good morning, welcome to breakfast with dan walker and sally nugent. our headlines today — a cut in fuel duty and changes to national insurance payments. they're two of the options available to rishi sunak as he tackles the cost of living in today's spring statement. prices statement. are rising fast, faster than they prices are rising fast, faster than they have for 30 years. we will get they have for 30 years. we will get the latest inflation figures this morning, and we will be asking traders on merseyside what they want to hear from the chancellor, and what surprises he might have in store. the ukrainian president, volodomyr zelensky, says there is "nothing left" of the city of mariupol, and his country is teetering on the "brink of survival."

the ukrainians continue to try and resist the russian advances, with reports suggesting that they have regained some territory from russia. ash barty announces her shock retirement from tennis. the world number one — the reigning wimbeldon and australian open champion — is leaving the sport at the age of just 25. i will be retiring from tennis, and it is the first time i have actually said it out loud. and yeah, it is hard to say, but i am so happy, and iam so hard to say, but i am so happy, and i am so ready. good morning. yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures almost reaching 21 sources. we could see very similar in places today with a lot of warm sunshine after we was the morning fog across parts of north—east england. all the details throughout this morning's programme —— after we lose the fog.

good morning. it's wednesday the 23rd of march. our main story — a cut in fuel duty could be on the cards when the chancellor, rishi sunak, delivers his spring statement in the commons later today. he'll promise more help with the rising cost of living, while stressing the need to shore up public finances. 0ur consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has this report. the chancellor has been rehearsing, but the audience that really matters are a long way from westminster. he's under pressure to announce something to help shade us from the scorching cost of every bill at the moment. it's a gorgeous day, and everyone�*s making the most of the sunshine. this is my little boy, tiger. 0h, hello. we'rejust trying to do more like this. like go out on days out like this. i used to love going to the beach, but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i've got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now.

sometimes we'll even get the bus instead. stevie�*s rent went up by £200 last month, and she's already behind on the gas and electricity bills. we're just trying to get by. just try and keep upbeat about it anyway. paul and charlotte have been feeling the bite of energy bills this winter, too. the gas goes on, it, you know, it takes a while to kind of kick in. and perhaps back in the day when we were students, we would have notjust not put the heating on, but we can't do that any more because we've got lois. so we've been to eureka this morning using our tesco vouchers. so it was free because of the tesco vouchers. but it's just like all of those things when you're planning, you're just trying to save costs wherever you can. morning. all right, you? costs are rising for mark at his coffee shop, but he doesn't want to put prices up because he knows how tough everyone is finding it. we do have to pay a wage, pay ourselves, pay your rent. it all has a huge impact. and to keep that quality experience going, people might have to pay that extra pound to to enjoy it.

but that's something stevie just can't afford. i don't think i'd be able to save a pound. so you're literally living... month by month, everything that comes in itjust gets spent. find comes in it 'ust gets spent. and those bills — comes in itjust gets spent. and those bills that _ comes in itjust gets spent. and those bills that come in, what happens? i those bills that come in, what happens?— those bills that come in, what hauens? ., �* those bills that come in, what ha ens? ., �* ., happens? i either don't pay them, or it is debt. happens? i either don't pay them, or it is debt- i — happens? i either don't pay them, or it is debt. i don't _ happens? i either don't pay them, or it is debt. i don't want _ happens? i either don't pay them, or it is debt. i don't want to _ happens? i either don't pay them, or it is debt. i don't want to have - it is debt. i don't want to have to ask family, but i do. today's spring statement isn't supposed to be a full budget, butjust tinkering around the edges isn't going to be enough to help stevie and millions like her. colletta smith, bbc news, at the peace hall in halifax. so what new measures might rishi sunak consider to help households with the sharply—rising cost of living, and the expected impact of the war in ukraine? the chancellor could cut fuel duty by at least 5p per litre. there have been calls for him to delay a planned rise in national insurance payments,

or scrap it altogether. but it's more likely that he'll raise the threshold at which it's paid. next month, the government will increase benefits, such as universal credit, by 3.1%, but dozens of charities want the chancellor to go further. let's speak to our political correspondent iain watson. iain, the chancellor's under pressure to tackle steep rises in the cost of living, isn't he? yes, he is under pressure from all sorts of places, from businesses, trade unions, voters, of course, but also from his own conservative mps. he has been eating some of them privately over the past few weeks, listening to their concerns about the rise in cost of living, prices going up at a faster rate than at any time for 30 years. and what many of them want him to do is either delay or destroy entirely this planned rise in national insurance from april. it doesn't look like they will get their way, but what they will get their way, but what they might do is raise the threshold at which it is paid, in other words

people would start to pay national insurance at £9,880 earnings a year from april. if he raises that by another £1000, that takes people out of the tax rise entirely, or at least mitigate the effect on some others. and that is certainly hope amongst his own party that he will move in that direction. you mention to be cut in fuel duty, again people presently chancellor in private meetings to do something like this, and they seemed to think it was in listening mode, so we could well see a reduction there. but there could also be pressure at the rate of increase in benefits, 3.1% benefits are due to rise by, but inflation already up 5.5% and going upwards. so he could also potentially increase the rate of benefits. that is not necessarily likely to happen, but there will be a lot of pressure for him to do so. if he doesn't, people might want to see other changes on universal credit allowing people to keep more of their own income if they are receiving universal credit and in work. so he

has a whole range of options. what he decides to do well of course affect all of us, but might also determine in the future whether he moves from number 11 in downing street took number ten. people will bejudging very clearly street took number ten. people will be judging very clearly at westminster how he is handling this crisis. . . ~ westminster how he is handling this crisis. . ., ~ , ., , westminster how he is handling this crisis. . . ~ , ., , . crisis. iain, thank you very much. iain watson _ crisis. iain, thank you very much. iain watson live _ crisis. iain, thank you very much. iain watson live in _ crisis. iain, thank you very much. iain watson live in downing - crisis. iain, thank you very much. | iain watson live in downing street for us. ukraine's president says there is "nothing left" of the port city of mariupol as it remains under constant russian bombardment. in his nightly address, he said 100,000 civilians remain there with no food, water, or medicine. judith moritz reports. the road out of mariupol as the road out of hell. it is a desperate journey, but car after car has run the gauntlet, fleeing a city where there is almost nothing left. and what cannot life possibly feel like for those still there? the russians have raised this place to the

ground, thousands are still trapped, trying to survive in impossible circumstances. translation: figs trying to survive in impossible circumstances. translation: $5 of circumstances. translation: as of toda , circumstances. translation: as of today. there — circumstances. translation: as of today. there are _ circumstances. translation: as of today, there are about _ circumstances. translation: r: rrf today, there are about 100,000 people in the city, in inhuman conditions, completely blockaded, without food, water, or medicine, subject to constant shelling, constant bombardment. for more than a week now, we have been trying to organise stable humanitarian corridors for mariupol residents, and almost all of our attempts are disrupted unfortunately by the russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror. figs russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror.— russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to — deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to roll _ deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to roll across _ deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to roll across ukrainian i continue to roll across ukrainian territory, there are pockets of resistance. this is a town the russians were determined to seize. this quiet farming community stood its ground, setting a trap for the invading soldiers, and then blowing up invading soldiers, and then blowing up the town's bridge, sending the russians into retreat. in places

like this, the ukrainians are moving from defence to attack. we like this, the ukrainians are moving from defence to attack.— like this, the ukrainians are moving from defence to attack. we have seen indications that _ from defence to attack. we have seen indications that the _ from defence to attack. we have seen indications that the ukrainians - from defence to attack. we have seen indications that the ukrainians are - indications that the ukrainians are going _ indications that the ukrainians are going a _ indications that the ukrainians are going a bit— indications that the ukrainians are going a bit more on the offensive now, _ going a bit more on the offensive now. they— going a bit more on the offensive now, they have been defending very smartly, _ now, they have been defending very smartly, very nimbly, very creatively commonplace as they believe — creatively commonplace as they believe are the right places to defend — believe are the right places to defend. and we have seen them now in places. _ defend. and we have seen them now in places, particularly in the south, they have — places, particularly in the south, they have tried to regain territory. ukrainians— they have tried to regain territory. ukrainians say that each day they fight, they buy themselves a better position at the negotiating table. the diplomacy continues, but so too does the war of words. russia has refused to rule out using nuclear weapons. the pentagon called those remarks dangerous. and with further sanctions imminent, the ukrainians hope that, step—by—step, the russians will be urged towards

peace. judith moritz, bbc news. amongst the horror and destruction, there have been glimmers of hope, and that was felt by one family in bath this week. olena had spent weeks desperately trying to get her father out of kharkiv, which has come under heavy bombardment. well, she succeeded, and fiona lamdin was there when they were reunited. the squeals say it all. i met olena two weeks ago at home in bath. i can't even call him. i don't know when my son will be able to... she hadn't heard from her father for days. he was trapped in kharkiv. you sleep here and i sleep up here.

it took two weeks, but he finally managed to flee. this bottom bunk underneath his grandson is now home. when war broke out, he could have left, but he chose to stay, looking after orphans with special needs. you are incredibly brave to stay. my father does not see it as a brave act, hejust said father does not see it as a brave act, he just said that is what any decent normal person would do. he had to stay to make sure the children had a water supply, his colleagues can cook.— children had a water supply, his colleagues can cook. some of the carers and _ colleagues can cook. some of the carers and children _ colleagues can cook. some of the carers and children managed - colleagues can cook. some of the carers and children managed to i carers and children managed to escape to poland, but there was no space for him. a few days later, he was in the orphanage when it was bombed. , ., ., _,

bombed. they had to cover the windows with _ bombed. they had to cover the windows with cardboard, - bombed. they had to cover the windows with cardboard, trying bombed. they had to cover the i windows with cardboard, trying to keep the temperature inside. indie windows with cardboard, trying to keep the temperature inside. we have been deliberated. _ keep the temperature inside. we have been deliberated. we _ keep the temperature inside. we have been deliberated. we were _ keep the temperature inside. we have been deliberated. we were asking - keep the temperature inside. we have been deliberated. we were asking is i been deliberated. we were asking is he 0k? _ been deliberated. we were asking is he ok? i_ been deliberated. we were asking is he ok? i was always up and down. now he ok? i was always up and down. now he is here. _ he ok? i was always up and down. now he is here. i_ he ok? i was always up and down. now he is here, lam he ok? i was always up and down. now he is here, iamjust he ok? i was always up and down. now he is here, i am just really overwhelmed. he is here, i am 'ust really overwhelmed._ he is here, i am 'ust really overwhelmed. �* ., , he is here, i am 'ust really overwhelmed. ., , , overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his sta in bath overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will _ overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will be _ overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will be a _ overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will be a short - overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will be a short one. - overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will be a short one. he l stay in bath will be a short one. he ho es stay in bath will be a short one. he: hopes they will be at an end and he hopes they will be at an end and he hopes he will be able to get back to his home city soon and start rebuilding the orphanage, houses. i feel very happy and so, so relieved that my father is here, he is

without, he is safe, and he can stay without, he is safe, and he can stay with us, with his grandchildren, and with us, with his grandchildren, and with me. —— he is with us. that was fiona lamdin reporting. jonah fisher is in lviv for us this morning. jonah, what's the latest where you are? even a mixed picture across ukraine, the city of mariupol domains surrounded, president zelinsky has been talking about it overnight. —— remains surrendered. this was a bustling port town of 400,000 a month ago, now the population as a quarter of that. president zelinsky talking about no food, no water, no medicine, inhuman conditions. some people have been able to get out in the last day or so, we believe

around 7000 people, all bringing with them horrific stories of the conditions inside. across the rest of the country, a very different picture in some respects, there have been some indications over the last day also of ukrainian forces going on the counteroffensive. report of them taking some errors in southern ukraine, and also a city, a town just to the west of kyiv. so some indications that the ukrainians are sensing some sort of opportunity with all this russian artillery seemingly bogged down, that they could perhaps target some of it. so a complex position, russians sold in many areas, making incremental progress in mariupol, and the ukrainians and son, i think we have to say honestly limited areas at the moment, looking at the possibility of going on the counteroffensive. jonah, thank you for that. jonah fisher at live in the ukrainian city

of lviv for us this morning. p&o ferries has said 800 redundant staff will be offered £36.5 million in total, with around 40 people getting more than £100,000 each. the firm has also denied that it broke the law when it sacked the workers without warning last week. however, unions said the compensation package being offered was "pure blackmail and threats." now the weather with carol. good morning. quite a bit happening with the weather, some nuances, but for many of us, starting off on a chilly note. some frost around this morning, but warming up nicely. yesterday the warmest day of the year so far, temperatures reaching 20.7 celsius in north wales. today, we could see 21. some fog to watch out for, anywhere from newcastle down through lincolnshire, the east midlands generally. that will uplift slowly as we go through the course of the morning, then we have a lot

of the morning, then we have a lot of sunshine around. you could catch the odd shower today across eastern scotland and eastern england, but they were very much be the exception rather than the rule. these are temperatures, ten to about 20 or possibly 21 celsius, so way above average and it will feel pleasantly warm in the gentle breezes. this evening and overnight, some matching mist and fog foreman, clear skies around, but a mist and fog foreman, clear skies around, buta bit mist and fog foreman, clear skies around, but a bit more cloud coming on across the north and also the west. the odd shower. temperatures in towns and cities, but winds again in towns and cities, but winds again in ruralareas, in towns and cities, but winds again in rural areas, cold enough for a touch of frost. tomorrow, any mist and fog should clear as we go through tomorrow morning, a lot of dry weather and sunshine, but the cloud coming in across scotland and northern ireland with some showers. that will slowly push a bit further south and east, but eastern areas, the sunshine and turning hazy in scotland. for england and wales, still in a lot of sunshine, high is

winds again up to about 20 celsius. heading into friday, the cloud across scotland and northern ireland spilling a bit further south, some showers across the far north, but winds again the further south cloud floating around at times. in the south—east, we could hang onto some low cloud on the coast as we go through because of the day, and temperatures just temperatures just slipping a little bit. carol, thank you very much indeed, i love it when carol talked about the sunshine. let's take a look at today's papers. the telegraph leads on ukrainians regaining key territory as it says russian forces have been beaten back in several areas. ukraine's defence ministry claims to have retaken makariv, a town west of kyiv. meanwhile, the guardian features this picture of a young girl crying as she says goodbye to her father through a train carriage window,

as the paper reports on the continuing fallout of the war. the chancellor's upcoming spring statement also leads some papers. the express says rishi sunak will pledge to ease economic pain and give struggling households "billions of pounds" to reduce the cost of living crisis. and the daily mail asks rishi sunak to "spike the hike," as it says he faces calls to cancel a rise in national insurance. also making a lot of the front pages are these pictures of the duke and duchess of cambridge swimming with sharks during their royal tour of the caribbean. the duke and duchess of cambridge have arrived injamaica, for the second leg of their week—long caribbean tour. activists there have been calling on the uk to pay reparations for slavery, an issue prince william is expected to address in a speech later today. the couple began their visit in the centre of the capital, kingston. a warning that this report from our royal correspondent, jonny dymond, contains flash photography.

a rather formal start to what would become a pretty informal day. just before their arrival, a demonstration outside britain's high commission, its embassy to jamaica, a protest against britain's use of slaves here, whenjamaica was its colony and a demand for financial compensation. prince william is expected to discuss slavery in the same sort of frank terms that his father, prince charles, used recently in barbados. he talked about it being a stain on history. but that will come later. cheering. first, there was a visit to downtown kingston. the crowds were waiting.

the royals can still pull a crowd injamaica, and they pull celebrities too. manchester city's raheem sterling and aston villa's leon bailey,a then it was down to business, with williams setting up a goal for raheem sterling. but it was the couple's off—pitch walkabout that sent the crowd wild. down the street they swept, surrounded by a cheering throng. and then into one ofjamaica's cultural shrines, the place where bob marley once lived and hung out with other musicians.

this was a musical celebration, and a chance to kick back and relax. the royals got stuck in, and the beat went on. here was a couple enjoying life together. all good things come to an end. eventually, they said their goodbyes. trench town will remember their visit for a long time to come. jonny dymond, bbc news, kingston.

with just under a week until the oscars, los angeles is preparing to host its 94th academy awards ceremony. the grammy—winning artist billie eilish and her brother finneas will be performing no time to die, the title track from the latest james bond film, which has been nominated for best original song. sophie long went to meet them. massive congratulations to both of you. i mean, you are obviously no strangers to being nominated and collecting awards, but an oscar, how does this feel? it feels very surreal. i don't feel deserving, ifeel like finneas would agree with that. absolutely. i think the nomination is the exceptionally fun part. it's the part that really means the most, the nomination. it's the most important part, i think. # we were a pair # but i saw you there...#

you have between you so many grammies, really, but an oscar, it's not more important but it's different, right? it's completely different, because it's more unfamiliar, less familiar to us. it'sjust, like, so much scarier and more intimidating, in the most amazing, exciting way. and, yeah, itjust scares the life out of me. but it's like so exciting and cool. it feels like the biggest deal in the world and the most rare thing ever. this may never, ever happen again with us. so it's really a once in a lifetime experience. and quite cool, i would imagine, that you get to do all of this together, right? oh, yeah, it's amazing. it's really ideal. yeah, even going into things, i'm like, "finneas will be there, right?" it's very... that's sweet of you. it feels so good and so nice to not be, just, in and alone.

and notjust that, but it's really nice to be able to high five somebody that's right there with you. # fool me once, fool me twice # are you death or paradise? # now you'll never see me cry # there's just no time to die.# you're no stranger to awards ceremonies, how are you going to approach this one? i mean, you know, there's amazing people in your category, obviously. do you like, i don't know, do you wing it or do you prepare a speech? that's a good question. i think for this, we're not going to be able to wing it. i feel like that's not... there's too many people to thank. there's too many people to thank, and there's too many, i don't want to disappoint anybody. and i also want to be prepared because it's one of those things, like, when you are less nervous for something and have this much adrenaline about something, it's like you want to maybe have a plan. if we don't win, we will leap to our

feet and clap for whoever it is. practice your happy faces. stuff our thank yous back in. can i ask you a very important question? what are you going to wear? i don't know, i don't know yet! we are in talks, we're talking about it. working with a company called red carpet green dress, that is championing sustainability and eco—friendly fabrics and materials and stuff. we're trying to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible so i'm excited about that. # no time to die.# great song. a powerful ballad. is it a ballad? a bit darker than that. we'll be talking later about the number of children off school because of covid. government figures out today show that coronavirus—related absences in england's state schools have more than tripled in a fortnight. we'd like to hear your thoughts on this. have your children had to take time off?

maybe they've missed lots of school already this year. what do you think should be done about it? you can email us at bbcbreakfast@bbc.co.uk, or get in touch on facebook or twitter — @bbcbreakfast. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning, i'm sonja jessup. a high pollution alert has been issued for london today for the first time since august 2020. the mayor says a forecast from imperial college london shows on top of local emissions, there's a significant amount of pollution coming in from the continent. londoners with health conditions are being advised to cut down on strenuous activities, particularly outdoors. a memorial service is being held at st paul's cathdral tonight on the second anniversary of lockdown in honour of those who have died as a result of covid. there'll also be recognition for nhs

staff and care workers who looked after londoners during the pandemic. the service starts at 7pm and will feature poetry and a performance by the world—famous st paul's choir. meanwhile, to mark the anniversary, bbc london has been speaking to people here in the capital about their experience of covid and what it's been like living through the pandemic and the various restrictions in place. for some it's been an anxious time which has changed their lives forever. i mean, if i'd have got covid, i would probably not be here. my lungs would never have taken it. i really, really wasn't worried for me. i was petrified for my children, my grandchildren are far too young to understand what happened to nana. and you can hear more on the stories of londoners reflecting on life during the pandemic on our 6.30pm programme tonight. travel now, here's how the tube looks this morning. the district line has minor delays between edgware road to wimbledon.

and of course those works continuing on the northern line, it's closed between moorgate and kennington. and do remember, for all the latest travel news where you are, tune into your bbc local radio station for regular updates throughout the morning. time for the weather with elizabeth rizzini. hello, good morning. well, yesterday temperatures got to just over 20 degrees celsius in a good few spots, that's well above the seasonal average which would normally be 12 or 13 celsius by day. some very warm air coming through on this south—easterly wind. high pressure dominates as we head through the list of the week and very little is set to change although it will gradually turn a bit cooler, a bit cloudier as we head into the weekend. now, this morning, it's a chillier start to the day than we saw this time yesterday, temperatures having dropped back to low single figures last night. there are a few early mist patches around but they will not last

for too long at all. lots of blue sky and sunshine for most of us, it's a lovely bright start to the day. we will keep the sunshine throughout the day, perhaps some patchy cloud as we head through the afternoon, just a bit of a fair weather cloud. and it will stay dry, temperatures will peak at around 19 or 20 celsius. 21 degrees, not completely out of the question. as we head through this evening and overnight, it's more of the same, so clear skies, light winds, temperatures dropping very close to freezing. maybe patchy frost in a few spots as we head into thursday. on thursday, the warmth and the sunshine are all set to continue. that's it from me for now. i'll be back in half an hour. plenty more on our website. hello, this is breakfast with dan walker and sally nugent. the chancellor rishi sunak will deliver his spring statement later today, so what help might there be for families struggling with the cost of living?

sorry, i can't speak this morning! thankfully, nina can speak! nina's at a market in liverpool for us this morning. don't over promise on my behalf, dan! it is a beautiful morning in liverpool's wholesale market, this is avenue, they used to make massive electricity transformers which were then sent across the world for generators. now it is produce being imported. this pineapple has come all the way from costa rica, and think what the traders have gone through to get this pineapple to your plate. the increased cost of energy, the pressure on your plate. the increased cost of energy. the pressure on getting your plate. the increased cost of energy, the pressure on getting the right workforce and the new import gusts that traders are fading —— costs that traders are facing. so do

they pass it onto the consumers? and thatis they pass it onto the consumers? and that is what inflation is. have you known a time like this in the generations of your family that you have been trading?— generations of your family that you have been trading? there are as hard as this, have been trading? there are as hard as this. staff— have been trading? there are as hard as this. staff is _ have been trading? there are as hard as this, staff is as _ have been trading? there are as hard as this, staff is as expensive - have been trading? there are as hard as this, staff is as expensive as - have been trading? there are as hard as this, staff is as expensive as i - as this, staff is as expensive as i have ever had it all ceded. —— never as hard as this, staff is as expensive. i was asked £14 for a box of six kilos of tomatoes, never been asked for anything like that for tomatoes. usually it is seven or eight, may be £10. it's another £4 over the top. eight, may be £10. it's another £4 over the ten-— eight, may be £10. it's another £4 over the top. and that means your rofits. .. over the top. and that means your profits... everybody _ over the top. and that means your profits... everybody is _ over the top. and that means your profits... everybody is getting - profits... everybody is getting squeezed. _ profits. .. everybody is getting squeezed, all— profits... everybody is getting squeezed, all of _ profits... everybody is getting squeezed, all of the _ profits... everybody is getting squeezed, all of the costs, i profits... everybody is getting l squeezed, all of the costs, and eventually people cannot carry on, you can only absorb so much and that's the problem where we are now. we have been talking to traders here, that is the pressure they all facing.

mushrooms are a set price. they are usually set for a year, maybe more. but as from tomorrow they are going up 30p per chip, which is a small plastic container, which is quite a lot because we use a lot of mushrooms, especially in catering. they have got to put the price up to their customers, the restaurants and the cafes, and various, and people don't like price rises, do they? we are all trying to cut costs or keep costs down. 40 years i've been here. tomatoes today cost £14. say, like, probably a few months ago, a month ago, they were probably eight quid, something like that. so everything is going up, so. that's how it is, fuel's going up, you can't do much about it, there's no point moaning, is there? you just have to get on with it, sort of thing. our chancellor today is going to be making some announcements

but we need more than 5p off a litre. it's like taking £2 off a tank of diesel or petrol. it's not enough, the price of a cup of coffee. we need some properfigures, notjust, like, wiping the face type figures. so, that is the pressure on traders, no doubt you are feeling it as well. what are the chancellor's options? there is the much talked about possible cuts to fuel duty, maybe 5p, but how much of a difference would that make? two to £3 every time you fill up, not massive. he could delay or scrap the planned national insurance rise although that was rolled out over the weekend. some speculation, not confirmed, that he could increase the threshold, the point at which people pay national insurance but that will only help middle earners. would a more targeted approach help,

people on universal credit? let's talk to some experts. those three areas, which category needs it most? 100%, those on lowest incomes. if you talk about a lot of families that have modest incomes, they have had the pandemic where they were squeezed, and then you have got a cost of living crisis. i cannot stress this enough, this is not run—of—the—mill stuff, when energy bills go up by 50%, it's absolutely extraordinary. it's the fallout from the pandemic which is a once in a generation thing and families at the sharp end of feeling it, they have to make this horrendous choice between heating their homes and feeding their kids. the between heating their homes and feeding their kids.— feeding their kids. the treasury sa s the feeding their kids. the treasury says they get — feeding their kids. the treasury says they get it _ feeding their kids. the treasury says they get it and _ feeding their kids. the treasury says they get it and they - feeding their kids. the treasury says they get it and they are i feeding their kids. the treasury i says they get it and they are giving £355 to most households, universal credit is going up to 3% are up 3%,

there are other things, they do get it. , ., :, :, :, it. they are not doing it enough. if ou do all it. they are not doing it enough. if you do all of— it. they are not doing it enough. if you do all of the _ it. they are not doing it enough. if you do all of the things _ it. they are not doing it enough. if you do all of the things that i it. they are not doing it enough. if you do all of the things that they l you do all of the things that they have done, we did some analysis and all households will be worse off after all of those measures. and the poorest 10% will still be £420 worse off. the government needs to do more, it has got to step in and where i would start is with universal credit. remember the £20 uplift that the chancellor took away in the autumn? if he had not done that, £1000 a year would cushion some of the pain that people are feeling they are. and he has got to increase the rate at which he uplifts benefits, at the moment it is 3.1% which is under and pollution. is 3.1% which is under and pollution-— is 3.1% which is under and ollution. ., :, :, pollution. -- under inflation. you have a lot — pollution. -- under inflation. you have a lot of _ pollution. -- under inflation. you have a lot of people _ pollution. -- under inflation. you have a lot of people whizzing i pollution. -- under inflation. you i have a lot of people whizzing around delivering flowers, 5p in fuel duty? that would help but it will not stop

the cost _ that would help but it will not stop the cost of — that would help but it will not stop the cost of goods going up, they all rely on _ the cost of goods going up, they all rely on transport. we have seen some prices _ rely on transport. we have seen some prices go _ rely on transport. we have seen some prices go up _ rely on transport. we have seen some prices go up to 25%, we cannot pass that on— prices go up to 25%, we cannot pass that on to — prices go up to 25%, we cannot pass that on to customers.— that on to customers. flowers are a luxu . that on to customers. flowers are a luxury- the — that on to customers. flowers are a luxury. the chancellor _ that on to customers. flowers are a luxury. the chancellor has - that on to customers. flowers are a luxury. the chancellor has said i that on to customers. flowers are a luxury. the chancellor has said we | luxury. the chancellor has said we will not see the levels of support we saw over the pandemic but what would you like to hear? i we saw over the pandemic but what would you like to hear?— would you like to hear? i guess it is hard, i don't _ would you like to hear? i guess it is hard, i don't necessarily i would you like to hear? i guess it is hard, i don't necessarily have l is hard, i don't necessarily have what _ is hard, i don't necessarily have what the — is hard, i don't necessarily have what the answers are. i think a lot of the _ what the answers are. i think a lot of the studies are done on a local level— of the studies are done on a local level rather— of the studies are done on a local level rather than national level. things— level rather than national level. things like, they have always been very good — things like, they have always been very good here about business rate support _ very good here about business rate support for— very good here about business rate support for small businesses, national— support for small businesses, national insurance support, it would be good _ national insurance support, it would be good to— national insurance support, it would be good to see that carry on. as two new measures, i would say, i guess rate new measures, ! would say, i guess rate is— new measures, i would say, i guess rate is increasing is hard for businesses because you are looking at their— businesses because you are looking at their wages and saying, when you -ive at their wages and saying, when you give someone a wage increase, you want _ give someone a wage increase, you want them —

give someone a wage increase, you want them to be better off financially. and i now look at a situation — financially. and i now look at a situation where if we give our staff a really _ situation where if we give our staff a really good increase, there is not more _ a really good increase, there is not more in _ a really good increase, there is not more in their— a really good increase, there is not more in their pocket. they are spending _ more in their pocket. they are spending it all on heating their houses — spending it all on heating their houses. ~ :, , :, houses. where would you find the mone if houses. where would you find the money if you _ houses. where would you find the money if you were _ houses. where would you find the money if you were to _ houses. where would you find the money if you were to give - houses. where would you find the money if you were to give the i money if you were to give the poorest households in uplift? tram poorest households in uplift? two thins, we poorest households in uplift? two things, we have _ poorest households in uplift? two things, we have seen the chancellor getting more tax receipts because of inflation, but the second thing is, why on earth is he not taxing energy producers that are making supernormal profits? you could tax them and use that in order to help them and use that in order to help the poorest households. there is still scope to think about how we tax wealth at the moment we don't tax wealth at the moment we don't tax it at all, barely. if you tax wealth at the same level that you tax income from worse come —— income from work, that would raise 20 billion. .., :, , from work, that would raise 20 billion. _, :, , ., , from work, that would raise 20 billion. :, , ., billion. the economy has fared better than _ billion. the economy has fared better than expected - billion. the economy has fared better than expected in - billion. the economy has fared better than expected in the i billion. the economy has fared | better than expected in the last billion. the economy has fared i better than expected in the last six months so he arguably has more money

to play with but the chance saying there are support schemes in place, there's only so much we can do, there's only so much we can do, there is an unpredictable war going on, expect some surprises but nothing massive. at 7am we get the latest inflation figures which are expected to be nearly 7%. this is not an important _ expected to be nearly 7%. this is not an important question i expected to be nearly 7%. this is not an important question but i expected to be nearly 7%. this is i not an important question but were you involved in lugging around all of those — you involved in lugging around all of those onions this morning? every sinale one of those onions this morning? every single one of _ of those onions this morning? every single one of those _ of those onions this morning? every single one of those bags _ of those onions this morning? every single one of those bags was - of those onions this morning? es single one of those bags was dragged by me. single one of those bags was dragged b me. ~ . single one of those bags was dragged b me.. :, :, single one of those bags was dragged b me. . .:,, by me. what about the potatoes, nina? and _ by me. what about the potatoes, nina? and the _ by me. what about the potatoes, nina? and the spuds! _ by me. what about the potatoes, nina? and the spuds! we - by me. what about the potatoes, nina? and the spuds! we will i by me. what about the potatoes, | nina? and the spuds! we will see later, nina? and the spuds! we will see later. thank _ nina? and the spuds! we will see later, thank you, _ nina? and the spuds! we will see later, thank you, nina. _ among those who'll be listening intently to the chancellor's statement later today is the snp. the party is calling for the government to scrap the planned increase in national insurance contributions. we're joined now by snp's treasury spokesperson, alison thewliss. good morning. thank you very much forjoining us on the programme this morning. let's start by looking into

the detail of what you are suggesting the chancellor should be doing today. what is his priority? good morning. first of all i think the chancellor is completely wrong to go ahead with the tax hikes in the face of everything being faced by individuals and businesses up and down these islands. as you heard from the previous report, florist, gemma, saying how much the pressure on her business are hurting it and making it difficult to keep going, thatis making it difficult to keep going, that is being faced by businesses across the board. they have got increased wage costs, increased produce costs for things coming in because of brexit and other chancellor is putting this tax on jobs. national insurance goes on employers. and in combination with all of these things, you have got social security payments not keeping pace with inflation. people who will not have any additional money in their pockets to spend are going to find it more difficult to pay for the very basics, putting food on the

table and heating their homes. let’s table and heating their homes. let's talk about the _ table and heating their homes. let's talk about the national insurance hike. you would like the government, amongst other suggestions that you have made, to scrap the rays in national insurance. that will raise 13 billion, so where will you find the money from instead? i 13 billion, so where will you find the money from instead? i think as was suggested _ the money from instead? i think as was suggested earlier— the money from instead? i think as was suggested earlier on, - the money from instead? i think as was suggested earlier on, the i was suggested earlier on, the chancellor has had more money in that he expected have and he has more head room so the chancellor has choices ahead of him. he has a range of options and he is deliberately choosing to time of economic crisis to put a tax on jobs and increased taxes on individuals at a time when he can least afford it. ii taxes on individuals at a time when he can least afford it.— he can least afford it. if we put the suggestions _ he can least afford it. if we put the suggestions together i he can least afford it. if we put the suggestions together that l he can least afford it. if we put i the suggestions together that you have said, it would cost £35 billion. even if he does have some headroom, as you suggest, i don't think that equates to 35 billion.

how would you find that money? it would equate to something of that order because the amount of borrowing that he had, public sector borrowing, is not what he expected it to be. the government has borrowed significantly less than expected and it has had significantly more taxes coming in. not only from energy companies, from the cost of fuel at the pump, the government is getting a windfall from this and also getting money in in a range of income tax and inheritance taxes they have not expected. the government has a lot more money than it thought it has and a lot more manoeuvre than people attempt struggling to put food on the table. the chancellor should be thinking of them for first and foremost, because inflation is running at 6%. on the very basics, as campaigners like jack monroe have pointed out, that is more on food at a very basic level. the chancellor

is not taking into account the impact that is having on ordinary people. when we think about the increase in fuel costs, these are absolutely unprecedented increases in fuel costs. what he has suggested is a heating now, pay later loan scheme of £200, which does not go anywhere near enough to meet the increases from the bill is dropping through their letterbox is right now. many people have looked at those bills are being taken aback by the cost that will be on their household bills. people do not have any additional money to put on this and the chancellor must support people through this time.- people through this time. alison thewliss, thank _ people through this time. alison thewliss, thank you _ people through this time. alison thewliss, thank you very - people through this time. alison thewliss, thank you very much l thewliss, thank you very much indeed. a bit ofa a bit of a surprise in the sport this one, 25 years old, world number one, ash barty ending her career. shock retirement. we do not see this very often in tennis, bjorn borg at

26 was a shock, andy roddick was 30. that sounds very young. it’s that sounds very young. it's incredible, _ that sounds very young. it's incredible, not _ that sounds very young. it�*s incredible, not the tennis news that most of us were waiting for or expecting. she has left tennis before, she took a break to play cricket as a teenager, she took some time away during the pandemic, she has always talked about finding the balance in her life and a struggle at times. completely calling it quits, while11, australian open champion, wimbledon champion —— she is a world number one. they waited for 44 years in australia for a home champion and she won the title. but he has said it is had —— she has said it is time to walk away. she made this announcement on social

media, here is a little bit of what she had to say. i'll be retiring from tennis, and it's the first time i've actually said it out loud. and, yeah, it's hard to say. but i'm so happy and i'm so ready, and ijust know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right. and i know i have done this before but in a very different feeling, and i'm so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. extraordinary six and a half minutes if you get a chance to listen to it, incredibly emotional. shane mcinnes is an australian sports broadcaster and joins us now. as an aussie, how has this news gone down there? pm as an aussie, how has this news gone down there?— down there? an incredible shock, to sa the down there? an incredible shock, to say the least- _ down there? an incredible shock, to say the least. no _ down there? an incredible shock, to say the least. no one _ down there? an incredible shock, to say the least. no one expected i down there? an incredible shock, to j say the least. no one expected this, not least from ash barty, the world number one, the reigning australian

open champion. we were talking about the year ahead, the fact that the french open, wimbledon, the us open, what could she achieve this year? and at the end of the day she has decided to pull the plug on her career. you cannot hold any grudge, as a tennis fan, you want to see her but by the same token, she has done this for her happiness. she has other things in life she wants to achieve and she is only 25. i remember seeing herat achieve and she is only 25. i remember seeing her at press conferences, holding her niece, she has talked about her family, being incredibly important to her, it has always been a battle. it is drooling and a slog on the tennis tour, going around —— it is a gruelling thing to go on that tour, and keeping your family life going. any indication as to what she means when she talks about chasing her dreams? she to what she means when she talks about chasing her dreams?- to what she means when she talks about chasing her dreams? she is the all-round sportsperson, _ about chasing her dreams? she is the all-round sportsperson, she - about chasing her dreams? she is the all-round sportsperson, she has i all—round sportsperson, she has played cricket previously, she might be able to play aussie rules, and

she has got a great swing on her if she has got a great swing on her if she wanted to take up golf. i think in the nearfuture, it's she wanted to take up golf. i think in the near future, it's about spending time with family. she didn't travel at all during 2020, the first year of the pandemic, because she wanted to be with her family. we look at tennis and the lifestyle that many players live and it looks glamorous and many of us are jealous of it but it is a slog. you are going from hotel to hotel, away from friends come away from family, and that means the absolute world to her. and now she has an opportunity to settle down in south—east queensland and decide where she was to go next. i don't think she will be lost to public life, her persona engages so many people, especially the younger generation but itjust will not be on the tennis court.— generation but itjust will not be on the tennis court. talking about the younger _ on the tennis court. talking about the younger generation, - on the tennis court. talking about the younger generation, her- on the tennis court. talking about i the younger generation, her impact of the indigenous community in particular, the smile on herface, the way herface

particular, the smile on herface, the way her face lit up when she was presented with the australian open idle presented her. —— presented with the australian open by her idol. ,, . , , with the australian open by her idol. ,, , ~ , ., ., idol. she was the first australian to win wimbledon _ idol. she was the first australian to win wimbledon since - idol. she was the first australian to win wimbledon since even i idol. she was the first australian to win wimbledon since even go| the last australian. even after wimbledon, there were questions in her mind whether it was the end of her mind whether it was the end of her career. ultimately there was more to achieve, at melbourne park. we talk about the impact on the indigenous community and we saw that after the australian, she went and played tennis with some young indigenous kids, and they looked up to her. it showed if you want to

make it in the highest level, you can do it, look at me, and she will continue to be an idol. if you are younger than 42, you have never seen an australian win the australian open. ash barty did it a few months ago. open. ash barty did it a few months a a 0. ,': f. ' open. ash barty did it a few months aaoh'flfi' . open. ash barty did it a few months auo.;~,::f : open. ash barty did it a few months aaoh'flfi' . �* ,, ago. 30% increase in young aussie takinr ago. 30% increase in young aussie takin: u- ago. 30% increase in young aussie taking up tennis — ago. 30% increase in young aussie taking up tennis on _ ago. 30% increase in young aussie taking up tennis on the _ ago. 30% increase in young aussie taking up tennis on the back- ago. 30% increase in young aussie taking up tennis on the back of- ago. 30% increase in young aussie l taking up tennis on the back of what ash barty did last year, thank you forjoining us. will wembley be hosting another men's euros final after the scenes there last summer? at 5pm today, the deadline closes for applications to host euro 2028 with reports saying that the joint bid from the uk and ireland is set to be unopposed, as it appears to be the only one on the table. you might remember that the uk and ireland were looking at a bid for the 2030 world cup, before switching their focus to these european championships last month. patrick gearey has this report. five nations, potentially 63 games, and seemingly no competition. euro 2028 could be coming our way. unless someone else is waiting

until stoppage time, a joint bid between the four uk associations and the football association of ireland will be the only folder on uefa's desk. it was only last month they switched tactics, moving from a bid for the 2030 world cup to the preceding european championship. it would be a festival of football for everybody, and i think that everybody involved would get behind it and it would be an amazing, again, it would be amazing thing to see. i was maybe just too young to experience when england had the euros in �*96, but every tournament is amazing when it's staged in one place. the increasingly sepia—toned summer of 1996 was the last time england hosted the tournament alone. football returned home last summer as well when wembley hosted semifinal and the final itself. but the chaotic scenes surrounding the match casts doubt on whether the fa would be asked again. i think what happened

was a very near miss. the benefit of a very near miss is actually you can learn from it to make sure it never happens again. uefa don't have a lot of choice. russia, who hosted the last world cup, had shown an interest, but that bid was rejected after the invasion of ukraine. and no other serious proposals have emerged. it's a major undertaking. the tournament is likely to expand to 32 teams. so at least 12 grounds would be needed. and the nations who have around a century and a half of footballing rivalry behind them may have six years of working together. there might be a tournament to plan. patrick gearey, bbc news. the deadline is at 5pm, let's see if uk and ireland are successful. we will keep an eye on it. here's carol with a look at this morning's weather. she is this way.

good morning, everybody. if there was the warmest day of the year so far, yesterday. you can see that amateurs are above average, this time of year roughly north to south it is ten to 13 degrees. this morning it is a chilly start but thenit morning it is a chilly start but then it will warm up quite nicely. we are expecting similar values to yesterday with gentle breezes, as the high pressure, look at the extent of it across much of europe, remains in charge of that weather as we head through the next few days on the weekend with gentle breezes. a cold and frosty start for some, fog to watch out for with simple visibility from newcastle to the east midlands. —— some poor visibility. that should lift through the morning with most of us having a dry and sunny day. the odd shower in

eastern scotland and eastern england later, but they will be the exception rather than the rule with temperatures ten to 20 degrees north to south. we are expecting somewhere in east anglia or the south—east to reach 21. through the evening and overnight we will see some patchy mist and fog return, some clear skies around and we can see more cloud coming in across the north and west. that could produce the odd shower. your temperature is not as low as elsewhere. temperatures in the country side will not be as low —— will be lower so it will be a touch of frost. tomorrow, sunshine when the mist and fog lifts, patchy cloud in northern england and showers in northern ireland and scotland. temperature wise, nine to 20 degrees but through the next few days, including today, it is almost going to be that bit cooler on the coast. on friday, dry weather

around, cloud coming in across scotland and northern ireland. with some showery rain across the far north. but brighter skies across the east, the sunshine will be hazy. the other thing to watch out for is low cloud lapping onshore in the south—east, which could lingerfor much of the day. temperatures down a notch, eight to 18 but are above average for the time of year. into the weekend, a weather front thinking south bringing cloud with it, high—pressure still firmly in charge. temperatures will still go down through the course of the weekend but the weather will still remain settled. you might not like this so much but tuesday and wednesday next week, for some of us, the temperatures will be 10 degrees lower than today. i have put my big coat away! you need to get _ i have put my big coat away! you need to get it — i have put my big coat away! you need to get it out _ i have put my big coat away! gm. need to get it out again! i have put my big coat away! you need to get it out again! i - i have put my big coat away! you need to get it out again! i saw i i have put my big coat away! you. need to get it out again! i saw you in our need to get it out again! i saw you in your t-shirt _ need to get it out again! i saw you in your t-shirt yesterday - need to get it out again! i saw you in your t-shirt yesterday and i i in your t—shirt yesterday and i thought soma was here, i will heed your warning, thank you.

today marks two years since the prime minister announced the uk's first official lockdown, telling the country: "you must stay at home". since then, nearly 164,000 people have died with covid—19. a memorial concert is being held at st paul's cathedral this morning. our health correspondent catherine burns is there for us. good morning. how will various people be marking today? i good morning. how will various people be marking today? i think on da s like people be marking today? i think on days like this. _ people be marking today? i think on days like this, it _ people be marking today? i think on days like this, it is _ people be marking today? i think on days like this, it is an _ people be marking today? i think on days like this, it is an opportunity i days like this, it is an opportunity to look back and take stock, think about what we have seen and experienced over the last two years. it was exactly two years ago today, that the prime minister sat down and spoke to us for six minutes, but it could be summed up in that one simple instruction, you must stay at home. that was it, no seeing friends and family, no school, no weddings, even. we could only leave the house forfour even. we could only leave the house for four basic reasons, exercise and essential shopping. we had no treatment and no vaccine back then.

now we are in such a different position because we have both. but still covid is still with us. it's estimated in the last few months, about a third of the uk population has been infected. now we are in a position where like you say, almost 164,000 people have died within 28 days of a positive covid test. today at simples they will have a pet they will have a —— today at st ls they will have a —— today at st ls they will have a special concert. —— at st pauls. will have a special concert. -- at st pauls. . will have a special concert. -- at st pauls. , :, ., will have a special concert. -- at st pauls— will have a special concert. -- at st pauls. , :, ., . st pauls. this memorial concert will include music, _ st pauls. this memorial concert will include music, dance, _ st pauls. this memorial concert will include music, dance, poetry- st pauls. this memorial concert will include music, dance, poetry and i include music, dance, poetry and reflection — include music, dance, poetry and reflection. there will be sorrow but there _ reflection. there will be sorrow but there will— reflection. there will be sorrow but there will also be hope and encouragement. our choir will be singing _ encouragement. our choir will be singing some african—american spirituals — singing some african—american spirituals which speak of resilience and hope _ spirituals which speak of resilience and hope in the face of struggle, and hope in the face of struggle, and music— and hope in the face of struggle, and music which speaks of new life and music which speaks of new life and the _ and music which speaks of new life and the hope of heaven. who

and music which speaks of new life and the hope of heaven.— and music which speaks of new life and the hope of heaven. who will be cominu ? and the hope of heaven. who will be coming? members _ and the hope of heaven. who will be coming? members of— and the hope of heaven. who will be coming? members of the _ and the hope of heaven. who will be coming? members of the public- and the hope of heaven. who will be coming? members of the public will| coming? members of the public will be coming. — coming? members of the public will be coming. we _ coming? members of the public will be coming, we also _ coming? members of the public will be coming, we also have _ coming? members of the public will be coming, we also have some i be coming, we also have some bereaved — be coming, we also have some bereaved families and friends, of nhs workers who have died. they will be coming _ nhs workers who have died. they will be coming to hear a special piece of music— be coming to hear a special piece of music that — be coming to hear a special piece of music that has been commissioned which _ music that has been commissioned which includes the names of some of the nhs _ which includes the names of some of the nhs workers who have died. it the nhs workers who have died. sounds like the nhs workers who have died. it sounds like it will be very moving. what will you be remembering during that time. i think i am going to have mixed memories.- that time. i think i am going to have mixed memories. going into lockdown, have mixed memories. going into lockdown. the _ have mixed memories. going into lockdown, the bells _ have mixed memories. going into lockdown, the bells of _ have mixed memories. going into lockdown, the bells of the - have mixed memories. going into l lockdown, the bells of the cathedral fell silent, the city became very empty and there was huge uncertainty about what will happen. i will be remembering my own father who died in the pandemic, not from covid but living in scotland, i was not able to go and see him in the months before his death. and also, i will before his death. and also, i will be thinking of those stories of hope, and ways in which a community pulled together to help each other. all those different things. i’m all those different things. i'm sor to all those different things. i'm sorry to hear _ all those different things. i'm

sorry to hear about your dad, thank you so much. the concert is sold out but it will be live stream so you can see it at 7pm. thank you so much, lovely. it can see it at 7pm. thank you so much, lovely. it is a coule thank you so much, lovely. it is a couple of — thank you so much, lovely. it is a couple of minutes _ thank you so much, lovely. it is a couple of minutes to _ thank you so much, lovely. it is a couple of minutes to seven. i time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning, i'm sonja jessup. a high pollution alert has been issued for london today for the first time since august 2020. the mayor says a forecast from imperial college london shows on top of local emissions, there's a significant amount of pollution coming in from the continent. londoners with health conditions are being advised to cut down on strenuous activities, particularly outdoors. a memorial service is being held at st paul's cathdral tonight on the second anniversary of lockdown in honour of those who have died as a result of covid.

there'll also be recognition for nhs staff and care workers who looked after londoners during the pandemic. the service starts at 7.00pm and will feature poetry and a performance by the world—famous st paul's choir. meanwhile, to mark the anniversary, bbc london has been speaking to people here in the capital about their experience of covid and what it's been like living through the pandemic and the various restrictions in place. for some, it's been an anxious time, which has changed their lives forever. i mean, if i'd have got covid, i would probably not be here. my lungs would never have taken it. i really, really wasn't worried for me. i was petrified for my children, my grandchildren are far too young to understand what happened to nana. and you can hear more on the stories of londoners reflecting on life during the pandemic on our 6.30pm programme tonight. travel now, here's how the tube looks this morning.

the district line has minor delays between edgware road to wimbledon. and of course those works continuing on the northern line, it's closed between moorgate and kennington. and do remember, for all the latest travel news where you are, tune into your bbc local radio station for regular updates throughout the morning. time for the weather with elizabeth rizzini. hello, good morning. well, yesterday temperatures got to just over 20 celsius in a good few spots, that's well above the seasonal average which would normally be 12 or 13 celsius by day. some very warm air coming through on this south—easterly wind. high pressure dominates as we head through the rest of the week, and very little is set to change, although it will gradually turn a bit cooler, a bit cloudier as we head into the weekend. now, this morning, it's a chillier start to the day than we saw this time yesterday, temperatures having dropped back to low single figures last night. there are a few early mist patches around, but they will not last

for too long at all. lots of blue sky and sunshine for most of us, it's a lovely bright start to the day. we will keep the sunshine throughout the day, perhaps some patchy cloud as we head through the afternoon, just a bit of a fair—weather cloud. and it will stay dry, temperatures will peak at around 19 or 20 celsius. 21 degrees not completely out of the question. as we head through this evening and overnight, it's more of the same, so clear skies, light winds, temperatures dropping very close to freezing. maybe patchy frost in a few spots as we head into thursday. on thursday, the warmth and the sunshine are all set to continue. that's it from me for now. i'll be back in half an hour. plenty more on our website. now it's back to dan and sally, bye for now. good morning, welcome to breakfast with dan walker and sally nugent. our headlines today — a cut in fuel duty and changes to national insurance payments. they're two of the options available to rishi sunak as he tackles

the cost of living in today's spring statement. because prices are rising faster than they have for 30 years. we are about to get the latest inflation figures, we will be asking what that means for the chancellor. the ukrainian president zelensky says there is "nothing left" of the city of mariupol, and his country is teetering on the "brink of survival." the ukrainians continue to try and resist the russian advances, with reports suggesting that they have regained some territory. there's been a big rise in the number of children missing school because of covid — teaching unions ask for free tests to remain. ash barty announces her shock retirement from tennis. the world number one — the reigning wimbeldon and australian open champion — is leaving the sport at the age of just 25. yesterday was the warmest day of this year so far, the temperature

reached 20.7 celsius in north wales. todayit reached 20.7 celsius in north wales. today it could be a little bit warmer than that. after we lose the fog this morning, which is quite dense across parts of england. all the details throughout this morning's programme. good morning. it's wednesday the 23rd of march. our main story — a cut in fuel duty is likely when the chancellor, rishi sunak, delivers his spring statement in the commons later today. he'll promise more help with the rising cost of living, while stressing the need to shore up public finances. our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has this report. the chancellor has been rehearsing, but the audience that really matters are a long way from westminster. he's under pressure to announce something to help shade us from the scorching cost of every bill at the moment. it's a gorgeous day, and everyone's making the most of the sunshine. this is my little boy, tiger. oh, hello.

we'rejust trying to do more like this, like go out on days out like this. i used to love going to the beach, but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i've got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get the bus instead. stevie's rent went up by £200 last month, and she's already behind on the gas and electricity bills. we're just trying to get by. just try and keep upbeat about it, anyway. paul and charlotte have been feeling the bite of energy bills this winter, too. the gas goes on, it, you know, it takes a while to kind of kick in. and perhaps back in the day when we were students, we would have just not put the heating on, but we can't do that any more because we've got lois. so we've been to eureka this morning using our tesco vouchers. so it was free because of the tesco vouchers. but it's just like all of those things when you're planning, you're just trying to save costs wherever you can. morning. all right, you? costs are rising for mark

at his coffee shop, but he doesn't want to put prices up because he knows how tough everyone is finding it. we do have to pay a wage, pay ourselves, pay your rent. it all has a huge impact. and to keep that quality experience going, people might have to pay that extra pound to to enjoy it. but that's something stevie just can't afford. i don't think i'd be able to save a pound. so you're literally living... month by month, everything that comes in, itjust gets spent. and if you can't meet those bills, then where will you turn? i either don't pay them, and then its debt, or i don't want to have to ask family, but i do. today's spring statement isn't supposed to be a full budget,

butjust tinkering around the edges isn't going to be enough to help stevie and millions like her. colletta smith, bbc news, at the peace hall in halifax. in the last few minutes, we've had some breaking news on the latest inflation figures. nina can tell us more. the reality is here, that is higher than we expected, at the 6.2%. that is the rate at which prices were increasing from february last year till february this year, 6.2%. it points in particular to clothing and footwear, inflation on those products at 8.8%. but that is a tiny part of the story. we can speak to an economic analyst, what else is driving this massive surge we have not seen for more than a generation? we know it is going to be energy prices, but things like clothing, footwear, food is another big thing. it is everyday household essentials that are going up and pushing up inflation, which is why it is so

painful on family finances. the truth is the — painful on family finances. the truth is the bank _ painful on family finances. the truth is the bank of england is predicting, as are most analysts, that we have not seen anything yet, it is going to go higher. it that we have not seen anything yet, it is going to go higher.— it is going to go higher. it could to- 896, it is going to go higher. it could top 896. some _ it is going to go higher. it could top 896, some people _ it is going to go higher. it could top 896, some people are i it is going to go higher. it could | top 896, some people are saying top 8%, some people are saying it could be as much as 10%. this is extraordinary, this is not ordinary stuff, and part of it is down to the fallout from the pandemic, supply chain issues we have seen, and in the end, it is having a huge impact on families, which is where i come back to the fact there is no way in which the government cannot step in, no way in which the government cannot help. this is not the sort of thing you can expect families just to absorb and get on with it. bzierr; to absorb and get on with it. very volatile coming _ to absorb and get on with it. very volatile coming out _ to absorb and get on with it. very volatile coming out of _ to absorb and get on with it. very volatile coming out of the pandemic, thatis volatile coming out of the pandemic, that is pushing things upwards. could we see inflation coming down as we get towards the end of the year? as we get towards the end of the ear? ~ . :, as we get towards the end of the ear? ~ :, :, , ., , year? we are not sure, that is the bottom line- _ year? we are not sure, that is the bottom line- l— year? we are not sure, that is the bottom line. i think _ year? we are not sure, that is the bottom line. i think it _ year? we are not sure, that is the bottom line. i think it is _ bottom line. i think it is unlikely it will come down by the end of the year, unfortunately i think higher prices are with us for at least

another 18 months, possibly two years, depending on how the war in ukraine plays out. this is a not a short—term blip where we hold our breath for a few months and everything will be ok, this is good to be a tough time for people. thank ou. and to be a tough time for people. thank you- and we — to be a tough time for people. thank you. and we know _ to be a tough time for people. thank you. and we know the _ to be a tough time for people. thank you. and we know the energy - you. and we know the energy price gap is increasing, that is still to come in april. the reality is when the chancellor delivers the spring statement later today at lunch then, there's not going to be much in it that will be able to stave off that increase in inflation. the bank of england will not be happy, their target is at 2%. will we see interest rates going up in order to combat the rise? nina, thank you very much indeed. so what new measures might rishi sunak consider to help households with the sharply—rising cost of living, and the expected impact of the war in ukraine? the chancellor could cut fuel duty by at least 5p per litre. there have been calls for him to delay a planned rise in national insurance payments,

or scrap it altogether, but it's more likely that he'll raise the threshold at which it's paid. next month, the government will increase benefits, including universal credit, by 3.1%, but dozens of charities want the chancellor to go further. let's speak to our political correspondent iain watson. iain, the chancellor's under pressure to tackle steep rises in the cost of living, isn't he? yes, he is under huge pressure, not just from the opposition, notjust from businesses and trade unions, but from newspapers that usually support the conservative party, and from conservative mps to do more to tackle the cost of living crisis. the thing they most want to see is the national insurance increase, the increase in a national insurance contributions, either delayed or

destroyed entirely. it does not look as though they will get that, but what he could do is make sure that people start paying national insurance at a higher level. if you earn just insurance at a higher level. if you earnjust under £10,000 a insurance at a higher level. if you earn just under £10,000 a year from april, he would be expected to pay national insurance. if you increase is that to 11,000, fewer people would be affected by what is effectively a tax increase. the chancellor has been meeting some of his own mps privately over the past few weeks, some of them are telling me they are not sure if usually grasping the scale of this crisis, but those pushing for a reduction in fuel duty say he is definitely in the listening mode on that front. those new figures, inflation is running at twice the planned increase in benefits, and there is pressure again even from his own side to try to try to do on universal credit, but suddenly what we will see at lunchtime is a big political argument being made, too. labour are saying that the chancellor cynically as increasing taxes now to reduce them before the election. they want to see a one—off

windfall tax on the big energy companies, on their profits, and they say of the chancellor does not do that, you will be on the side of the big corporations and not the consumers. the big corporations and not the consumers-— consumers. iain, thank you very much, consumers. iain, thank you very much. we _ consumers. iain, thank you very much, we will _ consumers. iain, thank you very much, we will speak— consumers. iain, thank you very much, we will speak to - consumers. iain, thank you very much, we will speak to you i consumers. iain, thank you very l much, we will speak to you again consumers. iain, thank you very i much, we will speak to you again a bit later. ukraine's president says there is "nothing left" of the port city of mariupol as it remains under constant russian bombardment. in his nightly address, he said 100,000 civilians remain there with no food, water or medicine. judith moritz can bring us up to date with what's been happening overnight. tomorrow will mark a month since the start of the war, and whilst the russian advancement has been slower than anticipated, you can see from the red areas here that they have captured key strategic territories, particularly in the south. mariupol has been the worst hit as russian forces have bombarded and encircled the city. it's been razed to the ground. these aerial pictures show the extent of the damage. ukrainian president voladimir zelensky said

there's "nothing left" of the port city, and thousands are still trapped there. translation: as of today, there are about 100.000 — translation: as of today, there are about 100,000 people _ translation: as of today, there are about 100,000 people in _ translation: as of today, there are about 100,000 people in the - translation: as of today, there are about 100,000 people in the city i translation: as of today, there are about 100,000 people in the city in l about 100,000 people in the city in inhuman conditions, completely blockaded without food, water, medicine, subject to constant shelling, constant bombardment. for more than a week now, we have been trying to organise stable humanitarian corridors for mariupol residents, and almost all our attempts unfortunately are disrupted by the russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror. these pictures were given to the bbc by people who have managed to escape the shelling in mariupol — many so desperate to leave that they've been driving out in convoys of bomb—damaged cars. there are pockets of hope — this is the southern farming town of voznesensk. ukrainian troops and a small population ofjust 35,000 people saw off an attack by the russians.

the locals blew up the town's bridge to stop the army advancing. the pentagon says ukrainian soldiers are successfully reversing battlefield momentum against invading russian forces to reclaim ground in some parts of the country. a spokesman for the us department of defence, john kirby, gave details at a news conference overnight. we have seen indications that the ukrainians— we have seen indications that the ukrainians are going a bit more on the offence — ukrainians are going a bit more on the offence now, they have been defending very smartly, very nimbly, very creatively, in places that they believe _ very creatively, in places that they believe are — very creatively, in places that they believe are the right places to defend. — believe are the right places to defend, and we have seen them now in places. _ defend, and we have seen them now in places, particularly in the south, they have — places, particularly in the south, they have tried to regain territory. meanwhile, two super—yachts linked to russian billionaire roman abramovich have docked in turkey, beyond the reach of uk and eu sanctions. but as these pictures show, they were met by protestors —

a junior ukrainian sailing team — who carried their country's flag and chanted "no war in ukraine." now, further sanctions against russia are expected to be announced later this week. the ukrainians hope that step by step the russians will be urged towards peace. let's speak now to our correspondent in kyiv, james waterhouse. james, what's the latest from overnight? we have heard a lot more small arms fire in the last hour or so. it is the second day that has happened, and you can hear that in close in the distance you can hear the boom of artillery exchanges happening once more in the north—west. so the curfew has been lifted this morning, a 35 hour curfew. and once again, we are seeing much more static fighting, where both ukrainian and

russian forces are attacking each other from fixed positions. russian forces are attacking each otherfrom fixed positions. you can occasionally hear, we were in the suburb yesterday, you can hear a rocket launch overhead, and the noise is unlike anything you've really heard before, i thought it was a tram at first, and then you realise the scale of what is flying over you overhead. but we are almost against the grain this morning, hearing of ukrainian forces and volunteers fighting back. in a western suburb of kyiv, we are told by authorities that they have retaken it, they say the ukrainian flag flies once more. the police chief there issuing a very patriotic video of him driving around the streets and armoured vehicles, set in armoured vehicles, assessing damaged buildings, and there is a defiant tone there. and then we have voznesensk in the south, where russian forces have been pushed back 100 kilometres, destroying a russian

armoured convoy, so that will boost people, but it is nevertheless quite scary for people in the city to hear the fighting continuing, and the worry is that that could come quite regular as this war enters a new chapter. but as ever mariupol continues to be attacked with air strikes, we are told, 100,000 people still thought to be trapped there. and on russian state tv, we have the official reason for why russia is doing what it is doing, they laid out their vision for this land corridor running from crimea all the way up to the eastern dom bess region, which they hope will give them both a military and economic advantage, whether it does not i think ukrainians would like to have something to about that.— think ukrainians would like to have something to about that. james, we can hear the — something to about that. james, we can hear the noise _ something to about that. james, we can hear the noise you _ something to about that. james, we can hear the noise you are - something to about that. james, we can hear the noise you are talking i can hear the noise you are talking about, we can hear the rumble shells behind you, but it is very incredible watching the pictures we are watching now of attacks and explosions, and looking at how seemingly calm it is where you are standing. what is life like for you at the moment. it is

standing. what is life like for you at the moment.— standing. what is life like for you at the moment. it is 'ust like that, thou~h, it at the moment. it is 'ust like that, though. ht toots _ at the moment. it is 'ust like that, though, it feels like i at the moment. it isjust like that, though, it feels like a _ at the moment. it isjust like that, though, it feels like a bubble. i at the moment. it isjust like that, though, it feels like a bubble. we | though, it feels like a bubble. we have seen people out now the curfew was lifted, walk the dog or take a shopping bag app, and if you drive west or north—west towards where most of the fighting is happening, towards where the majority of russian troops are thought to be, you come across busyjunctions, you come across people queueing outside either a bakery or a pharmacy, or waiting for the traffic lights to turn green for them to cross. pavements are full, and you almost have normal life resuming and flowing around military checkpoint, around anti—tank defences, so it is almost now we are seeing a blend of two lives, the lives of people had before, and the lives of routine and doing their day to day. then once again you have that pump treated

with this of devastation were either in the cell has landed or an intercepted missile where the debris has fallen down, and the devastation is there for you to see. you see buildings and a sizeable radius damage, windows blown in, people stop, stare, might take a few pictures, and then they carry on, thatis pictures, and then they carry on, that is now the key thing we are starting to see along with the sounds we are starting to hear. james, thank you very much indeed. our correspondentjames james, thank you very much indeed. our correspondent james waterhouse live in kyiv for us this morning. p&0 ferries has said 800 staff they made redundant will be offered £36.5 million in total,with around a0 people getting more than £100,000 pounds each. the firm has also denied that it broke the law when it sacked the workers without warning last week. however, unions said the compensation package being offered was "pure blackmail and threats." here's carol with a look at this morning's weather.

good morning. today is going to be another sunny day. miss and focus on the cross parts of north—east england and who east midlands overnight, but that is starting to lift in the sunshine across parts of north yorkshire already. although the sheep look a little bit surprised. as we go through the morning, by mid—morning, most of the mist and fog should lift, a lot of dry weather and sunshine. after a cold start and a frosty one in some rural areas, the temperatures picking up quite nicely. we are expecting it to be around ten celsius in belfast by 9.00, and a lot of sunshine across england and wales. as i mentioned, winds we lose that mist and fog. if you have an allergy to tree pollen, the levels across the southern half of england and wales today are moderate, and that includes elm and ash. it will also include birch a bit later on this week. temperatures today ranging from about nine to 19, possibly 20 or 21 into the

south—east corner, cooler on the coasts, and with gentle breezes, feeling quite pleasant. an outside chance of a shower, parts of eastern scotland and eastern england, and literally western isles, but no more than that. through this evening and overnight —— later the western isles. some more cloud coming in across the north and west, thick enough for the odd shower here and there. so frosty and some countryside areas, but generally speaking for most, staying above freezing. into tomorrow, we lose the mist and fog, but with some patchy cloud across parts of northern england at times a bit more cloud in scotland and northern ireland, with yorkshire, temperatures up to 18 or 19 celsius. thank you, carol. sounds lovely. hundreds of post office staff who helped expose the horizon it scandal, but saw their compensation swallowed up in legal fees, will receive payouts from a new scheme, the government has confirmed. the group of 555 workers brought the civil case which resulted in a landmark

high court ruling in 2019, which paved the way for the court of appeal to quash a series of wrongful convictions of subpostmasters. lee castleton is one of the 555, and joins us now. good morning. nice to speak to you on the programme today. let's start with the promise of compensation, how does that make you feel? because this has been years, hasn't it, of real horror for you this has been years, hasn't it, of real horrorfor you in this has been years, hasn't it, of real horror for you in so this has been years, hasn't it, of real horrorfor you in so many this has been years, hasn't it, of real horror for you in so many other people? 18 real horror for you in so many other neale? [wv .,, real horror for you in so many other heole? ty .,, ., real horror for you in so many other .eole.'f~y ., , ., ., real horror for you in so many other -eole-7'i~, . , ., ., , people? 18 years for me, on this articular people? 18 years for me, on this particular day — people? 18 years for me, on this particular day in _ people? 18 years for me, on this particular day in 2004, - people? 18 years for me, on this particular day in 2004, i - people? 18 years for me, on this particular day in 2004, i was - particular day in 2004, i was suspended from my post office, so it has been a long journey. take suspended from my post office, so it has been a long journey.— has been a long 'ourney. take us back to that — has been a long journey. take us back to that date, _ has been a long journey. take us back to that date, and _ has been a long journey. take us back to that date, and strike - has been a long journey. take us back to that date, and strike if i back to that date, and strike if you cannot... i know it is a long time, but what happened on that day, and what have those 18 years been like? for 12 weeks, i had repeatedly told me. as i was having problems, they showed no interest whatsoever, and they kept reiterating a clause in they kept reiterating a clause in the contract that i needed to make

good any losses. it was about £25,000. and on this day, i was suspended from my my post, and some of it was temporarily put into the position, and i believed at the time they would look into the system and friendly problem, there was clearly a problem to me, and that never happened. theyjust decided to pursue the £25,000 debt, as they called it, and they took me to the high court. called it, and they took me to the high court-— called it, and they took me to the hiuh court. �* ., ., , , high court. and what happened then? b the time high court. and what happened then? by the time i — high court. and what happened then? by the time i got _ high court. and what happened then? by the time i got to _ high court. and what happened then? by the time i got to the _ high court. and what happened then? by the time i got to the high - high court. and what happened then? by the time i got to the high court, i by the time i got to the high court, i have run out of money, so i foolishly represented myself, and i lost. they were awarded £321,000 worth of costs, which was taxpayers' money that they had used to try and recoup the £25,000, and then it led to my bankruptcy, and basically we lost everything. bud to my bankruptcy, and basically we lost everything-— lost everything. and since then, day-to-day. _ lost everything. and since then, day-to-day. that _ lost everything. and since then, day-to-day, that changes - lost everything. and since then, day-to-day, that changes your. lost everything. and since then, i day-to-day, that changes your life day—to—day, that changes your life forever, doesn't it? it is day-to-day, that changes your life forever, doesn't it?— forever, doesn't it? it is the first thin ou forever, doesn't it? it is the first thing you think _ forever, doesn't it? it is the first thing you think of _ forever, doesn't it? it is the first thing you think of every - forever, doesn't it? it is the first thing you think of every morning j thing you think of every morning andy last than you think of at night, it is the effects to your

family, it has been, for everybody, for 2500 people, it has been so difficult. i for 2500 people, it has been so difficult. ~ ., ., , ., ., difficult. i know, and it is hard to talk about- _ difficult. i know, and it is hard to talk about. it _ difficult. i know, and it is hard to talk about. it is, _ difficult. i know, and it is hard to talk about. it is, it _ difficult. i know, and it is hard to talk about. it is, it is _ talk about. it is, it is really touch. talk about. it is, it is really tough. even _ talk about. it is, it is really tough. even without - talk about. it is, it is really| tough. even without proper talk about. it is, it is really - tough. even without proper detail about this new _ tough. even without proper detail about this new scheme, - tough. even without proper detail about this new scheme, do - tough. even without proper detail about this new scheme, do you i tough. even without proper detail. about this new scheme, do you feel like it might bring you, it might draw something of a line—up for you? i hope so. there are so many people who deserve so much respect. it has been such a difficultjourney for everybody. ijust hope that it encompasses everybody in the group. it has been so easy in the past to take one small group and appease them, take a single member and appease that person, but it needs to be for everybody. it needs to be inclusive, respectful, and happen quite quickly, because there are people here, 18 years, thankfully i was only 35, there are people in the

group coming to the ends of their lives. they deserve to finish this before... people have lost their lives through this process. it has just taken so long, and they have used millions and millions of pounds in legalfunding from used millions and millions of pounds in legal funding from the government again to try and quash and crumble and obfuscate and make everything as difficult as possible, and now it is time to draw a line under all that and help everybody achieve a normal life. {371 and help everybody achieve a normal life. .,, ., ., life. of those 555, how rewarding, i su ose is life. of those 555, how rewarding, i sunpose is the _ life. of those 555, how rewarding, i suppose is the word _ life. of those 555, how rewarding, i suppose is the word i _ life. of those 555, how rewarding, i suppose is the word i am _ life. of those 555, how rewarding, i suppose is the word i am looking i suppose is the word i am looking for, has it been for you to all have stuck together over that time? the crou- stuck together over that time? the arou- is stuck together over that time? the groua isiust _ stuck together over that time? tue: group isjust wonderful. stuck together over that time? t'ta: group isjust wonderful. my stuck together over that time? tue group isjust wonderful. my phone has been going off all morning, being on here, it is such a diverse group, to, there are second—generation post office workers, village postmasters, people still in post, all kinds of different people involved in that.

it is just amazing to see the group together, to see how they react and see other body with their opinions on things you probably never even thought of, how it has affected families. some of the stories are absolutely heartbreaking. it is so devastating to some people, but also on the other side, it has brought a huge group of people. i have got lifelong friends, friends i will never lose, wonderful people. and never lose, wonderful people. and once this is — never lose, wonderful people. and once this is all _ never lose, wonderful people. and once this is all settled, how do you move on? what will you do next? well, i work in a factory, i am an electrical engineer, so it probably won't change my life too much. hopefully it will change my children's lives, and just make things easier. children's lives, and 'ust make things easier._ children's lives, and 'ust make things easier. children's lives, and 'ust make thins easier. :, ., things easier. how do you look back on what happens — things easier. how do you look back on what happens to _ things easier. how do you look back on what happens to you _ things easier. how do you look back on what happens to you 18 - things easier. how do you look back on what happens to you 18 years - things easier. how do you look back| on what happens to you 18 years ago now? is it frustration, anger, do you think, why could they notjust

to me at the time? tt you think, why could they not 'ust to me at the time?fi to me at the time? if you'd said that to me _ to me at the time? if you'd said that to me and _ to me at the time? if you'd said that to me and probably - to me at the time? if you'd said that to me and probably 2010, l to me at the time? if you'd said that to me and probably 2010, i would have said, i am so annoyed, i so am furious with the way people are treating me. i think in 2022, it is completely different. ijust want to finish this, and get on with my life, really, and not think about it ever again. life, really, and not think about it everagain. it life, really, and not think about it ever again. it has got to encompass everybody, though, because the group is so strong together that if anybody is able and it is, anybody is pulled out of that group, i cannot imagine that this will stop for anybody. cannot imagine that this will stop for anybody-— cannot imagine that this will stop for anybody. you are putting what has happened _ for anybody. you are putting what has happened to _ for anybody. you are putting what has happened to you _ for anybody. you are putting what has happened to you and - for anybody. you are putting what has happened to you and to - for anybody. you are putting what has happened to you and to us . for anybody. you are putting what| has happened to you and to us this morning brilliantly, —— putting what happens to you in towards brilliantly. if somebody said to you, we were wrong, we did not take those £25,000 —— we know you did not take, what was that like for you?

this things have happened in stages, so various different people have had their criminalisation squashed. other people have been involved in that the group high court case, but in actualfact, for me, my original case in 2007 is still standing against me. it has not been removed. and i still also have a trustee from bankruptcy. nothing has changed in my life 18 years on, really. it needs to change. notjust for me, there are other people with absolutely terrible circumstances right now, right currently now, that is ok for ministers to say, we are going to do this and that, just do it now. there's no need to start involving... they are talking about spending £177 million of taxpayers' money on the legal protection, if you like, these schemes, and reducing victims' payments and using that in a fund. there is no need to

do that. there are people out there who were involved in the original mediation scheme that are fully aware of what is going on, and can just step in and help everyone through this. there are people out there who have been involved for ten years, 12 years, that can help the group and the minister come to a proper arrangement. there's so much knowledge involved, and so many people involved, it isjust knowledge involved, and so many people involved, it is just time to finish it. people involved, it is 'ust time to finish it. :, ~ people involved, it is 'ust time to finish it. ., ~ people involved, it is 'ust time to finish it. :, ~' , :, :, finish it. lee, thank you for talkin: finish it. lee, thank you for talking to _ finish it. lee, thank you for talking to us _ finish it. lee, thank you for talking to us this _ finish it. lee, thank you for talking to us this morning. | finish it. lee, thank you for| talking to us this morning. i finish it. lee, thank you for - talking to us this morning. i know you say it is time to finish it, but it is going on a little bit longer, more to come.— it is going on a little bit longer, more to come. ~ ,,., , ., ., more to come. absolutely, and we are not auoin more to come. absolutely, and we are not going to — more to come. absolutely, and we are not going to give _ more to come. absolutely, and we are not going to give pp- _ more to come. absolutely, and we are not going to give up. this _ more to come. absolutely, and we are not going to give up. this is _ more to come. absolutely, and we are not going to give up. this is about - not going to give up. this is about the whole group, everybody achieving what we need to achieve, so we just have to fight on. what we need to achieve, so we 'ust have to fight on.�* have to fight on. thank you very much for coming _ have to fight on. thank you very much for coming and _ have to fight on. thank you very much for coming and is - have to fight on. thank you very much for coming and is telling l have to fight on. thank you veryl much for coming and is telling us about at this morning. i know it has been a longtime about at this morning. i know it has been a long time for you and many others as well. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning, i'm sonja jessup.

a high pollution alert has been issued for london today for the first time since august 2020. the mayor says a forecast from imperial college london shows on top of local emissions, there's a significant amount of pollution coming in from the continent. londoners with health conditions are being advised to cut down on strenuous activities, particularly outdoors. a memorial service is being held at st paul's cathdral tonight on the second anniversary of lockdown in honour of those who have died as a result of covid. there'll also be recognition for nhs staff and care workers who looked after londoners during the pandemic. the service starts at 7pm and will feature poetry and a performance by the world—famous st paul's choir. meanwhile, to mark the anniversary, bbc london has been speaking to people here in the about their experience of covid and what it's been like living through the pandemic and the various restrictions in place. for some it's been an anxious time which has changed

their lives forever. i mean, if i'd have got covid, i would probably not be here. my lungs would never have taken it. i really, really wasn't worried for me. i was petrified for my children, my grandchildren are far too young to understand what happened to nana. and you can hear more on the stories of londoners reflecting on life during the pandemic on our 6.30pm programme tonight. travel now, here's how the tube looks this morning. the good news is the district line is back to normal again, it's just those works continuing on the northern line, it's closed between moorgate and kennington. and do rememberfor all the latest travel news where you are, tune into your bbc local radio station for regular updates throughout the morning. time for the weather with elizabeth rizzini. hello, good morning. well, yesterday temperatures got to just over 20 degrees celsius

in a good few spots, that's well above the seasonal average which would normally be 12 or 13 celsius by day. some very warm air coming through on this south—easterly wind. high pressure dominates as we head through the rest of the week and very little is set to change although it will gradually turn a bit cooler, a bit cloudier as we head into the weekend. now, this morning, it's a chillier start to the day than we saw this time yesterday, temperatures having dropped back to low single figures last night. there are a few early mist patches around but they will not last for too long at all. lots of blue sky and sunshine for most of us, it's a lovely bright start to the day. we will keep the sunshine throughout the day, perhaps some patchy cloud as we head through the afternoon, just a bit of a fair weather cloud. and it will stay dry, temperatures will peak at around 19 or 20 celsius. 21 degrees, not completely out of the question. as we head through this evening and overnight, it's more of the same, so clear skies, light winds, temperatures dropping very close to freezing. maybe patchy frost in a few spots as we head into thursday.

on thursday, the warmth and the sunshine are all set to continue. i'll be back in an hour. plenty more on our website at the usual address. now it's back to dan and sally, bye for now. hello, this is breakfast with dan walker and sally nugent. in the last half hour there's been confirmation of another big rise in the cost of living as the chancellor prepares to deliver his spring statement. nina's at a market in liverpool for us this morning getting some reaction. good morning. there is produce here from all around the world, you have british spiders but we have got mushrooms and onions that have come from holland, spanish lettuce, spanish tomatoes, and when i said to some of the traders here this morning, inflation is at six foot

2%, higherthan morning, inflation is at six foot 2%, higher than expected, morning, inflation is at six foot 2%, higherthan expected, one morning, inflation is at six foot 2%, higher than expected, one of them said, is that it? it feels so much higher. —— 6.2%. all eyes on the chancellor to see if he can do anything to battle those upward pressures on prices that we are all feeling. let's have a look at the options on the table. there has been a mooted suggestion that the tax we pay at the pump might be reduced to the tune of 5p per litre, how much would that make? that would be two to £3 per car each time you fill up. maybe he could scrap the rising national insurance, but he said that would not happen at the weekend. perhaps the threshold might go up, nothing confirmed. labour in particular calling for an increase to universal credit. there will be an inflation —based increase of 3%, but that was pegged to inflation from last year, nowhere near where

inflation is now at 6%. some are suggesting pensions need to go up as well. businesses have to make really tough decisions about whether to pass on the costs that they are feeling. let's speak to jimmy who runs a farm across three sites in west lancashire.— runs a farm across three sites in west lancashire._ you | runs a farm across three sites in - west lancashire._ you were west lancashire. morning. you were tellin: west lancashire. morning. you were telling me. — west lancashire. morning. you were telling me. it — west lancashire. morning. you were telling me, it made _ west lancashire. morning. you were telling me, it made me _ west lancashire. morning. you were telling me, it made me wince, - west lancashire. morning. you were telling me, it made me wince, your| telling me, it made me wince, your price rises, fertiliser for telling me, it made me wince, your price rises, fertiliserfor example? price rises, fertiliser for example? last price rises, fertiliserfor example? last year we were paying £360 per tonne, it's basically tripled to about thousand. packaging has doubled, fuel has doubled, labour is massive, a massive cost. so we have got to put this summer, the prices. what do you do? you have already set your prices with your clients. t’m your prices with your clients. i'm luc , i your prices with your clients. i'm lucky. i sell _ your prices with your clients. t“n lucky, i sell most of my stuff here. so i'm ok, on that side. but anyone who sells away from the farm, they have got contract prices. and they

are going to really struggle. it feels inevitable that that will end “p feels inevitable that that will end up on our plate with prices going up. t up on our plate with prices going u . _ :, �* up on our plate with prices going u -. ., �* , ., up on our plate with prices going up. i don't see how it can be avoided _ up. i don't see how it can be avoided to — up. i don't see how it can be avoided to be _ up. i don't see how it can be avoided to be honest. - up. i don't see how it can be avoided to be honest. it - up. i don't see how it can be avoided to be honest. it has| up. i don't see how it can be i avoided to be honest. it has to happen. there will not be any farmers left, they will not be able to produce the stuff.— farmers left, they will not be able to produce the stuff. what would you like to hear from _ to produce the stuff. what would you like to hear from the _ to produce the stuff. what would you like to hear from the chancel - to produce the stuff. what would you like to hear from the chancel at - like to hear from the chancel at lunchtime? you mentioned it, maybe fuel prices, the tax on fuel could go down, that would help a lot. we are now paying £120 per litre for red fuel, compared to 60p. i cannot imagine a squeeze on your margins. thank you. you went from ten businesses over the pandemic to three, restaurant and cafes, where are you feeling it the most? the rofit and are you feeling it the most? the profit and loss _ are you feeling it the most? tue profit and loss sheet, it is so many lines, minimum weight has gone up, national insurance, and take concern

is vat going up —— minimum wage has gone up. and food, oil has gone up 50p per litre, that has to be handed up 50p per litre, that has to be handed up for the customer. the 50p per litre, that has to be handed up for the customer.— 50p per litre, that has to be handed up for the customer. the problem is that i might — up for the customer. the problem is that i might not _ up for the customer. the problem is that i might not bother _ up for the customer. the problem is that i might not bother if _ up for the customer. the problem is that i might not bother if i _ up for the customer. the problem is that i might not bother if i am - that i might not bother if i am feeling the squeeze going for a treat to your cafe. the feeling the squeeze going for a treat to your cafe. the problem i have is how _ treat to your cafe. the problem i have is how much _ treat to your cafe. the problem i have is how much i _ treat to your cafe. the problem i have is how much i can - treat to your cafe. the problem i have is how much i can put - treat to your cafe. the problem i have is how much i can put my i treat to your cafe. the problem i - have is how much i can put my prices up have is how much i can put my prices up by. if you are going out for a meal costing £50 per head, there is a little price movement, but a breakfast and pancake, there is a limit to what people will spend on that type of food.— limit to what people will spend on that type of food. what would you like to say to _ that type of food. what would you like to say to the _ that type of food. what would you like to say to the chancellor - that type of food. what would you | like to say to the chancellor today? reverse your decision on vat. we are 'ust a reverse your decision on vat. we are just a short — reverse your decision on vat. we are just a short week— reverse your decision on vat. we are just a short week away. _ reverse your decision on vat. we are just a short week away. the _ reverse your decision on vat. we are just a short week away. the 1st - reverse your decision on vat. we are just a short week away. the 1st of - just a short week away. the 1st of a - ril has just a short week away. the 1st of april has been — just a short week away. the 1st of april has been described - just a short week away. the 1st of april has been described as - april has been described as doomsday, because there will be suddenly so many micro businesses that will full over a tariff it in the next three months. t that will full over a tariff it in the next three months. i said it is the next three months. i said it is

the s-urin the next three months. i said it is the spring statement... _ the next three months. i said it is the spring statement... you - the next three months. i said it is the spring statement... you said| the next three months. i said it is| the spring statement... you said it was doomsdav- — the spring statement... you said it was doomsday. the _ the spring statement... you said it was doomsday. the treasury - the spring statement... you said it was doomsday. the treasury has l the spring statement... you said it i was doomsday. the treasury has said the have was doomsday. the treasury has said they have offered _ was doomsday. the treasury has said they have offered £350 _ was doomsday. the treasury has said they have offered £350 to _ was doomsday. the treasury has said they have offered £350 to help - they have offered £350 to help people get over the hump, there are universal credit increases and one has discounts but what people here are saying is it is nowhere near enough. —— warm house discounts but it is nowhere near enough according to people here. there's been a big rise in the number of children missing school because of covid, leading teaching unions to ask for free tests to remain. around 202,000 state school pupils in england were absent due to covid on march 17, that's up from 58,000 two weeks before. that means 2.5% of all pupils were off school because of the virus on that day, compared to 0.7 % previously, an increase of almost 250%. are you keeping up? there are a lot

of fiaures! meanwhile in scotland at least six schools have been fully closed due to high numbers of staff being off work due to covid, as case numbers there continue to climb. lots of you have been in touch and we will share some of your messages. for more on the impact of this we can speak to becky arnold, headteacher of framingham earl high school in norwich. joining us here in the studio is pepe di'iasio from the association of school and college leaders. ifi if i could come to you first, becky, how have covid absences effected your school and what is it like at the moment?— your school and what is it like at the moment? ., ., ,, . , ., the moment? covid absences over the ast three the moment? covid absences over the past three weeks _ the moment? covid absences over the past three weeks are _ the moment? covid absences over the past three weeks are higher— the moment? covid absences over the past three weeks are higher than - past three weeks are higher than anytime in the pandemic. we were at about 93 and 95% for attendance, and it has gone down to 86%. with our year 11s, we only have 83% in at the moment and they have only got a few weeks until their exams begin. 15%

of our staff are off last week, teaching staff, without the support staff. we had to close some year groups last week because we just could not function as a school safety because we didn't have enough safely because we didn't have enough staff. , :, safely because we didn't have enough staff. , ., ,., ., safely because we didn't have enough staff. , ., ., , ,, staff. pepe, what sort of pressure is -auttin staff. pepe, what sort of pressure is putting on _ staff. pepe, what sort of pressure is putting on the _ staff. pepe, what sort of pressure is putting on the system, - staff. pepe, what sort of pressure is putting on the system, what. staff. pepe, what sort of pressure is putting on the system, what is| is putting on the system, what is happening at the moment? iuduthat is putting on the system, what is happening at the moment? what you are seeinu happening at the moment? what you are seeing in — happening at the moment? what you are seeing in becky's _ happening at the moment? what you are seeing in becky's school - happening at the moment? what you are seeing in becky's school is - are seeing in becky's school is reflected — are seeing in becky's school is reflected across the country. many staff are _ reflected across the country. many staff are on the knees because they are one _ staff are on the knees because they are one another, covering lessons, doubling _ are one another, covering lessons, doubling groups, making sure students _ doubling groups, making sure students can stay in school and give them _ students can stay in school and give them the _ students can stay in school and give them the best deal they can. the pressure — them the best deal they can. the pressure is — them the best deal they can. the pressure is most in year 11 and 13 for those — pressure is most in year 11 and 13 for those students about to sit gcse, — for those students about to sit gcse, a—level and btec exams. head teachers _ gcse, a—level and btec exams. head teachers want them to get the best deal in _ teachers want them to get the best deal in the — teachers want them to get the best deal in the lead up to the summer and that— deal in the lead up to the summer and that is— deal in the lead up to the summer and that is tough at the moment. becky. _ and that is tough at the moment. becky, picking up on something pepe said, a message we have had from lisa this morning who says, my daughter is in year 11 and will be sitting gcse exams from may onwards, covid cases are rising, her year

group have missed the entire gcse learning during the pandemic, added stress of possibly getting covid and missing exams, having no ig available grade and having to retake exams is so stressful and unfair to them. where is your head at with what should be happening with these people sanding into exams? tt is people sanding into exams? it is difficult, people sanding into exams? it is difficult. we _ people sanding into exams? it is difficult, we have _ people sanding into exams? tt 3 difficult, we have to follow the policy that these children will sit their formal exams policy that these children will sit theirformal exams in policy that these children will sit their formal exams in the policy that these children will sit theirformal exams in the normal way where we have six weeks of exams in a whole, the exams are more spread out but we don't really have a robust contingency for if a child misses exams because they are positive covid. we don't have a contingency for not having enough invigilators, they are often retired teachers, we have vacancies and we need to support on how we go about running our exams in a proper way to make sure these children have the

experience that they should and get their grades as well as what we do if the children are unwell.- if the children are unwell. there are so many _ if the children are unwell. there are so many people _ if the children are unwell. there are so many people getting - if the children are unwell. there are so many people getting in i if the children are unwell. there - are so many people getting in touch today, thank you for your messages, kirsty is a head teacher, she is off school with covid, the rate in the children is high, similar to what we hearfrom becky. as high as it has ever been. isuppose, hearfrom becky. as high as it has ever been. i suppose, with restrictions being lifted in other parts of society, if you have not got kids in school, you might think that schools are ok. what sort of help is needed to support those staff at the moment? istate help is needed to support those staff at the moment?— help is needed to support those staff at the moment? we do not have many levers — staff at the moment? we do not have many levers at _ staff at the moment? we do not have many levers at the _ staff at the moment? we do not have many levers at the moment _ staff at the moment? we do not have many levers at the moment but - staff at the moment? we do not have many levers at the moment but one | staff at the moment? we do not have| many levers at the moment but one of them is _ many levers at the moment but one of them is testing and we think it is important — them is testing and we think it is important that we continue to test, to reduce _ important that we continue to test, to reduce transmission and give clarity— to reduce transmission and give clarity and — to reduce transmission and give clarity and confidence that people in school — clarity and confidence that people in school have been tested and are safe _ in school have been tested and are safe we _ in school have been tested and are safe. we are concerned that those free tests — safe. we are concerned that those free tests have been reduced and cleared _ free tests have been reduced and cleared away completely from april onwards _ cleared away completely from april onwards. we will be asking the government right now to rethink that and make _ government right now to rethink that and make sure that they are available _ and make sure that they are available from april right through

to the _ available from april right through to the summer. let available from april right through to the summer.— available from april right through to the summer. let me put to you what mick — to the summer. let me put to you what mick is — to the summer. let me put to you what mick is said, _ to the summer. let me put to you what mick is said, no _ to the summer. let me put to you what mick is said, no worse - to the summer. let me put to you what mick is said, no worse than l to the summer. let me put to you j what mick is said, no worse than a common cold, children are being kept off for no reason and it is a poor excuse. like the prime minister says, it is time to live with this, there are far worse viruses to covid. t there are far worse viruses to covid. ., ~' there are far worse viruses to covid. ., ~ ., ., . covid. i would like to introduce him to some of — covid. i would like to introduce him to some of the _ covid. i would like to introduce him to some of the year— covid. i would like to introduce him to some of the year 11 _ covid. i would like to introduce him to some of the year 11 children - covid. i would like to introduce him to some of the year 11 children whoj to some of the year 11 children who are facing _ to some of the year 11 children who are facing their examinations and the anxiety they have got, they are thinking _ the anxiety they have got, they are thinking about the future and where they will— thinking about the future and where they will be if they get to university and we are working —— walking — university and we are working —— walking a — university and we are working —— walking a tightrope to make sure that they— walking a tightrope to make sure that they can feel confident that they have got a best possible chance of going _ they have got a best possible chance of going into those examinations at the same _ of going into those examinations at the same time as staff are absent. i think— the same time as staff are absent. i think nick— the same time as staff are absent. i think nick would do well to meet some _ think nick would do well to meet some of— think nick would do well to meet some of our students.— think nick would do well to meet some of our students. what we did make of that _ some of our students. what we did make of that same _ some of our students. what we did make of that same point? - some of our students. what we did make of that same point? i - some of our students. what we did make of that same point? i agree i make of that same point? i agree with what pepe _ make of that same point? i agree with what pepe said. _ make of that same point? i agree with what pepe said. we - make of that same point? i agree with what pepe said. we have - make of that same point? i agree i with what pepe said. we have young people, there is a real crisis of anxiety for our year 11, they want to do well, they worked so hard, they have had to do so much work outside of school. they have had to

show resilience and tenacity that i don't think young people have had to show before. for some of them to think that they could end up with nothing if they get covid is heartbreaking.— nothing if they get covid is heartbreaking. nothing if they get covid is heartbreakini. :, . heartbreaking. what are you saying to parents? — heartbreaking. what are you saying to parents? i— heartbreaking. what are you saying to parents? i know— heartbreaking. what are you saying to parents? i know children - heartbreaking. what are you saying to parents? i know children are - to parents? i know children are under enormous pressure and it has been a very stressful two years but i imagine parents arejust been a very stressful two years but i imagine parents are just as anxious. i imagine parents are 'ust as anxious. , , ., ., i imagine parents are 'ust as anxious. , , . ., ., anxious. yes, they are, and we are t in: to anxious. yes, they are, and we are trying to reassure _ anxious. yes, they are, and we are trying to reassure parents - anxious. yes, they are, and we are trying to reassure parents that - anxious. yes, they are, and we are trying to reassure parents that we | trying to reassure parents that we are doing everything that we can in are doing everything that we can in a school. we have recommended that people continue to do their testing, people continue to do their testing, people continue to have self association periods so that we don't spread covid throughout the school. but the levers that we have a pretty limited in terms of what we can do in terms of the exams and giving a reassurance of what would happen if someone were to have covid during that period. pure someone were to have covid during that period-— that period. are you fearful that we will see exams _ that period. are you fearful that we will see exams cancelled _ that period. are you fearful that we will see exams cancelled again? i that period. are you fearful that we | will see exams cancelled again? no, i am fairly sure _ will see exams cancelled again? no, i am fairly sure that they will go ahead — i am fairly sure that they will go ahead i— i am fairly sure that they will go ahead. i am fearful that we go into it with _ ahead. i am fearful that we go into it with school leaders and teachers on the _

it with school leaders and teachers on the knees. looking to how we get through— on the knees. looking to how we get through to _ on the knees. looking to how we get through to east at the moment. we need _ through to east at the moment. we need to— through to east at the moment. we need to reassure them that things will be _ need to reassure them that things will be safe in school and transmission rates will be controlled and students need to be able to— controlled and students need to be able to look forward to their exams with confidence and we are not in that position at the moment. appreciate you coming in, pepe, and becky, good to talk to you, thank you for sending in messages, continue to do this because i think we will be following this for some time. ., . ., , we will be following this for some time. . . ., , ., time. particularly if you have children in _ time. particularly if you have children in year _ time. particularly if you have children in year 11 _ time. particularly if you have children in year 11 or- time. particularly if you have children in year 11 or 13 - time. particularly if you have children in year 11 or 13 who l time. particularly if you have - children in year 11 or 13 who have had two years of the pandemic and are going into exams, that is a tricky time. we would love to hear from you. fir tricky time. we would love to hear from ou. , ., ., tricky time. we would love to hear from ou. y., ., ., tricky time. we would love to hear from ou. ., ., ., from you. or if you are a teacher or a student. — from you. or if you are a teacher or a student. get _ from you. or if you are a teacher or a student, get in _ from you. or if you are a teacher or a student, get in contact. - from you. or if you are a teacher or a student, get in contact. you - from you. or if you are a teacher or a student, get in contact. you can i a student, get in contact. you can e—mail us. oryou a student, get in contact. you can e—mail us. or you could send us a message on social media. we will follow that up, maybe next week and in the weeks ahead. let’s follow that up, maybe next week and in the weeks ahead.— in the weeks ahead. let's go to carol who _ in the weeks ahead. let's go to carol who hopefully _ in the weeks ahead. let's go to carol who hopefully has - in the weeks ahead. let's go to carol who hopefully has some i in the weeks ahead. let's go to - carol who hopefully has some lovely weather for us. good morning. indeed, we are looking at more sunshine today. yesterday

was the warmest day of the year so far. ~ :, was the warmest day of the year so far. ~ ., ., , , far. we have rounded up these numbers but — far. we have rounded up these numbers but north _ far. we have rounded up these numbers but north wales - far. we have rounded up these numbers but north wales was| far. we have rounded up these i numbers but north wales was the warmest part of the country. 20.7 celsius. northolt not to fire behind at 20.5. today we could see similar values. a chilly start to thrust around first thing especially in the countryside. high pressure in charge of the weather, look at the extent of the weather, look at the extent of it across europe, keeping the weather settled. of it across europe, keeping the weathersettled. no of it across europe, keeping the weather settled. no —— not watch in the way of isobars so no breezes, it will feel pleasant. we have some mist and fog to get rid of. i should live as we go through the morning and there should be some sunshine. the odd shower possible in eastern scotland, eastern england and the western isles, and the temperature is nine to 19. somewhere in east anglia or the south—east we could

hit 21 degrees. if you have a pollen allergy, we are getting into that season. across the southern half of england and wales, it is moderate, it is tree pollen, elm and ash tray. later on this week we will be talking about birch trees as well. later on the mist and fog will clear and a few more showers on the cloud. the overnight lows, most of us above freezing but in rural areas, a touch of frost. tomorrow we start off with a lot of dry weather. a patchy mist and fog lifting, cloud coming in across scotland and northern ireland with the odd shower and a gentle breezes. as we go through this week, it will be cooler along the coastline. these are the inland temperatures, nine to 18 degrees. at times you will find there will be more cloud floating across northern england and wales but are not

spoiling it. as we head into friday, cloud across scotland and northern ireland, to the east there will be bright and sunny skies. for england and wales, dry weather, but to watch out for along the coastline on the south—east is a low cloud which could lap on shore and linger for much of the day. temperatures, eight in the north, 17 in newcastle, to 18 in the north, 17 in newcastle, to 18 in london. in the weekend, high pressure in charge in the south but this weather front is making some inroads in the north introducing more cloud. this will sink south, you can see it across eastern england as well. into the weekend of the weather still remains largely settled. mist and fog to look out for at night, a bit more cloud around, temperatures down a touch but it is next tuesday and wednesday that we could see temperatures drop by about 10 degrees compared to what some of us are looking at today. so do not put away your winter woollies

just yet. i have made notes, i will be watching out for those romping clouds! �* , , watching out for those romping clouds! �* ,, ,. watching out for those romping clouds!_ always i watching out for those romping l clouds!_ always lovely watching out for those romping i clouds!_ always lovely to clouds! bless you! always lovely to hear from you. _ clouds! bless you! always lovely to hear from you, see _ clouds! bless you! always lovely to hear from you, see after _ clouds! bless you! always lovely to hear from you, see after apm. i clouds! bless you! always lovely to i hear from you, see after apm. watch out for those. t hear from you, see after apm. watch out for those-— out for those. i will! do clouds romped? _ out for those. i will! do clouds romped? i _ out for those. i will! do clouds romped? i like _ out for those. i will! do clouds romped? i like it. _ out for those. i will! do clouds romped? i like it. carol's- out for those. i will! do clouds romped? i like it. carol's usei out for those. i will! do clouds i romped? i like it. carol's use of laniiuae romped? i like it. carol's use of language is— romped? i like it. carol's use of language is always _ romped? i like it. carol's use ofj language is always magnificent. romped? i like it. carol's use of i language is always magnificent. i'm lad language is always magnificent. tn glad you were paying attention. always. glad you were paying attention. alwa s. , , , always. some big news in the tennis world this morning. _ always. some big news in the tennis world this morning. no _ always. some big news in the tennis world this morning. no romping i world this morning. no romping clouds but _ world this morning. no romping clouds but i _ world this morning. no romping clouds but i am _ world this morning. no romping clouds but i am searching i world this morning. no romping clouds but i am searching for i world this morning. no romping| clouds but i am searching for the silver lining in this story! tuierr;r silver lining in this story! very iood! ash ba rtley is ash bartley is retiring at 25, seismic shock levels, bjorn borg retired at 26. seismic shock levels, b'orn borg retired at 26.i seismic shock levels, b'orn borg retired at26. a , retired at 26. ash bartley achieved eve hini retired at 26. ash bartley achieved everything in _ retired at 26. ash bartley achieved everything in the _ retired at 26. ash bartley achieved everything in the game, _ retired at 26. ash bartley achieved

everything in the game, she i retired at 26. ash bartley achieved everything in the game, she won i retired at 26. ash bartley achieved l everything in the game, she won the wimbledon championship and australian open, she has given everything she can to the sport, she is spent physically, nothing more to give, she wasn't satisfied, and mentally and physically she has reached the place where she feels she has done in her career. i should just add that the legacy part of this, she has gone, but she leaves behind this profound impact on the indigenous community, on aboriginal community in australia. this is an underrepresented marginalised group of people, and representation matters, seeing yourself makes a difference. ash barty was that representation for those people. 30% increase we have seen according to one newspaper in young australians, particularly in the indigenous community, taking up tennis because of ash barty. her hero was evonne goolagong cawley, and you will see a bit of her now winning wimbledon last year, wearing an outfit inspired by her mental and hero,

evonne goolagong. it was her dream, ash bartley, to win wimbledon. she spoke on social media earlier and was emotional, here is what she said. i'll be retiring from tennis, and it's the first time i've actually said it out loud. and, yeah, it's hard to say. but i'm so happy and i'm so ready, and ijust know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right. and i know i have done this before but in a very different feeling, and i'm so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. we have had as you have expected plenty of reaction from the tennis world. as it begins to get its head around what she has decided to do. simona halep, former wimbledon champion.

this is madison keys, the american tennis player. and as you would expect, the man himself, andy murray has had something to say this morning. when ash barty says she has done this before, as a teenager, she left tennis for a year, she was dealing with depression, she went to play australian cricket, she was incredible at that as well and then came back to tennis and says, that was the momentum she needed, the rest she needed to achieve everything that she did. and if this is the end, if there is no changing of her mind, what a career. a three—time grand slam champion, some legacy he leaves behind. but maybe there could be a comeback in the future. �* , ., , ., , future. i'm sure whatever she does will to future. i'm sure whatever she does will go out — future. i'm sure whatever she does will go out with _ future. i'm sure whatever she does will go out with success, _ future. i'm sure whatever she does will go out with success, she i future. i'm sure whatever she does will go out with success, she has i

will go out with success, she has her whole life ahead of her atjust 25. her whole life ahead of her at 'ust 25. ,, ,._ , , her whole life ahead of her at 'ust 25. ,, , ., her whole life ahead of her at 'ust 25. she says it is time to chase other dreams, _ 25. she says it is time to chase other dreams, we _ 25. she says it is time to chase other dreams, we just - 25. she says it is time to chase other dreams, we just need i 25. she says it is time to chase other dreams, we just need to | 25. she says it is time to chase i other dreams, we just need to see what that is. t other dreams, we 'ust need to see what that is.— what that is. i quite like the idea that it is no _ what that is. i quite like the idea that it is no spin, _ what that is. i quite like the idea that it is no spin, she _ what that is. i quite like the idea that it is no spin, she had - what that is. i quite like the idea that it is no spin, she had done i what that is. i quite like the idea | that it is no spin, she had done it herself, her own story, put it on instagram. mt herself, her own story, put it on instagram— herself, her own story, put it on instatram. : ., ., , , instagram. all of the endorsements comin t instagram. all of the endorsements comint her instagram. all of the endorsements coming her way _ instagram. all of the endorsements coming her way after _ instagram. all of the endorsements coming her way after becoming i instagram. all of the endorsements coming her way after becoming the | coming her way after becoming the home aussie champion, she doesn't care about that, it's about her family and her happiness on what she wants to do in her personal life. strong minded and strong willed, good luck to her.— strong minded and strong willed, good luck to her. absolutely. thank ou. there are some moments on television that you just can't forget seeing. six of those are now in the running to be named the must—see moment at the bafta tv awards. it's the only category to be voted for by the public. let's take a look. # bing, bang, bong # sing, sang, song # ding, dang, dong # uk, hun? # bing, bang, bong # sing, sang, song # ding, dang, dong # uk, hun?

doctor williams is here because i wanted to be with him when he tells you. why, what is it, tells me what? what's wrong with me? sorry. you don't have to be sorry. i'm not dirty. no one said you were. i never did anything bad. i really didn't. they were celebrating, they didn't have a party. they categorically deny any suggestions that they had a party.

and this fictional party definitely didn't involve cheese and wine, or a secret santa. evening, prime minister! cheering. for now! i had a teacher at chestnut grove who taught me english. that was miss mcdonald. did you ever keep in touch? no, she left when i was in year eight. she is to have all these gold bracelets on copper and gold, like sig rings, i don't know, she was just cool. and so relatable and likeable that i really looked forward to my english lessons. because it's odd, actually, funnily enough... is she here? is miss mcdonald here? she's here tonight. music stops.

# ijust wanna be part of your symphony. that was amazing. you were in the room! i was _ that was amazing. you were in the room! i was sat _ that was amazing. you were in the room! i was sat next _ that was amazing. you were in the room! i was sat next to _ that was amazing. you were in the room! i was sat next to nadiya i that was amazing. you were in the | room! i was sat next to nadiya that nitht, as room! i was sat next to nadiya that night. as soon _ room! i was sat next to nadiya that night, as soon as _ room! i was sat next to nadiya that night, as soon as it _ room! i was sat next to nadiya that night, as soon as it happened, i room! i was sat next to nadiya that night, as soon as it happened, it i night, as soon as it happened, it was such a beautiful moment, she just burst into tears.— just burst into tears. quite a few theole at just burst into tears. quite a few people at home _ just burst into tears. quite a few people at home did. _ just burst into tears. quite a few people at home did. i _ just burst into tears. quite a few people at home did. i was i just burst into tears. quite a few people at home did. i was a i just burst into tears. quite a few people at home did. i was a bit i people at home did. i was a bit close to it. _ people at home did. i was a bit close to it, but _ people at home did. i was a bit close to it, but the _ people at home did. i was a bit close to it, but the man - people at home did. i was a bit close to it, but the man who i people at home did. i was a bit i close to it, but the man who was right in the middle of it is here! giovanni pernice, this year's strictly come dancing winner. i know you have been asked about this so many times but isn't it amazing that you are nominated for yet another award for it? it was one

of the standout moments of tv last year. what was it like to be in the middle of it all with a rose creating that magic for so many people to watch? == creating that magic for so many people to watch?— creating that magic for so many people to watch? -- with rose? you were there. — people to watch? -- with rose? you were there, the _ people to watch? -- with rose? you were there, the feeling _ people to watch? -- with rose? you were there, the feeling in _ people to watch? -- with rose? you were there, the feeling in the - people to watch? -- with rose? you were there, the feeling in the room | were there, the feeling in the room was outstanding. it was more than just 60 seconds of silence, it was to show what rose feels every single week. since we did that moment, i think people realise how difficult it was for rose dancing. when the music stopped it was very special, definitely special. tt music stopped it was very special, definitely special.— definitely special. it was your idea to tut definitely special. it was your idea to put their _ definitely special. it was your idea to put their hands _ definitely special. it was your idea to put their hands over— definitely special. it was your idea to put their hands over the - definitely special. it was your idea to put their hands over the ears. i to put their hands over the ears. when you first explained that to rose, would she think of it and how did you incorporate it into the dance? tt did you incorporate it into the dance? ., , did you incorporate it into the dance? . , ., ,, ., did you incorporate it into the dance? ., ,, ., ., dance? it was me talking to our executive _ dance? it was me talking to our executive reducer _ dance? it was me talking to our executive reducer and - dance? it was me talking to our executive reducer and the i dance? it was me talking to our executive reducer and the bbc. dance? it was me talking to our. executive reducer and the bbc as well, we wanted to get this moment absolutely right. it's one of those moments that could go two ways. we

had to do it in the choreography as well. it had to be a very important specifically important moment. there was a lot of thought in the making, for sure. : , ., was a lot of thought in the making, for sure. : y., ., ., ,., for sure. and when you thought about it, when for sure. and when you thought about it. when you — for sure. and when you thought about it. when you first _ for sure. and when you thought about it, when you first had _ for sure. and when you thought about it, when you first had the _ for sure. and when you thought about it, when you first had the idea, - for sure. and when you thought about it, when you first had the idea, did i it, when you first had the idea, did you have any idea the impact that moment would have? t you have any idea the impact that moment would have?— you have any idea the impact that moment would have? i knew it was ttoin to moment would have? i knew it was going to be — moment would have? i knew it was going to be important _ moment would have? i knew it was going to be important for _ moment would have? i knew it was going to be important for rose i moment would have? i knew it was going to be important for rose and | going to be important for rose and for the deaf community but the reaction has been bigger than what we thought. and seeing rose after the live tour when we were doing that at every single night with the live audience, and it was a good response every night. and seeing rose happy about the reaction that this dance had was incredible. it's exactly the reason why we did it. someone who has been through that strictly experience, i know you learn so much from your professional partner while you are there. have you ever been in a position where

you ever been in a position where you have learned as much from your celebrity? you have had some great celebs, but rose seemed to teach you so much as well.— so much as well. absolutely, i might be the dance — so much as well. absolutely, i might be the dance teacher _ so much as well. absolutely, i might be the dance teacher but _ so much as well. absolutely, i might be the dance teacher but rose i so much as well. absolutely, i might be the dance teacher but rose has . be the dance teacher but rose has taught me joy, be the dance teacher but rose has taught mejoy, happiness. obviously, you stay there and concentrate with your dancing and everything but it is one of those relationships that you will never find again, if it makes sense. you have a beautiful relationship with all your partners but the bonding with rose was special. we but the bonding with rose was secial. ~ ., , , ., special. we are 'ust seeing that incredible special. we are just seeing that incredible moment _ special. we are just seeing that incredible moment when - special. we are just seeing that incredible moment when you i special. we are just seeing that - incredible moment when you found out you had one. it isjustjoy. —— when you had one. it isjustjoy. —— when you had one. it isjustjoy. —— when you had won the contest. i you had one. it isjust joy. -- when you had won the contest.— you had one. it isjust joy. -- when you had won the contest. i have seen it so many times! _ you had won the contest. i have seen it so many times! i _ you had won the contest. i have seen it so many times! i believe _ you had won the contest. i have seen it so many times! i believe that - you had won the contest. i have seen it so many times! i believe that you l it so many times! i believe that you have been learning _ it so many times! i believe that you have been learning sign _ it so many times! i believe that you have been learning sign language i have been learning sign language yourself, you had an interpreter on the tour, how important was that? i did learn a bit but it is a full on language. it's notjust like you learn a few signs, it's a beautiful

language. i think it's more about making an effort, to be honest. i have an interpreter on my own show as well, i am on tour at the moment with my show, i do have an interpreter for the whole show. last night i was in whitley bay and there were so many people, so many deaf people came to watch the show with an interpreter. i think they feel so comfortable, we all feel comfortable if you have small things like, thank you, i love you, they feel more included in all situations. so i'm very pleased that we have opened up for the deaf community.— for the deaf community. talking about whitley _ for the deaf community. talking about whitley bay, _ for the deaf community. talking about whitley bay, lindsay - for the deaf community. talking about whitley bay, lindsay has| for the deaf community. talking i about whitley bay, lindsay hasjust about whitley bay, lindsay has just said that she saw you last night in whitley bay and thought you were great. i know you are still very much in contact with rose, anyone who follows you on social media, you are constantly chatting. how many times on your one—man tour have you been asked, where is rose? more times on your one-man tour have you been asked, where is rose? more than

the sa to been asked, where is rose? more than they say to you. _ been asked, where is rose? more than they say to you, well— been asked, where is rose? more than they say to you, well done _ been asked, where is rose? more than they say to you, well done for- been asked, where is rose? more than they say to you, well done for the - they say to you, well done for the show! they say, why is rose not here? but it's nice, the fact that people were involved in our partnership. and they voted for us. it's nice that they still remember rose and giovanni which is what we want. we will definitely come back and dance together on strictly. it's nice that people still remember. you must be so — nice that people still remember. you must be so proud of her as well, he has had the success on strictly and you know how much she has had to fight and her mum has had to fight to get her the opportunities over the years and she comes on this huge programme, wins it with you know she is going about making changes society,, trying to get british sign language recognised as an official language, she is a real trailblazer. she is incredible, she is a role

model, i have to be honest. the change she is making is out of this world. it think it's bigger than what we think. for the deaf community, and what she is doing right now, it's huge. it's massive. i think we recognise in two or three years when all of these things are going to change. years when all of these things are going to change-— years when all of these things are going to change. before we let you i o, going to change. before we let you no, sall going to change. before we let you go. sally doesn't — going to change. before we let you go, sally doesn't know— going to change. before we let you go, sally doesn't know about - going to change. before we let you go, sally doesn't know about this, | go, sally doesn't know about this, but she was dancing at the rob burrow is... but she was dancing at the rob burrow is. . ._ but she was dancing at the rob burrow is. . .— burrow is... you can't do this aaain! burrow is... you can't do this again! yesterday _ burrow is... you can't do this again! yesterday we - burrow is... you can't do this again! yesterday we got - burrow is... you can't do this - again! yesterday we got graziano to have a look — again! yesterday we got graziano to have a look and _ again! yesterday we got graziano to have a look and he _ again! yesterday we got graziano to have a look and he was _ again! yesterday we got graziano to have a look and he was very - have a look and he was very impressed with the hips. he is a little clip. what do you think of our sally, geo?— little clip. what do you think of our sally, geo? listen, i saw the video. slowly! _ our sally, geo? listen, i saw the video. slowly! deficit! _ our sally, geo? listen, i saw the video. slowly! deficit! -- - our sally, geo? listen, i saw the video. slowly! deficit! -- more l our sally, geo? listen, i saw the i video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowl , video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowly. you — video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowly. you are _ video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowly, you are very _ video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowly, you are very good, - video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowly, you are very good, you i video. slowly! deficit! -- more than slowly, you are very good, you have got hips. but graziano wants to work with those hips. i watched it

yesterday. there you go, you have got that sparkle!— yesterday. there you go, you have got that sparkle! what are you doing to me? if you _ got that sparkle! what are you doing to me? if you have _ got that sparkle! what are you doing to me? if you have got _ got that sparkle! what are you doing to me? if you have got giovanni i got that sparkle! what are you doing to me? if you have got giovanni on, | to me? if you have got giovanni on, ou have to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got _ to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to _ to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to ask _ to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to ask him! _ to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to ask him! it - to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to ask him! it is i to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to ask him! it is a i to me? if you have got giovanni on, you have got to ask him! it is a man who knows who or what he is talking about! . ~ who knows who or what he is talking about! ., ~' , ., who knows who or what he is talking about! ., ~ i. , ., ., who knows who or what he is talking about!_ enjoy i about! thank you, giovanni! en'oy our about! thank you, giovanni! en'oy yourtour. — about! thank you, giovanni! en'oy your tour, thanki about! thank you, giovanni! en'oy your tour, thank you i about! thank you, giovanni! en'oy your tour, thank you for i about! thank you, giovanni! enjoy your tour, thank you for talking i about! thank you, giovanni! enjoy your tour, thank you for talking to i your tour, thank you for talking to us and embarrassing sally! see you soon. sorry about that. the whole breakfast team knew about that apart from you. breakfast team knew about that apart from ou. ,, ., , .,, breakfast team knew about that apart from ou. ,, ., , ., ~ from you. shall we stop talking about it? it's _ from you. shall we stop talking about it? it's wednesday, i from you. shall we stop talking about it? it's wednesday, it i about it? it's wednesday, it happened on saturday. we about it? it's wednesday, it happened on saturday. we are very roud of happened on saturday. we are very proud of you! _ stay with us, headlines coming up.

good morning, welcome to breakfast with dan walker

and sally nugent. our headlines today — a cut in fuel duty and changes to national insurance payments. they're two of the options available to rishi sunak as he tackles the cost of living in today's spring statement. prices today's spring statement. continue to rise at their fastest prices continue to rise at their fastest rate for 30 years. inflation hits 6.2%. i am asking traders on merseyside what they want to hear from the chancellor later, and what surprises they might have in store. the ukrainian president zelensky says there is "nothing left" of the city of mariupol, and his country is teetering on the "brink of survival." the ukrainians continue to try and resist the russian advances, with reports suggesting that they have regained some territory. ash barty announces her shock retirement from tennis. the world number one — the reigning wimbeldon and australian open champion — is leaving the sport at the age of just 25.

i will be retiring from tennis, and it is the first time i have actually said it out loud. and, yeah, it is hard to say, but i am so happy, and i am so ready. mist and fog to watch out for the first thing across parts of england. when it looked, most of us will have a sunny, dry and warm day ahead. all the details throughout the programme. good morning. it's wednesday the 23rd of march. our main story — a cut in fuel duty is likely when the chancellor, rishi sunak, delivers his spring statement in the commons later today. he'll promise more help with the rising cost of living, while stressing the need to shore up public finances. our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has this report. the chancellor has been rehearsing, but the audience that really matters are a long way from westminster.

he's under pressure to announce something to help shade us from the scorching cost of every bill at the moment. it's a gorgeous day, and everyone�*s making the most of the sunshine. this is my little boy, tiger. oh, hello. we'rejust trying to do more like this, like go out on days out like this. i used to love going to the beach, but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i've got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get the bus instead. stevie�*s rent went up by £200 last month, and she's already behind on the gas and electricity bills. we're just trying to get by. just try and keep upbeat about it, anyway. paul and charlotte have been feeling the bite of energy bills this winter, too. the gas goes on, it, you know, it takes a while to kind of kick in. and perhaps back in the day when we were students, we would have just not put the heating on, but we can't do that any more because we've got lois. so we've been to eureka this morning using our tesco vouchers. so it was free because

of the tesco vouchers. but it's just like all of those things when you're planning, you're just trying to save costs wherever you can. morning. all right, you? costs are rising for mark at his coffee shop, but he doesn't want to put prices up because he knows how tough everyone is finding it. we do have to pay a wage, pay ourselves, pay your rent. it all has a huge impact. and to keep that quality experience going, people might have to pay that extra pound to to enjoy it. but that's something stevie just can't afford. i don't think i'd be able to save a pound. so you're literally living... month by month, everything that comes in, itjust gets spent. and if you can't meet those bills, then where will you turn? i either don't pay them, and then it's debt, or i don't want to have to ask family, but i do. today's spring statement isn't

supposed to be a full budget, butjust tinkering around the edges isn't going to be enough to help stevie and millions like her. colletta smith, bbc news, at the peace hall in halifax. in the last hour, we've had some breaking news on the latest inflation figures. nina can tell us more. good morning. just a reminder of what inflation is, it is the rate at which prices are rising. in february, it was up 6.2%. that is higher than the predictions of around 5.9%. and it is a big lead, actually, from 5.5% for the month of january. in particular, it points to price hikes in clothing, footwear, furniture, flooring, toys and games, but the truth is, you will know this, we are filling it in most areas. it takes is well aware of the

government target of 2% inflation, and it is much higher than average wage increases, which remain below 4%. wage increases, which remain below li%. another nasty truth is that it will get worse. as we know, the average price of energy bills in april is going to come close to £2000, so expect inflation to potentially reach double digits in the coming months. so, yeah, as things stand, the latest figures for inflation at 6.2%. that adds a lot of pressure to the chancellor to put his money where his mouth is when he says he is standing by families at the moment, how will that translate in the spring statement at lunchtime?— in the spring statement at lunchtime? ., , lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, lunchtime? neither, thanks very much. we _ lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, we will _ lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, we will speak— lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, we will speak to - lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, we will speak to you i lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, we will speak to you a i lunchtime? neither, thanks very much, we will speak to you a bit| much, we will speak to you a bit later on. —— nina. let's go back to the chancellor's spring statement now. what new measures might rishi sunak consider to help households with the sharply—rising cost of living, and the expected impact of the war in ukraine. the chancellor could cut fuel duty by at least 5p per litre. there have been calls for him to delay a planned

rise in national insurance payments, or scrap it altogether, but it's more likely that he'll raise the threshold at which it's paid. next month, the government will increase benefits, including universal credit, by 3.1%, but dozens of charities want the chancellor to go further. let's speak to our political correspondent iain watson. iain, the chancellor under pressure to tackle some of those steep rises in the cost of living, isn't he? yes, next door at number ten, all eyes today on a number 11, rishi sunak still in his official residence this morning, but we will find out at lunchtime how he has responded to all that pressure from opposition mps, unions, businesses, and also many of his own mps with whom he has been meeting privately over the last few weeks to discuss what they would like to see. the biggest demand is to delay or destroy this national insurance increase, which we are expecting

from next month. they are not to have that demand satisfied, but as mentioned, what he might do is, currently if you earn just over £9,500, you start paying national insurance. if you increase that to 10,000 511,000 a year, would exempt some people from that and raise it for others. conservative mps are hopeful that will happen. inflation is at twice the rate of increase in benefits, so some pressure there, and some mps have been saying the chancellor is in listening mode when it comes to that reduction in fuel duty. but labour will have a big political adamant, saying he is not going far enough, that he is only raising taxes now to reduce them before an election, and they are calling for a one—off windfall tax on the profits of the big energy companies. they say if he does that, he will be on the side of the big corporations not the side of the consumers. a lot of pressure on the chancellor is from the voters as much as anyone else. how he handles this might determine whether he can

in the future move next door. lots to think about, iain, thank you very much. ukraine's president says there is "nothing left" of the port city of mariupol as it remains under constant russian bombardment. in his nightly address, he said 100,000 civilians remain there with no food, water or medicine. judith moritz reports. the road out of mariupol is the road out of hell. it is a desperate journey, but car after car has run this gauntlet, fleeing a city where there is almost nothing left. and what can life possibly feel like for those still there? the russians have razed this place to the ground, thousands are still trapped, trying to survive in impossible circumstances. translation: as of today, - there are about 100,000 people in the city, in inhuman conditions, completely blockaded, without food, water, or medicine, subject to constant shelling, constant bombardment.

for more than a week now, we have been trying to organise stable humanitarian corridors for mariupol residents, and almost all of our attempts are disrupted unfortunately by the russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror. as russian tanks continue to roll across ukrainian territory, there are pockets of resistance. this is the town of voznesensk. the russians were determined to seize it. but this quiet farming community stood its ground, setting a trap for the invading soldiers, and then blowing up the town's bridge, sending the russians into retreat. in places like this, the ukrainians are moving from defence to attack. we have seen indications that the ukrainians are going a bit more on the offensive now, they have been defending very smartly, very nimbly, very creatively commonplace as they believe are

the right places to defend. and we have seen them now in places, particularly in the south, they have tried to regain territory. ukrainians say that each day they fight, they buy themselves a better position at the negotiating table. the diplomacy continues, but so too does the war of words. russia has refused to rule out using nuclear weapons. the pentagon called those remarks dangerous. and with further sanctions imminent, the ukrainians hope that, step—by—step, the russians will be urged towards peace. judith moritz, bbc news. let's speak now to our correspondent in kyiv, james waterhouse. james, what's the latest from overnight?

you have a blend of small arms fire, automatic fire, and then the quite quick thudding of artillery fire further out. you can see a slight haze, a slight mist, that is being created by that intense fighting. nevertheless, if you take a step away here from the capital, we are getting more reports of ukrainians fighting back, as you havejust seen, about 30 kilometres from here to the west. the authorities there say they have retaken it, in their words the ukrainian flag flies once more. and i think this is part of us entering this static chapter of this conflict. no less deadly, as you can hear, but this is a symptom of both sides are starting to dig in, starting to take more defensive positions, as they try and effectively take chunks of each other with aerial bombardment. and this has been the concern for two

reasons, the wonders what will russia resourced to trying and break this deadlock and end its frustration of its continued advances, the second worry is that this could mean a very drawn—out conflict. president zelinsky has said talks have been confrontational, if any appropriate word to use, but they have been moving, so talks are still happening. the kremlin has most recently said that not enough progress has been made for both leaders to meet, and it will take a meeting and an agreement from both leaders. president zelinsky and president putin wants to thrash out a deal to potentially end this war, but it does not feel like the end is anywhere near at the moment. james, ukraine are trying _ anywhere near at the moment. james, ukraine are trying to _ anywhere near at the moment. james, ukraine are trying to reclaim _ anywhere near at the moment. james, ukraine are trying to reclaim some i ukraine are trying to reclaim some territory in some areas, how that going? territory in some areas, how that auoin ? . territory in some areas, how that ioini ? ., , territory in some areas, how that oiiin ? ., , ., territory in some areas, how that uuoin? . , ., ., territory in some areas, how that oiiin? ., , ., ., going? that will be a boost to some --eole. going? that will be a boost to some people- these _ going? that will be a boost to some people. these are _ going? that will be a boost to some people. these are people _ going? that will be a boost to some people. these are people who i going? that will be a boost to some people. these are people who are l people. these are people who are proud of their country, proud of their sovereignty, and that is further strengthened in times of

war, not least when russia is aggressive. but we learned a bit more about the russian side of thinking in an official sense, anyway, state tv yesterday laying out their vision for this land corridor running all the way up to the donbas region in the east, where some territories have already been seized. this will sound very familiar to a lot of people, a rush of taking a land familiar to a lot of people, a rush of taking a [and grab and then using that as a bargaining tool to both consolidate what they have taken and present something for vladimir putin, allowing him to present something back to his people as some kind of victory. witnesses told the bbc in mariupol that despite the city being essentially flattened, the report area has remained intact, suggesting strategic significance seen by the russians. but regardless of their ambitions, if you head westwards, as you havejust of their ambitions, if you head westwards, as you have just seen, of their ambitions, if you head westwards, as you havejust seen, we are seeing ukrainians continue to mount notjust staunch defence but

counterattacks. so the question is whether russia will reassess their plans and what they will do differently.— plans and what they will do differentl , ., ., ~ ., differently. james, good to talk to ou, differently. james, good to talk to you. thank — differently. james, good to talk to you. thank you- — amongst the horror and destruction, there have been glimmers of hope, and that was felt by one family in bath this week. olena had spent weeks desperately trying to get her father out of kharkiv, which has come under heavy bombardment. well, she succeeded, and fiona lamdin was there when they were reunited. the squeals say it all. their dad and grandad is finally here, finally safe. i met olena two weeks ago at home in bath. i can't even call him. i don't know when my son will be able to... she hadn't heard from her father for days.

mykola was trapped in kharkiv. you sleep here and i sleep up here. it took two weeks, but he finally managed to flee. this bottom bunk underneath his grandson is now home. when war broke out, he could have left, but he chose to stay, looking after orphans with special needs. you were incredibly brave to stay. my father does not see it as a brave act, he just said that is what any decent normal person would do. he had to stay to make sure the children had a water supply, his colleagues can cook. some of the carers and children managed to escape to poland, but there

was no space for him. a few days later, he was in the orphanage when it was bombed. they had to cover the windows with cardboard, trying to keep the temperature inside. we have been really worried. we were asking, "is he 0k?" i was always up and down. now he is here, i am just really overwhelmed. but mykola hopes his stay in bath will be a short one. he thinks there will be an end and he hopes he will be able to get back to his home city soon and start rebuilding the orphanage, houses. i feel very happy

and so, so relieved that my father is here, he is with us, he is safe, and he can stay with us, with his grandchildren, and with me. so many people still waiting to hear from family, particularly in places like mariupol. we are hearing about the occasional phone call, no signal, no internet, really difficult circumstances. here's carol with a look at this morning's weather. good morning. a glorious start to the day for some of us, albeit a bit nippy for some. some frost in the countryside, but warming up quite nicely now, and most of us will have a dry and sunny day. and this is an

fog extending from newcastle through yorkshire, we can succumb into the snow winds, but that will lift by mid—morning, and then again a lot of dry weather, gentle breezes, an outside chance you could catch a shower in eastern scotland and eastern england, and later into the western isles. temperatures today could get up to 21 celsius somewhere in east anglia and the south—east in the sunshine, maybe some fair weather clouds dotted around parts of the south—west in the through wheels, and pollen levels are moderate, tree pollen, across southern england and wales. moving north into northern ireland, northern england and scotland, pollen levels are low, a lot of dry weather and a lot of sunshine as well, but the odd sharp shower later in the western isles. heading on through the evening and overnight come under clear skies, we will see some patchy mist and fog reform. we will also have a bit more clouds drifting across northern ireland and western scotland, with again the old sharp shower. temperatures ranging from about one celsius to six celsius in the countryside,

temperatures will be that bit lower, and winds again we will see some frost. tomorrow, still a lot of settled conditions, with a wee bit more cloud in yorkshire, scotland, northern ireland. the duke and duchess of cambridge have arrived injamaica, for the second leg of their week—long caribbean tour. activists there have been calling on the uk to pay reparations for slavery, an issue prince william is expected to address in a speech later today. the couple began their visit in the centre of the capital, kingston. a warning that this report from our royal correspondent, jonny dymond, contains flash photography. a rather formal start to what would become a pretty informal day. just before their arrival, a demonstration outside britain's high commission, its embassy to jamaica, a protest against britain's use of slaves here, whenjamaica was its colony and a demand for

financial compensation. it is an insult for ask for these young people to be here to dry to persuade us to keep the statute in place, when our goal is to loosen the gloved hands of the queen from around our necks. prince william is expected to discuss slavery in the same sort of frank terms that his father, prince charles, used recently in barbados. he talked about it being a stain on history. but that will come later. cheering. first, there was a visit to downtown kingston. the crowds were waiting. the royals can still pull a crowd injamaica, and they pull celebrities too.

manchester city's raheem sterling, and aston villa's leon bailey, ajamaican international. then it was down to business, with william setting up a goal for raheem sterling. but it was the couple's off—pitch walkabout that sent the crowd wild. down the street they swept, surrounded by a cheering throng. and then into one ofjamaica's cultural shrines, the place where bob marley once lived and hung out with other musicians. this was a musical celebration, and a chance to kick back and relax.

the royals got stuck in, and the beat went on. here was a couple enjoying life together. all good things come to an end. eventually, they said their goodbyes. trenchtown will remember their visit for a long time to come. jonny dymond, bbc news, kingston. morning live follows us on bbc one this morning. let's find out what's in store. good morning. coming up on the show

today, as we have been discussing, all eyes on chancellor rishi sunak today, he is due to announce a spring statement around 12.30. find spring statement around 12.30. and our financial expert is here with what _ our financial expert is here with what to — our financial expert is here with what to watch out for.— our financial expert is here with what to watch out for. yes, i will be looking _ what to watch out for. yes, i will be looking at _ what to watch out for. yes, i will be looking at whether _ what to watch out for. yes, i will be looking at whether there i what to watch out for. yes, i will be looking at whether there will| be looking at whether there will be any emergency— be looking at whether there will be any emergency measures - be looking at whether there will be any emergency measures to - be looking at whether there will be any emergency measures to help l any emergency measures to help with the cost _ any emergency measures to help with the cost of— any emergency measures to help with the cost of living, _ any emergency measures to help with the cost of living, plus _ any emergency measures to help with the cost of living, plus that _ any emergency measures to help with the cost of living, plus that there i the cost of living, plus that there will he _ the cost of living, plus that there will be any — the cost of living, plus that there will be any help _ the cost of living, plus that there will be any help for— the cost of living, plus that there will be any help for drivers, i will be any help for drivers, pensioners. _ will be any help for drivers, pensioners, and _ will be any help for drivers, pensioners, and those i will be any help for drivers, pensioners, and those on. will be any help for drivers, - pensioners, and those on universal credit _ pensioners, and those on universal credit. hie — pensioners, and those on universal credit. ~ ., ., ., credit. we will not let her go that easil . credit. we will not let her go that easily- she _ credit. we will not let her go that easily. she will _ credit. we will not let her go that easily. she will also _ credit. we will not let her go that easily. she will also be _ credit. we will not let her go that easily. she will also be on - credit. we will not let her go that easily. she will also be on hand i easily. she will also be on hand to answer— easily. she will also be on hand to answer your— easily. she will also be on hand to answer your questions, so send those in to us— answer your questions, so send those in to us now — answer your questions, so send those in to us now-— in to us now. also on the show, with reiuests in to us now. also on the show, with requests for — in to us now. also on the show, with requests for hrt _ in to us now. also on the show, with requests for hrt more _ in to us now. also on the show, with requests for hrt more than - in to us now. also on the show, with| requests for hrt more than doubling in the last five years, we will be looking at how a shortage in supply is forcing people to turn to the black market. we will hear about the dangers of buying off grid. yes. dangers of buying off grid. yes, from fake _ dangers of buying off grid. yes, from fake and _ dangers of buying off grid. yes, from fake and counterfeit i dangers of buying off grid. yes, from fake and counterfeit drugs to medicines containing the rom strength. i will be tempted to —— i will be explaining why you should never be tempted to bypass your gp or pharmacist. it is never be tempted to bypass your gp or pharmacist-—

or pharmacist. it is thought one in ten of us have _ or pharmacist. it is thought one in ten of us have dyslexia. _ or pharmacist. it is thought one in ten of us have dyslexia. rather i ten of us have dyslexia. rather wilding — ten of us have dyslexia. rather wilding shares his experiences of growing — wilding shares his experiences of growing up without realising he had the condition, which can have a big impact _ the condition, which can have a big impact on — the condition, which can have a big impact on self esteem. and the condition, which can have a big impact on self esteem.— impact on self esteem. and need re air impact on self esteem. and need repair shop's _ impact on self esteem. and need repair shop's will _ impact on self esteem. and need repair shop's will courtesy, i impact on self esteem. and need repair shop's will courtesy, he i impact on self esteem. and need | repair shop's will courtesy, he will tell us how an elastic band can help with a i—out screw head. find tell us how an elastic band can help with a 1-out screw head.— with a 1-out screw head. and if ou're with a 1-out screw head. and if you're feeling _ with a 1-out screw head. and if you're feeling a _ with a 1-out screw head. and if you're feeling a bit _ with a 1-out screw head. and if you're feeling a bit worn i with a 1-out screw head. and if you're feeling a bit worn out i with a 1-out screw head. and if. you're feeling a bit worn out this morning. — you're feeling a bit worn out this morning, we have strictly fitness to iet morning, we have strictly fitness to get you _ morning, we have strictly fitness to get you moving. we will learn how to shimmy— get you moving. we will learn how to shimmy like — get you moving. we will learn how to shimmy like a professional. we get you moving. we will learn how to shimmy like a professional.— shimmy like a professional. we know he is very good _ shimmy like a professional. we know he is very good at — shimmy like a professional. we know he is very good at getting _ shimmy like a professional. we know he is very good at getting people's i he is very good at getting people's hips moving, isn't that right, sally? hips moving, isn't that right, sall ? ., , ., ., ., sally? can we 'ust have one more shot of that — sally? can we just have one more shot of that shimmy? _ sally? can we just have one more shot of that shimmy? there i sally? can we just have one more shot of that shimmy? there we i sally? can we just have one more i shot of that shimmy? there we go! see you at 9.15, everybody, see you later on, have a great show. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning, i'm sonja jessup. a high pollution alert has been

issued for london today for the first time since august 2020. the mayor says a forecast from imperial college london shows on top of local emissions, there's a significant amount of pollution coming in from the continent. londoners with health conditions are being advised to cut down on strenuous activities, particularly outdoors. a memorial service is being held at st paul's cathdral tonight on the second anniversary of lockdown in honour of those who have died as a result of covid. there'll also be recognition for nhs staff and care workers who looked after londoners during the pandemic. the service starts at 7pm and will feature poetry and a performance by the world—famous st paul's choir. meanwhile to mark the anniversary, bbc london has been speaking to people here in the about their experience of covid and what it's been like living through the pandemic and the various restrictions in place. for some it's been an anxious time which has changed their lives forever.

i mean, if i'd have got covid, i would probably not be here. my lungs would never have taken it. i really, really wasn't worried for me. i was petrified for my children, my grandchildren are far too young to understand what happened to nana. and you can hear more on the stories of londoners

reflecting on life during the pandemic on our now, this morning, it's a chillier start to the day than we saw this time yesterday, temperatures having dropped back to low single figures last night. there are a few early mist patches around but they will not last for too long at all. lots of blue sky and sunshine for most of us, it's a lovely bright start to the day. we will keep the sunshine throughout the day, perhaps some patchy cloud as we head through the afternoon, just a bit of a fair weather cloud. and it will stay dry, temperatures will peak at around 19 or 20 celsius. 21 degrees, not completely out of the question. as we head through this

evening and overnight, it's more of the same, so clear skies, light winds, temperatures dropping very close to freezing. maybe patchy frost in a few spots as we head into thursday. on thursday, the warmth and the sunshine are all set to continue. hello, this is breakfast with dan walker and sally nugent. there's been confirmation of another big rise in the cost of living this morning as the chancellor prepares to deliver his spring statement. nina's at a market in liverpool for us this morning getting some reaction. good morning. iam good morning. i am at a wholesalers in liverpool, this is on electric avenue, as in, rock down to! so called because they used to make electricity transformers which were exported around the world for generators. now there is a lot more importing. iwant generators. now there is a lot more importing. i want to talk you

through the journey of these beautiful green chilis from morocco. think about the pressure of energy prices and petrol to get this here, it went through the eu to get the extra wreck tape there, post—brexit, and then there is a staffing crisis around the hgv driver crisis. all of those pennies add up to that inflationary pressure we are all feeling. what is the product that you see the biggest increase on, you said? it you see the biggest increase on, you said? , , , �* you see the biggest increase on, you said? , , ,�* said? it depends, it isn't across the board. _ said? it depends, it isn't across the board. it _ said? it depends, it isn't across the board, it is _ said? it depends, it isn't across the board, it is everything i said? it depends, it isn't across. the board, it is everything across the board, it is everything across the board, it is everything across the board, milk, dairy, cream, potatoes, everything, nothing has not gone up. but potatoes, everything, nothing has not gone up-_ potatoes, everything, nothing has not gone up. but rate sealed dol in particular? — not gone up. but rate sealed dol in particular? it _ not gone up. but rate sealed dol in particular? it used _ not gone up. but rate sealed dol in particular? it used -- _ not gone up. but rate sealed dol in particular? it used -- rapeseed i not gone up. but rate sealed dol in| particular? it used -- rapeseed oil? it used to find _ particular? it used -- rapeseed oil? it used to find out _ particular? it used -- rapeseed oil? it used to find out where _ particular? it used -- rapeseed oil? it used to find out where it - particular? it used -- rapeseed oil? it used to find out where it costs i it used to find out where it costs on the monday, but i got quoted a0 quid for 20 litres, the cost of

staff is going up, the cost of packaging is a big thing, everything is going up and everyone isjust getting squeezed. the is going up and everyone is 'ust getting squeezed. the restaurants will -a getting squeezed. the restaurants will pay that _ getting squeezed. the restaurants will pay that for — getting squeezed. the restaurants will pay that for the _ getting squeezed. the restaurants will pay that for the oil _ getting squeezed. the restaurants will pay that for the oil because i will pay that for the oil because they needed but they will eventually pass that onto us who sit there and there. , , ., :: ., there. they sell it at 20 quid, now it is costing _ there. they sell it at 20 quid, now it is costing 40, _ there. they sell it at 20 quid, now it is costing 40, 80 _ there. they sell it at 20 quid, now it is costing 40, 80 £20 _ there. they sell it at 20 quid, now it is costing 40, 80 £20 that - there. they sell it at 20 quid, now it is costing 40, 80 £20 that they | it is costing a0, 80 £20 that they have already got not much margin, so they have got to find somewhere else to find that and it isn't easy. it is what it is, they have to use the oil. they go for cheap options in some places, but you don't get the same quality. it’s some places, but you don't get the same quality-— same quality. it's 'ust an example of how it is _ same quality. it'sjust an example of how it is coming _ same quality. it'sjust an example of how it is coming at _ same quality. it'sjust an example of how it is coming at you i same quality. it'sjust an example of how it is coming at you from i of how it is coming at you from every angle and ending up with the consumers. that is what we are hearing from all of the traders here in liverpool as they send their products out across the north west.

mushrooms are a set price. they are usually set for a year, maybe more. but as from tomorrow they are going up 30p per chip, which is a small plastic container, which is quite a lot because we use a lot of mushrooms, especially in catering. they have got to put the price up to their customers, the restaurants and the cafes, and various, and people don't like price rises, do they? we are all trying to cut costs or keep costs down. 40 years i've been here. tomatoes today cost £14. say, like, probably a few months ago, a month ago, they were probably eight quid, something like that. so everything is going up, so. that's how it is, fuel's going up, you can't do much about it, there's no point moaning, is there? you just have to get on with it, sort of thing. our chancellor today is going to be making some announcements but we need more than 5p off a litre. it's like taking £2 off a tank

of diesel or petrol. it's not enough, the price of a cup of coffee. we need some properfigures, notjust, like, wiping the face type figures. a challenge for the chancellor. what are his options? it a challenge for the chancellor. what are his options?— are his options? it has been widely talked about. _ are his options? it has been widely talked about, this _ are his options? it has been widely talked about, this reduction i are his options? it has been widely talked about, this reduction in i are his options? it has been widely talked about, this reduction in fueli talked about, this reduction in fuel duty, around half of what you pay at the pump at the moment goes to the treasury. could they reduce it by 5p per litre? it would not be a massive saving for each household, two to £3 every time you fill up at the pump. he could delay or scrap that small increase in national insurance to pay for the nhs and social care, he did say at the weekend that that is definitely going ahead. kitty potentially increase the point at which we begin paying national insurance? that help ball on middle incomes. one thing lots of people are calling for is an inflation

matching increase on universal credit because the poorest households are feeling the squeeze. will he reveal something to do with pensions which have also been frozen? a very difficult time for every household but particularly for danny and the traders, they feel it in a lot of areas if they are selling on products. let's speak to ian. you provide to restaurants and shops, cafes, inflation at 6.2%, you thought it would be higher than that. we thought it would be higher than that. ~ . , that. we are seeing it in the irices, that. we are seeing it in the prices. they _ that. we are seeing it in the prices, they have _ that. we are seeing it in the prices, they have really i that. we are seeing it in the | prices, they have really gone that. we are seeing it in the i prices, they have really gone in increments much higher than that. but it— increments much higher than that. but it is— increments much higher than that. but it is time that we are going to have _ but it is time that we are going to have to _ but it is time that we are going to have to pass this the customers. we are looking — have to pass this the customers. we are looking as best we can to cut down _ are looking as best we can to cut down on — are looking as best we can to cut down on delivery schedules and reduce — down on delivery schedules and reduce delivery days to five to three — reduce delivery days to five to three days, to try to make savings but we _ three days, to try to make savings but we have — three days, to try to make savings but we have done this, tried it and prices _ but we have done this, tried it and prices are — but we have done this, tried it and prices are still going up. we just have _ prices are still going up. we just have to — prices are still going up. we just have to pass the prices on. and prices are still going up. we 'ust have to pass the prices on. and then the restaurant _ have to pass the prices on. and then the restaurant then _ have to pass the prices on. and then the restaurant then passes - have to pass the prices on. and then the restaurant then passes it i have to pass the prices on. and then the restaurant then passes it on i have to pass the prices on. and then the restaurant then passes it on to l the restaurant then passes it on to us. , .,

the restaurant then passes it on to us, , ., , the restaurant then passes it on to us. , ., , ,., , us. their menus are set so they cannot increase _ us. their menus are set so they cannot increase their _ us. their menus are set so they cannot increase their prices i us. their menus are set so they cannot increase their prices and i us. their menus are set so they i cannot increase their prices and we are increasing their costs and the squeeze — are increasing their costs and the squeeze will be there. it are increasing their costs and the squeeze will be there.— squeeze will be there. it will be comini squeeze will be there. it will be coming in _ squeeze will be there. it will be coming in later— squeeze will be there. it will be coming in later down _ squeeze will be there. it will be coming in later down the i squeeze will be there. it will be coming in later down the road l squeeze will be there. it will be i coming in later down the road and thatis coming in later down the road and that is where we will see inflation some predicting hitting 10%. you work with community projects that provide for families that are really struggling, and you say you have been really surprised at who needs you most at the moment. i been really surprised at who needs you most at the moment.- been really surprised at who needs you most at the moment. i have been sieakini you most at the moment. i have been speaking to — you most at the moment. i have been speaking to these _ you most at the moment. i have been speaking to these people, _ you most at the moment. i have been speaking to these people, we i you most at the moment. i have been speaking to these people, we have i speaking to these people, we have been doing hampers for a good couple of years now, and they have identified people who are suffering with food poverty. when you speak to these people, it's not always the obvious people that these parcels are going to. it's people who have found themselves out of work and lost the wage in the family, it is across the board now. with the increase of prices now, more and more people are going to come into the category of the food poverty. we need to watch this, it is going to roll on and roll on. you need to watch this, it is going to roll on and roll on.— roll on and roll on. you are an economic— roll on and roll on. you are an economic analyst, _ roll on and roll on. you are an economic analyst, that i roll on and roll on. you are an economic analyst, that is - roll on and roll on. you are an economic analyst, that is the | economic analyst, that is the prediction, it will keep rolling upwards. who needs the most support

at the moment, what do we need to hearfrom at the moment, what do we need to hear from the chancellor at lunchtime?— hear from the chancellor at lunchtime? . , ., ., ., lunchtime? families on low and modest incomes _ lunchtime? families on low and modest incomes are _ lunchtime? families on low and modest incomes are being - lunchtime? families on low and - modest incomes are being absolutely hammered. it is really painful, big hikes _ hammered. it is really painful, big hikes in _ hammered. it is really painful, big hikes in things like energy, 50%, food, _ hikes in things like energy, 50%, food, we — hikes in things like energy, 50%, food, we are seeing it all going up. i think_ food, we are seeing it all going up. i think the — food, we are seeing it all going up. i think the chancellor has to try and help— i think the chancellor has to try and help that group. for me the easiest— and help that group. for me the easiest and quickest way to do that is through— easiest and quickest way to do that is through universal credit. upgrading it by inflation but also reversing — upgrading it by inflation but also reversing the cut that we sort a £20 uplift _ reversing the cut that we sort a £20 uplift i_ reversing the cut that we sort a £20 uplift. i want to see £15 billion boosting — uplift. i want to see £15 billion boosting universal credit which will help families at the sharp end of the crisis — help families at the sharp end of the crisis. ., . ., ., _ the crisis. the chancellor would say we are helping _ the crisis. the chancellor would say we are helping them, _ the crisis. the chancellor would say we are helping them, most - the crisis. the chancellor would say - we are helping them, most households being given £350 albeit in alone, we are increasing universal credit, there are warm and discount some the treasury are helping. it’s there are warm and discount some the treasury are helping.— treasury are helping. it's not enouah treasury are helping. it's not enough against _ treasury are helping. it's not enough against the - treasury are helping. it's not enough against the context l treasury are helping. it's not| enough against the context of treasury are helping. it's not - enough against the context of the extraordinary rise in prices we are seeing _ extraordinary rise in prices we are seeing we — extraordinary rise in prices we are seeing. we have done the analysis

and when — seeing. we have done the analysis and when you take all of those sunport— and when you take all of those support measures together, all households are worse off but the bottom _ households are worse off but the bottom 10% of £420 worse off per yeah _ bottom 10% of £420 worse off per yeah nor— bottom 10% of £420 worse off per year. nor needs be done. —— more needs— year. nor needs be done. —— more needs to _ year. nor needs be done. —— more needs to be — year. nor needs be done. —— more needs to be done. year. nor needs be done. -- more needs to be done.— year. nor needs be done. -- more needs to be done. what would you like to see — needs to be done. what would you like to see for _ needs to be done. what would you like to see for your— needs to be done. what would you like to see for your family, - needs to be done. what would you like to see for your family, for - like to see for your family, for traders? , , , traders? the biggest thing is something — traders? the biggest thing is something to _ traders? the biggest thing is something to do _ traders? the biggest thing is something to do with - traders? the biggest thing is something to do with fuel. traders? the biggest thing is - something to do with fuel prices. if we can get that down, it will reduce the price of produce coming into it, reduce our costs to go and collect and deliver so he has got to wave a magic wand and do something with fuel prices. is magic wand and do something with fuel rices. , , ., ., . ., magic wand and do something with i fuel prices-_ no. fuel prices. is 5p a magic wand? no, it needs to — fuel prices. is 5p a magic wand? no, it needs to be _ fuel prices. is 5p a magic wand? no, it needs to be ten _ fuel prices. is 5p a magic wand? no, it needs to be ten magic— fuel prices. is 5p a magic wand? no, it needs to be ten magic wands - fuel prices. is 5p a magic wand? no, it needs to be ten magic wands if- it needs to be ten magic wands if that the case. it is impacting on everything we do at the moment. we are having to pass it onto the customers and they will have to pass it onto the retailers. the customers and they will have to pass it onto the retailers.— it onto the retailers. the reality is, we it onto the retailers. the reality is. we have _ it onto the retailers. the reality is, we have not— it onto the retailers. the reality is, we have not seen _ it onto the retailers. the reality is, we have not seen anything l it onto the retailers. the reality i is, we have not seen anything yet. we will see energy bills go up £2000 per household on average in april, we see see the pressure on energy prices and we are in a very volatile

war which could push other prices up. war which could push other prices u -. war which could push other prices u . _ , ., war which could push other prices u -. , ., , , , war which could push other prices up. the question is, why is he not taxinu up. the question is, why is he not taxing produces _ up. the question is, why is he not taxing produces of— up. the question is, why is he not taxing produces of energy, - taxing produces of energy, generators of energy that are making supernormal profits? tax them, ask them _ supernormal profits? tax them, ask them to— supernormal profits? tax them, ask them to take a bit more of the hit and use _ them to take a bit more of the hit and use that to cushion the rises in prices _ and use that to cushion the rises in prices we _ and use that to cushion the rises in prices we are — and use that to cushion the rises in prices we are seeing for consumers. thank— prices we are seeing for consumers. thank you _ prices we are seeing for consumers. thank you to — prices we are seeing for consumers. thank you to both of you. all eyes on the chancellor in the house of commons this lunchtime. important to say, this is not a budget, it's a statement, an update on how the economy is faring but because of these extraordinary circumstances, there is an expectation that a little bit more might be done. what does the chancellor mean when he pledges to stand by families? what kind of family is he talking about? is he looking towards the disposable income which trickles down and stimulates the economy or the families on the edge of poverty, on universal credit, struggling to get by? his argument is he is already raising national insurance to pay for health and social, and

supporting families through billions of pounds of support, there is not much more he can do. don't be surprised if there are not many surprises in the spring statement. one giant sports story dominating many of the back pages in the headlines this morning. it is all about the world number one ash barty. fist about the world number one ash ba . �* , about the world number one ash ba . . , ., , . ., barty. at 25, she has decided to retire from _ barty. at 25, she has decided to retire from the _ barty. at 25, she has decided to retire from the sport. _ barty. at 25, she has decided to retire from the sport. of- barty. at 25, she has decided to retire from the sport. of all- barty. at 25, she has decided to retire from the sport. of all the| retire from the sport. of all the retirements as a tennis fan i was hearing this year, serena, venus, andy murray, roger federer, rafa nadal, the world number one, the australian open champion ash barty, i wasn't expecting this. at the peak of her levels he has decided to call a time. she made the announcement on social media earlier saying she is leaving to chase other dreams. this was the pinnacle of her success, she talked about, wimbledon last summer,

wearing a dress inspired by her mentor and hero, wearing a dress inspired by her mentorand hero, evonne wearing a dress inspired by her mentor and hero, evonne goolagong cawley. one wimbledon and the australian open but she says that is enough and now it is the time to focus on herself as a person and not an athlete. i'll be retiring from tennis, and it's the first time i've actually said it out loud. and, yeah, it's hard to say. but i'm so happy and i'm so ready, and ijust know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right _ and i know i have done this before but in a very different feeling, and i'm so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. she was talking to her friend, former australian tennis player, over six minutes on social media she posted earlier saying she has given it her all and it's important to enjoy the next phase of her life. she is spent physically, nothing more to give, she wasn't quite

satisfied, wasn't quite fulfilled. that physical drive and the emotional want no longer there. we have been getting reaction from the world of tennis, in the last half hour. we spoke to former british number one annabel croft. think the whole of the tennis world was in complete shock. i think the whole of the tennis world was in complete shock.— think the whole of the tennis world was in complete shock. i don't think an one was in complete shock. i don't think anyone saw — was in complete shock. i don't think anyone saw this _ was in complete shock. i don't think anyone saw this coming. _ was in complete shock. i don't think anyone saw this coming. when - was in complete shock. i don't think anyone saw this coming. when you | anyone saw this coming. when you hear what she has to say about it and you hear that she really feels like that she has nothing left to give, that by winning at the australian open it was like the final fantastic achievement that he wanted to achieve, she just doesn't have anything left. i think it all makes perfect sense.- have anything left. i think it all makes perfect sense. making sense for annabel- — makes perfect sense. making sense for annabel. another _ makes perfect sense. making sense for annabel. another former - makes perfect sense. making sense for annabel. another former british | for annabel. another former british playerjoins us now, former world numberfive, winner of playerjoins us now, former world number five, winner of mixed playerjoins us now, former world numberfive, winner of mixed doubles in 1987, jo durie, good morning and welcome. you have been wrapping your head around his knees like all of us, did you see it coming? hie. head around his knees like all of us, did you see it coming?- us, did you see it coming? no, i don't think—

us, did you see it coming? no, i don't think anyone _ us, did you see it coming? no, i don't think anyone saw - us, did you see it coming? no, i don't think anyone saw it - us, did you see it coming? no, i l don't think anyone saw it coming. it's kind of a joyful thing because she is doing it on her own terms and she is doing it on her own terms and she has always done that in her career. she was a top junior, then went away from tennis for a couple of years because she felt she just couldn't handle the pressure, and didn't want the pressure. played cricket, what a sportswoman she is. then came back. i'm a little surprised that she hasn't retired at the australian open, at her home event. but she looks very happy, what more could she achieve? irate event. but she looks very happy, what more could she achieve? we are 'ust seeinu what more could she achieve? we are just seeing her— what more could she achieve? we are just seeing her achieve _ what more could she achieve? we are just seeing her achieve at _ just seeing her achieve at wimbledon. he said that was it, that was the moment when she achieved her biggest goal. we mentioned the australian open, the first australian open, the first australian woman to win a singles title in 44 years on home soil. we saw her in those pictures winning at melbourne park, evonne goolagong cawley came out and presented her with the award, her idol and mentor from the indigenous australian immunity. since that win, we know

there has been a meteoric rise in there has been a meteoric rise in the number of young australians picking up a tennis racket, a member of them from the indigenous community. i know evonne goolagong cawley was before your time but how important is it to have those role models and what do you think the legacy of ash barty will be for those young boys and girls picking up those young boys and girls picking up a tennis racket today?- up a tennis racket today? evonne goolaaaon up a tennis racket today? evonne goolagong cawley _ up a tennis racket today? evonne goolagong cawley was _ up a tennis racket today? evonne goolagong cawley was just - up a tennis racket today? evonne| goolagong cawley wasjust behind up a tennis racket today? evonne - goolagong cawley wasjust behind my goolagong cawley was just behind my time and i saw her play, i never paid her which was a shame. both lovely play people. ash barty is so grounded and so easy to talk to, so great to watch on court when she played. she had a lovely game, everything in it, and easy to relate to. so i'm not surprised that a lot of girls have taken up tennis in australia. what a role model she has been. and she will be so sorely missed in tennis for that. she had been number one for three years at the end of the year, that's how good

she is. and i admire her so much, to be able to step back from all of that and say, yes, i have done what i wanted to do, especially winning wimbledon, which everybody wants to do. and she's happy and in a good place in her life. it's amazing. she said it was — place in her life. it's amazing. she said it was a _ place in her life. it's amazing. she said it was a hard decision but the right decision, she ended by saying that she is fulfilled and happy, and looking forward to seeing what life next throws at her. as a tennis fan i am just gutted we are not going to see that incredible kick serve, has spin backhand, all round game, i cannot believe we will go to wimbledon and not get to see her on court again. what will you miss most? i court again. what will you miss most? , ~ . , court again. what will you miss most? , ,, ., , ., most? i 'ust think the variety of her most? i just think the variety of her game. _ most? i just think the variety of her game. as — most? i just think the variety of her game, as you _ most? i just think the variety of her game, as you pointed - most? i just think the variety of her game, as you pointed out, | most? i just think the variety of i her game, as you pointed out, she has got one of the best service in tennis and she is only five foot five. she really used it well. the slice, the top spin. it was extraordinary that she won at roland

garros first because she said she did not particularly like clay. she was such a good all—round player i don't think anyone was surprised she won that. to win wimbledon which is what she really wanted to do, and then to handle the pressure in australia, in her home slam, to win that. she worked with a mind coach, and i think a lot of players could maybe look at ash and think, maybe tennis doesn't define who i am. i am a tennis player but there's also other things in life. and what a great way to think about it. she wants to focus on herself as a person, not as an athlete. we will miss her. she has come back once before from a break, that's all i'll say, let's say, may be what the future holds.— say, let's say, may be what the future holds. ., ,, , ., ., ., future holds. thank you for 'oining us. thank future holds. thank you for 'oining thankyou. * future holds. thank you for 'oining us. thank you. one * future holds. thank you for 'oining us. thank you. one more _ future holds. thank you forjoining us. thank you. one more line - future holds. thank you forjoining us. thank you. one more line of. us. thank you. one more line of football needs _ us. thank you. one more line of football needs to _ us. thank you. one more line of football needs to bring - us. thank you. one more line of football needs to bring you. -- l

football needs to bring you. —— football needs to bring you. —— football news. at 5pm today, the deadline closes for applications to host euro 2028, with reports saying that the joint bid from the uk and ireland is set to be unopposed, as it appears to be the only one on the table. patrick gearey has this report. five nations, potentially 63 games, and seemingly no competition. euro 2028 could be coming our way. unless someone else is waiting until stoppage time, a joint bid between the four uk associations and the football association of ireland will be the only folder on uefa's desk. it was only last month they switched tactics, moving from a bid for the 2030 world cup to the preceding european championship. it would be a festival of football for everybody, and i think that everybody involved would get behind it and it would be an amazing, again, it would be an amazing thing to see. i was maybe just too young to experience when england had the euros in '96, but every tournament is amazing when it's staged in one place. the increasingly sepia—toned summer of 1996 was the last time england hosted the tournament alone.

football returned home last summer as well when wembley hosted a semifinal and the final itself. but the chaotic scenes surrounding the match casts doubt on whether the fa would be asked again. i think what happened was a very near miss. the benefit of a very near miss is actually you can learn from it to make sure it never happens again. uefa don't have a lot of choice. russia, who hosted the last world cup, had shown an interest, but that bid was rejected after the invasion of ukraine. and no other serious proposals have emerged. it's a major undertaking. the tournament is likely to expand to 32 teams. so at least12 grounds would be needed. and the nations who have around a century and a half of footballing rivalry behind them may have six years of working together. there might be a tournament to plan. patrick gearey, bbc news.

5pm today, for that deadline for applications to close, may be football is coming home again. irate football is coming home again. we will football is coming home again. - will sing anyway! today marks two years since the prime minister announced the uk's first official lockdown, telling the country: "you must stay at home". since then, nearly 164,000 people have died with covid—19. here's how one hospital, the royal derby, looks back on that time. rob sissons reports. meet paul, a porter in derby's hospitals for 11 years. he says the last two have been the toughest. paul's job means he walks 12 to 15 miles a day at work. in the pandemic, he says, there's been the enemy, the invisible virus, and also another one, fear. a lot of people didn't want to come into hospital because they thought they were actually putting themselves at more harm risk than anything else. we were probably the safest place to be because we have got all the safety features in place,

and obviously, we are still here for people who haven't got corona. we are a hospital 2a hours a day, so that's what we do. he says many people who ended up in hospital with covid felt disorientated. some were very frightened, some were blase, but the majority, i think, were confused to what was going to happen, what next. how long are they going to have the covid for, what symptoms. people have different symptoms and for different lengths of time, so there is a lot of confusion, a lot of worry. survival rates in intensive care have improved throughout the pandemic. but it was a huge learning curve, helped by the development of new treatments. this pharmacist at the royal derby hospital says her team has an importantjob with more and more drug therapy is now available available for covid patients. to begin with, there were no covid treatments at all so then we got involved in the recovery trials to develop new covid management and covid treatment. so that was just looking at stuff like steroids to begin with,

and any of the anti—virals, which have become a mainstay in treatment now. so we were enrolled in that and we took on a lot of patients during that time. the mortuary manager, gavin whelan, is proud of how his team has coped. the derby based trust had more deaths, nearly 2000, linked to covid, more than any other in the east midlands. we have felt the mental fatigue over the last two years. i think it's important to say that it was very, very busy, and, you know, the team just fantastically kept going all the way through. the mortuary is a very busy place to be, normally, over winter to easter period. and we still that activity level increase throughout the year. and we saw that activity level increase throughout the year. that first year, it started to tail off a little bit as we put in those restrictions and lockdowns but then we started getting into winter periods again, those deaths just started creeping up again. vaccines have changed so much. deaths are way down and the hope with that protection, the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

a memorial concert to mark two years since the first nationwide lockdown is being held at st paul's cathedral this morning. our health correspondent cath burns is there for us. good morning. how will people be marking the event today? two years ago at st pauls the bells fell silent as lockdown started, today they are marking it with a special memorial concert paying tribute to those who died and a special recognition to nhs staff and care workers who worked so hard during the pandemic. no cameras are allowed inside yet but i have had a sneak peek, it's absolutely beautiful, the early morning sun adapting to the stained glass windows. even at 7am it was really noisy because they are working on a permanent covid memorial which will open later this year. now i am joined by two people who will be at the concert tonight, emily and geraldine, thank you both. emily you

are normally a ward nurse but you got redeployed to intensive care during the pandemic, how was that? it was really tough. the first wave was challenging, because we were facing an unknown virus, and it was hard going in, not knowing what you are doing to yourself and whether you are taking it home. the second wave was even harder, actually. i was moved to a different hospital, and where, as an intensive care nurse, i would and where, as an intensive care nurse, iwould be and where, as an intensive care nurse, i would be taken care of one patient, i was then taking care of two, three orfour patient, i was then taking care of two, three or four patients. that was emotionally and physically exhausting. was emotionally and physically exhausting-— was emotionally and physically exhaustina. ., ., ., ., exhausting. you are often there for --eole exhausting. you are often there for people who — exhausting. you are often there for people who were — exhausting. you are often there for people who were dying _ exhausting. you are often there for people who were dying when - exhausting. you are often there for people who were dying when their. people who were dying when their families were not able to be. what was that like? it families were not able to be. what was that like?— was that like? it was really hard. i remember — was that like? it was really hard. i remember one _ was that like? it was really hard. i remember one occasion _ was that like? it was really hard. i remember one occasion being - was that like? it was really hard. i | remember one occasion being with was that like? it was really hard. i i remember one occasion being with a gentleman, knowing that he was deteriorating at night, calling the family to come in, and not knowing

if they would make it. and i sat with him holding his hand. and they didn't make it in time. and i won't forget the pain on their faces when they saw him. do forget the pain on their faces when they saw him-— forget the pain on their faces when they saw him. do you think you have rocessed they saw him. do you think you have processed what _ they saw him. do you think you have processed what you _ they saw him. do you think you have processed what you have _ they saw him. do you think you have processed what you have been - they saw him. do you think you have i processed what you have been through in the last couple of years? hie. it in the last couple of years? no. it has been parked _ in the last couple of years? no. it has been parked somewhere. - in the last couple of years? no. it has been parked somewhere. do| in the last couple of years? no. it i has been parked somewhere. do you think events — has been parked somewhere. do you think events like _ has been parked somewhere. do you think events like today _ has been parked somewhere. do you think events like today are _ has been parked somewhere. do you think events like today are part i has been parked somewhere. do you think events like today are part of. think events like today are part of that? of you coming back to see what you have been through and marking it? yeah, ithink you have been through and marking it? yeah, i think since the pandemic, there has been a real recognition for the work that nhs and social care workers have done. there has been more recognition and that can only be a good thing. hand that can only be a good thing. and events like — that can only be a good thing. fific events like this, families, that can only be a good thing. 2:1c events like this, families, i that can only be a good thing. 2.1c events like this, families, i think really, i hope that they can take

something from today to remember their loved one as they would have liked to remember them. and for us who have worked through it, and for everybody, that we can take a moment of reflection today because the pandemic has taught us stuff. it has taught us that the health and loved ones are so important.— taught us that the health and loved ones are so important. thank you for eve hinu ones are so important. thank you for everything you _ ones are so important. thank you for everything you have _ ones are so important. thank you for everything you have done. _ ones are so important. thank you for| everything you have done. geraldine, i can see that was quite tough for you to listen to. you lost your mum during the pandemic.— you to listen to. you lost your mum during the pandemic. yes, my mum assed during the pandemic. yes, my mum passed away — during the pandemic. yes, my mum passed away during _ during the pandemic. yes, my mum passed away during the _ during the pandemic. yes, my mum passed away during the second i during the pandemic. yes, my mum i passed away during the second wave, we were _ passed away during the second wave, we were able to keep her in a bubble during— we were able to keep her in a bubble during the— we were able to keep her in a bubble during the first one and she went into hospital on the 3rd ofjanuary and that— into hospital on the 3rd ofjanuary and that was the last time i saw her _ and that was the last time i saw her i_ and that was the last time i saw her i put— and that was the last time i saw her. i put her in an ambulance and kissed— her. i put her in an ambulance and kissed her— her. i put her in an ambulance and kissed herand said her. i put her in an ambulance and kissed her and said i would look after— kissed her and said i would look after her— kissed her and said i would look after her home and see her when she -ot after her home and see her when she got back _ after her home and see her when she not back. ., ., ., ., , ., , got back. you are not able to visit her in hospital— got back. you are not able to visit her in hospital so _ got back. you are not able to visit her in hospital so people - got back. you are not able to visit her in hospital so people like i got back. you are not able to visit| her in hospital so people like emily cared for you —— her when you can,

how did you cope with that? the whole thing _ how did you cope with that? the whole thing about someone being in hospital— whole thing about someone being in hospital is— whole thing about someone being in hospital is you just want to make them _ hospital is you just want to make them feel— hospital is you just want to make them feel better, take them grapes and flowers and read to them and i was not _ and flowers and read to them and i was not able to go in. i did have covid _ was not able to go in. i did have covid myself at the time, and i was 'ust covid myself at the time, and i was just relying — covid myself at the time, and i was just relying on phone calls and texts — just relying on phone calls and texts and _ just relying on phone calls and texts and speaking to some of the nurses _ texts and speaking to some of the nurses. but it was unprecedented times, _ nurses. but it was unprecedented times, they were so busy, so overworked. sometimes the phone would _ overworked. sometimes the phone would ring — overworked. sometimes the phone would ring and you just have to understand that they could not always — understand that they could not always answer. but when you did get through. _ always answer. but when you did get through. at— always answer. but when you did get through, at least then i got to find out what _ through, at least then i got to find out what was happening with my mum. your mum _ out what was happening with my mum. your mum phoned you the night before she died saying she was having trouble breathing, that might have been so hard not being able to see her? ,, , ., , been so hard not being able to see her? ,, , ., ., her? she said, she called out 2am and said, please _ her? she said, she called out 2am and said, please help _ her? she said, she called out 2am and said, please help me, - her? she said, she called out 2am and said, please help me, i- her? she said, she called out 2am and said, please help me, i can't. and said, please help me, i can't breathe, — and said, please help me, i can't breathe, my daughter was with me and she called _ breathe, my daughter was with me and she called the hospital on the other

91 she _ she called the hospital on the other 91 she was — she called the hospital on the other 91 she was trying to console my mum. one of— 91 she was trying to console my mum. one of the _ 91 she was trying to console my mum. one of the nurses went in and calm her down — one of the nurses went in and calm her down i— one of the nurses went in and calm her down. i told one of the nurses went in and calm her down. itold her that one of the nurses went in and calm her down. i told her that i loved her down. i told her that i loved her and — her down. i told her that i loved her and she _ her down. i told her that i loved herand she said her down. i told her that i loved her and she said that she loved me too and _ her and she said that she loved me too and to— her and she said that she loved me too and to sleep well, i called the hospital— too and to sleep well, i called the hospital the next morning but she had passed away. that was the last thing _ had passed away. that was the last thing we _ had passed away. that was the last thing we said. i�*m had passed away. that was the last thing we said-— thing we said. i'm so sorry, and i can see that _ thing we said. i'm so sorry, and i can see that that _ thing we said. i'm so sorry, and i can see that that is _ thing we said. i'm so sorry, and i can see that that is very - thing we said. i'm so sorry, and i can see that that is very hard i thing we said. i'm so sorry, and i can see that that is very hard for| can see that that is very hard for you as well. here we are at st pauls only used to come here with your mum as well? , ., _, ., only used to come here with your mum as well? , ., . ., ., ., as well? yes, we would come and have as well? yes, we would come and have a look around — as well? yes, we would come and have a look around and _ as well? yes, we would come and have a look around and go _ as well? yes, we would come and have a look around and go for _ as well? yes, we would come and have a look around and go for lunch - as well? yes, we would come and have a look around and go for lunch so i as well? yes, we would come and have a look around and go for lunch so it i a look around and go for lunch so it is a very— a look around and go for lunch so it is a very special place. she would be so _ is a very special place. she would be so proud — is a very special place. she would be so proud with everything the team here has— be so proud with everything the team here has done, nicky wayne and sarah and pauline, _ here has done, nicky wayne and sarah and pauline, and everyone behind this whole — and pauline, and everyone behind this whole thing. i and pauline, and everyone behind this whole thing.— this whole thing. i hope you both en'o it this whole thing. i hope you both enjoy it today- — this whole thing. i hope you both enjoy it today. all _ this whole thing. i hope you both enjoy it today. all of _ this whole thing. i hope you both enjoy it today. all of the - this whole thing. i hope you both enjoy it today. all of the tickets i enjoy it today. all of the tickets are sold out for this but you can watch it on a live stream which will

be on from 7pm tonight. thank you very much indeed. you're watching bbc breakfast. we will be talking about inflation figures, we will be live in liverpool in the moment. it's 8:59.

this is bbc news with the latest headlines. as the chancellor prepares to make his spring statement — new figures show the cost of living has risen by more than 6% — the fastest increase in over 30 years. rishi sunak is under pressure to promise more help for struggling families — as many face soaring energy, fuel and food costs. i used to love going to the beach but i can't even afford that in fuel now. because i have got a car to run as well. so we just do little things like this now. sometimes we'll even get a bus now, won't we, instead? in ukraine, new aerial images emerge of the battered city of mariupol. president zelensky says more than 100,000 civilians remain there — without food, water or medicine. two years on from the first coronavirus lockdown,

events are held across the uk to remember lives lost,