hello, this is bbc news. the headlines at 5pm: exam boards say gcse and a—level students will be graded more generously this year — to account for covid. we report on how a spinal implant is allowing paralysed a man is unable to walk again after his spinal cord was severed. —— is able to walk again. french president emmanuel macron is holding talks in moscow with vladimir putin amid ukraine tensions. here, the defence secretary ben wallace says a further 350 british troops will be sent to poland "in the spirit of solidarity" with neighbouring ukraine. hospital chiefs speak of their frustation at delays to a plan to tackle the nhs waiting list backlog in england. gun salutes take place across the uk to mark 70 years

for the queen's platinum jubilee. hello, good evening. gcse and a—level pupils in england will be given advance 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. our education correspondent elaine dunkley reports. can you just line up as well, please? 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 didn't 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, so i wasn't, like, mentally fully prepared. nicole is doing a—levels and wants to go to university. she's worried about exams because of the ongoing disruption. there's a lot of teachers off in this school due to, like, covid reasons, so they're finding it quite difficult for us to get supply for everyone. still quite nervous. yeah. 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. 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. elaine dunkley, bbc news, in ellesmere port. joining me now is gina nicholson, who is a a—level student from york. gina, what do you think about this idea of sharing the topics with you before the exam? i idea of sharing the topics with you before the exam?— before the exam? i think that it's uuite before the exam? i think that it's quite helpful- _ before the exam? i think that it's quite helpful. i— before the exam? i think that it's quite helpful. i found _ before the exam? i think that it's quite helpful. i found out- before the exam? i think that it's| quite helpful. i found out because before the exam? i think that it's l quite helpful. i found out because i quite helpful. ifound out because i take history, midi and english

language, ifound out today, especially for history, there could have more than a third of our topics that we need to cover. find have more than a third of our topics that we need to cover.— have more than a third of our topics that we need to cover. and so what's it been like, — that we need to cover. and so what's it been like, with _ that we need to cover. and so what's it been like, with the _ it been like, with the current situation with the pandemic and the effect it has had on your classes, your teaching? effect it has had on your classes, yourteaching? has effect it has had on your classes, your teaching? has it had much of an effect? for your teaching? has it had much of an effect? ., , ., , ., effect? for me personally, no. i know four— effect? for me personally, no. i know four out _ effect? for me personally, no. i know four out of _ effect? for me personally, no. i know four out of six _ effect? for me personally, no. i know four out of six of - effect? for me personally, no. i know four out of six of my - effect? for me personally, no. i. know four out of six of my friends, they all had covid, though, so that really affected their education. i know that we have had loz people off with covid and my history class, we had to merge two history classes together because there weren't enough teachers because they had covid —— lots of people off. last week off, literally i had no lessons, because teachers had covid or their kids had covid, so they had to stay home. or their kids had covid, so they had to stay home-— to stay home. that must be disruntive. _ to stay home. that must be disruptive, though, - to stay home. that must be disruptive, though, getting| to stay home. that must be - disruptive, though, getting three

syllabus in a limited time, your teachers are having to get to ribbing they need to teach you. what effect did that have for the exam period last year? exam periods did not go as normal, so they had to go another way. we not go as normal, so they had to go another way-— not go as normal, so they had to go anotherwa .~ ., ., ,, ,, another way. we got teacher assessed arades. it another way. we got teacher assessed grades- it was — another way. we got teacher assessed grades. it was all— another way. we got teacher assessed grades. it was all right _ another way. we got teacher assessed grades. it was all right for _ another way. we got teacher assessed grades. it was all right for me, - another way. we got teacher assessed grades. it was all right for me, i - grades. it was all right for me, i got 0k grades and i got into the sixth form i wanted to. i know other people did not get the classes they wanted to, and also we did not know, it was all up in the air at times, so i was still revising right up to the last minute, because i didn't know they were good to cancel exams and teachers were like, i don't know if they're going to cancel or not, so it was hard, actually. i if they're going to cancel or not, so it was hard, actually. i suppose some of your _ so it was hard, actually. i suppose some of your friends _ so it was hard, actually. i suppose some of your friends and - so it was hard, actually. i suppose some of your friends and collies . so it was hard, actually. i suppose i some of your friends and collies may think, actually, it was better when it was teacher assessed because there was not all that pressure on one day and demonstrating your knowledge in one exam or couple of exams. how do you feel about that? did you preferred when it is teacher assessed or when it is exams? at did you preferred when it is teacher assessed or when it is exams? at the time, i assessed or when it is exams? at the time. i liked — assessed or when it is exams? at the time, i liked teacher _ assessed or when it is exams? at the time, i liked teacher assessed - time, i liked teacher assessed grades, i was doing well. i could

get better in certain subjects, but it still allowed me to go wanted you and i wanted to do. find it still allowed me to go wanted you and i wanted to do.— and i wanted to do. and solyndra done the exams _ and i wanted to do. and solyndra done the exams this _ and i wanted to do. and solyndra done the exams this summer, i and i wanted to do. and solyndra i done the exams this summer, what and i wanted to do. and solyndra - done the exams this summer, what do you plan ?_- ? -- and so once you've ? —— and so once you've done the ? -- and so once you've done the exams? i — ? -- and so once you've done the exams? i would _ ? -- and so once you've done the exams? i would like _ ? -- and so once you've done the exams? i would like to _ ? -- and so once you've done the exams? i would like to go - exams? i would like to go to university, yes.— exams? i would like to go to university, yes. exams? i would like to go to universi , es. �* ., ., , ., university, yes. and how does that work? have _ university, yes. and how does that work? have the _ university, yes. and how does that work? have the universities - university, yes. and how does that work? have the universities asked| work? have the universities asked for predicted grades? because until today they did not know until there were to be any exam grades at all? i... before cosmos i got a lot of my office back and they are all good, so i can go to the news i want to —— before christmas, i got my offers back. , ., ,, ., ., , before christmas, i got my offers back. , ., ,, ., ., ., back. gina, we know exams are going ahead, so back. gina, we know exams are going ahead. so good _ back. gina, we know exams are going ahead, so good luck _ back. gina, we know exams are going ahead, so good luck with _ back. gina, we know exams are going ahead, so good luck with that. - back. gina, we know exams are going ahead, so good luck with that. gina . ahead, so good luck with that. gina nicholson from york, thank you. when david mzee was paralysed after a gymnastics accident

when he was 22, he was told he would never be able to have children. but now thanks to an electrical implant in his spine, he hasn't only regained the ability to walk, his health has continued to improve to such an extent that he's now the father of a baby girl. our science correspondent pallab ghosh has travelled to switzerland to meet him and his family. michel roccati was paralysed after a motorbike accident five years ago. his spinal cord was completely severed and he has no feeling in his legs. but he can now walk because of an electrical implant that's been surgically inserted on his spine. using a remote control, he's able to send signals to his leg muscles, which enables michel to walk. it's the first time that someone this injured has been able to walk like this. michel, i can't believe that you were paralysed once. i know, it's very close to before the accident, yes. i stand up, i walk where i want alone, i can do the stairs.

and...go, go, go, go! this is michel when he first had his implant in 2020. it gave him some small movement straightaway. nerves in the spinal cord send signals from the brain to the legs. some people are paralysed when the nerves are damaged through injury. in michel's case, there is no signal at all to the legs because the spinal cord is completely severed. but the implant sends signals directly to his legs, enabling him to walk. it just got stimulated. david m'zee is another patient helping scientists with their research... it looks like it works! ..which has been published in nature medicine. they don't use the technology to help them walk in their everyday lives — instead, they use it to practise walking, which exercises their muscles. this is not the cure for spinal cord injury, but it is a critical step to improve people's quality of life. we are going to empower them with the ability to stand, maybe make some steps.

it is not enough, it's not a cure, but it is a significant improvement, i believe, for the future. david and michel stroll together on the banks of lake geneva. so far, nine people have been successfully treated with the implant. david was one of the first people to have the implant. michel is the latest. both of them say that it's transformed their lives, and the hope is that the treatment could benefit many more people. ready, set, go! at his home in zurich, david races with his one—year—old daughter, zoe. when david had his accident 12 years ago, he was just 22. he was paralysed, unable to walk, and unable to have a child. regular walking with the implant has improved his health to such an extent that he was able to father a child last year. it was great fun. it's the first time i've been walking with her in that way — she with her baby walker, i with my walker.

she could beat you! 0h, she can, and she even beats me without the walker, so it's a bit embarrassing! it's also improved david's kite surfing. he can make slight movements with his feet to control the surf board — even with his implant turned off. hey, david! hey, guys! good to see you, man. good to see you. how are you doing? i'm fine. the technology has helped david and michel do more in their lives. it will take many more years, though, before it can be used routinely to help paralysed people walk again. but it is a new way forward for researchers. cheers! pallab ghosh, bbc news, lausanne. the french president, emmanuel macron, has just gone into a meeting with vladimir putin in moscow, hoping to try to avert a conflict in ukraine. the two leaders spoke to reporters before going into that meeting,

the russian leader saying, "we have common concerns about the security situation in europe." around 100,000 russian troops are near the ukraine border, with the west concerned about an invsion. today, the defence secretary, ben wallace, said the uk was sending a further 350 troops to poland, while germany said it too would deploy a further 350 troops to lithuania. the us has also deployed thousands of troops to romania and other nato allies in the region. later today, the new german chancellor will meet president biden at the white house to discuss the security situation in ukraine and negotiations with russia. here's the defence secretary at that meeting earlier today with his polish counterpart. it is absolutely right that two of europe's closest allies meet to discuss what we could do to deter russia and any further steps being taken and, indeed, what we would do if russia

were to make the foolish mistake of invading a sovereign country that has expressed, through its own free will, a desire to not only be part of nato, but also to do things its way, what more we can do to make sure other peoples of europe feel still secure and, indeed, to strengthen our nato partnership, as well as our bilateral partnership. and in that spirit of solidarity and helping share each other�*s challenges of resilience, we will add to those 100 royal engineers by sending a further 350 british troops to poland as a bilateral deployment to show that we can work together and send a strong signal that britain and poland stand side by side. that was the uk defence secretary ben wallace speaking. right now, the us secretary of state antony blinken is speaking. he has said that the us is speaking. he has said that the us is cord needed with allies and partners on how to best share energy

reserves in the event of any disruption to the russian pipeline that carries natural gas through to europe. he said the us and the eu were determined to protect the gas supply to prevent people dying from any cutoffs by russia's natural gas to europe. if they return to speaking about the situation regarding ukraine, we will of course collected at press conference for you. caroline davies is in moscow for us. what's the mood around these negotiations, particularly the conversation happening between president putin and president macron of france? in president putin and president macron of france? , ., . of france? in terms of the leg which we have heard _ of france? in terms of the leg which we have heard from _ of france? in terms of the leg which we have heard from both _ of france? in terms of the leg which l we have heard from both presidents, at the moment it has been relatively warm. we heard from president putin saying he was very happy to see, you, dear emmanuelle. we also heard president putin use the words tea, referring to president macron in the informal way, the way you might refer to a friend rather than a more

formal acquaintance, certainly some more language from that site, and before president macron arrived, talked about the fact he thought a deal with russia was possible, and the fact that he thought russian security concerns were legitimate, that they would raise questions about those, but at the same time it's important to remember the security and the sovereignty of ukraine and that that could not be compromised as well, so two quite firm positions at the moment, but still some warm liquid before these talks began. it’s still some warm liquid before these talks began-— talks began. it's interesting, because of— talks began. it's interesting, because of the _ talks began. it's interesting, because of the trip, - talks began. it's interesting, because of the trip, present| talks began. it's interesting, - because of the trip, present macron told a french newspaper that he recognise russia had a right to raise its own security concerns. i just wonder whether the russian president will perhaps there see the tiniest of cracks emerging in the approach by nato and the eu towards this matter or is that reading too much into it? i this matter or is that reading too much into it?— much into it? i think it's clear that president _ much into it? i think it's clear that president macron - much into it? i think it's clear that president macron has . much into it? i think it's clear- that president macron has decided to

lead with this point of view, but saying the fact that russia has the right to be able to talk about security concerns and the fact that either side are happy to talk about security concerns, we had actually heard that from america before, saying that, yes, we understand you want to talk about your security concerns and, yes, we will talk about those, but we also want to talk about our security concerns as well, so possibly a slight change of emphasis. suggest this is never been discussed before is perhaps a bit too strong, but nonetheless, the fact that present macron has gone insane, we understand you have security concerns, is certainly a very different response to saying, we are sending troops to your neighbours. at the same time, but we are seeing in the course of today, is slightly friendly from president macron, but we also hearing from multiple nato countries as well about how they might respond if there does, if an action is taken by russia as well, to prepare on both

sides. ., ., ., ., sides. 0k, caroline, for the moment, thank you. — sides. 0k, caroline, for the moment, thank you, caroline _ sides. 0k, caroline, for the moment, thank you, caroline davies, _ sides. ok, caroline, for the moment, thank you, caroline davies, our- thank you, caroline davies, our correspondent in moscow. we are awaiting a press conference. let's speak to our correspondent in kyiv, james waterhouse. what's the mood music they were about the ongoing talks? here we have yet another day of diplomacy. you're right. regardless of what is said about moscow and the expectations of that meeting, it seems a good thing here —— it is seen a good thing here by the ukrainian government. any public support is seen as a good thing. president 0ledzki has long said it helps the country's position at the negotiating table should there be any deal to come out of this crisis —— president zelensky. the four foreign ministers who have visited the country today, the german foreign minister is the latest. she met her ukrainian counterpart, who

works in that building just behind me. they had a frank discussion as friends, we are told, and he said he outlined ukraine's redlines, that there would be no political dialogue with the so—called political republics of done yet cs... the second redline is the people of ukraine decide the country's future. that age—old principle of sovereignty, which is so important to the majority of ukrainian people. and yet the build—up of troops is still there. we heard over the weekend us national security adviser saying that russia now had about 70% of the capability needed to launch a full—scale invasion of ukraine. is that something that is domination conversation there? 0r people a bit more sanguine about that in ukraine? i think they are but more sanguine, to your point, ben. there is been

the separation of language. the us has been saying it can happen any day now, any week now. this is the window. the government has not offered any language there. meanwhile, the government ukraine is saying, don't panic, stay calm. we have seen no evidence to suggest in the coming. that said, the us claiming russia is 70% ready, that is probably an area ukraine agrees with the us on. ukraine also says the troops we are seeing, it is still not enough to launch a full—scale assault, so there are troop movements — remember those joint exercises to the north, which is in close proximity to hear, in belarus... that does nothing to ease tensions, which we have long seen on the border, since april last year,

along what is a massive border as well, but it is something ukrainians have learned to live with along with eight years of prolonged aggression and more in the east of the country, so it is worth keeping that perspective. so it is worth keeping that perspective-— so it is worth keeping that perspective. so it is worth keeping that --ersective. g. , ., perspective. 0k, james, for the moment thank _ perspective. 0k, james, for the moment thank you _ perspective. 0k, james, for the moment thank you very - perspective. 0k, james, for the moment thank you very much. l ijust want i just want to take our viewers back to the press conference we saw a little earlier. we saw is any blinken speaking. —— we saw antony blinken. this is... he has reiterated the fact the eu sees ukraine as a strategic partner. let's listen into what he is saying. let's listen into what he is saying. let me express my appreciation to you, secretary of state, for the excellent cooperation over the last week in tackling so many challenges, and that's what we are going to continue doing stuff thank you. we

will now take two questions. the first cushion _ will now take two questions. the first cushion goes _ will now take two questions. the first cushion goes to _ will now take two questions. the first cushion goes to the - will now take two questions. the first cushion goes to the bbc, i first cushion goes to the bbc, barbara — first cushion goes to the bbc, barbara usher— first cushion goes to the bbc, barbara usher —— _ first cushion goes to the bbc, barbara usher —— question. i first cushion goes to the bbc, barbara usher -- question. good afternoon- _ barbara usher -- question. good afternoon- a _ barbara usher -- question. good afternoon. a question _ barbara usher -- question. good afternoon. a question about - afternoon. a question about diplomacy for you, mr blinken. the us and europe are pushing minsk as the solution while ukraine is completely against it. do you still think a measure of autonomy for donbas, the autonomy stipulated in the agreement, is the way to go? and a question for you. you are welcome to comment on that as well, but with her goes to security, does deq agree with the us assessment that a potential imminent invasion of ukraine is in the cards —— does —— the -- the eu? if —— the eu? if not, do you have a different assessment of the situation?—

different assessment of the situation? �* ., , _ ., , ., . situation? i'm happy to start. with reaard situation? i'm happy to start. with re . ard to situation? i'm happy to start. with regard to minsk, _ situation? i'm happy to start. with regard to minsk, the _ situation? i'm happy to start. with regard to minsk, the united - situation? i'm happy to start. withj regard to minsk, the united states and ukraine are united in believing that minsk— and ukraine are united in believing that minsk is the path forward to resolve _ that minsk is the path forward to resolve the conflict in the back one that was— resolve the conflict in the back one that was created by russia's invasion— that was created by russia's invasion —— in the donbas. and the best— invasion —— in the donbas. and the best way— invasion —— in the donbas. and the best way to — invasion —— in the donbas. and the best way to restore ukraine's border, — best way to restore ukraine's border, to— best way to restore ukraine's border, to restore its sovereignty, as well_ border, to restore its sovereignty, as well as — border, to restore its sovereignty, as well as to uphold the rights of ukrainian — as well as to uphold the rights of ukrainian citizens, including those living _ ukrainian citizens, including those living in— ukrainian citizens, including those living in the donbas, ukraine has sought— living in the donbas, ukraine has sought to — living in the donbas, ukraine has sought to move forward with the limitation of the normandy format, as it is _ limitation of the normandy format, as it is called, with france, germany, _ as it is called, with france, germany, ukraine and russia, the principal— germany, ukraine and russia, the principal vehicle to advance that. i think— principal vehicle to advance that. i think if_ principal vehicle to advance that. i think if you — principal vehicle to advance that. i think if you look back over the requirements established in the minsk— requirements established in the minsk agreement, it is a fair assessment to say that ukraine has

sought to _ assessment to say that ukraine has sought to move forward on most if not all— sought to move forward on most if not all of— sought to move forward on most if not all of them, while russia has made _ not all of them, while russia has made good on virtually none of its obligations under minsk, but in all of my— obligations under minsk, but in all of my conversations with our ukrainian _ of my conversations with our ukrainian counterparts, they remain committed — ukrainian counterparts, they remain committed to it. there was recently a meeting _ committed to it. there was recently a meeting of senior officials in the normandy— a meeting of senior officials in the normandy format. ukraine continues to put— normandy format. ukraine continues to put forward good—faith ideas on how to _ to put forward good—faith ideas on how to move forward. minsk does not spell out— how to move forward. minsk does not spell out some issues of sequencing when _ spell out some issues of sequencing when it— spell out some issues of sequencing when it comes to the steps the parties — when it comes to the steps the parties need to take. ukraine has been _ parties need to take. ukraine has been approaching this in good faith. we have _ been approaching this in good faith. we have not to date seen russia do the same _ we have not to date seen russia do the same. the agreement speaks of special— the same. the agreement speaks of special status for the donbas. i believe — special status for the donbas. i believe that, with the appropriate sequencing, ukrainians would be prepared — sequencing, ukrainians would be prepared to move forward, but, again. _ prepared to move forward, but, again. the — prepared to move forward, but, again, the overall picture on minsk in 2014— again, the overall picture on minsk in 2014 has— again, the overall picture on minsk in 2014 has been one in which ukraine — in 2014 has been one in which ukraine has sought to move forward on most of— ukraine has sought to move forward on most of its requirements and russia _ on most of its requirements and russia has— on most of its requirements and russia has not, so if russia is

serious — russia has not, so if russia is serious about implementing minsk, i think it _ serious about implementing minsk, i think it will _ serious about implementing minsk, i think it will find a strong partner in ukraine, _ think it will find a strong partner in ukraine, and france and germany are helping— in ukraine, and france and germany are helping to lead this effort. there's— are helping to lead this effort. there's supposed to be another meeting — there's supposed to be another meeting of the normandy format in the next _ meeting of the normandy format in the next couple weeks. i hope russia will do _ the next couple weeks. i hope russia will do mateta seriousness of purpose _ will do mateta seriousness of purpose. there are some near—term steps _ purpose. there are some near—term steps that— purpose. there are some near—term steps that could be taken to continue _ steps that could be taken to continue build confidence towards the in _ continue build confidence towards the in limitation of minsk. we have one of— the in limitation of minsk. we have one of them that is already more or less in— one of them that is already more or less in place, which is a cease—fire that brings — less in place, which is a cease—fire that brings things back to the levels — that brings things back to the levels of— that brings things back to the levels of 2020. it has not been perfect, — levels of 2020. it has not been perfect, but it is deftly been an improvement over what we are seeing 'ust improvement over what we are seeing just a _ improvement over what we are seeing just a few— improvement over what we are seeing just a few weeks ago, that is encouraging —— definitely been. the ukrainians— encouraging —— definitely been. the ukrainians have also talked abut having _ ukrainians have also talked abut having a — ukrainians have also talked abut having a release of prisoners and also making sure as well that across design _ also making sure as well that across design of— also making sure as well that across design of contact people can move much _ design of contact people can move much more — design of contact people can move much more freely. unfortunately, that has— much more freely. unfortunately, that has been blocked by those on the separatist side. that would be a way to— the separatist side. that would be a way to show seriousness of purpose stop and _ way to show seriousness of purpose stop and then pursue the actual implementation of the accord. at

bottom _ implementation of the accord. at bottom line is, ukraine is committed to minsk _ bottom line is, ukraine is committed to minsk. refresh is too, i believe there's— to minsk. refresh is too, i believe there's a _ way to move forward and resolve this conflict _ way to move forward and resolve this conflict. . , way to move forward and resolve this conflict. ., , ,, ,, . ., , way to move forward and resolve this conflict. ., , ,, ., , ., conflict. that is us secretary of state antony — conflict. that is us secretary of state antony blinken _ conflict. that is us secretary of state antony blinken taking - state antony blinken taking questions from my colleague barbara plett usher on the situation around the dip attic efforts to de—escalate the dip attic efforts to de—escalate the tensions between russia and the west over the build up of troops on the ukrainian border —— diplomatic. he is giving a press conference alongside the eu representative for foreign affairs. they have been meeting and discussing, what is a rather busy day of diplomacy, as we speak right now, the french president and many krohn is holding talks with the russian president vladimir putin —— emmanuel macron. we are expecting them to what he joint press conference when those

talks have concluded. as soon as we get word of that — we are not sure on the times — we are going to move across it and bring you any key development right here on bbc news. let's turn our attention to some uk politics. labour have accused the government of chaos, confusion and spectacular incompetence, after the publication of the plan to tackle record nhs waiting lists in england was delayed. ministers have denied reports that the treasury blocked the announcement, with borisjohnson insisting he's working to agree "tough targets" with the nhs. the only part of the scheme that has been confirmed is the launch of an online service to provide information about waiting times at local hospitals. 0ur health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. the prime minister and chancellor on a hospital visit this morning. it was expected a recovery plan for the nhs in england would be announced today, but that seems to have been ditched at the last minute.

mrjohnson did, however, spell out what was required of nhs cancer services. what we are saying is that we want the vast majority of people who think they may have cancer to have a diagnosis either confirming that they do or that they don't have cancer within 28 days. what happened to the plan isn't clear, but the treasury has not denied that it intervened. labour said it was more evidence the government is in disarray. we desperately need a plan. the government said it was going to come up with a plan and now it hasn't. i think it is yet more evidence that the chaos and incompetence of particularly the last three or four months where everybody has been embroiled in allegations about partygate, there is a price for that, and the price is the government not getting on with the job. the plan was meant to tackle the record high nhs backlog — six million people are on waiting lists for nonurgent operations, like knee replacements.

notjust inconvenient but often causing huge suffering to those waiting. we hearfrom people that this is really putting their lives on hold. it makes people anxious, it makes people despondent, and it makes people lose hope that they themselves will recover. we talk about system recovery but what we are talking about is people's ability to recover their lives. the plan was meant to help the nhs in england find solutions to getting through the backlog, particularly for those who have waited the longest. it will be measures to free up clinician time. to support trusts to work more effectively together. critically, it will be measures to help to keep patients well while they wait for their procedures. £8 billion has been set aside to ease the backlog. there had been a debate about whether, in return, the nhs should meet targets, but however that was resolved, many experts believe that the plan, which had been worked

on since before 0micron, had been signed off. quite what could be holding it up now, one hopes it's merely an issue of detail or a misunderstanding, not something more fundamental, because this has been worked on for many, many months. instead of the main plan to address the patient backlog, there was a smaller government announcement today — a new online service providing waiting times information for those in need of treatment. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. the prime minister's new director of communications has insisted that borisjohnson is a fun character but "not a complete clown". guto harri arrived for his first day in downing street this morning. what's the first thing you're going to do today? give healthy snacks and a drink of water to the staff. saying he is bringing snacks and

mineral water — perhaps a healthy alternative to what had been consumed on downing street. let's talk to our political correspondent ione wells. people will notice reuse and repeat written across it, and that is exactly what boris johnson is written across it, and that is exactly what borisjohnson is doing with hiring guto harri. it is exactly what boris johnson is doing with hiring guto harri.— with hiring guto harri. it is almost like bhutto _ with hiring guto harri. it is almost like bhutto has _ with hiring guto harri. it is almost like bhutto has worked _ with hiring guto harri. it is almost like bhutto has worked in - with hiring guto harri. it is almost. like bhutto has worked in television and knows how to capture our attention, but as you say, he is someone who knows the prime minister well, has worked with him and he passed. he has not shied away in the last couple of weeks and months for being critical both publicly and privately with individuals about some of the way that boris johnson has handled recent events, i think as you say a little cheeky reference there perhaps this morning to reporters in downing street, to bringing mineral water and healthy snacks, after recent allegations of wine and cheese parties going on in

lockdown in various whitehall locations. but it was interesting to note as well that tahari today was making headlines himself, giving injury with one welsh language magazine, where he described boris johnson as not a complete clown and recalled the moment that he was hired to this new position of director of communications, met with his boss and was reunited with boris johnson, and recalls that boris johnson, and recalls that boris johnson went on to say, i will survive to the klien of —— to the tune of gloria gaynor�*s song of the similar lyrics. went on to say that they did have a serious discussion after that about how they could reset the operation of government going forward, something which the prime minister himself that is a big priority for him after weeks and weeks of difficult headlines. yes. weeks of difficult headlines. yes, uuite a weeks of difficult headlines. yes, quite a colourful— weeks of difficult headlines. yes, quite a colourful first _ weeks of difficult headlines. yes, quite a colourful first day - weeks of difficult headlines. yes, quite a colourful first day in the job for guto harri, and there has been another report, steve berkley, and some conversation being provoked around that. . v

and some conversation being provoked around that. ., �*, around that. that's right, so the other big point _ around that. that's right, so the other big point and _ around that. that's right, so the other big point and we - around that. that's right, so the other big point and we had - around that. that's right, so the other big point and we had on i around that. that's right, so the | other big point and we had on the weekend was the appointment of the cabinet office minister steve barclay. he is also going to take on the position of chief of staff in downing street as well, and many people were questioning this was something he would be able to juggle. something he would be able to juggle, being chief of staff, advising the prime minister day today on governing business there but also having the role of cabinet office minister, response before 0ffice minister, response before coordinating different departments across whitehall. the cabinet office is a massive massive department. some people don't necessarily realise just how much it doesn't do, it brings together all kinds of different department across whitehall, often to troubleshoot problems the government might be facing at the time, whether it is over migrant channel crossing or supply chain shortage issues as well, so people have been questioning whether this is something that is one person would be capable of doing, as well as being an mp as well for this is something which labour questioned the government on. they asked if

stephen barclay would come and make a statement about his new role as chief of staff to the prime minister, in his place was michael ellis, another minister who was there to defend the new position. but this was something liberte's angela rayner criticise, saying he did not have a time to defend his new role in government. where is the chief of staff? and the minister— where is the chief of staff? and the minister mentioned with the pride minister said. minister mentioned with the pride ministersaid. he minister mentioned with the pride minister said. he also said that this change gives an enhanced role for parliament, yet his very first act is _ for parliament, yet his very first act is refusing to even turn up here to explain— act is refusing to even turn up here to explain his ownjob. but maybe that paymaster general can tell us, is it a _ that paymaster general can tell us, is it a ministerialjob, a public appointment, a party role? is it something that does not even exist yet? so _ something that does not even exist et? ~ ., something that does not even exist et? �* ., ,

yet? so angela there being quite critical about _ yet? so angela there being quite critical about how _ yet? so angela there being quite critical about how stephen - yet? so angela there being quite l critical about how stephen barclay would operate initially treated office with michael ellis to defend the permit sanctity berkeley is not someone who could interview —— integrate the views of backbench mps more into the heart of government but also stressed it because the barkley with someone who was elected, and mp, a minister, they will be more accountable both to the electorate also to other empties themselves and help to a network co—ordinate both government, the cabinet office and backbench mps which he said it was a priority for the prime minister at this time. {lilia the prime minister at this time. 0k, thank you very _ the prime minister at this time. 0k, thank you very much. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. a lovely day but cloud increasing and as we

stay in this milder wedge of the colder air to the north moving in behind this cold front. this is the rain i'm talking about spreading across scotland and northern ireland, lying across southern scotland in the far north of england by the end of the night and behind it turns colder with blustery showers, wintry over the hills. to the south, mainly dry, and breezy with clear spells so as we had the route to be a tale of two halves with the with the weather fronts but in the country in half and outbreaks of rain on the north with chilli and showers and blustery and windy with mild across england and with some good spells of sunshine but windy as well. the milder air eventually ebbs away from the set as we had through wednesday and the cold air winds out but high—pressure roles in and many places will be dry with a return to overnight frost. thank you very much. sport, and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's hugh.

good evening. the football associations of the four home nations and the republic of ireland have decided not to bid to host the 2030 world cup, but instead focus on a joint bid for euro 2028. the five countries have decided they will go for a joint bid to the euro tournament with the british saying there was a lot of in the air for there was a lot of in the air for the world cup. it comes after a uk government feasibility study that cost nearly £3 million into the world cup bid. it looked at the economic impact and costs of hosting the tournament. it's led the republic of ireland, england, northern ireland, wales and scotland to decide on a joint bid for the european championship just months after england hosted the euro 2020 final at wembley, where there were serious issues with fan trouble. it's good to have ambition but not pipe dreams. i think it was a complete waste of money to do this feasibility study and they could have done in 20 seconds and been told there was no hope. so, great, go for it but i think we need to sort football governments out in the schedule for wheat want to look towards hosting major events. chelsea have agreed to pay damages

to four former youth team players who alleged they were racially abused at the club in the 1990s, with each understood to be receiving a six—figure sum. the players were suing the club and were due for a high court hearing next month after alleged abuse by former coaches gwyn williams and graham rix, but an out of court settlement was reached today after the club decided to take the case out of the hands of its insurers. the settlement will avoid what would have been a hugely embarrassing episode for the club. sportswear company nike say they no longer sponsor manchester united's mason greenwood after originally suspending their relationship with him following his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman. the player was also later arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill and released on bail pending further investigations. his club previously said he would not return to training or matches until further notice. paul collingwood has been appointed the england men's cricket team interim head coach. he'll take charge for the three—match test series against west indies next month after chris silverwood left the role following england's 4—0 ashes defeat in australia. collingwood's been an assistant

coach and led the team in their t20 series in the caribbean last month, which they also lost. the test squad will be announced tomorrow. team gb's mixed doubles curlers will have to settle for a bronze at best after losing their semifinal at the winter olympics. bruce mouat and jen dodds started well in their match against norway, but the lead they established was wiped out on end six, with norway scoring a crucial three points. they held on and won with the hammer on the eighth and final end, claiming a 6—5 victory, with gb now heading to a bronze medal playoff against sweden tomorrow morning. just really disappointed with my last three ends it really is that with each of the thing to get over. jim played amazing all day and, you know, just as appointed more for what i've done to the team and for myself, you know? it's tough.

and history was made at the speed skating. ireen wust has become the first athlete to win an individual gold at five different 0lympics. it's a sixth gold and 12th medal overall at the games for wust. the dutch skater won the 1500 metres in beijing to retain the title she claimed four years ago. the 35—year—old has said these games will be her last before retiring. that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. that's bbc.co.uk/sport. we'll have more for you in sportsday at 6:30pm. plenty of options they and thank you very much. the chinese tennis star peng shuai

has given her first western media interview since she accused a former a senior communist party official of sexual assault. there's been global concern for her safety since november, when she made the allegation and disappeared from the public eye for three weeks. she's now told a french newspaper she didn't accuse anyone of sexual assault and that it was all a "huge misunderstanding". courtney bembridge has more. the story started on the 2nd of november with a post on the chinese social media site weibo, which was very quickly deleted. in it, peng shuai accused a former vice premier of the chinese communist party of sexual assault. she then disappeared from the public eye, and by the middle of november, several high—profile tennis players, including naomi osaka and serena williams, were tweeting about the situation using the hashtag #whereispengshuai. chinese state—run media then posted an e—mail which it said was written by peng shuai, saying, "i'm not missing nor am i unsafe. i've just been resting at home and everything is fine." but it did little to quell concerns, and the un and the white house

called for an investigation and verifiable proof of her whereabouts. two days later, the international olympic committee president, thomas bach, said he held a video call with peng shuai and she said she was safe and well, but there were chinese officials on the call. then in december, the women's tennis association announced it was suspending all of its tournaments in china, including in hong kong, until there was a full and transparent investigation without censorship or coercion. now, peng shuai has confirmed her retirement from the sport in an interview with a french sport newspaper on the sidelines of the beijing winter olympics. she said... she also said she had a dinner with the ioc president over the weekend and they had a nice discussion. an ioc statement gave few details of the conversation.

peng shuai was accompanied by the chinese olympic committee chief of staff during the interview, raising further questions about whether she was able to speak freely. courtney bembridge, bbc news. a 19—year—old man has admitted killing his 15—year—old sister at a welsh caravan park last summer. matthew selby from ashton—under—lyne, greater manchester, denied murdering his sister amanda in conwy county, but admitted an alternative charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. matthew richards reports from mold crown court. well, this was meant to be a family holiday at a busy holiday park last summer, but onjuly the 31st, police were called to reports of a domestic disturbance in one of the caravans there. ambulance crews also attended, and it was quickly clear that this was a very serious incident, which obviously shocked those who were spending time with their own families at the site. 15—year—old amanda selby died as a result of asphyxia resulting from neck compression and airway obstruction at ty mawr holiday park

in towyn, which is in conwy county. in a statement released by her family at the time, she was described as a loving daughter and granddaughter who was caring, thoughtful and liked to help others, and was very much loved. her brother, 19—year—old matthew selby from ashton—under—lyne in greater manchester, had denied her murder but appearing via video link at mold crown court this morning, he admitted an alternative charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the prosecution barrister. that essentially means that at the time of the incident, his mentalfunctions were impaired as a result of a medical condition. he was told he's due to be sentenced on the 18th of march once further psychiatric and legal reports, including things like impact statements from other family members, are carried out.

asda has said it will keep more food stocked after being criticised by the food bloggerjack munro. asda had been criticised for food either being removed from shelves are going up being removed from shelves are going up in price. new rules for private car parks in england, scotland and wales mean those who run them will have to introduce a fairer system for appeals and give drivers a ten—minute grace period for being late. most penalty payments will be capped at £50, down from £100. the code of conduct has been drawn up following complaints of bad behaviour by some operators. its ambition was to be a vaccine for the world. 2.5 billion doses of the 0xford/astrazeneca jab were delivered across the globe during the pandemic, and nearly half of all adults in the uk received two doses of it. its use in the rest of europe, though, wasn't straightforward. there was a row with the eu

about supply shortages, and restrictions were put on the vaccine's use over the risk of rare blood clots. so, did politics get in the way? 0ur medical editor fergus walsh reports. cheering. the roll—out of the 0xford/astrazeneca vaccine in the uk is widely regarded as a great success, but in the eu, it was beset by hurdles. in late january 2021, with vaccines in desperately short supply, president macron described the astrazeneca jab as quasi—ineffective in the elderly. france and germany said they wouldn't use it for older adults, but both reversed that decision weeks later when it was shown to be highly protective. many eu countries briefly suspended its use completely over the risk of rare blood clots. a few never used it again. sirjohn bell of oxford university, who helped bring astrazeneca on board, is scathing about what he sees as missteps

by decision—makers in the eu. bad behaviourfrom both scientists and from politicians will have killed probably hundreds of thousands of people. and that they cannot be proud of. they have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes throughout the rest of the world. then there's the issue of vaccine equity. six in ten of the world's population have received at least one dose of a covid vaccine. but across africa, just one in 20 people are double—jabbed. we're going to be deep into 2022 before we have this pandemic under control in a best—case scenario. because that's how long it's going to take to get vaccines rolled out equitably around the world. billions of vaccine doses have now been pledged for low—income countries. but the logistics of getting them to those who need them is a major problem.

nigeria destroyed 1 million astrazeneca doses in december which had a shelf life of just a few weeks, too little time to use them. the scientist who created the jab wants vaccine production scaled up well before the next deadly virus emerges. for the next pandemic, we need to increase our manufacturing i capacity across the world. if the vaccines don't exist, then they can't be shared. j despite the setbacks, the oxford/astrazeneca vaccine has played a major role in curbing the pandemic. easy to store and transport and sold at no profit, it's had a truly global reach. fergus walsh, bbc news. australia is to open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers almost two years after after imposing strict controls on arrivals to control the spread of covid—19. unvaccinated travellers will have to apply for an exemption and stay in a quarantine hotel on arrival.

the rules will change in two weeks' time. the headlines on bbc news — exam boards say gcse and a—level students will be graded more generously this year to account for covid. hospital chiefs speak of their frustation at delays to a plan to tackle the nhs waiting list backlog in england. we report on how a spinal implant is allowing paralysed people to walk once more. with up to 8 million people at risk of starvation, including 1 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 8 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. 0ne 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. the uk government says it's providing £286 million in aid, but the situation is increasingly desperate, famine added to economic collapse. john simpson, bbc news, kohsan, afghanistan. india is observing a second day of mourning after the death of legendary playback singer lata mang—eshkar at the age of 92. the singer died due to complications from covid yesterday and was honoured with a state funeral rajini vaidyanathan reports. the singer lost her life to covid—19

and died on sunday. schools have been closed and offices have been closed and even the banks and courts and financial markets, and that gives you a sense ofjust how much he meant people here in the city and in the country as a whole. flags have been flown at half mast across india as a mark of respect, too. now her career spanned seven decades. she recorded tens of thousands of songs, more than the rolling stones and the beatles put together. 0n and the beatles put together. on sunday, she was afforded the rare honour of a state funeral which was attended by the indian prime minister, narendra modi. but she had the ability to cross divides, and so she also had tributes coming in from neighbouring pakistan, a country often an adversary of india. they were led by the prime minister, who said that her songs gave some people so much pleasure.

emergency workers in madagascar are assessing the damage inflicted by cyclone batsirai, with whole villages reported to have been almost completely destroyed. at least ten people have died and nearly 48,000 forced from their homes. it's the second cyclone to hit madagascar in two weeks. sylvia lennan—spence reports. widespread flooding is cut off large parts of the island making it rescue efforts even more difficult. 0ne local official in the southeast of the country said the damage there was so bad, it was as though the area had been bombed.- was so bad, it was as though the area had been bombed. many houses have collapsed- _ area had been bombed. many houses have collapsed. we _ area had been bombed. many houses have collapsed. we cannot _ area had been bombed. many houses have collapsed. we cannot say - area had been bombed. many houses have collapsed. we cannot say how. have collapsed. we cannot say how many people are affected because we are all affected. my home is destroyed. no matter where you go, everything is destroyed. roofs destroyed. no matter where you go, everything is destroyed.— everything is destroyed. roofs were ri ed off everything is destroyed. roofs were ripped off homes — everything is destroyed. roofs were ripped off homes and _ everything is destroyed. roofs were ripped off homes and buildings i everything is destroyed. roofs were | ripped off homes and buildings while others were inundated with water. it was early morning. we were still sleeping — was early morning. we were still sleeping. the owner of the house can it tell— sleeping. the owner of the house can it tell us _ sleeping. the owner of the house can it tell us that water was rising. we

went— it tell us that water was rising. we went to _ it tell us that water was rising. we went to the — it tell us that water was rising. we went to the other side of the house and the walls started to crack. the wind was very _ and the walls started to crack. the wind was very strong and there have been a _ wind was very strong and there have been a lot— wind was very strong and there have been a lot of— wind was very strong and there have been a lot of damage. _ wind was very strong and there have been a lot of damage. early- wind was very strong and there have been a lot of damage. early in- wind was very strong and there have been a lot of damage. early in the i been a lot of damage. early in the morning. — been a lot of damage. early in the morning. the _ been a lot of damage. early in the morning, the water— been a lot of damage. early in the morning, the water was— been a lot of damage. early in the morning, the water was rising i been a lot of damage. early in thej morning, the water was rising and all the _ morning, the water was rising and all the neighbourhood _ morning, the water was rising and all the neighbourhood was - all the neighbourhood was underwater. _ all the neighbourhood was underwater.— all the neighbourhood was underwater. ,~ ., , ., , ,, underwater. cyclone batsirai slipped inland late on _ underwater. cyclone batsirai slipped inland late on saturday, _ underwater. cyclone batsirai slipped inland late on saturday, slamming l inland late on saturday, slamming into the eastern coastline with a heavy rain and wind speeds of up to 155 kph. brute heavy rain and wind speeds of up to 155 k-h. ~ ., heavy rain and wind speeds of up to 155 kh. . ., ., 155 kph. we live on the hill on the edae of a 155 kph. we live on the hill on the edge of a cliff- — 155 kph. we live on the hill on the edge of a cliff. the _ 155 kph. we live on the hill on the edge of a cliff. the wind - 155 kph. we live on the hill on the edge of a cliff. the wind was i 155 kph. we live on the hill on the i edge of a cliff. the wind was strong but our house is strong. early the morning, there was a landslide and to be safe the head of the neighbourhood told us to go to the evacuation centre and that's why we are here. .,, , are here. the red cross with registering — are here. the red cross with registering arrivals _ are here. the red cross with registering arrivals at - are here. the red cross with registering arrivals at this i registering arrivals at this evacuation centre, but groups say they have not been able to reach many others. they have not been able to reach many others-— they have not been able to reach many others. they have not been able to reach man others. ~ ., , ., , ., many others. what we see now is that 50,000 many others. what we see now is that 50.000 people _ many others. what we see now is that 50.000 people are — many others. what we see now is that 50,000 people are considered - 50,000 people are considered displaced and we estimate that up to what to— displaced and we estimate that up to what to do— displaced and we estimate that up to what to do thousand people will be

directly _ what to do thousand people will be directly funded by the cyclone. and the human is _ directly funded by the cyclone. fific the human is worn directly funded by the cyclone. fific the human is worn those directly funded by the cyclone. e'"ic the human is worn those numbers directly funded by the cyclone. el"ic the human is worn those numbers are likely to rise. it comes to the fortnight after the impoverished nation was hit by another deadly storm. it killed 55 people and displaced 130,000 residents. in canada, a state of emergency has been declared in the capital 0ttawa in response to the ongoing truckers' protests against covid restrictions. the mayor, jim watson, said the city was outnumbered and losing the battle against the freedom convoy. the truckers have paralysed the centre of ottawa with vehicles and tents blocking roads. jessica murphy is in ottawa and has sent us this update. 0ttawa woke up on monday here under a state of emergency as anti—vaccine mandate protests entered their 11th day. you can see the trucks here behind me, and they really stretch a few blocks

that way and a few blocks that way, and they've really gridlocked the centre of the city here. and disrupted daily life for a lot of residents, who so they can hear horns honking at all hours of the day and some local businesses have either closed their doors or said they have lost customers. but you can see signs of support. in fact, also right behind me here, along the fences in front of parliament hill, and thousands of protesters have joined these truckers behind me over the last two weekends. 0ttawa's mayor, jim watson, has said the state of emergency will give the city of the flexibility to help deal with these protests, and you can also hear the trucks running their engines behind me. police moved on sunday to cut off fuel to some of these truckers here in the main protest area, but the truckers we spoke to and the protesters we spoke to have said they really believe that they're here as a movement for freedom

as long as they need, until they feel their voices are heard so it's really not clear yet how this impasse will end. the queen's platinum jubilee celebrations are continuing with a bang as gun salutes were fired across the country to mark her 70—year reign. at noon, the king's troop royal horse artillery, named by the queen's father, king george vi, fired a 41—gun salute from london's green park. gun salutes were also fired in edinburgh and outside the tower of london. events will be held over the coming year in honour of the queen. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. thank you very much. a lovely day across much of the country with a lot of sunshine this morning in the breeze starting to pick up through the day as over the front approached from the west and we saw skies start a cloud over very much like this

lovely photo from herefordshire. but it's going to be a tale of two halves through tonight and tomorrow. rain pushing to the north and west and will turn a bit chilly or further south and it will be milder all areas breezy. we had this wedge of milder air across our shores of the moment and because of the colder air sliding southwards behind this cold front which will be making inroads through this evening is certainly overnight. across scotland, northern ireland and parking through the central area for the end of the night and behind it the end of the night and behind it the air turns colder with blustery showers and wintry over the high ground and colder here. to the south, a mild night to come, largely dry with very polite and clear spells. tuesday definitely one of two halves and we have that front crossing the centre part of the country with cloud, outbreaks of right into the north it's colder, bright was an agenda showers and these wintry on the hills and windy as well and the south mainly dry with some sunshine and variable cloud. these are the wind gusts it will be blustery with gale force winds across the west of scotland but extremely mild in the south,

even amount of what we had to date, 12-14 in even amount of what we had to date, 12—14 in the milder spots. to the north, is going to be chilly with temperatures there in single digits. if you move out of tuesday into wednesday, subtle changes in this weather front waxes and wanes across the centre of the country and slowly slides southwards so i think a little bit more of northern england and perhaps wales could get into that colder air through the day but otherwise bright with sunshine and showers in these increasingly wintry across scotland with snow on the hills there and quite windy as well. this front pushing his way toward self most southern england so here a bit more cloud around and we hold onto the browder air efficacy at 10-13 onto the browder air efficacy at 10—13 and single figures further north. feeling colder when you factor in the wind. if you move out of wednesday into thursday, that weather front slides southwards and weather front slides southwards and we are all into the colder air and need to keep an eye on this sharp area of low pressure which could bring severe gales, some snow to northern scotland and higher pressure wants to build and for the end of the week and it will be turning colderfor all areas end of the week and it will be turning colder for all areas so watch out for that area of low

pressure across the north of scotland on thursday and otherwise it's turning colder for all areas with some sunshine but the return to some overnight frost. see you later.

today at six — the return of gcses and a—level exams this summer — for tens of thousands of pupils. this year's candidates — after all the disruption of covid — are to be graded more generously than before the pandemic and given more guidance. this year's group have been adversely affected more than any other year group that have gone through to exams so far. and theyjust really need that boost of knowing what they really need to focus their minds on. the new guidance was announced in england, but the approach is broadly similar across the uk. also today... harmony on health policy says borisjohnson — he denies the chancellor delayed a plan to tackle long waiting lists. what we are doing is working together across the whole of

government to fix the covid backlogs which, believe me, is a massive