living with covid — the prime minister sets out his plan for england, scrapping the legal requirement to self—isolate from thursday. the prime minister says it's time to move from government restrictions to personal responsibility. let us learn to live with this virus, and continue protecting ourselves and others without restricting our freedoms. free universal testing will be scrapped from april 1st, even if you have symptoms. the labour leader says it's a mistake. free tests can't continue forever, but if you're 2—1 — if you're 2—1 up with ten minutes to go, you don't sub off one of your best defenders. additional boosterjabs will be

offered to all over 755 and the most vulnerable from the spring. we'll get the latest reaction to the changes. also tonight. the third named storm in a week, franklin, batters parts of the uk with floods, heavy rain and strong winds. here the flood defences are up. some people have been total to lever their homes because the water levels here are dangerously high and they are still rising. closer to confrontation? president putin will decide today whether to recognise two breakaway republics within ukraine as independent. and tributes are paid after the death of jamal edwards, the musical entrepreneur who helped launch the careers of artsists such as ed sheeran. and coming up in the sport on the bbc news channel — with athletes now heading home, what lessons can be learnt for team gb after a frustrating winter olympics in beijing?

good evening, and welcome to the bbc news at six. the prime minister has announced that all coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in england — hailing what he called a move from government restrictions to personal responsibility. as part of the plans to live with covid, the legal requirement to self—isolate will be lifted by thursday. but people will still be encouraged to say at home if they test positive until 1st april. the universal testing programme will also end from april 1st, even for people with symptoms. instead, free testing will be available only to the most vulnerable. and an additional booster dose will be offered to all over—75s and the most vulnerable over 12s from the spring — six months after their last jab. in a moment we'll look at the data driving the decison, and the economic impact, but first our political editor laura kuenssberg reports on prime minister's announcement — and a warning, her report contains

some flashing images. ld to now... and then. the empty streets and silence of early lockdown. today, millions of workers heading back to their desks, replacing the ghosts of empty offices before. the first vaccine a modern miracle. jabs, in almost every arm now. first vaccine a modern miracle. jabs, in almost every arm now. good evenina. jabs, in almost every arm now. good evening- a — jabs, in almost every arm now. good evening. a prime _ jabs, in almost every arm now. good evening. a prime minister— jabs, in almost every arm now. good evening. a prime minister back - jabs, in almost every arm now. good evening. a prime minister back then| evening. a prime minister back then with an emergency _ evening. a prime minister back then with an emergency instruction... - evening. a prime minister back then | with an emergency instruction... you must stay at — with an emergency instruction... 7m. must stay at home. with an emergency instruction... you must stay at home. today, _ with an emergency instruction... you must stay at home. today, the - with an emergency instruction... you must stay at home. today, the lawsl must stay at home. today, the laws which governed _ must stay at home. today, the laws which governed our— must stay at home. today, the laws which governed our behaviour - must stay at home. today, the laws| which governed our behaviour swept away. we which governed our behaviour swept awa . ~ ., ., ., away. we will remove all remaining domestic restrictions _ away. we will remove all remaining domestic restrictions in _ away. we will remove all remaining domestic restrictions in law. - away. we will remove all remaining domestic restrictions in law. so - domestic restrictions in law. so from this thursday, if you test positive in england it won't be law to stay at home. from april, only the most vulnerable will get free covid tests but there will be another booster vaccine for the

elderly and those at risk. restrictions pose a heavy total on the economy, our society, restrictions pose a heavy total on the economy, oursociety, our restrictions pose a heavy total on the economy, our society, our mental wellbeing and the life chances of our children. mr speaker it is time we got our confidence back. we don't need laws to compel people to be considerate to others. so let us learn to live with this virus, and continue protecting ourselves, and others, without restricting our freedoms. others, without restricting our freedom-— others, without restricting our freedoms. ., , . freedoms. nothing in this pandemic has been straightforward. _ freedoms. nothing in this pandemic has been straightforward. not - freedoms. nothing in this pandemic has been straightforward. not the l has been straightforward. not the decision_ has been straightforward. not the decision to relax the restrictions. nor what — decision to relax the restrictions. nor what to leave behind. ministers turned _ nor what to leave behind. ministers turned up _ nor what to leave behind. ministers turned up for a meeting to finalise the details — turned up for a meeting to finalise the details this morning... but within— the details this morning... but within minutes, were out again. the meeting _ within minutes, were out again. the meeting suddenly cancelled as the treasury— meeting suddenly cancelled as the treasury and the department of health — treasury and the department of health haggled overjust how much to keep spending on covid tests. ammunition for the opposition. all

we ammunition for the opposition. we have to ammunition for the opposition. fill we have to got today is yet more chaos and disarray. not enough to prepare us for the new fisheds which may yet develop, an approach which seems to think that living with covid means ignoring it. this morning he couldn't even persuade his own health secretary to agree the plan. his own health secretary to agree the lan. ., ., �*, ., ., , the plan. northern ireland's already scra ed the plan. northern ireland's already scrapped its — the plan. northern ireland's already scrapped its legal— the plan. northern ireland's already scrapped its legal restrictions - the plan. northern ireland's already scrapped its legal restrictions but i scrapped its legal restrictions but scotland and wales are sticking for now and there is concern about the prime minister's moves. taste now and there is concern about the prime minister's moves.— now and there is concern about the prime minister's moves. we know this reckless statement _ prime minister's moves. we know this reckless statement flies _ prime minister's moves. we know this reckless statement flies in _ prime minister's moves. we know this reckless statement flies in the - prime minister's moves. we know this reckless statement flies in the face i reckless statement flies in the face of advice from scientists the and the world health organization. that is because this statement is not about protecting the public, it is about protecting the public, it is about the prime minister scrambling to save his own skin. first and foremost removing the legal rules will make many practical differences. but it is also the end of a strange and stress. era in england at least when politician have passed laws that dictated so many aspects of our lives, for boris

johnson, it is in a way a welcome relief to satisfy those in his party, who believe the restrictions have been in place for too long and have been in place for too long and have been in place for too long and have been too tight. but the pandemic is not over. and loosening up pandemic is not over. and loosening up is not without risk. i'm here. it up is not without risk. i'm here-— up is not without risk. i'm here. , , , , i'm here. it is still present, even in buckingham _ i'm here. it is still present, even in buckingham palace. _ i'm here. it is still present, even in buckingham palace. with - i'm here. it is still present, even in buckingham palace. with thel in buckingham palace. with the 95—year—old queen herself with mild symptoms of. another stop on this agonising nationaljourney. that rarest of moments of, where every single one of us has been affected. yet while the laws are loosening, the pandemic has not yet gone and is certainly not forgot. the end to all remaining covid legal restrictions in england has prompted a mixed reaction from scientists and the public — and some concern from those who are clinically vulnerable. but what does the data say about the current state of the pandemic? is this the right move at the right time? our heath editor hugh pym reports from eastbourne.

taking a new tack and hoping for calmer water, the government's new approach on covid has been well signalled and members of eastbourne and district model yacht club have thought what it means for them. roger is in his 805, a potentially vulnerable age. but he is happy for the next step to be taken. taste vulnerable age. but he is happy for the next step to be taken.- the next step to be taken. we look as thou . h the next step to be taken. we look as though we _ the next step to be taken. we look as though we are _ the next step to be taken. we look as though we are on _ the next step to be taken. we look as though we are on the _ the next step to be taken. we look as though we are on the sunny - the next step to be taken. we look| as though we are on the sunny side of the mountain now aren't we. [30 of the mountain now aren't we. do ou of the mountain now aren't we. do you think it is right to press on with without restrictions? without restrictions yes. _ with without restrictions? without restrictions yes. very _ with without restrictions? without restrictions yes. very definitely. l restrictions yes. very definitely. tho5e here aged 75 and over maybe further rea55ured but new5 tho5e here aged 75 and over maybe further rea55ured but news they will be eligible for a fourth vaccine do5e. there is little disagreement about the need to open up at some stage but it's a question of timing. jonathan is a gp at a large practise in ea5tbourne. there are high virus case rate5 in ea5tbourne. there are high virus case rates in the area and he is anxious what about to ending of

isolation rules might mean for patients. it isolation rules might mean for atients. ., , ., ., patients. if it were to carry on to easter that _ patients. if it were to carry on to easter that would _ patients. if it were to carry on to easter that would be _ patients. if it were to carry on to easter that would be better. - patients. if it were to carry on to easter that would be better. we | patients. if it were to carry on to - easter that would be better. we have ea5ter that would be better. we have been trying hard to keep people out of the building when they are carrying infection, they say there is no rules about isolation, they want to come and see us which will make life more difficult. his concerns — make life more difficult. his concerns are _ make life more difficult. his concerns are echoed by linda. make life more difficult. his - concerns are echoed by linda. there is still a lot — concerns are echoed by linda. there is still a lot of— concerns are echoed by linda. there is still a lot of covid _ concerns are echoed by linda. there is still a lot of covid about. - concerns are echoed by linda. there is still a lot of covid about. i've - is still a lot of covid about. i've got three members of my family that have got it. got three members of my family that have not it. ~ ., i. ., have got it. would you feel more comfortable _ have got it. would you feel more comfortable if _ have got it. would you feel more comfortable if this _ have got it. would you feel more comfortable if this compulsory i comfortable if this compulsory isolation stayed then for the time being? isolation stayed then for the time bein: ? g , , , so isolation stayed then for the time | being?— so what being? just till the spring. so what does the science _ being? just till the spring. so what does the science suggest? - being? just till the spring. so what does the science suggest? covid i does the science 5ugge5t? covid hospital a admissions have been falling and new anti—viral drugs have come on stream. thrill is hiring immunity. covid case rates relative to the population have been falling in the uk. they are lower than for example germany and italy but above countries like the united states and canada we but above countries like the united states and canad—

but above countries like the united states and canada we still have high levels of infection _ states and canada we still have high levels of infection this _ states and canada we still have high levels of infection this community i levels of infection this community but far low levels of hospitals, so i think you can't do it indefinitely you have to lift them at some stage, but what we need do is recognise i'm people behaviour, this is not a free ticket not to worry about the virus. pcr testing site also be wound down in england free lateral flow tests cut back. that is proving more contention. zoe a secondary school teacher. she says it may be good for children and other pupils without symptoms but not necessarily everyone. symptoms but not necessarily everyone-— symptoms but not necessarily eve one. ., «m ., everyone. for the sake of getting --eole everyone. for the sake of getting people back _ everyone. for the sake of getting people back to — everyone. for the sake of getting people back to work, _ everyone. for the sake of getting people back to work, etc, - everyone. for the sake of getting people back to work, etc, think. everyone. for the sake of getting people back to work, etc, think it is very good, but we do have vulnerable members of staff in our school, and ijust think they may feel very differently about it to how i do. moving on from restrictions at this centre and none the wider community. they will still from the to learn to live with covid. hugh pym eastbourne.

hugh pym eastbourne. many business leaders, particularly in hospitality, have been calling for a return to normality as soon as possible. but unions are warning that removing the legal requirement to self—isolate puts workers in an impossible position. so what effect will today's announcement have on business and the economy? the darkest days of lockdown seem a distant memory. the economy has bounced back. but changes to the way we live and work are still with us. for this salon in the manchester suburb of monton, people working from home, spending more time in the neighbourhood, means life is looking good. i'd say that business has been better than ever. i think that people working from home, their schedule is more flexible. we have had a big influx of new clients, as well, because of that. people spending more time and money here means less of both for city centre businesses, like jen's distillery and bar. her friday night takings are still 25% lower than pre—pandemic. we, the whole sector, have had a really tough 2a months. it has been quite bruising. so i would like to think that

over the coming years, we do start to see offices and businesses getting everyone back into their workplaces. is this a gamechanger? honestly, for us, i don't think so. i don't see this suddenly bringing an influx of people back to city centres. i do think it will be more organic and be more gradual. you can see the political and economic attraction of trying to choose a moment to draw a line under covid's influence on all our lives, dial down the billions spent on universal free testing, get back to normal. but normal has changed. those who can work from home want to keep doing it, even demand to keep doing it, and that could have big implications for people who run our biggest cities. manchester train and tram use is down a quarter compared to pre—pandemic levels, threatening the viability of some services. the truth is the pandemic is going to leave a mark.

it is going to leave a mark on public transport. it isn't going to be able to get straight back to what it was, and that is why the government will have to step in and support public transport as cities recover. or what? or what will happen? or we will see the loss of services and we are already hearing that operators are getting ready to reduce the frequency of services, cut some altogether. 30 services at risk in greater manchester. today's measures were described as a significant step towards normality by the business group cbi. but few think it will be business as usual anytime soon, if ever. simonjack, bbc news, manchester. the plans announced today are for england. in a moment, we'll hear from our correspondents hywel griffith and emma vardy in wales and northern ireland, but first, alexandra mackenzie explains how scotland is approaching the next phase of the pandemic. here in scotland, the first minister will outline her plan on living with covid in the scottish parliament tomorrow. she said there will be some optimism as we move

to a new phase in the pandemic, but ahead of that, she said that anyone who tests positive with covid should self—isolate. she also disagrees with any sudden change to testing arrangements. she would prefer a slower move to a more targeted approach. here in scotland, you must wear a face covering in indoor public places and also vaccine passports are required in places like nightclubs and other large gatherings. in wales the rule on self—isolation remain_ in wales the rule on self—isolation remain there is a review due next month— remain there is a review due next month but— remain there is a review due next month but for now if you test positive — month but for now if you test positive you have to self—isolate for at _ positive you have to self—isolate for at least five day, that may cause — for at least five day, that may cause confusion for people who have to cross _ cause confusion for people who have to cross the — cause confusion for people who have to cross the border for work. masks remain— to cross the border for work. masks remain man —— mandatory in shops until— remain man —— mandatory in shops until the _ remain man —— mandatory in shops until the end — remain man —— mandatory in shops until the end of this month but the welsh _ until the end of this month but the welsh government's biggest concern is that— welsh government's biggest concern is that change on testing. they say bringing _ is that change on testing. they say bringing it — is that change on testing. they say bringing it to an end is premature and reckless, they had lobbied

alongside scotland and northern ireland _ alongside scotland and northern ireland to keep a testing structure in place. _ ireland to keep a testing structure in place, until at least the end of june _ june. in. june. in northern june. — in northern ireland the june. in northern ireland the remainin- in northern ireland the remaining covid _ in northern ireland the remaining covid restrictions— in northern ireland the remaining covid restrictions like _ in northern ireland the remaining covid restrictions like face - covid restrictions like face massings _ covid restrictions like face massings and _ covid restrictions like face massings and vaccine - covid restrictions like face - massings and vaccine passport were dropped _ massings and vaccine passport were dropped from — massings and vaccine passport were dropped from being _ massings and vaccine passport were dropped from being legal— massings and vaccine passport were i dropped from being legal requirement last week_ dropped from being legal requirement last week while — dropped from being legal requirement last week while self—isolation - dropped from being legal requirement last week while self—isolation rules . last week while self—isolation rules remain _ last week while self—isolation rules remain ending— last week while self—isolation rules remain. ending restructures- last week while self—isolation rules remain. ending restructures here i remain. ending restructures here wasn't _ remain. ending restructures here wasn't straightforward, - remain. ending restructures here wasn't straightforward, becausel remain. ending restructures here. wasn't straightforward, because of the collapse — wasn't straightforward, because of the collapse in _ wasn't straightforward, because of the collapse in the _ wasn't straightforward, because of the collapse in the power—sharingl the collapse in the power—sharing executive — the collapse in the power—sharing executive at — the collapse in the power—sharing executive at stormont _ the collapse in the power—sharing executive at stormont there - the collapse in the power—sharing executive at stormont there is - the collapse in the power—sharing executive at stormont there is no| executive at stormont there is no first and — executive at stormont there is no first and deputy— executive at stormont there is no first and deputy first _ executive at stormont there is no first and deputy first ministers i first and deputy first ministers here, — first and deputy first ministers here, to — first and deputy first ministers here, to sign— first and deputy first ministers here, to sign off— first and deputy first ministers here, to sign off on— first and deputy first ministers here, to sign off on big - first and deputy first ministers i here, to sign off on big decisions, instead _ here, to sign off on big decisions, instead northern _ here, to sign off on big decisions, instead northern ireland's- here, to sign off on big decisions, instead northern ireland's healthl instead northern ireland's health minister— instead northern ireland's health minister had _ instead northern ireland's health minister had to— instead northern ireland's health minister had to get— instead northern ireland's health minister had to get the _ instead northern ireland's health minister had to get the backing i instead northern ireland's health| minister had to get the backing of individual— minister had to get the backing of individual ministers _ minister had to get the backing of individual ministers instead. - minister had to get the backing of individual ministers instead. andl individual ministers instead. and rohin— individual ministers instead. and robin swann— individual ministers instead. and robin swann has— individual ministers instead. and robin swann has signed - individual ministers instead. and robin swann has signed that - individual ministers instead. and i robin swann has signed that letter from the _ robin swann has signed that letter from the devolved _ robin swann has signed that letter from the devolved nation, - robin swann has signed that letter from the devolved nation, settingl from the devolved nation, setting out their— from the devolved nation, setting out their concerns _ from the devolved nation, setting out their concerns as _ from the devolved nation, setting out their concerns as england - from the devolved nation, setting i out their concerns as england plans to end _ out their concerns as england plans to end isolation _ out their concerns as england plans to end isolation rules, _ out their concerns as england plans to end isolation rules, it _ out their concerns as england plans to end isolation rules, it is - to end isolation rules, it is calling _ to end isolation rules, it is calling urgently— to end isolation rules, it is calling urgently for- to end isolation rules, it is calling urgently for more l calling urgently for more information— calling urgently for more information on— calling urgently for more information on the - calling urgently for more information on the scale| calling urgently for more i information on the scale of calling urgently for more _ information on the scale of services that will— information on the scale of services that will remain _ information on the scale of services that will remain to _ information on the scale of services that will remain to ensure - information on the scale of services that will remain to ensure all - information on the scale of services that will remain to ensure all four. that will remain to ensure all four nations— that will remain to ensure all four nations stav— that will remain to ensure all four nations stay prepared _ that will remain to ensure all four nations stay prepared for - that will remain to ensure all four nations stay prepared for any - that will remain to ensure all four. nations stay prepared for any future waves _ nations stay prepared for any future waves of _ nations stay prepared for any future waves of the — nations stay prepared for any future waves of the virus. _ nations stay prepared for any future waves of the virus. - and our medical editor fergus walsh is here. a lot of changes, but first, tell us

more about the extra booster. for some, it's their fifth jab. the uk is one of the first countries in the world to offer this second booster, germany is offering it to the over 705, israel has started to roll it out to all adults. it will be a fourth for the over 75, but a fifth dose to about half a million immunosuppressed people. it's precautionary, intended to tide over the most vulnerable until the autumn, when there will be another booster for a autumn, when there will be another boosterfor a much wider autumn, when there will be another booster for a much wider group of people. exactly how many adults that will be is unclear. now, that should at some point settle down into either an annual booster for covid along with the flu jab or perhaps one every two years but that depends one every two years but that depends on covid and also on how long the protection lasts from those jabs.

the prime minister originally talked of turning the tide on the virus in 12 weeks, here we are two years on lifting legal restrictions, how significant is this moment? it is significant- _ significant is this moment? it is significant. the _ significant is this moment? it 3 significant. the society and individual threat from covid has dropped dramatically, largely down to highly effective vaccines but also tens of millions of us have now come into contact with it and had no immunity topped up. we also have these highly effective anti—viral pills which can stop covid in its tracks. it's taken a terrible toll. nearly three quarters of a million hospital admissions from covid in the past two years. it will continue to pose a danger, but covid should never again pose a threat to overwhelm the nhs.- never again pose a threat to overwhelm the nhs. the time is 6.15. our top story this evening. living with covid — the prime minister sets out his plan for england scrapping the legal requirement to self—isolate

from thursday. coming up. with parts of the uk battered by storm franklin, we'll bring you the latest on the current situation and the weather to come. and coming up on sportsday on the bbc news channel — after failing to play in australia over his vaccine status, novak djokovic returns to action for the first time this year. we'll have the latest from the dubai tennis championships. storm franklin — the third named storm in a week — has brought heavy rain and strong winds to many parts of the uk. severe flooding in northern ireland, yorkshire and manchester have forced people to leave their homes for safety. there are more than 300 flood warnings across england, scotland and wales. and "danger to life" alerts were issued in bewdley and ironbridge in the last few hours. danny savage reports. it has been a very wet weekend. rivers across the uk have burst their banks and roads have been flooded.

at ironbridge, in shropshire, a severe flood warning is now in place for the river severn. this is where the environment agency is most worried about. our temporary barriers are in place and they will obviously do what they can to protect the community, but we are expecting potentially seeing those barriers becoming over topped and hence why the severe flood warning has been issued. heavy rain across northern england meant these flood gates had to be opened in manchester. it meant the local golf course disappeared underwater, but it saved homes from flooding. we didn't get a great deal of sleep because we kept on checking the app, monitoring the water levels. a little bit concerning, but, yeah, it feels like we are over the worst of it now. a few miles away, a lorry caught fire after strong winds blew it into a bridge on the m6 near wigan. the driver escaped unhurt, but there were long rush—hour delays. a trip along the river wharfe in north yorkshire revealed numerous floods.

this is the high street in tadcaster. the water was pretty deep. properties in wharfe bank terrace that are lived in, they've had to evacuate. a guy on the other side of the bridge climbed down a ladder to get out of his flat. it is very disappointing for the town. you know, nobody wants to run a business when this happens to it every few years, do they? tadcaster albion are nowjust one of the many football clubs who won't be playing at home for a while. in the next village along, the bridge across the river was closed after showing signs that floodwater was making it move. this is the river wharfe at boston spa, and the main bridge linking the two halves of the community has had to be closed because a crack has appeared in it. and that means for people living here, a seven—mile diversion to get from one side now to the other. in south yorkshire, rotherham railway station looked as though it was built for boats rather than trains.

storm franklin rattled through northern ireland first with gusts of nearly 80 mph. wales was hit, too. this was llandinam in powys, where homes were flooded. and york has a new tourist attraction. just one place where the water is still rising. the problems from this conveyor belt of storms aren't over. danny savage, bbc news. our correspondent andrew plant is in ironbridge — yes, they have just finished putting up yes, they have just finished putting up the flood few flood barriers here. this time it feels a bit different. the people living behind the barriers have been told they should leave their homes, those living nearby have been told it would be a good idea to have a bag packed just in case they have to go in a hurry. the fear is the water comes over the barriers. hopefully you can just see how swollen the

river severn is. we've been half an hour upriver earlier today and there are homes beginning to flood and people leaving. there is a delayed reaction, all the extra water fell on the welsh hills over the weekend and it takes 48 hours for the effects of that to be seen. what it means is this water hasn't finished rising. we are told it could be this time tomorrow before it peaks and what that means is there will be a very nervous evening and anxious night for the people here and everyone living alongside this river. . ~ everyone living alongside this river. ., ~' , ., everyone living alongside this river. ., ,, , ., ., , everyone living alongside this river. ., , river. thank you. in the last couple of minutes- — river. thank you. in the last couple of minutes. president _ river. thank you. in the last couple of minutes. president putin - river. thank you. in the last couple of minutes. president putin says i river. thank you. in the last couple | of minutes. president putin says he has decided to announce as independent donetsk and luhansk. it follows a unanimous vote to do so at a rare gathering of his security council. it would mark a significant escalation of hostilities given that the two so—called republics could potentially request russian military assistance to help them fight

ukrainian government forces. russia is evacuating people from the area into rostov. caroline davies reports. he set the stage, but this was a new level of political theatre from president putin. addressing the russian security council he said, "we will decide what happens next." one by one, his officials told him he must recognise the areas of ukraine seized by separatist rebels. translation: the decision will be made today. - if russia does recognise the separatist areas, it will end the minsk ceasefire agreements, break international law, likely lead to sanctions and could escalate the conflict in ukraine. for weeks, russia has said its military drills arejust war games. the west has repeatedly warned that russia's military is about to launch something far more real. translation: my urgent appeal to the russian government, - come back to the negotiating table.

it is in their hands. we are at the table every hour, every minute. we are waiting for them so that together we can ensure peace and security in ukraine. while the west worries that russia will attack ukraine, russian state media broadcasts accusations that ukraine is planning to attack separatist areas, showing images of shelling damage. ukraine and the west have strongly denied this and the fear is that this is russia's way ofjustifying an intervention. as the political noise and confusion gets louder, some are caught in the middle. women, children and the elderly were told to evacuate from separatist areas. some, like ekatarina and six—month—old miroslav found shelter in a sports hall for a night. translation: we are so tired. we want to sleep, take a shower, the basic things for a person and a child.

others are already on the move, sent to the station and put on trains. this is the third coachload of families we have seen getting off here in the course of the last ten minutes and many on board did not know where they were going but we have just been told by the authorities that they are being taken to a cityjust to the east of moscow, which is more than 1,000 kilometres away from here. some worry that if they were expected to come back soon, they would not be sent so far. they, like much of the world, can only guess at the kremlin's endgame. but some have a sense of foreboding that the brinkmanship has reached a fever pitch. caroline davies, bbc news. we can speak to steve rosenberg in moscow. in the last few minutes president putin confirmed he intends to recognise these two breakaway areas within ukraine as independent. this is a significant escalation of hostilities? yes, it certainly would be. it would basically kill of the

internationally recognised peace process that's been going on in eastern ukraine for the past few years, which hasn't made much progress but a few days ago president putin recommitted himself to that peace process. it could also give a pretext to russian forces, or to move them openly into the donbas and possibly not only into areas under rebel control but further still. that would trigger almost certainly western sanctions. this would be a major development. what a piece of theatre we witnessed in the kremlin today. it is televised security council meeting. i've never seen such a spectacle and this giant kremlin hall, vladimir putin sitting there all alone at this table, almost like a modern day tsar, summoning all his chiefs to give their opinion. he tapped his fingers impatiently, weighing up the arguments, about to take a fateful

decision. . ~ arguments, about to take a fateful decision. ., ,, , ., let's take a look at some of today's other news. an oftsed report commissioned following the death of six—year—old arthur labinjo—hughes, who was killed by his father and stepmother in 2020, has concluded that a "significant number" of vulnerable children remain at risk in solihull. the document highlighted the lack of communication between different agencies as one of the causes. solihull council says it has already begun work to improve its services. a series of strikes and other industrial action is expected to begin across uk universities this morning, after unions and employers failed to reach an agreement. the university and college union has said students at 68 institutions will see their lecturers walk out in disputes over pay, conditions and pensions. there have been tearful reunions as most of australia has reopened up to international travel for the first time in almost two years. people who are fully vaccinated are now allowed to enter the country without having to quarantine. however, western australia will remain closed until march. musicians, actors and the royal

family have paid tribute to the musical entrepreneur, jamal edwards, who's died suddenly at the age of 31. he's been credited with helping to launch a string of music careers including those of ed, sheeran, dave, and jessiej. our music correspondent mark savage looks back at life and legacy. smokeybarz tv! # smokeybarz tv... big up, smokeybarz! this is howjamal edwards started a media empire. a grainy clip, filmed on his phone in the middle of a school trip. he created his channel on youtube in 2006, frustrated he couldn't find the music he loved online. everyone in my area — the music he loved online. everyone in my area was _ the music he loved online. everyone in my area was an _ the music he loved online. everyone in my area was an emcee _ the music he loved online. everyone in my area was an emcee and - the music he loved online. everyone in my area was an emcee and i - in my area was an emcee and i remember i was sitting there thinking, why can't i find these online? if they were it was bad quality versions. i thought, i'm going to try and film the people of

my area and upload it to youtube. before long it had become dirty place the british rapper giving exposure to artists like swansea, dave and ed sheeran. it played a key role in making grime go mainstream and and jamal edwards and mbe at the age of 24. he put his success to good use, funding youth groups for underprivileged children and raising awareness of mental health. musicians and djs have remembered him as an inspiration. if i musicians and djs have remembered him as an inspiration.— him as an inspiration. if i had one word to describe _ him as an inspiration. if i had one word to describe him, _ him as an inspiration. if i had one word to describe him, he's - him as an inspiration. if i had one i word to describe him, he's selfless. with word to describe him, he's selfless. withjamal. — word to describe him, he's selfless. withjamal, i never had to question what he _ withjamal, i never had to question what he was after all his intentions because _ what he was after all his intentions because i_ what he was after all his intentions because i know he wanted everyone to because i know he wanted everyone to be great _ because i know he wanted everyone to be great l _ because i know he wanted everyone to be areat. ., �* ~ ., because i know he wanted everyone to beureat. .,�* ~ ., ., , be great. i don't know if anybody who has a _ be great. i don't know if anybody who has a bad _ be great. i don't know if anybody who has a bad word _ be great. i don't know if anybody who has a bad word to _ be great. i don't know if anybody who has a bad word to say - be great. i don't know if anybody who has a bad word to say about| who has a bad word to say about jamal— who has a bad word to say about jamal and — who has a bad word to say about jamaland im— who has a bad word to say about jamal and i'm really— who has a bad word to say about jamal and i'm really glad - who has a bad word to say about jamal and i'm really glad he - who has a bad word to say about jamal and i'm really glad he goti who has a bad word to say about i jamal and i'm really glad he got his flowers— jamal and i'm really glad he got his flowers when — jamal and i'm really glad he got his flowers when he _ jamal and i'm really glad he got his flowers when he was _ jamal and i'm really glad he got his flowers when he was alive - jamal and i'm really glad he got his flowers when he was alive becausel flowers when he was alive because one thing — flowers when he was alive because one thing he — flowers when he was alive because one thing he can _ flowers when he was alive because one thing he can rest _ flowers when he was alive because one thing he can rest assured - flowers when he was alive because one thing he can rest assured that| one thing he can rest assured that he was _ one thing he can rest assured that he was a _ one thing he can rest assured that he was a legend _ one thing he can rest assured that he was a legend and _ one thing he can rest assured that he was a legend and we _ one thing he can rest assured that he was a legend and we all- one thing he can rest assured that he was a legend and we all knew i

one thing he can rest assured that. he was a legend and we all knew that and his— he was a legend and we all knew that and his legacy— he was a legend and we all knew that and his legacy will _ he was a legend and we all knew that and his legacy will really _ he was a legend and we all knew that and his legacy will really live - he was a legend and we all knew that and his legacy will really live on. - and his legacy will really live on. in and his legacy will really live on. in acton — and his legacy will really live on. in acton where _ and his legacy will really live on. in acton where he _ and his legacy will really live on. in acton where he was _ and his legacy will really live on. in acton where he was raised, . and his legacy will really live on. i in acton where he was raised, fans and friends have been leaving flowers and messages of tribute. he: was the hero of acton, he showed you could make it out without being a drug dealer, without getting involved in crime.— drug dealer, without getting involved in crime. , ., ., ., , , involved in crime. jamal was the guy that showed — involved in crime. jamal was the guy that showed kids _ involved in crime. jamal was the guy that showed kids from _ involved in crime. jamal was the guy that showed kids from low-income l that showed kids from low—income households that you are not limited to what _ households that you are not limited to what your greats might tell you. my abiding memory of him would be his vision _ my abiding memory of him would be his vision how— my abiding memory of him would be his vision, how he _ my abiding memory of him would be his vision, how he looked _ my abiding memory of him would be his vision, how he looked ahead - my abiding memory of him would be his vision, how he looked ahead andj his vision, how he looked ahead and how he _ his vision, how he looked ahead and how he knew— his vision, how he looked ahead and how he knew what _ his vision, how he looked ahead and how he knew what to _ his vision, how he looked ahead and how he knew what to do. _ his vision, how he looked ahead and how he knew what to do. jamal- how he knew what to do. jamal edwards' impact _ how he knew what to do. jamal edwards' impact on _ how he knew what to do. jamal edwards' impact on music- how he knew what to do. jamal i edwards' impact on music cannot how he knew what to dom edwards' impact on music cannot be overestimated. although he died young, he will be remembered with his own words, the goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. jamal edwards, who's died at the age of 31. time for a look at the weather. here's sarah keith lucas. have we've seen the back of the worst of it yet? we have we've seen the back of the worst of it yet?—

have we've seen the back of the worst of it et? ~ ., ., ,, ., worst of it yet? we have now. storm franklin has — worst of it yet? we have now. storm franklin has cleared _ worst of it yet? we have now. storm franklin has cleared away _ worst of it yet? we have now. storm franklin has cleared away so - worst of it yet? we have now. storm franklin has cleared away so we're i franklin has cleared away so we're not expecting another named storm this week but what we are expecting some more wet and windy weather. i think the wind is less of a problem but more rain for areas that could really do without it. we've still got flood warnings in force across england and wales, one for scotland too and two severe flood warnings for the river severn. this is the picture in worcester. so, more rain arriving tonight into tomorrow, that's courtesy of this approaching weather front. that's courtesy of this approaching weatherfront. storm franklin has cleared off towards the east, so a bit of a choir spell of weather at the moment in between systems. this evening and overnight, one or two showers across parts of eastern england. a lot of dry weather tonight but during the second half of the night, the cloud increases through the west and we see this band of heavy rain arriving across northern ireland and north—west scotland by the morning. lowest temperatures in the east where we keep those clearer skies and light winds for longest but tomorrow morning, dominated by this weather system that's going to bring yet

more rain to some of those areas