this is bbc news with the latest headlines... record rise in energy bills on the way as the energy regulator is set to announce it's allowing suppliers to hike prices by hundreds of pounds a year. with 22 million households in england, scotland and wales affected, ministers are poised to put forward measures to ease the pressure on households. higher interest rates could also be announced later this morning as the bank of england fights to keep inflation under control. the cost of living, a bbc poll suggests around a third of adults working full—time are struggling with household bills with nearly 30% saying they'd skipped meals in the past six months to save money.

it it has made it ten times worse. having to face bills, there is not anything that has not gone up and it is going up again. millions of people are already feeling the squeeze and i am in leicester speaking to businesses and consumers about the rise in the cost of living. with all these price hikes on the horizon lt us know how you're planning to cope with the increases. on twitter, it's @annitabbc or #bbcyourquestions. also this hour... the brexit trade arrangements for northern ireland are thrown into confusion after a unionist minister orders his staff to stop checks on goods coming from the rest of the uk. at the winter olympics, team gb�*s mixed curlers continue their perfect start to the games with victory over canada. and a vaccine that could save the lives of young elephants — vets at chester zoo embark

on a world—first trial. hello millions of households facing a spike in energy costs will today find out how much they will have to pay. the energy regulator ofgem will announce what's expected to be a record increase in gas and electricity bills. every six months ofgem reviews the maximum price that suppliers in england, wales and scotland can charge customers, on a standard tariff. that energy price cap, could go up by 50% from april, bringing the average household bill to almost £2,000 a year. 0fgem's new price cap is likely to affect about 22 million homes and will be a key factor in the rising cost of living this year.

the government is expected to announce a package of measures to reduce the immediate impact on households, which could include a £200 cut to annual bills through loans to suppliers, but campaigners say it's not enough. 0ur consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith reports. today, we'll find out exactly how much more will be added to most people's energy bills this april. but with prices rising all around, gas and electricity increases have already hit hard. nobody wants their energy prices going up, do they? so i don't really try and think about it much, otherwise it would probably stress me out. there's something about the prices that needs addressing full stop, really. we were hoping that this year was going to be the year when we can, you know, get back out and go on holiday and stuff. and if these price hikes are going to continue, i don't think that's that's going to be an option, u nfortu nately. the price cap was designed to stop customers getting ripped off, but it can be changed twice a year.

the regulator said it's had to put up the cap to allow suppliers to cover the huge prices they're paying for gas. in october, it went up by £135, bringing an average bill to £1,277. but that's small fry compared to what we're expecting today. some analysts are predicting a 50% increase, bringing that average bill up to £1,915, which works out at around £160 a month. and it may go up again in october. there's still a lot of volatility in the wholesale market, with the wholesale price of energy being the main reason for these increases. the forecast that we have for the default tariff cut for 2022—23 — so this time next year — that's actually rising further to well in excess of £2,000 a year, at this point in time. those with the least money spend a much bigger proportion

of their income on energy, so they're going to be hit the hardest. i've heard from so many people who are already struggling and just won't be able to pay. it's scary, because you can't afford to live day by day as it is. so where is that £100 coming from? it's obvious that there's - going to be people that won't be putting the heating on this winter. that's why the government have been under huge pressure to step in and help. the bbc understands that as much as £200 could be taken off everyone�*s bill through government loans to energy companies. £200 will make an impact, but given we're going to see increases of around £700 a year to the price cap, for many people, that's just not going to be enough. which is why we think that something like a one—off payment via the benefits system would target people on lowest incomes best and provide help to people who need it most. while extra cash for the most vulnerable may shield them from the worst, it's unlikely to be enough to bridge the gap of today's giant leap in the price cap.

colletta smith, bbc news. let's speak to our chief politcal correspondent adam fleming. terence increases to be room david chandler through any guilt over it

staying higherfor chandler through any guilt over it staying higher for longer as that money is clawed back,. for certain council tax bands. the idea being money, but we will get a whole load more detail in a couple of hours' time. the whole load more detail in a couple of hours' time.— whole load more detail in a couple of hours' time. the council tax, the councils are — of hours' time. the council tax, the councils are not _ of hours' time. the council tax, the councils are not getting _ of hours' time. the council tax, the councils are not getting the - of hours' time. the council tax, the councils are not getting the usual l councils are not getting the usual amount they would expect. you could say money is potentially being shuffled around here and it all has to be paid back somewhere. it is

perhaps putting some tough decisions. perhaps putting some tough decisions-— perhaps putting some tough decisions. , , ., . ., decisions. presumably a council tax rebate will be _ decisions. presumably a council tax rebate will be funded _ decisions. presumably a council tax rebate will be funded by _ decisions. presumably a council tax rebate will be funded by a - decisions. presumably a council tax rebate will be funded by a grant - rebate will be funded by a grant from central government to local government to make up the difference and that central government grant would be funded from taxation. soon act does not like adding to government borrowing at the moment, so that would see taxes up? how much is general taxation? how much will be loaded onto bills in the future? there is a political argument. labour are suggesting that what should be done instead is a windfall tax on the energy producers who are making big profits from actually drilling for all this gas and selling it to us at vastly inflated prices, which they would then use to cut the vat on everyone's energy bill. the government says that is not a goer.

but it does mean the big change that has happened in the treasury over the last few weeks is rather than targeting support at the very vulnerable and a very poor, they now seem to be widening the net so that more people get some help at least. adam, thank you very much for that let's get more on this with doctor craig lowrey who we saw in our earlier report — he's a senior consultant at cornwall insight. they provide analysis of the energy market. (0s good to have you with us today. a very significant day for everyone. 0ur very significant day for everyone. our business editor simonjack was reporting last night that bosses of energy firms, many were saying to him that they have been kept largely in the dark about government plans to reduce the bills, they said there was a lack of engagement. do you think from what you are hearing about the government's plans that they will be ready in time too, if i can use the phrase, soften the blow somewhat, by the time these price increases kick in? that somewhat, by the time these price increases kick in?—

increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge- — increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge. a _ increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge. a lot _ increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge. a lot of— increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge. a lot of it - increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge. a lot of it we - increases kick in? that is quite a big challenge. a lot of it we are l big challenge. a lot of it we are seeing in terms of potential policy statements and the goal is quite clear, to try to lessen and mitigate the increases. however, the extent to which energy suppliers are ready for this, the logistics of bringing it in, how it will be managed and how it will work with customers, it really is quite challenging. i think there is a lot of detail still to be addressed before this policy can be brought in. i addressed before this policy can be brou:ht in. , ., brought in. i “ust wonder, looking more brought in. ijust wonder, looking more broadly _ brought in. ijust wonder, looking more broadly at _ brought in. ijust wonder, looking more broadly at the _ brought in. ijust wonder, looking more broadly at the future - brought in. ijust wonder, looking more broadly at the future of - brought in. ijust wonder, looking i more broadly at the future of energy prices, there is the idea that if people can be helped out in the short term that perhaps in the slightly longer term the energy market might stabilise, but lots of energy analyst, and i believe yourself included, are saying that is not a likely prospect for some years. is not a likely prospect for some ears. , , ., ., ~ ., ., years. just looking at the default tariff ca - years. just looking at the default tariff cap for _ years. just looking at the default tariff cap for next _ years. just looking at the default tariff cap for next winter, - years. just looking at the default tariff cap for next winter, we - years. just looking at the default tariff cap for next winter, we are | tariff cap for next winter, we are predicting an increase of at least

another 10%. predicting an increase of at least another10%. looking predicting an increase of at least another 10%. looking at where the wholesale market is, they are being dragged up by the increases that we are seeing and we will not see that coming down for at least 12 to 2a months. this is a problem that the uk economy and the uk consumers will have to experience for some time yet. i have to experience for some time et. , , ., ., ., ., yet. i believe you are arguing that essentially what _ yet. i believe you are arguing that essentially what is _ yet. i believe you are arguing that essentially what is required - yet. i believe you are arguing that essentially what is required to - essentially what is required to bring some stability to people's energy bills is a redesign of the entire market. explain what you mean by that. the entire market. explain what you mean b that. ' . ., , ., ., by that. the effect of the situation we have at — by that. the effect of the situation we have at this _ by that. the effect of the situation we have at this point _ by that. the effect of the situation we have at this point in _ by that. the effect of the situation we have at this point in time - by that. the effect of the situation we have at this point in time is - we have at this point in time is given the fact we are so reliant on fossil fuels for a given the fact we are so reliant on fossilfuels for a large proportion of our supply, essentially it is the most expensive unit of energy if you ultimately set the wholesale price. the challenge you have is while there is to inflate a transition to there is to inflate a transition to the net zero agenda, there is a need for a better balance in terms of their oldest fossil fuels play and

how that interacts with the growth in renewable generation assets. it is about looking at how short—term issues relating to the cap and the ramifications can be addressed, but keeping one eye very clearly on the wider net zero agenda and that 2050 target that the government is committed to.— target that the government is committed to. . , ., ., , ., committed to. finally, craig, do you have any advice _ committed to. finally, craig, do you have any advice for— committed to. finally, craig, do you have any advice for consumers - committed to. finally, craig, do you have any advice for consumers in - have any advice for consumers in this situation? i have any advice for consumers in this situation?— this situation? i think at this oint in this situation? i think at this point in time _ this situation? i think at this point in time it _ this situation? i think at this point in time it is _ this situation? i think at this point in time it is very - this situation? i think at this point in time it is very much | point in time it is very much waiting on what we are expecting from 0fgem and the government, understanding precisely what will be proposed and then really looking at what the options are there. unfortunately, given that this is a situation which is very much in a state of flux, it is hard to say what to do immediately at this point in time. ., ., ., , ., ~ in time. doctor craig lowry, thank ou for in time. doctor craig lowry, thank you forjoining _ in time. doctor craig lowry, thank you forjoining us _ in time. doctor craig lowry, thank you forjoining us today. _ in time. doctor craig lowry, thank you forjoining us today. we - in time. doctor craig lowry, thank you forjoining us today. we will i in time. doctor craig lowry, thank| you forjoining us today. we will be talking a lot more about the energy

price cap, that announcement due at 11am from the regulator 0fgem. let me bring in a couple of your messages. we are asking you how you are going to cope with these increased costs. 0bviously are going to cope with these increased costs. obviously an interest rate decision at noon today as well, interest rates may go up. let me bring in a couple of the comments. danger mouse says i will be considering slow cooker food, but teens don't always like it, so it is tricky. lindsey also talking about the slow cooker, they are very energy efficient. people thinking about ways they can bring down their energy bills. chi—chi says pulling my kids out of doing their favourite sports as i can't afford it, which is an awful situation to be in. buying food that does not need cooking, having an electric cooker was a big mistake. and wrapped in blankets to stay warm, says chi—chi. keep your comments coming us. we want to hear your reaction to these

announcements today, the various hikes in living costs that are happening at the impact they are having on you, how you are trying to cope with those. you can do that by getting in touch with me on twitter. also today, the bank of england will confirm whether interest rates are to rise again. the bank's policy makers put up interest rates from 0.1% to 0.25% in december, and it's expected they'll go up again, to 0.5%. the move would increase the costs of borrowing for anyone on a variable mortgage. and once again you can find out more information on our website, about how an interest rate rise might affect you and your finances — that's on bbc. co. uk/news/business. a new poll for the bbc suggests a third of working adults say they struggle to afford their household bills. a poll of more than 2000 people

for 5 live found about a third of adults working full time in the uk are struggling to afford their household bills. 40% of uk adults said their mental health is being negatively impacted by their worries about the cost of living. and more than half of uk adults have had the heating on less this year than last year, because of concerns they can't afford it. 4% said they have not had the heating on at all because of the cost. our business correspondent sarah corker is in leicester. 0ver over to you. good morning, anita. from this high street here in leicester city centre and throughout the day we will be talking about the rising cost of living, and the pole you mention is done for the bbc. that showed that the majority of people surveyed have noticed that over the last six months energy bills, food prices and

petrol costs have all gone up. a third of those surveyed said they had had to borrow money from friends and family oftenjust had had to borrow money from friends and family often just to cover the basics. all of this comes as inflation is hitting a 30 year high. as we have been hearing throughout the morning, energy bills are set to go the morning, energy bills are set to 9° up the morning, energy bills are set to go up again by hundreds of pounds in april. we will get more details on the next couple of hours aboutjust how much those bills will go up. but to discuss all of this in more detail i am joined by an energy consultant and a local businessman here in leicester. mark, firstly to you. i am interested to know what is driving this rise in energy bills because there are some global issues and uk factors as well.— and uk factors as well. obviously there is a global _ and uk factors as well. obviously there is a global increase - and uk factors as well. obviously there is a global increase in - and uk factors as well. obviouslyj there is a global increase in costs for gas, but the huge one for us is the national level and it is the wholesale gas prices that are increasing the prices. $1150 wholesale gas prices that are increasing the prices.- wholesale gas prices that are increasing the prices. also a uk

secific increasing the prices. also a uk specific factor, _ increasing the prices. also a uk specific factor, 85% _ increasing the prices. also a uk specific factor, 85% of - increasing the prices. also a uk i specific factor, 8596 of households specific factor, 85% of households in the uk rely on gas central heating, so we are perhaps more exposed to these fluctuations on global markets? we exposed to these fluctuations on global markets?— exposed to these fluctuations on ulobal markets? ~ ., ., ., ,., global markets? we are. on a global level ou global markets? we are. on a global level you have _ global markets? we are. on a global level you have got _ global markets? we are. on a global level you have got countries - global markets? we are. on a global level you have got countries like - level you have got countries like china who are bidding for gas and they are huge and they have got large volumes and then you have got india and they are bidding for gas and for their steelworks. and now ourselves, we are a small island in the middle of the sea and our demand will never be there as it was previously. 50 will never be there as it was previously-— will never be there as it was reviousl . ., ., , ., , previously. so demand globally has really rocketed _ previously. so demand globally has really rocketed as _ previously. so demand globally has really rocketed as economies - previously. so demand globally has really rocketed as economies have| really rocketed as economies have come out of lockdown. ragu, i want to bring you in, you run a series of hospitality businesses across the midlands and the north west. what are you seeing in terms of your costs going up? the are you seeing in terms of your costs going up?— are you seeing in terms of your costs going up? the cost, as my friend said. _ costs going up? the cost, as my friend said, energy _ costs going up? the cost, as my friend said, energy bills - costs going up? the cost, as my friend said, energy bills are - costs going up? the cost, as my. friend said, energy bills are going to be _ friend said, energy bills are going to be the — friend said, energy bills are going to be the major factor in the hospitality business and the

majority of us have got nightclubs and restaurants and energy bills are often _ and restaurants and energy bills are often a _ and restaurants and energy bills are often a major concern for the business _ often a major concern for the business. all the prices are going up, business. all the prices are going up. wages — business. all the prices are going up, wages are going up, national insurance — up, wages are going up, national insurance is _ up, wages are going up, national insurance is going up, these are all going _ insurance is going up, these are all going to _ insurance is going up, these are all going to have a massive impact on the hospitality sector. not only that, _ the hospitality sector. not only that, when the prices go up we have no choice _ that, when the prices go up we have no choice but to pass it on to the end user. — no choice but to pass it on to the end user, the consumers will have rising _ end user, the consumers will have rising prices— end user, the consumers will have rising prices as well. we end user, the consumers will have rising prices as well.— rising prices as well. we are talkin: rising prices as well. we are talking about _ rising prices as well. we are talking about the _ rising prices as well. we are talking about the rig - rising prices as well. we are talking about the rig energy| rising prices as well. we are - talking about the rig energy price cap today but you'll businesses from the rising costs, that doesn't apply to businesses like yours. what kind of conversations are you having with your suppliers, with your energy

prices you had 2020 years, those prices you had 2020 years, those prices will not be impact which will come to the increase the prices. some of those are going up by three and four— some of those are going up by three and four times. my basic bill is £1000 — and four times. my basic bill is £1000 a — and four times. my basic bill is £1000 a month, it will be £3000 or £4000 _ £1000 a month, it will be £3000 or £4000 and — £1000 a month, it will be £3000 or £4000 and it will be a major impact on our— £4000 and it will be a major impact on our cash — £4000 and it will be a major impact on our cash flows. £4000 and it will be a ma'or impact on our cash flowsh on our cash flows. mac, i am interested — on our cash flows. mac, i am interested to _ on our cash flows. mac, i am interested to hear _ on our cash flows. mac, i am interested to hear from - on our cash flows. mac, i am interested to hear from you i on our cash flows. mac, i am - interested to hear from you what you think some of the solutions could be in terms of what could the government do to help notjust businesses but consumers as well? in terms of the health the government can provide, we have heard over the last couple of days that they are

looking for a large amount of sums, which they can offset pop the bills. waiting. i am talking to businesses whose bills are going up not hundreds, but by thousands. an average £1000 bill is £3000. i had a care home last week and increase their bills by £48,000 a year. they are already paying £52,000. that is the direct�*s salary: a couple of staff, and this will have a domino effect on everything. this staff, and this will have a domino effect on everything.— effect on everything. this is a rlobal effect on everything. this is a global issue. _ effect on everything. this is a global issue. we _ effect on everything. this is a global issue. we have - effect on everything. this is a global issue. we have seen . effect on everything. this is a - global issue. we have seen prices go up global issue. we have seen prices go up across europe, so how are other countries dealing with this? have other countries in more decisive action? in france they have put a cap on the wholesale price of gas. because it is a global issue, you are correct, the prices are going up everywhere. about a year ago we were

about 60p to 70p a therm in the uk. in september we went up to over 400 p in september we went up to over 400 p and we are down to 186 today. it is going down. that _ p and we are down to 186 today. it is going down. that is _ p and we are down to 186 today. it is going down. that is the - p and we are down to 186 today. it is going down. that is the positive | is going down. that is the positive news and i — is going down. that is the positive news and i am _ is going down. that is the positive news and i am optimistic - is going down. that is the positive news and i am optimistic things i is going down. that is the positive | news and i am optimistic things will come down and i genuinely believe prices will come down by the summer of this year but that is not looking likely. but the longer term contracts are looking less than what they were pre—christmas, so that is they were pre—christmas, so that is the positive news. all i would suggest it to hold fire and follow the advice of people like ourselves who are monitoring the market very closely on a daily basis.— closely on a daily basis. lovely to seak closely on a daily basis. lovely to s - eak to closely on a daily basis. lovely to sneak to you _ closely on a daily basis. lovely to speak to you both. _ closely on a daily basis. lovely to speak to you both. thank - closely on a daily basis. lovely to speak to you both. thank you - closely on a daily basis. lovely to speak to you both. thank you for| speak to you both. thank you for coming down this morning. soaring energy bills are affecting businesses as well as household budgets and we will find out later this morning from 0fgem, the regulator, just how much that retail price cap affecting consumers will go price cap affecting consumers will 9° up price cap affecting consumers will go up by anjust price cap affecting consumers will go up by an just what the government is going to do to help protect and support households that are

struggling the most. sarah, thank you very much. we will have more from sarah through the day. the dup minister edwin poots has ordered a stop to checks on food and farm products entering northern ireland from the rest of the uk. inspections must be carried out under the post—brexit trade deal struck between the uk and the eu. simon coveney, the irish republic's foreign minister, warned that ending checks would breach international law. sinn fein, the dup's power—sharing partners, criticised the move as a "stunt". mr poots' party opposes the rules, which impose a border along the irish sea. to halt all checks that were not in place on the 31st of december 2020 from midnight tonight and prepare a paperfor from midnight tonight and prepare a paper for executive consideration in the near future to seek agreement on a way forward. thank you. me the near future to seek agreement on a way forward. thank you.— a way forward. thank you. we are also hearing _ a way forward. thank you. we are

also hearing reports— a way forward. thank you. we are also hearing reports this - a way forward. thank you. we are also hearing reports this morning| also hearing reports this morning that the dup first minister in the northern ireland assembly, paul given, is preparing to announce his resignation. 0ur ireland correspondent chris pagejoins me now. i will talk to you about paul gibbon in a moment, but first of all regarding those checks, are they happening or not? it is regarding those checks, are they happening or not?— happening or not? it is a pretty uncertain picture _ happening or not? it is a pretty uncertain picture this _ happening or not? it is a pretty uncertain picture this morning, | happening or not? it is a pretty - uncertain picture this morning, and neater. the first ferries coming from great britain have arrived in belfast and larne ports. there are some lorries coming off those berries that are going to the border inspection areas. the back doors of those vehicles have been open. there have been staff they are doing some kind of work, but it is unclear whether they are carrying out the full inspections under the terms of the northern ireland protocol. now, you may well understandably wonder why if a minister tells his civil servants to stop doing something

widely wouldn't just take his direction and stop doing it. it is down to the politically contentious nature of the northern ireland protocol here and also the way political decision—making is done in the power—sharing devolved government. edwin poots, the dup agriculture minister, as a unionist is opposed to the protocol. he says he has taken legal advice and he has made his direction on the basis of that legal advice. made his direction on the basis of that legaladvice. but made his direction on the basis of that legal advice. but the likes of sinn fein, the cross community alliance party, who are also in the stormont executive, they say no, the protocol is in the brexit agreement which is an internationally recognised treaty and it is not lawful to stop the checks, they have to go on. there will be more legal clarity sought today by everybody involved and it is still possible that a point of law may well be tested in court. but for the moment uncertainty reigns amongst politicians, civil servants and

indeed businesses who are most affected by the post—brexit trading arrangements here. hour affected by the post-brexit trading arrangements here.— affected by the post-brexit trading arrangements here. now this news, as i was arrangements here. now this news, as i was mentioning _ arrangements here. now this news, as i was mentioning before _ arrangements here. now this news, as i was mentioning before we _ arrangements here. now this news, as i was mentioning before we came - arrangements here. now this news, as i was mentioning before we came to i i was mentioning before we came to you, the news that the dup first minister paul gibbon intends to announce his resignation from his post this afternoon. that is a braking line coming from the nolan show. is this connected to what edwin poots said last night? what can you tell us? it edwin poots said last night? what can you tell us?— can you tell us? it certainly is connected — can you tell us? it certainly is connected to _ can you tell us? it certainly is connected to the _ can you tell us? it certainly is connected to the dup's - can you tell us? it certainly is - connected to the dup's opposition to the northern ireland protocol. as you say, in the last few minutes of my colleagues on the nolan show on bbc ulster have been reporting that paul gibbon, the first minister in the stormont executive, has written a letter of resignation which he intends to submit later on today. the leader of the dup, sirjeffrey donaldson, has been saying for several months now that unless there is sufficient progress as he sees it

towards scrapping the irish sea border checks in the negotiations between the uk and the eu, he is prepared to throw his ministers out of the power—sharing devolved government. if paul gibbon does resign as first minister, that means the deputy first minister, his main power—sharing partner, michelle o'neill power—sharing partner, michelle 0'neill of sinn fein, she automatically will be out of herjob as well. while some of the functions of government will still be able to go on, the devolved government here will not fully function. as things stand, there is an election scheduled for the stormont assembly at the beginning of may and many of the dup's critics will say this is more about the dup trying to appeal to core voters who are opposed to the protocol ahead of that election than anything else. but if there is a resignation at the top of the power—sharing executive today, the political implications will run far and wide, notjust in northern

ireland, but because this is essentially all about the brexit arrangements for northern ireland, in london, dublin and brussels as well there will be many people watching and wondering and seeing how all this plays out.— how all this plays out. finally for the moment. — how all this plays out. finally for the moment, it _ how all this plays out. finally for the moment, it was _ how all this plays out. finally for the moment, it was interesting l the moment, it was interesting listening to brandon lewis, the northern ireland secretary last night, saying that essentially this was for the northern ireland executive to deal with. it was the westminster government which negotiated this treaty with the eu. is there any sense that figures like brandon lewis or someone else within westminster was aware of what edwin poots was going to do before he made the announcement last night or what paul gibbon is planning to do apparently?— paul gibbon is planning to do anarentl ? ~ �* ., ., , apparently? well, brandon lewis s-ueakin apparently? well, brandon lewis speaking on _ apparently? well, brandon lewis speaking on "v _ apparently? well, brandon lewis speaking on itv last _ apparently? well, brandon lewis speaking on itv last night - apparently? well, brandon lewis speaking on itv last night said i apparently? well, brandon lewis. speaking on itv last night said this was not some sort of stitch up between the dup and the british government. the government has been saying that operating the protocol checks is a matterfor the

saying that operating the protocol checks is a matter for the stormont executive. so the indications we are having from the westminster government is that it is not going to intervene over the head of the stormont exec executive to reinstate those checks if indeed it stop. instead the westminster government is emphasising it is still in negotiations with the eu to try to resolve the remaining difficulties about the northern ireland protocol. it is committed to try and find a resolution in those negotiations. mourning the reaction from the european commission in brussels, they have said it is unhelpful. the foreign minister, simon coveney, a very important voice on the eu side has said he thinks it will be against international law to stop those checks. so whether or not the british government had any heads up about what paul gibbon was going to do today, there has been no official comment on that from westminster

yet, but unless there were significant protocol.- yet, but unless there were significant protocol. chris page in belfast. chris page in belfast. let's speak to the dup mp ian paisleyjr. thank you forjoining us this morning. first of all, can i begin with paul gibbon. aware that he was planning, as we are led to believe, to announce his resignation as first minister later today? i to announce his resignation as first minister later today?— to announce his resignation as first minister later today? i would rather resond to minister later today? i would rather resoond to the _ minister later today? i would rather respond to the news _ minister later today? i would rather respond to the news when - minister later today? i would rather respond to the news when it - minister later today? i would rather i respond to the news when it happens as opposed to speculating what the news might actually be. but i don't think anyone can be surprised by the fact that we have been warning for some time now and signalling for some time now and signalling for some time, almost a year, that these institutions cannot survive if the protocol is kept in place. we want about that, we signalled that, we have been very patient, we have said businesses can no longer pay almost

£1 billion additional charges a year in organising business from one part of the uk to another. it is not fair, it will end in tears. if that prediction comes true, people cannot say they were not warned. there is opportunity to resolve this problem unfortunately the eu have failed to solve the problem so we are being left to take decisive action and my party, the agricultural minister, has taken decisive action in the last 24—hour and we hope that will indicate to people that clearly protocol has failed and it has caused political instability and economic hardship. m65 caused political instability and economic hardship.— economic hardship. was the announcement _ economic hardship. was the announcement by _ economic hardship. was the announcement by edwin - economic hardship. was the i announcement by edwin poots economic hardship. was the - announcement by edwin poots last night regarding stopping the check on goods coming into northern ireland for the rest of the uk and what we are hearing from paul gibbon, is this part of a coordinated move on the part of the dup to express its frustration, its anger and dislike of the protocol? i'd like to think we have a

strategic approach to this. it is a coordinated _ strategic approach to this. it is a coordinated plan? _ strategic approach to this. it is a coordinated plan? we _ strategic approach to this. it is a coordinated plan? we are - strategic approach to this. it is a coordinated plan? we are not i strategic approach to this. it is a - coordinated plan? we are not saying it was coordinated _ coordinated plan? we are not saying it was coordinated with _ coordinated plan? we are not saying it was coordinated with anyone - coordinated plan? we are not saying it was coordinated with anyone else, we have warned about this and signal this and have indicated to the government. the government lastjuly it made it very clear that the protocol caused so much problems that triggering article 16 could now be done. the government has dragged its feet on this. we have been very precise and have given them a lot of space, been very patient and we are saying we now must take action ourselves. remember, we try to put this on the executive at agenda to the executive in northern ireland and try to have of the border checks and try to have of the border checks and making them lawful. we no longer have the legal authority to continue with this border check, therefore it has to stop.

he surely this is a matter of international law and this takes residents over the legal justification cited last night. what can you tell us about this piece of legal advice that he was talking about? . �* , . legal advice that he was talking about? ., �* , ., ., legal advice that he was talking about? ., �*, ., ., ., about? that's a fair point about international _ about? that's a fair point about international law _ about? that's a fair point about international law and _ about? that's a fair point about international law and i - about? that's a fair point about international law and i should l international law and i should answer that. international law and i should answerthat. i international law and i should answer that. i have listened to the spokesman of the irish republic speaking about that there is no table in these negotiations, it is the european union and his mad —— her majesty's government. all of this cacophony of noise is from the republic of ireland and the republic of ireland and their ministers demanding a say in what happens in northern ireland and then tell us we have breached international law, they cannot tell us which law has been reached. we do not have the legal authority under the precious

belfast agreement to implement these protocols. it is up to the executive to meet and to agree them, and at the executive cannot agree them which looks fairly obvious, then the protocol ceases to be operational. i think we can hear you, you are back in vision. the international treaty, just to get back to that, simon coveney, the irish foreign minister said the british government has an obligation to comply with international law, that is not too much to ask as we work to find it flexible and pragmatic implementation of the northern ireland protocol. do you think these moves by the dup are detrimental to that process that is trying to find a solution. i know you have expressed your frustration with the pace of that but the does seem there is an effort going on to find a way to implement the protocol to the satisfaction of everyone. are you saying you will never be satisfied with the protocol?—

saying you will never be satisfied with the protocol? simon coveney is amonust with the protocol? simon coveney is amongst the — with the protocol? simon coveney is amongst the nations _ with the protocol? simon coveney is amongst the nations of _ with the protocol? simon coveney is amongst the nations of europe, - with the protocol? simon coveney is amongst the nations of europe, it i with the protocol? simon coveney is amongst the nations of europe, it is| amongst the nations of europe, it is the european union that is doing the negotiations. bud the european union that is doing the negotiations— the european union that is doing the neuotiations. �* ., , ., ., negotiations. and the european union listens to the — negotiations. and the european union listens to the republic _ negotiations. and the european union listens to the republic of _ negotiations. and the european union listens to the republic of ireland - listens to the republic of ireland government because of the border with northern ireland. an influential voice, with northern ireland. an influentialvoice, i with northern ireland. an influential voice, i would say. the re-ubfic influential voice, i would say. the republic of _ influential voice, i would say. iie: republic of ireland influential voice, i would say. tie: republic of ireland needs influential voice, i would say. ti2 republic of ireland needs to know as we do what percent of the uk population... the republic of ireland is less than 5% of the european union... we do not matter to germany france and spain. they might think they can rattle the cage, they are a tiny part and they are being used and abused in this process as much as the people and government of northern ireland is being used and abused. the sooner simon wakes up to that reality, then we will get a solution that works for both jurisdiction on this. perhaps that is a conversation for

you and simon coveney to have. the main point, we are having problems with the vision, your are coming out in an act of vision, hopefully we can keep going. this is your beef primarily here with the westminster government rather than the eu because after all, it was the westminster government that signed up westminster government that signed up to the treaty and the protocol in the first place? no i am afraid... the british government was wrong to sign up to the protocol. and i think that has always been as you put it our beef with her majesty's government. now that we had seen that the protocol does not work, it is absolutely essential that the government takes action. they have failed to do that. our party has taken the action, we have started

the ball rolling that hopefully will resolve these problems. there may be a hiatus before the problem is resolved, but now at least we are turning the corner. a very difficult period in the existence of northern ireland, the last 12 months has indicated how difficult it has been for business. if you try and order something from great britain and get it into northern ireland, companies are faced with friction, they cannot get their goods into northern ireland. the consumers are forced to shopin ireland. the consumers are forced to shop in the eu. they do not want to do that. they want to buy british. they want to buy products on their own country. they want to buy products on their own country-— own country. some people say the rotocol own country. some people say the protocol is — own country. some people say the protocol is working, _ own country. some people say the protocol is working, i _ own country. some people say the protocol is working, i accept - own country. some people say the protocol is working, i accept from | protocol is working, i accept from the dup perspective it is not working, some people say it is working, some people say it is working for them and they do not see an alternative to that. finally, because we are having a few problems of the line, i want to ask you this. with this news of the resignation of

paul givan as dup first minister, how concerned are you about the stability of the northern ireland executive, the assembly and its ability to deliver four people in northern ireland the services that they expect from the people who are leading them? tithe they expect from the people who are leading them?— they expect from the people who are leading them? one year ago i warned the prime minister _ leading them? one year ago i warned the prime minister that _ leading them? one year ago i warned the prime minister that the _ leading them? one year ago i warned the prime minister that the protocol. the prime minister that the protocol would cause economic hardship and problems for the consumers but critical instability. 13 months, they have had to deal and prepare for this. they ignored the warnings. the news breaks today about more political instability, they cannot say they were not warned. we do not want this, we want to see if function executive and assembly, but you cannot have this and at the same time a protocol that is destroying the economy of northern ireland. the two do not work. the government has to help us access.—

to help us access. thank you for our to help us access. thank you for your time _ to help us access. thank you for your time this _ to help us access. thank you for your time this morning. - to help us access. thank you for your time this morning. it - to help us access. thank you for your time this morning. it is - to help us access. thank you for. your time this morning. it is time to go to the sports centre. good morning. we're just a day away from the official start of the winter olympics but the action is already under way in beijing. 0ur correspondent andy swiss is up in the mountains where the snow sports will take place. andy — we've got medal hopes on the slopes behind you, but a real chance for silverware on the ice with the curlers that is right. a really good win over night for britain's curlers. they made two wins out of two with victory over canada. it was a really tight match. they were trailing at one point but they came back to when six —— four. they are the reigning world champions, one of britain's biggest medal hopes at these games and they had a chance to make it

three out of three they play switzerland at 12 o'clock your time. they are delighted to have started so strongly. i they are delighted to have started so strongly-— so strongly. i think we after -la in: so strongly. i think we after playing sweden _ so strongly. i think we after playing sweden and - so strongly. i think we after playing sweden and canada| so strongly. i think we after- playing sweden and canada will take their two— playing sweden and canada will take their two great teams. it was a battle, — their two great teams. it was a battle, some great shots were made, and we _ battle, some great shots were made, and we are _ battle, some great shots were made, and we are happy we came out with that win _ and we are happy we came out with that win. we and we are happy we came out with that win. ~ . , and we are happy we came out with that win. ~ ., , ., that win. we are building on the momentum _ that win. we are building on the momentum from _ that win. we are building on the momentum from the _ that win. we are building on the momentum from the first - that win. we are building on the momentum from the first two i that win. we are building on the - momentum from the first two games, we want _ momentum from the first two games, we want to— momentum from the first two games, we want to give — momentum from the first two games, we want to give switzerland _ momentum from the first two games, we want to give switzerland a - momentum from the first two games, we want to give switzerland a good i we want to give switzerland a good game _ we want to give switzerland a good game tonight _ and andy — you've been there for a few days. how ready is beijing for the games and what can the athletes expect amongst all the covid restrictions and the sub zero temperatures. we have not had the opening ceremony yet and already the action is coming thick and fast. in the next we have

the first action in the mountains with the qualifying rounds of the mogul skiing. with the qualifying rounds of the mogulskiing. plenty with the qualifying rounds of the mogul skiing. plenty of british interest, will finally end the men's event and two sisters in the way men event, they will be hoping to go through to the next round of that event. and finally tomorrow, it will be the opening ceremony. it has been a hugely controversial build—up to these games, all that can questions and concerns about china's human rights record, great britain one of a number of nations holding a diplomatic boycott of the games and then all the restrictions around covid—19 which means everyone who comes to the games, media and all the athletes are existing in a bubble. these are really strange circumstances to be holding a winter circumstances to be holding a winter olympics but tomorrow, finally, they

0lympics but tomorrow, finally, they will get under way. olympics but tomorrow, finally, they will get under way.— will get under way. thank you very much. england have a battle to avoid conceding the women's ashes to australia. they're struggling in their run chase in the first one dayer, a game they can't afford to lose. they started well, limiting the home side to just 205, in their innings, katherine brunt and kate cross picking up 3 wickets each. but they have struggled with the bat. they lost tammy beaumont and captain heather knight in quick succession early and the wickets have contiued to fall with danni wyatt the latest to fall. england are 142 for 7 and need another 64 rus of 88 balls. rangers boss giovanni van bronkhorst, insists the old firm derbies don't decide the scottish premiership, but losing them won't help for sure. they're now a point behind rivals celtic are being beaten, 3—0 last night at celtic park. craig templeton was watching... as celtic and rangers stepped into the glasgow night, both knew this game was vital for where the title ends up. rangers deadline day signing aaron ramsey was watching from the stands.

he won't have liked what he saw because celtic flew out of the traps in a pressurised atmosphere, reo hatate kept his cool could the keeper have done better? if the answer to that is yes, then allan mcgregor quickly redeemed himself. a stunning double save to keep his side in it. hatate, though, was still on the prowl and he found the same corner again, this is how much it means. it was about to get even better because hatate then turned provider to leil abada 3—0. it's where you want to be and it doesn't mean you disrespect or dismiss the opposition. they are a good side. they have been on top all year, they've only lost one game. they are quality players, but we want to be a team that takes it to the opposition and if we do that, then we can take it to any opposition, i'm confident. a dream night for celtic, their first old firm win since 2019.

they now lead the league. craig templeton, bbc news. chelsea women remain on course to defend their league cup title after beating manchester united 3—1 to progess to a third straight final. all the goals came in the first half at kingsmeadow. danish forward pernille harder scored the pick of the bunch. emma hayes�* side will face either spurs or manchester city in the final. liverpool fans could have lots of interest in the africa cup of nations final. mo salah and egypt face hosts cameroon later whilst sadio mane inspired senegal to victory over burkina faso in the other semi. the forward rounded off a 3—1win to send senegal through to the final for the second straight tournament — although they've never won it. you can watch cameroon versus egypt on bbc three, the iplayer and bbc sport website from 7 tonight. west bromwich albion are in talks with steve bruce about becoming their new manager. bruce is favourite to replace, valerien ismael who was sacked yesterday. bruce himself has been out of work

after being dismissed by newcastle in october. that's all the sport for now. we have been asking you about how you are planning to cope with the increasing cost of living as we are waiting at 11 o'clock on the energy regulator to announce the energy price cap, we are expecting the average bill to go up by about 50%. this message says i have been struggling financially even though working full time before the massive energy hikes, my child is 18 and i have lost all of the support i got terms of benefits, he is asking how i am supposed to survive? this message, it is very clear this

government has no clue how these price rises are effecting not only working people but those on benefits and were already struggling with the increase prices, more increases is terrifying. this message says i live on 600 p per month universal credit and does not qualify for the winter bonus so it is one meal for the day. it is very harsh. i do not know whether you will qualify for some of the that the chancellor will announce today. please keep your comments coming in on how you are planning to cope with the increase because that you are facing. you can do that on twitter and you can use the hashtag bbc your questions. an organisation representing children's homes has accused some communities of treating young people in care as criminals, rather than victims. the independent children's home association —— which represents more than 250 members in england and wales —— has told the bbc that planning applications for new sites are often

met with hostility —— and more concern for local house prices than the children's wellbeing. retailers in the uk are warning there may be a shortage of popular nuts and crisps as kp snacks has been hacked. the producer of brands such as mccoys, hula hoops and various varieties of nuts says it's dealing with a ransomware cyber—attack. the cyber criminals are publishing personal documents from staff on the darknet with a countdown timer warning of more posts if a ransom isn't paid. reports suggest the attack may delay deliveries "until the end of march at the earliest." the headlines on bbc news... the energy regulator is set to announce the biggest ever rise in gas and electricity bills — later this morning. ministers are poised to put forward measures to ease the pressure on households. higher interest rates could also be announced later this morning — as the bank of england fights to keep inflation under control.

the brexit trade arrangements for northern ireland have been thrown into confusion after a unionist minister orders his staff to stop checks on goods coming from the rest of the uk. the family of a woman —— who was stabbed to death by herformer husband —— say more should have been done to prevent her death. yasmin shakeefi was killed in west london last week by leon mccaskre. he died at the scene after being hit by a car. before the attack, a warrant had already been issued for his arrest, for breaching a stalking protection order. lauren moss reports. she wasjust wonderful, nice, caring person. she was beloved by her children, who she adored. family, who adored her and she loved. an amazing woman that no one can compare to. the words of yasmin chkaifi's family a week after she was stabbed to death. yasmin, also known as wafah, was attacked by her ex—husband

leon mccaskre last monday morning. her family say she suffered years of domestic abuse. two years ago, the mum of two teenage boys remarried her childhood friend joseph. he says he is heartbroken. when she left, i was certain she would be coming home from work. when she left, she was certain she was coming home. and, you know, she didn't even... she didn't even make one minute. i am devastated. i just... i am at a loss. joseph and yasmin's cousins have questions they want answering. a warrant had been issued for leon mccaskre's arrest three weeks earlier for allegedly breaching a stalking protection order. the met has referred itself to the police watchdog. why his criminal record wasn't enough for him to be searched for, as they did have a warrant — obviously, they didn't

see him as much as a threat that they needed. should they have done, do you think? way more. when it comes to the police failings, it is definitely something we are going to fight for, because that is what she would have wanted and she was a fighter for everything. like, any injustice, she was always someone to speak out. eyewitnesses describe seeing leon mccaskre repeatedly stabbing yasmin chkaifi in the street last monday morning. people tried to intervene and that is when mr mccaskre was hit by a car and he, too, died at the scene. mr mccaskre died from multiple injuries. after questioning the driver initially on suspicion of murder, he was released without charge. now the 26—year—old is being treated as a vital witness. yasmin's family have paid tribute to him and everyone who tried to save her. he is a hero. and he tried. he tried to help her. the driver, known only as abraham, said he is grateful the force has

taken what he called a sensible course of action. in a statement released by his solicitor, he said... joseph said they should be more safeguarding for victims of domestic abuse and he wants to set up a charity in yasmin's name. i just think domestic abuse is a very bad problem. and if there's no education about it from very young, if things aren't sorted, you know, if men can't keep their hands to themselves, i don't know what we will do. the metropolitan police says it cannot comment further until the iopc has concluded its investigation.

an inquest into the deaths opened earlier this week, while a family continues to grieve. lauren moss, bbc news. the social media giant facebook has seen the number of people using it every day fall for the first time in its 18—year history. facebook�*s parent company meta networks warned of slowing revenue growth in the face of competition from rivals such as tiktok and youtube. advertisers are also cutting spending. meta's shares slumped by more than 20% in after—hours trading in new york, wiping about 200—billion dollars off the company's stock market value. vets at chester zoo have started the first trial of an experimental vaccine to protect elephants from a deadly viral disease. the illness is responsible for more than half of all asian elephant deaths in european zoos. the aim of the trial is to develop a vaccine in captivity that can also be used in the wild. victoria gill reports.

an elephant calf fighting for her life back in 2019. vets at chester zoo diagnosed the young elephant with a dangerous viral infection. it's called elephant endothelialtrophic herpes virus. it's often lethal, and zoo vets and scientists have been battling it for more than a decade. as an elephant herpes virus, they have lesions in the mouth. they'll get a fever, lethargy. but once we see those symptoms, normally it's too late. we've generally lost calves within 24 hours. wow. that quickly? that quickly. and up to 85% of elephants that develop the disease die from it. now, though, there's a new glimmer of scientific hope. the elephants here at chester zoo are involved in a first ever trial of an experimental

and potentially life—saving vaccine. it's research that's only possible because these elephants are so willing to work with their keepers. 0ngbo here is five tonnes. he'll cooperate if he feels like it. so there's a lot of positive reinforcement from the keepers, but it's also mutual respect. the new vaccine, researchers say, it's designed to prime the elephant�*s immune systems. we're trying to prevent death and severe disease, so the idea underlying our vaccine is that the elephant�*s immune system already knows about this virus and can then make sure that it overcomes the infection by itself. the trials are just about to begin and researchers hope to have an effective vaccine within five years. meanwhile, the veterinary research

here has meant that the zoo has its first elephant calf to survive this deadly virus in more than a decade. the she turned five just before christmas and she is our wonder baby. christmas and she is our wonder bab . ., ., ., ., baby. the aim to roll out the vaccine around _ baby. the aim to roll out the vaccine around the _ baby. the aim to roll out the vaccine around the world - baby. the aim to roll out the - vaccine around the world including in wild herds. the disease is one of many threats to their survival. the work he has meant this is the first calf in ten years to reach her fifth birthday. that is a reason to celebrate. rare remains of extinct animals, including a woolly mammoth and a woolly rhinoceros, have been discovered on a building site in devon. a team working on a new town outside plymouth also found the bones of a hyena and a wolf. historic england is calling it an "exceptional discovery". it's thought the remains will provide a unique glimpse

into ice age britain. how long will the cold weather last? well — in the us state of pennsylvania there's only one way to find out, as tim allman explains. unlike the movie, in real life, groundhog day comes just once a year. since 1887, they come here to do whatever this is. and discoverjust how long the winter will last. and this gentleman is the one who will tell them. punxsutawney phil appears before the crowds, he doesn't need barometric charts or even a thermometer. instead, the question is simple. did he see his shadow or not? i couldn't imagine a better fate. with my shadow i have cast then a long lustrous six more weeks of winter!

i should point out that at this juncture, punxsutawney phil and his ancestors have only been right about 40% of the time. and this year, there is turmoil in the world of furry meteorological soothsayers. and rival groundhog chuck is operating out of new york and he has a very different opinion about the upcoming weather. ladies and gentlemen, i havejust heard from staten island chuck here at staten island zoo, he did not see his shadow, we will have an early spring! so according to phil and chuck, 6 more weeks of winter or an early spring. i hope that clears everything up for you. tim allman, bbc news. when i read the queue to hand out

the weather for carroll, who when i read the queue to hand out the weatherfor carroll, who needs when i read the queue to hand out the weather for carroll, who needs a groundhog when you have carol? to day the where there is very much like groundhog day. yesterday a lot of cloud and today the same. it is going to be mild and breezy too. we have got a cold front coming our way which will bring rain later on. look at the isobars, breezy and squally winds, the wind speaking out this afternoon. the cloud reducing drizzle here and there but we will see sunny spells developed, in the afternoon, aberdeen to fife there will be sunshine. a weather front coming in the north—west bringing rain. there will be sunny spells across northern ireland, north—west england, wales, the midlands and the east. cloud across the south and some breaks in the cloud and some

sunshine. the rest of the afternoon, winds speaking up across northern ireland, northern england and scotland but especially around the band of rain across north—west scotland and the northern isles. temperatures, 10 celsius. behind the weather front, temperatures, 10 celsius. behind the weatherfront, it is temperatures, 10 celsius. behind the weather front, it is going to turn cold. a change in the forecast. here comes the weather front through the night, rain and hailsnow comes the weather front through the night, rain and hail snow as it pushes southward, a return to wintry showers, down to sea level across parts of scotland. temperatures freezing or below, some frost and ice on untreated surfaces. rain in the south—east, some sleet or snow on the chill turns, a mixture of the sunshine and showers, some wintry, a mix of rain, sleet and snow. some of

that getting to lower levels in scotland. we could see it in northern ireland and northern england in... the wind changing direction to north—westerly and it will feel colder although the temperature suggests five celsius. colder than the temperature suggests. 0n colder than the temperature suggests. on saturday, a new weather front, more rain, more snow and sleet on the hills. we are seeing mild conditions ahead of it, mostly dry with cloud and as we head into sunday, the weather front goes south, a windy day and a plethora of showers across the north and some of them will be wintry. the temperature is lighting, we are hanging on to milder conditions as we push towards the south.

this is bbc news, these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a record rise in energy bills on the way in the uk as the energy regulator is set to announce it's allowing suppliers to hike prices by hundreds of pounds a year. with 22 million households in england, scotland and wales affected, ministers are poised to put forward measures to ease the financial pressure. things are hard anyway. but it has met higher interest rates in the uk

could also be announced later this morning as the bank of england fights