this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. military vehicles enter eastern ukraine, hours after vladimir putin recognises two breakaway areas as independent states. ukraine's president appeals for western support. we are waiting for clear and effective steps of support from our partners. it is very important to see now who our real friends and partners are. will sanctions chan-e putin's mind? senior members of the uk government attend an emergency meeting, to discuss russian sanctions. borisjohnson says putin is bent on a full scale invasion. he has completely torn up international law. we will immediately introduce a package of economic sanctions.

as england prepares to live with covid — the health secretary the nhs will decide whether staff get free testing. if nhs staff need tests, they will be provided with free tests and that will be a decision for the nhs and those trusts. after storm franklin battered the uk, two severe flood warnings — meaning a danger to life — are in force for the river severn in the west midlands. and coming up this hour — thejurassic fossilfind on the isle of skye, described by paleontologists as a one in a billion discovery. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. there's been international condemnation of president putin's decision to order russian troops into two breakaway regions

of eastern ukraine. the uk prime minister borisjohnson said vladimir putin is bent on a "full—scale invasion of ukraine" and the us secretary of state, antony blinken, described the move as shameful and predictable. on monday evening, president putin signed a decree saying the troops would carry out peacekeeping duties in donetsk and luhansk — which he'd earlier recognised as independent territories. hours after his decree, reports from donetsk said convoys of tanks had entered the main city. moscow's recognition of two breakaway regions prompted an emergency meeting of the un security council where russia was accused of violating international law. ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky says its people are not afraid of the kremlin adding its international borders will remain the same despite russia's statements. and after chairing a cobra meeting in downing street earlier today, borisjohnson has agreed

to what the government is calling �*the first barrage�* of sanctions against russia which he'll announce in parliament later. the first of our reports comes from mark lobel. this is how independence looks in the rebel republics now recognised by russia. but president putin's provocative move has been condemned by the west as a clear breach of international rules. the question is whether these columns of military vehicles spotted hours later on the outskirts of donetsk are a worrying sign of bigger things to come elsewhere in ukraine, with its sovereignty under threat. translation: we are waiting for clear and effective steps i of support from our partners. it is very important to see now who our real friends and partners are. the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, told president zelensky the uk had already drawn up sanctions to target those complicit —

alongside the us and eu — to implement imminently, and they will explore sending further defensive support to ukraine. so what could that be? we have now enough rockets to cover all the tanks which can cross our border. we have some troubles with the sea and air. that's where our efforts are concentrating right now. kyiv�*s long feared russia would create a pretext for war. in the past few days, russia evacuated thousands of civilians from the separatist republics to russia. russian tv claimed ukraine was shelling the area — claims vigorously denied by kyiv. president putin's final act was to effectively sign away the minsk peace agreements intended to calm tensions in eastern ukraine. president putin has torn the minsk agreement to shreds. we have been clear that we do not believe he will stop at that. but despite tens of thousands

of russian troops on ukraine's borders, both its western allies and russian neighbours still talk of a diplomatic way through, but with differing views of who's to blame. translation: |'u leave | the direct verbal assaults against us unanswered. now it's important to focus on how to avoid war and how to force ukraine to stop the shelling and provocations against donetsk and lu ha nsk. if we need to fight, we will fight. if we need to be peaceful, we will be peaceful. volunteers for ukraine's homeland security — no strangers to russian attacks on their country — now preparing to protect their families, their country, they say — if that's what it takes. mark lobel, bbc news. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has been detailing the economic sanctions that the uk will now put in place,

which he says will "hit russia very hard". we havejust had a cobra meeting about the situation in ukraine, particularly in the donbas region where plainly president vladimir putin has violated ukrainian sovereignty, he has sent troops in, he has broken international law, he has repudiated the minsk agreement, he has torn up the understanding from budapest in 1994 that the territorial integrity of the ukraine would be respected, he's completely torn up international law, we will immediately institute a package of economic sanctions which i think as people would expect, targeted notjust at entities in donetsk and luhansk but in russia itself, targeting russian economic interest as hard as we can and we will be setting out later on in the house

of commons what we are going to do. this is, i should stress, the first barrage of uk economic sanctions against russia because we expect, i'm afraid, that there is more russian irrational behaviour to come. and the sad thing is at every turn in this crisis, the uk's pessimistic predictions have been vindicated, we said there would be false flag operations and there have been, we said there would be provocations in the region and that is what we are seeing, and i am afraid all the evidence is that president vladimir putin is indeed bent, as you said just now, on a full—scale invasion of the ukraine. and the overrunning, the subjugation of an independent sovereign european country. and i think that, let me be clear,

that would be catastrophic. there will of course be pressure for continued conversation, negotiations, and that is right. whilst there is still a discussion to be had, of course, a discussion should be had. and the uk will be engaged actively in diplomacy at all levels to try and find a way forward other than through the violence that president vladimir putin is proposing. i want everybody to be in no doubt that if vladimir putin continues down this track of violence and aggression of a full—scale invasion of encircling kyiv itself which seems to be what he proposes to do, capturing the ukrainian capital, it is absolutely vital that that effort, that conquest of another european country should not succeed and that he should fail.

that is what we will be exerting ourselves to ensuring as the outcome. our correspondent james waterhouse is in kyiv and had the latest reaction from ukraine. a new statement from the president in the last few a new statement from the president in the last few minutes. what a new statement from the president in the last few minutes. what has a new statement from the president in the last few minutes. what has he been saying? we in the last few minutes. what has he been saying?— in the last few minutes. what has he been sa in: ? ~ ., ., ., , ., been saying? we have had a statement from the defence _ been saying? we have had a statement from the defence minister— been saying? we have had a statement from the defence minister of— been saying? we have had a statement from the defence minister of ukraine i from the defence minister of ukraine and it is not the type of speech we have heard often here. let's put it like that. it has often been a tone of calm, but he says the darkness of uncertainty has been withdrawn. a statement to service personnel. the kremlin has taken a step towards the revival of the soviet union. heart ordeals are ahead and there will be losses and we will have to go through pain and despair, but victory awaits us. he ends with

glory to ukraine. that speaks volumes here in kyiv, the sense of urgency, the situation that this country finds it in. there are pockets of disappointment in terms of the scale of the response from the us so far in terms of sanctions on the area, the kremlin has said it is willing to establish military basesin is willing to establish military bases in the region which is adding to concerns, but the main worry, now the order has been given for russian troops to come into an occupied territory, where will they stop? are they going to consolidate or go beyond a contact line and try and assume all of the regions of donetsk and luhansk. one third is occupied so far, that would be two thirds of territory. that would be a state of war because ukraine has said it will

defend itself. this is notwithstanding the 150,000 estimated troops that are certain that mac stretched the ukraine border. the russian ambassador has said the diplomatic path remains open but the stakes are higher and it is going to be a big ask for a concession on the core issues of the expansion of nato and the membership of ukraine to nato. our correspondent caroline davies gave us this update from the city of taganrog in south west russia —— not far from the ukrainian border with the rebel—held region of donetsk. the west has considered a lot of the evacuation would not necessarily be necessary, they are concerned it is part of the russian strategy, the separatist strategy to create a sense of crisis in eastern ukraine that would then justify russian intervention. many will see this now, given president vladimir

putin's actions over the last 2a hours is exactly what russia was intending to do. the president yesterday held a security council meeting where he asked his officials to give their opinions on what was going to happen, whether they should recognise the independence of the separatist held areas which until this point, russia has recognised as being part of ukraine and one by one, those officials came out and said that yes, russia should recognise the independence of the separatist held, rebel held areas in ukraine. the president left for a few hours and later on appeared with a 65 minute television address where he talked about everything from 17th—century history through to the soviet union, talking about eastern ukraine as he referred to as ancient russian land. he then followed up afterwards by saying that, yes, he has signed decrees in order to recognise the separatist held areas

of donetsk and luhansk as being independent. the big question now is what happens next and where —— whether president vladimir putin decides to remain within these territories within their current boundaries, they are currently one third of the territory of the actual region of donetsk and luhansk, or will russian troops recognise a wider area? will russian troops recognise a widerarea? russia has will russian troops recognise a wider area? russia has also said they are sending in what they call peacekeeping troops, but that is not how it is being pursued by the international community. plenty of questions about what happens next. well i'm joined now by the latvian defence minister artis pabriks i want the reaction talking about

the darkness of the uncertainty that ukraine faces at the moment, the kremlin taking a step towards this revival of the soviet union. if we follow u- revival of the soviet union. if we follow up the — revival of the soviet union. if we follow up the staged _ revival of the soviet union. if we: follow up the staged meeting yesterday of the russian security council, i think everything, said yesterday of the russian security council, ithink everything, said in a nutshell, the former president, no, sanctions will come upon us, but we don't care about this because after a while the west will crawl to us and ask for our relationship. at this moment, the only way we can force russia to de—escalate, is to stage a very massive economic sanctions towards russia and to have a very massive economic and military assistance to the ukraine. that is the only correct answer from our site if we do not want to look...

what would those massive economic sanctions look like? the? what would those massive economic sanctions look like?— sanctions look like? they should tar: et the sanctions look like? they should target the russian _ sanctions look like? they should target the russian economy, - sanctions look like? they should l target the russian economy, they should target all those individuals responsible for everything in this aggressive behaviour including the people in the screens of kremlin propaganda apparatus because they should not be able to go to the west to study in the west, to ski in the alps, we are now strongly... all other countries will look around and thatis other countries will look around and that is what they are doing and also encourage the russian president to move forward, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but i don't think he will stop at those borders of so—called independent republics which you recognise yesterday.

president vlodymyr zelensky is saying don't wait to impose sanctions. are you very clear that the sanctions we are hearing about so far which focus on donetsk and luhansk agreed by the white house, agreed by the uk government and the european union still considering its package, not announced yet, you seem clear that is not enough. it is package, not announced yet, you seem clear that is not enough.— clear that is not enough. it is not enou:h clear that is not enough. it is not enough because _ clear that is not enough. it is not enough because the _ clear that is not enough. it is not enough because the answer- clear that is not enough. it is not enough because the answer to i clear that is not enough. it is not i enough because the answer to such sanctions, we heard yesterday, as i mentioned in the staged security meeting of president vladimir putin, it is very clear that if we are not extremely serious now, then this would not have any effect on russian behaviour. sanctions are meant to change the behaviour, to de—escalate, either we are serious are we are not serious. de-escalate, either we are serious are we are not serious.— de-escalate, either we are serious are we are not serious. what is your view of the —

are we are not serious. what is your view of the action _ are we are not serious. what is your view of the action that _ are we are not serious. what is your view of the action that president - view of the action that president vladimir putin has taken in the donetsk and luhansk regions in the last 2a errors? do you think he is stretching the idea of coercive diplomacy to the limit? is there still room for a diplomatic track to work or have we gone beyond that? abs, work or have we gone beyond that? diplomatic track with president vladimir putin will only work if you have something bolstering you from behind. if it is empty talk, nothing will convince him any more. because russia is acting now to donetsk and luhansk, the textbook of a violent incident against finland when nazi germany started the war against poland in 1939. nothing has changed. we can predict all the steps that will follow which we should not be

acting like chamberlain acted in 1938. it seems like president vladimir putin is hoping we will repeat 1939. vladimir putin is hoping we will repeat 19353-— vladimir putin is hoping we will repeat 1939. vladimir putin is hoping we will reeat1939. ., ., , ., , ., repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato, repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato. what — repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato, what more _ repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato, what more can _ repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato, what more can latvia - repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato, what more can latvia do - repeat 1939. latvia is a member of nato, what more can latvia do to i repeat 1939. latvia is a member of. nato, what more can latvia do to aid ukraine at this point? we nato, what more can latvia do to aid ukraine at this point?— ukraine at this point? we are already giving _ ukraine at this point? we are already giving large - ukraine at this point? we are already giving large support i ukraine at this point? we are i already giving large support but ukraine at this point? we are - already giving large support but we have broad public support in ukrainian society, when our first package of assistance will be over there, we will consider whatever we can do. i think the most important is that there is a strong message from all our allies, strong sanctions, and as far as our region is concerned, we must understand the security situation along the border of poland because in the last few

months, additionally more than 20 russian battalions, it changes the situation at our borders as well. thank you very much for your time today. the latvian defence minister. the president of estonia has said they will never recognise... moscow should immediately _ they will never recognise... moscow should immediately and _ should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of ukraine and its immediate state. we strongly condemn all military and hybrid actions against ukraine. we regret that despite diplomatic efforts, there are no signals of willingness to de—escalate, quite the opposite. the build—up of russian forces

continues, including in belarus. i align myself with everyone to wish we would have a way to secure peace through diplomacy and dialogue. indeed, it is a decisive moment in european history. president vladimir putin will answer to future generations for these violent actions. but also with european and western leaders have the responsibility to set up —— step up to our values and a commit to a united europe at peace. the estonian president speaking. _ united europe at peace. the estonian president speaking. if _ united europe at peace. the estonian president speaking. if you _ united europe at peace. the estonian president speaking. if you want - united europe at peace. the estonian president speaking. if you want to i president speaking. if you want to get in touch about that story or any other, you can contact us on us on twitter. all covid restrictions will end in england on thursday — including mandatory self—isolation for positive cases. free mass testing will stop from the first of april for most people.

it's part of the government's "living with covid" plan as our health correspondent, sophie hutchinson reports. this club for older people, one of the few to have remained open through the pandemic. now there's no social distancing, and most members have stopped wearing masks. and a further return to normal life is afoot, now the government in england has announced an end to the remaining restrictions. so what exactly is changing, and when? well, on thursday, the legal requirement to stay at home if you have covid will end. instead, people will be advised to stay at home for at least five days. instead, people will be advised to stay at home routine contact tracing will end on thursday, as well. the £500 self—isolation payments will stop this week, and in april free testing for all will finish — although it will be available for those most at risk, or people working with high—risk groups, such as in care homes. today is not the day we can declare victory over covid because this virus is not going away.

but it is the day when all the efforts of the last two years finally enabled us to protect ourselves whilst restoring our liberties in full. the government says, instead of restrictions, treatments and vaccines are now the way forward. many here will be eligible for the spring boosterjabs, and most say they'll get them. lovely — i'll have one! you think that's a great idea? i do — i think it's brilliant. anything that's going, i'll have it. oh, i think it's a good idea. i think it protects you. i'm over 80, so i will definitely have anotherjab, yeah. - the vaccines will be available for anyone aged over 75, and those at high risk over the age of 12. they'll be available six months after the previous dose. that previous dose seems to wane slightly after ten weeks, and government advisers say even a small reduction in protection might cause problems for the nhs.

one thing to bear in mind is that if there is a drop in protection from, say, 95% to 90%, that is actually a change of twice the amount of protection — from 5% to 10% — and that could mean, and translate into, a doubling of hospitalisations, for example. scotland, wales and northern ireland have confirmed they will also offer the boosters in the spring. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. we'rejoined now by professor christina pagel from university college london and a member of the independent sage group of scientists. it is clear that living with

covid—19 has raised many questions more than answers. covid-19 has raised many questions more than answers.— more than answers. setting aside whether now _ more than answers. setting aside whether now is _ more than answers. setting aside whether now is the _ more than answers. setting aside whether now is the right - more than answers. setting aside whether now is the right time, i l whether now is the right time, i think it is far too soon, the prime minister talks about having personal responsibility. if we are removing access to tests and support to people for self isolating, how can we exercise that responsibility? he compared it to germany, not going to work when we are not well, we have one of the lowest sick pay rates in europe. we do not have the kind of infrastructure that we need to be able to be responsible. we are losing the information we need to be responsible. that is worrying me and i will have a disproportionate impact on the more deprived communities where people cannot afford to buy tires, they cannot afford to buy tires, they cannot afford to buy tires, they cannot afford to self—isolate, more exposed, vaccinated and more vulnerable to covid—19. the mp —— the impact is going to exacerbate which is against the levelling up agenda. it does not make sense to

me. it agenda. it does not make sense to me. , , , me. it is interesting here is the oint me. it is interesting here is the point about _ me. it is interesting here is the point about levelling _ me. it is interesting here is the point about levelling up - me. it is interesting here is the l point about levelling up because me. it is interesting here is the - point about levelling up because in downing street yesterday it was said that the virus feeds of inequality and has to be borne in mind at all times. there is a huge question, how people on lower incomes are going to be able to determine whether or not they have got this virus and whether they have got this virus and whether they can afford to stay off work. and the answer is that it is going to impact the more. we already have the existing, massive differences in life expectancy, that is going to get worse now. we know people are more vulnerable when they have underlying health conditions, people are more exposed by the kind ofjobs they do, what is our plan for tackling that in the future? if we add covid—19 to our population, it is more for your lent and infection than influenza, how can we support the nhs in winter? how can we

support education and business is being disrupted when we have a new wave. everyone was certain there would be a new wave. i would like to see a more comprehensive plan for how we live with that and notjust remove everything. the how we live with that and not 'ust remove everythingi how we live with that and not 'ust remove everything. the flip side is the is saying _ remove everything. the flip side is the is saying that _ remove everything. the flip side is the is saying that we _ remove everything. the flip side is the is saying that we have - remove everything. the flip side is the is saying that we have got - remove everything. the flip side is the is saying that we have got the | the is saying that we have got the vaccination programme and other treatments available to people and i appreciate you said without testing, how do you know you have got it and can access the treatment? the government says we have to get people back out there, get society as we were accustomed to it pre—covid—19, working again, do you accept, you said you were not sure the time is right for the measures, is that more about the lack of testing to go along with the removal of the other restrictions? if there was testing and place, do you think this is the way to go? i was testing and place, do you think this is the way to go?— this is the way to go? i would refer this is the way to go? i would prefer to _ this is the way to go? i would prefer to have _ this is the way to go? i would prefer to have face _ this is the way to go? i would prefer to have face coverings| this is the way to go? i would i prefer to have face coverings in public spaces. we still have one in

20 people in england have covid—19. we have a no sub—variant of omicron thatis we have a no sub—variant of omicron that is more infections than the one we've had which is probably dominant in england this week and has caused high rates in denmark and northern ireland. we are not out of the wave yet. we are better than we were a month ago but we are not out yet. that is why i say it is too early. it is up to scientist to continue with the messaging and waiting to see how the public response, what level of... the minister talks about personal responsibility, what action the public takes in response. what the public takes in response. what action can we _ the public takes in response. what action can we take _ the public takes in response. what action can we take if— the public takes in response. what action can we take if we _ the public takes in response. twat action can we take if we cannot access tests and sales isolation is not supported? how can i exercise my responsibility if i feel vulnerable? how do i know what case rates are in my area? how do i know it people i

meet have covid—19. we have lost the agency we had over the last six months to one year. that is what worries me, the world has changed. we have got a new disease. we are not accustomed to it yet. we cannot just go back and pretend it hasn't happened. going forward, we can behave as if it has disappeared, but it comes at the cost of more illness and more death. we have materially worsened our situation and public health and that has not been acknowledged.— health and that has not been acknowledged. health and that has not been acknowledued. . ~ , ., , . acknowledged. thank you very much for our acknowledged. thank you very much for your thoughts _ acknowledged. thank you very much for your thoughts today. _ two severe flood warnings, meaning a danger to life, are in place for parts of the river severn, following the heavy rain brought by storm franklin. more than 100 otherflood warnings are in force across england and wales. both the severe, danger to life warnings are for sections of the severn in the west midlands — one near ironbridge in shropshire,

where there are fears the river could top the flood defences — the other is at bewdley in worcestershire. thousands of homes remain without power because of storm franklin — let's get the latest from ross easton who's from the energy networks association. can you bring us up today? what is the situation with homes without power? fit the situation with homes without ower? ' ., ., , ., , power? 1.4 million homes have been reconnected — power? 1.4 million homes have been reconnected since _ power? 1.4 million homes have been reconnected since storm _ power? 1.4 million homes have been reconnected since storm eunice - power? 1.4 million homes have been reconnected since storm eunice and | reconnected since storm eunice and storm franklin a day or so later. as i speak to you today, 12,000 homes are without power but efforts are ongoing by thousands of engineers to reconnect these homes as quickly as safely can. pare reconnect these homes as quickly as safel can. �* _, ., , reconnect these homes as quickly as safel can. �* ., , , . safely can. are conditions difficult for the engineers? _ safely can. are conditions difficult for the engineers? yes, _ safely can. are conditions difficult for the engineers? yes, very - for the engineers? yes, very difficult- _ for the engineers? yes, very difficult. treacherous - for the engineers? yes, very - difficult. treacherous conditions, severe weather warnings as you described, 120 flood warnings in force at the momentjust now. the weather has been horrendous and our

engineers are working around the clock, battling those conditions to reconnect customers as quickly as they can. i5 reconnect customers as quickly as the can. , , reconnect customers as quickly as the can. , ., they can. is it possible to give customers _ they can. is it possible to give customers a _ they can. is it possible to give customers a general- they can. is it possible to give customers a general idea - they can. is it possible to givel customers a general idea when they can. is it possible to give - customers a general idea when they might expect to be reconnected? brute might expect to be reconnected? we are might expect to be reconnected? - are working around the clock, the aim is to have everyone reconnected today and tomorrow. but the weather conditions are still hampering those efforts. is being made and certainly full concentration on getting all of those customers back on today and tomorrow. it those customers back on today and tomorrow. . , , those customers back on today and tomorrow. ., , , ., , tomorrow. it has been a very difficult week, _ tomorrow. it has been a very difficult week, three - tomorrow. it has been a very difficult week, three stormsl tomorrow. it has been a very. difficult week, three storms in seven days, the most challenging types of conditions your engineers can face. we types of conditions your engineers can face. ~ ., ., , ., , types of conditions your engineers canface. ., ., , ., , ., can face. we had two storms named in one da , can face. we had two storms named in one day. this — can face. we had two storms named in one day. this is — can face. we had two storms named in one day, this is unusual, _ can face. we had two storms named in one day, this is unusual, and - can face. we had two storms named in one day, this is unusual, and then - one day, this is unusual, and then we had red weather warnings, they are not at all usual, and you get a red winter weather warning, in the south—east, the first time that weather warning had been issued.

conditions have been extremely challenging, very difficult for our engineers to work in but they are battling around the clock to reconnect people as quickly as they can. i5 reconnect people as quickly as they can. , ., , reconnect people as quickly as they can. , ., y ., reconnect people as quickly as they can. , ., , ., .., , can. is there anything more can be done to basically _ can. is there anything more can be done to basically ensure _ can. is there anything more can be done to basically ensure that - can. is there anything more can be done to basically ensure that the l done to basically ensure that the power network and power supplies can be protected or cushioned storms like this? we be protected or cushioned storms like this? ~ ., , ., ., ., like this? we have seen damage to the ower like this? we have seen damage to the power network _ like this? we have seen damage to the power network and _ like this? we have seen damage to the power network and households| the power network and households affected, transport network is effective, it is not only a power story. we invest £12 billion in the last five years in resilience and dry liability measures but it is clear from their weather over last few months, right through to storm franklin, continued investment is needed and we are planning on investing double that amount in the next five years subject to the regulator's approval.- next five years subject to the regulator's approval. thank you very much. the headlines on bbc news...

military vehicles enter eastern ukraine, hours after vladimir putin recognises two breakaway areas as independent states. ukraine's president appeals for western support. senior members of the government attend a cobra meeting chaired by the prime minister, who says putin is bent on a full scale invasion and sanctions will be imposed. two severe flood warnings — meaning a danger to life — are in force for the river severn in the west midlands — a day after the uk was battered by storm franklin as england prepares to live with covid — the health secretary says the nhs will decide whether staff get free testing. there's been international condemnation of president putin's decision to order russian troops into eastern ukraine. the us secretary of state, antony blinken, described the move as shameful and predictable. the european union has promised to act with unity and firmness in solidarity with ukraine. eu ambassadors are meeting now to discuss the situation.

our brussels correspondentjessica parker said we wouldn't get an announcement on any possible sanctions for several hours yet. just to give you an idea of what's going on here in brussels, eu ambassadors are meeting as we speak actually to discuss the possibility of sanctions. now, the eu has said, said last night and has said again this morning that it is going to impose sanctions. it is a question of what, of course, the ambassador�*s discussion, what they discussed will then move to paris because there happens to be a summit going on in paris about the indo—pacific. but lots of foreign ministers from the eu are there and there's going to be an emergency summit later this afternoon with the eu foreign affairs policy chiefjosep borrell. what will they actually decide? that is, of course, the key question. i think yesterday, the earlier suggestions that we had as the situation was unravelling was that you could see quite targeted sanctions against individuals or entities. then with further developments overnight and josep borrell

this morning saying that russian troops are on ukrainian soil, i think the expectation is the sanctions could go wider than that now. but inevitably, i think there's going to be a tussle between member states about how far they want to go. the most extreme kind of things that we've heard, the harshest things we've heard from people like ursula von der leyen, the european commission chief, a suggestion could see russia cut off from the financial markets. and of course, there is the very, very hot topic of what they do on energy. but i think they'll want to save some of the harsher sanctions for a further escalation of the situation. but if they do that, they do risk, of course, being called weak by some people and certainly some of the baltic states will want to see the strongest possible action. as we heard earlier, the uk prime minister borisjohnson held an emergency meeting of ministers on ukraine. he has agreed to what the government is calling �*the first barrage' of sanctions against russia which he'll announce in parliament later. earlier, i spoke to our

chief political correspondent adam fleming and asked him if it was the government's collective view that russia had begun an invasion into ukraine. the prime minister did not go quite so far as the health secretary to say this is the invasion starting, this is it but he came very close to that. hejust this is it but he came very close to that. he just showed that the government has got a very gloomy, pessimistic interpretation of what this means. and ok, the prime minister kept the door open to a political, diplomatic solution and still some were talking with the russians but he was dialling down that bit of the rhetoric and dialling up the gloomy interpretation of what this means about russian troops going into donetsk and luhansk. the prime minister told ministers when they met for a corporate meeting, the emergency committee meeting at 6:30am this morning, quite unusually, this was an undermining of ukrainian sovereignty and a breach of international law. so the

stuff he has been saying in public is the stuff he has said to his ministers and he is absolutely not sugar—coating the situation. it seems incredibly serious indeed now. what more do we know about this package of sanctions that are due to be announced later? do we think it will be broadly similar to a president biden has been announced, banning new trade, investment and financing in those new regions, will it be something similar for britain? the prime minister left downing street a couple of minutes ago in his motorcade, we think he is heading to parliament and he will update mps around lunchtime. we will get a lot more detail about the first in what he described as a barrage of economic sanctions against russia and russian interest. ministers published some legislation about ten or 11 days ago which would let them target a much wider range of business interests and economic sectors and people than they targeted in the past and so that legislation is there, waiting to go.

and we will get some more detail shortly. though i think the prime minister when he goes to parliament will face calls from his own conservative backbenchers and opposition to clamp down further and russian interests in the city. you hear conservative backbenchers saying things like shouldn't we stop wealthy russian families having access to britain's very good private schools which they seem to really like? in terms of different countries and blocs in what they will do, i think they are trying to show a united front to vladimir putin by triggering the sanctions at roughly the same time, that's why you have not seen individual countries going earlier or in advance, they want to show a united front but i think each country and block sanctions will be tailored to what their economic sanctions are, visibly russia. it is also worth remembering with sanctions we talk about them being as punitive and retaliatory on the other side but they come at a cost with the people imposing those sanctions. this will cost british business money, cost

european and american businesses money and that you put in will be looking to see what appetite there isn't what tolerance there is for costs domestically when it comes to punishing him in russia.— punishing him in russia. some breakin: punishing him in russia. some breaking news _ punishing him in russia. some breaking news from _ punishing him in russia. some i breaking news from buckingham palace. an update on the queen. the palace saying her majesty are still experiencing mild, cold like symptoms after being diagnosed with covid, testing positive for covid on sunday. the palace says she has decided not to undertake a plan virtual engagements today but will continue with light duties. the update from buckingham palace. an update from buckingham palace. an update on how the queen is doing after testing positive for covid on sunday. the palace saying she is still experiencing mild, cold like symptoms and has decided not to undertake bland virtual engagements today but will continue with what

they described as light duties. that is from our royal correspondent daniela ralph. increasing tensions over ukraine have prompted oil prices to reach a seven year high. meanwhile in moscow — and further east — the main stock market indicators have fallen sharply. with me now is our business correspondent theo leggett. tell me more about the oil prices and gas prices. the tell me more about the oil prices and gas prices-— tell me more about the oil prices and gas prices. the big impact is on the oil price- _ and gas prices. the big impact is on the oil price. it _ and gas prices. the big impact is on the oil price. it has _ and gas prices. the big impact is on the oil price. it has been _ and gas prices. the big impact is on the oil price. it has been rising - the oil price. it has been rising steadily in recent weeks anyway. because the world is waking the pandemic. economies are getting more momentum. so demand for oil is increasing. russia is a major oil supplier. it accounts for about 12% of world output so if sanctions were to hit russian production or russian exports, then that would have an impact on global supplies and that's why we are seeing the oil price rising. above $99, it would not be a surprise to see it cover $100 if

tensions escalate. gas prices have also been rising on the wholesale markets in the uk and europe. up around 7%. there is a reason. europe gets a very large part of its gas from russia, it comes through ukraine, through the baltic states, and if sanctions were to be imposed, there could be retaliatory action from russia restricting supplies, making them scarce and this comes at a time when we know energy prices are very high anyway. and consumers in the uk and across europe are already feeling the pinch. briefly, the im act already feeling the pinch. briefly, the impact on _ already feeling the pinch. briefly, the impact on the _ already feeling the pinch. briefly, the impact on the stock _ already feeling the pinch. briefly, the impact on the stock market i already feeling the pinch. briefly, | the impact on the stock market -- the impact on the stock market —— stock markets? the impact on the stock market -- stock markets?— the impact on the stock market -- stock markets? , ., , , ., stock markets? they have been up and down a lot recently _ stock markets? they have been up and down a lot recently depending - stock markets? they have been up and down a lot recently depending on - stock markets? they have been up and down a lot recently depending on the l down a lot recently depending on the level of tensions in ukraine. but the biggest impact has been in russia which would be the target of sanctions. we have seen the main indices in moscow down around 6%, they fell very sharply indeed yesterday. this is investors and russian companies bracing themselves for what they clearly feel as likely to be a significant impact of

sanctions. to be a significant impact of sanctions-— there is a crisis of public trust in the way rape is treated by the criminaljustice system. so says max hill — the director of public prosecutions himself. he also says he has ways of fixing it. of 63,000 rape offences recorded by police in the year to last september, only 1.3 percent resulted in someone being charged. joining me now is the director of public prosecutions, max hill, qc. thank you for your time this morning. looking at that charge rate, 1.3% of some 63,000 rape offences recorded by police in the year to last september, it would not be surprising to think of someone has been a victim of rape they might be put off approaching the police in the first instance? that be put off approaching the police in the first instance?— the first instance? that is exactly what i am the first instance? that is exactly what i am very — the first instance? that is exactly what i am very keen _ the first instance? that is exactly what i am very keen that - the first instance? that is exactly what i am very keen that we - the first instance? that is exactly i what i am very keen that we should change and that is why having been working on our rape and serious sexual offence strategy which we published 18 months ago we had brought out this update today to say

to anybody with an interest in this area, please come and look at the action that we are taking. and there are so many actions recorded in that update report. and let me make it very clear that we are at the table with our police colleagues who are just as dedicated as our specialist prosecutors in addressing the crisis in public confidence. and making sure that by completing all of the work that you can see in that report, the numbers will change. and with the numbers changing, it is my hope that public confidence will come back because when women and it is mainly women, suffer sexual violence, still less rape, they are at the most vulnerable point probably in their entire lives and they need to feel that the authorities, the criminaljustice system, is there for them and they can safely report that rape in the knowledge that it will be investigated and our role at the crown prosecution service, we are not investigators but we are there to take every possible case and to

secure justice through the courts. every time we can. what are they key actions, if you were to pick out, you talk about a wide range of actions you have taken in the last 18 months, what are the key changes you identify? let 18 months, what are the key changes you identify?— you identify? let me give you an example- _ you identify? let me give you an example- i _ you identify? let me give you an example. i sat _ you identify? let me give you an example. i sat with _ you identify? let me give you an example. i sat with our - you identify? let me give you an| example. i sat with our dedicated specialist prosecutors and our specialist prosecutors and our specialist team in the south—east of the country only three days ago and they were telling me about the early advice that they make available to police forces in kent, surrey and sussex. they were telling me about the pre—trial case progression clinics that they conduct and they were telling me about scrutiny panels put in place in partnership between the police and the cps to say, if there are cases that are regarded as difficult or even where there is a perception that the evidence cannot be gathered, bring those cases to us, let us have a conversation about it, let's apply that offender centric approach where

we focus on what the offender did before, during and after the offence, in order to build a stronger case to support that victim and to take that case to court. and i am encouraged whenever i see work like that which is going on, let me tell you, notjust in the south—east but around the country. tell you, notjust in the south-east but around the country.— tell you, notjust in the south-east but around the country. finally, we know about — but around the country. finally, we know about financial _ but around the country. finally, we know about financial issues - but around the country. finally, we know about financial issues in - but around the country. finally, we know about financial issues in the i know about financial issues in the criminaljustice know about financial issues in the criminal justice system, know about financial issues in the criminaljustice system, a logjam in the course and that presents difficulties but are you putting targets on this in terms of trying to get the percentage of charges going up? we to get the percentage of charges auoin u? ~ ., to get the percentage of charges oin u? . ., ., to get the percentage of charges iioin u-?~ ., ., , to get the percentage of charges iioinu-?~ ., ., , ., , to get the percentage of charges oin u? . ., ., , ., ,., going up? we do not put targets on numbers. going up? we do not put targets on numbers- iout _ going up? we do not put targets on numbers. but we _ going up? we do not put targets on numbers. but we expect _ going up? we do not put targets on numbers. but we expect of- going up? we do not put targets on i numbers. but we expect of ourselves and of the whole system is to make a meaningful increase year on year on the numbers that we bring forward. it is true that the criminaljustice system as a whole is stretched at the moment and that is not least because of the impact on cases waiting for court that has been brought about by the pandemic. but we are focusing on the theory of

sexual violence, we have trained more prosecutors than ever before, we are bringing prosecutors into our rape units, we are working with the police and we are working with others who are equally important here, let me mention independent sexual violence advisors who can be almost the mouthpiece for a victim, can explain to them what is happening with the process and whether it is in the north—east, the south—west, the south—east, we are sitting down having developed a strategy with independent sexual violence advisors because we know they are part of the solution as well. a . ~ they are part of the solution as well. a ., ~' , ., they are part of the solution as well. ., ,, , ., ., they are part of the solution as well. ., ~' ,, ., i. well. max hill, thank you for your time today- _ officials in hong kong say they will launch a vaccine pass scheme for shopping malls and restaurants this week as hospitals struggle under the weight of an omicron—driven covid outbreak. daily case numbers rose to a record high of 7,500. officials have warned of even tougher social—distancing rules ahead and placed the city on "full—on war mode" against covid.

a fossil unearthed on the isle of skye is the largest pterosaur ever discovered from thejurassic period. the ancient flying reptile had a wing span of 2.5 metres — or eight feet — and would have flown over the heads of dinosaurs 170—million years ago. here is our science correspondent victoria gill. these look a little bit like there might be teeth. and it's pretty symmetrical. hidden in the rock for 170—million years, the teeth and bones of a jurassic reptile. after racing the tide to cut out the limestone that entombed their discovery, the team had a rockyjourney to bring it back to their lab. but here they've revealed the secrets of this isle of skye pterosaur that they've named dearc sgiathanach, gaelic for winged reptile. i think it's a lot clearer if we put the head back on, so we remove the head to cat scan it, but we can put it right back there, doing it up with the neck and you can see

the neck and it leads to a body. you have a wing on each side. over here you have the hand with these feisty, sharp little claws, and then you have a tail going that way. you've seen a lot of fossils in your time? so how significant is this one? oh, this is far and away the best thing we've ever found on sky. to get something like this preserved in 3d isjust a one in a billion thing. the hollow bones of this flying reptile are very fragile, but x—ray scans of the skull have revealed even more detail. talk me through what you have in your hands. i'm holding a model of the neck. it was commissioned by local artists, and it's more or less how the creature might have looked like in real life, can see how well adapted to flight it was. you had this elongated ring finger, which anchor entire membrane. it was also very streamlined. you can see how the jaw was related to flying and catching fishes filled with those very sharp teeth. it has very long tail, which we use as a rudder when in flight. and yeah, it's absolutely charismatic. ilove him. he's so goofy. we walked in jurassic footprints when we visited the isle of skye

with this same research team back in 2015. and you can see the toes. fossilised depressions left by giant sauropods, the biggest animals ever to have walked the earth. and this fossil, the researchers say, is the largest pterosaur from that same period. you can see with this model, this is the average size of a jurassic pterosaur skull, and this is dearc, the newly discovered fossil from the isle of skye. so this was a big flying reptile. the team's now sending it on anotherjourney, this time just down the road to the national museum of scotland, where it will eventually be put on display. but thejurassic limestone slab weighs almost 200 kilos. my word! it's a humble last trip on a pallet for a creature that's been buried since the age of the dinosaurs. victoria gill, bbc news, in edinburgh. let's speak to the palaeontologist

professor steve brusatte from the university of edinburgh. great to have you with us today and i know you have officially unveiled the pterosaur at the national museum of scotland where it will be in the permanent collection. iloathed of scotland where it will be in the permanent collection.— permanent collection. what an excitin i permanent collection. what an exciting moment! _ permanent collection. what an exciting moment! thank - permanent collection. what an exciting moment! thank you, i permanent collection. what an i exciting moment! thank you, and permanent collection. what an - exciting moment! thank you, and we saw in that piece, this is a big animal, we were struggling with that slab! and that is the real significance, we have a jurassic age to pterosaur or pterodactyl and this was as big as the biggest flying birds today, with a wingspan of over eight feet. and nobody had ever found anything like this in scotland before, orfrom anywhere found anything like this in scotland before, or from anywhere else in the world so we are very excited and happy to be unveiling today at the national museum of scotland. reading some background _ national museum of scotland. reading some background to _ national museum of scotland. reading some background to this _ national museum of scotland. reading some background to this last _ national museum of scotland. reading some background to this last night, . some background to this last night, i discovered that this tells palaeontologists that pterosaur is got larger much earlier than you

thought. so why is that significant? we used to think that pterosaur is were pretty small for the first several tens of millions of years of the revolution, that they never really got bigger than about four or five metre wingspan is, give or take and later in the cretaceous period, the end of the age of the dinosaurs, the end of the age of the dinosaurs, the time of the t rex, you got dinosaurs that were as big as fighterjets. now we have this jurassic age fossil and we are seeing a big pterosaur at about 170 million years ago, as big as the biggest flying birds today so pterosaur is had evolved that size and when this animal was soaring over the heads of dinosaurs in the lagoons of the ancient isle of skye during thejurassic period, it was the biggest thing that we know of that had ever flown in the entire history of the world. and this is just a superlative scottish fossil, nothing like this has been found

before, gorgeously preserved and we are so pleased to have such a nice fossil like this here in scotland! absolutely, and when it was alive and flying over the isle of skye 170 billion years ago tell us about what this pterosaur looked like beyond the sheer scale of it. this this pterosaur looked like beyond the sheer scale of it.— the sheer scale of it. this was a bii the sheer scale of it. this was a big animal- _ the sheer scale of it. this was a big animal. imagine _ the sheer scale of it. this was a big animal. imagine you're - the sheer scale of it. this was a big animal. imagine you're in i big animal. imagine you're in ancient scotland, it is much warmer than today. subtropical climate, kind of like the canary islands, the mediterranean, you are in an ancient logo. in the distance you see these giant longnecked dinosaurs wading through the water and overhead, the sun goes into shadow because you have this enormous creature with wings more than eight feet wide sailing and soaring over you, diving into the water to snatch fish. that is what scotland used to be like, thatis is what scotland used to be like, that is what we have with this fossil, i am that is what we have with this fossil, iam incredibly that is what we have with this fossil, i am incredibly proud of our team here at the university of edinburgh who discovered and studied this fossil and i have to say one of

our phd students amelia, found this, students always find the best fossils, and my current phd student studying this, for her current phd, it's amazing. studying this, for her current phd, it's amazing-— it's amazing. and in one line, can the public — it's amazing. and in one line, can the public see — it's amazing. and in one line, can the public see it _ it's amazing. and in one line, can the public see it now? _ it's amazing. and in one line, can the public see it now? the - it's amazing. and in one line, can i the public see it now? the specimen is in the permanent _ the public see it now? the specimen is in the permanent collection - the public see it now? the specimen is in the permanent collection of - is in the permanent collection of the national museum of scotland as it should be, this is a crownjewel of scottish history, it will go back to the university currently, natalia has another year and a half of her phd to go and she will study it and thenit phd to go and she will study it and then it will go back to the museum. so great to talk to you, so interesting, professor, thank you. colombia's constitutional court has decriminalised abortion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. the decision was celebrated by activists who've campaigned hard for change. they argued that illegal abortions

risked the lives of thousands of colombian women every year, especially the poor. sylvia lennan—spence has more. cheering, dancing and crying. hundreds of women celebrated outside colombia's constitutional court at the news that having an abortion will no longer be a crime. many supporters wore green to represent the abortion rights movement that had campaigned tirelessly to remove abortion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy from colombia's penal code. translation: this is historic. it brings us such happiness because little by little, we are changing our history. we finally succeeded in having them allow us to decide over our bodies. we fought for this for many years, and clandestine abortions took the lives of so many women. this is a huge step for a widely catholic country, but an even bigger development for this deeply conservative region. abortion was partially legalised in colombia under a 2006 court decision, which allowed it only in cases of rape if the woman's life was in danger or if the foetus had

serious health problems. the kauserjustice coalition, which sued for decriminalisation, estimates around 90% of abortions in colombia take place in secret, putting women's lives at risk as they seek dangerous alternatives to a doctor. we hope that this ruling inspires other countries and other regions to further decriminalise abortion, to protect women from unsafe abortions. but even as supporters celebrated, anti—abortion protesters nearby waved blue flags and knelt on the ground, praying. and just hours later, an archbishop in the capital, bogota, said the catholic church would continue to oppose any kind of abortion. translation: we're called to consistently respect life i from gestation until natural death. and for us believers, apart from it being a fundamental right, it's a gift from god and we'll

continue to proclaim, defend and promote human life from gestation until natural death. the decision now adds colombia to a list of latin american countries which have recently liberalised abortion access, including mexico and ecuador, and also sets the stage for the colombian government to regulate the process further. sylvia lennan spence, bbc news. a vigil has been held in west london for the music and media entrepreneur, jamal edwards, who died suddenly on sunday at the age of 31. crowds gathered in acton to pay their respects. jamal was a majorfigure in uk grime and rap. his youtube channel, sbtv, helped to launch the careers of artists including ed sheeran and jessiej. that's it from me for now, you can contact us by using #bbcyourquestions and there's plenty more on the bbc news website and app. you've been watching bbc news.

joanna will be here next. hello again. we've had a band of squally wind and heavy rain moving southwards as we've gone through the course of this morning, and we still do have over a hundred flood warnings in force across england, wales and scotland, with two severe flood warnings in force on the river severn. now this cold front has been continuing its journey moving south. behind it, colderair follows on and as you can see from the isobars, it's a windy day wherever you are, but particularly around the band of rain, which by the time we get to the afternoon, will be a weakening feature as it pushes down into the southeast before clearing. behind it, we're looking at sunshine and some showers. some of those will be wintry on the hills in scotland. and don't forget wherever you are, it is going to be windy. these are the kind of wind gusts that you can expect. temperature wise today, we're looking at about five or six in the far north of the country

to maybe 11 to 12 possibly a 13 in london. so still on the mild side in the south, but that much colder as we push further north. now, talking of cold, under clear skies tonight, it will be cold enough for some frost. many of the showers will fade, but not all of them. and then by the end of the night, we have a new weather front coming in, bringing in some rain. and for the outer hebrides and northwest scotland, the wind once again is going to strengthen. these are our overnight lows, between about three and seven degrees tomorrow. we pick up this weather front, which will push fairly slowly across scotland and northern ireland, later in the day, getting into northern england. for the rest of england and also wales. well, here it will be dry with a few showers and a fair bit of sunshine around, but once again it's going to be windy, especially so in the northern half of the country. now, as we head on through wednesday night and into thursday, this is the weather front slowly

slipping south, taking its rain with it, not the wintriness, notjust on the hills of scotland, but even to sea level in scotland and also into northern ireland, possibly at sea level here as well. we'll see some snow showers in the hills of northern england. wales, possibly the moors as well. in the southeast it's going to be largely dry with some sunshine, but thursday is going to be another windy day. and with temperatures between four and eight or nine degrees, add on the wind chill, it will feel colder than that. as we head into the weekend a ridge of high pressure builds across us, things settle down, although there'll be more cloud and some rain at times in the northwest.

this is bbc news. i'm joanna gosling. the headlines at 11am. as military vehicles enter eastern ukraine — its president appeals for allied support — warning that a full—scale russian invasion will put other nations in danger. in addition to arming ukraine with its borders, sanctions top this escalation— its borders, sanctions top this escalation from russia. we will sanctions change _ peter and's mind? here, senior members of the government attend an emergency meeting, to discuss russian sanctions. borisjohnson says putin is bent on a full—scale invasion. we expect i'm afraid that there is more _ we expect i'm afraid that there is more russian irrational behaviour to

come _ as england prepares to live with covid — the health secretary the nhs will decide whether staff get free testing. buckingham palace says the queen will not take part in her planned virtual engagements today, because she is still suffering "mild cold—like symptoms" due to covid. she tested positive on sunday. after storm franklin battered the uk, two severe flood warnings — meaning a danger to life — are in force for the river severn in the west midlands. and coming up this hour — thejurassic fossilfind on the isle of skye, described by paleontologists as a one in a billion discovery. borisjohnson says vladimir putin is bent on a �*full—scale invasion of ukraine and has promised

a "barrage of sanctions" after the russian president ordered troops into two rebel held areas of ukraine, calling them "peacekeeping forces". last night, president putin signed a decree saying the troops would carry out what he called "peacekeeping duties" in donetsk and luhansk which he'd earlier unilaterally recognised as independent territories. hours after his decree, reports from donetsk said convoys of tanks had entered the main city. moscow's recognition of two breakaway regions prompted an emergency meeting of the un security council where russia was accused of violating international law. ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky said russia buzz actions were a threat to the whole of europe and called the sanctions. borisjohnson has agreed to what the government is calling �*the first barrage' of sanctions

against russia which he'll announce in parliament later. the first of our reports comes from mark lobel. this is how independence looks in the rebel republics now recognised by russia. but president putin's provocative move has been condemned by the west as a clear breach of international rules. the question is whether these columns of military vehicles spotted hours later on the outskirts of donetsk are a worrying sign of bigger things to come elsewhere in ukraine, with its sovereignty under threat. translation: we are waiting for clear and effective steps i of support from our partners. it is very important to see now who our real friends and partners are. the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, told president zelensky the uk had already drawn up sanctions to target those complicit — alongside the us and eu — to implement imminently, and they will explore sending further defensive support to ukraine. so what could that be?

we have now enough rockets to cover all the tanks which can cross our border. we have some troubles with the sea and air. that's where our efforts are concentrating right now. kyiv�*s long feared russia would create a pretext for war. in the past few days, russia evacuated thousands of civilians from the separatist republics to russia. russian tv claimed ukraine was shelling the area — claims vigorously denied by kyiv. president putin's final act was to effectively sign away the minsk peace agreements intended to calm tensions in eastern ukraine. president putin has torn the minsk agreement to shreds. we have been clear that we do not believe he will stop at that. but despite tens of thousands of russian troops on ukraine's borders, both its western allies and russian neighbours still talk of a diplomatic way through, but with differing views

of who's to blame. translation: |'u leave | the direct verbal assaults against us unanswered. now it's important to focus on how to avoid war and how to force ukraine to stop the shelling and provocations against donetsk and lu ha nsk. if we need to fight, we will fight. if we need to be peaceful, we will be peaceful. volunteers for ukraine's homeland security — no strangers to russian attacks on their country — now preparing to protect their families, their country, they say — if that's what it takes. mark lobel, bbc news. we've had some significant comments through from the german chancellor who is currently meeting the irish prime minister in berlin. let's hear what he said. he said "we must

reassess the situation concerning this. he says the occasion of north stream two, the gas pipeline cannot go through given russia's current actions. " he says he will not allow himself to be provoked by russia. it is the international community must respond to the unjustified reaction from russia which he says is a serious breach of international law. so, that announcement therefrom the german chancellor saying that the certification of the gas to pipeline cannot go ahead and that is a significant development as countries line up the sanctions that will be outlined later. borisjohnson will be outlining sanctions in the commons, we are expecting at 12:30pm. germany has been criticised

for not taking such a hard line on the pipeline negotiations in the run—up to what happened yesterday with those russian troops going into those two regions of ukraine. america had said it was clear the pipeline should not go ahead as well but germany wasn't in quite so clear so now the german chancellor saying that pipeline go ahead. —— cannot go ahead. in the past hour the ukrainian president held a news conference — he said the security of the entire european continent is being decided. last night i spoke to the french president, joe biden and they must show how fast they can act. sanctions are the most powerful thing they can offer. policy of sanctions is very powerful and can

have an immediate impact when facing this escalation from russia. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has been detailing the economic sanctions that the uk will now put in place, which he says will "hit russia very hard". we havejust had a cobra meeting about the situation in ukraine, particularly in the donbas region where plainly president vladimir putin has violated ukrainian sovereignty, he has sent troops in, he has broken international law, he has repudiated the minsk agreement, he has torn up the understanding from budapest in 1994 that the territorial integrity of the ukraine would be respected, he's completely torn up international law, we will immediately institute a package of economic sanctions which i think as people would expect, targeted notjust at entities in donetsk and luhansk but in russia itself,

targeting russian economic interest as hard as we can and we will be setting out later on in the house of commons what we are going to do. this is, i should stress, the first barrage of uk economic sanctions against russia because we expect, i'm afraid, that there is more russian irrational behaviour to come. and the sad thing is at every turn in this crisis, the uk's pessimistic predictions have been vindicated, we said there would be false flag operations and there have been, we said there would be provocations in the region and that is what we are seeing, and i am afraid all the evidence is that president vladimir putin is indeed bent, as you said just now, on a full—scale invasion of the ukraine. and the overrunning, the subjugation of an

independent sovereign european country. and i think that, let me be clear, that would be catastrophic. there will of course be pressure for continued conversation, negotiations, and that is right. whilst there is still a discussion to be had, of course, a discussion should be had. and the uk will be engaged actively in diplomacy at all levels to try and find a way forward other than through the violence that president vladimir putin is proposing. i want everybody to be in no doubt that if vladimir putin continues down this track of violence and aggression of a full—scale invasion of encircling kyiv itself which seems to be what he proposes to do, capturing the ukrainian capital, it is absolutely vital that that

effort, that conquest of another european country should not succeed and that he should fail. that is what we will be exerting ourselves to ensuring as the outcome. borisjohnson will be speaking in the commons at 12:30pm today. it's looking like it's going to impact on the football champions league final. we hearing from a football reporter that uefa or most certainly going to switch. uefa are viewed as being highly unlikely to attempt to host a showpiece game in russia. the football government body is assessing the matter but it says it's looking for a new venue at

short notice for the third year running after the last two championships were played in portugal due to coronavirus issues. so it looks like sports fixtures, significant sports fixtures will be affected. very significant financial sanctions. let's talk about the sanctions. borisjohnson let's talk about the sanctions. boris johnson says let's talk about the sanctions. borisjohnson says once the sanctions come in, it will make vladimir putin say he gravely miscalculated.— vladimir putin say he gravely miscalculated. , ., , , . miscalculated. there is no public fear of sanction _ miscalculated. there is no public fear of sanction between - miscalculated. there is no publici fear of sanction between russian officials but we've heard the german chancellor saying that germany will not certify the nordstream pipeline.

this was a very important project to russia and well, now, it won't be happening, it won't come to its end. the consequence on the russian economy will be great. in this case, we are only now calculating the first scenarios of what will happen to the russian economy in case of other sanctions being implemented. nevertheless, russian officials, especially the russian state, had minutes ago approved pigeon's decree of recognition of the so—called people's republic in the two regions in ukraine. they don't pay attention to any sanctions and they think that thejob on the to any sanctions and they think that the job on the chair political that they are doing now is more important

than the economic consequences. iloathed than the economic consequences. what is the sense of— than the economic consequences. what is the sense of the _ than the economic consequences. what is the sense of the thinking on the geopolitics of that. vladimir�*s pete in —— vladimir putin's mindset on this? in -- vladimir putin's mindset on this? �* , in -- vladimir putin's mindset on this? �*, , , ,, in -- vladimir putin's mindset on this? , ,, �*, this? he's properly thinking he's still fighting _ this? he's properly thinking he's still fighting with _ this? he's properly thinking he's still fighting with nato _ this? he's properly thinking he's still fighting with nato and - this? he's properly thinking he's still fighting with nato and is - still fighting with nato and is protecting russia. he is protecting russian soil and that's why he has decided to recognise those people's republics. there appears to be a new level of confrontation. it's hard to tell. it's hard to tell of the kremlin has really calculated the consequences of these steps. fin consequences of these steps. on that, does he have popular support and what about support immediately around him?—

around him? well, russia is living under hard — around him? well, russia is living under hard sanctions _ around him? well, russia is living under hard sanctions since - around him? well, russia is living under hard sanctions since 2014 i under hard sanctions since 2014 since they annexed crimea and for the people, it obviously had some consequences but it was presented not as a miscalculation of the russian government but as the hostile actions of the west which at the times when the crimea was annexed it looked like that vladimir putin was doing the right thing and the west were coming with war on russia which is why he's had great support and his ratings of approval increased. but, now, the story is quite different from the crimea story and it's hard to tell that people and paintings supporters will understand the necessity of this step right now when the russian economy is already not in the best shape and, in this case, vladimir

putin will probably face some people who won't be happy with his steps and who will suffer from the economic consequences and he'll probably face the loss of approval ratings, as well.— ratings, as well. thank you very much, surrogate. _ ratings, as well. thank you very much, surrogate. -- _ ratings, as well. thank you very much, surrogate. -- sergei. - ratings, as well. thank you very i much, surrogate. -- sergei. these are iioin much, surrogate. -- sergei. these are going to _ much, surrogate. -- sergei. these are going to be _ much, surrogate. -- sergei. these are going to be tough _ much, surrogate. -- sergei. these are going to be tough economic - are going to be tough economic sanctions that will target individuals and companies with links to the russian government but also to the russian government but also to the russian government but also to the wider russian economy, in response to the moving troops into the ukraine. we understand painting has sent troops into ukraine and...

other european nations stopped short of calling this an invasion but when they do use that language that will inform the international response as well. so what we know at the moment is that the prime minister at 12:30pm is going to outlined parliament the plan is among the uk government the economic sanctions to target russia at this time. it will be interesting to know which individuals and companies will be targeted. the prime minister says there are more sanctions in the uk government's ammunition, so to speak. so this isn't necessarily the full package of sanctions at this stage. the international picture is that there are conversations ongoing about what level of sanctions should be rolled out at this point and whether some are held back, almost to be used as leveraged against moves on russia. the prime minister's position is that the expectation that more sanctions will have to be used in the future. there's also a question about what

military assistance may or may not be provided by the uk government too. uk ministers have been absolutely clear that this means uk military boots on the ground fighting in the ukraine but there are questions around what further defence assistance may be provided to the ukraine and other european nations. the prime minister says they looking into what more they can do on this front. he's made clear that more sanctions are potentially needing to be used in the future. his pessimistic view in his words is that russia still has more to come but i think the situation is changing incredibly rapidly and we'll get more detail on the specifics of the sanctions at 12:30pm today.— specifics of the sanctions at 12:30pm today. we'll also be sieakini 12:30pm today. we'll also be speaking to _ 12:30pm today. we'll also be speaking to an _ 12:30pm today. we'll also be speaking to an expert - 12:30pm today. we'll also be speaking to an expert on - 12:30pm today. we'll also be - speaking to an expert on sanctions later. our correspondentjames waterhouse is in kyiv and had the latest

reaction from ukraine. president zelensky gave televised broadcast last night. he urged ukrainians not to have sleepless nights, something easier said than done but he said his people would not be afraid to fight. there are some concerns though, some ukrainians are not impressed with the scale of america buzz response so far because specific sanctions that you mentioned on these occupied territories in the two regions because the main worry is that vladimir putin has given an angry speech about how the ukraine has no place to be a country in his mind. we've had unconfirmed reports of some movements there but the question there is theyjust going to

occupy what's already been taken or are they going to advance further and try to take the entire regions which would be crossing the conflict line and ukraine has said all along it will defend itself should that happen. that would be an enormous escalation and something that people are very much worried about. james waterhouse reporting from kyiv. all covid restrictions will end in england on thursday — including mandatory self—isolation for positive cases. free mass testing will stop from the first of april for most people. it's part of the government's "living with covid" plan — as our health correspondent, sophie hutchinson reports. this club for older people, one of the few to have remained open through the pandemic. now there's no social distancing, and most members have stopped wearing masks. and a further return to normal life is afoot, now the government in england has announced an end to the remaining restrictions. so what exactly is changing, and when? well, on thursday, the legal requirement to stay at home if you have covid will end.

instead, people will be advised to stay at home for at least five days. routine contact tracing will end on thursday, as well. the £500 self—isolation payments will stop this week, and in april free testing for all will finish — although it will be available for those most at risk, or people working with high—risk groups, such as in care homes. today is not the day we can declare victory over covid because this virus is not going away. but it is the day when all the efforts of the last two years finally enabled us to protect ourselves whilst restoring our liberties in full. the government says, instead of restrictions, treatments and vaccines are now the way forward. many here will be eligible for the spring boosterjabs, and most say they'll get them. lovely — i'll have one!

you think that's a great idea? i do — i think it's brilliant. anything that's going, i'll have it. oh, i think it's a good idea. i think it protects you. i'm over 80, so i will definitely have anotherjab, yeah. - the vaccines will be available for anyone aged over 75, and those at high risk over the age of 12. they'll be available six months after the previous dose. that previous dose seems to wane slightly after ten weeks, and government advisers say even a small reduction in protection might cause problems for the nhs. one thing to bear in mind is that if there is a drop in protection from, say, 95% to 90%, that is actually a change of twice the amount of protection — from 5% to 10% — and that could mean, and translate into, a doubling of hospitalisations, for example. scotland, wales and northern ireland have confirmed they will also offer the boosters in the spring.

sophie hutchinson, bbc news. the health secretary sajid javid said that free covid tests would still be available for nhs workers in england. if nhs staff need tests they will be provided with free tests and that would be a decision for the nhs and those trusts and by the way, even before covid, the nhs has always sensibly made a decision on tests and keeping their staff safe because keeping their staff safe means keeping their patients safe and it's always about patient safety. and actually, i was, just last week, i travelled i think it was 1200 miles around the country and i met many fantastic nhs staff in every corner of england. and i was pleased to see how people are getting on with the job, how they feel positive about looking ahead, and how this country has collectively dealt with the pandemic but especially with the support of all nhs workers.

scotland first minister nicola sturgeon will set out in a statement later her government's plans for managing the pandemic with fewer restrictions in future. our correspondent alexandra mackenzie is in glasgow for us. what are you expecting? well, nicola sturgeon has said she wants to strike the right balance and that's the balance between having a normal life and also controlling the virus. she was due to speak to her cabinet today and she is due to speak to the scottish parliament and shall outline her plan for living with coronavirus. it's likely to differ from what we heard from boris johnson today in the house of commons. the first minister does not want to end free mass testing. the scottish government has said this is not the public health advice. now,

the testing system is a uk initiative so holyrood have asked the confirmation from westminster as to the decision from england and how it will impact on scotland and the other nations. borisjohnson suggested that if scotland wanted to maintain the current level of testing, they could fund that from the existing budget. he also said he continued to work closely with the other nations. now, nicola sturgeon has said she doesn't agree with ending self isolation for those who test positive for coronavirus. in scotland, people are strongly advised to self isolated they have coronavirus. however, it's not a legal requirement unless it's connected to international travel. so, the scottish conservative party, they said in terms of self isolating that this just brings england into line with scotland. face coverings are worn in scotland and indoor

public places so we may hear that later this afternoon when this is likely or possibly to be relaxed and coronavirus passports are required for nightclubs and other large gatherings. there is increasing pressure from opposition parties to scrap though so we may get a date to when they relaxed or come to a name. so, overall, the first minister is expected to announce how she will manage coronavirus going forward, in a much less restrictive manner. thank you very much, alexandra. buckingham palace says the queen has cancelled a virtual engagement but will continue with "light duties" today after she tested positive for covid. the queen is understood to be fully vaccinated but — at 95 — her age puts her at increased risk

from the virus. two severe flood warnings — meaning a danger to life — are in place for parts of the river severn, following the heavy rain brought by storm franklin. more than 100 otherflood warnings are in force across england and wales. both the severe, danger to life warnings are for sections of the severn in the west midlands — one near ironbridge in shropshire, where there are fears the river could top the flood defences — the other is at bewdley in worcestershire. torrential rain brought by storm franklin has also caused flooding in other parts of the country, including in the derbyshire town of matlock, from where geeta pendse reports i'm afraid we can't bring you her report, i'm afraid. we going instead to the mayor of matlock. thank you very much forjoining us. how bad is it? it very much for “oining us. how bad is it? , , ., , , it? it seems to be the river is iioin it? it seems to be the river is going back — it? it seems to be the river is going back into _ it? it seems to be the river is going back into the _ it? it seems to be the river is . going back into the watercourse, thankfully. it was down by two

metres but it was awful over the weekend and i have been talking to a lot of businesses this morning which are in despair because this is the fourth time this has happened in two and a half years. 50 fourth time this has happened in two and a half years-— and a half years. so there's a psychological _ and a half years. so there's a psychological impact - and a half years. so there's a psychological impact and - and a half years. so there's a| psychological impact and right and a half years. so there's a - psychological impact and right now i very practical impact. what's being donein very practical impact. what's being done in a practical sense, right now? is done in a practical sense, right now? , ., done in a practical sense, right now? ,., ., done in a practical sense, right now? ., .,. now? is a case of reassurance. there are some people _ now? is a case of reassurance. there are some people here _ now? is a case of reassurance. there are some people here wanting - now? is a case of reassurance. there are some people here wanting to - now? is a case of reassurance. there | are some people here wanting to give up are some people here wanting to give up their businesses. it's a case with working with the environment agency to try make sure things are put in place so that we don't... well, to prevent these things happening on these occasions. we do need to look in the longer term. it's the same area of matlock that has flooded on four occasions and some drains have not been... the

council know i'm not up to standard. they've been blocked. they have not been replaced so they need to be gone and we need to get a pumping station on the road. it gone and we need to get a pumping station on the road.— station on the road. it happened four times _ station on the road. it happened four times in _ station on the road. it happened four times in two _ station on the road. it happened four times in two and _ station on the road. it happened four times in two and a - station on the road. it happened four times in two and a half - station on the road. it happened l four times in two and a half years. why do you think fairly simple measures haven't happened? weill. measures haven't happened? well, there are initial _ measures haven't happened? well, there are initial simple _ measures haven't happened? h there are initial simple measures. you can unblock drains that have collapsed. that would help but there is some infrastructure issue and i would like to see with a levelling up would like to see with a levelling up fund and, you know, initiatives like that, we need, their businesses in that area need a small pump station to be able to take the water back into the river with two or three attenuation silos underground. it's more difficult but i do know work has commenced with that. it's a

financial issue. it's a capital funding issue and i would urge the town top unfortunately, we've lost it. ., �* g town top unfortunately, we've lost it. no, i'm here! my apologies. we lost our picture _ it. no, i'm here! my apologies. we lost our picture of _ it. no, i'm here! my apologies. we lost our picture of you. _ it. no, i'm here! my apologies. we lost our picture of you. we - it. no, i'm here! my apologies. we lost our picture of you. we can - lost our picture of you. we can still hear you then. can we? no? sorry, a communications difficulty there. we heard what we he was —— he was saying and he wants a pump station to support the town which has been flooded for times into a half years. let's return to our top story — borisjohnson has promised a "barrage of sanctions" against russia after president putin ordered troops into two rebel held areas of ukraine, calling them "peacekeeping forces". let's take a look at what we know so far. the pm will set out those sanctions in a statement to the house of commons at 12:30pm. this morning — ukraine's president

says it is considering breaking off diplomatic relations with russia. and in a letter to troops, ukraine's defence minister has accused russian leader vladimir putin of trying to revive the former union of soviet socialist republics. in his letter oleksii reznikov said, "there are some tough challenges ahead. there will be a loss. you will have to go through the pain, overcome fear and betrayal. but victory awaits us. because we are on our land and the truth is behind us." tobias ellwood is chair of the defence select committee. welcome and thank you forjoining us. the degree concern there that it doesn't stop here, that vladimir putin has an agenda beyond ukraine, what are your thoughts?— what are your thoughts? exactly ri i ht. this what are your thoughts? exactly right- this is _ what are your thoughts? exactly right. this is the _ what are your thoughts? exactly right. this is the big _ what are your thoughts? exactly right. this is the big question i what are your thoughts? exactly | right. this is the big question we need to ask ourselves. i think russian actions which bridge the minsk agreement moved into a new phase of this crisis but also recognition that what we have done today has not been enough. it does i

believe require us to adapt to a more robust and united and committed approach to defending european security outside of nato's borders. sanctions alone will not be enough in my view. indeed on targeted sanctions may well play into ute and's a wider plan to pivot russia ever closer to china. so nato must not continue to be bridged in this way, it must be committed to uphold european security, hiding behind the fact that ukraine is not a member of nato and the situation is very different now and i hope you will understand and appreciate that when the prime minister talks today. fin the prime minister talks today. on what you said about ukraine not being a member of nato, how do you think ukraine should be treated? should it be treated effectively like a member of nato? yes. should it be treated effectively like a member of nato? yes, we need to look back — like a member of nato? yes, we need to look back and _ like a member of nato? yes, we need to look back and remind _ like a member of nato? yes, we need to look back and remind ourselves - to look back and remind ourselves what it says on the night of ten,

about defending and upholding the european security, but doesn't end at the borderlines of the nato family itself. what happens in ukraine, the security there we are now appreciating impacts on the security of the rest of europe. as standing back in this way effectively benching the most formidable military alliance in the world i think is wrong. we need to think carefully and now about how we respond to ukraine's calls for help, what form of military assets should be providing, intelligence sharing, counter cyber capabilities, insurgency support, no—fly zone, these need to be considered, because if we are unable to check putin's behaviour where does this take us to? �* , ., , behaviour where does this take us to? .,., behaviour where does this take us to? �* ., ., , ., to? are you saying it nato boots on the iround to? are you saying it nato boots on the ground in _ to? are you saying it nato boots on the ground in ukraine? _ to? are you saying it nato boots on the ground in ukraine? i _ to? are you saying it nato boots on the ground in ukraine? i didn't- to? are you saying it nato boots on the ground in ukraine? i didn't say| the ground in ukraine? i didn't say that at all- — the ground in ukraine? i didn't say that at all- i— the ground in ukraine? i didn't say that at all. i said _ the ground in ukraine? i didn't say that at all. i said we _ the ground in ukraine? i didn't say that at all. i said we should - that at all. i said we should consider how we provide more formidable support. ukraine once again. formidable support. ukraine once

aiain., , formidable support. ukraine once aiain. , ., , formidable support. ukraine once aiain_ , .,, . ., formidable support. ukraine once lain, , .,, . ., ., formidable support. ukraine once aiain. , . ., ., ., again. just to be clear i wonder how far ou again. just to be clear i wonder how far you are — again. just to be clear i wonder how far you are extending _ again. just to be clear i wonder how far you are extending when - again. just to be clear i wonder how far you are extending when you - again. just to be clear i wonder how far you are extending when you are | far you are extending when you are talking about nato effectively embracing ukraine and the importance of defending european security, without nato boots on the ground to the measures you're talking about go far enough, would you think that is something that should be on the table? ., , ., ., something that should be on the table? .,, ., ., , something that should be on the table? ., ., , , ., table? the option to place boots on the iround table? the option to place boots on the ground to _ table? the option to place boots on the ground to offer _ table? the option to place boots on the ground to offer a _ table? the option to place boots on the ground to offer a deterrent - table? the option to place boots on the ground to offer a deterrent to i the ground to offer a deterrent to defend european democracy came and went six months ago when i called for this. the decision was made not to pursue that avenue. we now see where we are today and we need to recognise that once again the rest of ukraine is under threat. do we stand by and watch this? i repeat sanctions, targeted sanctions are absolutely welcome and some are overdue but others... play into putin pose mccance. his long—term strategy, evicting his country away

from the west towards china and that could be very dangerous. we need to make sure... ! could be very dangerous. we need to make sure- - -— make sure... i want to talk about sanctions — make sure... i want to talk about sanctions but _ make sure... i want to talk about sanctions but before _ make sure... i want to talk about sanctions but before we - make sure... i want to talk about sanctions but before we move . make sure... i want to talk about sanctions but before we move on i make sure... i want to talk about - sanctions but before we move on from the role of nato and you said the moment has gone for nato to be on the ground in ukraine, but as you have also said the situation has changed, there are nato troops on the western border with crane so it is not an impossibility the situation changes around what they should be up to. i situation changes around what they should be up to.— should be up to. i actually don't disairee should be up to. i actually don't disagree with _ should be up to. i actually don't disagree with you, _ should be up to. i actually don't disagree with you, i _ should be up to. i actually don't disagree with you, i am - should be up to. i actually don't disagree with you, i am just - should be up to. i actually don't - disagree with you, i am just reading the political appetite there is on the political appetite there is on the international circuit to do that, we do not have enough unity between brussels, berlin, paris, london and washington for that to happen. just london and washington for that to hai ien. , , ., london and washington for that to ha en, , ., ., london and washington for that to haiien., , ., ., ., london and washington for that to haiie,n. , ., ., ., ., happen. just to get to the bottom of where ou happen. just to get to the bottom of where you are _ happen. just to get to the bottom of where you are thinking _ happen. just to get to the bottom of where you are thinking do _ happen. just to get to the bottom of where you are thinking do you - happen. just to get to the bottom of where you are thinking do you think| where you are thinking do you think thatis where you are thinking do you think that is something that should be pushed for or should it be ruled out because of course some said that by

rolling it out at the point of which it was ruled out it effectively sent a message to russia that russia had good going unchecked. you a message to russia that russia had good going unchecked.— a message to russia that russia had good going unchecked. you are right there. we bizarrely _ good going unchecked. you are right there. we bizarrely broadcast - good going unchecked. you are right there. we bizarrely broadcast what i there. we bizarrely broadcast what we intended to do, no general does it on the battlefield, you don't tell your adversary what you are not going to do, itjust gives the green light for the aggressor to advance and that is what we have seen take place here. what i'm saying now is there is an upgrade in military support, hard power assistance we can provide ukraine in many forms, including two new flies on —— no—fly zone. these need to be debated and considered along with the consequences of not doing enough to support ukraine at this moment. iiirui’hat support ukraine at this moment. what are the potential _ support ukraine at this moment. what are the potential risks of that because whether it is boots on the ground or some other form because whether it is boots on the ground or some otherform of engagement, that obviously escalates the situation. how would you see the danger potentially of that? that the situation. how would you see the danger potentially of that?— danger potentially of that? that is the risk that _ danger potentially of that? that is the risk that we _ danger potentially of that? that is the risk that we take. _

danger potentially of that? that is the risk that we take. that - danger potentially of that? that is the risk that we take. that is - danger potentially of that? that is the risk that we take. that is the i the risk that we take. that is the risk that you do when you look your enemy in the eye and you site you will uphold and stand up to his bullying. what we are seeing from russia has effectively gone unchecked and the strategy we have had so far as not altered putin's behaviour. where does this go to next? these are the big questions we need to ask ourselves. at the moment this is low—lying food we are seeing here, the donbas region was very easy for russia to be vented because the proxy forces were there stop if he moves down and goes across or up, you're moving into whole different ball game of insecurity for europe. we need to now and a decisively and utilise the nato capabilities whatever form the international community is won't can't do is... he have said your concerns are that sanctions could play into the hands of china. we are just getting some

details there are now of the package of sanctions being discussed by eu ambassadors and i want to that and it follows on from here from the german chancellor little earlier saying that the nord stream to gas pipeline will not now get licensed. eu ambassadors discuss lengthening to come several hundred members of russia's state who voted for the recognition of the brickwork regions in eastern ukraine. they discuss sanctioning companies and banks involved in financing separatist activities in breakaway regions of eastern ukraine. they discussed kicking breakaway regions out of the free trade deal between the eu and ukraine and they discuss banning trade in russian state bonds in european market and those could be agreed in talks in paris today. what is your reaction to those measures and also what we have heard of the nord stream gas pipeline? that and also what we have heard of the nord stream gas pipeline?- nord stream gas pipeline? that is the most significant. _ nord stream gas pipeline? that is the most significant. russia - nord stream gas pipeline? that is the most significant. russia is - nord stream gas pipeline? that is the most significant. russia is a l the most significant. russia is a little without its oil and gas

exports and putin knows that. it is an economy the size of italy's so it needs a market. in the long term europe is likely going to wean itself off these fossil fuels which is why many believe that he wants to take a long—term decision given his dislike for the west to align himself with china and that would be very pleased to be able to continue importing oil and gas from russia. the actual nord stream two should have been dismissed long time ago. it is not operating out but it goes to the key point here of sanctions or stop those that target individuals, the oligarchs, those who are the key decision—makers in moscow versus the wider russian public. if the russian public are affected by sanctions we have seen this in the past, that can help rally support for the leader itself and the leaders intentions of moving russia which traditionally looks west towards the east itself. we need to be very careful to the extent of which we introduce

exceptions but i repeat, sections 11 have not altered putin's behaviour. it is a military deterrence we now need to think about and how we utilise effectively. white what about the russian diaster because there's a lot of talk around whether high—profile russian individuals —— white about the russian diaster bra. whether they should be directly targeted. this is what i mean. targeting sanctions themselves. the money—laundering, it goes through, and unchecked of mountain of money going through to this country, 85,000 properties alone, we don't even know who owns them but we do know that they are all connected with hierarchy in the school. that would affect putin's ability to control these oligarchs and the direction of travel. this was overdue, tom tughan had to let this four years ago was going through changes in legislation, really pleased to see this is now catching up. pleased to see this is now catching u i _ ., ~'

pleased to see this is now catching u n . ., " , ., pleased to see this is now catching up. thank you for “oining us, tobias ellwood. covid restrictions will end in england on thursday and free mass testing from 1 april for most people. the prime minister has also announced that the legal duty to isolate for those who tested positive will be dropped as he unveiled his "living with covid" plan. let's discuss this with dr simon williams, a behavioural scientist at swansea university. it puts the onus on individuals to decide how to behave and obvious companies as well we may well bring in policies. what are your thoughts on the impact that would have? absolutely. asking people to take personal responsibility is another way of saying government are trying to avoid liability, in the sense of self—isolation, which still remains let's not forget one of the most important ways of keeping covid cases and control, of keeping cases

monitored. we are in a period where rates have come down and we want to keep them that way. it is notjust a question, we don't want to live with those around self—isolation forever but the key question is when and it is not the right time, it is too soon, the who and nhs federation, the welsh scottish northern irish governments also think it is too soon. when we look at the public in our research and others, many of them think it is too soon. a yougov poll conducted felt three quarters felt it is not right time and we should keep this in place for the next few months.— should keep this in place for the next few months. how much of a factor do you _ next few months. how much of a factor do you think _ next few months. how much of a factor do you think what - next few months. how much of a factor do you think what we - next few months. how much of a factor do you think what we have i next few months. how much of a - factor do you think what we have got used to might be in that because the picture has changed dramatically from right at the beginning where there was a huge amount of fear, uncertainty and everyone readily

went into that first lockdown. the picture has changed and now it is unclear whether people would embrace if there was a need for a discussion for another lockdown. that if there was a need for a discussion for another lockdown.— if there was a need for a discussion for another lockdown. that is a good ioint. we for another lockdown. that is a good point- we have _ for another lockdown. that is a good point. we have seen _ for another lockdown. that is a good point. we have seen people - for another lockdown. that is a good point. we have seen people get - for another lockdown. that is a good | point. we have seen people get used to habituate in the risk, the vaccines thankfully, the different variants we have grown accustomed to, people are getting used to risk and i think part of that is also how the policy is community to us, one thing the relic —— regulations do as it sends a message that this is important. we saw that with masks in england, where they weren't mandated in july, they england, where they weren't mandated injuly, they dropped from nine in ten people wearing them to six in ten, similar over the last couple of weeks. similarwith ten, similar over the last couple of weeks. similar with self—isolation god made drop that policy and you also say we are not providing free

tests or financial support it sends the message to people that this is no longer important. particularly for some people, using personal responsibility and common sense is more expensive and easier said than done for some than others. when you have £20 to spend on a box of lateral flow tests or feeding your family or heating the home, bills going up, it is not much of a choice for a lot of people. that is something we have got used to, we have got used to free tests, one of the successes of the uk, other countries for the private market from the start but it will be a big ask to expect people on low incomes, if they get a cough or symptoms, to self—isolate. we need to keep support in place. self-isolate. we need to keep support in place-— self-isolate. we need to keep support in place. how difficult is it for people _ support in place. how difficult is it for people to _ support in place. how difficult is it for people to shift _ support in place. how difficult is it for people to shift mindset, i it for people to shift mindset, because obviously habits get fixed over a relatively short period of

time. this conversion can become entrenched, fear, but when the situation changes and you have to let go that how difficult is that? it can be really difficult and the important point there is a different people will react to this differently. if you have clinically extremely vulnerable people this is a big problem. a big change for them there, perception of risk will spike right up and it is doing so already. there is a large proportion of people that are much less worried about covid, with good reason, because of vaccines, so it is the habit of using lateral flow testing, it is much more common this winter than previous months because of the messaging so the key is to put across that message that there is this big picture where we should be optimistic and we are coming out of the pandemic slowly but surely, but we don't want to throw the baby out

with the bath water and again it comes back to the government providing the right support and a clear message that self—isolation and testing is still really important and to provide those financial protections as well. thank ou. the director of public prosecution says it is a crisis of public trust in the justice system treatment of rape and sexual assault victims. max hill says victim suffering can be made worse by the expenses dealing with police, prosecutors and the course. he is also concerned some cases are taken further as police say there is a lack of evidence. having been working on our rape and serious sexual offence strategy we brought out this update today decide to anybody with an interest in this area please come and look at the action that we are taking and there are so many accidents recorded in that update report and let me make

it very clear, we are at the table with our police colleagues who were just as dedicated as our specialist prosecutors in addressing the crisis in public confidence and making sure that by completing all of the work that by completing all of the work that you can see in that report, the numbers will change and with the numbers will change and with the numbers changing it is my hope that public confidence will come back, because when women, mainly women, suffer sexual violence, still less rape, they are at the most vulnerable point in their entire lives and they need to feel that the authorities, the criminaljustice system is there for them, they can safely report that rape in the knowledge that it will be investigated and our role at the crown prosecution service, we are not investigators but we are there to take every possible case and to secure justice through the courts every time we can. joining me now is neil henderson, the ceo of safeline, a national charity that helps to prevent sexual abuse and rape and supports those affected.

thank you forjoining us. do you think that victims of rape and sexual abuse do feel like they have confidence in the system? hat sexual abuse do feel like they have confidence in the system?- confidence in the system? not at all. i confidence in the system? not at all- i think _ confidence in the system? not at all. i think it— confidence in the system? not at all. i think it is— confidence in the system? not at all. i think it is at _ confidence in the system? not at all. i think it is at the _ confidence in the system? not at all. i think it is at the lowest - confidence in the system? not at all. i think it is at the lowest ebb | all. i think it is at the lowest ebb at the moment. i think there is a lot of plans on the way that potentially might deliver improvements but at the moment i don't think confidence in the criminaljustice system has ever been as bad as it is at the moment. can you give some examples of the sort of conversations that are had with someone, the process that they have to go through personally when they have experienced something, and then the conversations that happen around whether they are going to take that through prosecution or not and what they consider in that? i think the first thing i would point out is the vast majority of victims of sexual violence simply aren't

reporting to the police, which for me is the bigger issue. that is because a lot of them don't have confidence. sexual violence is a devastating thing. it can be humiliating. people don't believe they will be believed, so at the moment certainly with my own charity the vast majority of women, men and boys, about 90% is simply aren't reporting to the police because of a lack of confidence. for those that do go through the process it virtually re—traumatised them, because you are having to re—tell your story again which is hugely triggering. one of the things we do is we support victims to take tell the stories and try and work with the stories and try and work with the police to enable them to give their best evidence but it is usually re—traumatise in and if it gets to court, it tends to be one—on—one situation. all sorts of things can be thrown at the victim which can be horrendous, so the

whole process is a really traumatising thing and if you're going into that process with a lack of confidence in getting justice it just makes it worse. pare of confidence in getting 'ustice it just makes it worse._ just makes it worse. are you effectively — just makes it worse. are you effectively saying _ just makes it worse. are you effectively saying that - just makes it worse. are you effectively saying that it - just makes it worse. are you i effectively saying that it may just makes it worse. are you - effectively saying that it may not be the right thing obviously for justice, stopping perpetrators of crime, but sometimes for an individual because the whole process of what they would go through whether to prosecute is so traumatising it is likely better for them as an individual to leave it there? . , them as an individual to leave it there? ., , ., , them as an individual to leave it there? ., , ., . ., . there? that is always their choice. we alwa s there? that is always their choice. we always believe _ there? that is always their choice. we always believe it _ there? that is always their choice. we always believe it is _ there? that is always their choice. we always believe it is for - there? that is always their choice. we always believe it is for that - we always believe it is for that individual to make that choice. but we know a lot of people are put off from reporting to the police because i know it will be traumatising and that has got worse recently with covid, court cases being delayed, so most of the people we have been supporting have been in the criminal justice system for about two years.

recent delays because of covid mean cases have been delayed another 12 months, so it is hard enough going through the process when it is delayed for another year, the thought of itjust can be really overwhelming. so many will withdraw from the process, because of the whole situation and lack of confidence doesn't help. but also it just drags on so quickly so there is a whole post of combination of factors that makes it really difficult for clients to stay within the criminaljustice process. so difficult for clients to stay within the criminaljustice process. the criminal 'ustice process. so how do ou iet the criminaljustice process. so how do you get around _ the criminaljustice process. so how do you get around those _ the criminaljustice process. so how do you get around those issues? . the criminaljustice process. so how. do you get around those issues? when we need to see. _ do you get around those issues? when we need to see. i _ do you get around those issues? when we need to see, ijust _ do you get around those issues? tw�*ie�*i we need to see, ijust listened to max talking, we need to seek not only action is being implemented but we need to see the actual results of those actions coming through and start to get some confidence. we need to stop things happening like this error ever our cases, we need to accelerate court cases. a lot of things need to happen. the

government have invested in independent sexual violence advocates who are there to support people who choose to report to the police and that has made difference. having somebody there that they can rely on to give them help and information and so the more we start to use services like that that will help, but... to use services like that that will help. but...— help, but... something like that will require _ help, but... something like that will require presumably - help, but... something like that will require presumably use - help, but... something like that - will require presumably use numbers to get involved because when you say that 90% of people who have been the victims of a sexual crime do not report to the police and the statistics are that 63,000 rape offences were reported to the police in the last year to september and just 1.3% resulted in someone being charged, it shows how manyjust aren't going forward, so for other people who art going forward have confidence those councillors that you mentioned jobs to sound like they are doing great thing, how could that be rolled out to the extent it would be needed? the

numbers have _ extent it would be needed? tie: numbers have increased dramatically but as you rightly say the number of people sexually abused in ingleton and wales, you just couldn't support that number. i totally agree with the point you make. it is because of the point you make. it is because of the lack of support, the vast majority of people simply do not come forward. often it is because they feel embarrassed and human gated but a lot don't have confidence in the system itself, so we really need to get the system working much more effectively. people need to feel they will get justice, that sentences will be appropriate, at the moment the vast majority of perpetrators simply aren't being held to account. it is effectively a decolonisation of sexual violence in our view. thank ou. let me bring you a comment from liz

truss the foreign secretary. she is saying the safety and security of british nationals in ukraine is our top priority,... it was a warning that was put out last week, saying that british nationals in ukraine should leave. some certainly were saying they would not move. i spoke to one who said that he would move if and when russian troops crossed the border so it is unclear how many of its are currently in ukraine and what choices they are taking right now but the message very clearly from liz truss is a should leave now via commercial rates, the safety and skirting protesters in ukraine is a top priority. we are standing by to hear from the top priority. we are standing by to hearfrom the prime minister in 35 minutes or so when he outlined sanctions against russia in the

commons. a fossil unearthed on the isle of skye is the largest pterosaur ever discovered from thejurassic period. the ancient flying reptile had a wing span of two and a half metres — or eight feet — and would have flown over the heads of dinosaurs 170 million years ago. here is our science correspondent victoria gill. these look a little bit like there might be teeth. and it's pretty symmetrical. hidden in the rock for 170 million years, the teeth and bones of a jurassic reptile. after racing the tide to cut out the limestone that entombed their discovery, the team had a rockyjourney to bring it back to their lab. but here they've revealed the secrets of this isle of skye pterosaur that they've named dearc sgiathanach, gaelic for winged reptile. i think it's a lot clearer if we put the head back on, so we remove the head to cat scan it, but we can put it right back there, doing it up with the neck and you can see the neck and it leads to a body.

you have a wing on each side. over here you have the hand with these feisty, sharp little claws, and then you have a tail going that way. you've seen a lot of fossils in your time? so how significant is this one? oh, this is far and away the best thing we've ever found on skye. it gets something like this preserved in 3d isjust a one in a billion thing. the hollow bones of this flying reptile are very fragile, but x—ray scans of the skull have revealed even more detail. talk me through what you have in your hands. i'm holding a model of a neck. it was commissioned by local artists, and it's more or less how the creature might have looked like in real life, can see how well adapted to flight it was. you had this elongated ring finger, which anchor entire membrane. it was also very streamlined. you can see how the draw was related to flying and catching fishes filled with those very sharp teeth. it has very long tail, which we use as a rudder when in flight. and yeah, it's absolutely charismatic. ilove him. he's so goofy. we walked in jurassic footprints when we visited the isle of skye with this same research team

back in 2015. and you can see the toes. fossilised depressions left by giant sauropods, the biggest animals ever to have walked the earth. and this fossil, the researchers say, is the largest pterosaur from that same period. you can see with this model, this is the average size of a jurassic pterosaur skull, and this is dearc, the newly discovered fossil from the isle of skye. so this was a big flying reptile. the team's now sending it on anotherjourney, this time just down the road to the national museum of scotland, where it will eventually be put on display. but thejurassic limestone slab weighs almost 200 kilos. my word! it's a humble last trip on a pallet for a creature that's been buried since the age of the dinosaurs. victoria gill, bbc news, in edinburgh. now it's time for a look

at the weather with carol. hello again, through this morning, we've had a band of heavy rain and squally winds pushing southwards, and as we head into the afternoon, this is roughly where it will be. but the rain in it, continuing to weaken. behind it, sunshine and some showers, the showers wintry on the tops of the hills and scotland and wherever you are, it's going to be a windy day, just not as windy as it has been with the named storms. through this evening and overnight, under clear skies, there will be some frost. many, but not all of the showers will fade and then a new weather front coming in across the northwest will introduce some further spells of rain. these are our overnight lows, between three and about seven degrees. tomorrow, here is this band of rain, which is going to be slowly slipping southwards across scotland and northern ireland, getting into northern england a bit later. so for the rest of england and wales, it's going to be a largely dry day with some sunshine, just a few showers. but once again it's going to be windy. colder in the north. still mild in the south.

this is bbc news. the headlines... as military vehicles enter eastern ukraine — its president appeals for immediate sanctions to be imposed on russia — warning that a full—scale invasion puts other nations in danger. in addition to arming ukraine to defend its borders, policy of sanctions is very powerful and can have an immediate impact on this escalation from russia. in germany, the government halts the process to approve a new pipeline from russia which could double europe's gas supply. well any sanctions change vladimir putin's mind? boris johnson will update the commons later this hour and says putin is bent on a full—scale invasion. buckingham palace says the queen will not take part

in her planned virtual engagements today, because she is still suffering "mild cold—like symptoms" due to covid. she tested positive on sunday. as england prepares to live with covid — the health secretary says the nhs will decide whether staff get free testing. after storm franklin battered the uk, two severe flood warnings — meaning a danger to life — are in force for the river severn in the west midlands. borisjohnson says vladimir putin is bent on a 'full—scale invasion of ukraine and has promised a "barrage of sanctions" after the russian president ordered troops into two

rebel held areas of ukraine calling them "peacekeeping forces". hours after his decree, reports from donetsk said convoys of tanks had entered the main city. in the past hour, germany says it will halt a multi—billion pound gas pipe project from russia to germany. let's cross live to kyiv and our correspondent, lyse doucett. welcome to kyiv. a sunny morning here in the ukraine capital after an extraordinary 24—hour is. as the world and, most of all, ukrainians what would —— waited to see what the president of russia buzz next step will be, will he make an incursion into neighbouring ukraine? instead he's carried out what many describe as illegal aggression. his occupation of two republics in the east official were made last night. recognising the two republics. their

president urged them not to lose sleep over russia's move. but president zelensky is calling on the west and nato asking, "what are you going to do?" he met with the president of estonia and asked what is the west waiting for? there is already aggression. i,ast is the west waiting for? there is already aggression.— already aggression. last night i sioke to already aggression. last night i spoke to president _ already aggression. last night i spoke to president macron, - already aggression. last night i spoke to president macron, mr| spoke to president macron, mr johnson, — spoke to president macron, mr johnson, joe biden and i believe fame _ johnson, joe biden and i believe fame must show how fast they can act. sanctions are most powerful assistance — act. sanctions are most powerful assistance they can offer in addition _ assistance they can offer in addition to arming ukraine to help its borders, the policy of sanctions is very— its borders, the policy of sanctions is very powerful and can have an immediate — is very powerful and can have an immediate impact when facing this escalation— immediate impact when facing this escalation from russia. as immediate impact when facing this escalation from russia.— escalation from russia. as within heafini escalation from russia. as within hearini in escalation from russia. as within hearing in the — escalation from russia. as within

hearing in the past _ escalation from russia. as within hearing in the past hour, - escalation from russia. as within i hearing in the past hour, european nations are making their move. there will be more in this programme about germany's decision that germany proposals to withhold the sanctioning of zelensky. there was a meeting at the national security council last night but also a speech by the russian leader. let's cross now to moscow. we can join our correspondence there. what is your reaction to president pete in's decision? �* , ., ., reaction to president pete in's decision? �*, ., ., ., ., decision? it's a long awaited decision- — decision? it's a long awaited decision- i — decision? it's a long awaited decision. i think— decision? it's a long awaited decision. i think a _ decision? it's a long awaited decision. i think a lot - decision? it's a long awaited decision. i think a lot of - decision? it's a long awaited - decision. i think a lot of russians would _ decision. i think a lot of russians would prefer it would happen a is a-o would prefer it would happen a is ago not _ would prefer it would happen a is ago not wait for it that long. but they are — ago not wait for it that long. but they are giving... it something which — they are giving... it something which has _

they are giving... it something which has kept the ukraine together. but, unfortunately ukraine didn't... it is but, unfortunately ukraine didn't... it is going _ but, unfortunately ukraine didn't... it is going the way of escalation. the eight — it is going the way of escalation. the eight years, the 4 million people — the eight years, the 4 million people living there, they have salaries, _ people living there, they have salaries, pensions, their schools, even _ salaries, pensions, their schools, even a _ salaries, pensions, their schools, even a ukrainian currency. so, for how— even a ukrainian currency. so, for how longm — even a ukrainian currency. so, for how longm ?_ even a ukrainian currency. so, for how long---_ how long... ? let's go back to principles- _ how long... ? let's go back to principles. we've _ how long... ? let's go back to principles. we've heard - how long... ? let's go back to principles. we've heard from i how long... ? let's go back to i principles. we've heard from the how long... ? let's go back to - principles. we've heard from the un security council, from the un secretary general, that this is a violation of the southern tree the territorial integrity of ukraine, russia's neighbour, and it's been a violation ever since russian — backed separatists moved in in 2014.

speaking about national law, speak about— speaking about national law, speak about one... when the united nations were first _ about one... when the united nations were first set in 1945, there were 50 nations — were first set in 1945, there were 50 nations there. there are now 193 and what _ 50 nations there. there are now 193 and what happened after this? people express— and what happened after this? people express their will to self—determination and people living there also— self—determination and people living there also have their right to self—determination. so there's a constant — self—determination. so there's a constant principle, speaking of principles in international law the sovereignty of self—determination. and here _ sovereignty of self—determination. and here is the choice of the people which _ and here is the choice of the people which is _ and here is the choice of the people which is the — and here is the choice of the people which is the only democratic way of what should happen.— which is the only democratic way of what should happen. could you help clari for what should happen. could you help clarify for us— what should happen. could you help clarify for us because _ what should happen. could you help clarify for us because we _ what should happen. could you help clarify for us because we are - clarify for us because we are getting conflicting reports. is the

recognition, does it stop at the front lines now, which are about a third of the republics under the control of russian backed forces or is russia going to go right to the end of the fall territory of those two rebel held republics? that's an interestini two rebel held republics? that's an interesting question, _ two rebel held republics? that's an interesting question, by _ two rebel held republics? that's an interesting question, by the - two rebel held republics? that's an interesting question, by the way, l interesting question, by the way, because — interesting question, by the way, because it's for the republics to decide — because it's for the republics to decide because as the russian position— decide because as the russian position today, we recognise the republics — position today, we recognise the republics in the borders of the authority— republics in the borders of the authority of the existing governments but existing governments have their— governments but existing governments have their constitutions in which there _ have their constitutions in which there borders are well beyond the front line — there borders are well beyond the front line and actually, there are 100,000 — front line and actually, there are 100,000 ukrainian troops on the territorial — 100,000 ukrainian troops on the territorial which they consider to be theirs — territorial which they consider to be theirs so it's an interesting conflict — be theirs so it's an interesting conflict and interesting what's going — conflict and interesting what's going to — conflict and interesting what's going to happen next. actually, the

speaker— going to happen next. actually, the speaker of— going to happen next. actually, the speaker of the last parliament said that they— speaker of the last parliament said that they would ask ukrainian forces to leave _ that they would ask ukrainian forces to leave and zelensky answered, i don't _ to leave and zelensky answered, i don't know— to leave and zelensky answered, i don't know who those people are. they— don't know who those people are. they still— don't know who those people are. they still didn't come to know those people _ they still didn't come to know those people because for eight years they were ignoring the process and not negotiating with their own people living _ negotiating with their own people living there. they were supposed to do that _ living there. they were supposed to do that according to the constitution.— do that according to the constitution. , ,, , ., ., constitution. first deputy chairman ofthe constitution. first deputy chairman of the state — constitution. first deputy chairman of the state on _ constitution. first deputy chairman of the state on international- of the state on international affairs. thank you forjoining us from moscow making it very clear what the view is from russia. as something else is happening across the ukrainian border in several regions where evacuees have been moving there after the russian backed leaders in those two rebel held republics urged their residents to leaves, particularly women and children, saying the men had to stay

behind. let's get an update on what's going on there. i’m behind. let's get an update on what's going on there. i'm here in this city which _ what's going on there. i'm here in this city which is _ what's going on there. i'm here in this city which is an _ what's going on there. i'm here in this city which is an hour- what's going on there. i'm here in this city which is an hour and - what's going on there. i'm here in this city which is an hour and a - this city which is an hour and a half— this city which is an hour and a half away— this city which is an hour and a half away from the ukrainian border. this is— half away from the ukrainian border. this is being — half away from the ukrainian border. this is being where many of the evacuees — this is being where many of the evacuees from separatist held areas have come _ evacuees from separatist held areas have come through on their way to other— have come through on their way to other parts— have come through on their way to other parts of russia and you can see that — other parts of russia and you can see that this is where many of the buses— see that this is where many of the buses were — see that this is where many of the buses were lined up. we've been here over the _ buses were lined up. we've been here over the course of the last few days and you _ over the course of the last few days and you can — over the course of the last few days and you can see temporary toilet facilities — and you can see temporary toilet facilities. some people said they been _ facilities. some people said they been travelling for more than 24 hours _ been travelling for more than 24 hours. these tents have been set up by the _ hours. these tents have been set up by the ministry of emergency russian authorities. you can see inside there _ authorities. you can see inside there is— authorities. you can see inside there is food, water and they've got some _ there is food, water and they've got some nappies. many of the people we have seen— some nappies. many of the people we have seen coming through here had very small— have seen coming through here had very small children as they were evacuated. now this happened because on friday. _ evacuated. now this happened because on friday, separatist leaders released _ on friday, separatist leaders released video saying to the young, the women — released video saying to the young, the women and elderly that they needed — the women and elderly that they needed to leave although all of the

men who— needed to leave although all of the men who were able to fight were told to stay _ men who were able to fight were told to stay and _ men who were able to fight were told to stay and they needed to sign up to stay and they needed to sign up tojoin_ to stay and they needed to sign up tojoin the — to stay and they needed to sign up tojoin the fight. in to stay and they needed to sign up to join the fight. in terms to stay and they needed to sign up tojoin the fight. in terms of to stay and they needed to sign up to join the fight. in terms of what happens — to join the fight. in terms of what happens to— to join the fight. in terms of what happens to these women, many of them have been_ happens to these women, many of them have been taken on trains from here further— have been taken on trains from here further out _ have been taken on trains from here further out into russia. now, the west— further out into russia. now, the west is— further out into russia. now, the west is considered a lot of the evacuations not to be necessary and they are _ evacuations not to be necessary and they are concerned that this is part of russia's— they are concerned that this is part of russia's strategy to create a full crisis — of russia's strategy to create a full crisis in east ukraine which would — full crisis in east ukraine which would thenjustify full crisis in east ukraine which would then justify russian intervention and many will see this now _ intervention and many will see this now. given — intervention and many will see this now, given president peter bosz—mac actions _ now, given president peter bosz—mac actions over— now, given president peter bosz—mac actions over the course of the last 2hour— actions over the course of the last 24-hour is, — actions over the course of the last 24—hour is, is exactly what russia was intending to do. president pete in yesterday held security council meeting — in yesterday held security council meeting where he asked his officials to give _ meeting where he asked his officials to give opinions on whether they should _ to give opinions on whether they should recognise the independence of the separatist held areas which,

until— the separatist held areas which, until of— the separatist held areas which, until of up— the separatist held areas which, until of up until this point but we are going — until of up until this point but we are going to moscow now for —— to hear— are going to moscow now for —— to hear this— are going to moscow now for —— to hear this briefing. are going to moscow now for -- to hear this briefing.— hear this briefing. schools, i know are very important. _ hear this briefing. schools, i know are very important. i— hear this briefing. schools, i know are very important. i think - hear this briefing. schools, i know are very important. i think they i hear this briefing. schools, i know| are very important. i think they are becoming very popular. and we are hoping they will develop in future. and, of course, i'djust like hoping they will develop in future. and, of course, i'd just like to take this opportunity to inform you about the government's business. you know that yesterday we

recognise the two popular republics. there will obviously be a lot of speculation about that, that russia is intent restoring an empire. but i think that russia has not properly acknowledged the new geopolitical realities, particularly with regard to states affirming their identity and independence. we've obviously been very careful in that respect. we have always tried to get mutually acceptable settlement or decisions.

vladimir putin in that recorded statement as he met the president of azerbaijan. ruminating there about how people are commenting about how he wants to establish a new empire but he says that's not the case. he says you have to accept the geopolitical realities and he accepts the sovereignty of other republics but that when it comes to ukraine, he said, there is an exception because it is occupied. he was reiterating what he said last night, history speech. after that speech which went on at great length there was a flurry of announcement by the west, nato leaders, condemning this decision and also warning of sanctions to come. we've heard from president biden talking about sanctions against doing business with those in the rebel held republics and this morning we

have been hearing more from germany. all eyes on germany because of a very important pipeline which imports gas direct from russia. we are going to hear in a moment what the chancellor has to say. you are watching bbc news. we the chancellor has to say. you are watching bbc news.— watching bbc news. we are continuously _ watching bbc news. we are continuously analysing i watching bbc news. we are continuously analysing a i watching bbc news. we are i continuously analysing a situation and we _ continuously analysing a situation and we are — continuously analysing a situation and we are making sure that our import— and we are making sure that our import capacity and possibilities in germany— import capacity and possibilities in germany in future will be even more diversified — germany in future will be even more diversified. there are other countries _ diversified. there are other countries in europe that have a bigger— countries in europe that have a bigger show of gas in their energy mix and _ bigger show of gas in their energy mix and more coming from russia. so, we will— mix and more coming from russia. so, we will be _ mix and more coming from russia. so, we will be able to master this together. we will be able to master this to i ether. we will be able to master this toiether. , ., ., . ., ., together. the german chancellor and that is the big — together. the german chancellor and that is the big one _ together. the german chancellor and that is the big one that _ together. the german chancellor and that is the big one that many - together. the german chancellor and that is the big one that many were i that is the big one that many were watching in terms of europe's

reaction to president pete in's move. let's go to brussels to jessica parker. we've heard repeatedly from various top european officials saying that they are going to take tough action. any sign of what's to come? 50 to take tough action. any sign of what's to come?— to take tough action. any sign of what's to come? so eu ambassadors have been meeting _ what's to come? so eu ambassadors have been meeting this _ what's to come? so eu ambassadors have been meeting this morning i what's to come? so eu ambassadors have been meeting this morning and i have been meeting this morning and we have _ have been meeting this morning and we have been— have been meeting this morning and we have been hearing _ have been meeting this morning and we have been hearing some - have been meeting this morning and we have been hearing some of- have been meeting this morning and we have been hearing some of the i we have been hearing some of the details _ we have been hearing some of the details of— we have been hearing some of the details of that _ we have been hearing some of the details of that package. _ we have been hearing some of the details of that package. nothing i details of that package. nothing public— details of that package. nothing public but — details of that package. nothing public but speaking _ details of that package. nothing public but speaking to _ details of that package. nothing public but speaking to the - details of that package. nothing i public but speaking to the diplomats this morning. — public but speaking to the diplomats this morning. it— public but speaking to the diplomats this morning, it looks _ public but speaking to the diplomats this morning, it looks like _ public but speaking to the diplomats this morning, it looks like the - public but speaking to the diplomats this morning, it looks like the eu i this morning, it looks like the eu is composing. _ this morning, it looks like the eu is composing, but— this morning, it looks like the eu is composing, but nothing - this morning, it looks like the eu is composing, but nothing is- is composing, but nothing is confirmed _ is composing, but nothing is confirmed at _ is composing, but nothing is confirmed at this _ is composing, but nothing is confirmed at this stage, i is composing, but nothing is- confirmed at this stage, targeting the 350 _ confirmed at this stage, targeting the 350 of— confirmed at this stage, targeting the 350 of those _ confirmed at this stage, targeting the 350 of those who _ confirmed at this stage, targeting the 350 of those who voted - confirmed at this stage, targeting the 350 of those who voted in i the 350 of those who voted in recognition _ the 350 of those who voted in recognition for— the 350 of those who voted in recognition for the _ the 350 of those who voted in recognition for the two - the 350 of those who voted in i recognition for the two breakaway regions. _ recognition for the two breakaway regions, commanders— recognition for the two breakaway regions, commanders of- recognition for the two breakaway regions, commanders of the - recognition for the two breakaway i regions, commanders of the russian military— regions, commanders of the russian military mission _ regions, commanders of the russian military mission that _ regions, commanders of the russian military mission that is _ regions, commanders of the russian military mission that is taking - military mission that is taking place — military mission that is taking place and _ military mission that is taking place and the _ military mission that is taking place and the european - military mission that is taking - place and the european commission is lloii'i place and the european commission is going to _ place and the european commission is going to be _ place and the european commission is going to be working _ place and the european commission is going to be working on— place and the european commission is going to be working on mirroring - going to be working on mirroring sanctions — going to be working on mirroring sanctions it— going to be working on mirroring sanctions it imposed _ going to be working on mirroring sanctions it imposed on- going to be working on mirroring sanctions it imposed on crimea. | going to be working on mirroring i sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those _ sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those of— sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those of the — sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those of the details _ sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those of the details we _ sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those of the details we are - sanctions it imposed on crimea. so, those of the details we are hearing, | those of the details we are hearing, spilling _ those of the details we are hearing,

spilling out — those of the details we are hearing, spilling out this _ those of the details we are hearing, spilling out this morning. _ those of the details we are hearing, spilling out this morning. we - those of the details we are hearing, | spilling out this morning. we expect foreign _ spilling out this morning. we expect foreign affairs — spilling out this morning. we expect foreign affairs ministers _ spilling out this morning. we expect foreign affairs ministers the - foreign affairs ministers the european _ foreign affairs ministers the european union _ foreign affairs ministers the european union to - foreign affairs ministers the european union to meet - foreign affairs ministers the i european union to meet later foreign affairs ministers the - european union to meet later today in paris _ european union to meet later today in paris where — european union to meet later today in paris where they— european union to meet later today in paris where they will— european union to meet later today in paris where they will start - in paris where they will start confirming _ in paris where they will start confirming some _ in paris where they will start confirming some of- in paris where they will start confirming some of these i in paris where they will start - confirming some of these measures. but, of— confirming some of these measures. but, of course, — confirming some of these measures. but, of course, the _ confirming some of these measures. but, of course, the big _ confirming some of these measures. but, of course, the big news- confirming some of these measures. but, of course, the big news out- confirming some of these measures. but, of course, the big news out of. but, of course, the big news out of germany— but, of course, the big news out of germany witi— but, of course, the big news out of germany will be _ but, of course, the big news out of germany will be one _ but, of course, the big news out of germany will be one of— but, of course, the big news out of germany will be one of the - but, of course, the big news out of germany will be one of the biggesti germany will be one of the biggest focuses _ germany will be one of the biggest focuses of— germany will be one of the biggest focuses of today. _ germany will be one of the biggest focuses of today. find _ germany will be one of the biggest focuses of today.— focuses of today. and yet even thou . h focuses of today. and yet even though as _ focuses of today. and yet even though as they _ focuses of today. and yet even though as they slap _ focuses of today. and yet even though as they slap new - focuses of today. and yet even . though as they slap new sanctions focuses of today. and yet even - though as they slap new sanctions on and worn, they are keeping the door open for more diplomacy in the hope of stopping this as fast as they can? . . ~ of stopping this as fast as they can? , . ,, . , can? yes. i mean, i think there has obviously been _ can? yes. i mean, i think there has obviously been a _ can? yes. i mean, i think there has obviously been a diplomacy - can? yes. i mean, i think there has obviously been a diplomacy first - obviously been a diplomacy first policy _ obviously been a diplomacy first policy coming _ obviously been a diplomacy first policy coming out _ obviously been a diplomacy first policy coming out of _ obviously been a diplomacy first policy coming out of the - obviously been a diplomacy first l policy coming out of the european union _ policy coming out of the european union we've _ policy coming out of the european union. we've heard _ policy coming out of the european union. we've heard that - policy coming out of the european. union. we've heard that repeatedly from european _ union. we've heard that repeatedly from european leaders. _ union. we've heard that repeatedly from european leaders. we've - union. we've heard that repeatedlyi from european leaders. we've seen teaders _ from european leaders. we've seen teaders ftying — from european leaders. we've seen leaders flying over— from european leaders. we've seen leaders flying over to _ from european leaders. we've seen leaders flying over to meet - from european leaders. we've seen leaders flying over to meet the - leaders flying over to meet the russian — leaders flying over to meet the russian president, _ leaders flying over to meet the russian president, including i leaders flying over to meet the. russian president, including the french— russian president, including the french president _ russian president, including the french president but, _ russian president, including the french president but, i- russian president, including the french president but, i think- french president but, i think overnight— french president but, i think overnight the _ french president but, i think overnight the developments| french president but, i think. overnight the developments we french president but, i think- overnight the developments we have seen, _ overnight the developments we have seen. the _ overnight the developments we have seen, the reckon— overnight the developments we have seen, the reckon nation— overnight the developments we have seen, the reckon nation —— _ seen, the reckon nation —— recognition _ seen, the reckon nation —— recognition of... _ seen, the reckon nation —— recognition of... has - seen, the reckon nation —— i recognition of... has change seen, the reckon nation —— - recognition of... has change the situation — recognition of... has change the situation and _ recognition of... has change the situation and now— recognition of... has change the situation and now the _ recognition of... has change the situation and now the focus -

recognition of... has change the situation and now the focus is i recognition of... has change the | situation and now the focus is on the sanctions _ situation and now the focus is on the sanctions. it— situation and now the focus is on the sanctions. it will— situation and now the focus is on the sanctions. it will be - the sanctions. it will be interesting _ the sanctions. it will be interesting to— the sanctions. it will be interesting to see - the sanctions. it will be interesting to see the l the sanctions. it will be - interesting to see the diplomatic track— interesting to see the diplomatic track witi— interesting to see the diplomatic track will continue. _ interesting to see the diplomatic track will continue. whether - interesting to see the diplomatic. track will continue. whether they'll be a meeting. _ track will continue. whether they'll be a meeting, for— track will continue. whether they'll be a meeting, for example, - track will continue. whether they'll i be a meeting, for example, meetings between _ be a meeting, for example, meetings between the — be a meeting, for example, meetings between the us— be a meeting, for example, meetings between the us and _ be a meeting, for example, meetings between the us and russia _ be a meeting, for example, meetings between the us and russia but - be a meeting, for example, meetings between the us and russia but at - be a meeting, for example, meetings between the us and russia but at the i between the us and russia but at the moment, _ between the us and russia but at the moment, the — between the us and russia but at the moment, the west _ between the us and russia but at the moment, the west want _ between the us and russia but at the moment, the west want to _ between the us and russia but at the moment, the west want to appear. between the us and russia but at the i moment, the west want to appear like they can _ moment, the west want to appear like they can take _ moment, the west want to appear like they can take strong _ moment, the west want to appear like they can take strong action _ moment, the west want to appear like they can take strong action and - moment, the west want to appear like they can take strong action and can - they can take strong action and can agree _ they can take strong action and can agree on— they can take strong action and can agree on action _ they can take strong action and can agree on action and _ they can take strong action and can agree on action and that's - they can take strong action and can agree on action and that's going. they can take strong action and can agree on action and that's going to| agree on action and that's going to be tested — agree on action and that's going to be tested over— agree on action and that's going to be tested over the _ agree on action and that's going to be tested over the next _ agree on action and that's going to be tested over the next 24—hour. agree on action and that's going to| be tested over the next 24—hour is. -- 2lr-hour— be tested over the next 24—hour is. -- 24-hour is, _ be tested over the next 24—hour is. —— 24—hour is, also. _ be tested over the next 24—hour is. —— 24—hour is, also. in _ be tested over the next 24-hour is. -- 24-hour is, also.— -- 24-hour is, also. in london, the prime minister _ -- 24-hour is, also. in london, the prime minister chaired _ -- 24-hour is, also. in london, the prime minister chaired a _ -- 24-hour is, also. in london, the prime minister chaired a crisis - prime minister chaired a crisis meeting of senior officials and this is what he had to say about the latest developments. i is what he had to say about the latest developments.— latest developments. i want everybody — latest developments. i want everybody to _ latest developments. i want everybody to be _ latest developments. i want everybody to be no - latest developments. i want everybody to be no doubt i latest developments. i want l everybody to be no doubt that latest developments. i want - everybody to be no doubt that if vladimir putin continues down this track other violent —— violence, aggression, of a full—scale invasion, circling kyiv, it is

absolutely vital that that effort, that conquest of another european country should not succeed and that he should fail.— he should fail. boris johnson. let's cross to westminster. _ he should fail. boris johnson. let's cross to westminster. is _ he should fail. boris johnson. let's cross to westminster. is there - he should fail. boris johnson. let's cross to westminster. is there any | cross to westminster. is there any more detail? we've heard a lot of very strong statements but what is, in concrete terms, what will come out of london?— in concrete terms, what will come out of london? well we are expecting a prime minister _ out of london? well we are expecting a prime minister to _ out of london? well we are expecting a prime minister to announce - out of london? well we are expecting a prime minister to announce in - out of london? well we are expecting a prime minister to announce in the i a prime minister to announce in the next couple — a prime minister to announce in the next couple of minutes, from about half past _ next couple of minutes, from about half past 12. — next couple of minutes, from about half past 12, a wider package of economic— half past 12, a wider package of economic sanctions from the uk towards — economic sanctions from the uk towards russia and what we are expecting — towards russia and what we are expecting is that the sanctions will be targeting individuals, influential individuals linked to the russian government but also the wider— the russian government but also the wider russian economy as well as companies, banks with that influence, overthe companies, banks with that influence, over the wider economy

and the _ influence, over the wider economy and the government, as well. it could _ and the government, as well. it could be — and the government, as well. it could be that some of these individuals are named, as well,. but we also _ individuals are named, as well,. but we also know is that the prime minister— we also know is that the prime minister says it's not necessarily the futi— minister says it's not necessarily the full package of economic sanctions that the uk has in its armoury— sanctions that the uk has in its armoury yet. at the moment, the prime _ armoury yet. at the moment, the prime minister's spokesman has says that there _ prime minister's spokesman has says that there is no doubt that an invasion— that there is no doubt that an invasion of ukraine is taking place and, _ invasion of ukraine is taking place and. in _ invasion of ukraine is taking place and, in reference to russia sending troops _ and, in reference to russia sending troops into— and, in reference to russia sending troops into the ukraine overnight, the spokesman said that number ten's view is _ the spokesman said that number ten's view is now— the spokesman said that number ten's view is now that this net leg amounts _ view is now that this net leg amounts to a new invasion. there are more _ amounts to a new invasion. there are more economic sanctions to come that the uk _ more economic sanctions to come that the uk is _ more economic sanctions to come that the uk is holding back, where president putin continue his advance~ _ president putin continue his advance. there some talks on the wider— advance. there some talks on the wider international stage about what level of— wider international stage about what level of sanctions is appropriate at this time _ level of sanctions is appropriate at this time with some nation stressing that at— this time with some nation stressing that at this _ this time with some nation stressing that at this moment it's appropriate not to— that at this moment it's appropriate not to necessarily roll out the full

package — not to necessarily roll out the full package. at the moment, we are expecting — package. at the moment, we are expecting that package of sanctions to target— expecting that package of sanctions to target individuals but also influential companies in the russian government and in the wider economy as wett~ _ government and in the wider economy as wett~ we _ government and in the wider economy as well. ~ . . government and in the wider economy as well. ~ u, ., ~ government and in the wider economy as well. ~ . ,, ., . . as well. we can talk now about what we are expecting — as well. we can talk now about what we are expecting from _ as well. we can talk now about what we are expecting from boris - as well. we can talk now about whatl we are expecting from boris johnson, we are expecting from borisjohnson, in terms of what he described as a barrage of sanctions after the russian president ordered troops into rebel armed areas of the ukraine. we can discuss what might be to come in terms of what germany are saying about the nordstream will not be certified. bill browder is head of global magnitskyjustice campaign, and author of red notice: how i became putin's number one enemy. welcome, thank you forjoining us. so, germany sang the gasp outline will now not be certified. how significant a move is that and what

impact could it have? —— gas pipeline. impact could it have? -- gas pipeline-— impact could it have? -- gas pipeline. impact could it have? -- gas --ieline. ~ , ., . ~ ., . pipeline. we should all know that the as pipeline. we should all know that the gas pipeline. _ pipeline. we should all know that the gas pipeline, zelensky, - pipeline. we should all know that the gas pipeline, zelensky, was l the gas pipeline, zelensky, was built by the russians in order to avoid ukraine so they could basically squeeze ukraine. germany agreed to it and the fact that it hasn't become operational, so it's more a symbolic blow to putin, but it's significant because germany has really tried to hide in the corner as far as calling putin out and this is the first major step they have taken. it's been something they've wanted to avoid and the fact that they've done this really gives you some sense of how serious russia's actions are been so. the some sense of how serious russia's actions are been so.— actions are been so. the russian ambassador— actions are been so. the russian ambassador has _ actions are been so. the russian ambassador has been _ actions are been so. the russian | ambassador has been summoned actions are been so. the russian . ambassador has been summoned by actions are been so. the russian - ambassador has been summoned by the uk government over ukraine. we are hearing that as we wait to hear from borisjohnson hearing that as we wait to hear from boris johnson what the sanctions

would be and he has said that those sanctions would show vladimir putin he has gravely miscalculated. you've spoken before about the importance of those sanctions being targeted specifically on individuals. what at this point do you think they should look like? the this point do you think they should look like? ~ , this point do you think they should look like? ~' , ., , ., look like? the key to this whole thin is look like? the key to this whole thing is to _ look like? the key to this whole thing is to raise _ look like? the key to this whole thing is to raise the _ look like? the key to this whole thing is to raise the cost - look like? the key to this whole thing is to raise the cost for - thing is to raise the cost for vladimir— thing is to raise the cost for vladimir putin's actions and to raise _ vladimir putin's actions and to raise the — vladimir putin's actions and to raise the cost you need to make them personat~ _ raise the cost you need to make them personat~ it's— raise the cost you need to make them personal. it's not hard to make them personal— personal. it's not hard to make them personal because flood in a painting has accumulated money from crimes he is committed _ has accumulated money from crimes he is committed in russia. he keeps that in— is committed in russia. he keeps that in the — is committed in russia. he keeps that in the west so we can actually io that in the west so we can actually go after— that in the west so we can actually go after those individuals, most trustees— go after those individuals, most trustees who hold competing's money in the _ trustees who hold competing's money in the uk _ trustees who hold competing's money in the uk and that would have very significant — in the uk and that would have very significant impact on these actions. when _ significant impact on these actions. when you _ significant impact on these actions. when you say they hold his money in the uk as trustees, how do you

unpick that and what is the scale of it? how much transparency... i mean, not much, but how can you on it in order to hold it to account?— on it in order to hold it to account? ., ., , account? so what we can say for sure is that vladimir— account? so what we can say for sure is that vladimir putin _ account? so what we can say for sure is that vladimir putin can't _ account? so what we can say for sure is that vladimir putin can't hold - is that vladimir putin can't hold money— is that vladimir putin can't hold money in — is that vladimir putin can't hold money in his own name because otherwise — money in his own name because otherwise he could be black mailed by any— otherwise he could be black mailed by any document. so he has handshake agreements _ by any document. so he has handshake agreements with other ollie arts. it's agreements with other ollie arts. it's no _ agreements with other ollie arts. it's no mystery that these agreements exists and you can show it by looking at various types of government corruption because ollie arts are _ government corruption because ollie arts are giving money to vladimir putin— arts are giving money to vladimir putin and — arts are giving money to vladimir putin and his government. the panama papers, _ putin and his government. the panama papers, the _ putin and his government. the panama papers, the paradise papers, court documents — papers, the paradise papers, court documents which show this. so it's extremely— documents which show this. so it's extremely well—known documents which show this. so it's extremely well— known amongst documents which show this. so it's extremely well—known amongst the russian _ extremely well—known amongst the russian dissident community, the opposition, who these people are. it's well—known by opposition, who these people are. it's well— known by the opposition, who these people are. it's well—known by the government who these — it's well—known by the government who these people are and the only thing _ who these people are and the only

thing that— who these people are and the only thing that matters now and will determine now is political will, will the — determine now is political will, will the british government actually target _ will the british government actually target these individuals or will they— target these individuals or will they target people who don't matter? and as _ they target people who don't matter? and as we _ they target people who don't matter? and as i've learned, the eu is not going _ and as i've learned, the eu is not going after— and as i've learned, the eu is not going after these oligarchs, these members of parliament who are essentially peat in's employees. the british— essentially peat in's employees. the british government has the opportunity to do something and i hope _ opportunity to do something and i hope that— opportunity to do something and i hope that in a short while that they had done _ hope that in a short while that they had done something. we hope that in a short while that they had done something.— hope that in a short while that they had done something. we are waiting to hear but in _ had done something. we are waiting to hear but in terms _ had done something. we are waiting to hear but in terms of— had done something. we are waiting to hear but in terms of what - had done something. we are waiting to hear but in terms of what the - to hear but in terms of what the scope of those sanctions on individuals should look like, how would you visit and potentially working and how quickly with the impact be felt?— impact be felt? well, so the way it's done and _ impact be felt? well, so the way it's done and i'm _ impact be felt? well, so the way it's done and i'm an _ impact be felt? well, so the way it's done and i'm an expert - impact be felt? well, so the way it's done and i'm an expert on i impact be felt? well, so the way. it's done and i'm an expert on this because _ it's done and i'm an expert on this because i— it's done and i'm an expert on this because i spent the last decade tobbying — because i spent the last decade lobbying for a specific act. which freezes— lobbying for a specific act. which freezes the assets of people involved in human rights abuse and corruption —

involved in human rights abuse and corruption so the government would announce _ corruption so the government would announce he was sanctioned and that list would _ announce he was sanctioned and that list would then go out all banks and financial— list would then go out all banks and financial institutions in the uk and then from — financial institutions in the uk and then from that moment on they would be prohibited from transacting with these _ be prohibited from transacting with these people which meaning anyone owning _ these people which meaning anyone owning property or having a bank account, — owning property or having a bank account, that money or that property is effectively frozen. it would be the government'sjob to is effectively frozen. it would be the government's job to enforce is effectively frozen. it would be the government'sjob to enforce it. it the government'sjob to enforce it. it would _ the government'sjob to enforce it. it would be — the government'sjob to enforce it. it would be the job of every financial— it would be the job of every financial institution not to break uk law— financial institution not to break uk law by— financial institution not to break uk law by transacting with these people — uk law by transacting with these people. so uk law by transacting with these eo . le. ,, ., uk law by transacting with these --eole. . , . . people. so with that being a median freeze on the _ people. so with that being a median freeze on the financial— people. so with that being a median freeze on the financial capabilities i freeze on the financial capabilities of any ollie arc potentially targeted by this, operating in london? . . targeted by this, operating in london? . , . . london? that is correct and it can be done with _ london? that is correct and it can be done with the _ london? that is correct and it can be done with the stroke _ london? that is correct and it can be done with the stroke of - london? that is correct and it can be done with the stroke of a - london? that is correct and it can be done with the stroke of a pen. be done with the stroke of a pen boris _ be done with the stroke of a pen borisjohnson can be done with the stroke of a pen boris johnson can announce it today if he so _ boris johnson can announce it today if he so deems it fit.— if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill. we if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill- we are _ if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill. we are going _ if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill. we are going to _ if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill. we are going to be - if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill. we are going to be live - if he so deems it fit. thank you, bill. we are going to be live in l if he so deems it fit. thank you, l bill. we are going to be live in the comments when borisjohnson arrives

to talk about those sanctions on an expired minutes or so. buckingham palace says the queen has cancelled a virtual engagement but will continue with "light duties" today after she tested positive for covid. the queen is understood to be fully vaccinated but — at 95 — her age puts her at increased risk from the virus. there is a crisis of public trust in the way rape is treated by the criminaljustice system. so says max hill — the director of public prosecutions himself. he also says he has ways of fixing it. of 63,000 rape offences recorded by police in the year to last september, only 1.3% resulted in someone being charged. mr hill said he wants to make it clear that they are addressing the crisis to improve public confidence. having been working on our rape and serious sexual assault strategy which we published 18 months ago, we brought out this update today to say to anybody with an interest in this area, please come and look at the action we are taking and there are so many

actions recorded in that report and let me make it very clear that we are at the table with our police colleagues who are just as dedicated as our specialist prosecutors in addressing the crisis in public confidence and making sure that by completing all of the work that you can see in that report, the numbers will change and with the numbers changing, it is my hope that public confidence will come back because when women, and it is mainly women suffer sexual violence, still less rape, they are at the most vulnerable point in their entire lives and they need to feel the authorities, the criminaljustice system, is there for them. they can safely report that rape in the knowledge that it can be investigated and our role at the crown prosecution service, we are not investigators, but we are there to take every possible case and to secure justice through the courts, every time we can. valerie wise is the national domestic abuse lead at victim support.

thank you forjoining us. when he says they are there to prosecute every possible case they can why do think it's only 1.3% reported that and up been prosecuted? i think it's only 1.3% reported that and up been prosecuted?- and up been prosecuted? i think there has been _ and up been prosecuted? i think there has been a _ and up been prosecuted? i think there has been a problem - and up been prosecuted? i think there has been a problem at - and up been prosecuted? i think there has been a problem at thej there has been a problem at the crown— there has been a problem at the crown prosecution service without a doubt _ crown prosecution service without a doubt because that figure is absolutely unacceptable and lets not forget, _ absolutely unacceptable and lets not forget, this actually puts people off, women particularly, reporting rape in _ off, women particularly, reporting rape in the — off, women particularly, reporting rape in the first incident, and let's— rape in the first incident, and let's not— rape in the first incident, and let's not forget that there's been 63.000 — let's not forget that there's been 63,000 reported cases, there will be a lot 63,000 reported cases, there will be a tot more _ 63,000 reported cases, there will be a lot more people who haven't bothered — a lot more people who haven't bothered reporting because theyjust think. _ bothered reporting because theyjust think, what is the point? hardly anyone — think, what is the point? hardly anyone gets prosecuted so why should i anyone gets prosecuted so why should i bother? _ anyone gets prosecuted so why should i bother? why should i do this because — i bother? why should i do this because even reporting this crime is horrendous — because even reporting this crime is horrendous. victims often feel that they are _ horrendous. victims often feel that they are on — horrendous. victims often feel that

they are on trial themselves. they had to— they are on trial themselves. they had to handover personal items, their— had to handover personal items, their clothes, their phone, their personal— their clothes, their phone, their personal messages are trolled through~ — personal messages are trolled through. they are re—traumatised and something _ through. they are re—traumatised and something has to be done to address this issue _ something has to be done to address this issue -- — something has to be done to address this issue. —— trawled through. that this issue. -- trawled through. that indicates the _ this issue. -- trawled through. that indicates the scale, _ this issue. —— trawled through. trisgt indicates the scale, in terms of where the problem lies and how specific it would be to fix it? you said there's a problem to seek —— at the cps, do you not think it's a problem at the police?- the cps, do you not think it's a problem at the police? there's a lack of trust _ problem at the police? there's a lack of trust and _ problem at the police? there's a lack of trust and the _ problem at the police? there's a lack of trust and the whole - problem at the police? there's a i lack of trust and the whole criminal justice _ lack of trust and the whole criminal justice system but the fact that there's— justice system but the fact that there's been 63,000 paces —— cases reported _ there's been 63,000 paces —— cases reported it _ there's been 63,000 paces —— cases reported it does seem that the problem — reported it does seem that the problem lies with the crown prosecution service.- problem lies with the crown

prosecution service. thank you, valerie wize. _ prosecution service. thank you, valerie wize. where _ prosecution service. thank you, valerie wize. where going - prosecution service. thank you, valerie wize. where going to i prosecution service. thank you, i valerie wize. where going to turn our attentions to what's going on in the commons. borisjohnson is going to be speaking. he's promised a marriage of sanctions against vladimir putin. —— barrage of sanctions. let's go to a political correspondence now. what itrufhgt sanctions. let's go to a political correspondence now. what what we are exectin: correspondence now. what what we are expecting wide — correspondence now. what what we are expecting wide package _ correspondence now. what what we are expecting wide package of— correspondence now. what what we are expecting wide package of economic i expecting wide package of economic sanctions will be in response to this move by valerie putin to move troops into eastern ukraine. what we are expecting. the troops into eastern ukraine. what we are expecting-— are expecting. the primers are a stunninu. prime minister. thank you, i will make a statement about the i prime minister. thank you, i will i make a statement about the situation in ukraine. last night president putin flagrantly violated the peace agreement by recognising the supposed independence of the so—called peopled republics in

eastern ukraine. and a single inflammatory speech he denied that ukraine had any tradition of genuine statehood, claimed it posed a direct threat to the security of russia and hurled numerous false accusations and aspirations. soon afterwards they camel analyst russian troops would enter the break and be regions under the guise of peacekeepers and russian tanks and are not personnel characters have been spotted. we have should be in no doubt that the deployment of these forces in southern ukrainian territory amounts to a renewed invasion of that country. and by denying the legitimacy of ukraine as a state and presenting its very existence as a threat to russia, putin is establishing the pretext for a full—scale offensive. i think

members will struggle to understand how envy 2022 a national leader might calmly and deliberately put the destruction of a peaceful neighbour. the evidence of his own once suggested that is exactly what president putin is doing. when i said on saturday his scheme to subvert and evade ukraine was in motion before arise the events of the last 20 was have sadly shown this to be true. we must brace ourselves for the next possible stages of his plan. the violent subversion of areas of eastern ukraine by russian operatives and their hirelings followed by a general offensive by 200,000 russian troops on the frontiers ready to attack. if the worst happens then a

european nation of 44 million men women and children would become the target of a full—scale war of aggression waged without a shred of justification for the absurd and even mystical reasons that putin described last night. unless the situation changes the best efforts of the united states, this country, france, germany and other allies to avoid conflict through patient diplomacy may be in vain. from the beginning we have tried to find a peaceful way through this crisis. in the 11th of february the defence secretary and chief of defence staff paid a joint visit to moscow by the holders of their offices since chuck

show —— once in chuck show and 1944. they held meetings with the generals and chief of staff devastating how seriously we take the security concerns. how much we respect our history and how hard we are prepared to work to ensure peaceful coexistence. the foreign secretary delivered at the same message when she met her russian counterpart in moscow. i have spoken on a number of occasions to president putin since this crisis began and so has president biden and emmerson mnangagwa on have visited moscow. we have explored every avenue and given putin every opportunity to pursue his aims by negotiation and diplomacy. we will not give up, we will continue to seek a diplomatic

solution until the last possible moment but we have to face the possibility that none of our messages has been heeded and that putin is implacably determined to go further in subjugating and tormenting ukraine. it is because we suspected as much that the uk and our allies repeatedly sound of the alarm about a possible new invasion and be disclosed much of what we knew about the russian military build—up. britain has done everything possible to help ukraine prepare for an onslaught, training soldiers and supplying anti—tank missiles and providing £100 million for economic reform and energy independence. we will guarantee up to $500 million development bank financing. i travelled to give to meet the president, i saw him again in munich at the weekend and spoke to him last night, soon after

president putin's speech to assure him as i am sure the whole house would agree was the date thing to do, i assured would agree was the date thing to do, iassured him would agree was the date thing to do, i assured him of britain's unwavering support for ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. now the uk adult allies will begin to impose sanctions on russia we have all ready prepared. using the new adam peska to powers granted by this house to sanction russian individuals and entities of strategic importance. today the uk to sanctioning the following five russian banks, general bank and black seabank and others and we are sanctioning three high net worth individuals. any assets they hold in

the uk will be frozen, the individuals concerned will be banned from travelling here and we will prohibit all uk individuals and entities from having any dealings with them. this is the first tranche, barrage of what we are prepared to do. we hold for the sanctions readiness to be deployed alongside the united states and european union effie situation escalates further. last night diplomats joined an emergency meeting of the un security council and we will raise the situation and the organisation security cooperation in europe and let me emphasise what i believe unites every member of this house with equal determination, the dissolve of the uk to defend our nato allies as absolute and immovable. we have

doubled the size of our deployment in estonia when the british army leads the battle group and when i met the latvian and estonian leaders i told them we would be willing to send more british forces to help protect our allies effort nato makes such a request. we cannot tell what will happen in the days ahead but we should steal ourselves for a protracted crisis. the united kingdom will meet this challenge side by side with our allies, determined that we will not allow putin to drag our continent back to a state of nature where a commission pays and might as right. it is precisely because the states are so high that putin's venture and ukraine must fail. it must

ultimately fail and must be seen to fail. that will require the perseverance and unity and resolve of the entire western alliance and the uk will do everything possible to ensure that unity is maintained. now our thoughts should turn to our valiant ukrainian friends who threaten that no one, who ask for nothing except to live and peace and freedom. we will keep faith with them in the critical days that lie ahead. whatever happens britain will not waver in our resolve. i commend the statement to the house.- the statement to the house. leader ofthe the statement to the house. leader of the opposition. _

the statement to the house. leader of the opposition. thank _ the statement to the house. leader of the opposition. thank you. i of the opposition. thank you. yesterday _ of the opposition. thank you. yesterday was _ of the opposition. thank you. yesterday was a _ of the opposition. thank you. yesterday was a dark - of the opposition. thank you. yesterday was a dark day i of the opposition. thank you. yesterday was a dark day for| of the opposition. thank you. - yesterday was a dark day for europe. the russian president denied the right of a sovereign nation to exist unilaterally recognising separatist movements he sponsors and who seek to dismember ukraine. then under the cover of darkness sent in troops to enforce his will. putin appears determined to plunge ukraine into a wider war. we must all stand firm in our support for ukraine, we support the freedom of her people and their right to determine their own future without the gun of an imperialist held to the head. there can be no excuses for russia's actions. there is no justification for this aggression. a war and ukraine will be bloody, it will caused lives and

to study will rightly scorn putin as the aggressor. putin claims to feel nato expansion but russia faces no conceivable threat from allied troops or from conceivable threat from allied troops orfrom ukraine, what conceivable threat from allied troops or from ukraine, what he fears is openness and democracy. he knows that given a choice people will not choose to live under the rule of an erratic and violent authoritarian. we must remain united and true to our values across this house and with our nato allies, we must show putin that we will not be divided. i welcome the sanctions introduced today and the international community efforts to unite with the collective response. however, we must be prepared to go further. i understand the tactic of

holding back sanctions are putin and his cronies to try to deter an invasion of ukraine but a threshold has already been breached, a sovereign nation has been invaded in a war of aggression based on lies and publication. if we do not respond with a full set of sanctions now putin will once again take away the message that the benefits of aggression outweigh the cost. we will work with the prime minister and other international allies to ensure more sanctions have introduced, russian should be excluded from financial mechanisms and we should band trading and russian sovereign debt. the campaign of misinformation should be tackled, russia should be prevented from broadcasting as propaganda around the world and we should work with

european allies to ensure the pipeline is cancelled. whatever the sequencing of the sanctions this will not be easy, britain must what with european allies to handle the disruption and the supply of energy and materials, we must defend ourselves and our allies against cyber attack and bring together the widest possible coalition of nations to condemn this action against a sovereign un member states. ukrainians are defending their own country and democracy in europe and we must and ready with more military support for ukraine to defend itself and be mustang ready to do more to reassure and reinforce nato allies in eastern europe. we must also get our own house in order. the prime minister said the lesson from the russian 2014 invasion is that you cannot just let

russian 2014 invasion is that you cannotjust let putin get away russian 2014 invasion is that you cannot just let putin get away with it but until now we have, we have failed to stop the flow of illicit russian finance and to britain, a cottage industry does the bedding of those went to putin. russian money has been allowed to influence our politics. we have to admit the mistakes have been made, we have to rectify them. this must be a turning point and end to oligarch impunity. we need to throw elaine on companies house providing easy coverfor shell companies, ensure and team money laundering laws are enforced and a crackdown on spies and make sure money is not pouring into uk politics from abroad. russian aggression has now torn up the mix political and budapest memorial but even at this late hour we must pursue diplomatic roots to prevent

further conflict so can the play minister tell us what international diplomatic efforts are going on and what role the uk will have in that process. we know putin's playbook, he seeks division, we must date united. he believes the benefits of aggression outweigh the consequences so we must take a stand and he believes the west corrupted to do the right thing so we must prove him wrong. i believe we can and they offer the support of the opposition and that vital endeavour. thank you. cani can i thank the honourable gentleman, the leader of the opposition, for the clarity with which she has just spoken and the support that he has given to the uk's strategy in dealing with this crisis in europe and if i may say so, that will be noted and the

change in the approach taken by the opposition is massively over the last couple of years is massively beneficial. the change over the last couple of years, which i think a fair—minded person would acknowledge. he has raised some important questions and they relate to the ways in which we clampdown on russian money in the uk and indeed throughout the west. this country was the first to publish a register of beneficial ownership, this country has led the way in cracking down on the unexplained wealth and we are bringing forward an economic crime bill to take forward further measures and i think it is absolutely vital that we hold in reserve further powerful sanctions as i think the honourable gentleman

acknowledged in view of what president putin may do next. we want to stop russian companies from being able to raise funds in sterling or dollars. we want them to stop raising funds in uk markets and we want to strip away the veil that conceals the ownership of property in this country and throughout the west. we will work with our friends and partners around the world to achieve that. the sanctions we are implementing today are very tough. one of the banks is a top ten russian banks and services 70% of state contracts signed by the russian ministry of defence but the measures that we have prepared are much, much tougher still and we will have absolutely no hesitation in implementing them. we will get on with the business of diplomacy and he's absolutely right to draw attention to the importance of

diplomacy now. in spite of everything that is happening on the borders of ukraine and now in donbas. there is a g7 meeting straight after this statement. we will be holding meetings in nato, in the p5 and in every forum where it is relevant and possible to bring president putin to understand the gravity of what he is doing. the uk will continue to offer support to our ukrainian friends and i do think it is right for us to be out in front in offering military assistance. defensive military assistance. defensive military assistance to the ukrainians. i assistance to the ukrainians. i spoke last night to president zelensky and we will consider them and do everything we can to offer support in the time that we have and we will do that but i think it is... i'm glad the honourable gentleman seems to support that as well. it is

absolutely vital in this critical moment that president putin understands that what he is doing is going to be a disasterfor understands that what he is doing is going to be a disaster for russia and it is clear from the response of the world to what he has done already in donbas that he is going to end up with a russia that is poorer as a result of the sanctions that the royals will implement. a russia that is more isolated, a russia that is more isolated, a russia that is more isolated, a russia that has no chance of holding a football tournament. a russia that is engaged in a bloody and debilitating conflict with a fellow country. what an appalling result for president putin. i hope he steps back from the brink and does not conduct a full invasion but in the meantime, we must implement the tough package that we put forward

and we will continue to offer the ukrainian people all the support that we can. i welcome my honourable friend's statement and welcome unwavering support _ statement and welcome unwavering support for ukrainian sovereignty at this gravest of times which shows we can never— this gravest of times which shows we can never take our eyes off russia, but does _ can never take our eyes off russia, but does my— can never take our eyes off russia, but does my honourable friend share my concern _ but does my honourable friend share my concern that while the focus today _ my concern that while the focus today is — my concern that while the focus today is rightly on protecting ukrainian independence and territorial integrity. what lies behind — territorial integrity. what lies behind this is a wider worldwide trend _ behind this is a wider worldwide trend of— behind this is a wider worldwide trend of authoritarian states trying to impose — trend of authoritarian states trying to impose their way of thinking on others _ to impose their way of thinking on others and — to impose their way of thinking on others and the battle with which we must _ others and the battle with which we must engage now is nothing more or less than— must engage now is nothing more or less than the defence of democracy itsetf? _ less than the defence of democracy itsetf? frie— less than the defence of democracy itself? g ., ., . , , itself? my honourable friend is entirely right _ itself? my honourable friend is entirely right and _ itself? my honourable friend is entirely right and that - itself? my honourable friend is entirely right and that is i itself? my honourable friend is entirely right and that is what. itself? my honourable friend is| entirely right and that is what is at stake. what happens in ukraine,

what happens now is being watched around the world and the echoes will be heard in taiwan in east asia and throughout the world. flan be heard in taiwan in east asia and throughout the world.— throughout the world. can i thank the prime minister _ throughout the world. can i thank the prime minister for _ throughout the world. can i thank the prime minister for advanced l the prime minister for advanced sight of his statement and to the national security advisor who has briefed opposition leaders. mr speaker, this is a dark day for the people of ukraine and for people right across our european continent. europe stands on the brink of war as a consequence of russian aggression. it is a day that communities across scotland in these islands and across europe desperately hoped would never come to pass but although that sense of darkness defines as today, how we know collectively respond will define the days to come. —— the darkness defines today. this chamber in recent months has seen fierce debate and disagreement but today i think it is important to say in the

face of russian aggression against ukraine that in this house we all stand together. stand together and stand together. stand together and stand with our partners across europe and indeed across the globe. more importantly, we stand with the ukrainian people who are now under assault. a european country, and ally, is under attack. we should be very clear about what is now happening. this is an illegal russian occupation of ukraine just as it was in crimea. russia has effectively annexed another two ukrainian regions in a blatant breach of international law. this effectively ends the minsk process. it is a further violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of ukraine. no one should even repeat the russian lie that this is about peacekeeping. this is

warmongering, plain and simple. president putin must hear the call from here and elsewhere to draw back before any further escalation can take place. i and my party welcome the sanctions that are now being brought forward and it's deeply regrettable that the delay has allowed many russian individuals to shift dirty assets and money in the last number of weeks but can i ask the prime minister specifically if the prime minister specifically if the russian state and individuals will immediately be suspended from the swift payment system? and just as economic sanctions against russia are welcome, ukraine needs economic and humanitarian support if required. when will economic and humanitarian support be enacted and what will it entail? can the prime minister also confirm that there will be exemptions for partners of uk citizens residing in the ukraine

to come to the united kingdom? they need that certainty and they need it today. in the days ahead we can no doubt expect a barrage of information from the russian media and its proxies so can the prime minister update on how the uk government intends to combat that threat? this is also the moment to end the complacency in implementing the security committee's russia report. the prime minister now commit to its full implementation and update the house accordingly? can i also asked the prime minister but after the un security council last night, when the brief meeting will next meet and what coordination is happening across all international organisations to force president putin to step back from the brink before it is too late? finally, let president putin hear loud and clear that he must now desist from this act of war, this attack on a sovereign nation, let us demonstrate that we stand with the people of ukraine. flan

demonstrate that we stand with the people of ukraine.— people of ukraine. can i wholeheartedly - people of ukraine. can i wholeheartedly thanked j people of ukraine. can i i wholeheartedly thanked the honourable gentleman for the terms in which he hasjust honourable gentleman for the terms in which he has just spoken, honourable gentleman for the terms in which he hasjust spoken, the unity and resolve that he has just shown in common with the honourable gentleman, the leader of the opposition. i think the spirit that this house is showing today is absolutely invaluable and he is right to raise questions about the speedin right to raise questions about the speed in which we have been able to sanction various individuals. we did bring forward sanctions and he was important in that last year. we are bringing forward the registry of beneficial ownership faster than any other country, stripping away the veil on russian dirty money. he asked about support for ukraine. we have given £100 million worth of support particularly for ukraine's energy crisis and further economic needs, plus a further $500 million that i announced just now. the

diplomatic effort is now intensifying. he asked about the forums in which they are taking place. there are more meetings in the un. but ultimately, as he rightly says, this is up to vladimir putin and he alone can decide whether or not to halt what seems to be an absolutely irresistible march towards tragedy. it's down to him, it's in his hands. help each other, short questions and pithy answers would be helpful. | pithy answers would be helpful. welcome pithy answers would be helpful. i welcome my honourable friend's statement today and the actions of he and his government over these recent weeks. may i pay particular tribute to the defence secretary who is on —— whose unfailing efforts in preparing notjust the people of the ukraine but our allies in nato for this aggression has been exemplary.

as we are talking about sanctions and rightly so, can i ask whether my honourable friend will also commit to a foreign agents registration act? we have seen the action of the insidious work of the united front for china and different outfits for russia to undermine our democracy and threaten our way of life. would you please bring in that act and while he is doing it would he finance much more the russian service of the bbc so that the russian people can hear the truth and not the lies being spread by their own government? l and not the lies being spread by their own government?- and not the lies being spread by their own government? i think the russian service _ their own government? i think the russian service of— their own government? i think the russian service of the _ their own government? i think the russian service of the bbc- their own government? i think the russian service of the bbc has i their own government? i think the | russian service of the bbc has done an invaluablejob and i think it's very, very important it should continue to be financed. i will look at the details of that package. on his proposalfor a at the details of that package. on his proposal for a foreign agent registration law, we are indeed considering what more we can do to counter threats to this country from

within. ~ . . ., ., , . within. according to expert legal advice we _ within. according to expert legal advice i've seen, _ within. according to expert legal advice i've seen, there - within. according to expert legal advice i've seen, there are i within. according to expert legal i advice i've seen, there are serious flaws were in the new sanctions regime. it may not affect oligarchs close to putin who do not hold an official position in a company or own less than 50% of shares. it is too narrow and defining the individuals it covers, unlike us legislation it is limited in how it can sanction russian government officials and the definition of government of russia excludes the legislative branch. that means that kleptocrats who have stolen from the russian people and support putin would not be caught. of no valley�*s list of 35, only 30 would be caught —— navalny�*s list. several would escape. with the prime minister look again at the sanctions so that in the words of the foreign secretary, nothing is off the table? l

the words of the foreign secretary, nothing is off the table?— nothing is off the table? i thank her very much _ nothing is off the table? i thank her very much and _ nothing is off the table? i thank her very much and i _ nothing is off the table? i thank her very much and i think i nothing is off the table? i thank| her very much and i think that. .. nothing is off the table? i thank. her very much and i think that. .. i her very much and i think that... i understand her concern but i believe she is an error because we can certainly target members, that are already facing sanctions, and in the announcement i made today, the individual that she referenced is targeted and is on the list, as are boris and igor rotenberg, these are people who are close to the putin regime but they are just part of the first barrage. flan regime but they are 'ust part of the first barrageh regime but they are 'ust part of the first tarnish first barrage. can i welcome the government's _ first barrage. can i welcome the government's efforts _ first barrage. can i welcome the government's efforts today, - first barrage. can i welcome the government's efforts today, but russian actions move us into a dangerous phase of this crisis and required us to adapt in more robust, long—term approaches to defending european security outside of nato�*s borders. sanctions alone will not be

enough. on targeted sanctions may play into putin's plan to pivot russia ever closer to china. so with the prime minister agree, nato must not be benched? it was created to uphold european security and we must know is consider how we utilise our formidable hard power deterrence in responding to ukraine's call for further help, not excluding the formation of potential is no fly zones. i formation of potential is no fly zones. . ~' , t zones. i thank the gent very much and he is correct _ zones. i thank the gent very much and he is correct to _ zones. i thank the gent very much and he is correct to place - zones. i thank the gent very much and he is correct to place the - and he is correct to place the emphasis that he does on nato which has proved its value over the last 70 years, is successful alliance in history. it is a defensive alliance and we are reinforcing it now on the eastern... all across the eastern perimeter. what nato is not doing, no nato country is currently considering sending combat troops to ukraine and he will understand the reasons for