this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. western leaders warn that there's no signs russia forces are being withdrawn from the border with ukraine. the defence secretary says russia will be judged by its actions. there are signs from moscow that diplomacy could continue. but so far, we have not seen any sign of the withdrawal or de—escalation. we need deeds to trust the words we have heard _ we need deeds to trust the words we have heard. we will not let our guard — have heard. we will not let our guard down. we will stay vigilant and united. in brazil, a desperate search for survivors after heavy rains cause a mudslide on a mountain. at least 90 people are dead.

a swimmer killed in a shark attack in australia is named locally as a british man. a bbc investigation uncovers how a culture of complicity and denial conceals the true scale of clerical sex abuse in italy. we conceals the true scale of clerical sex abuse in italy.— sex abuse in italy. we have investigated _ sex abuse in italy. we have investigated how _ sex abuse in italy. we have investigated how that - sex abuse in italy. we have i investigated how that culture sex abuse in italy. we have - investigated how that culture of silence has deepened the abuse of clerical sex abuse of minors. storm dudley hits the uk with winds gusting at ioomph, leaving thousands without power and travel disrupted. and there's a warning of worse to come. hello and welcome if you're watching

here in the uk or around the world. the uk defence secretary ben wallace says russian military forces are continuing to build up on the border with ukraine, despite claims from moscow that troops are leaving the region. speaking at nato headquarters in brussels, mr wallace said up to 7,000 more russian troops have arrived in the last 48 hours, and a bridge is being built in belarus close to the border with ukraine. moscow continues to deny it plans to invade. tim allman reports. this doesn't look much like a withdrawal. these satellite images from a private american company appear to show a build—up of armoured vehicles, helicopters and artillery. then there's this, what looks like a pontoon bridge, built across the pripyat river, not far from ukraine's border with belarus. translation: the situation is controlled by our military. i we don't see any changes now, we see a large accumulation of troops, we are seeing small rotations.

i wouldn't call these rotations the withdrawal of forces by russia, we just can't say that. russia insists you can. they released video footage showing tanks being loaded onto a train. their final destination, we are told, their home base, now that military exercises have come to an end. but washington remain sceptical there's no withdrawal. quite the opposite, in fact. we are in the window where we believe an attack could come at any time, and that would be preceded by a fabricated pretext that the russians use as an excuse to launch an invasion. we've talked about this a bit in here, we've seen these tactics used in the past. although the us says there will be no military response if russia does invade, america is building up its presence in the region — several hundred more troops arriving in poland, reassuring nato allies, while hoping the worst won't happen. we can talk about ways of avoiding russia feeling unnecessarily threatened,

and we should continue to explore all of those options, in order to avert what would be an absolutely catastrophic large—scale war in the centre of europe. diplomacy continues. the british foreign secretary liz truss, fresh from a fairly fractious meeting in moscow, is expected in ukraine. and the un security council will discuss the crisis later on thursday. all the while, ukrainian military drills go on, preparing for an invasion many fear is still imminent. tim allman, bbc news. ahead of a second day of talks with defence ministers, nato secretary general, jens stoltenberg said peace and stabilty continue to be under threat in the region. as we are meeting today, peace and stability in the euro—atlantic area is under threat. there are signs from moscow that diplomacy could continue, but so far we have not seen any sign

of withdrawal or de—escalation. russia has yet again demonstrated its disregard for the principles underpinning european security and its ability and willingness to threaten the use of force in pursuit of its objectives. unfortunately, i am afraid this is the new normal which we need to be prepared for. nato allies have been tireless in their efforts to work towards a political and diplomatic solution. we have done so in close connection with both georgia and ukraine. nato's strong political and practical support for both georgia and ukraine continues. of the european commission also spoke ahead of the meeting, saying

the eu will remain vigilant. diplomacy has not yet spoken its last word. that is good. and we have still hope that peace will prevail. and i commend the efforts of many eu leaders who have engaged with both parties, seeking to find a diplomatic solution. now we hear claims from russia about pulling back troops, but we have not seen any signs so far of de—escalation on the ground. to the contrary, we see that the build—up continues. therefore now we need deeds to trust the words we have heard. we will not let our guard down. we will stay vigilant and united. over the past days, i had intense contacts with many partners, both on our response to any aggression by russia and on our preparedness. we are ready. we hope for the best but we are prepared for the worst.

0ur correspondent james waterhouse has the latest from kyiv. we talk about a tense border and the ukrainian military has released images of they say shall strike on a kindergarten in the lugansk region. they say it was fired by separatist militants, no children were injured, we understand two adults have suffered concussion. it is normal for both ukraine's forces and militants to accuse each other of continually breaking the ceasefire in these territories. last night the militants accused ukrainian soldiers of firing shells and mortars at them but this, inspectors from the organisation of security and co—operation in europe, say there has been an increase in shelling in the area in recent days and this is a region where

the us says it is concerned about russia generating what it calls a false pretext for war where moscow has claimed its found mass graves in the area. and what the us says it's trying to generate justification for a future invasion. president zelensky and his government haven't commented that yet, but things are certainly looking more certainly looking more tense in the region today and yesterday. to be clear, the separatists you refer to, these are russian backed separatists? yes. moscow has long denied helping these militants at all, but these are russian separatists who seized swathes of territory in ukraine back in 2014. it's at the heart of what the west and actually russia see as a way out of the crisis, but for the ukraine it's a bit of a nonstarter. there's been until now a failed

peace deal called the minsk agreement, and russia and the west want ukraine to engage, if that was to happen ukraine would regain control and secure the border but one of the conditions for ukraine to hold local elections there and give the local powers. for president zelensky, that's very difficult politically because it's seen by many here as giving russia a direct hand into ukrainian politics and people here, the majority of the country are very sensitive about that. any shelling at this particular time of course given the nervousness around the situation on the border, potentially hugely concerning and unhelpful, as the diplomatic track continues as well. exactly right. it is extremely delicate. this is a week where some predicted an invasion would happen. wednesday the 16th of february,

it's a very surreal situation. russia has carefully crafted two statements saying they are withdrawing some troops as planned from military drills but we've still gotjoint exercises to the north, we've got new satellite images coming out all the time, and western allies are saying the opposite, that troops are in fact building up and they are still hamming up this threat of an invasion. as far as president zelensky is concerned, he's reiterated what he said, that people don't need to be panicked, not to be frightened by forecasts, but where there is consensus is that this crisis could rumble on for a while yet. let's talk to our defence correspondent, jonathan beale in brussels. day two of the nato defence ministers meeting. anything more that they can say or do that hasn't already been said or done to try to

de—escalate the situation? i already been said or done to try to de-escalate the situation?- de-escalate the situation? i don't aet de-escalate the situation? i don't net the de-escalate the situation? i don't get the sense _ de-escalate the situation? i don't get the sense that _ de-escalate the situation? i don't get the sense that there - de-escalate the situation? i don't get the sense that there is - de-escalate the situation? i don't l get the sense that there is anything new going to be said today that will de—escalate. clearly, they are still calling for that. there will be a show of solidarity with both ukraine and georgia, two countries that want to join the nato alliance. they are here, their defence ministers, i think that is a show of solidarity more than anything else, there no indication that they'll become members. i think the chances are slimmer than they were at the start of the crisis. we just spoken to the uk defence secretary who has mentioned that he believes that up to 7000 russian troops are being added to the border region with ukraine in the last 48 hours. he also mentioned the construction of the military bridge. i should say that there is dispute about that. some reports that that bridge has already been deconstructed and

indeed we hear that the russian defence ministry had announced that they were building that bridge as part of what it calls its military exercises in belarus near the border with the ukraine. i think there are some differences about some of the intelligence. for example, you've heard more than 100,000 russian troops, some people say 130,000. we've also heard ben wallace talking about 150,000 troops. the point they are making is that that build—up hasn't gone away, that even if troops are being moved around, the threat remains and that is why they are still so concerned here about what happens next. we've heard the response from nato that they are now looking at setting up more battle groups, up to 1000 troops each, around the black sea region. romania is one country that's been mentioned. we've heard from the british that they are putting in more troops into estonia, more military hardware is on its way along with trips to the 1000 already

in that country which was of course a response after the russian invasion of crimea in 2014. so, essentially, that is whatjens stoltenberg has been calling the new normal, that russia is prepared to use force and that will force a response from the nato alliance, which they say is deterrence, putting troops on their own member states to beef up defences. maw; states to beef up defences. many eo - le states to beef up defences. many peeple will _ states to beef up defences. many peeple will ask — states to beef up defences. many people will ask if _ states to beef up defences. many people will ask if russia - states to beef up defences. many people will ask if russia has - states to beef up defences. many people will ask if russia has at least 100,000 troops on the border and is bringing in another 7000, why would it do that? why would president putin do that if he didn't intend to use them? or is this part of the build—up, even though the scale is so fast, is this part of his intention to try to extract concessions with a military offensive being plan b for him? i think you're asking me to get into the mind of putin which is quite

difficult but clearly they do not know whether president putin will give that in order to invade. they fear he might. they believe the threat is imminent, that he has the troops he needs there, regardless of the actual figures. there are around about more than 100,000 russian troops and military kit, they've seen some of the hardware being brought in like air defence systems, also short range ballistic missiles. so, they are still concerned about what might happen but they do not know what president putin will do next. and the intelligence provides a picture but it doesn't predict the future. so, ithink a picture but it doesn't predict the future. so, i think they'll worried about what he might do without knowing exactly what he will do. thank you very much. if you want to get in touch with us about this story or any of the stories, you can

do that on twitter and use the hashtag bbc your questions. at least 94 people have died in landslides and flash flooding in the brazilian city of petropolis. the city, which is located in the mountains north of rio de janeiro, was hit by torrential rainfall as wendy urquhart reports. more than a month's worth of rain fell in petropolis in a matter of hours and from the air, the devastation is clear to see. a huge swathe of this city has been washed down the mountainside by horrific landslides, leaving a pile of mud and debris in their wake. at least 400 firefighters, civil defence teams and local residents are working round the clock, desperately searching for survivors. translation: the teams work 24 hours a day. - they will not stop the search at all. it will continue unless, for technical reasons, it has to stop for one or two hours. but if everything goes to plan,

we won't stop at all. around 10,000 poor people built homes on this mountainside because there wasn't enough housing in the area, but they were precarious at best and just not strong enough to survive this kind of deluge. many have lost everything, and some have paid the ultimate price. schools and shelters have been set up to house some 300 people who've been left homeless by the floods, and it might not be over yet. more heavy rain is forecast in the coming days. wendy urquhart, bbc news. a swimmer who was mauled to death by a shark near sydney yesterday has been identified as a british expatriate. 35—year—old simon nellist — who was a diving instructor — was fatally attacked off little bay beach, about 12 miles south of australia's largest city. a number of the country's best known beaches have been shut as a precaution. here's our sydney correspondent phil mercer.

we know that he was attacked in the afternoon yesterday at little bay, a short distance from the coastline. the fish in described violent and frenzied attack —— fishermen who were nearby described violent and frenzied attack. it is believed great white was responsible. an eyewitness described the noise of the attack as being similar to a car being thrown into the water. this was a horrific story, a traumatic story from start to finish and a short time later human remains were found. the mayor of the local area of the beach here in sydney has said it has shaken to the core of the community, that uses the beach, each and every day. this is a story that because of this man's family connections in the united kingdom

will spread ripples of sadness and grief right around the world. the bbc has uncovered how a culture of complicity and denial conceals the true scale of clerical sex abuse in italy. despite having the most priests of any country and the seat of the catholic church on its doorstep, italy has not documented the crime. calls are growing for it to follow france, which last year found over 200,000 cases there since the 1950s. 0ur rome correspondent mark lowen reports. hello. tell us more about what has been found. hello. tell us more about what has been found-— hello. tell us more about what has been found. thank you. we are “ust riaht been found. thank you. we are “ust riuht b been found. thank you. we are “ust right by the — been found. thank you. we are “ust right by the border i been found. thank you. we are “ust right by the border between i been found. thank you. we are just right by the border between italy i right by the border between italy and the vatican and that proximity is i suppose one of the reasons why there has been this culture of silence to some extent over the issue of clerical sex abuse in italy. italy has the highest number of priests in the world and has the

vatican on its doorstep and yet has not followed many other countries in tackling and confronting the issue of clerical sex abuse. we have investigated the issue and found that a combination of legal loopholes, constitutional issues and a culture of deference have contributed to the fact that italy has hidden its sins. in the shadow of the vatican are dark secrets that italy itself has buried. clerical sex abuse of minors, thought to be extensive but undocumented. with the most priests of any country and the seat of the catholic church in the heart of its capital, italy is failing to confront its sins. countless survivors have kept silent but one, who we will call mario, agreed to talk for the first time. he said he was abused. for 16 years from the age of eight by his local priest, who was accused of repeated premeditated rape. when i was very young, this abuse

happened to me in the vestry. in the vestry of the church! he told me it was a secret between him, me and jesus. but it was fully—fledged sexual slavery. when mario soughtjustice, the bishop began a canon law or church trial by the vatican's congregation for the doctrine of the faith. we have obtained the verdict. while some details were disputed, he confessed the abuse took place. the trial recognise his guilt. he even paid mario 112,000 euros as a sort of damages. but he was not defrocked, as mario requested, instead banned from working with minors for life. when mario's case came to the italian courts, a time limit for trials or statute of limitations meant he was never convicted. it all shows the legal quagmire that has failed survivors. there are probably hundreds

of thousands here, based on what countries that have investigated abuse have found. the vatican still has a hold over some parts of italy, perpetuating the culture of silence here. we tracked down mario's abuser and asked him, is it appropriate he is still a practising priest? there are documents of a trial that reached its conclusions, i urge you to read them. i showed him thejudgment we had and public photos of him celebrating mass with minors present. those are people in general, not specifically minors. then i asked directly, is he a paedophile? this is what you are saying, thanks for your work. that is what your victim says, i add. in our search for the truth, we went up a level to the bishop. why, iasked, hadn't he defrocked the man? the victim was listened to.

all the material was sent to the congregation for the doctrine of the faith. it is they who issued the sentence, it wasn't the diocese. but being aware of his guilt, wasn't it immoral not to have advised the vatican to dismiss him? a defendant's guilt can be based on different facts. they could turn out to be of a different scale, a different time frame, a different reality. legal technicalities and interpretations of verdicts have taken the place of accountability, as survivors wait for italy to look deep inside its soul and atone. 0ne heartbreaking case which really reflects and illustrates the wider problem. i referred to a constitutional issue which was signed by the then dictator of italy in 1929 mussolini, a pact that

allows the vatican legal autonomy from italy, which therefore allows the clergy to have legal recourse to vatican law over that of italy, in effect shielding them from the law of the secular state of italy. that is one of the issues that some groups are fighting to try to change. 0ne groups are fighting to try to change. one of them is with us today, from the union of atheists and agnostics and rationalists. very nice to see you. in your view it's not just the latter nice to see you. in your view it's notjust the latter impact nice to see you. in your view it's not just the latter impact that needs to be revised, something else as well. ~ ., ~ , needs to be revised, something else aswell.~ ., ~ , ., needs to be revised, something else aswell. ., ~ , ., as well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984. _ as well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984. it's _ as well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984. it's not _ as well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984. it's not so - as well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984. it's not so far- finished in 1984. it's not so far away— finished in 1984. it's not so far away we — finished in 1984. it's not so far away we have to look for. the problem — away we have to look for. the problem in _ away we have to look for. the problem in italy is two different issues — problem in italy is two different issues. the first one is about mentalilx _ issues. the first one is about mentality. we have culture of silence — mentality. we have culture of silence. we also have the stigma against _ silence. we also have the stigma against the victims of rape and abuses. — against the victims of rape and abuses, every woman, every italian woman_ abuses, every woman, every italian woman knows perfectly what i'm talking _ woman knows perfectly what i'm talking about. also we have the idea

that priests and bishops are more equal— that priests and bishops are more equal than— that priests and bishops are more equal than others, they are holy, untouchables. that is the mentality. we also _ untouchables. that is the mentality. we also have law issues. it's very recent_ we also have law issues. it's very recent issues because the treaty is very recent. — recent issues because the treaty is very recent, 1984. that recent issues because the treaty is very recent, 1984.— very recent, 1984. that is a treaty that would — very recent, 1984. that is a treaty that would mean _ very recent, 1984. that is a treaty that would mean that _ very recent, 1984. that is a treaty that would mean that priests - very recent, 1984. that is a treaty that would mean that priests and | that would mean that priests and bishops who are going to be investigated to be forewarned by the police. so you think that needs to be revised?— police. so you think that needs to be revised? ., , ., , ., , be revised? that needs to be raised because article _ be revised? that needs to be raised because article three _ be revised? that needs to be raised because article three of— be revised? that needs to be raised because article three of the - because article three of the constitution says we are all equal. it's impossible there's someone more equal— it's impossible there's someone more equal than_ it's impossible there's someone more equal than the other. you it's impossible there's someone more equal than the other.— equal than the other. you talk about the need to — equal than the other. you talk about the need to change _ equal than the other. you talk about the need to change mentality - equal than the other. you talk about the need to change mentality but. the need to change mentality but also to change the constitution, reopen things like the lateran pact. this is almost 100 years old, is that realistic? what practical steps

can italy take which are less cute than reopening its constitution and agreement with the vatican? —— less huge. agreement with the vatican? -- less hue. ~ . agreement with the vatican? -- less hue, ~ ., , ., agreement with the vatican? -- less hue, ~ ., ., agreement with the vatican? -- less hue. ., ., ., , , agreement with the vatican? -- less hue. ., ., ., , agreement with the vatican? -- less huge. most of our lawyers say that vatican pacts _ huge. most of our lawyers say that vatican pacts are _ huge. most of our lawyers say that vatican pacts are not _ huge. most of our lawyers say that vatican pacts are not more - huge. most of our lawyers say that i vatican pacts are not more protected by the _ vatican pacts are not more protected by the constitution. so, we can change — by the constitution. so, we can change the treaty of 1984 without changing — change the treaty of 1984 without changing the constitution. and then we have _ changing the constitution. and then we have to — changing the constitution. and then we have to really support the sheep are not— we have to really support the sheep are not the — we have to really support the sheep are not the abusive shepherd. what sort of response _ are not the abusive shepherd. what sort of response are _ are not the abusive shepherd. what sort of response are you _ are not the abusive shepherd. wuagt sort of response are you getting from the vatican? what sort of response have you got from your dealings with the vatican and italy over trying to reform this?- over trying to reform this? none. ital is over trying to reform this? none. italy is the _ over trying to reform this? none. italy is the only _ over trying to reform this? none. italy is the only country _ over trying to reform this? none. italy is the only country at - over trying to reform this? none. italy is the only country at the - italy is the only country at the moment— italy is the only country at the moment that is full of scandal but is under_ moment that is full of scandal but is under the cover, under the carpet — is under the cover, under the carpet no— is under the cover, under the carpet. no one, no answer, nothing from _ carpet. no one, no answer, nothing from the _ carpet. no one, no answer, nothing from the vatican. to tell the truth, i from the vatican. to tell the truth, i don't _ from the vatican. to tell the truth, i don't need — from the vatican. to tell the truth, i don't need anything from the vatican — i don't need anything from the vatican i_ i don't need anything from the vatican. i need something from my

government, because...— government, because... thank you very much- — government, because... thank you very much. still— government, because... thank you very much. still some _ government, because... thank you very much. still some way - government, because... thank you very much. still some way to - government, because... thank you very much. still some way to go i government, because... thank you very much. still some way to go on this issue and i must say that if you want to watch more on the investigation you can tune into italy's hidden sins on our world on the bbc news channel on saturday and sunday at 9:30pm. if you're watching around the world it's on bbc world news from this friday and you can consult the timings online. studio: thank you. we'll have more from mark on this story throughout the day. police are saying and the run sex offender paul robson has been arrested in skegness in lincolnshire, four days after they had absconded from an open prison near boston. lincolnshire police chief superintendent kate anderson saying, we are pleased to report we've arrested paul robson, we are grateful to members of the public

for their help and support and we would also like to give thanks to everyone who has called in with potential sightings. robson was given a life sentence of 2020 and questions have been raised after he was moved to that open prison, even though he had been refused parole five times. but on the run sex offender paul robson has been arrested in skegness four days after absconding from an open prison. travel disruption and power cuts are affecting large parts of the uk due to storm dudley. winds gusting at up to 100mph brought down trees and overhead railway cables, with many services cancelled this morning. more severe weather is expected tomorrow, when storm eunice arrives. dan johnson reports. here on the a696 near northumberland, strong winds flipped this hgv onto its side, while in wales it was a flyaway trampoline bringing disruption to the rail network. across parts of scotland and the north of england, thousands were left without power.

i've just brung my grandma some lights, some emergency lights. my nan's partially sighted as well so it's a bit dangerous for her. how are you coping? not too bad. i'll have a vodka later and i'll be all right. i've missed all my soaps, mind. in this house it was getting the baby fed that was the biggest issue. we've had to make a bottle the old way and he's been screaming for about an hour while we've been doing that, so that's great. but he's been fed now? yeah, he's all right. it's a good thing we've got candles because it doesn't seem like a lot of people do. 0thers took to their cars to keep warm. we're just running about trying to keep warmed up because there's obviously no heating, so on we go. and people have been on social media to document events. in cumbria, a waterfall in reverse. and a sandstorm across this beach in county down. here in scotland, falling trees have damaged overhead cables,

bringing chaos to the rail network with disruption expected to last much of the day and now people are being told to prepare for worse to come as storm eunice is set to make landfall overnight. i've been speaking to dan from a service station in county durham in northeastern england. even the service station doesn't have power so it can't open this morning. it's a sign of how bad things are across the north—east, across the north of england and south of scotland as well. there are thousands of homes still without power, just across the a1 there is part of one village where the streets are dark, the street lights were off last night, homes are without electricity, without light. we saw people last night struggling to keep warm. some were spending time in their cars because the houses were so cold. some were having food brought to them, take a

ways or relatives were bringing meals around because people were struggling to cook. we saw people struggling to make bottles for their babies. it's been a tough night for some people, the power company northern powergrid says at one point yesterday there were 14,000 homes without electricity. they've managed to reconnect most of them but still this morning across the north of england, they reckon there are 4,000 people to be reconnected and people haven't got a sense of exactly how long the disruption will last. for some it could be until this lunchtime into the afternoon. perhaps even longer and then they are braced already for another storm tomorrow which could bring the misery back again, could add to it, could make things worse. for some people this is the second or third time this year they've felt the effect of the storm with these repeated storms coming through. trees coming down, disrupting power lines and railways as well. it's a difficult morning, not just for drivers out on the roads, but for passengers trying

to get on trains too. and for people stuck at home without power, without light. even the traffic lights are out. it gives you a sense of the disruption that's been caused but perhaps things are not quite as bad as had been forecast yesterday. the disruption is patchy, in places, rather than as widespread as we saw with the last storm but certainly some people are struggling and there is no respite to be had here. the headlines on bbc news... western leaders warn that there'd so far been no signs of russian de—escalation from around ukraine and that peace and stabilty continue to be under threat in the region. in brazil, a desperate search for survivors after heavy rains cause a mudslide on a mountain. at least 90 people are dead. a swimmer killed in a shark attack in australia is named locally as a british man. a bbc investigation uncovers how a culture of complicity and denial conceals the true scale

of clerical sex abuse in italy storm dudley hits the uk with winds gusting at 100 miles an hour leaving thousands without power and travel disrupted. . . .. and there's a warning of worse to come. in the past hour france has announced it is withdrawing its troops from mali, where they've been fighting a jihadi insurgency for ten years. a statement issued jointly with european allies and canada said multiple obstructions by mali's ruling militaryjunta were making it impossible to operate there. but it also said — the allies would continue joint action against terrorism in the sahel region —— and would seek to expand the scope of their operations to include niger and the gulf of guinea. the joint statement comes ahead of an eu—africa summit in brussels. this is how the french president, emmanuel macron, explained the decision to pull the troops out of mali.

translation: we cannot engage militarily side by side with de facto authorities with whom we do not share a strategy or objectives. that is the situation in mali today. the fight against terrorism cannot justify everything ad must not by using a pretext as being the ultimate priority turning into an exercise of indefinitely maintaining power. they cannotjustify an escalation in violence by using mercenaries whose violent acts are documented in the central african republic and whose use of force is not in line with any rules or conventions. china's president xijinping has urged hong kong's leaders to take "all necessary measures" to control an outbreak of coronavirus. more than 4,000 new cases were reported on wednesday — a new record. the territory's chief executive carrie lam has admitted authorities are overwhelmed as space runs out for the infected to self—isolate. the bbc�*sjoe robinson reports. in hong kong, the hospitals

are almost bursting at the seams. at this accident and emergency department, the patients queue up on trolleys outside. for more than two years, the authorities have tried to keep the fires out, but covid numbers are rising at an alarming rate. none of this is lost on the central government in beijing. president xijinping is urging the hong kong authorities to get a grip. quoted in a local state—run newspaper, he told and the effects of the virus are being felt in numerous ways. locals are facing food shortages, as many of the lorry drivers who bring supplies into the territory have tested positive. hong kong imports around 90% of its food, most of it coming from the mainland.

but the authorities insist action is being taken. the first task is to recruit more lorry drivers who have not been exposed to infection risks, and second is to ensure that all cross—border drivers have covid—19 tests every day. once the results are negative, they will be allowed to work across the border. so far, hong kong has been relatively lucky, with only around 200 deaths reported since the pandemic began. but, with medical experts warning the number of daily cases could reach nearly 30,000 a day by the end of march, that luck may be running out. presidentjoe biden senior medical adviser on coronavirus says it is time for americans to start moving back to normality despite the remaining risks from the virus. the

doctor said many states are facing tough choices.— tough choices. there is no perfect solution to _ tough choices. there is no perfect solution to this. _ tough choices. there is no perfect solution to this. they _ tough choices. there is no perfect solution to this. they are - tough choices. there is no perfect solution to this. they are trying i tough choices. there is no perfect| solution to this. they are trying to balance the fact that the world and the united states and certain parts of the united states are up to here with covid—19, they really need to somehow get their life back. you do not want to be throw everything aside but you have to inched towards that, when you do that, you then veer away from paying attention to something that might be important. somebody is going to ask the question that i do not have the answer to, what is the balance? being strict to prevent any kind of infection or the negative impact on society with the restrictions? people argue about that all day. is the impact on mental health, is the impact on development of children, the impact on schools, is that balanced against trying to be covid—19 safe and protecting against

protection —— infection. the covid-19 safe and protecting against protection -- infection.— protection -- infection. the way eo - le protection -- infection. the way people change _ protection -- infection. the way people change their _ protection -- infection. the way people change their legally - people change their legally recognised gender in scotland could be simplified, with the scottish government expected to present its proposals in the next few weeks. the bbc asked more than 2000 adults in scotland and find support for changing the process and concern about the details. our scotland correspondent has spoken to one transgender couple about their tra nsgender couple about their experience. transgender couple about their experience. it was difficult to understand at first. 0ur relationship is better than it has ever been. they have both been transgender. the families are supportive of their transition. but it has not been easy. i became addicted to drugs and alcohol. it's kind of crazy to look at myself now and think oh, my god, i've got my dream job,

i've got a flat, i've got a girlfriend, two cats and a family. the couple, who are both 24, support reform of scotland's gender recognition act to make it less intrusive. you need to have so much evidence, it's really invasive and it puts you in a position of being mentally and physically exhausted with having to do it. but zac feels it's important to be sure. i definitely support it. i think people who are younger, they need to explore themselves. they need to get to know themselves. like, i didn't even know whatjob i wanted to do when i was 16. some people might not even know that, let alone what gender they want to sit in for the rest of their life. in a poll commissioned by the bbc, more than half of those questioned were in favour of making it easier to get a gender recognition certificate. a fifth opposed it, but on some of the specific proposals, opinion was more finely balanced. there were almost equal levels of support and opposition for allowing transgender people to self—identify by removing the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. 44% of those questioned opposed reducing the time someone must have lived in their gender identity

from two years to six months. 37% supported it, and a slight majority opposed reducing the legal age a person can transition from 18 to 16 whilejust under a third were in favour. the survey also suggests more support than opposition for transgender people to access single—sex spaces, such as changing rooms. 35% said they should be able to do so only if they'd legally changed sex and had gender reassignment surgery. 28% said this should be allowed even if they had not had surgery. for some people, this is a fundamental and polarising issue with protests on both sides. we believe these proposals to bring in self—identification will mean - that we will not be able to confront any male that is in _ within our changing rooms. we might actually be breaking the law, be perceived - as being transphobic by questioning why a male was there _

ias they willjust stand up and say, i "oh, but i self—identify as a woman, i am allowed to be in this space." but some scottish women's advocacy groups highlight that trans women already access services like rape and domestic violence support. we have no concerns about the proposed reforms. we know that trans women access women's services anyway. we do not believe there are any proposed changes in the bill that will impact on single sex spaces, which already operate on a basis of self—id. the scottish government is likely to bring this bill to parliament in the next few weeks. some people have clear and strongly held positions on this issue, but this poll suggests many others are undecided. lorna gordon, bbc news, edinburgh. the uk government is expected to scrap golden visas in return for millions of pounds of investment.

introduced in 2008, the scheme has been under review for some time as part of a transition to a points—based immigration system. there are concerns it has been open to abuse by criminals. more than 14,000 men across the uk are thought to be unaware they have prostate cancer because they pandemic has affected regular screenings for the disease. a leading charity and the nhs are urging men to do more to see if they are at risk. al health correspondent dominic use has met two people whose lives have been touched by the disease. he was my best friend. he was and he will always be my best friend. literally we used to say we were each other�*s twin, we had the same mindset and we were very, very close so it's very difficult without him. danielle was just 25 when her dad johnny died after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. he was only 63. they were really close so losing her dad to a disease that, if caught early enough, is very treatable has been hard to take. his diagnosis came as a shock

so it was in 2015. he did have some symptoms, now i realise, probably must have started a couple of years beforehand. but for that diagnosis you just don't think it's ever going to happen to you, you don't think it's going to affect your family. johnny died two years after being diagnosed. the charity prostate cancer uk and the nhs are both worried there could be thousands of men who are living with the cancer but don't yet know it. since april 2020 more than 58,000 men have begun treatment for prostate cancer but that's 14,000 fewer than would have been expected when compared with pre—pandemic numbers. one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. men over 50, black men and those with a history of it in their family are at even greater risk. my dad's 80th there. that was the case for andrew. his dad had lived with prostate cancer for years. that was after the operation. then in 2020 a routine screening

blood test revealed some worrying signs and a prostate cancer diagnosis soon followed. his advice for other men now is simple. don't just sit there thinking it will be right like i did, there could be something happening there and one thing i found out since about prostate cancer is that it's very aggressive and once it takes hold of the rest of your body it canjust be a chasing game. i was very lucky, i didn't need any radiotherapy, didn't need any chemotherapy. the operation did it for me. for andrew the road to recovery has been hard at times but he's now back to running and playing five—a—side. a simple blood test saved his life. i think i've used all my luck up in one go and if that's the only luck i'm going to have in my life, i'll take that. 0ne disease, two very different outcomes but the same message for thousands of men thought to be living with prostate cancer. where i am now in life compared

to what the alternative could have been, it's a no—brainer. if anyone is worried about it, just go take a test. raising awareness now is key to recognising the symptoms and get treatment if you do have cancer, it's to get that early treatment and save your life. dominic hughes, bbc news. graham cross from leicester told me about the symptoms he experienced before being diagnosed. i was 47 when i was diagnosed and i would not have been diagnosed had it not been for catherine encouraging me to get the check my symptoms were attributed, i attributed them to blood pressure medication i was taking. the symptoms that i was experiencing, needing to go to the toilet more often, feeling like i needed to go again as soon as i had

been, getting up in the night, i thought they were part of the symptoms of the tablets i was taking, but obviously, catherine had picked up on something in the news and made me go and get the cheque which obviously, help to save me and i urge other men to do the same. graham said there is reluctance among men to go for intimate examinations but he urged them not to be put off screening. titer? examinations but he urged them not to be put off screening.— to be put off screening. very much so, iwas to be put off screening. very much so. i was very _ to be put off screening. very much so, i was very much _ to be put off screening. very much so, i was very much that _ to be put off screening. very much so, i was very much that person. l to be put off screening. very much so, i was very much that person. i | so, i was very much that person. i think men are not very good at that going to the doctor generally, i know i wasn't, you assume or believe that you are invincible, and it will only happen to someone else. as the statistics said earlier, one in eight men will get it and one in four black men. go and get the cheque. i cannot stress that enough. the headlines on bbc news. western leaders say there has been no sign

of russian de—escalation from around ukraine and peace and stability are under threat in the region. in brazil, a desperate search for survivors after heavy rains cause a mudslide on a mountain. 90 people are dead. a swimmer killed in a shark attack in australia is named locally as a british man. it has been reported that the prince of wales would be happy to help an investigation of the alleged owners for cash, offers of help were used to secure owners for a billionaire saudi donor. clarence house says prince charles had no knowledge of the allegations. the labour mp andy mcdonald says he intends to raise whether public money will be used to pay for prince andrew's legal settlement. he has agreed to pay a

sum to virginia guiffre, the speculated legal bill could be in the region of £12 million. five to 11—year—olds in england will now be offered a low dose covid—19 vaccine to prevent a small number of children becoming seriously unwell. the health secretary says the role that will be nonurgent as advised by the joint that will be nonurgent as advised by thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation. in the uk the welsh government was the first to announce it would offer vaccinations to young children on tuesday, it was not long before the other nations followed suit. 0n not long before the other nations followed suit. on wednesday, scotland, followed by england under northern ireland. with the roll—out there is an emphasis on parents choosing whether to get their children vaccinated. thejc choosing whether to get their children vaccinated. the jc vi estimates that vaccinating 1 million children would prevent 98 hospitalisations if the next wave was more severe than the previous

variant. 17 hospitalisations at the next wave was relatively mild like 0micron. this gp has been taking a look at the impact of long corvette on children. i've been in touch with a respiratory consultant whose own child has long covid. jasmine was ten when she originally came down with covid and it was just over 12 months ago and she just never really recovered. before, she was a healthy, happy child who was really active and now she is requiring a wheelchair to mobilise distances outside of the house, so it's been absolutely devastating. i don't feel good. she says the lack of research is frustrating. i think we all know what happens when we as a country get behind something like we've seen with the vaccination roll—out and vaccination development, but we're just not seeing that same urgency when it comes to the treatment of long covid. today, i'm going to see zara, a teenager with long covid.

i want to find out more about her symptoms and how she is coping. good job. so, zara, so lovely to see you with maureen. so talk me through when you got covid. i got covid late june last year. had you not had the vaccine yet? not at that time. today, i'm going to see zara, a teenager with long covid. i want to find out more about her symptoms and how she is coping. good job. i think fatigue is the biggest one. you are so tired that you can't get up, and sometimes it's even a struggle getting out of bed. every day for school, i've got up, got changed and sometimes i've made it downstairs and seeing whether i am well enough to go to school or not, and it's very rare that i am. the education secretary says no

topics are off limits, the new guidance will help them navigate issues such as the israeli—palestinian conflict and the legacy of the british empire. wooden skyscrapers have become popular in norway, sweden, singapore and japan where they can be up to 18 stories tall. building structures from wood can help to reduce carbon emissions and to move away from using steel and to move away from using steel and concrete. my colleague has been speaking to an architecture practice in scandinavia.— speaking to an architecture practice in scandinavia. wooden skyscrapers are built entirely _ in scandinavia. wooden skyscrapers are built entirely from _ in scandinavia. wooden skyscrapers are built entirely from wood, - in scandinavia. wooden skyscrapers are built entirely from wood, the i are built entirely from wood, the material that is used is called engineered timber, it is smaller pieces of wood that are glued together so that we get, even though every tree is unique, the material is protected in strength and

performance. in is protected in strength and performance.— is protected in strength and erformance. , ., , performance. in terms of safety, in ja an, performance. in terms of safety, in japan. they — performance. in terms of safety, in japan. they have — performance. in terms of safety, in japan, they have earthquakes i performance. in terms of safety, in japan, they have earthquakes all i performance. in terms of safety, in | japan, they have earthquakes all the time. in terms of safety from that perspective, fire, all the problems we come across, where does it stand? this is one of the main concern is for people when we talk about wooden skyscrapers and the safety, essentially fire. 0n contrary to what you might believe, it withstands fire quite well. the main principle in designing a size is to get people out safely and prevent fires, that is just as good as concrete, steel or brick. 0ne, fires, that is just as good as concrete, steel or brick. one, and an earthquake? different characteristics than concrete and steel, we need to take that into account when doing these buildings. there is a reason why most skyscrapers so far have been built in areas with low says make activity. this is a consideration, when you design the building, you

take it into consideration. in terms of sustainability, _ take it into consideration. in terms of sustainability, concrete - take it into consideration. in terms of sustainability, concrete and i of sustainability, concrete and steel contribute to carbon emissions. what about wood? with all the word you are using, our trees being planted? to what extent are you looking at your carbon emissions? shill you looking at your carbon emissions?— you looking at your carbon emissions? . ., ., ., emissions? all of the word to coming to these buildings _ emissions? all of the word to coming to these buildings is _ emissions? all of the word to coming to these buildings is coming - emissions? all of the word to coming to these buildings is coming from i to these buildings is coming from sustainable forestry is, every tree thatis sustainable forestry is, every tree that is failed is replaced by a new one. it is a circular material, it replaces itself and renews itself, by locking the chamber into the building we are removing from the atmosphere and the life span of the building. it is a climate positive building. it is a climate positive building. in building. it is a climate positive buildinu. ., , , ., , . building. in a very short sentence, is it cheaper? _ building. in a very short sentence, is it cheaper? it _ building. in a very short sentence, is it cheaper? it is _ building. in a very short sentence, is it cheaper? it is the _ building. in a very short sentence, is it cheaper? it is the same. i

building. in a very short sentence, is it cheaper? it is the same. new| is it cheaper? it is the same. new research has _ is it cheaper? it is the same. new research has suggested _ is it cheaper? it is the same. new research has suggested that i research has suggested that orangutans have instinctive knowledge of how to use tools. zoos in norway and the uk were presented with a box wrapped in silicon and they used stones and a hammer to cut their way inside. 0ur shared predecessors were using tools 13 million years ago. it is not only young people who use tech an 85—year—old grandad has performing duets online with his granddaughter. john tucker's videos have had more than 4.4 million views — he's even been asked to appear on tv in america. andrea 0rmsby has the story. # wise men say... hanging with her grandad, 22—year—old singer songwriter yazzi and her 85—year—old grandad are attracting a lot of attention with the singing. it has been pretty crazy, i didn't expect the response.

obviously i love grandad so i knew everyone else would love grandad. the pair started singing together during lockdown whenjohn couldn't get to choir practice. from the day i was born i think i was in a choir. born methodist. singing charles and john wesley's hymns. they wrote the most beautiful hymns in a book and that's how it started. now one of the duets has gone viral. it's one of the most recent videos on tiktok. it's a cover of hallelujah and has just hit 4.5 million views, which is really crazy. they sing hallelujah well, i don't think it's really sunk in yet. that's a lot of people, isn't it? ..i don't know what i do.

theirfame is spreading with an appearance on television in the usa. this granddaughter and her grandfather in the united kingdom are showcasing their beautiful voices and beautiful bond. so many people around the world are seeing less and really loving your videos. # i can't help falling in love with you.# this grandad and granddaughter plan to keep singing togetherfor as long as they can. andrea 0rmsby, bbc news. an exhibition opens in paris today exhibiting the original of antoine de saint—exupery�*s book "the little prince" for the first time in his native france. the aviator�*s wartime book is one of the best selling and most translated works ever published — into at least 300 languages.

dozens of drawings by saint—exupery will also be on show, it is goodbye from me for now.

hello again. the met office has issued a red warning for south west england and west wales for tomorrow. if you are travelling, bear this in mind, it is going to lead to disruption. the weather front across the north of scotland is introducing rain and snow, snow showers at lower levels in other parts of scotland, a

weak weather front bringing rain across northern ireland, england and wales. the wind is intraday from storm dudley but what about storm eunice? it is waiting in the wings in the south—west. this is what we are talking about. the met office has a red warning out for this now. it is invalid tomorrow morning, snow across scotland, some of it will be significant, strong winds, blizzards on the hills, drifting of the snow on the hills, drifting of the snow on the hills in northern ireland and across northern coming further south, strong gusts of wind in areas that the red warning is for western wales and into the south—west. 0ther wales and into the south—west. other parts of england and wales we still have in amber weather warning.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11: western leaders warn that there's no signs russia forces are being withdrawn from the border with ukraine. peace and stability continue to be under threat in the region. there are signs from moscow that diplomacy could continue. but so far, we have not seen any sign of withdrawal or de—escalation. we need deeds to trust the words we have heard. we will not let our guard down. we will stay vigilant and united. storm dudley hits the uk, with winds gusting at 100 miles an hour, leaving thousands without power and travel disrupted and there is a

warning of worse to come. a dangerous sex offender who has been on the run has been rearrested in lincolnshire. a swimmer killed in a shark attack in australia is named locally as a british man. more than 14,000 men across the uk are thought to be unaware they have prostate cancer, because the pandemic disrupted regular screenings. and schools in england are being given official guidance to support teachers in tackling sensitive issues in a politically impartial way. hello, good morning, thanks for joining us. the uk defence secretary, ben wallace, says russian military forces are continuing to build up on the border with ukraine, despite claims from moscow that

troops are leaving the region. speaking at nato headquarters in brussels, mr wallace said up to 7,000 more russian troops have arrived in the last 48 hours, and a bridge is being built in belarus close to the border with ukraine. moscow continues to deny it plans to invade, and says its military drills on the belarusian border will end on sunday. tim allman reports. this doesn't look much like a withdrawal. these satellite images from a private american company appear to show a build—up of armoured vehicles, helicopters and artillery. then there's this, what looks like a pontoon bridge, built across the pripyat river, not far from ukraine's border with belarus. translation: the situation is controlled by our military. j we don't see any changes now, we see a large accumulation of troops, we are seeing small rotations. i wouldn't call these rotations the withdrawal of forces by russia, we just can't say that. russia insists you can.

they released video footage showing tanks being loaded onto a train. their final destination, we are told, their home base, now that military exercises have come to an end. but washington remain sceptical there's no withdrawal. quite the opposite, in fact. we are in the window where we believe an attack could come at any time, and that would be preceded by a fabricated pretext that the russians use as an excuse to launch an invasion. we've talked about this a bit in here, we've seen these tactics used in the past. although the us says there will be no military response if russia does invade, america is building up its presence in the region — several hundred more troops arriving in poland, reassuring nato allies, while hoping the worst won't happen. we can talk about ways of avoiding russia feeling unnecessarily threatened, and we should continue to explore all of those options, in order to avert what would be

an absolutely catastrophic large—scale war in the centre of europe. diplomacy continues. the british foreign secretary, liz truss, fresh from a fairly fractious meeting in moscow, is expected in ukraine. and the un security council will discuss the crisis later on thursday. all the while, ukrainian military drills go on, preparing for an invasion many fear is still imminent. tim allman, bbc news. the russian foreign minister has been speaking insisting those military drills will finish. ilrrui’ith military drills will finish. with res - ect military drills will finish. with respect to — military drills will finish. with respect to when _ military drills will finish. try respect to when de—escalation would start, this is not our words, these

are the words introduced by the propaganda machines. these words about escalation and it de—escalation is something that every european politician simply hasn't to say right now. they cannot help it. —— has to say. as fair our military exercises, yes they will end on february the 20th. whether the escalation would end, i don't know, we are not escalating anything. in fact, there are certain observers saying that, citing i don't know which sources, saying that the invasion would start on february the 20th. and liz truss, foreign minister of the uk, says that this is great and could continue for months. i don't know, maybe we will see the same happening in summer, i don't know.

joining me now from moscow is our correspondent carrie davies. we are getting mixed signals, we are expecting to hear from the nato secretary general in a press conference soon. what is the latest you are hearing from moscow about any plans to pull back? in you are hearing from moscow about any plans to pull back?— any plans to pull back? in terms of what we have _ any plans to pull back? in terms of what we have heard _ any plans to pull back? in terms of what we have heard from - any plans to pull back? in terms of what we have heard from the i any plans to pull back? in terms of i what we have heard from the kremlin this morning, we have heard again these military drills that are currently going on in belarus that when you would be finishing on the 20th of february, that is what russia said before, and we had another confirmation from the kremlin that when those deals are over, they say troops will be going back to their bases. we heard a lot about this phrase withdrawal, we need to be careful about that in terms of what russia is saying. there would not necessarily describe this as a withdrawal because they are not describing it as a potential force that would be used for invasion in the first place. they have consistently said the reason why these troops are in position is because they are able to move around as they see fit and they are doing

military drills. 0f as they see fit and they are doing military drills. of course from the west's perspective, they have repeatedly said positioning troops as they say russia has done across the border on three fronts around ukraine does not suggest they are just doing your normal military drills. they would suggest this is it something far more sinister and of course that is where this situation has developed from. but again we have heard from russia saying they are planning to move their troops in the future, when these drills are over, but i do think it is really important to remember that whatever moscow has talked about, the fact they could move their troops, they have also said it is in their right to keep moving their troops wherever in russian boundaries they want to do so. so even though they might be moving troops away, it does not necessarily mean that they are doing any form of de—escalation. i5 necessarily mean that they are doing any form of de—escalation. is it any form of de-escalation. is it ossible any form of de-escalation. is it possible to _ any form of de-escalation. is it possible to say _ any form of de-escalation. is it possible to say who _ any form of de—escalation. is it possible to say who the most trusted channels of him on occasion with? is it with germany, the us? —— channels of communication with. i

it with germany, the us? -- channels of communication with.— of communication with. i think it is difficult to say _ of communication with. i think it is difficult to say what _ of communication with. i think it is difficult to say what russia's i difficult to say what russia's relationship is, but they have historically had different relationships with the us and uk than in comparison with germany and france. we have heard that quite a lot in terms of the language russia has used. quite a lot of criticism of anglo—saxons creating this hysteria, and that is also a sign potentially that russia is trying to create this division between the uk and us, putting them together and suggesting europe, france, germany, that they are taking a different stance, trying to create division within nato and that is what you will hear repeatedly from america, germany, france, trying to reemphasise the fact that when they speak, they speak with a unified voice. so it is probably fair to say there is a slightly different dynamic with different countries, but nato is trying to create and present this united front that when you speak to one of us, we'll come to the table similar ideas. mata to the table similar ideas. nato leaders keep — to the table similar ideas. nato leaders keep saying _ to the table similar ideas. nato leaders keep saying they i to the table similar ideas. nato leaders keep saying they needed demonstrable proof that russia is

acting as it is speaking, what is the kremlin's response to that? again, ithink the kremlin's response to that? again, i think russia is consistently saying they are moving their troops, this is something that is happening within their boundaries. they have not really offered an alternative way they can provide additional proof to the west. again it is about a matter of trust between the two sides. presumably the west will be checking very closely, in fact we have seen on twitter plenty of military analysts checking satellite imagery to see where these troops are moving to, to check what movements are happening at the moment, and in terms of where that goes to and where the net whether either side can build up trust about this i don't know, but what we're hearing from the west repeatedly saying they do not see a de—escalation from russia's side of troop movements at the moment. russia's side of troop movements at the moment-—

the moment. thank you very much, live in moscow _ the moment. thank you very much, live in moscow there. _ ahead of the talks, the president of the european commission, ursula von der leyen also commented — she said the european union will remain vigilant. diplomacy has not yet spoken its last word. that is good. and we have still hope that peace will prevail. and i commend the efforts of many eu leaders who have engaged with both parties, seeking to find a diplomatic solution. now we hear claims from russia about pulling back troops, but we have not seen any signs so far of de—escalation on the ground. to the contrary, we see that the build—up continues. therefore now we need deeds to trust the words we have heard. we will not let our guard down. we will stay vigilant and united. over the past days, i had intense contacts with many partners, both on our response to any aggression by russia and on our preparedness.

we are ready. we hope for the best but we are prepared for the worst. joining me now from kyiv is our diplomatic correspondent paul adams. it does seem a quite complex picture at the moment with different signals coming from all the different parties, what is your assessment of where we are?— where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing — where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing our— where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing our tails _ where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing our tails a _ where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing our tails a bit - where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing our tails a bit here i where we are? yes, i think we are all chasing our tails a bit here and | all chasing our tails a bit here and are likely to carry on doing that for the foreseeable future, because it is going to take time basically, it is going to take time basically, it will take time to figure out what russia's intentions and movements are. the russians have always said that once these various exercises, and they are going on in various different places, were over, you would see troops returning to their bases. and you also see within those exercises movement too and fro, so it is really hard and i would urge people frankly not to try and

overanalyse the kind of tiny little images we see from one moment to the next. there will be people pouring over the data, the satellite images, the intelligence information that is being gathered and reaching western capitals and they will reach a conclusion at some point about whether what we are seeing represents a genuine de—escalation. it is way too early to even frankly have that conversation, but it will emerge over time. but it could take long time. ii it emerge over time. but it could take lona time. ., , ., ., ., ., , long time. if it does go on for many months, long time. if it does go on for many months. what _ long time. if it does go on for many months, what is _ long time. if it does go on for many months, what is the _ long time. if it does go on for many months, what is the political i long time. if it does go on for many| months, what is the political impact of that, because it must be very destabilising if this crisis is not calmed quickly?— destabilising if this crisis is not calmed quickly? every day that asses calmed quickly? every day that passes potentially _ calmed quickly? every day that passes potentially is _ calmed quickly? every day that i passes potentially is destabilising and you see moments of tension that could generate a full—blown crisis. today we had reports of shelling for

example along the line separating ukrainian government controlled territory and separatist rebel held territory, a shell that seems to have landed on a kindergarten. some injuries, no fatalities we are told, but every day when you hear about episodes like that, you were wondering, is this going to be the triggerfor something? and while wondering, is this going to be the trigger for something? and while the political situation remains unresolved, the potentialfor one of these fairly routine exchanges of gunfire to explode into something bigger could be interpreted deliberately or accidentally as something bigger, that potential is enormous. that has a long—term corrosive psychological effect here in ukraine and that may be the effect vladimir putin wants it to have. ~ ., , effect vladimir putin wants it to have. , ., ., ., just want to bring you some news on the storm situation, storm eunice

has been upgraded to a red category and we have been told the government is holding a cobra meeting on storms because there are concerns the current storm that is coming on friday, storm eunice, could bring coastal flooding to the west of england, the river severn is also an area of concern. the bbc has been told eight storm surge could coincide with high spring tides, they are well prepared with more than 250 pumps and 6000 trained staff, they are not taking the threat lightly. the public expect to be want to take extreme care, stay away from the coast and urged not to drive or walk through flood water. just to bring you a little bit more, the met office has updated the warnings to issue the highest level of alert, red warning for parts of south—west england and south wales from 7am on friday until 12. and a warning of inland wind gusts 70 to 80 mph and up to 90 mph near some

coasts. there is more in the met office website and we will be speaking to some met office are experts in the coming hours to stay with us for that. an on—the—run sex offender who escaped from an open prison in lincolnshire four days ago has been arrested. 56—year—old paul robson absconded from a prison near boston on sunday and was arrested in the skegness area this morning. police say robson is of particular danger to women and young children. join me now is our home affairs correspondent. 0bviously join me now is our home affairs correspondent. obviously very good news he has been caught, do we know how? ., ., ., ., ., ., ., how? no, no detail at all other than he was at the _ how? no, no detail at all other than he was at the skegness, _ how? no, no detail at all other than he was at the skegness, and - how? no, no detail at all other than he was at the skegness, and north | he was at the skegness, and north sea camp where he escaped from is in boston, lincolnshire, skegness is just up the coast from there, so he did not get very far. but as you say, he is someone who is described as a menace to women by the police and someone who has been refused

parole five times, it turns out. he is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a woman at knife—point in 2000. he was coming to the end of that period in custody and so they were obviously trying to work out what to do with him effectively. he had been refused parole but was at north sea camp probably to test out the possibility he might get parole at sometime in the future, but as we know, he got away. police put out these pictures showing he got rid of that beard which might have helped people to identify him, perhaps in the street he was wearing a jacket and they put out details of that, but he has been caught and that one has been resolved. �* ., ., , .., . resolved. bound to be concerned thou:h resolved. bound to be concerned though that _ resolved. bound to be concerned though that he _ resolved. bound to be concerned though that he was _ resolved. bound to be concerned though that he was put - resolved. bound to be concerned though that he was put in - resolved. bound to be concerned though that he was put in this i resolved. bound to be concerned. though that he was put in this sort of prison where escape was even possible, given the severity of his previous crimes. this possible, given the severity of his previous crimes.— previous crimes. this is fairly normal actually. _ previous crimes. this is fairly normal actually. if _ previous crimes. this is fairly normal actually. if you i previous crimes. this is fairly normal actually. if you look l previous crimes. this is fairly| normal actually. if you look at previous crimes. this is fairly i normal actually. if you look at the protocols controlling release from life sentences, there is this technique if you like or protocol

from releasing people from a less secure prison to test out their ability to work in normal life, to survive and exist in a normal life and to test out the risk to the security. i suspect that would not have been done if they had known something that might have suggested he was going to escape. but an open prison is not something where you can walk in and out of, there are some controls, you can be released for day release or resettlement day release to do jobs for example at this prison actually does not have a poor record of absconding, the rates have gone down, as they have overall over the years across presence. but clearly there will be questions asked and the parole board will have to look at whether the risk of this man was taken seriously. than? to look at whether the risk of this man was taken seriously. any details as et as man was taken seriously. any details as yet as to — man was taken seriously. any details as yet as to how _ man was taken seriously. any details as yet as to how he _ man was taken seriously. any details as yet as to how he did _ man was taken seriously. any details as yet as to how he did abscond i man was taken seriously. any details as yet as to how he did abscond in i as yet as to how he did abscond in the first place? ida. as yet as to how he did abscond in the first place?— the first place? no, but it is quite ossible the first place? no, but it is quite possible he _ the first place? no, but it is quite possible he managed _ the first place? no, but it is quite possible he managed to - the first place? no, but it is quite possible he managed to in - the first place? no, but it is quite possible he managed to in effectl possible he managed to in effect walk out. as i say, it is a category letter d open prison, it is possible to get in and out, but there is

security there to prevent that happening, so imagine they will be looking at that as well. what is unusual about this is we do not think he was being transferred from one place to another, which is where most people manage to escape from prison custody. most people manage to escape from prison custody-— most people manage to escape from prison custody. thank you very much indeed. just to bring you a little bit more, the met office has updated the warnings to issue the highest level of alert, red warning for parts of south—west england and south wales from 7am on friday until 12. flying debris may pose a threat to life. travel disruption and power cuts are affecting large parts of the uk, due to storm dudley. winds gusting at up to 100mph brought down trees and overhead railway cables, with many services cancelled this morning. more severe weather is expected overnight and tomorrow, when storm eunice arrives.

with me as a meteorologist at the met office. thank you forjoining us. tell us more about what to expect with this red alert. red warninus expect with this red alert. red warnings are _ expect with this red alert. red warnings are not _ expect with this red alert. if» warnings are not issued lightly by the met office. it is only when there is a significant danger to life and high confidence of high impact from these storms that we issue red warnings. the last red warning was storm arwen earlier in the season and we had issued a wind warning before that back to 2018. and amber warning covering the central and southern parts of the uk in which inland gusts are expected to be 70 to 80 mph through friday, but the red warning covers bristol channel coast, so south wales, north devon, north cornwall, where is the risk of 19 plus miles per hour wind gusts during friday morning. —— 90

plus miles per hour. disruption to travel, powerand plus miles per hour. disruption to travel, power and services, plus miles per hour. disruption to travel, powerand services, but plus miles per hour. disruption to travel, power and services, but also the risk of damaging gusts to structures, trees and especially where that amber warning is around coasts, a danger to life from damage destruction and flying debris. itruihen destruction and flying debris. when we sa 80 destruction and flying debris. when we say 80 or _ destruction and flying debris. when we say 80 or 90 — destruction and flying debris. when we say 80 or 90 mph, _ destruction and flying debris. when we say 80 or 90 mph, we - destruction and flying debris. when we say 80 or 90 mph, we know what that feels like in a car, but what does that feel like a wind? there is an exponential _ does that feel like a wind? there is an exponential rise _ does that feel like a wind? there is an exponential rise in _ does that feel like a wind? there is an exponential rise in terms - does that feel like a wind? there is an exponential rise in terms of- does that feel like a wind? there is| an exponential rise in terms of wind and their impact, so a wind gust of 80 mph will have twice the energy of a wind gust of 60, so it soon ratchets up when you start adding extra ten mph wind gusts and the impacts become much, much worse. 70 to 80 mile per hour wind gusts for the southern half of the uk, inland, is not that common. this is likely to be the most powerful storm we have seen in the southern half of the uk for several years. and

have seen in the southern half of the uk for several years. and what should people _ the uk for several years. and what should people be _ the uk for several years. and what should people be doing _ the uk for several years. and what should people be doing then i the uk for several years. and what should people be doing then todayj the uk for several years. and what i should people be doing then today to prepare for this, if people are worried about debris coming through windows, if they have trees in their gardens close to their property? it is too late to do major changes, isn't it? what can we all do now? the advice is always to tie down anything loose that could blow about and they went. 0ften anything loose that could blow about and they went. often people joke about trampolines, but they do cause about trampolines, but they do cause a significant danger when they blow out a people's gardens, some go down the street and i saw yesterday that they can severely affect train lines as well. so tie down a loose structures and also make plans to just stay n, especially if you are in that red warning area, the advice is not to travel at all. —— stay in. thank you very much indeed. here with me now

is robbie bartington and her husband david walis who run the woodfield animal sanctuary in north gower. you have only had stormy weather, tell us what has happened. yes. tell us what has happened. yes, esterda tell us what has happened. yes, yesterday our — tell us what has happened. yes, yesterday our biggest _ tell us what has happened. 1a: yesterday our biggest oak tree, we loved, absolutely huge, one of the biggest oaks i have seen, was blown over. luckily it only broke the fencing and a few garden tables. it did not damage the animals, because we have so many animals here, over 70 rescued, some in shelters, so last night, my husband and i went to bed, butjust before we made sure the roofs were not likely to come off and we will do the same on friday, tomorrow. we will not go to bed, we were to stay with our animals, ourstock, and make sure bed, we were to stay with our animals, our stock, and make sure no roof or anything blows away in the night.

roof or anything blows away in the niuht. ., ., ., i. night. david, how worried are you about the storm _ night. david, how worried are you about the storm coming - night. david, how worried are you about the storm coming now? i about the storm coming now? extremely worried, because 0k we had a storm _ extremely worried, because 0k we had a storm yesterday which resulted in _ a storm yesterday which resulted in... , ., a storm yesterday which resulted in... sorry, we have lost that line, what a shame. _ in... sorry, we have lost that line, what a shame. i _ in... sorry, we have lost that line, what a shame. i know— in... sorry, we have lost that line, what a shame. i know that - in... sorry, we have lost that line, what a shame. i know that they i in... sorry, we have lost that line, i what a shame. i know that they were worried about all their animals, dogs and cats, alpaca, sheep. if we can get them back, we will, but i know that they are obviously worried about what is coming in the next 24 hours. we have got you back. sorry, we lost you there, what are you worried about in the next 24 hours? if you can hear us? can you hear us? yes, we can hear you.— yes, we can hear you. sorry i was “ust yes, we can hear you. sorry i was just trying — yes, we can hear you. sorry i was just trying to — yes, we can hear you. sorry i was just trying to ask— yes, we can hear you. sorry i was just trying to ask you _ yes, we can hear you. sorry i was just trying to ask you both, i yes, we can hear you. sorry i was just trying to ask you both, whatl just trying to ask you both, what are you worried about for the storm thatis are you worried about for the storm that is coming? what you most fearful of? i that is coming? what you most fearful of?— that is coming? what you most fearful of? ., ., fearful of? i most fearful of losing roofs off shelters _

fearful of? i most fearful of losing roofs off shelters which _ fearful of? i most fearful of losing roofs off shelters which house i roofs off shelters which house animals _ roofs off shelters which house animals. just looking out now i can see six— animals. just looking out now i can see six big — animals. just looking out now i can see six big sheep shelters, all with roots _ see six big sheep shelters, all with roots is _ see six big sheep shelters, all with roots is of— see six big sheep shelters, all with roofs is of course they are securely fastened, — roofs is of course they are securely fastened, bit the enormity of the winds— fastened, bit the enormity of the winds that are coming, i fear greatly, _ winds that are coming, i fear greatly, notjust for the roofs, but for the _ greatly, notjust for the roofs, but for the animals. you greatly, notjust for the roofs, but for the animals.— greatly, notjust for the roofs, but for the animals. you have said this tree was uprooted, _ for the animals. you have said this tree was uprooted, has _ for the animals. you have said this tree was uprooted, has surprised l tree was uprooted, has surprised when you buy that? the winds must have been very strong? fatten; when you buy that? the winds must have been very strong? very shocked. the diameter — have been very strong? very shocked. the diameter of _ have been very strong? very shocked. the diameter of the _ have been very strong? very shocked. the diameter of the roots _ have been very strong? very shocked. the diameter of the roots is _ have been very strong? very shocked. the diameter of the roots is about i the diameter of the roots is about 15 feet _ the diameter of the roots is about 15 feet across and it has done terrific — 15 feet across and it has done terrific damage to our exterior, the fencing _ terrific damage to our exterior, the fencing of— terrific damage to our exterior, the fencing of our garden, and we have a lot of— fencing of our garden, and we have a lot of sheep — fencing of our garden, and we have a lot of sheep in the garden. luckily it did _ lot of sheep in the garden. luckily it did not — lot of sheep in the garden. luckily it did not hit any animals, but anything _ it did not hit any animals, but anything on its way when it fell would — anything on its way when it fell would have been killed instantly. we

have would have been killed instantly. we: have to would have been killed instantly. - have to move on i'm afraid, but we hope that you and all the animals you are caring for our safe, as everyone is of course across the uk. thank you very much for talking to us today. a swimmer mauled to death by a shark yesterday has been named as a british man. he was fatally attacked 12 miles south from the city. we know he was attacked in the afternoon yesterday at a place called little bay, a short distance from the coastline will stop fishermen who are nearby have described a violent and frenzied attack. it is believed a great white shark between three and five metres

in length was responsible and one eyewitness was describing the noise of the attack as being similar to a car being thrown into the water, so this was a horrific story, a traumatic story from start to finish, and a short time later, human remains were found. the mayor of the local area, of the beach here in sydney, has said it is shaken to the core, the community that uses the core, the community that uses the beach each and every day. so this is a story that because of this man's family connections in the united kingdom, will spread rappels of sadness and grief right across the world. —— ripples of sadness. new guidance to support teachers in tackling sensitive issues in the classroom in a politically impartial way is being published today. education secretary nadhim zahawi says it will help teachers and schools navigate issues such as the israeli—palestinian conflict, the legacy of the british empire

or societal responses to racism. joining me now isjournalist and author and author of "empireland", sathnam sanghera. do think this new guidance is helpful? it do think this new guidance is helful? ,., , ., do think this new guidance is helful? , ., , , helpful? it sounds a completely reasonable _ helpful? it sounds a completely reasonable to _ helpful? it sounds a completely reasonable to say _ helpful? it sounds a completely reasonable to say we _ helpful? it sounds a completely reasonable to say we need i helpful? it sounds a completely reasonable to say we need to i helpful? it sounds a completely i reasonable to say we need to teach empire and imperialism in a balanced manner, but he decides what is balanced? because my book has been called balanced by many people, i think it is balanced, but there are people on the extreme left and right to say it is too negative or too positive and i think the idea of balance when it comes to history is unhelpful, especially imperial history. how do you balance a massacre when hundreds of people died with the fact the british introduced ways to india. how do you balance the famines to the idea we introduce the rule of law? it makes

no sense logically or ethically. it is like saying it is ok to hit a person in the afternoon because you made your mother breakfast in the morning. made your mother breakfast in the morninu. .. , made your mother breakfast in the mornin.. .. , ., made your mother breakfast in the mornin.. , ., ., ., , morning. teachers are already obfiaed morning. teachers are already obliged to _ morning. teachers are already obliged to be _ morning. teachers are already obliged to be balanced - morning. teachers are already obliged to be balanced and i obliged to be balanced and impartial, why do you think this guidance is being issued now? the government have, in some people's mines, tried to play up the culture wars for their own political purposes. wars for their own political purposes-— wars for their own political --uroses. , , . ., ,, purposes. this is the central issue. the government _ purposes. this is the central issue. the government are _ purposes. this is the central issue. the government are not _ purposes. this is the central issue. the government are not a - purposes. this is the central issue. the government are not a neutral. the government are not a neutral body when it comes to talking about empire or race. this government has launched a deliberate culture war on empire, persecuted the national trust for daring to do its job on history, threatened to withdraw funding from museums for engaging with weight activists, pledged to protect colonial statues of winston churchill and lord nelson, even though they are not under threat. this is a deliberate culture war aimed at appealing to the red wool

voters who the government think are socially right—wing and economically left—wing, but to make their attempt to introduce balance in the school curriculum completely unconvincing. if the government says they are worried about impartiality, is a danger that has a chilling effect or the teachers will just danger that has a chilling effect or the teachers willjust not go near anything that is controversial in the curriculum and that they do not want to teach anything that is difficult? i want to teach anything that is difficult? ., .,. , ., difficult? i feel that teachers are teachin: difficult? i feel that teachers are teaching difficult _ difficult? i feel that teachers are teaching difficult stuff _ difficult? i feel that teachers are teaching difficult stuff anyway, l difficult? i feel that teachers are | teaching difficult stuff anyway, in spite of the government. there are so many brilliant imperialists, even jan morris who could be said to be on the right—wing side of the argument, but teachers who often have history degrees have a real sense of how history works, they understand the history argument and they also understand there are certain things as facts in history and these are things that seem to be

beyond what the government itself is incapable of understanding. filiger incapable of understanding. oliver dowden made _ incapable of understanding. oliver dowden made a _ incapable of understanding. oliver dowden made a speech _ incapable of understanding. oliver dowden made a speech on - incapable of understanding. oliver dowden made a speech on a i incapable of understanding. 0liver dowden made a speech on a similar linked theme this week. there are people who will say we have got to be careful about too much woke movements and there is a generational divide and the government has a responsibility to keep a coherence within national culture and that things do not go too far and isn't as good welcome on that point of view?— that point of view? oliver dowden is the man who _ that point of view? oliver dowden is the man who led _ that point of view? oliver dowden is the man who led this _ that point of view? oliver dowden is the man who led this culture - that point of view? oliver dowden is the man who led this culture war. i that point of view? oliver dowden is| the man who led this culture war. he was the man who at one point said he would chain himself to the statue of lord nelson in trafalgar square to stop it being torn down. i would like to see him try to climb that statue and also, no one is threatening to pull that statue down. it is all about demonising historians, demonising the other side of the argument, and so when they start talking about balance, i

think lots of historians and writers like me start rolling their eyes. many thanks indeed. now it's time for a look at the weather. let's get the very latest. it is getting worse, that much we know. it certainly is. we have a red weather warning _ it certainly is. we have a red weather warning tomorrow i it certainly is. we have a red i weather warning tomorrow issued it certainly is. we have a red - weather warning tomorrow issued by the met office in the last 45 minutes valid from seven until midday tomorrow. gusts of winds of 70-19 midday tomorrow. gusts of winds of 70—19 millsboro. these red warnings are rare and there will be dangerous conditions on the beaches and sea fronts, blowing debris, damage to buildings and even roofs could come off some properties. today we have rain and snow across the north of scotland. snow showers at sea level across other parts of scotland and

rain across england, wales and northern ireland but a lot of dry weather. when is continuing to ease and here is storm eunice. if we look ahead, it will bring significant snow and strong winds across parts of scotland, northern ireland and northern ireland. 10—30 centimetres will be blowing and drifting, blizzards on the hills. these black circles represent the gusts of wind. we have seen the red warning that we have an amber weather warning from the met office. these are inland gusts. widespread disruption and damage. keep in touch with the weather forecast. hello, this is bbc news with me geeta guru—murthy. the headlines... western leaders were there so far have been no signs of russian de—escalation from around ukraine and that peace and stability continue to be under threat in the

region. the highest level of alert issued by the met office for parts of south—west england and south wales. this storm eunice prepares to sweep through the country on friday. the government holds a cobra meeting to discuss its response. a dangerous sex offender who has been on the run after escaping an open prison is rearrested in lincolnshire. a summer killed in its architect in australia is named locally as a 35—year—old british man. more than 14,000 men across the uk are thought to be unaware that they have prostate cancer because the pandemic disrupted regular screenings. and schools in england have been given official guidance to support teachers in tackling sensitive issues in a politically impartial way. let's catch up with the sport. better news for gb's medal hopes with a realistic shot at two curling medals at the winter olympics, the women's rink squeezed

into the semi—finals. eve muirhead's side beat the russian olympic committee to progress. the scottish skip delivered a fantastic final stone in the ninth end to score four and clinch a 9—4 win. team gb's last four place was confirmed when defending champions sweden beat south korea. and it's the swedes who'll face team gb in tomorrow's semi. iam very i am very proud of this team. i think we have a great chance out there. as a team we have played very well all week and as much as we have lost a few games i think all of us know those losses have not been through a lot of bad play, it has been a lot of inches here and there but that is curling. i can't wait to get out here tomorrow night. putting the boys tonight in the semifinal and let's hope we can all do great britain proud. and team gb's men are the form team, warming up for the semi, with yet another win, this time over canada, in theirfinal round robin match.

to finish top of the group. so the brits have only lost one of their nine matches so far, but that was to the united states, whom they face in around half an hour's time. hopes of that elusive first medal have been raised, in the half pipe freestyle skiing, thanks to a really impressive display by british teenager zoe atkin. she cruised into the final, qualifying in fourth place and says she may include some fresh tricks in tomorrow's final, which she hopes will push her into the medal positions. she was born in america, and is the sister of izzy atkin, who won britain's first olympic medal on skis, at the last games. britain's gus kenworthy made it into the men's final by the finest of margins. his second run was much improved on his first, when he'd fallen, and he had a nervous wait before discovering he'd got the final qualifying spot for saturday's final.

and one of the most controversial moments of these games, and perhaps 0lympic history, comes later when 15—year—old kamila valieva of the russian olympic committee goes again in the figure skating. she goes in the free skate top of the standings after tuesday's short programme. but after her failed drugs test, the ioc has already said there'll be no medal ceremony if valieva wins. england's next two home uefa nations league matches — against italy and hungary — will be played at wolves' molineux stadium in june. the game against italy will be played behind closed doors following the unrest at the euro 2020 final at wembley england play italy on 11 june and then hungary on the 14th. it will be the first time wolverhampton has hosted a match involving the england senior men's team since december 1956. rory mcilroy believes the younger generation of golfers would face a "massive risk" byjoining the lucrative breakaway super golf league.

mcilroy and several other top—ranked players, have turned down the saudi—funded project, which is being spearheaded by former world number one greg norman. players who sign up face potential bans from the american—based pga tour, and european—based dp world tour, as well as the ryder cup. i don't think that is what a rival gulf league is going to want, they don't want some sort of leave it as a pre—champions tour. i don't know. i understand the financial part of it for guys that are later on in their career but i certainly don't like it and you look at the people who have already said no, the number one in the world, collin morikawa, myself, the top players in the world are saying no, so that has to tell you something.

that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. more than 14,000 men across the uk are thought to be unaware they have prostate cancer — because the pandemic has affected regular screenings for the disease. a leading charity and the nhs are urging men to do more to check to see if they are at risk. 0ur health correspondent dominic hughes has been to meet two people whose lives have been affected by the disease. he was my best friend. he was and he will always be my best friend. literally we used to say we were each other�*s twin, we had the same mindset and we were very, very close so it's very difficult without him. danielle wasjust 25 when her dad johnny died after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. he was only 63. they were really close so losing her dad to a disease that, if caught early enough, is very treatable has been hard to take. his diagnosis came as a shock

so it was in 2015. he did have some symptoms, now i realise, probably must have started a couple of years beforehand. but for that diagnosis you just don't think it's ever going to happen to you, you don't think it's going to affect your family. johnny died two years after being diagnosed. the charity prostate cancer uk and the nhs are both worried there could be thousands of men who are living with the cancer but don't yet know it. since april 2020 more than 58,000 men have begun treatment for prostate cancer but that's 14,000 fewer than would have been expected when compared with pre—pandemic numbers. one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. men over 50, black men and those with a history of it in their family are at even greater risk. my dad's 80th there. that was the case for andrew. his dad has lived with prostate cancer for years. that was after the operation.

then in 2020 a routine screening blood test revealed some worrying signs and a prostate cancer diagnosis soon followed. his advice for other men now is simple. don't just sit there thinking it will be right like i did, there could be something happening there and one thing i found out since about prostate cancer is that it's very aggressive and once it takes hold of the rest of your body it canjust be a chasing game. i was very lucky, i didn't need any radiotherapy, didn't need any chemotherapy. the operation did it for me. for andrew the road to recovery has been hard at times but he's now back to running and playing five—a—side. a simple blood test saved his life. i think i've used all my luck up in one go and if that's the only luck i'm going to have in my life, i'll take that. 0ne disease, two very different outcomes but the same message for thousands of men thought to be living with prostate cancer. where i am now in life compared

to what the alternative could have been, it's a no—brainer. if anyone is worried about it, just go take a test. raising awareness now is key to recognising the symptoms and get treatment if you do have cancer, it's to get that early treatment and save your life. dominic hughes, bbc news. let's speak now to nicola tallett, acting chief executive of prostate cancer uk. thanks so much step staggering in terms of the risk so many of us probably did put off going to the gp evenif probably did put off going to the gp even if we had any niggles. that is a worry now, isn't it, but people might be sitting on something that is very serious? that might be sitting on something that is very serious?— is very serious? that is absolutely true. it is human _ is very serious? that is absolutely true. it is human nature _ is very serious? that is absolutely true. it is human nature that i is very serious? that is absolutely true. it is human nature that we i true. it is human nature that we don't want to disturb the gp, but it is really important that men hear

the message and that is how the nhs and prostate cancer uk are asking men to think about the risk of prostate cancer and then look at the prostate cancer uk risk checker and following that have a conversation with their gp if they think they are at heightened risk of prostate cancer. ~ ., ., at heightened risk of prostate cancer. . ., ., at heightened risk of prostate cancer. ., ., , ., , cancer. what are the most serious symptoms — cancer. what are the most serious symptoms are _ cancer. what are the most serious symptoms are the _ cancer. what are the most serious symptoms are the ones _ cancer. what are the most serious symptoms are the ones perhaps i cancer. what are the most serious i symptoms are the ones perhaps might not realise is something that should be checked out?— be checked out? prostate cancer, when it is localised _ be checked out? prostate cancer, when it is localised and _ be checked out? prostate cancer, when it is localised and in - be checked out? prostate cancer, when it is localised and in the - when it is localised and in the early stages, actually doesn't have any symptoms. that is one of the big concerns. because it is treatable, very treatable if it is caught early and that is before many of the symptoms appear. so that is why the risk checker psa blood test are really important because they will help identify state cancer before there are any symptoms, but the symptoms that come might be a bit of pain in the lower back, may be

problems being, and those symptoms usually come at a later stage so please don't wait for the symptoms but if you have them make sure you get them checked out. so but if you have them make sure you get them checked out.— get them checked out. so you're sa inc get them checked out. so you're saying everyone. _ get them checked out. so you're saying everyone, all _ get them checked out. so you're saying everyone, all men - get them checked out. so you're saying everyone, all men in - get them checked out. so you're i saying everyone, all men in certain risk categories or at a certain age should get a routine check? that is what we are _ should get a routine check? that is what we are asking, _ should get a routine check? that is what we are asking, all— should get a routine check? that is what we are asking, all men - should get a routine check? that is what we are asking, all men to - should get a routine check? that is| what we are asking, all men to look at the risk checker and understand their personal risk. your risk heightens with age, so we are asking men over the age of 50 to start thinking about the risks of prostate cancer and it increases as you get older. the second big risk factor is if you have had prostate cancer within the family, it may be your father and brother. the third risk factor is if you are a black man, we know one in eight men will get prostate cancer, the biggest coal of cancer in men in the uk. that risk increases to one in five, sorry, one

increases to one in five, sorry, one in four black men. those are heightened risk factors. like men, men over 50 and those who had a family member with prostate cancer at. ., ., , family member with prostate cancer at. ., .,, , family member with prostate cancer at. . , ., family member with prostate cancer at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 aoes at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 goes and — at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 goes and gets — at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 goes and gets a _ at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 goes and gets a test? _ at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 goes and gets a test? we - at. can a gp scope if every man over 50 goes and gets a test? we are - 50 goes and gets a test? we are askin: 50 goes and gets a test? we are asking men — 50 goes and gets a test? we are asking men to — 50 goes and gets a test? we are asking men to do _ 50 goes and gets a test? we are asking men to do the _ 50 goes and gets a test? we are asking men to do the risk- 50 goes and gets a test? we are| asking men to do the risk checker and understand that and then to have and understand that and then to have a conversation with their gp. it is really important this campaign is notjust prostate cancer uk, also in association with nhs england who are open and want men to come and talk to their gps, so please don't hold back for the sake of your gp. infers; back for the sake of your gp. very im ortant back for the sake of your gp. very important messages, _ back for the sake of your gp. very important messages, thank you for joining us. at least 104 people have died in landslides and flash flooding in the brazilian city of petropolis. the city, which is located in the mountains north of rio de janeiro, was hit by torrential rainfall as wendy urquhart reports. more than a month's worth of rain fell in petropolis in a matter of hours,

and from the air the devastation is clear to see. a huge swathe of this city has been washed down the mountainside by horrific landslides, leaving a pile of mud and debris in their wake. at least 400 firefighters, civil defence teams and local residents are working round the clock, desperately searching for survivors. translation: the teams work 24 hours a day. - they will not stop the search at all. it will continue unless, for technical reasons, it has to stop for one or two hours. but if everything goes to plan, we won't stop at all. around 10,000 poor people built homes on this mountainside because there wasn't enough housing in the area, but they were precarious at best and just not strong enough to survive this kind of deluge. many have lost everything, and some have paid the ultimate price. schools and shelters have been set up to house some 300 people who've been left homeless by the floods, and it might not be over yet. more heavy rain is forecast

in the coming days. wendy urquhart, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news... western leaders warned that so further has been no sign of russian de—escalation from around ukraine and at peace and stability continue to be under threat in the region. the highest level of alert is issued by the met office. parts of south—west england and south wales as storm eunice prepares to sweep to the country on friday. the government is holding a cobra meeting to discuss its response. a dangerous sex offender who has been on the run after escaping an open prison is rearrested in ligature. —— lincolnshire. the bbc has uncovered how a culture of complicity and denial conceals the true scale of clerical sex abuse in italy. despite having the most priests

of any country and the seat of the catholic church on its doorstep, italy has not documented the crime. calls are growing for it to follow france, which last year found over 200,000 cases there since the 19505. here's our rome correspondent, mark lowen. we are right by the border between italy and the vatican and that passivity is one of the reasons why there has been this kind of culture of silence to some extent, over the issue of clerical sex abuse in italy full stop italy as a country with the world has numbers a priest. it has the vatican on its doorstep and yet it has not followed many other countries in tackling and confronting the issue of clerical sex abuse. we have investigated this issue and we have found that a combination of legal loopholes, because additional issues and this culture of deference have contributed to the fact that italy has hidden it since. in the shadow of the vatican are dark secrets that italy itself has buried. clerical sex abuse of minors, thought to be expensive but undocumented.

—— thought to be extensive. with the most priests of any country and the seat of the catholic church in the heart of its capital, italy is failing to confront its sins. countless survivors have kept silent but one, who we will call mario, agreed to talk for the first time. he said he was abused. for 16 years from the age of eight by his local priest, who was accused of repeated premeditated rape. when i was very young, this abuse happened to me in the vestry. in the vestry of the church! he told me it was a secret between him, me and jesus. but it was fully fledged sexual slavery. when mario soughtjustice, the bishop began a canon law or church trial by the vatican's congregation for the doctrine of the faith. we have obtained the verdict.

while some details were disputed, he confessed the abuse took place. the trial recognised his guilt, he even paid mario 112,000 euros as a sort of damages. but he was not defrocked, as mario requested, instead banned from working with minors for life. when mario's case came to the italian courts, a time limit for trials or statute of limitations meant he was never convicted. it all shows the legal quagmire that has failed survivors. there are probably hundreds of thousands here, based on what countries that have investigated abuse have found. the vatican still has a hold over some parts of italy, perpetuating the culture of silence here. we tracked down mario's abuser and asked him, is it appropriate he is still a practising priest? there are documents of a trial that reached its conclusions, i urge you to read them. i showed him thejudgment we had

and public photos of him celebrating mass with minors present. those are people in general, not specifically minors. then i asked directly, is he a paedophile? this is what you are saying, thanks for your work. that is what your victim says, i add. in our search for the truth, we went up a level to the bishop. why, iasked, hadn't he defrocked the man? the victim was listened to. all the material was sent to the congregation for the doctrine of the faith. it is they who issued the sentence, it wasn't the diocese. but being aware of his guilt, wasn't it immoral not to have advised the vatican to dismiss him? a defendant's guilt can be based on different facts. they could turn out to be of a different scale, a different time frame, a different reality.

legal technicalities and interpretations of the verdicts have taken the place of accountability, as survivors wait for italy to look deep inside its soul and atone. mark lowen, bbc news, rome. one heartbreaking case there that really reflects an ulcer so upon. i referred to a constitutional issue. that is a pack that was signed by the then dictator of italy in 1929 mussolini called the latter impact, but allows the vatican legal autonomy from italy which therefore allows the clergy to have legal recourse to vatican law over that of italy, in effect shielding them from the law of the secular state of italy. it is one of the issues that some of the groups are fighting to try to change. one of them is with us today. from the union of atheist and agnostic rationalists, very nice to see you. in your view it is not just the latter impact that needs to

be revised, it is something else as well. ~ ., be revised, it is something else as well. . ., ~ , be revised, it is something else as well. ~ ., ~ , ., be revised, it is something else as well. ., ~ , ., well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984, _ well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984, it _ well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984, it is _ well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984, it is not - well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984, it is not so - well. what mussolini began, was finished in 1984, it is not so far. finished in 1984, it is not so far away we have to look for. the problem in italy is our two kinds of different dishes. the first one is hard to admit but it is about mentality. we have the culture of the silence, we have also the stigma against the victims of rapes and abusers, every italian woman knows perfectly well time talking about. also the idea that priests and bishops are more equal than the others, will become at sainted, untouchables. that is a mentality issue but also law issues. very recent issues, because you doubted that the supreme court says there is a treaty, but a very particular kind of international treaty is very rare, 1984 —— recent. {lit

of international treaty is very rare, 1984 -- recent.- of international treaty is very rare, 1984 -- recent. of that is a treaty that _ rare, 1984 -- recent. of that is a treaty that would _ rare, 1984 -- recent. of that is a treaty that would mean - rare, 1984 -- recent. of that is a treaty that would mean priests i rare, 1984 -- recent. of that is a l treaty that would mean priests and bishops you're going need to be forewarned by the police, so you think that needs to be revised? yes. think that needs to be revised? yes, that needs to — think that needs to be revised? yes, that needs to be _ think that needs to be revised? is: that needs to be raised, because also the constitutional charter says article number three that we are all equal. it is impossible that there is someone more equal than the other. ., . ~' is someone more equal than the other. ., ., ~ ., ., other. you talk about the need to chan . e other. you talk about the need to change mentality _ other. you talk about the need to change mentality is _ other. you talk about the need to change mentality is here - other. you talk about the need to change mentality is here but - other. you talk about the need to change mentality is here but also| other. you talk about the need to i change mentality is here but also to chase acaster cheating to reopen even things like the latter impact. we are talking about something almost 100 years old here. is that realistic, what practical steps can italy do which are less huge than suddenly reopening its constitution and its agreement with the vatican? we have to say that most of our lawyers said that vatican packs are not more perfected by the con situation. so we can change the new contract of 1984, without changing the first fact. then we have really to support the sheep and not the

abuse of shepherd. tguihat to support the sheep and not the abuse of shepherd.— abuse of shepherd. what sort of resonse abuse of shepherd. what sort of response are — abuse of shepherd. what sort of response are you _ abuse of shepherd. what sort of response are you getting - abuse of shepherd. what sort of response are you getting for - abuse of shepherd. what sort of response are you getting for the j response are you getting for the vatican, what have you got me doing the vatican and italy over trying to reform this?— the vatican and italy over trying to reform this? none. italy is the only count at reform this? none. italy is the only country at the _ reform this? none. italy is the only country at the moment _ reform this? none. italy is the only country at the moment that - reform this? none. italy is the only country at the moment that his - reform this? none. italy is the only country at the moment that his full| country at the moment that his full scandal is under the cover, under the carpet. no answer and no commission. to tell the truth i don't need dating from the vatican. i need something from my government. psyche. —— thank you. still some way to go on this issue and if you want to go on this issue and if you want to watch more on our investigation you can tune into italy's hidden sins on our world. if you're watching in uk that's on the reims news channel on saturday and sunday at 9:30pm. if you are watching around the world is a beauty from this friday and you can consult the timings online.

five—to—11 year olds in england will now be offered a low—dose covid vaccine, to help prevent a very small number of children becoming seriously unwell. the health secretary sajid javid says the roll—out will be "non—urgent", as advised by the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation. gp dr nighat arif has been taking a look at the impact of long covid in children. i've been in touch with a respiratory consultant whose own child has long covid. jasmine was ten when she originally came down with covid and it was just over 12 months ago and she just never really recovered. before, she was a healthy, happy child who was really active and now she is requiring a wheelchair to mobilise distances outside of the house, so it's been absolutely devastating. i don't feel good. she says the lack of research is frustrating. i think we all know what happens when we as a country get behind something

like we've seen with the vaccination roll—out and vaccination development, but we're just not seeing that same urgency when it comes to the treatment of long covid. today, i'm going to see zara, a teenager with long covid. i want to find out more about her symptoms and how she is coping. good job. so, zara, so lovely to see you with maureen. so talk me through when you got covid. i got covid late june last year. had you not had the vaccine yet? not at that time. tell me what it's been like since you had covid and the after effects of it? i think fatigue is the biggest one. you are so tired that you can't get up, and sometimes it's even a struggle getting out of bed. i have brain fog and headaches, really bad headaches, they feel like they're squeezing your brain. every day for school, i've got up, got changed and sometimes i've made it downstairs and seeing whether i am well enough to go to school or not, and it's very rare that i am.

let's catch up with the weather and the storm coming our way. all pretty worrying, isn't it? the storm coming our way. all pretty worrying. isn't it?— worrying, isn't it? yes. in the last hour the met _ worrying, isn't it? yes. in the last hour the met office _ worrying, isn't it? yes. in the last hour the met office has _ worrying, isn't it? yes. in the last hour the met office has issued . worrying, isn't it? yes. in the last| hour the met office has issued this red warning for storm eunice. red warnings are very rare and we don't often see them during the course of a year and this is the area that it covers. we are looking at strong winds. it is valid tomorrow morning from seven until midday. widely inland we are looking at gusts of wind 70—80 mph but around the coastal regions we are looking around 90. dangerous conditions on the beaches and sea fronts, flying debris and the potential for some damage to buildings. today we have still some rain and snow across the north of scotland, snow showers even at sea level across other parts of scotland and some showers coming in across northern ireland, england and wales with a lot of dry weather in

between. the wind continues to ease through the course of the day but then ice are drawn to storm eunice. storm eunice is this rapidly deepening area of low pressure which is coming in from the atlantic and going to sweep across us. with that it is notjust bringing strong winds, also significant snow and heavy rain. you can see the progress it makes through the course of the morning. looking at 10—30 centimetres of snow. the highest totals will be on highest ground. still this could prove to be disrupted. then when you add on the strength of the wind we are looking at some blizzards. in the hills of scotland and drifting of the snow. the wind won't be as strong in scotland but it will still be windy. for northern ireland and northern ink we are also looking at snow drifting in the strong winds and incidentally these black circles represent the strength of the wind, the gusts are variable. we have already seen where the met office has a red warnings around the coast

of southern wales and south—west england, but we also have this amber weather warning from the met office for the strong winds connected to storm eunice. gusts inland of 70—80 mph. damaging gusts likely to cause disruption and if you are travelling certainly check with whoever you are travelling with before you set off. if you are wondering how long this will last, it will last during the course of tomorrow and even into friday there will still be some gusty winds behind storm eunice at heavy hill snow, blizzards, widespread disruption. into the weekend a new area of low pressure comes our way, widespread rain and also this next area of low pressure strengthening winds. sunday at the moment looks like it too is going to be rather windy so if you have got plans stay changed to the weather forecast.

this is bbc news. the headlines: the highest level of alert is issued by the met office for parts of south—west england and south wales as storm eunice prepares to sweep through the country on friday. the government holds a cobra meeting to discuss its response. this is most likely going to be the most powerful storm that we have seenin most powerful storm that we have seen in the southern half of the uk for several years. western leaders warn that there'd so far been no signs of russian de—escalation from around ukraine and that peace and stability continue to be under threat in the region. we need deeds to trust the words we have heard. we will not let our guard down. we will stay vigilant and united. a dangerous sex offender who has been on the run after escaping an open prison is re—arrested in lincolnshire.

a swimmer killed in a shark attack in australia is named locally as a 35—year—old british man. a bbc investigation uncovers how a culture of complicity and denial conceals the true scale of clerical sex abuse in italy. and schools in england are being given official guidance to support teachers in tackling sensitive issues in a politically impartial way. thanks forjoining us. a red weather warning, meaning a danger to life, has been issued for parts of south—west england and south wales. the met office says storm eunice could bring winds of up to 90mph, causing significant disruption.

the government is holding an emergency cobra meeting to discuss the response to the incoming storm. let's get more on this with our weather presenter matt taylor. what are these are very high speeds mean, how strong are the whence? first. are these are very high speeds mean, how strong are the whence?— how strong are the whence? first, it is very rare — how strong are the whence? first, it is very rare for _ how strong are the whence? first, it is very rare for the _ how strong are the whence? first, it is very rare for the met _ how strong are the whence? first, it is very rare for the met office - how strong are the whence? first, it is very rare for the met office to - is very rare for the met office to issue such weather warnings as we have a red warning in particular, but we he winds up to 90 moles per hour and that means that there is the risk of significant disruption across the areas affected and a real danger to life from bits of debris flying around as well in those at strong winds. the winds could touch around 90 mph. we are talking about the north coast of devon, cornwall, isles of scilly and southern coastal parts of wales. you have to factor in the direction of that wind, it could whip up some pretty rough seas in these areas and also risk of coastal flooding in these areas and also risk of coastalflooding in many parts. [30 coastalflooding in many parts. do we coastal flooding in many parts. do we know the direction? coastalflooding in many parts. do we know the direction? it - coastalflooding in many parts. do we know the direction? it will- coastalflooding in many parts. do we know the direction? it will be l we know the direction? it will be chanauin we know the direction? it will be changing through _ we know the direction? it will be changing through the _ we know the direction? it will be changing through the day, - we know the direction? it will be i changing through the day, initially from a southerly direction about

switches to a north—westerly direction which starts to funnel be what at the bristol channel, but it is notjust combined to these areas. these are the areas of most significant disruption but right across england and wales could be damaging gusts, winds up to 80 mph. not usualfor inland damaging gusts, winds up to 80 mph. not usual for inland areas, and this is pushing across some very high populated areas so could have a big impact on power, travel and they could be cemeteries down as well. the flip side of it as it is not just wind, across the far north of england and into scotland and northern ireland, there will be disruption from snow. we northern ireland, there will be disruption from snow. we have seen the effects of— disruption from snow. we have seen the effects of storm _ disruption from snow. we have seen the effects of storm dudley, - disruption from snow. we have seen the effects of storm dudley, what i the effects of storm dudley, what shall we be doing today to prepare? the matter office have issued this well in advance, so there should be time to prepare. check your garden, any loose items that could cause damage to the house and windows, put them away. make sure you have your battery packs, any sort of electrical charged up if you can and if you're planning to do some travel tomorrow, please reconsider it and

have a look at what is happening with the travel when you are. is with the travel when you are. is there anything you can do to secure windows if you have trees nearby for example? how likely is it trees will fall? it example? how likely is it trees will fall? , , , . ., fall? it is very difficult, all the trees are _ fall? it is very difficult, all the trees are individual. _ fall? it is very difficult, all the trees are individual. there - fall? it is very difficult, all the l trees are individual. there have been a strong winds lately so some of the trees will be perhaps a little weaker than normal, but it is a case of if you are worried, move stuff away from areas with trees, like cars, and keep watching the forecast. have to highlight things could change. this is a developing storm system and the met office are looking at potential impacts later on across parts of south—east england and north—west england. if you are in these areas, cheap two keep checking the forecast. and keep checking the forecast. and eo - le keep checking the forecast. and people should — keep checking the forecast. and people should avoid going out? especially in red areas, if you have travel plans, consider if they are essential and can you put them off for another day?— for another day? what about the weekend? _ for another day? what about the weekend? is _ for another day? what about the weekend? is it _ for another day? what about the weekend? is it literally - for another day? what about the weekend? is it literallyjust - for another day? what about the l weekend? is it literallyjust friday daytime? it weekend? is it literally 'ust friday da ime? , ., ,

daytime? it is largely friday, it looks like storm _ daytime? it is largely friday, it looks like storm eunice - daytime? it is largely friday, it looks like storm eunice will. daytime? it is largely friday, it| looks like storm eunice will put into the north sea and then impact other parts of northern europe into saturday, so as the winds will temporarily ease, there is more windy weather to come through sunday and into the start of next week, so and into the start of next week, so a bit of a turbulent spell. hat and into the start of next week, so a bit of a turbulent spell. not good news at all. _ a bit of a turbulent spell. not good news at all, thank _ a bit of a turbulent spell. not good news at all, thank you _ a bit of a turbulent spell. not good news at all, thank you very - a bit of a turbulent spell. not good news at all, thank you very much l news at all, thank you very much indeed. robbie and her husband run an animal sanctuary and they worry about that warning. yesterday, our biggest oak tree, tree be loved, absolutely huge, of the biggest, was blown over. luckily attorney broke the fencing and a few garden tables. did not damage the animals, because we have so many

animals, because we have so many animals here, over 70 rescued ponies, some of them in shelters, neither my husband nor i went to bed, wejust neither my husband nor i went to bed, we just went around making sure the roofs would not come off and we will do the same on friday, tomorrow. we will not go to bed, we willjust tomorrow. we will not go to bed, we will just stay with our animals tomorrow. we will not go to bed, we willjust stay with our animals and make short no roof or anything blows away on the night. stand make short no roof or anything blows away on the night.— away on the night. and david, how worried are — away on the night. and david, how worried are you _ away on the night. and david, how worried are you about _ away on the night. and david, how worried are you about the - away on the night. and david, how worried are you about the storm i away on the night. and david, howl worried are you about the storm that is coming out? i worried are you about the storm that is coming out?— is coming out? i am most fearful of losin: is coming out? i am most fearful of losing reeves _ is coming out? i am most fearful of losing reeves off _ is coming out? i am most fearful of losing reeves off shelters - is coming out? i am most fearful of losing reeves off shelters which - is coming out? i am most fearful of| losing reeves off shelters which has animals _ losing reeves off shelters which has animals -- — losing reeves off shelters which has animals. —— losing roofs. right now i can— animals. —— losing roofs. right now i can see _ animals. —— losing roofs. right now i can see six — animals. —— losing roofs. right now i can see six big sheep shelters, all with— i can see six big sheep shelters, all with roofs and of course they are securely fastened, but with the enormity— are securely fastened, but with the enormity of the winds that are coming, — enormity of the winds that are coming, i_ enormity of the winds that are coming, ifear enormity of the winds that are coming, i fear greatly, enormity of the winds that are coming, ifear greatly, notjust enormity of the winds that are coming, i fear greatly, notjust for the roofs, — coming, i fear greatly, notjust for the roofs, but for the animals. you

have said this _ the roofs, but for the animals. you have said this tree _ the roofs, but for the animals. gm, have said this tree was uprooted, how surprised when you buy that, the whence must have been very strong? very strong. whence must have been very strong? very strong-— very strong. very shocked, the tree that has been _ very strong. very shocked, the tree that has been uprooted, _ very strong. very shocked, the tree that has been uprooted, the - very strong. very shocked, the tree i that has been uprooted, the diameter is about— that has been uprooted, the diameter is about 15_ that has been uprooted, the diameter is about 15 feet across and that is donem _ sorry, we're just sorry, we'rejust gonna come out sorry, we're just gonna come out of that to hear the nato secretary general talking about ukraine. today, we met with our close partners, ukraine and georgia. we addressed the continued threat of russian aggression, the security situation in the black sea region and nato's strong political and practical support for both countries. nato and allies are helping ukraine boost its ability to defend itself. self defence is a right enshrined in the un charter. and allies are helping ukraine to

uphold that right. including with trainers and military equipment for ukrainian armed forces. cyber and intelligence expertise and with significant financial support. we also discussed the presence of russian forces in the georgian regions and the vote recommending the recognition of the non—government—controlled areas. we all agree that would be a further blatant violation of ukraine pots territorial integrity and sovereignty. and undermines the effort to find a political solution in the enormity format. today, allies confirmed that nato's door remains open. any position on nato's membership is for nato allies to

take, nobody else. the right of each nation to choose its own path is absolutely fundamental for european and trans— atlantic security and it must be respected. nato allies restated their strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both georgia and ukraine. we cannot accept a return to an age of the spheres of influence. where big power is a bully, intimidate or dictate to others. there can be no decisions about ukraine without ukraine. and no decisions about georgia without georgia. we agreed that in times of tension, dialogue is even more important. nato remains open to engaging with russia in good faith. allies are ready to sit down with

russia in the nato russia council, address a wide range of issues and find common ground. in the final session of art ministerial, we met with our close partners, finland, sweden and the european union. we share the same values, face the same challenges and the crisis in and around ukraine affects us all, so we agree that it is even more important now that we continue to work together. and complement each other�*s efforts to bring this crisis to a peaceful solution. with that, i'm ready to take your questions. tide i'm ready to take your questions. we will no i'm ready to take your questions. we will go to wall street journal. thank— will go to wall street journal. thank you very much. are you concerned. _ thank you very much. are you concerned, mr— thank you very much. are you concerned, mr secretary- thank you very much. are you - concerned, mr secretary general, comments — concerned, mr secretary general, comments reporting _ concerned, mr secretary general, comments reporting out - concerned, mr secretary general, comments reporting out of- concerned, mr secretary general, j comments reporting out of russia about— comments reporting out of russia about hostility. _ comments reporting out of russia about hostility, firing _ comments reporting out of russia about hostility, firing and - comments reporting out of russia| about hostility, firing and possible incursions — about hostility, firing and possible incursions could _ about hostility, firing and possible incursions could be _ about hostility, firing and possible incursions could be used - about hostility, firing and possible

incursions could be used as - about hostility, firing and possible incursions could be used as a - incursions could be used as a pretext— incursions could be used as a pretext for— incursions could be used as a pretext for russia _ incursions could be used as a pretext for russia to - incursions could be used as a pretext for russia to attack? | incursions could be used as a i pretext for russia to attack? we incursions could be used as a pretext for russia to attack? we are concerned that _ pretext for russia to attack? we are concerned that russia _ pretext for russia to attack? we are concerned that russia is _ pretext for russia to attack? we are concerned that russia is trying - pretext for russia to attack? we are concerned that russia is trying to i concerned that russia is trying to stage a pretext for an armed attack against ukraine. it is still no clarity, no certainty about russian tensions. we do not know what will happen, but what we do know is that russia has amassed the biggest force we have seen in europe for decades in and around ukraine. and we also know that there are many russian intelligence officers operating in ukraine, they are present and we have seen attempts to stage a pretext to provide an excuse for invading ukraine. so of course this is of concern. i cannot go into the details of the different reports,

about this is the reason why we are so pretty monitoring what is going on and why nato allies have exposed the russian actions, plans and efforts when it comes to disinformation. because we believe that that makes it harder for them to act, harderfor them that that makes it harder for them to act, harder for them to that that makes it harder for them to act, harderfor them to invade ukraine and we continue to call on russia to de—escalate, to withdraw forces and to engage in a political dialogue with nato allies. ok. forces and to engage in a political dialogue with nato allies.- dialogue with nato allies. ok, we will no to dialogue with nato allies. ok, we will go to the _ dialogue with nato allies. ok, we will go to the bbc. _ dialogue with nato allies. ok, we will go to the bbc. thank - dialogue with nato allies. ok, we will go to the bbc. thank you, . will go to the bbc. thank you, secretary _ will go to the bbc. thank you, secretary general. _ will go to the bbc. thank you, secretary general. you - will go to the bbc. thank you, secretary general. you have l will go to the bbc. thank you, - secretary general. you have accused russia _ secretary general. you have accused russia of— secretary general. you have accused russia of disinformation. _ secretary general. you have accused russia of disinformation. i— secretary general. you have accused russia of disinformation. ijust - russia of disinformation. ijust wonder— russia of disinformation. ijust wonder whether— russia of disinformation. ijust wonder whether they- russia of disinformation. ijust wonder whether they could - russia of disinformation. ijust . wonder whether they could make russia of disinformation. ijust - wonder whether they could make the same _ wonder whether they could make the same charges — wonder whether they could make the same charges at _ wonder whether they could make the same charges at the _ wonder whether they could make the same charges at the nato _ wonder whether they could make the same charges at the nato alliance? i same charges at the nato alliance? there _ same charges at the nato alliance? there were — same charges at the nato alliance? there were predictions _ same charges at the nato alliance? there were predictions for - same charges at the nato alliance? there were predictions for example that there — there were predictions for example that there might _ there were predictions for example that there might be _ there were predictions for example that there might be an _ there were predictions for example that there might be an invasion- there were predictions for example that there might be an invasion onl that there might be an invasion on

the 16th _ that there might be an invasion on the 16th which _ that there might be an invasion on the 16th which never _ that there might be an invasion on the 16th which never happened, i the 16th which never happened, russia — the 16th which never happened, russia has— the 16th which never happened, russia has always _ the 16th which never happened, russia has always said - the 16th which never happened, russia has always said it - the 16th which never happened, russia has always said it is - the 16th which never happened, russia has always said it is notl russia has always said it is not intending — russia has always said it is not intending to— russia has always said it is not intending to invade _ russia has always said it is not intending to invade ukraine, . intending to invade ukraine, excepting _ intending to invade ukraine, excepting they— intending to invade ukraine, excepting they have - intending to invade ukraine, excepting they have got - intending to invade ukraine, i excepting they have got more intending to invade ukraine, - excepting they have got more than 100,000 _ excepting they have got more than 100,000 troops _ excepting they have got more than 100,000 troops. also— excepting they have got more than 100,000 troops. also you - excepting they have got more than 100,000 troops. also you are - excepting they have got more than i 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are _ 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are not— 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are not clear— 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are not clear as— 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are not clear as to _ 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are not clear as to how— 100,000 troops. also you are saying we are not clear as to how many- we are not clear as to how many troops _ we are not clear as to how many troops there _ we are not clear as to how many troops there are, _ we are not clear as to how many troops there are, 100,000, - we are not clear as to how many. troops there are, 100,000, more we are not clear as to how many- troops there are, 100,000, more than 100.000? _ troops there are, 100,000, more than 100,000?170,000? _ troops there are, 100,000, more than 100,000?170,000?150,000 - troops there are,100,000, more than 100,000? 170,000? 150,000 as- troops there are, 100,000, more than 100,000? 170,000? 150,000 as the i 100,000? 170,000? 150,000 as the other_ 100,000?170,000?150,000 as the other figure _ 100,000?170,000?150,000 as the oihetfigute i_ 100,000?170,000?150,000 as the other figure. ijust _ 100,000?170,000?150,000 as the other figure. ijust wonder, _ 100,000?170,000?150,000 as the other figure. ijust wonder, is- otherfigure. ijust wonder, is there— otherfigure. ijust wonder, is there a— otherfigure. ijust wonder, is there a danger— otherfigure. ijust wonder, is there a danger of— otherfigure. ijust wonder, is there a danger of accusing i other figure. ijust wonder, is- there a danger of accusing russia of disinformation, _ there a danger of accusing russia of disinformation, they— there a danger of accusing russia of disinformation, they can _ there a danger of accusing russia of disinformation, they can turn - there a danger of accusing russia of disinformation, they can turn to - there a danger of accusing russia of disinformation, they can turn to you and saying _ disinformation, they can turn to you and saying you _ disinformation, they can turn to you and saying you have _ disinformation, they can turn to you and saying you have put— disinformation, they can turn to you and saying you have put out - and saying you have put out disinformation _ and saying you have put out disinformation about - and saying you have put out disinformation about cues i and saying you have put out. disinformation about cues that and saying you have put out - disinformation about cues that have not happened. _ disinformation about cues that have not happened, about _ disinformation about cues that have not happened, about false - disinformation about cues that have not happened, about false flag - not happened, about false flag operations— not happened, about false flag operations that _ not happened, about false flag operations that have _ not happened, about false flag operations that have not - not happened, about false flag - operations that have not happened, how would — operations that have not happened, how would you _ operations that have not happened, how would you respond _ operations that have not happened, how would you respond to - operations that have not happened, how would you respond to that? - operations that have not happened, how would you respond to that? ——| how would you respond to that? —— coups _ how would you respond to that? —— coups that — how would you respond to that? —— coups that have _ how would you respond to that? —— coups that have not _ how would you respond to that? —— coups that have not happened. - how would you respond to that? —— i coups that have not happened. ipartl’ztt coups that have not happened. partly 'ust b coups that have not happened. partly just by referring _ coups that have not happened. partly just by referring to _ coups that have not happened. partly just by referring to that _ coups that have not happened. partly just by referring to that we _ coups that have not happened. just by referring to that we have described our facts on the ground and we have a shared intelligence, shared information we have collected, but this is also available for everyone, something you can monitor by commercial satellites, so now no one is trying to deny the fact that russia has a

large force on the border of ukraine. so that is publicly available information. what nobody knows, and we are being clear about that the whole time, is that we know the capacity, we know the forces have amassed, but because we do not know with certainty their intentions. but if you combine what you know about their forces, their rhetoric, they are stated clearly that if you do not meet their demands there will be military technical consequences, and we know the track record of russia. they have used force against ukraine before. if you combine that and on top of that also put the fact that they have a lot of intelligence officers operating inside ukraine, if you combine all that, there is reason to be seriously concerned. and that is the reason why we are conveying that if they use force, it will have a high cost and that is

why nato allies provide support to ukraine so they can defend themselves and also why we increased presence of nato troops in the east, all of this to try to prevent an attack on ukraine. so the fact we are describing a risk does not mean we believe it will happen with 100% certainty. we have described that risk and threat also to prevent it from happening. so the main story, the main message has been the same from nato for months. when nato allies started or so last autumn to describe the build—up, that was questioned. we also described the most likely plans that was reached more than 100,000 troops, that was questioned and that has now happened. now we need to... about

the high cost they have to pay if they use force again. ok. the high cost they have to pay if they use force again.— the high cost they have to pay if they use force again. ok, we will go to the national— they use force again. ok, we will go to the national news _ they use force again. ok, we will go to the national news agency - they use force again. ok, we will go to the national news agency of- to the national news agency of ukraine — to the national news agency of ukraine. ,, . ., , , ., ukraine. secretary general, according — ukraine. secretary general, according to _ ukraine. secretary general, according to the _ ukraine. secretary general, according to the publicly - ukraine. secretary general, - according to the publicly available information — according to the publicly available information coming _ according to the publicly available information coming from - according to the publicly availablej information coming from ukraine, russian _ information coming from ukraine, russian troops _ information coming from ukraine, russian troops are _ information coming from ukraine, russian troops are not _ information coming from ukraine, | russian troops are not withdrawing from belarus — russian troops are not withdrawing from belarus and _ russian troops are not withdrawing from belarus and just _ russian troops are not withdrawing from belarus and just manoeuvring along _ from belarus and just manoeuvring along the _ from belarus and just manoeuvring along the borders _ from belarus and just manoeuvring along the borders of _ from belarus and just manoeuvring along the borders of ukraine. - from belarus and just manoeuvring along the borders of ukraine. so i from belarus and just manoeuvringl along the borders of ukraine. so my question— along the borders of ukraine. so my question is, — along the borders of ukraine. so my question is, the _ along the borders of ukraine. so my question is, the natc— along the borders of ukraine. so my question is, the nato share - along the borders of ukraine. so my question is, the nato share the - question is, the nato share the european — question is, the nato share the european concern _ question is, the nato share the european concern that - question is, the nato share the european concern that troops i question is, the nato share the - european concern that troops would be staying _ european concern that troops would be staying in — be staying in belarus and what would be the _ be staying in belarus and what would be the direction _ be staying in belarus and what would be the direction of— be staying in belarus and what would be the direction of nato _ be staying in belarus and what would be the direction of nato if— be staying in belarus and what would be the direction of nato if that - be the direction of nato if that happens? _ be the direction of nato if that happens? thanks. _ be the direction of nato if that happens? thanks. i— be the direction of nato if that happens? thanks.— be the direction of nato if that happens? thanks. i think what we have seen for— happens? thanks. i think what we have seen for many _ happens? thanks. i think what we have seen for many years - happens? thanks. i think what we have seen for many years now- happens? thanks. i think what we have seen for many years now is i happens? thanks. i think what we i have seen for many years now is the iteration of the european security department, with the illegal annexation of crimea, and now with

the large number of troops in and around ukraine. and also the closer and closer integration of russian and closer integration of russian and russian forces. that is exacting why we have reacted in the way we have a nato, we have strengthened our present see in the east, with modest presence, a defensive presence, troops in the eastern part of the alliance, baltic countries and poland, and that is why a lot has happened in and around ukraine and the presence of russian troops in belarus that we are now considering next steps including troops in romania and the south—east of the alliance. so nato has to respond when we see aggressive actions by russia, but we continue to strive for dialogue, for

de—escalation and we believe it is important to talk. nato believes in diplomacy, we believe in dialogue and therefore we continue to call on russia to engage in good faith with nato. , , russia to engage in good faith with nato. . , ,, ., , russia to engage in good faith with nato.g , ,, ., , ., nato. jens stoltenberg that with that ress nato. jens stoltenberg that with that press conference _ nato. jens stoltenberg that with that press conference in - nato. jens stoltenberg that with i that press conference in brussels, the nato secretary general pretty animated there as you can see, clearly still worried about an escalation here, but seeing nato will have to respond. he was asked by one of our bbc colleagues if nato could be accused of putting out disinformation just as they accuse russia and he denied that, saying they are described in the facts on they are described in the facts on the ground as we see them. with me is the ukrainian ambassador to the uk, thank you forjoining us. just your response to what the nato secretary general was saying there and what is the latest information you have got on any russian troop

movements? l’m you have got on any russian troop movements?— you have got on any russian troop movements? �* , ., ,, ., movements? i'm very thankful to the secretary general _ movements? i'm very thankful to the secretary general for _ movements? i'm very thankful to the secretary general for the _ movements? i'm very thankful to the secretary general for the clear - secretary general for the clear message. are used to know him, i understand how nato is operating, how carefully they are picking up facts and collecting the data so if he says there is enough intelligence, we understand how it has been done. what ukraine is seeing, it is also confirmed they are moving force, some bridges being mobile, some bridges being built just kilometres from the ukraine border so these perforations are worrying for us as well. haifa border so these perforations are worrying for us as well. how many troo -s do worrying for us as well. how many troops do believe _ worrying for us as well. how many troops do believe they _ worrying for us as well. how many troops do believe they have - worrying for us as well. how many troops do believe they have on - worrying for us as well. how many | troops do believe they have on the border, russia?— border, russia? right now around 130,000, border, russia? right now around 130,000. which — border, russia? right now around 130,000, which they _ border, russia? right now around 130,000, which they confirmed i border, russia? right now around i 130,000, which they confirmed that they are claiming this as per exercises. they also have troops east of ukraine and now of belarus,

is another they are surrounding us. even some troops they keep in moldova. ., . , even some troops they keep in moldova. ., ., , , ., even some troops they keep in moldova. ., ., , , moldova. how many forces do you have? we have _ moldova. how many forces do you have? we have enough _ moldova. how many forces do you have? we have enough forces - moldova. how many forces do you | have? we have enough forces right now, have? we have enough forces right now. around _ have? we have enough forces right now, around 250,000 _ have? we have enough forces right now, around 250,000 in _ have? we have enough forces right now, around 250,000 in the - have? we have enough forces right. now, around 250,000 in the ukrainian army. we have 300,000 people signed up army. we have 300,000 people signed up for the territorial defence units and we have reserve of up to 1.6 trillion people who want to defend the nation, but what i'm trying to tell is we are not leaving it to nato, we'll fight for ourselves if we have two, but we need some movement to be able to defend ourselves. movement to be able to defend ourselves-— movement to be able to defend ourselves. ., , ., , ourselves. there was a there will be an attack on — ourselves. there was a there will be an attack on the _ ourselves. there was a there will be an attack on the 16th, _ ourselves. there was a there will be an attack on the 16th, what - ourselves. there was a there will be an attack on the 16th, what is - ourselves. there was a there will be an attack on the 16th, what is the i an attack on the 16th, what is the latest information you are getting? at least 16th is over and people are not expecting to be bombed on the 60. someone else is reminding us of the danger of the 20th, which will be the end of the olympic games and russian exercises for stock cut

bombed on the 16th. it is a very particular day, the 20th.- bombed on the 16th. it is a very particular day, the 20th. let's hope the 20th is calm. _ particular day, the 20th. let's hope the 20th is calm. new— particular day, the 20th. let's hope the 20th is calm. new cranium - the 20th is calm. new cranium president said at the shelling of a kindergarten on the east by pro—russian forces which we have heard about is a break provocation, is it in your view? —— the ukrainian president. is it in your view? -- the ukrainian president-— president. this is provocation and what they wanted _ president. this is provocation and what they wanted in _ president. this is provocation and what they wanted in the - president. this is provocation and i what they wanted in the parliament, they approved this and headed it over to putin to sign that they will officially recognise as independent entities, this is not a way to go if you want to actually show you are negotiating. but we have been in a

war for seven and half years, so many schools and kindergartens were bombed before, so people living this almost state of total expectation, something awful in them, some shell, something awful in them, some shell, some of mine. you something awful in them, some shell, some of mine-— some of mine. you said in a bbc interview at _ some of mine. you said in a bbc interview at the _ some of mine. you said in a bbc interview at the weekend - some of mine. you said in a bbc interview at the weekend that i some of mine. you said in a bbc - interview at the weekend that maybe ukraine could be flexible of weather nato member ship was necessary and then the next day i spoke to you and she rowed back on that and said it is part of your institution. when you put pressure on by the government to row back on that and if so by who?— if so by who? mentioned this in my conversation _ if so by who? mentioned this in my conversation with _ if so by who? mentioned this in my conversation with a _ if so by who? mentioned this in my conversation with a journalist, - if so by who? mentioned this in my| conversation with a journalist, same conversation, and i was asked whether ukrainian would be considered and i have to say it first no and it was quite a serious question, no one is putting pressure on me. i have been working with nato or my life, so i understand how important it is for us. just briefly

if ou important it is for us. just briefly if you can. _ important it is for us. just briefly if you can. how— important it is for us. just briefly if you can, how worried - important it is for us. just briefly if you can, how worried are - important it is for us. just briefly if you can, how worried are your| if you can, how worried are your friends, family, in ukraine now? what reparations are they making if there is some sort of invasion? you can come to — there is some sort of invasion? you can come to the — there is some sort of invasion? wm, can come to the shops as he shops a —— what preparations are they making? anything that will help them, the shops are bare. checking shelters which are next to them, picking up some small cases with documents and money and nonperishable food helps people prepare in the 21st century in europe. in prepare in the 21st century in euro e. �* , ., europe. in the british foreign secretary _ europe. in the british foreign secretary has _ europe. in the british foreign secretary has just _ europe. in the british foreign secretary hasjust landed. - europe. in the british foreign secretary hasjust landed. a i europe. in the british foreign - secretary hasjust landed. a couple secretary has 'ust landed. a couple of minutes secretary hasjust landed. a couple of minutes ago _ secretary hasjust landed. a couple of minutes ago in _ secretary hasjust landed. a couple of minutes ago in kyiv. _ secretary hasjust landed. a couple of minutes ago in kyiv. what - secretary hasjust landed. a couple of minutes ago in kyiv. what is - secretary hasjust landed. a couple of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the | of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the --urose of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the purpose of — of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the purpose of that _ of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the purpose of that visit, _ of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the purpose of that visit, what - of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the purpose of that visit, what you - of minutes ago in kyiv. what is the l purpose of that visit, what you want out of it? ,, v purpose of that visit, what you want out of it? ,, �*, .., ., ., purpose of that visit, what you want outofit? ,, �*, ., ., , out of it? she's coming on a visit in support _ out of it? she's coming on a visit in support of— out of it? she's coming on a visit in support of diplomacy - out of it? she's coming on a visit in support of diplomacy efforts i out of it? she's coming on a visit - in support of diplomacy efforts made on behalf of the uk, but also other leaders, president macron was in ukraine, your prime minister was in ukraine, your prime minister was in ukraine, all the leaders are coming

to us, to moscow, trying to defuse and find grand fir compromise. but we also do our part, the chief of staff coming to berlin, paris, to meet with counterparts and french and german ones. this meet with counterparts and french and german ones.— meet with counterparts and french and german ones. this could go on for some time? _ and german ones. this could go on for some time? seven _ and german ones. this could go on for some time? seven and - and german ones. this could go on for some time? seven and a - and german ones. this could go on for some time? seven and a half, i for some time? seven and a half, almost eight _ for some time? seven and a half, almost eight years _ for some time? seven and a half, almost eight years already. - for some time? seven and a half, j almost eight years already. thank ou ve almost eight years already. thank you very much- — let's return to brussels because jens stoltenberg is still speaking to journalists. jens stoltenberg is still speaking tojournalists. hate jens stoltenberg is still speaking to journalists.— to journalists. we have to see a real withdrawal _ to journalists. we have to see a real withdrawal and _ to journalists. we have to see a real withdrawal and of - to journalists. we have to see a real withdrawal and of course i to journalists. we have to see a | real withdrawal and of course we have to understand this is a build—up that has taken place over many months and over the whole period, it actually started last spring, we have seen the number of troops going a bit spring, we have seen the number of troops going a hit up and down and we have seen some forces moving in and so moving out, but the trend,

the net effect has been a steady increase, but the fact that you are putting a battle tank on a train is moving it in some direction does not prove withdrawal of troops. that is not the same as real de—escalation, because these capabilities are moving round all the time, in and out, so it has to be a meaningful withdrawal and meaningful de—escalation. that is what we are waiting for. so far we have not seen that, but of course, this can change. that is exactly what we are hoping and working for, but we see that russia actually does what they are saying, that we see a real significant, meaningful reduction of the russian troops in and around ukraine. hate the russian troops in and around ukraine. ~ , ., ., ,, ., ukraine. we will try to take two iuick ukraine. we will try to take two quick questions _ ukraine. we will try to take two quick questions online. - ukraine. we will try to take two quick questions online. thank i ukraine. we will try to take two i quick questions online. thank you, mr secretary _

quick questions online. thank you, mr secretary general. _ quick questions online. thank you, mr secretary general. my - quick questions online. thank you, mr secretary general. my question j quick questions online. thank you, i mr secretary general. my question is this, from _ mr secretary general. my question is this, from the — mr secretary general. my question is this, from the latest— mr secretary general. my question is this, from the latest information i this, from the latest information that you — this, from the latest information that you are _ this, from the latest information that you are receiving, _ this, from the latest information that you are receiving, all- this, from the latest information that you are receiving, all of i this, from the latest information that you are receiving, all of the | that you are receiving, all of the reports — that you are receiving, all of the reports on — that you are receiving, all of the reports on the _ that you are receiving, all of the reports on the russian - that you are receiving, all of the reports on the russian troop i reports on the russian troop movements. _ reports on the russian troop movements, it— reports on the russian troop movements, it doesn't i reports on the russian troopi movements, it doesn't russia reports on the russian troop - movements, it doesn't russia have enough _ movements, it doesn't russia have enough hardware. _ movements, it doesn't russia have enough hardware, on _ movements, it doesn't russia have enough hardware, on its _ movements, it doesn't russia have enough hardware, on its border- movements, it doesn't russia havel enough hardware, on its border with ukraine _ enough hardware, on its border with ukraine to _ enough hardware, on its border with ukraine to stage _ enough hardware, on its border with ukraine to stage an _ enough hardware, on its border with ukraine to stage an invasion- enough hardware, on its border with ukraine to stage an invasion now- enough hardware, on its border withi ukraine to stage an invasion now and if so what _ ukraine to stage an invasion now and if so what could — ukraine to stage an invasion now and if so what could that _ ukraine to stage an invasion now and if so what could that invasion - ukraine to stage an invasion now and if so what could that invasion look. if so what could that invasion look like? _ if so what could that invasion look like? -- _ if so what could that invasion look like? -- does— if so what could that invasion look like? —— does russia _ if so what could that invasion look like? —— does russia have - if so what could that invasion lookj like? —— does russia have enough hardware? — like? -- does russia have enough hardware?— like? -- does russia have enough hardware? , ., ., , , hardware? they have enough troops, ca abilities hardware? they have enough troops, capabilities to — hardware? they have enough troops, capabilities to launch _ hardware? they have enough troops, capabilities to launch a _ capabilities to launch a full—fledged invasion of ukraine with very little or no warning time. that is what makes the situation so dangerous. so we know about their capabilities, but of course we do not know with certainty about their intentions. so it remains to be seen what they actually do, but you have so many combat troops in and around ukraine. it is not a normal exercise, it is not a normal and

away activity on your own territory. this is something which is threatening an independent sovereign nation and they can launch an attack with extremely, hardly anyone in time at all, and that is the danger. that is the reason why we continue to call on them to de—escalate. —— hardly any warning time at all. it is never too late to de—escalate and find a political solution and we are ready to sit down and address their concerns and find common ground for a political solution. for concerns and find common ground for a political solution.— a political solution. for the last question. _ a political solution. for the last question. the _ a political solution. for the last question, the financial- a political solution. for the last question, the financialtimes. | question, the financial times. thanks— question, the financial times. thanks very much for this. secretary general, _ thanks very much for this. secretary general, i'm— thanks very much for this. secretary general, i'miust_ thanks very much for this. secretary general, i'm just wondering - thanks very much for this. secretary general, i'm just wondering what i general, i'm just wondering what would _ general, i'm just wondering what would happen— general, i'm just wondering what would happen if— general, i'm just wondering what would happen if we _ general, i'm just wondering what would happen if we are _ general, i'm just wondering what would happen if we are heading i general, i'm just wondering what i would happen if we are heading for a situation _ would happen if we are heading for a situation not — would happen if we are heading for a situation not of _ would happen if we are heading for a situation not of war— would happen if we are heading for a situation not of war or _ would happen if we are heading for a situation not of war or peace - would happen if we are heading for a situation not of war or peace but i would happen if we are heading for a situation not of war or peace but of. situation not of war or peace but of sustained _ situation not of war or peace but of sustained pressure, _ situation not of war or peace but of sustained pressure, what- situation not of war or peace but of sustained pressure, what does- situation not of war or peace but of| sustained pressure, what does that mean _ sustained pressure, what does that mean for— sustained pressure, what does that mean for nato _ sustained pressure, what does that mean for nato and _ sustained pressure, what does that mean for nato and its _ sustained pressure, what does that mean for nato and its allies, - mean for nato and its allies, especially— mean for nato and its allies, especially in _ mean for nato and its allies, especially in terms - mean for nato and its allies, especially in terms of -

mean for nato and its allies, i especially in terms of sanctions mean for nato and its allies, - especially in terms of sanctions and what might— especially in terms of sanctions and what might a — especially in terms of sanctions and what might a tribute? _ especially in terms of sanctions and what might a tribute?— especially in terms of sanctions and what might a tribute? regrettably, i think what we _ what might a tribute? regrettably, i think what we are _ what might a tribute? regrettably, i think what we are seeing _ what might a tribute? regrettably, i think what we are seeing now- what might a tribute? regrettably, i think what we are seeing now is i what might a tribute? regrettably, i think what we are seeing now is a i think what we are seeing now is a kind of new normal for european security. because we have seen this trend over many years where russia contests fundamental principles for european security and where there are tore and where they are willing to use force as they have done against ukraine, georgia, but also to threaten with the use of force to intimidate countries in europe. and we have seen list of element over some time, especially since 2014, and that is the reason why nato has responded, because we do not have any choice. we continue to preserve peace and to continue to prevent any

room at first miss calculation, misunderstanding about our ability to defend. —— any room fir miscalculation. we will look into advice on the next steps for a more longer term in the eastern part of the alliance, including with groups in romania and other countries in the east to central and south—east of the alliance. so for me, this just underlines the importance of nato's track. we need to be strong, we need to be united, we need to be firm, but at the same time, we are always ready to find a peaceful, diplomatic solution through dialogue. nato believes in dialogue, we believe in diplomacy and we are ready to engage in good faith with russia on that tomorrow.-

ready to engage in good faith with russia on that tomorrow. thank you very much- — russia on that tomorrow. thank you very much- this _ russia on that tomorrow. thank you very much. this concludes _ russia on that tomorrow. thank you very much. this concludes this i russia on that tomorrow. thank you | very much. this concludes this press conference. — very much. this concludes this press conference, thank you.— conference, thank you. thank you. jens stoltenberg, _ conference, thank you. thank you. jens stoltenberg, nato _ conference, thank you. thank you. jens stoltenberg, nato secretary i jens stoltenberg, nato secretary general there with a clear stark warning that there are clearly still worried, saying russia has enough capability to launch a fully fledged invasion of ukraine with very little or no warning. and asked there by a journalist from the ft about whether the sustained pressure should continue without valour military action by russia, jens stoltenberg saying he believes this is the new normal fur security. saying he believes this is the new normalfursecurity. —— saying he believes this is the new normal fur security. —— without further military action. but still of course the diplomatic efforts continue. liz truss, the foreign secretary, hasjust continue. liz truss, the foreign secretary, has just landed continue. liz truss, the foreign

secretary, hasjust landed in kyiv and the talks continued to try and find a way through this, but clearly, nato wrapping up that two—day meeting of defence minister is still very concerned. there's new guidance to support teachers tackling sensitive issues in the classroom in a politically impartial way. the education secretary, nadhim zahawi, says it will help teachers and schools navigate issues such as the israeli—palestinian conflict, the legacy of the british empire or societal responses to racism. let's talk to glynn potts, head teacher at newman roman catholic college in oldham, greater manchester. thanks you make of this guidance? is it necessary? 1 thanks you make of this guidance? is it necessary?— it necessary? i don't think any iuidance it necessary? i don't think any guidance will _ it necessary? i don't think any guidance will help _ it necessary? i don't think any guidance will help us - it necessary? i don't think any guidance will help us navigate j it necessary? i don't think any i guidance will help us navigate those tricky conversations but there is already guidance in place and it is shared at a time when schools are cisco struggling with covid and

associated matters but it shows there is incredibly talented people at the department for education who could move quickly to update and advise schools and therefore i welcome when we get information about exams, the recruitment retention and inequalities of the system in the current rate. hath? retention and inequalities of the system in the current rate. why do ou think system in the current rate. why do you think we're _ system in the current rate. why do you think we're getting _ system in the current rate. why do you think we're getting this - you think we're getting this guidance now? is it something you are getting a lot of complaints about from parents for example? it is interesting you say that because previously we got some evidence over some harmful sexual language being used in schools and that was coming through with guidance which was applied very quickly by schools and understood as a risk. i am not seeing a ground swell of complaints. i may get some actor doing this interview but the burning issues we are facing at the moment are not necessarily around the appropriate management of difficult conversations and topics with young people. we do know young people are bombarded by misinformation, negativity on social media and we have to provide a safe space for them to be able to express themselves and learn how to debate

and disagree in an appropriate way, but equally we also should reflect that back on society and asked some of our political leaders perhaps to model that forum so they have up positive example they can find their own behaviour. you positive example they can find their own behaviour.— own behaviour. you get that from this government? _ own behaviour. you get that from this government? i _ own behaviour. you get that from this government? i hope - own behaviour. you get that from this government? i hope so, i i own behaviour. you get that from this government? i hope so, i am sure there — this government? i hope so, i am sure there are _ this government? i hope so, i am sure there are hard-working i this government? i hope so, i am i sure there are hard-working people sure there are hard—working people in government and there are in all elements of public eye. we are all held accountable by the nolan principles, so we have a method by which we can measure our ability to take these challenges forward, but young people are resilient, talented, butjust need opportunity. we will give them that and it gives us further opportunity to reinforce it. in us further opportunity to reinforce it. , ., ., , ., us further opportunity to reinforce it. in terms of how you actually teach british _ it. in terms of how you actually teach british colonial— it. in terms of how you actually teach british colonial history, i | teach british colonial history, i know i wasn't taught it at all, the other side of criticism of it certainly wasn't ever mentioned, for many minority communities they welcome the fact that things have been rebalanced a bit. is there a

danger this guidance as it is being called suffocate a bit of that debate? 1 called suffocate a bit of that debate? .. called suffocate a bit of that debate? ~ . ., called suffocate a bit of that debate? ~ .., , ~ debate? i think it could be. all in education. _ debate? i think it could be. all in education, not _ debate? i think it could be. all in education, notjust _ debate? i think it could be. all in education, notjust teachers, i debate? i think it could be. all in| education, notjust teachers, they do their best to accommodate these challenging conversations in an impartial way, challenging conversations in an impartialway, but challenging conversations in an impartial way, but it is often the headline that hides the complexity of these things. we will have to consider how we frame and share this information but it is really important we do. young people need to be able to make an informed decision on the right way and be able to express their agreement or disagreement on the right weight based upon facts, but do not talk about the origins of slavery and implications of slavery would be an awful risk and that is not what education is about, but equally we do not want to push children into pockets of militancy or action that harms others, being dignified and be appropriate as what we are aiming to do. do appropriate as what we are aiming to do. .. , appropriate as what we are aiming to do. , ., ., ., , do. do teachers go towards those

controversial _ do. do teachers go towards those controversial subjects _ do. do teachers go towards those controversial subjects like - controversial subjects like churchhill, the pros and cons of his character, as we have seen debated a lot in the last couple of years? because it is important children do get all sides of the debate, isn't it, and i guess the danger some will feel is a government is just trying to push one side of the narrative. 1 to push one side of the narrative. i couldn't comment really on that but it does feel a little bit that there is a bit of an imbalance. pallets would rightly challenge any school offering a blanket cited to an entire class for one child's indiscretion and arguably this may well be something like that. teachers and those in education do their best endeavours to support our young people and at the moment with all the challenges they face with the mental resilience and exams pressures, they need positivity and good examples to follow and they need the opportunity to learn what really has happened in our society in terms of inequality so that we can make it betterfor us all, that is the social teaching we want. thank you very much indeed for

joining us. some breaking news we'rejust getting in from lucy manning, one our correspondence. two met officers and one former officers have been charged over the whatsapp messages related to when cousins' from. —— wayne cousins. two serving met officers and one former officer are to appear at a magistrates' court and on the 16th of march, charged in relation to the independent office of complete litigation in the sending and sharing of inappropriate messages on whatsapp, charged with sending grossly offensive messages on public occasions network. they are alleged to have happened between april and august 2019, and of course this is in relation to the sarah everard case. we will get more hopefully from lucy manning within

the next half an hour or so. and on the next half an hour or so. and on the offender who escaped from a prison in lincolnshire has arrested. he absconded from prison on sunday and was arrested in the skegness area this morning. police say robson is a particular danger to women and young children. a swimmer who was mauled to death by a shark near sydney yesterday has been identified as a british expatriate. 35—year—old simon nellist — who was a diving instructor — was fatally attacked off little bay beach, about 12 miles south of australia's largest city. a number of the country's best known beaches have been shut as a precaution. here's our sydney correspondent phil mercer. we know that he was attacked in the afternoon yesterday at a place called little bay, a short distance from the coastline. fishermen who were nearby have described a violent and frenzied attack. it is believed that a great white shark between three and five metres

in length was responsible and one of the eyewitnesses was describing the noise of the attack as being similar to a car being thrown into the water, so this was a horrific story, a traumatic story from start to finish, and a short time later, human remains were found. the mayor of the local area, at the beach here in sydney, has said it has shaken to the core the community that uses the beach each and every day. so this is a story that, because of this man's family connections in the united kingdom, will spread ripples of sadness and grief right around the world. landslides and severe flooding have killed 104 people in brazil. more than a month's worth of rain fell in just a few hours

in the worst affected area — the city of petropolis — in rio dejaneiro state. katy watson is at the scene and sent this report. this is day two and it is very much a rescue operation, certainly for the residents here, they are not giving up hope. this is one of the worst affected areas. we can go any further because it is still very unstable. but residents here are wanting to start work, waiting for firefighters and in the meantime they are just trying to do it themselves. when we arrived it was a family who was in floods of tears burning of the fate of their loved ones, trying to find them. that is the devastating thing here, so much trauma. i spoke to one person asking for directions and he said this doesn't exist any more, is no mountain. you can see behind me the fire crew have just arrived. they can start work. still so much hope here in the city, but also so much angst and concern and trauma. the bbc has uncovered how a culture of complicity and denial conceals the true scale of clerical sex abuse in italy.

despite having the most priests of any country and the seat of the catholic church on its doorstep, italy has not documented the crime. calls are growing for it to follow france, which last year found over 200,000 cases there since the 19505. more from mark lowen on this story throughout the day. let's get the latest. in the shadow of the vatican are dark secrets that italy itself has buried. clerical sex abuse of minors, thought to be extensive but undocumented. with the most priests of any country and the seat of the catholic church in the heart of its capital, italy is failing to confront its sins. countless survivors have kept silent but one, who we will call mario, agreed to talk for the first time. he said he was abused. for 16 years from the age of eight by his local priest, who was accused of repeated premeditated rape.

when i was very young, this abuse happened to me in the vestry. in the vestry of the church! he told me it was a secret between him, me and jesus. but it was fully fledged sexual slavery. when mario soughtjustice, the bishop began a canon law or church trial by the vatican's congregation for the doctrine of the faith. we have obtained the verdict. while some details were disputed, he confessed the abuse took place. the trial recognised his guilt, he even paid mario 112,000 euros as a sort of damages. but he was not defrocked, as mario requested, instead banned from working with minors for life. when mario's case came to the italian courts, a time limit for trials or statute of limitations meant

he was never convicted. it all shows the legal quagmire that has failed survivors. there are probably hundreds of thousands here, based on what countries that have investigated abuse have found. the vatican still has a hold over some parts of italy, perpetuating the culture of silence here. we tracked down mario's abuser and asked him, is it appropriate he is still a practising priest? there are documents of a trial that reached its conclusions, i urge you to read them. i showed him thejudgment we had and public photos of him celebrating mass with minors present. those are people in general, not specifically minors. then i asked directly, is he a paedophile? this is what you are saying, thanks for your work. that is what your victim says, i add. in our search for the truth, we went up a level to the bishop. why, iasked, hadn't

he defrocked the man? the victim was listened to. all the material was sent to the congregation for the doctrine of the faith. it is they who issued the sentence, it wasn't the diocese. but being aware of his guilt, wasn't it immoral not to have advised the vatican to dismiss him? a defendant's guilt can be based on different facts. they could turn out to be of a different scale, a different time frame, a different reality. legal technicalities and interpretations of the verdicts have taken the place of accountability, as survivors wait for italy to look deep inside its soul and atone. mark lowen, bbc news, rome. we will take you back over to brussels because the un defence secretary lloyd austin is giving a press conference. let's listen in. we and our allies will stay

vigilant, so they will watch for the so—called full slug operations, where russia manufactures a dramatic event to justify an attack, a play we have seen them in the past, we will continue to slow ways to support them with support troop deployments to the western fly. we will closely match russian words to russian deeds. what they say to what they actually do. of course one thing that mr putin says he wants to do is engage in more dialogue. as we have said all along we would welcome that. we believe there is tools time space for the policy to work and we are in lockstep with our allies and

partners towards that aim. a peaceful outcome that respects the ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity represents the best outcome. for ukraine to be sure but also for russia and the russian people. if mr putin is serious about achieving the sort of outcome, he will find in the united states and in this alliance no better or more serious prerogative. and if he is not, as his deeds thus far tend to indicate, it will be clear to the entire world that he started a war with diplomatic options left on the table. it will be mr putin who will bear the responsibility for the suffering and immense sacrifice that ensues. i have been doing this for a long time, this business of national

security. ijoined the united states army in the middle of a cold war. and i have served and fought alongside nato allies for the better part of my adult life. but i can honestly say that i have never seen the alliance more relevant and more united and more resolute than i see it today. mr putin says that he doesn't want a strong nato on his western flank. he is getting exactly that. also in depart from poland and lithuania to spend some time with these strong allies who likewise take these obligations seriously. i will visit with their troops —— their troops in mind, see their leaders, talk with mine and talk about how together we can bolster

the defence of the alliance. i would also like to add my appreciation to bulgaria, whojust also like to add my appreciation to bulgaria, who just today agreed to host a us army striker company for joint training opportunities. these trips will be departing germany in the coming days and they will help ensure our readiness and interoperability with bulgaria as our nato allies. all that is to say that i the here incredibly proud of the alliance. unsatisfied in the knowledge that we will be sure—footed in the face of aggression. but dedicated as always to the prospect of peace. harry truman, the american president when nato was found, or found it, truman, the american president when nato was found, orfound it, put truman, the american president when nato was found, or found it, put it best when he noted that though peace

was difficult war was not inevitable. and so it is today. there is nothing inevitable about this looming conflict. it can still be averted. the path of diplomacy may be difficult but it is still worth the try. —— track. and nato as i said remains sure—footed. thank you and i. there and be happy to take a couple of questions. full stalk from _ take a couple of questions. full stalk from reuters. mr - take a couple of questions. fulli stalk from reuters. mr secretary, who is responsible _ stalk from reuters. mr secretary, who is responsible for _ stalk from reuters. mr secretary, who is responsible for the - stalk from reuters. mr secretary, who is responsible for the selling | who is responsible for the selling today— who is responsible for the selling today in— who is responsible for the selling today in ukraine and how concerning is it and _ today in ukraine and how concerning is it and what is it you were doing to lose _ is it and what is it you were doing

to lose the — is it and what is it you were doing to lose the risk of dangerous and potentially explosive us, russia interactions, a close call between aircraft _ interactions, a close call between aircraft this weekend. we interactions, a close call between aircraft this weekend.— interactions, a close call between aircraft this weekend. we have seen the re orts aircraft this weekend. we have seen the reports of _ aircraft this weekend. we have seen the reports of the _ aircraft this weekend. we have seen the reports of the shelling _ aircraft this weekend. we have seen the reports of the shelling and i aircraft this weekend. we have seen the reports of the shelling and they| the reports of the shelling and they are certainly troubling. we are still gathering the details, but we have set for some time that the russians might do something like this in order tojustify russians might do something like this in order to justify a russians might do something like this in order tojustify a military conflict, so we will be watching this very closely. in terms of any potential interaction with our aircraft and someone else's aircraft, we will follow our own procedures very closely which i think are our men are very well rehearsed on and we will make sure we are doing everything that we can to remain safe in the air and if we see unsafe acts will certainly do

master people that are responsible for that. the master people that are responsible for that. , ., , ., for that. the next question is from german radio. _ for that. the next question is from german radio. i— for that. the next question is from german radio. i understand i for that. the next question is from german radio. i understand you i for that. the next question is from i german radio. i understand you have the evidence — german radio. i understand you have the evidence that _ german radio. i understand you have the evidence that there _ german radio. i understand you have the evidence that there is _ german radio. i understand you have the evidence that there is more i the evidence that there is more troop— the evidence that there is more troop building rather than troop withdrawal in russia. at the same time _ withdrawal in russia. at the same time i_ withdrawal in russia. at the same time i hear— withdrawal in russia. at the same time i hear some scepticism certainly— time i hear some scepticism certainly that the german public debate, — certainly that the german public debate, how can we trust this, how can we _ debate, how can we trust this, how can we trust— debate, how can we trust this, how can we trust american intelligence? what _ can we trust american intelligence? what do _ can we trust american intelligence? what do you suggest to build more public— what do you suggest to build more public trust and would you consider at one _ public trust and would you consider at one point to make more evidence you have _ at one point to make more evidence you have publicly available? thank you. you have publicly available? thank you |_ you have publicly available? thank ou. ., �* , , ., , you have publicly available? thank ou. , you. i don't see this as a competition _ you. i don't see this as a competition of— you. i don't see this as a. competition of narratives. you. i don't see this as a i competition of narratives. we you. i don't see this as a _ competition of narratives. we have been very transparent about everything that we have seen thus far and we have shared what we know with our allies and partners and we really have done a very extensive

job of making sure our allies knew what we knew as soon as possible. but i think in order to address the issue that you raised, the solution issue that you raised, the solution is to continue to be transparent, to continue to talk to the american people and people around the world quite frankly, and explain what we are seeing and i think that has been very helpful thus far. we will continue to do that and we certainly endeavour to do that while we are in this conference this week. heat this conference this week. next iuestion. this conference this week. next question. ukraine _ this conference this week. next question. ukraine is _ this conference this week. next question. ukraine is calling i this conference this week. next question. ukraine is calling this} question. ukraine is calling this week's cyber — question. ukraine is calling this week's cyber attack _ question. ukraine is calling this week's cyber attack the - question. ukraine is calling this week's cyber attack the largest| question. ukraine is calling this l week's cyber attack the largest in the country's history. can you confirm — the country's history. can you confirm whether russia was behind this attack? president biden said

last month that if something shorter of gift— last month that if something shorter of gift vision happens such as cyber attacks_ of gift vision happens such as cyber attacks the — of gift vision happens such as cyber attacks the us could respond in a similar_ attacks the us could respond in a similar way with cyber, so has a us responded — similar way with cyber, so has a us responded to the latest attack and if not _ responded to the latest attack and if not why — responded to the latest attack and if not why not? in responded to the latest attack and if not why not?— if not why not? in terms of confirming _ if not why not? in terms of confirming whether - if not why not? in terms of confirming whether or - if not why not? in terms of confirming whether or not| if not why not? in terms of. confirming whether or not this if not why not? in terms of - confirming whether or not this was russia that was behind this, again the intelligence community continues to assess what happened there. but i willjust point out to you that this is a play taken out of his playbook. we would expect to see before any attack, expect to see cyber attacks, false flag activities and a number of other things, increasing rhetoric in the information space, and we are beginning to see more and more of that. in terms of a response to the

cyber attack, that. in terms of a response to the cyberattack, if that. in terms of a response to the cyber attack, if someone attacks the united states of america, then certainly we will hold that moment responsible for accountable. at this point we have not been attacked. nato elements have not been attacked. so we will leave it at that. ., , attacked. so we will leave it at that. . , , ., attacked. so we will leave it at that. , ., ., ., , ., that. last question today goes to natalia from _ that. last question today goes to natalia from bloomberg. - that. last question today goes to natalia from bloomberg. thank. that. last question today goes to i natalia from bloomberg. thank you for the question. _ natalia from bloomberg. thank you for the question. some _ natalia from bloomberg. thank you for the question. some of— natalia from bloomberg. thank you for the question. some of these - for the question. some of these trips— for the question. some of these trips we — for the question. some of these trips we have seen russia mass along the ukraine _ trips we have seen russia mass along the ukraine border have come from very far— the ukraine border have come from very farapart of the ukraine border have come from very far apart of russia's territory, including the far east, so why— territory, including the far east, so why do— territory, including the far east, so why do you think russia feels comfortable enough to leave that border _ comfortable enough to leave that border with china and defended full? does this— border with china and defended full? does this represent a closer attiance _ does this represent a closer alliance between the two? thank you.

certainty _ alliance between the two? thank you. certainty i _ alliance between the two? thank you. certainly i can't speak to the strength of that alliance. what i can say, and i am not sure it infers anything at all, but we did note with alarm china's tacit approval of putin's activities here in the region, so i am not sure that you can make any kind of direct inference from what you just raised, but certainly those are things that we will continue to watch going forward. but i think you raise a very interesting and important question. very interesting and important cuestion. ., very interesting and important cuestion. . ., . , question. thanks, that concludes toda 's question. thanks, that concludes today's press- — question. thanks, that concludes today's press. appreciate - question. thanks, that concludes today's press. appreciate it - question. thanks, that concludes today's press. appreciate it very | today's press. appreciate it very much _ today's press. appreciate it very much. . , today's press. appreciate it very much. ~ , ,, today's press. appreciate it very much. . , . much. lloyd austin the us defence secretary speaking _ much. lloyd austin the us defence secretary speaking in _ much. lloyd austin the us defence secretary speaking in brussels - much. lloyd austin the us defence secretary speaking in brussels offl secretary speaking in brussels off the back of the nato defence ministers meeting and saying they are seeing more activity that would indicate still a risk of military

activity by the russians. he said they would expect to see cyber attacks, full flag activities, they are still seeing troop movements, the flying of blood supplies, and saying also that president putin will be responsible for any suffering and sacrifice if he does indeed start a war but wanting to cite that nato is united and that they are still very much hoping for a diplomatic outcome and resolution to all this. but clearly warning as they see it of inching closer to a military problem here. clearly they are saying that no war is inevitable. lord —— lloyd austin quoted harry truman saying that when nato was founded if peace is difficult, war is not inevitable and thatis difficult, war is not inevitable and that is the position that is still in play at present. but clearly

going on to say that the situation at the moment with some activity on the east is troubling and they are still getting more details on that. we will update you further with the one o'clock news coming up in a few minutes' time but first let's catch up minutes' time but first let's catch up with all the weather. we have extreme winds on the way but a reminder of what storm dudley did to parts of scotland. we had a top gust of 70 formats per hour reported and there have been reports of widespread and severe disruption on scotrail services as a result of trees being blown over onto tracks, but now the focus is on storm eunice. the met office have issued a rare top—level read weather warning for this affecting parts of south—west england and wales. gus could reach 90 moles per hour. flying debris. we are expecting widespread disruption and significant damage but across this area are being done wales, we are

also looking at some damaging gusts of wind. storm eunice continues to develop. it is this area of cloud that continues to racing off the atlantic. it will be bringing some fierce winds our way. the first signs of rain associated with the storm will be working in overnight across parts of the uk. starting to turn to snow across the high ground in the north. all the while the winds will really start to ramp up as we head into the first part of friday morning. a closer look on these extreme winds. across wales and south—west ink and we are looking at those gusts of 70—90 mph. flying debris, large and dangerous ways. significant coastal flooding as well. that's why the strong winds will be putting across the midlands into east anglia and south—east england even in the greater london area, quite likely to see gusts into the 70s. a large amount of trees coming down with those strong winds. further north for northern ireland, northern ireland and scotland a different hazard over the high

ground, looking at 10—30 centimetres of snow. blizzard conditions. vehicles may become completely trapped and stranded because this note will come down very heavily. snow clouds and gritters would be able to keep up with the write—off snowfall. on into the weekend it stays very windy. gales or even severe gales across north—western areas and an unsettled weekend with rain or showers affecting many areas. however our main focus continues to be on storm eunice. a quick reminder of what this damaging dangerous storm will bring. gusts of 70-90 dangerous storm will bring. gusts of 70—90 moles per hour, heavy snow and blizzards, we are expecting widespread disruption.

a red weather warning is issued. storm eunice is due to hit parts of the uk tomorrow. it comes as scotland and the north of england recoverfrom storm dudley, which caused widespread problems and power cuts. yes, extreme winds are on the way and the met office have issued a rare top—level red warning for store eunice and the wind is strong enough to blow down trees across england and wales and northern hills will have heavy snow and blizzards which could trap drivers. more on this later. the government has been holding an emergency cobra meeting. we'll have the latest. also this lunchtime: russia says it's moving troops away from ukraine's border — but the foreign secretary says there's no evidence,

and the west mustn't be lulled into a false sense of security.