this is bbc news. the headlines: some asylum seekers who arrive in the uk will be sent to rwanda to be processed and then resettled there, under new government plans. but critics say the proposals are cruel and inhumane. this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms, will provide safe and legal routes for asylum while disrupting the business model of the gangs. russia's flagship vessel in the black sea has been seriously damaged. russia says a fire on board caused an explosion, but ukraine claims it hit the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for hospital treatments. 6

million people were on waiting lists at the end of february. the number of people in the uk infected with coronavirus is falling but remains very high. about one in 15 people are still testing positive. 15 people are still testing ositive. �* ., 15 people are still testing positive-— 15 people are still testing ositive. �* ., ., ~ ., , positive. i'm on the north wales coast speaking _ positive. i'm on the north wales coast speaking to _ positive. i'm on the north wales coast speaking to voters - positive. i'm on the north wales coast speaking to voters and - coast speaking to voters and candidates ahead of the local elections on the 5th of may. taking to the skies — elections on the 5th of may. taking to the skies without _ elections on the 5th of may. taking to the skies without leaving - elections on the 5th of may. taking to the skies without leaving the - to the skies without leaving the ground, wejoin the mountain rescue teams using drones to help search for people lost and stranded on some of britain's highest peaks.

some people who arrive in the uk illegally are to be sent to rwanda — with the prime minister saying our compassion is infinite but our capacity to help people is not. some people refused permission to stay in the uk will instead be sent 4,000 miles to east africa. it's part of a range of measures to try to cut the number of people crossing the english channel in small boats. the government sees it as a way to reduce illegal migration. but critics have called the plans "cruel". last year, almost 29,000 people crossed the english channel in small boats. yesterday alone, 600 people made the crossing. at least 44 drowned in 2021. the uk is expected to give £120 million to the rwandan government under a trial scheme. borisjohnson says rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world — but last year at the united nations, the uk demanded investigations into killings, disappearances and torture in the country. australia and other countries have already tried the controversial policy of sending migrants overseas. 0ur political correspondent

jonathan blake reports. arriving this morning, migrants rescued trying to cross the english channel, a dangerous journey for thousands each year, a problem the government has so far failed to tackle. the solution, ministers believe, lies 4000 miles away. the home secretary priti patel visiting rwanda, where the government wants to send many of those arriving on small boats. the scheme would see mostly single men sent to the central african country where they could attempt to claim asylum to live and work. the prime minister in kent today said the plan was part of the uk taking back control of immigration. this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms will provide safe and legal routes for asylum, while disrupting the business model of the gangs.

because it means that economic migrants taking advantage of the asylum system will not get to stay in the uk. while those in genuine need will be properly protected, including with access to legal services on arrival in rwanda. he promised support for safe and legal routes, such as refugee resettlement schemes, but opposition parties are scathing. they are unworkable, extortionate and will cost the taxpayers billions of pounds and they reflect a prime minister who has got no grip, no answers to the questions that need answering and no shame. and ijust think britain deserves better than this. i absolutely accept we need to stop this happening, - but you do that by providing safe |and legal routes, not by sendingi people thousands of miles away- to a country that already has a poor human rights record that the uk has previously questioned. _

it just turns my stomach to see our government acting in our name can behave in such a way. i think a lot of people will be quite a gas. in the last four years the numbers crossing the channel in small boats has climbed from 297 in 2018 to almost 29,000 last year. this year has already seen 4578 arrivals and look set to be a new record. rwanda's human rights record is one concern refugee groups have. the prime minister said he expected a legal challenge and that the plans will not be put in place overnight. but desperate to deal with channel crossings with limited options at hand, ministers hope a pledge to send people away will prove to be a deterrent. jonathan blake, bbc news, westminster. earlier our home editor mark easton gave us this update. it has taken nine months of intense

negotiations and discussions and we are going to be given a document later today which will explain how this will work. in essence, it is basically taking people who arrive in the uk as asylum seekers but have arrived by what the government describes as an illegal unofficial route. they will then be deemed inadmissible for the asylum process inadmissible for the asylum process in the uk. they will be regarded as illegal migrants and on the basis of that will be forcibly repatriated to rwanda, a country that for the vast majority they will have never been to. when they get here there is an accommodation block, which we've seen this morning, which may be the first place some of them will go to. about a hundred or so. after that, the rwandans will do the process. they will decide whether that person is a genuine refugee. if they are they will then be entitled to remain in rwanda, to be a part of this country plus macro economic development. if they aren't, they

will be repatriated to their country of origin in the normal way by the rwandan authorities. at the moment it looks as if there is going to be legal checks on this. it'll be decided in the court at some stage. the ambition is very significant. 0ne the ambition is very significant. one of the home office advisers has just told me that the government hopes this scheme in the end will see tens of thousands of migrants moved from the uk down to rwanda. we do hope to bring you more reaction on this news today in the coming moments. do stay with us for that. ukraine is claiming to have carried out a missile attack on the flagship of russia's black sea fleet, setting it on fire. the russians admit the moskva has been badly damaged but they say it was because ammunition on board exploded. it's thought there were about 500 crew on board. it is 50 days today since russia's invasion and the start of the war. 0ur correspondent anna foster

reports from kyiv. a symbol of russian naval power, but last night the flagship moskva caught fire and its crew evacuated. it's an ageing vessel, but still an important one. russia insists it doesn't know why the blaze started, but ukraine says it fired two missiles which hit their target. for it to just be sitting out there, you know, it's a really bad thing for the russian navy, and a boost, no matter what happened, it's a boost for the ukrainian side. 50 days since this war began russia has changed its focus. it set out to capture key targets like kyiv, but failed and pulled back. now it wants to salvage what it can from this conflict to save face at home, and that means moving east. the focus of this war is now on the donbas region. satellite pictures show russian forces moving into place for a fresh assault.

if it also takes the city of mariupol, that will release even more troops to push forward. the images of devastation in ukraine show the toll this war has taken so far, but as it moves into a new phase there are fears what happens next could be even worse. anna foster, bbc news. earlier our moscow correspondent jenny hill gave us the latest on the strike ukraine claims to have made on russia's flaghsip vessel in the black sea. we have had an update from moscow. they say they have the fire under control but there were significant damage. they are going to tow the vessel back to port and continue investigations because they say they have not established the cause of that fire. if it is proven that this is the result of a ukrainian missile strike, this would be a powerfully symbolic moment. it's loss under

those circumstances would be potentially an impactful moment from the point of russian morale and it would certainly give a strong boost to the ukrainian defenders. we will have to wait and see if we get any kind of independent confirmation. i want to bring you up—to—date on another point. last night moscow said it would bomb decision—making centres in kyiv and other parts of ukraine if ukrainian forces don't stop attacks on russian territory. we are talking about the border area between the two countries. we heard this morning from officials that there has been another strike on a border crossing and that a residential area has been hit. we don't have now a direct response from moscow but this is potentially, and i say potentially, the moment where we could see an escalation. jenny hill there. jenny has also been sending us information that we

can't yet verify that russian investigators say ukraine carried out air strikes on a residential area in russia earlier today. 0fficials area in russia earlier today. officials say two low—flying military helicopters equipped with heavy arms damaged houses and injured people. the report has not been independently verified. this happened after russia said it would bomb targets in ukraine if ukrainian forces continued to attack its territory. that has come to us from jenny hill, our correspondence in moscow. —— correspondent. some asylum seekers arriving in the uk will be sent on a one—way flight to rwanda under new government plans. russia's flagship vessel in the black sea has been significantly damaged. russia said a fire on board caused an explosion but ukraine claims it hit the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for routine hospital

treatment in england as nhs leaders claim easter could be as bad as some winters for the health service. let's get more now on our top story today. borisjohnson has outlined a plan to send single male asylum seeker and is to rwanda to be processed and resettled. —— male asylum seekers to rwanda. women without children will also be considered for deportation if they arrive illegally. refugee organisations have criticised the plan as cruel. we can speak now to tom hunt, conservative mp for ipswich. thanks forjoining us. to clarify, is it possible that families could be sent to rwanda? we are hearing women as well as men. it be sent to rwanda? we are hearing women as well as men.—

women as well as men. if you are a sinale women as well as men. if you are a single man. — women as well as men. if you are a single man. you — women as well as men. if you are a single man, you could _ women as well as men. if you are a single man, you could well- women as well as men. if you are a single man, you could well end - women as well as men. if you are a single man, you could well end up. women as well as men. if you are a l single man, you could well end up in rwanda, and if you are a single woman you could do, as well. i think some of the criteria isn't being made public at the moment because we don't want smugglers to start targeting vulnerable people, which i think sounds reasonable. an unaccompanied child won't be sent to rwanda and if you have family in the uk you won't be sent either. you su ort uk you won't be sent either. you sunport this _ uk you won't be sent either. you support this move, _ uk you won't be sent either. you support this move, do you, despite the criticism coming and that this is cruel, inhumane, and people shouldn't be given a one—way ticket to an african nation whose human rights record has been criticised? you say that but my understanding is the un and the eu currently settle refugees in rwanda. that's my current understanding. i haven't seen anything that suggests to me top seen anything that suggests to me to n�* seen anything that suggests to me to a , ., seen anything that suggests to me to n�* , ., ., , seen anything that suggests to me top the uk government has, i think, already expressed _ top the uk government has, i think, already expressed its _ top the uk government has, i think, already expressed its concerns - top the uk government has, i think, | already expressed its concerns about the human rights record. that i haven't seen anything that suggests to me a dotty it if you come here seeking a safe

haven,is if you come here seeking a safe haven, is itjust orfair to be then sent, to be deported, to rwanda? there might be some confusion there. they have come over from france. they have come over from france. they haven't come directly from those countries. they have come over from france which is another safe european country. that is an important point to make and that makes them different from us taking refugees, people who are fleeing persecution. but refugees, people who are fleeing persecution-— refugees, people who are fleeing ersecution. �* , ., �* . persecution. but they aren't french, are the ? persecution. but they aren't french, are they? they've — persecution. but they aren't french, are they? they've come _ persecution. but they aren't french, are they? they've come from - are they? they've come from countries facing conflict. mitt; countries facing conflict. why haven't they _ countries facing conflict. why haven't they applied - countries facing conflict. b’g�*u} haven't they applied for countries facing conflict. “teeny haven't they applied for asylum countries facing conflict. igg�*iy haven't they applied for asylum in france or the other safe european countries? 1&5 france or the other safe european countries? �* , , ., france or the other safe european countries?— france or the other safe european countries? a ~ ., ., , ., countries? as you know, many of them will say they — countries? as you know, many of them will say they have _ countries? as you know, many of them will say they have family _ countries? as you know, many of them will say they have family links - countries? as you know, many of them will say they have family links in - will say they have family links in the uk or they have a bigger affinity in language terms in the uk

and they say there is no safe route for applying for asylum here and they are therefore forced into these illegal groups. there is no legal option for them. i’m illegal groups. there is no legal option for them.— illegal groups. there is no legal option for them. i'm really proud of what the government _ option for them. i'm really proud of what the government is _ option for them. i'm really proud of what the government is doing - option for them. i'm really proud of what the government is doing and l option for them. i'm really proud of. what the government is doing and has done over the last few years being a welcoming haven for refugees including the afghan scheme, the hong kong scheme. and we are also helping the people from ukraine. for each person who arrives here illegally from france, many of them are economic migrants, it puts pressure on the system and limits our ability to show genuine compassion to genuine refugees. mani; compassion to genuine refugees. many who come to — compassion to genuine refugees. many who come to this _ compassion to genuine refugees. many who come to this country _ compassion to genuine refugees. many who come to this country via france, and there is an issue with all of the people coming through europe. i think nobody would counter that. there is a big question about the european response as a whole. but for people who have family links or language links and want to come to the uk and feel it is for historic terms the most appropriate place to come, if there is no safe route what

should they do if they are a genuine refugee? the should they do if they are a genuine refu~ee? ~ , , should they do if they are a genuine refu~ee? ~' , , , ., refugee? the key thing is they are safe. they would _ refugee? the key thing is they are safe. they would be _ refugee? the key thing is they are safe. they would be safe - refugee? the key thing is they are safe. they would be safe in - refugee? the key thing is they are safe. they would be safe in any i refugee? the key thing is they are safe. they would be safe in any of| safe. they would be safe in any of the european countries they are passing through. and they would be safe in rwanda, as well. that's the key thing. i do think that all international countries have an obligation to make sure that's the case. of course, we do have a big job to do when it comes to accepting refugees from the ukraine and afghanistan. that places pressure on the system of public services. it is right that we welcome them. but it also means we have to create these schemes. there is nothing warm—hearted about turning a blind eye to people dying in the english channel. ~ , ., , �* channel. why doesn't the government then create safe _ channel. why doesn't the government then create safe routes _ channel. why doesn't the government then create safe routes for _ then create safe routes for everybody? it has four ukrainians. it had some safe options for a limited number of people from

afghanistan. —— for ukrainians. why is there not a policy for people from anywhere who can apply if they are genuinely fearing persecution? if you are fearing persecution it is about getting to a safe country. that's the key thing. i think we should prioritise on taking genuine refugees from the areas or close to the areas in question, which is what we are doing. we've got to create a deterrent. we've got to send that message that if you arrive here illegally why should you get ahead in the queue? you shouldn't. we should prioritise refugees coming from... i5 should prioritise refugees coming from... , ., ., ., from... is it not a contradictory message _ from... is it not a contradictory message to — from... is it not a contradictory message to say _ from... is it not a contradictory message to say that _ from... is it not a contradictory message to say that rwanda i from... is it not a contradictory message to say that rwanda is| from... is it not a contradictory - message to say that rwanda is both a safe place to send people, you aren't concerned about its human rights records, and also it's a deterrent, those two things don't stack up, do they? taste deterrent, those two things don't stack up, do they?— stack up, do they? we get to the heart of the _ stack up, do they? we get to the heart of the matter _ stack up, do they? we get to the heart of the matter which - stack up, do they? we get to the heart of the matter which is - stack up, do they? we get to the heart of the matter which is that | heart of the matter which is that some of those people who are looking to get to the uk i actually think that they've almost, they are

economic migrants, some of them. it's wrong to assume every single person who arrives here illegally automatically becomes a refugee. many may not be. the key thing is getting to a safe country away from persecution. row and it is good for that. as are the other countries in mainland europe. that's the key thing we should be focusing on. we've got a legal immigration system, a points—based immigration system. if somebody wants to come here legally they can apply. as a country we can make a decision about whether we want to welcome them or not depending on their needs. but when it comes to the asylum system, we shouldn't have a system based on people just wanting to come here because they think it would be slightly better than another safe country. slightly better than another safe count . . , slightly better than another safe count . ., , .., slightly better than another safe count . ., , ., country. finally, ifi can raise a question _ country. finally, ifi can raise a question many _ country. finally, ifi can raise a question many people - country. finally, ifi can raise a question many people have - country. finally, ifi can raise a - question many people have raised, whether this announcement is being made to deflect attention from the huge criticism facing both boris johnson and rishi sunak over the find they both received for partying

in downing street. there are reports they could face more fines. the —— with a fine they both received. for somebody who has been proven to have flouted the law, shouldn't he apologise and offer the resignation of —— opposition parties are demanding? i of -- opposition parties are demanding?— of -- opposition parties are demanding? i think the prime minister was _ demanding? i think the prime minister was accused - demanding? i think the prime minister was accused of - demanding? i think the prime i minister was accused of making demanding? i think the prime . minister was accused of making a distraction. he is trying to tackle an issue which is of grave concern, he is again accused of using it as a distraction. i want him to get on and deal with the issues which are important to my constituents. i don't think he should resign, no. thanks very much indeed for your

time. jacqueline mckenzie joins us. i don't know if you are able to hear our previous guest who makes the point that many people have... if you have come through europe fearing persecution why aren't people applying in europe? therefore the government is being. take these radical measures, isn't it?- radical measures, isn't it? first, lots of confusion _ radical measures, isn't it? first, lots of confusion with _ radical measures, isn't it? first, lots of confusion with tom - radical measures, isn't it? first, j lots of confusion with tom which radical measures, isn't it? first, | lots of confusion with tom which i could spend all day trying to unpick. people from hong kong aren't refugees. having said all of that, people do claim asylum in france. three times as many people claim asylum in france than do in the uk. we are 11th on the list of eu countries. we are no longer in the eu but geographically we are 11th on the list of countries that receive asylum seekers. it is a myth that we

don't. greece and hungary take more asylum seekers than we do. now, because of the situation in ukraine, we are seeing lots of other countries taking more. poland took in 2 million people in the last month. we get about 30,000 people crossing the channel. and tom is wrong. of that amount, 98% of them, this is from the home office's data, go on to claim asylum. 0f this is from the home office's data, go on to claim asylum. of those, over 75%, go on to claim asylum. of those, over75%, if go on to claim asylum. of those, over 75%, if you factor in appeals, go on to be deemed to be refugees. that shows that they were fleeing persecution and they were genuine refugees. 0verall persecution and they were genuine refugees. overall we should look at the general picture around the world. this is all predicated. it is a cruel thing and it breaches our obligations under international law. people are entitled to claim asylum here but very few do. 0verall there

are 26 million people seeking asylum across the globe at the moment. 4 million people ended up in four neighbouring countries. we are dealing with a very, very tiny number and it makes you think, therefore, that there is something going on. what sort of country are we trying to present ourselves as, you know, based on whatever measure you know, based on whatever measure you use, fifth, sixth, seventh richest country in the world, and we don't want to meet our international obligations. don't want to meet our international obliuations. �* ., , don't want to meet our international obliuations. 1, _ ., don't want to meet our international obliuations. ., obligations. boris johnson has a hue obligations. boris johnson has a huge majority- _ obligations. boris johnson has a huge majority- it _ obligations. boris johnson has a huge majority. it was _ obligations. boris johnson has a huge majority. it was based - obligations. boris johnson has a huge majority. it was based onl huge majority. it was based on brexit. that was based on minimising immigration for many people. that was one of the key demands voters wanted. making uk borders more secure, as people see it. isn't this policy going to deliver that?- policy going to deliver that? first, as i said, most _ policy going to deliver that? first, as i said, most of _ policy going to deliver that? first, as i said, most of the _ policy going to deliver that? first, as i said, most of the people - policy going to deliver that? f st as i said, most of the people who come through the roots because the concern is people coming over the channel. they are deemed to be

genuine refugees. if you are a genuine refugees. if you are a genuine refugees. if you are a genuine refugee you will do whatever to get here no matter what block is put in the way. that's why we are seeing people take so many risks and going through so many risky routes to try to get here. do going through so many risky routes to try to get here.— to try to get here. do you think those going — to try to get here. do you think those going to _ to try to get here. do you think those going to -- _ to try to get here. do you think those going to -- do _ to try to get here. do you think those going to -- do you - to try to get here. do you think those going to -- do you think| to try to get here. do you think. those going to -- do you think the those going to —— do you think the threat of being sent to rwanda will deter people? it threat of being sent to rwanda will deter people?— threat of being sent to rwanda will deter people? it might. and we will continue to — deter people? it might. and we will continue to get _ deter people? it might. and we will continue to get the _ deter people? it might. and we will continue to get the numbers. - deter people? it might. and we willj continue to get the numbers. those numbers shouldn't be concerning us because they are very, very tiny. what kind of country are we... there is the whole issue about the thais people have with the uk, why they want to come here, language values, family values, religious values... but that isn't the basis of asylum law. the sooner you escape the place you are fleeing persecution, as soon as you arrive in your first port of

safety you are supposed to apply for asylum there. that safety you are supposed to apply for asylum there-— asylum there. that is not what international _ asylum there. that is not what international law _ asylum there. that is not what international law says - asylum there. that is not what international law says at - asylum there. that is not what international law says at all. . asylum there. that is not what international law says at all. it j international law says at all. it does allow you to claim asylum in a place that you can get two or a place that you can get two or a place where you've got family ties or cultural ties. the uk is a safe haven. we are talking about sending people to render because it is a safe haven. the uk is a safe haven. —— are sending people to rwanda. we aren't taking enough when we look at the global story. d0 aren't taking enough when we look at the global story-— the global story. do you think this may become _ the global story. do you think this may become law? _ the global story. do you think this may become law? are _ the global story. do you think this may become law? are the - the global story. do you think this may become law? are the legal . may become law? are the legal concerns about it?— concerns about it? lots of legal concerns about it? lots of legal concerns about _ concerns about it? lots of legal concerns about it _ concerns about it? lots of legal concerns about it because - concerns about it? lots of legal concerns about it because it - concerns about it because it breaches our obligations and international treaties. i don't how we are going to do that. we are trying to legitimise it so it will become law in this country but what about our international obligations as a civilisation? we are paying rwanda 120 million. is that every

year? every two years? what is that? we don't know. we don't know the details. today we understand but this morning we thought it would just be males affected, but now we understand it is women, it could be children. where are we going? this is predicated on the australian scheme where women have been raped and children have suffered abuse. why can we not give safe haven to 30, 40,000 people per year when we see our neighbours, for example poland, giving a safe haven to 2 million people in the last month. thank you for your time today. we have some breaking news from scotland. a doctor from we have some breaking news from scotland. a doctorfrom north lanarkshire has been found guilty of 54 sex offence charges. the 72—year—old gave inappropriate examinations and made sleazy comments to 48 patients during

appointments in various medical settings. his patients included a rape victim, teenage children and pregnant women. prosecutors described how the sexual predator was hiding in plain sight for decades. he was awarded an mbe in 2013. he was a gp. he denied the charges but was found guilty of multiple offences which are carried out between 1983 and 2018. he was found not... that hasjust out between 1983 and 2018. he was found not... that has just come out between 1983 and 2018. he was found not... that hasjust come in from our colleagues in glasgow. the number of people in the uk infected with coronavirus is falling according to the office for national statistics. 4.4 million people had the virus in the week up to the 9th of april. that is roughly one in 15 people testing positive. the number

of people waiting for routine hospital procedures in england has risen to a new record according to fair the latest data. one in nine people in england where waiting to start their treatment at the end of february, that's the highest number since records began in 2007. the number of people waiting more than 12 hours in accident and emergency reached another record high. chris hobsonjoins me now. ——joining me now is chris hopson, cheif executive of nhs providers — the organisation which represents nhs trusts. give me the picture that you are seeing. give me the picture that you are seeina. give me the picture that you are seeini. ,, , ., ., ., seeing. the nhs is going flat out. we know we've — seeing. the nhs is going flat out. we know we've got _ seeing. the nhs is going flat out. we know we've got to _ seeing. the nhs is going flat out. we know we've got to get - seeing. the nhs is going flat out. | we know we've got to get through seeing. the nhs is going flat out. - we know we've got to get through the backlog is as a result of covid—19. we know we have a pressured accident and emergency care pathway. we are seeing large numbers of ambulance delays, large numbers of 12 hour waits for amd, so wherever you look, really, it is very pressured. ——

waits for a&e. we have higher levels of covid—19 around than we were expecting. that means we have 16,500 beds with covid patient in them. we've got 70,000 staff who are off at the moment. about 40% of whom are due to covid. we've also got 20,000 medically fit people we cannot discharge partly because of the pressure in social care and that also due to the impact of covid with them. as i understand it, something like 4000 of the 10,000 care homes are currently experiencing covid outbreaks. wherever you look, the nhs and our wider care system, it is under significant pressure at the moment. �* . , under significant pressure at the moment. �* ., , ., , under significant pressure at the moment. ., , ., , ., moment. are there any moves to the iublic or moment. are there any moves to the public or government _ moment. are there any moves to the public or government should - moment. are there any moves to the public or government should take - moment. are there any moves to the public or government should take to | public or government should take to try and help?— try and help? what's really interesting, _ try and help? what's really interesting, i— try and help? what's really interesting, i don't - try and help? what's really interesting, i don't know. try and help? what's really - interesting, i don't know about you but i've had quite a few friends who

have basically come back from abroad on holiday for their easter holiday over the last couple of weeks and one of the things they come back and say to me is that there is a stark contrast between the degree of mask wearing in public places, particularly in crowded public places that you see in places like spain, italy, and france, and over here. i worry about the fact that the government doesn't seem to want to talk about the fact that we have got very high levels of covid prevalence and that that is putting a huge pressure on the nhs. my get the argument as to why we got rid of mandatory mask wearing but it feels a bit of a jump to go from on the one hand saying that you've got to... everybody should be wearing masks to it is all fine now. one of the things people could do is absolutely if you go out to think carefully about whether you want to wear a mask, particularly if you are going to be in a crowded public place. d0 going to be in a crowded public lace. , ., going to be in a crowded public ilace. ,, ~' .,

going to be in a crowded public ilace. ~ ., , going to be in a crowded public lace. 4' ., , ~' , place. do you think that is likely to happen _ place. do you think that is likely to happen if _ place. do you think that is likely to happen if it — place. do you think that is likely to happen if it isn't _ place. do you think that is likely to happen if it isn't made - to happen if it isn't made mandatory? and is there any chance at all of this government, head of local elections, wanting to keep the public on side perhaps, of imposing further restrictions? has i public on side perhaps, of imposing further restrictions?— further restrictions? as i said, i'm not arguing _ further restrictions? as i said, i'm not arguing that — further restrictions? as i said, i'm not arguing that we _ further restrictions? as i said, i'm not arguing that we should - further restrictions? as i said, i'm not arguing that we should go - further restrictions? as i said, i'm| not arguing that we should go back to mandatory mask wearing but there have been a number of points throughout this process where effectively we've had very clear public health advice from a combination of government ministers but also the chief scientific 0fficer but also the chief scientific officer and chief medical officer being very clear about what the risks are and what worries me and worries a lot of the trust leaders i represent is that we've suddenly gone from this position of having, you know, this very draconian restriction into a position now where, effectively, we are sort of saying, it's all fine now, it's gone but the reality is it hasn't gone. it's coming off in terms of the peak but we've had record levels of, you know, coronavirus infections. we

know, coronavirus infections. we know this variant is particularly transmissible and what i'm saying is i think it is important people should understand and be helped to understand what the level of risk is. ., «a understand what the level of risk is. ., ~', , understand what the level of risk is. ., , . understand what the level of risk is. thanks very much. russian investigators _ is. thanks very much. russian investigators say _ is. thanks very much. russian investigators say ukraine - is. thanks very much. russian l investigators say ukraine carried out air strikes on a residential area in russia today. they say to a low—flying military helicopters attacked a time, injuring seven people, including a child and damaging six houses. reports of the attacks, which has not been independently verified, has come after russia said it would attack tends outside kyiv if ukraine kept attacking its territory. let's go live to kyiv. i think the message from ukraine is it will continue to

defend itself in this conflict. it will continue to find at the donbas region in the east where the fighting is at its heaviest at the moment. it will continue to defend places like mariupol, where russia said on the last 24 hours was now in its hands. they said around 1000 ukrainian troops had surrendered, but ukraine disputed that and said they still hold the key areas in the city of mariupol, including the iron and steel works, a strategic and important part of that city fills up ukraine are preparing themselves, as we said, for the next phase of this conflict. we have heard repeated appeals for more weapons, more ammunition because they expect what russia will do next in the east of the country will be potentially more devastating than what we have already seen. find devastating than what we have already seen.— devastating than what we have alread seen. �* ., ., already seen. and we are hearing different accounts _ already seen. and we are hearing different accounts of _ already seen. and we are hearing different accounts of different - different accounts of different incidents. it is very difficult to verify the picture here in terms of who is running in various different

parts of the country. —— who is winning in various different parts of the country. these explain her there was reports are verified? == there was reports are verified? -- how there was reports are verified? » how there reports are verified. it is very difficult and we often have information put out by the ukrainian government and the russian government and the russian government and the russian government and they always have a conflicting version of events. of course, the problem we have a set is so difficult and dangerous to get to these places and see what is happening there so if we take, for example, mariupol that we were talking aboutjust example, mariupol that we were talking about just a example, mariupol that we were talking aboutjust a moment ago, that city has effectively been sealed off for weeks now and we rely very much on the testimony of people have been trapped there and managed to leave to find out what is actually going on inside. then you have, of course, studies like the flagship, the russian flag ship which has been attacked today in the black sea say ukraine that it was to have their missiles responsible for it. russia said it has not established the cause, but it was

some kind of fire on board and the missile cargo is fine. and it makes it's a very difficult. it is only when we get to places, for example, round kyiv, the times that were occupied by russian forces and when eventually you can get there and see, as i have over the last few days, with your own eyes are things like apartment blocks that people were living in that have clearly been shelled to the point of destruction. you see, for example, mass graves. it is only when we actually get to see these things and try to establish what has happened that we get a little closer to the truth of what is going on in this war. �* ., truth of what is going on in this war. ~ ., .,, ., ., war. 0k, anna foster, for now in k iv, war. 0k, anna foster, for now in kyiv. thank— war. 0k, anna foster, for now in kyiv. thank you _ war. 0k, anna foster, for now in kyiv, thank you very _ war. 0k, anna foster, for now in kyiv, thank you very much. - war. 0k, anna foster, for now in kyiv, thank you very much. let's| kyiv, thank you very much. let's have a break from all that and have a catch up with the sport. good afternoon. northern ireland captain marissa callaghan has backed manager kenny shiels following his controversial comments on tuesday, saying "collectively we stand

by our manager". shiels apologised for saying "women are more emotional than men" following the side's 5—0 defeat by england in their world cup qualifier on tuesday. callaghan added, "we feel his interview was in relation to a meeting we had as a team where we analysed that we concede goals in quick succession, and emotions was one of the many things we discussed". "since kenny took over our national team three years ago, i have always complimented him publicly on how and collectively. "he is a man of integrity who cares for us we could have three more british sides reach european semifinals this evening. rangers and west ham will be hoping to reach the last four of the europa league. david moyes' side will be without defender kurt zouma for their second leg quarterfinal in lyon. he has an ankle injury, which the manager admits is a setback. it's a really big blow when you lose somebody who is a french

international andy world cup winning, really important to the team. but it happens in football —— and a world cup winner. you have injuries along the road and unfortunately he has an ankle sprain. and leicester will be bidding to reach the semifinals of the inaugural europa conference league. they face psv eindhoven as they attempt to reach their first ever european semifinal. we will go with a real positive mentality and look to go and play our game. away from home, the second night, it is all to play for. it is really important to be aggressive and keep up the strong mentality that we have at the moment and, like i said, we go with no fear. former world darts champion ted hankey has pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault. the 54—year—old who won the bdo world championship in 2000 and 2009, will be sentenced at chester crown court next month. the charge relates to an incident

in crewe in september last year. in cricket, england's two—time world cup winner anya shrubsole has announced she is to retire from the international game. it brings to an end a 14—year career during which she also won two ashes and has been awarded an mbe after bowling her side to that famous victory at lord's in 2017. she's played 173 games for her country across all formats, claiming 227 wickets, and bows out as england's current top it20 wicket—ta ker. the draw for snooker�*s world championship has been made. mark selby will open the defence of his title againstjamiejones. the englishman has had a tough year since lifting the trophy for a fourth time 12 months ago. he's only made one ranking event semifinal this season and has acknowledged having mental health concerns. as ever, ronnie 0'sullivan will be pulling in the crowds as he goes for a record—equalling seventh world title.

he faces david gilbert in the first round. elsewhere, hossein vafaei will become the first player from iran to compete in the championship. he's got the tough task of facing former world number onejudd trump. the 17—day event gets under way in sheffield on saturday. that's all the sport for now. thanks very much, holly. there are just three weeks to go until voters across the uk go to the polls. voters in england, wales, and scotland will pick who they want to run services that affect everyday life in their local area. those in northern ireland will choose its government. ahead of the vote, we will be profiling some of the key contests in the uk's four nations. today, my colleague martine croxall joins us from the seaside town of rhyl on the north wales coast. lucky you with that view! it is very

ileasant, lucky you with that view! it is very pleasant. i — lucky you with that view! it is very pleasant. i can _ lucky you with that view! it is very pleasant, i can tell— lucky you with that view! it is very pleasant, i can tell you. _ lucky you with that view! it is very pleasant, i can tell you. the - lucky you with that view! it is very pleasant, i can tell you. the sun i lucky you with that view! it is very j pleasant, i can tell you. the sun is trying its best to come through, but it is dry, that is the main thing. so rhyl, a seaside town, of course, but has a permanent population. what happens to people who want to stay here who are maybe not involved in the tourism industry, do not want to have to move to another part of the country to get a job or set up a business? we will hear of an initiative in a moment that is helping new businesses that get off the ground in the town. as geeta just said, three weeks away from the local elections. alas cameron, labour lost seats in 2017 and any general election, the conservatives took more of the seats than traditional 110w now looking at the battle of control. after some turbulent times, people

are rushing back down the d. the river is a natural draft for holiday—makers. —— draw. it's the main reason that bearded men adventures began trading out of nearby llangollen four years ago. but with visitors come certain issues for locals. mind your heads! so, i would never say problems, but i suppose trying to find places to live is quite difficult, that's renting or buying a house. the co—owner hugh has lived in denbighshire for years, but recently had to move out of the area due to a lack of affordable housing. that's mainly because it's a small area, as well as the tourists taking up some of the aianbs and stuff like that. so quite hard to rent and then not a lot of houses are for sale, really, especially houses that you can buy first time. for only the second time ever, the conservatives became the largest party in this council in 2017. one that was part of the north—east red wall, seats flooding blue from labour. having lost over 100 councillors last time around, labour will be hoping to make up for lost ground across wales,

especially in those historical heartlands. for the tories, fielding more candidates than ever before and gaining significantly five years ago, the fight will be holding onto and increasing the gains in areas like north—east wales. plaid will be looking to maintain control of their only majority in gwynedd, and building on those modest gains in 2017, with the lib dems looking to make up lost ground. and independents are also a big factor here. they make up the second largest group and they're in a leadership coalition in several councils across wales. just a few miles down the dee in neighbouring wrexham council, is the pontcysyllte aqueduct, another draw for sightseers. this is also historically a former labour stronghold, but again an area the tories are now in a coalition. bridging the gap between local and national issues can be a tricky course to navigate for both candidates and voters alike in these elections.

with turnout often notoriously low in much of wales. sally roberts' tea room is a stone's throw away from the unesco site. for her, it's the way covid was dealt with which will play a part in her voting strategy. we struggled last year obviously through the pandemic, we struggled and then again once we were open, there were so many different rules and regulations between ourselves and england, it was really hard with the hospitality. you could do one thing four miles away and it was a different thing here, so i think people just went over the border and had a party. so after decades of dominance, the changing political waves have forced the red wall to crack under the pressure of the tories here. yet there are signs, ripples of positivity for welsh labour. they'll be hoping that after such a strong showing in cardiff bay last year, and those negative headlines for borisjohnson will reverse the flow of votes back in labour's direction. tomos morgan, bbc news,

in north—east wales. we all know the nature of work change so much during the pandemic where a lot of people got used to working from home, some people do not want to go back to the office. what if you never had an office to go to in the first place? there is an initiative here called costigan community, bringing people together any workspace so they can work alongside each other in different ways and feed off each other for different otherfor different ideas other for different ideas and support each other. the manager of that community is 0wain colwell. also here is sam bevan who's the founder of bevo visuals. 0wain, your project started last request mike yes, it is part of the town square brand that has these

hubs across the uk. the town square brand that has these hubs across the uk.— town square brand that has these hubs across the uk. the hub itself is in a regenerated _ hubs across the uk. the hub itself is in a regenerated pub _ hubs across the uk. the hub itself is in a regenerated pub that - hubs across the uk. the hub itself is in a regenerated pub that was i is in a regenerated pub that was derelict — is in a regenerated pub that was derelict for a couple of years due to a fire — derelict for a couple of years due to a fire that broke out in the upper— to a fire that broke out in the upper floor. that was regenerated by the county _ upper floor. that was regenerated by the county council and the european regeneration fund, which is absolutely incredible fit out and if you have — absolutely incredible fit out and if you have seen it before hand, you will see _ you have seen it before hand, you will see what we are working on. and we are _ will see what we are working on. and we are helping people inspire businesses starting up and growing and also _ businesses starting up and growing and also people who want to work closer— and also people who want to work closer to — and also people who want to work closer to home. as you said, it is part— closer to home. as you said, it is part of— closer to home. as you said, it is part of the — closer to home. as you said, it is part of the third sector of, you could — part of the third sector of, you could work— part of the third sector of, you could work at home, in the office, but we _ could work at home, in the office, but we are — could work at home, in the office, but we are there to support people to compute not too far out of time, keep— to compute not too far out of time, keep the _ to compute not too far out of time, keep the local economy going and -ive keep the local economy going and give people a productive work environment.— give people a productive work environment. ., , ., environment. tell me some of your company? — environment. tell me some of your company? i — environment. tell me some of your company? i have — environment. tell me some of your company? i have done _ environment. tell me some of your company? i have done it _ environment. tell me some of your company? i have done it for - environment. tell me some of your company? i have done it for as - environment. tell me some of your| company? i have done it for as long i can remember— company? i have done it for as long i can remember and _ company? i have done it for as long i can remember and during - company? i have done it for as long i can remember and during the - company? i have done it for as long i can remember and during the first| i can remember and during the first lockdown— i can remember and during the first lockdown it — i can remember and during the first lockdown it was _ i can remember and during the first lockdown it was a _ i can remember and during the first lockdown it was a hard _ i can remember and during the first lockdown it was a hard time - i can remember and during the first lockdown it was a hard time for - i can remember and during the first lockdown it was a hard time for alll lockdown it was a hard time for all of us _ lockdown it was a hard time for all of us and — lockdown it was a hard time for all of us and i— lockdown it was a hard time for all of us and i decided _ lockdown it was a hard time for all of us and i decided after— lockdown it was a hard time for all of us and i decided after setting i of us and i decided after setting there _ of us and i decided after setting there for— of us and i decided after setting

there for months _ of us and i decided after setting there for months just _ of us and i decided after setting there for months just doing - of us and i decided after setting . there for monthsjust doing thing, playing _ there for monthsjust doing thing, playing xbox, _ there for monthsjust doing thing, playing xbox, i_ there for monthsjust doing thing, playing xbox, i thought _ there for monthsjust doing thing, playing xbox, i thought i - there for monthsjust doing thing, playing xbox, i thought i need - there for monthsjust doing thing, playing xbox, i thought i need toi playing xbox, i thought i need to make _ playing xbox, i thought i need to make a _ playing xbox, i thought i need to make a jump _ playing xbox, i thought i need to make a jump and _ playing xbox, i thought i need to make a jump and start— playing xbox, i thought i need to make a jump and start this - playing xbox, i thought i need to. make a jump and start this business that i_ make a jump and start this business that i always — make a jump and start this business that i always wanted _ make a jump and start this business that i always wanted to _ make a jump and start this business that i always wanted to do. - make a jump and start this business that i always wanted to do. so - make a jump and start this business that i always wanted to do. so i - make a jump and start this business that i always wanted to do. so i wasj that i always wanted to do. so i was obviously— that i always wanted to do. so i was obviously watching _ that i always wanted to do. so i was obviously watching youtube - that i always wanted to do. so i was obviously watching youtube videos, looking _ obviously watching youtube videos, looking at _ obviously watching youtube videos, looking at ways _ obviously watching youtube videos, looking at ways to _ obviously watching youtube videos, looking at ways to start _ obviously watching youtube videos, looking at ways to start up - obviously watching youtube videos, looking at ways to start up a - looking at ways to start up a business _ looking at ways to start up a business and _ looking at ways to start up a business and trying - looking at ways to start up a business and trying to - looking at ways to start up a business and trying to make j looking at ways to start up a - business and trying to make money looking at ways to start up a _ business and trying to make money on the side _ business and trying to make money on the side whilst — business and trying to make money on the side whilst doing _ business and trying to make money on the side whilst doing it. _ business and trying to make money on the side whilst doing it. that _ business and trying to make money on the side whilst doing it. that is - the side whilst doing it. that is where — the side whilst doing it. that is where these _ the side whilst doing it. that is where these guys _ the side whilst doing it. that is where these guys came - the side whilst doing it. that is where these guys came in, - the side whilst doing it. that is i where these guys came in, really. the side whilst doing it. that is - where these guys came in, really. my mum _ where these guys came in, really. my mum came _ where these guys came in, really. my mum came home _ where these guys came in, really. my mum came home with _ where these guys came in, really. my mum came home with a _ where these guys came in, really. my mum came home with a leaflet- where these guys came in, really. my mum came home with a leaflet one . where these guys came in, really. my. mum came home with a leaflet one day and i mum came home with a leaflet one day and i asked _ mum came home with a leaflet one day and i asked about _ mum came home with a leaflet one day and i asked about office _ mum came home with a leaflet one day and i asked about office space - mum came home with a leaflet one day and i asked about office space is - and i asked about office space is any local— and i asked about office space is any local area _ and i asked about office space is any local area and _ and i asked about office space is any local area and she _ and i asked about office space is any local area and she said, - and i asked about office space is. any local area and she said, there is a space — any local area and she said, there is a space that _ any local area and she said, there is a space that has _ any local area and she said, there is a space that hasjust— any local area and she said, there is a space that hasjust opened i any local area and she said, therej is a space that hasjust opened up so i is a space that hasjust opened up so i was _ is a space that hasjust opened up so i was the — is a space that hasjust opened up so i was the first _ is a space that hasjust opened up so i was the first member- is a space that hasjust opened up so i was the first member local. so i was the first member local enough — so i was the first member local enough and _ so i was the first member local enough and it— so i was the first member local enough and it has— so i was the first member local enough and it has been- so i was the first member local enough and it has been great. so i was the first member locall enough and it has been great so so i was the first member local- enough and it has been great so far. and you're _ enough and it has been great so far. and you're going _ enough and it has been great so far. and you're going from _ enough and it has been great so far. and you're going from strength - enough and it has been great so far. and you're going from strength to l and you're going from strength to strength, so i hear? it is and you're going from strength to strength, so i hear?— strength, so i hear? it is a lovely iroblem strength, so i hear? it is a lovely problem to _ strength, so i hear? it is a lovely problem to have, _ strength, so i hear? it is a lovely problem to have, to _ strength, so i hear? it is a lovely problem to have, to be - strength, so i hear? it is a lovely problem to have, to be too - strength, so i hear? it is a lovely| problem to have, to be too busy. bevo visuals, how important is it for the _ bevo visuals, how important is it for the town a town like rhyl? we are here to

support— a town like rhyl? we are here to support people, not to push people out, we _ support people, not to push people out, we are — support people, not to push people out, we are supporting people when they need _ out, we are supporting people when they need it most. we help people start up— they need it most. we help people start up in— they need it most. we help people start up in the local community who did not— start up in the local community who did not think they could any previous— did not think they could any previous years. a lot of people feel they have _ previous years. a lot of people feel they have to live times like this, and head — they have to live times like this, and head to the big cities, was that in your— and head to the big cities, was that in yourthinking? and head to the big cities, was that in your thinking?— in your thinking? definitely. i was luc in your thinking? definitely. iwas luc to in your thinking? definitely. ! was lucky to work— in your thinking? definitely. i was lucky to work with _ in your thinking? definitely. i was lucky to work with big _ in your thinking? definitely. i was lucky to work with big brands - in your thinking? definitely. i was lucky to work with big brands in l lucky to work with big brands in manchester— lucky to work with big brands in manchester but _ lucky to work with big brands in manchester but have _ lucky to work with big brands in manchester but have to - lucky to work with big brands in manchester but have to travel i lucky to work with big brands in i manchester but have to travel that far to _ manchester but have to travel that far to get — manchester but have to travel that far to get work _ manchester but have to travel that far to get work was _ manchester but have to travel that far to get work was a _ manchester but have to travel that far to get work was a bit _ manchester but have to travel that far to get work was a bit of - manchester but have to travel that far to get work was a bit of a - manchester but have to travel that far to get work was a bit of a pain. j far to get work was a bit of a pain. i far to get work was a bit of a pain. i prefer— far to get work was a bit of a pain. i prefer to— far to get work was a bit of a pain. i prefer to help _ far to get work was a bit of a pain. i prefer to help the _ far to get work was a bit of a pain. i prefer to help the local— far to get work was a bit of a pain. i prefer to help the local economy| i prefer to help the local economy and be _ i prefer to help the local economy and be able — i prefer to help the local economy and be able to— i prefer to help the local economy and be able to work— i prefer to help the local economy and be able to work from - i prefer to help the local economy and be able to work from the - i prefer to help the local economy| and be able to work from the place that i_ and be able to work from the place that i was— and be able to work from the place that i was brought _ and be able to work from the place that i was brought up _ and be able to work from the place that i was brought up in. _ and be able to work from the place that i was brought up in. find - and be able to work from the place that i was brought up in.— that i was brought up in. and they are enabling _ that i was brought up in. and they are enabling you _ that i was brought up in. and they are enabling you to _ that i was brought up in. and they are enabling you to do _ that i was brought up in. and they are enabling you to do that. - that i was brought up in. and they are enabling you to do that. we i that i was brought up in. and they. are enabling you to do that. we are here to talk about the local elections in a few week's time. what would your message be that european money is no longer available because we are not part of the eu any more, but there is at the levelling up money, the community renewal fund, how would you want local councillors, who are going to be elected in three weeks' time, to be focusing on using that sort of money? focusing on using that sort of mone ? , , ., ., , money? the biggest thing for me as we have the — money? the biggest thing for me as we have the (rf _ money? the biggest thing for me as we have the (rf funding _ money? the biggest thing for me as we have the (rf funding happeningl money? the biggest thing for me as.

we have the (rf funding happening in we have the crf funding happening in denbighshire and we have been supported so much by the council and local support units anyway, my biggest — local support units anyway, my biggest thing would be carry on what we are _ biggest thing would be carry on what we are able to do and keep on supporting us in that way. yes, i think— supporting us in that way. yes, i think the — supporting us in that way. yes, i think the biggest thing for the driver— think the biggest thing for the driver of— think the biggest thing for the driver of money is putting it into the place — driver of money is putting it into the place that is needed the most and keep— the place that is needed the most and keep supporting his local communities. and and keep supporting his local communities.— and keep supporting his local communities. . ., ., communities. and what would you say, some come at — communities. and what would you say, some come at a — communities. and what would you say, some come at a local _ communities. and what would you say, some come at a local politicians - some come at a local politicians have to stand out and have policies that will appeal to people? i have to stand out and have policies that will appeal to people? that will appealto people? i second what he said. _ that will appealto people? i second what he said, been _ that will appealto people? i second what he said, been able _ that will appealto people? i second what he said, been able to - that will appealto people? i second what he said, been able to supportl what he said, been able to support small— what he said, been able to support small businesses, _ what he said, been able to support small businesses, the _ what he said, been able to support small businesses, the local- small businesses, the local economies, _ small businesses, the local economies, places - small businesses, the local. economies, places struggling small businesses, the local- economies, places struggling to get the funding — economies, places struggling to get the funding i— economies, places struggling to get the funding. ithink— economies, places struggling to get the funding. ! think they— economies, places struggling to get the funding. i think they should - the funding. i think they should look— the funding. i think they should look at — the funding. i think they should look at obviously _ the funding. i think they should look at obviously helping - the funding. i think they should look at obviously helping out i look at obviously helping out start-up _ look at obviously helping out start—up businesses. - look at obviously helping out start—up businesses. i- look at obviously helping out start—up businesses. i think| look at obviously helping out i start—up businesses. i think that look at obviously helping out - start—up businesses. i think that is a big _ start—up businesses. i think that is a big thing — start—up businesses. i think that is a big thing. there _ start—up businesses. i think that is a big thing. there are _ start—up businesses. i think that is a big thing. there are lots - start—up businesses. i think that is a big thing. there are lots of- a big thing. there are lots of people — a big thing. there are lots of people looking _ a big thing. there are lots of people looking to _ a big thing. there are lots of people looking to start - a big thing. there are lots of people looking to start up i people looking to start up businesses _ people looking to start up businesses but _ people looking to start up businesses but do - people looking to start up businesses but do not i people looking to start up i businesses but do not know people looking to start up - businesses but do not know where people looking to start up _ businesses but do not know where to find any _ businesses but do not know where to find any support, _ businesses but do not know where to find any support, the _ businesses but do not know where to find any support, the financial - find any support, the financial support— find any support, the financial support specifically. _ find any support, the financial support specifically. that i find any support, the financial support specifically. that is i find any support, the financial i support specifically. that is why i am grateful — support specifically. that is why i am grateful for— support specifically. that is why i am grateful for these _ support specifically. that is why i am grateful for these guys - support specifically. that is why i am grateful for these guys here i support specifically. that is why i. am grateful for these guys here and the council~ — am grateful for these guys here and the council~ i— am grateful for these guys here and the council. ., , , ., am grateful for these guys here and the council-— the council. i hope you go from strenith the council. i hope you go from strength to _ the council. i hope you go from strength to strength. _ the council. i hope you go from strength to strength. thank i the council. i hope you go from | strength to strength. thank you the council. i hope you go from i strength to strength. thank you very much for coming to talk to us. good luck with the business. if you would like more information on the

elections which are happening on may five, you can go to the cancer council website, those are ladies walking past with coffee makes me think it is time to have afternoon tea. when we were at the beckley, marvin who is producing, very kindly but as some iced buns so that think that is what we are doing next. in an hour's time, we will speak to some of the candidates hoping to be elected in these forthcoming elections. iced buns by the _ these forthcoming elections. iced buns by the sea _ these forthcoming elections. iced buns by the sea with a bit of coffee, that sounds absolutely perfect. hope you enjoy the day, we will be back with you soon. thank you now. and we'll be live across the uk in the coming weeks with special coverage of the election campaigns.

for full details of the elections in your area — go to the bbc news website. in the politics section, you can enter your postcode and get all the details. that's all at bbc.co.uk/news. the number of people in the uk who had coronavirus in the week ending 9th april is down about 10% compared with the week before. estimates from the office for national statistics show about one in 15 people had covid last week, down from one in 13 the previous week. let's speak to the bbc�*s head of statistics robert cuffe, who has been looking at those new figures from the 0ns. infection seem to be falling, robert, why is that?- infection seem to be falling, robert, why is that? well, the bii iest robert, why is that? well, the biggest thing _ robert, why is that? well, the biggest thing that _ robert, why is that? well, the biggest thing that has - robert, why is that? well, the i biggest thing that has happened in the last few months there is the vast number of people who have been infected and that is probably putting some headwind into the efforts of the virus to spread. if you look at the most recent infection figures over the last couple of months, you can see that. you see there are big rises up until christmas, 4 million people infected anyway, and then we peaked at close to 5 million in recent weeks now.

you also see the good news that we are on the way down at the moment, but if you add up all those individual infections, it is more than one third of people in the uk they reckon have been affected since october. if you had the protection 0ctober. if you had the protection from pass infections, the protection from pass infections, the protection from vaccination, together that starts to make pretty significant headwinds for the virus that is trying to find new people who are susceptible to the infection. it does not mean it has gone away entirely, there is no one left to infect, but it means it is harder and harderfor it to infect, but it means it is harder and harder for it to spread so we should see them continue to fall very well. should see them continue to fall ve well. , ., ., ., very well. they are not falling everywhere. _ very well. they are not falling everywhere, the _ very well. they are not falling everywhere, the north-east i very well. they are not falling i everywhere, the north-east and everywhere, the north—east and yorkshire are still areas of concern. yorkshire are still areas of concern-— concern. specifically the north-east. _ concern. specifically the north-east. the - concern. specifically the north-east. the good i concern. specifically the i north-east. the good news, concern. specifically the - north-east. the good news, first, north—east. the good news, first, pretty much across the uk, scotland, northern ireland, most parts of england, falling, wales. the midlands and wales are flattening, they had been rising. in the north—east, the advection numbers are still look to be going up. it is important to look at the number of people getting sick and going into

hospital. i think we can show that figure to the audience as well. in the north—east and in yorkshire, when you look at them together, you see that first rise over christmas with people in hospital with covid and another rise most recently, but most recently, in the most recently, that number has started to turn and come down and we have seen that elsewhere as well. even before the number of infections estimated by the office of national statistics turns, we do cd swallows in hospital numbers as well. the hopers, despite that most recent rise in the north—east —— see follows in hospital numbers. north-east -- see follows in hospital numbers.— north-east -- see follows in hospital numbers. north-east -- see follows in hointalnumbers. ., hospital numbers. schools going back ve soon hospital numbers. schools going back very soon but — hospital numbers. schools going back very soon but the _ hospital numbers. schools going back very soon but the weather _ hospital numbers. schools going back very soon but the weather is - hospital numbers. schools going back very soon but the weather is warming so let's see what the coming month brings. thank you very much indeed robert cuffe. travellers are being warned to expect delays over the easter bank holiday weekend. p&0 has suspended all passenger ferry services between dover and calais, while more delays and cancellations have hit british airways, easyjet and eurostar.

0n the roads, a thousand miles of roadwork restrictions have been lifted to try to keep things moving. train stations are also busy. with me now is simon calder, travel editor at the independent. he is at st pancras voters. it looks pretty busy where you are. it certainly is. just across to my right is st pancras international, the station that takes you from london to paris, amsterdam and brussels. i have been talking to people in eddy cue there, some waiting up to an hour to go through security —— in the queue act also it seems to be fairly well organised. meanwhile at kings cross station, the link to yorkshire, scotland, it is very busy, but nothing compared with the asten, about 500 metres in that direction, which is incredibly busy today —— with euston it will be closed completely from good friday

to easter monday. at the west coast main line to the west midlands, north—west england and southern scotland is not going to be starting from london and will be —— there will be various works all the way up to southern scotland. people trying to southern scotland. people trying to fly applaud or get the train to get more than in the last couple of years —— are people trying to fly abroad or get a train to europe more than in the last couple of years? yes, this is the busiest travel weekend i have seen. possibly since 2019, if anyone can remember that far back. i've been out to heathrow airport, that was working fairly well unsurprisingly as a british airways had cancelled 50 short—haul flights to and from the airport because of staff shortage. there were some of them is coming in through a uk border force early on. that seems to have been shorted out.

gatwick is doing all right —— sorted out. cancellations on easyjet turn from their main spaces. and manchester airport... sorry, the camera had a mind of its own there. manchester airport, the queues which have been... 0h, manchester airport, the queues which have been... oh, dear, oh dear, this is going quite excitingly! you need to go on holiday yourself, clearly —— it needs to go on holiday itself, clearly! journey seem to be going fairly smoothly at manchester airport. we also have had issues with the ferries, which are mentioned and at dover, anybody who has not got a reservation for the confirmed ferry or eurotunnel shuttle, please do not go anywhere near dover or folkestone. it will be exciting getting there anyway because of the closure of the m 20 motorway which is now a very long track park for about 20 miles well lorry drivers try to get across the

channel. . ~ lorry drivers try to get across the channel. w ,., ,, lorry drivers try to get across the channel. w «i i. �* channel. -- ruck park. if you're t ini channel. -- ruck park. if you're trying to _ channel. -- ruck park. if you're trying to buy — channel. -- ruck park. if you're trying to buy the _ channel. -- ruck park. if you're trying to buy the crowds - channel. -- ruck park. if you're trying to buy the crowds on i channel. -- ruck park. if you're trying to buy the crowds on the | trying to buy the crowds on the roads, give us a ttip, what is the best time to travel over the next day or two? == best time to travel over the next day or two?— best time to travel over the next da ortwo? ,, , , day or two? -- some tips. the best times are — day or two? -- some tips. the best times are going _ day or two? -- some tips. the best times are going to _ day or two? -- some tips. the best times are going to be _ day or two? -- some tips. the best times are going to be between i day or two? -- some tips. the best times are going to be between 11 i day or two? -- some tips. the best. times are going to be between 11 and fourin times are going to be between 11 and four in the afternoon. they will be significant travel on good friday —— the worst times. there will be a busy day on easter monday, saturday and sunday not to bad. and where the congestion is, it is the usual suspects— like the western half of the m25, that will take you from the m23, gatwick and brighton all through to oxford including the m3, m4 and heathrow airport. the m6 going from the warrington area, picking up traffic from liverpool and manchester heading up to the lake district, and also our old friend the a303 and vulture in the

stonehenge area where, i understand, some motorists have been queueing since the early bronze age to get past that particular traffic hotspot —— atheo three in wiltshire. if you start earlier or start late, or catch a train that is running, and most of their mark, to be fair, you will probably have a much more relaxing easter break.— will probably have a much more relaxing easter break. you're being called a genius _ relaxing easter break. you're being called a genius by _ relaxing easter break. you're being called a genius by my _ relaxing easter break. you're being called a genius by my producer i relaxing easter break. you're being called a genius by my producer and director because you have covered every mode of transport any very short slot that we have given you. someone has asked about canals? anything about those? nothing about canals, but i can tell you hovercraft is going to be doing a special performance from southsea and taking people on an adventure on sunday. so the hovercrafts are definitely hopping into the future. simon, you need to go on mastermind with her lovely colleague clive mhairi, because we think you would scoop the prize. —— clive myrie.

thank you very much indeed. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello there. there is a lot of fine weather at their today. it got off to a misty, foggy start and many places have seen that clear way. 0verall, places have seen that clear way. overall, a lot of fine weather to come for the uk and much of this weekend, but not everywhere. high pressure is close by, atlantic weather fronts are trying to move in with rain. high pressure saying, you're not coming in yet, stay where you're not coming in yet, stay where you are. it means the closer they are to western parts of the uk, this is where you are more likely to see cloud and occasional rain into this weekend. untilwe cloud and occasional rain into this weekend. until we get to easter monday with the air coming in from the south and the temperatures above average for the time of the year. when you get some sunshine, it will feel quite warm. weather fronts out towards west have already brought today some rain into western parts of scotland. petering out in many places. light and patchy rain

pushing north through scotland. elsewhere, sunny spells across wales and england. the chance of catching and england. the chance of catching a shower, they are very isolated. and pleasant any sunshine, 20 or england. into tonight, low and misty cloud into south—west england —— 20 or 21 england. clear spells elsewhere, no sourced —— frost, none this weekend. well, south—west england, south—west scotland is in the cloudy skies for good friday. a few showers toward northern ireland, especially later in the day. the show a possible elsewhere. for many places, dry, broken cloud, sunny spells, and a warmer day to come tomorrow. into the start of the weekend, it could be cloudy first thing on saturday, patchy rain in northern england and scotland very time. we will start to see some sunny spells coming through. there is a weather system approaching northern ireland and into the western isles so later any day and increasing of seeing rain. a

strengthening piece out of that, but still pleasant when you're in the sunshine. high pressure, battling these weather fronts again as a go through easter sunday it looks like we will have more inroads into western areas. more likely on easter sunday we will see rain pushing in and perhaps wales and western england. something still to play for and how much this rainbow coming on sunday. and how quickly they easter monday to close on through. at the moment, easter monday looking mainly dry, cool.

this is bbc news. the headlines: some asylum seekers who arrive in the uk will be sent to rwanda to be processed and then resettled there. critics say the government's plans are cruel and inhumane. this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms, will provide safe and legal routes for asylum while disrupting the business model of the gangs. the home secretary, priti patel, is in rwanda to meet the country's minister of foreign affairs and sign the new agreement. russia's flagship vessel in the black sea has been seriously damaged. russia says a fire on board caused an explosion, but ukraine claims it hit

the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for routine hospital treatment in england. new figures show 6.2million people were on waiting lists at the end of february. the number of people in the uk infected with coronavirus is falling, but remains very high. official figures show about 1 in 15 people are still testing positive. a gp from north lanarkshire has been found guilty of 54 sex offences against women. krishna singh kissed, groped and gave inappropriate examinations to 48 different patients over 32 years. well we will be speaking to candidates who want to be elected to the county council on the 5th of may.

and coming up later this hour — how millions of blood samples from us soldiers have helped scientists uncover a potential cause of multiple sclerosis. some people who arrive in the uk illegally will be given a one way ticket to rwanda — with the prime minister saying our compassion is infinite but our capacity to help people is not. the government says people seeking to stay in the uk will instead be sent 4,000 miles to east africa. it's part of a range of measures to try to cut the number of people crossing the english channel in small boats. the government sees it as a way to end illegal migration. but critics have called the plans �*cruel�*. last year — almost 29,000 people crossed the english channel in small boats. yesterday alone — 600 people made the crossing. at least 44 drowned in 2021. the uk is expected to give £120 million to the rwandan

government under a trial scheme. borisjohnson says rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world — but last year at the united nations, the uk demanded investigations into killings, disappearances and torture in the country. australia and other countries have already tried the controversial policy of sending migrants overseas. 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake reports. arriving this morning, migrants rescued trying to cross the english channel, a dangerous journey for thousands each year, a problem the government has so far failed to tackle. the solution, ministers believe, lies 4000 miles away. the home secretary priti patel visiting rwanda, where the government wants to send many of those arriving on small boats. the scheme would see mostly single men sent to the central african country where they could attempt to claim asylum to live and work. the prime minister in kent today said the plan was part of the uk taking back control of immigration.

this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms will provide safe and legal routes for asylum, while disrupting the business model of the gangs. because it means that economic migrants taking advantage of the asylum system will not get to stay in the uk. while those in genuine need will be properly protected, including with access to legal services on arrival in rwanda. he promised support for safe and legal routes, such as refugee resettlement schemes, but opposition parties are scathing. they are unworkable, extortionate and will cost the taxpayers billions of pounds and they reflect a prime minister who has got no grip, no answers to the questions that need answering and no shame. and ijust think britain deserves better than this.

i absolutely accept we need to stop this happening, i but you do that by providing safe |and legal routes, not by sendingj people thousands of miles away- to a country that already has a poor human rights record that the uk has previously questioned. _ it just turns my stomach to see our government acting in our name can behave in such a way. i think a lot of people will be quite a gas. in the last four years the numbers crossing the channel in small boats has climbed from 297 in 2018 to almost 29,000 last year. this year has already seen 4578 arrivals and look set to be a new record. rwanda's human rights record is one concern refugee groups have. the prime minister said he expected a legal challenge and that the plans will not be put in place overnight. but desperate to deal with channel crossings with limited options at hand, ministers hope a pledge to send people away will

prove to be a deterrent. jonathan blake, bbc news, westminster. joining us is sunder katwala, director at british future, a charity which researches public attitudes on issues like immigration, integration, race and identity. what do you make of this announcement today? what do you make of this announcement toda ? ., , announcement today? there were lots of unanswered — announcement today? there were lots of unanswered questions _ announcement today? there were lots of unanswered questions about - announcement today? there were lots of unanswered questions about how i of unanswered questions about how this would work. today i don't know whether any asylum seekers in the uk will go to you —— will go to rewind or not. it is possible there are an enormous amount of legal practical and financial hurdles before this plan takes reality apart from the debate about the ethics and principles of whether or not we should be pursuing it. iloathed principles of whether or not we should be pursuing it.- principles of whether or not we should be pursuing it. what is your word on the _ should be pursuing it. what is your word on the ethics _ should be pursuing it. what is your word on the ethics about _ should be pursuing it. what is your word on the ethics about it? i should be pursuing it. what is your word on the ethics about it? the i word on the ethics about it? the prime minister _ word on the ethics about it? tie: prime minister is saying word on the ethics about it? ti2 prime minister is saying he thinks

most people aren't refugees, they are economic migrants. his own government's data says the opposite. about seven out of ten people who make an asylum claim get it approved. it is 99% from countries where people are most likely to cross the channel. we have a legal responsibility to assess a claim fairly on its merits and if somebody is a refugee they have a right to live work and settle in britain. some people might take the offer of going to rwanda. i'm not sure what legal basis by which the government would be able to make them do so unless it has already turned down their asylum claim. the government says most of these people are genuine refugees. the government has some questions to answer about what is the basis of doing this. you some questions to answer about what is the basis of doing this.— is the basis of doing this. you are sa ini is the basis of doing this. you are saying you _ is the basis of doing this. you are saying you aren't _ is the basis of doing this. you are saying you aren't sure _ is the basis of doing this. you are saying you aren't sure if - is the basis of doing this. you are saying you aren't sure if the i saying you aren't sure if the government can legally pick up

migrants and asylum seekers who enter through the channel and then immediately fly them off to rwanda? they cannot do that. it says that the army will pick you up and drive you to the next flight. that won't happen. we have to see what the government tells us about these details. i think they can offer people this if they've already found out they don't have a valid asylum claim in britain and this is one of their options to go to rwanda. that's not what they are proposing, though, is it? in that's not what they are proposing, though. is it?— though, is it? in international law we are part _ though, is it? in international law we are part of _ though, is it? in international law we are part of the _ though, is it? in international law we are part of the refugee - we are part of the refugee convention. the government says its legislation does not curtail that. they are putting in the bill that if you are a genuine refugee and you come over on the channel you will get less rights. at the moment they don't seem to have the right to do this. they might be able to pass new laws but would they become

compatible. the prime minister might want to go to court, he might want arguments with lawyers and judges over whether he can do this. i have no idea if any asylum seekers will have gone to rwanda. it wouldn't surprise me if they worked very hard to get a couple of planes out there. do you think this will put people off? if people are thinking of going to britain, will it be a deterrent? the government is trying to do that. and it has a mandate. if you look at the brexit vote and the majority borisjohnson has got. ih the brexit vote and the ma'ority boris johnson has goti the brexit vote and the ma'ority boris johnson has got. in terms of what it put — boris johnson has got. in terms of what it put people _ boris johnson has got. in terms of what it put people off, _ boris johnson has got. in terms of what it put people off, the - boris johnson has got. in terms of i what it put people off, the evidence for that is weak. there is no chance this will be 500 or 1000 people. £120 million has been talked about. that might sound like a lot of money. the former brexit secretary said that in australia it was £1.4 million per asylum seeker. they spent 3.5 billion. most asylum

seekers under this plan are going to an old raf base in north yorkshire. then the government should do what it should do is get a proper asylum system in place. we use to make decisions in six months. that rarely happens now. people who are genuine refugees, let them settle, let them join our communities. if they aren't, let's talk about safer options. some people might want to go to east africa, some people can return home safely. investing in an asylum system that works is boring but it needs to happen. they won't have happened in two years time and we don't know what the politicians will tell us then.— we don't know what the politicians will tell us then. ukraine is claiming to have carried out a missile attack on the flagship of russia's black sea fleet, setting it on fire. the russians admit the moskva has been badly damaged but they say it was because ammunition on board exploded. it's thought there were about 500 crew on board. it is 50 days today since russia's invasion and the start of the war.

0ur correspondent anna foster reports from kyiv. a symbol of russian naval power, but last night the flagship moskva caught fire and its crew evacuated. it's an ageing vessel, but still an important one. russia insists it doesn't know why the blaze started, but ukraine says it fired two missiles which hit their target. for it to just be sitting out there, you know, it's a really bad thing for the russian navy, and a boost, no matter what happened, it's a boost for the ukrainian side. 50 days since this war began russia has changed its focus. it set out to capture key targets like kyiv, but failed and pulled back. now it wants to salvage what it can from this conflict to save face at home, and that means moving east. the focus of this war is now

on the donbas region. satellite pictures show russian forces moving into place for a fresh assault. if it also takes the city of mariupol, that will release even more troops to push forward. the images of devastation in ukraine show the toll this war has taken so far, but as it moves into a new phase there are fears what happens next could be even worse. anna foster, bbc news. here with me now is lord west, who is the former first sea lord and chief of the naval staff, he was also security minister, chief of defence intelligence. we are seeing these conflicting reports about what has happened to this ship. is there any way in your view to assess these counterclaims we are getting? i view to assess these counterclaims we are getting?— we are getting? i think it'll become clear. i'm sure _ we are getting? i think it'll become clear. i'm sure our _ we are getting? i think it'll become clear. i'm sure our intelligence i clear. i'm sure our intelligence people probably know already what exactly happened. whether it was a

missile hit by the ukrainians, in which casejolly well missile hit by the ukrainians, in which case jolly well done by them, oran which case jolly well done by them, or an explosion because of ammunition being incorrectly stowed, it's very damaging, i believe, to the russians. flan it's very damaging, i believe, to the russians.— it's very damaging, i believe, to the russians. can you explain why for us? the _ the russians. can you explain why for us? the ship _ the russians. can you explain why for us? the ship is _ the russians. can you explain why for us? the ship is a _ the russians. can you explain why for us? the ship is a cruiser. it i the russians. can you explain why for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is. for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is old. for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is old- possibly _ for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is old. possibly almost _ for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is old. possibly almost 40 - for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is old. possibly almost 40 years i for us? the ship is a cruiser. it is. old. possibly almost 40 years old. they were very highly armed. lots of weapons systems. so many that when weapons systems. so many that when we analysed then we wondered whether it was that safe to have that many weapons system aboard one ship. quite interesting. she is the flagship of their black sea fleet. the flagship has a iconic status, of course. if the crew had to leave the ship either because of a missile strike or because of ammunition going off and damage, that's a bit of the indictment to them. and the

navy are very important to putin. putin has a particularly soft spot for the navy. i think it was his father or grandfather who were in the navy. when he got into power the first of the armed forces he started putting money in was to the navy to try to upgrade it and get it more up—to—date. this will be particularly wounding to him personally. therefore, ithink particularly wounding to him personally. therefore, i think it is something that does have an impact in the region. i'm not sure exactly where the ship was when it either exploded or was hit. the russians are intent on using their navy to give them more manoeuvrability and flexibility along the coast. your previous reporter was in the donbas region and talking about the west of crimea. no doubt they would like to take 0desa as well. this shows clearly they cannot do an amphibious assault. they've already lost one landing craft by an attack by

ukrainian special forces. and landing craft by an attack by ukrainian specialforces. and if it was just off the coast and it was hit by a missile, then the russians will be very wary of putting them close in to the coast. they've been used a lot for bombardment up until now, so we'll have quite an impact i think on what's happening in that eastern region of the war against ukraine. i5 eastern region of the war against ukraine. , , ., ., ukraine. is it your 'udgment that this conflict h ukraine. is it your 'udgment that this conflict we i ukraine. is it yourjudgment that this conflict we are _ ukraine. is it yourjudgment that this conflict we are seeing i ukraine. is it yourjudgment that this conflict we are seeing is i ukraine. is it yourjudgment that i this conflict we are seeing is going to drag out for a long time? i think it well. i think— to drag out for a long time? i think it well. i think the _ to drag out for a long time? i think it well. i think the longer _ to drag out for a long time? i think it well. i think the longer the i it well. i think the longer the ukrainians can hold out and fight and the robust the better it is in terms of what might stem from it in terms of what might stem from it in terms of what might stem from it in terms of some sort of agreement, which inevitably agreements mean people have to give things away on both sides, and that's a pretty awful thing to do bearing in mind it was putin who instigated this war by an attack on a small state adjacent to it. the longer they can hold on

and keep fighting, even though they are suffering grievous losses, and i must say i'm most impressed with the bravery and the supply of weapons from the west, it's very useful to them, but it will drag out. i don't believe putin has changed his view of how he wants to see ukraine at the end of all of this. he wants to see it as a broken battered state adjacent to russia which russia effectively has control of probably through his own puppet in place there. i don't think is change that view. that's dreadful. but the longer they can hold out and fight the more chance there is that won't be the end game but i don't think the endgame will be pretty. i think people are talking about how well ukraine has done. but don't kid yourselves, russia is building a lot of force to the east. there will be unpleasant fighting and unpleasant action. they've shown themselves to be pretty ruthless, the russians,

and they need to be indicted for that ruthlessness, as well. from what ou that ruthlessness, as well. from what you see. — that ruthlessness, as well. from what you see, is _ that ruthlessness, as well. from what you see, is it _ that ruthlessness, as well. from what you see, is it you _ that ruthlessness, as well. from what you see, is it you will i that ruthlessness, as well. from what you see, is it you will view| what you see, is it you will view that they want to take the territory in the east and the south and that that could form the basis of a political negotiation then or is it difficult to see whether putin will settle for that? i difficult to see whether putin will settle for that?— settle for that? i think... one doesnt settle for that? i think... one doesn't know _ settle for that? i think... one doesn't know this _ settle for that? i think... one doesn't know this because i settle for that? i think... one | doesn't know this because one settle for that? i think... one i doesn't know this because one isn't in his brain, of course, but there is no doubt that he would see the donbas as being a separate region. crimea has always been 99.9% russian anyway. i think he would like that to be in cast—iron and agreed by people, donbas, as well, but he wants more than that. he doesn't wants more than that. he doesn't want the rest of ukraine to be a thriving democratic state with its own proper armed forces that is capable of looking after itself. he wants to be able to hold it under threat continually after he's

managed to get this agreement. i think that's where he's coming from and that's the worry. irate think that's where he's coming from and that's the worry.— and that's the worry. we will have to leave it — and that's the worry. we will have to leave it there, _ and that's the worry. we will have to leave it there, lord _ and that's the worry. we will have to leave it there, lord west. i and that's the worry. we will have | to leave it there, lord west. thank you very much for your time today. want to bring you some news on the sports front but linked to ukraine. we are hearing that scotland's semifinal play—off against ukraine will be played on wednesday the 1st ofjune. it was originally delayed because of the war in ukraine. the winner of that will go into the same group as england at the world cup. that is the significance of that change. the number of people in the uk infected with coronavirus is falling, says the office for national statistics. about 4.4 million people had the virus in the week up to 9 april, down from nearly 4.9 million the week before. that's roughly one—in—15 people testing positive. the number of people waiting for routine hospital procedures

in england has risen to a new record, according to the latest figures. one in nine people in england were waiting to start their treatment at the end of february, the highest number since records began in 2007. meanwhile the number of people waiting more than 12 hours in accident and emergency also reached another record high, as our health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. not having a good day. jean shepherd, recovering at her nursing home, after what her family says were disgraceful delays getting emergency treatment. it's 2022, i don't know whether it's outdated but this concept that you judge a society by the way it looks after its elderly, its vulnerable, it's poorly people, and clearly the picture that is emerging at the moment, we are failing, we are failing miserably. jean, who is now 87, had been active in her retirement until a series of strokes left her paralysed, but after catching a virus she waited more than 11 hours for an ambulance and then another 31

hours on a trolley in a&e. her son was shocked by what he saw. there were patients on ambulance trolleys literally everywhere stacked in the centre of the a&e department, down the corridors, to the a&e department, and the staff were absolutely rushed off their feet. and he says his mother had clearly suffered from the experience. what was very noticeable was how stressed she was and how her ability to communicate had deteriorated. a&e doctors are clear that long waits are harming patients. we are struggling to get round everybody. we worry about old people going missing or a young person who was maybe distressed might leave and we don't realise for a bit that they've actually gone missing, so it makes everybody really anxious and we know that people are not getting the care that they deserve. the latest figures show increasingly severe problems in the nhs in many areas.

in a&e, 22,500 patients had long waits on trolleys of at least 12 hours in march. that's more than four times as many of the 5000 people affected in september. and for non—urgent care, delays have increased again, now a record 6.2 million people are waiting for routine operations. high rates of covid are undoubtedly putting pressure on the nhs but experts say that's not the only cause. this isn'tjust about covid. even before the pandemic we went into the situation with over 100,000 vacancies in the nhs and the situation is only getting worse, which means there are not enough staff to meet demand which means patients are waiting longer for urgent and emergency services, forambulances, and in a&e. nhs england says the past few months have been the busiest ever but despite that waits of over one year have reduced slightly, but others are warning the brutal reality is the pressure is this easter could be as bad as any winter.

sophie hutchinson, bbc news. earlier i spoke with chris hopson, chief executive of nhs providers — the organisation which represents nhs trusts. i asked him to tell us about the pressure of nhs services across the country. the nhs is going absolutely flat out. we know we've got to get through the backlogs that have built up through the backlogs that have built up as a result of covid—19. we know we have a pressured casual two care pathway. —— a&e care pathway. we are seeing longer waits for accident and emergency. wherever you look it is pressured. 0ne emergency. wherever you look it is pressured. one of the main reasons is we've got higher levels of covid around than we were expecting and that basically means we've got 16,500 beds with covid patient in them. we've got 70,000 staff off at

them. we've got 70,000 staff off at the moment. about 40% of whom are due to covid and we've also got 20,000 medically fit patients we cannot discharge because of the pressure on social care and that's due to the impact of covid, as well. something like 4000 of the 10,000 care homes are currently experiencing covid outbreaks. wherever you look, in the nhs and our wider health care system, it is under significant pressure at the moment. �* ., , ., , ., moment. are there any moves that the iublic and moment. are there any moves that the public and government _ moment. are there any moves that the public and government should - moment. are there any moves that the public and government should take i moment. are there any moves that the public and government should take in i public and government should take in order to help?— order to help? what interesting, i don't know _ order to help? what interesting, i don't know about _ order to help? what interesting, i don't know about you _ order to help? what interesting, i don't know about you but - order to help? what interesting, i don't know about you but i've i order to help? what interesting, i don't know about you but i've had j don't know about you but i've had quite a few friends who have come back from abroad on holiday for their easter holiday over the last couple of weeks. 0ne their easter holiday over the last couple of weeks. one of the things they come back and say to me is that there is a very stark contrast between the degree of mask wearing in public places, particularly in crowded public places, that you see

in places like spain, italy, and france, and over here. i worry about the fact the government doesn't want to talk about the fact that we've got very high levels of covid prevalence and that that's putting huge pressure on the nhs. i get the argument as to why we've got rid of mandatory mask wearing but it feels a bit of a jump to go from on the one hand, you know, saying everybody should be wearing masks to saying, it's all fine now. one of the things that people could do is if you go out think carefully about whether you want to wear a mask, particularly if you are going to be in a crowded public place. [30 particularly if you are going to be in a crowded public place. do you think that is _ in a crowded public place. do you think that is likely _ in a crowded public place. do you think that is likely to _ in a crowded public place. do you think that is likely to happen i in a crowded public place. do you think that is likely to happen if i in a crowded public place. do you think that is likely to happen if it | think that is likely to happen if it isn't made mandatorily? and is there any chance at all of this government, head of big local elections, wanting to keep the public on side perhaps, of imposing further restrictions? 2.5 i public on side perhaps, of imposing further restrictions?— further restrictions? as i said specifically. _ further restrictions? as i said specifically, i'm _

further restrictions? as i said specifically, i'm not - further restrictions? as i said specifically, i'm not arguing i further restrictions? as i said | specifically, i'm not arguing at this point we should go back to mandatory mask wearing but there have been a number of points throughout this process where effectively we've had very clear public health advice from a combination of government ministers but also the chief scientific officer and the chief medical officer being clear about what the 0fficer being clear about what the risks are. what worries me and a lot of the trust leaders i represent is that we've suddenly gone from this position of having, you know, some very draconian restrictions into a position now where effectively we are saying it's all fine now, it's gone, but the reality is it hasn't gone. it is coming off the peak but we had record levels of coronavirus infections. we know this variant is particularly transmissible. what i'm saying is that i think it is important people should understand and be helped to understand what the level of risk is.

a doctor has been found guilty of 54 sex offence charges against women, spanning over 35 years. james shaw is our scotland correspondent, and hejoins us now from glasgow — tell us more. this is the case of agp, krishna singh, who was a gp for nearly 40 years, a general practitioner in north lanarkshire. —— a gp. sexual offending became part of his life. they were part of his working life, it was said. there were numerous cases, women who were coming to him to report rape, teenage girls, pregnant women subjected to things like kissing and groping, inappropriate examinations, and sleazy comments by the doctor. there was one particular case where a woman came to him to report a rape and he asked her what kind of

clothes she had been wearing, he asked her whether she was a goodtime girl, he seemed to be suggesting that she had some sort of culpability for the crime that had been committed against her and to make it worse he then went on to molest that woman. this all came to an end or started to come to an end in 2018 when one woman who was in fact inspired by the metoo movement said she was going to complain to the police and that led to an extensive investigation and all of these victims were found. finally when the case came to the high court in glasgow there were more than 60 offences, 48 victims involved in this case, and doctor krishna singh was found guilty of 54 of those offences, and thejudge was found guilty of 54 of those offences, and the judge at the high court said he would pass sentence on krishna singh next month.—

krishna singh next month. thanks very much- _ now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. whilst many places are having a fine day, we have a weather front close to western scotland and northern ireland which has already given some rain and cloud. still with patchy rain and cloud. still with patchy rain this afternoon. a little further north, as well. mainly driver wales and england though a slight chance of picking up a shower and misting around the coast of wales and south—west england. temperature is above average. warmest towards the east and south—east of england. pleasant in sunshine. misty low cloud tonight for wales, sunshine. misty low cloud tonight forwales, northern sunshine. misty low cloud tonight for wales, northern ireland and south—west scotland. for these areas there might be a bit of drizzle whereas elsewhere it's dry, clear spells, no frost, norwill they whereas elsewhere it's dry, clear spells, no frost, nor will they be as we go through the easter weekend. wales, south—west england, northern ireland and south—west scotland with cloudy skies on friday. elsewhere, a chance of picking up a shower but most places will be dry, broken

cloud, sunny spells, it is looking like a warmer day tomorrow. warmth continuing over much of the weekend although it'll be cooler on monday.

hello, this is bbc news with geeta guru—murthy. the headlines: with geeta guru—murthy. some asylum seekers who arrive in the uk will be sent to rwanda to be processed and then resettled there. the government says the plan will put a stop to people smugglers. this problem has bedevilled our country for too long and caused far too much human suffering and tragedy. the home secretary, priti patel, is in rwanda to sign the multi—million pound agreement, but critics say the plans are cruel and inhumane. russia's flagship vessel in the black sea has been seriously damaged. russia says a fire on board

caused an explosion, but ukraine claims it hit the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for routine hospital treatment in england. new figures show 6.2 million people were on waiting lists at the end of february. the number of people in the uk infected with coronavirus is falling, but remains very high. official figures show about 1 in 15 people are still testing positive a gp from north lanarkshire has been found guilty of 54 sex offences against women. krishna singh kissed, groped and gave inappropriate examinations to patients across 35 years. and new research finds multiple sclerosis could be caused by a common virus that almost everyone can expect to catch at some point in their lives. sport — and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's holly.

good afternoon. scotland's delayed world cup play—off semifinal with ukraine has been rescheduled for 1st ofjune. the fixtures were postponed due to russia's invasion of ukraine. if steve clarke's side progress, they'll take on wales in the play—off final in cardiff on 5th ofjune. the winner of that match will go to qatar in group b alongside england, usa and iran. following some controversial comments from their manager this week, the northenr ireland women's team says they're standing by him, insisting he's a man of integrity who has changed the game in northern ireland. shiels apologised for saying "women are more emotional than men" following the side's 5—0 defeat by england in their world cup qualifier on tuesday. captain marissa callaghan has taken to twitter to share a statement in which she appears to speak for the whole team.

we could have three more british sides reach european semifinals this evening. rangers and west ham will be hoping to reach the last four of the europa league. david moyes' side will be without defender kurt zouma for their second leg quarterfinal in lyon. he has an ankle injury, which the manager admits is a setback. it's a really big blow when you lose somebody who has a french international andy world cup winner, really important to the team, but it happens in football, you get injuries along the road and, unfortunately, kurt's has an ankle

sprain. and leicester will be bidding to reach the semifinals of the inaugural europa conference league. they face psv eindhoven as they attempt to reach their first ever european semifinal. we'll go with a real positive mentality and look to go and play our game. 0bviously, second leg, away from home, it's all to play for. but it is important to be aggressive and keep up this strong mentality that we have at the moment, and like i said, we go with no fear. former world darts champion ted hankey has pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault. the 54—year—old, who won the bdo world championship in 2000 and 2009, will be sentenced at chester crown court next month. the charge relates to an incident in crewe in september last year. in cricket, england's two—time world cup winner anya shrubsole has announced she is to retire from the international game. it brings to an end a 14—year career during

which she also won two ashes and has been awarded an mbe after bowling her side to that famous victory at lord's in 2017. she's played 173 games for her country across all formats, claiming 227 wickets, and bows out as england's current top it20 wicket—ta ker. the draw for snooker�*s world championship has been made. mark selby will open the defence of his title againstjamiejones. the englishman has had a tough year since lifting the trophy for a fourth time 12 months ago. he's only made one ranking event semifinal this season and has acknowledged having mental health concerns. as ever, ronnie 0'sullivan will be pulling in the crowds as he goes for a record—equalling seventh world title. he faces david gilbert in the first round. elsewhere, hossein vafaei will become the first player from iran to compete in the championship. he's got the tough task of facing former world number onejudd trump.

the 17—day event gets underway in sheffield on saturday. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. thank you, holly. there are just three weeks to go until voters across the uk go to the polls. voters in england, wales, and scotland will pick who they want to run services that affect everyday life in their local area. those in northern ireland will choose its government. ahead of the vote, we will be profiling some of the key contests in the uk's four nations. today my colleague martine croxall joins us from the seaside town of rhyl on the north wales coast. martin come over to you on the beach. it does look absolutely amazing. it is very beautiful —— martine. it amazing. it is very beautiful -- martine. , ., ., , martine. it is not really the weather — martine. it is not really the weather for _ martine. it is not really the weather for swimming, i martine. it is not really the} weather for swimming, but martine. it is not really the - weather for swimming, but you may weatherfor swimming, but you may hear some squeals, some children who are rather hardy souls throwing sand

and digging holes, as you do. labour, the conservatives, plaid cymru are the largest parties in local government in wales, the liberal democrats are some way behind, it has to be said. independents are quite important in wales and in the last local elections in 2017, there were 300 independent people who were elected. most councils across wales are under no overall control. denbighshire county council, which first makes its own, is governed by a multiparty cabinet. unfortunately, the conservative councillor has not been able to join us conservative councillor has not been able tojoin us due conservative councillor has not been able to join us due to what he said was a change in circumstances. we did contacted the conservative group leader if they could find does a replacement, but unfortunately none was forthcoming. however, we have three candidates, some of them without this afternoon. thank you so much forjoining us and for stopping

your teeth from chatting! i'm joined by mark young — independent councillor for denbigh lower. i'm also joined by barry mellor — labour councillor for rhyl east — and gwyneth ellis — plaid cymru councillor for llandrillo. i will labour came to the effort because you lost out in 2017? i think what has gone over the past couple _ think what has gone over the past couple of— think what has gone over the past couple of years, we will see a big change _ couple of years, we will see a big change in — couple of years, we will see a big change in what is going to happen in these _ change in what is going to happen in these local— change in what is going to happen in these local elections. we have only -ot these local elections. we have only got to— these local elections. we have only got to see — these local elections. we have only got to see the news day by day what is happening and i think there will be a swing — is happening and i think there will be a swing back towards labour. well— be a swing back towards labour. we'll come — be a swing back towards labour. we'll come back to what you are alluding to in a minute. national issues do play a part, don't they, often in local elections? even though they are not necessarily

affected by them. gwyneth, your leader adam price says that plaid cymru is well placed to make a difference to the things that matter to local people in wales. the conservatives say they are looking at the bread and butter things that matter like a street lights, pavements, potholes. how do you differentiate yourself from that? honestly, i think every candidate in these _ honestly, i think every candidate in these elections _ honestly, i think every candidate in these elections will— honestly, i think every candidate in these elections will say _ honestly, i think every candidate in these elections will say they- honestly, i think every candidate in these elections will say they are . these elections will say they are interested — these elections will say they are interested in— these elections will say they are interested in potholes— these elections will say they are interested in potholes and - these elections will say they are | interested in potholes and these things— interested in potholes and these things that — interested in potholes and these things that matter. _ interested in potholes and these things that matter. for- interested in potholes and these things that matter. for others i interested in potholes and these things that matter. for others in plaid _ things that matter. for others in plaid cyniru. _ things that matter. for others in plaid cymru, the _ things that matter. for others in plaid cymru, the important - things that matter. for others in| plaid cymru, the important thing things that matter. for others in. plaid cymru, the important thing is that we _ plaid cymru, the important thing is that we have — plaid cymru, the important thing is that we have local— plaid cymru, the important thing is that we have local candidates - plaid cymru, the important thing is that we have local candidates whol that we have local candidates who are invested — that we have local candidates who are invested in— that we have local candidates who are invested in their— that we have local candidates who| are invested in their communities. we want _ are invested in their communities. we want to— are invested in their communities. we want to empower— are invested in their communities. we want to empower those - are invested in their communities. - we want to empower those communities and devolve _ we want to empower those communities and devolve decision—making _ we want to empower those communities and devolve decision—making down- we want to empower those communities and devolve decision—making down to i and devolve decision—making down to the lowest _ and devolve decision—making down to the lowest level— and devolve decision—making down to the lowest level that _ and devolve decision—making down to the lowest level that we _ and devolve decision—making down to the lowest level that we can. - and devolve decision—making down to the lowest level that we can. the - the lowest level that we can. the conservatives _ the lowest level that we can. the conservatives have _ the lowest level that we can. the conservatives have candidates i the lowest level that we can. the| conservatives have candidates for every _ conservatives have candidates for every seat — conservatives have candidates for every seat in _ conservatives have candidates for every seat in denbighshire, - conservatives have candidates for every seat in denbighshire, but. every seat in denbighshire, but quite _ every seat in denbighshire, but quite a — every seat in denbighshire, but quite a few— every seat in denbighshire, but quite a few of— every seat in denbighshire, but quite a few of them _ every seat in denbighshire, but quite a few of them have - every seat in denbighshire, but. quite a few of them have nothing every seat in denbighshire, but- quite a few of them have nothing to do with— quite a few of them have nothing to do with the — quite a few of them have nothing to do with the communities _ quite a few of them have nothing to do with the communities that - quite a few of them have nothing to do with the communities that they. do with the communities that they are standing— do with the communities that they are standing for. _ do with the communities that they are standing for. in— do with the communities that they are standing for. in my— are standing for. in my constituency, - are standing for. in my constituency, there - are standing for. in my constituency, there is. are standing for. in my| constituency, there is a conservative _ constituency, there is a conservative candidate | constituency, there is a -

conservative candidate who lives here in _ conservative candidate who lives here in rhyl. _ conservative candidate who lives here in rhyl, nothing _ conservative candidate who lives here in rhyl, nothing to- conservative candidate who lives here in rhyl, nothing to do- conservative candidate who lives here in rhyl, nothing to do withi conservative candidate who lives i here in rhyl, nothing to do with the community— here in rhyl, nothing to do with the community she _ here in rhyl, nothing to do with the community she is _ here in rhyl, nothing to do with the community she is being _ here in rhyl, nothing to do with the community she is being seeking - here in rhyl, nothing to do with the community she is being seeking ——| community she is being seeking —— seeking _ community she is being seeking —— seeking to— community she is being seeking —— seeking to be — community she is being seeking —— seeking to be elected _ community she is being seeking —— seeking to be elected to _ community she is being seeking ——| seeking to be elected to represent. ithink— seeking to be elected to represent. i think that — seeking to be elected to represent. i think that is — seeking to be elected to represent. i think that is really— seeking to be elected to represent. i think that is really important. - i think that is really important. people — i think that is really important. people feet— i think that is really important. people feel disconnected - i think that is really important. people feel disconnected withi people feel disconnected with politics— people feel disconnected with politics and _ people feel disconnected with politics and they _ people feel disconnected with politics and they really - people feel disconnected with politics and they really need i people feel disconnected withl politics and they really need to feel that — politics and they really need to feel that the _ politics and they really need to feel that the politicians - politics and they really need to feel that the politicians are - feel that the politicians are invested _ feel that the politicians are invested in— feel that the politicians are invested in the _ feel that the politicians are i invested in the communities feel that the politicians are - invested in the communities they represent — invested in the communities they represent trrhe— invested in the communities they reresent. ~ ., ~ represent. we have said, mark, independents, _ represent. we have said, mark, independents, it _ represent. we have said, mark, independents, it struck - represent. we have said, mark, independents, it struck me - represent. we have said, mark, independents, it struck me how important independents are. you do not have a big party apparatus behind you, able to push those big policies like conservatives are able to make communities —— pushing to make communities safer and healthier. make communities safer and healthier-— make communities safer and healthier. , , ,, ., healthier. yes but i think that we are the second _ healthier. yes but i think that we are the second largest _ healthier. yes but i think that we are the second largest group - healthier. yes but i think that we are the second largest group in l are the second largest group in wales— are the second largest group in wales and believe in independents, we can— wales and believe in independents, we can work across party with the benefit _ we can work across party with the benefit of — we can work across party with the benefit of communities. and i think nationat— benefit of communities. and i think national politics is turning people of political parties and it helps independents and i think it will help us— independents and i think it will help us this time. and all the

council— help us this time. and all the council policies have been supported at cross—party and because of the crisis. _ at cross—party and because of the crisis. the — at cross—party and because of the crisis, the cost of living crisis, all working _ crisis, the cost of living crisis, all working together is going to be really— all working together is going to be really important in the future. an independent candidate can do that. those _ independent candidate can do that. those issues you talk about have come across loud and clear here. the cost of living that is worrying people, the cost of living in rhyl, where local people need to be has, but people want to also come here on holiday. how well—placed is a county council to really make a difference at a time when budgets are being squeezed? —— local people who need to be housed. in squeezed? -- local people who need to be housed-— to be housed. in the hampshire county council, _ to be housed. in the hampshire county council, we _ to be housed. in the hampshire county council, we put - to be housed. in the hampshire county council, we put our - to be housed. in the hampshire. county council, we put our heads together— county council, we put our heads together and _ county council, we put our heads together and built _ county council, we put our heads together and built 170 _ county council, we put our heads together and built 170 council - together and built 170 council houses — together and built 170 council houses for— together and built 170 council houses for the _ together and built 170 council houses for the local- together and built 170 council houses for the local people. i together and built 170 council . houses for the local people. we together and built 170 council - houses for the local people. we know in rhyt— houses for the local people. we know in tht we _ houses for the local people. we know in tht we have — houses for the local people. we know in rhyl we have a _ houses for the local people. we know in rhyl we have a massive, _ houses for the local people. we know in rhyl we have a massive, massive l in rhyl we have a massive, massive probtenf _ in rhyl we have a massive, massive probtenf we — in rhyl we have a massive, massive problem. we have _ in rhyl we have a massive, massive problem. we have the _ in rhyl we have a massive, massive problem. we have the second - in rhyl we have a massive, massive problem. we have the second most| problem. we have the second most deprived _ problem. we have the second most deprived area — problem. we have the second most deprived area in _ problem. we have the second most deprived area in the _ problem. we have the second most deprived area in the whole - problem. we have the second most deprived area in the whole of - problem. we have the second mosti deprived area in the whole of wales and we _ deprived area in the whole of wales and we have — deprived area in the whole of wales and we have to _ deprived area in the whole of wales and we have to change _ deprived area in the whole of wales and we have to change that. - deprived area in the whole of wales and we have to change that. we - deprived area in the whole of wales i and we have to change that. we have to find _ and we have to change that. we have

to find a _ and we have to change that. we have to find a way— and we have to change that. we have to find a way how _ and we have to change that. we have to find a way how to _ and we have to change that. we have to find a way how to do _ and we have to change that. we have to find a way how to do it. _ and we have to change that. we have to find a way how to do it. a - and we have to change that. we have to find a way how to do it. a one - to find a way how to do it. a one way— to find a way how to do it. a one way is _ to find a way how to do it. a one way is housing, _ to find a way how to do it. a one way is housing, get— to find a way how to do it. a one way is housing, get rid - to find a way how to do it. a one way is housing, get rid of- to find a way how to do it. a one way is housing, get rid of thesel way is housing, get rid of these houses — way is housing, get rid of these houses of— way is housing, get rid of these houses of multiple _ way is housing, get rid of these houses of multiple occupation. | way is housing, get rid of these - houses of multiple occupation. the iriggest _ houses of multiple occupation. the iriggest thing — houses of multiple occupation. the biggest thing employment. - houses of multiple occupation. the biggest thing employment. we - houses of multiple occupation. the. biggest thing employment. we have loads of— biggest thing employment. we have loads ofiobs — biggest thing employment. we have loads ofiobs in— biggest thing employment. we have loads ofjobs in the _ biggest thing employment. we have loads ofjobs in the summer, - biggest thing employment. we have loads ofjobs in the summer, but. biggest thing employment. we have loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need _ loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need jobs _ loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need jobs that — loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need jobs that are _ loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need jobs that are long _ loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need jobs that are long lasting. - loads ofjobs in the summer, but we need jobs that are long lasting. we i need jobs that are long lasting. we have a _ need jobs that are long lasting. we have a brand—new _ need jobs that are long lasting. we have a brand—new facility _ need jobs that are long lasting. we have a brand—new facility going - need jobs that are long lasting. we have a brand—new facility going tol have a brand—new facility going to be opening — have a brand—new facility going to be opening in— have a brand—new facility going to be opening in the _ have a brand—new facility going to be opening in the college, - have a brand—new facility going to be opening in the college, and - be opening in the college, and engineering _ be opening in the college, and engineering state—of—the—art,| be opening in the college, and - engineering state—of—the—art, but when _ engineering state—of—the—art, but when those — engineering state—of—the—art, but when those youngsters _ engineering state—of—the—art, but when those youngsters come - engineering state—of—the—art, but when those youngsters come outl engineering state—of—the—art, but. when those youngsters come out of that, _ when those youngsters come out of that, we _ when those youngsters come out of that, we need — when those youngsters come out of that, we need jobs— when those youngsters come out of that, we need jobs here, _ when those youngsters come out of that, we need jobs here, not - when those youngsters come out of that, we need jobs here, not to- when those youngsters come out of| that, we need jobs here, not to lose them _ that, we need jobs here, not to lose them to— that, we need jobs here, not to lose them to chester, _ that, we need jobs here, not to lose them to chester, manchester, - them to chester, manchester, liverpoot~ _ them to chester, manchester, liverpoot~ if— them to chester, manchester, liverpool. if we _ them to chester, manchester, liverpool. if we can _ them to chester, manchester, liverpool. if we can get - them to chester, manchester, | liverpool. if we can get proper them to chester, manchester, - liverpool. if we can get properjobs in that— liverpool. if we can get properjobs in that area. — liverpool. if we can get properjobs in that area. we — liverpool. if we can get properjobs in that area, we will _ liverpool. if we can get properjobs in that area, we will lift _ liverpool. if we can get properjobs in that area, we will lift that - in that area, we will lift that deprivation, _ in that area, we will lift that deprivation, and _ in that area, we will lift that deprivation, and that - in that area, we will lift that deprivation, and that that l in that area, we will lift that deprivation, and that that is in that area, we will lift that - deprivation, and that that is what we have — deprivation, and that that is what we have to — deprivation, and that that is what we have to work _ deprivation, and that that is what we have to work for. _ deprivation, and that that is what we have to work for.— deprivation, and that that is what we have to work for. gwyneth, we have heard _ we have to work for. gwyneth, we have heard from _ we have to work for. gwyneth, we have heard from a _ we have to work for. gwyneth, we have heard from a lot _ we have to work for. gwyneth, we have heard from a lot of— we have to work for. gwyneth, we have heard from a lot of people i we have to work for. gwyneth, we l have heard from a lot of people that they do not want to have to leave, they do not want to have to leave, they want to be able to stay. how great is that tension, do you think, between making sure that the place is attractive and there is accommodation for people who are visiting, but also it is still a really nice place to live? you do not have to leave just because it gets difficult? i not have to leave 'ust because it gets difficult?— gets difficult? i think that is so important _ gets difficult? i think that is so important. local— gets difficult? i think that is so important. local people - gets difficult? i think that is so

important. local people have l gets difficult? i think that is sol important. local people have to gets difficult? i think that is so - important. local people have to be able to _ important. local people have to be able to stay in their communities. and i_ able to stay in their communities. and i think— able to stay in their communities. and i think the planning regulations have to _ and i think the planning regulations have to change, the local development plan has to change so it favours— development plan has to change so it favours a _ development plan has to change so it favours a local demand rather than the needs— favours a local demand rather than the needs of big developers and the needs— the needs of big developers and the needs of— the needs of big developers and the needs of a _ the needs of big developers and the needs of a profit making. i think we really— needs of a profit making. i think we really need — needs of a profit making. i think we really need to focus on the communities in denbighshire and what their needs _ communities in denbighshire and what their needs are. during this last councit, — their needs are. during this last council, council tax has increased atmost _ council, council tax has increased almost 25%. council house rents have .one almost 25%. council house rents have gone up _ almost 25%. council house rents have gone up and — almost 25%. council house rents have gone up. and barry here, he has recently— gone up. and barry here, he has recently asked for an internal audit because _ recently asked for an internal audit because spending on big projects is going _ because spending on big projects is going out— because spending on big projects is going out of control. and i think we really. _ going out of control. and i think we really. as— going out of control. and i think we really. as a — going out of control. and i think we really, as a cancer, need to be looking — really, as a cancer, need to be looking for— really, as a cancer, need to be looking for value for money in everything we do —— as a council. that— everything we do —— as a council. that is— everything we do —— as a council. that is vital— everything we do —— as a council. that is vital for the people of denbighshire.— that is vital for the people of denbighshire. that is vital for the people of denbiahshire. ., , , ., , denbighshire. there has been money available in the _ denbighshire. there has been money available in the past _ denbighshire. there has been money available in the past from _ denbighshire. there has been money available in the past from the - available in the past from the european union, mark. that is no

longer available to the uk and wales, of course we'll miss that. what are the opportunities for levelling up as far as you can see it from things like the community renewal fund?— it from things like the community renewal fund? when you talk about levellin: renewal fund? when you talk about levelling up. _ renewal fund? when you talk about levelling up. i— renewal fund? when you talk about levelling up, i think— renewal fund? when you talk about levelling up, i think london - renewal fund? when you talk about levelling up, i think london has- renewal fund? when you talk about levelling up, i think london has to l levelling up, i think london has to level— levelling up, i think london has to level down — levelling up, i think london has to level down it _ levelling up, i think london has to level down. it is _ levelling up, i think london has to level down. it is not _ levelling up, i think london has to level down. it is notjust_ levelling up, i think london has to level down. it is notjust about. level down. it is notjust about levelling — level down. it is notjust about levelling up. _ level down. it is notjust about levelling up. it— level down. it is notjust about levelling up, it is— level down. it is notjust about levelling up, it is about - level down. it is notjust about| levelling up, it is about sharing monev— levelling up, it is about sharing money eguallv _ levelling up, it is about sharing money equally across - levelling up, it is about sharing money equally across the - levelling up, it is about sharing. money equally across the country. and yes, _ money equally across the country. and yes, they— money equally across the country. and yes, they have _ money equally across the country. and yes, they have agreed - money equally across the country. and yes, they have agreed to - money equally across the country. and yes, they have agreed to putl and yes, they have agreed to put funding _ and yes, they have agreed to put funding towards— and yes, they have agreed to put funding towards wales, - and yes, they have agreed to put funding towards wales, but - and yes, they have agreed to put funding towards wales, but it - and yes, they have agreed to put funding towards wales, but it is. and yes, they have agreed to put funding towards wales, but it isi billion— funding towards wales, but it isi billion less — funding towards wales, but it isi billion less than _ funding towards wales, but it isi billion less than we _ funding towards wales, but it isi billion less than we will - funding towards wales, but it isi billion less than we will get - funding towards wales, but it isi billion less than we will get from | billion less than we will get from europe — billion less than we will get from europe that— billion less than we will get from europe. that is— billion less than we will get from europe. that is not— billion less than we will get from europe. that is not what- billion less than we will get from europe. that is not what brexit i europe. that is not what brexit promise, — europe. that is not what brexit promise, but— europe. that is not what brexit promise, but i_ europe. that is not what brexit promise, but i will— europe. that is not what brexit promise, but i will not- europe. that is not what brexit promise, but i will not get- europe. that is not what brexit promise, but i will not get into| promise, but i will not get into that too— promise, but i will not get into that too much, _ promise, but i will not get into that too much, we _ promise, but i will not get into that too much, we were - promise, but i will not get into i that too much, we were promised promise, but i will not get into - that too much, we were promised we would _ that too much, we were promised we would not _ that too much, we were promised we would not lose — that too much, we were promised we would not lose out, _ that too much, we were promised we would not lose out, and _ that too much, we were promised we would not lose out, and it _ that too much, we were promised we would not lose out, and it is - that too much, we were promised we would not lose out, and it is big - would not lose out, and it is big money— would not lose out, and it is big money for— would not lose out, and it is big money for a _ would not lose out, and it is big money for a small— would not lose out, and it is big money for a small country. - would not lose out, and it is big money for a small country. it i would not lose out, and it is big - money for a small country. it means we will— money for a small country. it means we will have — money for a small country. it means we will have to — money for a small country. it means we will have to work _ money for a small country. it means we will have to work harder- money for a small country. it means we will have to work harder to - money for a small country. it means we will have to work harder to get . we will have to work harder to get more _ we will have to work harder to get more out — we will have to work harder to get more out of— we will have to work harder to get more out of the _ we will have to work harder to get more out of the money _ we will have to work harder to get more out of the money but - we will have to work harder to get more out of the money but we - we will have to work harder to get i more out of the money but we have we will have to work harder to get - more out of the money but we have to acknowledge _ more out of the money but we have to acknowledge that _ more out of the money but we have to acknowledge that we _ more out of the money but we have to acknowledge that we are _ more out of the money but we have to acknowledge that we are getting - more out of the money but we have to acknowledge that we are getting less. acknowledge that we are getting less and that— acknowledge that we are getting less and that is— acknowledge that we are getting less and that is a — acknowledge that we are getting less and that is a huge _ acknowledge that we are getting less and that is a huge disappointment. . and that is a huge disappointment. london _ and that is a huge disappointment. london should _ and that is a huge disappointment. london should be _ and that is a huge disappointment. london should be ashamed. - and that is a huge disappointment. london should be ashamed. we i and that is a huge disappointment. - london should be ashamed. we should -et london should be ashamed. we should get what _ london should be ashamed. we should get what we _ london should be ashamed. we should get what we were — london should be ashamed. we should get what we were promised, _ london should be ashamed. we should get what we were promised, we - get what we were promised, we haven't— get what we were promised, we haven't been. _ get what we were promised, we haven't been, but— get what we were promised, we haven't been, but we _ get what we were promised, we haven't been, but we will- get what we were promised, we haven't been, but we will work. haven't been, but we will work cross-partv, _ haven't been, but we will work cross—party, the _ haven't been, but we will worki cross—party, the independents, haven't been, but we will work- cross—party, the independents, to do the best— cross—party, the independents, to do the best with — cross—party, the independents, to do the best with our _ cross—party, the independents, to do the best with our communities, - cross—party, the independents, to do the best with our communities, but. the best with our communities, but london _ the best with our communities, but london needs— the best with our communities, but london needs to _ the best with our communities, but london needs to stop _ the best with our communities, but london needs to stop lying - the best with our communities, but london needs to stop lying and - the best with our communities, butl london needs to stop lying and stick to its— london needs to stop lying and stick to its promises— london needs to stop lying and stick to its promises and _ london needs to stop lying and stick to its promises and manifesto- to its promises and manifesto promises~ _ to its promises and manifesto promises—

promises. most people in the south-east — promises. most people in the south-east will _ promises. most people in the south-east will say _ promises. most people in the south-east will say there - promises. most people in the south-east will say there is i promises. most people in the - south-east will say there is pockets south—east will say there is pockets of deprivation in the capital as well, but we were less that... that is, es. well, but we were less that... that is. yes you _ well, but we were less that... that is, yes. you talk _ well, but we were less that... that is, yes. you talk about _ well, but we were less that... that is, yes. you talk about cross—party working. _ is, yes. you talk about cross—party working. but— is, yes. you talk about cross—party working, but how— is, yes. you talk about cross—party working, but how green _ is, yes. you talk about cross—party working, but how green are - is, yes. you talk about cross—party working, but how green are your. working, but how green are your parties _ working, but how green are your parties to— working, but how green are your parties to do _ working, but how green are your parties to do that? _ working, but how green are your parties to do that? fiery- working, but how green are your parties to do that?— parties to do that? very keen, i think. i have _ parties to do that? very keen, i think. i have been _ parties to do that? very keen, i think. i have been a _ parties to do that? very keen, i think. i have been a county- think. i have been a county councillor— think. i have been a county councillor for the last nine years. and we _ councillor for the last nine years. and we have always worked well together — and we have always worked well together. it is about working for the residents that you represent. it is no _ the residents that you represent. it is no good — the residents that you represent. it is no good just going in with a blindfold _ is no good just going in with a blindfold on that your party is everyone _ blindfold on that your party is everyone and it knows what is needed — everyone and it knows what is needed. you have to listen sometimes to other— needed. you have to listen sometimes to other people and take on board and put _ to other people and take on board and put your hands up if we have got it wrong, _ and put your hands up if we have got it wrong, let's go down this avenue, so it is— it wrong, let's go down this avenue, so it is about — it wrong, let's go down this avenue, so it is about working together. just briefly, barry alluded to it before, the fact that our national issues at stake, the obvious one this week the conservatives are grappling with is the partygate fallout, comedy�*s fixed penalty notices at the prime minister and

chancellor have had to pay ——, the fixed penalty notices. how important is that to the people you're talking to a? , ., , �* ., ~' is that to the people you're talking toa? , �* ., ,, .,., to a? the people i'm talking to are aenerall to a? the people i'm talking to are generally disillusioned _ to a? the people i'm talking to are generally disillusioned with - generally disillusioned with politics and the whole partygate issue _ politics and the whole partygate issue is — politics and the whole partygate issue is adding to that. people just do not _ issue is adding to that. people just do not think politicians are relevant _ do not think politicians are relevant to their everyday lives. and i_ relevant to their everyday lives. and i think _ relevant to their everyday lives. and i think the whole everything that is— and i think the whole everything that is happening in westminster adds that — that is happening in westminster adds that feeling.— that is happening in westminster adds that feelina. ~ , , ., adds that feeling. westminster, what are eo - le adds that feeling. westminster, what are peeple telling _ adds that feeling. westminster, what are people telling you _ adds that feeling. westminster, what are people telling you a _ adds that feeling. westminster, what are people telling you a? _ adds that feeling. westminster, what are people telling you a? i _ adds that feeling. westminster, what are people telling you a? i can - adds that feeling. westminster, what are people telling you a? i can tell. are people telling you a? i can tell ou what are people telling you a? i can tell you what my _ are people telling you a? i can tell you what my mother— are people telling you a? i can tell you what my mother says, - are people telling you a? i can tell you what my mother says, who . are people telling you a? i can tell. you what my mother says, who could not visit _ you what my mother says, who could not visit her — you what my mother says, who could not visit her dying _ you what my mother says, who could not visit her dying sister. _ you what my mother says, who could not visit her dying sister. she - you what my mother says, who could not visit her dying sister. she is- not visit her dying sister. she is shocked — not visit her dying sister. she is shocked. disappointed. - not visit her dying sister. she is shocked. disappointed. we - not visit her dying sister. she is shocked. disappointed. we are| not visit her dying sister. she is- shocked. disappointed. we are better than this _ shocked. disappointed. we are better than this and — shocked. disappointed. we are better than this. and the _ shocked. disappointed. we are better than this. and the fact _ shocked. disappointed. we are better than this. and the fact they— shocked. disappointed. we are better than this. and the fact they are - shocked. disappointed. we are better than this. and the fact they are not i than this. and the fact they are not here today, — than this. and the fact they are not here today, the _ than this. and the fact they are not here today, the conservative - than this. and the fact they are not| here today, the conservative party, says deep— here today, the conservative party, says deep down _ here today, the conservative party, says deep down they _ here today, the conservative party, says deep down they know- here today, the conservative party, says deep down they know that. - here today, the conservative party, . says deep down they know that. deep down they know _ says deep down they know that. deep down they know that. _ says deep down they know that. down they know that. they have says deep down they know thatm down they know that. they have said, of course, there was change in circumstances.— of course, there was change in circumstances. , ,, ., ., , circumstances. they know what they should do. circumstances. they know what they should do- it — circumstances. they know what they should do. it is _ circumstances. they know what they should do. it is shocking. _ circumstances. they know what they should do. it is shocking. and - should do. it is shocking. and clearly people _ should do. it is shocking. and clearly people like _ should do. it is shocking. and clearly people like you - should do. it is shocking. and clearly people like you are - should do. it is shocking. and i clearly people like you are upset should do. it is shocking. and - clearly people like you are upset by the circumstances of the pandemic. mark young, independent. when it l

from plaid cymru, barry millerfrom the labour party —— gwyneth ellis. the conservative candidate said he could not, because of a change in circumstances, we asked someone else to come and join a study did not miss their opportunity to put forward their policies, but they could not. however, on our website you can find out more about the policies. and you can find out more about the upcoming local elections in denbighshire county council on 5th may, including information on how to vote, and who your local candidates are, by going to the council website denbighshire.gov.uk very exciting to be talking and about an hour's time to a representative from a company that wants to create a tidal lagoon here which would generate green energy. very, very current and topical. i

hope you will be able to join us for them. hope you will be able to 'oin us for them. a, ., , ., ., them. marvellous, we are in a green moment in — them. marvellous, we are in a green moment in the _ them. marvellous, we are in a green moment in the next _ them. marvellous, we are in a green moment in the next few _ them. marvellous, we are in a green moment in the next few minutes, i them. marvellous, we are in a green moment in the next few minutes, so thatis moment in the next few minutes, so that is a perfect link as ever. more now on our top story — borisjohnson has outlined a plan to send some people who arrive in the uk illegally to rwanda to be processed and resettled. home office sources say it's a "one—way ticket" with the rwandan government being paid £120 million to accept the migrants. most of those who are sent there are likely to be single men, but women without children will also be considered for deportation if they arrive illegally. refugee organisations have criticised the plan as cruel. we can speak now to the green party co—leader in england and wales, carla denyer. borisjohnson in boris johnson in his borisjohnson in his speech today said in order to carry on being generous to those fleeing persecution who come through legal writs, and he cited hong kong, ukraine, of course have these

schemes, the country, the government has to crackdown on illegal rates and this is one way of deterring people —— illegal routes. i5 and this is one way of deterring people -- illegal routes. is that a valid way? _ people -- illegal routes. is that a valid way? frankly, _ people -- illegal routes. is that a valid way? frankly, i'm _ people -- illegal routes. is that a valid way? frankly, i'm appalled | valid way? frankly, i'm appalled that the government thinks this is anyway to treat fellow human beings who are seeking sanctuary, let's not forget, for war and persecution. i really don't say this lightly, this inhumane policy is yet another sign that the uk government is turning into an authoritarian regime that seems unconcerned with whether or not at ideas to the rule of law, domestically or internationally. you the un refugee agency itself commented that the experience from similar policies elsewhere shows these agreements are eye watering these agreements are eye watering the expensive, often violate

international law, lead to widespread detention for people who have committed no crime, and usually lead to more people smuggling, not less. i lead to more people smuggling, not less. , ,., ~' lead to more people smuggling, not less. , ., ., ., , ., ~ less. i spoke to one conservative mp in the last couple _ less. i spoke to one conservative mp in the last couple of— less. i spoke to one conservative mp in the last couple of hours _ less. i spoke to one conservative mp in the last couple of hours who - less. i spoke to one conservative mpj in the last couple of hours who made the point that many do, which is menu, economic migrants. if they are coming from fans across the channel or icn lottie's, why have they not claimed in france? —— or in lorries. they arejust abusing claimed in france? —— or in lorries. they are just abusing uk generosity, some see it. they are just abusing uk generosity, some see it— some see it. three quarters of those who succeed — some see it. three quarters of those who succeed in _ some see it. three quarters of those who succeed in making _ some see it. three quarters of those who succeed in making the - some see it. three quarters of those who succeed in making the difficult. who succeed in making the difficult and dangerous journey to the uk are granted asylum, that is recognising they have a right to be here. that means if there is a new government policy were to be implemented, potentially 75% over the people that would be sent to remand out only when we take it with, in fact, be required by international law to be

given a sanctuary in the uk —— only one way ticket to rwanda. what given a sanctuary in the uk -- only one way ticket to rwanda.- one way ticket to rwanda. what is the green party — one way ticket to rwanda. what is the green party proposal - one way ticket to rwanda. what is the green party proposal on - one way ticket to rwanda. what is the green party proposal on a - the green party proposal on a migration, refugees, illegal migration? do you think,... no parties are going for open borders. we know that the government has a huge mandate, delivered through brexit, which shows that public opinion once secure our borders. a lot of people were very opposed to immigration. what is the green party solution to those public concerns, which are valid, surely? the solution to those public concerns, which are valid, surely?— which are valid, surely? the most imortant which are valid, surely? the most important thing — which are valid, surely? the most important thing is _ which are valid, surely? the most important thing is to _ which are valid, surely? the most important thing is to introduce - which are valid, surely? the most. important thing is to introduce safe routes to sanctuary. the government is actually doing the opposite of that with this policy. it is because icily because there is no way to reach the uk safely to claim asylum that the people fall into the hands of people smugglers. the uk government says it is trying to reduce the number of people

travelling these dangerous routes, but it is having the opposite effect. �* , ., but it is having the opposite effect. ., ., , effect. but people can, for example, to to effect. but people can, for example, go to other — effect. but people can, for example, go to other european _ effect. but people can, for example, go to other european nations - effect. but people can, for example, go to other european nations when l go to other european nations when they are travelling through the mediterranean. and the question many people have is, why do they not claim asylum in those european nations, for example? our countries closer to where they have fled, which are safe? why are they wanting to come to the uk in such large numbers every year? i to come to the uk in such large numbers every year?— numbers every year? i would challenge — numbers every year? i would challenge your _ numbers every year? i would challenge your claim - numbers every year? i would challenge your claim about i numbers every year? i would i challenge your claim about such large numbers. actually, we are still no way near the record levels, 2002 i think it was at its peak. there might be a number of legitimate reasons people have to come to the uk, they have family, they speak good english are, in the case of many refugees from afghanistan, it may be that they were... have strong links with the uk, have worked for the uk military government. they have every right to come here and claim asylum. and i think we all believe and hope that

we are a compassionate people and a compassionate country, and we want our government to represent us and be compassionate towards those refugees who are fleeing war and persecution and need our help. couege persecution and need our help. college of the green party, carla, thank you for your time today. —— co—leader. nearly three million people around the world have multiple sclerosis. scientists now think they have now uncovered a mystery cause of this incurable disease. it could be a virus that nearly every one of us can expect to catch. joining us is james gallagher, bbc health and science correspondent. tell us more. this is not one study story, it is a series that have come together and paints a clear picture that the virus, epstein—barr virus is a cause of multiple sclerosis. it is a cause of multiple sclerosis. it is a cause of multiple sclerosis. it is a virus we will be familiar with, it is the kissing disease, glandular fever so lots of people expect to catch it on a life, 95% of us end up

with that at some point. so it has been really difficult because of that to figure out what is going on because how can something that everyone pretty much expects to get because a quite rare neurological degenerative disease so that is what these studies are checking together. there is looking at us soldiers in the united states and 10 million soldier�* blood samples going back decades and you look at what happens to the ones who get multiple sclerosis, they get infected with epstein—barr virus and shortly after that you start to notice signs of the brain being damaged in their bloodstream. about five years after the infection, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. other studies are picking apart what is happening inside people�*s brains and their immune system that connects the virus to the brain damage and also some studies are showing early signs that if you intervene in that process, you might be able to reduce the symptoms of multiple scoliosis, so it is a wave of scientific

research pushing in the same direction —— multiple sclerosis. irate direction -- multiple sclerosis. we know direction —— multiple sclerosis. we know about viruses and vaccines, is it a possibilitythis would be one of the big grand dames. the challenge because so many — the big grand dames. the challenge because so many people _ the big grand dames. the challenge because so many people get - because so many people get epstein—barr virus, you would want to be able to give it to people when they were incredibly young before they were incredibly young before they were incredibly young before they were even exposed to the virus —— one of the big grand aims. and you need to wait decades for people to see whether that was stopping people from developing multiple scoliosis. any short time, another idea is developing a vaccine you could give to people who already have early stages of multiple sclerosis or a likeliness of developing ms and that we get a bus to the immune system that allows you to... not trigger ms symptoms. you�*re in this territory now were signed are very confident they can connect these to things, but how you act on that exactly is up for

debate. i5 act on that exactly is up for debate. , ., , , ., , debate. is there anything else any of us can do _ debate. is there anything else any of us can do to — debate. is there anything else any of us can do to limit _ debate. is there anything else any of us can do to limit risks - debate. is there anything else any of us can do to limit risks that - debate. is there anything else any of us can do to limit risks that we | of us can do to limit risks that we know more clearly? that has been talked about for a long time, of course epstein—barr virus, absolutely right, it has been one of these big arguments debated within medical science about whether it is affecting... the medical science about whether it is affectin: . .. ., ., , medical science about whether it is affectina... ., ., medical science about whether it is affecting- - -— affecting... the areas that connect the two, if — affecting... the areas that connect the two, if nearly _ affecting... the areas that connect the two, if nearly everyone - affecting... the areas that connect the two, if nearly everyone gets i affecting... the areas that connect l the two, if nearly everyone gets the virus but not many people get multiple scoliosis, it tells you other things come into play and some of this you can do absolutely nothing about —— multiple scoliosis. some people are genetically born possibly more likely to get it. but women are born at high risk of developing multiple scoliosis than men are. one of the things is around vitamin d levels —— multiple screlosis. you have higher levels in

northern europe than in southern europe are continental europe, so it could be having more vitamin d, but thatis could be having more vitamin d, but that is no confirmation on that yet. i definitely taking my vitamins everyday no! thank you very much. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with nick miller whilst many places are having a fine day, we have a weather front close to western scotland and northern ireland which has already given some rain and cloud. still with patchy rain this afternoon. a little further north, as well. mainly driver wales and england though a slight chance of picking up a shower and misting around the coast of wales and south—west england. temperature is above average. warmest towards the east and south—east of england. pleasant in sunshine. misty low cloud tonight for wales, northern ireland and south—west scotland. for these areas there might be a bit of drizzle whereas elsewhere it�*s dry, clear

spells, no frost, nor will there be as we go through the easter weekend. wales, south—west england, northern ireland and south—west scotland with cloudy skies on friday. elsewhere, a chance of picking up a shower but most places will be dry, broken cloud, sunny spells, it is looking like a warmer day tomorrow. warmth continuing over much of the weekend although it�*ll be cooler on monday.

this is bbc news. the headlines: some asylum seekers who arrive in the uk will be sent to rwanda to be processed and then resettled there. critics say the government�*s plans are cruel and inhumane. this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms, will provide safe and legal routes for asylum while disrupting the business model of the gangs. the home secretary, priti patel, is in rwanda to meet the country�*s minister of foreign affairs and sign the new agreement. russia�*s flagship vessel in the black sea has been seriously damaged. russia says a fire on board caused an explosion,

but ukraine claims it hit the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for routine hospital treatment in england. new figures show 6.2 million people were on waiting lists at the end of february. the number of people in the uk infected with coronavirus is falling, but remains very high. official figures show about i in 15 people are still testing positive. a gp from north lanarkshire has been found guilty of 5a sex offences against women. krishna singh kissed, groped and gave inappropriate examinations to patients across 35 years. we�*re in rhyl in north wales ahead of the local elections taking place across the uk next month. we will be talking this hour about the proposal to build a tidal lagoon which will potentially create thousands ofjobs.

some people who arrive in the uk illegally will be given a one way ticket to rwanda — with the prime minister saying our compassion is infinite but our capacity to help people is not. the government says people seeking to stay in the uk will instead be sent 4,000 miles to east africa. it�*s part of a range of measures to try to cut the number of people crossing the english channel in small boats. the government sees it as a way to end illegal migration. but critics have called the plans "cruel". last year — almost 29,000 people crossed the english channel in small boats. yesterday alone — 600 people made the crossing. at least 44 drowned in 2021. the uk is expected

to give £120 million to the rwandan government under a trial scheme. borisjohnson says rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world but last year at the united nations, the uk demanded investigations into killings, disappearances and torture in the country. australia and other countries have already tried the controversial policy of sending migrants overseas. our political correspondent jonathan blake reports arriving this morning, migrants rescued trying to cross the english channel, a dangerous journey for thousands each year, a problem the government has so far failed to tackle. the solution, ministers believe, lies 4,000 miles away. the home secretary priti patel visiting rwanda, where the government wants to send many of those arriving on small boats. the scheme would see mostly single men sent to the central african country, where they could attempt to claim asylum to live and work. the prime minister, in kent today,

said the plan was part of the uk taking back control of immigration. this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms, will provide safe and legal routes for asylum, while disrupting the business model of the gangs. because it means that economic migrants taking advantage of the asylum system will not get to stay in the uk. while those in genuine need will be properly protected, including with access to legal services on arrival in rwanda. he promised support for safe and legal routes, such as refugee resettlement schemes, but opposition parties are scathing. they are unworkable, they're extortionate and will cost taxpayers billions of pounds, and they reflect a prime minister who has got no grip, no answers to the questions that need answering, and no shame. and ijust think britain deserves better than this.

i absolutely accept we need to stop this happening, - but you do that by providing safe |and legal routes, not by sendingj people thousands of miles away- to a country that already has a poor human rights record that the uk has previously questioned. _ itjust turns my stomach to see that our government acting in our name can behave in such a way. i think a lot of people will be quite aghast. in the last four years the numbers crossing the channel in small boats has climbed from 297 in 2018 to almost 29,000 last year. this year has already seen 4,578 arrivals and looks set to be a new record. rwanda�*s human rights record is one concern refugee groups have. the prime minister said he expected a legal challenge and that the plans will not be put in place overnight. but desperate to deal with channel crossings with limited options at hand, ministers hope a pledge

to send people away will prove to be a deterrent. jonathan blake, bbc news, westminster. it has taken nine months of intensive negotiations and discussions. we will be given a document later today which will explain exactly how this is going to work. in essence, it is basically taking people who arrive in the uk as asylum seekers, but have arrived by what the government describes as an illegal or unofficial route. they will then be deemed inadmissible for the asylum process in the uk. they will be regarded as illegal migrants and on the basis of that, will be forcibly repatriated to rwanda, a country that for the vast majority of them, they will never have even been to. when they get here, there is an accommodation block, the first place some of them will go

to, about 100 or so. after that, the rwandans will do the process, they will decide whether that person is a genuine refugee. if they are, they will be entitled to remain in rwanda to be part of this country�*s economic development. if they are not, they will be repatriated to their country of origin in the normal way by the rwandan authorities. at the moment it looks as if there will be legal checks on this, it will be decided in the courts at some stage, but the ambition is very significant. one of the home office advisers hasjust told me that the government hopes this scheme, in the end, will see tens of thousands of migrants moved from the uk down to rwanda. mark easton, there. ukraine is claiming to have carried out a missile attack on the flagship of russia�*s black sea fleet, setting it on fire. the russians admit the moskva has

been badly damaged but they say it was because ammunition on board exploded. it�*s thought there were about 500 crew on board. it is 50 days today since russia�*s invasion and the start of the war. our correspondent anna foster reports from kyiv. a symbol of russian naval power, but last night the flagship moskva caught fire and its crew evacuated. it�*s an ageing vessel, but still an important one. russia insists it doesn�*t know why the blaze started, but ukraine says it fired two missiles which hit their target. for it to just be sitting out there, you know, it�*s a really bad thing for the russian navy, and a boost, no matter what happened, it�*s a boost for the ukrainian side. 50 days since this war began russia has changed its focus. it set out to capture key targets like kyiv, but failed and pulled back.

now it wants to salvage what it can from this conflict to save face at home, and that means moving east. the focus of this war is now on the donbas region. satellite pictures show russian forces moving into place for a fresh assault. if it also takes the city of mariupol, that will release even more troops to push forward. the images of devastation in ukraine show the toll this war has taken so far, but as it moves into a new phase there are fears what happens next could be even worse. anna foster, bbc news. let�*s go live now to anna foster who�*s in kyiv. conflicting reports about what has happened to this key ship but it is significant, that it has been damaged? it significant, that it has been damaged?— damaged? it is extremely significant. _ damaged? it is extremely significant. as _ damaged? it is extremely significant. as you - damaged? it is extremely significant. as you heard, | damaged? it is extremely i significant. as you heard, it damaged? it is extremely - significant. as you heard, it is the flagship of the russian fleet and it means, if this was a ukrainian attack, that russia will need to take action to protect the rest of

its ships and maybe move them further offshore and further into the black sea, but what is also important is the symbolic nature of what has happened because this ship is famous in ukraine as well, at the start of the conflict, the story that went around the world about the inhabitants of snake island who were told to surrender and who told the ship where to go. that has become a meme in ukraine which you see all over the place and on t—shirts and bags and earlier today, the kyiv post, the main english—language news service in ukraine, had pictures of president zelensky launching a stamp with that particular meme on it, so for ukrainians to see a ship they know and which is symbolic of ukrainian resistance being attacked by apparently ukrainian missiles, that for them feels like a step forward in this conflict.- that for them feels like a step forward in this conflict. what is the latest _ forward in this conflict. what is the latest information - forward in this conflict. what is the latest information on - forward in this conflict. what is - the latest information on mariupol? it is still disputed and they said

yesterday that mariupol was in their hands and that the thousand ukrainian troops had surrendered, russia said that, but ukraine have insisted that is not the case and that they still hold key parts of that they still hold key parts of that strategic southern port city, like the steelworks which is a vital part of that city, and ukraine says that despite that, they still hold it, so manyjourneys and there is difficulty verifying this independently which is difficult for so many people over so many weeks. thanks forjoining us. earlier i spoke to lord west, who is the former first sea lord and chief of the naval staff. he was also security minister, chief of defence intelligence. i asked him if there was any way

to verify the russian claims. i�*m sure our intelligence people probably know already what exactly happened. but whether it was a missile hit by the ukrainians, in which case jolly well done by them, or an explosion because of old ammunition being incorrectly stowed, it�*s very damaging, i believe, to the russians. can you explain why for us? the moskva is a cruiser. it is old. possibly almost a0 years old. it�*s a cruiser that was very highly armed. lots of weapons systems. so many that when we analysed them we wondered whether it was that safe to have that many weapons system aboard one ship. quite interesting. but she is the flagship of their black sea fleet. the flagship has an iconic status, of course. if the crew had to leave the ship either because of a missile strike or because of ammunition going off

and damage, that�*s a bit of an indictment to them. and the navy are very important to putin. putin has a particularly soft spot for the navy. i think his father or grandfather were in the navy. when he got into power the first of the armed forces he started putting money in was to the navy to try to upgrade it and get it more up—to—date. this will be particularly wounding to him personally. therefore, i think it is something that does have an impact in the region. i�*m not sure exactly where the ship was when it either exploded or was hit. the russians are intent on using their navy to give them more manoeuvrability and flexibility along the coast. your previous reporter was looking at the donbas region and talking about the west of crimea.

no doubt they would like to take 0desa as well. this shows clearly they cannot do an amphibious assault. they�*ve already lost one landing craft by an attack by ukrainian special forces. and if it was just off the coast and was hit by a missile, then the russians will be very wary of putting them close in to the coast. they�*ve been used quite a lot for bombardment up until now, so will have quite an impact i think on what�*s happening in that eastern region of the war against ukraine. the us believes that the russians are still dealing with the fire on board the moskva, that is breaking news. more sanctions have also been announced by the uk government, this time to a couple of associates of roman abramovich and which will freeze assets worth up to £10 billion. new measures according to

the uk government say they will combine with others to cut key revenue sources for putin�*s war machine. that brings the total of people, numbers of people sanction, the number of oligarchs and family members, sanctioned by the uk to 106, since february. we will bring you more on that as we get it. the headlines on bbc news... some asylum seekers arriving in the uk will be sent on a one way flight to rwanda under new government plans. russia�*s flagship vessel in the black sea has been seriously damaged. russia says a fire on board caused an explosion, but ukraine claims it hit the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for routine hospital treatment in england, as nhs leaders warn easter could be as bad as most winters for the health service.

the number of people waiting for routine hospital procedures in england has risen to a new record, according to the latest figures. one in nine people in england were waiting to start their treatment at the end of february, the highest number since records began in 2007. meanwhile, the number of people waiting more than 12 hours in accident and emergency also reached another record high, as our health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. not having a good day. jean shepherd, recovering at her nursing home, after what her family says were disgraceful delays getting emergency treatment. it�*s 2022, i don�*t know whether it�*s outdated but i have this concept that you judge a society by the way it looks after its elderly, its vulnerable, its poorly people, and clearly the picture that is emerging at the moment, we are failing, we are failing miserably.

jean, who is now 87, had been active in her retirement until a series of strokes left her paralysed, but after catching a virus she waited more than 11 hours for an ambulance and then another 31 hours on a trolley in a&e. her son was shocked by what he saw. there were patients on ambulance trolleys literally everywhere stacked in the centre of the a&e department, down the corridors, to the a&e department, and the staff were absolutely rushed off their feet. and he says his mother had clearly suffered from the experience. what was very noticeable was how stressed she was and how her ability to communicate had deteriorated. a&e doctors are clear that long waits are harming patients. we are struggling to get round everybody. we worry about old people going missing or a young person who was maybe distressed might leave and we don't realise for a bit that

they've actually gone missing, so it makes everybody really anxious and we know that people are not getting the care that they deserve. the latest figures show increasingly severe problems in the nhs in many areas. in a&e, 22,500 patients had long waits on trolleys of at least 12 hours in march. that�*s more than four times as many as the 5,000 people affected in september. and for non—urgent care, delays have increased again, now a record 6.2 million people are waiting for routine operations. high rates of covid are undoubtedly putting pressure on the nhs but experts say that�*s not the only cause. this isn�*tjust about covid. the only cause. even before the pandemic we went into the situation with over 100,000 vacancies in the nhs and the situation is only getting worse, which means there are not enough staff to meet demand which means patients are waiting longer for urgent and emergency services, forambulances, and in a&e.

nhs england says the past few months have been the busiest ever, but despite that, waits of over a year have reduced slightly, but others are warning the brutal reality is the pressures this easter could be as bad as any winter. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. earlier i spoke with chris hopson, chief executive of nhs providers — the organisation which represents nhs trusts. i asked him to tell us about the pressure on nhs services across the country. the nhs is going absolutely flat out. we know we�*ve got to get through the backlogs that have built up as a result of covid—19. we know we have a pressured a&e care pathway. we are seeing longer waits for accident and emergency. so wherever you look it is very pressured. one of the main reasons is we�*ve got much higher levels of covid around

than we were expecting and that basically means we�*ve got 16,500 beds with covid patient in them. we�*ve got 70,000 staff off at the moment. about 40% of whom are due to covid. we�*ve also got 20,000 medically fit patients we cannot discharge partly because of the pressure on social care and that�*s due to the impact of covid, as well. something like 4,000 of the 10,000 care homes are currently experiencing covid outbreaks. wherever you look, in the nhs and our wider health care system, it is under very significant pressure at the moment. are there any moves that the public or government should take in order to help? well, interestingly, i don�*t know about you but i�*ve had quite a few friends who have come back from abroad on holiday for their easter holiday over the last couple of weeks.

one of the things they come back and say to me is that there is a very stark contrast between the degree of mask wearing in public places, particularly in crowded public places, that you see in places like spain, italy, and france, and over here. i do worry about the fact the government doesn�*t want to talk about the fact that we�*ve got very high levels of covid prevalence and that that�*s putting huge pressure on the nhs. i get the argument as to why we�*ve got rid of mandatory mask wearing but it feels a bit of a jump to go from, on the one hand, you know, saying everybody should be wearing masks to saying, "it�*s all fine now." one of the things that people could do is if you go out, think carefully about whether you want to wear a mask, particularly if you are going to be in a crowded public place. do you think that is likely to happen if it isn�*t made mandatory? and is there any chance at all of this government,

ahead of big local elections, wanting to keep the public on side perhaps, of imposing further restrictions? as i said very specifically, i�*m not arguing at this point we should go back to mandatory mask wearing but there have been a number of points throughout this process where effectively we�*ve had very clear public health advice from a combination of government ministers but also the chief scientific officer and the chief medical officer being clear about what the risks are. what worries me and a lot of the trust leaders i represent is that we�*ve suddenly gone from this position of having, you know, some very draconian restrictions into a position now where, effectively, we are saying it�*s all fine now, it�*s gone, but the reality is it hasn�*t gone. it is coming off in terms of the peak but we had record levels of coronavirus infections. we know this variant is particularly transmissible. what i�*m saying is that i think it�*s important people should understand and be helped to understand what

the level of risk is. the chief executive of nhs providers there. authorities say nearly! million people have been affected by a tropical storm which struck the philippines on sunday. more than 100 people are confirmed to have died after storm megi wiped out homes and buried many people alive. scores more are still missing after heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides, hampering rescue efforts. police in new york have arrested a man suspected of shooting 10 people at a brooklyn subway station on tuesday. 62—year—old frankjames is alleged to have detonated two smoke canisters on the train, before opening fire on commuters. he was taken into custody after police received a tip off as to his wherabouts. a doctor has been found guilty of 5a sex offence charges against women, spanning over 35 years. krishna singh�*s victims included teenagers and rape victims. our scotland correspondent james shaw has been following the case.

this is the case of agp, krishna singh, who was a gp over nearly a0 years, general practitioner, in north lanarkshire, and as the prosecutor said in this case, sexual offending became part of his life, part of his working life, so there were numerous cases, women who are coming to him to report rape, teenage girls, women who are pregnant, who were subjected to things like kissing and groping, inappropriate examinations and sleazy comments by him. there was one particular case where a woman came to him to report a rape and he asked what kind of clothes she had been wearing and he asked her whether she was a good girl. he seemed to be suggesting in some way that she had some culpability for the crime that had been committed against her, and to make it worse he

then went on to molest that woman. this all came to an end or started to come to an end in 2018 when one woman who was in fact inspired by the metoo movement decided she would go to the police and that led to an extensive investigation and all these victims were found. when the case came to the high court in glasgow there were more than 60 offences and a8 victims involved in this case. krishna singh was found guilty of 5a of those offences and the judge at the high court said that he will pass sentence on krishna singh next month. james shaw re -aortin krishna singh next month. james shaw reporting from — krishna singh next month. james shaw reporting from glasgow. _ there are fears of serious travel problems over the easter holiday period after more flights were cancelled and p80 confirmed there won�*t be cross channel ferry services over the holiday weekend.

passengers are being warned that travel networks will be "extremely busy" across the holiday period. our transport correspondent katy austin reports. this soft play centre is a hive of activity this week. it�*s a busy time for travel, too, but some people have decided to stay put. so we wanted to go to london for the weekend, obviously, being the bank holiday. we would have driven down because there would have been four of us and the baby, so luggage and pram. but we just decided it�*s not really worth it, because of the petrol prices, especially. to fill the tank of my car would have been over £100. as a fallback, we would have travelled by train, but with cancellations, i can�*t risk getting to the train station and then for it to be cancelled or delayed. others are going ahead anyway, including ravinder, who�*s thinking of driving to bournemouth on saturday with her family. try to leave early, to leave time, yeah. to beat the traffic. for the past couple of years, easter has been pretty quiet on the roads. but now with covid restrictions lifted, this bank holiday weekend is expected to be a particularly busy one, with good

friday the busiest day. about 1,000 miles of road works are being lifted to try and help keep things flowing. another reason a lot of traffic is expected is some trains aren�*t running because of engineering works. there are a few routes that are severely affected and one of those is the main line here out of euston that goes up to the midlands, the north west and scotland. so please check before you travel. and what about flights? airports and airlines are grappling with recruitment issues as demand for travel rises. the union for border force workers says they are short—staffed, too, and there will be queues at passport control coming in to the uk. the extent of it rather depends on how many people travel, how many people travel together, and how many staff, how many border force staff, go off sick with covid.

but, inevitably, there will be queues and i would expect you would be looking at an hour, probably more than an hour. meanwhile, p&o ferries from dover still aren�*t running after the company sacked 800 seafarers. this weekend, people are being told to plan ahead, so long—awaited trips don�*t become travel nightmares. now it�*s time for a look at the weather. nick is with us. any sunshine? quite a variation across the uk and for many places there will be warm and sunny spells at times but also and sunny spells at times but also an east west split in the weather and that has been happening today as well to a degree with rainy parts of northern ireland and western scotland, but overall more cloud in the west compared to the east. around 20 degrees in kent. the cloudy skies tonight will be in western areas and it could turn misty and murky in places and also for practice elsewhere. no frost this weekend but for good friday we have cloudy skies in south—west england and northern ireland and the

chance of a few heavy showers in northern ireland but for the rest of scotland and for england may be the odd shower but the vast majority won�*t come it will be broken cloud and sunny spells and it is looking like a warmer day tomorrow, 22 in south—east england. into the weekend a of fine weather around on saturday and notice again towards western parts on sunday, we start to bring in outbreaks of rain and that tends to push through into easter monday and it will be turning cooler by then but still quite a bit of bright weather around. more detail coming up weather around. more detail coming up in half an hour.

hello this is bbc news with geeta guru—murthy. the headlines: some asylum seekers who arrive in the uk will be sent to rwanda to be processed and then resettled there. the government says the plan will put a stop to people smugglers. this problem has bedevilled our country for too long and caused far too much human suffering and tragedy. the home secretary, priti patel, is in rwanda to sign the multi—million pound agreement, but critics say the plans are cruel and inhumane. russia�*s flagship vessel in the black sea has been seriously damaged. russia says a fire on board caused an explosion, but ukraine claims it hit the ship with missiles. a record number of people are waiting for routine hospital treatment in england. new figures show 6.2 million people were on waiting lists at the end of february. the number of people in the uk

infected with coronavirus is falling, but remains very high. official figures show about 1 in 15 people are still testing positive. a gp from north lanarkshire has been found guilty of 5a sex offences against women. krishna singh kissed, groped and gave inappropriate examinations to patients across 35 years. a sport catch up now with holly. good afternoon. scotland�*s delayed world cup play—off semifinal with ukraine has been rescheduled for the 1st ofjune. the fixtures were postponed due to russia�*s invasion of ukraine. if steve clarke�*s side progress, they�*ll take on wales in the play—off final in cardiff on the fifth ofjune. the winner of that match will go to qatar in group b alongside england, usa and iran. following some controversial comments from their manager this

week, the northern ireland women�*s team says they�*re standing by him, insisting he�*s a man of integrity who has changed the game in northern ireland. shiels apologised for saying "women are more emotional than men" following the side�*s 5—0 defeat by england in their world cup qualifier on tuesday. captain marissa callaghan has taken to twitter to share a statement in which she appears to speak for the whole team. more european football to look forward to tonight as rangers and west ham bid to reach the last four of the europa league. david moyes�* side will be

without defender kurt zouma for their second—leg quarterfinal in lyon. he has an ankle injury, which the manager admits is a setback. it�*s a really big blow when you lose somebody who is a french international and a world cup winner, really important to the team, but it happens in football, you get injuries along the road and, unfortunately, kurt has an ankle sprain. and leicester will be bidding to reach the semifinals of the inaugural europa conference league. they face psv eindhoven as they attempt to reach their first ever european semifinal. we�*ll go with a real positive mentality and look to go and play our game. obviously, away from home, second leg, it�*s all to play for. but for us it is important to go and be aggressive and keep up this strong mentality that we have at the moment, and like i said, we go with no fear. the brains behind the new tottenham

hotpur stadium and the bernabeu have been given the task of leading the redesign of old trafford. manchester united has appointed global architectural design firm populous and legends international to help transform the new stadium. it�*s understood three options will be explored, including building a brand new stadium, but a redevelopment is thought to be more likely. former olympic champion sir mark todd has been suspended from training racehorses for four months after a video showed him hitting a horse with a tree branch. however, todd, who became a racehorse trainer in 2019, can resume training with immediate effect, having already served a two—month interim suspension, and the other two months have been suspended. former world darts champion ted hankey has pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault. the 5a—year—old, who won the bdo world championship in 2000 and 2009, will be sentenced at chester crown court next month. the charge relates to an incident

in crewe in september last year. in cricket, england�*s two—time world cup winner anya shrubsole has announced she is to retire from the international game. it brings to an end a ia—year career during which she also won two ashes and has been awarded an mbe after bowling her side to that famous victory at lord�*s in 2017. she�*s played 173 games for her country across all formats, claiming 227 wickets, and bows out as england�*s current top it20 wicket—ta ker. that�*s all the sport for now. i will bring you more in the next hour. thank you, holly. more now on our top story, that some people who arrive in the uk illegally will be given a one way ticket to rwanda. the prime minister says it is a way to end illegal migration. but critics have called

the plans "cruel". stuart mcdonald is from the snp. what is your reaction to this announcement today? i what is your reaction to this announcement today? i think it is horrendous. _ announcement today? i think it is horrendous. a — announcement today? i think it is horrendous, a pathetic— announcement today? i think it is horrendous, a pathetic and - announcement today? i think it is - horrendous, a pathetic and desperate cruel political stunt. i think it will do real harm to refugees and asylum seekers, no harm to people smugglers. it will be hugely expensive, achieve absolutely nothing, and is totally illegal, so for these reasons i think it is a dark, dark day.— for these reasons i think it is a dark, dark day. there are still big numbers of— dark, dark day. there are still big numbers of people _ dark, dark day. there are still big numbers of people who _ dark, dark day. there are still big numbers of people who lose - dark, dark day. there are still big numbers of people who lose their lives, risk their lives crossing the channel, crossing over to the uk in lorries. does the government not have to do something to try to limit those numbers? and is this not one potential solution? we have seen other countries going offshore with their asylum seekers question i guess, the government had to do something, but this is not the answer. , ., ~ , ., , answer. this will make things worse. i mean, answer. this will make things worse. i mean. for — answer. this will make things worse. i mean, for goodness' _ answer. this will make things worse. i mean, for goodness' sake, - answer. this will make things worse. i mean, for goodness' sake, we - answer. this will make things worse. i mean, for goodness' sake, we are i i mean, for goodness�* sake, we are talking about the people who are victims of traffickers, the ones who

do end up suffering injuries and sometimes loss of life, what the government is proposing to do is inflict really terrible harm on them by shooting them to rwanda. you talk about other countries having done this before —— offshore them to rwanda. it has been done in australia, but there was a mental health crisis and their centres, people attempting to commit suicide, including children, there were sexual assaults, including children, there were sexualassaults, it including children, there were sexual assaults, it cost a fortune and they abandon the project altogether. ii and they abandon the pro'ect attogetheni and they abandon the pro'ect altoaether. , ,., ., , and they abandon the pro'ect altoaether. , ., , ., altogether. if the message goes out to --eole altogether. if the message goes out to people that _ altogether. if the message goes out to people that trying _ altogether. if the message goes out to people that trying to _ altogether. if the message goes out to people that trying to come - altogether. if the message goes out to people that trying to come to - altogether. if the message goes out to people that trying to come to the | to people that trying to come to the uk, they could be sent to rwanda forcibly, might that not have a deterrent effect these sketch make this by ministering government he has a big mandate following brexit, much of that vote was about curbing migration? —— make this have a

deterrent effect of this prime minister and government want? thea;t minister and government want? they know, the minister and government want? they know. the home _ minister and government want? the: know, the home office, that deterring people from coming here does not work. that is just a really callous and immoral argument. what you�*re essentially saying we are going to treat people disgracefully, come off like their human rights, make them measurable and attempts to stop others following. that is not an answer practically or morally. borisjohnson says uk is generous, creating visas for the ukrainian succumb, welcomed people from hong kong, some people from afghanistan, but to allow the generosity of spirit, it has to curb illegal migration —— for ukrainians to come. what would the snp proposal for that bequest mike watt has been said todayis bequest mike watt has been said today is nonsense. the bequest mike watt has been said today is nonsense.— today is nonsense. the uk has a decent record _ today is nonsense. the uk has a decent record in _ today is nonsense. the uk has a decent record in some _ today is nonsense. the uk has a decent record in some respects, j today is nonsense. the uk has a - decent record in some respects, not in others. in terms of ukraine, it is an absolute shambles how people have responded —— the government has responded to people fleeing network.

good things were done for people from hong kong. those who come through resettlement or asylum are pretty much par for the course through resettlement or asylum are pretty much parfor the course in europe. we are mid—table, if we compare ourselves to the european union member states. the much better answer to stop these journeys happening is to expand a safe legal writs because lots of people getting on those boats are coming here because they have family members or other attachment to your —— safe and legal writs. when we were part of the european union, they would have applied to the dublin regulations but they have now lost that opportunity and subjecting themselves to these risky crossings. thank you very much for your time today. sam armstrong is director of communications for the henry jackson society — a think tank that advocates the robust spreading of liberal democracy. that is right. they were first

really proposed in 2003 by david blunkett under the labour party. in the public overwhelmingly support, overwhelmingly support a tougher line on immigration. in particular, on illegal crossings. i do not think it was sustainable for years and years for politicians to just ignore those complaints whilst saying we are happy to talk, happy to deal with immigration whilst not doing anything. i think this is a popular measure that will begin to have some effect on dampening the flow. i�*m effect on dampening the flow. i'm not sure if— effect on dampening the flow. i'm not sure if it _ effect on dampening the flow. i'm not sure if it was labour party policy to send people to do and as soon as they had crossed into the uk. people are saying this is a cruel and inhumane.— uk. people are saying this is a cruel and inhumane. david blunkett ro osed cruel and inhumane. david blunkett proposed overseas _ cruel and inhumane. david blunkett proposed overseas processing - cruel and inhumane. david blunkett. proposed overseas processing centres for anyone coming to the uk via a regular means as far back as 2003. it was conservative policy very, very long time. the public have been repeatedly promised this, it has just not been delivered. i do not think it is cruel and inhuman in the end. the government has an obligation to provide good levels of care to those in your rwanda and it

will not work unless they do so because the courts will block it. the government have an incentive to get to the welfare of this side right of. they are ending the incentive to come to the uk with a fruitless claim and take your chances of that at the end of that, you�*re not going to be deported and, in any event, you have several years here to stay in the uk in the first instance. critics say, in fact, the statistics show a majority of people who come here to have their asylum applications confirmed. tbshd who come here to have their asylum applications confirmed.— applications confirmed. and that the are applications confirmed. and that they are genuinely _ applications confirmed. and that they are genuinely fleeing - they are genuinely fleeing persecution. there are no safe routes for many people coming from countries like yemen or iraq or syria. it is very difficult to come here, isn�*t it? those people will be caught up with this as well, aren�*t they? caught up with this as well, aren't the ? ~ . ., caught up with this as well, aren't the ? ~ _, ., , , caught up with this as well, aren't the? they? welcome any refugees coming across at the — they? welcome any refugees coming across at the english _ they? welcome any refugees coming across at the english channel- they? welcome any refugees coming across at the english channel are - across at the english channel are leaving either from fans or belgium, both of which are safe countries —— france or belgium. any migrant

crossing the channel has, with respect, come via a safe country, passed through other safe countries. they might, technically, qualify, but they are not really, by the time they are getting to the uk, fleeing persecution any more. itrufhat they are getting to the uk, fleeing persecution any more.— persecution any more. what is the difference between _ persecution any more. what is the difference between those - persecution any more. what is the difference between those people | difference between those people fleeing conflict in syria or yemen or afghanistan and people fleeing conflict in ukraine, who also have to travel to other european nations? why are we welcoming, with open arms, people from ukraine, but not people from other war—torn countries? i people from other war-torn countries?— people from other war-torn countries? , ., , countries? i will tell you the big difference _ countries? i will tell you the big difference between _ countries? i will tell you the big difference between those - countries? i will tell you the big difference between those two, l countries? i will tell you the big i difference between those two, the people we are accepting from ukraine are overwhelmingly women, overwhelmingly children or the elderly... 50 overwhelmingly children or the elderl ., , elderly... so men cannot be genuine refuaees? elderly... so men cannot be genuine refugees? well, _ elderly... so men cannot be genuine refugees? well, what _ elderly... so men cannot be genuine refugees? well, what i _ elderly... so men cannot be genuine refugees? well, what i would - elderly... so men cannot be genuine refugees? well, what i would say . elderly... so men cannot be genuine refugees? well, what i would say is| refugees? well, what i would say is if we're going _ refugees? well, what i would say is if we're going to — refugees? well, what i would say is if we're going to prioritise _ refugees? well, what i would say is if we're going to prioritise the - if we�*re going to prioritise the most vulnerable, we should probably have look at who are likely to be the most vulnerable. we know that in conflict, women are particularly vulnerable. 50 conflict, women are particularly vulnerable-—

conflict, women are particularly vulnerable. u, ., vulnerable. so men coming from yemen, vulnerable. so men coming from yemen. a _ vulnerable. so men coming from yemen, a country _ vulnerable. so men coming from yemen, a country which - vulnerable. so men coming from yemen, a country which has - vulnerable. so men coming from| yemen, a country which has been savaged by war, the un says it has a humanitarian disaster, which britain has paid a parting in supporting the saudi authorities there, you are saying that men coming from that kind of country cannot be a genuine refugee needing security and safety in this country? is that what you�*re saying? —— britain has played a part in. saying? -- britain has played a part in. ~ ., ., in. men who are fleeing the vile islamist terrorists, _ in. men who are fleeing the vile islamist terrorists, the - in. men who are fleeing the vile islamist terrorists, the hutu - in. men who are fleeing the vile i islamist terrorists, the hutu rebels or the vows they have triggered, by the time they have reached the uk and are crossing the channel, their pastor safe countries —— the violence they have triggered. so have ukrainians, what is the difference?— have ukrainians, what is the difference? , ., ., ., difference? there is a limit to what we can achieve _ difference? there is a limit to what we can achieve absorbing _ difference? there is a limit to what we can achieve absorbing refugees| we can achieve absorbing refugees into our society... 50 we can achieve absorbing refugees into our society. . ._ into our society... so why are we choosin: into our society... so why are we choosing to _ into our society... so why are we choosing to help _ into our society... so why are we choosing to help one _ into our society... so why are we choosing to help one group - into our society... so why are we choosing to help one group of i choosing to help one group of people, and not another? and for this other group, sending them to rwanda on a one—way ticket, even if

they are confirmed as legitimate refugees, they cannot settle in the uk, they can settle in rwanda. rwanda will be a safe country where they can live lives free from the violence in a yemen or whatever else they came from. if they are genuine —— genuine motive was to get to a safe country, nothing in this proposal change that.- safe country, nothing in this --roosalchanaethat. �* , ., proposal change that. sam armstrong from the henry _ proposal change that. sam armstrong from the henry jackson _ proposal change that. sam armstrong from the henry jackson society, i from the henry jackson society, thank you very much indeed for your time. there are just three weeks to go until voters across the uk go to the polls. voters in england, wales, and scotland will pick who they want to run services that affect everyday life in their local area. those in northern ireland will choose its government. ahead of the vote, we will be profiling some of the key contests in the uk�*s four nations. today my colleague martine croxall joins us from the seaside town of rhyl on the north wales coast. enjoying pretty sensational views. lucky you to excrete the city on

this amazing day. those views look fantastic. == this amazing day. those views look fantastic. ,.., , . , this amazing day. those views look fantastic. h. , . , , fantastic. -- escape the city. it is a lovely day _ fantastic. -- escape the city. it is a lovely day to — fantastic. -- escape the city. it is a lovely day to be, _ fantastic. -- escape the city. it is a lovely day to be, hardly - fantastic. -- escape the city. it is a lovely day to be, hardly anyone| a lovely day to be, hardly anyone here at all. we finally made it down onto the sand and there is a lot of it, as you can see. the tide has gone out. it is this environment that might hold the key to generating a lot of green electricity and are creating a lot ofjobs. we will be hearing about it very shortly. it has a proposal that would require the backing of politicians national and local, potentially, and of course, in a three week�*s time, people here get to choose who those local councillors will be. when the elections were last held in 2017, labour lost their seats and in the general election, the conservatives made even more of a move into the labour heartland. our correspondent tomas morgan talks about the pitch across the county and wrexham and it is all to play for.

after some turbulent times, tourists are now rushing back down the dee. get down! the river and denbighshire�*s natural beauty are a big draw for holiday—makers. it�*s the main reason that bearded men adventures began trading out of nearby llangollen four years ago. but with visitors come certain issues for locals. mind your heads! so, i would never say problems but i would suppose trying to find places to live is quite difficult, that's renting or buying a house. the co—owner hugh has lived in denbighshire for years, but recently had to move out of the area due to a lack of affordable housing. that's mainly because it's a small area, as well as the tourists come taking up some of the aianbs and stuff like that, so quite hard to rent and then not a lot of houses are for sale, really, especially houses that you can buy first time. for only the second time ever, the conservatives became the largest party in this council in 2017. one that was part of the north—east red wall, seats flooding blue from labour. having lost over 100

councillors last time around, labour will be hoping to make up for lost ground across wales, especially in those historical heartlands. for the tories, fielding more candidates than ever before and gaining significantly five years ago, the fight will be holding on to and increasing the gains in areas like north—east wales. plaid will be looking to maintain control of their only majority in gwynedd, and building on those modest gains in 2017, while the lib dems are looking to make up lost ground. and independents are also a big factor here. they make up the second largest group and they are in a leadership coalition in several councils across wales. just a few miles down the river dee, in neighbouring wrexham council, is the pontcysyllte aqueduct, another draw for sightseers. this is also historically a former labour stronghold but again an area the tories are now in a coalition. bridging the gap between local and national issues can be a tricky

course to navigate for both candidates and voters alike in these elections. alike in these elections, with turnout often notoriously low in much of wales. sally roberts�*s tea room is a stone�*s throw away from the unesco site. for her, it�*s the way covid was dealt with which will play a part in her voting strategy. we struggled last year obviously through the pandemic, we struggled and then again once we were open, there were so many different rules and regulations between ourselves and england, it was really hard with the hospitality. you could do one thing four miles away and it was a different thing here, so i think people just went over the border and had a party. so after decades of dominance, the changing political waves have forced the red wall to crack under the pressure of the tories here. yet there are signs, ripples of positivity for welsh labour. they will be hoping that after such a strong showing in cardiff bay last year, and those negative headlines for borisjohnson, will reverse

the flow of votes back in labour�*s direction. tomos morgan, bbc news, in north—east wales. we knew the government is very keen to see from the energy plan that was recently published, more renewable energy being created. along this stretch of coast from prestatyn only way to splendid no, there is a plan for a tidal lagoon being created —— llandudno. joining me now is henry dixon, chairman of north wales tidal energy. it isa it is a £7 billion project, potentially, tell is a little about it, briefly. it potentially, tell is a little about it, briefl . , ., , ., . it, briefly. it is a huge pro'ect but has huge i it, briefly. it is a huge pro'ect but has huge benefits i it, briefly. it is a huge pro'ect but has huge benefits fori it, briefly. it is a huge project but has huge benefits for the| it, briefly. it is a huge project- but has huge benefits for the whole of the north wales coast. we want to build a sea wall to create a lagoon from prestatyn to llandudno and there are three big reasons, one is energy. and as you have already

said, energy security has been talked about by the government recently. they want home—grown energy, what can be more home—grown than the energy coming from the tides all around the island, every day, reliably. we have doubled down on wind and solar, they can do a lot of the work, but there are periods at night when the sun isn�*t shining and during the day when the wind doesn�*t blow, we had period last year when even let us down, so we could rely on the tide in future and this one project could give us enough energy for every home in wales. ., ., , wales. you mention the wind. it is very come — wales. you mention the wind. it is very come here — wales. you mention the wind. it is very come here today, _ wales. you mention the wind. it is very come here today, turbines i wales. you mention the wind. it is| very come here today, turbines out at sea are not doing very much as if to illustrate your point. what would it mean forjobs in this part of wales? it it mean for 'obs in this part of wales? ., ., ,, ., wales? it would make a huge difference- — wales? it would make a huge difference. we _ wales? it would make a huge difference. we had _ wales? it would make a huge difference. we had an - wales? it would make a huge i difference. we had an economic impact assessment done by one university who were talking about something like 22,000 jobs, sojobs in the first few years while we are doing the research, design, making sure that the environment is

protected, and we get all the environmental benefits as possible, then there are jobs in construction. this is a huge project looking at thousands ofjobs in construction. then operation, but after operation, we can link the lagoon with the hydrogen economy, creating green hygiene, we can help decarbonise heating, —— creating hygiene. —— this lagoon will protect us from rising sea levels and storm surges, which as everyone in north wales knows, it has plagued us for many years and it�*s likely only going to get worse and worse as the years come. ., , ., , ., . , come. there have been other pro'ects ro osed, come. there have been other pro'ects proposed. like _ come. there have been other pro'ects proposed, like this i come. there have been other pro'ects proposed, like this and i come. there have been other pro'ects proposed, like this and the i come. there have been other projects proposed, like this and the severn i proposed, like this and the severn estuary in swansea. they will cost less than your proposal, nothing has come of them. how would you persuade local councillors who are looking to be elected on may five to get behind a project like yours? i’m be elected on may five to get behind a project like yours?— a pro'ect like yours? i'm very glad to a project like yours? i'm very glad to say that — a project like yours? i'm very glad to say that we _ a project like yours? i'm very glad to say that we already _ a project like yours? i'm very glad to say that we already have - a project like yours? i'm very glad to say that we already have the i to say that we already have the support of conwy and denbighshire

council, who formally adopted a scheme like ours for the coast. i think if councillors are looking to the future and looking to look after their children and children's children, a project like this provides the energy will need, green energy, totally reliable, and i'm really sorry to not be on the beach with you today, but i can't come down, but there are periods when he went does not blow, it will provide jobs, creating really safe and positive environment —— periods when the wind does not blow. it will create energy for many generations. where does the money come from quest back it will initially have to come from the government, westminster. the welsh government have been supported of tidal lagoons, but the blockages in westminster. we would need an additional £50 million for this one, but a very small amount compared to the money being given to rich and successful injuries —— successful industries like nuclear and wind. that would get us to a point to build and then we have

spoken to many institutional and sovereign fund investors who have been keen to pick up the tab for the whole project because that project will last for 100 years and throw off good returns as well as benefiting the whole of north wales. well, we will watch your progress with interest. henry dixon, from the north will tidal energy group, thank you very much forjoining us. if and you can find out more about the upcoming local elections in denbighshire county council on 5th may, including information on how to vote, and who your local candidates are, by going to the council website denbighshire.gov.uk. and just before we wrap up and go, we will speak to a local outreach worker who is trying to reach people in this part of wales are needing to use food banks because they are really feeling the pinch with the cost of living crisis. thank you, we may see some sand

castles behind you if you have time, martine. , ,., , martine. yes, i find some shelter decorate one _ martine. yes, i find some shelter decorate one with _ martine. yes, i find some shelter decorate one with anyway! - martine. yes, i find some shelter decorate one with anyway! i'm i martine. yes, i find some shelter i decorate one with anyway! i'm glad! the number of people in the uk who had coronavirus in the week ending 9th april is down about 10% compared with the week before. estimates from the office for national statistics show about one in 15 people had covid last week, down from one in 13 the previous week. 0ur head of statistics, robert cuffe, has been looking at the data. well, the biggest thing that's happened in the last few months is the vast number of people who've been infected, and that's probably putting some headwind into the efforts of the virus to spread. you can see that if you look at the most recent infection figures and how they've progressed over the lastlast couple of months. you see those big rises up until christmas. we were seeing kind of four million people infected in a week, and we peaked up close to five million in recent weeks now. you also see — the very good news —

we're on the way down at the moment. but if you add up all of those individual infections, it's more than a third of people, we reckon, in the uk have been infected since october, most likely with omicron. and so when you add the protection from past infections, the protection from vaccination together, that starts to make pretty significant headwinds for a virus that's trying to find new people who are susceptible to the infection. it doesn't mean it's gone away entirely. it doesn't mean there's nobody left for it to infect, but it does mean that it is getting harder and harder for it to spread, so we should see the new infections continue to fall for a while. and, robert, important to say that the numbers are not falling everywhere because the north—east and yorkshire are still areas of concern. well, specifically the north—east. so the good news first is that, yeah, pretty much across the uk, scotland, northern ireland — falling, most parts of england, wales. the midlands and wales, i think, are flattening. they had been rising. but the north—east, the infection numbers still do look to be going up. but it's important to look at the number of people who are getting sick and going into hospital — and i think we can show that that figure to the audience as well now —

because in the north—east and in yorkshire, when you look at them together, you do see that first rise over christmas of people in hospital with covid and then another rise most recently. but the most recent week, that number has started to turn and to come down, and that's what we've seen elsewhere as well, that even before the number of infections estimated by the office for national statistics start to turn, we do see these fall—offs in hospital numbers as well, so the hope is despite that most recent rise in the north—east, that we will start to see a turn or come—down pretty soon. robert cuffe, there. now it's time for a look at the weather. and our director wanted to know if the easter sunny will be able to have a barbecue this weekend? obviously not on the barbecue, but partaking! there will be a lot of fine weather over this weekend, but there is an east—west split across there is an east—west split across the uk. it is the west that will see

the uk. it is the west that will see the cloudy skies. whereas, towards these, you're closer to high pressure so this is where you get the warmest sunny spells coming through. it is a pattern which is around today. when the fens close to western areas and then high pressure close to the east. —— weather fronts. it is a pattern that will continue through the weekend. we have above—average temperatures that will continue until monday, probably still but not as much above average, it will fill cooler. things are shaping up into tonight with a lot of cloud around from western —— across western parts in particular. murky into south—west england, a little light rain in places. if you fog patches, no frost that the weekend. tomorrow, this east—west difference. if you're in northern ireland, wales, south—west england, scotland. you'll see the cloudy skies. still if you sunny spells to be had here and there. the chance

very few spots of rain, and maybe heavy showers moving into northern ireland later. the rest of scotland and england, mainly dry with sunny spells. it has a warmer day tomorrow, 17 in glasgow, 20 in england, 22 in south—east england. saturday, some cloud around. broken, sunny spells too, the chancellor showers. most places staying dry. there is any event, though, edging towards northern ireland and the western isles later in the day. that has a sign of things to come as you go to come as you go towards easter sunday. the high pressure which is keeping these weather fronts at bay losing the fight on sunday and beginning to bring the wetter and cooler windier weather in. a very slow process, still something to play for an exact how much how many of us see the rain on easter sunday. most likely in northern ireland, parts of western scotland, but may head into the western side of england and wales, especially later in the day. i had of that, nadir sharon around, but central and eastern parts of england most likely

to continue with the warm spells —— showers around. moving through into easter monday, clearing to those at cooler conditions on easter monday, with sunny spells, the chance for some rain and stronger winds in northern scotland.

this is bbc news. the headlines: some asylum seekers who arrive in the uk will be sent to rwanda to be processed and then resettled there under new government plans. this innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by brexit freedoms, will provide safe and legal routes for asylum while disrupting the business model of the gangs. the home secretary, priti patel, is in rwanda to sign the new agreement, but critics say the plans are cruel and inhumane. it the plans are cruel and inhumane. is a cruel thing i oui’ it is a cruel thing and it breaches our obligations under international

law. people are entitled to claim asylum here.