this is bbc news, i'm shaun ley. the headlines at 8pm... all children in the uk between the ages of 5—11 — almost six million in total — are to be offered the covid vaccine. the vaccine is safe and effective. second of all, this is a non—urgent offer, it is something that is there as an option for parents and they should decide for themselves. russia claims it's withdrawn more troops after months of tension over ukraine, but nato says there's no evidence of de escalation. russia has demonstrated a will to use force, to try to coerce other countries and to try to change some fundamental principles that are important for our shared security. prince charles' charity, the prince's foundation, is investigated by police over

claims of cash for honours. questions are raised about who'll foot the bill for prince andrew's out—of—court civil settlement over sexual assault allegations. the cost of living hits a new 30—year high as energy, food and fuel costs increase rapidly. and the wait continues — 12 days since the winter olympic ceremony, and still no medal for team gb. hello, and if you'vejustjoined us, a warm welcome to bbc news. children aged between 5—11 in england, northern ireland, and scotland are to be offered a covid jab. wales made the same announcement yesterday.

the body which advises on vaccinations says it should be a low—dose injection, offered on a "non—urgent" basis. here's our health editor, hugh pym. excellent, all done and dusted. covid jabs have already started for some young children at clinics like this in northumberland. those who are critically vulnerable or living with someone with an immune condition — and there is plenty to put them at their ease. now that offer's to be extended to all 5—11—year—olds following advice from the committee of vaccine experts. vaccinating gives you a broader immunity even on the basis that a child has previously had covid. so in many ways, this is an offer to future—proof against potential further waves or variants arising. the health secretary today on a hospital visit in birmingham gave the go—ahead for vaccination of younger children in england, as did ministers in

the other uk nations. one thing the nhs will be doing as it rolls out this offer is starting from april in the easter holidays and making sure that where it is offered, at vaccine centres or maybe pharmacies, there is a child—friendly offer. but some parents we spoke to at the school gates in birmingham seemed sceptical. this is quite a young age, and i think their immune system is quite strong to fight against the coronavirus. i think they are too young, personally. i know how lot of people have side effects. if it meant we could do more things socially, l then i definitely would. but if it doesn't make any. difference in terms of social passports, i probably wouldn't. one head teacher in leicester welcomed the move. transmission is the problem, really, so if it reduces that, it would be a benefit.

not only to the children but the staff, because that is what disrupts their learning when they can't come to school. the latest extension of the vaccination programme comes after the omicron wave and a surge of cases among schoolchildren. figures from the office for national statistics suggest that 71% of 8—ii—year—olds in the uk have covid antibodies reflecting previous infections and offering some protection — compared with 90.2% of iz—is—year—olds and 98% among adults. those higher levels also reflecting the impact of vaccination. some other countries are alreadyjabbing 5—ii—year—olds, including the us which started in november. italy, as well as france, germany, and canada are among other countries doing the same. it's taken the uk longer to reach the same decision. hugh pym, bbc news. joining me now is professor of epidemiology and data science at the university of edinburgh,

rowland kao. thank you very much for being with us this evening. what role has this age group played in the pandemic was yellow well, what we've seen over the , , . , yellow well, what we've seen over the past few years, especially with omicron, the past few years, especially with omicron. is _ the past few years, especially with omicron, is that _ the past few years, especially with omicron, is that by _ the past few years, especially with omicron, is that by far, _ the past few years, especially with omicron, is that by far, the - the past few years, especially with | omicron, is that by far, the largest number of infections have occurred in those lower age groups at least partially because they are the unvaccinated group. now that has been changing recently, over the past week or so the number has been going down. it's very hard to tell though whether that's because of a decline in the increased protection, or if it's because we've changed the way we handle testing. so it could be that there's still a lot of hidden infection and those children. it's been widely reported that on average, and i know there have been particular terrible cases for families where they may have had children suffering long—term ill

health because of covid, but on the whole children have not been badly affected. i suppose the question arises, how useful is this if you have to make choices about where you put vaccines? because i think presumably they are still reducing the pool of available vaccine doses and other parts of the world. we are not speaking — and other parts of the world. we are not speaking about _ and other parts of the world. we are not speaking about a _ and other parts of the world. we are not speaking about a huge _ and other parts of the world. we are not speaking about a huge amount l and other parts of the world. we are | not speaking about a huge amount of vaccinejust for this, not speaking about a huge amount of vaccine just for this, but it's true that if we take all the countries that if we take all the countries that are currently vaccinating children, that's an enormous number of vaccine doses, and there are arguments that could be said that they should be better deployed amongst countries without as much vaccine. both for the sake of those countries but also our own sake because it helps to reduce the probability that new variance will arise in the future.— probability that new variance will arise in the future. what about the timin: of arise in the future. what about the timing of this _ arise in the future. what about the timing of this decision? _ arise in the future. what about the timing of this decision? it's - arise in the future. what about the timing of this decision? it's quite l timing of this decision? it's quite late in the pandemic. it�*s relatively late compared to other

countries, like france starting earlier. it's hard to say exactly why. earlieragain, it's about protecting these children against future covid. we are treating it almost like covid is over, and it's very important that we do get back to something close to normal, but by doing so we are increasing the possibility of future waves coming in. which is preventing things to a certain extent right now, but also hobbling it later because they will already be protected with boosters, second doses which will provide even more protection.— more protection. epidemiologists like yourself _ more protection. epidemiologists like yourself have _ more protection. epidemiologists like yourself have already - more protection. epidemiologists like yourself have already warned more protection. epidemiologists. like yourself have already warned us that what is now a pandemic will eventually become an endemic virus in the human population. can you see a time in which this vaccine is distributed amongst children, rather than in the way that we currently vaccinate for measles, mumps and

rubella? it vaccinate for measles, mumps and rubella? , ,,, , vaccinate for measles, mumps and rubella? , , , ., rubella? it is possible, i mean, that is a relatively _ rubella? it is possible, i mean, that is a relatively lower - rubella? it is possible, i mean, that is a relatively lower risk i that is a relatively lower risk situation. obviously the people you most want to vaccinate are the elderly and more vulnerable. however, they are sufficiently easy to distribute — so the future is still quite uncertain in that regard. still quite uncertain in that reaard. . ~' , still quite uncertain in that reaard. ., ~ , . still quite uncertain in that reaard. . , . regard. thank you very much. thank ou. and we'll find out how this story and many others are covered in tomorrow's front pages at 10.30pm and 11.30pm this evening in the papers. our guestsjoining me tonight are sonia sodha, chief leader writer at the observer, and political strategistjo tanner. america and its nato allies say russia is increasing its build—up of troops around ukraine, despite claims by president putin, that he's withdrawing forces. ukraine's government has been holding what it calls a "day of unity", in response to fears

of a russian invasion. the country's president, volodymyr zelensky, has told the bbc that a genuine russian withdrawal would be "clear to see". western intelligence estimates suggest russia still has well over 100,000 troops camped on ukraine's borders, encircling the country. many of those forces are in belarus, to the north, with the borderjust 60 miles from the ukrainian capital, kyiv. from there, paul adams reports. ukraine's day of unity. in kyiv�*s olympic stadium, a gesture of defiance and a pledge to stay put, come what may. translation: putin will attack, . but we came to the biggest stadium with the biggest flag and showed that we are not afraid, we will not go anywhere from here, we will stand here for our land and the land of our ancestors. translation: today we need to show

everyone that it is impossible - to scare us, that we are confident in ourselves, in our people, in our strengths. elsewhere, more modest displays. at fire station number two, the anthem, the flag, and then back to work. ukraine's president is touring the country, visiting troops practising with new, british supplied weaponry, and speaking to the bbc, voicing scepticism about reports of russian troops pulling back. translation: when the troops do . withdraw, everyone will see it, . notjust reconnaissance or the military, we will all see it but for now, it is just statements. these, the pictures he was talking about. russian armour leaving the crimean peninsula. moscow, which insists it has no plans to attack ukraine, says some of its military exercises are over. nato isn't buying it but says there is still room for dialogue.

we face a dangerous moment for european security. russia has amassed an invasion force on the borders of ukraine. at the same time, there are signs from moscow that diplomacy should continue. and it is notjust the russians putting on a show. ukraine says its military is stronger than ever, ready, if necessary, to resist. it is certainly in better shape than it was eight years ago, when the conflict with russia began. but it is still no match for the superpower next door. the fact that today has passed without incident doesn't mean a thing. a russian attack is neither more nor less likely. unless we see significant changes around this country's borders, we could be in this situation for weeks to come. pauladams, bbc news, kyiv. some breaking news, we'vejust had a

statement from downing street, which is a readout of a telephone call which has taken place this evening between the prime minister and antonio geter is, the secretary—general of the united nations. downing street says the prime ministers spoke to them this evening, he says there is little evidence of rest it is encouraging. they agree any invasion of ukraine would have catastrophic and long reaching consequences. the leaders reiterated states's responsibility to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of un members. they reaffirmed the importance of all parties working in good faith to implement the minsk agreement, the short and not very detailed agreement that led to the cease—fire in eastern ukraine back in 2014. but very little of it has actually been implement it so far. it is due to be discussed at a meeting tomorrow, britton will be represented by the

europe ministerjames cleverly. the two man can did knew to work together to seek a diplomatic resolution and avert a disastrous military escalation and humanitarian crisis. that's the readout from downing street of what the two men talked about. we can speak now to dr liana fix, research fellow at the german marshall fund, a us—based think tank. doctor, thanks very much forjoining us this evening. no great surprise and what the un secretary—general and what the un secretary—general and prime minister had to say. but again, a reference to the minsk agreement— we've heard a lot about it from president putin yesterday in his news conference with olaf scholz. tell us what is and isn't in it, and what status it has at the moment. ~ , ~ it, and what status it has at the moment. ~ ,~' ., it, and what status it has at the moment. ~ ,~ . ., , , moment. the minsk agreement has been the core piece — moment. the minsk agreement has been the core piece of — moment. the minsk agreement has been the core piece of diplomacy _

the core piece of diplomacy basically since 2014—15 between ukraine and russia, and germany and france play a major bit. the problem with the provisions in the agreement which say that ukraine and kyiv should get some level of autonomy to the self—declared republics in the east in exchange for elections in those self—declared republics, which would be free and fair elections. so thatis would be free and fair elections. so that is the basis of the minsk agreement, which should lead the way forward in the path which leads away from escalation. but the problem was on the sequence of the minsk agreement, so what should come first? free and fair elections, withdrawal of weapons, or should the law and autonomy on special status for those regions come first? this has been the core dispute because it really comes to the essence of

ukraine's civil territorial integrity — is it on russian terms or the terms agreed in 2015? in integrity - is it on russian terms or the terms agreed in 2015? in this matters, or the terms agreed in 2015? in this matters. we — or the terms agreed in 2015? in this matters, we heard _ or the terms agreed in 2015? in this matters, we heard earlier _ or the terms agreed in 2015? in this matters, we heard earlier today - matters, we heard earlier today president vladimir zielinski holding a day of unity to unite ukrainians not only behind their country but in defiance of russia and russian aggression. in light of that, you've got two bits in the east of the country where you've got self—declared republics. if minsk were actually implemented, perhaps all bits of ukraine could have a certain extra freedom from the kyiv government. is that really what kyiv wants? , , ., ., , �*, wants? depending on how exactly it's implemented. — wants? depending on how exactly it's implemented. it _ wants? depending on how exactly it's implemented, it could _ wants? depending on how exactly it's implemented, it could lead _ wants? depending on how exactly it's implemented, it could lead to - wants? depending on how exactly it's implemented, it could lead to a - implemented, it could lead to a federalisation of ukraine, and that's very much the concern of ukraine that this would give russia,

especially through the eastern republics, a lever to influence ukraine's development. and basically prevent ukraine's orientation towards the west through this level in which if ukraine becomes a more federalized state. so for ukraine, this is domestically a very heated debate, the minsk agreement is for many people in itself a sign of capitalisation towards russia — which makes in turn the challenge for president zielinski and kyiv to make progress so difficult. do you think we've _ make progress so difficult. do you think we've passed _ make progress so difficult. do you think we've passed the _ make progress so difficult. do you think we've passed the most - think we've passed the most dangerous point, or is this still a serious possibility that russia could take military action in ukraine? i could take military action in ukraine? ., �* ~' could take military action in ukraine?— could take military action in ukraine? ., �* ~ ., ukraine? i don't think we have assed ukraine? i don't think we have passed the _ ukraine? i don't think we have passed the point. _ ukraine? i don't think we have passed the point. russia - ukraine? i don't think we have passed the point. russia has l ukraine? i don't think we have - passed the point. russia has decided not to invade now, it wants to

regain the political narrative of the crisis, which has been very much driven by revelations from the us side. but it is certainly not deterred from trying to achieve its aim to regain political control over ukraine with all instruments available and the window for military action, but also diplomacy is still wide open as long as all military equipment is still in place and could still lead to an escalation within hours or days. doctor, thank you very much. thank ou. the metropolitan police says it's investigating allegations of cash for honours, linked to the prince of wales' charity, the prince's foundation. sport now — and for a full round—up,

from the bbc sport centre, here's gavin. we are waiting and hoping, we will see if it happens but fingers crossed it might in curling. liverpool are in action in the first leg of their champions league last 16 tie. against inter—milan, they are in the san siro tonight against the italian champions. it is currently 0—0 with 20 minutes or so gone, and bayern munich travelled a relatively short distance there to face salzburg, it's 0-0 distance there to face salzburg, it's 0—0 there in that one. staying with football, jess fishlock inspired wales as they ended scotland's pinatar cup defence with a 3—1win in spain. lana clelland put the scots in front in first—half added time, but wales were level two minutes later thanks to fishlock�*s penalty.

she put them in front early in the second half, before natasha harding completed the victory. wales will face slovakia or belgium in the semifinal. scotland will now compete in the fifth 8th—place section of the tournament. still no medals yet for team gb in the winter olympics. on the slopes, dave ryding stayed true to his pre—race stance of adopting aggressive tactics to get on the podium, but a mistake in the first run ended his chances, and he ultimately finished in 13th place, unable to improve on his previous best which was ninth place at the last games in pyeongchang. he's 35 now so this could well be his last olympics — and he says he has no regrets. i always do what i can. every day, i put out what i've got. that's what i've gone stomach always done. the olympics won't define me because i find great career. —— because i find great career. —— because i've had a great career. you always want to top it off with something special. i think i have another year in me, i will keep trying and see

what we can do next year. so it's not been a memorable olympic games for britain so far. here are the thoughts of teamgb's boss georgie harland. we would love to be on the medal table at this stage of the games, but i think the athletes, more than anyone, are disappointed with that. if you look back, we have had some promising results. looking to the future. but we will not shy away from some that are disappointing but right here, right now, we still have competition ahead. we still have athletes to have their moments so rightfully, to have their moment, so rightfully, they have our focus and attention and energy. britain's andy murray won only one game as he lost in straight sets to roberto bautista agut in the last 16 of the qatar open. the former world number one was beaten 6—0, 6—1 by the spaniard, who won the tournament three years ago. fellow briton dan evans also failed to reach the quarterfinals, as alejandro davidovich fokina came from behind to win their encounter. sir mark todd has been given an interim suspension by the british horseracing

authority, after a video on social media appeared to show him hitting a horse with a branch. the former olympic equestrian champion turned racehorse trainer — will be unable to race horses while investigations continue. the 65—year—old, who trains in wiltshire, has apologised for his actions. on sunday, the bha condemned the video. it appears to show todd strike the horse multiple times, while attempting to coax it towards the water jump in a cross—country schooling session. and they've been two of the biggest names in british boxing for the last decade. but amir khan and kell brook have neverfaced off in the ring — until now. their near 20—year feud will reach its climax in their fight at manchester arena on saturday night. this is one of the big fights in my career which i have to go in there and when. i cannot lose against someone like brooke. this would make a massive — it would be very upsetting to my career if i lost

abroad, so i have to make sure going into this fight, i have to be 100% ready and to defeat this guy in good fashion. that's all the sport for now. we'll have more for you later on. the metropolitan police says it's investigating allegations of cash for honours, linked to the prince of wales' charity, the prince's foundation. the claims involve a saudi national. clarence house says prince charles had "no knowledge of the alleged offer of honours or british citizenship, on the basis of donation to his charities." it's another blow for the royal family, with questions being raised about whether prince andrew, will ever return to public life, following his out of court settlement with virginia giuffre, who'd accused him of sexual assault in a civil claim. there are no details of the size of the financial deal, and prince andrew hasn't accepted any liability as part of the settlement. our royal correspondent nicholas witchell has the very latest. i'm here!

turbulent moments they may be for members of her family. one person, though, was as ever staying calm and carrying on. good morning, your majesty. how are you? well, as you can see, i can't move. well, many congratulations on the start of yourjubilee year. good morning. the queen was at windsor castle this morning meeting military officials. there are still evidently some mobility issues, but her appearance dispels the rumours that she caught covid from the prince of wales. and the underlying message — it is business as usual. despite the problems faced by not one, but two of her sons. first, prince charles. there is to be a formal police investigation into his charity, the prince's foundation, over allegations that honours and british citizenship were promised to a saudi billionaire in return for cash donations to the charity. in a statement, the

metropolitan police said... the man who is expected to be at the centre of the investigation is michael fawcett, chief executive of the prince's foundation until his recent resignation. he has worked for charles for decades. he used to be the prince's valet. in a statement, clarence house said... and then, to prince andrew — and the continuing questions around his out—of—court settlement with virginia giuffre. variously estimated to be costing him anything up to £12 million. it is not thought andrew has that kind of spare cash. so will the queen have to help him? if andrew goes to the queen for help, more than likely,

the money will come from the duchy of lancaster, which is effectively the queen's cash cow. last year, it brought her about £22 million in money. and it is really rental income from a portfolio of land. it seems inconceivable that any public money from the sovereign grant would be used. but already, there are calls for greater openness from the palace. andrew is going to have to confirm that the public have not paid this. because that threatens to have wider implications for the royal family. for the royalfamily, the threat of a damaging court case involving prince andrew has been avoided. but a number of questions remain. well, the queen must be tempted to wonder, "whatever next?" just as the situation around the court case with prince andrew starts to resolve itself, then comes a police inquiry into the one of the main charities of prince charles. and as to where the money for andrew's out—of—court settlement

will come, on that buckingham palace is absolutely resolute and saying absolutely nothing at all. joining us now is richard fitz williams. let's discuss some of the offers for prince andrew. we know he's put a property up for sale that he's put a property up for sale that he co—owns, that presumably will generate a few million, this chalet — but what are the other prospects of him actually being able to pay off the money he has to pay virginia giuffre? because we don't know how much money that is.— much money that is. exactly, is a substantial _ much money that is. exactly, is a substantial sum _ much money that is. exactly, is a substantial sum and _ much money that is. exactly, is a substantial sum and there - much money that is. exactly, is a substantial sum and there are - much money that is. exactly, is a l substantial sum and there are legal fees. there is no question this was a very large sum of money. now he's got a small pension for some £20,000 a yearfrom his naval service. there

were reports that the queen gave him an annual stipend — now this was estimated by the times at some £250,000. there is, as you mentioned, a shall i dashed chalet co—owned by the duchess of york, in the amount of money that had been mentioned there for the sale of it when some £18 million. so i could come very handy of limit looks at the estimates he's likely to pay out. as far as the queen is concerned, there was a report in the telegraph mentioning £12 million that the queen would be assisting. this would probably come from the duchy of lancaster, for which she generates an income which pays to working members of the royal family. an income which pays to working members of the royalfamily. the taxpayer would not be involved, it's tremendously important to make that

point. it tends to generate some £20 million a year, expenses regarding sandringham, bell moral, and also working members of the royalfamily, the duke and duchess of wessex, the princes royal, the duke of kent and so forth —— bell moral. so that is very likely. in so forth -- bell moral. so that is very likely-— so forth -- bell moral. so that is very likely. in terms of generating a rofit very likely. in terms of generating a profit and _ very likely. in terms of generating a profit and money _ very likely. in terms of generating a profit and money that _ very likely. in terms of generating a profit and money that then - very likely. in terms of generating a profit and money that then goes back into the duchy, i presume that's from things like visits to royal houses, public visits, that kind of thing? presumably that's one way you can generate some income. there'll some people who say, "hang on, she's the head of state, anything she owns is owned by virtue of being the head of the state, therefore it's ultimately public money." therefore it's ultimately public mone ." , , ., therefore it's ultimately public mone ." , , . ., money. " this is the argument that the way the _ money. " this is the argument that the way the royal _ money. " this is the argument that the way the royal finances - money. " this is the argument that the way the royal finances work, l money. " this is the argument that i the way the royal finances work, and i think reasonably the duchy of

cornwall pays for the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall, as well as the duke and duchess of cambridge, bringing in roughly £20 million a year. so far as the duchy of lancaster is concerned, you have a way that the queen funds the royal family without drying up the public purse, because taxpayer money was some £85 million in 2020 for the way the queen's offices around the staffing, the refurbishment of buildings and so forth. and then there was the refurbishment of buckingham palace which is taking over again, buckingham palace which is taking overagain, costing buckingham palace which is taking over again, costing the taxpayer some £369 million. but then again it's the best known royal residence in the world. this it's the best known royal residence in the world-— in the world. this is part of the problem. _ in the world. this is part of the problem, isn't _ in the world. this is part of the problem, isn't it, _ in the world. this is part of the problem, isn't it, that - in the world. this is part of the problem, isn't it, that there i in the world. this is part of the problem, isn't it, that there is| in the world. this is part of the i problem, isn't it, that there is an ambiguity in this, whether one likes

it or not because she's the head of state, the duchy of lancaster is her money — but a cabinet minister holds the title of the duchy of lancaster, which shows he is inextricably linked to the state. parliament has set for years that they would like to look at the accounts of the royal family, and has been told no, they can't. so i'm genuinely sure you believe this won't come from taxpayer funding, believe this won't come from taxpayerfunding, the believe this won't come from taxpayer funding, the taxpayer has to take that on trust. i taxpayer funding, the taxpayer has to take that on trust.— to take that on trust. i think the taxa er to take that on trust. i think the taxpayer would _ to take that on trust. i think the taxpayer would appreciate - to take that on trust. i think the taxpayer would appreciate that l to take that on trust. i think the i taxpayer would appreciate that the duchies i've mentioned, it's the money from them that can be used for these various purposes which otherwise would fall on the taxpayer. so that is, in essence, is saving. as far as sovereign wealth is concerned, whereas i believe it is concerned, whereas i believe it is extremely good value for money because of the various benefits the money can bring, whether tourism,

british business, power abroad and so forth, obviously there will always be some debate on that. but equally in 1760 when george iii crossed the lands, this meant subsequent money that the state gave to the monarchy became reassessed in recent times, and it's always been a subject of debate. is it worth it? i believe it is, there are those who question it, as you say, the amount of money being given to the virginia giuffre, well below raises the question again, and it's a very difficult period for the royal family, there's no denying that. richard, thanks so much, and thank you for your mastery of the numbers they are, that was a lot of detail, i'm grateful to you for that. pleasure. i'm grateful to you for that. pleasure-—

i'm grateful to you for that. pleasure. , , , .,f~ii , i'm grateful to you for that. pleasure. , , , .,j~i: , . pleasure. gusts of up to 80 mph have been reported — pleasure. gusts of up to 80 mph have been reported already _ pleasure. gusts of up to 80 mph have been reported already thanks - pleasure. gusts of up to 80 mph have been reported already thanks to - been reported already thanks to storm dudley. railand been reported already thanks to storm dudley. rail and ferry services have been shut down early because of safety concerns. our scotland correspondent, alexandra mackenzie, reports from bathgate in west lothian this is the fourth storm to hit scotland injust this is the fourth storm to hit scotland in just three this is the fourth storm to hit scotland injust three months. the amber whether one has been in place 2pm this afternoon, it is likely to go right through until midnight tonight. that covers the most northern part of northern ireland, right across through the island of islay, glasgow, away to edinburgh in the east and all the way down to the north of england. we are likely to see gusts of wind up to 70 mph, 80 mph. that could bring extremely hazardous conditions here tonight. that is why there has been some rail disruption, trains have stopped running in most parts of scotland since for pm this afternoon. now,

here in bathgate, it would normally be quite busy around this time of night, but it is pretty much deserted. schools have also been affected, many have gone home early today. ferries have also been disrupted, many services have been cancelled, and the ferry company, caledonian macbrayne, they said that they were going to prioritise island communities and get essential items to those islands that have been affected. this is not the end of it. another storm is expected to hit on friday, that could bring even stronger winds and could also bring some snow. so some extremely tricky weather stronger winds and could also bring some snow. so some extremely tricky weather conditions stronger winds and could also bring some snow. so some extremely tricky weather conditions in stronger winds and could also bring some snow. so some extremely tricky weather conditions in the stronger winds and could also bring some snow. so some extremely tricky weather conditions in the next few days. weather conditions in the next few da s. �* , , ., weather conditions in the next few da 5. �*, , ., weather conditions in the next few da s. �*, , ., ., days. let's see how it will look not 'ust days. let's see how it will look not just across — days. let's see how it will look not just across scotland _ days. let's see how it will look not just across scotland but _ days. let's see how it will look not just across scotland but the - days. let's see how it will look not just across scotland but the uk - days. let's see how it will look not| just across scotland but the uk and here is chris. hello there. we're looking at a particularly stormy spell of weather, some extreme winds on the way

for friday as well. but before we get there, we've got storm dudley. now, we've already had a gust of wind of 71 mph in drumalbin, which is in south lanarkshire. now, across scotland, northern ireland, northern england, gusts generally will be around 60—70, but we could see a few gusts up to 80, enough to bring down some trees, so transport disruption here lasting for the first part of the night. then overnight, it stays pretty blustery for most of us. a number of showers in the north west, but relatively mild. temperatures for many between 5—7. cold enough, though, for the rain to turn to hill snow into parts of scotland. now, tomorrow, it's a relatively quiet day. sunny spells, showers across northern and western areas, some of those falling as snow over the high ground, but otherwise, it's a relatively mild day, although not quite as mild as it has been today across parts of eastern england. now, storm eunice is due to arrive on friday, and with these kind of extreme winds, we're expecting widespread disruption.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... all children in the uk between the ages of 5—11 — almost six million in total — are to be offered the covid vaccine.

russia claims it's withdrawn more troops after months of tension over ukraine, but nato says there's no evidence of de escalation. prince charles' charity, the prince's foundation, is investigated by police over claims of cash for honours. questions are raised about who'll foot the bill for prince andrew's out—of—court civil settlement over sexual assault allegations. let's get more now on that news that children aged between 5 and 11 in england, northern ireland and scotland are to be offered a covid jab. wales made the same announcement yesterday. the body which advises on vaccinations says it should be a low dose injection, offered on a �*non—urgent�* basis. let's talk to dr deepti gurdasani, a clinical epidemiologist at queen mary university of london. thank you very much. good to speak

to you again. let me ask you first, do you endorse this decision? do you think this is a wise move at this stage? think this is a wise move at this state? ~ , ,., , , think this is a wise move at this state? ~ , ,., ., , stage? absolutely, it is a late but welcome move, _ stage? absolutely, it is a late but welcome move, but— stage? absolutely, it is a late but welcome move, but i _ stage? absolutely, it is a late but welcome move, but i hope - stage? absolutely, it is a late but welcome move, but i hope this i stage? absolutely, it is a late but. welcome move, but i hope this will be accompanied by strong public messaging and i do not understand the complacency around this, so i don't understand the messaging that it is nonurgent but i do welcome it. when you say you don't understand the messaging as a nonurgent, can you expand more on that? the thing is, while severe _ you expand more on that? the thing is, while severe disease _ you expand more on that? the thing is, while severe disease is _ you expand more on that? the thing is, while severe disease is rare - you expand more on that? the thing is, while severe disease is rare in i is, while severe disease is rare in children and adults, looking at a thing or two deaths in this age group, they have been quite similar to deaths from flu and all types of pneumonia in the past and retire from other diseases we vaccinate from other diseases we vaccinate from like measles and mumps. looking at other impacts like long covid, where 117,000 at other impacts like long covid, where117,000 children are estimated to have long finger, and looking at educational disruption which has been rife, with 165,000 children off

primary school age groups absent in the last week, it does not make sense that this has been an age group left after vaccination given the vast amount of data that we have about safety and efficacy and the fact millions of children have already been vaccinated in other countries. ., , , ., countries. you were very frustrated the last time _ countries. you were very frustrated the last time we _ countries. you were very frustrated the last time we spoke _ countries. you were very frustrated the last time we spoke with - countries. you were very frustrated the last time we spoke with the - the last time we spoke with the joint committee at that stage and said, no, we don't think it is necessary. they described it as finely balanced but you are obviously pleased that they have changed their mind on this, but you also express your frustration at the level, the low level of vaccination internationally and there are those who will say, these are mild doses, therefore they are not the full aduu therefore they are not the full adult dose. it is this really the best use of it? i adult dose. it is this really the best use of it?— adult dose. it is this really the best use of it? i think so, the 4.8 million children _ best use of it? i think so, the 4.8 million children in _ best use of it? i think so, the 4.8 million children in these - best use of it? i think so, the 4.8 million children in these age - million children in these age groups, so that would be 10 million

paediatric doses, and that would not compare at all to things that will be far more effective like patent waivers and technology waivers that the uk has consistently opposed. the option for children cannot be a mass exposure, because we do not have safety measures in schools, we do not have supplementary ventilation and in many schools, we don't have masks in schools, we have high infection rates in this age group, 7% of children as per the ons are affected in this age group. we cannot expose children to what can be a long—term disease. surely we must protect them in some way, we really owe it to them too at the very least vaccinate them. what is our very least vaccinate them. what is your reading _ very least vaccinate them. what is your reading as — very least vaccinate them. what is your reading as an _ very least vaccinate them. what is your reading as an epidemiologist| your reading as an epidemiologist and where we find ourselves now? stage are we act? nobody knows for certain, but what is your instinct based on the statistics you have

seen at the moment? we based on the statistics you have seen at the moment?— based on the statistics you have seen at the moment? we are at a concerning — seen at the moment? we are at a concerning stage. _ seen at the moment? we are at a concerning stage. i— seen at the moment? we are at a concerning stage. i am _ seen at the moment? we are at a | concerning stage. i am particularly concerned because the idea is the pandemic is over and i do not think the virus knows that, because we are seeing it is an evolving virus, we are seeing a new variant becoming dominant in the uk, associated with a high level of growth in the previous variants, so it is continuously evolving and we will continuously evolving and we will continuously see the threat of new variants emerging, we have an infection rate of one in the population, and we are talking about ending surveillance and self isolation, —— one in 20. we are talking about the government saying that the pandemic has ended when evidence suggests we have high infection rates right now. they are not translating to as much a severe disease as we saw before but 1400 deaths a week is not acceptable for a preventable disease.—

a preventable disease. thank you very much _ a preventable disease. thank you very much and — a preventable disease. thank you very much and good _ a preventable disease. thank you very much and good to _ a preventable disease. thank you very much and good to speak- a preventable disease. thank you very much and good to speak to i a preventable disease. thank you - very much and good to speak to you. people testing positive for covid, and who are at high risk, are being offered new treatments to fight the virus. the antibody and anti—viral drugs, significantly reduce the likelihood of serious illness. our medical editor, fergus walsh, has been to the royal victoria infirmary in newcastle, where the first covid—19 patient was cared forjust over two years ago, and he's been finding out how medical treatments have improved. covid fighting antibodies in a bottle. 100,000 doses of sotrovimab are on order for vulnerable patients like david, who is immunosuppressed and covid positive. hi, david. hello. i'lljust get you hooked up. the monoclonal antibody cuts the risk of hospital admission and death by up to 80%. as soon as this one—off infusion is over, david will continue self isolating at home. i was only diagnosed

with covid yesterday and they are saying this already, it will boost my ability to fight the virus. give it a helping hand. mattias schmidt treated the uk's very first covid patient in january 2020. we didn't know what we were dealing with. it was an unknown disease. he says doctors are now far better equipped to combat the virus. two years ago we had nothing. now we have a range of treatments available which reduce the severity and prevent death in a huge number of patients. the aim now is to stop covid before it takes hold. with anti—viral pills like molnupiravir and paxlovid, to be taken at home. the hospital pharmacy is dispatching prescriptions to high—risk adults newly diagnosed with covid. in trials, paxlovid cut the risk

of hospital admission by nearly 90%. as you can see, today we've got two empty beds. so we can immediately admit two critically ill patients who require intensive care. the reduction in pressure on the nhs is largely due to vaccines, which are keeping the vulnerable out—of—hospital. the milder omicron variant is also helping. it's a very different situation to where we were during the peak of the pandemic, with the unit entirely full of covid. at the peak a year ago, there were 90 covid patients in critical care across the trust. now there are three. and when covid patients are admitted to hospital, it is usually to general wards like this one. you're looking much better. you are definitely looking better, james. covid patients like james are treated and discharged home in days rather than weeks. i'm just going to do a test

to see how fast and how much you can blow out... but this virus is leaving a bitter legacy. long covid. you really do blast the air out... danielle got infected in the first wave. a fitness instructor, she still suffers severe fatigue and brain fog nearly two years later. i'm 31, but i feel like i'm 61. i feel like my bodyjust is so much older than what i am. i have lost a lot of my life, especially when it affects my job in so many ways. in and blow. she is having her lung function assessed. there is no magic pill for long covid. but this clinic says most patients will eventually get better. after two punishing years, the uk is emerging from the shadow of covid. new variants may emerge, but it is science, through vaccines and medicines,

that is set to liberate us. fergus walsh, bbc news, newcastle. let me bring you some breaking news now on ukraine, and in the last few minutes, the chief of defence intelligence has been giving his assessment of those claims that russia has made, that soldiers are being withdrawn from the border of ukraine. lieutenant general sirjim hockin hoare said, we have not seen evidence that russia has withdrawn troops from ukraine's borders, contrary to their claims, russia continues to build up military capabilities near ukraine, including sightings of additional armoured vehicles, helicopters and a field hospital moving towards ukraine's border. russia has the military mass in place to conduct an invasion of ukraine, that is the assessment of the chief of the defence of intelligence staff at the military of defence —— ministry of defence.

the cost of living hit a new high last month as energy, fuel and food costs continue to soar, prices surged by 5.5% in 12 months to january. inflation is now rising faster than wages and is expected to climb above 7% this year. our business editor simonjack explains what it all means for the pound in your pocket. getting food to market takes time and money. at this wholesale market in bristol, the effects of a 50% rise in oil prices in the last 12 months is showing up in the price of fruit and veg. things are just going up. certainly transport, packaging, wages. all three. nothing coming down, nothing coming down. this time last year a lorry from spain cost £2200 to get to bristol market. now we are paying £3600. it can't be absorbed any more, we are at a point where we cannot absorb any more.

it is a constant pressure. petrol prices hit a new record this week and the recent surge in the cost of crude oil means more pressure is in the pipeline. i can't afford to live as it is. i'm getting rid of my car because i can't afford to keep it any longer. i'm happy to get buses and stuff moving forwards. it would have gone to half a tank. it's gone tojust over a quarter now. i only put £20 in obviously. but no, it isjust how it's going to be, isn't it? you're frightened to use it, now. these price pressures would be more bearable if wages were keeping up. but as the treasury acknowledges, so far they are not. over the last year average wage rises were distorted by people coming back off furlough to full wage packets. at the last look, they are rising at under 4%. meanwhile prices have been rising steadily and overtook wages late last year. when those lines cross over, it means on average people are getting poorer every day, with public sector workers and pensioners among the hardest hit. painful for individuals

but also very uncomfortable for a government which won't want to see it persist. and it is about to get worse with real implications for the public finances. in april, a 54% rise in energy bills and a £6 billion tax hike on wages will push prices even higher. increasing the cost of the government's inflation linked debt repayments. we estimate that in this year, this will add £11 billion to the interest spending and it could add a similar amount or even more to the interest spending next year. rising oil, gas and electricity prices are affecting countries around the world. that doesn't make them any less painful or easier to fix. inflation will be setting new records and tightening its squeeze on household budgets for many months to come. simon jack, bbc news. every 18—year—old leaving the care system in wales is to be given £1600 a month for two years as part

of a new basic income scheme. the pilot project will start later this year and is expected to cost up to £20 million over three years. around 500 people will be eligible. critics argue the money would be better spent on support services. let's get more on this from anna coote, from the left of centre think tank, the new economics foundation. thank you for waiting so patiently for so long to talk to us about this, but this is an important story, because we have had a big debate over many years about ways that might be more effective to give people a... notjust a safety net but the dignity of an income. how is this a basic income scheme because —— basic income scheme? it is -- basic income scheme? it is different— -- basic income scheme? it is different because _ -- basic income scheme? it is different because it _ -- basic income scheme? it is different because it is - —— basic income scheme? it 3 different because it is targeted on a small group and it is a very good idea to pay a decent sum of money to young people coming out of care. i

cannot think of a better group to try this kind of thing with. the welfare system is so inadequate and so badly in need of reform that it is good to be able to do this for this group of people stop what we must bear in mind is that money that is spent on cash transfers cannot be invested in services so these young people need services too, so they will need help with housing, higher education training, there is a number of things they will need. they will need buses, other things that we need to invest public money in, so that is why it is important to make a distinction between a good idea to give this particular small group of people a generous monthly income for a limited period, let's see how it goes, so that is one thing that we can welcome. the other thing that we can welcome. the other thing is not to imagine that the way to solve the problems of the welfare state is to try and scale this up on

the whole population. because there is always a trade—off, you have got to think about, where is the best way to spend the money? and we also must invest in social infrastructure, in housing and education and health care and care for the elderly, transport, things like that, because that is what makes life possible. for all of us. so it is a good idea. they can call it a basic income if they like. but it a basic income if they like. but it is not quite _ it a basic income if they like. but it is not quite what people who have debated this topic would describe. let's broaden it out. you have given some of the arguments why it may be good to give help to this particular group, we will not know why delhi whether it is the best way of doing it until the trial is conducted, —— we will not know whether it is the best way of doing it until the trial is conducted. there are those who say we should target taxpayer money to those who most needed and those

who say that it is so inefficient the way we do that that it would be better give everybody a basic income. how does that debate to pan out? what are the implications of that? it out? what are the implications of that? , ~ ., , out? what are the implications of that? , ~ .,, , that? it is like i was saying, this is the problem _ that? it is like i was saying, this is the problem of _ that? it is like i was saying, this is the problem of trade-offs, i that? it is like i was saying, thisl is the problem of trade-offs, you is the problem of trade—offs, you will give everybody money, in wales, for example, then that money cannot be invested in the services that we need. we often underestimate the enormous value of public services, whether it is buses or health care or childcare or anything like that. things that we need in order to survive, to participate in society, and to live a life that we think is and to live a life that we think is a good life. so we all need these things, and if we are going to spend money simply on cash transfers by giving money to people who don't need it, which is what basic income would be, then you cannot spend that

money, you cannot invest that money in services. ., , money, you cannot invest that money in services. . , , ., , money, you cannot invest that money in services-— in services. that is the problem of all universal _ in services. that is the problem of all universal benefits, _ in services. that is the problem of all universal benefits, whether i in services. that is the problem of all universal benefits, whether it | all universal benefits, whether it is pensions for wealthier pensioners or the fact that wealthier pensioners will not have to pay national insurance increases because they do not pack though it might pay national insurance, and then the government was saying that they are going to freeze the licence fee to help people who are struggling with extra bills, but even wealthy people would benefit from that. there is a real problem in the political debate on this, that we have not ever really resolved.— on this, that we have not ever really resolved. on this, that we have not ever reall resolved. ~ _, ., ., really resolved. welcome if we had a ”roressive really resolved. welcome if we had a progressive tax _ really resolved. welcome if we had a progressive tax system, _ really resolved. welcome if we had a progressive tax system, we - really resolved. welcome if we had a progressive tax system, we had i really resolved. welcome if we had a progressive tax system, we had taxl progressive tax system, we had tax on wealth and there was no money coming in from people who could afford to pay, that would make an enormous amount of good sense. i think we could certainly reform universal credit system so that it was more generous and less stigmatising for people who are claiming. there are all sorts of things you can do. universally...

the idea of a universal service is worth pausing over because if you think about the nhs, it is a universal service, therefore all of us when we need it, but we don't always need it. that is what we want, a system which is not a combination of decent income for everyone, which is not the same as paying everybody enough money to live on all the time regardless of whether they need it or not. we need a decent guaranteed income for everyone so no one's income falls below an agreed level of sufficiency and at the same time that we need far better universal public services, there for all of us when we need them, and we won't need them all the time. that is what we call a social guarantee, combining those two things. aha, social guarantee, combining those two thins. �* social guarantee, combining those twothinrs. . , social guarantee, combining those twothinrs. , ., social guarantee, combining those twothinrs. . , .,, ., two things. a good phrase to bear in mind and one _ two things. a good phrase to bear in mind and one that _ two things. a good phrase to bear in mind and one that there _ two things. a good phrase to bear in mind and one that there will - two things. a good phrase to bear in | mind and one that there will perhaps

be more debate over. interesting to see what this project in wales finds, how the money is used and if it is a good trade—off. good to speak to you, thank you for your time. an artist and designer whose outlandish clothing made him the doyen of london's underground club scene has been exhibiting his designs in coventry. he grew up in fulham and describes himself as a living work of art. his creativity has taken him around the world, including designing for the english national opera. joan collins has been to meet him. i national opera. joan collins has been to meet him.— national opera. joan collins has been to meet him. i live my life as an artwork. _ been to meet him. i live my life as an artwork, meaning _ been to meet him. i live my life as an artwork, meaning you - been to meet him. i live my life as an artwork, meaning you get i been to meet him. i live my life as an artwork, meaning you get up i been to meet him. i live my life as i an artwork, meaning you get up every morning, you dress in colour, texture, shape, the same sort of thing but on your body, because your bodyis thing but on your body, because your body is the canvas.— body is the canvas. finishing touches by — body is the canvas. finishing touches by this _ body is the canvas. finishing touches by this artist - body is the canvas. finishing touches by this artist as i

body is the canvas. finishing touches by this artist as the | touches by this artist as the curtain goes up on his four—month exhibition at the gleam of this art gallery, reflecting his life as a living work of art. i gallery, reflecting his life as a living work of art.— living work of art. i get public transport. a _ living work of art. i get public transport, a nightmare i living work of art. i get public transport, a nightmare with l transport, a nightmare with chainmail and security thing on an aeroplane, they asked me what it is and i say it is what i wear. he admits he _ and i say it is what i wear. he admits he was bullied, but with the theme of be yourself, everyone else is taken, he hopes his life—sized sculptures will inspire people to be themselves. if sculptures will inspire people to be themselves-— themselves. if you look at who you are, ou themselves. if you look at who you are. you are _ themselves. if you look at who you are, you are already _ themselves. if you look at who you are, you are already there, - themselves. if you look at who you are, you are already there, you i are, you are already there, you don't need to be anybody else, you are you. don't need to be anybody else, you are ou. ., ~ don't need to be anybody else, you are ou. . ~ ,. , , are you. there are 62 sculptures ex-rlorin are you. there are 62 sculptures exploring issues _ are you. there are 62 sculptures exploring issues such _ are you. there are 62 sculptures exploring issues such as - are you. there are 62 sculptures i exploring issues such as activism, human rights and even recycling, with donated celebrity items combined with a charity shop finds. daniel's future plans are to expand the collection even further. i believe this is howl the collection even further. i believe this is how i will live for the rest of my life. things could change but i prefer not to. why

compromise on life when you fight so hard to exist? fin compromise on life when you fight so hard to exist?— hard to exist? on a quick city centre walkabouts. .. - hard to exist? on a quick city centre walkabouts. .. how- hard to exist? on a quick city i centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to no centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to go out _ centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to go out naked _ centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to go out naked on _ centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to go out naked on a _ centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to go out naked on a horse? i centre walkabouts. .. how brave was she to go out naked on a horse? a l she to go out naked on a horse? a living sculpture was keen to explain his art. i living sculpture was keen to explain his art. ., , ., living sculpture was keen to explain his art. ., i. ., ,, , ., , his art. i love your make it stands out. the his art. i love your make it stands out- the main _ his art. i love your make it stands out. the main thing _ his art. i love your make it stands out. the main thing i _ his art. i love your make it stands out. the main thing i thought i his art. i love your make it stands l out. the main thing i thought what he is told. out. the main thing i thought what he is told- say _ out. the main thing i thought what he is told. say what _ out. the main thing i thought what he is told. say what are _ out. the main thing i thought what he is told. say what are you i he is told. say what are you supposed — he is told. say what are you supposed to _ he is told. say what are you supposed to base? - he is told. say what are you supposed to base? myself. | he is told. say what are you i supposed to base? myself. great, he is told. say what are you - supposed to base? myself. great, i a- reciate supposed to base? myself. great, i appreciate that. _ supposed to base? myself. great, i appreciate that. what _ supposed to base? myself. great, i appreciate that. what do _ supposed to base? myself. great, i appreciate that. what do you i supposed to base? myself. great, i| appreciate that. what do you think? pre ? appreciate that. what do you think? pretty? she — appreciate that. what do you think? pretty? she does — appreciate that. what do you think? pretty? she does that _ appreciate that. what do you think? pretty? she does that to _ appreciate that. what do you think? | pretty? she does that to everybody. like mcdaniel— pretty? she does that to everybody. like mcdaniel says _ pretty? she does that to everybody. like mcdaniel says he will— pretty? she does that to everybody. like mcdaniel says he will never- like mcdaniel says he will never sell his— like mcdaniel says he will never sell his collection, _ like mcdaniel says he will never sell his collection, but - like mcdaniel says he will never sell his collection, but says i like mcdaniel says he will never sell his collection, but says he l like mcdaniel says he will never. sell his collection, but says he has plans— sell his collection, but says he has plans for— sell his collection, but says he has plans fora — sell his collection, but says he has plans for a permanent _ sell his collection, but says he has plans for a permanent archive i sell his collection, but says he has plans for a permanent archive in l sell his collection, but says he has i plans for a permanent archive in the city. plans for a permanent archive in the ci . , , ., ,., plans for a permanent archive in the city. let me bring you some breaking news from brazil _ city. let me bring you some breaking news from brazil coming _ city. let me bring you some breaking news from brazil coming through i city. let me bring you some breaking news from brazil coming through to i news from brazil coming through to us. 71 people have been killed in

flash flooding and landslides triggered by torrential rain in a city. it resulted from tuesday's storms and it has been steadily rising since wednesday and there are fears that the numbers will climb ever higher as rescuers keep a desperate search up for survivors beneath the mud and rubble. you can see why those numbers are so high when you see what little is left of that part of the city. now it's time for a look at the weather. hello there. we're looking at a particularly stormy spell of weather, some extreme winds on the way for friday as well. but before we get there, we've got storm dudley. now, we've already had a gust of wind of 71 mph in drumalbin, which is in south lanarkshire. now, across scotland, northern ireland, northern england, gusts generally will be around 60—70, but we could see a few gusts up to 80, enough to bring down some trees, so transport disruption here lasting for the first part of the night.

then overnight, it stays pretty blustery for most of us. a number of showers in the north west, but relatively mild. temperatures for many between 5—7. cold enough, though, for the rain to turn to hill snow into parts of scotland. now, tomorrow, it's a relatively quiet day. sunny spells, showers across northern and western areas, some of those falling as snow over the high ground, but otherwise, it's a relatively mild day, although not quite as mild as it has been today across parts of eastern england. now, storm eunice is due to arrive on friday, and with these kind of extreme winds, we're expecting widespread disruption.

hello, i'm nuala mcgovern. you're watching context on bbc news. russia's readiness to use military force to pursue its goals has created a "new normal" in europe. that's according to nato, who also warn that there's no evidence that russia are withdrawing troops backed up by the us in the last hour. and even in recent days, more russian forces, not fewer, or at the border. and they are moving concerning lee into fighting positions. children aged between 5—11 across the uk will now be offered a covid jab. remembering p.j. o'rourke, who died at the age of 74.

tonight with the context — chief political commentator of the i newspaper, paul waugh, and mary ann marsh, democratic