welcome to bbc news i'm victoria derbyshire — here are your headlines... in the uk and around the world. there are reports some russian troops are pulling back from the ukrainian border. it's as the german chancellor is in moscow for talks with president putin. but the british foreign secretary says an invasion could be imminent. we have very strong intelligence that is the case and i would point to the fact russia have 100,000 troops on the border, it simply is incredible for them to claim there is no threat. novak djokovic says he would rather miss major tournaments and the chance to become the greatest tennis player of all time than get a covid vaccine.

decision—making on my body is more important than any title or anything else. speaking exclusively to the bbc, the tennis star says he does not want to be associated with the anti—vax movement, but supports an individual�*s right to choose. what do you think of novak�*s comments today? a senior officer at london's metropolitan police admits some of his officers "are racist" but denies the met is a "racist organisation". unemployment in the uk drops to 4.1% — but despite pay going up compared to last year, wages actually fell when inflation is taken into account. 15—year—old russian skater kamila valieva will compete at the winter olympics in beijing later — after being cleared to take part despite failing a drugs test.

hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. russia's defence ministry says some troops positioned on the border with ukraine are returning to their bases after completing drills. it raises hopes of possible de—escalation but large—scale drills continue and it's unclear how many units are being withdrawnthe units are being withdrawn. the british government is waiting to see the scale of the reported withdrawal, with one source saying it would have to make a difference to the ability to invade to be meaningful. prime minister borisjohnson is expected to hold a meeting of the government's emergency cobra meeting later today to discuss the uk's response to the crisis. let's speak to our diplomatic correspondent paul adams in the ukrainian capital,

kyiv. have kyiv. you had the reports about some russian have you had the reports about some russian troops withdrawing? what potentially is the reaction going to be to that? we potentially is the reaction going to be to that? ~ . ., ., , potentially is the reaction going to be to that? ~ . . ., , ., ., be to that? we have already had a bit of reaction, _ be to that? we have already had a bit of reaction, victoria, _ be to that? we have already had a bit of reaction, victoria, the - bit of reaction, victoria, the foreign minister has put out a statement in the last ten or 15 minutes or so. different statements come from russia all the time. that is why we now have the rule not to believe when we hear it but believe when we see it. very much echoing the comments you have read from the british government too. clearly there is something seems to be moving. the impression we get from the statement released from the kremlin, oradvice the statement released from the kremlin, or advice from moscow this morning, some relates to movements and exercises that have been going on on the eastern border of ukraine, adjacent in some cases to the rebel separatist areas in what is known as the donbas. it does seem some

russian forces are being withdrawn from that area. one of the areas of maximum interest and concern in the last few days is what is going on in the north across the border in belarus, where the russians and belarusians have been conducting exercises due to go on for another five days. there is no indication anything has changed there. yesterday when we were speaking to western intelligence officials that they were saying they had seen the movement of russian forces closer to the ukrainian border with belarus. that remains an area of great concern but clearly there will be able to have interest in any sign of movement on any of these fronts. probably a little too early to tell given how long it has taken all the strips together and assemble. people will want to know what is moving and where are they going.— where are they going. president putin has spoken _ where are they going. president putin has spoken to _ where are they going. president putin has spoken to the - where are they going. president i putin has spoken to the president where are they going. president - putin has spoken to the president of

the united states on the phone. he has talked to macron of france and the german leader is going to talk them today. is there an easing of them today. is there an easing of the relationship?— them today. is there an easing of the relationship? there has been a close commercial _ the relationship? there has been a close commercial relationship. - the relationship? there has been a close commercial relationship. 0n| close commercial relationship. 0n the subject of the commercial relationship, the big card that 0laf scholz the chancellor has in his pocket is the nord stream gas two pipeline, yet to come into action, the pipeline between germany and russia, but they would like to make sure it is part of a sanctions package should russia choose to further invaded ukraine. 0laf scholz has not publicly said it is but with joe biden a week or so ago he did

not disagree whenjoe biden said that nord stream was part of the package. that is something he can wield if he so chooses. he like everyone else will be wanting answers to these other urgent questions today about where troops might be moving. you questions today about where troops might be moving-— might be moving. you talk to our audience every _ might be moving. you talk to our audience every day _ might be moving. you talk to our audience every day around - might be moving. you talk to our audience every day around the i might be moving. you talk to our i audience every day around the world here on bbc news. ijust want to ask you, does it feel any more or less likely that ukraine will be invaded by russia today? i likely that ukraine will be invaded by russia today?— by russia today? i don't know, frankl . by russia today? i don't know, frankly. there _ by russia today? i don't know, frankly. there is _ by russia today? i don't know, frankly. there is still _ by russia today? i don't know, frankly. there is still that - by russia today? i don't know, | frankly. there is still that sense of urgency coming from the west, the briefing i attended yesterday was pretty scary, to say the least. it was not unlike other briefings that have been given by a particularly british and american officials since sort of mid december. clearly the potential for some kind

sort of mid december. clearly the potentialfor some kind of operation, large or small into ukraine remains there. but this place has remained calm throughout. people do not really believe that russia with all its historical ties and a sense of sort of slav brotherhood could willingly invade ukraine, they find that psychologically hard to understand. for the time being i would think most people here do not think that is what russia is actually going to do. ., ~' , ., is what russia is actually going to do. . ~ i. ., ., is what russia is actually going to do. . ~ ., ., ~ ., , is what russia is actually going to do. . ., ., ~ ., , ., do. thank you, paul. pauladams, our dilomatic do. thank you, paul. pauladams, our diplomatic correspondent _ do. thank you, paul. pauladams, our diplomatic correspondent in _ do. thank you, paul. pauladams, our diplomatic correspondent in kyiv. - diplomatic correspondent in kyiv. chief political correspondent adam fleming told us more about what the uk prime minister will discuss today and emergency meeting. the uk prime minister will discuss today and emergency meeting.— and emergency meeting. the latest re orts and emergency meeting. the latest reports about _ and emergency meeting. the latest reports about a _ and emergency meeting. the latest reports about a potential _ and emergency meeting. the latest reports about a potential pull-back| reports about a potential pull—back of russian tanks from the ukrainian border. 0ne government source saying that will be looked at very closely

but it will have to be on a big enough scale that it will have a material difference on the russians' ability to mount an invasion. it is too early to tell even though it looks helpful. the government still has this position that it is holding two ideas at the same time, one which there is a glimmer of hope that things can be de—escalated perhaps by the ukrainian government setting out some type of type frame —— timeframe reassuring to vladimir putin which relates to notjoining nato. 0n the other, an invasion, which has serious consequences. liz truss some that dual position of this morning. we truss some that dual position of this morning-— this morning. we have strong intelligence _ this morning. we have strong intelligence that _ this morning. we have strong intelligence that is _ this morning. we have strong intelligence that is the - this morning. we have strong intelligence that is the case. | this morning. we have strong j intelligence that is the case. i would — intelligence that is the case. i would point to the fact russia have 100,000 _ would point to the fact russia have 100,000 troops on the border. it simply— 100,000 troops on the border. it simply is — 100,000 troops on the border. it simply is incredible for them to claim _ simply is incredible for them to claim there is no threat when there

is 100,000 — claim there is no threat when there is 100,000 troops on the border station _ is 100,000 troops on the border station ready to invade. in the past, — station ready to invade. in the past, we — station ready to invade. in the past, we have seen russia claim that things— past, we have seen russia claim that things are _ past, we have seen russia claim that things are not going to happen and then we _ things are not going to happen and then we saw the illegal annexation of crimea, — then we saw the illegal annexation of crimea, we have seen the fight in the donbas — of crimea, we have seen the fight in the donbas. russia have consistently claim _ the donbas. russia have consistently claim things are not happening or are not— claim things are not happening or are not going to do things and then those _ are not going to do things and then those things that happen. as you know. _ those things that happen. as you know, there is not a free media in russia, _ know, there is not a free media in russia, the — know, there is not a free media in russia, the russian media very much puts out— russia, the russian media very much puts out the — russia, the russian media very much puts out the lines created in the kremlin — puts out the lines created in the kremlin. so the only thing that we will believe is when russia moves its troops — will believe is when russia moves its troops away from the border. speaking to joe biden, speaking tojoe biden, the

two men cleared of the positive. the cobra meeting will look at domestic issues, what it could mean for british energy bills, already very high, and british nationals caught up high, and british nationals caught up in the middle of all this in ukraine if shots are fired. joining us from kyiv is paul niland — originally from dublin, he has been living in ukraine for 19 years and works in the mental health sector. you run lifeline ukraine? how does it feel to you today? the you run lifeline ukraine? how does it feel to you today?— it feel to you today? the same as yesterday- _ it feel to you today? the same as yesterday- we — it feel to you today? the same as yesterday. we have _ it feel to you today? the same as yesterday. we have the _ it feel to you today? the same as yesterday. we have the threat. it feel to you today? the same as yesterday. we have the threat of| it feel to you today? the same as i yesterday. we have the threat of an enhanced invasion of this country. the figure i heard mentioned by liz truss there, 100,000 troops, is

incorrect, the latest is 147,000 troops. i think it is sleight of hand. there were 100,000 troops at that .7 months ago, when they withdrew 10,000, that .7 months ago, when they withdrew10,000, it that .7 months ago, when they withdrew 10,000, it was, that .7 months ago, when they withdrew10,000, it was, ok, the threat has reduced. but the bulk of the forces remained in place and formed the majority of the armed threat against ukraine that still exists today. 50 threat against ukraine that still exists today-— threat against ukraine that still exists today. so is someone who lives there. _ exists today. so is someone who lives there, you _ exists today. so is someone who lives there, you end _ exists today. so is someone who lives there, you end up - exists today. so is someone who j lives there, you end up adjusting exists today. so is someone who i lives there, you end up adjusting to that? lives there, you end up ad'usting to that? .,. , . ., that? exactly right. we have ad'usted that? exactly right. we have adjusted to _ that? exactly right. we have adjusted to it _ that? exactly right. we have adjusted to it because i that? exactly right. we have adjusted to it because we i that? exactly right. we have i adjusted to it because we have that? exactly right. we have - adjusted to it because we have been living with war for eight years already. the russian invasion of ukraine, notjust the annexation of crimea but their occupation of parts of the donbas, began in spring 2014, we are all effective, know people who have gone and served, many of my colleagues are ukrainian veterans. the people who took up arms and

defend the country, they are our neighbours, brothers, classmates, colleagues. we have lived with this already for a long time. so colleagues. we have lived with this already for a long time.— already for a long time. so right now it is calm, _ already for a long time. so right now it is calm, you _ already for a long time. so right now it is calm, you could - already for a long time. so right now it is calm, you could say? l now it is calm, you could say? certainly it is come in kyiv. we are aware of what could potentially happen but, at the same time, we still have to take the kids to school, go shopping, come to our places of work and do the things that we need to do.— that we need to do. would you consider living _ that we need to do. would you consider living or _ that we need to do. would you consider living or not? - that we need to do. would you consider living or not? no, i consider living or not? no, definitely _ consider living or not? no, definitely not, _ consider living or not? no, definitely not, i _ consider living or not? no, definitely not, i am - consider living or not? idrr, definitely not, i am staying here, this is my home. i am not going anywhere. i have lived in kyiv for 19 years and will remain here. i have things to do here and my friends, this is where they are. it is your life, i get it. why did you go to kyiv in the first place? what go to kyiv in the first place? what lead ou go to kyiv in the first place? what lead you there? _ go to kyiv in the first place? what lead you there? very _ go to kyiv in the first place? wrist lead you there? very simple, i go to kyiv in the first place? ltdrisgt lead you there? very simple, i have ukrainian friends who had invited me a couple of times to come and visit

them and it got to the point where i was being rude by not having accepted the invitation. when i first came i intended to stay for six months but plans change, life unfolds in unexpected ways. find six months but plans change, life unfolds in unexpected ways. and tell me about the — unfolds in unexpected ways. and tell me about the ukrainian _ unfolds in unexpected ways. and tell me about the ukrainian people. i unfolds in unexpected ways. and tellj me about the ukrainian people. they are some of — me about the ukrainian people. they are some of the _ me about the ukrainian people. tie: are some of the most wonderful people, very hospitable. and they are incredibly brave and resilient as well. in the time i have been here, i have witnessed and been a part of two revolutions. when the ukrainian people have been called upon to stand up for their democratic rights or stand up against corruption, they have not been found wanting. after the revolutions, we have had to deal with more. the initial mobilisation to defend the east of the country, lots of volunteers went out there, thatis lots of volunteers went out there, that is the spirit of the ukrainian people. the culture is something at

the history is something i have come to understand and learn a lot about over the last few years. it is a special place, special country. what special place, special country. what do we need — special place, special country. what do we need to _ special place, special country. what do we need to know, _ special place, special country. what do we need to know, who _ special place, special country. what do we need to know, who are not aficionados, never have travelled to ukraine, what are the top two or three think you would tells about the country?— three think you would tells about the count ? ., , ., the country? one of the things that is an important _ the country? one of the things that is an important part _ the country? one of the things that is an important part of _ the country? one of the things that is an important part of the - the country? one of the things that is an important part of the legacy i is an important part of the legacy of the orange revolution was cementing ukrainian identity. 0ne of the orange revolution was cementing ukrainian identity. one of the things the president did in his period in office, he made sure there was more awareness internationally and at home here of events like the famine in 1932 and 1933 that killed an estimated 3—5,000,000 ukrainians, an estimated 3—5,000,000 ukrainians, a forced famine. it was the bread basket, ukraine, of the soviet union, we fed a lot of the other countries in the soviet space. yes,

the ukrainian culture, dance music, i have friends who are musicians. they said to me they wanted to produce music from ukraine that is done to the best international standards. they really do that. some of the music that comes out of ukraine is really world—class. you ukraine is really world-class. you said we! that _ ukraine is really world-class. you said we! that is _ ukraine is really world-class. you said we! that is how _ ukraine is really world-class. you said we! that is how you - ukraine is really world-class. you said we! that is how you feel. i i said we! that is how you feel. i have felt that _ said we! that is how you feel. i have felt that way _ said we! that is how you feel. i have felt that way for - said we! that is how you feel. i have felt that way for a - said we! that is how you feel. i have felt that way for a long i said we! that is how you feel. i i have felt that way for a long time, victoria, yes, isay have felt that way for a long time, victoria, yes, i say we, have felt that way for a long time, victoria, yes, isay we, us, consider myself to be ukrainian. my passport says irish but my heart is ukrainian. ., ~ passport says irish but my heart is ukrainian. ., ,, , ., ., ukrainian. ok, well, thank you for talkin: to ukrainian. ok, well, thank you for talking to us. _ ukrainian. ok, well, thank you for talking to us, paul, _ ukrainian. ok, well, thank you for talking to us, paul, really- talking to us, paul, really interesting.

0lga ivshina is from the bbc�*s russian service and has been following the latest development. russian state media is showing video of military being moved. the question is the scale of that. the most important date in that respect would be the 20th of february, because that is the date when russia and belorussia joint exercises. it would be a big time if those troops currently stationed in belarus would also move towards russia. find currently stationed in belarus would also move towards russia.— also move towards russia. and in terms of the _ also move towards russia. and in terms of the german _ also move towards russia. and in terms of the german leader i also move towards russia. and in j terms of the german leader going there today, he is going to try to persuade president putin not to invade ukraine. a potential commercial relationship between the two countries, so he might succeed where others have failed. weill.

two countries, so he might succeed where others have failed.— where others have failed. well, the government — where others have failed. well, the government said _ where others have failed. well, the government said at _ where others have failed. well, the government said at the _ where others have failed. well, the government said at the beginning l government said at the beginning they had no intentions to invade ukraine. a representative of the russian foreign ministry has said western propaganda has failed and these were just exercises. it is interesting that all this movement came from a tiny hint that happened yesterday when putin was meeting with his foreign minister, suggesting maybe we should stick to diplomacy at the moment and putin agreed. yesterday everyone was doubting whether that was a sign, today we see the partial pull—out of the troops. i guess, you know, this crisis is not over but has moved to another stage and now it would be another stage and now it would be another sort of round in this game of chess. today there will be more

in moscow. in of chess. today there will be more in moscow— of chess. today there will be more in moscow. in the last few minutes we have heard _ in moscow. in the last few minutes we have heard from _ in moscow. in the last few minutes we have heard from the _ in moscow. in the last few minutes we have heard from the russian i we have heard from the russian defence ministry about the troops on the russian border. translation: the armed forces of the russian federation are continuing a series of large—scale operational training facilities for troops and forces. almost all military districts, fleets and airborne troops are taking part. as the training comes to an end, the troops as usual will march back to their home stations. units from the southern and western military districts that completed their tasks already have started loading on trains and motor vehicles. they will start moving to their home bases. individual units will march on their own in military columns. novak djokovic has told the bbc that he would be prepared to sacrifice his career rather

than be forced to take the covid—19 jab. in an exclusive interview after losing his legal battle to compete at the australian open, the world number one tennis player said he's not part of the anti—vaccine movement, but supports individuals' right to choose. the bbc�*s amol rajan sat down with him in belgrade. he is widely held to be the greatest player of his time in an era already blessed with legends. but now he's the most controversial too. have you received any vaccination against covid? i have not. why? i understand that, and support fully, the freedom to choose whether you want to get vaccinated or not and i have not spoken about this before and i have not disclosed my medical record and my vaccination status, because i had the right to keep that private and discreet. but, as i see, there is a lot of wrong conclusions and assumptions out there. i think it's important

to speak up about that and justify certain things. on december 16th, djokovic tested positive for covid, but only found out, he says, after mixing with young tennis players the following day. when he arrived in australia on january 5th, he was held at the border. 0njanuary 6th, his visa was cancelled and he was detained. four days later onjanuary 10th, a judge overturned that decision releasing him to compete. but four days after that, onjanuary 14th, australia's immigration minister again cancelled his visa on grounds of public safety. djokovic appealed, but lost, and left australia onjanuary 16th. i was never against vaccination. me, as an elite professional athlete, i've always carefully reviewed, assessed everything that comes in from the supplements, food, the water that i drink,

or sports drinks, anything really that comes into my body as a fuel. the world number one insists that he did obey the rules in trying to enter australia and distanced himself from the anti—vax movement. as things stand, if this means that you miss the french open, is that a price you'd be willing to pay? yes, that is the price that i'm willing to pay. and if it means that you miss wimbledon this year, again that's a price you're willing to pay? yes. ultimately, are you prepared to forego the chance to be the greatest player that ever picked up a racket statistically because you feel so strongly about this jab? yes. i do. why, novak? why? because the principles of decision—making on my body are more important than any title or anything else.

i'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as i possibly can. djokovic insists he is keeping an open mind, but, for now, shows no sign of changing it. amol rajan, bbc news, belgrade. the key reason it seems he does not want to take this vaccine is because he said currently i do not have enough information about it. that begs the question, what more does he need to know about this jab? in serbia, it is one of the few places in the world if you have a choice on which vaccine you want. 0ne choice is the pfizer

vaccine, widely used here. that has gone through initial clinical trials, 44,000 people involved, used widely across the world in this country as well. the world health organization say it is safe and effective. more widely speaking about vaccines, 60% of the world now, this figure is huge, have had at least one dose of a covid vaccine, they have been used for 14 or 15 months now, proven to be safe and effective. 0bviously with any medicine there can be side effects, but in this case, the case of the pfizerjab and the other main vaccines being used, they tend to be very mild, things like a sore arm rather than anything serious. people who are against the vaccine for whatever reason say, but long term, we do not know. we were in a pandemic, it was an emergency situation, we had to develop these vaccines quickly. the pfizer vaccine was given emergency approval to begin with.

urgent approval it's called in this country. last summer, it received full formal approval from the fda. the steps the vaccine had to go through for the clinical trials for pfizer were the same as any other vaccine, but they sped up what is normally a fairly significant wait in between those steps while companies wait forfunding approval, to get trials off the ground, that is the bit that becomes sped up. all the companies involved, regulators, say it has gone through the formal steps. one thing he mentioned in the interview and confirmed to the bbc, he has had covid twice, most recently in december. some other people hold that up as being a reason not to get the vaccine because you have been because you have been infected twice. you would have antibodies in your system. some form of natural immunity. the most recent figures from the uk health and security agency say after a natural infection of the virus, you reduce the risk of getting a second

infection by about 40%. add three doses of the vaccine to that and it increases the protection to around 70%. both figures will fade over time as your immunity wanes because of the vaccine but there is no doubt, looking at the data, having the vaccine on top of infection gives you more protection. thank you for your messages, miles says on twitter if you have been in vaccinated you reduce the chance of killing someone else as well as yourself. triumph said because you took the job, yourself. triumph said because you took thejob, it yourself. triumph said because you took the job, it does not mean yourself. triumph said because you took thejob, it does not mean i should take it, it is my body, not yours, all world governments. 0ne says, yourfreedom yours, all world governments. 0ne says, your freedom stops when you damage the freedom of someone else. people who do not get a vaccine because they do not want to are a breeding ground for new variants. you can contact me on social media.

a senior leader in the metropolitan police has warned that racism remains a problem within the force. deputy assistant commissioner bas javid has denied the met is a "racist organisation". last week, the head of the met, cressida dick, resigned after the mayor of london said he wasn't satisfied that she could root out racism, sexism and discrimination in the force. what i would say if there are people who have racist views and are racist. and they are policing. but i will not describe all of the organisation as a racist organisation, i think that is extremely unfair to so many people who were kicked in the heart to do what i have talked about today, which is rooting out racism and other forms of discrimination. a senior met police officer who wrote the force's anti—drugs strategy is alleged to have taken cannabis, lsd and magic mushrooms while on holiday in france. commanderjulian bennett is also accused of refusing to take a drugs test. he says he had taken cbd oil — which is legally available in shops — for medical reasons. a misconduct hearing

will take place in may. all remaining covid legal restrictions in northern ireland are expected to be removed today and replaced by guidance. it means there will be no longer be a legal requirement to wear a facemask — or for people going to a nightclub to show a covid certificate. 0ur ireland correspondent chris page gave this update. it is a landmark day in northern ireland after almost two years of restrictions which have been legally enforceable, it is all change. a legal requirement that nightclubs and other big entertainment venues, concert venues where there are standing audiences need to ask for proof of covid status, vaccination, negative test, that requirement is being scrapped. so too a limit of 30 people socialising inside people's homes. and a legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public places. so all those regulations are being removed from the law, going to remain in official

government guidance and the health minister in the devolved government at stormont robin swann stresses that although this change and is important it is not symbolising the end of the pandemic, people should still take sensible measures, the virus is still there. nonetheless, many business groups in particular have welcomed this decision. the 15—year—old russian ice skater, kamila valieva will compete in a few hours at beijing winter olympics in beijing — despite failing a drugs test. the court of arbitration for sport on monday chose not to suspend the skater. games officials have however said — if kamila valieva finishes in the top three in the individual competition — it won't hold a medal ceremony. 0ur sports news correspondent laura scott sent this update. that is the question

everyone is asking, what happens to the other athletes on this? have their interests didn't put behind those of kamila valieva? the global outrage in this saga continues to spread, athletes and sports organisations around the world saying this issue with allowing her to continue skating here in beijing sets a very dangerous precedent for the fact that she did test positive for a banned substance. despite her age, which was used by the court of arbitration for sport panel as an exceptional circumstance, they say what message does it send, about clean sport? 0ne former olympic champion said the olympic spirit died and that athletes should boycott tonight's women's singles event over this issue. we have heard some interesting information about what went on inside that panel hearing. the international 0lympic committee member 0swald said the lawyers for the athlete said the banned drug ended up in the athlete's system because of a contamination from a product her grandfather was taking. the 15—year—old kamila valieva spoke today for the first time about what

it has been like for her being at the centre of the huge controversy. she found russia's channel 0ne, it has been difficult but she is emotionally tired, she does not have any emotions left it is like. she has been practising behind me ahead of her routine tonight. her practice did not go to plan, she fell on a couple of occasions, perhaps a sign of the toll this has taken on her. the international olympic committee has decided before the event has even got under way that if she were to finish in the first three, there will not be a medal ceremony. that tells you all you need to know about the huge ramifications of the scandal. the headlines on bbc news: russia says it is pulling back some of its troops from the ukrainian border. ukraine's foreign minister says they will believe the withdrawal when they see it. we have very strong intelligence that that is the case and i would point to the fact that russia have 100,000 troops

on the border. it simply is not credible for them to claim there is no threat. novak djokovic says he would rather miss major tournaments and the chance to become the greatest tennis player of all time than get a covid vaccine. decision—making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. speaking exclusively to the bbc, the tennis star says he does not want to be associated with the anti—vax movement, but supports an individual�*s right to choose. a senior officer at london's metropolitan police admits some of his officers are racist but denies the met is a racist organisation. unemployment in the uk drops to 4.1% but despite pay going up compared to last year, wages actually fell when inflation is taken into account. 15—year—old russian skater, kamila valieva, will compete at the winter olympics later after being cleared to take part despite failing a drugs test.

from today, care workers will be added to the government's shortage occupation list. it means people from overseas can apply to fill the huge number of vacant roles that are crippling some parts of the sector. but some care providers warn the costs and administration involved in employing overseas workers can spiral out of control. zoe conway has been to one care home to find out what the new rules will mean for them. at the griffin lodge care home in stockport, they are baking. the residents here have autism or learning disabilities. many have complex physical needs. in short, they need intensive support from care workers they can rely on. yet, as manager karen explains, this care home is short—staffed. just talk me through the board, and what are these red circles? this is our rota for this coming week. which staff we expect in, which days. the red circles are where we have vacancies and we are still trying to get some cover.

it is the beginning of the week, you still have vacancies. does this does keep you awake at night? it does. i am here at seven in the morning, 7:30am, to make sure the staff are in. and if they are not in, then we are on the phone — can you come in, can you cover, can you do a bit extra? it sounds stressful. the people we support need this. this home is part of a group that should be employing 3500 care workers. instead, it has 500 vacancies. it is thinking of taking advantage of the government decision to allow more care workers into the country from abroad. i welcome anything that will help i ease the recruitment situation that as a sector we find ourselves in. so any support, every little bit helps. but the decision is not straightforward. under the government scheme, care companies would have to pay

overseas staff £10.10 an hour, which is more than some companies pay their uk resident workers. the government announced that immigration rules would be relaxed for care workers on christmas eve and care companies would need to apply to the home office for a licence. several care companies have told the bbc that they found the application process stressful, bureaucratic. or as care home owner faizal says. it's horrendous, it's absolutely horrendous. for me, this is the first time i've done this, this process. i'd like to think of myself as quite a competent person that is able to pick up new skills or use new processes. you have to wait eight weeks for the application to be assessed. once the application is assessed, that doesn't mean that you are getting the staff there and then, that is just you getting the licence.

then you might have to wait another 6—8 weeks to get the staff. so that is four months. in a statement, the home office said. they also said. rashid was a doctor in pakistan. he came to britain to work in sudbury in suffolk as a senior care worker, one of the jobs that is already on the occupation shortage list. when you work with these people who are old and in need of you, you actually tend to get closer to them and you tend to know them more and you tend to know their feelings when they need their loved ones,

when they are not around, and you have to be everything for them. if you can calm and bring a smile to a person who is sad, that smile is, i think, the core of what you can achieve out of care. what is not clear is how long this new care worker visa will be available. will it simply alleviate short—term pressure or could it become a permanent solution to the sector's staffing crisis? zoe conway, bbc news. we have just got some pictures to show you that have come from the russian defence ministry. these pictures, they say, show russian troops withdrawing from areas near the ukraine border. there have been reports that there is some kind of withdrawal from the border.

reports that there is some kind of withdrawalfrom the border. the british government has said that if it is true, the withdrawal has to involve decent numbers for it to be meaningful, and the ukraine government has said they will believe it when they see it. i don't know whether this will be enough proof for them. these pictures have been released from the russian defence military. —— russian defence ministry. the canadian prime minister, justin trudeau, has invoked rarely used emergency powers to try and end protests against covid measures. the powers would give police more tools to imprison or fine protestors and to block their bank accounts, without a court order. david willis reports. what started as a protest against the mandatory vaccination of lorry drivers has grown into an increasingly global battle cry against pandemic restrictions as a whole. a protest which has paralysed key parts of canada, placing not only the country's economy but its reputation as a trading partner under threat. criticised for not doing more to bring the situation under control, canada's prime minister

is calling on far—reaching emergency powers the country has used only once before in peacetime. the federal government has invoked the emergencies act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations. i want to be very clear, the scope of these measures will be time limited, geographically targeted, as well as reasonable and proportionate to the threats they are meant to address. the emergencies act will be used to strengthen and support law enforcement agencies at all levels across the country. the new measures will give officials greater powers to arrest protesters and seize their trucks, and allow banks to freeze the accounts of those suspected of bankrolling the blockades. goods are now flowing

across one key crossing point, the ambassador bridge. a protest here closed the main economic corridor between canada and the us for nearly a week before it was cleared by police on sunday. freedom! but at other crossing points, trucks still clog the streets and protesters in ottawa, the nation's capital, say they have no plans to go home. i have lost more friends in the last few years to suicide than i have my whole entire life, my brothers have lost theirjobs, i know friends who have lost theirjobs, so i am here to stand together for peace, love and unity and freedom for as long as i can. freedom! i ain't going home. although the canadian prime minister says he has no plans to bring in the military, the political optics are fraught forjustin trudeau. the new laws, he says, are a last resort, but as a long—standing champion of human rights,

he knows he is walking a fine line. last year zara rutherford became the youngest female to fly solo around the world and now her younger brother is following in her footsteps. 16—year—old mack rutherford is attempting to become the young male to fly around the world on his own, after becoming the youngest qualified pilot at 15 years old in 2020. well, earlier i spoke to mack, who was at the biggin hill airfield in london. i asked him if he was nervous. i am really quite — i asked him if he was nervous. i am really quite excited _ i asked him if he was nervous. i am really quite excited but _ i asked him if he was nervous. i —n really quite excited but it is quite stressful as well. particularly over the ocean and things like that. talk me through — the ocean and things like that. talk me through that stress because when i think about stress when i was 16, it was, what am i wearing to the disco on friday night? you are talking about flying around the world on your own. it is talking about flying around the

world on your own.— world on your own. it is quite stressful _ world on your own. it is quite stressful in _ world on your own. it is quite stressful in the _ world on your own. it is quite stressful in the way - world on your own. it is quite stressful in the way that i world on your own. it is quite stressful in the way that if i stressful in the way that if something goes wrong over the ocean, there is not much you can do about it, so i have got you dressed in my aeroplane but luckily i have got a good one. it goes very fast and it has a very long durability. it good one. it goes very fast and it has a very long durability.- good one. it goes very fast and it has a very long durability. it has a ve lona has a very long durability. it has a very long what. — has a very long durability. it has a very long what, sorry? _ has a very long durability. it has a very long what, sorry? durability. j very long what, sorry? durability. so i can very long what, sorry? durability. so i can fly _ very long what, sorry? durability. so l can fly for— very long what, sorry? durability. so i can fly for hours _ very long what, sorry? durability. so i can fly for hours and - very long what, sorry? durability. so i can fly for hours and hours i so i can fly for hours and hours without any problems. that so i can fly for hours and hours without any problems.- so i can fly for hours and hours without any problems. that is really aood to without any problems. that is really good to hear- _ without any problems. that is really good to hear. have _ without any problems. that is really good to hear. have you _ without any problems. that is really good to hear. have you got - without any problems. that is really good to hear. have you got a - without any problems. that is really good to hear. have you got a plan i good to hear. have you got a plan for if something goes wrong over the ocean? if for if something goes wrong over the ocean? , ., for if something goes wrong over the ocean? ,., ., , ., , ocean? if something goes really badly wrong. — ocean? if something goes really badly wrong, there _ ocean? if something goes really badly wrong, there is _ ocean? if something goes really badly wrong, there is always i ocean? if something goes really| badly wrong, there is always the parachute option. the aeroplane has a built—in power should —— parachute, where you kill the engine and you launch the parachute and the whole engine comes down with the parachute. 50 whole engine comes down with the arachute. , ., ., , whole engine comes down with the arachute. i. ., , , parachute. so you are still sitting in the seat _ parachute. so you are still sitting in the seat but _ parachute. so you are still sitting in the seat but the _ parachute. so you are still sitting in the seat but the parachute i parachute. so you are still sitting in the seat but the parachute is l in the seat but the parachute is above you and the whole plane and you come down and land on the water? yes. i havejust got you come down and land on the water? yes. i have just got to you come down and land on the water? yes. i havejust got to pull you come down and land on the water? yes. i have just got to pull it and relax, although hopefully that will

not happen. find relax, although hopefully that will rrot happen-— relax, although hopefully that will not hauen. �* , ., ., not happen. and then the plan would be ou not happen. and then the plan would be you would — not happen. and then the plan would be you would radio _ not happen. and then the plan would be you would radio somebody - not happen. and then the plan would be you would radio somebody to i not happen. and then the plan would l be you would radio somebody to come and get you, obviously estimate yes. basically, what would happen, if i have enough time, i would radio someone. in a worst—case scenario, i have a satellite phone with me so i can talk to my parents and they can talk to the emergency services. can i sa , talk to the emergency services. can isa , is it talk to the emergency services. can i say, is it plane handy? can you move the laptop around and we can look at the plane? i move the laptop around and we can look at the plane?— look at the plane? i am not on a la to - , look at the plane? i am not on a laptop. but _ look at the plane? i am not on a laptop. but the _ look at the plane? i am not on a laptop, but the aeroplane i look at the plane? i am not on a laptop, but the aeroplane is i look at the plane? i am not on a| laptop, but the aeroplane is over there. unfortunately, you can't see it very well. there. unfortunately, you can't see it very well-— it very well. yes, that gives us an idea. it very well. yes, that gives us an idea- and — it very well. yes, that gives us an idea. and how _ it very well. yes, that gives us an idea. and how inspired _ it very well. yes, that gives us an idea. and how inspired where i it very well. yes, that gives us an j idea. and how inspired where you it very well. yes, that gives us an i idea. and how inspired where you buy what your sister did? she idea. and how inspired where you buy what your sister did?— what your sister did? she is definitely — what your sister did? she is definitely a _ what your sister did? she is definitely a large _ what your sister did? she is definitely a large reason i what your sister did? she is definitely a large reason for what your sister did? she is i definitely a large reason for why i did it. ialways definitely a large reason for why i did it. i always knew i wanted to do amazing in flying but i wasn't quite sure what. she helped me realise that this is something i really want to do. ~ ., , , .,

that this is something i really want to do. . ., , y., ., to do. what is the time you need to beat and how _ to do. what is the time you need to beat and how often _ to do. what is the time you need to beat and how often are _ to do. what is the time you need to beat and how often are you - to do. what is the time you need to beat and how often are you allowedj beat and how often are you allowed to stop, and for how long? 50. beat and how often are you allowed to stop, and for how long?- to stop, and for how long? so, the current world _ to stop, and for how long? so, the current world record _ to stop, and for how long? so, the current world record is _ to stop, and for how long? so, the current world record is travis i current world record is travis ludlow, and he is 18 years and a few months. and can you repeat the second question?— months. and can you repeat the second question? what is at the time ou need second question? what is at the time you need to — second question? what is at the time you need to beat _ second question? what is at the time you need to beat and _ second question? what is at the time you need to beat and how— second question? what is at the time you need to beat and how often i second question? what is at the time you need to beat and how often can l you need to beat and how often can you need to beat and how often can you stop, and for how long? weill. you stop, and for how long? well, ou can you stop, and for how long? well, you can stop _ you stop, and for how long? well, you can stop as — you stop, and for how long? well, you can stop as often _ you stop, and for how long? well, you can stop as often as _ you stop, and for how long? well, you can stop as often as you i you stop, and for how long? well, you can stop as often as you like. | you can stop as often as you like. and you can stay there around six months, i believe it is. no, it is two months. but that should not be too much of a problem, as long as everything goes well. find too much of a problem, as long as everything goes well.— everything goes well. and how do our everything goes well. and how do your parents _ everything goes well. and how do your parents feel _ everything goes well. and how do your parents feel about _ everything goes well. and how do your parents feel about you i everything goes well. and how do your parents feel about you doing j your parents feel about you doing it? , , your parents feel about you doing it? , y , ., ., it? they were very hesitant at first. it it? they were very hesitant at first- it was — it? they were very hesitant at first. it was really _ it? they were very hesitant at first. it was really quite i it? they were very hesitant at first. it was really quite hard l it? they were very hesitant at. first. it was really quite hard to convince them. but i was quite persistent. i really wanted to do this so i decided to really push forward with it.— this so i decided to really push forward with it. �* , ., , ., ., forward with it. and why do you want to do it? i forward with it. and why do you want to do it? ljust _ forward with it. and why do you want to do it? i just want _ forward with it. and why do you want to do it? i just want to _ forward with it. and why do you want to do it? ijust want to do _ to do it? ijust want to do something _ to do it? ijust want to do something special- to do it? ijust want to do something special in i to do it? ijust want to do something special in my. to do it? ijust want to do i something special in my life and prove that young people can make a

difference. just because i'm 16, i don't have to sit in my room and play video games all day. i want to do something that is different, something special.— do something that is different, something special. well, good luck. thank ou something special. well, good luck. thank you very _ something special. well, good luck. thank you very much. _ something special. well, good luck. thank you very much. i _ something special. well, good luck. thank you very much. i am - something special. well, good luck. thank you very much. i am going i something special. well, good luck. thank you very much. i am going to| thank you very much. i am going to have everything _ thank you very much. i am going to have everything crossed _ thank you very much. i am going to have everything crossed for - thank you very much. i am going to have everything crossed for you. i have everything crossed for you. thank you. good luck.— have everything crossed for you. thank you. good luck. thank you very much. the headlines on bbc news: russia says it's pulling back some of its troops from the ukrainian border. ukraine's foreign minister says kyiv will believe the de—escalation when they see troops withdraw. novak djokovic says he would rather give up the chance to become the greatest tennis player of all time than get a coronavirus vaccine. a deputy assistant commissioner at london's metropolitan police admits some officers are racist but denies the met is a racist organisation. children in england who are being home educated will soon have to join a compulsory national register. since the start of the pandemic,

there's been a sharp rise in the number of pupils taken out of school. fiona lamdin has been finding out more. # i dreamed a dream...# it's 9:00am and 13—year—old daisy is having a singing lesson at home with her mum. she started at senior school, but after the first lockdown, never went back. it's really good. i would go into school and be — i had that cloud, and i'd come out on a saturday, one day of my entire life, when i would feel free, like i could do anything, and i was at home with my family. on a sunday it is supposed to be like that but i was thinking the whole day, i am going back there tomorrow. i don't want to go back. it was a cloud. now i am home—schooled, it has lifted. and upstairs, her 11—year—old brother toby is working on his art. five months ago, once he left primary, he decided not to go on to the secondary school. i think it's quite easier

to take it in at home, as you're comfortable. you have the surroundings, it is what you want. and ten miles away, it's a similar story for 13—year—old tom, who left school three weeks ago. i decided to start learning at home because of the amount of stress i and unhappiness i was feeling at my secondary school. i i get to spend much i more time with family. honestly, social life hasjust... ironically, despite not spending i as much time with friends in school, i still manage to keep up really well with friends. _ his mum says the recent lockdowns changed everything. before covid we would never have considered being home educated because we were working and going into school. suddenly, post—covid, we've experienced being at home and it's not daunting.

for the last three decades, pat black has worked in education. she says it's currently in turmoil. children thrive in a safe space and school hasn't been a safe space for the past two years with covid. we have had a very unusual time with education. lockdown, social measures when they come into school, social distancing, bubbles, lateral flow tests. in and out all the time. back with toby and daisy, and their maths lesson is just starting. i just think they are generally so much happier. just different people, to be honest. before the pandemic, like a growing number, these two families had never considered home education, but covid changed their minds. fiona lamdin, bbc points west. donald trump's accounting firm has

cut ties with the former president and says a decade of accounting reports should no longer be relied upon. the firm said in a letter to the trump organisation it could not stand behind statements it had prepared for mr trump from 2011 to 2020. the letter was revealed in a court filing as part of an investigation into the trump organisation. a study of nearly 260 rivers around the world has measured toxic levels of pharmaceuticals in almost a quarter of them. the scale of pollution threatens wildlife and could affect human health. the humble sheepdog has been an integral part of british farm life for centuries, but never before have they commanded so much respect or money. some are now selling for up to £10,000 pounds, as nick hartley reports. stand, stand. it's a sound that's running around the welsh countryside for generations. stand. stand, stay there. while the job hasn't changed, the cost of the working sheepdog has, a lot.

in fact, the world record price was paid for a welsh dog last year. a massive £27,000. go on, go on. emrstones has been training in using sheepdogs on his farm nearby all his life. nowadays, though, the market is very different. the last sale, i think 40 of the dogs went overseas. funny, the mother and father for that little red dog is over in israel as a sheepdog. people are coming from all over the world. japan, norway, america, australia. korea. yeah, it's the norm. it's largely being driven by online auctions, a phenomenon that started more out of lockdown necessity than anything else. it has started a bit of a boom. since the start of the pandemic, really. there was a huge spike in online sales, especially with the sheepdogs, and that has opened the market up to lots of foreign buyers.

having a worldwide market is one thing, but these prices are not being paid forfun. even in the age of high—tech farming, the sheepdog is providing a service and value to farmers. 50 years ago, a farm labourer was £14, £15 a week. i think it's more like 400 now. so better dogs cost more and better dogs make the job of gathering in sheep much quicker and they minimise labour costs. an investment that can pay off. the working sheepdog may be getting a new lease of life under market forces of global demand, but the question for farmers is will they one day simply become too valuable to work? the old boys wouldn't believe what's happening nowadays. we have seen a slowdown, but they are still doing good money. fundamentally the commercial sheepdog, people have more cash in their pocket to pay for them. when the value of your dog

is £10,000 plus, and it gets thumped by an angry rant, your heart sinks. it's a worry. they've been boycotted, arrested and denounced over their long campaign to stop sewage being dumped into the sea. and now the story of a group of swimmers from scarborough is set to hit the big screen. the group, known as the sons of neptune, fought a furious battle to clean up their local waterways in the 1980s and 90s. 0ur arts correspondent, david sillito, has been to meet them. do you ever worry about what's in that water? no, i don't, but my son does. he tells me not to. why? he says it's dangerous. that question — is it safe to swim? — is what it's all about.

back in the �*80s, scarborough was the scene of a long and furious battle over sewage. the sons of neptune, a group of local sea swimmers, said the waters weren't safe. the council, yorkshire water and local businesses disagreed. the sons' campaigning antics became national news 40 years and, on, it's all being turned into a film. so i got the old gang back together. explain what this is all about. we live in a beautiful town. there is nowhere better than scarborough. we have two fantastic bays. and then someone comes along and wants to poison our waters. well, it should be treated sewage that goes out — treated, all of it. that statement that macerating — mincing — the sewage, meant it was considered to be treated roused them even further. on this thames protest, the sons were arrested, but they did eventually win. scarborough got a treatment works.

the water quality now is excellent. excellent, excellent. so victory? yes, yes, yes. it took a long time and it took a big fight, but can i say, yorkshire water have come on board with us. we are now friends with them. you are friends with yorkshire water? yes. but not everyone in the town thought they were heroes. far from it. many thought they were a bit barmy and, even worse, bad for business. the people of scarborough have been victims of misinformation. the sons of neptune have done this town a great disfavour and they have done it nationally and i resent that. many in the town felt the waters were fine, and were furious about this endless talk about sewage. would it be fair to say that some people in the town have hated you? oh, yes, yes. an understatement, understatement, really. they wrote a letter

in the paper and said, "boycott ridley, drabble and white. they are destroying this town." and even today, at low tide, you can still see a relic of the old sewage system. but has everyone forgiven them? i met an old adversary, councillor allinson. many people in the town thought they were barmy and bad for business, didn't they? well, yes, they did do. and they were characters. but, there again, i suppose i was a character. and, you know, this is democracy. you enjoyed the rough—and—tumble, did you? yes, i think that i did. i was much younger then. you liked to fight? idid do. you know, as long as it was fair and above board, yes. they were right, weren't they? let's say 90%. 90%, that's quite good. there is still 10%, isn't there? still 10%. and now it is all going to be turned

into a film and it would be fair to say they are rather pleased. they want to spread a message. we want other people to do what we did and, believe me, it works, it works. the sons of neptune, the happy victors of scarborough's sewage war. david sillito, bbc news, scarborough. i think we have got some pictures we can show you of the leader of germany meeting president putin at that now very famous long table. you might remember that emmanuel macron was sacked at the other side of that not that long ago. the german chancellor is there to talk to president putin and to try to persuade him not to invade ukraine. the ukraine government has said it will believe it when they see it, regarding reports of russian troops

withdrawing from ukraine border. rebecca is next. have a good day. the second half of this week is looking stormy. the met office has named two storms to raise awareness of their impact, particularly when it comes to damaging winds. it is absolutely worth getting across these warnings now to find out what they may mean for you. we will look at what is on the way in just a moment. before we get to those storms, the day ahead ofjust has some blustery weather as this system moves through, then a brighter gap with a few showers, before more rain across southern and eastern parts of england this afternoon gradually clearing, though the far south—east will not see the back of it until we

get to woodstock. elsewhere, plenty of spells around. fairly gusty winds so it will feel colder than this. it won't be long before the next area of rain spills into northern ireland this evening and then marches north and east across the uk with further snow on the hills in northern scotland going into the morning, where it is quite cold. elsewhere, reasonably mild. into tomorrow, a very brief gap before the next weather system comes in, pushing its next load of rain towards the north and west of the uk. not much rain during daylight hours towards the far south—east. during daylight hours towards the farsouth—east. in during daylight hours towards the far south—east. in wales and england, very mild. parts of east and south—east england up to 17 celsius. but this area of low pressure, storm dudley, and the winds will really strengthen overnight and into thursday morning, especially where the met office has an amber warning in force through parts of scotland, the north coast of northern ireland and northern

ireland —— map northern england. the winds slowly ease as we go through thursday. 0n winds slowly ease as we go through thursday. on thursday, sunny spells, blustery showers, still falling as snow on the hills in scotland and parts of northern england, north wales could be seeing some wintry nets on the high ground, and a cold day across wales and england. and another deep area of low pressure on friday, this one named storm eunice, and quite widely across the uk quite strong and damaging winds on the way. and also impacts from some heavy snow, particularly across parts of scotland, northern england as well, with blizzards in places.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11... russia says it is pulling back some of its troops from the ukrainian border, releasing pictures of what it says are the end of some military drills. translation: is the training comes to an end, the troops as usual much back to their home stations. it's as the german chancellor, 0laf scholz, is meeting with president putin in moscow. meanwhile ukraine's foreign minister says he will believe the de—escalation when he sees it. novak djokovic says he would rather miss major tournaments and the chance to become the greatest tennis player of all time than get a covid vaccine.

decision—making on my body is more important than any title or anything else. i am trying to be in tune with my body as much as i possibly can. speaking exclusively to the bbc, the tennis star says he does not want to be associated with the anti—vax movement but supports an individual�*s right to choose. a senior officer at the metropolitan police admits some of his officers �*are racist�* but denies the met is a �*racist organisation'. unemployment in the uk drops to 4.1%, but despite pay going up compared to last year, wages actually fell when inflation is taken into account. 15—year—old russian ice skater, kamila valieva, will compete at the winter olympics later after being cleared to take part despite failing a drugs test.

russia's defence ministry says some troops positioned on the border with ukraine are returning to their bases after completing drills. these pictures are from the russian defence ministry. the move raises hopes of a possible de—escalation, although large—scale drills continue and it's unclear how many units are actually being withdrawn. let's hear what the russian defence ministry is saying — they've spoken in the last hour. translation: the armed forces of the russian federation - are continuing a series of large—scale operational training activities for troops and forces. almost all military districts, fleets and airborne troops are taking part. as the training comes to an end, the troops, as usual, will march back to their home stations. units from the southern and western

military districts that completed their tasks already have started loading on trains and motor vehicles. they will start moving to their home bases. individual units will march on their own in military columns. here in the uk, the prime minister is holding an emergency cobra meeting on ukraine. 0ur political correspondent nick eardleyjoins me now. what can we expect from this meeting? what can we expect from this meetin: ? , what can we expect from this meeting?— what can we expect from this meetin: ? , .,, ., ., , meeting? this meeting was organised esterda meeting? this meeting was organised yesterday when _ meeting? this meeting was organised yesterday when all _ meeting? this meeting was organised yesterday when all of _ meeting? this meeting was organised yesterday when all of the _ meeting? this meeting was organised yesterday when all of the messages i yesterday when all of the messages frankly coming out of downing street were pretty bleak about the prospect of an eminent invasion of ukraine by russia. those were messages we were hearing this morning by the british foreign secretary. i don't think downing street is quite frankly ready to make its mind up yet on what we have seen this morning from the border with... between ukraine

and russia and the suggestion that some troops are pulling back. the message from number ten is that they want to wait and see exactly how thorough that withdrawal is and whether it stops the prospect of a russian invasion. so at the moment, they are not prepared to accept that this is a significant de—escalation until they see the evidence of that. the meeting that has just started in the last few minutes, that cobra meeting is supposed to look at this, look at what is happening on the ground in ukraine, the latest prospect of a invasion and the knock—on impact that could have for energy resources in europe and in the uk, what it could mean for energy prices. i suspect a lot of that, like what has been happening in the last 48 hours in london, is wait and see what russia does next. it is a sense that there might be a glimmer of help that hope that there

might after that conversation between the prime minister and the us presidentjoe biden last night. a glimmer of hope that a war can be averted. but as i say, i'm not sure you will get anybody saying that comprehensively in the next few hours, because the uk government very much wants to wait and see what is going on. it very much wants to wait and see what is auoin on. ., , very much wants to wait and see what is going om— is going on. it does feel as though events are — is going on. it does feel as though events are changing. _ is going on. it does feel as though events are changing. i _ is going on. it does feel as though events are changing. i just want i is going on. it does feel as though | events are changing. i just want to get a feel of what your senses where we are with the diplomatic efforts to de—escalate. i we are with the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate._ to de-escalate. i think yesterday there was a _ to de-escalate. i think yesterday there was a pretty _ to de-escalate. i think yesterday there was a pretty pessimistic i to de-escalate. i think yesterday i there was a pretty pessimistic tone coming out of a lot of western capitals, particularly london. we had the prime minister saying yesterday that he thought an invasion could come in the next 48 hours. emphasis should be on the word could there. it was never seen as definitive. the message we have heard over the last few days from london and washington and other western capitals —— capitals is that

they want the diplomatic effort to continue and they hope it will be in those capitals that the diplomatic efforts might actually be working, in that president putin might have been persuaded not to go to go ahead with an invasion at the stage. i just don't think anybody at the moment would be prepared to say that with any certainty. we have heard from various people in the last few hours that they just want to wait and see exactly what is going on. they don't want to count their chickens just yet. i think that will remain the case for the next few hours. untilthere remain the case for the next few hours. until there is evidence, that russian troops are pulling back in significant numbers, that the threat of an significant numbers, that the threat ofan imminent significant numbers, that the threat of an imminent invasion has receded. so for the moment, i don't think anybody is saying that and they are still in that wait and keep us posted on that cobra meeting, but for now many thanks.

if russia does invade, europe will be at war with its biggest energy supplier. 0ne knock—on effect already being felt is the rising cost of energy, which has seen the price of petrol reach record highs across various parts of the world. chris morris explains the economic fallout from the dispute. the crisis in ukraine has deep roots in big—power politics and russian identity. but part of the equation is control of, and access to, energy supplies — oil and gas. it gives leverage to both sides. and today, another reminder that events elsewhere in the world do come home to roost. record prices at petrol pumps as the price of oil spikes amidst the uncertainty. another worrying factor in the cost of living. it's ridiculous. you've got to work more hours to earn more money to pay for more fuel. you're never home cos you're always working trying to pay the bills. if sanctions are imposed against russia, it could get worse. and europe — with far more links to the russian economy than the united states — is on the front line.

the connection between russia's oil and gas industry and europe is pretty obvious — visible in a network of pipelines. now, one suggested sanction is that the new nord stream 2 gas pipeline would not become operational in the event of military action in ukraine. that would be a big blow to russia. but sanctions hit both ends of any trade. 41% of the eu's imports of natural gas come from russia, and 27% of its crude oil imports. replacing all that gas with, for example, shipments of liquid natural gas from elsewhere in the world would be an enormous challenge. the uk is far less dependent than the eu on russian supplies — only about 3% of its natural gas. but, as we've seen today, energy prices affect everyone. what i think all european countries need to do now is get nord stream out of the bloodstream. we need to find alternative sources of energy, and we need to get ready to impose some very, very severe economic consequences on russia.

the long—term shift towards renewable energy is already under way, but will sanctioning russian energy work in the short term? it will be very limited, and only the european customers that are primarily consuming part of russian oil and gas exports potentially will be sanctioning russia. but neither china nor any other major importers of russian oil and gas are likely to follow, so therefore it's not going to be immediately effective. but it's notjust about oil and gas, other potential sanctions loom. measures targeting russian state banks and its financial system, a ban on the export of technology — including microchips — and a focus on sanctioning individuals close to the kremlin. the west says these would be the most wide—ranging sanctions it's ever imposed, but russian officials are sounding bullish — confident that china and others will help them out. so a big question — will economic pressure make russia stop and think?

chris morris, bbc news. let's talk to our diplomatic correspondent paul adams in kyiv. these reports of russian troops withdrawing, what has been the reaction their festival? understandably, are somewhat sceptical reaction. a statement from the foreign minister saying that essentially there is a rule here thatis essentially there is a rule here that is not to believe what you hear, that only believe what you see. that is very much going to be the attitude of most governments in the attitude of most governments in the west as well. they will want to have a lot more information about what these troop movements represent. we think it is probably from russian forces that are on the eastern borders of ukraine, that is the area facing the donbas where there are separate factions of rebels. that would be a good sign

indeed if it were relaxed on that border. no equivalent movement as far as we are aware along the northern border where russia and belarusian forces continue to have exercises in belarus which are due to run for another five days. just yesterday, western intelligence officials were saying they had seen signs of russian troops moving closer to the ukrainian border on the northern border. so, a bit of a mixed picture and i think much too early to have any definitive judgment on what it represents. i5 judgment on what it represents. is the ukrainian government still insisting that nothing much has changed, and that the west is making the situation worse by talking up the situation worse by talking up the threat of an imminent invasion? there has been a bit less of that kind of commentary here in the last couple of days. i think there has been a growing sense that something more serious was potentially unfolding. the departure of western

embassies, the instructions to foreign nationals to leave the country and so forth. all of that has permeated and caused a degree of concern. and you certainly felt yesterday when president volodymyr zelenskyy made an address to the nation that he was doing so in a diet slightly different tone with a slightly different air about him then we had heard before. so i think there is an awareness that this is a real danger. while they continue to really want to make sure that people don't panic, he said, volodymyr zelenskyy, tomorrow the day where the americans indicate that russia might attack this country, that it will be a day of unity and flags will be a day of unity and flags will fly from all the public buildings here in kyiv and people should come out and express their patriotism and determination to staying loyal to ukraine. so in some ways, tomorrow could end up being a

somewhat festive day, provided of course that we don't hear the rumble of their russian war machine somewhere on the border. in the meantime. _ somewhere on the border. in the meantime, the _ somewhere on the border. in the meantime, the diplomatic- somewhere on the border. in the| meantime, the diplomatic efforts continue today. the german chancellor is in russia talking to president putin, and a closer relationship between russia and germany. is there any sense that he could make a difference? i germany. is there any sense that he could make a difference?— could make a difference? i think he is not one could make a difference? i think he is rrot one of— could make a difference? i think he is not one of the _ could make a difference? i think he is not one of the major— could make a difference? i think he is not one of the major players i is not one of the major players trying to resolve this crisis, but he certainly is a player. as you say, a close commercial relationship. generally traditionally not a country that is interested in picking the right fight with russia, but he does have one card in his pocket which is the future of the nord stream two gas line. determined that this should be part of any sanctions packet package

stood should russia invade. it seems clear if there were to be a russian invasion, nord stream two would be history. that is certainly a card he could play. 0ne history. that is certainly a card he could play. one other thing worth keeping an eye on, which ministers say have been talking this morning about the possibility of further dialogue with the west on what is sometimes termed the european security architecture, their future of missiles and all that kind of thing, separate from the debate about ukraine and its future, and it is the subject of an ongoing exchange of documents that started backin exchange of documents that started back injanuary, and we are waiting, and we think that the russians may be poised to issue their latest replies, both to nato and the united states on these rather technical issues of european security. that is where some of the tension in this wider crisis could be resolved. and it is definitely worth keeping an eye on what the russians are saying

on that score. eye on what the russians are saying on that score-— on that score. good to talk to you. thank you — on that score. good to talk to you. thank you so _ on that score. good to talk to you. thank you so much _ on that score. good to talk to you. thank you so much for— on that score. good to talk to you. thank you so much for that. i we can show you the latest pictures of the german chancellor olaf scholz meeting president putin in moscow. you will perhaps recognise that very large table that the two men are run either end self, because that is the same table that president putin met president emmanuel macron. again in diplomatic efforts to de—escalate the tension. the german chancellor's visit is part of the latest western diplomatic push to seek a de—escalation to tensions on the ukrainian border. pictures of the meeting there between the german chancellor and the russian president. ralf stegner is an mp for the governing social democratic party,

and a member of the foreign affairs committee in the german parliament. hejoins me now live from berlin. good to have you ever send welcome to bbc news. i wanted to start by asking you, is mr schultz going to moscow today with a concrete offer of some kind?— of some kind? well, he is trying to follow u- of some kind? well, he is trying to follow up on _ of some kind? well, he is trying to follow up on the _ of some kind? well, he is trying to follow up on the diplomatic- of some kind? well, he is trying to follow up on the diplomatic that i follow up on the diplomatic that have been made with the visit of president macron in moscow with the chancellor we had in russia and in kyiv. the aim is to get out the tension of the situation and let everyone understand that there cannot be a military solution to the problem we have. and therefore, it is a common effort, and as you know, there is a two—part strategy. one is to let the russian side no without

any misunderstanding, that if there was a military invasion of ukraine, there would be a strong and common answer, but yet the second is more important part is to prevent that from happening and use every format of talks. as you know, the basis of diplomatic talks is that they are behind closed doors are not public. i suppose what i am wondering is what else can the german chancellor bring to the table in terms of diplomacy that the us president has not, that the british prime minister has not for example. i not, that the british prime minister has not for example.— not, that the british prime minister has not for example. i guess we have a aood has not for example. i guess we have a good channel _ has not for example. i guess we have a good channel of _ has not for example. i guess we have a good channel of talks _ has not for example. i guess we have a good channel of talks with - has not for example. i guess we have a good channel of talks with the - a good channel of talks with the russian side. they have been a neighbour all the time, and we know and understand the security in europe can only be an incumbent security. one does not have to share the perception of the russian side,

yet you have to know there is a different perception as far as threats are concerned. talking about that and talking about that everyone has much more to win in terms of economic ties and energy cooperation and student exchange, and all those kinds of questions that nobody talks about at the moment because they are only talking about military things. we don't want to have war in the midst of europe, sol we don't want to have war in the midst of europe, so i think wejust use the format of cross party talking with the russian side, and we have been doing that all the time. , ., , we have been doing that all the time. , .,, ., time. understood. if there was an invasion, there _ time. understood. if there was an invasion, there has _ time. understood. if there was an invasion, there has been - time. understood. if there was an invasion, there has been much . time. understood. if there was an l invasion, there has been much talk about sanctions, and i appreciate you may not want to go into what individual sanctions might be involved, but i do wonder whether those might include stopping nord stream to, nord stream two, the gas pipeline that supplies more than 40% of germany plus white gas. first of all, everything is done the table.

on the other side, it does not make senseif on the other side, it does not make sense if you want to win a chess game to tell the other side win or lose in advance. it doesn't do any good to publicly speculate about one thing of the other. it is clear if there was an invasion, there would be a strong and common answer of the western alliance, but we really want to prevent that from happening, and therefore our efforts are very much concentrated on common ground and common security. and as i know there are some differences in terms of energy issues within the western alliance, and as you probably know, the americans in point oil from the russian side and they haven't talked about that either. 50. russian side and they haven't talked about that either.— about that either. so, i think it does not make _ about that either. so, i think it does not make sense - about that either. so, i think it does not make sense to - about that either. so, i think it| does not make sense to discuss about that either. so, i think it - does not make sense to discuss that in public, rather trying everything behind close doors to have success

and de—escalation in europe. you behind close doors to have success and de-escalation in europe. you say dancerous and de-escalation in europe. you say dangerous de-escalation, _ and de-escalation in europe. you say dangerous de-escalation, in - and de-escalation in europe. you say dangerous de-escalation, in terms i and de-escalation in europe. you say dangerous de-escalation, in terms of dangerous de—escalation, in terms of the weight is being talked about in terms of the united states and the united kingdom talking about an imminent threat of invasion. is that the same tone, the same sense in germany? b5 the same tone, the same sense in german ? �* , ~ ., the same tone, the same sense in germany?— the same tone, the same sense in german ? �* , ~ ., ., , i, ., germany? as we know, from surveys of the pepulation — germany? as we know, from surveys of the pepulation in _ germany? as we know, from surveys of the population in all— germany? as we know, from surveys of the population in all european - the population in all european countries, seeing the danger of the situation, we do so too. yet, one has to try everything not to make it more difficult. for instance, by sending weapons into the region. we don't do that. we find it is better using all the diplomatic challenge —— channels, all the formats we have from the french, ukrainian, the russians, other talks on all of

that, as long as people speak to each other, they don't shoot, and thatis each other, they don't shoot, and that is what we are really trying to advance. we have had 60 years of peace and well—being here, and we don't want to change this. peace and well-being here, and we don't want to change this.— don't want to change this. really aood to don't want to change this. really good to have _ don't want to change this. really good to have your— don't want to change this. really good to have your thoughts - don't want to change this. really good to have your thoughts and l good to have your thoughts and insights. many thanks. some domestic newsjust into us. insights. many thanks. some domestic news just into us. the police here have tweeted that they have closed a number of bridges in central london today. as a precaution while they assessed an unattended item in the vicinity of southbank. the bridges in question are westminster bridge, waterloo bridge, hungerford and goldenjubilee footbridges, and the police are advising to use alternative routes. those bridges of

course all in the vicinity of the south bank area. i'm afraid we don't have any other information that we can bring you at this time, butjust to repeat that the metropolitan police have closed a number of bridges in central london, saying it is a precaution, but they are assessing unattended item. the bridges are westminster bridge, waterloo bridge and the foot bridges hungerford goaljubilee flood bridges. we will bring you any more information as soon as we get it. let's return to the situation in ukraine and the situation in russia. let's speak to our moscow correspondent, caroline davies. reports of some of these russian troops withdrawing from the border with ukraine, what more can you tell us about that? for example, how many and from where? shit

us about that? for example, how many and from where?— and from where? at the moment, we don't have details _ and from where? at the moment, we don't have details about _ and from where? at the moment, we don't have details about exactly - and from where? at the moment, we don't have details about exactly howl don't have details about exactly how many. there seems to be a ref assessment that this is closer to the donbas region rather than up towards belarus near to kyiv. we know there are also military drills going on there at the moment. in terms of how significant is troop movements are, there has been a slightly muted response from ukraine about the movements because we don't know how large they are to be able to assess whether this makes any difference to russia's ability to be able to launch a military invasion which is of course what the us and uk and multiple other countries are concerned about happening. in terms of russia's side and what they have been saying about this, last week, we heard from the kremlin spokesperson saying that once the drills were over, russian troops would be going back to their bases. so it is unsurprising that today some of this has actually happened. we have been given some footage of some of these troops moving back,

but we have also heard again from the kremlin that this was always the plan and what was always intended. again, talking to western media about this and suggesting that western concerns about this in western coverage about this is in their words ostentatious hysteria. so we have two very different attitudes towards what is going on in ukraine and russia saying they have no intention of invading and a russian media mirroring that message and talking about the fact that they say this is all hyped up from the west. the west saying they are still seeing military troops on russia's border with ukraine and that is very concerning. we border with ukraine and that is very concerning-— concerning. we have been watching the pictures — concerning. we have been watching the pictures of— concerning. we have been watching the pictures of president _ concerning. we have been watching the pictures of president putin - the pictures of president putin meeting the president —— the german chancellor. is there any sense of how those talks have progressed and whether this meeting might make any difference? we whether this meeting might make any difference? ~ ., difference? we saw some of the o enin: difference? we saw some of the opening remarks _ difference? we saw some of the

opening remarks where - difference? we saw some of the opening remarks where putin i difference? we saw some of the l opening remarks where putin was emphasising some of the talking points between the two countries. what happens off the back of that meeting we won't know for the next hour or so. when president macron was in town, those talks lasted for over five hours, was in town, those talks lasted for overfive hours, so we was in town, those talks lasted for over five hours, so we are waiting to hear exactly how they went and what each side the sort of it. germany and russia have many thais historic, trade and the supply of natural gas which has been brought up natural gas which has been brought up several times particularly about nord stream two, this pipeline that goes from russia to germany and would dramatically increase the amount of russian gas going to germany. if russia does take the step to invade, that pipeline should be stopped altogether it is suggested. it has been finished but the gas has not been turned on. he is said has not explicitly said that

nord stream two would be part of any sanctions yet. i nord stream two would be part of any sanctions yet-— sanctions yet. i know you will keep us osted sanctions yet. i know you will keep us posted on _ sanctions yet. i know you will keep us posted on that. _ sanctions yet. i know you will keep us posted on that. for _ sanctions yet. i know you will keep us posted on that. for now, - sanctions yet. i know you will keep us posted on that. for now, thank| us posted on that. for now, thank you. novak djokovic has told the bbc that he would be prepared to sacrifice his career rather than be forced to take the covid—i9 vaccine. in an exclusive interview after losing his legal battle to compete at the australian open, the world number one tennis player said he's not part of the anti—vaccine movement, but supports individuals' right to choose. the bbc�*s amol rajan sat down with him in belgrade. he is widely held to be the greatest player of his time in an era already blessed with legends. but now he's the most controversial too. have you received any vaccination against covid? i have not. why? i understand that, and support fully, the freedom to choose whether you want to get vaccinated

or not and i have not spoken about this before and i have not disclosed my medical record and my vaccination status, because i had the right to keep that private and discreet. but, as i see, there is a lot of wrong conclusions and assumptions out there. i think it's important to speak up about that and justify certain things. on december 16th, djokovic tested positive for covid, but only found out, he says, after mixing with young tennis players the following day. when he arrived in australia on january 5th, he was held at the border. onjanuary 6th, his visa was cancelled and he was detained. four days later onjanuary 10th, a judge overturned that decision releasing him to compete. but four days after that, onjanuary 14th, australia's immigration minister again cancelled his visa on grounds of public safety.

djokovic appealed, but lost, and left australia onjanuary 16th. i was never against vaccination. me, as an elite professional athlete, i've always carefully reviewed, assessed everything that comes in from the supplements, food, the water that i drink, or sports drinks, anything really that comes into my body as a fuel. the world number one insists that he did obey the rules in trying to enter australia and distanced himself from the anti—vax movement. as things stand, if this means that you miss the french open, is that a price you'd be willing to pay? yes, that is the price that i'm willing to pay. and if it means that you miss wimbledon this year, again that's a price you're willing to pay? yes. ultimately, are you prepared to forego the chance to be

the greatest player that ever picked up a racket statistically because you feel so strongly about this jab? yes. i do. why, novak? why? because the principles of decision—making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. i'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as i possibly can. djokovic insists he is keeping an open mind, but, for now, shows no sign of changing it. amol rajan, bbc news, belgrade. our health correspondentjim reid is with us. how much more information might novak djokovic need for him to make up his mind about the vaccine?

i thought that was a fascinating interview. picking his words very carefully there, saying he is not anti—vax, saying he doesn't support that movement. saying that he had had other childhood vaccines. but he didn't want the covid—i9 vaccine at the moment. his reasoning is that his personal choice about what he puts on his body, but then he said he didn't have enough, he felt, information about the covid—i9 vaccines themselves. it does beg the question how much information does he really want, because we already know that the pfizer vaccine for example which was offered in serbia and here has gone through pretty had exhaustive clinical trials. we know a large proportion, 62% of the worlds now have had at least one dose of a covid—i9 vaccine. medical regulators have said it's

effectively safe. the who has said the same thing. it once you have gone that far and you have seen that evidence, what more might you need to know? i'm not sure what whether he assesses that question.— to know? i'm not sure what whether he assesses that question. there are some people — he assesses that question. there are some people who — he assesses that question. there are some people who have _ he assesses that question. there are some people who have had - he assesses that question. there are some people who have had the - he assesses that question. there are l some people who have had the vaccine but is still a bit nervous that it was rushed through a bit quickly and we don't know what the long—term side effects are. what reassurances are there around that? b, side effects are. what reassurances are there around that?— are there around that? a couple of thins to are there around that? a couple of things to say _ are there around that? a couple of things to say there. _ are there around that? a couple of things to say there. one _ are there around that? a couple of things to say there. one thing - are there around that? a couple of things to say there. one thing is i things to say there. one thing is that every vaccine has gone through the proper trial process. of course it had to be done more quickly. we were in a pretty difficult situation to say the least that the beginning of this pandemic. we could not spend decades approving a vaccine. but it is said that every step of that process had been done in the same way it would have been done in any other medical process. so it has been sped up. normally you're waiting forfunding and

been sped up. normally you're waiting for funding and getting trials organised in four volunteers. it was that bit that was sped up, where is the itself wasn't. and there are multiple covid—i9 vaccines now, more than 20 around the world. some of the initial vaccines, the pfizer and moderne are one and certainly the astrazeneca one were using very new technology. the technology used in pfizer and the donor had never been used before. but other vaccines that have come through come use very established technology. the nova vax vaccine for example uses established technology. so even if people are concerned about the speed at which some of these new technologies were developed, and to be honest they haven't got a great deal based on the evidence to be concerned about, there are more established options that they could take.— there are more established options that they could take. really good to talk to you- — that they could take. really good to talk to you. thank _ that they could take. really good to talk to you. thank you. _

now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello. two named storms on the way later this week, in fact, tomorrow the winds really start to strengthen as the day goes on. we will get to that in a moment. for the rest of today, it is this area of rain pushing through england this afternoon, not clearing the far south east until we get too dark. for many of us it is a day sunny spells, a chance of catching showers, especially in scotland, wintry on hills. it will feel colder than this in gusty western winds. increasing cloud in northern ireland, rain in this evening. that rain pushing across much of the uk as we go through the night. some further snow in scotland, especially in the hills to the north here where it is coldest, elsewhere, a mild night to come. and then another spell of rain towards the north and west of the uk tomorrow, not much rain during daylight hours and a very mild day in the south east. winds strengthening all the while, and particularly then tomorrow night into early thursday, through this met office amber warning area here from storm dudley, the potential for damaging winds,

sport, and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's olly foster. the russian figure skater kamila valieva has claimed that her positive drugs test in december was due to contamination with her grandfather's heart medicine. the is—year—old's positive test only came to light last week and she has been allowed to carry on competing at the winter olympics after the court of arbitration for sport ruled that a provisional suspension should not be re—imposed. she is favourite for the olympic title in the short programme that is underway, and she has already won gold in the team event last week. the medals for that have been withheld, as will any in this competttion should she make it onto the podium, as investigations into the circumstances of her positive test continue. gb are yet to win their first medal of the games. the women's curlers beat japan this morning 10—4 to keep their hopes alive. they're in the top four in their round robin, and that's where they need to stay to reach the semi—finals with two

more matches to play against china and the russian olympic committee. away from beijing, it's a big night in the champions league with the start of the knockout stages. i6 clubs left. paris st—germain are taking on real madrid, whilst manchester city are away at sporting lisbon. the premier league leaders were beaten by chelsea in last season's final. city have never been european champions and it's become an annual quest under pep guardiola to win the competition for the first time. being a manager we are exposed to get punished in the way when you don't get results. lhlal get punished in the way when you don't get results.— don't get results. not me, all the manauers don't get results. not me, all the managers otherwise _ don't get results. not me, all the managers otherwise you - don't get results. not me, all the managers otherwise you have - don't get results. not me, all the managers otherwise you have to l managers otherwise you have to decide to do anotherjob. it is not absolutely a problem. england's women will play a test against south africa for the first time in 20 years this summer. it will be played at taunton

and will be followed by three one—day internationals and three twenty20s before a limited overs series against india. england's last test was the draw against australia in the ashes series last month. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. novak djokovic has told the bbc that he would be prepared to sacrifice his career rather than be forced to take the covid—i9 vaccine. in an exclusive interview after losing his legal battle to compete at the australian open, the world number one tennis player said he's not part of the anti—vaccine movement, but supports individuals' right to choose. the bbc�*s amol rajan sat down with him in belgrade. but we are not going to hear that interview. joining me from hertfordshire, sports psychologist bradley busch. i wonder if you have the interview

and hear some of what novak djokovic is said to justify his actions, what you may do what he had to say? i think it is a really interesting interview and took centre stage at the australian open. with all things with any athlete and covid there is always the spotlight on them and obviously it could be quite divisive. and will be ringing up strong opinions and some people. he says he does not want to be a poster boy for the anti—vaccine movement but he is a strong believer in alternative remedies. how common is this among athletes in the top order? , , , �* , ., order? yes. i guess there's two different things. _ order? yes. i guess there's two different things. one, - order? yes. i guess there's two different things. one, there - order? yes. i guess there's two different things. one, there is i order? yes. i guess there's two | different things. one, there is a general subsite of the population who buy into alternative remedies. i would expect to see that from any group, elite athletes are no different. there is something about

sports men or women that makes them more likely to use alternative remedies. i think they are constantly searching for this extra 1% and therefore by doing so i% and therefore by doing so sometimes take less tested methodology. there is some bias in terms of they are very fit and very healthy and a lot of the decisions they have made have paid off in their career and it is easy for them to fall into this, this bubble where they believe that what they are currently doing, me better —— may be better than modern medicine. indie currently doing, me better -- may be better than modern medicine. we know that novak djokovic _ better than modern medicine. we know that novak djokovic has _ better than modern medicine. we know that novak djokovic has been _ that novak djokovic has been obsessed with what he puts into his body for many years, when he changed his diet, gluten free, it did have an impact on his performance on the court. up until then there was a

charge laid against him that he could never make five sets and was getting worn out, wasn't there? yes. getting worn out, wasn't there? yes, the nic getting worn out, wasn't there? yes, the cynic in — getting worn out, wasn't there? yes, the cynic in me _ getting worn out, wasn't there? yes, the cynic in me always _ getting worn out, wasn't there? ya: the cynic in me always questions causation versus correlation for one athlete who turns vegan and drinks through it and is really well, there is probably nine or ten who don't potentially and you hear less about them. it is very easy to draw a straight line between for example him eating a different type of food and his performance. i think elite sport is messy and complicated in improving performances it is multifaceted, so therefore, yes, it is not surprising that someone who is not surprising that someone who is concerned with what they put in their body would extend to vaccines. whether that is justified or not is another matter for individual interpretation. has another matter for individual interpretation.— interpretation. as a sports psychologist. _ interpretation. as a sports psychologist, i— interpretation. as a sports psychologist, i guess - interpretation. as a sports psychologist, i guess i - interpretation. as a sports psychologist, i guess i amj psychologist, i guess i am interested in the fact that he is

willing to sacrifice grand slam tournaments. this could have a significant impact on his legacy. yet that is how strongly he feels about it, talk us through the psychological insights into that. l psychological insights into that. i think when you look at the top athletes at the very top, they can be very strong—willed. there is a very thin line i guess between the sort of resilience and stubbornness, which we tend to cretin at —— might criticise people for. it is interesting that he is willing to make the stance, not many others are which is notable. potentially at this stage of his career, what he has accomplished to date might be an influence. perhaps it is another example of single—mindedness that got him to where he is. that might be part of his downfall over the next few years. really good to hear

your thoughts. many thanks. next few years. really good to hear yourthoughts. many thanks. i next few years. really good to hear your thoughts. many thanks. i want to bring you an up date on that story we were bringing earlier, the metropolitan police have said an unattended item in central london was found not to be suspicious. that is good news. they would be reopening closed roads shortly. i am going to court hear the unattended item has been assessed and was found not to be suspicious. road closures will be lifted. we thank the public for their cooperation. that statement _ for their cooperation. that statement from _ for their cooperation. that statement from the - for their cooperation. that statement from the metropolitan police on twitter. you will remember if you are weathers earlier, police had closed several bridges along a one—mile stretch of the river thames one—mile stretch of the river thames on the south bank while they assessed the item, among them waterloo bridge and westminster bridge. that unattended item was

found not to be suspicious and the roads that had been closed and presumably the bridges as well, will be reopened. a senior leader in the metropolitan police has warned that racism remains a problem within the force. deputy assistant commissioner bas javid has denied the met is a "racist organisation". last week, the head of the met, cressida dick, resigned after the mayor of london said he wasn't satisfied that she could root out racism, sexism and discrimination in the force. what i would say if there are people who have racist views and are racist. and they are policing. but i will not describe all of the organisation as a racist organisation, i think that is extremely unfair to so many people who werk hard to do what i have talked about today, which is rooting

out racism and other forms of discrimination. joining me now is former detective superintendent at the met, shabnam chaudhri. what did you make of what you heard? he is right to say not the whole organisation is racist. what is important is that he has talked about what they want to do in order to root out racism, sexism and misogyny and all the other challenges that policing are currently facing at the moment. tell us how big a — currently facing at the moment. tell us how big a challenge that is? i - us how big a challenge that is? i think it is far did. i watched the programme last night, i heard two black serving officers who had been subjected to what they call banter. but it is clearly racism and

behaviour that is totally to the detriment of policing, but also to the wider community. haifa detriment of policing, but also to the wider community.— detriment of policing, but also to the wider community. how could those attitudes in the — the wider community. how could those attitudes in the police _ the wider community. how could those attitudes in the police affect _ the wider community. how could those attitudes in the police affect the - attitudes in the police affect the general public and the communities they serve, what is the knock—on effect? they serve, what is the knock-on effect? ~ , ., ., ., ., they serve, what is the knock-on effect? ~ ., ., ., , effect? when you have got over bias within policing. _ effect? when you have got over bias within policing, but— effect? when you have got over bias within policing, but that _ effect? when you have got over bias within policing, but that does - effect? when you have got over bias within policing, but that does a - within policing, but that does a place in the public domain. for example, the fact that the black community have no trust and confidence and they have been talking a long time about the disproportionate targeting of black youngsters in particular, these police officers are biased, they are placing... victims of crime, whether they be domestic abuse, whether they be victims of violence against women and girls, allare be victims of violence against women and girls, all are impacted upon because of the way those officers who behave within policing then go out and do it in a more covertly, a

subtle way that perhaps the public don't realise. i think the fact is the organisation is institutionally racist and i think it is name, we have a new commissioner coming in, there is a real opportunity to get on top of it. there is a real opportunity to get on top of it— on top of it. denials that the institution _ on top of it. denials that the institution is _ on top of it. denials that the institution is institutionally l institution is institutionally racist. interesting that you see that differently. i suppose my question is, what do you think should happen to those police officers who are found to be racist? should they be dismissed as bad as javid was suggesting, excluded or sanctioned from the force? expert; sanctioned from the force? every situation has _ sanctioned from the force? every situation has got _ sanctioned from the force? every situation has got to _ sanctioned from the force? every situation has got to be _ sanctioned from the force? every situation has got to be treated i sanctioned from the force? er situation has got to be treated on its merit but you have got to take these matters more seriously than a case of management action or brushing it under the carpet sending it back to a local bar a further local professional standards to deal with, i think local professional standards to deal with, ithink it local professional standards to deal with, i think it needs to be dealt with, i think it needs to be dealt with robustly and taken seriously. this is notjust about the reputation of the police officer,

this is about public confidence, trust and confidence of the wider communities and making sure that they feel safe and they feel protected and that they they have an opportunity to come and report crime and to be able to come to the police when they are in need of the services of the police service. we have not services of the police service. we have got to _ services of the police service. we have got to leave it there. we are short of time. really good to talk to you. thank you. helpless, ignored, isolated — these are some of the common feelings reported by partners during and after pregnancy loss. a review of pregnancy loss services in england is currently investigating the lack of support services for partners after miscarriage. it's expected to make recommendations later this year. our global health correspondent tulip mazumdar has been to meet dads in essex. i felt completely alone and i was the only one

in the world going through this. people acted as if, because my baby didn't arrive, she didn't die, and we didn't actually lose a baby, but we very much did. the best thing that people did after we lost our sons reuben and henry, was acknowledging that they'd existed. these men share more than just the love of football. they have all lost babies. some died early on in pregnancy, others within days of being born. during and after a loss, the focus is quite rightly on the woman. support for women across the uk is patchy, but support for men is practically nonexistent. matt and his wife lauren have suffered four miscarriages, including two late losses. it absolutely crushed me. i would go and do some shopping and i'd cry in the car— on the way to the shops. or i would go and cry in the shower, or i cry sitting on the toilet - because that was the only time i i could get, could get to be alone. i don't think people think that miscarriage affects i men as much as it does.

miscarriages can range from a loss with bleeding over many weeks, to women losing a lot of blood very quickly and becoming extremely unwell. during a late miscarriage, mums may give birth to their tiny babies with their partners watching on. with regards to the team, as much as, we don't kind of all sit around and discuss our losses, it is just that absolute knowledge that everyone has experienced what you're going through. there is no pressure to grieve. us playing football and us doing the training is, is us grieving. what are partners, particularly men, up against when it comes to dealing with this kind of loss? this toxic masculinity. "big boys don't cry." "man up," you know? it's the stereotype of being strong for your partner, isn't it? - yeah. you're listening to the dads still standing podcast and we are about miscarriage,

about stillbirth and about baby loss. after meeting at the football club, matt and liam came up with the idea of a podcast aimed at grieving dads. hearing us tell each other everything... yeah. ..allows other dads to feel like they can tell people what they are going through. it is rough and it is awful, but actually that sing you are really scared about is going to be all right. tulip mazumdar, bbc news, writtle in essex. joining me now is donald mbeutcha, co—founder of fatherhood awards uk. good to have us as donald. could you bear to tell us what happened to you and your wife? lode bear to tell us what happened to you and your wife?— bear to tell us what happened to you and your wife? we went for a routine checku- and your wife? we went for a routine checkup and — and your wife? we went for a routine checkup and they _ and your wife? we went for a routine checkup and they could _ and your wife? we went for a routine checkup and they could not - and your wife? we went for a routine checkup and they could not find - and your wife? we went for a routine checkup and they could not find a - checkup and they could not find a hard —— heartbeat. she decided to

send us back to the hospital to have an in—depth analysis and try and find the child's heartbeat. they could not find a heartbeat and proceeded to tell that us our daughter had passed away. what needed to happen is my wife, was a late miscarriage. two or three days later she had to come back to the hospital to deliver our daughter. when our daughter was delivered, we were told it was a boy. so we grieved the boy and then months... a few weeks later, 12 weeks later, once the autopsy was done, we were then told it was a girl. so we had to go through the whole grieving process again. it is to go through the whole grieving process again-— process again. it is a terrible sto . process again. it is a terrible story- what _ process again. it is a terrible story. what impact - process again. it is a terrible story. what impact did - process again. it is a terrible story. what impact did the i story. what impact did the miscarriage have on you in particular? i miscarriage have on you in particular?— miscarriage have on you in particular? miscarriage have on you in articular? ~ ., ., particular? i think for me it drove me to nearly _ particular? i think for me it drove me to nearly taking _ particular? i think for me it drove me to nearly taking my _ particular? i think for me it drove me to nearly taking my own - particular? i think for me it drove me to nearly taking my own life. | particular? i think for me it drove | me to nearly taking my own life. i got to a stage where i felt i could

not i could talk to anyone, i felt i needed to be strong for any —— like everyone else and no one could be there to release that emotion, to have that conversation about what i was feeling. it got to a stage where i did not want to be here. and i was very close to taking my own life i often see after —— —— see not having the bottle to do it,. finding other men who had a similar experience. sham men who had a similar experience. am i riaht, men who had a similar experience. am i right, you are drinking heavily as well? t i right, you are drinking heavily as well? ., , �* ~ i right, you are drinking heavily as well? . , �* ~' . , well? i wasn't drinking heavily. i had drank _ well? i wasn't drinking heavily. i had drank and _ well? i wasn't drinking heavily. i had drank and prepared - well? i wasn't drinking heavily. i had drank and prepared a - well? i wasn't drinking heavily. i j had drank and prepared a couple well? i wasn't drinking heavily. i i had drank and prepared a couple of bottles to use in a process of taking my own life. i understand. was there a _ taking my own life. i understand. was there a sense _ taking my own life. i understand. was there a sense then - taking my own life. i understand. was there a sense then that - taking my own life. i understand. was there a sense then that you | taking my own life. i understand. i was there a sense then that you felt you just had to carry on because you were the man? i wondered whether there was any support available to

you at all? there was any support available to ou at all? ., , there was any support available to ou at all? . , . you at all? yeah. i very much felt like i needed _ you at all? yeah. i very much felt like i needed to _ you at all? yeah. i very much felt like i needed to support - you at all? yeah. i very much felt like i needed to support my i you at all? yeah. i very much felt like i needed to support my wife l you at all? yeah. i very much felt i like i needed to support my wife but i also felt like i needed to be strong. i remember going into work and just not... almost having to put on a front. i think even with friends and some family members, it was very much so, you will be ok. you will have another child and i think someone said to me, don't worry, you will have another child. there was a sense, you need to man up there was a sense, you need to man up and you need to get on with it. it took a long time even to tell my wife about what i nearly did. it took about two years before she found out. just because one, there was dell the sense of i was, i didn't feel like i could talk to anyone. i think society made me feel i was weak for having emotional feelings, for failing i was weak for having emotional feelings, forfailing emotional, for

being emotional. and i think i would find spaces to cry and be on my own at times because i couldn't talk to anyone else. 50 at times because i couldn't talk to anyone else-— at times because i couldn't talk to an one else. ., ,, ., , , anyone else. so what kind of help is needed? when _ anyone else. so what kind of help is needed? when you _ anyone else. so what kind of help is needed? when you say _ anyone else. so what kind of help is needed? when you say i _ anyone else. so what kind of help is needed? when you say i couldn't i anyone else. so what kind of help is l needed? when you say i couldn't help anyone else, i can completely understand you felt you needed to support your wife and you needed to put on a front in front of your friends. but are use a more structured support would be helpful from the health authorities for example? from the health authorities for examle? , . ., , , example? yes, certainly. it is multi faceted. there _ example? yes, certainly. it is multi faceted. there needs _ example? yes, certainly. it is multi faceted. there needs to _ example? yes, certainly. it is multi faceted. there needs to be - faceted. there needs to be structured support from the health authorities. i will give you an example, i did not get any support from the hospital. i got a booklet that said if you want any services, you will find one that is relevant to you. rightfully so, the services were aimed at my way. there needs to be an element of structured support thatis be an element of structured support that is provided for men. but there

also needs to be the societal change that allows men and creates the spaces for men to talk. and there also needs to be a mindset change. i think someone referred to toxic masculinity. that is an idea that is pushed by society but we can get away from that to kind of current —— encourage our men to talk. because eventually young boys will become men, will also need to find the spaces to talk. if we can encourage it from an early onset, what that means is we grow to have their second nature as a place where they can have those conversations. donald, if there are men watching those who have lost a baby, is there more help available as you say, more structured support, by which you mean a counsellor or a therapist, then when you needed it? yes. there are a lot more- _

then when you needed it? yes. there are a lot more. you _ then when you needed it? yes. there are a lot more. you have _ then when you needed it? yes. there are a lot more. you have got - then when you needed it? yes. there are a lot more. you have got a i then when you needed it? yes. there are a lot more. you have got a few. are a lot more. you have got a few charities who are focused on kind of notjust charities who are focused on kind of not just supporting you charities who are focused on kind of notjust supporting you know, women, but supporting children and men in this and the work they are doing and making sure that the support is available. and i think we need to see more and more from the local authorities, more and for from the nhs outside of these charities that are doing the work. i nhs outside of these charities that are doing the work.— are doing the work. i promised i wanted to _ are doing the work. i promised i wanted to talk _ are doing the work. i promised i wanted to talk to _ are doing the work. i promised i wanted to talk to you _ are doing the work. i promised i wanted to talk to you about i are doing the work. i promised i wanted to talk to you about the | wanted to talk to you about the fatherhood awards. you are the co—founder, tell us about them. the co-founder, tell us about them. the awards have... _ co—founder, tell us about them. tue awards have... where co—founder, tell us about them. tte awards have... where created to celebrate fathers all around the uk. we came together with my co—founder agnes and realised that father's ourselves only celebrated for all of the hard work that they do. on social media. throughout the pandemic it was clear to see there were inspirational fathers out there

encouraging other fathers who were inspirational fathers out there encouraging otherfathers who might be first—time dads, who may suffer tirelessly on their own not knowing what they are doing. if anyone is appearing, they will know it is rabbit in the headlights, you are winging it until you make it. but there are lots of other fathers who are doing the work, putting the hard—working, who are inspirational and a lot of young men who will become fathers, and we thought this will be a brilliant avenue to be able to celebrate those fathers. we call it the baftas of fatherhood. we are hoping to have an event on engine and we will try and, want to get as many fathers nominated and as many fathers down as possible so we can celebrate them.— can celebrate them. good luck with it. i know can celebrate them. good luck with it- i know it — can celebrate them. good luck with it. i know it is — can celebrate them. good luck with it. i know it is an _ can celebrate them. good luck with it. i know it is an experience - can celebrate them. good luck with it. i know it is an experience that i it. i know it is an experience that you don't get over, but i am glad you don't get over, but i am glad you took the time to talk to us about it. thank you forjoining us

on bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. it is what will stop before we get to those storms, the day ahead, regular wet and blustery weather. there is a brighter gap with a few showers. more rain on the way tonight. the rain across southern and eastern parts of england through this afternoon, gradually clearing. elsewhere, there will be plenty of sunny spells around, showers, wintry on the hills in scotland. it will feel colder than this in the wince. it will not be long before the next area of rain spells in. march is north and east across the uk with

further snow in the hills in northern scotland, going into the morning where it is cold. reasonably mild and blustery night on the way elsewhere. tomorrow, a brief gap before the next weather system comes in pushing its next load of rain in the north and west of the uk. not much rain in the daylight hours. the system moves in ahead of it through wales and england, very mild and eastern and south—eastern england around 17 celsius. this area, starring dudley, the wind strengthen and overnight and into thursday morning, the met office has an amber warning in place for parts of scotland, the north coast of northern ireland and northern england. strong and potentially damaging winds impacting travel. before those winds is through thursday. on thursday, a day of sunny spells and blustery showers around, still falling as snow on the hills of scotland. we also see when

nearness on high ground. a colder feeling day across wales and england. a deep area of low pressure coming in on a friday, this is named storm units and widely across the uk, strong and damaging winds on the way on friday. impacts from heavy snow across parts of scotland, may be northern england as well with lizards and places. —— blizzards in places.

this is bbc news. the headlines... russia says it is pulling back some of its troops from the ukrainian border — releasing pictures of what it says are the end of some military drills there translation: is the training comes | to an end, the troops as usual much l back to their home stations. the german chancellor, olaf scholz, is meeting with president putin in moscow, as ukraine's foreign minister says he will believe the de—escalation when he sees it. novak djokovic says he would rather miss major tournaments and the chance to become the greatest tennis player of all time than get a covid vaccine. decision—making on my body is more important than any title or anything else.

speaking exclusively to the bbc, the tennis star says he does not want to be associated with the anti—vax movement, but supports an individual�*s right to choose. a senior officer at the metropolitan police admits some of his officers �*are racist�* but denies the met is a �*racist organisation'. 15—year—old russian skater, kamila valieva, will compete at the winter olympics later after being cleared to take part despite failing a drugs test. and the story of a group of british swimmers who took on the government in their battle to clean up the sea is coming to the big with a new film about the so—called sons of neptune.

russia's defence ministry says some troops positioned on the border with ukraine are returning to their bases after completing drills. these pictures are from the russian defence ministry. the move raises hopes of a possible de—escalation, although large—scale drills continue and it's unclear how many units are actually being withdrawn. let's hear what the russian defence ministry is saying — they've spoken in the last hour. translation: the armed forces of the russian federation - are continuing a series of large—scale operational training activities for troops and forces. almost all military districts, fleets and airborne troops are taking part. as the training comes to an end, the troops, as usual, will march back to their home stations. units from the southern and western military districts that completed their tasks already have started loading on trains and motor vehicles.

they will start moving to their home bases. individual units will march on their own in military columns. our moscow correspondent, caroline davies, gave me the nato secretary general is speaking at nato headquarters. the nato secretary general is speaking at nato headquarters. from the black speaking at nato headquarters. from the islack sea — speaking at nato headquarters. from the black sea to _ speaking at nato headquarters. from the black sea to the _ speaking at nato headquarters. h...” the black sea to the baltic. nato defence ministers will address the need to further increase our defensive posture. and i welcomed the offer by france to lead a new nato group in romania. tomorrow, i will also chair a regular meeting of the nuclear planning group ensuring that our nuclear deterrent remains

safe, secure and effective. defence ministers will meet our colleagues from ukraine and georgia. it will be to discuss the worsening situation. our nato allies will reaffirm our strong support for both countries's sovereignty and cultural integrity. we will also meet with our partners finland and the european union to continue our close consultations and further strengthen nato eu cooperation. the current crisis is shown once again how important it is to invest in our defence. so, ministers will review burden sharing across the alliance. our latest figures show several consecutive years of increased spending across the us and canada with $270 billion extra since 2014. i encourage allies

to continue to invest in our shared security. finally, we will also discuss nato parr�*s work next strategic consultant which will be adopted at the madrid summit in june. i am confident that allies will recommit to our core values and the importance of europe and north america standing together. with that, i am america standing together. with that, iam ready america standing together. with that, i am ready to take your questions. that, i am ready to take your questions-— that, i am ready to take your ruestions. ~ ., ., , questions. we will go to reuters. thank you- _ questions. we will go to reuters. thank you. russia _ questions. we will go to reuters. thank you. russia has _ questions. we will go to reuters. thank you. russia has said i questions. we will go to reuters. thank you. russia has said it i questions. we will go to reuters. thank you. russia has said it is i thank you. russia has said it is returning — thank you. russia has said it is returning some troops to bases after military— returning some troops to bases after military exercises were completed. are you _ military exercises were completed. are you saying then that this is not true or— are you saying then that this is not true or you — are you saying then that this is not true or you are not seeing any kind of change —

true or you are not seeing any kind of change in — true or you are not seeing any kind of change in the ground? thank you. so far. _ of change in the ground? thank you. so far. we _ of change in the ground? thank you. so far, we have not seen any de—escalation on the ground. not seen any signs of reduced russian military presence on the borders of ukraine. but we will continue to monitor and to follow closely what russia is doing. the signs coming from moscow about their willingness to continue to engage in diplomatic efforts, that give some reason for cautious optimism, but we will of course follow very closely what is happening on the ground and whether this is affected in some real de—escalation of the russian military build—up in and around ukraine. military build-up in and around

ukraine.- over _ military build—up in and around ukraine. tipr. over here. would it ukraine. npr. over here. would it really matter— ukraine. npr. over here. would it really matter if— ukraine. npr. over here. would it really matter if some _ ukraine. npr. over here. would it really matter if some of the troops were _ really matter if some of the troops were returning to their garrisons? this may— were returning to their garrisons? this may not be a sign of de—escalation when you have more than 100,000 troops. just a follow up's question. but additionally, the minister— up's question. but additionally, the minister said yesterday that russia had prepared his response to the us and nata _ had prepared his response to the us and nato. have you received such a response? — and nato. have you received such a response? no and nato. have you received such a resonse? ., ., ., . response? no we have not received such response _ response? no we have not received such response from _ response? no we have not received such response from russia - response? no we have not received such response from russia yet. i response? no we have not received such response from russia yet. our common response we sent them in january our proposals, quite substantive proposals in parallel, united states and nato, where we outlined a ride range of issues and topics where we are ready to sit down and look for common ground. on missiles, transparency or nuclear activities and other areas. and we

have been ready for a long time, and we remain ready to engage in good faith in dialogue with russia to find a political solution. of course, what you have seen on the ground, actually since last spring, is that there are moving forces around, but that does not represent around, but that does not represent a real de—escalation. we are also seeing that sometimes they are moving to a position with combative troops and heavy equipment. and then they take out some or most of the troops, but they leave the equipment behind. and then they can very quickly reinforce and move all the people, all the troops back again if needed. so the movement of forces, the movement of russian capabilities does not represent real de—escalation. but we will monitor, we will follow what they are doing, and of course we call on them to

de—escalate, to withdraw the troops because the russian military build—up in and around ukraine is unprecedented, not only with the high number of combative troops, but all the support, the combative neighbours that need to actually conduct a fully fledged invasion of ukraine. and with all these forces, all these capabilities in place, russia can conduct an invasion of ukraine with very little, or hardly any warning time at all. so, we follow this, but at the same time, we believe there is some ground for cautious optimism based on the signs coming from moscow that they are interested in continuing diplomatic can efforts and to sit down with nato and nato allies to find a

political solution.— political solution. interfax ukraine- _ political solution. interfax ukraine. thank _ political solution. interfax ukraine. thank you. i political solution. interfax i ukraine. thank you. secretary general. _ ukraine. thank you. secretary general. two _ ukraine. thank you. secretary general, two questions i ukraine. thank you. secretary general, two questions if i i ukraine. thank you. secretary l general, two questions if i may. first _ general, two questions if i may. first one. — general, two questions if i may. first one, can you please give more details _ first one, can you please give more details about upcoming meeting between the uk ministry of defence. what format will it be and what you expect _ what format will it be and what you expect from the ukrainian side? and second _ expect from the ukrainian side? and second is— expect from the ukrainian side? and second is being under threat of possible — second is being under threat of possible war, don't you think that nato _ possible war, don't you think that nato might give bucharest a decision regarding _ nato might give bucharest a decision regarding ukraine, or maybe it is easier— regarding ukraine, or maybe it is easier to— regarding ukraine, or maybe it is easier to give up ukraine? thank you _ easier to give up ukraine? thank you |_ easier to give up ukraine? thank ou. ., ., " easier to give up ukraine? thank ou. , . ., ., ., you. i look very much forward to the meetin: you. i look very much forward to the meeting with _ you. i look very much forward to the meeting with their _ you. i look very much forward to the meeting with their ukrainian - you. i look very much forward to the | meeting with their ukrainian defence minister minister, also together with the defence minister of georgia, the two defence ministers will meet the nato defence ministers

on thursday. it is yet another sign of the very close and highly valued partnership we have with ukraine and the strong support that allies provide to ukraine. in the meeting, i expect the ministers to once again express their political support to ukraine, the sovereignty and integrity of ukraine, and as you know nato provides the support with capacity building. we have to modernise ukraine so defence institutions i expect that to be addressed during the meeting, and will also help aside but defence, and of course on top of what nato do together, several nato allies provide also bilateral support to ukraine. so the political, the practical support ukraine will be addressed in the meeting. then, i

think also it will be an opportunity for all of us to take stock. other any signs that things are moving in the right direction? or is the military build—up in and around continuing to sucking discontinuing? i think it is a bit early to pre—empt the exact outcome of that discussion, but it is important that when things are so challenging and tensions are as high as they are now, it is important not to be can sold closely with close partners, with ukraine and that is exactly what we do. we are in contact regularly with ukraine leadership in different formats almost all the time. we continue to be in close con tact with the government of ukraine. sorry, the bucharest decision

stands. nato strongly believe that all nations have the right to choose their own path, and nato's door remains open. the enlargement of nato has been a great success and that creates a spread of democracy and freedom for decades, so that decision stands.— decision stands. frankfurt. that gentleman _ decision stands. frankfurt. that gentleman there _ decision stands. frankfurt. that gentleman there with _ decision stands. frankfurt. that gentleman there with glasses. l decision stands. frankfurt. that i gentleman there with glasses. thanks a lot. over gentleman there with glasses. thanks a lot- over the — gentleman there with glasses. thanks a lot. over the past _ gentleman there with glasses. thanks a lot. over the past days, _ gentleman there with glasses. thanks a lot. over the past days, france i a lot. over the past days, france has indicated that it would no longer— has indicated that it would no longer consider the nato russia founding — longer consider the nato russia founding act valid in case of urban invasion — founding act valid in case of urban invasion do— founding act valid in case of urban invasion. do you expect a discussion on the _ invasion. do you expect a discussion on the nato — invasion. do you expect a discussion on the nato russia founding act in that respect during the defence ministerial, and do you sense a

changem — ministerial, and do you sense a change- - -_ ministerial, and do you sense a change... ministerial, and do you sense a chanuem . ., ., ., ., ., change... we are going to leave that news conference _ change... we are going to leave that news conference in _ change... we are going to leave that news conference in brussels. - change... we are going to leave that news conference in brussels. we i change... we are going to leave that. news conference in brussels. we have been listening to the nato general secretary. some interesting lines coming out of his speech. we believe there is some room for cautious optimism, he said. the nato chiefs said there was cautious optimism over russia's signals on ukraine, but no signs of de—escalation. and on those reports that russia may have been removing some of its troops from the border, he said, if moscow removes troops, it often leaves material, by which he means equipment behind. it makes it easier to regroup. this is the key i want to regroup. this is the key i want to pick up diplomatic correspondent paula adams in kyiv. i don't know how much of that speech he heard. i thought it was very interesting that he said he had not seen any signs of

reducing russian military presence on the borders of ukraine. i wonder what you have been hearing. l on the borders of ukraine. i wonder what you have been hearing.- what you have been hearing. i think there is a pretty _ what you have been hearing. i think there is a pretty healthy _ what you have been hearing. i think there is a pretty healthy degree i what you have been hearing. i think there is a pretty healthy degree of. there is a pretty healthy degree of scepticism all round. certainly here and probably in western capitals to about this. the russians are saying some of our drills are over, some of the troops that were due to leave are leaving as they were expected to do, and nothing much to report here. i think clearly, he seems to think there is perhaps some glimmers of optimism in the latest statements, and it may not be just based on those reports about troop movements, but other indications. for example, the russian foreign minister saying he is interested in continuing the dialogue and having a wider discussion about aspects of european security. all of the kinds of things that nato has expressed a keen willingness to have with russia. and

there is this ongoing exchange of documents which began back in january, or actually in december when the russians publish these two draft treaties, one for the united states and one for nato. they waited for a reply. those replies went in about a month ago, and now russia seems paused —— poised to issue their latest papers on this. so this is an ongoing process about the wider security environment, security architecture as it is sometimes called, of europe. he feels all is not lost on that front. but in the meantime, you heard him talking there about the robust support that nato continues to offer ukraine, even though ukraine is not a member of the alliance. and also about nato's discussions about whether in the face of this, what nato seasons russian aggression, nato should be farfrom retreating

russian aggression, nato should be far from retreating from eastern europe, but enhancing its presence eastern europe.— eastern europe. really interesting. and as ou eastern europe. really interesting. and as you said. — eastern europe. really interesting. and as you said, the _ eastern europe. really interesting. and as you said, the nato - eastern europe. really interesting. | and as you said, the nato secretary general there using cautious optimism, but in the meantime these warnings that an invasion is imminent or highly likely, even as early as tomorrow. i just wondered what the ukrainian government was saying about that. because up until now it has been insisting that nothing has really changed. thea;r nothing has really changed. they have, although _ nothing has really changed. they have, although i _ nothing has really changed. they have, although i think— nothing has really changed. tte have, although i think in the nothing has really changed. tte1 have, although i think in the last day or so, a slight shift in tone. particularly last night with volodymyr zelenskyy addressed to the nation and that tomorrow will be a day of unity and calling for displays of patriotism around the capital and so forth. i think perhaps he realised that the danger was a bit more imminent. but essentially what western

intelligence, by that i mean british and americans have been saying, is that what has been assembled on the borders of ukraine can only be an invasion force. it is not normal drills or normal manoeuvres. it is, in every kind of aspect, an invasion waiting to go. the only thing missing being vladimir putin's say so. that could come at the drop of a hat, as was intimated yesterday. so there is a feeling in london and washington in particular that this is an invasion ready to go, and that no one should be off their guard in case vladimir putin decides to do this, whilst emphasising that they don't know which way his decision will go. don't know which way his decision will no. ., ~' ,, don't know which way his decision will no. ., ~' , don't know which way his decision will no. ., ~ , . don't know which way his decision will no. ., ~ ,, , . ., will go. thank you very much for that update- _ will go. thank you very much for that update. good _ will go. thank you very much for that update. good to _ will go. thank you very much for that update. good to talk- will go. thank you very much for that update. good to talk to i will go. thank you very much for| that update. good to talk to you. sport, and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre.

the russian figure skater kamila valieva has claimed that her positive drugs test in december was due to contamination from her grandfather's heart medicine. the 15—year—old's positive test only came to light last week and she has been allowed to carry on competing at the winter olympics after the court of arbitration for sport ruled that a provisional suspension should not be re—imposed. she is favourite for the olympic title in the short programme that is underway, and she has already won gold in the team event last week. the medals for that have been withheld, as will any in this competition should she make it onto the podium, as investigations into the circumstances of her positive test continue. she is due to compete very shortly. natasha mackay had a fall in her first routine. about 30 competitors in all with about 30 likely to progress to the free skate section. gb are yet to win their first medal of the games. the women's curlers beat japan this morning 10—4

to keep their hopes alive. they're in the top four in their round robin, and that's where they need to stay to reach the semi—finals with two more matches to play against china and the russian olympic committee. away from beijing, it's a big night in the champions league with the start of the knockout stages. 16 clubs left. paris st—germain are taking on real madrid, whilst manchester city are away at sporting lisbon. the premier league leaders were beaten by chelsea in last season's final. city have never been european champions and it's become an annual quest under pep guardiola to win the competition for the first time. being a manager, all the managers are exposed to get punished in the way of criticism when you don't get results. not me, all the managers otherwise you have to decide to do anotherjob. it is not absolutely a problem. england's women will play a test

against south africa for the first time in 20 years this summer. it will be played at taunton and will be followed by three one—day internationals and three twenty20s before a limited overs series against india. england's last test was the draw against australia in the ashes series last month. that's all this but for now. i will be back about half past one with all the sports news. see them. novak djokovic has told the bbc that he would be prepared to sacrifice his career rather than be forced to take the covid—19 vaccine. in an exclusive interview after losing his legal battle to compete at the australian open, the world number one tennis player said he's not part of the anti—vaccine movement, but supports individuals' right to choose. the bbc�*s amol rajan sat down with him in belgrade. he is widely held to be the greatest player of his time in an era already blessed with legends. but now he's the most controversial too.

have you received any vaccination against covid? i have not. why? i understand that, and support fully, the freedom to choose whether you want to get vaccinated or not and i have not spoken about this before and i have not disclosed my medical record and my vaccination status, because i had the right to keep that private and discreet. but, as i see, there is a lot of wrong conclusions and assumptions out there. i think it's important to speak up about that and justify certain things. on december 16th, djokovic tested positive for covid, but only found out, he says, after mixing with young tennis players the following day. when he arrived in australia on january 5th, he was held at the border. onjanuary 6th, his visa was cancelled and he was detained. four days later onjanuary10th,

a judge overturned that decision releasing him to compete. but four days after that, onjanuary14th, australia's immigration minister again cancelled his visa on grounds of public safety. djokovic appealed, but lost, and left australia onjanuary16th. i was never against vaccination. me, as an elite professional athlete, i've always carefully reviewed, assessed everything that comes in from the supplements, food, the water that i drink, or sports drinks, anything really that comes into my body as a fuel. the world number one insists that he did obey the rules in trying to enter australia and distanced himself from the anti—vax movement. as things stand, if this means that you miss the french open, is that a price you'd be willing to pay? yes, that is the price that i'm willing to pay. and if it means that you miss

wimbledon this year, again that's a price you're willing to pay? yes. ultimately, are you prepared to forego the chance to be the greatest player that ever picked up a racket statistically because you feel so strongly about this jab? yes. i do. why, novak? why? because the principles of decision—making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. i'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as i possibly can. djokovic insists he is keeping an open mind, but, for now, shows no sign of changing it. amol rajan, bbc news, belgrade.

the government has announced a cap on the costs faced by people who live in flats with flammable cladding or other fire safety defects. ministers say no one will have to pay more than £15,000 in london and £10,000 in the rest of england. home developers who also refuse to pay the costs of removing unsafe cladding could have planning permission and projects blocked under government plans. tell us about your situation and the situation you find yourself in. it situation you find yourself in. tit wasjust under two years situation you find yourself in. tit was just under two years ago that we discovered there were issues with the blocks we moved into. since then, we had a watch put in place. they are still currently there. as

of last week, the cost of keeping them on sight has exceeded half £1 million, spread across the bloc, bearing in mind this does not cover any of the other costs that are coming out. we still need a fire alarm installed. we are currently basically sat waiting for more news, but during that time, myself and my neighbours have to go through the mental struggle that that brings with it, unable to move on with our lives. me personally, my wife and i have been wanting to move for some time and start a family. until i know that i will be in a position where i will be possibly insolvency due to the costs that come from this, unable to have a child because how can i do that, i might not be able to support them on myself. 50. able to support them on myself. so, eah. so

able to support them on myself. so, yeah- so will — able to support them on myself. so, yeah. so will this cap, therefore, you are in london, it will be £15,000 in your case, what difference will it make? l £15,000 in your case, what difference will it make? i don't have £15,000 _ difference will it make? i don't have £15,000 lying _ difference will it make? i don't have £15,000 lying around. ifl difference will it make? i don'tj have £15,000 lying around. if i difference will it make? i don't i have £15,000 lying around. if i did, i properly wouldn't be in the house waiting for a decision on the lease. so you're saying it would be no help at all? lt’s so you're saying it would be no help at all? y ., so you're saying it would be no help at all? �* , . ., so you're saying it would be no help atall? �*, . ., , , at all? it's a great step in the ri . ht at all? it's a great step in the right direction, _ at all? it's a great step in the right direction, however- at all? it's a great step in the i right direction, however £15,000 is still £15,000 that i shouldn't have to pay, nor should anyone else in the situation. there is a bit of a discrepancy in buildings under 11 metres that aren't covered. as far as i understand it, they are still liable for all costs.— liable for all costs. would that make you _ liable for all costs. would that make you liable _ liable for all costs. would that make you liable then. - liable for all costs. would that make you liable then. as i liable for all costs. would that | make you liable then. as you're building under that? h0. make you liable then. as you're building under that?— make you liable then. as you're building under that? no, we are above 11 metres, _ building under that? no, we are above 11 metres, but _

building under that? no, we are. above 11 metres, but nonetheless building under that? no, we are i above 11 metres, but nonetheless i don't think anyone should be left behind on this. l don't think anyone should be left behind on this.— behind on this. i don't think it is riuht. i behind on this. i don't think it is right. i understand. _ behind on this. i don't think it is right. i understand. if— behind on this. i don't think it is right. i understand. if you i behind on this. i don't think it is right. i understand. if you are i right. i understand. if you are saying you have not got the £15,000, what happened next? l saying you have not got the £15,000, what happened next?— saying you have not got the £15,000, what happened next? i can't pay what i don't what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have. — what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have. so _ what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have, so we _ what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have, so we will— what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have, so we will have - what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have, so we will have to i what happened next? i can't pay what i don't have, so we will have to see i i don't have, so we will have to see what happens. i don't have, so we will have to see what happens-— i don't have, so we will have to see what happens. what options are open to ou? at what happens. what options are open to you? at the — what happens. what options are open to you? at the moment, _ what happens. what options are open to you? at the moment, i _ what happens. what options are open to you? at the moment, i don't i what happens. what options are open | to you? at the moment, i don't know. we will have — to you? at the moment, i don't know. we will have to _ to you? at the moment, i don't know. we will have to see _ to you? at the moment, i don't know. we will have to see what _ to you? at the moment, i don't know. we will have to see what comes i to you? at the moment, i don't know. we will have to see what comes out i we will have to see what comes out from the government. i understand it is a complicated situation, but we need some clarity on what will happen to people who were not able to pay. do we forfeit our lease, lose our homes, what next? l to pay. do we forfeit our lease, lose our homes, what next? i can see it's a worrying — lose our homes, what next? i can see it's a worrying time _ lose our homes, what next? i can see it's a worrying time for— lose our homes, what next? i can see it's a worrying time for you. _ lose our homes, what next? i can see it's a worrying time for you. thank- it's a worrying time for you. thank you so much for telling us your story. you so much for telling us your sto . ., ~ you so much for telling us your sto . ., ,, , .,

we have not one but two storms coming in so it is likely likely we will see damage and disruption from those two. we have an orange amber warning from met office tied in with it. eunice looks very tight powerful as well. very quiet in comparison today, although a lot of rain sitting across the south—east of england at the moment. that will a lot of dry and bright weather in between. the dry weather does not last. we have more rain coming into night turning into snow over the hills of scotland, clearing away and then brighterfor time. then we have more rain coming in. this is the rain ahead of that storm, when start to escalate bringing in some mild there, but the story is about the wind. it looks like the peak of the winds will be across northern ireland and northern england and southern scotland, gusts of up to 90 mph. it will affect merit many areas as well as very windy weather is forecast on friday.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines: russia says it is pulling back some of its troops from the ukrainian border. the head of nato says the alliance hasn't seen any de—escalation so far, but russia claims some soldiers are leaving the region. translation: as the training comes | to an end, the troops as usual much | to an end, the troops as usual march back to their home stations. the german chancellor, olaf scholz, is meeting with president putin in moscow, as ukraine's foreign minister says he will believe the de—escalation when he sees it. novak djokovic says he would rather miss major tournaments and the chance to become the greatest tennis player of all time than get a covid vaccine. decision—making on my body is more important than any title or anything else.

speaking exclusively to the bbc, the tennis star says he does not want to be associated with the anti—vax movement, but supports an individual�*s right to choose. a senior officer at the metropolitan police admits some of his officers �*are racist�* but denies the met is a �*racist organisation�* 15—year—old russian skater, kamila valieva, will compete at the winter olympics later — after being cleared to take part despite failing a drugs test. and the story of a group of british swimmers who took on the government in their battle to clean up the sea is coming to the big screen, with a new film about the so—called sons of neptune. all eyes are on ukraine this week as the world waits to see if diplomatic efforts to avoid a russian invasion are paying off. for the 70,0000 ukrainians living in the uk, it�*s an especially anxious time. one group have been sharing their fears for the safety

of their friends and family with phil mccann. there has been a ukrainian community in manchester since the 19th century. but 30 years after ukraine declared independence from the soviet union, those living here, like bob, never thought it would come to this. to see the situation now is quite frightening and to see it escalating at this speed is just incredible. man speaks on phone. bob was born in salford. his mum came over after she was taken into forced labour by the nazis in the war. but lots of his family is still in western ukraine, including his cousin vlodimir. can you ask him how he is feeling at the moment? saying, obviously, they are optimists. they never believed that this would happen but, he says, when it is coming to it all, we are all going to take arms and we are all going to go to the military. for oksana, who was born in ukraine, and her husband vlodimir,

it is their son they are worrying about. he is still over there. i am feeling very, very worried every day. we don't want to lose our sons. also we have our family and parents in ukraine and our friends. so we don't want to repeat maidan. maidan, which was the last major mass loss of life in ukraine. i and we are still remembering those that died, the heavenly hundred. i there is a big sense of community in this community. this is manchester�*s ukrainian community centre. they had a valentine�*s dance here last night, but the conversation inevitably turned to politics and worry about family. the conversations, yeah, i was asking people. you could see this concern there. there is almost disbelief. but there is a big mistrust of russia. so this community is trying to help where it can.

this is a monetary appeal fund that we have launched. we that we have launched. have launched it in the lasl to we have launched it in the last week to tluv— we have launched it in the last week to buy things on the ground should war break— to buy things on the ground should war break out.— to buy things on the ground should war break out. some ukrainians take u . war break out. some ukrainians take u- arms to war break out. some ukrainians take up arms to defend _ war break out. some ukrainians take up arms to defend themselves, i war break out. some ukrainians take up arms to defend themselves, their friends and family here can only watch and worry. if russia does invade, europe will be at war with its biggest energy supplier. one knock—on effect already being felt is the rising cost of energy, which has seen the price of petrol reach record highs across various parts of the world. chris morris explains the economic fallout from the dispute. the crisis in ukraine has deep roots in big—power politics and russian identity. but part of the equation is control of, and access to, energy supplies — oil and gas. it gives leverage to both sides. and today, another reminder that events elsewhere in the world do come home to roost.

record prices at petrol pumps as the price of oil spikes amidst the uncertainty. another worrying factor in the cost of living. it's ridiculous. you've got to work more hours to earn more money to pay for more fuel. you're never home cos you're always working trying to pay the bills. if sanctions are imposed against russia, it could get worse. and europe — with far more links to the russian economy than the united states — is on the front line. the connection between russia's oil and gas industry and europe is pretty obvious — visible in a network of pipelines. now, one suggested sanction is that the new nord stream 2 gas pipeline would not become operational in the event of military action in ukraine. that would be a big blow to russia. but sanctions hit both ends of any trade. km of the eu's imports of natural gas come from russia, and 27% of its crude oil imports. replacing all that gas with, for example, shipments

of liquid natural gas from elsewhere in the world would be an enormous challenge. the uk is far less dependent than the eu on russian supplies — only about 3% of its natural gas. but, as we've seen today, energy prices affect everyone. what i think all european countries need to do now is get nord stream out of the bloodstream. we need to find alternative sources of energy, and we need to get ready to impose some very, very severe economic consequences on russia. the long—term shift towards renewable energy is already under way, but will sanctioning russian energy work in the short term? it will be very limited, _ and only the european customers that are primarily consuming part of russian oil and gas _ exports potentially will be sanctioning russia. - but neither china nor any other major importers of russian oill and gas are likely to follow, so therefore it's not going l to be immediately effective. but it's notjust about oil and gas —

other potential sanctions loom. measures targeting russian state banks and its financial system, a ban on the export of technology — including microchips — and a focus on sanctioning individuals close to the kremlin. the west says these would be the most wide—ranging sanctions it's ever imposed, but russian officials are sounding bullish — confident that china and others will help them out. so a big question — will economic pressure make russia stop and think? chris morris, bbc news. labour leader keir starmer says there needs to be a "very tough line on sanctions" from the government after today's cobr meeting. he's been speaking on a visit to burnley. it is not entirely clear what is happening on the border. anything that de—escalates this is welcome but we do not know what this is yet. what i do know it is important for all of us allies to stand together

in the face of this russian aggression. what i want to see coming out of that is a clear and united plan to stand up to the russian aggression here, standing with our allies, stand as one united kingdom and what ever other arguments and you may have with their prime minister, when it comes up their prime minister, when it comes up to standing to the sovereignty of ukraine and standing up to russian aggression, we stand up as one united kingdom. iwould aggression, we stand up as one united kingdom. i would like to see a very tough line on sanctions as well, it is important that russia knows there will be serious consequences if it doesn't take action. from today, care workers will be added to the government's shortage occupation list. it means people from overseas can apply to fill the huge number of vacant roles that are crippling some parts of the sector. but some care providers warn the costs and administration involved in employing overseas workers can spiral out of control.

zoe conway has been to one care home to find out what the new rules will mean for them. at the griffin lodge care home in stockport, they are baking. the residents here have autism or learning disabilities. many have complex physical needs. in short, they need intensive support from care workers they can rely on. yet, as manager karen explains, this care home is short—staffed. just talk me through the board, and what are these red circles? this is our rota for this coming week. which staff we expect in, which days. the red circles are where we have vacancies and we are still trying to get some cover. it is the beginning of the week, you still have vacancies. does this does keep you awake at night? it does. i am here at seven in the morning, 7:30am, to make sure the staff are in. and if they are not in, then we are on the phone —

can you come in, can you cover, can you do a bit extra? it sounds stressful. the people we support need this. this home is part of a group that should be employing 3500 care workers. instead, it has 500 vacancies. it is thinking of taking advantage of the government decision to allow more care workers into the country from abroad. i welcome anything that will help ease the recruitment situation that as a sector we find ourselves in. so any support, every little bit helps. but the decision is not straightforward. under the government scheme, care companies would have to pay overseas staff £10.10 an hour, which is more than some companies pay their uk resident workers. the government announced that immigration rules would be relaxed for care workers on christmas eve and care companies would need to apply to the home office for a licence.

several care companies have told the bbc that they found the application process stressful, bureaucratic. or as care home owner faizal says. it's horrendous, it's absolutely horrendous. for me, this is the first time i've done this, this process. i'd like to think of myself as quite a competent person that is able to pick up new skills or use new processes. you have to wait eight weeks for the application to be assessed. once the application is assessed, that doesn't mean that you are getting the staff there and then, that is just you getting the licence. then you might have to wait another 6—8 weeks to get the staff. so that is four months. in a statement, the home office said.

they also said. rashid was a doctor in pakistan. he came to britain to work in sudbury in suffolk as a senior care worker, one of the jobs that is already on the occupation shortage list. when you work with these people who are old and in need of you, you actually tend to get closer to them and you tend to know them more and you tend to know their feelings when they need their loved ones, when they are not around, and you have to be everything for them. if you can calm and bring a smile to a person who is sad, that smile is, i think, the core of what you can achieve out of care.

what is not clear is how long this new care worker visa will be available. will it simply alleviate short—term pressure or could it become a permanent solution to the sector's staffing crisis? zoe conway, bbc news. the canadian prime minister, justin trudeau, has invoked rarely used emergency powers to try and end protests against covid measures. the powers would give police more tools to imprison or fine protestors — and to block their bank accounts, without a court order. david willis reports. what started as a protest against the mandatory vaccination of lorry drivers has grown into an increasingly global battle cry against pandemic restrictions as a whole. a protest which has paralysed key parts of canada, placing not only the country's economy but its reputation as a trading partner under threat.

criticised for not doing more to bring the situation under control, canada's prime minister is calling on far—reaching emergency powers the country has used only once before in peacetime. the federal government has invoked the emergencies act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations. i want to be very clear, the scope of these measures will be time limited, geographically targeted, as well as reasonable and proportionate to the threats they are meant to address. the emergencies act will be used to strengthen and support law enforcement agencies at all levels across the country. the new measures will give officials greater powers to arrest protesters and seize their trucks, and allow banks to freeze the accounts of those suspected

of bankrolling the blockades. goods are now flowing across one key crossing point, the ambassador bridge. a protest here closed the main economic corridor between canada and the us for nearly a week before it was cleared by police on sunday. freedom! but at other crossing points, trucks still clog the streets and protesters in ottawa, the nation's capital, say they have no plans to go home. i have lost more friends in the last few years to suicide than i have my whole entire life, my brothers have lost theirjobs, i know friends who have lost theirjobs, so i am here to stand together for peace, love and unity and freedom for as long as i can. freedom! i ain't going home. although the canadian prime minister says he has no plans to bring in the military, the political optics are fraught forjustin trudeau.

the new laws, he says, are a last resort, but as a long—standing champion of human rights, he knows he is walking a fine line. the prime minister has been chairing a cobra meeting on the crisis in ukraine this morning and after the meeting spoke to the media — lets take a listen. last night going into today, nearly there are signs of diplomatic opening. there has always been an opportunity to talk, there are grounds for a conversation about ukraine, with ukraine and that is good. we are seeing a russian openness to conversations. on the other and the intelligence today is still not encouraging. we have got russian field hospitals being constructed near the border with ukraine and belarus, that can only

be construed as preparation for an invasion. you have more battalion tactical groups being put closer to the border with ukraine, according to the intelligence we are seeing. so mixed signal i think at the moment and therefore more reason for us to remain tough and united and particularly on the economic sections and that, the uk has been out in the lead for a while. what we are doing is targeting particular russian banks, russian companies and making sure that we take steps or take even more steps to and peel the facade of russian property holdings, weather in this city or elsewhere, weather in this city or elsewhere, weather london or elsewhere, and peel the facade of russian ownership of companies. and also take steps to stop russian companies from raising

capital on london financial markets. that is a very, very tough package of sanctions, it is ready to go if russia is so rash, so reckless as to invade ukraine.— invade ukraine. you mentioned intelligence. — invade ukraine. you mentioned intelligence, there _ invade ukraine. you mentioned intelligence, there are - invade ukraine. you mentioned intelligence, there are reportsl invade ukraine. you mentioned . intelligence, there are reports that an invasion could happen at 1am. does that fit with the uk's understanding? we does that fit with the uk's understanding?— does that fit with the uk's understanding? does that fit with the uk's understandin: ? ~ ~ ., , understanding? we think that they have a huge _ understanding? we think that they have a huge preparation, - understanding? we think that they have a huge preparation, ready - understanding? we think that they have a huge preparation, ready to| understanding? we think that they i have a huge preparation, ready to go at any time. 130,000 troops are more, a huge number of, more than 90 battalion groups and they are stationed around the ukrainian border. everyone can see what the potential routes n r. down to the south from belarus, encircling the ukrainian army in the east, around

the area that the enclave end on bass or even coming up from the south, from the csq, taking odessa. that is the kind of thing they can do and the options that they have. what does vladimir putin need to do to reassure you and other western leaders because you do not sound assured today.— leaders because you do not sound assured toda . , ., , ., , assured today. everyone needs to see assured today. everyone needs to see a programme — assured today. everyone needs to see a programme of _ assured today. everyone needs to see a programme of de-escalation - assured today. everyone needs to see a programme of de-escalation and . assured today. everyone needs to seei a programme of de-escalation and we a programme of de—escalation and we are hearing... that means with drawing the battalion tactical groups away from a potential theatre of conflict, not constructing field hospitals on the border with belarus and between belarus and ukraine. a sense that things are being scaled back, scaled down. that the threat is over and that a conversation, a negotiation is beginning. we think there is an avenue for diplomacy. we

have seen some positive signs from conversations between... if that is correct, then let's build on that. some critics argue that you and other western leaders may be played by vladimir putin because so many politicians are travelling to russia, that russian demands are being discussed, some would argue that president putin has succeeded. that is why it is so important that we support ukraine. and that we show that we have a package of tough, very, very tough economic sanctions ready to go. we support ukraine militarily. the uk has been out in the front in delivering defensive, but useful military aid in the form of the anti—tank weapons as well as the training we have done over many

years. the uk has been giving a lot of support to ukraine. this is a very difficult decision that we have just taken and that is to keep our embassy going in kyiv. and to continue to ask our fantastic ambassador to do what she is doing. that is a balanced decision, we have to face the fact that there is a risk. we will keep under constant review but one of the things we want to do is to show the uk's continued support for ukraine, for stability in ukraine. i believe that keeping our embassy going for as long as possible is an important symbol. you talk about sanctions on top of money—laundering, some of your conservative colleagues, senior figures in the back benches, see this government has not done enough to stop the flow of dirty money into this country. can you promised that the economic crime bill will be in the economic crime bill will be in the next queen's speech? i don't

think that it _ the next queen's speech? i don't think that it is _ the next queen's speech? i don't think that it is fair _ the next queen's speech? i don't think that it is fair to _ the next queen's speech? i don't think that it is fair to say - the next queen's speech? i don't think that it is fair to say the - the next queen's speech? i don't think that it is fair to say the uk | think that it is fair to say the uk hasn't done a huge amount on dirty money, weather it is from russia or anywhere else. we have been out in the lead in tackling global corruption in tracing the sources of ill gotten gains. we were have imposed some very tough sanctions after the russian invasion, the annexation of crimea. though sanctions remain in place, we have sanctions remain in place, we have sanctions against everybody involved in the poisoning of mr novell nay. we want to strengthen now the package that we have, strengthen the measures we have against potential ill gotten russian money, whether here or anywhere for which we have responsibility, with new measures that will hit the companies and

concerns that i've talked about. but also open up the... you know what we are talking about? so we are seeing who really owns the companies that we are talking about, who really owns the property is that we are talking about on those measures, yes, we will be bringing forward from the crime bill. they've been boycotted, arrested and denounced over their long campaign to stop sewage being dumped into the sea. and now the story of a group of swimmers from scarborough is set to hit the big screen. the group, known as the sons of neptune, fought a furious battle to clean up their local waterways in the 1980s and 90s. our arts correspondent, david sillito, has been to meet them. do you ever worry about what's in that water? no, i don't, but my son does. he tells me not to. why? he says it's dangerous.

that question — is it safe to swim? — is what it's all about. back in the �*80s, scarborough was the scene of a long and furious battle over sewage. the sons of neptune, a group of local sea swimmers, said the waters weren't safe. the council, yorkshire water and local businesses disagreed. the sons' campaigning antics became national news a0 years and, on, it's all being turned into a film. so i got the old gang back together. explain what this is all about. we live in a beautiful town. there is nowhere better than scarborough. we have two fantastic bays. and then someone comes along and wants to poison our waters. well, it should be treated sewage that goes out — treated, all of it. that statement that macerating — mincing — the sewage, meant it was considered to be

treated roused them even further. on this thames protest, the sons were arrested, but they did eventually win. scarborough got a treatment works. the water quality now is excellent. excellent, excellent. so victory? yes, yes, yes. it took a long time and it took a big fight, but can i say, yorkshire water have come on board with us. we are now friends with them. you are friends with yorkshire water? yes. but not everyone in the town thought they were heroes. far from it. many thought they were a bit barmy and, even worse, bad for business. the people of scarborough have been victims of misinformation. the sons of neptune have done this town a great disfavour and they have done it nationally and i resent that. many in the town felt the waters were fine, and were furious about this endless talk about sewage.

would it be fair to say that some people in the town have hated you? oh, yes, yes. an understatement, understatement, really. they wrote a letter in the paper and said, "boycott ridley, drabble and white. they are destroying this town." and even today, at low tide, you can still see a relic of the old sewage system. but has everyone forgiven them? i met an old adversary, councillor allinson. many people in the town thought they were barmy and bad for business, didn't they? well, yes, they did do. and they were characters. but, there again, i suppose i was a character. and, you know, this is democracy. you enjoyed the rough—and—tumble, did you? yes, i think that i did. i was much younger then. you liked to fight? idid do. you know, as long as it was fair and above board, yes. they were right, weren't they? let's say 90%.

90%, that's quite good. there is still 10%, isn't there? still 10%. and now it is all going to be turned into a film and it would be fair to say they are rather pleased. they want to spread a message. we want other people to do what we did and, believe me, it works, it works. the sons of neptune, the happy victors of scarborough's sewage war. david sillito, bbc news, scarborough. two storm systems we are keeping a

close eye on. one brewing in the atlantic. the rest of the day, a ridge of high track pushing rain in southern and eastern areas but bringing drier and brighter weather. the rain drags its way —— like hills and it comes back into northern ireland, wales and england. temperature is a smidgen higher than yesterday. temperature is not the story, yes we will have a temporary frost overnight and in the cold here we see this heavy rain turned to snow briefly. temperatures holding above freezing even once the rain clears away. then we'll blow enmore ranging the day on wednesday, we could have issues of hell snow for travellers in the morning. the next band of damp and drizzly weather comes in through wednesday. the stories about the wind stop even though it is very mild for many during the day on wednesday except the far north, the winds by mid afternoon will pick up. this is done

badly. you can see the tightly packed isobars, it will be felt by old but the most damaging winds will be in central and southern scotland and into northern england but it will affect many areas. that is where the strongest winds, 80 mph, and 90 mph winds. it will affect other parts of england and that snow may be an issue as well for the north of scotland. things will then slowly quieten down during the day on thursday, a bit of a respite and it is relatively mild. but that respite does not last. this will develop very rapidly and it has got a lot of energy to rise across the shores and particularly for parts of northern ireland, england, wales and southern scotland, some very strong winds indeed. to the north of that, significant low —— snow blowing around in those winds. you can find out more detail on the web site.

novak djokovic tells the bbc he'd rather miss out on tennis trophies than have a covid—19 vaccine. the world men's number one says he's not anti—vaccine, but he believes in personal choice. decision—making on my body are more important than any title — or anything else. i'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as i possibly can. we'll talk more about djokovic's views on vaccination with our health correspondent. also this lunchtime: as russia says it's pulling back some of its troops from the border with ukraine,

germany's chancellor is meeting president putin at the moment. the cost of living — new figures show wages are going up,