this is bbc news. the headlines at eight o'clock. ukraine says the troops have reached the russian border in kharkiv. after they drove russian forces away from the city. we simply cannot —— basically cannot let the russians through here, if they do, more ukrainian troops to they do, more ukrainian troops to the south will be under threat. so they are hanging on for dear life here. �* ., , they are hanging on for dear life here. 1, _., they are hanging on for dear life here. ,, ., here. boris johnson speaks to olitical here. boris johnson speaks to political leaders _ here. boris johnson speaks to political leaders in _ here. boris johnson speaks to political leaders in northern l political leaders in northern ireland to restore power—sharing. man has been found guilty of murdering and off—duty community police officer in kent. carolyn wheeler had already admitted.

17—year—old jake daniels has become the only currently gay professional player, the first professional footballer to come out. i player, the first professional footballer to come out. i think now is the time — footballer to come out. i think now is the time to _ footballer to come out. i think now is the time to do _ footballer to come out. i think now is the time to do it _ footballer to come out. i think now is the time to do it and _ footballer to come out. i think now is the time to do it and i am - footballer to come out. i think now is the time to do it and i am ready| is the time to do it and i am ready to tell people about my story, i want people to know the real me. lying is not what i have wanted to do, but now i feel like i am ready to be myself, be free and be confident with it all. good evening and welcome to bbc news. britain's most senior military officer says ukraine has now guaranteed in survival as a nation. in a speech today, the chief of

defence said that ukrainians are winning the war, but as we report now, that does not mean the fighting is anything over, farfrom it. ukrainian forces have been retaking territory in the northeast of the country in recent days, pushing the russians further from kharkiv, country in recent days, pushing the russians furtherfrom kharkiv, the second largest city. but that might be partly because russian forces have been focusing on the donbas region further south. have been focusing on the donbas region furthersouth. our have been focusing on the donbas region further south. our special report is from near the eastern city known as the gateway to the donbas. we have the story. war descended suddenly upon ukraine along the eastern front, it has mainly been bunkers where they do not cower. three times in the last month, the russians have attacked this base with infantry and tanks and three times they have been repelled. another attack may be imminent. here

they wait. vladimir putin has turned their days in tonight. and they have been taken away from their families. for the men of this territorial defence unit, this is now home. above their head hangs a constant threat. the town they are in is all but abandoned. the people are gone. orphaned pets have sought shelter here as well. the men know it will not be long before the next attack. above, a russian barrage is the signal it is time to get to work. outside these walls, everything is in the line of fire. and these men face it daily.

they need a little reminder that to the north, the majority of russia's forces are headquartered. and to the south, most of the ukrainian comrades. there are patrols and defence along this front line. it keeps these two mighty forces apart. the shell start moving closer as the russians adjust their aim. fire the shell start moving closer as the russians adjust their aim.— russians ad'ust their aim. are we headin: russians adjust their aim. are we heading back? — russians adjust their aim. are we heading back? no! _ so you get a sense of what russia's artillery and tanks can do to ukrainian homes. this is relentless.

and the reason that these men are holding on so tight here in these defensive positions is because they simply cannot let the russians through here. if they do, more ukrainian troops to the south in the donbas will be under threat. so they are hanging on for dear life here. at the front, there is no bunker, but they are armed to the teeth. this is a volunteer battalion, these men were doing ordinaryjobs before the war and they are facing against russian tanks and heavy artillery and direct fire. how are they desperate how are you managing to hold the russians off? fiur desperate how are you managing to hold the russians off?— hold the russians off? our men go and fi . ht. hold the russians off? our men go and fight- every — hold the russians off? our men go and fight. every day _ hold the russians off? our men go and fight. every day by _ hold the russians off? our men go and fight. every day by the fire. . and fight. every day by the fire. you can watch it. because we believe that all the democratic countries, all the world will help us and when

we are given more than weapons, these brave men, they can destroy these brave men, they can destroy the complete russian army. has these brave men, they can destroy the complete russian army. as the day grows long. — the complete russian army. as the day grows long. it _ the complete russian army. as the day grows long, it is _ the complete russian army. as the day grows long, it is time - the complete russian army. as the day grows long, it is time to - the complete russian army. as the day grows long, it is time to pick. day grows long, it is time to pick up day grows long, it is time to pick up the pace. on open ground, there is no safe hiding place. pinned down, the route back is cut off by artillery fire, so through gardens and backyards, they search for an escape. a soldier calls out, leave this place as soon as possible! and it is here we find natasha, stubbornly hanging on. do you need help leaving she is asked? i don't have anyone here. but you need help leaving she is asked? i don't have anyone here.— i don't have anyone here. but she is defiant. i don't have anyone here. but she is defiant- this — i don't have anyone here. but she is defiant. this war _ i don't have anyone here. but she is defiant. this war was _ i don't have anyone here. but she is defiant. this war was not _ i don't have anyone here. but she is defiant. this war was not her - defiant. this war was not her choice, it is as if she refuses to acknowledge it even as russian

shells soar overhead. this woman invited us into _ shells soar overhead. this woman invited us into her— shells soar overhead. this woman invited us into her house. - it is very close to us. one hour away. it is very close to us. one hour awa . ,, , it is very close to us. one hour awa . , , ., it is very close to us. one hour awa. ,, ,., . ., it is very close to us. one hour awa. , h, . ., away. she is not convinced to come with us. away. she is not convinced to come with us- to — away. she is not convinced to come with us- to stay _ away. she is not convinced to come with us. to stay risks _ away. she is not convinced to come with us. to stay risks death. - with us. to stay risks death. translation: i with us. to stay risks death. translation:— with us. to stay risks death. translation: ., ., ., ., , translation: i do not want to betray m husband translation: i do not want to betray my husband he _ translation: i do not want to betray my husband he is _ translation: i do not want to betray my husband he is buried _ translation: i do not want to betray my husband he is buried in _ my husband he is buried in a cemetery here, i will not leave him. we try one last time. natasha, why don't you leave your? sunshine yellow —— translation: don't you leave your? sunshine yellow -- translation: because it is m home yellow -- translation: because it is my home and — yellow -- translation: because it is my home and i — yellow -- translation: because it is my home and i have _ yellow -- translation: because it is my home and i have nowhere - yellow -- translation: because it is my home and i have nowhere to - yellow -- translation: because it is my home and i have nowhere to go. . my home and i have nowhere to go. go to a nearby town, she is told, they will help you there.—

to a nearby town, she is told, they will help you there. why? i'm used to it now. will help you there. why? i'm used to it now- she _ will help you there. why? i'm used to it now. she is _ will help you there. why? i'm used to it now. she is told _ will help you there. why? i'm used to it now. she is told that - will help you there. why? i'm used to it now. she is told that she - will help you there. why? i'm used to it now. she is told that she can l to it now. she is told that she can be helped- _ to it now. she is told that she can be helped- if— to it now. she is told that she can be helped- if i _ to it now. she is told that she can be helped. ifi go, _ to it now. she is told that she can be helped. ifi go, what— to it now. she is told that she can be helped. ifi go, what will- to it now. she is told that she can be helped. ifi go, what will i - to it now. she is told that she can be helped. ifi go, what will! do | be helped. ifi go, what will! do there? off _ be helped. ifi go, what will! do there? off you _ be helped. ifi go, what will! do there? off you go. _ be helped. ifi go, what will! do there? off you go. we - be helped. ifi go, what will! do there? off you go. we have - be helped. ifi go, what will! do there? off you go. we have to l be helped. ifi go, what will! do - there? off you go. we have to leave but we told — there? off you go. we have to leave but we told natasha _ there? off you go. we have to leave but we told natasha that _ there? off you go. we have to leave but we told natasha that they - but we told natasha that they will come back for her when the shelling stops. despite all of the shelling, they push forward. this is what stalemates sound like in the eastern front and this is what it takes to keep the gateway to the donbas firmly shut. our diplomatic respondent gave us more details about the situation on the ground. more details about the situation on the ground-— more details about the situation on the i round, . ., ., , ., the ground. what we have seen that the ground. what we have seen that the fi . htin: the ground. what we have seen that the fighting now _ the ground. what we have seen that the fighting now is _ the ground. what we have seen that the fighting now is very _ the ground. what we have seen that the fighting now is very hard, - the ground. what we have seen that the fighting now is very hard, but. the fighting now is very hard, but it is also stabilising. a few gains in a few losses here and there. i think if you look at the map, the

aim of the russians was to come in and squeeze the eastern part, the don pass, to try and encircle ukrainian forces from the north, east and the south. what has happened is ukrainian forces are making it very difficult for them to do that particularly in the north around kharkiv where they have been pushing back. everything now is stabilising. that is changing the diplomatic music. we have the latest secretary—general saying that he thinks ukraine could win this war. and has guaranteed its survival as an independent state. at the same time you've got sweden announcing today that yes they are going to try and join nato. and of course mcdonald's is leaving russia for good after 30 years there. i think it is fair to say that none of this was in the game plan when vladimir putin began all of this a few months ago. well we've got some breaking news.

earlier on today the russians released a statement saying that they had agreed to evacuate wounded soldiers from the steel plant in mariupol. that plant has been besieged for quite a while. it has been nearly two months of the russians have been hitting the plant and up into recently, it had a mix of both civilians and soldiers inside. they were hiding from russian bombardment. while the civilians were taken to safety, but there were soldiers there and we had evidence of soldiers who were also wounded who are stuck there. the russians that earlier today that a agreement has been reached to remove the wounded. and in the last few minutes according to a news agency around one dozen buses carrying ukrainian servicemen have been seen leaving the plant. that is a very latest. it is not possible to determine how many were on the buses, and it is unclear whether

they were amongst the a0 wounded or not. we do know that around 600 servicemen were said to have been inside the plant. is important to add that there has been a statement out of the area and in it it was translated by a localfixer, the ukrainian said the defenders of mariupol executed the order despite all the hardships and have been holding off the superior enemy forces for 82 days, giving the ukrainian army a chance to regroup and train more people. to maintain lives, the whole mariupol garrison is executing the approved decision of the higher military leadership and is hoping for support of the ukrainian people. for what we can glean from these different news sources, it looks as if according to reports, some of those wounded soldiers that were stuck in the steel plant have now left and been able to leave the area. we will try

and get complete confirmation of that as and when we can hear on bbc news. let's keep on talking about what is happening in ukraine and particular what is happening in the east. we are going to connect now to a teacher, an english—language teacher who is in the city of kharkiv that until recently was seized by the russian army. igor, it is really good to talk to you. thank you for taking the time to speak to us. how are things where you are? can you hear me? thank you for invitin: can you hear me? thank you for inviting me. _ can you hear me? thank you for inviting me, there _ can you hear me? thank you for inviting me, there are _ can you hear me? thank you for inviting me, there are some - inviting me, there are some interruptions in the connections. we are in war, as you should understand. first of all, i would like to say thank you to the british people. can you hear me? yes. like to say thank you to the british people. can you hear me?- like to say thank you to the british

people. can you hear me? yes, i can. can ou people. can you hear me? yes, i can. can you hear— people. can you hear me? yes, i can. can you hear me? _ people. can you hear me? yes, i can. can you hear me? i... _ people. can you hear me? yes, i can. can you hear me? i... i— people. can you hear me? yes, i can. can you hear me? i... i believe - can you hear me? i... i believe you hear me. i cannot hear you. ok, can you hear me? i... i believe you hear me. i cannot hearyou. ok, so hear me. i cannot hear you. ok, so i would like to say thank you to the british people for the humanitarian and military help. you can hear me? yes? ok. because your help is very important for us. due to it, the ukrainian army did a counterattack and... and nearly the entire kharkiv region is liberated. in our city, we have relative silence.—

have relative silence. igor, what has changed _ have relative silence. igor, what has changed in _ have relative silence. igor, what has changed in terms _ have relative silence. igor, what has changed in terms of... - have relative silence. igor, what has changed in terms of... i - have relative silence. igor, what. has changed in terms of... i think we have lost him. it has been quite a difficult line to maintain. as he said the country is at war and sometime the technical issues that we have cannot be helped. if we can get him back later on, we will of course endeavored to do that. to find out how this story and many others are covered in tomorrow's front pages, you canjoin us later on this evening at 10:30pm and 11:30pm for the the papers. talks in belfast between the prime minister and the northern ireland leading politician has failed to break the deadlock and restored their power—sharing assembly. at the heart of the impasse is the post—brexit protocol with the two biggest parties taking opposing

views about it. we have this story. if you have over wondered how to make a guitar, while this is the place to find out. isn't county down, they make the instruments for ed sheeran among others. they import some of the other things they need to make them from the rest of the and sell plenty back over the irish sea as well as worldwide. the boss here says the protocol has made business harder. we here says the protocol has made business harder.— here says the protocol has made business harder. ~ . ., ,., ., business harder. we have had some of our most valued _ business harder. we have had some of our most valued partners _ business harder. we have had some of our most valued partners in _ business harder. we have had some of our most valued partners in england i our most valued partners in england say, these guitars and this administration is too much work. we have seen sales impacted there. we obviously want to make things as smooth as possible for our partners and we do everything we can, but it is daunting to have to fill out import documentation for something you never even had to think about before. , , , you never even had to think about before. ,, ,,, ,,, you never even had to think about before. ,, y,, ,, before. this is why businesses are havin: to before. this is why businesses are having to adapt. _ before. this is why businesses are having to adapt. when _ before. this is why businesses are having to adapt. when the - before. this is why businesses are having to adapt. when the uk - before. this is why businesses are having to adapt. when the uk left| having to adapt. when the uk left eu, and it was agreed that goods

arriving from england scotland and wales be monitored to make sure they met eu standards that is because northern ireland shares a land border with the republic of ireland which is in the eu and brussels does not want unchecked products ending up not want unchecked products ending up in what it calls a single market. but an open border on the ireland of ireland is seen as a an essential part of the peace process. —— on the island of ireland. but the dup here says it will not go into devolved government until the protocol is removed. the prime minister arrived in belfast this afternoon to try to start sorting it all out. the in belfast this afternoon to try to start sorting it all out.— start sorting it all out. the issue they have _ start sorting it all out. the issue they have is _ start sorting it all out. the issue they have is that _ start sorting it all out. the issue they have is that they _ start sorting it all out. the issue they have is that they object - start sorting it all out. the issue they have is that they object to l start sorting it all out. the issue i they have is that they object to the operation of the protocol mac we do not want to scrap it. but we think it can be fixed. and actually, five of the five parties that i have talked to today also say it needs reform. , ., , reform. the dup went into see borchard to — reform. the dup went into see borchard to demanding - reform. the dup went into see - borchard to demanding big change.

the idea that the prime minister is taking sides is for the faeries. the reason why he is here it is hisjob to protect northern ireland to ensure that we have the right to trade freely within our own country. that is his role as prime minister. there are plenty of businesses, politicians and campaigners who argue that ok with the protocol. sinn fein want to see the northern ireland as part of... they said the protocol cannot be spirited away and they want to get on with power—sharing government. we they want to get on with power-sharing government. we have had what we — power-sharing government. we have had what we would _ power-sharing government. we have had what we would describe - power-sharing government. we have had what we would describe as - power-sharing government. we have had what we would describe as a - had what we would describe as a fairly tough meeting with the prime minister. we have put it to him very directly that the absolute priority is about getting government working here in the north. people are facing incredible difficulties in the midst of a cost crisis and it is simply not acceptable, it is not good

enough for anybody, the dup or the british government to hold society here to ransom. the british government to hold society here to ransom.— british government to hold society here to ransom. the prime minister faces pressures _ here to ransom. the prime minister faces pressures and _ here to ransom. the prime minister faces pressures and all _ here to ransom. the prime minister faces pressures and all sorts - here to ransom. the prime minister faces pressures and all sorts of- faces pressures and all sorts of directions. firstly, trying to make trade between here and the rest of the uk easier having signed a deal that makes it harder. secondly trying to restore devolved government so politicians can get on with sorting out the nhs among other things. and also trying to placate some of his colleagues who fancy a scrap with the eu while ensuring there is not such a bust up with brussels that you end up in a trade war. back in county down, another guitar is finished, but the soundtrack and consequences of brexit and still be clearly heard. think of today as step one. tomorrow will be step two and we hear from the foreign secretary and she set out government public plant to override the protocol. some people in the eu say that would be a breach

of international law. the government hopes that by the end of the week that what it is doing that the assembly here may be able to get back going again but that will not mean a fully devolved executive government. getting to there could still take some time. more on this in a moment. let's turn to support. for a full round—up here we go. good evening to you. the professional footballers association say they're extremely proud ofjake daniels — the 17 year old blackpool player who's the first current male professional in the uk to come out as gay sincejustin fashanu in 1990. daniels made his first team debut earlier this month on the final day of the championship season, but says off the pitch he's been hiding the real me. now he says he's ready to come out and be myself, calling it a massive relief. such a long time of lying and i have

just processed and processed how i want to do it, when i want to do it? and i think now with the right time to do it. ifeel like i'm ready to tell people about my story. i want people to know the real me. lying all the time is not what i wanted to do and it has been a struggle. but i feel like i can now be myself and be free and be confident with it all. i told my mother and my sister after i scored and it was a massively. he is auoin scored and it was a massively. he is going down — scored and it was a massively. he is going down a _ scored and it was a massively. he is going down a path _ scored and it was a massively. he is going down a path that _ scored and it was a massively. he is going down a path that many many others _ going down a path that many many others will— going down a path that many many others will follow who have just been _ others will follow who have just been waiting to see how it pans out for others _ been waiting to see how it pans out for others first. i think that once they— for others first. i think that once they see — for others first. i think that once they see that the overwhelming majority — they see that the overwhelming majority of people will be more than excepting. _ majority of people will be more than excepting, others will follow suit. i excepting, others will follow suit. i hope _ excepting, others will follow suit. i hope so — excepting, others will follow suit. i hope so. it seems ridiculous that in this— i hope so. it seems ridiculous that in this day— i hope so. it seems ridiculous that in this day and age that he still have gotten 22022 before the first actuai— have gotten 22022 before the first actual footballer who is currently playing _ actual footballer who is currently playing has come out in this country _ playing has come out in this country. what that says about us as a society— country. what that says about us as a society is — country. what that says about us as a society is a — country. what that says about us as a society is a truly worrying. hopefully they will feel that it is actuaiiy— hopefully they will feel that it is actually not an issue because it

should — actually not an issue because it should not be an issue. he actually not an issue because it should not be an issue. he wants to be an inspiration _ should not be an issue. he wants to be an inspiration to _ should not be an issue. he wants to be an inspiration to other people i should not be an issue. he wants to be an inspiration to other people in | be an inspiration to other people in the same _ be an inspiration to other people in the same way— be an inspiration to other people in the same way that _ be an inspiration to other people in the same way that others - be an inspiration to other people in the same way that others wanted l be an inspiration to other people in| the same way that others wanted to do. the same way that others wanted to do visibility— the same way that others wanted to do. visibility breeds _ the same way that others wanted to do. visibility breeds visibility. - do. visibility breeds visibility. there — do. visibility breeds visibility. there will— do. visibility breeds visibility. there will be _ do. visibility breeds visibility. there will be lots _ do. visibility breeds visibility. there will be lots of- do. visibility breeds visibility. there will be lots of fans - do. visibility breeds visibility. there will be lots of fans and | there will be lots of fans and players — there will be lots of fans and players not _ there will be lots of fans and players not just _ there will be lots of fans and players not just a _ there will be lots of fans and players not just a football- there will be lots of fans and | players not just a football but there will be lots of fans and i players not just a football but in other— players not just a football but in other sports _ players not just a football but in other sports who _ players not just a football but in other sports who may— players not just a football but in other sports who may be - players not just a football but in - other sports who may be struggling with their— other sports who may be struggling with their identity _ other sports who may be struggling with their identity who _ other sports who may be struggling with their identity who have - other sports who may be struggling with their identity who have seen i with their identity who have seen the name — with their identity who have seen the name jake _ with their identity who have seen the name jake dangles _ with their identity who have seen the name jake dangles today- with their identity who have seen the name jake dangles today and with their identity who have seen - the name jake dangles today and are feeling _ the name jake dangles today and are feeling a _ the name jake dangles today and are feeling a lot — the name jake dangles today and are feeling a lot more _ the name jake dangles today and are feeling a lot more confident - the name jake dangles today and are feeling a lot more confident and - feeling a lot more confident and happy_ feeling a lot more confident and happy about— feeling a lot more confident and happy about themselves. - staying with football. and ministers are worried that the a.25 billion pound deal to buy chelsea may be at risk of �*falling apart�*, the bbc has learned. as it stands, there's still no agreement about the proceeds of any sale. and time is running out — chelsea are currently operating under a special licence from the uk government which ends on the 31st of may. the club agreed terms with a private—equity funded consortium led by us investor todd boehly, co—owner of the la dodgers baseball team. newcastle are hosting arsenal

in the premier league with the gunners needing all three points to move back into the champions league places and ahead of north london rivals totte n ha m. a win would take newcastle up two places to 12th. and they have had the best the chancesin and they have had the best the chances in the opening 20 minutes. you will find more on the bbc website. meanwhile, in the second leg of the championship playoff semi—final between huddersfield town and luton town. it is currently goalless. 37 minutes have been played. eight minutes until half—time. no goals yet. two of britain's biggest tennis tournaments — queen's and eastbourne — will keep their atp ranking points but the governing body is yet to make a decision on wimbledon. the lawn tennis association opted to ban competitors from russia and belarus due to the conflict in ukraine. after deliberation with players and tournament organisers, the atp says the events will "proceed as normal". but the decision on wimbeldon,

organised by the all england club, "remains under review". there will be disciplinary action for the lta for breaching its contract by issuing the ban. that's all the sport for now. we'll have more for you on the bbc news channel later on. thank you very much indeed. back now to those talks today in northern ireland — let's head to dublin and speak with etain tannam, associate professor of international peace studies at trinity college dublin. thank you forjoining us. let me ask you for saw, there is so much at stake, where do you see the solution? i stake, where do you see the solution?— stake, where do you see the solution? ~' , ,., , solution? i think the first point is as boris johnson _ solution? i think the first point is as boris johnson said, _ solution? i think the first point is as boris johnson said, there - solution? i think the first point is as boris johnson said, there is i solution? i think the first point is as boris johnson said, there is a | as borisjohnson said, there is a solution. there is a landing zone. already in october or the european union did make proposals which i think made restrictions of up to 50%. there is a solution possible.

in terms of finding flexibility in the ways like with the medicine issue how that was solved through negotiation with the eu. there is a willingness i think and an awareness that there have been a lot of very practical problems which have impinged upon businesses and people's lives in northern ireland. around all of those issues, i think it is really finding through negotiation solutions to the various problems. the problems that have caused restrictions and costs and burdens that were mentioned. i think thatis burdens that were mentioned. i think that is where the solution lies through negotiation and engagement with political will to identify all the problems and to reach solutions. because the eu has always been very good as has the uk historically at working out solutions and for the

eu, often very bespoke arrangements that helped the cooperation systems within the eu to hold it together. i think there is a solution that is very possible around as i said, working out flexibility around the issues causing problems. it does require engagement and political will. . ., will. engagement and politicalwill are difficult things _ will. engagement and politicalwill are difficult things to _ will. engagement and politicalwill are difficult things to follow - will. engagement and politicalwill are difficult things to follow if - are difficult things to follow if there is not even power—sharing or an agreement to get back to that. do you think that is going to be a stumbling block that is going to be difficult to overcome? i stumbling block that is going to be difficult to overcome?— difficult to overcome? i don't think in terms of — difficult to overcome? i don't think in terms of the _ difficult to overcome? i don't think in terms of the protocol _ difficult to overcome? i don't think in terms of the protocol itself - difficult to overcome? i don't think in terms of the protocol itself that| in terms of the protocol itself that the collapse of the executive and power—sharing is the key problem. i think it lies with the british government as borisjohnson said in his speech. that the eu and the uk have to reach an agreement. there are lots of incentives to be in the government and to be in the

executive there are 25 seats. it is in a devolved system to exercise power. all the incentives are there for the dup to want to be there. i think there is annoyance probably among sections of the northern ireland community about this collapse. the problem, the dup, have huge concerns and unionists across the board have concerns about the protocol, but the decision—making is the british union —— the european union and the british government. if it is solved at that level i think the dup will go back in. i know that they have called for the abolition of the protocol. i know from the news today that people are not very satisfied by the letter from boris johnson. d0 satisfied by the letter from boris johnson. ,, ~ satisfied by the letter from boris johnson. ,., ~ , ., , johnson. do you think this threatens the eace johnson. do you think this threatens the peace deal? _ johnson. do you think this threatens the peace deal? no, _ johnson. do you think this threatens the peace deal? no, i— johnson. do you think this threatens the peace deal? no, i don't- johnson. do you think this threatens the peace deal? no, i don't think. johnson. do you think this threatens the peace deal? no, i don't think it| the peace deal? no, i don't think it is a threat. — the peace deal? no, i don't think it is a threat, but _ the peace deal? no, i don't think it is a threat, but the _ the peace deal? no, i don't think it is a threat, but the underlying - is a threat, but the underlying

pillars of the peace process our weekend. if we look at that calls all analysis that led to the good friday agreement it was the strong inter—government relationship. the joint strategy and cooperative relations that reassured nationalists and unionist. at the moment there has been a break down completely in trust and relations between the governments. i think thatis between the governments. i think that is a dent in the logic of the peace project as well as the good fast —— belfast good friday agreement. but i don't think it is in danger of collapsing or a return to violence is likely. there are definite changes in the structures of behaviour which are concerning. i hope things get back to the way they were between the governments. it has been aood were between the governments. it has been good to — were between the governments. it has been good to talk— were between the governments. it has been good to talk to _ were between the governments. it has been good to talk to you. _ were between the governments. it has been good to talk to you. thank you for the input. blackpool midfielderjake daniels

has become the first male footballer to come out as gay whilst playing in the professional game. the 17—year—old made his first team debut for championship side blackpool fc last week. we can now speak to an equal rights campaigner who is the chief executive of a foundation in honour of her uncle who became the first openly gay footballer in the uk. thank you for talking to us. let me ask you first of all your reaction to the news today?— ask you first of all your reaction to the news today? i am extremely ha - to the news today? i am extremely happy today- _ to the news today? i am extremely happy today- today _ to the news today? i am extremely happy today. today has _ to the news today? i am extremely happy today. today has been - to the news today? i am extremely happy today. today has been one l to the news today? i am extremely| happy today. today has been one of the days i cannot stop smiling. today marks a very important milestone in what i have been doing in trying to raise awareness and homophobia and racism and mental health in football. i actually cannot believe it is today. i almost was not ready for it. it is just incredible that jake is so young and he spoke so eloquently, so incredibly. he wasjust he spoke so eloquently, so

incredibly. he was just so brave and ijust incredibly. he was just so brave and i just feel incredible that incredibly. he was just so brave and ijust feel incredible that i can witness this today. i just feel incredible that i can witness this today.— i just feel incredible that i can witness this today. how difficult do ou think witness this today. how difficult do you think this _ witness this today. how difficult do you think this has _ witness this today. how difficult do you think this has been _ witness this today. how difficult do you think this has been for- witness this today. how difficult do you think this has been for him - you think this has been for him given that there really is not a road map for how to do this? to be honest, i road map for how to do this? to be honest. i was _ road map for how to do this? to be honest, i was saying _ road map for how to do this? to be honest, i was saying earlier, - road map for how to do this? to be honest, i was saying earlier, i- road map for how to do this? to be honest, i was saying earlier, ijust| honest, i was saying earlier, ijust really don't understand, i cannot even imagine how hard it must have been because i know first—hand that it is extremely hard, but it has not happened to me personally. it must have been such a journey. days before, weeks before, months before, even knowing for a year, two years who you are and you cannot come out and you cannot enjoy what you do for and you cannot enjoy what you do for a living it must have been incredible. this isjust amazing. your uncle justin incredible. this isjust amazing. your unclejustin fashanu was the first openly gay footballer in britain and he tragically committed suicide. do you think... what do you think it tells us about society today that it has been 30 years since then and this has onlyjust

happened now? to since then and this has only 'ust happened moi since then and this has only 'ust happened now? to be honest, it is shockina. happened now? to be honest, it is shocking- it _ happened now? to be honest, it is shocking- it is _ happened now? to be honest, it is shocking. it is actually _ happened now? to be honest, it is shocking. it is actually shocking. i shocking. it is actually shocking. it is quite sad to think the environment has not been ready for a footballer or that they have not felt comfortable, safe enough to actually be who they are. and all other walks of life almost it is almost like if you are not gay, oh, it is upsetting. all of a sudden with football it is such a taboo and such an issue. it is funny to me that people say leave the boy alone why are you discussing it? we have to discuss it. if you can name me five footballers in the premier league who have come out happily then i would say why are we talking about it? that is not the case and it might not be the case for the next year. in the meantime, we have to continue to raise awareness, talk about the subject and this is just a day where it confirms all the campaigning that i have been doing and all my hard work effectively is

for something and for someone. someone like jake to feel comfortable to come out and look at what is happening! it isjust amazing! what is happening! it is 'ust amazinu! ~ ., , what is happening! it is 'ust amazinu! ., , . ., ., amazing! where does the change have to come from — amazing! where does the change have to come from do _ amazing! where does the change have to come from do you _ amazing! where does the change have to come from do you think? _ amazing! where does the change have to come from do you think? the - amazing! where does the change have to come from do you think? the fans, | to come from do you think? the fans, football clubs, society as a whole? it is a combination of everyone together. society needs to change when it comes to football because the whole macho, masculine environment it does not help any gay player who wants to come out. i do think it is fans, team—mates themselves, i don't think it is them. i speak to a lot of footballers, a lot of them are my friends and i don't think it would be that much of an issue to be honest. wandered to my occasionally joke, but it will not be as bad. if we alljust come together and we all say, this is not acceptable and if there was a gay footballer, nothing is going to change, nothing is going to happen. he might get more deals

than before, i think many more people will follow injake's footsteps. today he is a pioneer. 0k, it footsteps. today he is a pioneer. ok, it has been really good to talk to. it's now time for the weather. hello, discolored —— scattered showers. still some rain in scotland. it is weakening as it moves across the northern isles and fizzles out. over the second half of the night, it is looking mainly dry, but misty and murky in places. tomorrow it is going to be osc split mac it does not look like much of the morning, but by the afternoon, there is going to be heavier showers. if you are to the east of this, a much warmer day with sunny spells around, the highest temperature of the year so far is likely across parts of east anglia and southeast england. there will be

high uv and pollen levels with a few thunderstorms possibles to finish the day and this band of rain making its way across more of the uk overnight and into wednesday morning. a few showers on wednesday and it will be whiter wednesday night. largely fine on thursday. hello this is bbc news with me. here are the headlines... britain's most senior military officer says ukraine is guaranteed its survival as a nation, but that does not mean the fighting is over. with volunteer forces facing some of the have been the heaviest fighting. thea;r forces facing some of the have been the heaviest fighting.— the heaviest fighting. they simply cannot let the _ the heaviest fighting. they simply cannot let the russians _ the heaviest fighting. they simply cannot let the russians through i cannot let the russians through here, if they do more ukrainian troops to the south will be under threat. so they are hanging on for dear life here.— threat. so they are hanging on for dear life here. boris johnson speaks to olitical dear life here. boris johnson speaks to political leaders _ dear life here. boris johnson speaks to political leaders in _ dear life here. boris johnson speaks to political leaders in northern - to political leaders in northern ireland as part of the vote to

secure power—sharing. it ireland as part of the vote to secure power-sharing. it seems to us absolutely extraordinary _ secure power-sharing. it seems to us absolutely extraordinary that - secure power-sharing. it seems to us absolutely extraordinary that the - absolutely extraordinary that the british government would propose legislative to break the law. fin british government would propose legislative to break the law. on man has been found _ legislative to break the law. on man has been found guilty of— legislative to break the law. on man has been found guilty of murdering. has been found guilty of murdering an off guild —— off duty police manager. 17—year—old jake daniels has become the uk only openly gay male professional football player and the first british footballer to come out since justin first british footballer to come out sincejustin fashanu. i first british footballer to come out since justin fashanu.— first british footballer to come out since justin fashanu. i think now is 'ust the since justin fashanu. i think now is just the right _ since justin fashanu. i think now is just the right time _ since justin fashanu. i think now is just the right time to _ since justin fashanu. i think now is just the right time to do _ since justin fashanu. i think now is just the right time to do it - since justin fashanu. i think now is just the right time to do it and - just the right time to do it and i feel like i'm ready to tell people my story and i want people to know the real me. lying all the time is not what i wanted to do and it has been a struggle, now ijust feel i am ready to be myself and be free and be confident with it all.

a 22—year—old man has and found guilty of murdering someone. he will be sentenced at a later date. we have this report. this is the moment officers detained wheeler. you have this report. this is the moment officers detained wheeler.— officers detained wheeler. you are under arrest _ officers detained wheeler. you are under arrest on _ officers detained wheeler. you are under arrest on suspicion - officers detained wheeler. you are under arrest on suspicion of - officers detained wheeler. you are l under arrest on suspicion of murder. them motors have never been clear. he said that if he was releasing to go back to rain and kill women. this woman was a committed and passionate police officer. she was walking her dog when she was attacked. inner reconstruction of her final moments.

i have never had an investigation when the smartwatch has been used in evidence. it was crucial in a sense that it helped me really understand the movements. wheeler was caught on dash cam footage the day after the murder near the crime scene. there is a suspicious fellow. it later emerged that wheeler was carrying the murder weapon, a metal railway jack later found the murder weapon, a metal railway jack laterfound in his bedroom. outside court, julia's family spoke after the verdict. i outside court, julia's family spoke after the verdict.— after the verdict. i think he is 'ust a after the verdict. i think he is just a vile _ after the verdict. i think he is just a vile excuse _ after the verdict. i think he is just a vile excuse for - after the verdict. i think he is just a vile excuse for a - after the verdict. i think he is | just a vile excuse for a human being. he needs to be held accountable for what he did to my mum. he clearly is a threat to

women. ,., . mum. he clearly is a threat to women. . ., ., women. the impact of her death continues to _ women. the impact of her death continues to be _ women. the impact of her death continues to be felt _ women. the impact of her death continues to be felt by _ women. the impact of her death continues to be felt by her - women. the impact of her death | continues to be felt by her family and they can't force she served. sweden has formally announced it wants to join nato. european allies have welcomed confirmation of sweden's decision to apply for nato membership. it comes a day after finland formally announced it would apply to join the alliance. this is the announcement by the swedish prime minister. translation: after the debate we had an additional meeting _ translation: after the debate we had an additional meeting and _ translation: after the debate we had an additional meeting and we _ translation: after the debate we had an additional meeting and we made - an additional meeting and we made two decisions. the first is that the government has decided to inform nato that sweden wants to join and that the swedish ambassador will put this request forward shortly. let me bring in this map.

it shows nato's expansion eastwards since 1997. the countries in bright purple, have become members. sweden and finland — in pink — are applying tojoin. nato has said they would be welcomed "with open arms". this is the russian president speaking earlier today on sweden and finland's plans tojoin nato. translation: russia has no problems with these states, _ translation: russia has no problems with these states, therefore, _ translation: russia has no problems with these states, therefore, the - with these states, therefore, the expansion of nato at the expense of these countries does not pose a direct threat to russia. but the expansion of military into these territory will require a response and we will see what that response will be based on the threats that will be based on the threats that will be based on the threats that will be created for us. meanwhile one of the biggest ever nato exercises in the baltics, got under way today. named �*hedgehog', the drills involve ten countries, including finland and sweden. the exercises will last for over two weeks. they were planned long before russia's invasion of ukraine but will test the baltic states�* ability to react to any similar incursion.

thank you so much forjoining us on bbc news. let me ask you for your reaction to the steps being made by sweden and finland to join reaction to the steps being made by sweden and finland tojoin nato. good evening. i think everybody in the baltic states welcome this decision made today in sweden and hopefully it will be made tomorrow by finland. finland and swing the end —— finland and swedenjoining nato would increase security in the baltic region. it will remove any ambiguity about how finland and sweden would behave in case military conflict in the baltic sea region. and they would also bring important military capability to the alliance. do you not fear and a russian backlash to them joining the

alliance? i backlash to them “oining the alliance? ~ , ., , . alliance? i think we should expect some reaction _ alliance? i think we should expect some reaction from _ alliance? i think we should expect some reaction from russia. - alliance? i think we should expect some reaction from russia. i- alliance? i think we should expect| some reaction from russia. i know that finland and sweden have assessed that cyber attacks will probably increase. the ongoing war in ukraine will mean that russia's military focus is directed towards ukraine, so hopefully this will mean that russia is not going to use military force against any of these countries. �* , ., ~ ., military force against any of these countries. �*, ., ~ ., ~ , countries. let's talk about turkey because turkey _ countries. let's talk about turkey because turkey is _ countries. let's talk about turkey because turkey is also _ countries. let's talk about turkey because turkey is also criticising | because turkey is also criticising these next steps. how big a problem is this for the swedish and finland dish efforts tojoin is this for the swedish and finland dish efforts to join nato? is this for the swedish and finland dish efforts tojoin nato? i is this for the swedish and finland dish efforts to join nato?- dish efforts to 'oin nato? i think turkish dish efforts to join nato? i think turkish concerns _ dish efforts to join nato? i think turkish concerns need _ dish efforts to join nato? i think turkish concerns need to - dish efforts to join nato? i think turkish concerns need to be - dish efforts to join nato? i think. turkish concerns need to be taken very seriously. finland and sweden both need to listen very carefully to what their turkish colleagues are saying to them. i'm sure there will

be discussions between the countries. i think these issues will be resolved. but sweden and finland being new members, they obviously need to work a little bit harder than they usually do in achieving success. these two countries joining nato represent a change, wounded, and european security landscape? a huge change. are you not worried at all that this move away from neutrality is going to create some sort of imbalance in the region? absolutely not. ithink imbalance in the region? absolutely not. i think the — imbalance in the region? absolutely not. i think the only _ imbalance in the region? absolutely not. i think the only imbalance - imbalance in the region? absolutely not. i think the only imbalance in i not. i think the only imbalance in the region has been caused by an authoritarian, russia, making war against its neighbours without any

reason. historically this is nothing new. looking back centuries, we see that this is standard russian behaviour. if we look at sweden and finland formally, they have not been military since theyjoin the european union. bear in mind the increase in the close cooperation between these two countries and nato, this last step to become full—fledged members of nato is going to be important, but it is not going to be important, but it is not going to be a huge change in the security environment.— going to be a huge change in the security environment. thank you so much forjoining — security environment. thank you so much forjoining us. _ mps have been questioning senior leaders from the bank of england at the treasury committee in parliament this afternoon. the bank's leader andrew bailey denied being "asleep at the wheel" when it came to meeting the target of keeping inflation at two percent. mr bailey also warned the war in ukraine is likely to hit

the cost of living further — as the conflict causes issues around production and supply of goods. i think two things at the ukrainian finance minister said is one ukraine does have food in store but can't get it out at the moment. two, while he was optimistic about crop planting, as you know, ukraine is a major supplier of weed, major supplier of oil, cooking oils. he was pretty optimistic about planting, interestingly but he says the moment, we have no way of shipping it out. as thing stands, things are getting worse. that is a major worry and notjust things are getting worse. that is a major worry and not just a things are getting worse. that is a major worry and notjust a major word for this country a major worry for the developing country as well. if i had to sort of don't ask her for being apocalyptic at the moment but that is a major concern. drug and alcohol

services across england are to recieve £780 million — the biggest single investment in decades — to reshape addiction treatment. the money will be used to try to reverse record number of deaths from both drugs and alcohol and the crime associated with it. research by the office for national statistics shows an 85% rise in deaths from drugs in england and wales between 1993 to 2020. in that last year there were just overfour and half thousand deaths. when it comes to alcohol deaths, there was a 32% rise between 2001 and 2020 — that's across the uk. in 2020 alone close to 9000 deaths were registered. jeremy cooke has been to birkenhead on the wirral to see a new approach that is both saving and changing lives. cocaine is a devil, to be fair. this is a story of drugs and booze. interdiction. it's the story of the

fight to get clean for those living on the edge. {jut fight to get clean for those living on the edge-— on the edge. out for like the debate no auoin on the edge. out for like the debate no going back- _ on the edge. out for like the debate no going back. drug _ on the edge. out for like the debate no going back. drug and _ on the edge. out for like the debate no going back. drug and alcohol- no going back. drug and alcohol deaths are at _ no going back. drug and alcohol deaths are at an _ no going back. drug and alcohol deaths are at an all-time - no going back. drug and alcohol deaths are at an all-time high, | deaths are at an all—time high, something has to change. ipupi’hezjt deaths are at an all-time high, something has to change. what i found was a _ something has to change. what i found was a broken _ something has to change. what i found was a broken service. - something has to change. what i found was a broken service. i - something has to change. what i i found was a broken service. i didn't find good, — found was a broken service. i didn't find good, i— found was a broken service. i didn't find good, i felt bad.— find good, ifelt bad. hello. didn't recounise find good, ifelt bad. hello. didn't recognise you- — find good, ifelt bad. hello. didn't recognise you. mike _ find good, ifelt bad. hello. didn't recognise you. mike is _ find good, ifelt bad. hello. didn't recognise you. mike is on - find good, ifelt bad. hello. didn't recognise you. mike is on a - find good, i felt bad. hello. didn't. recognise you. mike is on a mission. i spent a year watching his struggle to move on from addiction. for me were nice to _ to move on from addiction. for me were nice to have _ to move on from addiction. for me were nice to have a _ to move on from addiction. for me were nice to have a drink, - to move on from addiction. for me were nice to have a drink, cocainel were nice to have a drink, cocaine will go hand—in—hand. and of a sip of the pintand will go hand—in—hand. and of a sip of the pint and then add want to get a bag. of the pint and then add want to get a ban. , ., of the pint and then add want to get a bag. death associated with cocaine have increased _ a bag. death associated with cocaine have increased fivefold _ a bag. death associated with cocaine have increased fivefold since - a bag. death associated with cocaine have increased fivefold since 2010. l have increased fivefold since 2010. mike's life was spiralling down. when i get a drink ijust turned into this person that people didn't want to be around. aggressive? yeah, aggressive, nasty,. violent?

violent, definitely. that's a dark moment for me in a moment that i don't ever want to sit in again. broken head still recovering from the crippling recession of and the spiral to follow. upstairs in a rehab center. this is what recovery looks like. mike signed up to the programme after another arrest, another night in a cell. for programme after another arrest, another night in a cell.— programme after another arrest, another night in a cell. for him it was a light _ another night in a cell. for him it was a light bulb _ another night in a cell. for him it was a light bulb moment. - another night in a cell. for him it was a light bulb moment. it - another night in a cell. for him it| was a light bulb moment. it gives another night in a cell. for him it i was a light bulb moment. it gives a choice that we could be the best possible person that we can be. it’s possible person that we can be. it's an intense rehab programme and today mike isjoining the ranks of graduates. mike is joining the ranks of graduates-— mike is joining the ranks of uraduates. ., ~' , ., , . graduates. thank you very much, really appreciate _ graduates. thank you very much, really appreciate that. _ graduates. thank you very much, really appreciate that. here - graduates. thank you very much, really appreciate that. here in i really appreciate that. here in itirkenhead — really appreciate that. here in birkenhead they've _ really appreciate that. here in birkenhead they've come - really appreciate that. here in birkenhead they've come up i really appreciate that. here in i birkenhead they've come up with a concept of recovery village which brings together and co—ordinates all of the many different services which aim to help people get off and stay

off the drugs and booze. and it is changing lives. it’s off the drugs and booze. and it is changing lives-— changing lives. it's not 'ust another person i changing lives. it's not 'ust another person comingi changing lives. it's notjust another person coming in. | changing lives. it's notjust i another person coming in. it's an individual and we are there to support— individual and we are there to support that person to connect them with the _ support that person to connect them with the communities that reconnect them _ with the communities that reconnect them. ., ., them. your guiding me on the path i am on. them. your guiding me on the path i am on- you — them. your guiding me on the path i am on- you are _ them. your guiding me on the path i am on. you are surely _ them. your guiding me on the path i am on. you are surely missed. it's i am on. you are surely missed. it's late summer _ am on. you are surely missed. it's late summer and _ am on. you are surely missed. it's late summer and for _ am on. you are surely missed. it's late summer and for mike - am on. you are surely missed. it's late summer and for mike a i late summer and for mike a milestone. his mum margaret would've been 68 today but the family lost her to cancer five years mike remembers drinking on the day she died. ,., remembers drinking on the day she died. ,. ., , remembers drinking on the day she died. ._ , remembers drinking on the day she died. , died. the same day my mum passed awa i was died. the same day my mum passed away i was probably _ died. the same day my mum passed away i was probably under— died. the same day my mum passed away i was probably under the i away i was probably under the influence then. what was your lifestyle like that?— influence then. what was your lifestyle like that? drinking and usina. all lifestyle like that? drinking and using. all the _ lifestyle like that? drinking and using. all the time? _ lifestyle like that? drinking and using. all the time? all - lifestyle like that? drinking and using. all the time? all the i lifestyle like that? drinking and i using. all the time? all the time. mike has booze _ using. all the time? all the time. mike has booze for— using. all the time? all the time. mike has booze for his _ using. all the time? all the time. mike has booze for his mom. i using. all the time? all the time. | mike has booze for his mom. he's been doing voluntary support work helping other addicts and it's turned into a paid position. got a “ob, turned into a paid position. got a job. helping _ turned into a paid position. got a job, helping other _ turned into a paid position. got a job, helping other people - turned into a paid position. (spit a. job, helping other people as well as keeping myself sober and clean.

she's always there, dad. mike keeping myself sober and clean. she's always there, dad.- she's always there, dad. mike is sa in: she's always there, dad. mike is saying strong — she's always there, dad. mike is saying strong but _ she's always there, dad. mike is saying strong but it's _ she's always there, dad. mike is saying strong but it's hard. it's i saying strong but it's hard. it's been a tough few weeks. moments of de - ression been a tough few weeks. moments of depression and _ been a tough few weeks. moments of depression and moments _ been a tough few weeks. moments of depression and moments of- been a tough few weeks. moments of depression and moments of being i been a tough few weeks. moments of. depression and moments of being down and i realise i might be 18 months clean and sober but again that can creep up at any time. the recovery villa . e creep up at any time. the recovery village here _ creep up at any time. the recovery village here is— creep up at any time. the recovery village here is a _ creep up at any time. the recovery village here is a community - creep up at any time. the recovery| village here is a community fighting back. i village here is a community fighting back. ., �* , , ., back. i wouldn't be where i be now if i back. i wouldn't be where i be now ifi didn't back. i wouldn't be where i be now if i didn't have _ back. i wouldn't be where i be now if i didn't have peers _ back. i wouldn't be where i be now if i didn't have peers around i back. i wouldn't be where i be now if! didn't have peers around me. i if i didn't have peers around me. and at— if i didn't have peers around me. and at a — if i didn't have peers around me. and at a time when a major government report has found that across england many services are not fit for purpose. haifa across england many services are not fit for purpose-— across england many services are not fit for purpose. how many people can ou take it fit for purpose. how many people can you take it once? _ fit for purpose. how many people can you take it once? as _ fit for purpose. how many people can you take it once? as many _ fit for purpose. how many people can you take it once? as many as - fit for purpose. how many people can you take it once? as many as you i fit for purpose. how many people can you take it once? as many as you can fit the door- — you take it once? as many as you can fit the door. we _ you take it once? as many as you can fit the door. we told _ you take it once? as many as you can fit the door. we told her _ you take it once? as many as you can fit the door. we told her about i you take it once? as many as you can fit the door. we told her about the i fit the door. we told her about the recovery village and now she's come to see for herself was up how the services here are working together. this places the beaten path... home this places the beaten path... name carol has persuaded _ this places the beaten path... name carol has persuaded ministers i this places the beaten path... ijane carol has persuaded ministers that it's good value to spend an

unprecedented £780 million on improving recovery in england. if you get people into good treatment and good recovery programmes we know from research in this country murders go down, crime goes down and less people go to prison. got a murders go down, crime goes down and less people go to prison.— less people go to prison. got a real passion for — less people go to prison. got a real passion for this _ less people go to prison. got a real passion for this and _ less people go to prison. got a real passion for this and i _ less people go to prison. got a real passion for this and i really - less people go to prison. got a real passion for this and i really want i passion for this and i really want to help — passion for this and i really want to help people. it is passion for this and i really want to help people-— passion for this and i really want to help people. it is not everyday that a lad from _ to help people. it is not everyday that a lad from birkenhead i to help people. it is not everyday that a lad from birkenhead to i to help people. it is not everydayj that a lad from birkenhead to get to help people. it is not everyday i that a lad from birkenhead to get to share his story with the governments most important drugs advisor. actually two years clean and sober today _ actually two years clean and sober today. they saved my life. fantastic. that makes me very happy. the relief that i was not the only person struggling with addiction. mike's hope that they can be life after addiction.— after addiction. there's a lot of thins after addiction. there's a lot of things that _ after addiction. there's a lot of things that drugs _ after addiction. there's a lot of things that drugs and - after addiction. there's a lot of things that drugs and alcohol. after addiction. there's a lot of i things that drugs and alcohol strip me of but there's a lot of things now that i am rebuilding. i said that i had a problem and this is my story. if you've been affected by any of the issues injeremy cooke's report details of organisations

offering information and support with addiction are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call forfree, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000155 9a7. the vatican's representative injerusalem has accused israel the capital rose by more than 50% last month, meaning millions of households saw their bills jump by around £700. ofgem set a more frequent price cap had a most up—to—date price, but it's on the detectives investigating the death in a three—year—old boy and a dog attack say they've seized several

animals officers have... they've been called to the same address in the past. pupils in england, wales and northern ireland are sitting a levels and gcses this week. our education editor branwenjeffrys has spent the day at a school in norfolk. on each desk, a name. being the first year group i think it is going to be a big deal. long hours in this hall lie ahead. the end of the day, it is about you, you are sitting that exam. no—one else. after two years, exams are back. feels like it has jumped on us quite quickly. they have been through lockdowns and disruption, so this year, they have been given some advance warning of topics. it helped me prioritise my revision. i've missed quite a bit of school from isolations and lockdowns,

so it made everything a lot easier and it really calmed, i think, everyone down. it is like back to normality in a way, and i think it's a fair way of assessing people. your exams reflect how hard you have worked. been working towards these exams, |we have been doing exam practise, | we have been learning all this- content, and it's a way to show how much we have learned and how much we have improved. - there will be terror, triumph and tears over the next few weeks, as teenagers and their families navigate the return of exams, but for many as well, there's a sense of relief, because they get a chance to prove themselves, and to own the grades they will get in august. our year—11s really want examinations. so, they're finding ways for every pupil to sit exams. we put really special arrangements in place for those that are struggling, and some of our invigilators are going to the children's homes, some of our children are sitting their examinations outside of the exam halls. the last revision sessions ahead of gcses.

for a—level students sitting their first exams at 18, it's a bigger step this year. but for everyone, just getting under way is a relief. i really liked the exam. i was nervous when i went in, but once i opened the paper and looked through the question, i thought, yes, this is what i've been revising. one down, many more ahead. some are waiting for them at the end. branwenjeffreys, bbc news, norwich. good luck to them. i don't fancy exams at all these days. now fashion giant zara has become the latest retailer to charge shoppers who return items bought online. customers must now pay £1.95 to return clothes, with the cost taken from their refund. items bought online can still be returned for free in stores. high street firms such as uniqlo and next already charge for online returns. they could still be returned in the

stores. joining me now is retail expert dr sarah montan. thank you very much forjoining us. are you surprised that a big retailer like zara has gone this way? do you think this is the way things are headed?— way? do you think this is the way things are headed? thank you and aood things are headed? thank you and good evening- _ things are headed? thank you and good evening- l — things are headed? thank you and good evening. i think— things are headed? thank you and good evening. i think this - things are headed? thank you and good evening. i think this has i things are headed? thank you and | good evening. i think this has been a really interesting move by zara because what we've actually seen as well for retailers, we're seeing an increase in returns as well. perhaps over lockdown, we were buying loungewear that didn't need to fit as precisely as now we're back to socialising. it's actually more important that garments fit correctly. there's some evidence to suggest that returns have increased, and of course, it's not a new cost for the retailer. those returns all have to be processed and your refund

has to be protest, so does cost the retailer. given the fact that we are seeing price increases across the supply chain, i don't think it's a particular surprised. you supply chain, i don't think it's a particular surprised.— supply chain, i don't think it's a particular surprised. you think it will ut particular surprised. you think it will put people _ particular surprised. you think it will put people off? _ particular surprised. you think it will put people off? well, i particular surprised. you think it will put people off? well, zara l will put people off? well, zara would like _ will put people off? well, zara would like it _ will put people off? well, zara would like it to _ will put people off? well, zara would like it to do _ will put people off? well, zara would like it to do a _ will put people off? well, zara would like it to do a little i will put people off? well, zara would like it to do a little bit, l would like it to do a little bit, so they still like you to shop with them, but they would like you to go into stores. that might be to do your online shopping, but then to go and return them indoors, and once you're in store. you see garments you're in store. you see garments you might not have seen online, so then you might buy them. zara would like to get you back into store. doctor sarah, where out of time, but it's been really good to talk to you. coleen rooney has been describing how she came to suspect rebekah vardy of leaking stories

about her to the sun newspaper, on the fifth day of the libel case against her. mrs vardy is suing the wife of the former england captain for libel. mrs rooney is defending the claim on the basis her social media post about mrs vardy was "substantially true". our correspondent colin paterson reports. coueen colleen rooney arriving for a second day in the witness box. in court, she said she did not tell anyone, not even wayne, about her month—long investigation into who was leaking their private life to the papers. she said it was february 2019 when she first suspected rebekah vardy was among... 1—story she made up was about their basement flooding. six days later, that story appeared in the sun, prompting rooney to post the sun, prompting rooney to post the accusation. colleen rooney said

she found it ridiculous and that far from enjoying the attention giving from enjoying the attention giving from her —— given to her, she hated every minute. she said the reason she didn't confront rebekah vardy before going public was that by that stage, she didn't believe a word that was coming out of her mouth. she described rebekah's explicates it messages as just evil. her lawyer says that his client has accepted that it was her agent, caroline watts, senior on the left, who was the leak. she believes rebekah vardy knew what was going on the whole time. colin paterson, bbc news, the high court. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. scattered, heavy showers and thunderstorms across parts of northern ireland, wales and england fading now as we get on into the night. still some rain in scotland, that's weakening as it moves across

the northern isles overnight and fizzles out. and second half of the night is looking mainly dry but misty and murky in places — the lower temperatures in eastern scotland and northeast england. now, tomorrow, it's going to be a west—east split, turning wetter in the west. doesn't look like much in the morning, but by the afternoon, rain heavier, more widespread for western scotland, northern ireland, west wales and into the western side of england. if you're to the east of this, got a much warmer day with the sunny spells around. the highest temperature of the year so far is likely across parts of east anglia and south east england, the warmth accompanied by high uv and high pollen levels as well, with a few thunderstorms possible to end the day, and also this band of rain making west—east progress across more of the uk overnight and into wednesday morning. a few showers around on wednesday, wetter again on wednesday night, largely fine on thursday.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. there are reports emerging from the azovstal steel plant in mariupol, that wounded ukrainians soldiers. more than 1,000 ukrainian troops remain in the steelworks where they are engaged in fierce gun—battles with the advancing russian forces. can the prime minister unlock power sharing in northern ireland's — he's been in belfast today to discuss the stand off over the northern ireland protocol. and the anger and grief in buffalo, new york, where a white supremacist has killed ten black people in a racially motivated attack. tonight with the context, from rome former eu foreign policy adviser nathalie tocci and the republican party strategist ron christie who joins us from washington.