this is bbc news, i'm ben brown — the headlines at 9.00: the search is on for a new commisioner of the metropolitan police after dame cressida dick resigned saying she'd been left with "no choice" but to step down. it is quite clear that the mayor no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership of the metropolitan police service for me to continue as commissioner. the uk economy rebounds with 7.5% growth last year. president biden tells american citizens remaining in ukraine to leave, saying he would not send troops to evacuate them should russia invade. it is one of the largest armies in the world. it is a very different situation and things could go crazy

very quickly. hundreds of thousands of people are expected to set off on a half—term getaway in the coming days, as covid testing for fully—jabbed travellers returning to the uk is scrapped. and, facing bushfires and disease, the koala is listed as endangered across most of the australian east coast. the search is on for a new metropolitan police commissioner — after the sudden resignation of dame cressida dick last night. she said she'd been left with "no choice" because the mayor of london, sadiq khan, had lost confidence in her ability to tackle failings within the force.

she said she was stepping down "with deep sadness and regret" for his part, the mayor said he was "not satisfied" with dame cressida's response to the scale of change required to "root out" racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying and misogyny in the met. dame cressida has been the uk's most senior police officer for five years — and was the first woman to hold the job. but she'd been criticised for failing to deal with racism, within the force as well as presiding over a string of controversies and scandals, including the murder of sarah everard by a serving officer. our correspondent, james reynolds, has this report. the commissioner and the mayor once headed in the same direction, but they have now come to a sudden stop. following contact with the mayor of london today, it is quite clear that the mayor 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. it is clear that the only way to start to deliver the scale of the change required is to have new leadership right at the top of the metropolitan police. cressida dick has endured a turbulent year. in march 2021, a serving police officer, wayne couzens, used his police powers to kidnap sarah everard from a london street and then rape and murder her. the commissioner's officers broke up a vigil in sarah everard's memory. that event's organisers are glad to see her go. good riddance, but this is where the work begins. just getting rid of cressida dick does not make it a clean slate. there is years and years of systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and we need someone to come in who is going to recognise that and do the reform. in december, two officers who guarded a murder scene

were sentenced to prison terms for sending abusive messages. and then earlier this month, a report revealed that officers at charing cross police station had shared a racist and misogynistic messages. the mayor believed that the commissionerjust did not get the scale of the problem. but the commissioner's allies disagree. says the chairman of the metropolitan police federation, ken marsh, "and we did believe that she was the person who could take us through this and brings out the other side." one of cressida dick's most immediate tasks remains unfinished. her officers have yet to complete their inquiry into parties held in downing street during lockdown. and so the met investigates the government as the government picks a new met commissioner. james reynolds, bbc news. our reporter, james reynolds, is outside

what happens now? the home secretary has to choose — what happens now? the home secretary has to choose a — what happens now? the home secretary has to choose a candidate. _ what happens now? the home secretary has to choose a candidate. the _ what happens now? the home secretary has to choose a candidate. the job - has to choose a candidate. the job has to choose a candidate. the job has two buses, the home secretary and the mayor of london. the home secretary is the first person to choose in this and she has to do with due regard with the views of the mayor of london. essentially, priti patel and her team of advisers will be looking at the chief constables up and down the country and senior officials in scotland yard, and you can look at any number of newspapers and see that the name —— the same names keep rising, chief constables and the metropolitan police. priti patel had extended cressida dick's ten year by two years, the home office was not expecting to make a decision so quickly. it might have been keeping an eye on candidates for two years time and that look into the future is now to the present. the

importance _ is now to the present. the importance of _ is now to the present. the importance of the - is now to the present. the importance of the job, - is now to the present. the importance of the job, not running london's pleasing, but a national—security role and a role in preventing terrorism. it is national-security role and a role in preventing terrorism.— preventing terrorism. it is a national role, _ preventing terrorism. it is a national role, the _ preventing terrorism. it is a national role, the most - preventing terrorism. it is a i national role, the most senior police officer in the country, for that very reason, not only about london, about coordinating national policy when comes to counterterrorism, protection too. that is why it is the responsibility of the home secretary to appoint the commissioner, not only the mayor of london. . ~ commissioner, not only the mayor of london. ., ~ , ., commissioner, not only the mayor of london. . ~' , ., , commissioner, not only the mayor of london. ., ~ i. , . joining me now is the chairman of the metropolitan police federation, ken marsh. what is your reaction to the dramatic resignation last night? good morning. we stand by the news that we have been told about the commissioner going. i was with her

on wednesday afternoon for a lengthy period, i was aware of the plans she was laying out. we thought it was something that could be achieved over time, and we were going to move forward and get this dealt with. you have said she _ forward and get this dealt with. you have said she was popular within the force among the rank and file of officers who you represent. titers; officers who you represent. very much so- — officers who you represent. very much so- the — officers who you represent. very much so. the first _ officers who you represent. very much so. the first female - much so. the first female commissioner ever which was a real coup for us and fantastic. she has highlighted female officers within policing, numbers of female officers have gone up incredibly which is fantastic, bame officers have gone up fantastic, bame officers have gone up massively. this is the strategy of how she sees a future of the metropolitan police service. some --eole metropolitan police service. some people might _ metropolitan police service. some people might say _ metropolitan police service. some people might say it _ metropolitan police service. some people might say it is _ metropolitan police service. some people might say it is not - metropolitan police service. some people might say it is not such - metropolitan police service. some people might say it is not such a good thing to be popular with the rank and file officers because what is needed right now in the metropolitan police —— metropolitan

police are some tough love. very hard decisions. i police are some tough love. very hard decisions.— hard decisions. i hear the word tou~h hard decisions. i hear the word tough love. — hard decisions. i hear the word tough love, people _ hard decisions. i hear the word tough love, people should - hard decisions. i hear the word - tough love, people should become police officers for a while and you will understand how difficult it is. senior officers have to understand what their police officers are going through on a daily basis and to say you want to come in and crack a whip and gave tough love, you will not achieve anything by doing that. you have to work with your colleagues, you have to take them with you and bring them out the other side. do ou bring them out the other side. do you accept there have been a string of scandals under hard being in charge over the last five years? sarah everard, the murder by serving police officer was just one of them, repeated allegations that we hear again and again there is homophobia, racism, sexism, misogyny within the metropolitan police force. how is it dealt with? who is the best new person to deal with this in your

view? i person to deal with this in your view? ., ., , , ., ., view? i totally understand what you are sa in: view? i totally understand what you are saying and _ view? i totally understand what you are saying and so _ view? i totally understand what you are saying and so do _ view? i totally understand what you are saying and so do all _ view? i totally understand what you are saying and so do all my - are saying and so do all my colleagues, they find it abhorrent what has taken place by individuals, a small group of individuals is sickening. it is not policing, it is not asked. but in terms of how we move forward, i how someone comes in and takes place on, bear in mind that a couple of weeks ago there was not anyone, that is why the commissioner was given an extension for two years, we have to see how that unfolds because at this stage, i do not see how that happens. do ou i do not see how that happens. do you have a preference for who takes over? someone from within the metropolitan police or an outsider? i am open to that, i do not have a preference, i want someone who will be a good leader, i want someone who is going to work with the 32,000 police officers to take us into a

better place than we are in now. but i do not have an opinion on who that should be. . ~ i do not have an opinion on who that should be. ., ~ , ., , i do not have an opinion on who that should be. . ~' ,, , . should be. thank you very much indeed. joining me now is former met police superintendent, leroy logan who spent 30 years as chair of the national black police association. good morning. how do you see all of this? were you surprised by her resignation last night? i this? were you surprised by her resignation last night?- this? were you surprised by her resignation last night? i wasn't. i realise from _ resignation last night? i wasn't. i realise from what _ resignation last night? i wasn't. i realise from what sadiq - resignation last night? i wasn't. i realise from what sadiq khan - resignation last night? i wasn't. i j realise from what sadiq khan had said from last week and during this week that he had moved on and he needed someone to bring in the culture change that was necessary because of the litany of cases which culminated in the operation report on the charing cross police station. i served in 2004 period they are and

it shocked me to know that the culture had shifted in such a deprived way.— culture had shifted in such a derivedwa . ~ ,, ., deprived way. was cressida dick failin: to deprived way. was cressida dick failing to deal _ deprived way. was cressida dick failing to deal with _ deprived way. was cressida dick failing to deal with that - deprived way. was cressida dick failing to deal with that culture? we were talking their with the police federation saying that she was tackling these issues and she was tackling these issues and she was popular amongst the rank and file. ~ . , was popular amongst the rank and file. ~ ., , ., , file. well, i am still a member of the black police _ file. well, i am still a member of the black police association, - file. well, i am still a member of the black police association, i i file. well, i am still a member of. the black police association, i have been so for the last 30 years, i am still part of that support network and the cases of the toxic hostile environment where people are being subject to racism and sexism and homophobia is still as high. you did not see any real direct leadership, ethical leadership to hold the rogue police to account. there was an atmosphere of fear, a culture of

fear, the good police officers are not even trying to challenge the bad police officers. the whistle—blowers were not being supported. you are thinking, well, what are these supervisors doing? are they trying to be popular or complicit by silence? and allowing a safe haven of creditor type thinking —— predator thinking, of creditor type thinking —— predatorthinking, on of creditor type thinking —— predator thinking, on homophobia etc. charing cross, there is no comparison now to what it was when i was there. that is really sad. what has created that ship? social media to an extent, but the way that it has not being captured, and there will be other police stations, they

will be other police stations, they will be other police stations, they will be in the minority but there will be in the minority but there will be in the minority but there will be others, and no one is getting a grip of the situation. i5 getting a grip of the situation. is it too big a job for one person? whoever it is, he or she, whoever takes over from cressida whoever it is, he or she, whoever takes overfrom cressida dick whoever it is, he or she, whoever takes over from cressida dick and changes the whole culture of a vast organisation? for changes the whole culture of a vast organisation?— changes the whole culture of a vast oruanisation? ., ., , , ., , ., organisation? for many years we have been sa in: organisation? for many years we have been saying that _ organisation? for many years we have been saying that the _ organisation? for many years we have been saying that the metropolitan - been saying that the metropolitan police is too big, it is the biggest job you can think of an policing. the national responsibilities are an terrorism, diplomatic protection etc needs to be hived off to different chiefs because in itself, the metropolitan police and london is a tough enoughjob. that metropolitan police and london is a tough enough job. that review that the home office is bringing in, they need to look at is the size of the metropolitan police part of the problem? the commissioner is not able to get into the real detail of

what is going on and bring in that ethical leadership. find what is going on and bring in that ethical leadership.— ethical leadership. and ethical leadership. — ethical leadership. and ethical leadership, do _ ethical leadership. and ethical leadership, do you _ ethical leadership. and ethical leadership, do you have - ethical leadership. and ethical leadership, do you have any . leadership, do you have any contenders you would like to see take the job? contenders you would like to see take thejob? someone contenders you would like to see take the job? someone within the metropolitan police or an outsider from another police force? the assistant from another police force? iie: assistant commissioner from another police force? "iie: assistant commissioner was from another police force? i““i2 assistant commissioner was the national need of counterterrorism, he left the metropolitan police and he left the metropolitan police and he is sick and it elsewhere, and i have known neil when i was in the metropolitan police, and he is a person who has shown a real understanding of what was going on during the black lives matter issues in 2020, and you saw him speak out very forthright, acknowledging systemic failure is on racism and sexism and understanding that narrative needs to play out with strong ethical leadership and people

understanding what is their role in this. he spoke from the heart and the head, and he showed the skills and abilities to take the organisation forward. and i think he is a good candidate. goad organisation forward. and i think he is a good candidate.— is a good candidate. good to talk to ou, the is a good candidate. good to talk to you. the former _ is a good candidate. good to talk to you, the former metropolitan - is a good candidate. good to talk to | you, the former metropolitan police superintendent. official estimates released this morning show the uk economy grew by 7.5 percent last year, despite a slight dip in december caused by the omicron variant of coronavirus. last year's rebound came after a nine point 4% collapse in 2020, as the covid pandemic spread and lockdown rules were imposed. the chancellor rishi sunak was asked if we are now past the worst of the pandemic economic hit. well, today's figures show that, despite omicron, the economy was remarkably resilient. we were the fastest—growing economy in the g7 last year and are forecast to continue being the fastest growing economy this year. so that shows that our plans for the economy are working. but i know people are worried

about rising prices, particularly energy bills, and although these are global challenges, where we can make a difference, of course we are going to act and that's why last week we announced a significant package of support to help millions of families meet those rising bills. our business presenter nina warhurst is in nottinghamshire with more on this. gdp is the value of everything we make and do. that figure of seven point 5% growth in 2021 is bigger than economists expected. if you picture economic growth through history, it is slow and steady, a big drop in 2020 and a quick recovery, and another in 2021 almost now at the point that we were pre—pandemic. they are big numbers

to get your head around for the overall economy but it is all about how it impacts us at home. let's have a look and a chat to jonathan. can ijust grab you for a minute? he's an apprentice here. you are living at home at the moment, when you are looking to the year ahead what is the biggest thing on your mind when it comes to finances? i'd say my car insurance because my car insurance is really expensive at the moment. i reckon that obviously that is because of covid. i'm paying quite a lot for a 1.2 litre car so, yeah, that my biggest concern. and when you think about moving out from your parents' home, saving for a house, how do you feel about that? it's kind of scary because nowadays my parents are talking about saving 10,000 to put a deposit on a house, so me thinking ahead is kind of scary, especially at my age, you know, earning what i am. thank you, jonathan. and that's what lots of households are feeling. yes, the economy has grown but at home, because of inflation, things are feeling a lot tighter. let's have a chat with someone who runs a small business. very nice to see you this morning. you ran a restaurant throughout the pandemic. back in 2020, massive contraction i would imagine.

what was 2021 like in terms of growth? well, it started off dark with the winter lock down, so we were forced to just be taking a third of our average weekly turnover. but throughout the year it got easier. a lot of support from the government and by the end, although we have ropey weeks, it is looking a lot more positive. when you are looking ahead to 2022, are you concerned that consumers, that people that come into your restaurant, will have less to spend as their heating bill goes up, their food costs, their transport bills go up? yeah, we are seeing that. we seem to have a very busy weekends but the rest of the week is really quiet, so we are prioritising going out once a week on a saturday instead ofjust going out a few times a week. so it is almost like those little treats in the week of had to be compromised. thank you. and let's talk to nina, who is a professional number cruncher. were you surprised this morning when you heard that growth in 2021 was 7.5%? it was higher, wasn't it, most economists predicted? it was higher because of expectations. it was broadly in line

with what we were expecting. i think the message, the overall message of the gdp is that the uk economy started the new year in a slightly stronger position than would have been expected. i think the big question is now what does 2022 hold? what does 2022 hold? because talking to people here on the factory floor, they are really worried that their wages are not keeping up with price increases. and i'm sure that's a valid concern. i think a lot of workers across all sorts of industries are having that question. so as you just mentioned, we had the highest growth since i believe the early 1940s in 2021. now that coupled up with a big drop in the size of the labour force. they still have about a million workers missing who have either dropped out of the workforce, they could have moved out of the uk, so there is a lot of pressure on wages, which is feeding into the high levels of inflation, along with the higher energy prices and higher input prices overall.

so all of that is contributing to a higher price level and a lot of people are wondering just how high of arrays they would need this yearjust to keep up. and the predictions are dated get as high as 7%, even higher, so a national growth would be 5%, they revised it down to 3.75%. there was good news from 2021, higher growth than expected, a tricky year ahead for most households where their wages will not be keeping up with price increases. the defence secretary, ben wallace, will meet his russian counterpart in moscow later, as part of diplomatic efforts to lower tensions on ukraine's border. russia denies that it's planning to invade ukraine, despite the huge build—up of more than a hundred thousand troops in the region.

meanwhile president biden has told all american citizens still in ukraine to leave immediately, because — in his words — things could soon go �*crazy�* there. that's a world war when americans and russians start shooting at each other. we are in a very different world than we have ever been in. not even on behalf of simply evacuating americans? no. how do you do that? how do you even find them? this is not like i'm hoping that in fact he is foolish enough to go in. he's smart enough in fact to not do anything that would negatively impact on american citizens. what i have asked is american citizens should leave, should leave now. we are dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. this is a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly. we can speak to the bbc�*s caroline davies, who's in moscow. than, she is in the russian capital.

things could go pretty crazy says the american present, the defence secretary is in moscow today. i wonder if he is hoping for more success than the foreign secretary yesterday, the dialogue of the death. , ., , , death. yes, a frosty meeting between the two of them. _ death. yes, a frosty meeting between the two of them, the _ death. yes, a frosty meeting between the two of them, the foreign - the two of them, the foreign minister in russia. we knew it was going to be difficult because before her visit she had emphasised she was going to be discussing sanctions and what would happen to russia if they decided to take further action in ukraine. the national response in his opening remarks was russia would not respond to threats and ultimatums. it was not a great starting point in terms of discussion at least and in the following press conference it sounded like they had not necessarily manage to make a huge amount of common ground. he said

that the conversation was like a mute person speaking to a death person, they were listening but not hearing one another. she said in response she would not meet in the course of her conversation that she was putting the uk point of view forward. russia consistently says it is not planning to invade, it has no desire for aggression towards ukraine, but from the uk point of view and as the foreign secretary said yesterday, they do not believe lesson given the build—up on the russian side of the ukrainian border. in terms of what the defence secretary is walking into today, the first meeting of the defence secretary in moscow for official business for 20 years, this is not necessarily the easiest conversation to be having. he is probably likely to be having. he is probably likely to be having. he is probably likely to be bringing up talks of sanctions again, difficult ground for ben wallace as he arrives in moscow. irate

wallace as he arrives in moscow. we have seen all sorts of diplomatic initiatives, emmanuel macron, and so on, is it making any progress in inverting an invasion? ultimately the russians will guarantee that ukraine will not be part of nato. is there any room for compromise? those are the big questions. _ there any room for compromise? those are the big questions. in _ there any room for compromise? those are the big questions. in the _ are the big questions. in the broadest sense, has there been any solution, there has not been a river solution, there has not been a river solution about that, no de—escalation on either side. the us, the uk are sending more troops to shore up the eastern flank, and we know that they are accusing russia of continuing to build up troops on the russian side. in terms of de—escalation we have not seen that. at the beginning of the week, the french president was optimistic, space to do a deal with russia, but that has not happened. it is

interesting to hear in the newspapers in russia how the visit yesterday was being received. one of the tabloid newspapers wrote an editorial about it and suggested that it was possible to speak to the americans, the germans, the french, even to the ukrainians but it was very difficult to speak to the british because they were more argumentative and it was difficult to have those conversations at their minds are already made up. diplomatically, not in the eyes of this commentator. the key point is what is there space to negotiate on given that russia has consistently said it wants to have a cast—iron guarantee that nato will not expand and that ukraine will notjoin nato, and that ukraine will notjoin nato, and the us have been emphatic that thatis and the us have been emphatic that that is not something that is on the table. the big question is if there is room for negotiation, another way in diplomatic circles they can off

mmp in diplomatic circles they can off ramp their situation. at the moment there is no resolution on that front and we do not know where these negotiations will go.— and we do not know where these negotiations will go. thank you very much. we negotiations will go. thank you very much- we will— negotiations will go. thank you very much. we will talk _ negotiations will go. thank you very much. we will talk to _ negotiations will go. thank you very much. we will talk to you _ negotiations will go. thank you very much. we will talk to you again - much. we will talk to you again throughout the day. coronavirus rules in wales are going to be eased later this month. from next friday — that's a week today — covid passes to access theatres, cinemas and nightclubs will be scrapped. and by the end of the month, face coverings will no longer be needed in many public places such as schools, gyms and cinemas. from next week, the requirements to use a covid—i9 pass will be removed from the 18th of february. the international covid—i9 pass will still be required for travel of course. but domestically, it won't be a requirement. on the 28th of february, the requirement to wearfacemasks will go apart from in retail, health and social care settings and public transport. and we'll then look

at our next review, whether the remaining protections can safely be removed from the end of march. so we have got a pathway, so, hopefully, seeing the end of covid—i9, seeing it properly in the rear—view mirror. and it is still about people moving from a place where the law requires people to do things to move into guidance and asking people to exercisejudgment. now, with all of these things, there is, of course, a balance. but because of a relatively stable public health position, because we have seen a small fall in covid—i9 cases again in wales, we think we can safely do this and the choices that the government is making here in wales are supported by the public health guidelines we have received from our chief medical officer as well. so it is it managed, it's a gradual and it's a careful move to get us out of the public protection measures and to make sure we do not see a return to covid—i9 and the harm that it has caused and the stratospheric case levels we saw at the turn of the year.

fully vaccinated passengers arriving into the uk will no longer have to take any covid tests — either before departure or on arrival. the change — which kicked in at four o'clock this morning — means travellers who haven't received at least two vaccine doses will still need to provide proof of a negative covid result — and book a post—arrival pcr test. it comes as hundreds of thousands of people prepare to travel abroad for the half—term break. joining us now isjulia lo busaid, chief executive of advantage travel partnership. we have spoken to her many times during the pandemic. a brighter day, a lot of dark days for the travel industry and the public, but this is good news. industry and the public, but this is good news-— industry and the public, but this is good news. absolutely. this is the first time in _ good news. absolutely. this is the

first time in many _ good news. absolutely. this is the first time in many months - good news. absolutely. this is the first time in many months that - first time in many months that travellers returning to the uk can't really start to look positively forward to return without having to purchase an expensive test to return home. very positive start indeed. perfect timing with half term holidays. perfect timing with half term holida s. . ~ holidays. half term next week, families had _ holidays. half term next week, families had bookings - holidays. half term next week, families had bookings already, | holidays. half term next week, - families had bookings already, they will now not have to purchase the tests, it makes a big difference, it is complicated and complex but certainly returning to the uk and travellers coming to the uk to visit england and our beautiful country, a huge opportunity for them as well. what about people travelling abroad? a patchwork quilt of rules in different countries. it is complicated. it different countries. it is complicated.— different countries. it is comlicated. , complicated. it is very complicated. you cannot — complicated. it is very complicated. you cannot think _ complicated. it is very complicated. you cannot think about _ complicated. it is very complicated. you cannot think about one - complicated. it is very complicated. you cannot think about one trip - complicated. it is very complicated. you cannot think about one trip in l you cannot think about one trip in one transaction, two areas, what are

the rules coming back into your home country and also what are the rules where you are going? it is a patchwork quilt, it is many different rules, unfortunately they are all based on your vaccine status, the age of your children, when you had your vaccination and also you have to check not only what are the rules to enter a country but what are the restrictions placed upon travellers when they are there. a lot of talk about spain, you have to be double vaccinated from the age of 12. a lot of children who have not been double vaccinated, families cannot go there. not been double vaccinated, families cannot go there-— cannot go there. spain has been an issue for a — cannot go there. spain has been an issue for a lot _ cannot go there. spain has been an issue for a lot of _ cannot go there. spain has been an issue for a lot of our _ cannot go there. spain has been an issue for a lot of our members, - cannot go there. spain has been an l issue for a lot of our members, many bookings, had to cancel and book to a different destination, you have to be, if you are over 12, you have to be, if you are over 12, you have to be fully vaccinated for a lot of children have not had their second dose, they do not accept the uk

proof of covid—19 recovery, the well if you are in the eu but not if you are in the uk. untold amounts of issues, travellers determined to go away and looking at different destinations.— away and looking at different destinations. having said all of that and those _ destinations. having said all of that and those difficulties, - destinations. having said all of. that and those difficulties, looking ahead to the summer, are people making bookings in large numbers? is confidence has improved. it is not where it needs to be, as i say, there are still lots of complications. also, if you haven't had your vaccines, if you are unvaccinated, it is still complex to come back into the uk, you still need to test. what we are seeing is there are definitely confidence to book over the next seven to eight weeks. 35% of things booked is for travel in that period. we are starting to see the summer pick up and we would expect to after today. and more so as further countries these restrictions.—

and more so as further countries these restrictions. thank you very much as ever- _ these restrictions. thank you very much as ever. chief— these restrictions. thank you very much as ever. chief executive - these restrictions. thank you very much as ever. chief executive of. much as ever. chief executive of advantage travel partnership. now it's time for a look at the weather. hi, matt. good morning, ben. friday morning in february can't look much better. a gorgeous star out there. it is still very cold, frosty as well. temperatures in the last half an hour —7 in scotland. the frost is starting to lift away though under the sun overhead. it is turning hayes in the west, one or two isolated showers in north—west england and scotland, sleet and snow. the vast majority its stays dry, sunny spells into the afternoon, a bit more breeze later but it is going to be a pleasant friday. temperatures after that frosty star up to levels we would normally expect for this stage in

the year peaking at around six to 9 degrees. overnight, a temporary frost in east anglia and the south—east with clear skies but cloud increasing elsewhere. the breeze picks up, gales to the west of scotland and rain will spread across scotland, northern ireland, northern england and wales. it never quite reaches the south—east corner. i'll start tomorrow but this weekend get ready for wet and windy weather. rain sweep through on saturday and then another area of low pressure will bring more extensive rain in sunday. i will have a further we can focus later. —— a further weekend forecast later. hello this is bbc news. the headlines... the search is on for a new commissioner of the metropolitan police after dame cressida dick resigned saying she'd been left with no choice but to step down.

the uk economy rebounds with 7.5% growth last year. president biden tells american citizens remaining in ukraine to leave, saying he would not send troops to evacuate them should russia invade. hundreds of thousands of people are expected to set off on a half—term getaway in the coming days, as covid testing for fully—jabbed travellers returning to the uk is scrapped. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's gavin. good morning, there's a lot to bring you up to date with from the winter olympics — team gb's curlers are continuing their bids to reach the semi—finals but britain's 20—year run of skeleton medals is coming to an end. andy swiss is in the mountains outside beijing for us — andy, what went wrong on the skeleton track?

well, it is a good question. as you say, britain have won medals in the skeleton at the last five winter olympics but fair to say they won't be winning a medal here. at the halfway point in the women's event laura is in 20th place and her team—mate in 20 second place. such disappointment in particular for laura who won a bronze medal four years ago. she has had a tough season. once again the speed just wasn't there. and when you bear in mind that britain's two competitors in the main's event both also outside the top ten then safe to say britain will not be winning any medals in the skeleton here in beijing. it has also not been a great day for britain's curlers because in the last hour britain's women have lost their latest group match against south korea. they led the match 6—5 going into the closing stages but south korea came back to take the match 9—7. that means that the britain's women's team has lost

two out of their first three group matches. there were also defeat for britain's men earlier on, they lost to the usa. but the most emotional scenes today were in the snowboarding in the men's half pipe, which was one by a japanese competitor. the biggest cheer was for shaun white of the usa who was competing in his final event before retiring. for many people, he is the greatest snowboarder there has ever been. he has won three olympic titles. it wasn't to be for him today, he finished down in fourth place but even so you could see what just competing here meant to him. the end of what has been a just competing here meant to him. the end of what has been a quite glittering career for shaun white. yeah, what a fantastic career. and also doping controversy around the russian team and 15—year—old figure skater kamila valieva. what is the latest there?— latest there? that's right, gavin. after two days — latest there? that's right, gavin. after two days of _ latest there? that's right, gavin. after two days of rumour- latest there? that's right, gavin. after two days of rumour and - after two days of rumour and speculation finally confirmation that the russian skater kamila

valieva has failed a drug test. she failed a drugs test in december, that has been confirmed by the international testing agency. she tested positive for a drug used to treat angina but one that has been proven to have performance enhancing benefits. the test was taken on christmas day but the result was only reported on february the 8th, the day after she helped the russian team win the team event. now, she was provisionally suspended but the russian anti—doping agency lifted that suspension, enabling her to continue at the games. but the international olympic committee have now appealed against that decision. the court of arbitration for sport will hear the case before she is due to compete in her individual event, which is on tuesday. but clearly this is a huge controversy, physically bearing in mind russia's recent history of doping in sport, gavin. �* , ,, ,, recent history of doping in sport, gavin. , ,, ,, ., ~ recent history of doping in sport, gavin. , ,, ,, ., , gavin. andy swiss, thank you very much for that. _ gavin. andy swiss, thank you very much for that. just _ gavin. andy swiss, thank you very much for that. just outside - gavin. andy swiss, thank you very

much for that. just outside beijing there in the mountains. the title race certainly isn't over in the premier league, with liverpool keeping up the pressure on leaders manchester city. they brushed aside leicester city 2—0 at anfield, diogojota with both goals. if liverpool win their game in hand, they could be just six points behind when they meet city in manchester in april. no pressure, actually. we know our situation, it is obvious. we have to win games pretty much to keep everybody away from us from behind and to keep kind of distance to man city, which, with the results they get in, is anyway really difficult. if it is possible, we will see. arsenal are nowjust a point off the champions league places, as gabriel scored the only goal of their game at wolves. but the big talking point was gabriel martinelli's sending off — he was given two bookings at the same time, for different infringements seconds apart — stopping a throw—in, and then that foul. and that meant a red card.

glasgow city are still in with a chance of winning a 15th consecutive title in the scottish women's premier league one. they beat celtic 2—0 — tyler dodds with their second — and that takes city to within two points of rangers at the top — but the leaders do have a game in hand. it was a bit of a shaky start, by the reiging champions st helens on a dramatic opening night to the new rugby league season, as they fell behind to catalans dragons, before normal service was resumed. and it was one—way traffic, saints just too powerful as tommy makinson ran in a couple of tries in this 28—8 victory, as they chase a record fourth consecutive super league title this season. andy murray is still struggling to put a run of wins together — he's been knocked out of the rotterdam open in the second round. he lost in straight sets to the world number nine, felix auger aliassime. murray was playing his first tournament since an early exit from the australian open. the canadian takes on british

number one cameron norrie in the quarter—finals. that's all the sport for now. now, some breaking news that will be of interest to anyone who is thinking of going to spain for the holidays because we were just talking about the problem in terms of families with children over the age of 12, they had to be double vaccinated to go to spain. so a lot of people have been cancelling the holiday to spain. well, there has been a change of that. let me bring you the details. spain is going to allow in unvaccinated british teenagers from monday, as long as they have had a pcr test. the secretary of state for spanish tourism has told us that 12 to 17—year—olds who have not been vaccinated against cove it will

still be allowed to go into the country, into spain, from monday the 14th. -- country, into spain, from monday the 14th. —— cove it. as long as they present a negative pcr test taken within 72 hours of arrival into spain. so that is good news for anyone who is planning to take their children to spain or wants to go to spain with their children. the requirement that they had to be double vaccinated has now been dropped. 12 to 17—year—olds who haven't been vaccinated against covid can still go to spain from next monday, as long as they present a negative pcr test. that is the very latest, we will get more news on that as it comes into us. more now on our top story, as the search begins to replace britain's top police officer. dame cressida dick announced last night that she'll stand down as metropolitan police commissioner, after the mayor of london sadiq khan said he had lost confidence in her ability to tackle failings

in the force. joining me now is former deputy assistant commissioner at the metropolitan police, stephen roberts. stephen, thanks for being with us. what is your reaction to this news last night? i what is your reaction to this news last niuht? ~ .,, ., , last night? i think it was a very sad end to _ last night? i think it was a very sad end to somebody - last night? i think it was a very sad end to somebody who - last night? i think it was a very sad end to somebody who has| last night? i think it was a very - sad end to somebody who has given 40 years of very distinguished police service to the public of london and indeed to the public of the country. her departure will make, or will not make, the world a safer place. it will destabilise the met and frankly she has been dealt with in a very unprofessional, rude fashion. bi; unprofessional, rude fashion. by who? by the mayor of london are you saying? ba; who? by the mayor of london are you sa in: ? �* , who? by the mayor of london are you sa|?naj ., ., ., saying? by the mayor of london. but the criticism. — the criticism, the charges levelled against her, is that in five years she simply has failed more than anything to change the culture of the man we saw that exemplified by

those messages exchanged by officers at charing cross police station, homophobic, misogynistic, sexist messages, that are not enough has changed under her watch. it needs root and branch reform, these tough love as well. it root and branch reform, these tough love as well-— love as well. it does need tough love as well. it does need tough love and i _ love as well. it does need tough love and i don't _ love as well. it does need tough love and i don't think _ love as well. it does need tough love and i don't think anybody i love as well. it does need toughj love and i don't think anybody is trying to excuse the appalling behaviour that was uncovered at charing cross. but we should remember it was uncovered at charing cross by the metropolitan police itself. and in reality, cressida's career exemplifies the culture change that has been going on in the met for many, many years. we are at the stage now where we have more women chief officers, more women superintendents, more ethnic minority officers in all ranks and where the force is headed up by a woman who has herself suffered undoubtedly from misogyny, from homophobia. and yet, this is the stage at which her career is put

really to an end.— stage at which her career is put really to an end. well, there has been change _ really to an end. well, there has been change as _ really to an end. well, there has been change as you _ really to an end. well, there has been change as you say - really to an end. well, there has been change as you say but - really to an end. well, there has l been change as you say but maybe the change hasn't been fast enough. the chance change hasn't been fast enough. ii2 change will never be fast enough for elected politicians who always want a quick fix, you always want to be able to be the strong man or woman who can claim to the electorate that they have solved the problem. culture change doesn't happen quickly, it doesn't happen in days or weeks or months, it takes decades. and that work is ongoing. as i say, exemplified by cressida's own career. it as i say, exemplified by cressida's own career-— as i say, exemplified by cressida's own career. ., ., , own career. it is a mammoth 'ob. is it too big in — own career. it is a mammoth 'ob. is it too big in a — own career. it is a mammoth 'ob. is it too big in a sense? * own career. it is a mammoth 'ob. is it too big in a sense? the _ own career. it is a mammoth job. is it too big in a sense? the whole - own career. it is a mammoth job. is it too big in a sense? the whole of. it too big in a sense? the whole of the metropolitan police plus all the national security responsibilities, the responsibilities nationally for preventing and countering terrorism. maybe should it be slimmed down as a role? it maybe should it be slimmed down as a role? , ., ., , maybe should it be slimmed down as a role? , ., .,, ., maybe should it be slimmed down as a role? , ., ., , ., ., maybe should it be slimmed down as a role? , ., .,, ., ., , role? it is a huge “0b and that is wh it role? it is a huge “0b and that is why it requires _ role? it is a huge job and that is why it requires people _ role? it is a huge job and that is why it requires people of- role? it is a huge job and that is why it requires people of the - why it requires people of the highest calibre to undertake the role. cressida was cold out of retirement specifically to take on the job of retirement specifically to take on

thejob of commissioner. retirement specifically to take on the job of commissioner. —— retirement specifically to take on thejob of commissioner. —— cressida was cold out of retirement. she was then reappointed because she was regarded as doing a good solid job. and the way in which she has been dismissed, in effect, will mean that a lot of high—calibre candidates will think twice before even applying. this will not help to help to find a new commissioner that can bring about the sort of culture change that was already happening. it will not make london a safer, it will not make the country safer from terrorism. ,, , ., ~ ., will not make the country safer from terrorism. ., ~ ., , ,, terrorism. speaking of the process to find a new _ terrorism. speaking of the process to find a new commissioner, - terrorism. speaking of the process to find a new commissioner, who l terrorism. speaking of the process. to find a new commissioner, who do you think it should be in terms of somebody from the met from within or an outsider perhaps who has been running one of britain's other police forces? it running one of britain's other police forces?— running one of britain's other police forces? it undoubtedly i think needs — police forces? it undoubtedly i think needs a _ police forces? it undoubtedly i think needs a person - police forces? it undoubtedly i think needs a person who - police forces? it undoubtedly i think needs a person who has| police forces? it undoubtedly i - think needs a person who has served within the mac, not necessarily served their entire career. it is very difficult for people to

understand quite the scale and complexity of the met. it is an organisation of 50,000 people, with huge capabilities, a huge span of activity and simply understanding the organisation is a challenge in itself, let alone managing it. so it needs somebody with a background in the met. and above all i think a proven record of excellent leadership. we shouldn't forget cressida, despite being a woman, despite her background, retained the affection and the loyalty of the ranks from top to bottom in the met. that is an unusual feature for any commissioner.— that is an unusual feature for any commissioner. very good to talk to ou, commissioner. very good to talk to you. thank— commissioner. very good to talk to you. thank you- _ commissioner. very good to talk to you, thank you. and _ commissioner. very good to talk to you, thank you. and fascinating - commissioner. very good to talk to you, thank you. and fascinating to l you, thank you. and fascinating to hear your thoughts. stephen roberts, the former deputy assistant commissioner at the met. britain's human rights watchdog the equality and human rights commission faces a legal challenge to its status over

a row about transgender rights. lgbt charities want the un to revoke the commission's status as an independent group. bbcjournalistjosh parryjoins us from our studios in salford. can you tell me more about the claims that are being made? so this legal challenge is a result of a number of weeks and months of discontent amongst lgbt plus charities with the h r c. to understand the legal challenge you need to look at devious policies that they have supported on the legal challenge surrounds gender recognition act reform in scotland. that is a piece of legislation that seeks to make it easier for people to change their legal sex on the birth certificate. previously the hrc has been a vocal supporter of these changes. in 2018 they said it was their fair legal assessment that

these changes should go ahead. in 2020, they repeated this public statement but as recently as january 2022 appears to have been a shift in their support for this. they have called for the scottish government to pause the reform. now lgbt charity stonewall and the good law project see this as a lack of independence on the turn one part and of called for their status with the un to be downgraded as a result. so what are the legal issues of contention then? the so what are the legal issues of contention then?— so what are the legal issues of contention then? ., , , , ., contention then? the legal issues of contention then? the legal issues of contention really _ contention then? the legal issues of contention really all— contention then? the legal issues of contention really all centre - contention then? the legal issues of contention really all centre on - contention then? the legal issues of contention really all centre on what l contention really all centre on what campaign groups would call a lack of independence of the erhc. they're supposed to be independent from government and stonewall and the

good law project arguing that several appointments made by liz truss were appointed because of their political ideology been in line with liz truss. obviously the erhc deny that. they say their independence is protected in law and so really it will be up for the global association of national human rights institutions to make a decision on whether or not this review should go ahead. and ultimately whether or not they should be downgraded. so ultimately whether or not they should be downgraded. so what does that mean then _ should be downgraded. so what does that mean then for _ should be downgraded. so what does that mean then for the _ should be downgraded. so what does that mean then for the future - should be downgraded. so what does that mean then for the future of - should be downgraded. so what does that mean then for the future of the l that mean then for the future of the erhc? 50 that mean then for the future of the erhc? ., ., ., ., , erhc? so national human rights institutions _ erhc? so national human rights institutions are _ erhc? so national human rights institutions are broken - erhc? so national human rights institutions are broken down - erhc? so national human rights| institutions are broken down into three categories, they are a class which currently this is part of. there are b class organisations and c class organisations, which are unclassified. those b class organisations are seen to be partially compliant with the standards of a national human rights institution. and while they are

recognised by the un, they are not able to take part in the un council on human rights. so really the result of a downgrade would be that the erhc no longer had a say in the un council on human rights, so it is quite a serious issue with the legal challenge is successful.— challenge is successful. wright, josh, challenge is successful. wright, josh. thank— challenge is successful. wright, josh. thank you _ challenge is successful. wright, josh, thank you very _ challenge is successful. wright, josh, thank you very much - challenge is successful. wright, i josh, thank you very much indeed. challenge is successful. wright, - josh, thank you very much indeed. -- josh, thank you very much indeed. —— matt or wright, josh, thank you very much indeed. koalas have been listed as an endangered species by the australian government, after a dramatic decline in numbers across most of the country's east coast. the population has fallen sharply over the past decade because of bush fires, land clearing and disease. the world wildlife fund — which lobbied for the change — says the decision is "grim but important". this weekend marks 25 years since a cargo ship accidentally spilled five million pieces of lego off the cornish coast. even now, lego is still washing up on the shore. it's treasure to some people — especially the rare pieces —

but it's also a worrying indicator ofjust how long discarded plastic will last in our oceans. andrew plant went to find out more. it all began in 1997 when my family were living in an old house by the sea in south devon.— were living in an old house by the sea in south devon. tracy williams can sot a sea in south devon. tracy williams can spot a piece — sea in south devon. tracy williams can spot a piece of _ sea in south devon. tracy williams can spot a piece of lego _ sea in south devon. tracy williams can spot a piece of lego where - can spot a piece of lego where others just see seaweed and sand. when did you find your first piece? it was back in 1997, so we started noticing the lego coming in so it was mainly flippers and scuba tanks and little life jackets and the occasional octopus or a black dragon. occasional octopus or a black dra . on. occasional octopus or a black dracon. , . , ., occasional octopus or a black dracon. , ., ., occasional octopus or a black dracon. ., , dragon. the pieces that wash up here to tell a story — dragon. the pieces that wash up here to tell a story that _ dragon. the pieces that wash up here to tell a story that has _ dragon. the pieces that wash up here to tell a story that has been - to tell a story that has been unfolding in wave after wave for the past 25 years. one piece became thousands. flippers, boats, even see rocks that were then colonised

before washing ashore. the rocks that were then colonised before washing ashore. the one on the riaht before washing ashore. the one on the right was _ before washing ashore. the one on the right was used _ before washing ashore. the one on the right was used to _ before washing ashore. the one on the right was used to create - before washing ashore. the one on the right was used to create an - the right was used to create an underwater reef and it has actually become a little brief.— become a little brief. some are common- _ become a little brief. some are common. this _ become a little brief. some are common. this is _ become a little brief. some are common. this is the _ become a little brief. some are common. this is the rarest. - become a little brief. some are i common. this is the rarest. tracy has seen just two green dragons in 25 years. so you worked out that actually there were thousands of some of these pieces.— actually there were thousands of some of these pieces. yeah, so there were over 33,000 _ some of these pieces. yeah, so there were over 33,000 dragons _ some of these pieces. yeah, so there were over 33,000 dragons on - some of these pieces. yeah, so there were over 33,000 dragons on the - were over 33,000 dragons on the ship. were over 33,000 dragons on the shi -. �* were over 33,000 dragons on the shi.“ ,, were over 33,000 dragons on the shi-.�* , , , were over 33,000 dragons on the shi.“ , , , ., were over 33,000 dragons on the shit“, , , ., ship. and presumably you found most ofthe ship. and presumably you found most of the pieces — ship. and presumably you found most of the pieces along _ ship. and presumably you found most of the pieces along the _ ship. and presumably you found most of the pieces along the shoreline - of the pieces along the shoreline yourself but you have never found one of these? i’ee yourself but you have never found one of these?— one of these? i've never found a ureen one of these? i've never found a green dragon- — one of these? i've never found a green dragon. tell _ one of these? i've never found a green dragon. tell me _ one of these? i've never found a green dragon. tell me about - one of these? i've never found aj green dragon. tell me about the green dragon. _ green dragon. tell me about the green dragon. so _ green dragon. tell me about the green dragon. so back- green dragon. tell me about the green dragon. so back in - green dragon. tell me about the green dragon. so back in 1990 l green dragon. tell me about the | green dragon. so back in 1990 71 green dragon. tell me about the i green dragon. so back in 1990 71 of our next-door _ green dragon. so back in 1990 71 of our next-door neighbours _ green dragon. so back in 1990 71 of our next-door neighbours found - green dragon. so back in 1990 71 of| our next-door neighbours found the our next—door neighbours found the green dragon so we were all very envious but i have neverfound one myself and then this week a beach cleaner here in north cornwall found one and that is it. so the green dragon. 25 one and that is it. so the green drauon. , . ,

one and that is it. so the green drawn, , ., , ., ., one and that is it. so the green drauon. , ., , ., ., , one and that is it. so the green draon. , ., ., , , , one and that is it. so the green drauon. , ., ., ,, , dragon. 25 years ago, this ship lost 62 containers _ dragon. 25 years ago, this ship lost 62 containers 20 _ dragon. 25 years ago, this ship lost 62 containers 20 miles _ dragon. 25 years ago, this ship lost 62 containers 20 miles off - dragon. 25 years ago, this ship lost 62 containers 20 miles off the - 62 containers 20 miles off the coast. one was full of 5 million pieces of lego. where it washes up now as told scientists much about the ocean currents but also about how plastic in our oceans can last notjust how plastic in our oceans can last not just for how plastic in our oceans can last notjust for decades how plastic in our oceans can last not just for decades but how plastic in our oceans can last notjust for decades but hundreds of years. notjust for decades but hundreds of ears. ., , , , ., , , years. one of the biggest problems with lastic years. one of the biggest problems with plastic is _ years. one of the biggest problems with plastic is that _ years. one of the biggest problems with plastic is that it _ years. one of the biggest problems with plastic is that it doesn't - with plastic is that it doesn't break down over time, it breaks up. and what we mean by that as it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces. so all of these pieces that are less than half a centimetre are considered a micro—plastic and eventually these will break up into smaller and smaller pieces and become nano plastic. we have no way of measuring how much is out there in the oceans and how much is coming in the oceans and how much is coming in on every single type. but if you ask everyone that looks at the beaches and the micro plastics that will tell you how many thousands of bits there are.— bits there are. fishermen too are findin: bits there are. fishermen too are finding lego _ bits there are. fishermen too are finding lego pieces _ bits there are. fishermen too are finding lego pieces in _ bits there are. fishermen too are finding lego pieces in their- bits there are. fishermen too are i finding lego pieces in their catches miles out to sea.— miles out to sea. yeah, this legal stuff. miles out to sea. yeah, this legal stuff- this — miles out to sea. yeah, this legal stuff- this is _ miles out to sea. yeah, this legal stuff. this is a _ miles out to sea. yeah, this legal stuff. this is a packaging - miles out to sea. yeah, this legal stuff. this is a packaging you - stuff. this is a packaging you get on pallets —

stuff. this is a packaging you get on allets. �* . stuff. this is a packaging you get on pallets-— stuff. this is a packaging you get on allets. �* . ., . on pallets. and much more plastic besides. phil— on pallets. and much more plastic besides. phil has _ on pallets. and much more plastic besides. phil has been _ on pallets. and much more plastic besides. phil has been fishing - on pallets. and much more plastic| besides. phil has been fishing here for 40 years and he says he now holes in plastic with almost every catch. ~ . , . holes in plastic with almost every catch. ., , , catch. we generally pick up, the bi aer catch. we generally pick up, the bigger bits _ catch. we generally pick up, the bigger bits of — catch. we generally pick up, the bigger bits of plastic _ catch. we generally pick up, the bigger bits of plastic like - catch. we generally pick up, the bigger bits of plastic like the - catch. we generally pick up, the bigger bits of plastic like the ice | bigger bits of plastic like the ice axe and — bigger bits of plastic like the ice axe and things like that, you hole the pots— axe and things like that, you hole the pots up and you have about 40 on the pots up and you have about 40 on the line _ the pots up and you have about 40 on the line and _ the pots up and you have about 40 on the line and you get a bit of three, four foot _ the line and you get a bit of three, four foot square plastic tarpaulin stuff wrapped around the rope. and you go— stuff wrapped around the rope. and you go another 20 and you might not see any— you go another 20 and you might not see any more in the next one you may have a _ see any more in the next one you may have a bit _ see any more in the next one you may have a bit. . see any more in the next one you may havea bit. . . . see any more in the next one you may havea bit. , , . ., have a bit. this picture of the lastic have a bit. this picture of the plastic washed _ have a bit. this picture of the plastic washed up _ have a bit. this picture of the plastic washed up on - have a bit. this picture of the plastic washed up on just - have a bit. this picture of thej plastic washed up on just one cornish beach in one day. artist rob arnold collected it and used it to make this, a micro—plastic replica of an easter island statue, a civilisation something may have collapsed after using the resources. the resources were running out, they couldn't go out fishing any more because they had cut down trees,

they have no wood to build no fishing boats. it was a total disaster. so, you know, isee is very similar to what we are doing now really. we are also polluting the planet as well as using up all the planet as well as using up all the resources.— the resources. there is now a worldwide — the resources. there is now a worldwide community - the resources. there is now a worldwide community using l the resources. there is now a - worldwide community using social media to map new fines, tracy has even written a book of what has been washed up. finding that first lego brick the start of her piecing together how plastic stays in our seas and always hoping in the seaweed somewhere a green dragon will finally surface. andrew plante, boots news. where we can go to andrew live on porth beach. it is such a beautiful

spot and it seems so sad to think of it being ruined by bits of plastic washing—up. it being ruined by bits of plastic washing-up— it being ruined by bits of plastic washini-u. ., , ., , , washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely ”oreous, washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely gorgeous. isn't — washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it _ washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it here? _ washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it here? a - washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it here? a lot - washing-up. yeah, it is absolutely gorgeous, isn't it here? a lot of. gorgeous, isn't it here? a lot of the people out here this morning i walking their dogs but they are also instinctively almost just keeping half an eye on the ground looking for lego, it has just become a natural thing for them to do here over the years. just to keep looking among that seaweed. and if they do found one than they found something thatis found one than they found something that is already quite rare because the likelihood is of course that it has come from that shipwreck happened 25 years ago this weekend. 20 miles off the coast there, spilling all those containers into the sea when it was hit by this massive freak wave and a lot of that lego making its way over those decades right into the spot where they have just found it. it has become sort of a treasure hunt if you like, a quest for some people. they will get theirfines you like, a quest for some people. they will get their fines and report on social media, look at what other people are found too. and there is almost a competition, a bit of an obsession really to try to find

those extremely rare pieces. but of course it does tell the other story too. scientists have been looking for a long time at where those pieces are washing—up, what parts of the beaches in cornwall, all along the beaches in cornwall, all along the coast here really, even in parts of devon. there have even been reports of bits about lego being found in places as far away as holland, where the ocean currents have taken it over all that time. and that tells them a lot about the behaviour of the ocean but also of course as we heard there about how plastic survives in our oceans. and it is of course extremely durable. it is built that way, that is what so good about it but it lasts such a long time. i'm just walking on the beaches here yesterday, in some places where the tide has just gone out you can see that tiny bits of micro—plastic are pretty much under every footstep. you look closely at the seaweed and it is all there. and there have been some studies done, ben, on that lego just to see how long it could survive for. and actually, for some of those pieces at least, the densest once, it could

be up to 1000 years or perhaps even a bit longer. so that shows you just how long the plastics in the oceans. once it is that it is therefore a very, very long time. for those lego hunters of course it means their quest will go on perhaps for generations to come. still looking for those rare pieces, plenty of time of course still try and find one of those green dragons. mi one of those green dragons. all riiht, one of those green dragons. all right, andrew, thank you so much and good luck to the lego hunters. a lovely bright day there as we can see on porth beach in cornwall. let's get the forecast for the whole country and matt taylor can join us now. a gorgeous start to the day. it is the sunshine short while ago taken by a weather watcherjust outside bradford. cold out there, temperatures to below freezing in a number of spots and it is called in braemar in aberdeenshire, minus seven degrees. there will be changes this weekend, this area of cloud

which will spill its way in to get ready for something wet and windy. you will turn the sunshine hazy across western areas. one or two isolated showers, northern and western parts of england and into scotland. most of you stay dry, sunny spells and after that chilly start temperatures to... six to 9 degrees. the brief ross this evening but that will lift this evening. wind and rain spilling in from the west, strong to gale force winds with it as well. much of england will stay dry at this stage but into saturday there will be more abundant rain in western parts of england and wales. heavier in the afternoon. east anglia and the south—east could stage right through saturday but that all change on sunday as rain spreads its way northwards.— l. ——

bye for now. this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world: the uk's most senior police officer quits. dame cressida dick said she'd been left with "no choice" but to step down as metropolitan police commissioner. it is quite clear that the mayor no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership of the metropolitan police service for me to continue as commissioner. president biden tells american citizens remaining in ukraine to leave, saying he would not send troops to evacuate them should russia invade. it's one of the largest armies in the world. it's a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly. the uk economy rebounds with 7.5% growth last year