this is bbc news. i'm lukwesa burak. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. uk prime minister borisjohnson is to address ukraine's parliament via videolink — announcing a further £300 million worth of military aid. russia's bombardment continues in eastern ukraine — there's a hope more civilians will be allowed to leave a steelworks in mariupol today. underlying profits for energy giant bp have more than doubled for the first three months of this year after oil and gas prices rise — prompting renewed calls for a windfall tax. we will not go back! protesters gather outside the us supreme court after a leaked

document suggests it may be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion. i'm annita mcveigh at the beautiful antrim castle gardens. when is looking ahead today data thursday's elections to the power—sharing government here. it has been described as the most important election in a generation. and the over—the—top outfits are back — celebrities return to the red carpet of new york city's met gala. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world.

the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, will address the ukrainian parliament later — becoming the first western leader to do so since the russian invasion. he's expected to give details of £300 million in extra military support for ukraine — including equipment for electronic warfare and night—vision devices. the liberal democrats have questioned the timing of mrjohnson�*s announcement — two days before the local elections. in other developments, ukraine's president zelensky used his nightly address to accuse russia's foreign minister of "blaming thejewish people for nazi crimes". this comes after sergei lavrov claimed adolf hitler had jewish roots, whilst trying to justify russia's portrayal of ukraine as "nazi", despite the fact mr zelensky himself is jewish.

in mariupol, the ukrainian defenders of the azovstal steel works say russian troops are using planes, tanks and warship missiles to pound the site. the un and red cross hope to oversee more civilian evacuations from the steel plant today — hundreds are still left inside. more than 100 people have already been rescued and have been arriving in the ukrainian—held city of zaporizhzhia. james reynolds has this report. imagine having to make your home in the depths of a nuclear bunker. hundreds of civilians, including about 20 children, remain deep under the azovstal steelworks in mariupol, alongside ukrainian soldiers. this underworld is their only refuge from russia's siege. on sunday, around 100 civilians managed to get out. they were driven away from the front line.

after weeks under assault, there is much to reflect on. often in simple silence. in this same region, a bbc team has made it to the ukrainian town of lysychansk. it's beseiged on three sides by russian forces. this family say they can't afford to flee. nine—year—old masha refuses to be frightened. the sound of the bombs? you're not scared? speaks defiantly. here, ukrainian soldiers recover from their injuries. the united states says that it believes russia may now make a grab for this entire eastern region of ukraine. according to recent reports, we believe russia will try to annex the donetsk people's republic and the luhansk people's republic, in quotes, so—called, to russia. further west, another ukrainian

coastal city, 0desa, has been hit by a russian missile. it's the second strike on this city since saturday. a 15—year—old boy was killed in this latest attack. how, asked ukraine's president, was this child a threat to the russian state? james reynolds, bbc news. earlier, our correspondent, joe inwood explained more about the situation at the azovstal steel plant in mariupol and whether we can expect more civilian evacuations. there are two categories of civilians when we are talking about evacuations, the wider population who are able

to make it out on their own sporadically on occasion although there has been a big convoy which has been delayed, but the one we are talking about here are the civilians caught up in the azovstal steelworks. 100 people did manage to come out, but almost as soon as that it happened, the aerial bombardment started again, nobody has got out since. it would be too dangerous to do so, and the only way we will see more people come out of the azovstal steel plant is if the united nations and the red cross carry out another mission to get them out. when will that happen? will it happen? the red cross and the united nations have been playing their cards close to their chest on this one. they haven't been given a running commentary. certainly while bombardment is carrying on, it would be far too dangerous for more people to come out. joe inwood there. ukrainian troops are digging in around the southern ukrainian city of mykolaiv — while civilians there endure daily russian attacks. this region has seen heavy fighting as invading forces seeks to take key port areas around the black sea.

abdujalil abdurasulov has been with the ukranian army in the mykolaiv region near the front line. there have been no piano classes in this room since the war started, but music is still playing here. from the ukrainian soldiers, it is a welcome breakfrom the ukrainian soldiers, it is a welcome break from the daily explosions and artillery fire. this school is on the front line in mykolaiv and was seriously damaged during shelling. the ukrainian military took us to their positions. they are now digging in as russian forces continue their efforts to advance in the south of the country. ukrainian soldiers say that they are ready to fight till the end. translation: we

ready to fight till the end. translation:— ready to fight till the end. translation: ~ ., , ., ., translation: we only have one osition, translation: we only have one position. to _ translation: we only have one position, to liberate _ translation: we only have one position, to liberate our - translation: we only have one position, to liberate our land. - translation: we only have one i position, to liberate our land. we have _ position, to liberate our land. we have no— position, to liberate our land. we have no other choice. we can't retreat. — have no other choice. we can't retreat, only move forward. it is better_ retreat, only move forward. it is better to — retreat, only move forward. it is better to die standing tall rather than leave on your knees. this area is constantly _ than leave on your knees. this area is constantly under— than leave on your knees. this area is constantly under fire. _ than leave on your knees. this area is constantly under fire. the - is constantly under fire. the russian forces use multiple rocket launchers, artillery and mortars to weaken the ukrainian defensive positions before they try to advance on the ground. but such strategy leaves villages and towns in ruins, and every day, the scale of the destruction is growing. this village has been hit by a mortar. 0ver there we can see an impact point, and as a result, this building is now on fire. several other houses were damaged during the attack, and this village is about four or five kilometres away from the russian positions, and it regularly gets hit by artillery and mortars. despite

the risks, some people are still remaining in this village, which we cannot name for security reasons. galina's house has been hit several times in the past few weeks. just a day before our visit, her house came under fire day before our visit, her house came underfire again. translation: under fire again. translation: ~ ., ., ., , translation: we are afraid. it is really scary- _ translation: we are afraid. it is really scary. everything _ translation: we are afraid. it is really scary. everything was - translation: we are afraid. it is really scary. everything was on - really scary. everything was on fire. the flames were all around us. people are afraid. when they start shelling, we don't even know where to hide. if we go inside the house, we can be buried there if it gets hit. the russians bombed this church. ukrainian soldiers tell me. religion has been one of the strongest ties that connected many russians and ukrainians. and now russia is destroying such links too. abdujalil

abdurasulov, bbc news, mykolaiv region in southern ukraine. the us supreme court could be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion, according to an unprecedented leaked draught of a court document. a draught opinion by justice samuel alito argues that the 1973 roe v wade decision legalising abortion across the us was "egregiously wrong". if the top us court strikes down the ruling, it could instantly make abortion illegal in 22 us states. neither the supreme court nor the white house have richard galpin reports. chanting. both anti— and pro—abortion activists took to the street

of us adults believed it should be legal in all or most cases. while 39% thought it should be illegal or in most all cases. they are not going to get away with this, let me say, i don't know what i have to do, but they are not going to do this to dc and they are not

going to do this to america. there are more of us that there are of them and we are going to fight. i'm very passionate about being pro—life, and i'm just here as an observer to see what the attitude is like, and kind of witness history. because this is a huge deal, supreme court documents were leaked, and it's a big deal to see roe v wade potentially overturned. if verified, the leaking of the document will be unprecedented in the court's modern history. neither the supreme court nor the white house wished to comment on the leak on monday night. richard galpin, bbc news. let's remind ourselves what the supreme court is and its role in us abortion laws. the court plays a key role in american life and often has the final word on highly contentious laws, disputes between states and the federal government, and appeals to stay executions. it's made up of ninejudges, all known asjustices, who serve lifetime appointments after being nominated by the president and approved by the senate.

after donald trump nominated amy coney barrett to the court in 2020, a 6—3 conservative majority was cemented, shifting its ideological balance. some commentators in the us predicted that this shift would inevitably lead to abortion rights being repealed. and this leak suggests they will be. if the supreme court strikes down the 1973 decision to legalise abortion across the us, then "trigger laws" could instantly make abortion illegal in 22 states. clodagh harrington is an expert in us politics at de montford university. shejoins me now. thank you very much, joining us from cork. this has been described as a bombshell. which aspect of what has taken place overnight is the most shocking? is it roe v wade, the

potential of it being overturned, or the fact that there was this leak from the highest court in the land? yes, i think there are two aspects of this for sure. there is the kind of this for sure. there is the kind of style shock and the substance shock. i guess i would caveat that by saying this is a potential issue at this point of course, so it is still something that is in process and there hasn't been any formal outcome yet, butjust the and there hasn't been any formal outcome yet, but just the fact that we are talking about it now and everybody who is interested knows what is going on, that is really unprecedented, and normally the supreme court is a very closed doors, historically a thoughtful place, away from the madding crowd, if you like, and now that has all been turned on its head, and so whatever the outcome of this, the process is going to be to some extent chaotic because of the fervent interest that surrounds it

on all sides. 50 fervent interest that surrounds it on all sidea— fervent interest that surrounds it on all sides. so at its most basic, what would _ on all sides. so at its most basic, what would an _ on all sides. so at its most basic, what would an end _ on all sides. so at its most basic, what would an end to _ on all sides. so at its most basic, what would an end to roe - on all sides. so at its most basic, what would an end to roe v - on all sides. so at its most basic, | what would an end to roe v wade mean? 3, , what would an end to roe v wade mean? , what would an end to roe v wade mean? ., what would an end to roe v wade mean? basically, you have this decision whereby _ mean? basically, you have this decision whereby for _ mean? basically, you have this decision whereby for the - mean? basically, you have this decision whereby for the past l decision whereby for the past half—century, a woman's right abortion has been based on the 14th amendment of the constitution, and that covers the right to privacy, that covers the right to privacy, thatis that covers the right to privacy, that is the context for that. and now for the first time, this draft from justice alito is saying that because there is no mention of this anywhere in the constitution, there is no branding to base this on. so should this roll—out in the way that he is speaking about and he gets the majority of justices to he is speaking about and he gets the majority ofjustices to agree with him which again isn't set in stone, it could mean that many, many states in the us do not offer abortion

opportunities to women within that state. they would have to travel elsewhere. 50 state. they would have to travel elsewhere-— state. they would have to travel elsewhere. ., ., elsewhere. so what you have said there is if this _ elsewhere. so what you have said there is if this decision _ elsewhere. so what you have said there is if this decision is - elsewhere. so what you have said there is if this decision is made, l there is if this decision is made, if it is confirmed, i think it is next month if it is, would that make abortion illegal everywhere? what would it mean for each state? do they have to abide by that final decision? i they have to abide by that final decision? ., . they have to abide by that final decision? ~ ., , they have to abide by that final decision? ~ . , , , decision? i think what this is is that roe v _ decision? i think what this is is that roe v wade _ decision? i think what this is is that roe v wade is _ decision? i think what this is is that roe v wade is a _ decision? i think what this is is that roe v wade is a federal i decision? i think what this is is - that roe v wade is a federal ruling, so that is across the board across the nation. what this alito draft is suggesting and may very well become a reality, is that they will bat it back to the states. it is a classic conservative way of doing things. you can look at the civil rights era of the 1960s, it was all about batting it back to states, so if you are very conservative state, mississippi or texas or wherever, you will have extremely stringent restrictions on what a woman can access in relation to this. if you a

liberal with a more progressive culture, then the nation at large, thenit culture, then the nation at large, then it won't make a lot of difference there. but the umbrella protection of roe v wade is suddenly looking very vulnerable, and like it may collapse within a very short space of time. we may collapse within a very short space of time.— may collapse within a very short space of time. may collapse within a very short sace of time. ~ . ., ., space of time. we have heard from i think it is new— space of time. we have heard from i think it is new mexico _ space of time. we have heard from i think it is new mexico saying, - space of time. we have heard from i think it is new mexico saying, no - think it is new mexico saying, no change here, california also looking at protecting the rights of women to access abortion. the conservatives are celebrating, but should they be concerned about a risk of backlash from the public? this subject is so divisive, isn't it? it is from the public? this sub'ect is so divisive, isn't mt divisive, isn't it? it is very divisive. _ divisive, isn't it? it is very divisive, and _ divisive, isn't it? it is very divisive, and i _ divisive, isn't it? it is very divisive, and i think- divisive, isn't it? it is very divisive, and i think this i divisive, isn't it? it is veryj divisive, and i think this is terribly unfortunate. whatever 1's views about the issue itself, but the nation is very divided. there is huge partisan divides and beyond bickering, it is pretty unpleasant in that regard, and this is just huge fuel to that fire. they would be a lot of people who voted for donald trump in 2020 and were very

disappointed with the outcome, who will have said, never mind because he got three justices onto the court, and that is the long game and we will win the long game, and this is very much part of that playing out. so i would say it is going to be a difficult process for the nation, because everyone's going to have a strong opinion on it, and no one is going to agree. harare have a strong opinion on it, and no one is going to agree.— have a strong opinion on it, and no one is going to agree. have you ever seen a case — one is going to agree. have you ever seen a case where — one is going to agree. have you ever seen a case where the _ one is going to agree. have you ever seen a case where the supreme - one is going to agree. have you ever| seen a case where the supreme court has had to row back on such a momentous decision or ruling? ijust want to allude back to something i mention for our viewers, and that is the addition ofjustice amy coney barrett in 2020, the strengthening of the conservative majority. could it row back? how significant would that be? .. ., , ., that be? the fact that they are washin: that be? the fact that they are washing their _ that be? the fact that they are washing their laundry - that be? the fact that they are washing their laundry in - that be? the fact that they are | washing their laundry in public, that be? the fact that they are i washing their laundry in public, if you like, just makes this really difficult now, because normally these deliberations, these arguments, toing and froing, you

have a majority brief and to minority brief in the long run of things, that all gets done in private, because need don't have the spotlight then. but the attention will give it a momentum that is really quite unprecedented, so i'm truly not sure of how it would actually roll i think what is interesting is that in a country which is no way a catholic majority, six of the nine supreme court justices are catholic, one at a liberal so she wouldn't be in the camp of the others, but it is not religiously representative of the nation at large. b, religiously representative of the nation at large.— nation at large. a leak of this magnitude. _ nation at large. a leak of this magnitude, could _ nation at large. a leak of this magnitude, could they - nation at large. a leak of this magnitude, could they be - nation at large. a leak of this l magnitude, could they be legal repercussions? filth. magnitude, could they be legal repercussions?— magnitude, could they be legal repercussions? oh, i don't doubt there will be _ repercussions? oh, i don't doubt there will be a _ repercussions? oh, i don't doubt there will be a massive _ repercussions? oh, i don't doubt there will be a massive legal - there will be a massive legal pushback, but the damage, if that is how you see it, would still be done, and also it makes a kind of sensitive situation much more

difficult under these circumstances, and that is a lose lose situation for everybody. and that is a lose lose situation for everybody-— and that is a lose lose situation for eve bod . . ~' , . for everybody. thank you very much for everybody. thank you very much for that. the oil giant bp has made an underlying profit in the first quarter of the year of nearly £5 billion, the highest in over a decade, following soaring oil and gas prices. but the company made an overall loss of more than £16 billion in that period, after writing off its assets in russia. uk opposition parties have renewed their calls for windfall taxes to be imposed on energy companies. 0ur chief political correspondent adam fleming gave me this update. this is one of those moments where an event has happened in the run—up to a set of elections across the uk on thursday that illustrates one of the campaign is being run by the opposition parties, in this case for a windfall tax on the energy companies,

the oil and gas producers, who are making these huge profits, and so the opposition parties are milking it for all its worth. here is the leader of the liberal democrats, sir ed davey. well, it confirms what the liberal democrats have said all along, that there needs to be a windfall tax on the super profits of these companies. millions of families and pensioners across the country are struggling to pay their heating bills, their energy bills, their motoring costs, and we need them to have a tax cut. the liberal democrats are arguing for a vat tax cut worth £600 to the average family, and one way to fund that is for a windfall tax on the oil and gas companies. it seems a fair tax system and i don't understand why the conservatives are unwilling to have fairness and to help people who are struggling. and labour basically have the same policy as the liberal democrats. here is their leader, sir keir starmer. with so many people struggling to pay their energy bills, -

we should have a windfall tax on north sea oil companies. in the north sea, have a windfall | tax on their huge profits to help| l people with their energy bills, up i to £600 for those who need it most. so i think this is further- evidence that that approach by the labour party is the right approach for so many people . who are struggling with their bills, and not just struggling _ with their bills. in the last few weeks they will have got their payslip which shows them| that in the middle of a cost- of living crisis, if you can believe it, the government has chosen to increase their tax. - so if anything, it reinforcesl the case we've been making about a windfall tax. and despite an interview with the chancellor rishi sunak last week where he suggested the government might be a little bit more open to a windfall tax than they have been in the past, this morning ministers are sticking very much on the line that taxing the companies extra means that they may invest less, and the country needs to invest

a lot as we move towards net zero by 2050. at least that is the case the prime minister was trying to make when he was being interviewed on good morning britain on itv a short time ago. i know that this may sound frustrating, and people think that we need — frustrating, and people think that we need money now. well, the money we need money now. well, the money we havem _ we need money now. well, the money we have... , ., , we need money now. well, the money we have... , . , ., , we have... these families need money now. the we have... these families need money now- they do. — we have... these families need money now. they do, and _ we have... these families need money now. they do, and we _ we have... these families need money now. they do, and we are _ we have... these families need money now. they do, and we are doing - now. they do, and we are doing everything _ now. they do, and we are doing everything we — now. they do, and we are doing everything we can _ now. they do, and we are doing everything we can to _ now. they do, and we are doing everything we can to help - now. they do, and we are doing| everything we can to help them. now. they do, and we are doing - everything we can to help them. you have said that _ everything we can to help them. gm. have said that a number of times, prime minister, and i have to take issue. you are saying that you are doing everything you can, but you could do more. let me go back to your suggestions. if you put a windfall tax on the energy companies, what that means is that you discourage them from making the investments that we want to see, that will in the end keep energy prices lower for everybody. and that reference susanna reid

was making there to the government not doing everything it could was a reference to an earlier exchange they had where the prime minister said, acknowledged that the help that the government is offering people with their energy bills so far is not going to be enough, a kind of admission potentially that it could be seen as a bit of a failure, and also a massive hint that there is going to be more support coming further down the line. quite a tricky interview for the prime minister there on good morning britain, although i wonder if one of the things that might cut through is that at the end when susanna reid said that lorraine kelly would be picking up on her programme which came straight afterwards, and the prime minister said, who is lorraine? and that would be national treasure lorraine kelly! adam fleming there. now let's speak with bill farren—price, director of the macro—oil research

at the energy consultants enverus. thank you forjoining us here on bbc news. profits were eye watering, won't they? there is a lot of money floating around bp. it was an exceptional first quarter for bp, no question, more than doubled the previous prophets, and that reflects that oil and gas prices have been rising since the middle of last year, particularly since the beginning of december, and they got a huge boost after the russian invasion of ukraine and the prospect of a loss of supply from russia came into view. so these were the features. most of that profit has been driven by bp's trading operations and its downstream operations, it has benefited from very high refining margins during this quarter. so obviously we are hearing calls from the chancellor here in the uk for a windfall tax, well, he suggested it, opposition parties are

renewing that call. can bp afford it? , renewing that call. can bp afford it? y ., , renewing that call. can bp afford it? _ ., _, renewing that call. can bp afford it? ., .,~ renewing that call. can bp afford it? _ ., ,~ ., ~ ., it? they actually are walking a fine line. what they _ it? they actually are walking a fine line. what they are _ it? they actually are walking a fine line. what they are trying - it? they actually are walking a fine line. what they are trying to - it? they actually are walking a fine line. what they are trying to do - it? they actually are walking a fine line. what they are trying to do is| line. what they are trying to do is notjust line. what they are trying to do is not just to invest long line. what they are trying to do is notjust to invest long term for the energy transition into green technologies like renewable power, solar, wind power, hydrogen and carbon capture and other technologies like that, but they are also trying to make sure that they're able to maintain the supply of oil and gas and hydrocarbons in the near term, which is actually critical to the cost of living argument. there could be an additional tax on bp profits on a one—off basis, and that may help in the short term, but structurally the investments that they make in the longer term, and energy investments take years to play out, i needed to make sure that the lights stay on longer term. 50 make sure that the lights stay on longer term-— make sure that the lights stay on longer term. so obviously we have had a couole _ longer term. so obviously we have had a couole of — longer term. so obviously we have had a couple of announcements i longer term. so obviously we have had a couple of announcements as well as what we have heard today.

let's just go back to february. they are at that time said they were going to go through this share buy—back, and they were going to spend $1.5 billion, and that was up from $1.25 billion, that was in february, and now they are saying that they are looking at $2.5 billion, so that is an increase of $1 billion. where have they got that money from? how come they can afford that? , . ., money from? how come they can afford that? , .., _ money from? how come they can afford that? y ., ., that? they can pay that from the rofits that? they can pay that from the profits that _ that? they can pay that from the profits that they're _ that? they can pay that from the profits that they're making, - that? they can pay that from the profits that they're making, and | profits that they're making, and frankly the outlook for profits is very strong for the rest of this year, because this situation with the progressive move towards sanctions on russian oil and ultimately may be gas as well will keep energy prices high, so their outlook for profitability is very strong at the moment, and they want to demonstrate through the dividends and share buy—backs. fine to demonstrate through the dividends and share buy-backs.—

and share buy-backs. one of the thins and share buy-backs. one of the things they _ and share buy-backs. one of the things they are _ and share buy-backs. one of the things they are saying, - and share buy-backs. one of the things they are saying, correct . and share buy-backs. one of the. things they are saying, correct me if i'm wrong, is in terms of investment in renewables, the windfall tax is not something that would help their activity on that side, and yet there is a lot of money swilling around. if they can afford to buy back their shares, why can't they afford either a windfall tax plus investment in renewables? things don't add up, do they? i think to be fair they are trying to do everything. they're trying to offer value to shareholders. they are trying invest in the energy transition for the long term, particularly in the uk, which is a message that comes through strongly in the quarterly results. but they're also trying to make sure that the investments in hydrocarbons, oiland that the investments in hydrocarbons, oil and gas, that the investments in hydrocarbons, oiland gas, remain strong as well, so that these prices are not sustained beyond where they have to be. i think it is a really difficult line to walk, but i think

they're doing a fairly good job of that. 50 they're doing a fairly good “0b of that. , they're doing a fairly good “0b of that, , ., they're doing a fairly good “0b of that. , ., . ,, they're doing a fairly good “0b of that. , ., ., they're doing a fairly good “0b of that. , ., , that. so 'ust going back to 19.75% was that. so just going back to 19.75% was what that. so just going back to 19.7596 was what they _ that. so just going back to 19.7596 was what they gave _ that. so just going back to 19.7596 was what they gave up _ that. so just going back to 19.7596 was what they gave up in - that. so just going back to 19.7596 was what they gave up in russia, | was what they gave up in russia, they have been there since 2013. 0bviously what has taken place in russia and ukraine has opened a lot of companies, a lot of countries' eyes when it comes to investment in renewables. hopefully companies like bp ahead of the game. what have they done so far? , ., bp ahead of the game. what have they done so far?— done so far? they are heavily involved in — done so far? they are heavily involved in building _ done so far? they are heavily involved in building out - done so far? they are heavily involved in building out car i involved in building out car charging infrastructure in the uk. they are looking into hydrogen, they have investments in offshore and onshore winds and solar. they are one of the leading public oil and gas companies that have transitioned into this energy company space, and they are clearly committed to this big target of renewable energy spending in the longer term. how

that plays out is that in the meantime, we see the traditional hydrocarbons, so that is why it is a difficult balancing act in a difficult balancing act in a difficult one to get right, but i would argue that bp compared to its peers in the us is at the forefront of this transition process. can peers in the us is at the forefront of this transition process.- of this transition process. can i 'ust add of this transition process. can i just add very — of this transition process. can i just add very quickly, - of this transition process. can i just add very quickly, we - of this transition process. can i just add very quickly, we keep| just add very quickly, we keep hearing about investment in this and that, how long does it take for investment to come through to the consumers? how long do we have to keep hearing about investments and money not going elsewhere? when does it pay off? it is money not going elsewhere? when does it -a off? , ., money not going elsewhere? when does ita off? , ,, it pay off? it is a process, investment _ it pay off? it is a process, investment in _ it pay off? it is a process, investment in energy, - it pay off? it is a process, investment in energy, oil| it pay off? it is a process, - investment in energy, oil and gas is even longer term. renewable power is usually quicker. we should see quicker results, but it is still in the year is not weeks and months. ok. the year is not weeks and months. 0k. bill farren—price, thank you very much for that insight.

the european union's energy policy chief says that the cutting—off of gas supplies to poland and bulgaria by russia has only strengthened the eu's will to become independent of russian fossil fuels. france's energy minister says the eu is working on new sanctions against russia. but hungary's foreign minister has said his country would not vote for sanctions, which would make it impossible for shipments of russian oil and gas to get into hungary. 0ur europe correspondent bethany bell explains the divisions within the eu. there are countries like poland which are very much in favour of sanctions on russian fossil fuels. they say that that's something that should happen very, very quickly. other countries, though, such as hungary and slovakia, which are very dependent on russian oil, hungary has said repeatedly that it won't take part in energy sanctions against russia. but what we understand is that the eu is working on the sixth package of sanctions against russia, and that, we understand,

includes a proposed oil embargo. but in order to get that through, we understand that this would be a phased—in embargo on russian oil, and that there could be exemptions or a longer period for countries like hungary and slovakia tojoin in. we understand that the package is likely to be presented to ambassadors from eu countries tomorrow. and that was bethany bell there. the parents of madeleine mccann have said it's essential they learn the truth about what happened to their daughter exactly 15 years after she disappeared from a holiday apartment in the portuguese resort of praia da luz. kate and gerry mccann said that knowledge and certainty would give them strength, but regardless of the outcome of the case, a truly horrific crime had been committed. 12 days ago, prosecutors in portugal said they'd formally identified

a german man as a suspect. the met gala has returned to new york, and this year's theme was the gilded age. the annual fundraiser for new york's metropolitan museum of art is known for its over—the—top celebrity outfits. here are some of them, in this report by the bbc�*s azadeh moshiri. the biggest night in fashion, the met gala is back. known as the oscars of the east, it seems fitting the theme this year is the golden era of the gilded age. while some took the term "gilded" to heart... i was going for androgyny. this is very gilded age, the age of golden. ..others looked to hollywood greats, like kim kardashian, who sparkled in the very same gown worn by marilyn monroe six decades

ago when she serenaded jfk with happy birthday. the glitzy event is filled with stars of all kinds — actors, models, singers and... elon musk. why would you want to talk to me? he seems confused, too. as usual, some had a special twist on that theme. hard to remember edith wharton mentioning any baseball caps. but others stayed true to the gowns and corsets of the area. and it is all for charity. it raises millions of dollars for the met�*s institute with tickets costing $35,000 and tables going up to 300,000. the theme of luxury and excess seems fitting. there are just two days 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 annita mcveigh joins us from the town of antrim in county antrim in northern ireland. hello there, annita. welcome to antrim castle gardens, a gorgeous setting for our conversations, such a tranquil scene, a world away from the hurly—burly of an election campaign with just two days left until the northern ireland power—sharing assembly, which has been described by many as the most important election in a generation. let me run you through some of the key talking points. 0ne you through some of the key talking points. one is that if polls are correct, many are suggesting that sinn fein, the nationalist party that wants to see a united ireland,

could emerge as the biggest party, which would be a first for northern ireland. then the issue of the protocol, the arrangements that govern post—brexit trade in northern ireland. the democratic unionist party, which at the last assembly election with the biggest party in northern ireland, they are opposed to the protocol, they say it undermines northern ireland's position within the united kingdom, and it is the protocol which makes the election significant notjust for northern ireland but for people around the uk and the european union as well. and then there is the question of the rise of the middle ground, for a very long time here people have been boxed into a political persuasion or another, but that could be changing in a big way in this election. so let's take a look now with ireland correspondent chris paige, who has been talking to people at a place where people from all backgrounds come together, the sports pitch. politics in northern ireland can often seem as if it's one

side against the other and winner takes all. but events like this are breaking down barriers between communities, bringing together unionists and nationalists, protestants and catholics. the other team scored and the home team's cheering them. that's what it's about. limestone united from belfast are playing palmerstown fc from dublin in the first—ever star of the sea cup. it's been organised by raymond mccord, whose son was murdered by the loyalist group the uvf. the competition is named after the cross community club which raymond played for when the conflict broke out. this is the star of the sea team from 1969. there was never any talk of which one was protestant and which one was catholic. all footballers, that's what it should be. among them was bobby sands, whojoined the ira. two of the lads in the

team joined the uvf. paramilitary violence has much reduced since the 1990s. but the power—sharing devolved government at stormont has often been shaky. unfortunately, we have people still in this country living in 1969. if one side is doing well, the other side wants to pull stormont down. it's their way or no way. limestone united has footballers from both sides of the old divide. they want a future with more interplay. it's better to see people who are protestants and catholics come together instead of fighting each other. i'd like to see more people come together and just put an end to all that and be respectful. teamwork comes naturally to successful sportspeople, but what would they like northern ireland to be? from my own point of view, i'm a mum, and i'm still playing sport to the highest level that i can and i would just like to see that continue and for more people to come out and join the sport

and for the facility to be there to do that. i would like to see legislation, policies and decisions that benefit everyone and no matter what you believe in. and sports stars of the past say peace shouldn't be taken for granted. when trevor england played for the lions, his homeland was shattered by sectarian strife. if we're going to get relationships right in the future, we have to look at the leadership that we're getting and where it's taking us, and challenge that leadership if it's taking us down that destructive path that we saw in the past. and look for that more constructive leadership that shows a better way of doing things. political trophies are up for grabs on the 5th of may. but for many people, partnership is the biggest prize. chris page, bbc news, belfast. joining me to talk about the

election on thursday, a researcher at liverpool university, the politics department, and sinead quinn from a campaign group against fuel poverty. dr rice, northern ireland has form for politicians talking about governing and not necessarily getting down to doing the governing, so what is at stake in this election? put the governing, so what is at stake in this election?— in this election? put simply, everything _ in this election? put simply, everything is _ in this election? put simply, everything is at _ in this election? put simply, everything is at stake. - in this election? put simply, everything is at stake. we . in this election? put simply, i everything is at stake. we are in this election? put simply, - everything is at stake. we are in a situation with so many competing priorities that it is extremely difficult to see how the parties will find a point of reconciliation anytime soon after the election, so yes, we are going to the polls on thursday, but whether or not we will have government in place anytime soon thereafter, it remains to be seen, and if anything, soon thereafter, it remains to be seen, and ifanything, it soon thereafter, it remains to be seen, and if anything, it would suggest it will be quite some time before we see any sort of governance happening in northern ireland. band. happening in northern ireland. and, sinead, is that _ happening in northern ireland. and, sinead, is that what _ happening in northern ireland. and, sinead, is that what the people that you work with, is that what they want? do they want another delay before they have representatives in government working for them? what

are they saying to you? well. government working for them? what are they saying to you?— are they saying to you? well, a lot of --eole are they saying to you? well, a lot of people that _ are they saying to you? well, a lot of people that we _ are they saying to you? well, a lot of people that we would _ are they saying to you? well, a lot of people that we would be - are they saying to you? well, a lot of people that we would be in - of people that we would be in contact — of people that we would be in contact with are absolutely freezing, they have been some for eight _ freezing, they have been some for eight months, people are cutting off their own _ eight months, people are cutting off their own heating supply because they cannot afford to pay their bills — they cannot afford to pay their bills one _ they cannot afford to pay their bills. one particular man who was chronically— bills. one particular man who was chronically ill said he felt he would — chronically ill said he felt he would be warmer in a grave. let's 'ust sto would be warmer in a grave. let's just stop and _ would be warmer in a grave. let's just stop and think— would be warmer in a grave. let's just stop and think about - would be warmer in a grave. let�*s just stop and think about that for a second, a man said to you he thought he would be warmer in a grave, that is a really shocking comment. it absolutely is, and i know personally, when i did read that comment— personally, when i did read that comment he said to me, i was struck to my— comment he said to me, i was struck to my core. _ comment he said to me, i was struck to my core, and i have worked in social_ to my core, and i have worked in social care — to my core, and i have worked in social care for many years, and a lot does— social care for many years, and a lot does not— social care for many years, and a lot does not shock me, but that does _ lot does not shock me, but that does and — lot does not shock me, but that does. and that message has been repeated, — does. and that message has been repeated, particularly in older people. — repeated, particularly in older people, people with illnesses and disabilities, young mothers having to keep _ disabilities, young mothers having to keep their kids in one room with an electric— to keep their kids in one room with an electric heater because they cannot— an electric heater because they cannot heat their home. i have had

to explain— cannot heat their home. i have had to explain to pensioners in my life about— to explain to pensioners in my life about trying to keep themselves warm, _ about trying to keep themselves warm, instead of heating the whole house. _ warm, instead of heating the whole house, that is what we are in, so our politicians need to get behind each other, work together for the benefit _ each other, work together for the benefit of— each other, work together for the benefit of the people across the north — benefit of the people across the north. ., . .,, benefit of the people across the north. ., . ., benefit of the people across the north. ., ., . ,, north. that cost of living crisis, that is something _ north. that cost of living crisis, that is something that - north. that cost of living crisis, that is something that people l north. that cost of living crisis, i that is something that people have been, no matter where they are, not just here in northern ireland, some politicians argue that the northern ireland protocol, the post—brexit trading arrangements make the economic situation worse, but is that the whole story, or as some businesses doing well of it? it very much depends _ businesses doing well of it? it very much depends which _ businesses doing well of it? it very much depends which perspective i businesses doing well of it? it very l much depends which perspective you look at the protocol from. if you look at the protocol from. if you look from the dup's perspective, they will say it has been atrocious for northern ireland. listening to the leaders' debate on sunday, everything including the cost of living crisis has some underpinning links to the protocol is a factor. but if we look at the wider picture, if you talk to the business community, they will say that in some sectors it has been relatively

beneficial. there are examples of multinational companies and companies that operate across the uk that have redirected supply routes to companies within northern ireland in order to stock their stores here, and that is not only generated income for businesses within northern ireland, but it has had a positive impact of creating more jobs for those companies as well. so there are two sides to this, and it is a very difficult one insofar as it very much depends which perspective you look at it from, but indeed which political angle or which political perspective you want to tie in with those views as well. so, sinead, what do you want to see coming out of the election on thursday? what is your message to politicians? mr; thursday? what is your message to oliticians? ~ , , ,., thursday? what is your message to oliticians? ~ , , , thursday? what is your message to oliticians? g , , , politicians? my message is very clear, politicians? my message is very clear. that _ politicians? my message is very clear, that can _ politicians? my message is very clear, that can be _ politicians? my message is very clear, that can be no _ politicians? my message is very - clear, that can be no circumstances under— clear, that can be no circumstances under which — clear, that can be no circumstances under which there is no executive, we need _ under which there is no executive, we need all— under which there is no executive, we need all politicians from all walks — we need all politicians from all walks of — we need all politicians from all walks of life to do better by the people — walks of life to do better by the people of the north, to come together— people of the north, to come together and really work together. during _ together and really work together. during the pandemic, we saw the task

force springing up, we saw unity of purpose _ force springing up, we saw unity of purpose between all parties, to come together— purpose between all parties, to come together to _ purpose between all parties, to come together to serve the people of northern ireland, and if there ever was a _ northern ireland, and if there ever was a time, — northern ireland, and if there ever was a time, this is the time now. the cost — was a time, this is the time now. the cost of— was a time, this is the time now. the cost of living crisis is crippling _ the cost of living crisis is crippling families, disabled people and pensioners. people cannot go hungry— and pensioners. people cannot go hungry in— and pensioners. people cannot go hungry in 2022. so and pensioners. people cannot go hungry in 2022— and pensioners. people cannot go hungry in 2022. so that has to take riori hungry in 2022. so that has to take priority over _ hungry in 2022. so that has to take priority over concerns _ hungry in 2022. so that has to take priority over concerns about - hungry in 2022. so that has to take priority over concerns about the i priority over concerns about the northern ireland protocol. absolutely, it has two, 2022 is the year we _ absolutely, it has two, 2022 is the year we are — absolutely, it has two, 2022 is the yearwe are in, the absolutely, it has two, 2022 is the year we are in, the protocol is important _ year we are in, the protocol is important to elements within certain community, but within the business community— community, but within the business community as well, but the cost of living _ community as well, but the cost of living crisis— community as well, but the cost of living crisis is hitting absolutely everyone, particularly those on lower— everyone, particularly those on lower wages, everyone, particularly those on lowerwages, people everyone, particularly those on lower wages, people living on benefits, _ lower wages, people living on benefits, children. we are talking the most — benefits, children. we are talking the most vulnerable, children, elderly, — the most vulnerable, children, elderly, disabled. we need this to be done _ elderly, disabled. we need this to be done and we need them to do it together~ _ be done and we need them to do it together~ |— be done and we need them to do it touether. ., be done and we need them to do it touether. . ., , , together. i alluded to this in my introduction, _ together. i alluded to this in my introduction, but _ together. i alluded to this in my introduction, but explain - together. i alluded to this in my introduction, but explain to - together. i alluded to this in my - introduction, but explain to viewers why this election matters notjust for the people of northern ireland

but around the uk and indeed the eu. well, fundamentally, if power—sharing isn't working in northern ireland, devolution isn't really working, so that prom is a wider conversation around the devolution settlement, something that westminster will have to pay attention to. in terms of the relationship with the european union, it is intrinsically linked to that in so far as if the sinn fein is returned as the largest party, they can nominate a first minister, and depending on different perspectives, that question around the northern ireland constitutional future comes into play. partly, that ties into westminster, but from the european union perspective, there are questions about northern ireland's interests in regards to the protocol, potential mitigations, and what will the eu have to do in terms of its negotiations with the uk to take account of those potential changes, so the ripple effects extend far beyond what we are going to see in northern ireland. ., ., are going to see in northern

ireland. ., ,, i. are going to see in northern ireland. ., ~' ,, , are going to see in northern ireland. ., ,, , . ireland. thank you both very much for our ireland. thank you both very much for your thoughts _ ireland. thank you both very much for your thoughts today. _ ireland. thank you both very much for your thoughts today. just - ireland. thank you both very much for your thoughts today. just to i for your thoughts today. just to give you a sense of what might happen at the end of the elections, the newly elected members of the legislative assembly, they have eight days to meet to begin that process of nominating a first and deputy first minister, but to cut through all the procedural issues and to view the shorthand on this, in essence they have up to six months potentially to keep talking about this. it has been called a storm in safety net, if you're like, but we heard from sinead that the people she works with, they want politicians back in the power—sharing assembly straightaway to start dealing with issues affecting people's daily lives. and i suppose one of the bigger question is emerging from this is, if the politicians can't get together and do that, if they can't get power—sharing up and running and also notjust up and running but actually working, what does that say about this function within politics here in northern ireland? lots of

questions to mull over, so that is one of the reasons why this has been called the most important election in a generation. let me give you some of the important details about candidates and more that you can see on the election. and there is a full list of the candidates in each of the constituencies in northern ireland. for full details, go to the bbc news website. there is lots of useful information on how the elections work. just go to bbc.co.uk/politics. and tonight on bbc news, you can watch the last head—to—head debate here in northern ireland before the polls open, jim fitzpatrick is the host as a studio audience in belfast put their questions about the key issues directly to the leaders of northern ireland's main parties. that's vote 22 ni: the leaders' debate, tonight at 9pm here on the bbc news channel. i , lu kwesa.

, lukwesa. annita, thank you very much indeed, thank you. deforestation is having a dramatic impact on our environment. trees absorb carbon dioxide, one of the main causes of climate change. many ambitious international tree—planting schemes have been announced over the years, supported by international funds, but often there are precious few forests to show for it. navin singh khadka reports. what we should see here now are six—year—old trees. sadly, there was very high mortality, 90% or higher. we should be seeing forests, a green carpet. this failed mangrove is part of the philippines' national greening programme — a bid to plant 1.5 million hectares of forest and mangroves to help fight climate change. an official audit found that 88% of the programme failed. but mangroves can grow well when planted with care.

what we have here is a successful mangrove plantation, and they are successful because of a number of factors. first of all, it's the correct species, matched with the correct site. however, the species is not the favored species for government programmes like the national greening programme, because the seedlings are difficult to find in the wild. science was sacrificed for convenience in the planting. the local authority which planted the failed mangrove says it got better results with its species in other locations. many big forest planting and restoration programmes have been launched in recent years, mainly to tackle climate change. but failure rates often go unreported. i have investigated more than ten projects that have not worked, and experts say this is very common. india has signed up to the bonn challenge, a global forest restoration project.

uttar pradesh state has planted tens of millions of trees in the last five years, but many have died, leaving only scrubland like this. the state's head of forestry says most plantations are a success. mozambique is part of the afr 100 forest landscape restoration initiative. critics allege that plantations here have replaced native forests. developers deny this. but the planted trees may also be harvested after only a few years. often, it's unknown how successful these big forest programmes are, and whether forests on paper exist in reality. last year, we took all the different commitments and amalgamated them into this one billion hectare figure. we have the majority of these commitments still as promises and not as action.

but that's what we are now needing to change. there is a lot of greenwashing around, and we have to actively uncover that. the un food and agriculture organisation is launching a framework to monitor the success of these programmes, but it will have to be done by the countries themselves, and they may or may not comply. navin singh khadka, bbc news. let's talk to dr matthew fagan, assistant professor, geography and environmental systems at the university of maryland in the united states. thank you forjoining us here on bbc news, so we heard a bit of a mixed reaction to successes or not of re—forest thing. why are they not working? are there examples where people are doing it right? well. people are doing it right? well, thank ou people are doing it right? well, thank you for— people are doing it right? well, thank you for having _ people are doing it right? well, thank you for having me. - people are doing it right? well, thank you for having me. i - people are doing it right? well, | thank you for having me. i think

that we have to keep in mind that tree—planting isjust that we have to keep in mind that tree—planting is just one tool for restoring the world, not the solution to every problem, and where and how we plant is just as important as what we plant. i mean, many countries, like china, brazil and india, are producing large blocks of single species of trees, and frankly it has caused a lot of habitat destruction. sometimes the best answer, and this has been pursued by some countries, is to step back and let nature do the work. for example, in niger, farmers encouraged trees to grow, took a step back, and what they ended up with was 200 million more trees, which also increase the fertility of their farmland. which also increase the fertility of theirfarmland. i5 which also increase the fertility of their farmland.— which also increase the fertility of their farmland. is niger part of the treat their farmland. is niger part of the great green _ their farmland. is niger part of the great green wall— their farmland. is niger part of the great green wall initiative? - their farmland. is niger part of the great green wall initiative? that i great green wall initiative? that has been going for a decade now, hasn't it? ., , has been going for a decade now, hasn't it? . , , hasn't it? that part is interesting, because it happened _ hasn't it? that part is interesting, because it happened over - hasn't it? that part is interesting, l because it happened over decades, long before we thought of the project, and it was passed by word of mouth from farmer to farmer. it takes societies working together to

grow trees, nutmeg plantation schemes. , , ., schemes. just looking up what has been achieved, _ schemes. just looking up what has been achieved, it _ schemes. just looking up what has been achieved, it has _ schemes. just looking up what has been achieved, it has now - schemes. just looking up what has| been achieved, it has now provided food security, it has provided jobs, it has stopped migration, and if people don't know, the great green wall goes across the entire width of africa, 15% in, so how do you get it right? because obviously it is environmental systems, and they are co—dependent, so what should people be doing? 50 i co-dependent, so what should people be doinu ? ., ., ., ,, co-dependent, so what should people be doinu? ., ., .«r ., co-dependent, so what should people bedoinu? ., ., , be doing? so i want to take a step back here and _ be doing? so i want to take a step back here and point _ be doing? so i want to take a step back here and point out _ be doing? so i want to take a step back here and point out that - be doing? so i want to take a step back here and point out that it - be doing? so i want to take a step back here and point out that it is l back here and point out that it is complicated. restoration is really important, but we also have to stop habitat loss at the same time, or we lose the game. so at the same time as discussing the great green wall, there is a lot of pressure on trees through out africa, and i am encouraged by all these giant commitments, but in the last few decades, the world lost an area of forest the size of mexico, and these

new forests cannot hold up to the old forests. so right now our house and lawn are on fire, and we are attending a flower garden in front. i have heard it being described, the forests that are not working, the reforestation that is not working, as green, silent and waiting to be harvested, they need to be living structures, don't they? ijust want tojump ahead to november this structures, don't they? ijust want to jump ahead to november this year, are you expecting any of the commitments to have been made when it comes to cop27 on this particular aspect? i it comes to cop27 on this particular asect? ., ., it comes to cop27 on this particular asect? ~' ., . ., , aspect? i think individual countries will make their _ aspect? i think individual countries will make their commitments, - aspect? i think individual countries will make their commitments, i i aspect? i think individual countries i will make their commitments, i think they have structured their commitments in ways that they knew they could make them before they started, because they do like to present a positive face. and i'm hopeful that this kind of new reporting outlet that has been initiated will encourage accountability for some of these ambitious pledges that have been

made. �* ambitious pledges that have been made. ., _ ambitious pledges that have been made. ., .y , ambitious pledges that have been made. . ., _ made. and obviously there is a direct connection _ made. and obviously there is a direct connection between - direct connection between reforestation and land and soil degradation, isn't there? so reforestation and land and soil degradation, isn't there? so when we restore forests, _ degradation, isn't there? so when we restore forests, we _ degradation, isn't there? so when we restore forests, we often _ degradation, isn't there? so when we restore forests, we often provide - restore forests, we often provide surfaces to people, we regulate the water, we fertilise the soil, but we also take land out of production, so we have to be careful where we plant trees. in an ideal world, we would only plant them in appropriate areas. but people bulldoze forest and savanna is, they take fertile farm land out of production to plant fruit trees. in doing that, they push from us to clear other forest. so despite the benefits of trees for land directly, we have to think about where we put them, because it does little good to plant them on the ashes of rainforests. fascinating, i am a graduate of annita, so i very much enjoyed this, thank you!

(singapore)a record breaking diamond is expected to fetch upwards hello again. for many of us once again today, it's going to be another cloudy day with some patchy light rain and drizzle, but it will brighten up a bit later on, especially so in parts of the west and the south. so you can see the extent of the cloud cover producing the patchy rain and drizzle, and it brightens up across wales, southern england. and it brightens up this is where we're likely to see some heavy potentially thundery showers sparked off, and the cloud thickening to the west of northern ireland later, heralding the arrival of a weather front. temperatures today ranging from 8—16 degrees. yesterday, the top temperature was in lincolnshire at 18.1 celsius in holbeach. the other thing worth bearing in mind, pollen levels are high across wales and southern england today, and we're talking about tree pollen, especially.

now, through this evening and overnight, we hang on to a lot of cloud. the weather front coming into northern ireland continues to push steadily eastwards. some of the rain on that will be heavy, especially in the northern half of the country. but it's not going to be a cold night. so this is the weather front during the course of wednesday that will continue to move over towards the east and clear, with this other weather front sinking south behind it. so another cloudy start to the day. there goes that weather front taking its rain, here comes the second one right behind it, bringing in some showers, and some of those could be heavy and thundery. but out towards the west, it will brighten up, and we'll see sunny intervals develop. temperatures up a touch on today, widely10—18 degrees. now, on wednesday, high pressure really starts to build in from the south west. we still do have weather fronts toppling around the top of it, bringing rain into northern scotland at times, but we're dragging in this milder air across the whole of the uk. temperatures will be higher everywhere than they have been, but the highest temperatures will be

in the south, and it's england and wales that start off with some sunshine after any mist and fog patches lift. but cloud will develop through the day, and don't forget, we've got rain at times crossing the north of scotland, and these are our temperatures — 13 in stornoway, 20 in birmingham, to 21, possibly 22 somewhere in the south east. on friday, various fronts moving south will bring in some rain. there'll also be some sunshine developing as well. but behind the fronts in the north, we're starting to pull in some fresher conditions, but holding onto the warmth further south.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11. borisjohnson is to address ukraine's parliament via videolink — announcing a further £300 million of military aid. russia s bombardment continues in eastern ukraine — there's a hope more civilians will be allowed to leave a steelworks in mariupol today. underlying profits for energy giant bp have more than doubled for the first three months of this year after oil and gas prices rise. we will not go back! protesters gather outside the us supreme court after a leaked document suggests it may be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion.

iam in i am in antrim castle gardens where we are looking ahead to thursday's election to the power—sharing assembly. this hour we are talking about health and asking front—line professionals what they want from the politicians. and coming up in the next half hour. we'll be taking your questions on the menopause and hormone replacement therapy for your questions answered. good morning. the prime minister borisjohson is addressing the ukrainian parliament today — becoming the first western leader to do so since the russian invasion. he's expected to give details of £300 million in extra military support for ukraine, including equipment for electronic

warfare and night—vision devices. the liberal democrats have questioned the timing of mrjohnson's announcement — two days before the local elections. in other developments, ukraine says at least three civilians have been killed in shelling in the eastern region of donetsk. officials said some areas were under constant fire and regional authorities are trying to evacuate civilians from frontline areas. in mariupol, the ukrainian defenders of the azovstal steel works say russian troops are using planes, tanks and warship missiles to pound the site. the un and red cross hope to oversee more civilian evacuations from the steel plant today — hundreds are still left inside. more than 100 people have already been rescued and have been arriving in the ukrainian—held city of zaporizhzhia. james reynolds has this report. imagine having to make your home in the depths of a nuclear bunker. hundreds of civilians,

including about 20 children, remain deep under the azovstal steelworks in mariupol, alongside ukrainian soldiers. this underworld is their only refuge from russia's siege. on sunday, around 100 civilians managed to get out. they were driven away from the front line. after weeks under assault, there is much to reflect on. often in simple silence. in this same region, a bbc team has made it to the ukrainian town of lysychansk, it's beseiged on three sides by russian forces. this family say they can't afford to flee. nine—year—old masha refuses to be frightened. the sound of the bombs? you're not scared? speaks defiantly.

here, ukrainian soldiers recover from their injuries. the united states says that it believes russia may now make a grab for this entire eastern region of ukraine. according to recent reports, we believe russia will try to annex the donetsk people's republic and the luhansk people's republic, in quotes, so—called, to russia. further west, another ukrainian coastal city, 0desa, has been hit by a russian missile. it's the second strike on this city since saturday. a 15—year—old boy was killed in this latest attack. how, asked ukraine's president, was this child a threat to the russian state? james reynolds, bbc news. the oil giant bp has made an underlying profit in the first quarter of the year of nearly £5 billion — the highest in over a decade, following soaring

oil and gas prices. the company made an overall loss of more than £16 billion in that period, after writing off its assets in russia. joining me is business editor simonjack. it is the headline profit down to rising oil prices that has grabbed attention and led to pressure for a windfall tax. we attention and led to pressure for a windfall tam— windfall tax. we have suffered if ou like, windfall tax. we have suffered if you like, soaring _ windfall tax. we have suffered if you like, soaring oil— windfall tax. we have suffered if you like, soaring oil and - windfall tax. we have suffered if you like, soaring oil and gas - windfall tax. we have suffered if i you like, soaring oil and gas prices which have tightened their grip on the cost of living squeeze but obviously someone is doing well out of it and they are the big oil companies, bp the first of a future report. you are right to look at the underlying issue. the overall loss, $25 billion was writing off the russian asset but people are focused on how much they are making from day—to—day business and highest profits in over a decade. a lot pressure on the company, calls for a windfall tax but the government policy is we do not want one because

we want companies like bp and shell to invest in new oil and gas in the north sea and all the renewables and technology we need there. they say they will spend £18 billion in the north sea, renewables and oil and gas till the end of this decade. they also expect to pay £1 billion in tax on north sea operations, which they have not paid recently because they have written some off against some expenses and the oil price has been lower. i understand that largely has satisfied the government's quid pro quo arrangement. saying if you like we will not hit you with a win full tax but you have to spend big on renewables and new oil and gas for energy security. at the moment it looks like the government is happy. the final decision is for the chancellor and he has hinted if he does not think the investment is forthcoming, he might look at

introducing that. as things stand, they are not going to do it, that will not lessen the cause from opposition parties who say it is not right when people are suffering when they are making excess profits they did not expect to make. this they are making excess profits they did not expect to make.— did not expect to make. this is 'ust one the did not expect to make. this is 'ust the big — did not expect to make. this is 'ust one the big companies. * did not expect to make. this is 'ust one the big companies. shellh did not expect to make. this isjust one the big companies. shell will. one the big companies. shell will report on thursday. these cumulative as they will be seen by the public profits that are so big we'll keep that suggestion of a windfall tax. if anything, they might intensify. shell might make more money than this. the only problem with the windfall tax... they pay higher corporation tax than other companies on north sea revenues. it is hard to design a windfall tax. 0n global profits? tax them on stuff they are doing in the gulf of mexico and elsewhere? tricky to design. you can always find a way if you want to. labour saying today they would like to increase the additional super tax

on oil companies by an additional 10%, bringing the corporation tax rate to 50% which they say would raise £1.2 billion but bp saying they expect to pay that much money anyway. i heard it put that there will be a tax windfall anyway so you do not need a windfall tax, if you see what i mean. the us supreme court could be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion, according to an unprecedented leaked draft of a court document. a draft opinion byjustice samuel alito argues that the 1973 roe v wade decision legalising abortion across the us was "egregiously wrong". if the top us court strikes down the ruling, it could instantly make abortion illegal in 22 us states. neither the supreme court nor the white house have commented on the leak. richard galpin reports. both anti— and pro—abortion

activists took to the street in washington, after indications that the landmark rowe versus wade ruling of 1973, which legalised abortion, may be overturned. anti—abortion activists chanting, "hey—ho, roe versus wade has got to go." while those supporting abortion rights shouted, "abortion is health care." all this the result of a leaked initial draft suggesting the us supreme court had voted to overturn roe versus wade. but this has not yet been confirmed. for almost half a century, abortion has been a divisive issue in the united states. last year, a poll by the pure research centre found 59% of us adults believed it should be legal in all or most cases, while 39% thought it should be illegal in most or all cases. they are not going to get away with this. let me say, i don't

care what i have to do, but they're not going to do this to dc and they're not going to do this to america. there is more of us than there is of them and we are going to fight. i'm very passionate about being pro—life and i'm just here as an observer to see what the attitude is like and kind of witness history, because this is a huge deal, you know, the supreme court documents were leaked and it's a big deal to see roe versus wade potentially overturned. if verified, the leaking of the document would be unprecedented in the court's modern history. neither the supreme court nor the white house wished to comment on the leak on monday light. richard galpin, bbc news. north america correspondent david willis has been explaining how the leak of the document is unprecedented in the history of the us supreme court. hugely significant, potentially, of course, if this leak is genuine and it's the majority opinion of the justices on the highest court

in the land, basically concluding that that landmark legislation roe v wade, passed in 1973, which establishes a woman's constitutional right to an abortion, should be overturned. now, as well as that, it also seeks to put abortion laws in this country firmly back within the grasp of state lawmakers and deprive women here of a constitutional right to such a procedure. it's a highly controversial, highly divisive issue, abortion, here in the united states, butjust last november an opinion poll published here revealed that the majority of the americans, 62%, were in favour of retaining roe v wade. now, were this to be overturned, opponents say it would effectively end the right to abortion for those who don't have the means to travel to a neighbouring state, and it would also potentially drive abortions underground.

supporters of overturning roe v wade contend that abortion is tantamount to murder. they would like to see a nationwide ban on the procedure if the republicans come to power. it's highly unusualfor a leak of this kind to emanate from the highest court in the land here. nobody can remember such a thing in the past. it's possible that the justices' opinion could be amended, that has happened before. we won't know until the official document is published sometime in the next two months. figures reveal that more than 7,000 migrants have arrived in the uk after crossing the english channel this year so far. that's is more than three times the number recorded for the same period last year. 293 people made the crossing to the uk in nine boats on bank holiday monday, after 254 in seven boats arrived on sunday.

the army says it's carrying out an investigation after reports that an intruder had spent the night in a barracks with royal guardsmen close to windsor castle. the security breach occured a week ago, when the queen was at sandringham for easter. joining me with more details is our correspondent, charlie haynes. what happened ? what happened? it is a strange story, something i do not think anyone expected. this man saying he was a priest turned up at victoria barracks where the coldstream guards with the large bearskin helmet sit. he said he was a friend of the chaplain of the unit. they invited him in, he had dinnerand drinks chaplain of the unit. they invited him in, he had dinner and drinks and was regaling them with stories which started about being in the iraq war. they got to things as extravagant as telling them he had g—force resistant organs planted and was an ejector seat test pilot. quite strange. he ended up staying the night and in the morning, the

officers of this unit made some calls and found out he was not a priest. they had the police come over and they escorted him off the premises. over and they escorted him off the remises. ., , over and they escorted him off the remises. . , ., , . , premises. clearly, a security breach. and _ premises. clearly, a security breach. and not _ premises. clearly, a security breach. and not the - premises. clearly, a security breach. and not the first - premises. clearly, a security i breach. and not the first close premises. clearly, a security - breach. and not the first close to home for the royals. that breach. and not the first close to home for the royals. at christmas, there was a — home for the royals. at christmas, there was a man _ home for the royals. at christmas, there was a man found _ home for the royals. at christmas, there was a man found wielding - home for the royals. at christmas, there was a man found wielding a l there was a man found wielding a crossbow in the grounds of windsor castle. that a little bit more worrying. the truth is it shows if they cannot keep their security, as some people say, then these are the guys who are responsible for safeguarding the queen. 500 metres from windsor castle. the army say they take security seriously and have launched an investigation, but they have been criticised over this. the parents of madeleine mccann have said it's essential they learn the truth about what happened to their daughter, exactly 15 years after she disappeared from a holiday apartment in the portuguese resort of praia da luz. kate and gerry mccann said that knowledge and certainty

would give them strength, but regardless of the outcome of the case, a truly horrific crime had been committed. 12 days ago, prosecutors in portugal said they'd formally identified a german man as a suspect. the headlines on bbc news: borisjohnson is to address ukraine's parliament via videolink, announcing a further £300 million worth of military aid. russia s bombardment continues in eastern ukraine — there's a hope more civilians will be allowed to leave a steelworks in mariupol today. underlying profits for energy giant bp have more than doubled for the first three months of this year after oil and gas prices rise. there are just two days 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 annita mcveigh joins us from the town of antrim in county antrim in northern ireland. thank you. i am going to get straight into our topic which is health and social care. what is being said about that during the campaign and what does my panel of guests want to see happen? before i introduce them i will show you the front page of a local paper, the antrim guardian and above the fold, mum's desperately for mental health help for teen. with me today we have bbc northern ireland's health correspondent and doctor francis o'hagan, agp. we have a cancer nurse

and we have an emergency medicine doctor. welcome. set the scene. what are the big issues in health and social care?— social care? northern ireland's health and _ social care? northern ireland's health and social _ social care? northern ireland's health and social care - social care? northern ireland's health and social care system, | social care? northern ireland's - health and social care system, this is similar challenges as everyone else in the uk. the biggest difference here is we do not have a functioning government in order to take those challenges head—on. they are similar challenges such as the emergency department crisis. a few weekends ago they are still appealing for staff especially nurses to come into work. especially those on a day. many nurses are working way beyond the call of duty. we have a crisis in gp practices. biggest headline is the hospital waiting lists, currently 366,000

people in northern ireland are waiting for that first appointment to see a consultant. the waiting list figures have been like that and getting worse for years and very little has changed to try to improve those. ., . . , little has changed to try to improve those. ., ., ., , ., , ., those. you are a gp, what is a ical those. you are a gp, what is a typical daylight _ those. you are a gp, what is a typical daylight for _ those. you are a gp, what is a typical daylight for you? - those. you are a gp, what is a typical daylight for you? we i those. you are a gp, what is a. typical daylight for you? we are exceedingly _ typical daylight for you? we are exceedingly busy. _ typical daylight for you? we are exceedingly busy. general- typical daylight for you? we are i exceedingly busy. general practice in northern ireland, we have the lowest _ in northern ireland, we have the lowest number of gps compared to the four nations _ lowest number of gps compared to the four nations and the highest concentration rate. they are an endangered species in many ways. we need to— endangered species in many ways. we need to train _ endangered species in many ways. we need to train more. we have under train _ need to train more. we have under train general practice the last ten years _ train general practice the last ten years and — train general practice the last ten years. and it translates into patients— years. and it translates into patients with difficulty getting appointments and through to us on the phone — appointments and through to us on the phone. we are seeing consultation rates, 240,000 per week getting _ consultation rates, 240,000 per week getting through. 20,000 per day are

being _ getting through. 20,000 per day are being seen— getting through. 20,000 per day are being seen face—to—face. the getting through. 20,000 per day are being seen face-to-face. the demand is unbelievable. _ being seen face-to-face. the demand is unbelievable. and _ being seen face-to-face. the demand is unbelievable. and you _ being seen face-to-face. the demand is unbelievable. and you are - being seen face-to-face. the demand is unbelievable. and you are a - is unbelievable. and you are a cancer nurse, what is the pressure like for you?— like for you? horrendous. you are constantly — like for you? horrendous. you are constantly getting _ like for you? horrendous. you are constantly getting messages - like for you? horrendous. you are constantly getting messages to i like for you? horrendous. you are l constantly getting messages to ask you to come into work to cover a shift. a survey showed over half are working additional hours and many unpaid hours. the pressure now since the pandemic has made things worse with an increased number of staff leaving. it is reported over 7000 have resigned per month in the nhs which is startling. bud have resigned per month in the nhs which is startling.— which is startling. and i am anticipating _ which is startling. and i am anticipating what _ which is startling. and i am anticipating what you - which is startling. and i am anticipating what you will i which is startling. and i am i anticipating what you will tell which is startling. and i am - anticipating what you will tell me about life as an emergency doctor is going to be reflecting what they have been saying. the going to be reflecting what they have been saying.— have been saying. the whole emergency _ have been saying. the whole emergency team, _ have been saying. the whole emergency team, we - have been saying. the whole emergency team, we have i have been saying. the whole| emergency team, we have to have been saying. the whole - emergency team, we have to few people _ emergency team, we have to few people trying to do too much for to many— people trying to do too much for to many people. the system is creaking.

it many people. the system is creaking. it will _ many people. the system is creaking. it will cause _ many people. the system is creaking. it will cause harm is for patients and professionals.— it will cause harm is for patients and professionals. trying to care for them. how _ and professionals. trying to care for them. how much _ and professionals. trying to care for them. how much pressure i and professionals. trying to care for them. how much pressure is| and professionals. trying to care i for them. how much pressure is on you as individuals, working on front line medicine?— you as individuals, working on front line medicine? myself and colleagues across all specialities _ line medicine? myself and colleagues across all specialities and _ line medicine? myself and colleagues across all specialities and teams, - across all specialities and teams, we are _ across all specialities and teams, we are not— across all specialities and teams, we are not taking breaks, staying on after shifts — we are not taking breaks, staying on after shifts. it will have an effect on physical and mental wellbeing so pressure _ on physical and mental wellbeing so pressure is — on physical and mental wellbeing so pressure is enormous. what on physical and mentalwellbeing so pressure is enormous.— on physical and mentalwellbeing so pressure is enormous. what would you like to see coming _ pressure is enormous. what would you like to see coming out _ pressure is enormous. what would you like to see coming out of _ pressure is enormous. what would you like to see coming out of this - like to see coming out of this election? what is your message to the politicians? in election? what is your message to the politicians?— election? what is your message to the politicians? in northern ireland we do not care _ the politicians? in northern ireland we do not care about _ the politicians? in northern ireland we do not care about the _ the politicians? in northern ireland we do not care about the orange i the politicians? in northern ireland. we do not care about the orange and green issue, it is health and education, the cost of living. i would like the executive to get together and collaborate. and provide a stable government for the people of northern ireland, which is what we deserve.— what we deserve. without a functioning _ what we deserve. without a functioning executive - what we deserve. without a functioning executive to - what we deserve. without a | functioning executive to turn what we deserve. without a - functioning executive to turn to, this is a question with your bma

committee hat on, how difficult is it to have conversations about making things better in terms of numbers of gps, compared to say colleagues in england, where they can talk to the department of health in westminster? d0 can talk to the department of health in westminster?— in westminster? do not have a functioning _ in westminster? do not have a functioning executive - in westminster? do not have a functioning executive is - in westminster? do not have a functioning executive is not. functioning executive is not acceptable. green and orange doesn't matter, but health does. we must have a functioning executive or health committee. i do not care how it is done. if they do not get together in stormont and put something in place a health can function. we cannot allow this to happen that the health service suffers. we have to fix waiting lists and gp and general waiting times. , , , ., ., i. times. there is desperation your voice. times. there is desperation your voice- 100%- _ times. there is desperation your voice. 10096. if— times. there is desperation your voice. 10096. if we _ times. there is desperation your voice. 10096. if we do _ times. there is desperation your voice. 10096. if we do not - times. there is desperation your voice. 10096. if we do not do - times. there is desperation your voice. 10096. if we do not do it i times. there is desperation your i voice. 10096. if we do not do it the traditional route, _ voice. 10096. if we do not do it the traditional route, we _ voice. 10096. if we do not do it the traditional route, we have - voice. 10096. if we do not do it the traditional route, we have to - voice. 10096. if we do not do it the traditional route, we have to do i voice. 10096. if we do not do it the traditional route, we have to do it| traditional route, we have to do it another way and get health functioning because patients, people

will suffer. abs, functioning because patients, people will suffer. �* ., ., functioning because patients, people willsuffer. . ., ., . ., ., will suffer. a lot of criticism and concern and _ will suffer. a lot of criticism and concern and worry. _ will suffer. a lot of criticism and concern and worry. people - will suffer. a lot of criticism and | concern and worry. people really stretched to their limits and beyond. what is the official response to this? it beyond. what is the official response to this?— response to this? it is an indication _ response to this? it is an indication of _ response to this? it is an indication ofjust - response to this? it is an indication ofjust how- response to this? it is an | indication ofjust how bad response to this? it is an - indication ofjust how bad and stressed _ indication ofjust how bad and stressed things— indication ofjust how bad and stressed things are. - indication ofjust how bad and stressed things are. northern ireland's_ stressed things are. northern ireland's present _ stressed things are. northern ireland's present health - stressed things are. northern i ireland's present health minister robin— ireland's present health minister robin swann— ireland's present health minister robin swann is— ireland's present health minister robin swann is a _ ireland's present health minister robin swann is a member- ireland's present health minister robin swann is a member of- ireland's present health minister robin swann is a member of the | robin swann is a member of the ulster— robin swann is a member of the ulster unionist _ robin swann is a member of the ulster unionist party— robin swann is a member of the ulster unionist party and - robin swann is a member of the ulster unionist party and they i ulster unionist party and they placed — ulster unionist party and they placed in— ulster unionist party and they placed in their— ulster unionist party and they placed in their manifesto, - placed in their manifesto, suggesting _ placed in their manifesto, suggesting northern - placed in their manifesto, i suggesting northern ireland placed in their manifesto, - suggesting northern ireland needs placed in their manifesto, _ suggesting northern ireland needs a chief executive _ suggesting northern ireland needs a chief executive in _ suggesting northern ireland needs a chief executive in charge _ suggesting northern ireland needs a chief executive in charge of- chief executive in charge of northern— chief executive in charge of northern ireland's - chief executive in charge of northern ireland's health. chief executive in charge of- northern ireland's health service. the idea — northern ireland's health service. the idea of— northern ireland's health service. the idea of taking _ northern ireland's health service. the idea of taking politics- northern ireland's health service. the idea of taking politics out - northern ireland's health service. the idea of taking politics out of. the idea of taking politics out of health. — the idea of taking politics out of health, because _ the idea of taking politics out of health, because there _ the idea of taking politics out of health, because there is- the idea of taking politics out of health, because there is a - the idea of taking politics out of- health, because there is a stalemate at the _ health, because there is a stalemate at the moment _ health, because there is a stalemate at the moment. we _ health, because there is a stalemate at the moment. we cannot— health, because there is a stalemate at the moment. we cannot take - health, because there is a stalemate at the moment. we cannot take on i at the moment. we cannot take on challenges — at the moment. we cannot take on challenges because _ at the moment. we cannot take on challenges because politics - at the moment. we cannot take on challenges because politics gets i at the moment. we cannot take on challenges because politics gets in| challenges because politics gets in the way _ challenges because politics gets in the way if— challenges because politics gets in thewa. , ., the way. if democracy is not functioning. _ the way. if democracy is not functioning, then _ the way. if democracy is not functioning, then you - the way. if democracy is not functioning, then you need i the way. if democracy is not - functioning, then you need somebody else to sit outside the normal realm of democracy to run essential services like health?- of democracy to run essential services like health? exactly and that has been _ services like health? exactly and that has been acknowledged - services like health? exactly and that has been acknowledged by. services like health? exactly and - that has been acknowledged by robin swarm _ that has been acknowledged by robin swarm the _ that has been acknowledged by robin swann. the official— that has been acknowledged by robin

swann. the official line _ that has been acknowledged by robin swann. the official line from - that has been acknowledged by robin swann. the official line from the - swann. the official line from the department— swann. the official line from the department of— swann. the official line from the department of health _ swann. the official line from the department of health is- swann. the official line from the department of health is they - department of health is they acknowledge _ department of health is they acknowledge these _ department of health is theyj acknowledge these problems department of health is they - acknowledge these problems and they have acknowledged _ acknowledge these problems and they have acknowledged a _ acknowledge these problems and they have acknowledged a lot _ acknowledge these problems and they have acknowledged a lot of _ acknowledge these problems and they have acknowledged a lot of the - acknowledge these problems and they have acknowledged a lot of the scars i have acknowledged a lot of the scars across _ have acknowledged a lot of the scars across health — have acknowledged a lot of the scars across health and _ have acknowledged a lot of the scars across health and social— have acknowledged a lot of the scars across health and social care - across health and social care predates _ across health and social care predates the _ across health and social care predates the pandemic, - across health and social care predates the pandemic, the i across health and social care - predates the pandemic, the pandemic has made _ predates the pandemic, the pandemic has made challenges _ predates the pandemic, the pandemic has made challenges worse. - predates the pandemic, the pandemic has made challenges worse. in - predates the pandemic, the pandemic has made challenges worse. in his. has made challenges worse. in his last statement— has made challenges worse. in his last statement the _ has made challenges worse. in his last statement the health - has made challenges worse. in hisj last statement the health minister said the _ last statement the health minister said the building _ last statement the health minister said the building blocks— last statement the health minister said the building blocks are - last statement the health minister said the building blocks are in - said the building blocks are in place — said the building blocks are in place in — said the building blocks are in place in order— said the building blocks are in place in order to _ said the building blocks are in place in order to make - said the building blocks are in i place in order to make progress. said the building blocks are in - place in order to make progress. for instance _ place in order to make progress. for instance to _ place in order to make progress. for instance to tackle _ place in order to make progress. for instance to tackle mental— place in order to make progress. for instance to tackle mental health, . instance to tackle mental health, cancer _ instance to tackle mental health, cancer waiting _ instance to tackle mental health, cancer waiting lists _ instance to tackle mental health, cancer waiting lists and _ instance to tackle mental health, cancer waiting lists and others. i instance to tackle mental health, i cancer waiting lists and others. but government— cancer waiting lists and others. but government needs _ cancer waiting lists and others. but government needs to _ cancer waiting lists and others. but government needs to be _ cancer waiting lists and others. but government needs to be in- cancer waiting lists and others. but government needs to be in place i cancer waiting lists and others. but| government needs to be in place to .et government needs to be in place to get on _ government needs to be in place to get on with— government needs to be in place to get on with tackling _ government needs to be in place to get on with tackling these - government needs to be in place to| get on with tackling these problems and also _ get on with tackling these problems and also to— get on with tackling these problems and also to be — get on with tackling these problems and also to be granted _ get on with tackling these problems and also to be granted a _ get on with tackling these problems and also to be granted a multi—yearj and also to be granted a multi—year budget— and also to be granted a multi—year budget and — and also to be granted a multi—year budget and not— and also to be granted a multi—year budget and not be _ and also to be granted a multi—year budget and not be lunging - and also to be granted a multi—year budget and not be lunging from - and also to be granted a multi—yearj budget and not be lunging from one year to— budget and not be lunging from one year to another— budget and not be lunging from one year to another not _ budget and not be lunging from one year to another not knowing - budget and not be lunging from one year to another not knowing where. year to another not knowing where the next _ year to another not knowing where the next penny— year to another not knowing where the next penny will— year to another not knowing where the next penny will come - year to another not knowing where the next penny will come from. . year to another not knowing where - the next penny will come from. iatlt�*ould the next penny will come from. would that be a good — the next penny will come from. would that be a good idea _ the next penny will come from. would that be a good idea if _ the next penny will come from. would that be a good idea if the _ the next penny will come from. that be a good idea if the executive does not get back together and start functioning after the election, would it be a good idea to have a health csar to run health and social care? it health csar to run health and social

care? , ,, ., ., ., care? it sounds like a good idea, an outside body. _ care? it sounds like a good idea, an outside body, independent - care? it sounds like a good idea, an outside body, independent from - outside body, independent from politics — outside body, independent from politics. that is the case with nhs england _ politics. that is the case with nhs england and it is a model we should use. england and it is a model we should use only— england and it is a model we should use only so— england and it is a model we should use. only so much longer we can sustain— use. only so much longer we can sustain the — use. only so much longer we can sustain the vacuum and the impact on the health— sustain the vacuum and the impact on the health of the population. what commentary _ the health of the population. what commentary would _ the health of the population. what commentary would that _ the health of the population. ib'fl�*ué�*ii commentary would that be on the health of the population. the�*ué�*ii commentary would that be on the state of politics here? you are not a politician, but you have a view. what comment would it have on northern ireland politics if you had to have someone like that are appointed because there was not a functioning government? it is appointed because there was not a functioning government?— appointed because there was not a functioning government? it is a sad indictment of _ functioning government? it is a sad indictment of politics _ functioning government? it is a sad indictment of politics in _ functioning government? it is a sad indictment of politics in northern i indictment of politics in northern ireland if that is needed but as a nurse i don't really care, as long as i have enough staff to look after patients and they are not waiting on pain relief or to go to the bathroom because there are not enough on duty. there is nothing more important than patients and that is what politicians need to focus on. you have children with complex health needs and through the pandemic you had to manage your

workload with protecting them. you have done your bit, i guess you want the politicians to do their bit? i expect them to do the job they are paid to do as we all continue to do. i do not think that is a lot to ask. clearly there is scepticism about whether this election can deliver change in terms of getting back to a stable system of government. what is your message to the politicians? mr; your message to the politicians? my message is get back in office and as well as— message is get back in office and as well as that — message is get back in office and as well as that and _ message is get back in office and as well as that and commissioning - well as that and commissioning health. — well as that and commissioning health. we _ well as that and commissioning health, we need _ well as that and commissioning health, we need a _ well as that and commissioning health, we need a multi—yeari well as that and commissioning - health, we need a multi—year budget. just to— health, we need a multi—year budget. just to have _ health, we need a multi—year budget. just to have a — health, we need a multi—year budget. just to have a one _ health, we need a multi—year budget. just to have a one year— health, we need a multi—year budget. just to have a one year budget - just to have a one year budget commission— just to have a one year budget commission for— just to have a one year budget commission for one _ just to have a one year budget commission for one year- just to have a one year budget commission for one year and i just to have a one year budget - commission for one year and start next _ commission for one year and start next year— commission for one year and start next year again _ commission for one year and start next year again does _ commission for one year and start next year again does not - commission for one year and start next year again does not work. i commission for one year and start i next year again does not work. then we can— next year again does not work. then we can helped — next year again does not work. then we can helped improve _ next year again does not work. then we can helped improve things - next year again does not work. then we can helped improve things for. next year again does not work. thenl we can helped improve things for our patients _

we can helped improve things for our atients. ., �* �* ., ., patients. from bbc northern ireland, thank ou patients. from bbc northern ireland, thank you so — patients. from bbc northern ireland, thank you so much. _ and there is a full list of the candidates in each of the constituencies in northern ireland. for full details — go to the bbc news website. and the last head—to—head debate tonight. the studio audience puts their questions directly to the leaders of the main parties. there is a fair chance health will come up. that is... we will be back in the next hour with more on the northern ireland elections. back to you. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. another cloudy day. some rain. some drizzle. laterwe another cloudy day. some rain. some drizzle. later we will see sunshine

and that could spark off showers. you can see the extent of the cloud which will break in southern areas. also through parts of the west. as that happens and the sun comes out, we will see showers, some of them heavy and potentially thundery. as we head through this evening and overnight, we will hang on to some showers and cloud. a weather front coming in from the west will bring rain heavy at times moving to the east. it will not be a cold night as a result. tomorrow starting cloudy. rain moving towards the east. the weather front brings in rain moving towards the east. the weatherfront brings in rain pushing southwards. by the end of the afternoon, most of the showers in the south—east. and it will be brightening up out towards the west. a high of 19 degrees.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines: borisjohnson is to address ukraine's parliament via videolink — announcing a further £300 million worth of military aid. russia s bombardment continues in eastern ukraine — there's a hope more civilians will be allowed to leave a steelworks in mariupol today. underlying profits for energy giant bp have more than doubled for the first three months of this year after oil and gas prices rise. protesters gather outside the us supreme court — after a leaked document suggests it may be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion. sport and for a full round up from the bbc sport centre, here's gavin. good morning. one of a kind — that's how stephen hendry described ronnie o'sullivan after he beatjudd trump 18—13 at the crucible

to match his seven world titles. the rocket said he'll share the record with him for a year, because he's coming back for more, and paid tribute to his beaten opponent, in a final like no otherfor him. o'sullivan's been speaking to jamie broughton.. that's the most emotional i have ever brngs it was just whatjudd said to me, he is the governor. he is 32, he has time on his side, that is 32, he has time on his side, that is the guy to beat. what he said just blew me away. that is what got me. eh. just blew me away. that is what got me. . ., ., just blew me away. that is what got me, �* ., ., ., " just blew me away. that is what got me. . ., ., ., ,, ., me. a lot of talk about winning seven world — me. a lot of talk about winning seven world titles, _ me. a lot of talk about winning seven world titles, what - me. a lot of talk about winning seven world titles, what is - me. a lot of talk about winning | seven world titles, what is your take on that? i’m seven world titles, what is your take on that?— take on that? i'm not driven by titles, i don't _ take on that? i'm not driven by titles, i don't want _ take on that? i'm not driven by titles, i don't want to - take on that? i'm not driven by titles, i don't want to be - take on that? i'm not driven by titles, i don't want to be driven take on that? i'm not driven by i titles, i don't want to be driven by titles, i don't want to be driven by titles and statistics, i want a happy life and some peace, i enjoy my work and what i do and just give back. i don't want to be like ronnie

snooker, it has been good for me to have a variety in my life and i think that's helped me be able to enjoy myjob and my snooker better. do you think eight or nine titles are possible. are won't you think about that? i are possible. are won't you think about that?— about that? i won't think about that, it is _ about that? i won't think about that, it is such _ about that? i won't think about that, it is such a _ about that? i won't think about that, it is such a mammoth - about that? i won't think about. that, it is such a mammoth effort. about that? i won't think about - that, it is such a mammoth effort. i will give it another go. i said it will give it another go. i said it will give it at least another two world titles. my daughter finishes school, i set that as a target, she finishes i will finish. eight, nine, they arejust numbers. finishes i will finish. eight, nine, they are just numbers. i'm finishes i will finish. eight, nine, they arejust numbers. i'm happy with my life, ijust want they arejust numbers. i'm happy with my life, i just want to they arejust numbers. i'm happy with my life, ijust want to enjoy my game and my life and that is the most important thing. liverpool are just 90 minutes away from the champions league final and with it a step closer to a historic quadruple. they're away for the second leg of their semi—final against villarreal tonight. these pictures from before they departed to spain.

they hold a 2—0 lead from the first leg, but are taking nothing for granted. this is always the best time of the season for us lads, every game's a final, pushing on all four fronts really, well, all three now, so these are the exciting games, you want to be playing in these, you want everything on the line, you want every game the feel like you have to win it. and i feel like the lads feel the same way, it is exciting that buzz you get from scoring a goal in the game when you know it's vitally important. now ellis cross certainly had a bank holiday to remember! the club runner, who paid the £37 entry fee to race in the 10k in london yesterday and ended up beating sir mo farah. it was the four—time olympic champion's first race since missing out on qualifying for the tokyo games last year. cross beat him to the line by four seconds and says he's now investing his £2,000 prize money in new equipment and training camps, as he bids to take on even bigger challenges.

for the future i'm looking after, especially after yesterday's performance, like going on to the roads, the half marathon and the marathon could be something that could be a focus of mine. the dream is to step up eventually and see what i'm capable of ore that distance before looking at major championships. to tennis, and andy murray will be back on court later in spain, after achieving his first victory on clay in five years. it also came against a grand slam champion dominic thiem, in the opening round of the madrid masters, with murray taking it 6—3, 6—4. the french open back in 2017 was his last win on the surface. he'll take on dennis shapovalov later with emma raducanu also in second round action this evening. that's all the sport from me. now on the bbc news channel, it's your questions answered.

welcome to your questions answered. you've been sending in your questions on the menopause. with me is dr radhika vohra — a gp who is also a trustee of the menopause charity. and dr louise newson who is a menopause specialist. welcome both of you, thank you for joining us. first a question for you louise from someone anonymous, getting hrt is a nightmare, i ha struggled getting my prescription filled. it struggled getting my prescription filled. , ., , struggled getting my prescription filled. , , , filled. it is a problem, because there is a _ filled. it is a problem, because there is a shortage, _ filled. it is a problem, because there is a shortage, but - filled. it is a problem, because there is a shortage, but it - filled. it is a problem, because there is a shortage, but it is i filled. it is a problem, because i there is a shortage, but it is only with the gels, the gels that you rub on to the skin. patches are available, some types of tablets are available. it is worth getting alternatives. the drug companies are

working hard, there is an increased hard as more women have an understanding and realising the safety of hrt. if a pharmacist says there is a shortage of the patches, then this isn't correct. they need to directly contact the drug company to directly contact the drug company to change that. because i have been told on good authority that there is good stock and those who make the gel are working hard, a lot of it temporary. there is a lot of work to change this. but it shouldn't happen of course. abs, change this. but it shouldn't happen of course. . , ., ., change this. but it shouldn't happen of course. �* , ., ., . , change this. but it shouldn't happen ofcourse. . , ., ., . , , of course. a question from amy, she sa s i'm of course. a question from amy, she says im a — of course. a question from amy, she says im a cancer— of course. a question from amy, she says i'm a cancer survivor _ of course. a question from amy, she says i'm a cancer survivor who - of course. a question from amy, she says i'm a cancer survivor who went i says i'm a cancer survivor who went through surgically necessary early menopause. i have been on hrt to help with bone loss. it h doubled my

prescription costs. i'm become impatient with the government, is there any attempt to fix the problems? its an interesting points about the prescription costs doubling?— about the prescription costs douang? about the prescription costs doublinu? . , , ., about the prescription costs doublin? , , ., ., doubling? absolutely. sorry to hear with this lady _ doubling? absolutely. sorry to hear with this lady what _ doubling? absolutely. sorry to hear with this lady what she _ doubling? absolutely. sorry to hear with this lady what she has - doubling? absolutely. sorry to hear with this lady what she has gone i with this lady what she has gone through — with this lady what she has gone through. adding on what louise said, usually— through. adding on what louise said, usually up _ through. adding on what louise said, usually up to six months' supplies is understandable. and good practice _ is understandable. and good practice. we hope we will get larger supplies— practice. we hope we will get larger supplies for people on hrt, but we are not— supplies for people on hrt, but we are not there yet. i appreciate the frustration — are not there yet. i appreciate the frustration and hopes there are things— frustration and hopes there are things like payment cards that help and you _ things like payment cards that help and you get all your prescriptions covered _ and you get all your prescriptions covered by— and you get all your prescriptions covered by that and that works out cost effective for a lot of people.

? , e cost effective for a lot of people. 7 , �* , ., cost effective for a lot of people. ? the line isn't brilliant, that you will have heard, _ ? the line isn't brilliant, that you will have heard, we _ ? the line isn't brilliant, that you will have heard, we have - ? the line isn't brilliant, that you will have heard, we have been i ? the line isn't brilliant, that you - will have heard, we have been trying to get it heard. we can hear you, but we maybe have to strain ears a bit. louise, helen says, if you're not experience difficult symptoms during menopause is hrt recommended purely from a long—term health benefit point of view? that purely from a long-term health benefit point of view?— benefit point of view? that is a treat benefit point of view? that is a great question _ benefit point of view? that is a great question and _ benefit point of view? that is a great question and lots - benefit point of view? that is a great question and lots of- benefit point of view? that is a i great question and lots of people ask that. on the guidelines from nice, the international menopause society guidelines, they say we should use it for primary prevention of disease. but we know there is data showing it reduces the risk of heart disease in women who don't have a history of heart disease, more so than statin. it reduces the

risk of osteoporosis and early death. if you look at the evidence, there is enough evidence to support there is enough evidence to support the use of hrt to reduce risk of diseases. a lot of women don't think they have symptom and then they start hrt and report their sleep has improved, their concentration, their energy. a lot of women are not recognising their symptoms as being menopausal. we only know because they improve when they their hormone reba lanced. 50 they improve when they their hormone reba lanced. ., , ., they improve when they their hormone reba lanced— reba lanced. so are you saying any woman of a — reba lanced. so are you saying any woman of a certain _ reba lanced. so are you saying any woman of a certain age _ reba lanced. so are you saying any woman of a certain age should - reba lanced. so are you saying any woman of a certain age should get| woman of a certain age should get it? ., , ., ., , ., �* it? that is a great question. i'm sa in: it? that is a great question. i'm saying every — it? that is a great question. i'm saying every woman _ it? that is a great question. i'm saying every woman who - it? that is a great question. i'm saying every woman who wants | it? that is a great question. i'm i saying every woman who wants to it? that is a great question. i'm - saying every woman who wants to take it should be able to take it. it is not even of a certain age. many women have early menopause. early

menopausal women take it and the earlier they take it the better for their health risk. we are born with oestrogen for a reason. we know it is fundamental in the way that our cardiovascular system works and our brain function, or skin function and so forth. so it is important that we as individual women, who are menopausal make the decisions for ourselves and it is a shared decision—making process with a health care professional. i'm not saying every woman has to be on it, but i think every woman should have the information. there is a follow on question, from sarah, i'm 49 and

menopausal, i'm suffering with stiffness in my bones andj menopausal, i'm suffering with stiffness in my bones and j joints. is hrt right for me and do certain treatments target certain symptoms. we have so many symptoms and it is not gospel— we have so many symptoms and it is not gospel every woman should have all of them — not gospel every woman should have all of them. butjoint pains not gospel every woman should have all of them. but joint pains and aches— all of them. but joint pains and aches and _ all of them. but joint pains and aches and stiffjoints means you have _ aches and stiffjoints means you have some _ aches and stiffjoints means you have some of them. it is important to start _ have some of them. it is important to start to— have some of them. it is important to start to pick up on the symptoms and use _ to start to pick up on the symptoms and use a _ to start to pick up on the symptoms and use a symptom tracker and our charity— and use a symptom tracker and our charity has— and use a symptom tracker and our charity has access to those. and track _ charity has access to those. and track your — charity has access to those. and track your symptoms. once you have found _ track your symptoms. once you have found that _ track your symptoms. once you have found that there isn't, the body can replace _ found that there isn't, the body can replace thing that it is a missing. there _ replace thing that it is a missing. there is— replace thing that it is a missing. there is no— replace thing that it is a missing. there is no replacement for hormone specifically— there is no replacement for hormone specifically forjoints there is no replacement for hormone specifically for joints and there is no replacement for hormone specifically forjoints and there doesn't — specifically forjoints and there doesn't seem to be a need for that. but we _ doesn't seem to be a need for that. but we have — doesn't seem to be a need for that. but we have treatments available, although _ but we have treatments available, although we have some supply issues with some _ although we have some supply issues with some of the brands, but that is

something _ with some of the brands, but that is something is a master hormone and should _ something is a master hormone and should benefits yourjoints too. at 49, it _ should benefits yourjoints too. at 49, it is— should benefits yourjoints too. at 49, it is typical, the average age of 51. _ 49, it is typical, the average age of 51, but — 49, it is typical, the average age of 51, but you can get some symptoms and they— of 51, but you can get some symptoms and they may change over the coming years— and they may change over the coming years and _ and they may change over the coming years and that is why tracking is helpfut — years and that is why tracking is helful. ., e' years and that is why tracking is helful. . «e i. ~ years and that is why tracking is helful. ., ,, . , ., ., helpful. thank you. a question from deborah, helpful. thank you. a question from deborah. many _ helpful. thank you. a question from deborah, many symptoms - helpful. thank you. a question from deborah, many symptoms of - helpful. thank you. a question from deborah, many symptoms of long i helpful. thank you. a question from - deborah, many symptoms of long covid are also symptom of menopause. it is interesting. — are also symptom of menopause. it 3 interesting, there are two things going on here. there isn't a diagnostic test for peri—menopause orfor long covid. the symptoms diagnostic test for peri—menopause or for long covid. the symptoms are similarfor a lot of or for long covid. the symptoms are similar for a lot of people. or for long covid. the symptoms are similarfor a lot of people. we did a survey through our not for profit

research and found 70% of women with long covid found their symptoms were worse before their periods and we know that is when the hormone levels decline. only a minority had questioned asked about their hormone levels by a professional. and many women may be menopausal and have had covid or may not. many women have improved with the right dose and type of hrt. the way that coronavirus works we have a lot 02 receptors on our ovaries and many women maybe have more severe symptoms in early menopause, because of coronavirus. women who are

menopausal should be considered for hrt whether they have long covid or not. some women with long covid have clotting problems. but oestrogen has no effect on clotting. and the symptoms are effecting people with long covid. it is won't any with long covid. it is won't any with long covid. it is won't any with long covid to down load the app, start talking to to their doctor about treatment for hrt and long covid. ., , ., ., , ., ., covid. louise another question, leah sa s i'm a covid. louise another question, leah says i'm a transwoman _ covid. louise another question, leah says i'm a transwoman who - covid. louise another question, leah says i'm a transwoman who takes i covid. louise another question, leahl says i'm a transwoman who takes hrt what differences are there about menopause—related hrt and menopause hrt. it menopause-related hrt and menopause hrt. , , menopause-related hrt and menopause hrt. , y , ., ., hrt. it is very similar and with

transpeople. _ hrt. it is very similar and with transpeople, there _ hrt. it is very similar and with transpeople, there is - hrt. it is very similar and with transpeople, there is an - hrt. it is very similar and with - transpeople, there is an inequality for anything for the menopause, but they're a group that are me the neglected more. we find some women find lower doses, some women need higher doses. it is important that women and transpeople, anyone who is suffering with symptoms gets reviewed regularly and their dose may need changing with time. it is important to see a health care professional with experience in this area and sadly there is not enough. even generally for menopause there are not enough nhs menopause clinics and very few specialists. it affects over half the population. so this has to change. abs, over half the population. so this has to change.— over half the population. so this has to change. a will lot of people are wondering _ has to change. a will lot of people are wondering about _ has to change. a will lot of people are wondering about what - has to change. a will lot of people are wondering about what is - has to change. a will lot of people are wondering about what is going has to change. a will lot of people i are wondering about what is going on behind the headline of the shortage and louise you explained there is more willingness for health

professional prescribe, more understanding and more demand, there is a question from sally, there was talk around the start of lockdown of hrt becoming free for women on the nhs in england. i have been prescribed ls duo at £18 every three months and wonders is the shortage of medication down the the lack of funding capacity for the nhs to introduce free hrt medication. it is difficult to know the exact answer. but what _ difficult to know the exact answer. but what we are told is the shortage is down _ but what we are told is the shortage is down to— but what we are told is the shortage is down to supply and demand. i don't _ is down to supply and demand. i don't think— is down to supply and demand. i don't think what you're talking about— don't think what you're talking about is— don't think what you're talking about is a _ don't think what you're talking about is a shortage. it is worth having — about is a shortage. it is worth having a — about is a shortage. it is worth having a conversation. is reasonable to have _ having a conversation. is reasonable to have six _ having a conversation. is reasonable to have six months' supply. but we some _ to have six months' supply. but we some new— to have six months' supply. but we some new rules. i don't think it is down _ some new rules. idon't think it is down to— some new rules. i don't think it is down to funding. hrt is not the most expensive _ down to funding. hrt is not the most expensive drug. we have far more

expensive — expensive drug. we have far more expensive drugs that we use within the nature — expensive drugs that we use within the nature that he the nhs are that prescribed — the nature that he the nhs are that prescribed usually. but there are some _ prescribed usually. but there are some differences with the increases in prescribing, demand and the use of hrt_ in prescribing, demand and the use of hrt that — in prescribing, demand and the use of hrt that we have seen in the last 18 months— of hrt that we have seen in the last 18 months that are causing problems. like 18 months that are causing problems. like i_ 18 months that are causing problems. like i mentioned. in terms of one year's _ like i mentioned. in terms of one year's supply of hrt being available on one _ year's supply of hrt being available on one charge, that is still the plan, — on one charge, that is still the plan, its — on one charge, that is still the plan, its has been delayed, but the intention— plan, its has been delayed, but the intention is— plan, its has been delayed, but the intention is still that the women pays— intention is still that the women pays for— intention is still that the women pays for her first prescription and subsequent prescriptions are covered by the _ subsequent prescriptions are covered by the cost _ subsequent prescriptions are covered by the cost. the intention to give one year's— by the cost. the intention to give one year's supply in one go would lead to— one year's supply in one go would lead to further stock issues. a lead to further stock issues. question from an anonymous person, is it too late at 62 to take hrt and

having had hormonal breast cancer ten years ago? it is having had hormonal breast cancer ten years ago?— ten years ago? it is hard to give individual answers. _ ten years ago? it is hard to give individual answers. a _ ten years ago? it is hard to give individual answers. a lot - ten years ago? it is hard to give individual answers. a lot of - ten years ago? it is hard to give i individual answers. a lot of people missed out on hrt because of study 20 years worrying people and misreporting the evidence. so there are a lot of people actually in their 60s, 70s and 80s and even 90s who are thinking about is hrt suitable for them. now we don't have the quality evidence about this, because the studies just haven't been done, research has been so neglected for 20 years. the oestrogen has no risk of clot or stroke, so it probably is safe for people to take hrt when they're older. this is an individualised choice. but we would start people if they wanted it and their other risks were low if they were older. women that have had breast cancer, there

are different types of breast cancer and different stages and grades of breast cancer, so i can't give individualised advice. we have a booklet on the web—site for women who have had breast cancer and other information. we do see people who have had breast cancer who want to take hrt. we don't have clear evidence that is not safe. we don't have clear trials to show it is safe. we know oestrogen used to be a treatment for breast cancer, so it is probably not as dangerous as people think. people say i want to take hrt, because of the other benefits and a lot of women say, i don't to live and i don't want the exist and i'm struggling with my symptoms. its about seeing someone who understands the benefits versus the risk for each person. that is why individual care is so important. another question from someone twlo

has —— who has got breast concerns. i have been prescribed a drug and been told not to take it if you have had breast cancer. a letter i received said not much research has been done in this, where do i go from here?— from here? this is hard, one in seven women _ from here? this is hard, one in seven women have _ from here? this is hard, one in seven women have breast - from here? this is hard, one in i seven women have breast cancer from here? this is hard, one in - seven women have breast cancer and one in— seven women have breast cancer and one in seven — seven women have breast cancer and one in seven women will be menopausal, because they have naturally— menopausal, because they have naturally become menopausal, or they have had _ naturally become menopausal, or they have had induced menopause by drugs or having _ have had induced menopause by drugs or having their ovaries removed. a lot of— or having their ovaries removed. a lot of women we see haven't had any proper— lot of women we see haven't had any proper advice, they have not had their— proper advice, they have not had their concerns taken into xt. there is nothing — their concerns taken into xt. there is nothing in — their concerns taken into xt. there is nothing in medicine that is contraindicated. there might be relative — contraindicated. there might be relative contraindications. in this case _ relative contraindications. in this case it— relative contraindications. in this case it is— relative contraindications. in this case it is because the studies have

been _ case it is because the studies have been done — case it is because the studies have been done. we know women have a better— been done. we know women have a better outlook when they're on hrt. one study— better outlook when they're on hrt. one study showed there was a risk of breast— one study showed there was a risk of breast cancer recurring, but not a risk of— breast cancer recurring, but not a risk of death of disease. so it is important — risk of death of disease. so it is important for women to weigh up what is right— important for women to weigh up what is right for— important for women to weigh up what is right for them. most women who have had _ is right for them. most women who have had breast cancer actually die from _ have had breast cancer actually die from heart — have had breast cancer actually die from heart disease and dementia and we know— from heart disease and dementia and we know hrt reduces that. some women decide _ we know hrt reduces that. some women decide that _ we know hrt reduces that. some women decide that is _ we know hrt reduces that. some women decide that is what they want. it is hard, _ decide that is what they want. it is hard, because a lot of oncologists and special special ists don't have training _ and special special ists don't have training in— and special special ists don't have training in the menopause. we work in a team _ training in the menopause. we work in a team together, making sure the patient _ in a team together, making sure the patient is _ in a team together, making sure the patient is in — in a team together, making sure the patient is in the middle of team. tbrough— patient is in the middle of team. through my not for profit we developed the menopause society and we have _ developed the menopause society and we have a _ developed the menopause society and we have a steering group of experts

and patients as we are working towards — and patients as we are working towards developing some consensus guidelines. i feel strongly that women — guidelines. i feel strongly that women with breast cancer are really actually _ women with breast cancer are really actually quite neglected when it comes— actually quite neglected when it comes to the menopause and there is a lot of— comes to the menopause and there is a lot of suffering going on. you 'ust a lot of suffering going on. you just said. _ a lot of suffering going on. you just said. i _ a lot of suffering going on. you just said, i think, _ a lot of suffering going on. em. just said, i think, that hrt helps to prevent dementia. that leads us into another question for you from audrey. i have been on hrt for around 20 years i would be interested to know if the risk of getting ms etc has been reduced but my gps did not push for me to remain on hrt. it is news to me that aspect. tell us more. iterate on hrt. it is news to me that aspect. tell us more. we have known for many years. _ aspect. tell us more. we have known for many years, oestrogen _ aspect. tell us more. we have known for many years, oestrogen is - for many years, oestrogen is important if the v —— in the way our brains work and helps build and restore nerve tissues that help

communications. this science has been lost, because since the whi study came out, we have been told that hrt is dangerous and we have lost a bit of common—sense medicine. we know oestrogen is important in the brain, we know from one of the studies that was reported yesterday in the channel 4 documents from an expert from america shows women using hormones have a 50 to 80% less risk of developing dementia. we know it is more common in women and we know from data from america showing that women who vn early menopause and have their 0ve —— ovaries removed have a greater risk of dementia. it is important to think about it. dementia is so common and it is so costly for the health service, we need to think about ways

of reducing it. we also know that women have low hormones regardless of this. if they had an underactive thyroid they would take the drugs for ever. this comes back to the individualisation of choice. if women want to continue taking hrt for their health benefits, then they should be able to continue. so no woman should be stopped it for no medical reason. so much myth—busting and it is 2022. it is amazing. a question for you radhika vohra, from elizabeth, why don't doctors get more education on menopause, how much of a feature of the training is men pause for

doctors. it the training is men pause for doctors. , ., , , doctors. it never used to be, but what we have — doctors. it never used to be, but what we have learned _ doctors. it never used to be, but what we have learned in - doctors. it never used to be, but what we have learned in the - doctors. it never used to be, but what we have learned in the last| what we have learned in the last five years — what we have learned in the last five years is research is showing its needs — five years is research is showing its needs to be and steps are being takeh _ its needs to be and steps are being takeh we — its needs to be and steps are being taken. we need this to come from the grass— taken. we need this to come from the grass roots _ taken. we need this to come from the grass roots. the colleges and the bodies _ grass roots. the colleges and the bodies involved and the medical schools— bodies involved and the medical schools need too take that on and i believe _ schools need too take that on and i believe they are starting to. but the menopause cause is gain more momentum — the menopause cause is gain more momentum and this needs to catch up. certairrly— momentum and this needs to catch up. certainly what the pandemic has shown— certainly what the pandemic has shown is— certainly what the pandemic has shown is that primary care is amazing _ shown is that primary care is amazing. we have the capacity to learn _ amazing. we have the capacity to learn something new quickly and adapt _ learn something new quickly and adapt to— learn something new quickly and adapt to virtual medicine quickly and the — adapt to virtual medicine quickly and the infrastructure that we have given _ and the infrastructure that we have given to _ and the infrastructure that we have given to us — and the infrastructure that we have given to us to do that was brilliant _ given to us to do that was brilliant. that would have taken a lon- brilliant. that would have taken a longtime — brilliant. that would have taken a long time without a pandemic, so with the _ long time without a pandemic, so with the right support, primary care can step _ with the right support, primary care can step up — with the right support, primary care can step up. but it is understaffed at the _ can step up. but it is understaffed at the moment and underfunded. putting _ at the moment and underfunded. putting this upon it without the right— putting this upon it without the right support wouldn't be fair. i

think— right support wouldn't be fair. i think it — right support wouldn't be fair. i think it needs more funding. it needs— think it needs more funding. it needs more support. and it needs acknowledgement that this will fall on primary care's shoulders. but we probably— on primary care's shoulders. but we probably are — on primary care's shoulders. but we probably are the best place for it. but without continuity, primary resources, _ but without continuity, primary resources, that will be challenging. it is resources, that will be challenging. it is sad _ resources, that will be challenging. it is sad when i hear women again and again— it is sad when i hear women again and again share stories about how they have — and again share stories about how they have been disappointed with their primary care. but it is difficult _ their primary care. but it is difficult when you have a struggling workforce _ difficult when you have a struggling workforce that is burnt out and unsupported. we need to support primary— unsupported. we need to support primary care to step up to the education _ primary care to step up to the education and prescribing and to have _ education and prescribing and to have the — education and prescribing and to have the supplies to prescribe. a final have the supplies to prescribe. final thought, have the supplies to prescribe. finalthought, louise, we have the supplies to prescribe. final thought, louise, we have about 40 seconds, what would your advice be to someone who is maybe felt they shouldn't get hrt because of history, maybe breast

cancer—represented or they're not cancer—represented or they�* re not sure cancer—represented or they're not sure and don't think they have symptoms. sure and don't think they have symptoms-— sure and don't think they have s m toms. .,, ,., ., symptoms. the most important thing is caettin symptoms. the most important thing is getting evidence-based _ is getting evidence—based information that is related to you, go to the web—site, all the charity web—sites, getting information and knowing that no decision that you make today has to be the same as the one you make tomorrow or next year or in ten years'. we have the free education programme that is available for any health care professionals. so they can get information and training as well and hopefully the dots will be joined and the world will be a healthier place for women.— and the world will be a healthier place for women. and the world will be a healthier lace for women. ., «e i. ,., , place for women. thank you both very “oininu us place for women. thank you both very joining us and — place for women. thank you both very joining us and thank— place for women. thank you both very joining us and thank you _ place for women. thank you both very joining us and thank you for _ place for women. thank you both very joining us and thank you for sending i joining us and thank you for sending in your questions. that was your questions. now time for the weather.

hello again. for many of us once again today, it's going to be another cloudy day with some patchy light rain and drizzle, but it will brighten up a bit later on, especially so in parts of the west and the south. so you can see the extent of the cloud cover producing the patchy rain and drizzle, and it brightens up across wales, southern england. this is where we're likely to see some heavy potentially thundery showers sparked off, and the cloud thickening to the west of northern ireland later, heralding the arrival of a weather front. temperatures today ranging from 8—16 degrees. yesterday, the top temperature was in lincolnshire at 18.1 celsius in holbeach. the other thing worth bearing in mind, pollen levels are high across wales and southern england today, and we're talking about tree pollen, especially. now, through this evening and overnight, we hang on to a lot of cloud. the weather front coming into northern ireland continues to push steadily eastwards. some of the rain on that will be heavy, especially in the northern half of the country. but it's not going to be a cold night. temperatures widely between 6—11 degrees. so this is the weather front during the course of wednesday that

will continue to move over towards the east and clear, with this other weather front sinking south behind it. so another cloudy start to the day. there goes that weather front taking its rain, here comes the second one right behind it, bringing in some showers, and some of those could be heavy and thundery. but out towards the west, it will brighten up, and we'll see sunny intervals develop. temperatures up a touch on today, widely10—18 degrees. now, on wednesday, high pressure really starts to build in from the south west. we still do have weather fronts toppling around the top of it, bringing rain into northern scotland at times, but we're dragging in this milder air across the whole of the uk. temperatures will be higher everywhere than they have been, but the highest temperatures will be in the south, and it's england and wales that start off with some sunshine after any mist and fog patches lift. but cloud will develop through the day, and don't forget, we've got rain at times crossing the north of scotland, and these are our temperatures — 13 in stornoway, 20 in birmingham, to 21, possibly 22 somewhere in the south east.

on friday, various fronts moving south will bring in some rain. there'll also be some sunshine developing as well. but behind the fronts in the north, we're starting to pull in some fresher conditions, but holding into the warmth further south.

this is bbc news. the headlines. borisjohnson addresses ukraine's parliament today via videolink — announcing a further 300 million of military aid. russia's bombardment continues in eastern ukraine. there's a hope more civilians will be allowed to leave a steelworks in mariupol today. iam i am reporting from the ukrainian capital kyiv where i have been talking to the british ambassador to this country who is about to reopen the uk embassy here. underlying profits for energy giant bp have more than doubled for the first three months of this year after oil and gas prices rise. we will not go back! protesters gather outside the us supreme court

after a leaked document suggests it may be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion. iamat i am at antrim castle gardens where we are looking ahead to thursday's northern ireland assembly election and this hour i will talk to young voters from the nationalist community. and the over—the—top outfits are back — celebrities return to the red carpet of new york city's met gala. i'm ben brown in kyiv. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has addressing the ukrainian parliament today — becoming the first western leader to do so since the russian invasion.

he's expected to give details of £300 million in extra military support for ukraine — the liberal democrats have questioned the timing of mrjohnson's announcement, two days before the local elections. in mariupol, the ukrainian defenders of the azovstal steel works say russian troops are now using planes, tanks and warship missiles to pound the site. the un and red cross hope to oversee more civilian evacuations from the steel plant today. hundreds are still left inside. james reynolds has this report. imagine having to make your home in the depths of a nuclear bunker. hundreds of civilians, including about 20 children, remain deep under the azovstal steelworks in mariupol, alongside ukrainian soldiers. this underworld is their only refuge from russia's siege.

on sunday, around 100 civilians managed to get out. they were driven away from the front line. after weeks under assault, there is much to reflect on. often in simple silence. in this same region, a bbc team has made it to the ukrainian town of lysychansk. it's beseiged on three sides by russian forces. this family say they can't afford to flee. nine—year—old masha refuses to be frightened. the sound of the bombs? you're not scared? speaks defiantly. here, ukrainian soldiers recover from their injuries. the united states says that it believes russia may now make a grab for this entire eastern region of ukraine. according to recent reports, we believe russia will try to annex

the donetsk people's republic and the luhansk people's republic, in quotes, so—called, to russia. further west, another ukrainian coastal city, 0desa, has been hit by a russian missile. it's the second strike on this city since saturday. a 15—year—old boy was killed in this latest attack. how, asked ukraine's president, was this child a threat to the russian state? james reynolds, bbc news. foreign embassies here in kyiv are slowly reopening. including the british embassy and the british ambassador is about to reopen that uk embassy for the first time since the start of the war. i spoke to melinda simmons, the uk's ambassador to ukraine upon her return to the city. it is massively important for the work of course, because i am

the ambassador to ukraine. so being inside ukraine and back in the capital, that is where i should be. that is where all ambassadors to ukraine should be. so for the work, it feels exactly the right place. psychologically for everybody it's incredibly important. my staff are really excited and really positive about the fact i am back. 0ur government counterparts are really excited we are back. it means a lot to them that us coming back is confidence that kyiv is a place where you can work and you can be. what the russians say about western help for ukraine is that the west and nato are fighting a proxy war here. i think that speaks to their inability to understand how ukrainians value their nation. this is ukrainians defending themselves against an invasion so they can live peacefully. there is nothing more than that. and when you see this country being ravaged and death and destruction in so many places, what goes through your mind when you see all of that? we drove through that,

because if you take the car, you come into kyiv, you can seejust how hard russia tried to take kyiv and just how quickly the focus became on hitting civilians and attacking civilians. and that is shock upon shock we passed. bombed—out playgrounds, bombed—out schools, hospitals, burned—out trees, twisted metal in farmland. so obvious, really, that, right from the beginning, this was about hitting the ukrainian nation. it wasn't just about taking up the military capability. and i think that shock is really important to harness because it all needs calling out, and it needs calling out in order to ensure this sustained justice becomes part of the conversation that we have very quickly. do you think there will be justice for the alleged war crimes committed here? yes, i do. and i think ukraine's partners will be working together and are working together to make sure we help ukraine gather up the evidence to see thatjustice is done.

that was the british ambassador to kyiv who is now back in the city for the first time since the start of the first time since the start of the war. she has herfingernails painted in the blue and yellow of the ukrainian flag to underline her support for this country. in terms of the latest british military aid package of support for ukraine, detail of what that is. £300 million, electronic warfare equipment, counter battery radar, gps jamming equipment, thousands of night—vision devices and also 13 armoured land cruisers to help rescue civilians from besieged areas. that is the latest. back to you in the studio. the oil giant bp has made an underlying profit in the first quarter of the year of nearly £5 billion, the highest in over a decade, following soaring oil and gas prices. but the company made an overall loss of more than £16 billion in that period, after writing off

its assets in russia. earlier, i spoke to our business correspondent simonjack and asked him whether bp's profits have led to increasing pressure for there to be a windfall tax. we have suffered, if you like, soaring oil and gas prices which have tightened their grip on the cost of living squeeze but obviously someone is doing well out of it and they are the big oil companies, bp the first of a few to report. you are right to look at the underlying issue. the overall loss, $25 billion of that was writing off the russian asset, but people are focused on how much they are making from day—to—day business and as i say highest profits in over a decade. a lot pressure on the company, calls for a windfall tax but the government policy is we do not want one because we want companies like bp and shell to invest in new oil and gas in the north sea and all the renewables and technology we need there.

they say they will spend £18 billion in the north sea, that's renewables and oil and gas, till the end of this decade. they also expect to pay £1 billion in tax on north sea operations, which they have not paid recently, because they have written some off against some expenses and the oil price has been lower. i understand that largely has satisfied the government's quid pro quo arrangement. saying if you like we will not hit you with a win full tax but you have you with a windfall tax but you have to spend big on renewables and new oil and gas for energy security. at the moment it looks like the government is happy. the final decision is for the chancellor and he has hinted if he does not think the investment is forthcoming, he might look at introducing that. as things stand, they are not going to do it, that will not lessen the cause from opposition parties who say it is not right when people are suffering when they are making excess profits they did not expect to make.

this isjust one of the big companies. shell will report on thursday. these cumulative — as they will be seen by the public — profits that are so big we'll keep that suggestion of a windfall tax. if anything, they might intensify. shell might make more money than this. the only problem with the windfall tax... they pay higher corporation tax than other companies on north sea revenues. it is hard to design a windfall tax. do it on global profits? tax them on stuff they are doing in the gulf of mexico and elsewhere? tricky to design. you can always find a way to tax if you want to. labour saying today they would like to increase the additional super tax on oil companies by an additional 10%, bringing the corporation tax rate to 50% which they say would raise £1.2 billion, but bp saying they expect to pay

that much money anyway. i heard it put that there will be a tax windfall anyway so you do not need a windfall tax, if you see what i mean. opposition parties have renewed their calls for a windfall tax on the energy companies, in the wake of bp's results. and borisjohnson was pressed about that — and the rising cost of living — in an interview on itv�*s good morning britain earlier today. we're joined from westminster by our political correspondent ione wells. borisjohnson has boris johnson has been borisjohnson has been pressed on the cost of living. anything new on that? , ., that? one thing interesting to come out of the interview _ that? one thing interesting to come out of the interview he _ that? one thing interesting to come out of the interview he did - that? one thing interesting to come out of the interview he did this - out of the interview he did this morning was the prime minister acknowledged the support announced already to help people with energy bills will not be enough to help everybody. it was an acknowledgement the government could do more to help people with energy bills although he did rule out the idea of a windfall tax, rejecting calls for it again and the key argument is, the

government argument, that they do not want to deter investment by big oil and gas companies in the uk. last week the chancellor said that if the oil and gas companies do not come forward with more investment in the uk, a windfall tax to help people with bills is something he would look at. interesting the prime minister today seem to accept more could be done. the big question now, is what and potentially went. the chancellor said it would be silly to introduce more support for energy bills before october and before knowing what energy prices are going to be like in the autumn. opposition parties want them to act further now and this will be a key issue in local elections on thursday when parties of all sides say the cost of living and energy bills, everyday goods, is the number one issue on the doorstep during this campaign. the story about keir starmer�*s trip

to durham during lockdown rumbles on. what is the latest? i(eir to durham during lockdown rumbles on. what is the latest? keir starmer has accused — on. what is the latest? keir starmer has accused the _ on. what is the latest? keir starmer has accused the conservatives - on. what is the latest? keir starmer has accused the conservatives of. has accused the conservatives of mudslinging over this story. to recap, durham police earlier in the year cleared keir starmer of rule breaking over this gathering in the office of the durham mp where he was filmed drinking a beer. during an election event where labour said he was taking part in an online event with others in the room. in response, the reason it has been reignited is partly because a tory mp wrote to the police asking them to reinvestigate keir starmer over this event. that was after the prime minister was fined for a gathering that took place in the cabinet room where he was wished happy birthday by members of his team and gathered with colleagues for his birthday event. in response to the latest

news that durham police are not investigating, labour have clarified keir starmer had not been contacted again by police in respect of the event. the tories are urging the police to re—examine the case. you're watching bbc news. p&0 ferries are to restart cross—channel sailings for tourists for the first time since sacking nearly 800 seafarers. the ferry firm said its ship will leave dover for calais this afternoon. the spirit of britain was cleared to sail on april 22nd having been detained for 11 days after a number of failures were found by maritime and coastguard agency inspectors. figures reveal that more than 7,000 migrants have arrived in the uk after crossing the english channel this year so far. that's is more than three times the number recorded

for the same period last year. 293 people made the crossing to the uk in nine boats on bank holiday monday after 254 in seven boats arrived on sunday. the parents of madeleine mccann have said it's essential they learn the truth about what happened to their daughter, exactly 15 years after she disappeared from a holiday apartment in the portuguese resort of praia da luz. kate and gerry mccann said that knowledge and certainty would give them strength, but regardless of the outcome of the case, a truly horrific crime had been committed. 12 days ago, prosecutors in portugal said they'd formally identified a german man as a suspect. let's catch up with the sport. good afternoon. the tributes have been flowing for ronnie o'sullivan with stephen hendry calling him �*one of a kind'. that's after the rocket beat judd trump 18—13 at the crucible to match his seven world titles. o'sullivan said he'll share the record with him for a year, because he's coming back for more and paid tribute to his beaten opponent, in a final like no otherfor him.

that's the most emotional i have ever been and it was just whatjudd said to me. i hugged him because he is the governor. what he said afterwards meant a lot. itjust blew me away. that is what got me, really. liverpool are just 90 minutes away from the champions league final and with it a step closer to a historic quadruple. they're away for the second leg of their semi—final against villarreal tonight. these pictures from before they departed to spain, they hold a 2—0 lead from the first leg, but are taking nothing for granted. this is always the best time in the season. every game is a final. pushing on all four fronts, season. every game is a final. pushing on all fourfronts, really. well, all three now. these are the exciting games you want to be playing in these, you want everything on the line. you want everything on the line. you want every game to feel like you have to win it. and ifeel like the lads feel the same way. it is exciting,

the buzz you get from scoring a goal in the game. it is vitally important. andy murray will be back on court later in spain, after achieving his first victory on clay in five years. it also came against a grand slam champion dominic thiem. in the opening round of the madrid masters, murray taking it 6—3 6—4. the french open back in 2017 was his last win on the surface. he'll take on dennis shapovalov later with emma raducanu also in second round action this evening. 0ne quick racing line to bring you and reach for the moon, owned by the queen, is to miss the derby at epsom next month as the colt searches for full fitness following injury last season. the horse, trained by john and thady gosden as well as the mount of frankie dettori, was third favourite, rated at an 8—1 chance. the queen has never won the derby and this year's race on 4june is part of her platinum jubilee celebrations to mark 70 years on the throne. that's all the sport for now.

we will see you later on. the us supreme court could be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion, according to an unprecedented leaked draft of a court document. a draft opinion byjustice samuel alito argues that the 1973 roe v wade decision legalising abortion across the us was "egregiously wrong". if the top us court strikes down the ruling, it could instantly make abortion illegal in 22 us states. neither the supreme court nor the white house have commented on the leak. richard galpin reports. both anti— and pro—abortion activists took to the streets in washington, after indications that the landmark rowe versus wade ruling of 1973, which legalised abortion, may be overturned.

anti—abortion activists chanting, "hey ho, roe versus wade has got to go." while those supporting abortion rights shouted, "abortion is health care." all this the result of a leaked initial draft suggesting the us supreme court had voted to overturn roe versus wade. but this has not yet been confirmed. for almost half a century, abortion has been a divisive issue in the united states. last year, a poll by the pure research centre found 59% of us adults believed it should be legal in all or most cases, while 39% thought it should be illegal in most or all cases. they are not going to get away with this. let me say, i don't care what i have to do, but they're not going to do this to dc and they're not going to do this to america. there is more of us than there is of them and we are going to fight. i'm very passionate about being pro—life and i'm just here as an observer to see what the attitude is like and kind

of witness history, because this is a huge deal, you know, the supreme court documents were leaked and it's a big deal to see roe versus wade potentially overturned. if verified, the leaking of the document would be unprecedented in the court's modern history. neither the supreme court nor the white house wished to comment on the leak on monday light. richard galpin, bbc news. let's remind ourselves what the supreme court is and its role in us abortion laws. the court plays a key role in american life and often has the final word on highly contentious laws, disputes between states and the federal government, and appeals to stay executions. it's made up of ninejudges — known asjustices — who serve lifetime appointments after being nominated by the president and approved by the senate. after donald trump nominated amy coney barrett to the court in 2020, a six to three conservative majority was cemented,

shifting its ideological balance. some commentators in the us predicted that this shift would inevitably lead to abortion rights being repealed. and this leak suggests they will be. if the supreme court strikes down the 1973 decision to legalise abortion across the us — known as roe v wade — then "trigger laws" could instantly make abortion illegal in 22 states. let's discuss this further. with me is asha subas from democrats abroad, and also sarah elliott, chairwoman of republicans overseas uk. welcome. it is a leak, but it is important to say opinion would not have been written until after a vote among the justices. have been written until after a vote among thejustices. and have been written until after a vote among the justices. and the leak reports four other republicans backed it, in other words five out of nine members. your reaction to

the prospect of this coming true? there is still a lot of negotiations to be done and always the hope the ultimate opinion will not look like this leak. i want to say the threat of a rolling back of the right to privacy and to make decisions, not just about abortion, but all reproductive rights. to make decisions about private, intimate family matters in your home, without government interference, that is at play here. as was noted earlier, many states across the united states are working to roll back abortion rights as soon as possible. and so the threat is very real. abshd rights as soon as possible. and so the threat is very real.— the threat is very real. and it is very scary- _ the threat is very real. and it is very scary. sarah, _ the threat is very real. and it is very scary. sarah, the - the threat is very real. and it is very scary. sarah, the speaker| the threat is very real. and it is i very scary. sarah, the speaker of the house of representatives and senate majority said if the report is accurate, the supreme court is

poised to inflict the greatest restrictions on rights in the past decades. has restrictions on rights in the past decades. . , ., ., restrictions on rights in the past decades. a ., ., , , ., decades. as someone who is pro-life, the worst crime _ decades. as someone who is pro-life, the worst crime on _ decades. as someone who is pro-life, the worst crime on humanity - decades. as someone who is pro-life, the worst crime on humanity is - the worst crime on humanity is taking — the worst crime on humanity is taking that of the unborn, life created — taking that of the unborn, life created at conception. we think there _ created at conception. we think there is— created at conception. we think there is a — created at conception. we think there is a massive genocide happening for the unborn who cannot defend _ happening for the unborn who cannot defend themselves. 62 million abortions in the last 50 years. we do not _ abortions in the last 50 years. we do not believe... we believe that women _ do not believe... we believe that women deserve better than abortion, that this _ women deserve better than abortion, that this issue has left many women emotionally and physically distraught over the past 50 years. this is— distraught over the past 50 years. this is something that divides the populace — this is something that divides the populace and voting population. it was decided by activist judges, populace and voting population. it was decided by activistjudges, not a piece _ was decided by activistjudges, not a piece of— was decided by activistjudges, not a piece of legislation that went through— a piece of legislation that went through congress. nine justices decided — through congress. nine justices decided it. what the pro—life argument would like to see happen is

it goes— argument would like to see happen is it goes back to the states and goes through— it goes back to the states and goes through the legislative cycle so that people can vote on the law as they see _ that people can vote on the law as they see fit — that people can vote on the law as they see fit for their state that reflects — they see fit for their state that reflects their values.— they see fit for their state that reflects their values. what you are sa in: is reflects their values. what you are saying is you _ reflects their values. what you are saying is you would _ reflects their values. what you are saying is you would agree - reflects their values. what you are saying is you would agree with - reflects their values. what you are saying is you would agree with the j saying is you would agree with the rolling back but not in the way it is being done, with ninejustices able to make the decision. we heard in the report protesters saying there is a lot more of us than then why should they make the final decision? , ., ., ., ., decision? yes and no. in order to roll back the _ decision? yes and no. in order to roll back the abortion _ decision? yes and no. in order to roll back the abortion issue, - decision? yes and no. in order to roll back the abortion issue, you | roll back the abortion issue, you have _ roll back the abortion issue, you have to — roll back the abortion issue, you have to have nine justices overturn it which _ have to have nine justices overturn it which by— have to have nine justices overturn it which, by the way, has been decided — it which, by the way, has been decided on _ it which, by the way, has been decided on various shaky ground, even _ decided on various shaky ground, even ruth— decided on various shaky ground, even ruth veda ginzburg saying it was not _ even ruth veda ginzburg saying it was not good jurisprudence. you need it overturn _ was not good jurisprudence. you need it overturn so — was not good jurisprudence. you need it overturn so it goes down to the states _ it overturn so it goes down to the states and — it overturn so it goes down to the

states. and california has a population with different values than other states. iowa, in mississippi, louisiana, georgia. those _ mississippi, louisiana, georgia. those states should decide what is best for— those states should decide what is best for their citizens in that state — best for their citizens in that state i_ best for their citizens in that state. i do believe it takes a human life and _ state. i do believe it takes a human life and i_ state. i do believe it takes a human life and i think that is a human rights — life and i think that is a human rights issue and a humanitarian one, and we _ rights issue and a humanitarian one, and we should look to change hearts and we should look to change hearts and minds _ and we should look to change hearts and minds on the issue. what and we should look to change hearts and minds on the issue.— and minds on the issue. what would ou think and minds on the issue. what would you think about _ and minds on the issue. what would you think about a _ and minds on the issue. what would you think about a mosaic _ and minds on the issue. what would you think about a mosaic situation i you think about a mosaic situation where different states had different positions? i where different states had different ositions? ., ., ., «e where different states had different ositions? ., ., .«e ,, positions? i have to take issue with a bit of the — positions? i have to take issue with a bit of the commentary. _ positions? i have to take issue with a bit of the commentary. i - positions? i have to take issue with a bit of the commentary. i do - positions? i have to take issue with a bit of the commentary. i do not i a bit of the commentary. i do not believe bader ginsberg said it needed to be overturned. just the clarification _ needed to be overturned. just the clarification probably _ needed to be overturned. just the clarification probably that - needed to be overturned. just the clarification probably that sarah i clarification probably that sarah wants to make it she did not say that but that it was shaky, is that

right? that but that it was shaky, is that ri . ht? , ., , that but that it was shaky, is that riuht? , ., , . that but that it was shaky, is that ri. ht? , . , . ., that but that it was shaky, is that riuht? , .,, . ., ., «e right? yes, it was decided on weak round. right? yes, it was decided on weak ground- let's _ right? yes, it was decided on weak ground. let's not _ right? yes, it was decided on weak ground. let's not get _ right? yes, it was decided on weak ground. let's not get bogged - right? yes, it was decided on weak ground. let's not get bogged down right? yes, it was decided on weak i ground. let's not get bogged down in that, the clarification _ ground. let's not get bogged down in that, the clarification was _ ground. let's not get bogged down in that, the clarification was made. - ground. let's not get bogged down in that, the clarification was made. in i that, the clarification was made. i“i connecticut, the first in the line of cases, 1965, it was about a married couple and the right for them to use contraception in their own home. and in 1965, seven of the nine supreme courtjustices said there is a long history in the united states of americans not wanting government interference in their homes. seven out of the nine. it is from that basis not only do reproductive rights stem from but also lgbt human rights. the right to have sex with a same sex partner in your own home. and eventually the

right to be married to someone of the same six macro. it is a huge body of law. i —— sex. i do not think it is right to have different laws on these issues in different states. as always, when you enact these laws with broad government overreach, the laws are often unequally applied. flan overreach, the laws are often unequally applied.— unequally applied. can i get clari ? unequally applied. can i get clarity? you _ unequally applied. can i get clarity? you say _ unequally applied. can i get clarity? you say you - unequally applied. can i get clarity? you say you do - unequally applied. can i get clarity? you say you do not| unequally applied. can i get - clarity? you say you do not think it will be, these powers, limited to abortion but more far—reaching? yes. abortion but more far-reaching? yes, because abortion _ abortion but more far-reaching? yes, because abortion is _ abortion but more far—reaching? jere because abortion isjust one. abortion but more far—reaching? j23 because abortion isjust one. in the because abortion is just one. in the video clip you had... to because abortion isjust one. in the video clip you had. . .— video clip you had... to get a final thou~ht video clip you had... to get a final thought on — video clip you had... to get a final thought on that _ video clip you had... to get a final thought on that from _ video clip you had... to get a final thought on that from sarah. - video clip you had... to get a final thought on that from sarah. she i video clip you had... to get a final| thought on that from sarah. she is shakin: thought on that from sarah. she is shaking her _ thought on that from sarah. she is shaking her head. _ thought on that from sarah. she is shaking her head. this _ thought on that from sarah. she is shaking her head. this has - thought on that from sarah. she isj shaking her head. this has nothing to do— shaking her head. this has nothing to do with — shaking her head. this has nothing to do with lgbt cue rights. this has to do with lgbt cue rights. this has to do— to do with lgbt cue rights. this has to do with _ to do with lgbt cue rights. this has to do with protecting life from conception and treating it as a human—

conception and treating it as a human being in the womb. i am part ofthe— human being in the womb. i am part ofthe leave— human being in the womb. i am part of the leave us alone coalition and i of the leave us alone coalition and i like _ of the leave us alone coalition and i like small— of the leave us alone coalition and i like small government but i think this is— i like small government but i think this is a _ i like small government but i think this is a fundamental human right and in _ this is a fundamental human right and in our— this is a fundamental human right and in our constitution you have the film and in our constitution you have the right to _ and in our constitution you have the right to life. — and in our constitution you have the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness and that is the first right, _ of happiness and that is the first right, life. — of happiness and that is the first right, life, and all life conceived should _ right, life, and all life conceived should be — right, life, and all life conceived should be able to live. we right, life, and all life conceived should be able to live.— right, life, and all life conceived should be able to live. we are out of time. there _ should be able to live. we are out of time. there will _ should be able to live. we are out of time. there will be _ should be able to live. we are out of time. there will be plenty - should be able to live. we are out| of time. there will be plenty more time to talk about this. that final opinion will not be published for a little while and the discussions will go on because this is obviously a huge development. thank you both. the met gala returned to new york, and this year's theme of art is known for its over—the—top celebrity outfits. here are some of them, in this report by the bbc�*s the biggest night in fashion, the met gala is back. known as the oscars of the east,

it seems fitting the theme this year is the golden era of the gilded age. while some took the term "gilded" to heart... i was going for androgyny. this is very gilded age, the age of golden. ..others looked to hollywood greats. like kim kardashian, who sparkled in the very same gown worn by marilyn monroe six decades ago when she serenaded presidentjf kennedy with happy birthday. the glitzy event is filled with stars of all kinds — actors, models, singers and... elon musk. why would you want to talk to me? he seems confused, too. as usual, some had a special twist on the theme. hard to remember edith wharton mentioning any baseball caps. but others stayed true to the gowns and corsets of the area.

and corsets of the era. and it is all for charity. the party raises millions of dollars for the met�*s institute with tickets costing $35,000 and tables going up to 300,000. so a theme of luxury and excess seems fitting. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. another cloudy day. some rain. some drizzle. later we will see sunshine and that could spark off showers. you can see the extent of the cloud which will break in southern areas. also through parts of the west. as that happens and the sun comes out, we will see showers, some of them heavy and potentially thundery. as we head through this evening and overnight, we will hang on to some showers and cloud. a weather front coming in from the west will bring rain heavy at times moving to the east. it will not be a cold

night as a result. tomorrow starting cloudy. rain moving towards the east. the weather front brings in rain pushing southwards. by the end of the afternoon, most of the showers in the south—east. and it will be brightening up out towards the west. a high of 19 degrees. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: borisjohnson addresses ukraine's parliament today via videolink — announcing a further £300 million worth of military aid. russia s bombardment continues in eastern ukraine — there's a hope more civilians will be allowed to leave a steelworks in mariupol today. underlying profits for energy giant bp have more than doubled for the first three months of this year after oil and gas prices rise.

and the over—the—top outfits are back — celebrities return to the red carpet of new york city's met gala. the army says it's carrying out an investigation after reports that an intruder had spent the night in a barracks with royal guardsmen close to windsor castle. the security breach occured a week ago — when the queen was at sandringham for easter. earlier i spoke to our news correspondent charlie haynes. it's a really strange story, something that i don't think anyone expected. this man, said he was a priest, turned up at the victoria barracks, this is where the coldstream guards with the large bearskin hats sit. and he said that he was a friend of chaplain of the unit. they invited him in. he had drinks, he had dinner, he was regaling them with stories that started about how he was in the iraq war and they got to things as extravagant as telling them he had g—force resistant organs implanted

and he was an ejector seat test pilot. so really quite strange. but he then ended up staying the night there and in the morning, the officers of this unit made some calls and found out he wasn't really a priest and had the police come over and they actually escorted him off the premises. clearly a big security breach and not the first close to home for the royals. yes at christmas there was a man found wielding a cross bow in the grounds of windsor castle. that a little bit more worrying than this. but the truth is it shows if they can't keep their own security, as some people say, then these are the guys that are responsible for safeguarding the queen. they're only 500 metres from windsor castle. now, the army said take security incredibly seriously and they have launched an investigation. but they have still come in for criticism over this. thank you, charlie.

post office workers in the uk at 114 branches — which are directly owned by the company — are going on strike in a dispute over pay. the crown post offices will close for 24 hours, and there will be no cash deliveries or collections from more than 11,000 sub—post offices around the uk. the communication workers union says a 2% pay offer is not enough to keep up with rapid increases in the cost of living. there are just two days 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 annita mcveigh joins us from the town of antrim in county antrim in northern ireland. thank you. yes, the sun has decided to shine on us, which is lovely. it is glorious here whether the sun is

shining or not in antrim castle gardens. 0ne shining or not in antrim castle gardens. one of the big talks points of election has been the idea that sinn fein might emerge as the biggest party, which would be a first for northern ireland. sinn fein is the nationalist party which wants to see a united ireland and a lot of polling, although poll come with health warnings, say they will emerge with the biggest number of members of the assembly. another big talking about is the northern ireland protocol, the dup, the democratic unionist party, who were the biggest party after the last elections have said to their voters, vote for us, because if sinn fein are the largest party you will see the road to a border poll on a united ireland. let's discuss the campaign and what young voters hope for, with me i have three young voters from the nationalist

community. lauren, who is study international public policy. dermot and lucy. welcome to all of you. let me begin with you lawen, as well as your study, you're on a young—led mental health charity. how does that inform your approach to politics? for me, i obviously lean towards politicians that are interested in mental health and have delivered previously. it is one of the most important aspects of election, especially having been through a pandemic that young people's mental health is prioritised. is pandemic that young people's mental health is prioritised.— health is prioritised. is what what ou look health is prioritised. is what what you look for _ health is prioritised. is what what you look for irrespective - health is prioritised. is what what you look for irrespective of - health is prioritised. is what what you look for irrespective of what i you look for irrespective of what party people are from? yes you look for irrespective of what party people are from?- you look for irrespective of what party people are from? yes and the livin: party people are from? yes and the living crisis. —

party people are from? yes and the living crisis, everything _ party people are from? yes and the living crisis, everything is _ party people are from? yes and the living crisis, everything is so - living crisis, everything is so expensive and for young people it is a turbulent period. if they deliver for young people they get my vote. dermot, what are the key issues for you. dermot, what are the key issues for ou. ., dermot, what are the key issues for ou. :, , ., , dermot, what are the key issues for oh. :, , :, , :, dermot, what are the key issues for ou. ., , ., ., «e dermot, what are the key issues for ou. ., , ., ., ,, ., you. young people are talking about education, you. young people are talking about education. the _ you. young people are talking about education, the irish _ you. young people are talking about education, the irish language - you. young people are talking about education, the irish language and i education, the irish language and conversion — education, the irish language and conversion therapy and a possible ban on _ conversion therapy and a possible ban on that. things that are hitting young _ ban on that. things that are hitting young people and young people care about _ young people and young people care about them. we see when it comes to campaigns— about them. we see when it comes to campaigns to things like conversion therapy, _ campaigns to things like conversion therapy, they are youth—led. it is great _ therapy, they are youth—led. it is great to— therapy, they are youth—led. it is great to see that. but some of the bil great to see that. but some of the big things — great to see that. but some of the big things that will decide the election will be whether young people — election will be whether young people get out and vote and those will be _ people get out and vote and those will be the lines they will vote on. politics _ will be the lines they will vote on. politics in — will be the lines they will vote on. politics in northern ireland has put people in a box, either orange or green, do you think that is changing with younger voters, we are seeing the centre ground parties could do well? i the centre ground parties could do well? e' , , the centre ground parties could do well? ~' , , . , well? ithink it is, it is always auoin to well? ithink it is, it is always going to be — well? ithink it is, it is always going to be there, _

well? ithink it is, it is always going to be there, even - well? ithink it is, it is always going to be there, even for. well? i think it is, it is always - going to be there, even for myself, the border— going to be there, even for myself, the border issue will play a part in my vote — the border issue will play a part in my vote. but i see a lot of young people. — my vote. but i see a lot of young people, saying we can put the border question— people, saying we can put the border question on— people, saying we can put the border question on the back burner and deal with education and health before we consider— with education and health before we consider whether or not a united ireland _ consider whether or not a united ireland is— consider whether or not a united ireland is on the agenda. because now that — ireland is on the agenda. because now that is — ireland is on the agenda. because now that is not affecting young people — now that is not affecting young people. they are being affected by the cost—of—living and that is what is hitting _ the cost—of—living and that is what is hitting hard for young people. lucy. _ is hitting hard for young people. lucy. until— is hitting hard for young people. lucy, untila is hitting hard for young people. lucy, until a couple of years ago you were a member of sinn fein, but not any longer, why not? justi you were a member of sinn fein, but not any longer, why not?— not any longer, why not? just i have not any longer, why not? just i have not older not any longer, why not? just i have got older and _ not any longer, why not? just i have got older and there _ not any longer, why not? just i have got older and there has _ not any longer, why not? just i have got older and there has been - not any longer, why not? just i have got older and there has been a - got older and there has been a divergence _ got older and there has been a divergence in— got older and there has been a divergence in what _ got older and there has been a divergence in what i _ got older and there has been a divergence in what i believe. i got older and there has been a i divergence in what i believe. i'm delighted — divergence in what i believe. i'm delighted there _ divergence in what i believe. i'm delighted there will— divergence in what i believe. i'm delighted there will be _ divergence in what i believe. i'm delighted there will be a - divergence in what i believe. i'm delighted there will be a sinn . divergence in what i believe. i'm. delighted there will be a sinn fein first minister— delighted there will be a sinn fein first ministerand _ delighted there will be a sinn fein first ministerand i— delighted there will be a sinn fein first minister and i do _ delighted there will be a sinn fein first minister and i do believe - delighted there will be a sinn fein| first minister and i do believe that a united _ first minister and i do believe that a united ireland _ first minister and i do believe that a united ireland is _ first minister and i do believe that a united ireland is something - first minister and i do believe that a united ireland is something that| a united ireland is something that should _ a united ireland is something that should be — a united ireland is something that should be in— a united ireland is something that should be in the _ a united ireland is something that should be in the forefront - a united ireland is something that should be in the forefront of- should be in the forefront of people's— should be in the forefront of people's mind _ should be in the forefront of people's mind and - should be in the forefront of people's mind and for- should be in the forefront of people's mind and for me i should be in the forefront of people's mind and for me it| should be in the forefront of. people's mind and for me it is a should be in the forefront of- people's mind and for me it is a big issue _ people's mind and for me it is a big issue and _ people's mind and for me it is a big issue and i'm — people's mind and for me it is a big issue and i'm delighted _ people's mind and for me it is a big issue and i'm delighted sinn- people's mind and for me it is a big issue and i'm delighted sinn fein i issue and i'm delighted sinn fein will take — issue and i'm delighted sinn fein will take that — issue and i'm delighted sinn fein will take that first _ issue and i'm delighted sinn fein will take that first minister- will take that first minister positioh _ will take that first minister position. and _ will take that first minister position. and i'm - will take that first minister. position. and i'm committed will take that first minister-

position. and i'm committed to that although— position. and i'm committed to that although i'm — position. and i'm committed to that although i'm not _ position. and i'm committed to that although i'm not an— position. and i'm committed to that although i'm not an activist. - position. and i'm committed to that although i'm not an activist. but - position. and i'm committed to that although i'm not an activist. but asl although i'm not an activist. but as dermot— although i'm not an activist. but as dermot saying. _ although i'm not an activist. but as dermot saying. i_ although i'm not an activist. but as dermot saying, i believe _ although i'm not an activist. but as dermot saying, i believe we - although i'm not an activist. but as dermot saying, i believe we do - although i'm not an activist. but as i dermot saying, i believe we do need to sort— dermot saying, i believe we do need to sort out— dermot saying, i believe we do need to sort out education _ dermot saying, i believe we do need to sort out education and _ dermot saying, i believe we do need to sort out education and health, - to sort out education and health, but i _ to sort out education and health, but i think— to sort out education and health, but i think a _ to sort out education and health, but i think a united _ to sort out education and health, but i think a united ireland - to sort out education and health, but i think a united ireland could| but i think a united ireland could be the _ but i think a united ireland could be the way— but i think a united ireland could be the way forward _ but i think a united ireland could be the way forward to _ but i think a united ireland could be the way forward to actually. be the way forward to actually sorting — be the way forward to actually sorting theish _ be the way forward to actually sorting theish yous _ be the way forward to actually sorting theish yous theish - be the way forward to actually sorting theish yous theish —— i be the way forward to actually. sorting theish yous theish —— the issues _ sorting theish yous theish —— the issues is — sorting theish yous theish -- the issues. , : , sorting theish yous theish -- the issues. , . , , , issues. is that partly because there has been a — issues. is that partly because there has been a lot _ issues. is that partly because there has been a lot of— issues. is that partly because there has been a lot of dysfunctional - has been a lot of dysfunctional politics in northern ireland, and we have had periods where the assembly hasn't been up and running, is that driving your opinion, if politics had been functionings well, would you thinking this way about a united ireland. mt; you thinking this way about a united ireland. e, , : : you thinking this way about a united ireland. e, , ., . , ., ireland. my stance comes from the economic benefits. _ ireland. my stance comes from the economic benefits. i— ireland. my stance comes from the economic benefits. i don't - ireland. my stance comes from the economic benefits. i don't think i economic benefits. i don't think people — economic benefits. i don't think people realise, _ economic benefits. i don't think people realise, one _ economic benefits. idon't think people realise, one of- economic benefits. i don't think people realise, one of the - economic benefits. i don't think i people realise, one of the biggest arguments— people realise, one of the biggest arguments against— people realise, one of the biggest arguments against the _ people realise, one of the biggest arguments against the united - people realise, one of the biggest i arguments against the united ireland is we rely— arguments against the united ireland is we rely on — arguments against the united ireland is we rely on the _ arguments against the united ireland is we rely on the public _ arguments against the united ireland is we rely on the public sector. - arguments against the united ireland is we rely on the public sector. but i is we rely on the public sector. but from _ is we rely on the public sector. but from my— is we rely on the public sector. but from my economics _ is we rely on the public sector. but from my economics background . is we rely on the public sector. but from my economics background i. from my economics background i believe _ from my economics background i believe that _ from my economics background i believe that is _ from my economics background i believe that is the _ from my economics background i believe that is the way— from my economics background i believe that is the way to - from my economics background i believe that is the way to sort. believe that is the way to sort that — believe that is the way to sort that in— believe that is the way to sort that in the _ believe that is the way to sort that. in the north— believe that is the way to sort that. in the north we - believe that is the way to sort that. in the north we have - believe that is the way to sort that. in the north we have an| that. in the north we have an underfunded _ that. in the north we have an underfunded private - that. in the north we have an underfunded private sector. that. in the north we have an i underfunded private sector and that. in the north we have an - underfunded private sector and the

reason _ underfunded private sector and the reason for— underfunded private sector and the reason for that— underfunded private sector and the reason for that is _ underfunded private sector and the reason for that is obviously- underfunded private sector and the reason for that is obviously the - reason for that is obviously the political— reason for that is obviously the political instability— reason for that is obviously the political instability and - reason for that is obviously the political instability and the - political instability and the protocol _ political instability and the protocol isn't _ political instability and the protocol isn't harmonisedl political instability and the - protocol isn't harmonised with the republic — protocol isn't harmonised with the republic if— protocol isn't harmonised with the republic. if there _ protocol isn't harmonised with the republic. if there was _ protocol isn't harmonised with the republic. if there was a _ protocol isn't harmonised with the republic. if there was a united - republic. if there was a united ireland — republic. if there was a united ireland you _ republic. if there was a united ireland you would _ republic. if there was a united ireland you would see - republic. if there was a united ireland you would see that. republic. if there was a united i ireland you would see that come republic. if there was a united - ireland you would see that come in if there _ ireland you would see that come in if there was— ireland you would see that come in if there was political— ireland you would see that come in if there was political harmony. - ireland you would see that come in if there was political harmony. andj if there was political harmony. and belfast _ if there was political harmony. and belfast being — if there was political harmony. and belfast being the _ if there was political harmony. and belfast being the best _ if there was political harmony. and belfast being the best connected i belfast being the best connected city to _ belfast being the best connected city to dublin. _ belfast being the best connected city to dublin, you _ belfast being the best connected city to dublin, you would - belfast being the best connected city to dublin, you would see - belfast being the best connected city to dublin, you would see the private _ city to dublin, you would see the private sector— city to dublin, you would see the private sector coming _ city to dublin, you would see the private sector coming in- city to dublin, you would see the private sector coming in and - city to dublin, you would see the private sector coming in and jobs transferred — private sector coming in and jobs transferred from _ private sector coming in and jobs transferred from the _ private sector coming in and jobs transferred from the public - private sector coming in and jobs transferred from the public into i private sector coming in and jobs i transferred from the public into the private _ transferred from the public into the private sector~ _ transferred from the public into the private sector-— private sector. lauren, let me exlain private sector. lauren, let me explain to _ private sector. lauren, let me explain to our— private sector. lauren, let me explain to our voters, - private sector. lauren, let me explain to our voters, remind | private sector. lauren, let me - explain to our voters, remind them that in northern ireland, the system is a form of proportional representation, a single transferable vote. you can put down your choices, one, two, three, as many or as few as you vote and that has a big part to play in who gets elected. have you decide who will be your first preference? that elected. have you decide who will be your first preference?— your first preference? at the minute, your first preference? at the minute. no- _ your first preference? at the minute, no. i'm _ your first preference? at the minute, no. i'm still- your first preference? at the l minute, no. i'm still weighing your first preference? at the i minute, no. i'm still weighing it up. i would lean to sdlp alliance.

pause i think they have delivered the best policies for young people. ok, so they have still got work to do, what more do you need to hear? i think i need commitment, a lot are saying these big policies, i haven't seen good evidence behind them. i need to see more research. but none ofthat need to see more research. but none of that will be — need to see more research. but none of that will be any _ need to see more research. but none of that will be any good _ need to see more research. but none of that will be any good in _ need to see more research. but none of that will be any good in the - of that will be any good in the sense that you're talk about if politicians are not back in a power—sharing government together. what are you worries about that, are you worried your vote won't lead to change? you worried your vote won't lead to chance? . , , ., change? absolutely. it is easy to become fed _ change? absolutely. it is easy to become fed up — change? absolutely. it is easy to become fed up with _ change? absolutely. it is easy to become fed up with politics - change? absolutely. it is easy to | become fed up with politics here, because every time you vote, it seems like a couple of years later they're dropping out. but it is worth putting your faith they're dropping out. but it is worth putting yourfaith in it and vote for change. worth putting your faith in it and vote for change.— worth putting your faith in it and vote for change. dermot have you decided where _ vote for change. dermot have you decided where you _ vote for change. dermot have you decided where you put _ vote for change. dermot have you decided where you put your - vote for change. dermot have you | decided where you put your votes. i'm in a similar position, but with different— i'm in a similar position, but with different parties, between alliance and sinn _ different parties, between alliance

and sinn fein. but not the sdlp. i'm not committed yet. my top four will be between alliance and sinn fein. will that— be between alliance and sinn fein. will that be a kind of a heart and a gut decision? i will that be a kind of a heart and a gut decision?— gut decision? i think so. like the idea of michelle _ gut decision? i think so. like the idea of michelle o'neill- gut decision? i think so. like the idea of michelle o'neill as - gut decision? i think so. like the idea of michelle o'neill as first i idea of michelle o'neill as first minister. — idea of michelle o'neill as first minister, sinn fein having that top position— minister, sinn fein having that top position is— minister, sinn fein having that top position is tugging at me and i think— position is tugging at me and i think it — position is tugging at me and i think it could be a pig deal. —— big deal~ _ think it could be a pig deal. —— big deal~ but— think it could be a pig deal. —— big deal~ but i— think it could be a pig deal. —— big deal. but i know the local candidate for the _ deal. but i know the local candidate for the alliance and she is a politician _ for the alliance and she is a politician i believe in. it is case of national— politician i believe in. it is case of national versus local.- of national versus local. lucy, . iven of national versus local. lucy, given what — of national versus local. lucy, given what you _ of national versus local. lucy, given what you said _ of national versus local. lucy, given what you said about - of national versus local. lucy, given what you said about the j given what you said about the prospect of a border poll on irish unity. do you understand the anxiety that unionists politicians are expressing, you know identity politics is a big thing and people are concerned about their traditions, do you understand where that anxiety is coming from and what

would you say to unionist voters? yes, completely ly. is something maybe— yes, completely ly. is something maybe nationalists _ yes, completely ly. is something maybe nationalists haven't- yes, completely ly. is something. maybe nationalists haven't consen trapted _ maybe nationalists haven't consen trapted -- — maybe nationalists haven't consen trapted —— concentrated _ maybe nationalists haven't consen trapted —— concentrated on. - maybe nationalists haven't consen trapted —— concentrated on. if- maybe nationalists haven't consen trapted —— concentrated on. if you| trapted —— concentrated on. if you look— trapted —— concentrated on. if you look to— trapted —— concentrated on. if you look to the — trapted —— concentrated on. if you look to the creation _ trapted —— concentrated on. if you look to the creation of— trapted —— concentrated on. if you look to the creation of the - trapted —— concentrated on. if you. look to the creation of the northern state. _ look to the creation of the northern state, catholics _ look to the creation of the northern state, catholics were _ look to the creation of the northern state, catholics were discriminatedl state, catholics were discriminated against _ state, catholics were discriminated against i_ state, catholics were discriminated against ithink— state, catholics were discriminated against. ! think it— state, catholics were discriminated against. ! think it is— state, catholics were discriminated against. ! think it is up— state, catholics were discriminated against. i think it is up to - against. i think it is up to nationalism _ against. ! think it is up to nationalism to— against. ! think it is up to nationalism to show- against. i think it is up to - nationalism to show unionists you can march — nationalism to show unionists you can march and _ nationalism to show unionists you can march and your— nationalism to show unionists you can march and your orange - nationalism to show unionists you can march and your orange values will still— can march and your orange values will still be — can march and your orange values will still be in _ can march and your orange values will still be in a _ can march and your orange values will still be in a united _ can march and your orange values will still be in a united ireland, i will still be in a united ireland, it will— will still be in a united ireland, it will be — will still be in a united ireland, it will be an _ will still be in a united ireland, it will be an ireland _ will still be in a united ireland, it will be an ireland with - will still be in a united ireland, it will be an ireland with a - will still be in a united ireland, it will be an ireland with a big. it will be an ireland with a big orange — it will be an ireland with a big orange culture _ it will be an ireland with a big orange culture and _ it will be an ireland with a big orange culture and needs - it will be an ireland with a big orange culture and needs to i it will be an ireland with a big i orange culture and needs to be respected _ orange culture and needs to be respected i_ orange culture and needs to be respected. i have _ orange culture and needs to be respected. i have had - orange culture and needs to be respected. i have had these . respected. i have had these conversations— respected. i have had these conversations with - respected. i have had these conversations with middle i respected. i have had thesel conversations with middle of respected. i have had these - conversations with middle of the road unionists _ conversations with middle of the road unionists in _ conversations with middle of the road unionists in work _ conversations with middle of the road unionists in work and - conversations with middle of the | road unionists in work and nights out, _ road unionists in work and nights out, i_ road unionists in work and nights out, i have — road unionists in work and nights out, i have had _ road unionists in work and nights out, i have had conversations - road unionists in work and nights. out, i have had conversations with them _ out, i have had conversations with them and — out, i have had conversations with them and that _ out, i have had conversations with them and that is— out, i have had conversations with them and that is their— out, i have had conversations with them and that is their biggest - out, i have had conversations withl them and that is their biggest fear, that can _ them and that is their biggest fear, that can we — them and that is their biggest fear, that can we still _ them and that is their biggest fear, that can we still march _ them and that is their biggest fear, that can we still march and - them and that is their biggest fear, that can we still march and seeing. that can we still march and seeing to people. — that can we still march and seeing to people. this— that can we still march and seeing to people. this is— that can we still march and seeing to people, this is as _ that can we still march and seeing to people, this is as much - that can we still march and seeing to people, this is as much your. to people, this is as much your ireland — to people, this is as much your ireland as _ to people, this is as much your ireland as it— to people, this is as much your ireland as it is— to people, this is as much your ireland as it is mine. _ to people, this is as much your ireland as it is mine. you - to people, this is as much your ireland as it is mine. you need| to people, this is as much your. ireland as it is mine. you need to shape _ ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it— ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as — ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as much _ ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as much as _ ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as much as i— ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as much as i do. - ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as much as i do. i- ireland as it is mine. you need to shape it as much as i do. i don't. shape it as much as i do. i don't have _ shape it as much as i do. i don't have any— shape it as much as i do. i don't have any right _ shape it as much as i do. i don't have any right to _ shape it as much as i do. i don't have any right to tell _ shape it as much as i do. i don't have any right to tell you - shape it as much as i do. i don't have any right to tell you what i shape it as much as i do. i don'tl

have any right to tell you what to do. have any right to tell you what to do you — have any right to tell you what to do you need _ have any right to tell you what to do. you need to _ have any right to tell you what to do. you need to shape _ have any right to tell you what to do. you need to shape it- have any right to tell you what to do. you need to shape it us- have any right to tell you what toj do. you need to shape it us with. have any right to tell you what to i do. you need to shape it us with. it is that— do. you need to shape it us with. it is that realisation _ do. you need to shape it us with. it is that realisation of— do. you need to shape it us with. it is that realisation of bringing - do. you need to shape it us with. it is that realisation of bringing the i is that realisation of bringing the unionist— is that realisation of bringing the unionist vote _ is that realisation of bringing the unionist vote and _ is that realisation of bringing the unionist vote and saying - is that realisation of bringing the unionist vote and saying don't i is that realisation of bringing the j unionist vote and saying don't be afraid. _ unionist vote and saying don't be afraid. we — unionist vote and saying don't be afraid, we don't— unionist vote and saying don't be afraid, we don't decimate - unionist vote and saying don't be afraid, we don't decimate your. afraid, we don't decimate your culture — afraid, we don't decimate your culture we _ afraid, we don't decimate your culture. we don't _ afraid, we don't decimate your culture. we don't want - afraid, we don't decimate your culture. we don't want the - afraid, we don't decimate your. culture. we don't want the power afraid, we don't decimate your- culture. we don't want the power to decimate _ culture. we don't want the power to decimate it — culture. we don't want the power to decimate it— culture. we don't want the power to decimate it. . ., decimate it. lauren, with the mental health charity _ decimate it. lauren, with the mental health charity you _ decimate it. lauren, with the mental health charity you work _ decimate it. lauren, with the mental health charity you work with - decimate it. lauren, with the mental health charity you work with and - decimate it. lauren, with the mental health charity you work with and the | health charity you work with and the name is. e . health charity you work with and the name is-_ you - health charity you work with and the name is._ you workl name is. pure mental ni. you work with people — name is. pure mental ni. you work with people from — name is. pure mental ni. you work with people from all _ name is. pure mental ni. you work with people from all background, i with people from all background, what do say they on the question of the protocol, we always hear the p word, what do they say? do they understand it? to be honest know. they want education and mental health services free and accessible. i a lot of young people don't to make it through the next year. the recovery from pandemic and getting into university and getting a job is a priority. this protocol is the far off notion, a line on a piece of

paper in brussels. it off notion, a line on a piece of paper in brussels.— off notion, a line on a piece of paper in brussels. it doesn't seem relevant to — paper in brussels. it doesn't seem relevant to them? _ paper in brussels. it doesn't seem relevant to them? no, _ paper in brussels. it doesn't seem relevant to them? no, i— paper in brussels. it doesn't seem relevant to them? no, i think - paper in brussels. it doesn't seem relevant to them? no, i think thatj relevant to them? no, i think that is because — relevant to them? no, i think that is because it _ relevant to them? no, i think that is because it is _ relevant to them? no, i think that is because it is not _ relevant to them? no, i think that is because it is not something - relevant to them? no, i think that is because it is not something you j is because it is not something you can touch, it ills not a physical border, it is not a thing, that most people can understand, i think the politicians need to do a betterjob of explaining what it is and what impact it will have on the lives of young people. impact it will have on the lives of young people-— impact it will have on the lives of young people. finally, dermot, you know is the — young people. finally, dermot, you know is the most _ young people. finally, dermot, you know is the most important - young people. finally, dermot, you know is the most important thing i young people. finally, dermot, you| know is the most important thing for you after the elections the assembly actually gets to work.— actually gets to work. absolutely. i would like to _ actually gets to work. absolutely. i would like to see _ actually gets to work. absolutely. i would like to see some _ actually gets to work. absolutely. i would like to see some kind - actually gets to work. absolutely. i would like to see some kind of - would like to see some kind of change — would like to see some kind of change to— would like to see some kind of change to how we bring about a power sharing _ change to how we bring about a power sharing executive. but it has to get back to _ sharing executive. but it has to get back to work, monday morning every party— back to work, monday morning every party should be in the room saying we want _ party should be in the room saying we want to— party should be in the room saying we want to be part of this government. because what is the point _ government. because what is the point in _ government. because what is the point in having it otherwise? we need _ point in having it otherwise? we need a _ point in having it otherwise? we need a government, because we can't rely on _ need a government, because we can't rely on westminster. so we have to do that _ rely on westminster. so we have to do that. . .. rely on westminster. so we have to do that. ., «e , ., ., ., , ., do that. thank you and that is a auestion do that. thank you and that is a question we _ do that. thank you and that is a question we are _ do that. thank you and that is a question we are hearing - do that. thank you and that is a question we are hearing a - do that. thank you and that is a question we are hearing a lot i do that. thank you and that is a - question we are hearing a lot today. if these elections cannot deliver a

functioning assembly, how dysfunctional is politics here? and here are a couple of pieces of information. and there is a full list of the candidates in each of the constituencies in northern ireland. forfull details — go to the bbc news website. there is lots of useful information on how the elections work. just go to bbc.co.uk/politics. and tonight at 9pm here on the bbc news channel voters in a studio audience will put their questions about the key issues directly to the leaders of the main parties here in northern ireland in vote 22 northern ireland leaders debate. great to hear the views of some young voters from a nationalist background. we will hear also from voters from a unionist background as well. back to you for now. thank you very much.

let's return to the us and the news that the us supreme court could be about to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion — according to an unprecedented leaked draft of a court document. let's get more on this from washington and cbs correspondent natalie brandt. what impact could this have? this is an unprecedented _ what impact could this have? this is an unprecedented leak. _ what impact could this have? this is an unprecedented leak. this - what impact could this have? this is an unprecedented leak. this type i what impact could this have? this is an unprecedented leak. this type of| an unprecedented leak. this type of leak from, the an unprecedented leak. this type of leakfrom, the nation's high court. it is important to note it is not the final decision in this case. that is not expected until latejune or earlyjuly. but from what we know, this could havejust or earlyjuly. but from what we know, this could have just stunning consequences and implications for abortion rights in the united states and create a situation where individual states are deciding which approach they want to take in terms of either passing more restrictive

abortion states are looking to expand abortion rights. after this report was leaked, you saw demonstrators gather outside the us supreme court, across both sides of the issue. at the time there were clashes between the time there were clashes between the two sides and tense moments. what we know about the draft opinion, it appears that five of the conservative justices agree with the opinion to joer turn roe versus wade, which is the 1973 case that legalised abortion in the united states. so if this is finalised, that would really up end decades of precedent in the united states and also again pave the way for conservative states to restrict abortion rights and access to abortion, make abortion dependent on where a woman lives in the united

states. . .. where a woman lives in the united states. :, ~e , ., a government minister from the uk is visiting the british virgin islands days after an inquiry suggested the territory return to direct rule from london because of corruption and misgovernance by elected officials. last week the elected leader of the islands— andrew fahie— of the islands — andrew fahie— was arrested in the us and charged with conspiring to traffic drugs. but there have been protests against the proposal to impose direct rule. nomia iqbal reports. if the uk wants to know how people feel, they should look out the window. chants, signs and music outside the government building as 200 people gathered for a administration.— 200 people gathered for a administration. today is our opportunity _ administration. today is our opportunity to _ administration. today is our opportunity to denounce - administration. today is our| opportunity to denounce the administration. today is our - opportunity to denounce the rule of the uk government. once and for

ever! .., j , the uk government. once and for ever! ., ever! the country's facing a leadership _ ever! the country's facing a leadership crisis. _ ever! the country's facing a leadership crisis. last - ever! the country's facing a leadership crisis. last week ever! the country's facing a - leadership crisis. last week the premiere was arrested this in a sting operation by us drug officials. a long independent report into his leadership found he had ignored good governance. the recommendation is for the uk to take charge of the islands for two years. protesters have said they feel this is the only way that they can send their message to the uk representatives who are in the governor's house here. the uk minister for overseas territory said she is here to listen and to understand and no decision has been made about the future of the islands. the acting premiere is at the meetings with the uk delegation and has expressed his willingness to take over permanently. i and has expressed his willingness to take over permanently.— take over permanently. i have never contemplated _ take over permanently. i have never

contemplated that _ take over permanently. i have never contemplated that the _ take over permanently. i have never contemplated that the responsibility of leadership of the virgin islands would come so soon, nor under such circumstances. but i have been asked to lead and i rise to the call. but 2345 that can — to lead and i rise to the call. but 2345 that can only be decided by the uk governor who, is appointed by the queen. the report said he should take over control of the islands. why is the authority on good governance, why can't we be our authority— governance, why can't we be our authority on _ governance, why can't we be our authority on good governance and we see your— authority on good governance and we see your report and we will take the steps _ see your report and we will take the steps we _ see your report and we will take the steps we will fix it before you fix it for— steps we will fix it before you fix it for us — steps we will fix it before you fix it for us in _ steps we will fix it before you fix it for us. �* . ., ,., ., it for us. in britain the reason for brexit was _ it for us. in britain the reason for brexit was migration _ it for us. in britain the reason for brexit was migration and - it for us. in britain the reason for. brexit was migration and imdprags migratioh — brexit was migration and imdprags migratioh here _ brexit was migration and imdprags migration. here we _ brexit was migration and imdprags migration. here we are _ brexit was migration and imdprags migration. here we are now- brexit was migration and imdprags migration. here we are now with. brexit was migration and imdprags i migration. here we are now with the same _ migration. here we are now with the same predictment, _ migration. here we are now with the same predictment, facing _ migration. here we are now with the same predictment, facing the - migration. here we are now with the same predictment, facing the samel same predictment, facing the same challenges — same predictment, facing the same challenges a — same predictment, facing the same challenges a you're _ same predictment, facing the same

challenges a you're tell _ same predictment, facing the same challenges a you're tell ulster - same predictment, facing the same challenges a you're tell ulster us i challenges a you're tell ulster us you know — challenges a you're tell ulster us you know what _ challenges a you're tell ulster us you know what is _ challenges a you're tell ulster us you know what is best— challenges a you're tell ulster us you know what is best for- challenges a you're tell ulster us you know what is best for —— - challenges a you're tell ulster us you know what is best for —— youj you know what is best for —— you tell us— you know what is best for —— you tell us you — you know what is best for —— you tell us you know— you know what is best for —— you tell us you know what _ you know what is best for —— you tell us you know what is - you know what is best for —— you tell us you know what is best - you know what is best for —— you tell us you know what is best for| tell us you know what is best for us. ., . ., tell us you know what is best for us. ., ., ., ., tell us you know what is best for us. ., . ., ., ., , us. you have done nothing for us. peole us. you have done nothing for us. people say _ us. you have done nothing for us. people say they — us. you have done nothing for us. people say they are _ us. you have done nothing for us. people say they are not _ us. you have done nothing for us. people say they are not ignoring i us. you have done nothing for us. i people say they are not ignoring the report's findings and want to improve leadership on the islands. but they say for the uk to call the shots and take full control would be unacceptable. borisjohnson has addressed the ukrainian parliament and we have a photograph of borisjohnson there. that is being beamed into the ukrainian parliament. in that address he said, i have one message age for you today, ukraine will win, ukraine will be free. let's listen.

obviously we are hearing the translation for those listening in the parliament and we will try to bring you a version where we can hear borisjohnson's words. but to tell you more about what he said, he said no one can or should impose anything on ukrainians, we in the uk will be guided by you. he said what vladimir putin has done is an advertisement for deck si. and he announced —— democracy and he announced —— democracy and he announced a £300 million worth of aid. he said this is yourfinest hour. he said that... in the forests, he said listen my country

faced invasion, our parliament continued to meet throughout the the conflict and the british people showed such unity and resolve that we remember our time of greatest peril as ourfinest hour. we remember our time of greatest peril as our finest hour. is is ukraine's finest hour. an epic chapter in your story that will be remembered for generations that is borisjohnson addressing the ukrainian parliament. we will have more on that at the 1 o'clock news. now the weather. we will see plenty of cloud across the uk this week and that cloud will bring rain at times. but not vast amounts to any one area. because high pressure still stays close by. weather systems only weakly work their way across the uk.

through today we will see a series of fronts pushing into the north—west and that will bring some rain to northern england, western scotland and northern ireland by the end of the night some rain into the midlands, east anglia and wales. but not especially heavy. under the cloud, a very mild night. through wednesday, we will see the fronts drifting eastwards and this area of high pressure moving from. so some cloud widely across the uk first thing on wednesday. some rain early doors across southern and eastern england. we will see the fronts pull out into the north seas by the. afternoon. and we should see some sharp showers in the afternoon. warmer, up to 17 degrees. high pressure close by throughout the week, for thursday it is going to put the brakes on any fronts getting

into the north—west and tap us into a warmer air into the north—west and tap us into a warmerairstream. into the north—west and tap us into a warmer air stream. temperatures getting bolstered towards the end of the week. some cloud on the tail end of fronts on thursday. for northern ireland and scotland. some rain here. in england and wales dry, with bright spells and temperatures up to 20 degrees. through friday, we could see some fronts making progress south across the uk. but as you can see, the majority of areas do look like they will remain dry. some wetter weather in northern england and wales. but widely temperatures in the high teens to the low 20s. and going on into next weekend it is high pressure will establish itself broadly across the uk again. holding fronts at bay and a lot of fine weather by the time of next weekend and it should be a warm story across the uk. so still a lot of fine weather to come this week.

borisjohnson addresses ukraine's parliament here in kyiv via video link. he describes ukraine's resistance to the russian invasion as the country's "finest hour". he is the first world leader to address the ukrainian parliament since the start of the war. he tells them ukraine will win and be free. ukrainian soldiers in mariupol say russian troops are using planes, tanks and warship missiles to pound the site of the steelworks. translation: half of the city is

destroyed- _ destroyed. explosion where can i go?