i'm ros atkins with outside source. world leaders are ramping up talks to prevent another war in ukraine. translation: of course i understand we have a common concern _ over european security, and i'd like to thank you for the fact that france is always trying to keep the decision—making process free and open. translation: today's meeting will begin to point us _ in the direction where we need to go, a de—escalation — the terms of which we're already familiar with. vladimir putin and emmanual macron

are about to hold a joint news conference following face—to—face talks. as that's happening in moscow, in washington, the german chancellor is about to meet president biden — olaf scholz has been criticised for not doing enough to help ukraine. in other news, a man who was paralysed in a motorbike accident five years ago is able to walk again, in a medical first. i stand up, i walk where i want alone, i can do the stairs. candida's capital ottawa has declared a state of emergency —— canada. intense diplomacy continues. the west says russia may invade — russia says it has no such plans. lots to show you — first here's the eu's foreign policy chief.

we are living, to my understanding, the most dangerous moment in europe after the end of the cold war. but at the same time, we believe that there is still room for diplomacy, there's still for discussing. and discussions are happening. he was speaking after meeting the us secretary of state. joe biden is hosting the german chancellor olaf scholz in washington. and we heard this from the us president. we and we heard this from the us president-— president. we are working in lockste - president. we are working in lockstep to _ president. we are working in lockstep to further _ president. we are working in lockstep to further deter - president. we are working in - lockstep to further deter russian aggression in europe and address the challenges _ aggression in europe and address the challenges caused by china and promote — challenges caused by china and promote stability in the western balkans — promote stability in the western balkans. . �* , promote stability in the western balkans. . �*, . ., balkans. that's in washington. then in moscow. — balkans. that's in washington. then in moscow, here _ balkans. that's in washington. then in moscow, here is _ balkans. that's in washington. then in moscow, here is valerie - —— vladimir putin hosting emmanuel macron. we heard from both of them. translation: | wouldl like to stress one thing. of course i understand we have a common concern

over european security, and i would like to thank you for the fact that france is always trying to keep the decision—making process free and open and has provided a fair perspective since the start of the relationship. translation: i think today's meeting will begin to point us _ in the direction where we need to go, a de—escalation — the terms of which we're already familiar with — the political and military situation, the question of ukraine, which has a great importance, and the normandy group meetings, the security situation in belarus and across the entire region and, of course, the wider questions over collective security, about which we're going to speak. the context to this is russia's build—up of forces on its border with ukraine. we think there are around 125,000 troops. us officials says that is around 70% of what's needed for a full—scale invasion. and of course the americans can see what is happening. this is a satellite image of russian armoured vehicles and trucks assembled about 50km from the border. the british foreign secretary

ben wallace met his polish counterpart in london earlier — and we heard from him. 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. 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. sergei goryashkyo is in moscow. he is with us live on outside source. earlier, we heard president macron sank perhaps a deal is within

reach. do we have any idea what form that deal might take? it’s a reach. do we have any idea what form that deal might take?— that deal might take? it's a good cuestion. that deal might take? it's a good question- i _ that deal might take? it's a good question. i wouldn't _ that deal might take? it's a good question. i wouldn't expect - that deal might take? it's a good| question. i wouldn't expect every detail today. we have not heard anything new from the meeting, it hasn't ended yet, they are expected to be at the press conference shortly. macron is expected to secure some promises from vladimir putin not to escalate detention at the border —— any tension. he will meet president zielinski tomorrow in kyiv, expecting putin to give him some promises, and the question is whether putin will give something or not. �* ., ., , , , , not. and we have got this press conference _ not. and we have got this press conference coming _ not. and we have got this press conference coming up _ not. and we have got this press conference coming up in - not. and we have got this press conference coming up in a - not. and we have got this press - conference coming up in a moment. do we think they will actually be taking questions from journalists? probably they will be, but i would not expect there will be many of

them. it is a good sign that the kremlin is still voluntarily speaking to european leaders, the chron is talking to putin in moscow, but i think putin very understands... —— macron talking to. macron needs to be seen as a peacemaker, somebody who has achieved something. i would not expect putin to be willing to help him a lot in this situation in this case, and of course moscow was more keen to talk to their us counterparts, and putin is more keen to talk with biden, he sees him as the only person who is at a high enough level of talking in this situation. �* ., , ., enough level of talking in this situation. ., , situation. and would you consider that this is _ situation. and would you consider that this is already _ situation. and would you consider that this is already in _ situation. and would you consider that this is already in some - situation. and would you consider that this is already in some waysl situation. and would you consider| that this is already in some ways a victory for vladimir putin, because he has made the issue of russia's concerns about eastern europe a

central issue in global affairs at the moment?— central issue in global affairs at the moment? , . �*, ., ., the moment? yes, that's what we have been tellin: the moment? yes, that's what we have been telling since _ the moment? yes, that's what we have been telling since december, _ the moment? yes, that's what we have been telling since december, i - the moment? yes, that's what we have been telling since december, i would . been telling since december, i would say, putin pause michael was for us to make the united states and european leaders talk to him and to be on the first pages of all newspapers —— putin's goal was. in this case, putin has achieved his goals. the question is what he's going to do next and how he is going to turn it good for himself.- to turn it good for himself. sergei, we appreciate _ to turn it good for himself. sergei, we appreciate your _ to turn it good for himself. sergei, we appreciate your help. _ to turn it good for himself. sergei, we appreciate your help. thank - to turn it good for himself. sergei, | we appreciate your help. thank you very much. now, let's learn about a medical breakthrough which has allowed in number of paralysed people to walk. one of them has also been able to father a child. the pioneering treatment,

developed by swiss researchers, uses an electrical spinal cord implant. it is the first time someone whose spine has been completely severed has had the ability to walk restored. our science correspondent pallab ghosh has the story. 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! oh, 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. in canada, thousands of people have been protesting against covid restrictions in the capital ottawa. and now there is a state

of emergency in ottawa. iwe i we have businesses that have been forced to shutter. we have residents fearing leaving the residence. but for the truck drivers, this is about a point of principle. people should be able to make their own choice _ people should be able to make their own choice to take the needle not take the _ own choice to take the needle not take the needle and not lose their 'ob take the needle and not lose their job cannot — take the needle and not lose their job cannot lose their house, not lose _ job cannot lose their house, not lose their— job cannot lose their house, not lose their income, just for the vaccination. and while the protests are escalating, they're not new. this started last month, whenjustin trudeau's government brought in a vaccine mandate for truckers arriving from the us. all canadian truckers must be vaccinated to avoid a 14—day quarantine.

in protest, a loose coalition of truckers and conservative groups was formed. and what's been called the freedom convoy began making its way from western canada to ottawa. quickly, it was attracting support from much further afield. many conservative us politicians have expressed their support for the truckers. republican senator ted cruz tweeted. .. this is no longer solely about the trucker vaccine mandate but about covid restrictions in general. they're notjust asking for an end to that mandate for truckers, they're calling for an end to all vaccine mandates — top to bottom, at every level of government — which is something that the trudeau administration nationally can't even do. and politico also reports that the movement is now wider than just vaccine mandates, writing... a broad idea underpins

many of these causes. i support the truckers because they're standing up for freedom. our canadian charter of rights and freedoms has been violated in many, many ways. for some, it's a stand for freedom. prime ministerjustin trudeau doesn't see it this way. the small fringe minority of people who are on their way to ottawa or. who are holding unacceptable views that they're expressing do not - represent the views of canadians, . who have been there for each other. that phrase — "fringe minority" — has not gone down well. elon musk tweeted. .. justin trudeau does have a broad mandate — his liberal party failed to win a majority in the recent election but did form the government. also, a recent opinion poll found

that 68% of canadians felt they had "very little in common" with the truckers. the canadian trucking alliance estimates that at least 85% of the 120,000 canadian truckers who work cross—border routes are vaccinated. that's in line with the nearly 90% of canadians overall. nonetheless, as we can see, some truckers aren't happy. and nor are some ottawa residents who want more done to end the protest. they could prevent them from parking. them from entering the city. i lost myjob three weeks ago. well, i'm losing my sanity because of you guys. there's an impasse in that conversation — there's an impasse overall. the truckers for the moment are staying. and the government insists the vaccine mandate stays too. travis dhanraj is a reporter for cbc. travis, when you talk to those

protesters, how long do they say they want to continue with these blockades?— they want to continue with these blockades? , ., , blockades? listen, we have been talkin: to blockades? listen, we have been talking to protesters _ blockades? listen, we have been talking to protesters for - blockades? listen, we have been talking to protesters for over - blockades? listen, we have been talking to protesters for over a i talking to protesters for over a week now, we're two of this, and he protesters, they they are not going anywhere until all the mandates are gone. ottawa police, they are increasing enforcement. we saw a raid on one camp that the protesters have last night, to remove some gas and propane, and they are also issuing tickets. i spoke to a gentleman yesterday who had a $200 fine, 200 canadian dollars fine, and i will happen every single day. he says he does not care how much money he's being charged, he is staying put. he's being charged, he is staying ut. ~ ., he's being charged, he is staying ut, . ., he's being charged, he is staying ut,~ ., ., he's being charged, he is staying put. what scale are the protests at the moment? _ put. what scale are the protests at the moment? i— put. what scale are the protests at the moment? i can _ put. what scale are the protests at the moment? i can see _ put. what scale are the protests at the moment? i can see some - the moment? i can see some people behind you, but can you give a feel for how much this is disrupting the city? for how much this is disrupting the ci ? ~ , , ., , ~ for how much this is disrupting the city? absolutely. we can take you

around and _ city? absolutely. we can take you around and show _ city? absolutely. we can take you around and show you, _ city? absolutely. we can take you around and show you, these - city? absolutely. we can take you around and show you, these are l around and show you, these are department buildings here. we are in the nation's capital, which is in a state of emergency. this is wellington street, and this has been the scene for two weeks now, and it is not only in this that these trucks are parked for blocks and blocks as far as the eye can see, but all over, and that has been the concern for police, because emergency vehicles are having difficult getting into the city for about a week or so. the main mall has been blocked off, the park has been shut down in downtown ottawa, folks have been having to for cult to getting to the pharmacy, getting prescriptions, so this has been causing a lot of chaos. not to mention the honking, which goes on to the early hours of the morning, and now there is a class action lawsuit for residents in ottawa, saying that they want to see damages from the protests organisers because of the mental health affects. bud

from the protests organisers because of the mental health affects.- of the mental health affects. and of course with — of the mental health affects. and of course with the _ of the mental health affects. and of course with the honking _ of the mental health affects. and of course with the honking and - of the mental health affects. and of course with the honking and the - of the mental health affects. and of| course with the honking and the size of the trucks, that draws a lot of attention, no doubt, but to what degree is this morphing from a truckers protest to something that is attracting other people from across canadian society? absolutel he, and it across canadian society? absolutel he. and it has— across canadian society? absolutel he, and it has come _ across canadian society? absolutel he, and it has come this _ across canadian society? absolutel he, and it has come this magnet i across canadian society? absolutel| he, and it has come this magnet for all kind of grievances. it started out with the trucker mandates that went into place injanuary, truckers coming to canada had to be vaccinated. and has now become a cause for so many people, when it comes to fighting covid restrictions overall, when it comes to fighting mandates overall as well, and these folks we are talking to her saying they want their fundamental freedoms back, and that the mandates that are in place right now, covid restrictions, are impeding their ability to provide for their families and they say that the federal government needs to do something. i know you've talked about this, but the prime minister and the federal government, they are not moving when it comes to this

mandate, they are staying for and that this is a fringe minority, does not represent the views of canadians in general. not represent the views of canadians in ueneral. . , ., , in general. travis, that is so useful. thanks _ in general. travis, that is so useful. thanks for _ in general. travis, that is so useful. thanks forjoining i in general. travis, that is soj useful. thanks forjoining us in general. travis, that is so i useful. thanks forjoining us on in general. travis, that is so - useful. thanks forjoining us on the bbc. we appreciate it. that is travis dhanraj from cbc. let's talk about uk politics. boris johnson is looking to reassure his party. his new press chief, guto harri, says his boss is likeable and not a complete clown, in an interview on his first day at downing street. guto harri is one of two new appointments under borisjohnson's rejig of downing street. this is how he arrived for work today. what's the first thing - you're going to do today? give healthy snacks and mineral water to the staff. so, healthy snacks and mineral water for the staff. guto harri was hired following

a chaotic week in number 10. we covered it on the programme. five of borisjohnson's top aides quit in 2a hours on thursday, including munira mirza, one of his closest allies. three others were linked to lockdown parties at downing street. over the weekend, borisjohnson appointed cabinet minister stephen barclay as his new chief of staff. and he's more generally promising to change how downing street works. the opposition is unconvinced. we've been here before. this time last year, we were told that the prime minister had learned the lessons, that he was putting a new team in place. only a few weeks ago, we were told he was going to make only a few weeks ago, we were told he was going to make changes, this was going to be what would make the difference. i personally think that nothing will really change until the person at the top changes, because all routes, really, lead to the prime minister, and that's the change we really need to see now. guto harri worked for boris johnson for four years when he was mayor of london. so they know each other well. in this interview with a welsh news

website, he said that borisjohnson sang lines from the gloria gaynor �*70s hit i will survive as he was appointed to the role. he also said he was a "very likeable character, that "90% of our discussion was very serious." "he's not the devil like some have mischaracterised him," he added. and this is what he said ahead of his appointment, over a week ago. boris has always underestimated how critical it is to have a fantastic team around him, and i don't think, even if he can pull this back, he will be allowed to do it unless he promises to his party that he's going to overhaul that machinery. ione wells is in westminster. it sounds like the prime minister, at least in his messaging to his all, is that he intends to overhaul that machinery.— that machinery. that's right, and we are certainly — that machinery. that's right, and we are certainly seeing _ that machinery. that's right, and we are certainly seeing some _ that machinery. that's right, and we are certainly seeing some of - that machinery. that's right, and we are certainly seeing some of the - are certainly seeing some of the changes under way already. as we have just talking about, we have got the new director of human occasions guto harri, also a significant appointment that we had over the

weekend was the appointment of the cabinet office minister steve barclay. he is going to take on an additional role of chief of staff in downing street as well —— director of communications. this has been met with some criticism across the opposition benches, questions of how he can be both those roles at once as well as being a and p as well. this is a big roll ball responsible for issues ranging from migrant channel crossings to sorting out supply chain issues and labour shortage issues as well, so certainly massive brief that he will now have, but defending this implement today, michael ellis said that steve ba rclay�*s implement today, michael ellis said that steve barclay�*s role implement today, michael ellis said that steve ba rclay�*s role would allow more of the kind of input from backbench mps into the heart of number 10 as well as also said the very fact he was somebody who was elected and therefore made him more accountable to the electorate but

also two other mps as well, so defending the fact is serving minister and defending the fact is serving ministerand mp defending the fact is serving minister and mp was also going to be down a street chief of staff. star; down a street chief of staff. stay with us, because _ down a street chief of staff. stay with us, because there is another thing to ask about. we saw sir cure starmer a minute ago. video children being —— showed him being shouted at by protesters. the met police have released a statement, saying... —— sir keir starmer. the deputy speaker of the house of commons has tweeted... ione, i guess the fact we heard the

namejimmy savile being shouted ties back to concerns from last week about the false claim the prime minister made about mr starmer. that's right, so these videos which have emerged on social media show these protesters swarming around the labour leader sir keir starmer, and some of the things you can hear in the video, as he is being harassed by protesters, you hear some shouts of traitor, why do you go after journalists and also, as you say, some shouting jimmy savile as well. as you say, borisjohnson has been heavily criticised for that false claim that he made in parliament, where he said to sir keir starmer, that he had spent most of his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute jimmy prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecutejimmy savile. that comment let to widespread condemnation from both the opposition parties but also a number of his own conservative mps as well. it was cited as one of the reasons why one of his top aides could government last week, because he had not apologised and withdrawn those

comments, something which she felt she could notjustify. the leader of the opposition sir cure starmer in parliament himself addressed the claim that had been made, calling it ridiculous and claim that is peddled by right wing trolls. in terms of the response this evening, labour have not commented yet. it is understood sir cure starmer did make it back safely after being escorted away by police car, but as you say this has certainly put on more pressure on the prime minister to withdraw the comments he made. a taste of the people confident this evening, we have had the former cabinet minister in borisjohnson's on government calling the harassment appalling and also adding it was important for both our democracy and keir starmer�*s security that the false slurs withdrawn in full... chris bright also condemning —— bright also condemning the comments. onlyjumping in because it is the end of this half—hour. ione wells

joined us from westminster. we will continue our coverage, personally of those diplomatic efforts about ukraine, in the coming 30 minutes particularly of. hello. we started the week on a positively spring—like note, with temperatures slightly above average across the uk, and the flowers seem to have got the message based on many of our weather watcher images. the story for the week ahead, though, is not a particularly spring—like one. as the days go by, we'll actually see this weather system here to the north advancing a weather front, which is this streak of cloud you saw there behind me, further south across the uk. the blue triangles indicate it's a cold weather front. to the north of it, arctic air. so, monday we started off in atlantic air, and that's why it was relatively mild. but as this whole system pushes its way south through the course of the week, we'll all end up eventually in this much colder arctic air.

to take us into the small hours of tuesday, however, it stays mild across england and wales, overnight lows somewhere around the 7—9 degree mark. some rain for northern england courtesy of the weather front. clearer skies to the north. for scotland, limited frost, i think, but by the end of the night, temperatures down the lower end of single figures. the weather front only slowly sinking south through tuesday. i think quite a lot of brightness for england and wales, and it will feel mild, if not perhaps warm in the sunshine. temperatures 13—14 degrees. the cloud still bothering northern england, some rain for western slopes. northern ireland emerging into some sunshine, ithink, later, perhaps cumbria, too. for scotland, a bright day, but breezy across the board, chilly for scotland. perhaps winds gusting up to gale—force actually to the far north of scotland. tuesday into wednesday, our weather front does start to slide south a little faster. notice the showers to the north of the uk turning increasingly white. that arctic air really biting across scotland. we could see actually some quite significant snow showers pushing through on that westerly wind

with some accumulations. it certainly will feel colder than the temperatures on the thermometer would imply. notice to the far south, though, that milder airjust clinging on. wednesday into thursday, its history, the arctic air plunges all the way down, in fact, into the continent. we'll need to keep a close eye on that little low wednesday into thursday. that could make for some very strong winds across scotland and maybe even drop some heavier snowfall here. and then you see by the end of the week, there should be a lot of sunshine around. lighter winds on friday, but certainly a colder story for all of us.

hello, i'm ros atkins, this is outside source. world leaders are ramping up talks to prevent another war in ukraine. translation: of course i understand we have a common concern _ over european security, and i'd like to thank you for the fact that france is always trying to keep the decision—making process free and open. translation: today's meeting will begin to point us _ in the direction where we need to go, a de—escalation — the terms of which we're already familiar with. vladimir putin and the french president are said to wrap up their talks in moscow in a few moments.

as that's happening in moscow, in washington, the german chancellor has been meeting president biden — olaf scholz has been criticised for not doing enough to help ukraine. ina candidate, in a candidate, a major protest against vaccine mandates has paralysing this city. and in afghanistan a major humanitarian crisis is brewing. i’zre afghanistan a ma'or humanitarian crisis is brewing._ crisis is brewing. i've been reporting _ crisis is brewing. i've been reporting on _ crisis is brewing. i've been reporting on afghanistan l crisis is brewing. i've been i reporting on afghanistan for crisis is brewing. i've been - reporting on afghanistan for 40 reporting on afghanistan for a0 years but i don't think i have ever felt before i have been watching the destruction of a nation. let's get more on the talks to avoid a conflict in ukraine. the french president is in moscow. the german chancellor

is in washington. we are close as allies and we are working intensely together and this is necessary for doing the steps that we have to do, for instance fighting against russian aggression against ukraine. some is an important meeting at a very, very meaningful time. the eu's foreign policy chief is also in washington to talk about energy. he met us secretary of state antony blinken, who said this. when russia halted gas supplies to europe over a dispute with ukraine in 2009, people died from the cold. and when energy supplies fail, economies falter. we're determined to prevent that from happening. and to mitigate the impact on energy supplies and prices should russia choose to cut natural gas supplies to europe more than it already has. for example, we're talking with governments and major producers around the world about surging their production and distribution capacity.

we're coordinating with our allies and partners and with energy sector stakeholders, including about how best to share energy reserves in the event that russia turns off the spigot or initiates a conflict that disrupts the flow of gas through ukraine. so, one factor is concerns about russia choosing to reduce gas supply. another factor is negotiations with russia about a new pipeline which would increase gas supply. it's called nord stream 2. as you can see from this map, it will deliver gas from russia to western europe via germany. it's not yet been switched on. the us state department has previously warned... this pipeline would double russia's gas exports to germany. so, it's important for both countries. let's speak to sudha david—wilp from the german marshall fund, an american think tank. she's in berlin. thank you very much forjoining us

again. there are so many different dimensions to this crisis and let's focus on energy first of all. to what degree do you think gas calculations will affect how the west place this?— calculations will affect how the west place this? from the german standpoint. — west place this? from the german standpoint, natural— west place this? from the german standpoint, natural gas _ west place this? from the german standpoint, natural gas in - west place this? from the german standpoint, natural gas in russia l west place this? from the german| standpoint, natural gas in russia is very important _ standpoint, natural gas in russia is very important because _ standpoint, natural gas in russia is very important because it's- very important because it's accelerated _ very important because it's accelerated it's— very important because it's accelerated it's weaning. very important because it'sj accelerated it's weaning off very important because it's. accelerated it's weaning off of nuclear— accelerated it's weaning off of nuclear energy _ accelerated it's weaning off of nuclear energy and _ accelerated it's weaning off of nuclear energy and in - accelerated it's weaning off of nuclear energy and in order. accelerated it's weaning off ofj nuclear energy and in order to accelerated it's weaning off of - nuclear energy and in order to keep the export— nuclear energy and in order to keep the export economy _ nuclear energy and in order to keep the export economy of _ nuclear energy and in order to keep the export economy of germany - the export economy of germany humming. — the export economy of germany humming. it _ the export economy of germany humming, it needs— the export economy of germany humming, it needs natural- the export economy of germany humming, it needs natural gas. the export economy of germany. humming, it needs natural gas to bridge _ humming, it needs natural gas to bridge the — humming, it needs natural gas to bridge the time _ humming, it needs natural gas to bridge the time until— humming, it needs natural gas to bridge the time until it— humming, it needs natural gas to bridge the time until it can - humming, it needs natural gas to bridge the time until it can switch over to _ bridge the time until it can switch over to renewable _ bridge the time until it can switch over to renewable energy. - bridge the time until it can switch over to renewable energy. this. bridge the time until it can switch i over to renewable energy. this new government is— over to renewable energy. this new government is very _ over to renewable energy. this new government is very keen _ over to renewable energy. this new government is very keen on - over to renewable energy. this new government is very keen on having i over to renewable energy. this newl government is very keen on having a carbon— government is very keen on having a carbon free — government is very keen on having a carbon free economy— government is very keen on having a carbon free economy and _ government is very keen on having a carbon free economy and in - government is very keen on having a carbon free economy and in order. government is very keen on having a carbon free economy and in order to| carbon free economy and in order to do that, _ carbon free economy and in order to do that, it _ carbon free economy and in order to do that, it needs _ carbon free economy and in order to do that, it needs natural— carbon free economy and in order to do that, it needs natural gas- carbon free economy and in order to do that, it needs natural gas from i do that, it needs natural gas from russia _ do that, it needs natural gas from russia to — do that, it needs natural gas from russia to bridge _ do that, it needs natural gas from russia to bridge the _ do that, it needs natural gas from russia to bridge the time - do that, it needs natural gas from russia to bridge the time period i russia to bridge the time period until it _ russia to bridge the time period until it can— russia to bridge the time period until it can get— russia to bridge the time period until it can get over— russia to bridge the time period until it can get over to— until it can get over to renewable energy~ — until it can get over to renewable ener: . r ., ., ~ ., energy. and it would have known when it was plenty — energy. and it would have known when it was plenty nord _ energy. and it would have known when it was plenty nord stream _ energy. and it would have known when it was plenty nord stream two - energy. and it would have known when it was plenty nord stream two that - it was plenty nord stream two that it was plenty nord stream two that it had the potential to give russia leverage that in these situations is not helpful. leverage that in these situations is rrot helpful-— leverage that in these situations is not helful. ., . , , ., , not helpful. unfortunately germany to the point — not helpful. unfortunately germany to the point of— not helpful. unfortunately germany to the point of view— not helpful. unfortunately germany to the point of view that _ not helpful. unfortunately germany to the point of view that nord - to the point of view that nord stream — to the point of view that nord stream two _ to the point of view that nord stream two is _ to the point of view that nord stream two is a _ to the point of view that nord stream two is a commercial.

to the point of view that nord - stream two is a commercial project and in _ stream two is a commercial project and in fact— stream two is a commercial project and in fact the— stream two is a commercial project and in fact the chancellor— stream two is a commercial project and in fact the chancellor even - and in fact the chancellor even repeated — and in fact the chancellor even repeated that _ and in fact the chancellor even repeated that last _ and in fact the chancellor even repeated that last month. - and in fact the chancellor even repeated that last month. he i and in fact the chancellor even i repeated that last month. he has since _ repeated that last month. he has since changed _ repeated that last month. he has since changed his _ repeated that last month. he has since changed his tune _ repeated that last month. he has since changed his tune and - repeated that last month. he has since changed his tune and i- repeated that last month. he has| since changed his tune and i think that sort— since changed his tune and i think that sort of— since changed his tune and i think that sort of defending _ since changed his tune and i think that sort of defending the - that sort of defending the indefensible _ that sort of defending the indefensible that - that sort of defending the indefensible that nord - that sort of defending the - indefensible that nord stream two that sort of defending the _ indefensible that nord stream two is merely— indefensible that nord stream two is merely an _ indefensible that nord stream two is merely an economic— indefensible that nord stream two is merely an economic project. - indefensible that nord stream two is merely an economic project. it - merely an economic project. it certainly— merely an economic project. it certainly has _ merely an economic project. it certainly has geopolitical- certainly has geopolitical consequences _ certainly has geopolitical consequences and - certainly has geopolitical consequences and in - certainly has geopoliticalj consequences and in fact certainly has geopolitical- consequences and in fact the certainly has geopolitical— consequences and in fact the project was also _ consequences and in fact the project was also seen — consequences and in fact the project was also seen as _ consequences and in fact the project was also seen as a _ consequences and in fact the project was also seen as a way— consequences and in fact the project was also seen as a way to _ consequences and in fact the project was also seen as a way to secure - was also seen as a way to secure revenue _ was also seen as a way to secure revenue for— was also seen as a way to secure revenue for ukraine. _ was also seen as a way to secure revenue for ukraine. but - revenue for ukraine. but unfortunately, _ revenue for ukraine. but unfortunately, and - revenue for ukraine. but unfortunately, and we i revenue for ukraine. but i unfortunately, and we have revenue for ukraine. but - unfortunately, and we have seen revenue for ukraine. but _ unfortunately, and we have seen in the past, _ unfortunately, and we have seen in the past, there _ unfortunately, and we have seen in the past, there is— unfortunately, and we have seen in the past, there is precedent- unfortunately, and we have seen in the past, there is precedent that i the past, there is precedent that russia _ the past, there is precedent that russia is— the past, there is precedent that russia is a — the past, there is precedent that russia is a energy _ the past, there is precedent that russia is a energy to _ the past, there is precedent that russia is a energy to destabilisel russia is a energy to destabilise europe — russia is a energy to destabilise euro e. ~ ., russia is a energy to destabilise euroe. , , russia is a energy to destabilise euroe. , , , europe. more broadly as you see these multiple _ europe. more broadly as you see these multiple nomadic- europe. more broadly as you see these multiple nomadic efforts i these multiple nomadic efforts taking place in moscow, in washington and elsewhere, do you think that on one level that's already a victory for vladimir putin because he has the west focused on his concerns? if because he has the west focused on his concerns?— his concerns? if you take the flip side, ou his concerns? if you take the flip side, you could _ his concerns? if you take the flip side, you could see _ his concerns? if you take the flip side, you could see that - his concerns? if you take the flip side, you could see that maybe i his concerns? if you take the flip i side, you could see that maybe he has also overestimated _ side, you could see that maybe he has also overestimated his - side, you could see that maybe he has also overestimated his hand i has also overestimated his hand because — has also overestimated his hand because it's _ has also overestimated his hand because it's also _ has also overestimated his hand because it's also awaken - has also overestimated his hand because it's also awaken to - has also overestimated his hand because it's also awaken to the i has also overestimated his hand - because it's also awaken to the west and has _

because it's also awaken to the west and has gotten — because it's also awaken to the west and has gotten nato _ because it's also awaken to the west and has gotten nato to _ because it's also awaken to the westj and has gotten nato to have purpose a-ain and has gotten nato to have purpose again and _ and has gotten nato to have purpose again and to — and has gotten nato to have purpose again and to sort _ and has gotten nato to have purpose again and to sort of— and has gotten nato to have purpose again and to sort of strength - and has gotten nato to have purpose again and to sort of strength and - again and to sort of strength and cohesion— again and to sort of strength and cohesion within _ again and to sort of strength and cohesion within the _ again and to sort of strength and cohesion within the alliance - again and to sort of strength and cohesion within the alliance wasl cohesion within the alliance was about— cohesion within the alliance was about guess _ cohesion within the alliance was about guess the _ cohesion within the alliance was about guess the question - cohesion within the alliance was about guess the question is- cohesion within the alliance was - about guess the question is whether germany— about guess the question is whether germany is — about guess the question is whether germany is the _ about guess the question is whether germany is the weakest _ about guess the question is whether germany is the weakest link - about guess the question is whether germany is the weakest link or- about guess the question is whether germany is the weakest link or is . about guess the question is whether germany is the weakest link or is anj germany is the weakest link or is an unreliable _ germany is the weakest link or is an unreliable partner, _ germany is the weakest link or is an unreliable partner, and _ germany is the weakest link or is an unreliable partner, and that's - germany is the weakest link or is an unreliable partner, and that's why. unreliable partner, and that's why olaf scholz— unreliable partner, and that's why olaf scholz has _ unreliable partner, and that's why olaf scholz has suddenly - unreliable partner, and that's why olaf scholz has suddenly woken i unreliable partner, and that's whyl olaf scholz has suddenly woken up unreliable partner, and that's why- olaf scholz has suddenly woken up to kind of— olaf scholz has suddenly woken up to kind of take _ olaf scholz has suddenly woken up to kind of take part— olaf scholz has suddenly woken up to kind of take part in— kind of take part in crisis communications - kind of take part in crisis| communications because kind of take part in crisis. communications because he kind of take part in crisis- communications because he has realised — communications because he has realised that _ communications because he has realised that his _ communications because he has realised that his poll— communications because he has realised that his poll numbers i communications because he has. realised that his poll numbers are sinking _ realised that his poll numbers are sinking here — realised that his poll numbers are sinking here at— realised that his poll numbers are sinking here at home _ realised that his poll numbers are sinking here at home and - realised that his poll numbers are sinking here at home and also - realised that his poll numbers are i sinking here at home and also allies and partners — sinking here at home and also allies and partners are— sinking here at home and also allies and partners are wondering - sinking here at home and also allies and partners are wondering what . and partners are wondering what germany's — and partners are wondering what germany's stance _ and partners are wondering what germany's stance is. _ and partners are wondering what germany's stance is. so - and partners are wondering what germany's stance is. so he - and partners are wondering what germany's stance is. so he is - and partners are wondering whatl germany's stance is. so he is now embarking — germany's stance is. so he is now embarking on— germany's stance is. so he is now embarking on shuttle _ germany's stance is. so he is now embarking on shuttle policy- germany's stance is. so he is now embarking on shuttle policy and l germany's stance is. so he is now| embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc_ embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc today — embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc today and _ embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc today and will _ embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc today and will also _ embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc today and will also go - embarking on shuttle policy and is in dc today and will also go to - embarking on shuttle policy and is| in dc today and will also go to kyiv and moscow next _ in dc today and will also go to kyiv and moscow next week _ in dc today and will also go to kyiv and moscow next week in - in dc today and will also go to kyiv and moscow next week in order. in dc today and will also go to kyiv and moscow next week in order to| and moscow next week in order to sort of— and moscow next week in order to sort of clarity— and moscow next week in order to sort of clarify the _ and moscow next week in order to sort of clarify the german - and moscow next week in order to sort of clarify the german stance i sort of clarify the german stance and that — sort of clarify the german stance and that stance _ sort of clarify the german stance and that stance is _ sort of clarify the german stance and that stance is is _ sort of clarify the german stance and that stance is is not - sort of clarify the german stance and that stance is is not going i sort of clarify the german stancej and that stance is is not going to provide — and that stance is is not going to provide lethal— and that stance is is not going to provide lethal weapons - and that stance is is not going to provide lethal weapons to - and that stance is is not going to. provide lethal weapons to ukraine but wants — provide lethal weapons to ukraine but wants to — provide lethal weapons to ukraine but wants to make _ provide lethal weapons to ukraine but wants to make sure _ provide lethal weapons to ukraine but wants to make sure that - provide lethal weapons to ukraine i but wants to make sure that ukraine through— but wants to make sure that ukraine through financial— but wants to make sure that ukraine through financial support _ but wants to make sure that ukraine through financial support is - through financial support is preserving _ through financial support is preserving its _ through financial support is preserving its territorial - through financial support is - preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty _ preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty.— preserving its territorial integrity and sovereiun . ., , . and sovereignty. thank you very much for cominu and sovereignty. thank you very much for coming on — and sovereignty. thank you very much for coming on again _ and sovereignty. thank you very much for coming on again and _ and sovereignty. thank you very much for coming on again and we _ and sovereignty. thank you very much for coming on again and we will- and sovereignty. thank you very much for coming on again and we will talk. for coming on again and we will talk soon i'm sure. one important aspect of this is the relationship between ukrainians and russians. there's evidence that many

ukrainians are reassessing their cultural and linguistic ties to russia. our eastern europe correspondent sarah rainsford has been to the eastern ukrainian city of dnipro. there she met veterans who fought against the russian—backed forces despite coming from a predominantly russian—speaking city.

the flow of casualties has slowed right down since the ceasefire several years ago but now russia has openly deployed thousands of recruits to ukraine's border. that sense of betrayal seems more acute in this region, where people felt closer to russia before the war. the city has even changed its name now to be more ukrainian. one of the consequences of all of the years of conflict with russia is actually a far stronger sense of ukrainian national identity in this country.

we have been invited to meet a band who've made a conscious decision to stop singing in russian, to focus only on ukrainian. that's quite a curious choice in a city like this, where actually russian is the main language. questions of families, my bandmates also, its quite normal, but when we speak about the self—identification of a person who lives in ukraine and this person creates lyrics for songs, language, ukrainian language, is an instrument and a weapon at the same time. fighting for what? the right to be yourself and your own country. but that isn't a battle everyone's ready to fight. people have more pressing worries here.

and the feelings about russia are complex, even now. sarah rainsford, bbc news, dnipro. stay with us on outside source. we will soon talk about the beijing

olympics as a speed skater has become the first olympian to win gold in five consecutive olympic games. the oxford scientist who worked on the oxford vaccine think some scientists and politicians probably killed hundreds of thousands by damaging their petition of the vaccine and our story comes to bbc news medical editor fergus walsh. cheering. the roll—out of the oxford/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

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 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. this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story is — vladimir putin is fruiting —— meeting with the french president emmanuel macron is i talk to you and a number of talks are being ramped up a number of talks are being ramped up to try to avoid conflict with ukraine. afghanistan is in the grips of a humanitarian crisis with up to 8 million people at risk of starvation, and 1 million children. the former head of britain's armed forces, general sir david richard, has told bbc panorama that it's time to accept the war has been lost and to work with the country's

new taliban leaders to protect the afghan people. our world affairs editorjohn simpson reports from afghanistan. 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. 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 a0 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.

and for viewers in the uk, you can watchjohn simpson's full report, afghanistan: a country at breaking point, on the bbc iplayer. john simpson is on the line. thank you very much for making time to speak to us. in terms of the situation he witnessed it afghanistan, do what degree could it be addressed in the short term by the west simply changing its approach to how much assistance it would offer? i approach to how much assistance it would offer?— would offer? i think if that happened _ would offer? i think if that happened it _ would offer? i think if that happened it would - would offer? i think if that happened it would make i would offer? i think if that happened it would make aj would offer? i think if that - happened it would make a great difference. the real problem is the collapse of the economy. the fact that the bank of afghanistan, the national bank, simply does not operate, cannot operate. people do not have the money to go into the shops and buy food. so if that money, that $10 billion, were unfrozen, then the start of a normal

economy would be registered. it would start to work. but the fact is that it will take time before the money goes into people's hands and they can walk into the shops. and there is no sign of anything happening at the moment. i mean, general david richards said it should happen sooner rather than later. there is no sign that anybody is doing anything about it at the moment. �* ., , is doing anything about it at the moment. �* . , , ., is doing anything about it at the moment. . .,, i. ., ., ~' is doing anything about it at the moment. . moment. and as you look across the count , moment. and as you look across the country. can — moment. and as you look across the country. can we _ moment. and as you look across the country. can we say _ moment. and as you look across the country, can we say some _ moment. and as you look across the country, can we say some parts - moment. and as you look across the country, can we say some parts of i country, can we say some parts of it are particularly badly affected by this while others perhaps are not? there are areas that are not quite as so badly affected, but the destruction of the monetary economy runs right across afghanistan from east to west and north to south. but there are areas where the climate is not quite so bad. it's quite a

serious winter in some parts of afghanistan, but in other parts like the city of herat where i went to come of the problem is of the bad weather but the problem is the drought that's been going on for more than four years. so there's all sorts of local and regional problems, which all add up to this true disaster. in problems, which all add up to this true disaster.— problems, which all add up to this true disaster. in towards the end of the re ort true disaster. in towards the end of the report that _ true disaster. in towards the end of the report that we _ true disaster. in towards the end of the report that we just _ true disaster. in towards the end of the report that we just played, - true disaster. in towards the end of the report that we just played, you | the report that we just played, you said these people who don't deserve it and reasonably if you made that point to western leaders, they would agree with you. there was a people of afghanistan yet as of situation they are in, but what then is their argument for maintaining the policy towards the afghan economy that is causing the problems you are outlining? i causing the problems you are outlining?— causing the problems you are outlinin: ? ~ ~ , outlining? i think the key thing that most western _ outlining? i think the key thing i that most western governments outlining? i think the key thing - that most western governments feel is that they have to have some sort of control over the taliban, otherwise the taliban will simply turn back to their extremism which

they showed from 96—2001. it is true that the taliban leadership are completely different from what they were like in that period. i know this because i saw them then and i see them now, but essentially the taliban as a movement are still the same people that they were back in 96 and there backwards and have been involved in all sorts of revenge killings and punishments of a pretty unpleasant type. so it's a balance, but if the west wanted to do what general richards said they should, then they've got plenty of excuse to be able to lift those controls. molar be able to lift those controls. now it does general _ be able to lift those controls. now it does general sir— be able to lift those controls. now it does general sir david richards

suggest lifting those controls or does he also suggest recognising the taliban as a government of afghanistan? i taliban as a government of afghanistan?— taliban as a government of afghanistan? taliban as a government of afr hanistan? ~ ., ., afghanistan? i think it would all ha en as afghanistan? i think it would all happen as one _ afghanistan? i think it would all happen as one big _ afghanistan? i think it would all happen as one big deal, - afghanistan? i think it would all happen as one big deal, to - afghanistan? i think it would all happen as one big deal, to be i happen as one big deal, to be honest. i think that we would find that the demands that the west is making about the education of women, the promise and undertaking that the taliban would not associate themselves with even more extreme organisations like isis and isis k and so on. i think that would all be part of a general unfreezing of the relationship but the trouble is very much and i must have seen dozens of people talking to them about the food that they have and their ability to feed their families.

again and again people would bring up again and again people would bring up small bits of stale bread out of their pockets and say this is what my family has to eat today. and i'm worried, i really am worried about the speed of any kind of deal. i think there's a deal to be made, as general richards and sell things, but i think it's the timing of it is really worrying. but i think it's the timing of it is really worrying-— really worrying. john, that you for “oininu really worrying. john, that you for joining us- — really worrying. john, that you for joining us- you — really worrying. john, that you for joining us. you can _ really worrying. john, that you for joining us. you can see _ really worrying. john, that you for joining us. you can see his- really worrying. john, that you for joining us. you can see his full- joining us. you can see his full film on the bbc iplayer. let's turn to sierra leone, and an illegal high that's causing a lot of damage to people using it, and to those around them. in sierra leone, it's called kush. some of the images and stories in the report you're about to see from the bbc�*s africa eye investigations team contain images and stories which are distressing. here in our capital, freetown, is where the drug's grip is greatest.

young people driven mad. young people killing themselves. young people harming themselves and others. our psychiatric wards are filling up with kush victims, and police are battling to win the war against this drug. it is right into the nooks and crannies of sierra leone. it is notjust the city. for many, kush is an escape from their daily lives. this is isha. it feels nice. i'm in the mad world. she says she's turned to sex work to make money to buy the drug. isha is taking me around to see the places where she normally sells

sex in the nights to make money, money which she is going to use 60% or 70% of to buy kush. the next morning, i discover the spot isha had sex to pay for her kush habit in an open sewer. desperate young kush addicts are hoping to find something they can sell to survive. smoking kush is an escape from this life. it's a vicious circle. what makes kush so powerful? i'm going to meet a kush creator and dealer to find out. kush is the order of the day. they call it mr more. the more i take, the more i need. the fact kush can be made with so many different ingredients makes it almost impossible

to stamp out. this dealer says the underground industry more unpredictable kush cocktails. when people wanted the next thing |these chemist boys mixed all sorts| of stuffjust to mess your head up. to my surprise, even he says he wants the authorities to shut the business down. i want the world to know- we are suffering from this stuff. isha believes kush played a part in the death of two of her friends. i ask her if she died, too, what she would say to them. i would say i have tried to stop, but i'm hooked on it. in a country where 60% of the people live below the poverty line and employment isjust a dream for many, breaking the circle of addiction is all the more difficult.

and that ends this addition of outside source. —— edition. hello. we started the week on a positively spring—like note, with temperatures slightly above average across the uk, and the flowers seem to have got the message based on many of our weather watcher images. the story for the week ahead, though, is not a particularly spring—like one. as the days go by, we'll actually see this weather system here to the north advancing a weather front, which is this streak of cloud you saw there behind me, further south across the uk. the blue triangles indicate it's a cold weather front. to the north of it, arctic air. so, monday we started off in atlantic air, and that's why it was relatively mild. but as this whole system pushes its way south through the course of the week, we'll all end up eventually in this much colder arctic air. to take us into the small hours of tuesday, however,

it stays mild across england and wales, overnight lows somewhere around the 7—9 degree mark. some rain for northern england courtesy of the weather front. clearer skies to the north. for scotland, limited frost, i think, but by the end of the night, temperatures down the lower end of single figures. the weather front only slowly sinking south through tuesday. i think quite a lot of brightness for england and wales, and it will feel mild, if not perhaps warm in the sunshine. temperatures 13—1a degrees. the cloud still bothering northern england, some rain for western slopes. northern ireland emerging into some sunshine, ithink, later, perhaps cumbria, too. for scotland, a bright day, but breezy across the board, chilly for scotland. perhaps winds gusting up to gale—force actually to the far north of scotland. tuesday into wednesday, our weather front does start to slide south a little faster. notice the showers to the north of the uk turning increasingly white. that arctic air really biting across scotland. we could see actually some quite significant snow showers pushing

through on that westerly wind with some accumulations. it certainly will feel colder than the temperatures on the thermometer would imply. notice to the far south, though, that milder airjust clinging on. wednesday into thursday, its history, the arctic air plunges all the way down, in fact, into the continent. we'll need to keep a close eye on that little low wednesday into thursday. that could make for some very strong winds across scotland and maybe even drop some heavier snowfall here. and then you see by the end of the week, there should be a lot of sunshine around. lighter winds on friday, but certainly a colder story for all of us.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 8.00: the labour leader sir keir starmer has escorted into a police car after being harassed by protesters. the return of gcses and a—level exams are some of the tens of thousands of pupils, with students being graded more generously. this pupils, with students being graded more generously.— more generously. this year group have been — more generously. this year group have been adversely _ more generously. this year group have been adversely affected - have been adversely affected more than any other year groups that have gone through two exams so far, and theyjust really need that boost of knowing what they need to do to focus their minds. abs, knowing what they need to do to focus their minds.— knowing what they need to do to focus their minds. a plan to tackle record backlog _ focus their minds. a plan to tackle record backlog of _ focus their minds. a plan to tackle record backlog of patients - focus their minds. a plan to tackle record backlog of patients on - 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. east and west poles apart. russia and france discuss the crisis in ukraine, exploring