

plans that fit together with what employers are doing, where building and housing want take place, and really put together something which works for that locality, that should be what levelling up i think is really about.— be what levelling up i think is reall about. ., . really about. thank you so much. that is bridget _ really about. thank you so much. that is bridget rosewall- really about. thank you so much. that is bridget rosewall from - really about. thank you so much. that is bridget rosewall from the national infrastructure commission. thank you. national infrastructure commission. thank ou. .. ~ national infrastructure commission. thank ou. ., ,, the stormont agriculture official has instructed them to stop carrying out checks on goods into northern ireland from the rest of the uk, they had been carried out as part of they had been carried out as part of the brexit deal known as the northern ireland protocol. the dup as opposed — northern ireland protocol. the dup as opposed to _ northern ireland protocol. the dup as opposed to the _ northern ireland protocol. the dup as opposed to the protocol- northern ireland protocol. the dup as opposed to the protocol which i northern ireland protocol. the dup as opposed to the protocol which in effect keeps northern ireland in the eu single market. edwin poots said he was directing the cheques to stop in the absence of stormont approval for them after taking legal advice. the state of there being no approval for checks, the implantation of sps

cheques requires executive approval and that a decision to initiate or continue such checks could not be validly taken in the absence of the executive approval. the advice concluded that i can direct the cheques to cease in the absence of executive approval. i have now issued a formal instruction to my permanent secretary to halt all checks that are not in place from december 2020 from midnight tonight and prepare a paperfor executive consideration in the nearfuture and prepare a paperfor executive consideration in the near future to seek agreement on the way forward. thank you. seek agreement on the way forward. thank ou. ~ . �* thank you. michelle o'neill, the deu thank you. michelle o'neill, the deputy first _ thank you. michelle o'neill, the deputy first minister— thank you. michelle o'neill, the deputy first minister and - thank you. michelle o'neill, the deputy first minister and a - thank you. michelle o'neill, the - deputy first minister and a member of sinn fein, has said that halting brexit checks is a stunt by the democratic union is party to unlawfully interfere in domestic and international law, so that is the reaction of sinn fein to that news

from edwin poots. ina in a separate development, as we've just been talking about, that story, riaa, which is a russian news agency, has reported that boris johnson has now spoken by phone to president putin, we knew that a phone call was scheduled sometime this afternoon about the ongoing situation about over ukraine, and that conversation is said to have taken place. according to ria, which is citing the kremlin, so we will bring you more detail on that as soon as we have it. now, the manchester united footballer mason greenwood has been released on bail pending further investigation after his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault. the 20—year—old striker was arrested by police on sunday before being further arrested on allegations of sexual assault and

making threats to kill. manchester united previously said he would not return to training or matches until further notice. there are reports that ministers plan to cut everyone's energy bills by £200 as part of a strategy to deal with the effect of soaring gas prices. it's understood the proposals will also include an extension of support for the neediest households. it comes as the neediest households. it comes as the energy regulator of gem is set to announce a steep hike in energy bills for 15 million households in england, scotland and wales. i asked our business editor simonjack to explain what is happening. thea;t our business editor simon jack to explain what is happening. they say the 've explain what is happening. they say they've been _ explain what is happening. they say they've been largely _ explain what is happening. they say they've been largely kept _ explain what is happening. they say they've been largely kept in - explain what is happening. they say they've been largely kept in the - they've been largely kept in the dark with plans to mitigate. they will cut... with them being credible and likely, it would work this way with the government lending millions of pounds to energy companies which passes immediately through to

everyone's energy bills were 5-6,000,000 everyone's energy bills were 5—6,000,000 pounds and that would be repaid over the next three, five, longer to add money to build so in the end all consumers will foot the bill for this and the problem is that energy bosses say £200 will not matter much to some but the other £500 rise will cripple millions of households, so there has to be another bid which is expanding or increasing some other discounts for the neediest of households and remember citizens advice just today said they have had record numbers of inquiries about energy deaths and thatis inquiries about energy deaths and that is before the price rise, just an illustration of how acute this will be and we might get something as early as tomorrow along with the announcement of the new cap. simon jack speaking — announcement of the new cap. simon jack speaking to _ announcement of the new cap. simon jack speaking to me _ announcement of the new cap. simon jack speaking to me earlier. - one type of hormone replacement therapy — which is used to treat common side—effects of the menopause — could be made available over the counter, without the need for a prescription. the uk's health regulator

is to hold a public consultation on the proposal. last year it was announced that the cost of repeat prescriptions for hrt would be significantly reduced in england. our health correspondent, catherine burns, told me about the proposal earlier. what is happening here is that the drug consultation will take place on one specific product, it is called vagifem and it is a tablet inserted directly into the regina that... soreness and source problems going to the loo. —— directly into the regina. they want to hear from them and also gps and pharmacists so if they decide it is a good idea, women will not need to wait for a prescription but can buy it over the counter. but it is not all h rt and if you look at other symptoms, so hot flushes, anxiety, trouble sleeping, all of those things, this is not designed to help with those so if any women to have those problems, the advice is still the

same as it always has been, go to a doctor, speak about the benefits and the risks and find out what hrt can help you. b. the risks and find out what hrt can hel ou. �* .. the risks and find out what hrt can hel ou. . ., ., help you. a trial to lengthen the school day _ help you. a trial to lengthen the school day in — help you. a trial to lengthen the school day in wales _ help you. a trial to lengthen the school day in wales has - help you. a trial to lengthen the school day in wales has begun l help you. a trial to lengthen the i school day in wales has begun with pupils offered an extra five hours a week to take part in more activities and learning. it is part of a reform which could also bring changes to the academic year and an end to the long summer holiday. the national association of head teachers is critical, saying that schools cannot become child care providers. how will griffiths reports. i feel excited because i can make new friends and it's an opportunity for me to learn new skills.

—— ifeel excited because i can make new friends and it's an opportunity for me to learn new skills. i was quite lonely during the pandemic because i was by myself in my house, but i think this extra hour will help our socialisation, make friendships better. best foot forward, followed by a fist. this lesson in mixed martial arts is the first taste the pupils here at the six bells primary campus are getting of their new extended school day. the extra hour at the end of every day will mean taekwondo, dance, cooking and lego—building all become part of the timetable for the next ten weeks. it's going to be all right. i'll get to see my friends, but it will be a bit tiring. i think i'll be fine. being with friends and things always makes me a bit happy. today's number of the day is 36. so all the possibilities around on your whiteboard. but not everyone is pleased by the prospect of reform. the national association of head teachers warn schools aren't childcare—providers, and staff shouldn't be expected to take on extra work. diane? at this school, most of the activities will be taken by companies coming in to offer something different. we want them to re—engage

with learning. we want them to have the opportunity to develop their friendships and generally seek out something in the wider community that they can go forward and use. hello, morning, welcome to the lego club. - ministers in wales are also lining up a potential change to the school year that could mean ending the long summer holidays that have been in place for over a century, and having longer breaks in autumn and winter. so what do parents make of that? i find the six—week holiday really difficult to cover because i'm self—employed, and it's a real struggle to try and cover for six weeks. it's hard — you've got to pay for private childcare. it makes sense to have it in the summer because the winter's bad weather anyway, isn't there? so keep the long holiday? yeah, kids can't really do much in the winter. with so many routines revolving around school times, adding an extra hour mayjust be the first step in changing the pattern of family life across wales. hywel griffith, bbc news, abertillery.

now it's time for a look at the weather. a mild day right across the board but we have had some sunshine across other parts of england during the evening period. for most, or continue with cloudy skies which stays in place for much of the night. fairly breezy and we will have some rain mainly across the north—west of the country. the isobars will start to turn breezy. a wedge of air for now with things turning colder to end the working week. we will see most of the rain splashing to western scotland here, the odd spot to rest in england and wales over the higher ground, perhaps the channel and like i mentioned, mostly as a driver temperature 7—9 c and that is

regularfor temperature 7—9 c and that is regular for the temperature 7—9 c and that is regularfor the time of temperature 7—9 c and that is regular for the time of year. a lot of cloud around, more of a breeze picking up. a greater chance of seeing some sunny spells in eastern areas. turning when the with gales developing with heavy and persistent rain and the wind picking up a lot more bluster into the afternoon. for most places, another mild day, double figure values with five celsius for stornoway interpreters who are dropping behind the school front which spread south—eastwards during thursday night across part of... with clear spells and blustery, wintry showers and not reaching the far east. you will notice a whole rash of wintry showers pushing into northern

and western areas with temperatures on the thermometer for hyphenate celsius. factoring in a strong north—west wind. a fairly short lived cold spell with milder returning into the weekend, coming up returning into the weekend, coming up from the west. turning into... across sunday so there will be milder areas on saturday with rain in the north and the weather front bringing thicker clout without pics of rain on sunday but it will tend to stay mild particularly across the south of the country. that's out looking.

at six: tackling regional inequality across the uk — the government sets out its plans to level up. more housing, jobs, better transport, education and morejobs to help overlooked communities as the levelling up secretary says working people can "take back control of their lives". the gap between much of the south—east and the rest of the country — in productivity in health outcomes, in wages, in school results, and injob opportunities — must be closed. all these slogans and all the big promises. is all these slogans and all the big romises. . . . all these slogans and all the big romises. , , , , all these slogans and all the big romises. . . . . promises. is this it? is this really it? we'll be asking how it will be funded. also tonight: the biggest ever rise in energy bills is set to be announced tomorrow. will the government step in and help struggling households? northern ireland' agriculture

minister orders his