on iplayer bee! 1mm m1 m i watch them all last right now. i watch them all last niuht. right now. i watch them all last night- back _ right now. i watch them all last night. back to _ right now. i watch them all last night. back to back. _ it's 8:59. this is bbc news with the latest headlines. students in england find out what a levels and gcses will look like this summer are you a teacher, student or parent of someone sitting exams this summer? what are you hoping to hear from the exam boards and will advise now be enough to make up for the disruption caused by the pandemic? get in touch with me on twitter @annitabbc and use the #bbcyourquestions a plan to tackle the record backlog of patients on hospital waiting lists in england is put on hold. the health secretary denies reports it was blocked by the treasury the former head of britain's armed forces says it's time to work with the taliban to protect the afghan people. we'll bring you a special

report from the country. these people been through so much in the past decades and they simply don't deserve it. australia is to re—open its border to fully vaccinated tourists for the first time in almost two years. and a night to rememberfor boreham wood, as the non—leaguers stunned championship high flyers bournemouth to provide the biggest upset of the fa cup. good morning and welcome. gcse and a level pupils in england will be given more information today about the topics that will appear on their exam papers this summer. the government has confirmed that

for the first time in three years, exams will go ahead — despite a high number of teacher absences due to covid. here's our education correspondent, elaine dunkley. can you line up as well, thank you. it's a busy timetable for the pupils at ellesmere port church of england college. how do you feel you did on that maths test this morning? i think i did 0k. i did not do as great on my last |one, but i'm trying to improve. it's all about exam practice. the next few weeks will be serious revision for mocks and, for the first time in three years, this summer, they are expected to sit external exams. i had to be off with covid. i didn't get to sit my full mock exams. i was not mentally fully prepared. nicole is doing a—levels and wants to go to university. she is worried about exams because of the ongoing disruption. there are a lot of teachers off in this school due to like covid reasons. so they are finding it quite difficult to get supply for everyone.

here, they welcome the return of exams. for the past two years, gcses and a—levels have been awarded using teacher—assessed grades. last year was difficult for teachers, as well. there was a huge amount of work to ensure that students were given the grades that were fair. huge amounts of work from students and teachers in terms of gathering that evidence to begin with. numerous assessments taking place which then had to be marked. so i think everyone will welcome the opportunity to go back to exams, where a lot of that pressure and stress has been removed. today, exam boards will publish more details about the topics pupils can expect across different subjects and say marking will be generous, but it won't lead to further grade inflation. the government says these plans recognise the disruption caused. for those preparing to take exams, so much depends on the next few months. there are still challenges ahead and pupils are hoping today's guidance will bring them closer

to getting the grades they need. let's talk to our education correspondent sean dilley. good morning to you. we are told exam boards are publishing this information today to guide and advise is the quote, ? the information today to guide and advise is the quote, ?_ information today to guide and advise is the quote, ? advise is the quote,? the bad news is if ou advise is the quote,? the bad news is if you are — advise is the quote,? the bad news is if you are preparing _ advise is the quote,? the bad news is if you are preparing for _ advise is the quote,? the bad news is if you are preparing for your - is if you are preparing for your exams, they will not publish the questions you will be asked in your exams! ., ., , ., , questions you will be asked in your exams! ., ., . exams! that would be a bit too much to exect! exams! that would be a bit too much to meet! what _ exams! that would be a bit too much to expect! what they _ exams! that would be a bit too much to expect! what they will _ exams! that would be a bit too much to expect! what they will do - exams! that would be a bit too much to expect! what they will do as - exams! that would be a bit too much to expect! what they will do as they l to expect! what they will do as they will cive to expect! what they will do as they will give guidance _ to expect! what they will do as they will give guidance in _ to expect! what they will do as they will give guidance in terms - to expect! what they will do as they will give guidance in terms of - to expect! what they will do as they will give guidance in terms of which | will give guidance in terms of which particular areas they might be questioned about, others will be asked to study all of the course on the other thing we should say is this is one of the adaptions that is being introduced to make things fair after disruptive pandemic and absences. because there is also, for instance in maths and science, equations and formulas sheets so

people do not have to remember complex equations and critics, i think people will be quite pleased to hear if you are ready to take your exams, examiners are being asked to take a rather generous approach, that midpoint between 2019 when exam boards marked exams back then but maybe not quite as generous as last year when teachers were assessing. as last year when teachers were assessing-— as last year when teachers were assessina. , , , ., assessing. very briefly, are there advance notices _ assessing. very briefly, are there advance notices for _ assessing. very briefly, are there advance notices for all _ assessing. very briefly, are there advance notices for all four - assessing. very briefly, are there. advance notices for all four nations of the uk? fill advance notices for all four nations of the uk? �* ., ., , ., advance notices for all four nations of the uk?— of the uk? all nations are doing sliuhtl of the uk? all nations are doing slightly different, _ of the uk? all nations are doing slightly different, in _ of the uk? all nations are doing slightly different, in wales - of the uk? all nations are doing | slightly different, in wales there is advanced information about exams, scotland, they are looking at a system where either exams or coursework can be used and northern ireland, students who are sitting exams with one of the largest exam boards out there are able to say they do not want to take one unit so there are adaptions in every one of there are adaptions in every one of the four nations.— i'm joined now by glyn potts, head teacher at the secondary school newman rc college in 0ldham.

thank you forjoining us. exams will happen this summer, we are told, is that your preference for the students rather than going back to the system of teacher assessed grades? i the system of teacher assessed arades? ~ . ., ., , ., grades? i think examinations are the best wa of grades? i think examinations are the best way of students _ grades? i think examinations are the best way of students demonstrating | best way of students demonstrating their talents and what they have achieved over the course of learning but it's not a perfect solution but it is better than returning to the centre assessed or teacher assessed grades. i centre assessed or teacher assessed arades. ., , centre assessed or teacher assessed arades. .,, ,, centre assessed or teacher assessed arades. .,, y., ., , ., ., grades. i hope you were able to hear what our correspondence _ grades. i hope you were able to hear what our correspondence were - grades. i hope you were able to hear| what our correspondence were saying in the reports, have you been given any indication of the type of information to expect from exam boards today?— boards today? no, but we look forward to _ boards today? no, but we look forward to it _ boards today? no, but we look forward to it and _ boards today? no, but we look forward to it and we _ boards today? no, but we look forward to it and we will - boards today? no, but we look forward to it and we will share | boards today? no, but we look - forward to it and we will share that with our students but if i may, but we are asking students to do is let's talk about it being a 100 metre race, this reduces it to 80 metres but doesn't address the regional variation, the impact of covid, and many colleges like mine are battling with teacher and

student absences. tell are battling with teacher and student absences.— are battling with teacher and student absences. , ., ., student absences. tell us what that means. student absences. tell us what that means- on — student absences. tell us what that means. on friday, _ student absences. tell us what that means. on friday, i— student absences. tell us what that means. on friday, i had _ student absences. tell us what that means. on friday, i had 19 - student absences. tell us what that | means. on friday, i had 19 teachers absent at 100. _ means. on friday, i had 19 teachers absent at 100, we _ means. on friday, i had 19 teachers absent at 100, we are _ means. on friday, i had 19 teachers absent at 100, we are a _ means. on friday, i had 19 teachers absent at 100, we are a little - absent at 100, we are a little better this morning but it shows this is not something we have to simply got over, there are still lots of issues, trying to get hold of supply teachers is very difficult and i am blessed to have the hardest working stab at education who are making it work but showing the topics or giving guidance on exams will not address the underlying inequalities in the education system. inequalities in the education s stem. ., ., , inequalities in the education sstem. ., ., , ., system. some of the unions have said they wanted — system. some of the unions have said they wanted schools _ system. some of the unions have said they wanted schools to _ system. some of the unions have said they wanted schools to have - system. some of the unions have said they wanted schools to have this - they wanted schools to have this guidance in september, now is too late, but is it? or will it help? i think anything that gives students the chance to be better prepared for exams is a benefit but i question why wales were able to do it in the summer and we why wales were able to do it in the summerand we are why wales were able to do it in the summer and we are doing it now. equally, we have to look at, there are some communities with high levels of disadvantage that has suffered because of covid, this measure does notjust that, it

simply gives a carte blanche approval across the nation for a reduction in the focus for the examinations, that does not help everyone. examinations, that does not help eve one. ~ ., ., ., examinations, that does not help eve one. ., ., ., examinations, that does not help eve one. ~ ., ., ., “ everyone. what more would you like to see happening — everyone. what more would you like to see happening to _ everyone. what more would you like to see happening to take _ everyone. what more would you like to see happening to take account - everyone. what more would you like to see happening to take account of| to see happening to take account of variations? i to see happening to take account of variations? . ., variations? i welcome the opportunity _ variations? i welcome the opportunity of _ variations? i welcome the opportunity of generous l variations? i welcome the - opportunity of generous grading but i think that has always been the case. i think we need to look at the system itself, we know disadvantaged learners have had a far more disrupted learning experience during covid but that was even before covid. we need a redesign of the education system with greater equity in the system to allow all learners to be successful.— to be successful. you are talking about a bigger. _ to be successful. you are talking about a bigger, longer _ to be successful. you are talking about a bigger, longer term - to be successful. you are talking i about a bigger, longer term project for those students facing exams in a few months, what else are you trying to do at your school to help them, given the circumstances you describe?— given the circumstances you describe? , ., ., describe? remind them they have a limitless amount _ describe? remind them they have a limitless amount of _ describe? remind them they have a limitless amount of talent, - describe? remind them they have a limitless amount of talent, they - limitless amount of talent, they have shown a commitment and resilience during the pandemic at many generations before them said they could not. they are committed

to learning, managing themselves well, learning new skills around it that we never imagined they would have to so there's lots to celebrate. we are using a positivity to frame exams as an opportunity to demonstrate success and if we continue to do that the talent in these young people will shine through. these young people will shine throu~h. ., ~ these young people will shine throu~h. ., ,, ,., these young people will shine throu~h. ., ,, y., , these young people will shine throu~h. ., ~ , . ., through. thank you very much for our time through. thank you very much for your time this _ through. thank you very much for your time this morning _ through. thank you very much for your time this morning and - through. thank you very much for your time this morning and good| through. thank you very much for - your time this morning and good luck to all of your staff and the students. a wide—ranging plan from nhs england to tackle the backlog of routine surgery has been delayed by a last—minute intervention in whitehall. a full announcement had been expected today. the health secretary, sajid javid, said this morning there was no issue around the money, but dealing with the omicron variant had been a factor. the plan has been delayed but it was delayed by omicron. we were planning to originally publish the plan in early december but of course, with omicron and our concerns about that, we understandably changed focus onto the booster programme but now that hopefully,

i think we are almost certainly the other side of omicron, things have massively improved, we are getting on with publishing that plan, we will publish it soon. joining me now is charlotte augst, the chief executive of national voices — which represents more than 190 health and social care charities in england. you communicate regularly with patients themselves. good to have you with us. i know timely access to care is something that you focus on when you have conversations with patients so i can imagine what your response to this delay is! yes. patients so i can imagine what your response to this delay is!— response to this delay is! yes, our members. — response to this delay is! yes, our members. as _ response to this delay is! yes, our members. as you _ response to this delay is! yes, our members, as you say, _ response to this delay is! yes, our members, as you say, charities i members, as you say, charities across england are saying this is now the biggest concern that people raise with them. the people on these waiting lists or members we support, people with chronicjoint pain, living with neurological or

digestive problems, losing their eyesight, you can imagine the kind of trauma this causes for them to get on with their lives, to keep theirjobs and keep connected to people and to have a sense of hope. we understand from talking to people that this essay is a systemic problem, it's not about accessing specialist hospital care, goes much further than this. there are older people and people with disabilities who cannot get the social care they need to get out of bed out of the house, there are people, many in the last weeks of their lives, waiting from visits for community nurses are not getting them and therefore may not getting them and therefore may not die with dignity or their pain being controlled. this is a systemic problem that precedes covid and omicron and it requires a systemic response now. it requires government to set out very clear plans and to stick with them, to see through a planned and deliberate response over a number of years and we are worried

that we have sort of got to a place through no fault of people and the health system where the government has lost the ability or will to make these longer term deliberate commitments. it these longer term deliberate commitments.— these longer term deliberate commitments. , , ., _ commitments. it interesting you say that because — commitments. it interesting you say that because the _ commitments. it interesting you say that because the daily _ commitments. it interesting you say that because the daily telegraph - that because the daily telegraph reports the treasury block the announcement, disagreements over the plan saying that has been denied by the health secretary. but going back to the statistics, a record 6 million people on waiting lists for nonurgent operations and procedures in england in november. sajid javid saying the number is likely to rise further before it begins to get better. you have talked about patients that you speak to and they may be classified as nonurgent but obviously the conditions that affect them will have a huge impact on the quality of their lives. any further delay to the procedures that they need, what sort of impact

psychologically do you think that will have? we psychologically do you think that will have? ~ ., ., , .,, psychologically do you think that will have? ~ ., ., , ~ will have? we hear from people like this, it's will have? we hear from people like this. it's putting _ will have? we hear from people like this, it's putting their _ will have? we hear from people like this, it's putting their lives - will have? we hear from people like this, it's putting their lives on - this, it's putting their lives on hold, it makes people anxious, it makes them despondent and it makes people lose hope that they themselves will recover. we talk a lot about system recovery but what we're really talking about is people's ability to recover their lives and to remain working and to look after the people they love and live and everyday life the way we all expect for ourselves.- live and everyday life the way we all expect for ourselves. there is a new online — all expect for ourselves. there is a new online service _ all expect for ourselves. there is a new online service that _ all expect for ourselves. there is a new online service that will - all expect for ourselves. there is a new online service that will allow l new online service that will allow people needing nonurgent surgery to get information about waiting times. is not going to help? this get information about waiting times. is not going to help?— is not going to help? this is definitely — is not going to help? this is definitely a _ is not going to help? this is definitely a step _ is not going to help? this is definitely a step in - is not going to help? this is definitely a step in the - is not going to help? this is definitely a step in the right direction, we worked with nhs england to make this happen, people have told us clearly they have no idea how long they are waiting for, when they will be seen which obviously increases their anxiety. ongoing communication with people is really important but it needs to go much further, we need a sustained

plan that addresses the core reason for these delays because as i said, this is not being caused by covid, it's caused by widespread workforce shortages, we do not have enough doctors and nurses to get through the health needs people have, people with disabilities, people with older parents and long—term ill health and this is not going to be solved by online platforms which can help people to understand where they are at but it will not accelerate the 3.0 procedures through health system. we need a long—term workforce plan, elective cover plan and we need fewer announcements and more doing to get through this very sustained problem now.— more doing to get through this very sustained problem now. charlotte, i am so sorry. — sustained problem now. charlotte, i am so sorry. i— sustained problem now. charlotte, i am so sorry, i did _ sustained problem now. charlotte, i am so sorry, i did not _ sustained problem now. charlotte, i am so sorry, i did not mean - sustained problem now. charlotte, i am so sorry, i did not mean to - am so sorry, i did not mean to interrupt you when you were full flow in that sentence but thank you so much for talking to us in getting your point of view across.

let's talk to our political correspondent chris mason. good morning to you. interesting to hear charlotte say she does not think this is about particularly covid, she thinks it's a much longer term problem with numbers of staff in the nhs. what's behind this delay to the plan, all pretty last—minute? good morning. it looks it was kibosh by the treasury at the last minute with the document pretty much ready to go. the health secretary for england was out and about this morning, the prime minister and chancellor will be out and about later but this document sets under a lever arch file somewhere in the bowels of whitehall and beyond the political machinations around funding and sign off, as we heard there, this matters hugely because there, this matters hugely because the backlog is huge. 6 million people in england are on a waiting list awaiting a routine operation or procedure and sajid javid acknowledges and he has done for some time that number will get

higher before it gets lower. so precisely how they are going to deal with it and on what timeframe is absolutely crucial. this plan is expected shortly, we are told, some sources suggesting to me this morning within the next couple of days but not today when it was expected. days but not today when it was exected. �* , days but not today when it was exected. �*, ., ~ days but not today when it was exected. �*, ., ,, ., days but not today when it was expeeted-_ days but not today when it was exected. �*, ., ,, ., ~ expected. let's talk about the week ahead in downing _ expected. let's talk about the week ahead in downing street _ expected. let's talk about the week ahead in downing street more - ahead in downing street more broadly. a lot of discussion over the weekend about carriejohnson, her role tied to the publication of a new book, of course, and sajid javid was also saying in that same interview he thought a lot of this was to do with misogyny?- was to do with misogyny? that's riaht, was to do with misogyny? that's right. let's _ was to do with misogyny? that's right, let's bring _ was to do with misogyny? that's right, let's bring you _ was to do with misogyny? that's right, let's bring you up-to-date right, let's bring you up—to—date with the noise and drama and machinations within government. due to harry, the new director of communications, former bbc journalist and adviser to boris johnson when he was mayor of london, he arrived for his first day in his newjob at downing street, carrying a bulging carrier bag, he was asked what was in it, he said healthy

snacks and mineral water, i suppose it's checking there was not wine in there! he has quite a job. steve barclay, cabinet office minister, mp, new adviser to the prime minister, we expect another permanent secretary, senior civil servant to be brought in to bolster the number ten operations, one of the number ten operations, one of the promises from the prime minister last week and all of this discussion as you say about carriejohnson, the wife of the prime minister, former conservative special adviser, she used to run and play a significant role in the conservative party press office. there are critics of her who have regularly said they think she has too much involvement in government decisions for somebody who is not elected to any particular office. there's this new book that has come out which carriejohnson has come out which carriejohnson has responded particularly strongly too. and this intervention on the subject of carriejohnson from the health secretary this morning. as a general rule, a politician's

partner, any politician, any party, a politician's partner should be off limits. it's the politician that has chosen to have a public life, like me. you know, what my wife, for example, or anyone else's partner, you know, they should be off limits and i think this whole focus on carrie johnson in some of these reports, i think it's very undignified and very unfair. dan walker: is it misogynistic? yes, i think it is. is it sexist? yes. sajid javid johnson in the statement particularly strong pushback against this book that is on its way. she says critics better ex officials who are critical of borisjohnson are targeting her as a way of getting at him. , a, ,., ., ,, targeting her as a way of getting at him. , ., ,,

sir keir starmer has been cleared of an allegation he broke lockdown rules after he was filmed drinking a beer in an office. the labour leader was pictured drinking indoors with colleagues in the run—up to the hartlepool by—election. he has previously insisted he did nothing wrong, despite comparisons by his opponents to the partygate allegations at 10 downing street. durham police have now confirmed they did not believe any offence was committed. there is "still a long way to go" on children's mental health, with only a third of those with a probable mental health disorder able to access treatment, according to the children's commissioner. dame rachel de souza said increased investment is making a difference to children who are struggling, but the coronavirus pandemic has made the challenge "greater". anisa kadri reports. counting the cost of the covid pandemic. this report says more children are struggling with their mental health. up from one in nine to one in six, according to data. but the number in england referred to nhs mental health services by the likes of gps and teachers fell sharply at the start of covid—19.

children around the country really have suffered with this isolation and being away from school. so i think it is a very important issue. although overall referrals have dropped, what you can see is it was during the lockdown that referrals really dropped and then they sharply went up. the commissioner's report says between 2020 and 2021, around 497,000 children were referred, compared to 539,000 a year before. it also says only around a third of children with a probable mental health disorder are able to access treatment. for those accepted into children's mental health treatment services, average waiting times fell from 43 days to 32 days. but there are big regional differences. just one in three young people are able to get the help and support they need. and the numbers of young people with growing mental—health problems, it is increasing significantly as a result of the pandemic.

the commissioner's report, it is quite simple. it tells us there is a need to act and a need to act urgently if we are not going to lose a generation to poor mental health. the department of health says it recognises the impact the pandemic has had on people and that is why it is committing extra money this year for those most affected, including £79 million for children's mental health services. with me is dame rachel de souza, children's commissioner for england. thank you for your time this morning. so referrals to specialist nhs mental health services dropped for the first time in four years during the pandemic and because of the pandemic and at the same time more children needing to access those services many of them because of the pandemic again so it's difficult to balance these competing needs with the difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves?—

ourselves? yes, one thing we absolutely — ourselves? yes, one thing we absolutely know _ ourselves? yes, one thing we absolutely know as _ ourselves? yes, one thing we absolutely know as children . ourselves? yes, one thing we - absolutely know as children really struggled with the mental health during the pandemic. i did a national survey, during the pandemic. i did a nationalsurvey, 600,000 during the pandemic. i did a national survey, 600,000 responses from children aged 4—18 and the number one issue they raised was their mental well—being and health. we know lots of them will have gone back to school, school have done a really good job supporting them and they will be on their way back. but i think there are some children who really faced serious difficulties and they are the ones that we need to make sure get the support now and my report today is a report we have done over four years and it's tracking, we do each year and it's tracking, we do each year and it's tracking spend, waiting times, referral times and there's some good news in advance and difficult news. the good news is more money was spent this year on children's mental health and before so it's up 4.4%. but sitting underneath that a real regional disparity and regional issues. and with some areas doing

really well, some areas not spending much at all. the same with waiting times. , ., ~ much at all. the same with waiting times. , ., ,, ., ., times. let me break that down if i ma with times. let me break that down if i may with you. _ times. let me break that down if i may with you. you _ times. let me break that down if i may with you, you say _ times. let me break that down if i may with you, you say national. may with you, you say national spending is up but then demand is also up, isn't it? is the net result that services are still very strained?— that services are still very strained? ~ , ., , strained? absolutely, really struggling — strained? absolutely, really struggling and _ strained? absolutely, really struggling and it's _ strained? absolutely, really struggling and it's the - strained? absolutely, really struggling and it's the same strained? absolutely, really - struggling and it's the same with waiting lists. if you look, the average weight has gone down from 43 days to 32 days but in some areas they are waiting six days. in other areas you are waiting 81 days and once you are and those waiting lists there are a third of children on waiting lists still not being seen so the big picture is one of needing to do more to support children who after all, to do more to support children who afterall, did to do more to support children who after all, did so much to support us during the pandemic. by being away from school and isolating from families and friends and i can tell you, as i go round the country and talk to children in schools in different settings, youth clubs, the nhs, allaround

different settings, youth clubs, the nhs, all around the country, the mental health issue is the biggest one. we are talking about the acute end today, there needs to be more investment in camhs, there needs to be more people trained, we need to get mental health support teams that the nhs is backing and has done really well with but we need them to go further and faster, we need to cover the whole country with a man more quickly. so there are real things we need to do to support our children. share things we need to do to support our children. �* , ., things we need to do to support our children. �* i. ., things we need to do to support our children. �* , ., ., . children. are you worried, we are talkin: children. are you worried, we are talking today _ children. are you worried, we are talking today about _ children. are you worried, we are talking today about the _ children. are you worried, we are talking today about the delay - children. are you worried, we are talking today about the delay in l children. are you worried, we are l talking today about the delay in the plan to deal with the backlog in the nhs in england. because of covid. are you worried that because of that, mental health services, children's mental health services, will take another push to the back burner, i suppose? will take another push to the back burner, isuppose? and not will take another push to the back burner, i suppose? and not get the attention you clearly believe it needs? , �* ., ., , needs? yes, i'm always worried but i'm always — needs? yes, i'm always worried but i'm always optimistic _ needs? yes, i'm always worried but i'm always optimistic as _ needs? yes, i'm always worried but i'm always optimistic as well. - needs? yes, i'm always worried but i'm always optimistic as well. none | i'm always optimistic as well. none believe we can with things. the nhs, we must realise children's mental

health in the nhs was under prioritised, it is better now so thatis prioritised, it is better now so that is a move in the right direction. when i started my role, i focused on this, as soon as the new health secretary came in i went to see him and i talk to him about children's mental health, asked him to prioritise it, i've seen new money coming through, i am sure he is committed but we need to see more change now. and actually, it's the nhs areas that can do this, it's how they ring fence, they've got the money, they've been given the money, i am sure they would always want more but there's too much disparity. there is an nhs target they should spend 1% at least of their budget on children's mental health. and about just over 50% of them are doing that. that's better than last year. it's an improving picture which is why i do have optimism. but we need all of them to be spending that and ijust want to all of them to be spending that and i just want to praise norfolk and waveney, spending 2% of their budget

on children's mental health, going above and beyond.— on children's mental health, going above and beyond. areas can do that. dame rachel— above and beyond. areas can do that. dame rachel d'souza, _ above and beyond. areas can do that. dame rachel d'souza, thank - above and beyond. areas can do that. dame rachel d'souza, thank you. - australia is reopening its border to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders for the first time in almost two years. the prime minister scott morrison said he looked forward to welcoming those double jabbed from 21st february. australia has had some of the world's strictest border controls during the pandemic. in march 2020, it barred all non—australians and limited the flow of returning citizens. let's talk to our correspondent in sydney, phil mercer. this is quite the milestone? it will be on the 21st _ this is quite the milestone? it will be on the 21st of _ this is quite the milestone? it will be on the 21st of february - this is quite the milestone? it will be on the 21st of february when i be on the 21st of february when boarders will come down for those international tourists who are double vaccinated and want to travel to australia, something they have not been able to do for some considerable time. fortress australia has been gradually dismantled, we saw in december of last year, for example, backpackers,

some skilled workers and international students about to enter australia if they were fully inoculated. so the government is of the belief that in two weeks' time it is the right time for australia to fully reconnect with the rest of the world. absolutely right, in march 2020, australia closed its borders to most foreign nationals and also restricted the travel of australians wanting to go overseas. we needed official permission to go abroad. so now that isolation is finally coming to an end. australia clearly feels _ finally coming to an end. australia clearly feels the _ finally coming to an end. australia clearly feels the time _ finally coming to an end. australia clearly feels the time is _ finally coming to an end. australia clearly feels the time is right - finally coming to an end. australia clearly feels the time is right but l clearly feels the time is right but how will the country trying to ensure even if they are welcoming double vaccinated tourists and other people, that it will not lead to an increase in covid or are they accepting that might be an inevitable consequence? i accepting that might be an inevitable consequence? i think now is the time australia _ inevitable consequence? i think now

is the time australia realises - inevitable consequence? i think now is the time australia realises that i is the time australia realises that trying to live as best it can with covid is the only way forward. more than 93% of eligible australians are fully vaccinated and it was interesting to listen to the prime minister scott morrison when he made this announcement earlier today. he did dig at novak djokovic, the serbian tennis champion who as we all remember was deported from australia after he had arrived not being vaccinated. mr morrison saying that episode deserved to show and send a very clear message to the rest of the world australia's uncompromising stance on vaccinations and i think australia's high rate of vaccinations is giving the government as much confidence as it can gain from that that now is the time to reopen those international borders and end australia's international isolation. thank you. the great british curling duo jen dodds and bruce mouat

are though to the semi finals at the winter olympic games. this comes as they beat usa 8—1; in their final group match. the pair will face the norwegians again in the semi final whilst italy will compete with sweden for the other spot in the final. team gb and norway's fixture is set to take place at midday today and a win would guarantee at least a silver medal. joining me now is our sports reporterjohn watson who's in edinburgh. how are your curling skills coming along? how are your curling skills coming alon. ? , ., ., how are your curling skills coming alon. ? ,., ., ., how are your curling skills coming alon: ? ,., ., ., ., , how are your curling skills coming alonr? ., ., , ., along? good morning. i am 'ust about manauuin along? good morning. i am 'ust about managing to — along? good morning. i am 'ust about managing to stay * along? good morning. i am 'ust about managing to stay on i along? good morning. i am 'ust about managing to stay on my i along? good morning. i amjust about managing to stay on my feet - along? good morning. i amjust about managing to stay on my feet this i managing to stay on my feet this morning, that is the danger of being out on the ice but it's great to be here on the very ice that bruce and jen home their skills and craft as youngsters, when they started playing here. and here they are potentially to challenge for an olympic medal and it really is all about these stones. made of solid granite. they wait some 20 kilograms

and the main aim is to try and score as many points as you can by getting these stones all the way down the other end of the rink and settling as many as you can in the house behind me, notan as many as you can in the house behind me, not an easy task when you consider the size and weight of these. someone who knows bruce and jen very well is david akin, performance director from jen very well is david akin, performance directorfrom british performance director from british curling performance directorfrom british curling and you have worked with the many times. did you envisage one day they were challenge for a medal in they were challenge for a medal in the games?— the games? honestly, not really. when they _ the games? honestly, not really. when they started _ the games? honestly, not really. when they started they _ the games? honestly, not really. when they started they did i the games? honestly, not really. when they started they did a i the games? honestly, not really. when they started they did a lot. the games? honestly, not really. | when they started they did a lot of sport— when they started they did a lot of sport and — when they started they did a lot of sport and they had a lot of fun curling — sport and they had a lot of fun curling which was great to see and they started to go to some events and play— they started to go to some events and play in — they started to go to some events and play in different venues in scotland — and play in different venues in scotland and you started to see they had a _ scotland and you started to see they had a competitive edge and a technical_ had a competitive edge and a technical excellence with their abilities — technical excellence with their abilities. we started to see there was potential. then i think with the funding _ was potential. then i think with the funding that came into the sport, the national lottery and other sources, _ the national lottery and other sources, there was a big step up in

terms _ sources, there was a big step up in terms of— sources, there was a big step up in terms of what the athletes could achieve — terms of what the athletes could achieve and we became much more professional with the attitude. it is amazing. you kind of feel when the winter olympics rolls around curling isjust the winter olympics rolls around curling is just frost into the spotlight, especially this year with the amount they have played because they started before the opening ceremony began so they have been on theice ceremony began so they have been on the ice for a while.— the ice for a while. yes, it is a lona the ice for a while. yes, it is a long sport _ the ice for a while. yes, it is a long sport in _ the ice for a while. yes, it is a long sport in terms _ the ice for a while. yes, it is a long sport in terms of - the ice for a while. yes, it is a i long sport in terms of olympics. what _ long sport in terms of olympics. what they— long sport in terms of olympics. what they have achieved is great but they have _ what they have achieved is great but they have been really well—prepared for the _ they have been really well—prepared for the best throughout the last three _ for the best throughout the last three seasons. this has been their goat _ three seasons. this has been their goat it— three seasons. this has been their goat it is— three seasons. this has been their goal. it is great all the support we have _ goal. it is great all the support we have had — goal. it is great all the support we have had three funding and all the external— have had three funding and all the external non—ice related things that we need _ external non—ice related things that we need to— external non—ice related things that we need to do have been exceptional. and we _ we need to do have been exceptional. and we have — we need to do have been exceptional. and we have some young carers with us. what is it that made you want to take up curling? mr;

us. what is it that made you want to take up curling?— take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted — take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to _ take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to try _ take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to try it _ take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to try it and _ take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to try it and i _ take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to try it and i find i take up curling? my dad did curling so i wanted to try it and i find it i so i wanted to try it and i find it really fun and exciting so i kept playing and i enjoyed it.- playing and i en'oyed it. you're auoin to playing and i en'oyed it. you're goingtogrve_ playing and i enjoyed it. you're going to give us _ playing and i enjoyed it. you're going to give us a _ playing and i enjoyed it. you're going to give us a hand - playing and i enjoyed it. you're going to give us a hand in i playing and i enjoyed it. you're going to give us a hand in a i playing and i enjoyed it. you're i going to give us a hand in a minute with some sweeping because we are going to give it a go. you have a great story. talk about curling being in theirfamily, you have that because your mum won gold alongside rhona martin in salt lake city in 2002. , , ., ., ,, rhona martin in salt lake city in 2002. , ., , 2002. yes, it is a massive family sort for 2002. yes, it is a massive family sport for us. _ 2002. yes, it is a massive family sport for us. my _ 2002. yes, it is a massive family sport for us, my grandparents, i 2002. yes, it is a massive family i sport for us, my grandparents, my parents, my brother and sister. lots of dinner table conversations about curling. my mum 2002, really proud of her, cannot say much else, great job, an unconventional way to do it going through the play—offs to get to the semi—finals and things, but she went out there and she is just

my mum, after all. she went out there and she is just my mum, afterall. i she went out there and she is 'ust my mum, after all.i my mum, after all. i bet you are t in: to my mum, after all. i bet you are trying to tap _ my mum, after all. i bet you are trying to tap into _ my mum, after all. i bet you are trying to tap into that _ my mum, after all. i bet you are| trying to tap into that experience now. it is interesting talking about the medal contenders coming down not coming from curling families. was it in yourfamily? coming from curling families. was it in your family?— coming from curling families. was it in your family? yes. the second time i did it i absolutely _ in your family? yes. the second time i did it i absolutely loved _ in your family? yes. the second time i did it i absolutely loved it. - in your family? yes. the second time i did it i absolutely loved it. you i i did it i absolutely loved it. you know what you were expecting. as soon as i tried it i thought this is the sport for me. this soon as i tried it i thought this is the sport for me.— soon as i tried it i thought this is the sport for me. as the toughest art the the sport for me. as the toughest part the sweeping _ the sport for me. as the toughest part the sweeping or _ the sport for me. as the toughest part the sweeping or the - the sport for me. as the toughest| part the sweeping or the releasing of the stone, the timing the wet and the distance so it settles? shall at the distance so it settles? all of it. each the distance so it settles? all of it- each player— the distance so it settles? all of it. each player in _ the distance so it settles? all of it. each player in the _ the distance so it settles? all of it. each player in the team i the distance so it settles? all of it. each player in the team has i the distance so it settles? all of| it. each player in the team has a role to make every shot the best they can so the person delivering they can so the person delivering the stone has to play the right weight and line and the sweeper has thejudge to sweep weight and line and the sweeper has the judge to sweep if it is right and judge if it is heavier not.

let's see that all—round game. what could possibly go wrong? you can cast your experienced eye over us. a bittersweet thing? come on, then, let's do it. —— a bit of sweeping. depending on the weight, what are we doing? it is a bit light, so sweet. sweep hard. doing? it is a bit light, so sweet. sweep hard-— sweep hard. this is our stone of destin . sweep hard. this is our stone of destiny. broadcasting _ sweep hard. this is our stone of destiny. broadcasting on - sweep hard. this is our stone of destiny. broadcasting on ice i sweep hard. this is our stone of destiny. broadcasting on ice as| sweep hard. this is our stone of| destiny. broadcasting on ice as a whole no-show. _ sorry, we let you down. that was my olympic moment right there. well done to you all. i admire anyone who can do a live broadcasting on ice.

i thoughtjohn was brilliant this. for some it could potentially have been icy this morning but a lot of sunshine. a weather front introducing more cloud through the day and also some splashes of rain and later some heavy rain comes and across the north west of scotland with strengthening winds. today will be busy across the board that we have temperatures between seven and 12 degrees so after the cold start filling relatively mild. tonight i weather front sink southwards taking the rain with it. still a bit of cloud ahead of it but it will be a milder night across england and wales than last night on the same across scotland, milder, but you can see the difference in the temperatures north to south. tomorrow we have rain ensconced across northern england. behind it sunshine and showers and ahead of it sunny spells and variable amounts of cloud and if anything tomorrow is going to be very mild for the time

of year. sport and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. lam i am keeping lam keeping my i am keeping my feet firmly on the i am keeping my feet firmly on the ground after watching that! it was a dramatic weekend of fa cup action culminating in the the biggest shock of the competition so far, borehamwood beating bournemouth 1—0. the game's only goal came from their captain mark ricketts in the first half, finding the net from the edge of the box. 1,400 wood fans were there — that's 500 more than their average home attendance — and look at the celebrations in the away end. the first time they've qualified for the fifth round of the fa cup, with a trip to everton next. when we scored i was contented we had lost 4—105— one. because we had a moment when the fans. to finish it

off afterwards the hair on the back off afterwards the hair on the back of my neck has gone up. i have huge respect for frank lampard. hopefully we can keep it under ten. if we go to goodison and keep a clean sheet who knows? that wasn't the only shock of the weekend — the reigning champions were knocked out. leicester city were well beaten by nottingham forest, who are currently eighth in the championship. they really deserved their 4—1 win and a huge moment for the fans, beating their east midlands rivals to land a fifth—round tie at home to huddersfield town. liverpool will play norwich in the last 16, after they beat cardiff 3—1. this was the pick of liverpool's goals. a great way for teenage substitute harvey elliott to celebrate making his comeback, five months after dislocating his ankle. it's now 19 league games unbeaten for celtic — who kept hold of top spot in the scottish premiership after another impressive win —

this time at motherwell. they were 4—0 winners at fir park, tom rogic scoring twice including this brilliant effort from outside the box. so, fourfor celtic, but five goals for rangers, who bounced back from their old firm defeat last week by thrashing hearts at ibrox. alfredo morelos scoring twice. rangersjust a point behind celtic. there was a dramatic end to the final of the africa cup of nations with senegal beating egypt on penalties. it was an eventful day for liverpool's sadio mane who scored the winning penalty, after he missed from the spot in normal time. so, disappointment for his club team mate mo salah. it's the first time senegal have won the competition in their history. great britain are edging towards their first medal

at the winter olympics in the mixed curling doubles — the semi final takes place around lunchtime. meanwhile, 17—year—old kirsty muir is through to the ski big airfinalfollowing qualification this morning. let's get the latest from beijing and andy swiss, who's there for us. an impressive performance from kirsty muir, but she'll be hoping to improve on that again? that is right. i really impressive performance from kirsty muir. she is just 17 years old. she is the youngest member of team gb in beijing and has achieved a lot of success atjunior beijing and has achieved a lot of success at junior level beijing and has achieved a lot of success atjunior level but proved in the bigger qualifying she is a real contender at these games. a massivejump which means real contender at these games. a massive jump which means she is through to tomorrow's final. she qualified in seventh place with the top 12 going through to the final. also competing in the slopestyle event here in these which means she has two chances of a medal. not such

good news for britain because my other hopes, james woods and katie summerhayes both failed to make it through to the final but kirsty muir is safely through and an impressive style. it is safely through and an impressive s le. , ., ., , ., is safely through and an impressive s le. . style. it is all about the curling. a win today _ style. it is all about the curling. a win today would _ style. it is all about the curling. a win today would guarantee i style. it is all about the curling. a win today would guarantee a l style. it is all about the curling. i a win today would guarantee a medal for these two. how did they get on overnight? for these two. how did they get on overniuht? ., , , ., overnight? that is right. it is a hue da overnight? that is right. it is a huge day for — overnight? that is right. it is a huge day for them _ overnight? that is right. it is a huge day for them in - overnight? that is right. it is a huge day for them in the i overnight? that is right. it is a huge day for them in the next | overnight? that is right. it is a i huge day for them in the next event. if they win their semifinal later they are guaranteed either gold or silver. earliertoday they are guaranteed either gold or silver. earlier today they were up against the usa in their final group match and they won it 8—4, a very impressive performance from the british pair. afterwards bruce said it was their best performance of the games so far. they will be hoping they can carry on that sort of form into the semifinal later on where they are up against norway, who beat them 6—2 yesterday but the british

pair are the reigning world champions and this is a terrific chance for them to reach an olympic final and that semifinal gets under way atjust after final and that semifinal gets under way at just after midday your time. we will be watching. for the moment, thank you. head over to bbc two for all the latest from beijing thoughout the day. and you can follow on the bbc sport website and red button. that's all the sport for now. we are asking for your thoughts on the fact that students in england will find out what a—levels and gcses look like as exam boards publish revision advice and guidance. the four nations all publishing some sort of information. not all of it today but publishing information ahead of the exams in the summer. les has been in touch and she says this year's children doing exams have been the worst hit. i have one in year nine and the

first locked out most of the school has been home learning, had to drop a subject and she thinks the exams are going to be harderfor them. give me your thoughts on what you would like to hearfrom give me your thoughts on what you would like to hear from the exam boards today. to give think it is going to make a difference? you can do that on twitter. the chinese tennis player peng shuai has told a french newspaper that international concern over her well—being is based on an enormous misunderstanding. the three—time olympian sparked global concern last year when she disappeared from public view for a few weeks after posting allegations online of sexual abuse against a senior communist party official. in her first interview with western media, she's now denied ever making the claims. the women's tennis association has spearheaded calls for an investigation into her initial allegations. let's talk to our china correspondent, stephen mcdonell.

first of all, what has the reaction been there in china to what peng shuai has had to see in this latest interview? , ., , interview? everything the communist pa does, interview? everything the communist party does, sometimes _ interview? everything the communist party does, sometimes in _ interview? everything the communist party does, sometimes in cahoots i party does, sometimes in cahoots with the ioc, to try to water down this issue, seems to make it worse. this time round we have, with the help of a newspaper, peng shuai saying she is not accusing anybody of sexual assault. the natural follow—up question to that which the newspaper did not ask in this very controlled environment is if you are not accusing someone of sexual assault what are you accusing them of? she wrote on her social media platform in public a direct message to remember of the standing committee where she said to him in

chinese, something either meaning you took me to your house and raped me or you took me to your house and pressured me into having sex or you took me to your house and forced me into a sexual relationship with you. all of those are serious accusations levelled at a high—level person in government and we are no closer to knowing the truth of this because every time she appears to speak about this it is on a highly controlled propaganda environment with no one asking these questions and no closer the truth.— and no closer the truth. obviously hue and no closer the truth. obviously huge concerns _ and no closer the truth. obviously huge concerns for _ and no closer the truth. obviously huge concerns for peng _ and no closer the truth. obviously huge concerns for peng shuai's i huge concerns for peng shuai's well—being and as for that call for an investigation had to be women's tennis association into her initial allegations she made, what is happening with that?- allegations she made, what is happening with that? well, there is

no investigation. _ happening with that? well, there is no investigation. all— happening with that? well, there is no investigation. all we _ happening with that? well, there is no investigation. all we have i happening with that? well, there is| no investigation. all we have saying very specifically i am not accusing him of sexual assault. well, who knows what she is accusing him of. and again she is turning up in these sort of staged events, the worst of which have been these kind of bizarre videos where she is having dinner with other people, mentioning the date and things like that, for some crazy reason, it has obviously been orchestrated by somebody and this is why people are concerned for her well—being. this is why people are concerned for herwell—being. she this is why people are concerned for her well—being. she seems happy enough and she says she will be able to travel overseas. let's hope that can happen and she can somehow put this behind her. the problem is once you make a serious allegation like this and you do it in public and then saying it is a misunderstanding it is hard to make it go away. every time the party and the ioc clumsily

tried to water it down and pretend nothing has happened tojust tried to water it down and pretend nothing has happened to just raise more and more questions and it keeps going on. more and more questions and it keeps aoian on. ., ~ more and more questions and it keeps aoain on. ., ~' ,, more and more questions and it keeps aoain on. ., ~' , more and more questions and it keeps aoainon. ., , . french president emmanuel macron has said ahead of talks in moscow that he thinks a deal to avoid war in ukraine is possible and that it is legitimate for russia to raise its own security concerns. russia has massed troops on ukraine's border but denies planning to invade. moscow has made a string of demands, including that the nato defence alliance rule out ukraine becoming a member. let's talk to our correspondent in kyiv james waterhouse. what reaction has there been there to president macron's comments? this is art of to president macron's comments? t�*i 3 is part of quite a sizeable diplomatic effort being staged in ukraine this week. today there are four foreign ukraine this week. today there are fourforeign ministers ukraine this week. today there are four foreign ministers arriving today for talks with the government.

president macron will arrive tomorrow. he says there can be, there is the chance of a deal that can avoid a full—scale war. he is the second such world leader along with president erdogan to see themselves as a mediator in this crisis, to bring russia and the west and ukraine together in some kind of agreement. ukraine was open to previous proposals that will be open to the suggestion as well but those demands you mention, this will always be the rub. russia does not want ukraine to everjoin nato and for the alliance to scale back its military operations. president macron has said ukraine's sovereignty is not up for discussion. there could be concession over the deployment of nuclear weapons but we do not know at this stage. here the foreign minister said yesterday do not listen to these apocalyptic productions, kyiv is prepared for any kind of scenario, whereas the

west is seeing the window is far an invasion that could happen in the coming days or the following weeks. where there is some kind of consensus, although the tone is different, as the us is saying russia is 70% ready for a potential invasion whereas ukraine has always said russia does not have the troops, albeit it is an estimated 100,000 or so, troops, albeit it is an estimated 100,000 orso, not troops, albeit it is an estimated 100,000 or so, not enough to mount a full—scale invasion. 100,000 or so, not enough to mount a full-scale invasion.— full-scale invasion. does the fact someone like _ full-scale invasion. does the fact someone like president - full-scale invasion. does the fact someone like president macron l full-scale invasion. does the fact | someone like president macron is saying publicly that it is legitimate for russia to raise its own security concerns, does that help smooth the progress of any talks? . ., ., ., , help smooth the progress of any talks? ., ., .,, , , talks? without a doubt, because this is the first western _ talks? without a doubt, because this is the first western leader _ talks? without a doubt, because this is the first western leader to - is the first western leader to acknowledge the legitimacy, almost saying fair enough russia can have security concerns over what it sees as the aggressive actions of nato, nato has always said its premises as

a defensive union. this is very much a defensive union. this is very much a shift in language, saying fair enough, we hear you, a shift in language, saying fair enough, we hearyou, and a shift in language, saying fair enough, we hear you, and these talks are very carefully coordinated so he is in moscow today and it is being overseen by german and us allies so there is a bit of buying their and he will take whatever he is discussing today to kyiv tomorrow where he will speak on the familiar stage where both leaders will stand at the podium and share their thoughts. almost every commitment to working together, to ukraine's sovereignty, to solving this diplomatically. could this be a week where there is actually something substantive to hold two politically on the basis that president macron at least is recognising russia's frustrations? we will have to wait and see. ., , ., , ., and see. that is an interesting one to watch this _ and see. that is an interesting one to watch this week. _ and see. that is an interesting one to watch this week. thank - and see. that is an interesting one to watch this week. thank you i and see. that is an interesting one| to watch this week. thank you very much for that.

with up to eight million people at risk of starvation — including one million children — afghanistan is facing a grave humanitarian crisis. that's the warning from aid agencies on the ground, who say sanctions imposed on the taliban by western countries have helped accelerate economic collapse. now, the former head of britain's armed forces has called on countries to formally recognise the new taliban administration — as john simpson reports. just under six months after the taliban took power, afghanistan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. in cities like kabul, there's no actual shortage of food, but people don't have the cash to buy it. as a result, up to eight million people are facing starvation. the economy has simply collapsed. the west has frozen afghanistan's financial assets — nearly $10 billion worth.

and because the taliban are still classed as a terrorist organisation, sanctions have been imposed, which mean the country has run out of cash. it's a very difficult and challenging time for the people of afghanistan, but the core need is to help them revive their own economy, their own livelihood, and that is not possible without the state. nazir kabiri was a minister in the previous government, but he felt it was his duty to stay on and work with the country's new masters. one senior british military figure believes it's time to work with britain's former enemies in order to protect the afghan people. i think the west is going to end up recognising the taliban government. if that's the case, then we'd better get on with it sooner rather than later. there's a great phrase — "be magnanimous in victory". i think this is an occasion for us

to be magnanimous in defeat. this is kohsan, outside the city of herat. on top of everything else, over the past four years, afghanistan has suffered from a devastating drought. people here can't grow their own food any longer — now they have to queue for hand—outs. i feel terrible for my people. it's so sad to see how dependent people are and how desperate people are. it's one of the most difficult times i've ever seen in my life. the uk government says it's providing £286 million in aid, but the situation is increasingly desperate — famine added to economic collapse. i've been reporting on afghanistan for more than 40 years, but i don't think i've ever felt before that i might be watching

the destruction of a nation. and do you know what? these people have been through so much in the past decades and they simply don't deserve it. john simpson, bbc news, kohsan, afghanistan. new rules for private car parks in england and wales mean their owners will have to introduce a fairer system for appeals — and give drivers a ten—minute grace period for lateness. most penalty payments will be capped at £50 — down from one hundred pounds. joining me now is gary rycroft — a lawyer who writes consumer advice for the daily telegraph. good to have you with us. have some of these private car parks been moneymaking operations for their owners? i moneymaking operations for their owners? ~ , moneymaking operations for their owners? ~' , ., ., owners? i think they have. i am sor owners? ithink they have. i am sor to owners? i think they have. i am sorry to say _ owners? i think they have. i am sorry to say that _

owners? i think they have. i am sorry to say that for _ owners? i think they have. i am sorry to say that for some i owners? i think they have. i am sorry to say that for some of. owners? i think they have. i am i sorry to say that for some of these businesses the business model seems to have been let's be really aggressive and fighting people into thinking what they have received is akin to a public parking ticket, so there is a clear distinction in law between in a parking ticket you received a local authority or the police for a parking controversial and on the public highway or up park contravention that occurs in a public car park as opposed to parking on private land. the legal position with parking on private land is entirely different but many private parking companies want you to think what you have received is a fine just like you would receive from a public car park and they are not fines, they are basically a bill for parking on private land and they can only be enforced through the court. d0 can only be enforced through the court. , ., can only be enforced through the court. ,, ~ can only be enforced through the court. ~ , , . , court. do you think the publicity around this _ court. do you think the publicity around this is _ court. do you think the publicity around this is going _ court. do you think the publicity around this is going to - court. do you think the publicity around this is going to arm - court. do you think the publicity i around this is going to arm people with the sort of consumer knowledge that you would like them to have? i that you would like them to have? i am really hoping so because i am hoping people will first of all understand that distinction in law i

have just described between understand that distinction in law i havejust described between parking tickets received from a public body and parking tickets received from a private body, but also this new code of practice is going to say that there are certain circumstances where you have an automatic defence. those are where you happen to be less than ten minutes late, maybe you just got delayed at the tiller something like that, or where you just punched in the wrong registration number or put on the wrong location. these parking apps we all have to deal with no are fairly difficult. i am at nearly 50 and i get very stressed nowadays, it is notjust having loose change, you almost have to have a degree in it to navigate the system. who almost have to have a degree in it to navigate the system.— almost have to have a degree in it to navigate the system. who is going to navigate the system. who is going to check the — to navigate the system. who is going to check the owners _ to navigate the system. who is going to check the owners of _ to navigate the system. who is going to check the owners of the _ to navigate the system. who is going to check the owners of the private i to check the owners of the private car parts are following the rules? the code of practice does have some teeth. it is seeing of private parking companies do not abide by the rules they are not going to have

a right to access dvla for information about who owns vehicles, so when there were circumstances where you get a letter through the post because you have gone on to a private car park and cctv has footage of the way that boxes the private company applies to the deviating to find out —— to the dvla to find out who is the owner of the vehicle. if the private parking companies do not abide by the code of practice they will not be allowed to do that any more so that is going to do that any more so that is going to hit them in their pocket to make sure they abide by the new code of practice. we sure they abide by the new code of ractice. ~ . . , practice. we are all better informed. _ practice. we are all better informed. thank - practice. we are all better informed. thank you - practice. we are all better informed. thank you very | practice. we are all better - informed. thank you very much for that. good morning. some of us started off on a nice sunny but cold start to the day. everybody is going to be breezy and in the west it is quite cloudy because we have a weather front producing some rain that is going to drift east through the course of the day and later this

cold front comes in. note the cooler of the isobars. it is going to be a mild day. although we are starting off with some sunshine in central and eastern areas as the weather front moves through it will bring cloud in some spots of rain. later the wind will strengthen across the north wind heralding the arrival of another weather front, north wind heralding the arrival of another weatherfront, a north wind heralding the arrival of another weather front, a cold north wind heralding the arrival of another weatherfront, a cold front with heavier rain. seven to 12 degrees. the average at this time of year is six to eight north to south. through this evening and overnight it is cloudy across england and wales. the weather front sinks across the rest of scotland and northern ireland into northern england and behind it we see a return to some clear spells and also some showers, some of which will be wintry on the hills. temperature wise it is not going to be is called nite as it was last night and it will be quite mild for the of year. as we head on through tomorrow the weather front becomes ensconced

across northern england with its cloud in spots of rain and for the rest of england and wales there will be variable amounts of cloud, some sunshine, but note the temperatures. for northern ireland and scotland behind the weather front it is a cold front and the air will be turning colder and once again we will have some showers but note the temperatures here, five to about 10 degrees, again it is going to be a breezy day. eventually as we had through wednesday the cold front sinks further south and you can see all those snow showers coming on as well, some of them to quite low levels across parts of scotland. behind the front it is sunshine and showers. we could see some sleet at lower levels across northern ireland and north—west england. any snow likely to be on the hills. where we have the cloud this is also going to be producing spots of rain. note how mild it is but note the colder air already pushing and and also it will be when the across the far north of

scotland with the wind gusting to potentially gale force. on thursday we say goodbye to the weather front taking the cloud in the rain with it. still a lot of snow showers around and note the direction of the isobars coming from the north—west so across—the—board it will feel cold.

this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a plan to tackle the record backlog of 6 million routine hospital appointments in england is put on hold. the uk's health secretary says the situation will get worse before it gets better french president emmanuel macron heads to moscow for talks with vladimir putin about the ongoing crisis in ukraine. students in england find out what a levels and gcses will look like this summer chinese tennis star peng shuai describes her allegations of sexual assault as a "huge misunderstanding" in herfirst western media interview since the accusations were made. the former head of britain's armed forces says it's time to work with the taliban to protect the afghan people. we'll bring you a special

report from the country.