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. fix, 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 ways of averting military conflict. a world first in medicine. a spinal implant enables a man whose spinal nerves were completely severed in a motorbike accident is able to stand up motorbike accident is able to stand up and walk again. gun salutes take place across the uk to mark 70 years for the queens platinum jubilee. good evening. two people have been arrested after a group of protesters clashed with police after. according to a metropolitan police

statement the incident took place shortly after 5 o'clock, a group of protesters surrounded sir keir close to new scotland yard, he was driven away in a police car. a man and a woman were arrested at the scene for assault of an emergency worker after a traffic cone let's get more from our political correspondent. there have been comments on social media? that's 'ust in the comments on social media? that's just in the last _ comments on social media? that's just in the last couple _ comments on social media? that's just in the last couple of _ comments on social media? that's| just in the last couple of moments, the prime minister tweeted his response to these protesters harassing sir keir starmer as he was walking back to portcullis house in westminster, where a number of mps at their offices. borisjohnson has said the now, significant he has now responded to this, but was receiving a bitter criticism in light of his recent comments that he had made in

parliament. remember, only recently borisjohnson was heavily criticised for making false claim in parliament that keir starmerfailed for making false claim in parliament that keir starmer failed to prosecute jimmy savile, that keir starmer failed to prosecutejimmy savile, and the reason this video has re—emerged, some of those caused him to re—call those comments, some of these protesters in the video can be heard shouting traith, one of them said why do you go after genus, and a video someone can be hadjimmy savile as well, so this is renewed calls for the prime minister to withdraw comments he made about cassama. we've had a form of cabinet minister, julian smith, called a scene from this evening appalling, and also said it was important for democracy and for keir starmer�*s security that the false savile slurs were withdrawn in full. also chris bryant, labour mp, said the prime minister must withdraw these comments in full. at the moment the

prime minister has not withdrawn the comments, when asked about them by journalists and mps who said he was referring to keir starmer�*s rollers the head of the organisation, not to draw any personal capacity. yes. the head of the organisation, not to draw any personal capacity.- draw any personal capacity. yes, he did no on draw any personal capacity. yes, he did go on to — draw any personal capacity. yes, he did go on to clarify _ draw any personal capacity. yes, he did go on to clarify in _ draw any personal capacity. yes, he did go on to clarify in some - draw any personal capacity. yes, he did go on to clarify in some way, . did go on to clarify in some way, didn't he? but not withdraw. tell us a little bit more about this incident in which two were arrested. this incident took place earlier this evening, as i say the labour leader kit sir keir starmer is walking from a briefing at the ministry of defence back to portcullis house, a short walk away to portcullis house which is where a number of mps have their offices, videos of the labour leader have emerged of the labour leader as people were shouting harassment at him, summer is the thing shouting at

him, summer is the thing shouting at him was traith, why do gutter journalists andjimmy him was traith, why do gutter journalists and jimmy savile. there was an assault on an emergency worker and two individuals are in custody. we do understand sir keir starmer made it back safely after being escorted away, as did the shadow foreign secretary david lammy, he was also with the labour leader at the time.— leader at the time. thank you very much. in england, wales and northern ireland gcse and a—level exams will return this summer after two years of relying on teacher assessments which gave students record high grades. the return to exams is to be managed carefully according to ministers to avoid sudden changes as exam standards are reimposed. today england followed the rest of the uk in giving pupils more details of the likely topics in this year's exams. 0ur education correspondent elaine dunkley has more details. at wales high school in sheffield pupils and teachers are desperate for any details to offer some certainty about what will be on the exam papers this year. have you any sight yet of

what mitigations have been allowed? no. eventually up and running, information about content, texts and topics from exam boards to help pupils revise without providing exact questions. so p has got a low light intensity... given the recent publication of what is going to be on the actual papers, i feel confident going into the real exam period. he wants to be a doctor — the next three months of revision will be critical. for me, i need three as at least to get into the medicine degree i want to do. i think our last official exams were year six sats, so, very different stakes. abby wants to go to university in september and needs three bs to get onto a course but is worried about how much school she has missed and how much she has to revise. in english we've only really had help in two of the topics that we do

study but i do not feel as if some of the information provided has helped to settle nerves as such. returning to exams feels like a step towards normality for max, and a chance to prove himself. we've had a few sets of mocks. the first one, that was quite hard, but the second was a lot easier, after, like, that first practice round. i'm feeling more prepared for my real gcse now. but the last few years of disruption have also caused doubt. personally i prefer teacher assessed grades because exams are stressful. but the exams could give me a better chance of going, excelling above what they think i could do. for this school, staff and pupil absences due to covid is still a problem. we are keeping the specialist teachers where we can. we are making bigger groups to make them work. this year's exam timetable will be more spread out than in previous years to avoid pupils missing numerous assessments if they get covid. the exam regulator, 0fqual, says there will be a generous approach to grading — a decision welcomed by this head teacher. it is appropriate that the grading is more generous this year. students have been through a lot

in the last two years, and to move straight back to 2019 boundaries would have been harsh on them, particularly with the amount of variability we've seen in their attendance and staff attendance and with what people have been able to follow in the specifications they've been following. in wales and scotland exam content has been reduced, and in northern ireland, pupils can drop an entire exam unit if they wish. with just 15 weeks to go, it is time for pupils to get their heads down for serious revision. but with schools experiencing different levels of disruption there are questions over how fair exams this year will be. elaine dunkley, bbc news in sheffield. i'm joined now by yasmine kabbara—dolby, who will be sitting her gcses this summer. welcome, thank you forjoining us. how many have you got to take? i got nine gcses. —

how many have you got to take? i got nine gcses, that's _ how many have you got to take? u grrt nine gcses, that's including double gcses which are science and english. you now have the clarity that you are going to be sitting the exams instead of being reliance upon teacher assessments, what is your view of the exams in this form? i am so lad view of the exams in this form? i am so glad that — view of the exams in this form? i am so glad that we _ view of the exams in this form? i am so glad that we get _ view of the exams in this form? i am so glad that we get to _ view of the exams in this form? i —n so glad that we get to do our actual exams, because it feels like we had this fresh slate, and we do not have to worry about unfair or biased opinions when it comes to our grades that were done by teachers, and i feel like i have the chance now to show my strengths as a student and what i have learnt. aha, show my strengths as a student and what i have learnt.— what i have learnt. a lot of people will be surprised _ what i have learnt. a lot of people will be surprised to _ what i have learnt. a lot of people will be surprised to hear _ what i have learnt. a lot of people will be surprised to hear that - will be surprised to hear that anybody is looking forward to taking exams, but you make the case for the very well. today there has been more information released about what you should concentrate on in each syllabus, and what you can afford to ignore. syllabus, and what you can afford to ianore. ., , , ., ,

ignore. how helpful is that being? 0h, ignore. how helpful is that being? oh, i think— ignore. how helpful is that being? 0h, | think that's _ ignore. how helpful is that being? oh, i think that's properly - ignore. how helpful is that being? oh, i think that's properly one - ignore. how helpful is that being? oh, i think that's properly one of. oh, i think that's properly one of the most helpful things that could possibly happen, because now we can focus exactly what we need to do and we don't have to worry about an overwhelming amount of topics for each subject. overwhelming amount of topics for each subject-— each sub'ect. apparently there is coin: each sub'ect. apparently there is auoin to each subject. apparently there is going to be _ each subject. apparently there is going to be some _ each subject. apparently there is going to be some leniency, - each subject. apparently there is| going to be some leniency, some each subject. apparently there is - going to be some leniency, some sort of generosity and how the grades are awarded. there will be set at some sort of midpoint between where the boundaries were before the pandemic and where they were last year. what do you think that will mean for your results? i do you think that will mean for your results? ~ ., ,., , ., ., results? i think that based on what our teachers _ results? i think that based on what our teachers are _ results? i think that based on what our teachers are said _ results? i think that based on what our teachers are said to _ results? i think that based on what our teachers are said to us - results? i think that based on what our teachers are said to us and - our teachers are said to us and everything that's come up today, i think we will have a pretty good chance at getting the grades we all need to get into the six forms and colleges and therefore universities afterwards, i think that having these slightly lower grade boundaries in the past couple of years is really going to help us when it gets to getting the grades.

it has been a really rough time the last couple of years, hasn't it? how has it affected your time in school, and also how has it affected what you have been able to learn? weill. you have been able to learn? well, most of my — you have been able to learn? well, most of my family _ you have been able to learn? well, most of my family are _ you have been able to learn? well, most of my family are severely - you have been able to learn? -ii most of my family are severely high risk when it comes to covid, so last yeari risk when it comes to covid, so last year i missed a total of seven months of school, and that severely impacted my kind of predicted grades and my knowledge and understanding of the subjects i was taking, i was very nervous about going back to school, and sitting exams, and at that point i was really hoping for teacher assessed grades, but now i've thought it over and i realised that i've caught up with work i needed to, and ifeel a lot more ready for exams. 50. needed to, and i feel a lot more ready for exams.— needed to, and i feel a lot more ready for exams. so, assuming all toes ready for exams. so, assuming all aoes well ready for exams. so, assuming all goes well and _ ready for exams. so, assuming all goes well and you _ ready for exams. so, assuming all goes well and you get _ ready for exams. so, assuming all goes well and you get the - ready for exams. so, assuming all goes well and you get the grades. ready for exams. so, assuming all i goes well and you get the grades you need, what are you hoping for post

year 11? i need, what are you hoping for post ear 11? . need, what are you hoping for post ear11? ., ,, ., , year 11? i am desperately hoping that i'm year 11? i am desperately hoping that i'm going — year 11? i am desperately hoping that i'm going to _ year 11? i am desperately hoping that i'm going to get _ year 11? i am desperately hoping that i'm going to get into - year 11? i am desperately hoping that i'm going to get into musicl that i'm going to get into music couege that i'm going to get into music college to go to college and pursue a career in music and music business. a career in music and music iousiness-— business. that sounds like a wonderful— business. that sounds like a wonderful future. _ business. that sounds like a wonderfulfuture. yasmine, | business. that sounds like a - wonderfulfuture. yasmine, thank business. that sounds like a - wonderful future. yasmine, thank you wonderfulfuture. yasmine, thank you for talking to us in the best of luck with your nine— for talking to us in the best of luck with your nin amid growing concern worldwide about the situation in ukraine, president macron is holding urgent talks in moscow with president putin. the french president said he hoped discussions would begin "a process of de—escalation" over tensions caused by a significant build—up of troops, and talk of a possible russian invasion. but today the defence secretary ben wallace announced a further 350 british troops will be sent to poland in the spirit of solidarity with neighbouring ukraine. there are an estimated 100,000 russian troops deployed close to ukraine's border. moscow denies it's planning an invasion, but it's warned repeatedly that if ukraine

is allowed to join nato, the military alliance dominated by the americans, it will pose a real threat to russian security. here's the defence secretary ben wallace announcing those extra troops earlier today. 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. and the us presidentjoe biden is holding talks with the german chancellor 0laf scholz in washington, speaking before their meeting began he said the two countries were in lockstep. we are working in lockstep to further deter russian aggression in europe, and to address the challenges posed by china and to promote stability in the western balkans. let's speak to our washington correspondent, barbara plett usher. how critical is germany in dealing with russia from the american's point of view?— point of view? very critical, it's one of the _ point of view? very critical, it's one of the powerhouses - point of view? very critical, it's one of the powerhouses of- point of view? very critical, it's i one of the powerhouses of europe point of view? very critical, it's - one of the powerhouses of europe and it's played a leading role in the

past in rallying countries to sanction russia, for instance in 2014, angela merkel was instrumental in that when the russians invaded crimea, the russians also have a historic relationship, they have sometimes served as a bridge a mediator with mr putin, so then being board is very important factor in having united response from europe, both politically and economically, and mr scholz has been criticised for not being more forthright and clear, but here in the united states a lot of the criticism has to do with his stance on the pipeline that has been built between russia and germany under the baltic sea, the americans are very clear they want the pipeline sanctioned if they the russians

invaded ukraine, and germans have been much more ambiguous about that, and scholz said recently that if there do that then all responses are on the table, we have to keep a strategic ambiguity, so she has not been as categorical as the americans, but the meeting today will be designed to project unity, and you heard mr biden their talk about lockstep, this idea they're working closely with germany and coordinating severe responses there an invasion, even if the steps might be different. an invasion, even if the steps might be different-— be different. when we talk about a tou~h be different. when we talk about a tough response. — be different. when we talk about a tough response, is— be different. when we talk about a tough response, is that _ be different. when we talk about a tough response, is that sanctions l tough response, is that sanctions rather than troops going in? yes. rather than troops going in? yes, that is a sanctions _ rather than troops going in? ya: that is a sanctions response that would, the americans and europeans say they are putting together a sanctions package that would be very debilitating to the russian economy,

much more so than in 2014. at the same time, then said they would not be sending troops to ukraine. they don't want to have troops that would be seen as inflammatory and provocative to the russians, but also ukraine is not a nato member, so they don't have that obligation. they have, however, as you are saying, there, been sending troops to other nato allies in eastern europe as a message to the russians that they are going to stand by their nato allies and also, in case there is any of the conflict crossing borders that, but they will resist any sort of attack on nato. thank you very much. we can speak now to melinda who is just back from

kyiv. your senses russia will take some kind of action. why and what might that be?— some kind of action. why and what might that be? vladimir putin's been ve clear. might that be? vladimir putin's been very clear- he _ might that be? vladimir putin's been very clear- he is _ might that be? vladimir putin's been very clear. he is surrounded - very clear. he is surrounded ukraine on three sides, there is 100,000 troops to the north, east and south, vladimir putin is also an old leader and he is looking, thinking about his legacy, and when he looks at who he talks about and admires, it is stalin, and you gain slima become a great russian leader by gaining land. he is also sick and tired of the president of ukraine. he has not been able to get a deal, and he only sees ukraine becoming more and more close to the west. all of these reasons have led me to believe as an analyst that vladimir putin is not joking around, that he is going into ukraine. ii it

joking around, that he is going into ukraine. , ., ., , ukraine. if it is not military action, could _ ukraine. if it is not military action, could be _ ukraine. if it is not military action, could be some - ukraine. if it is not military action, could be some kind ukraine. if it is not military i action, could be some kind of interference or sabotage. what fun could that take?— interference or sabotage. what fun could that take? there is a range of o tions, could that take? there is a range of options. putin _ could that take? there is a range of options, putin has— could that take? there is a range of options, putin has not _ could that take? there is a range of options, putin has not made - could that take? there is a range of options, putin has not made his - could that take? there is a range of. options, putin has not made his mind up. one is a real conventional land war, he will not try and take all of ukraine, he knows he can't do that, so if he is feeling maximalist, he will try to go to the river, i don't think you'll be able to do it, its, but he could try to put russia friendly people into ukraine. they have become a lot more western, they will not accept a pro—russian cabinet. he will knock out the heat, there will be a massive cyber

attack, they will go after the ukrainian navy, which is tiny, there were knockout the general staff and the weapons caches, and they will go inch by inch so that europeans don't know what to do and they will say, well, it is not a land invasion, maybe we don't have to impose sanctions. my option on option three. ., ., . ., , ., three. you mention sanctions, how concerned — three. you mention sanctions, how concerned do _ three. you mention sanctions, how concerned do you _ three. you mention sanctions, how concerned do you believe _ three. you mention sanctions, howi concerned do you believe president putin is about that? he concerned do you believe president putin is about that?— putin is about that? he does not want more _ putin is about that? he does not want more international- want more international sanctions, the current package of sanctions on a ten point scale is about two or three, the package would throw putin a feed did invade ukraine again is about an eight or nine. it is a big deal, right? but he can afford it, he has priced the same, he doesn't want it, and you can get the same thing, he can stop the westernise in ukraine, you can try to tear nato apart, you can try and humiliate the

united states and rewrite the rules of the european security architecture without another full—scale land invasion. it is these small salami tactics that will get the same thing with ample sanctions. , . , get the same thing with ample sanctions. , ., , , , get the same thing with ample sanctions. , . , , , . sanctions. ibreviary briefly, what are the nato _ sanctions. ibreviary briefly, what are the nato allies _ sanctions. ibreviary briefly, what are the nato allies able - sanctions. ibreviary briefly, what are the nato allies able to - sanctions. ibreviary briefly, what are the nato allies able to do - sanctions. ibreviary briefly, what i are the nato allies able to do other than sanctions? you are the nato allies able to do other than sanctions?— are the nato allies able to do other than sanctions? you have to do two thins. than sanctions? you have to do two things- you — than sanctions? you have to do two things. you have _ than sanctions? you have to do two things. you have to _ than sanctions? you have to do two things. you have to have _ than sanctions? you have to do two things. you have to have sanctionsl things. you have to have sanctions and deterrents. listening partners are in agreement, it's all good there. the thing we haven't done well as a deterrent side. nato needs to move more trips through to eastern europe, and the white house, it is really interesting, says no more boots on the ground, they have ruled out the use of aeroplanes and ships, and if it comes to its end vladimir putin invade ukraine account to be back again, everything is a ships abuse of they were needed. ~ ., , , . ., is a ships abuse of they were needed. ~ ., ,, . ., ., ~ ., needed. we appreciate you talking to

us. sport, and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. good evening. the football association says the �*uncertainty�* surrounding a bid for the 2030 world cup led to them, along with the fas of the other home nations and the republic of ireland, switching focus to euro 2028. the five governing bodies have confirmed they'll make a joint bid for the continental tournament, with the english fa's chief executive claiming a lot of things were up in the air surrounding the world cup, which fifa is considering staging every two years. the decision comes following the uk government's feasibility study, that cost nearly £3 million, into the world cup bid, and only months after wembley hosted the euro 2020 final amid fan trouble. it's good to have ambition, but not to have pipe dreams. i really do think that it was a complete waste of money in order to have done this feasibility study. they could have done it in about 20 seconds and been

told there was no hope. so, yeah, 0k, great to go for it, but i think we need to sort football governance at in this country before we look to hosting major events. bath at in this country before we look to hosting major events.— hosting ma'or events. both the com an hosting major events. both the company nike _ hosting major events. both the company nike say _ hosting major events. both the company nike say they - hosting major events. both the company nike say they are - hosting major events. both the company nike say they are no. hosting major events. both the - company nike say they are no longer supporting mason greenwood after his sexual assault accusations. 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 semi final 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 6 with norway scoring a crucial three points. they held on and won with the hammer on the eigth and final end, this claiming a 6—5 victory, with gb now heading to a bronze medal playoff against sweden tomorrow morning. gcse is assessing... long—awaited plans to tackle record nhs waiting lists in england,

have been delayed until later this week. six million patients are currently waiting for non—urgent operations and procedures. the health secretary sajid javid said the delay was caused by the effects of the pandemic, and denied that disagreements with the treasury had been a factor. 0ur health editor hugh pym reports. politics and health a difficult mix. the nhs has the daunting challenge of tackling the backlog of operations which built up during the pandemic. a plan for england was due to be published today, but it was stalled because of a treasury intervention. it is depressing news for annie who has already been waiting more than two years for a knee operation and is desperate for any action which might help her local hospital make inroads into the waiting list. i'm totally reliant on the nhs. there is no other answer but to sit and wait, it is very frustrating. my quality of life has been affected quite a lot because i'm limited in what i can do.

and what i can't do, mainly. so is the delay because of a split between the prime minister and the chancellor? they were out together today on a hospital visit together with borisjohnson saying the nhs plan would be published soon. i think what we're doing is working together across the whole of government to fix the covid backlogs, which believe me is a massive priority for us and everybody in the country. the labour leader said a plan to deal with the backlog was essential. the government said it was going to come up with a plan and now it has not and i think it is yet more evidence that the chaos and incompetence of particularly the last 24 months where everyone has been embroiled in allegations about partygate, there is a price for that and that is the government not getting on with the job.

there are now a record six million on waiting lists for nonurgent operations and procedures. the overall number of patients in england waiting for hospital treatment was rising before the pandemic. then covid struck and there were fewer referrals, so the number fell back. then came a sharp increase. the area in yellow shows those waiting more than the target 18 weeks and up to a year, and in red, more than a year. both are up considerably on pre—pandemic levels. it is critical to get the plan out there. trust leaders are ready to plough on with cutting those waiting lists and it is deeply frustrating when they've been waiting for some time to know what the priorities and targets are for the nhs going forward on cutting the waiting times. hospitals like the queen elizabeth in birmingham have opened new wards so more operations can be done. there is a network of treatment centres in scotland and the welsh government says a plan will be published in april. across the uk the backlog is seen as a key priority. hugh pym, bbc news. the brother of a 15 year old girl who died last summer

at a north wales holiday park has admitted killing her. 19 year old matthew selby from greater manchester pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of amanda selby in abergele — on the grounds of diminished responsibility. from mold crown court,— matthew richards reports. this was meant to be a family holiday at a busy caravan park last summer, but onjuly 31st, police were called to reports of a domestic disturbance in one of the caravans. paramedics arrived and the air ambulance also attended at ty mawr holiday park in towyn, which is in conwy county. it was quickly clear that this was a very serious incident and the family accommodation had now become a crime scene. the death of a child at the park, which has tens of thousands of annual visitors, was obviously distressing to those who were on holiday with their own families at the site. an inquest subsequently found that 15—year—old amanda selby had died as a result of asphyxia resulting from neck compression and airway obstruction. she died a day before her 16th birthday. in a statement released by her

family at the time of her death, she was described as a loving daughter and granddaughter who was caring, thoughtful and liked to help others and was very much loved. she went to school at droylsden academy in manchester, which paid tribute to her as a lovely student who they said would be sorely missed by pupils and staff. a jujitsu club which she attended with her mother also said its members were heartbroken and devastated by the news of amanda's death. seen here at an earlier court hearing, her brother, 19—year—old matthew selby, from ashton—under—lyne in greater manchester, had denied her murder. but appearing by 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 was 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. judge rhys rowlands acknowledged the sensitivity of obtaining victim impact statements from amanda selby�*s relatives, given their close connection to the defendant, but hoped some would be available before the next hearing. matthew selby was due to stand trial for murder later this month, but his guilty plea to manslaughter means he has now been returned to custody to await his sentence. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell hello. we've started the week with things feeling, well, positively spring—like thanks to temperatures slightly above average on monday. that's because we've all been sitting in relatively mild atlantic air. you can't be too surprised, though, when you see that blue sitting towards the north—west that winter isn't very far away for any of us. and through the course of the week, it's this colder arctic air that will progressively day—on—day come to dominate across the uk. 0vernight, certainly for scotland, it could mean some wintry showers across the higher ground. by the end of the night, temperatures the lower

end of single figures. i think the frost very limited, however. to the south, overnight lows, though, 7—9 degrees, still very much in the mild air here. tuesday, this dividing line, the weather front only slowly sinks southwards, so actually 12—14 degrees possible across england wales with some sunshine for tuesday afternoon. some rain for northern england, and then for scotland and northern ireland, some brighter spells, but it will feel cold in the breeze. and then you can see that colder air working its way further south. this is bbc news. the headlines... the labour leader sir keir starmer is escorted to a police car after being hampered by protesters. gcses and a level exams return for tens of thousands of pupils this summer with students to be graded more generously. the prime minister has promised

action after plans to tackle the backlog of people waiting for treatment were delayed. world leaders step up efforts to reduce tensions over ukraine as there is a russian invasion grow. —— fears of a russian invasion. a world first in medicine as spinal implant enables a man whose spinal nerves were completely severed in a motorbike accident is able to stand up and walk again. with up to eight million people at risk of starvation including a million children, afghanistan is facing a grave humanitarian crisis. afghanistan is facing a grave 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. let's ta ke let's take you to washington for a moment, where us presidentjoe biden is holding a press conference, or going to be holding a press conference, podium empty at the moment, that's following talks with the german chancellor 0laf scholz over the situation in ukraine. as earlier saying the two countries were in lockstep how they should deal with the threat by russia to ukraine. —— president biden earlier saying that. in canada a state of emergency has been declared in the capital 0ttawa, in response to the ongoing truckers' protests against covid restrictions. the mayorjim 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 say they can hear horns honking at all hours of the day and some local businesses have either closed their doors or say 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 and they plan to stay 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 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 second 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 0saka and serena williams, were tweeting about the situation using the hashtag #whereispengshuai. chinese state—run media then then posted an email 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. india is observing a second day of national mourning after the death of legendary playback singer lata mangeshkar at the age of 92. the singer died due to complications

from covid yesterday and was honoured with a state funeral rajini vaidyanathan reports. india has been in two days of national mourning. in honour of lata mangeshkar, the singer who was on the hearts of so many millions of people here and who lost her life after a battle with covid. she died last sunday. the city of mumbai has been shut for the day, there have been shut for the day, there have been a national holiday as a murk of respect, schools have been closed, offices have been closed, so have banks, courts, even financial markets. that gives you a sense of how much she meant to people here in the city and in the country as a whole, and flags have been flown at half mast across india as a mark of respect. lata mangeshkar�*s career spanned seven decades. she recorded tens of thousands of songs, more than the rolling stones and the beatles put together. 0n than the rolling stones and the beatles put together. on sunday she was afforded the rare honour of a

state funeral, that was attended by the indian prime minister, narendra modi. but lata mangeshkar had the ability to cross divides, and so she also had tributes coming in from neighbouring pakistan, a country thatis neighbouring pakistan, a country that is often an adversary of india. they were led by prime minister imran khan, who said lata mangeshkar�*s songs gave so many people so much pleasure. to washington now, where president biden is holding that press conference after talks with the german chancellor 0laf on the situation with ukraine. —— 0laf scholz. situation with ukraine. -- olaf scholz. ~ ,, situation with ukraine. -- olaf scholz. ~ , , ., , ., situation with ukraine. -- olaf scholz. ~ , , ., ., scholz. we spent the last half hour or more topping — scholz. we spent the last half hour or more topping together - scholz. we spent the last half hour or more topping together and - scholz. we spent the last half hour or more topping together and it's l or more topping together and it's been a very useful meeting. —— talking together. one thing that struck me was the shared values that shape how each of us approaches leadership, among them, the foundation of commitment to the dignity of workers. and the need to treat all people with respect. so i enjoyed speaking with you, 0laf, and

i know we will work together to continue to strengthen and deepen the extensive partnership between germany and the united states. of course, at the top of our agenda today was a united approach to deterrence russia's threats against ukraine, and the long—standing principles of rule—based international order. that's what we spend most of our time talking about. germany and the united states are allies and partners working closely together to pursue diplomatic resolution to this situation, and diplomacy is the very best way forward for all sides, we both agree. including best for russia, in our view. and we have made it very clear, we are ready to continue talks in good faith with russia. germany has also been pushing de—escalation of tensions and encouraging dialogue through the normative format but if russia makes a choice to further invade ukraine,

we arejointly ready a choice to further invade ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of nato is ready. —— through the normandy format. today we discussed our close cooperation and developed a strong package of sanctions, demonstrated international resolve and impose swift and severe consequences if russia violates ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. i want to thank germany and all of our partners in eastern europe and the european union for their work in this united effort. we are in agreement that it cannot be business as usual if russia further invades. we also discussed our shared commitment to nato's article five responsibilities, and reassurance of our eastern flank allies. we are united in that as well. already the united states is sending troops to reinforce the alliance and i want to thank the chancellor of germany for hosting additional us forces, and for the

long—standing hospitality to our women and men in uniform. we also discussed the challenges we are facing to the international order from china, along with russia and other competitors, that are pursuing more illiberalfutures. we have agreed germany and us will continue to work together to ensure that the rules and governing emerging technologies argued to advance freedom of opportunity, not repression or authoritarianism. we also reaffirmed our commitment to completing the work of integrating the western bullpen in the european institutions, and ensure all of europe is a whole, free and at peace. we also talked about how the g7 can harness the roads leading democracies to advance a robust agenda on global challenges from

ending the pandemic to addressing climate change. so the bottom line is this. whether as allies in nato, partners through the european union, as leaders of the g7 and g20, or through our strong bilateral relationship, germany and the united states are close friends and reliable partners and we can count on one another. there is no issue of global importance for germany and the united states are not working together, strength to strength, and amplifying our efforts together. i want to thank you, 0laf, for making the journey today and i look forward to being the first of many opportunities we can spend together, beginning with this meeting and throughout the rest of the year, and the rest of our terms. thank you and welcome. �* ,, �* the rest of our terms. thank you and welcome._ thank - the rest of our terms. thank you and welcome._ thank you | the rest of our terms. thank you and - welcome._ thank you very welcome. translation: thank you very much. good afternoon _ welcome. translation: thank you very much. good afternoon from _ welcome. translation: thank you very much. good afternoon from my - welcome. translation: thank you very much. good afternoon from my side - welcome. translation: thank you very much. good afternoon from my side as l much. good afternoon from my side as well. much. good afternoon from my side as welt i_ much. good afternoon from my side as welt lam _ much. good afternoon from my side as well. i am very grateful that we had the opportunity to talk in much

detail— the opportunity to talk in much detail today, and that i was able to make _ detail today, and that i was able to make my— detail today, and that i was able to make my first official visit here and that — make my first official visit here and that we could talk about the important questions we are dealing with _ important questions we are dealing with. today we are in a very difficult _ with. today we are in a very difficult situation and its a good thing _ difficult situation and its a good thing thatjoe and i were able to discuss — thing thatjoe and i were able to discuss what we need to do in this difficult _ discuss what we need to do in this difficult context. of course there is a military threat in ukraine, against — is a military threat in ukraine, against ukraine, we cannot remain silent, _ against ukraine, we cannot remain silent, on — against ukraine, we cannot remain silent, on that. we see the number of russian — silent, on that. we see the number of russian troops along the ukrainian border, and that's a serious — ukrainian border, and that's a serious threat to european security, and this— serious threat to european security, and this is— serious threat to european security, and this is why it's important that we act _ and this is why it's important that we act together and that we stand together— we act together and that we stand together and that we do what is necessary— together and that we do what is necessary together. it is important that all— necessary together. it is important that all allies, the us and germany, the transatlantic partnership between the us and europe, nato, say the same _ between the us and europe, nato, say the same things, with one voice and do things— the same things, with one voice and do things together, and we made it clear. _ do things together, and we made it clear. if— do things together, and we made it clear, if there was a military

aggression against ukraine, this will entail severe consequences that we agreed _ will entail severe consequences that we agreed upon together, severe sanctions — we agreed upon together, severe sanctions that we have worked on together~ — sanctions that we have worked on together. so there will be a high price _ together. so there will be a high price for— together. so there will be a high price for russia. this is a very clear— price for russia. this is a very clear message. everybody has understood it and i think this message _ understood it and i think this message has been made clear again and again— message has been made clear again and again so that even russia has understood the message now. what is important _ understood the message now. what is important is _ understood the message now. what is important is that we also intensively work on preparing possible _ intensively work on preparing possible sanctions together. we don't _ possible sanctions together. we don't want to start once there is a military— don't want to start once there is a military aggression against ukraine. we have _ military aggression against ukraine. we have prepared a reaction that will help— we have prepared a reaction that will help us to react swiftly if needed — will help us to react swiftly if needed and we will do that. at the same _ needed and we will do that. at the same time — needed and we will do that. at the same time it's important to use all diplomatic— same time it's important to use all diplomatic means we have and i am very glad _ diplomatic means we have and i am very glad about your great willingness to move forward together, especially the bilateral talks between the us and russia. and of course, _ talks between the us and russia. and of course, the talks that we have

agreed _ of course, the talks that we have agreed upon within the nato russia format. _ agreed upon within the nato russia format, this is also important because — format, this is also important because russia needs to understand that nato— because russia needs to understand that nato stands together and is prepared — that nato stands together and is prepared after so many years, they have not— prepared after so many years, they have not been any talks in this format — have not been any talks in this format so _ have not been any talks in this format so it's a good sign they are happening — format so it's a good sign they are happening now. of course we have controversial debates but it's important we talk and the same is true for— important we talk and the same is true for the — important we talk and the same is true for the lse, where we need to discuss _ true for the lse, where we need to discuss about security in europe, this is— discuss about security in europe, this is also— discuss about security in europe, this is also a process, as tiresome as it _ this is also a process, as tiresome as it may— this is also a process, as tiresome as it may he, _ this is also a process, as tiresome as it may be, and we have not yet reached _ as it may be, and we have not yet reached any — as it may be, and we have not yet reached any very substantial conclusions yet but it's good to see this format— conclusions yet but it's good to see this format play a role now and the same _ this format play a role now and the same is _ this format play a role now and the same is true — this format play a role now and the same is true for the talks between ukraine, _ same is true for the talks between ukraine, russia and france in the normandy— ukraine, russia and france in the normandy format, we have this format but we _ normandy format, we have this format but we haven't been able to really use it _ but we haven't been able to really use it in _ but we haven't been able to really use it in a — but we haven't been able to really use it in a productive way over the last few_ use it in a productive way over the last few years, so now, we have come back to _ last few years, so now, we have come back to that _ last few years, so now, we have come back to that format, we have intense discussions _ back to that format, we have intense discussions that form it and it shows— discussions that form it and it shows there are ways that will lead us out _

shows there are ways that will lead us out of _ shows there are ways that will lead us out of this difficult situation, and this— us out of this difficult situation, and this dual track approach of krieger— and this dual track approach of krieger enhancements with regards to centres _ krieger enhancements with regards to centres that will be taken if there is a military aggression —— clear announcements with regards to sanctions, and at the same time keeping — sanctions, and at the same time keeping all dialogue formats open, i think this _ keeping all dialogue formats open, i think this is the most promising strategy— think this is the most promising strategy one can have and that's what _ strategy one can have and that's what we — strategy one can have and that's what we are doing together and we stand _ what we are doing together and we stand side — what we are doing together and we stand side by side in this approach. we also _ stand side by side in this approach. we also talked about many other topics _ we also talked about many other topics that are important for us today, — topics that are important for us today, especially when it comes to the g7 _ today, especially when it comes to the g7 presidency of the federal repuhlic— the g7 presidency of the federal republic of germany. we will work closely _ republic of germany. we will work closely is _ republic of germany. we will work closely is strong economies, strong democracies, and we also therefore have a _ democracies, and we also therefore have a special mandate to contribute to cohesion — have a special mandate to contribute to cohesion worldwide, and part of this is— to cohesion worldwide, and part of this is that — to cohesion worldwide, and part of this is that we continue to do everything we can to make sure that the citizens — everything we can to make sure that the citizens of the world can be vaccinated, not only in our rich countries, _ vaccinated, not only in our rich countries, but also in countries where — countries, but also in countries where people would love to have the vaccine _ where people would love to have the vaccine but _ where people would love to have the vaccine but don't have access yet.

these _ vaccine but don't have access yet. these are — vaccine but don't have access yet. these are initiatives that we have carried _ these are initiatives that we have carried out — these are initiatives that we have carried out together, and that are of utmost— carried out together, and that are of utmost importance worldwide. the same _ of utmost importance worldwide. the same is _ of utmost importance worldwide. the same is true — of utmost importance worldwide. the same is true for fighting man—made climate _ same is true for fighting man—made climate change, a a topic that keeps us all— climate change, a a topic that keeps us all busy — climate change, a a topic that keeps us all busy. —— a big topic. even though— us all busy. —— a big topic. even though it — us all busy. —— a big topic. even though it is _ us all busy. —— a big topic. even though it is obvious that only a global— though it is obvious that only a global solution can be successful, because _ global solution can be successful, because climate is a global thing, it doesn't— because climate is a global thing, it doesn't stop at national borders. as an— it doesn't stop at national borders. as an industrialised nation, we have an important contribution to make. we have _ an important contribution to make. we have technological opportunities, and we _ we have technological opportunities, and we have to use them in order to prepare _ and we have to use them in order to prepare a _ and we have to use them in order to prepare a situation where we and others _ prepare a situation where we and others can— prepare a situation where we and others can enjoy prosperity without harming _ others can enjoy prosperity without harming the climate. this is the big challenge _ harming the climate. this is the big challenge that we see, and that is of great _ challenge that we see, and that is of great importance to us, so this is why— of great importance to us, so this is why we — of great importance to us, so this is why we want to work together on this strategy, and use a climate club of— this strategy, and use a climate club of like—minded people and partners — club of like—minded people and partners. these are some of the topics _ partners. these are some of the topics we — partners. these are some of the

topics we discussed and once again, the personal discussion we had illustrates the excellent cooperation between our countries, the strong — cooperation between our countries, the strong bond we have within our transatlantic partnership, and the fact that — transatlantic partnership, and the fact that both countries can rely on each other~ — fact that both countries can rely on each other-— fact that both countries can rely on each other. ., ~ , ., , . . each other. thank you very much. we will now take — each other. thank you very much. we will now take a _ each other. thank you very much. we will now take a couple _ each other. thank you very much. we will now take a couple questions - will now take a couple questions each. writers, you have got the first question. —— reu, you have the first question. —— reu, you have the first question. -- reu, you have the first question-— first question. thank you. mr president. — first question. thank you. mr president, i— first question. thank you. mr president, i wanted - first question. thank you. mr president, i wanted to - first question. thank you. mr president, i wanted to ask i first question. thank you. mr | president, i wanted to ask you first question. thank you. mr - president, i wanted to ask you about this nord _ president, i wanted to ask you about this nord stream _ president, i wanted to ask you about this nord stream project _ president, i wanted to ask you about this nord stream project you - president, i wanted to ask you about this nord stream project you have i this nord stream project you have lon- this nord stream project you have long opposed _ this nord stream project you have long opposed you _ this nord stream project you have long opposed. you didn't - this nord stream project you have l long opposed. you didn't mention it 'ust long opposed. you didn't mention it just now— long opposed. you didn't mention it just now by— long opposed. you didn't mention it just now by name. _ long opposed. you didn't mention it just now by name, nor— long opposed. you didn't mention it just now by name, nor did _ long opposed. you didn't mention itl just now by name, nor did chancellor scholz _ just now by name, nor did chancellor scholz did _ just now by name, nor did chancellor scholz did you — just now by name, nor did chancellor scholz. did you receive _ just now by name, nor did chancellor scholz. did you receive assurances i scholz. did you receive assurances from _ scholz. did you receive assurances from chancellor _ scholz. did you receive assurances from chancellor scholz _ scholz. did you receive assurances from chancellor scholz today i scholz. did you receive assurances from chancellor scholz today thatl from chancellor scholz today that germany — from chancellor scholz today that germany will _ from chancellor scholz today that germany will in _ from chancellor scholz today that germany will in fact _ from chancellor scholz today that germany will in fact pull- from chancellor scholz today that germany will in fact pull the i from chancellor scholz today that germany will in fact pull the plug | germany will in fact pull the plug on this— germany will in fact pull the plug on this project. _ germany will in fact pull the plug on this project, if— germany will in fact pull the plug on this project, if russia - germany will in fact pull the plug on this project, if russia invades| on this project, if russia invades ukraine, — on this project, if russia invades ukraine, and— on this project, if russia invades ukraine, and did _ on this project, if russia invades ukraine, and did you _ on this project, if russia invades ukraine, and did you discuss- on this project, if russia invades| ukraine, and did you discuss what the definition— ukraine, and did you discuss what the definition of— ukraine, and did you discuss what the definition of invasion - ukraine, and did you discuss what the definition of invasion could i ukraine, and did you discuss what. the definition of invasion could be? and chancellor—

the definition of invasion could be? and chancellor scholz— the definition of invasion could be? and chancellor scholz translation: if i ma and chancellor scholz translation: if i may ask. — and chancellor scholz translation: if i may ask. you _ and chancellor scholz translation: if i may ask, you said _ and chancellor scholz translation: if i may ask, you said there _ and chancellor scholz translation: if i may ask, you said there was i if i may ask, you said there was some _ if i may ask, you said there was some strategic— if i may ask, you said there was some strategic ambiguity- if i may ask, you said there was some strategic ambiguity that l if i may ask, you said there was i some strategic ambiguity that was needed _ some strategic ambiguity that was needed in — some strategic ambiguity that was needed in terms _ some strategic ambiguity that was needed in terms of _ some strategic ambiguity that was needed in terms of sanctions. i. needed in terms of sanctions. i wanted — needed in terms of sanctions. i wanted to— needed in terms of sanctions. i wanted to know _ needed in terms of sanctions. i wanted to know whether- needed in terms of sanctions. i wanted to know whether the i needed in terms of sanctions. i- wanted to know whether the sanctions you're _ wanted to know whether the sanctions you're envisaging _ wanted to know whether the sanctions you're envisaging and _ wanted to know whether the sanctions you're envisaging and the _ wanted to know whether the sanctions you're envisaging and the eu - wanted to know whether the sanctions you're envisaging and the eu and i wanted to know whether the sanctions you're envisaging and the eu and us l you're envisaging and the eu and us are working — you're envisaging and the eu and us are working on — you're envisaging and the eu and us are working on are _ you're envisaging and the eu and us are working on are already _ you're envisaging and the eu and us are working on are already finished, | are working on are already finished, finalise, _ are working on are already finished, finalise, or— are working on are already finished, finalise, or is— are working on are already finished, finalise, or is there _ are working on are already finished, finalise, or is there still— are working on are already finished, finalise, or is there still work - finalise, or is there still work ongoing? _ finalise, or is there still work ongoing? and _ finalise, or is there still work ongoing? and you're - finalise, or is there still work ongoing? and you're not- finalise, or is there still work i ongoing? and you're not really saying — ongoing? and you're not really saying what— ongoing? and you're not really saying what the _ ongoing? and you're not really saying what the details - ongoing? and you're not really saying what the details are. is| ongoing? and you're not really- saying what the details are. is that just an excuse? _ saying what the details are. is that just an excuse? for— saying what the details are. is that just an excuse? for germany- saying what the details are. is that just an excuse? for germany mayl saying what the details are. is that i just an excuse? for germany may be to not— just an excuse? for germany may be to not support — just an excuse? for germany may be to not support the _ just an excuse? for germany may be to not support the swift _ just an excuse? for germany may be to not support the swift measures? i to not support the swift measures? let me _ to not support the swift measures? let me answer— to not support the swift measures? let me answer the _ to not support the swift measures? let me answer the first _ to not support the swift measures? let me answer the first question i let me answer the first question first. if russia invades, that means tanks and troops crossing the border of ukraine again, then there will be no longer a nord stream to. we will begin and end to it. but

no longer a nord stream to. we will begin and end to it.— begin and end to it. but how will ou do begin and end to it. but how will you do that? _ begin and end to it. but how will you do that? since _ begin and end to it. but how will you do that? since the _ begin and end to it. but how will you do that? since the project i begin and end to it. but how will i you do that? since the project and control— you do that? since the project and control of— you do that? since the project and control of the _ you do that? since the project and control of the project _ you do that? since the project and control of the project is _ you do that? since the project and control of the project is within i control of the project is within germany's _ control of the project is within germany's control? _ control of the project is within germany's control? we - control of the project is within germany's control? we have i control of the project is within i germany's control? we have we control of the project is within - germany's control? we have we will be able _ germany's control? we have we will be able to _ germany's control? we have we will be able to do— germany's control? we have we will be able to do it _ germany's control? we have we will be able to do it.— germany's control? we have we will i be able to do it._ thank be able to do it. translation: thank ou for be able to do it. translation: thank you for your — be able to do it. translation: thank you for your question. _ be able to do it. translation: thank you for your question. i _ be able to do it. translation: thank you for your question. i want - be able to do it. translation: thank you for your question. i want to i be able to do it. translation: thank you for your question. i want to be i you for your question. i want to be absolutely— you for your question. i want to be absolutely clear, we have intensively prepared everything to be ready— intensively prepared everything to be ready with the necessary sanctions if there is a military aggression against ukraine. this is necessary. — aggression against ukraine. this is necessary, it is necessary we do this in— necessary, it is necessary we do this in advance so that russia can clearly— this in advance so that russia can clearly understand that these are far—reaching, severe measures. it's part of— far—reaching, severe measures. it's part ofthis— far—reaching, severe measures. it's part of this process that we do not spell— part of this process that we do not spell out— part of this process that we do not spell out everything in public because _ spell out everything in public because russia could understand that there might be even more to come. and at— there might be even more to come. and at the _ there might be even more to come. and at the same time it's very clear we are _ and at the same time it's very clear we are well— and at the same time it's very clear we are well prepared with far—reaching measures, we will take these _ far—reaching measures, we will take these measures together with our

allies _ these measures together with our allies and — these measures together with our allies. and with our partners, with the us, _ allies. and with our partners, with the us, and — allies. and with our partners, with the us, and we will take all necessary steps. you can be sure that there _ necessary steps. you can be sure that there will not be any measures in which _ that there will not be any measures in which we — that there will not be any measures in which we have a different approach. we will act together, jointly — jointly. and this is a good jointly — and this is a good idea to say with our american friends, we will be united. — our american friends, we will be united. we — our american friends, we will be united, we will act together, and we will take _ united, we will act together, and we will take all— united, we will act together, and we will take all the necessary steps and all— will take all the necessary steps and all the necessary steps will be done _ and all the necessary steps will be done by— and all the necessary steps will be done by all of us together. will and all the necessary steps will be done by all of us together. will you commit to data _ done by all of us together. will you commit to data turning _ done by all of us together. will you commit to data turning off - done by all of us together. will you commit to data turning off and i commit to data turning off and pulling — commit to data turning off and pulling the _ commit to data turning off and pulling the plug _ commit to data turning off and pulling the plug on _ commit to data turning off and pulling the plug on a _ commit to data turning off and pulling the plug on a nord i commit to data turning off and i pulling the plug on a nord stream commit to data turning off and - pulling the plug on a nord stream 2? you didn't— pulling the plug on a nord stream 2? you didn't mention _ pulling the plug on a nord stream 2? you didn't mention it, _ pulling the plug on a nord stream 2? you didn't mention it, you _ pulling the plug on a nord stream 2? you didn't mention it, you haven't. you didn't mention it, you haven't mentioned — you didn't mention it, you haven't mentioned it _ you didn't mention it, you haven't mentioned it. —— _ you didn't mention it, you haven't mentioned it. —— will— you didn't mention it, you haven't mentioned it. —— will you - you didn't mention it, you haven't mentioned it. —— will you commitl mentioned it. —— will you commit today? _ mentioned it. -- will you commit toda ? ~ . mentioned it. -- will you commit toda ? . ., ., today? we are acting together, we are absolutely _ today? we are acting together, we are absolutely united _ today? we are acting together, we are absolutely united and - today? we are acting together, we are absolutely united and we i today? we are acting together, we are absolutely united and we will l are absolutely united and we will not be _ are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps, we will do _ not be taking different steps, we will do the same steps and they will be very. _ will do the same steps and they will be very, very hard to russia and they— be very, very hard to russia and they should understand. you recognise — they should understand. you recognise someone - they should understand. gm. recognise someone now, chancellor.

translation: mr president, one auestion translation: mr president, one question to _ translation: mr president, one question to you. _ translation: mr president, one question to you. the _ translation: mr president, one question to you. the us - translation: mr president, one question to you. the us over i translation: mr president, one question to you. the us over the | question to you. the us over the last few— question to you. the us over the last few years _ question to you. the us over the last few years have _ question to you. the us over the last few years have exported i question to you. the us over the i last few years have exported heavy weapons _ last few years have exported heavy weapons to — last few years have exported heavy weapons to ukraine _ last few years have exported heavy weapons to ukraine and _ last few years have exported heavy weapons to ukraine and germany. weapons to ukraine and germany excludes— weapons to ukraine and germany excludes that, _ weapons to ukraine and germany excludes that, has _ weapons to ukraine and germany excludes that, has only— weapons to ukraine and germany excludes that, has only delivered i excludes that, has only delivered 5000 _ excludes that, has only delivered 5000 helmets— excludes that, has only delivered 5000 helmets to _ excludes that, has only delivered 5000 helmets to ukraine. - excludes that, has only delivered 5000 helmets to ukraine. don'tl excludes that, has only delivered i 5000 helmets to ukraine. don't you think nato— 5000 helmets to ukraine. don't you think nato should _ 5000 helmets to ukraine. don't you think nato should act _ 5000 helmets to ukraine. don't you think nato should act unanimously i 5000 helmets to ukraine. don't youi think nato should act unanimously in this respect, — think nato should act unanimously in this respect, and _ think nato should act unanimously in this respect, and germany— think nato should act unanimously in this respect, and germany as - think nato should act unanimously in this respect, and germany as the i this respect, and germany as the strongest — this respect, and germany as the strongest european _ this respect, and germany as the strongest european nato - this respect, and germany as the strongest european nato partner| strongest european nato partner should _ strongest european nato partner should also— strongest european nato partner should also deliver— strongest european nato partner should also deliver heavy - strongest european nato partner. should also deliver heavy weapons strongest european nato partner- should also deliver heavy weapons to ukraine? _ should also deliver heavy weapons to ukraine? ukraine _ should also deliver heavy weapons to ukraine? ukraine has— should also deliver heavy weapons to ukraine? ukraine has asked - should also deliver heavy weapons toi ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do— ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, _ ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, and — ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, and nord _ ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, and nord stream _ ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, and nord stream 2, - ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, and nord stream 2,1- ukraine? ukraine has asked germany to do so, and nord stream 2, i would also like _ to do so, and nord stream 2, i would also like to— to do so, and nord stream 2, i would also like to ask, _ to do so, and nord stream 2, i would also like to ask, don't _ to do so, and nord stream 2, i would also like to ask, don't you _ to do so, and nord stream 2, i would also like to ask, don't you think i also like to ask, don't you think with_ also like to ask, don't you think with regards— also like to ask, don't you think with regards to _ also like to ask, don't you think with regards to the _ also like to ask, don't you think with regards to the threat - also like to ask, don't you think| with regards to the threat posed also like to ask, don't you think - with regards to the threat posed by russia, _ with regards to the threat posed by russia, germany— with regards to the threat posed by russia, germany should _ with regards to the threat posed by russia, germany should already. russia, germany should already rethink— russia, germany should already rethink its — russia, germany should already rethink its position _ russia, germany should already rethink its position on _ russia, germany should already rethink its position on a - russia, germany should already rethink its position on a nord i rethink its position on a nord stream 2? _ rethink its position on a nord

stream 2? and _ rethink its position on a nord stream 2? and the _ rethink its position on a nord stream 2? and the third - rethink its position on a nord - stream 2? and the third question, if i may, _ stream 2? and the third question, if i may, over— stream 2? and the third question, if i may. overthe _ stream 2? and the third question, if i may, over the last— stream 2? and the third question, if i may, over the last few— stream 2? and the third question, if i may, over the last few days - i may, over the last few days and weeks. _ i may, over the last few days and weeks. there _ i may, over the last few days and weeks, there has— i may, over the last few days and weeks, there has been— i may, over the last few days and weeks, there has been severe i weeks, there has been severe criticism — weeks, there has been severe criticism from _ weeks, there has been severe criticism from the _ weeks, there has been severe criticism from the us - weeks, there has been severe criticism from the us media . weeks, there has been severe l criticism from the us media and weeks, there has been severe - criticism from the us media and from congress. _ criticism from the us media and from congress. as— criticism from the us media and from congress, as well, _ criticism from the us media and from congress, as well, vis—a—vis - criticism from the us media and from i congress, as well, vis—a—vis germany atrout— congress, as well, vis—a—vis germany about the _ congress, as well, vis—a—vis germany about the reliability— congress, as well, vis—a—vis germany about the reliability of— congress, as well, vis—a—vis germany about the reliability of germany- congress, as well, vis—a—vis germany about the reliability of germany as i about the reliability of germany as an ally _ about the reliability of germany as an ally this — about the reliability of germany as an ally. this has _ about the reliability of germany as an ally. this has been _ about the reliability of germany as an ally. this has been called - about the reliability of germany as an ally. this has been called into. an ally. this has been called into question — an ally. this has been called into question do— an ally. this has been called into question. do you _ an ally. this has been called into question. do you understand - an ally. this has been called into| question. do you understand this criticism? — question. do you understand this criticism? is— question. do you understand this criticism? is germany— question. do you understand this criticism? is germany a - question. do you understand this criticism? is germany a reliable i criticism? is germany a reliable partner— criticism? is germany a reliable partner from _ criticism? is germany a reliable partner from your— criticism? is germany a reliable partner from your point - criticism? is germany a reliable partner from your point of - criticism? is germany a reliablel partner from your point of view? and, _ partner from your point of view? and. mr— partner from your point of view? and, mr chancellor, _ partner from your point of view? and, mr chancellor, a _ partner from your point of view? and, mr chancellor, a question. partner from your point of view? i and, mr chancellor, a question to you _ and, mr chancellor, a question to you nord — and, mr chancellor, a question to you. nord stream _ and, mr chancellor, a question to you. nord stream 2, _ and, mr chancellor, a question to you. nord stream 2, you - and, mr chancellor, a question to you. nord stream 2, you said - and, mr chancellor, a question to you. nord stream 2, you said all. you. nord stream 2, you said all options — you. nord stream 2, you said all options are _ you. nord stream 2, you said all options are on— you. nord stream 2, you said all options are on the _ you. nord stream 2, you said all options are on the table. - you. nord stream 2, you said all options are on the table. you i you. nord stream 2, you said all| options are on the table. you are not mentioning _ options are on the table. you are not mentioning nord stream - options are on the table. you are not mentioning nord stream 2. options are on the table. you arei not mentioning nord stream 2 by name _ not mentioning nord stream 2 by name dont— not mentioning nord stream 2 by name don't you _ not mentioning nord stream 2 by name. don't you think— not mentioning nord stream 2 by name. don't you think if- not mentioning nord stream 2 by name. don't you think if you - not mentioning nord stream 2 by| name. don't you think if you were not mentioning nord stream 2 by. name. don't you think if you were to spelt— name. don't you think if you were to spett this _ name. don't you think if you were to spell this out, — name. don't you think if you were to spell this out. you _ name. don't you think if you were to spell this out, you could _ name. don't you think if you were to spell this out, you could win- spell this out, you could win back trust? _ spell this out, you could win back trust? is— spell this out, you could win back trust? is a — spell this out, you could win back trust? is a strong _ spell this out, you could win back trust? is a strong ally _ spell this out, you could win back trust? is a strong ally here, - spell this out, you could win back trust? is a strong ally here, for. trust? is a strong ally here, for the us? — trust? is a strong ally here, for the us? , ., ., . ~ the us? there is no need to win back trust, he the us? there is no need to win back trust. he has — the us? there is no need to win back trust, he has the _ the us? there is no need to win back trust, he has the complete _ the us? there is no need to win back trust, he has the complete trust - the us? there is no need to win back trust, he has the complete trust of l trust, he has the complete trust of the us. germany is one of our most important allies in the world. there is no doubt about germany's partnership with the us, none. with

regard to helping ukraine, one of the largest contributors financially to ukraine has been germany. germany has been in the forefront of making sure, providing economic assistance. you also asked a question, as so many, i can't remember them all, but in terms of the us media saying germany is not reliable, germany is completely reliable. completely, totally, thoroughly reliable. i have no doubt about germany at all. translation: rare no doubt about germany at all. translation:— no doubt about germany at all. translation: ., translation: we are united in the transatlantic _ translation: we are united in the transatlantic partnership _ translation: we are united in the transatlantic partnership between l transatlantic partnership between germany— transatlantic partnership between germany and the us, it's one of the permanent— germany and the us, it's one of the permanent pillars of german policy and witi— permanent pillars of german policy and will be relevant in the future, as welt, _ and will be relevant in the future, as well, just as relevant, and this will be _ as well, just as relevant, and this will be one — as well, just as relevant, and this will be one of our top priorities atways — will be one of our top priorities atways 0n _ will be one of our top priorities always. on behalf of nato, we are the country— always. on behalf of nato, we are the country in continental europe

that is— the country in continental europe that is doing... making the largest contribution in the financial means and does _ contribution in the financial means and does a — contribution in the financial means and does a military power. and we —— and also military power. and we pay the _ —— and also military power. and we pay the biggest part of the financial support to ukraine since 2014. _ financial support to ukraine since 2014, about 2 million us dollars bitaterat— 2014, about 2 million us dollars bilateral support, a substantial financial— bilateral support, a substantial financial means to stabilise the ukrainian — financial means to stabilise the ukrainian economy, and we are witting — ukrainian economy, and we are witting to — ukrainian economy, and we are willing to continue with that sort of contribution. so this is the very strong _ of contribution. so this is the very strong and — of contribution. so this is the very strong and unbreakable friendship between _ strong and unbreakable friendship between our two countries. part of this is— between our two countries. part of this is that — between our two countries. part of this is that with regard to the difficult — this is that with regard to the difficult situation at the ukrainian border, _ difficult situation at the ukrainian border, due to the russian troops, we have _ border, due to the russian troops, we have made it very clear, we will unanimously act in terms of

sanctions _ unanimously act in terms of sanctions— unanimously act in terms of sanctions. ~ , ., . ., ., sanctions. mr president, once again a ruestion sanctions. mr president, once again a question with _ sanctions. mr president, once again a question with regards _ sanctions. mr president, once again a question with regards to _ sanctions. mr president, once again a question with regards to arms - a question with regards to arms exports — a question with regards to arms exports do— a question with regards to arms exports. do you _ a question with regards to arms exports. do you think— a question with regards to arms exports. do you think it - a question with regards to arms exports. do you think it is - a question with regards to arms exports. do you think it is ok. a question with regards to arms . exports. do you think it is ok that nato _ exports. do you think it is ok that nato partners _ exports. do you think it is ok that nato partners have _ exports. do you think it is ok that nato partners have different - nato partners have different approaches _ nato partners have different approaches here? _ nato partners have different approaches here? and - nato partners have different approaches here? and are l nato partners have different. approaches here? and are nord nato partners have different _ approaches here? and are nord stream 2, once _ approaches here? and are nord stream 2, once again. — approaches here? and are nord stream 2, once again. do— approaches here? and are nord stream 2, once again. do you— approaches here? and are nord stream 2, once again, do you think— approaches here? and are nord stream 2, once again, do you think the - 2, once again, do you think the current— 2, once again, do you think the current positioning _ 2, once again, do you think the current positioning of— 2, once again, do you think the current positioning of germany| 2, once again, do you think the - current positioning of germany with regard _ current positioning of germany with regard to _ current positioning of germany with regard to the — current positioning of germany with regard to the russian _ current positioning of germany with regard to the russian threat - current positioning of germany with regard to the russian threat is - current positioning of germany with regard to the russian threat is ok? | regard to the russian threat is ok? look. _ regard to the russian threat is ok? look. there — regard to the russian threat is ok? look. there is — regard to the russian threat is ok? look, there is no _ regard to the russian threat is ok? look, there is no doubt _ regard to the russian threat is ok? look, there is no doubt in - regard to the russian threat is ok? i look, there is no doubt in america's mind that germany is an incredibly reliable ally and one of the leading physical powers in nature, number one. numberten, —— leading powers in nato. number two... that's where we will leave this press conference withjoe biden and the german chancellor elect schultz, mr biden telling us that all of nate howe are ready if russia invades ukraine, there will be swift

and severe consequences, sanctions are a threat but we need to keep the dialogue open, says mr scholz. much more on this, reaction to what has been said, coming up next in context with christian fraser. hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. world leaders step up their efforts to reduce tensions over ukraine as fears of a russian invasion grow. french president emmanuel macron says he hopes that war can be avoided at a meeting with vladimir putin in moscow. harmony on health policy says borisjohnson, he denies the chancellor delayed a plan, to tackle long nhs waiting lists. police protect the labour leader keir starmer when he is surrounded by protesters shouting traitor. and two leading republican members of congress are reprimanded by the party leadership, for sitting on the panel investigating the january 6th attack on the us capitol.

tonight with the context: sonia khan, former advisor to the uk