�*welcome to newsday, reporting live from singapore, i'm karishma vaswani. the headlines. as president biden warns us citizens to leave ukraine, a frosty meeting in moscow between brirain�*s foreign secretary and her russian counterpart. the conversation we had was like a deaf person talking to someone who is mute. britain's most senior police officer, cressida dick, is to step down after the mayor of london said he had no confidence in her leadership. canadian truckers block a second bridge in their protest over covid restrictions, with the economy now counting the cost. and tensions in india amid an escalating row over

the right to wear hijabs in educational establishments. it's seven in the morning in singapore, and 6pm in washington, where president biden has just warned us citizens to leave ukraine now. in a tv interview with nbc news he says "things could go crazy quickly" in ukraine. it comes as kyiv accuses russia of blocking its access to the sea, amid spiralling tension in the region. meanwhile britain's foreign secretary, liz truss, held has held what were described as frosty talks with her russian counterpart, sergei lavrov in moscow. in recent weeks, russia has massed well over a hundred thousand troops, along with tanks and artillery, on the border with ukraine, but denies planning to invade.

here's steve rosenberg in moscow. for liz truss, the day began by the kremlin at the tomb of the unknown soldier, a sign of respect for russia before the difficult diplomacy. she's only been foreign secretary five months. sergey lavrov has been in the job 18 years. a big difference. and there were major differences of opinion. mr lavrov called western politicians "indoctrinated", the british diplomats "unprepared", and on the subject of ukraine... translation: the conversation we had was like a deaf person talking _ to someone who's mute. we were listening to one another, but not hearing each other. i certainly wasn't mute i in our discussions earlier. i put forward the uk's point of view on the current situation _ and the fact that as well as seeking

to deter russia from an invasion i into ukraine, we are also very resolute in pursuing _ the diplomatic path. what we saw here today was diplomacy without any of the diplomatic niceties. no hint of compromise. instead, a very public clash between britain and russia over ukraine and over the whole question of european security. it's moscow's military activity near ukraine that's causing concern in the west, like joint drills involving russia and belarus. but mr lavrov insisted russia has no plans for an invasion. it does stretch credulity that there are no plansl when there are 100,000 troops lined up on the ukrainian border. - so we need to see those words from sergey lavrov translated i into action of de—escalating and moving those troops i away from the border.

it feels a little bit as if it's france and not the uk which is a leading diplomatic efforts. and we had president macron in moscow this week. is it the case that the uk is sort of playing catch—up here or playing second fiddle? it's very important that france, the united kingdom, germany, the united states and all of our| allies are involved in this effort. this is not about alternatives — i this is about all working together. but russian state tv has been working against liz truss, calling her "clueless", "incompetent". i think when people resort to personal attacks, - it's when they have no good political argument to make. this was the first visit by a british foreign secretary to moscow for more than four years. is that called soft power? but after a day of very

public disagreements, uk—russian relations feel as frosty as ever. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. the leaders of the three baltic states have called on nato to increase military support in eastern europe. borisjohnson has been at nato headquarters — meeting withjens stoltenberg — nato's secretary general. there were blunt assessments — from both. a package of support to strengthen further our collective security sending troops, planes and ships to defend nato from north to south. but, the states are very high —— steaks. and this is a very dangerous moment. and at stake are the rules that protect every nation. every nation. big and small. this that protect every nation. every nation. big and small.—

nation. big and small. this is a dangerous _ nation. big and small. this is a dangerous moment _ nation. big and small. this is a dangerous moment for - nation. big and small. this is a l dangerous moment for european security — dangerous moment for european security. the number of russian forces _ security. the number of russian forces is — security. the number of russian forces is going up. the warning time forces is going up. the warning time for a possible attack is going down. nato is _ for a possible attack is going down. nato is not — for a possible attack is going down. nato is not a threat to russia. but it must— nato is not a threat to russia. but it must be — nato is not a threat to russia. but it must be prepared for the worst. let's speak to daniel fried former us assistant secretary of state for european and asian affairs. he joins us from washington. it is great to have you on the programme. just to start by asking you about the reports that president biden has had in the united states saying that american citizens should leave ukraine now. what does that tell you about the situation and how serious it is at this moment. the situation is serious.— serious it is at this moment. the situation is serious. vladimir putin could which _ situation is serious. vladimir putin could which a _ situation is serious. vladimir putin could which a full-scale _ situation is serious. vladimir putin could which a full-scale war- situation is serious. vladimir putin | could which a full-scale war against could which a full—scale war against the ukraine. if you look like scenes

from world war ii. people do not want this, it means he can, he might, he's threatening in the biden administration is properly warning americans. it would rather warn than and have nothing happen then failed to warn them and have them caught in a full—scale invasion. vladimir putin may not invade, this may be his attempt at coercive diplomacy to intimidate the ukrainians by the threat of war. but we cannot rule out a full—scale war. signs are not great. is out a full-scale war. signs are not areat. , ., ., , ., ., ., out a full-scale war. signs are not ireat. , ., ., , ., ., ., ., great. is a former diplomat, have to ask, what great. is a former diplomat, have to ask. what kind _ great. is a former diplomat, have to ask, what kind of _ great. is a former diplomat, have to ask, what kind of advice _ great. is a former diplomat, have to ask, what kind of advice would - great. is a former diplomat, have to ask, what kind of advice would you i ask, what kind of advice would you give president biden at the moment? i think the biden administration is doing 0k i think the biden administration is doing ok with this difficult problem. but we are slow to recognise it and if you stumbles out of the gate, but the biden administration has done the right

thing. it is worked with europe, the uk, rally the transatlantic community to respond to vladimir putin's threats at the same time, offer a diplomatic off ramp and i don't know vladimir putin will take it, the best case may be an ugly continuation of threats and pressure but the biden administration is handling this pretty well. they did not want this crisis, there would've rather had a better relationship with russia, but they have risen to the task and they work with key allies and where we should be, it is not a great place.— not a great place. what is the off ram or not a great place. what is the off ramp or vladimir _ not a great place. what is the off ramp or vladimir putin? - not a great place. what is the off ramp or vladimir putin? how- not a great place. what is the off. ramp or vladimir putin? how does not a great place. what is the off - ramp or vladimir putin? how does he backed down and discuss the situation without losing face at home i situation without losing face at hom - ., , ., situation without losing face at hom �*—~ ., , ., . o’ situation without losing face at hom ., , ., ., situation without losing face at hom ~. ., , ., . ~' ., . home i doubt he would back down in a wa that home i doubt he would back down in a way that looks — home i doubt he would back down in a way that looks like _ home i doubt he would back down in a way that looks like backing _ way that looks like backing down. he's not going to pull back the forces and say give peace a chance.

the best likely solution, the best realistic case is probably that of more tension. even increase provocation as we see in the black sea today with the russians halting movement and large areas of the black sea. more intimidation. and no invasion. that's the best case. the west has to prepare itself for both the dark scenario of a full—scale war and the nasty scenario that isn't quite as awful as continuing pressure and intimidation designed to achieve his aim to crush ukrainian independence and sovereignty, but without the risks of a full—scale war. and a full—scale war may yet come. of a full-scale war. and a full-scale war may yet come. thank ou so full-scale war may yet come. thank you so much — full-scale war may yet come. thank you so much for— full-scale war may yet come. thank you so much forjoining _ full-scale war may yet come. thank you so much forjoining us - full-scale war may yet come. thank you so much forjoining us on - you so much forjoining us on

newsday. britain's most senior police officer, cressida dick, is to step down after the mayor of london said he had no confidence in her leadership. a recent police watchdog found evidence described as disgraceful misogyny and discrimination, including racist, anti—semitic and homophobic behaviour. she made history when she became the first female commissioner of the country's largest force. but tonight, cressida dick's long policing career was brought to a sudden end. following contact with the mayor of london today, it is quite clear that he no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership of the metropolitan police service for me to continue as commissioner. he has left me no choice but to step aside.

the mayor, sadiq khan, had already put out his statement. it's clear that the only way to start to deliver on the scale of the change required is to have new leadership right at the top of the metropolitan police. what would be a decisive day on the job for cressida dick began at the bbc, and a radio phone in. responding to a grilling about her performance, she pledged her determination to carry on. i have absolutely no intention of going. 2a hours earlier, the mayor of london, sadiq khan, had issued an ultimatum. my expectation is the next time i see her i want to see what her response is. but their working relationship is over. the finale to a torrid 12 months from the met. it was almost a year ago that one of their own officers, wayne couzens, used his police powers to kidnap sarah everard

of a london street and then rape and murder her. with a killer policeman under arrest, as women gathered for a vigil in memory of sarah, these were the images which went viral. more bad headlines for the met. the reputation of the net was much more important than the people - she was meant to serve. by not admitting that there are deep systemic issues, i they are not going to be able to solve them. _ while pressure has been building on cressida dick, a few months ago politicians gave her more time, with priti patel extended her contract. now the behaviour at number 10 has led to the partygate investigation, but even in this, the met has gathered more criticism for being flat—footed in its response. and then, in recent days, shocking messages sent by some officers at charing cross police station lifted the lid on racist and sexist attitudes which were redolent in policing in the 1970s.

in a separate scandal, two officers regarding a murder scene where two sisters had been killed also sent abusive messages. those officers ended up in prison. after five years at the helm, cressida dick will soon be leaving scotland yard for the last time. the murder of sarah everard and many other awful cases recently have, i know, damaged confidence in this fantastic police service. there is much to do, and i know that the met has turned its full attention to rebuilding trust and confidence, and to raising our standards. tonight, the home secretary paid tribute to dame cressida. she began thejob is a popular pioneer, but her tenure has ended with her losing the faith of both the politicians and the public.

you're watching newsday on the bbc. still to come on the programme. hitting the canadian economy. the truckers protests spreads from ottawa to more borders with the united states. there is mr mandela. mr nelson mandela, freemen taking his first steps into a new south africa. iran's spiritual leader, ayatollah khamenei, has said he's passed a death sentence on salman rushdie, the british author of a book which many muslims say is blasphemous. the people of haiti have flocked to church to give thanks for the ousting of their former president, baby doc duvalier. because of his considerable value as a stallion, - shergar was kept in a special secure box in the stud _

farm's central block. shergar was driven away. in a horse box the thieves had brought with them. there stepped down from the plane a figure in mourning — elizabeth ii, queen of this realm and all her other realms and territories, head of the commonwealth, defender of the faith. this is newsday on the bbc. i'm in singapore. our headlines. in a tv interview, president biden has warned us citizens to leave ukraine now. he says "things could go crazy quickly" in ukraine. the commissioner of london's metropolitan police, cressida dick, is to step down after the mayor of london said he had no confidence in her leadership. now to developments in canada, where the border crossing

between the province of manitoba and the united states has become the latest to be blocked, by anti vaccine mandate protesters. police say the crossing has been blockaded using both vehicles and farm equipment. this follows the blocking of the ambassador bridge that connects canada with michigan — america's car production hub. as a result, ford and toyota have halted some production. the governor of michigan has called for the bridge to be re—opened. canada's capital ottowa has been the centre of protests by truckers for several days. they're angry at the government's covid—i9 restrictions. our correspondent samira hussain sent this update from ottawa. from a lot of the people i've spoken to share over the past several days, the resolve to stay here for the long term it's really quite strong. so, from a police perspective, it does pose some sort of challenge,

how do you actually get this cloud to disperse in a peaceful kind of manner while making sure everyone is back safe. this protest may have started in ottawa almost two weeks ago, it is spread to other parts of the country and most crucially, to canadian land borders of the united states, some of those land borders were responsible for more than 20% of trade between the two countries. and that is what you're hearing from a lot of american politicians and canadian politicians urging from the blockades, more specifically near the border that needs to be opened up. we're sharing this wave of solidarity and process happening around the world rinsing them in france come saw them in new zealand as well and from the protesters point of view here, of course, that strengthens them, that further emboldens them to see that kind of international support from what it is they are doing. but there's

always been pushed back against vaccine mandates, against covid—i9 restrictions and to see in canada, there are pockets of it, but these protests are becoming much, much louder. joining us now from kingston, ontario in canada is christian leuprecht a security expert at queen's university and the royal military college of canada. it's wonderful debbie on the programme. let's talk about some of the things you mentioned in there that the protests are spreading like wildfire now but as i understand it, officials were made aware of the fact that convoys were leaving at least a week ago, a full week in advance as i understand it. why aren't authorities prepared for this and weren't able to do more to prevent this?—

and weren't able to do more to prevent this? that's the operative ruestion prevent this? that's the operative question and _ prevent this? that's the operative question and but _ prevent this? that's the operative question and but i _ prevent this? that's the operative question and but i suspect - prevent this? that's the operative question and but i suspect the - prevent this? that's the operative i question and but i suspect the after action report you will show is that this was an intelligence failure. it was a local police service, police jurisdiction and they'll be doing a threat assessment before any protests of the sort and before attendees for national coming across the surface of the criminal intelligence side. in federal police force for criminal intelligence advice and my guess is that the organisation, the leadership in the resourcing and chances are, we did so both because canada has had a past and because we have 20 years focusing on counterterrorism that this sort of plot line was there despite portland and seattle and that there were early indications, as you pointed out. fir

that there were early indications, as you pointed out.— as you pointed out. or do you go from here. _ as you pointed out. or do you go from here, christian? _ as you pointed out. or do you go from here, christian? do - as you pointed out. or do you go from here, christian? do you - as you pointed out. or do you go| from here, christian? do you see more heavy—handed behaviourfrom the police and how does that balance out but the rights of canadian citizens to protest in a democracy?- to protest in a democracy? those are both very good _ to protest in a democracy? those are both very good points. _ to protest in a democracy? those are both very good points. so, _ to protest in a democracy? those are both very good points. so, police - both very good points. so, police have ratcheted up the strategy before the resources police service was completely overwhelmed in terms of the legislative competencies that they have been assigned and they now have additional officers and we have seen additional offices and more systematic containment strategy and determine strategy. the same time, it is difficult to have heavy—handed approach because you would likely have copycat protests popping up across the country. he had protests across the country. he had protests across provincial capitals last weekend you would likely have more border crossings and preps other critical infrastructures plucked by

sympathisers and so, this will ultimately we to show some stretching. but at a time or democracy is under considerable dress in many parts of the world for a country like canada, there's also reputational issues that we ultimately need to lead by example and both the views of some the protesters and certainly some of the tactics are profoundly objectionable. the same time, we need to sure that we enforce within the rule of law to the democratic constraints and not play into the hands of our adversaries that call our police force that is like the regime. there will be a partial opening of educational institutions in the indian state of karnataka from monday. they've been closed amid rising tensions over students being stopped from wearing the islamic headdress — the hijab — in classrooms.

there have been rival protests and violence over the ruling. i'm joined now by aarti betigeri, a south asian affairs analyst based in australia. it is wonderful to have you on the programme. let's startjust by reminding our audiences how did we get to this point?— get to this point? well, there has been a cascade _ get to this point? well, there has been a cascade of— get to this point? well, there has been a cascade of anti-muslim i been a cascade of anti—muslim incidents that have been on the rise for the past few years in india. in india isa for the past few years in india. in india is a democracy. and an independent nature in 1949. so, any sign of attempts or indications that muslims are being somehow subordinated, their rights are being

eaten away bite by bite. there is a particular incident as they say, it is centred in this town which is a very popular pilgrimage site and muslim students turned up to the couege muslim students turned up to the college wearing and the college said no, you cannot come in, there protest and counter protests and people were coming in and rub sink if they can wear hijabs, we can wear these. a whole bunch of other schools and colleges in the region surrounding towns then went to where their hijabs and the state government moved and which is led by the hindu nationalist party and they passed a directive last week sink, close which disturb the quality, integrity and public law and order should not be worn. some of the original students had taken this to the high court where it now rests.

because of all the violence, the state moved in and shut down schools and colleges across the state for three days. in and colleges across the state for three days-— and colleges across the state for three da s. , ., ., three days. in terms of the indian constitution, _ three days. in terms of the indian constitution, what _ three days. in terms of the indian constitution, what does _ three days. in terms of the indian constitution, what does it - three days. in terms of the indian constitution, what does it say - three days. in terms of the indian l constitution, what does it say about theissue constitution, what does it say about the issue of peoples religious freedoms, what is allowed in terms of which went where, how you want to profess your faith? this of which went where, how you want to profess your faith?— profess your faith? this is where it lets a profess your faith? this is where it gets a little _ profess your faith? this is where it gets a little tricky. _ profess your faith? this is where it gets a little tricky. article - profess your faith? this is where it gets a little tricky. article 25 - profess your faith? this is where it gets a little tricky. article 25 of. gets a little tricky. article 25 of the constitution explicitly says that all indians have the right to freedom of religion and the right to practice and propagate your religion. but there are some exemptions. it's up to the courts to decide whether or not wearing a hijab falls under this jurisdictions. hijab falls under this “urisdictions. ., ., ~ ., jurisdictions. looking at the olitical jurisdictions. looking at the political backdrops - jurisdictions. looking at the political backdrops are - jurisdictions. looking at the l political backdrops are taking jurisdictions. looking at the - political backdrops are taking place right now the state elections, how much does that play a role in what is happening?—

is happening? well, it's kind of very clear _ is happening? well, it's kind of very clear passion _ is happening? well, it's kind of very clear passion that - is happening? well, it's kind of very clear passion that piercing | very clear passion that piercing across the country. it is working to shore up its presence and it's always been a high degree of this in india. one particular viewpoint of it representing the country in the national level. it states that according to their own interest in the on issues and they don't have a very strong presence at the state level, but it appears that is trying to change that. and we have seen these incidents all of the country, not to see. the bjp have had a very bruising year. there was a farmer protests last year and there's been a lot of disquiet over its handling of the covid—i9 crisis and india is trying so hard. we of the covid-19 crisis and india is trying so hard-— of the covid-19 crisis and india is trying so hard. we have run out of time for the _ trying so hard. we have run out of time for the segment. _ trying so hard. we have run out of time for the segment. joining - trying so hard. we have run out of time for the segment. joining us | trying so hard. we have run out of. time for the segment. joining us on the programme. that is all the time we have for the day on newsday.

thank you forjoining us and to stay with bbc news. the latest headlines. hello again. this time yesterday, we were looking at some hill snow in scotland causing a few issues on some of the higher scottish routes and some strong winds gusting 70 mph in the western isles. we had a covering of snow left over over the hills, and that was all courtesy of this area of cloud, an area of low pressure that's currently working across the north sea to bring some fairly windy weather to the netherlands through friday. out in the atlantic, meanwhile, we have the next weather system waiting to come in for the start of the weekend, but between that and that, we get that. it's an area of high pressure that's actually going to bring some fine weather our way for friday. over recent hours, as that area of high pressure's been edging in closer, the number of showers we've seen has dwindled. still a few left over across northwestern areas, and with the combination of clear skies and light winds

allowing a widespread frost, could be a few icy patches around. lowest temperatures in aberdeenshire getting down to about —10 celsius. so, a freezing cold start to the day on friday, but some beautiful winter sunshine for most of you for most of the day. again, a few isolated showers coming and going across the northwest, and through the day, we're going to see the weather turn cloudier in northern ireland. temperatures — we're looking at highs close to the seasonal average for the time of year — perhaps six in glasgow, nine for cardiff and for london. there will be some rain developing friday night, and into saturday, that rain will be affecting parts of england and wales. doesn't reach the southeast of england and east anglia, where it will stay bright and breezy. there will be some fairly strong winds for many of us but for scotland and northern ireland count of frequent showers and some bread spells between the showers. temperature is a little bit higher, eight to 10 degrees making it a mild day but perhaps not feeling so, given the strength of the winds. in talking of winds, the city of low pressure and on sunday is also said

to bring more wet and windy weather our way. the wind may be a bit further northwards but reaching north in scotland where there will be some showers around, otherwise the rain will be quite heavy in the winds will be a your day, gills across other parts of england and wales into the english channel, cost around 50 or 60 miles an hour. strong enough to bring a few tree branches and some localised disruption on sunday from the system. next week looks pretty unsettled as well, often wet and windy but it does turn very mild for a time. that is your weather.

this is bbc news. the headlines. president biden has warned us citizens to leave ukraine now, and he would not send troops to rescue americans fleeing the country if russia invades. he told nbc news "things could go crazy quickly" in ukraine. the commissioner of london's metropolitan police, cressida dick, is to step down. she said she'd been left with "no choice" after london mayor, sadiq khan, made it clear that he had no confidence in her leadership. canada's truck protest has ratcheted up with a further border crossing targetted over covid restrictions. prime ministerjustin trudeau has warned that the two—week—long protests are threatening canada's economy. inflation in the united states has hit an annual rate of 7.5% — the highest in four decades. the price increases were driven by rising food, electricity and housing costs.