this is bbc news. the headlines... boris johnson's former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. last night, after making clear his frustrations he would consider revive —— resigning before. also told mps it was reasonable to suggest the prime minister may have breached the ministerial code. in his resignation letter, lord geidt says he came close to quitting over the partygate scandal. interest rates up again to 1.25% — the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary has described next week's rail strikes as an act of self—harm

by the union leadership. half of britain's rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. these strikes are not only a bid to derail reforms that are critical to the network's future and designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. iam in i am in the devon constituency which has been conservative for 100 years. we will hear for the labour candidate where it may not be so certain that it will stay that way. hot and getting even hotter — britain's heatwave expected to peak tomorrow with temperatures of 3a degrees celsius.

good afternoon. borisjohnson�*s ethics adviser, who resigned last night, has accused the prime minister of putting him in an impossible and odious position. in his resignation letter, lord geidt said the prime minister had asked him to consider measures, understood to be on a trade issue, which risked a deliberate and purposeful breach of the ministerial code. lord geidt�*s letter also says he came close to quitting over the partygate affair. in response, the prime minister said his resignation had come as a surprise. 0ur political correspondent, nick eardley, reports. this is lord geidt, the man who was responsible for advising the prime minister on ethics but, last night, after making clear his frustrations about downing street, he quit. and this morning, we found out why. in a letter, he told the prime minister...

he adds... that refers to downing street proposals designed to support british industry but which could have broken international trade rules. in his response, the prime minister writes... this was lord geidt in parliament on tuesday, just 2a hours before he quit. here is what he said about rumours he had considered resigning before. there are few instruments available to an independent adviser. he also told mps it was reasonable to suggest the prime minister may have breached the ministerial code after his lockdown party fine. but this isn't a first — the man in the red tie, so alex allan, quit the job as borisjohnson�*s advisor two years ago after being overruled on whether the home secretary broke the rules ministers have to follow.

the government said it was disappointed lord geidt had quit but said it did take ministerial ethics seriously. significant changes were made to the role and status of independent adviser on ministers�* interests. as i set out to the house last week, these changes represent the most substantial strengthening of the role of independent adviser since its creation. but others said the problem was the prime minister. it is a pattern of degrading the principles of our democracy, the prime minister has now driven out both of his hand—picked ethics advisers to resign in despair in two years. it is a badge of shame for this government. | for the prime minister to lose one adviser on ministers interests may be regarded as misfortune but to lose two looks - like carelessness. some argue significant damage has been done to downing street's ethics regime. borisjohnson is now looking for his third adviser since he became prime minister. 0ur political correspondent,

ione wells, can tell us more. clearly, lord geidt was discontent with boris johnson's clearly, lord geidt was discontent with borisjohnson�*s leadership ear? that's right. there are a number of things at play here. lord geidt had serious concerns about the prime minister's response to the whole party gate affair, he hinted before he is considering resigning over that matter but also made it clear the prime minister needed to set out publicly what his explanation was. in his resignation letter, he touched upon some of this and said that even though the prime minister had given a justification for his conduct and explained why he did not believe he had breached the ministerial code over party gate, lord geidt clearly had issues about boris johnson's lord geidt clearly had issues about borisjohnson�*s wider leadership, leadership in public life particularly. another significant thing in the letter, he also touched upon his discontent with the way that in his view borisjohnson and

number 10 had framed this as somehow a miscommunication between their offices, he doesn't like the idea that essentially the blame was deferred to lord geidt for not making his concerns clear. lord geidt says he did make the concerns he had very clear, he doesn't like the way that was branded, miscommunication, but interestingly the final straw seems to be about this kind of trade question that was put to him only this week, particularly in relation to the government wanting to intervene to extend certain safeguarding tariffs. we understand this is in relation to number 10's desire to protect the steel industry. but lord geidt touches on how this was essentially asking him to give advice on what he believes would be a deliberate breaching of the ministerial code. the ministerial code says that ministers have to abide by the law at all times. the concern here from

lord geidt seems to be as number 10 suggested that, while number 10 argued that extending certain safeguarding tariffs to take the steel industry might be compliant with domestic law, it could breach certain world trade organization obligations. the key word here really in the resignation letter seems to be deliberate, he doesn't like the idea that he was being asked to give advice on something he feels liberally breach the law. when it came to party gate, the prime minister's justification for that that was he did not attend to the break the rules, the intention point seems to be key, but there are a number of factors at play leading to temper�*s wider concern about the prime minister's leadership over the last few months. —— leading to lord geidt�*s. let's speak now to the labour mp lloyd russell—moyle, who's on the commons public administration committee. that is your understanding of the

reasons behind lord geidt�*s resignation last night. we reasons behind lord geidt's resignation last night. we have heard just _ resignation last night. we have heard just there, _ resignation last night. we have heard just there, he _ resignation last night. we have heard just there, he has - resignation last night. we have heard just there, he has had i resignation last night. we have heard just there, he has had a| heard just there, he has had a number of issues where he says he has been holding on by a thread around how the prime minister has sidestepped the sugrue report that he points out showed a lack of leadership and thus a breach of the ministerial he feels that he excuse the fixed term penalty, fixed penalty notice, saying that he did not deliberately do it, of course, it is not so much of a breach of the ministerial code if it's not deliberate, but that was not an excuse used in other forums, so already he has been worried about breaches of standards in the government, and now we see him reporting that he was asked explicitly on the straight issue whether the government can break the law, and he felt that his continuation of supporting or

working with this government was complicit in breaking the rules, breaking the law and breaking the ministerial code, so he resigned. i think that is a great shame, this is a man who of course was the queen's right—hand servant for many years, this was an honourable man that the government, he says, are trying to break the rules for political gain. what is your view of the government or downing street branding this as a miscommunication between downing street and lord geidt, which he seems to have rejected? the? street and lord geidt, which he seems to have rejected? seems to have re'ected? they said the concerned _ seems to have rejected? they said the concerned about _ seems to have rejected? they said the concerned about the _ seems to have rejected? they said the concerned about the sue - seems to have rejected? they said the concerned about the sue gray| the concerned about the sue gray report and the breaching of the coronavirus rules was a miscommunication. i'm not sure they say the trade remedy is in she was a miscommunication. i sit in the trade committee as well, we have been raising these issues for a long time, but we have not expected the government to be breaking the rules

around these issues, so it is of great concern that what lord geidt is reporting is they have been plotting behind closed doors, trying to get his support behind an idea that they would break the law and break the rules. h0??? that they would break the law and break the rules.— that they would break the law and break the rules. how fit for purpose is this code. — break the rules. how fit for purpose is this code, then, _ break the rules. how fit for purpose is this code, then, if— break the rules. how fit for purpose is this code, then, if we _ break the rules. how fit for purpose is this code, then, if we have - break the rules. how fit for purpose is this code, then, if we have had i is this code, then, if we have had two advisers resigned because they just don't feel they can work within what is being asked of them? fiur what is being asked of them? our s stem what is being asked of them? oi" system requires two things, it requires an element of good behaviour and vulnerability from the prime minister and the leaders of this country and, if that is not forthcoming, it requires honourable people in parliament to dispatch of the dishonourable members and appoint honourable members. what has happened here is, as lord geidt puts it, the political gain, they have not acted honourably in the first

instance, and then we know for political gain that only 148 of his own side stood up and did the honourable thing, and the others decided that it did not matter about the rule breaking. normally, a system works because those are the two checks and balances, but clearly in this instance, because dishonourable people are holding the tiller, there are things you could do. bearing in mind, these are not ministers of the prime minister, they are ministers of the crown, ministers responsible to the queen, and we don't want to bring the royal family into this, but we could bring the privy council in, we could make these criminal actions, we could seek further independence, like we have with mps and sexual assault cases. these rules did not work on certain things, so why are we expecting them to work for ministers? clearly, it's wrong, it needs to change, but will the prime minister change it? if it's not for

political gain, lord geidt puts it quite clearly that it is unlikely to do so. . ~ i. ., ., , the bank of england has raised interest rates for the fifth time in a row. the base rate is going up a quarter of a percentage point to 1.25% — its highest level in 13 years. the move is aimed at fighting high inflation amid soaring energy prices. our economics correspondent, andy verity, is outside the bank of england for us now. andy, this was widely predicted? no, especially if you have a variable rate mortgage, but nevertheless some people are locked into their mortgages because of the government done, saying portfolios are due to lenders and those people will suffer each time, so this is now the highest interest rates have been since 2009, you could even say interest rates are at ten times that they were a year ago because back then they were back to the

exceptional thing is not so much what is happening now as to what has happened over the last few years where we have had emergency low interest rates because the bank of england has not felt able to raise them because of weak economic growth and stagnant living standards, now we have a situation where we have the highest inflation since 1982, 9%, the bank of england said today it expects it to get above 11%, so really the bank of england is forced to normalise the situation, even though raising domestic interest rates in this country does not do much to detain global inflation. exactly, so what is the argument for doing it, if a lot of these pressures are external? the doing it, if a lot of these pressures are external? the bank of encland pressures are external? the bank of england has — pressures are external? the bank of england has said _ pressures are external? the bank of england has said 8096. .. _ pressures are external? the bank of england has said 8096. .. it's - pressures are external? the bank of england has said 8096... it's the - england has said 80%... it's the price of energy, stupid, and the price of energy, stupid, and the price of energy, stupid, and the price of raw materials, but they are saying not all of it can be attributed to global forces, some can be domestic and they are pointing to the tight labour market,

how wage pressures are increasing, employers are having to pay staff now because of the recruitment crisis out there and it is those pressures the bank of england wants to head off, it's still predicting that although inflation will peak at about 11% it will subside and get down to its 2% target within the next two or three. i’zfe down to its 296 target within the next two or three.— down to its 296 target within the next two or three. i've told you, don't call _ next two or three. i've told you, don't call me — next two or three. i've told you, don't call me stupid! _ joining me now is ray boulger, senior mortgage technical at brokerage john charcol. and he has just and he hasjust said only 10% people are on variable rate mortgages, so how hard hit for mortgage borrowers be by this? it how hard hit for mortgage borrowers be b this? .,~ how hard hit for mortgage borrowers be b this? w ., be by this? it will take quite a while before _ be by this? it will take quite a while before the _ be by this? it will take quite a while before the majority - be by this? it will take quite a while before the majority of. while before the majority of mortgage borrowers are hit. last time, we had hikes in bank rates was backin time, we had hikes in bank rates was back in the 2000s and that rate more people had variable—rate mortgages, now over 90% of new mortgages that have been taken since 2018 have been on a fixed rate, and of those in the

last few years over half have been on a five year fixed rate so it will take quite a while before it impacts on people with existing mortgages. first—time buyers will be hit as soon as they want to buy but on the plus side the increased cost of mortgages, along with the other increased cost of living, are going to have a big impact on the rate of growth of house prices and i suspect by the end of the year we will no longer see house prices bowing so although mortgage costs will go up they will benefit from i suspect not having to pay so much for the property. having to pay so much for the ro -e . ., having to pay so much for the pf°pefty-_ having to pay so much for the --roe . ., ., _ ,., property. how easy it is at the moment to — property. how easy it is at the moment to find _ property. how easy it is at the moment to find a _ property. how easy it is at the moment to find a fixed - property. how easy it is at the moment to find a fixed rate i property. how easy it is at the - moment to find a fixed rate mortgage which might give you a bit of certainty for the next ten years? that is very easy. if you go back to january, fixed—rate mortgages if you had a big deposit started at 1.1% and five years fixed rates at 1.4, and five years fixed rates at 1.4, and in the latter part of last year you could get fixed for five years

at less than 1%. now you are looking at less than 1%. now you are looking at rates starting at 2.5% if you have a big deposit. and whether you take all, there is not a lot of difference in rates, and interestingly you cars about fixing for the long term, you can actually get a fixed rate for 30 years, provided you have a big deposit, at 3.15%, and although one of the big problems with long—term fixed—rate mortgages, why people don't like them, is that they have to repay the whole period, with this deal, if you are redeeming the mortgage because you are selling the property, you don't pay the other payment charge, so i think with the differential between a five year fixed on a long—term fixed, it is worthwhile considering long—term fixed rates. what do you think is coming down the track and how does it relate to mortgages? i track and how does it relate to mortgages?— track and how does it relate to mortmaes? ~ . ,, mortgages? i think that when you bear in mind _

mortgages? i think that when you bear in mind it _ mortgages? i think that when you bear in mind it is _ mortgages? i think that when you bear in mind it is forecasting - mortgages? i think that when you bear in mind it is forecasting cpi. bear in mind it is forecasting cpi will peak at 11% rather than ten, and a huge unknown in where cpi goes and a huge unknown in where cpi goes and how long before it starts to fall as energy prices, were dependent on what we can't forecast, how long britain has will continue, it's so uncertain as to when rates will fall, from a mortgage perspective, bearing in mind that for most people the biggest monthly cost as their mortgage, there is a strong argument for taking a long—term fixed rate provided you don't plan to move home in the near future, but even if you are you can get a long—term fixed rate without paying any repayment charge. goad paying any repayment charge. good advice, as always. _ paying any repayment charge. good advice, as always. thank— paying any repayment charge. good advice, as always. thank you very much. the headlines on bbc news... boris johnson's former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious"

position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. lord geidt says he came close to quitting over the party gate scandal but it was request for advice on a separate matter that left him with no choice but to go. interest rates up again — to one and a quarter per cent, the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary, grant shapps, has described the planned rmt strikes as "an incredible act of self—harm". half of britain's rail lines will be closed during stoppages next tuesday, thursday and saturday in a dispute about pay and conditions. thursday and saturday in a dispute mr shapps said the strikes were designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. the railway, just beginning to recoverfrom the pandemic, and we're on the verge of a national strike. these strikes are not only a bid to derail reforms that are critical to the network's future and designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time, but they're also an incredible act of self—harm

by the union leadership. make no mistake, unlike the past 25 years, when rising passenger demand year after year was taken for granted by the industry, today, the railway is in a fight. it's not only competing against other forms of public and private transport, it's in a battle with zoom and teams and remote working. in case the unions haven't noticed, the world has changed. many commuters, who three years ago had no alternative but to take the train, today have the option of not travelling at all. wave them goodbye and we'll endanger the jobs of thousands of rail workers, the last thing the railways should be doing right now. it's alienating its passengers and the freight customers with long

and damaging strikes. unions claim these strikes are about a pay freeze. this is wrong. we're not imposing a pay freeze now covid is in the past. so i say to the workforce, your union bosses have driven you to the verge of a national strike under false pretenses. and rather than protect your jobs, they are actually threatening yourjobs. the rmt has responded, saying, the threats made to date a railway like his —— railway workers are disgraceful and will make members even more fiercely determined to win this dispute. it's clear now the government is intent on making this dispute over pay and jobs into a political fight with the rmt. there's one week to go before the people of tiverton and honiton and separately wakefield go to the polls in two by—elections that will test the popularity of the prime minister and his government.

we were in wakefield yesterday — shaun ley is in devon for us today. it's looking gorgeous! it is. it is gorgeous. _ it's looking gorgeous! it is. it is gorgeous. its — it's looking gorgeous! it is. it is gorgeous, its glorious - it's looking gorgeous! it is. it is gorgeous, its glorious devon, l it's looking gorgeous! it is. it is l gorgeous, its glorious devon, i'm biased. i'm here in devon because of course a by—election. a constituency the conservatives held in 2019 with a majority of 25,000, it's almost borisjohnson's back yard because he was born on exmoor, but this has been tory for 100 years. the lib dems say they are closing fast, but it was labour that finished his second, so what's going on? in a moment we will hear from the candidate but first my colleague spent the day in tiverton and

honiton to get a feel for this election campaign. the bennett family have been running their dairy farm near honiton for 15 years. agriculture, mainly livestock farming, is the major industry in this very rural constituency. we are in a minority business, but we're actually fundamentally a very important business to the country. we produce food for other people so it will be nice for the farmers to be heard. like other industries, they're being hit by rising costs. but they say there's also too much legislation around farming, which should be cut. if you've got all these barriers and restrictions holding you back, as a business, you're not actually going to be able to move forward. and do you know which way you're going to vote? i'm going to vote for lib dem. i think we've been a conservative constituency for a long time. -

in the young farming community, there's a lot of us who feel - like the government hasn't gone far enough. - i'm weighing up between conservative and lib dem. my thoughts are, i'm looking for an mp who's going to look at farming on a more food security. and not so much on the environment. i'd rather have the conservative party— i'd rather have the conservative party even _ i'd rather have the conservative party even though they have received a letter _ party even though they have received a letter of _ party even though they have received a letter of bad press. in the last two or three years we've probably gone through some of the worst times we've ever been through with covid etc, and i think borisjohnson's done a damn good job, really. just the same, really. swings and roundabouts, _ just the same, really. swings and roundabouts, whether— just the same, really. swings and roundabouts, whether i— just the same, really. swings and roundabouts, whether i will- just the same, really. swings and roundabouts, whether i will evenl roundabouts, whether i will even vote, _ roundabouts, whether i will even vote, but — roundabouts, whether i will even vote, but if— roundabouts, whether i will even vote, but if i_ roundabouts, whether i will even vote, but if i do— roundabouts, whether i will even vote, but if i do it _ roundabouts, whether i will even vote, but if i do it would - roundabouts, whether i will even| vote, but if i do it would probably io vote, but if i do it would probably go conservative. _ vote, but if i do it would probably go conservative. so _ vote, but if! do it would probably go conservative.— go conservative. so a lot to chew over there _ go conservative. so a lot to chew over there and _ go conservative. so a lot to chew over there and that _ go conservative. so a lot to chew over there and that is _ go conservative. so a lot to chew over there and that is interesting j over there and that is interesting in itself. this is a seat that's been conservative since its creation in 1997. and most of it has been tory for

decades before that. last time, neil parish, the former mp, won by 24,000 votes over his nearest rival. under the normal rules of politics, this isn't a by—election that would usually even raise an eyebrow. but the lib dems are pushing hard here, despite coming third behind labour in 2019. in the constituency�*s other main town of tiverton, opinion is also divided. so, if liberal democrats win it, then boris is in trouble. hopefully, all us tories will come out and vote and keep it a tory area. i have always voted conservative and i've liked a lot of what they've delivered in the past. but, at the moment, i'm so appalled by the government at the moment. so that is why i'm looking more locally— so that is why i'm looking more locally than government. so who i vote for, i don't know.

but it won't be boris. to be honest, i'm a labour- supporter, but it's not very labour sort of country here. so i think tactically. i'll be voting lib dem. the leadership is a mess at the moment and something needs to be done to change it. i’m moment and something needs to be done to change it.— done to change it. i'm slightly disillusioned _ done to change it. i'm slightly disillusioned with _ done to change it. i'm slightly disillusioned with the - done to change it. i'm slightly disillusioned with the way - done to change it. i'm slightly| disillusioned with the way that things— disillusioned with the way that things are being done at the moment and choices_ things are being done at the moment and choices are being made that i don't _ and choices are being made that i don't feel— and choices are being made that i don't feel comfortable with. and i think_ don't feel comfortable with. and i think a _ don't feel comfortable with. and i think a change might be necessary. what people here decide next week could have consequences which stretch to the rest of the country. a big moment for a part of devon that perhaps never expected to find itself in the political limelight. with me now is labour's candidate, liz pole. your literature talks a lot about how labour is the opposition party, leaving the other parties behind. he finished second, still a long way behind, on that occasion the tories got 60% of the vote, why is it

different this time? i’m got 6096 of the vote, why is it different this time?— different this time? i'm very excited about _ different this time? i'm very excited about the _ different this time? i'm very l excited about the opportunity different this time? i'm very - excited about the opportunity we have in this by—election because boris johnson's have in this by—election because borisjohnson's government is really failing the country. the sleaze, the lack of integrity, the lies, and what people say the waffle, not getting things done, the brass neck of the man comes up a lot. his father farms _ of the man comes up a lot. his father farms on _ of the man comes up a lot. his father farms on export. do you not feel a certain part of attachment to him? i feel a certain part of attachment to him? ., �* ~' feel a certain part of attachment to him? ., �* ~ ., �* ~ him? i don't think so! i don't think an one him? i don't think so! i don't think anyone feels _ him? i don't think so! i don't think anyone feels attachment - him? i don't think so! i don't think anyone feels attachment to - him? i don't think so! i don't think anyone feels attachment to him i anyone feels attachment to him whatsoever, i think they want to get him gone, they think is a stain on british democracy and that he has brought... he has made things worse for the british public. it’s brought. .. he has made things worse for the british public.— for the british public. it's all very well — for the british public. it's all very well for _ for the british public. it's all very well for you _ for the british public. it's all very well for you to - for the british public. it's all very well for you to project i for the british public. it's all i very well for you to project that message, the lib dems are saying much the same thing but in the end the lib dems have a track record of

taking seats in the west country. they may have a track record of taking by—elections but the labour party as the party of opposition in the west country. we have been the party of opposition in the last two elections and in 2015 as well, and we are definitely campaigning to win, we are campaigning with passion, we have 24 wards, we have 65 villages, parishes, 125 villages, and i'm aiming to get out to all of them, and i've been to some of the more than once already. you them, and i've been to some of the more than once already.— them, and i've been to some of the more than once already. you have a week left. — more than once already. you have a week left. but _ more than once already. you have a week left, but when _ more than once already. you have a week left, but when you _ more than once already. you have a week left, but when you look i more than once already. you have a week left, but when you look at i more than once already. you have a | week left, but when you look at that result you've achieved in 2019, the labour vote went down 7.5% in the previous election, the lib dems went up previous election, the lib dems went up nearly 7%, that would suggest the trajectory is in favour. up nearly 796, that would suggest the trajectory is in favour.— trajectory is in favour. think swirl around in elections, _ trajectory is in favour. think swirl around in elections, and - trajectory is in favour. think swirl around in elections, and i - trajectory is in favour. think swirl around in elections, and i think. trajectory is in favour. think swirl. around in elections, and i think we will see a little bit of that this time, but we are building our case, we have a lot of people who have

drifted over the conservatives in recent years that are coming back to the labour party, they want a different party of government, they want the alternative party, which is the labour party, and i think we are also seeing the conservative vote collapsed, so a lot of conservatives are staying at home, and rightly so. if they can't switch their vote. but we are seeing a lot of people switching their votes. it’s switching their votes. it's confusing _ switching their votes. it's confusing for _ switching their votes. it's confusing for the - switching their votes. it's confusing for the public, they have got to strong opposition parties running locally and getting a lot of the national figures into running locally and getting a lot of the nationalfigures into campaign for them, and there is the suspicion ljy for them, and there is the suspicion by some in this constituency that labour is not really fighting, it wants to win wakefield, it will let the lib dems when, it will ensure they don't get in the way of the lib dems win because that way it damages the conservative party, and that is really your long—term ambition. if that's the case, that's not the message i have had, i have had that we are campaigning to win here, i

havea we are campaigning to win here, i have a really strong team around me and we are out talking to voters on the cost of living crisis, people are horrified at the cost of living crisis, people are really struggling to pay their bills, they are all very worried about themselves and their neighbours because we are a community here, to be able to heat their houses in the winter, and that is why labour wants to take that vat of the fuel bills so that people can extend the winter warmer payments for pensioners and spike the hike on the national insurance rates, and we want to see an investment immediately, we have a pandemic release money, you would have thought that now would be the time to us bend the pandemic relief money but that is sitting in the treasury, on air marked, we want to put all of that into schools. aha, on air marked, we want to put all of that into schools.— that into schools. a tiverton school, built _ that into schools. a tiverton school, built on _ that into schools. a tiverton school, built on a _ that into schools. a tiverton school, built on a flood i that into schools. a tiverton | school, built on a flood plain, already having problems with its side, needs to move, 5000 new homes

coming to the area, it's already at capacity, would a labour government with only one mp locally and lots of tories, without really put the money into tiverton? we tories, without really put the money into tiverton?_ into tiverton? we are absolutely committed _ into tiverton? we are absolutely committed to — into tiverton? we are absolutely committed to investing - into tiverton? we are absolutely committed to investing in i into tiverton? we are absolutelyl committed to investing in schools into tiverton? we are absolutely i committed to investing in schools so we want to do a children's recovery fund that will put after—school clubs at every school in the country. people struggle with what to do, how to go to work, so for working families that will be an enormous improvement if we have the cost of living... for the cost of living crisis with those breakfast and after school clubs, mental health embedded into every school, getting the students the tutoring they need, sport, drama, but as the tiverton high school, it's a huge issue, it's built on a flood plain, its dilapidated, overcrowded, and with all this extra housing, so that money must be going into building a new school in tiverton, and labour we definitely want that to be done. thank you very much. there are eight

candidates and all in the by—election. details on the bbc website. thank you very much indeed. we will be back with you in a letter well. a little bit of breaking news before the weather forecast. we are hearing that borisjohnson is going to review the role of advisor on standards before making a new appointment to the position. this is appointment to the position. this is a statement from this afternoon, in response to lord geidt resigning. ensuring that behaviours apply with ethical behaviours and tried in the ministerial code. the prime minister view�*s is that there is a way to police those standards, but added the exact mechanism to do that is something he wants to reflect on. we are not quite sure what that is going to look like and how long that is going to take, but that is what

downing street are seeing this afternoon. now it's time for a look at the weather with elizabeth rizzini. hello there. plenty of blue sky, warm sunshine again today for england and wales, which is where we'll see the heat peak tomorrow. further north and west, it's been cooler and cloudier. there's a weather front overnight tonight for northern ireland and scotland giving heavy, persistent outbreaks of rain. it will turn rather windy. further south, it's set to feel quite muggy — uncomfortable for sleeping. overnight lows, no lower than 15 or 16 degrees celsius into tomorrow morning. so, tomorrow, our cold front sinks southwards. it's a weakening feature — outbreaks of light, patchy rain and drizzle for the borders, northern england. by the time we get to the afternoon, fresher conditions behind along with some sunny spells for scotland and northern ireland. but it's towards parts of england and wales where we see the heat peak, maybe 32, 33 degrees celsius in the london area. low cloud towards the coast of the south—west and south wales, perhaps. along with the sunshine comes some very high pollen levels, of course. the uv levels also high. the heat will break over the weekend with some thundery downpours.

hello, this is bbc news. our headlines just hello, this is bbc news. our headlinesjust after 2:30pm. boris johnson's former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" in his resignation letter — lord geidt says he came close to quitting over the partygate scandal — but it was a request for advice on a separate matter that left him with no choice but to go. interest rates up again to 1.25% — the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary has described next week's rail strikes as an act of self—harm by the union leadership. half of britain's rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. hot and getting even hotter — britain's heatwave expected to peak tomorrow with temperatures of 34 degrees celsius.

sport now and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. in the cool studio, there is only faster. it in the cool studio, there is only faster. . in the cool studio, there is only faster. , ., ., an independent report into widespread abuse at all levels of british gymnastics will be published later this afternoon. the review has taken nearly two years to complete and contains allegations from hundreds of gymnasts, from the elite level down to grassroots here's our sports correspondent, natalie pirks. for the last two years, british gymnasts have been telling us of a sport where they see mistreatment was the norm. i sport where they see mistreatment was the norm-— was the norm. i would absolutely describe it _ was the norm. i would absolutely describe it as _ was the norm. i would absolutely describe it as a _ was the norm. i would absolutely describe it as a culture _ was the norm. ! would absolutely describe it as a culture of- was the norm. i would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse. | describe it as a culture of abuse. wheat_ describe it as a culture of abuse. wheat was— describe it as a culture of abuse. wheat was heavily controlled. how would ou wheat was heavily controlled. how would you feel _ wheat was heavily controlled. how would you feel if _ wheat was heavily controlled. hm" would you feel if you're 21 years being given ultimately a baby plate to eat off of? bud being given ultimately a baby plate to eat off of?— to eat off of? and where hard trainin: to eat off of? and where hard training often _ to eat off of? and where hard training often meant - to eat off of? and where hard training often meant ignoring | training often meant ignoring painful injuries. i

training often meant ignoring painful injuries.— painful in'uries. i was told to car on painful injuries. i was told to carry on as _ painful injuries. i was told to carry on as if _ painful injuries. i was told to carry on as if nothing - painful injuries. i was told to i carry on as if nothing happened. i could _ carry on as if nothing happened. i could not— carry on as if nothing happened. i could not carry on, it was up to me to ring _ could not carry on, it was up to me to ring my— could not carry on, it was up to me to ring my dad to pick me up and lake _ to ring my dad to pick me up and take me — to ring my dad to pick me up and take me to— to ring my dad to pick me up and take me to the hospital where they told me _ take me to the hospital where they told me i_ take me to the hospital where they told me i had broke my foot in four places _ told me i had broke my foot in four laces. �* told me i had broke my foot in four laces. " , ., , told me i had broke my foot in four laces. " , . , ., places. after several delays, and white will tell _ places. after several delays, and white will tell us _ places. after several delays, and white will tell us whether - places. after several delays, and white will tell us whether she i white will tell us whether she believes gymnasts's welfare really is at the centre of the culture of gymnastics in the uk or whether, as many have claimed, medals have been valued above well—being. i many have claimed, medals have been valued above well-being.— valued above well-being. i would like to thank— valued above well-being. i would like to thank each _ valued above well-being. i would like to thank each and _ valued above well-being. i would like to thank each and every i valued above well-being. i would like to thank each and every one | valued above well-being. i would i like to thank each and every one of you who has come forward to share your story. you who has come forward to share yourstory. i you who has come forward to share your story. i am very grateful that so many gymnasts, parents, coaches, and others involved in the sport of gymnastics responded to my request, often in difficult circumstances. those circumstances were wide—ranging because up since august 2020, the review has received more than 400 submissions, with more than 90 clubs and 100 coaches named. 39 cases were considered so serious they were passed to local authorities. she says the

allegations of abuse to describe to her team range from bullying, belittling and extreme weight management, to the use of excessive physical force, coercive control, and people being made to train on serious injuries.— serious injuries. today is an unprecedented _ serious injuries. today is an unprecedented opportunity | serious injuries. today is an i unprecedented opportunity to serious injuries. today is an _ unprecedented opportunity to address the historic wrongs that have operated in gymnastics. and to reform the sport that we love for the better. and we hope that today is going to bring about various recommendations that will be acted on by uk sport for england and british gymnastics to improve training conditions, competition conditions were gymnasts in the future. it conditions were gymnasts in the future. . . . conditions were gymnasts in the future. , , . ., , �*, conditions were gymnasts in the future. , , . ., , 2,51: :: future. it is expected to be's 300 .a i e future. it is expected to be's 300 page report _ future. it is expected to be's 300 page report will _ future. it is expected to be's 300 page report will make _ future. it is expected to be's 300 i page report will make wide-ranging page report will make wide—ranging recommendations for reform. this could be gymnastics�*s day of reckoning. ryan peniston will see if he can keep the flag flying for british tennis at queens later. the 26 year old from southend is ranked 180th in the world

and playing in the main draw of a atp tour event for the first time. he beat french open finalist casper ruud earlier this week and faces world number 46 francisco cerundolo. he has got to wait for the end of this match. the american took the first set against the defending champion matteo berrettini. these are live pictures. it is going with serve in the second set at queens. let's whizz up the road to birmingham because some of the top women's players are playing in the birmingham classic. the top seed is on court at the moment. you can see the score, the latvian has taken the first set 6—3 against the ukrainian. katie boulton is having a fantastic week, she is into the quarterfinals and place tomorrow. you can find all of these matches across the bbc.

plenty more on the bbc sport website, us open golf. rory mcilroy is having a so—so opening round, in the third men's major of the year. also england have named their 14 man—squad for the next week's third test against new zealand. uncapped surrey seamerjamie overton has been called upjoining twin brother craig you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. i will have an update for you in the next hour. see you then.— i will have an update for you in the next hour. see you then. thank you very much- — new figures show the health service in england is still under intense pressure as the country recovers from the pandemic. the number of people waiting for a routine operation climbed to nearly 6.5 million in may — that's1 in every 9 people in england and the highest since records began in 2007. but the nhs says there are signs of progress with a fall in the number of people waiting more than two years. in a&e, 73% of people

were seen within four hours. that is up slightly on last month but below the 95% target. ambulances in england took an average of 40 minutes last month to respond to emergency calls such as strokes or heart attacks. that's better than the previous month but still more than twice the target of 18 minutes. our health correspondentjim reed has been speaking to the family of one man who died in march this year after waiting five hours for an ambulance. jerry shadbolt has been trying to piece together what happened on the night his father died. he was looking for the ambulance that never came. kenneth was in good shape for a 94—year—old. a retired carpenter, he lived alone in the cotswolds. the bbc applied to see documents from an inquest into his death. they show that at 2:53am, ken got out of bed and fell. he collapsed on the floor and called 999 twice from his mobile. transcripts of the calls are spoken by actors.

ken was recorded as an urgent category two case, meaning an ambulance should have arrived in 18 minutes on average. it's clear on the second call that his condition's worsening and he's getting anxious because he's not getting an assurance of an ambulance. ken waited for an hour on the floor before calling a third time. the details are distressing. it took another four hours for an ambulance to arrive. by then, ken was unconscious. he was taken to gloucestershire royal hospital, where he died that afternoon from a bleed to the brain. he was on his own and he must have felt abandoned, you know, alone on his bedroom floor. that's the most troubling part of it for me. we can't be sure if a faster response time would have saved ken's

life, but a five—hour wait for an ambulance is certainly far higher than the target for a call like this, and it's certainly not an isolated incident. across the country waiting times for ambulances are far higher than they should be. that's down to rising demands and because busy hospitals are finding it hard to discharge patients into social care. in gloucester this week, these ambulances were having to queue outside before they could unload their patients, rather than getting back on the road quickly. the healthcare safety watchdog has now launched an investigation into what's a national problem. so harm is happening on a daily basis and that harm is everything from patients deteriorating in ambulances, waiting to go into emergency departments, patients acquiring hospital acquired infections because they're staying in hospital longer than they necessarily need to. so we are seeing harm happening. ken's family say they've lost faith in the ambulance service to be

there when they need it. how many other people right now are being made to wait four or five hours for an ambulance and it's having a detrimental effect on their prospects to survive, you know? south western ambulance service describes long delays as an unacceptable risk to patients and says it's working to get crews back out on the road as quickly as possible. gloucester hospital says that health care nationally is under intense pressure but staff are working tirelessly to ensure patients are cared for. jim reed, bbc news. joining me now our health editor hugh pym. what is to be done about these various problems? the what is to be done about these various problems?— what is to be done about these various problems? the first thing to sa is this various problems? the first thing to say is this is — various problems? the first thing to say is this is a _ various problems? the first thing to say is this is a systemwide - various problems? the first thing to say is this is a systemwide issue. i say is this is a systemwide issue. the ambulance issues we have just been hearing about in that piece and the really tragic story of ken's death after waiting all of that time for an ambulance is probably... it

is very, very sad, but it is probably not isolated. we have had warnings today from the health care watchdog that patients are being put at risk by these delays. ambulances are held up at hospitals because they cannot hand over patients because he and thes are crowded, they cannot get patients into the hospital because there are not enough beds, and one reason is beds are being so full, words being so full is that social care is not any good position in some areas to take patients from hospital. it is a logjam right across the system. so, how do that? that? the government would argue for england that national insurance has gone up, more revenue coming up, they are investing more, but that is our money really for the next few years, particularly for social care. social care cannot be dealt with very, very quickly. so it is right to come across all these different areas, yes, more money is going into ambulance services and to help a&e

units, but there is no immediate solution to this. one consequence is this 6.5 million waiting list of patients waiting for routine operations. one reason that is going up operations. one reason that is going up as because again, a lack of beds because of the pressure on emergency care. the government would argue more money is going in, but it is a big picture, they need more workforce, and it takes time to recruit more staff.— the actor kevin spacey has appeared in court in london, charged with sexually assaulting three men. he was granted unconditional bail at westminster magistrates court, where he didn't enter a plea, though his lawyer said he strenuously denies the charges. our correspondent, sarah campbell, was outside the court. he is one of the most successful actors of his generation and the number of press who waited hours for his arrival at court reflected the worldwide interest in his case.

despite attempts by the court staff to ensure a clear way in, there were chaotic scenes as the 62—year—old made his way to the front entrance. move to the side. kevin spacey came to prominence in the 1990s, winning two oscars, first for the usual suspects and then american beauty. on television he starred as the fictional us president underwood in the major netflix drama series house of cards. and although american by birth, he spent much of his time in the uk as the artistic director of london's old vic theatre between 2004 and 2015. he was given an honorary knighthood for his services to theatre in this country. his appearance in court one was brief. he was asked to confirm his name as kevin spacey fowler, and address, which he did. wearing a blue suit, he then listened intently as the five charges were read out. they are two counts of sexual assault against a man in london in 2005, one count of sexual assault and a further sexual offence against a second man

in 2008, also in london. and finally, an alleged sexual assault against a third man in gloucestershire in 2013. in court his lawyer said that mr spacey strenuously denied any and all criminality in his case. he was granted unconditional bail which means he can return home to america until his next court appearance, which is set for the morning of the 14th ofjuly at southwark crown court. sarah campbell, bbc news, westminster magistrates�* court. a man is beginning legal action against apple, accusing the technology firm of misleading iphone users over an upgrade that slowed down the phone and drained the batteries more quickly. if the case is successful, up to 25 million iphone owners could be in line for a share of more than £750 million. apple insists it would never do anything to intentionally shorten the life of its products. now in the studio is our business

correspondent, noor nanji. what is this case all about? this is about the battery _ what is this case all about? this is about the battery life _ what is this case all about? this is about the battery life of _ what is this case all about? this is about the battery life of older i about the battery life of older iphones. the claim has been lodged with the competition appeal tribunal. it relates back to 2017, which is when apple issued a software update. it is alleged that the company allegedly misled users with this upgrade. he says... apple said the upgrade would enhance performance for iphones, but in actualfact it enhance performance for iphones, but in actual fact it slowed phones down. that is a process known as throttling. why would they do is this is back apple wanted to hide the fact that older iphones may have been unable to run the latest operating system, so the firm are said to have pushed users to download the software update which would essentially stop phones from just shutting down abruptly. he claims by doing this apple was abusing its dominant position in the market and they should have either recalled the phones are changed the batteries. ten models are said to be

affected by this, everything from the six right up to the x. that affected by this, everything from the six right up to the x.- affected by this, everything from the six right up to the x. that is a lot of models. — the six right up to the x. that is a lot of models, what _ the six right up to the x. that is a lot of models, what does - the six right up to the x. that is a lot of models, what does apple i the six right up to the x. that is a i lot of models, what does apple say? they said they would never do anything that intentionally shortens the life of any apple product. they added that their goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iphones last as long as possible is an important part of that. it is worth mentioning this is not the first time we have heard allegations like this. this claim, which is in the uk comes comes two years after a similar case was settled in the us. for a lot of money i am guessing. indeed. the heat is on across parts of the uk. the hot and sunny weather of these past few days is expected to hit a peak tomorrow, with temperatures in some parts likely to reach 34 celsius, pretty unusual forjune. our correspondent, duncan kennedy, reports from sunny surrey it is the heatwave that is rippling

and rolling across much of the uk. as hot as herat, no wonder the enjoyment factor is set to high for these women from reading. what is your view of this weather, which is going to be reaching may 30 degrees today is yellow fabulous. —— degrees today? fabulous. i'm going to enjoy the heat while it's here. just keep my fluids and have good company and it's brilliant. and families too are also taking in the sun, carefully. it can be too hot. we've had to come out of london today, to try and get some air. it's going to be 31, i hear, tomorrow. now look at spain, where forest fires have broken out in the soaring heat. bone dry soil and vegetation are making it hard to keep the fires under control. and in the capital, the temperatures are past 30 degrees. translation: every summer it's getting worse and it's affecting is | on every level. i find it hard to cope with the heat. it's very hard but we have to keep going. there is no other way.

across the border in france, it's also under this enormous heat blanket. temperatures here also way above 30. time to enjoy, but also be alert for the wider meaning of all this heat. translation: we are experiencing global warming, so this _ is inevitable. i think every year it's going to get hotter and hotter. i don't know if there is anything can be done. in the uk, temperatures could topple over the 30 celsius mark tomorrow, with warnings from health professionals and others to treat it seriously, alongside the fun and relaxation. duncan kennedy, bbc news, in surrey. sara welton, a cafe owner of 16 years is down in leigh—on sea in leigh—on sea and joins me now. very appealing your cafe looks with

your bunting and flowers. how much difference does good weather make for is this? fish difference does good weather make for is this? �* . difference does good weather make for is this? �* , ., ., for is this? an immense amount. it is 'ust for is this? an immense amount. it isjust such — for is this? an immense amount. it isjust such a _ for is this? an immense amount. it isjust such a good _ for is this? an immense amount. it isjust such a good feel— for is this? an immense amount. it isjust such a good feel good i is just such a good feel good factor. everybody wants to come out, enjoy the sun, and just generally be by the sea. and, yeah, have fun. hosp by the sea. and, yeah, have fun. how hot is too hot — by the sea. and, yeah, have fun. how hot is too hot smack _ by the sea. and, yeah, have fun. how hot is too hot smack what puts people off? i hot is too hot smack what puts people off?— people off? i think if you're sittin: people off? i think if you're sitting directly _ people off? i think if you're sitting directly in _ people off? i think if you're sitting directly in the i people off? i think if you're sitting directly in the sun. l people off? i think if you're| sitting directly in the sun. in people off? i think if you're i sitting directly in the sun. in my tea garden, we have a lot of shade. often being by the sea, there is a lot of breeze. people do not really want to sit and eat a meal with a full sun on their head, so we have got a good covered area. it is very popular and enjoyed by a lot of people. they come out for breakfast in the morning, then they tend to go off and do whatever they go and do during the day. we have had a busy day today. just look at the people coming down the street, everyone is heading off to the beach, the tide is in, so happy days. red so

envious! what are the best sellers on a day like this? definitely milkshakes and smoothies. any cold drinks. people top up with water all the time. midwives, a lot of sandwiches, cheer batters, omelettes are quite popular. —— ciabattas. we do a wide range of food. are quite popular. -- ciabattas. we do a wide range of food.— do a wide range of food. would my do a wide range of food. would my dog welcome? _ do a wide range of food. would my dog welcome? what _ do a wide range of food. would my dog welcome? what provisions i do a wide range of food. would my dog welcome? what provisions do | do a wide range of food. would my i dog welcome? what provisions do you make for those? brute dog welcome? what provisions do you make for those?— make for those? we are very dog friendl . make for those? we are very dog friendly- we _ make for those? we are very dog friendly. we have _ make for those? we are very dog friendly. we have got _ make for those? we are very dog friendly. we have got the - make for those? we are very dog friendly. we have got the air- friendly. we have got the air conditioning on inside, we have a notice on outside seeing the air conditioning is on. if you have got a dog, which i hope people are bringing their dogs out in the seat —— are not bringing their dogs out, i would advise them to come into the air—conditioned area. to be fair, people have been very sensible and

we have not had many dogs in at all. i am very pleased to see. they do not understand how hot dogs do get. it is quite unpleasant for them, isn't it? thank you very much for talking to us. i hope business keeps thriving. talking to us. i hope business keeps thrivinr. . .. talking to us. i hope business keeps thrivinr. ., ~" , ., archaeologists have unveiled one of the biggest burial grounds in britain. they say provides a valuable insight into life in the century. the site in buckinghamshire was excavated as part of the hs to project. nearly 140 graves were found full of jewellery, project. nearly 140 graves were found full ofjewellery, weapons and domestic items, asjoe black reports. it domestic items, as joe black reorts. . domestic items, as joe black reorts. , ., ., domestic items, as joe black reorts. ., ., , reports. it is one of the largest anglo-saxon — reports. it is one of the largest anglo-saxon burial— reports. it is one of the largest anglo-saxon burial grounds i reports. it is one of the largest l anglo-saxon burial grounds ever anglo—saxon burial grounds ever discovered in britain. 138 graves found on this site in wendover, full of fascinating artefacts from the fifth and sixth century. among them, 15 spearheads, 51 knives, two glass

cone shaped speakers, this highly decorated pot. the team also uncovered jewellery, including 89 brooches and this silver ring in the shape of a bird or snake. illrul’hat brooches and this silver ring in the shape of a bird or snake.— shape of a bird or snake. what is this item? _ shape of a bird or snake. what is this item? this _ shape of a bird or snake. what is this item? this is _ shape of a bird or snake. what is this item? this is a _ shape of a bird or snake. what is this item? this is a personal- this item? this is a personal grooming — this item? this is a personal grooming kit. _ this item? this is a personal grooming kit. we _ this item? this is a personal grooming kit. we have i this item? this is a personal| grooming kit. we have three this item? this is a personal- grooming kit. we have three kits on a key— grooming kit. we have three kits on a key ring _ grooming kit. we have three kits on a key ring type shape. there are two longer— a key ring type shape. there are two longer items that could be pics for picking _ longer items that could be pics for picking your teeth, under your fingernails. the third shutter one is shaped — fingernails. the third shutter one is shaped like a tiny spin. that would — is shaped like a tiny spin. that would be — is shaped like a tiny spin. that would be forgetting your racks out of your— would be forgetting your racks out of your years. would be forgetting your racks out of your years-— would be forgetting your racks out of your years. abounds -- around a thousand archaeologists _ of your years. abounds -- around a thousand archaeologists have i of your years. abounds -- around a thousand archaeologists have been| thousand archaeologists have been excavating 60 sites along the hs to root. what has been uncovered has thrilled many archaeologists and historians. it thrilled many archaeologists and historians. . thrilled many archaeologists and historians. , ., , thrilled many archaeologists and historians. . . , . thrilled many archaeologists and historians. , . , . ., historians. it is really exciting to find this kind — historians. it is really exciting to find this kind of _ historians. it is really exciting to find this kind of thing _ historians. it is really exciting to find this kind of thing as - historians. it is really exciting to find this kind of thing as an i find this kind of thing as an archaeologist. it is a once in a career opportunity to work on a site like this. the unique thing about the site is that we have 141

individuals here, that is quite a large cemetery for the time. over 74 -- 70% of large cemetery for the time. over 74 —— 70% of them have been found with objects, which is really unusual. normally might find one or two individuals in a small cemetery that might have a cone with them or something like that. here we have so many individuals with multiple objects each, from weaponry to jewelry to grooming kits. thea;r objects each, from weaponry to jewelry to grooming kits. they say what they have — jewelry to grooming kits. they say what they have uncovered - jewelry to grooming kits. they say what they have uncovered here i jewelry to grooming kits. they say what they have uncovered here is| what they have uncovered here is rare and of national significance, a us an insight into anglo—saxon britain, how they lived and even how some of them died. red britain, how they lived and even how some of them died.— britain, how they lived and even how some of them died. red the skeleton is one of many _ some of them died. red the skeleton is one of many found _ some of them died. red the skeleton is one of many found on _ some of them died. red the skeleton is one of many found on the - some of them died. red the skeleton is one of many found on the site. i is one of many found on the site. this person was male, thought to be around 17—25. the this person was male, thought to be around 17-25-— around 17-25. the staining on the collarbone _ around 17-25. the staining on the collarbone is _ around 17-25. the staining on the collarbone is from _ around 17-25. the staining on the collarbone is from brooches, i around 17-25. the staining on the i collarbone is from brooches, perhaps holding some sort of clothing in place. this ion object here could have been a weapon and it was found embedded in his vertebrae. specialist will now set to work analysing these artefacts. in the

future, set —— to back £3 to donate items found along the root to various museums —— mike hs2. young i do not like the term dark ages. it is fine like this and the quality of the craftsmanship that highlight the fact that they were not the dark ages. fact that they were not the dark a . es. ., , ., fact that they were not the dark ares. ., . ., , ages. people lived and clearly quite some style- — ages. people lived and clearly quite some style- for _ ages. people lived and clearly quite some style. for some, _ ages. people lived and clearly quite some style. for some, even - ages. people lived and clearly quite i some style. for some, even important archaeological — some style. for some, even important archaeological discoveries _ some style. for some, even important archaeological discoveries do - some style. for some, even important archaeological discoveries do not i archaeological discoveries do not justify the construction of hs2. but others see it as an opportunity to understand and explore periods of our head history. —— hidden history. now it's time for a look at the weather with elizabeth rizzini. hello there. plenty of blue sky and warm sunshine again today across england and wales, but it's here where we'll see the peak of the heat tomorrow. it will feel hot and increasingly more humid and muggy, too. further north and west, it's cooler, it's cloudier, there'll be some outbreaks of rain,

and that's because there's weather fronts draped across scotland and northern ireland. this front will gradually sink southwards throughout the course of the weekend, introducing those fresher conditions eventually for all, but also some heavy, thundery downpours too, particularly across southern areas, and the winds will start to pick up as well. let's take a look in a bit more detail, then. so, overnight tonight, it's a lovely evening to come across england and wales. further north, then, there's some outbreaks of quite heavy, persistent rain moving into western scotland, eventually pushing eastwards throughout the night. it's feeling muggy, humid, uncomfortable for sleeping. for much of england and wales, temperatures won't drop much below 14 to 16 degrees celsius. and then into friday morning, a cold front is sinking southwards, that's going to introduce some outbreaks of light, patchy rain and drizzle for many across southern scotland, the borders, into northern england as we head through the afternoon, but some sunny skies developing behind it. further north, the temperature peaks in the south, lots of sunshine, 32 or 33 degrees celsius. watch out for some low cloud, misty conditions towards north devon and cornwall, the coasts here, possibly the coastal areas of pembrokeshire as well.

so, here are the highs for tomorrow. they are a good 12 degrees celsius, in many cases, above the seasonal average. but it's quite a brief peak of the heat because temperatures will be dropping, remember, over the weekend. along with all of that sunshine come some very high pollen levels and of course, the uv levels will also be high. so, this is what happens on saturday. our cold air towards the north meets warm air pushing in from the south. lots of instability, strong winds and some heavy, thundery downpours, probably in this sort of position. sunshine behind further north. towards the far southeast, the heat may well hang on for another day. the focus of those heavy, thundery downpours will be a little further south, probably, on sunday. still some uncertainty. it remains quite windy towards the south. further north, fresher conditions, yes, but there will be some sunny spells on and off throughout the day too. temperatures generally peaking on sunday between 16 and 20 degrees.

this is bbc news. the headlines... boris johnson's former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an impossible and odious position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. interest rates up again to 1.25% — the highest in more than a decade. i think the increased cost of mortgages, along with the other increased costs of living, will have quite a big impact on the growth of rate and house prices and i suspect by the end of the year are no longer see house prices going. the transport secretary says next week's rail strikes have been designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. half of britain's rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. next week is also the scene of two

important parliamentary by—elections. it will be a test of whether boris johnson by—elections. it will be a test of whether borisjohnson has recovered his popularity or not. i'm live in tiverton and honiton. hot and getting even hotter — britain's heatwave expected to peak tomorrow with temperatures of 34 degrees celsius. good afternoon. borisjohnson's ethics adviser, who resigned last night, has accused the prime minister of putting him in an impossible and odious position. in his resignation letter, lord geidt said the prime minister had asked him to consider measures, understood to be on a trade issue, which risked a deliberate and purposeful breach of the ministerial code. lord geidt's letter also says he came close to quitting over the partygate affair.

in response, the prime minister said his resignation had come as a surprise. our political correspondent, nick eardley, reports. this is lord geidt, the man who was responsible for advising the prime minister on ethics but, last night, after making clear his frustrations about downing street, he quit. and this morning, we found out why. in a letter, he told the prime minister... he adds... that refers to downing street proposals designed to support british industry but which could have broken international trade rules. in his response, the prime minister writes...

this was lord geidt in parliament on tuesday, just 24 hours before he quit. here is what he said about rumours he had considered resigning before. there are few instruments available to an independent adviser. he also told mps it was reasonable to suggest the prime minister may have breached the ministerial code after his lockdown party fine. but this isn't a first — the man in the red tie, sir alex allan, quit the job as borisjohnson's advisor two years ago after being overruled on whether the home secretary broke the rules ministers have to follow. the government said it was disappointed lord geidt had quit but said it did take ministerial ethics seriously. significant changes were made to the role and status of independent adviser on ministers�* interests. as i set out to the house last week, these changes represent the most substantial strengthening of the role of independent adviser since its creation. but others said the problem

was the prime minister. it's a pattern of degrading the principles of our democracy, the prime minister has now driven out both of his hand—picked ethics advisers to resign in despair in two years. it's a badge of shame for this government. | for the prime minister to lose one| adviser on ministers' interests may be regarded as misfortune but to lose two looks i like carelessness. some argue significant damage has been done to downing street�*s ethics regime. borisjohnson is now looking for his third adviser since he became prime minister. our political correspondet ione wells explained what�*s been happening. i think there�*s a number of things really at play here. clearly, as it�*s been reported before, lord geidt had serious concerns about the prime minister�*s response to the whole partygate affair. he had hinted before his sort of considering resignation over that matter had also made it very clear that the prime minister

needed to set out publicly what his explanation for his conduct was over that matter. now, in his resignation letter, he did touch upon some of this. he also said that, even though the prime minister had given a justification for his conduct and explained why the prime minister didn�*t believe he had breached the ministerial code over partygate, lord guy clearly still had issues about borisjohnson�*s wider leadership that he touches on and leadership in public life, particularly. another thing i think is quite significant in the letter there, he also touched upon his sort of discontent with the way that in his view, borisjohnson and number ten had framed this as somehow a miscommunication between their offices. he doesn�*t like the idea that essentially the blame was slightly deferred to lord geidt for not making his concerns about the whole party geidt affair clear. lord geidt says that he did make the concerns that he had very clear and doesn�*t really like the way that that was branded.

a bit of miscommunication. but, interestingly, as nick touched on in his package there, the final straw seems to be really about this kind of trade question that was put to him only this week, particularly in relation to the government wanting to intervene to extend certain safeguarding tariffs. now, we understand this is in relation to number ten�*s desire to protect the steel industry. lord geidt, though, does touch in his resignation letter on how this was essentially asking him to give advice on what he believes would be a deliberate breaching of the ministerial code. now, the ministerial code says that ministers have to abide by the law at all times. i think the concern here from lord night seems to be, as number ten suggested in their response to him, that while number ten argue that extending certain safeguarding tariffs to protect the steel industry might essentially be compliant with domestic law, it could breach certain world trade organization obligations. now, i think the key word here really in the resignation letterfrom lord geidt seems to be deliberate. he doesn�*t like the idea that he was being asked to give advice on something that he feels

would deliberately breach the law. now, remember when it came to partygate the prime minister�*s sort of justification for that was that he didn�*t intend to break the rules. i think the intention point here seems to be really key, but clearly there are a number of factors at play leading to lord geidt�*s wider concern about the prime minister�*s leadership over the last few months. let�*s speak now dmitry grozoubinski. he�*s founder of the consultancy explain trade and a former delegate to the world trade organization for australia. just the person we need, i think! please unpick what a trade remedy is authority is. that is something that borisjohnson mentioned in response to this issue with lord geidt, highly complicated, but could you speu highly complicated, but could you spell out simply for us?— highly complicated, but could you spell out simply for us? under the world trade _ spell out simply for us? under the world trade organization, - spell out simply for us? under the world trade organization, you i spell out simply for us? under the world trade organization, you are j world trade organization, you are supposed to keep your tariffs within certain limits and apply the same tariffs on everyone in a flat way. safeguards and trade remedies are your break glass in case of

emergency measure. if suddenly you find that huge amount of a certain kind of product from a certain destination is flooding your market, perhaps because another government is in trade terms of cheating and subsidising it or doing things they are not supposed to do, a trade remedy allows you to do something you are not normally allowed to do under wto rules and put in place a temporary tariff, just on that product from just that source. but to do so there is a formal procedure and a set of criteria. you need to have a trade remedies authority, a body within your government which is staffed by economic nerds that when industry feel that something like this might be happening they can make a complaint to this authority that then launches a scientific investigation to basically determine if it�*s true and to what extent it�*s true and how much it�*s hurting uk industry. then make a recommendation to the minister and, only if that

recommendation to the minister says there is a problem here and it�*s appropriate to put in place a tariff, can the minister invoked a remedy while being wto compliant. in this case, they are also supposed to look at in previous remedies are still legal, if whatever conditions existed before the justify putting in place a tariff that the search is still happening, the cheating still happening is still in place. the uk version of this, the trade remedies authority, look to a set of tariffs on chinese steel and their official finding was they are no longer justified. the prime minister last year decided to overrule that in a way that is not probably wto compliant and kept those tariffs in place again for a year, and it looks like what may have been part of lord geidt�*s resignation, he asked lord geidt�*s resignation, he asked lord geidt if he could do so again, in

direct contravention of wt0 rules. you are not an expert on the ministerial code, you are not making an expert on —— comment on that, but we�*rejust trying to an expert on —— comment on that, but we�*re just trying to work out how the trade remedy have been pertinent to the ethics. if you do keep a remedy in place for longer than necessary, what are the sanctions you could face? 50. necessary, what are the sanctions you could face?— you could face? so, the way that sanctions work _ you could face? so, the way that sanctions work in _ you could face? so, the way that sanctions work in the _ you could face? so, the way that sanctions work in the wto i you could face? so, the way that sanctions work in the wto is i you could face? so, the way that sanctions work in the wto is by l sanctions work in the wto is by other members, those who are hurt, in this case china, could bring a dispute against the united kingdom at the world trade organization to basically have the wto look at whether the uk followed the rules in imposing these sanctions and, if the wto found it did not, china would be allowed to levy tariffs back against the united kingdom, to the same level of trade disruption, to kind of balance out the way the uk is

violating trade rules, by hurting other uk exports in other sectors. this might not be easy to answer, how long might the process take, then, from setting up a trade remedy authority to then giving you the yes or no, and then potentially for a wto signatory to have an issue with it? , ., , . ., wto signatory to have an issue with it? , . ., it? just to be clear, the uk has set u . it? just to be clear, the uk has set u- its it? just to be clear, the uk has set up its trade _ it? just to be clear, the uk has set up its trade remedies _ it? just to be clear, the uk has set up its trade remedies authority i it? just to be clear, the uk has set i up its trade remedies authority that exists, if you are last —— asking how long the dispute would take for all of the procedure is to go through and potentially eventually authorise chinese retaliation, that could take years. it is not a rapid process by any means.— could take years. it is not a rapid process by any means. thank you very much the spelling _ process by any means. thank you very much the spelling it _ process by any means. thank you very much the spelling it out _ process by any means. thank you very much the spelling it out so _ process by any means. thank you very much the spelling it out so clearly i much the spelling it out so clearly to us. the bank of england has raised interest rates

for the fifth time in a row. the base rate is going up a quarter of a percentage point — to 1.25% — its highest level in 13 years. the move is aimed at fighting high inflation amid soaring energy prices. our economics correspondent, andy verity, told me the raise was widely predicted but not welcomed by many people. a very big race mortgages the minority of householdss but some of them are locked into their mortgages because of the government has done and those people will be suffering each time there is a rise in rates. so this is now the highest interest rates have been since 2009, you could even say the interest rates are ten times what they were a year ago because back then they were back down at 0.1%. the exceptional thing is not so much what is happening now but what has happened for the last 13 comic growth. now we have the

highest inflation since 1982, 9%, the bank of england said today it expects it to get above 11%, so really the bank of england is forced to normalise the situation. even though raising domestic interest rates does not do much to detain global inflationary pressure. 50 global inflationary pressure. so what is the argument for doing it, if a lot of these pressures are external?— if a lot of these pressures are external? �* ., ~" ., ., ., , external? the bank of england has said 8096 -- _ external? the bank of england has said 8096... it's _ external? the bank of england has said 8096... it's the _ external? the bank of england has said 8096... it's the price - external? the bank of england has said 8096... it's the price of - said 80%... it�*s the price of energy, stupid, and the said 80%... it�*s the price of energy, stupid, and the price said 80%... it�*s the price of energy, stupid, and the price of raw materials, but they are saying not all of it can be attributed to global forces, all of it can be attributed to globalforces, some of all of it can be attributed to global forces, some of it may be domestic and they are pointing to the tight labour market and how wage pressures are increasing, employers are having to pay people more in order to attract the staff because of the recruitment crisis they have got out there, and it�*s those pressures that the bank of england wants to head off. it is still predicting that although inflation will peak at 11% this year it will subside and get down to its 2%

target within the next two or three. earlier, i spoke to mortgage broker, ray boulger on how interest rate increases will hit those with fixed and variable mortgages. it will take quite a while before the majority of mortgage borrowers are hit. last time, we had hikes in bank rates was back in the 2000s and at that stage more people had variable—rate mortgages, now over 90% of new mortgages that have been taken since 2018 have been on a fixed rate, and of those in the last few years over half have been on a five year fixed rate so it will take quite a while before it impacts on people with existing mortgages. first—time buyers will be hit as soon as they want to buy but on the plus side the increased cost of mortgages, along with the other increased cost of living, are going to have a big impact on the rate of growth of house prices and i suspect by the end of the year we will no longer see

house prices growing so although mortgage costs will go up they will benefit from i suspect not having to pay so much for their property. how easy it is at the moment to find a fixed rate mortgage which might give you a bit of certainty for the next ten years? that is very easy. if you go back to january, fixed—rate mortgages if you had a big deposit started at 1.1% and five year fixed rates at 1.4, and in the latter part of last year you could get fixed for five years at less than 1%. now you are looking at rates starting at 2.5% if you have a big deposit. and whether you take it all, there is not a lot of difference in rates, but interestingly you asked about fixing for the long term, you can actually get a fixed rate for 30 years, provided you have a big deposit, at 3.15%, and although one of the big problems with long—term fixed—rate

mortgages, why people don�*t like them, is that they have to repay the whole period, with this deal, if you are redeeming the mortgage because you are selling the property, you don�*t pay the overpayment charge, so i think with a differential between a five year fixed or a long—term fixed, it is worthwhile considering long—term fixed rates. what do you think is coming down the track and how does it relate to mortgages? i think that when you bear in mind the bank is forecasting cpi will peak at 11% rather than ten, and a huge unknown in where cpi goes and how long before it starts to fall is energy prices, which is dependent on what we can�*t forecast, how long putin�*s war will continue, it�*s so uncertain as to when rates

will fall, from a mortgage perspective, bearing in mind that for most people their biggest monthly cost as their mortgage, there is a strong argument for taking a long—term fixed rate provided you don�*t plan to move home in the nearfuture, but even if you are you can get a long—term fixed rate without paying any repayment charge. the headlines on bbc news... boris johnson�*s former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. interest rates up again — to one and a quarter per cent, the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary says next week�*s rail strikes have been designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. half of britain�*s rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. the transport secretary, grant shapps, has described the planned rmt strikes as "an incredible act of self—harm".

half of britain�*s rail lines will be closed during stoppages next tuesday, thursday and saturday in a dispute about pay and conditions. mr shapps said the strikes were designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. the railway, just beginning to recoverfrom the pandemic, and we�*re on the verge of a national strike. these strikes are not only a bid to derail reforms that are critical to the network�*s future and designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time, but they�*re also an incredible act of self—harm by the union leadership. make no mistake, unlike the past 25 years, when rising passenger demand year after year was taken for granted by the industry, today, the railway is in a fight. it�*s not only competing against other forms of public and private transport,

it�*s in a battle with zoom and teams and remote working. in case the unions haven�*t noticed, the world has changed. many commuters, who three years ago had no alternative but to take the train, today have the option of not travelling at all. wave them goodbye and we�*ll endanger the jobs of thousands of rail workers — the last thing the railways should be doing right now. it�*s alienating its passengers and the freight customers with long and damaging strikes. unions claim these strikes are about a pay freeze. this is wrong. we�*re not imposing a pay freeze now covid is in the past. so i say to the workforce, your union bosses have driven you to the verge of a national strike under false pretenses. and rather than protect your jobs, they are actually threatening yourjobs.

mick lynch, general secretary of the rmt union has responded. he said... there�*s one week to go before the people of tiverton and honiton and separately wakefield go to the polls in two by—elections that will test the popularity of the prime minister and his government.

we were in wakefield yesterday — shaun ley is in devon for us today. you�*ve not shown everyone your hat yet, have you? i�*m you've not shown everyone your hat yet. have you?— yet, have you? i'm keeping that under wraps- — yet, have you? i'm keeping that under wraps. i _ yet, have you? i'm keeping that under wraps. i might _ yet, have you? i'm keeping that under wraps. i might say - yet, have you? i'm keeping that under wraps. i might say that i yet, have you? i'm keeping that i under wraps. i might say that until the very end. it�*s a spectacular day but you do need a hat here, not least because the intensity of the sunshine. i would love to say it�*s always like this, but would not be telling the truth and myjob is to telling the truth and myjob is to tell the truth. borisjohnson actually hails from a farm on exmoor, tiverton and honiton has been safe conservative territory. but one of the big issues here is development, construction, it�*s everywhere, even in a market town like this one, they are building and converting houses all the time. there is a 5000 person state which is currently greenland just by the

dual carriageway that connects the motorway with this part of the world, the m5 is connected, but in terms of what happens with those votes, a lot of new people have moved to this part of the country, not least after covid and considering many people could relocate out of the cities and further up country, our political correspondent has been trying to get a sense of what the mood is here and whether this is a constituency that the conservatives can carry on taking the certainty is a tory one. the bennett family have been running their dairy farm near honiton for 15 years. agriculture, mainly livestock farming, is the major industry in this very rural constituency. we are in a minority business, but we�*re actually fundamentally a very important business to the country. we produce food for our people,

so it would be nice for ourfarmers to be heard. like other industries, they�*re being hit by rising costs. but they say there�*s also too much legislation around farming, which should be cut. see, if you've got all these barriers and restrictions holding you back, as a business, you're not actually going to be able to move forward, as we have done in previous years, sort of thing. and do you know which way you�*re going to vote? i�*m going to vote for lib dem. i think we�*ve been a conservative constituency for a long time. in the young farming community, there�*s a lot of us who feel like the government hasn�*t gone far enough. i'm between conservative and lib dem. my thoughts are, i'm looking for an mp who's going to look at farming on a more food security, and not so much on the environment. i i'd rather have the conservative i party, even though they've received a lot of bad press in the last two or three years _ we've probably gone through some

of the worst times we've ever beenj through with covid etc, - and i think borisjohnson's done a damn good job, really. just the same. and, yeah, swings and roundabouts whether i'll even vote. but if i do, it would probably go conservative. so a lot to chew over there. and that�*s interesting in itself because this is a seat that has been conservative since its creation in 1997, and most of it has been tory for decades before that. last time, neil parish, the former mp, won by 24,000 votes over his nearest rival. under the normal rules of politics, this isn�*t a by—election that would usually even raise an eyebrow. but the lib dems are pushing hard here, despite coming third behind labour in 2019. in the constituency�*s other main town of tiverton, opinion is also divided.

so, if liberal democrats win it, then boris is in trouble. hopefully, all us tories will come out and vote and keep it a tory area. i have always voted conservative and i've liked a lot of what they've delivered in the past. but at the moment, i'm so appalled by the government at the moment. so that's probably why i'm looking more locally than government. so who i vote for, i don't know. but it won't be boris. to be honest, i'm a labour- supporter, but it's not very labour sort of country here. so i think, tactically, i i'll be voting lib dem. the leadership�*s a mess at the moment and something needs to be done to change it. yeah, i'm slightly disillusioned with the way that things are being done at the moment, and choices are being made that i don't really feel comfortable with, and i think a change might be necessary. what people here decide next week could have consequences which stretch to the rest of the country. a big moment for a part of devon

that perhaps never expected to find itself in the political limelight. helen described their ages —— a constituency that has been reliably conservative a 100 years and you do wonder, with 60% of the vote, if they have anything to be worried about, and the reason is simple. last year to constituencies with massive conservative majorities went to the liberal democrats, so although labour is in second place here, some of the new voters attracted to these new builds and conversions developed in these areas might be labour voters who relocated from other parts of the country, but the lib dems have a track record in the lib dems have a track record in the south—west of winning in by—elections. the last time the conservatives were in government in the 1990s a raft of safe seats when the 1990s a raft of safe seats when the lib dems and there is a nervousness among conservatives that evenif nervousness among conservatives that even if they manage to hold the seat

at next week�*s�*s poll on thursday, and hold it by a few hundred votes, thatis and hold it by a few hundred votes, that is a win, but what does it savour the prospect of holding seats with smaller majorities in a general election that has to follow within two years? so they will know boris johnson will be able to sleep well on those weekends he visits nearby, perhaps if he is on exmoor this weekend it will be a slightly restless night for him and we will find outjust a week�*s time. and, of course, we�*ll be speaking to candidates from the larger parties throughout the day. here is a full list of candidates standing in the tiverton and honiton by—election, which you can also find on the bbc website. i will bejoined by i will be joined by daisy cooper mp who is deputy leader of the liberal democrats, all that come from tiverton. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with elizabeth. hello there. plenty of blue sky, warm sunshine again today for england and wales, which is where we�*ll see the heat peak tomorrow.

further north and west, it�*s been cooler and cloudier. there�*s a weather front overnight tonight for northern ireland and scotland giving heavy, persistent outbreaks of rain. it will turn rather windy. further south, it�*s set to feel quite muggy — uncomfortable for sleeping. overnight lows, no lower than 15 or 16 degrees celsius into tomorrow morning. so, tomorrow, our cold front sinks southwards. it�*s a weakening feature — outbreaks of light, patchy rain and drizzle for the borders, northern england. by the time we get to the afternoon, fresher conditions behind along with some sunny spells for scotland and northern ireland. but it�*s towards parts of england and wales where we see the heat peak, maybe 32, 33 degrees celsius in the london area. low cloud towards the coast of the south—west and south wales, perhaps. along with the sunshine comes some very high pollen levels, of course. the uv levels also high. the heat will break over the weekend with some thundery downpours.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines: lord geidt, who quit as borisjohnson�*s ethics adviser last night, says he resigned because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. interest rates rise again — to 1.25%, the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary says next week�*s rail strikes have been designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. half of britain�*s rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday.

hot and getting even hotter — britain�*s heatwave is expected to peak tomorrow with temperatures of 34 degrees celsius. sport now — and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. an independent report into allegations of abuse at all levels of british gymnastics will be published in the next half an hour. it�*s been two years in the making and contains testimonies from hundreds of gymnasts from the elite level down to grassroots. a former gymnast — and founder of the organisation gymnasts for change — says she hopes that today is a turning point for the sport. today is an unprecedented opportunity to address the historic wrongs that have operated in gymnastics and to reform the sport that we love for the better. and we hope that today is going to bring about various recommendations that will be acted on by uk sports for

england and british gymnastics to improve training conditions and competition conditions for gymnasts in the future. ryan peniston is still waiting to come on court at queens. the 26—year—old from southend is ranked 180th in the world and is the last british player in the draw. he beat french open finalist casper ruud earlier this week and faces world number 46 francisco cerundolo. he�*ll be on after this match. the american dennis kudla took the first set against the defending champion matteo berrettini. but the italian fought back, taking the second on a tie break, so they are into a decider. you can watch this match over on bbc one, i think, you can watch this match over on bbc one, ithink, it is you can watch this match over on bbc one, i think, it is across the bbc. berrettini became the first italian winner of this tournament last year. they are into a third set. some of the top women�*s players are playing at the birmingham classic.

the top seed, jelena ostapenko, is on court at the moment. the latvian took the first set, but the ukrainian dayana yastremska has forced a decider there. great britain�*s katie boulter is into the quaterfinals and plays tomorrow. next season�*s premier league fixtures have been published. it�*s the earliest start to the top division because of the winter world cup in qatar. it gets going on a friday night, with crystal palace taking on arsenal on the 5th of august. champions manchester city are away at west ham on the opening weekend, as they go for a fifth premier league title in six seasons. none of the so—called big six clubs will play each other on the weekend of november 12th/13th. that�*s at the request of the fa to protect the core of the england squad before heading to qatar on the 15th. liverpool travel to fulham. it�*s the fourth season in a row thatjurgen klopp�*s side open the season against

the championship winners. newly promoted bournemouth start at home to aston villa, and nottingham forest�*s first premier league match this century will be away at newcastle united. after the breakway liv tournament had it�*s first event in hertfordshire at the centurion club last week, there�*s a saudi backed women�*s tournament at the same course. there�*s one million us dollars in the prize money — all funded by the same saudi arabian money that has caused a massive controversy in the men�*s game. this isn�*t a breakaway event, though, like the liv golf invitational. that has caused a massive rift in the men�*s game. england�*s charley hull says that the big prize money on offer is actually good for the sport... what they have done for women�*s golf has been pretty good. after that first event in saudi arabia, 1000 women started playing golf. it is helping the women over there to play

golf. i am not a politician, helping the women over there to play golf. iam not a politician, iam helping the women over there to play golf. i am not a politician, i am a golfer, ijust stick golf. i am not a politician, i am a golfer, i just stick to the gulf. golf. i am not a politician, i am a golfer, ijust stick to the gulf. —— stick to the golf. bill golfer, ijust stick to the gulf. -- stick to the golf.— stick to the golf. all of the liv rebel players _ stick to the golf. all of the liv rebel players are _ stick to the golf. all of the liv rebel players are in _ stick to the golf. all of the liv rebel players are in the i stick to the golf. all of the liv rebel players are in the field l stick to the golf. all of the liv | rebel players are in the field of the us open golf, which spices things up. also england have named their 14 man—squad for the next week�*s third test against new zealand. uncapped surrey seamerjamie overton has been called upjoining twin brother craig. new figures show the nhs in england is still under intense pressure as the country recovers from the pandemic. the number of people waiting for a routine operation climbed to nearly 6.5 million in may — that�*s one in every nine people in england and the highest since records began in 2007.

but the nhs says there are signs of progress with a fall in the number of people waiting more than two years. in a&e, 73% of people were seen within four hours. that is up slightly on last month but below the 95% target. ambulances in england took an average of 40 minutes last month to respond to emergency calls such as strokes or heart attacks. that�*s better than the previous month but still more than twice the target of 18 minutes. our health correspondentjim reed has been speaking to the family of one man who died in march this year after waiting five hours for an ambulance. jerry shadbolt has been trying to piece together what happened on the night his father died. he was looking for the ambulance that never came. kenneth was in good shape for a 94—year—old. a retired carpenter, he lived alone in the cotswolds. the bbc applied to see documents from an inquest into his death. they show that at 2:53am, ken got out of bed and fell. he collapsed on the floor and called 999 twice from his mobile. transcripts of the calls

are spoken by actors. ken was recorded as an urgent category two case, meaning an ambulance should have arrived in 18 minutes on average. it�*s clear on the second call that his condition�*s worsening and he�*s getting anxious because he�*s not getting an assurance of an ambulance. ken waited for an hour on the floor before calling a third time. the details are distressing. it took another four hours for an ambulance to arrive. by then, ken was unconscious. he was taken to gloucestershire royal hospital, where he died that afternoon from a bleed to the brain. he was on his own and he must have

felt abandoned, you know, alone on his bedroom floor. that�*s the most troubling part of it for me. we can�*t be sure if a faster response time would have saved ken�*s life, but a five—hour wait for an ambulance is certainly far higher than the target for a call like this, and it�*s certainly not an isolated incident. across the country waiting times for ambulances are far higher than they should be. that�*s down to rising demands and because busy hospitals are finding it hard to discharge patients into social care. in gloucester this week, these ambulances were having to queue outside before they could unload their patients, rather than getting back on the road quickly. the healthcare safety watchdog has now launched an investigation into what�*s a national problem. so harm is happening on a daily basis and that harm is everything from patients deteriorating in ambulances, waiting to go into emergency departments, patients acquiring hospital acquired infections because they're staying

in hospital longer than they necessarily need to. so we are seeing harm happening. ken�*s family say they�*ve lost faith in the ambulance service to be there when they need it. how many other people right now are being made to wait four or five hours for an ambulance and it�*s having a detrimental effect on their prospects to survive, you know? south western ambulance service describes long delays as an unacceptable risk to patients and says it�*s working to get crews back out on the road as quickly as possible. gloucester hospital says that health care nationally is under intense pressure but staff are working tirelessly to ensure patients are cared for. jim reed, bbc news. plans to give private renters in england greater powers are being outlined by the government today. the renters reform bill will see "no fault" evictions abolished, meaning landlords won�*t be able to end tenancies without a reason. the decent homes standard will be

extended to the private rented sector to prevent health and safety hazards in homes. it will also be made illegal for landlords or agents to place blanket bans on renting to families with children or those who receive benefits. under the new rules, tenants would have the right to request to keep pets in their home. vicky spratt, housing correspondent at the i newspaper, joins me now. thank you. i think you have been waiting a little while, we appreciate your patience. how significant is this bill?- appreciate your patience. how significant is this bill? thank you for havin: significant is this bill? thank you for having me. _ significant is this bill? thank you for having me. it _ significant is this bill? thank you for having me. it is _ significant is this bill? thank you for having me. it is really - for having me. it is really impossible to overstate the significance of these proposed changes. and i would remind everyone that we have been waiting for them since 2019. it was theresa may who first promised an end to section 21 evictions, also known as unfair no fault evictions. they are currently the leading cause of homelessness in this country. it is causing

instability for the millions of people who rely on private landlords to keep a roof over their heads. we have been waiting years for this legislation to come through. today�*s white paper is not yet law, we have got a long way to go, but the fact it has finally been published is a huge day for the millions of renters in this country. huge day for the millions of renters in this country-— in this country. how many renters are there in _ in this country. how many renters are there in the _ in this country. how many renters are there in the private _ in this country. how many renters are there in the private sector? it| are there in the private sector? it is not there are around 4.4 million households who rent privately. that is around 11 million people. the data is a little bit patchy because it relies on something called the english housing survey. the most vulnerable private renters, who are potentially living in a legal homes, comes of multiple occupation, will not reply to a survey like that. what will it do to try to hold onto how much rent costs? some rental prices arejust how much rent costs? some rental prices are just incredibly high, almost beyond people�*s reach. definitely be on people�*s reach in many parts of the country. one of

the things we have seen with the housing market throughout the pandemic, this is a continuing trend, is that rents are hitting historic highs in many parts of the country. again, the date on this is a bit patchy. with house prices, we know how much they are bought and sold for, but we rely on property websites to record rents, they are not completely accurate. what i am hearing weekend, week out is that people�*s landlords are putting the rent up. i heard from a women two weeks ago he was having her rent put up weeks ago he was having her rent put up by 30%. wages are not going up at that rate, so if your landlord picture rent up, what do you do? you either payet or have to move. one of the significant things that is being proposed in the white paper is an end to what is known as rent review clauses. these are clauses in tenancy agreements which allow landlords to review rent and put it up. i think ending that would be huge help to people, but of course it will not stop landlords saying they want to charge more. so i wait

for more detail on that because i think one of the aspects of the cost of living that is not getting as much attention as it deserves is the cost of private rent.— cost of private rent. from the landlord's _ cost of private rent. from the landlord's perspective, i cost of private rent. from the landlord's perspective, they l cost of private rent. from the i landlord's perspective, they may cost of private rent. from the - landlord's perspective, they may see landlord�*s perspective, they may see their costs going up as the remortgage properties. we know that the interest rates are going up. surely they should have the right to house who they choose, shouldn�*t they, in a property that they own? this is a thorny question. i am sure landlords will have very different perspective on it to the one i have. i think ultimately what we have to remember here is that there are currently more people in this country renting from a private landlord than living in social housing. that was not always the case to stop in the 1980s there were more people living in social housing. we now have a very, very tricky situation where millions of people rely on private landlords, many of whom are private individuals, not social workers, for their homes. of course those landlords face their own pressures, but ultimately they are housing

providers. what we are talking about here is something so fundamental. if you cannot afford the roof over your head, what else are you going to be able to do in life?— able to do in life? vicky spratt, thank you _ able to do in life? vicky spratt, thank you very _ able to do in life? vicky spratt, thank you very much. - police in brazil say they�*ve found what are thought to be the bodies of the missing britishjournalist dom philips and a local indiginous expert bruno pereira. they were last seen in a remote part of the amazon rainforest earlier this month. brazilian police have arrested two suspects, one of whom has confessed to burying their bodies. the other suspect has denied any involvement. our south america correspondent, katy watson, reports from manaus. it was a hastily organised press conference. a panel of military men delivering the awful news after ten days of searching. translation: the first suspect voluntarily confessed _ at the end of last night. he made the criminal confession outlining in detail the crime he committed, and indicated the area

where he buried the bodies. early on wednesday morning, he was taken on a boat to help the search teams find the bodies. it was three kilometres from the river bank, in this thick forest, that human remains were found. these photos showing the difficult terrain the search teams faced, needing the help of helicopters, sniffer dogs and divers to get to the site. these are the two men as their friends and family want to remember them. dom phillips, an experienced and passionatejournalist, writing a book on saving the amazon. his travelling companion bruno pereira was an indigenous expert. he knew this community so well and was loved by so many here. the indigenous communities were the first to raise the alarm on the day they disappeared. and they didn�*t give up, accompanying the authorities, and even leading them to clues. but in the press conference, they weren�*t mentioned. i asked the man heading the investigation, why. the indigenous helped a lot in trying to find

the belongings of the two men, but nothing has been mentioned of the help that they gave the forces. translation: actually, it was| a mistake not to mention them. the work was carried out with the help of river communities and indigenous peoples. a lot of them accompanied us on the boats and in the planes, so that was fundamental. this crime has horrified people here in brazil and globally. it�*s brought into sharp focus the dangers faced by those wanting to save the forest. the criminal activity that takes place in this vast, beautiful, yet threatened amazon. dom�*s wife ale says... this brings the search to an end and closure for the families, who pushed so hard in trying to find the two men. but, of course, it also reveals the brutal criminality in the amazon

and the lack of ability by the state to control it. the families now say they�*ll fight for justice. katy watson, bbc news, in manaus. the actor kevin spacey has appeared in court in london, charged with sexually assaulting three men. he was granted unconditional bail at westminster magistrates court, where he didn�*t enter a plea, though his lawyer said he strenuously denies the charges. our correspondent sarah campbell was outside the court. he is one of the most successful actors of his generation and the number of press who waited hours for his arrival at court reflected the worldwide interest in his case. despite attempts by the court staff to ensure a clear way in, there were chaotic scenes as the 62—year—old made his way to the front entrance. move to the side. kevin spacey came to prominence in the 1990s, winning two oscars, first for the usual suspects and then american beauty. on television he starred

as the fictional us president underwood in the major netflix drama series house of cards. and although american by birth, he spent much of his time in the uk as the artistic director of london�*s old vic theatre between 2004 and 2015. he was given an honorary knighthood for his services to theatre in this country. his appearance in court one was brief. he was asked to confirm his name as kevin spacey fowler, and address, which he did. wearing a blue suit, he then listened intently as the five charges were read out. they are two counts of sexual assault against a man in london in 2005, one count of sexual assault and a further sexual offence against a second man in 2008, also in london. and finally, an alleged sexual assault against a third man in gloucestershire in 2013. in court his lawyer said that mr spacey strenuously denied any and all criminality in his case.

he was granted unconditional bail which means he can return home to america until his next court appearance, which is set for the morning of the 14th ofjuly at southwark crown court. sarah campbell, bbc news, westminster magistrates�* court. the headlines on bbc news: boris johnson�*s former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. interest rates up again — to 1.25%, the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary says next week�*s rail strikes have been designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. half of britain�*s rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. beyonce is back with herfirst solo album in six years. entitled renaissance, it�*s due out on the 29th ofjuly. it�*s the follow—up to lemonade, which she released in 2016.

here to talk more about this is our music correspondent mark savage. why so long a wait? she has been bus in why so long a wait? she has been busy in those _ why so long a wait? she has been busy in those years. _ why so long a wait? she has been busy in those years. she - why so long a wait? she has been busy in those years. she did i why so long a wait? she has been busy in those years. she did a i busy in those years. she did a soundtrack for disney�*s remake of the lion king. she did a collaborative album and tour with her husband jay—z. she performed at the oscars earlier this year. it is not like she has been resting on her laurels, but it kinda felt like there was the time to come back and say something. an for what has happened in the intervening years. the black lives matter protest in america have been a big deal. she released a song in the middle of that movement called black parade, which was kind of a rallying cry over the death of george floyd. she has taken time since then, partly because of covid. she has been in the studio for 18 months. if you�*re like she has got something to say. what might that be? is there a particular theme she will be focusing on? me particular theme she will be focusing on?—

particular theme she will be focusing on? particular theme she will be focusin: on? ~ ~ ., , ., , focusing on? we know is that this mornin: , focusing on? we know is that this morning. very _ focusing on? we know is that this morning, very early _ focusing on? we know is that this morning, very early in _ focusing on? we know is that this morning, very early in the - focusing on? we know is that this i morning, very early in the morning, she put a message on her social media seeing act one renaissance. immediately all the streaming services said the album was coming in six weeks�* time on the 29th of july. we know from one site that accidentally put a page up that there will be 16 tracks, but we do not know what any of them are called. that is the incredible thing about beyonce, there is an anticipation for even the smallest bit of information, the number of songs she has recorded as set twitter alight.— songs she has recorded as set twitter alight. songs she has recorded as set twitter aliuht. ,, ., , . ., twitter alight. she has got such an amazin: twitter alight. she has got such an amazing following _ twitter alight. she has got such an amazing following huge _ twitter alight. she has got such an amazing following huge amount i twitter alight. she has got such an amazing following huge amount of| amazing following huge amount of respect. the process that she goes through, she is very collaborative. she is. this is something that really came to on lemonade, which was nominated for grammy album of the year. it was an album that talks about her marriage, i suppose that infidelity from her husband, but it also talked about the experiences of black women in the us, a very political and ambitious album. but ambitious notjust in the messages but the writing. there are tracks on

that album that have 16 writers. what she does as she starts with the seed of an idea and sent it off to lots and lots of different people and says what do you think we should do, what would your idea for a chorus be? she gets all of those back, process all of that information and all those ideas, and kind of stitches together almost frankenstein�*s monster of a song. but crucially it still has her voice running through it. there is an authorship towards that that would not necessarily be there if you or i were to take random elements of music. it were to take random elements of music. ., , ., ., , , , music. it would be an unholy mess if i t to music. it would be an unholy mess if it to do music. it would be an unholy mess if i try to do anything _ music. it would be an unholy mess if i try to do anything like _ music. it would be an unholy mess if i try to do anything like that! - music. it would be an unholy mess if i try to do anything like that! how i i try to do anything like that! how keen our people to collaborate in that we were she a mac by taking ideas from every— that we were she a mac by taking ideas from every there's a certain kudos to working _ ideas from every there's a certain kudos to working on _ ideas from every there's a certain kudos to working on a _ ideas from every there's a certain kudos to working on a beyonce i ideas from every there's a certain i kudos to working on a beyonce album, not to mention the royalties you will get. that is how a lot of music is written now. people will come up with a drum loop or a guitar loop and then send it off, somebody else

will pick that up and in another studio and write what is called a top line, the melody. that is why you see an artist like ed sheeran even has four or five people contributing to his songs. eight to no with contributing to his songs. eight to go with the _ contributing to his songs. eight to go with the album? _ contributing to his songs. eight to go with the album? let's - contributing to his songs. eight to go with the album? let's hope i contributing to his songs. eight to| go with the album? let's hope so. contributing to his songs. eight to i go with the album? let's hope so. -- a tour. go with the album? let's hope so. -- a tour- her — go with the album? let's hope so. -- a tour. her shows _ go with the album? let's hope so. -- a tour. her shows are _ go with the album? let's hope so. -- a tour. her shows are incredible. i a tour. her shows are incredible. she is an incredible performer with an incredible voice and an incredible range, so it would be impressive to see her again. mark, thank ou impressive to see her again. mark, thank you very _ impressive to see her again. mark, thank you very much. _ a man is taking legal action against apple, accusing the technology firm of misleading iphone users over an upgrade that was supposed to manage battery performance but actually led to older phones slowing down. if the case is successful, up to 25 million iphone owners could be in line for a share of more than £750 million. apple insists it would never do anything to intentionally shorten

the life of its products. the heat is on across parts of the uk. the hot and sunny weather of these past few days is expected to hit a peak tomorrow, with temperatures in some parts likely to reach 34 celsius. our correspondent, duncan kennedy reports from sunny surrey it is the heatwave that is rippling and rolling across much of the uk. as hot as herat, no wonder the enjoyment factor is set to high for these women from reading. what is your view of this weather, which is going to be reaching maybe 30 degrees today? fabulous. i'm going to enjoy the heat while it's here. just keep my fluids and have good company and it's brilliant. and families too are also taking in the sun, carefully. it can be too hot. we�*ve had to come out of london today, to try and get some air. it�*s going to be 31, i hear, tomorrow. now look at spain, where forest fires have broken out in the soaring heat.

bone dry soil and vegetation are making it hard to keep the fires under control. and in the capital, the temperatures are past 30 degrees. translation: every summer it's getting worse and it's _ affecting us on every level. i find it hard to cope with the heat. it�*s very hard but we have to keep going. there is no other way. across the border in france, it�*s also under this enormous heat blanket. temperatures here also way above 30. time to enjoy, but also be alert for the wider meaning of all this heat. translation: we are - experiencing global warming so this is inevitable. i think every year it's going to get hotter and hotter. i don't know if there is anything can be done. in the uk, temperatures could topple over the 30 celsius mark tomorrow, with warnings from health professionals and others to treat it seriously,

alongside the fun and relaxation. duncan kennedy, bbc news, in surrey. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with elizabeth rizzini. hello there. plenty of blue sky and warm sunshine again today across england and wales, but it�*s here where we�*ll see the peak of the heat tomorrow. it will feel hot and increasingly more humid and muggy, too. further north and west, it�*s cooler, it�*s cloudier, there�*ll be some outbreaks of rain, and that�*s because there�*s weather fronts draped across scotland and northern ireland. this front will gradually sink southwards throughout the course of the weekend, introducing those fresher conditions eventually for all, but also some heavy, thundery downpours too, particularly across southern areas, and the winds will start to pick up as well. let�*s take a look in a bit more detail, then. so, overnight tonight, it�*s a lovely evening to come across england and wales. further north, then, there�*s some outbreaks of quite heavy, persistent rain moving into western scotland, eventually pushing eastwards throughout the night. it�*s feeling muggy, humid,

uncomfortable for sleeping. for much of england and wales, temperatures won�*t drop much below 14 to 16 degrees celsius. and then into friday morning, a cold front is sinking southwards, that�*s going to introduce some outbreaks of light, patchy rain and drizzle for many across southern scotland, the borders, into northern england as we head through the afternoon, but some sunny skies developing behind it. further north, the temperature peaks in the south, lots of sunshine, 32 or 33 degrees celsius. watch out for some low cloud, misty conditions towards north devon and cornwall, the coasts here, possibly the coastal areas of pembrokeshire as well. so, here are the highs for tomorrow. they are a good 12 degrees celsius, in many cases, above the seasonal average. but it�*s quite a brief peak of the heat because temperatures will be dropping, remember, over the weekend. along with all of that sunshine come some very high pollen levels and of course, the uv levels will also be high. so, this is what happens on saturday. our cold air towards the north meets warm air pushing in from the south. lots of instability,

strong winds and some heavy, thundery downpours, probably in this sort of position. sunshine behind further north. towards the far southeast, the heat may well hang on for another day. the focus of those heavy, thundery downpours will be a little further south, probably, on sunday. still some uncertainty. it remains quite windy towards the south. further north, fresher conditions, yes, but there will be some sunny spells on and off throughout the day too. temperatures generally peaking on sunday between 16 and 20 degrees.

this is bbc news. the headlines... an independent investigation into allegations of mistreatment in british gymnastics finds that physical and emotional abuse was "systemic". i would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse. i i would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse.— culture of abuse. i was told to car on culture of abuse. i was told to carry on as — culture of abuse. i was told to carry on as if _ culture of abuse. i was told to carry on as if nothing - culture of abuse. i was told to i carry on as if nothing happened. i couldn't— carry on as if nothing happened. i couldn't carry on. it was up to me to bring _ couldn't carry on. it was up to me to bring my— couldn't carry on. it was up to me to bring my dad to pick me up and take me _ to bring my dad to pick me up and take me to— to bring my dad to pick me up and take me to the hospital where they told me _ take me to the hospital where they told me i_ take me to the hospital where they told me i broke my foot in four places — boris johnson�*s former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over a plan to risk breaking the ministerial code. interest rates up again — to one and a quarter per cent, the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary says next week�*s rail strikes have been designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time.

half of britain�*s rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. what about political damage? i am in the middle of devin, a safe conservative seat but for how much longer? i will bejoined light by daisy cooper, deputy leader of the liberal democrats. labourfinished liberal democrats. labour finished second liberal democrats. labourfinished second last time, why does she think the liberal dems can win here? hot and getting even hotter — britain�*s heatwave is expected to peak tomorrow with temperatures of 34 degrees celsius. that afternoon, welcome to bbc news.

an independent investigation into allegations of mistreatment in british gymnastics has found that physical and emotional abuse was "systemic". the whyte review, which extends beyond 300 pages and was co—commissioned by uk sport and sport england, found that gymnast wellbeing and welfare had not been at the centre of british gymnastics�* culture" during a 12—year period up to 2020 — and that there was a coach—led culture of fear. joining me now in the studio our sports correspondent laura scott with more on this. it isa it is a hefty report, tell us how it came about. it it is a hefty report, tell us how it came about-— it is a hefty report, tell us how it came about. . , . ~" :: ' ., came about. it was back in 2021 and number of british _ came about. it was back in 2021 and number of british gymnast - came about. it was back in 2021 and number of british gymnast came i number of british gymnast came alleging mistreatment and abuse, many of them coming forward to speak to the bbc about their experiences. among those, we have former olympians, people who will be known. they are household names and they were saying that their treatment in the sports was one of abuse, that they had been mentally and emotionally drained, that this was

completely normalised in the sport. so as a result of that, uk sport and sport england, the funding bodies for support in the uk commissioned this independent review which was led by and wait to see, commanded specifically cover the period between 2008 and 2020. it was tasked with assessing whether gymnasts well—being and welfare had been at the centre of the culture but his gymnastics and the coaches whether safeguarding concerns had been dealt with appropriately and whether they had raised complaints or not. it is a huge piece of work, more than 300 pages. we haven�*t had long to go through them, it pages. we haven't had long to go through them.— pages. we haven't had long to go throu~h them, , , . . through them, it was systemic, what sort of practices _ through them, it was systemic, what sort of practices are _ through them, it was systemic, what sort of practices are we _ through them, it was systemic, what sort of practices are we talking i sort of practices are we talking about here?— sort of practices are we talking about here? iii: , , ,, ., about here? 400 submissions of evidence, more _ about here? 400 submissions of evidence, more than _ about here? 400 submissions of evidence, more than 400, i about here? 400 submissions of evidence, more than 400, and l about here? 400 submissions of i evidence, more than 400, and that included 40% describing physical abuse in the sport. that included physical chastisement and the

withholding of food, water and access to toilets during training sessions. 50% of those who came forward described emotional abuse in the sport and a quarter reported excessive weight management. the review describe what they referred to as the tyranny of the scales which they said it was coach lead and quite unnecessary. that has led to several athletes having issues with eating disorders and body image. there were several anecdotes covered in this report, including one form or at least gymnasts describing the need to stand on a beam for two hours because they were frightened at performing a scale. there was one gymnast who said they were deliberately dropped from equipment and dragged across the gym floor by their arms. another who recalled that at the age of seven they were sat on by a coach. and lastly a parent reported two coaches at once pushing their child�*s legs down in a split. these were described as harrowing and distressing accounts by the funding bodies who commissioned this report.

these gymnasts are really very young, aren�*t they? what are the recommendations then from this report? recommendations then from this re ort? _, ., ., , recommendations then from this re oft? .., ., ., , . report? the recommendations include more mandatory _ report? the recommendations include more mandatory safeguarding - report? the recommendations includej more mandatory safeguarding training for all club owners and managers. an independent disclosure service for high—performance gymnasts, better case management and complaint handling system and independent investigation for all complaints about employed coaches by british gymnastics. it�*s worth noting that it is not in the recommendations, but they report us as a sports on this —— ombudsman on a national level is an obvious step in the right direction. it is something that government has resisted since baroness recommended that back in 2017. she also says perhaps the world governing body for athletics should consider raising the age of e—mail gymnastics to 18. should consider raising the age of e-mail gymnastics to 18.- e-mail gymnastics to 18. when it comes to reaction _ e-mail gymnastics to 18. when it comes to reaction what - e-mail gymnastics to 18. when it comes to reaction what are i e-mail gymnastics to 18. when it comes to reaction what are the i comes to reaction what are the various interested parties saying? we heard from sarah, the chief executive of british gymnastics. she said that it was emotional for her

to be this, she issued a genuine apology to everyone affected by what has gone on in the past, the previous failings by british gymnastics. she said i�*m a mum, i wouldn�*t allow my daughter to be in an environment where i cannot see her taking part an environment where i cannot see hertaking part in an environment where i cannot see her taking part in the sport or have a conversation about how she is getting on. she vowed that this would be a watershed moment for gymnastics, meanwhile time, the chief executive of sport england said they welcomed this report. they said they welcomed this report. they said they welcomed this report. they said they had also failed to recognise the cultural problems in gymnastics but pointed very much to the failings by the governing body itself. they said they rejected the notion, which is included in the review that there has existed a cash for metals concept.— for metals concept. laura, for the moment, thank— for metals concept. laura, for the moment, thank you _ for metals concept. laura, for the moment, thank you very - for metals concept. laura, for the moment, thank you very much. i the review has taken nearly two years to complete, and contains allegations of wrong doing, from elite athletes down to grassroots gymnasts. here�*s our sports correspondent, natalie pirks.

for the last two years, british gymnasts have been telling us of a sport where they say mistreatment was the norm... i would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse. ..where weight was heavily controlled... how would you feel if you were 21 years old and given ultimately a baby plate to eat off of? ..and where hard training often meant ignoring painful injuries. | i was told to carry on as if nothing j happened, and i couldn't carry on. it was up to me to ring my dad to pick me up and take me i to the hospital, where they told me i had broken my foot in four places. many have claimed, medals have been valued above well—being. i would like to thank each and every one of you who has come forward to share your story. i'm very grateful that so many gymnasts, parents, coaches and others involved in the sport of gymnastics responded to my requests, often in difficult circumstances. those circumstances were wide ranging. since august 2020, the whyte review has received more than 400

submissions with more than 90 clubs and 100 coaches named. 39 cases were considered so serious they were passed to local authorities. anne whyte says the allegations of abuse described to her team range from bullying, belittling, and extreme weight management, to the use of excessive physical force, coercive control and people being made to train on serious injuries. today is an unprecedented opportunity to address the historic wrongs that have operated in gymnastics and to reform the sport that we love for the better. and we hope that today is going to bring about various recommendations that will be acted on by uk sport, sport england and british gymnastics to improve training conditions and competition conditions for gymnasts in the future. this could be gymnastics�*s day of reckoning. natalie pirks, bbc news. borisjohnson's ethics adviser —

who resigned last night — has accused the prime minister of putting him in an �*impossible and odious position.�* in his resignation letter, lord geidt said the prime minister had asked him to consider measures — understood to be on a trade issue — which risked �*a deliberate and purposeful breach of the ministerial code�*. lord geidt�*s letter also says he came close to quitting over the partygate affair. in response, the prime minister said his resignation had come as a surprise. our political correspondent nick eardley reports. this is lord geidt, the man who was responsible for advising the prime minister on ethics but, last night, after making clear his frustrations about downing street, he quit. and this morning, we found out why. in a letter, he told the prime minister... he adds...

that refers to downing street proposals designed to support british industry but which could have broken international trade rules. in his response, the prime minister writes... this was lord geidt in parliament on tuesday, just 2a hours before he quit. here is what he said about rumours he had considered resigning before. there are few instruments available to an independent adviser. he also told mps it was reasonable to suggest the prime minister may have breached the ministerial code after his lockdown party fine. but this isn�*t a first — the man in the red tie, sir alex allan, quit the job as borisjohnson�*s advisor two years ago after being overruled on whether the home secretary broke the rules ministers have to follow. the government said it was disappointed lord geidt had quit but said it did take ministerial ethics seriously.

significant changes were made to the role and status of independent adviser on ministers�* interests. as i set out to the house last week, these changes represent the most substantial strengthening of the role of independent adviser since its creation. but others said the problem was the prime minister. it's a pattern of degrading the principles of our democracy, the prime minister has now driven out both of his hand—picked ethics advisers to resign in despair in two years. it's a badge of shame for this government. | for the prime minister to lose one| adviser on ministers' interests may be regarded as misfortune but to lose two looks - like carelessness. some argue significant damage has been done to downing street�*s ethics regime. borisjohnson is now looking for his third adviser since he became prime minister. our political correspondent lone wells can tell us more. we heard this afternoon that the

prime minister is taking time to consider how and when he appoints a successor. . , ., �* successor. that is right. i don't think it wru— successor. that is right. i don't think it will be _ successor. that is right. i don't think it will be in _ successor. that is right. i don't think it will be in the _ successor. that is right. i don't think it will be in the job - successor. that is right. i don't think it will be in the job either| think it will be in the job either to the admission of people in government as well. this is not the second ethics adviser who the prime minister has lost, and certainly in his resignation, lord kate did express a number of concerns are they, of course, has touched on there in nick�*s piece, it seems like there in nick�*s piece, it seems like the final straw was being asked to give advice on what he described as an odious and impossible situation to be put in. —— lord geidt. in a particular trade question that he argued would be deliberately preaching the law and therefore bridging the ministerial code, that set of rules that all government ministers have to abide by. something he didn�*t feel he was in a position to do and feel comfortable with. i think his resignation that are touched on a number of issues which will prove difficult when it comes to hiring his successor. he mentioned both party gate issues and

coming close to resigning over a covid rule breaking in downing street. crucially, he also said that even when the prime minister offered an explanation for his conduct of a party gait, the prime minister still hadn�*t really addressed what he called issues of leadership in particular. i think lord geidt has taken issue with the way the prime minister has conducted himself in public office over the last couple of months. he also strongly hinted that he was particularly unhappy with the way that the prime minister, that number ten had appeared to to lord geidt for not making his concerns clear enough by planing things like miscommunication between number ten and lord geidt�*s office over some of the concerns that he had raised about the payments to�*s leadership and also these particular issues around party gait as well. just these particular issues around party gait as well-— gait as well. just briefly, to what extent might _ gait as well. just briefly, to what extent might the _ gait as well. just briefly, to what extent might the ministerial - gait as well. just briefly, to what | extent might the ministerial code need to be looked at? i extent might the ministerial code need to be looked at?— need to be looked at? i think the ministerial _ need to be looked at? i think the ministerial code, _ need to be looked at? i think the ministerial code, this _ need to be looked at? i think the ministerial code, this is - need to be looked at? i think the i ministerial code, this is something even the prime minister himself has said is certainly something that he

still stands by and feel strongly that all ministers need to stand by. he sat in the past when he was facing questions of her partygate, if anyone is found to have broken the ministerial code, then they should resign. crucially, the premonition himself, don�*t forget, is facing a further investigation when it comes to partygate, a committee of mps are going to be investigating in the future whether or not he misled parliament by saying that no rules were broken in downing street, than if chris receiving a fine for breaking those rules himself. now, if he has found to have misled parliament, then that is another case for the ministerial code. the ministerial code strictly says that all ministers must tell the truth at all times in the house of commons. sol the truth at all times in the house of commons. so i think these issues around whether or not the prime minister follows the ministerial code or whether he is facing accusations of having preached at our certainly not going away for him anytime soon, and i think this is where he may well need somebody who he can advice from.— he can advice from. thank you very much. dmitry grozoubinski is founder of the consultancy explain trade and a former delegate

to the world trade organization for australia. borisjohnson mentioned a trade remedies authority in response to this issue with lord geidt, and i asked him to explain what that is. under the world trade organisation, you�*re supposed to keep your tariffs within certain limits and apply the same tariffs on everyone in a sort of flat way. safeguards and trade remedies are your "break glass in case of emergency" measure. if suddenly you find that a huge amount of a certain kind of product from a certain destination is flooding your market, perhaps because another government is, in trade terms, "cheating" by subsidising it or otherwise doing things they are not supposed to do. a trade remedy allows you to do something you are not normally allowed to do under wto rules and put in place a temporary tariff just on that product from just that source. but to do so, there is a formal

procedure and a set of criteria. the first one is you need to have a trade remedy authority, which is a body within your government, which is staffed by economic nerds, that when industry feels that something like this might be happening, they can make a complaint to this authority that then launches a scientific investigation to basically determine if it�*s true, and to what extent it�*s true and how much it�*s hurting uk industry. they then make a recommendation to the minister, and only if that recommendation to the minister says there is a problem here and it�*s appropriate to put in place a tariff, can the minister invoke a remedy while being wto compliant. in this case, they also are supposed to look at if previous remedies are still legal, if whatever condition existed before thatjustified putting in place a tariff, that the surge is still happening, that the "cheating" is still

happening is still in place. the uk version of this, the trade remedies authority, looked at a set of tariffs on chinese steel, and their official finding was that they are no longerjustified. the prime minister last year decided to overrule that in a way that is not probably wto compliant and kept those tariffs in place again for a year, and it looks like what you may have been part of lord geidt�*s resignation is that he asked lord geidt if he could do so again in direct contravention of wt0 rules. now has a say, you are not an expert on the ministerial code, you are not making a comment about that, we are just trying to work out how a trade remedy may have been pertinent to the ethics of the ministerial code. if you do keep a remedy in place for longer than necessary, what are the sanctions that you could face? so, the way that sanctions work in the wto is by other members,

those who are hurt, so in this case china, who is hurt by this, could bring a dispute against the united kingdom at the wto to basically have the wto look at whether the rules in opposing the sanctions, and if the wto has found that it didn�*t, china would be allowed to levy tariffs back against the united kingdom, and to the same level of trade disruption to kind of balance out the way the uk is violating trade rules by keeping these in place, by hurting other uk exports and other sectors. this might not be easy to answer. how long might the process take then, setting up a trade remedy authority for them giving you the yes or the no and then potentially for a wto signatory to have an issue with that? so, just to be clear, the uk has set up its trade remedies authority, that exists.

if you are asking how long a wto dispute would take for, sort of, all of the procedures to go through and potentially eventually authorise chinese retaliation, that could take years. it is not a rapid process by any means. it's 90 it�*s 90 minutes past lipm. the headlines on bbc news... -- 19 —— 19 minutes. an independent investigation into allegations of mistreatment in british gymnastics finds that physical and emotional abuse was "systemic" during a 12 year period up to 2020 boris johnson�*s former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over an issue he believed would amount to a deliberate breach of the ministerial code. interest rates up again — to one and a quarter per cent, the highest in more than a decade. the bank of england has

raised interest rates for the fifth time in a row. the base rate is going up a quarter of a percentage point — to one point 25 % — its highest level in 13 years. the move is aimed at fighting high inflation amid soaring energy prices. 0ur economics correspondent, andy verity told me the raise was widely predicted but not welcomed by many people. well, no, especially if you�*ve got a variable rate mortgage — that is a minority of households, less than 10%. but, nevertheless, some of them are locked into their mortgages because of what the government�*s done, selling portfolios of mortgages to lenders who don�*t have new loans. and those people will be suffering each time there�*s a rise in rates. so this is now the highest interest rates have been since 2009. you can even say interest rates are at ten times what they were a year ago because back then they were back down at 0.1%. really, the exceptional thing isn�*t so much what�*s happening now, it�*s what�*s happened for the last 13 years when we�*ve had emergency low interest rates ever since 2009, because the bank of england has not felt able to raise them because of weak economic growth and stagnant living standards. now we have a situation

where we have the highest inflation since 1982, 9%, and the bank of england was saying today it expects it to get above 11%. and so really the bank of england�*s forced to normalise the situation, even though raising domestic interest rates, raising the cost of borrowing in this country, doesn�*t do much to tame global inflationary pressures. no, exactly. so what�*s the argument for doing it if a lot of these pressures are external ones? well, the bank of england has said that 80% of it comes from abroad. it�*s the price of energy, of course, stupid! and it�*s also the price of raw materials. but they�*re saying that not all of it can be attributed to global forces. some of it may be domestic, and they�*re pointing to the tight labour market and how wage pressures are increasing, employers are having to pay people more in order to attract the staff because of the recruitment crisis that they�*ve got out there. and i think it�*s those pressures that the bank of england wants to head off. it�*s still predicting confidently

that, although inflation will peak at above 11% this year, it will subside and get down to its 2% target within the next two or three. leaders of italy, germany and france and romania — have been meeting president zelensky in ukraine — as he pushes for more western weapons. french president emmanual macron, the german chancellor 0laf scholz and italian prime minister mario draghi travelled by train to the ukrainian capital. here they are meeting with president zelensky. meanwhile — away from kyiv, nato defence ministers are attending a key meeting in brussels. and a commitment to keep sending arms and munitions to ukraine remains in place. in eastern ukraine fierce fighting continues. in severodonetsk ten thousand ukrainian civilians are trapped in the city. 0ur correspondent — joe inwood has been giving us the latest from kyiv. the focus of dress—up —— we understand they are using huge artillery barrage as ground troops engaged in street fighting, heavy losses on both

sides, but the ukrainians say they are losing a lot of men. 0ver sides, but the ukrainians say they are losing a lot of men. over the last couple of days can they talked about it humanitarian corridor, there are a number of civilians hold up. now, they said the ukrainians didn�*t take part in the sand forward at the process, but interestingly in the last hour or so, the british ministry of defence have released a video saying that the whole thing was a facade, a charade to try to get to russian territory and also, in their words, change the battle space. they said they are seizing for propaganda purposes, obviously something the russians would disagree with, but we are seeing a really intense level activity of fighting. 0ver really intense level activity of fighting. over the last two days, the bridges to the city have been broken. we understand therefore it is increasingly difficult for the ukrainians to get supplies in or people out. it�*s worth saying that this is not the only place that the fighting is happening. we also understand there is an attempt by

the russians to come in from the south and in from the north down and to try and encircle ukrainian forces. ukrainians say they are holding on but it is looking increasingly difficult and they are saying they need western aid, specifically artillery, as a matter of urgency. ben wallace says the momentum is still in ukraine�*s favour and its fight against russia. let�*s hear what else he said. aggression is consistently failing in its _ aggression is consistently failing in its and — aggression is consistently failing in its and objective, hasn't taken odesa. — in its and objective, hasn't taken 0desa, hasn't taken kyiv, hasn't managed — 0desa, hasn't taken kyiv, hasn't managed to occupy the east of ukraine — managed to occupy the east of ukraine. it is costing lots and lots of its _ ukraine. it is costing lots and lots of its resources, of its people, of its own _ of its resources, of its people, of its own momentum to even make small advances. now, doesn't mean to say that the _ advances. now, doesn't mean to say that the aggression where machine is going backwards, but it is not advance — going backwards, but it is not advance according to its plan. armies — advance according to its plan. armies in _ advance according to its plan. armies in the field use huge amounts of resource _ armies in the field use huge amounts of resource and morale is low,

generals— of resource and morale is low, generals are either being killed or indeed _ generals are either being killed or indeed are being replaced often in the russian system and i think, you know, _ the russian system and i think, you know. if— the russian system and i think, you know. if you — the russian system and i think, you know, if you are put in sitting back in moscow. — know, if you are put in sitting back in moscow, you ask yourself, he's gone _ in moscow, you ask yourself, he's gone through all that sacrifice of the russian people, and for all the loss of— the russian people, and for all the loss of international reputation, momentum is still in ukraine's favour~ — momentum is still in ukraine's favour. they are the defenders, they do have _ favour. they are the defenders, they do have the — favour. they are the defenders, they do have the moral component and indeed, _ do have the moral component and indeed, now, the heavier equipment, the west— indeed, now, the heavier equipment, the west is— indeed, now, the heavier equipment, the west is providing them with lethal— the west is providing them with lethal aid it's starting to come into the — lethal aid it's starting to come into the country. russians can mass some huge — into the country. russians can mass some huge numbers of artillery and concentration of forces, but what we do see _ concentration of forces, but what we do see is— concentration of forces, but what we do see is where they mass at, they mask— do see is where they mass at, they mask the _ do see is where they mass at, they mask the amount that i would never see as _ mask the amount that i would never see as an— mask the amount that i would never see as an infant here. they have very— see as an infant here. they have very big — see as an infant here. they have very big objectives. massive artillery— very big objectives. massive artillery for taking crossroads, with— artillery for taking crossroads, with our— artillery for taking crossroads, with our particular massive advantage to them, i think that's the problem they have they are expending huge amount for a tiny advance — expending huge amount for a tiny advance. but they can do it, they are very— advance. but they can do it, they are very big — advance. but they can do it, they are very big as an armed forces, but of course _ are very big as an armed forces, but of course they are losing people in

doing _ of course they are losing people in doing so— of course they are losing people in doing so themselves. in some of the packets, _ doing so themselves. in some of the packets, we — doing so themselves. in some of the packets, we saw a 20 when outgunned of artillery— packets, we saw a 20 when outgunned of artillery tubes, i won't say personnel, but, of course, if ukrainians— personnel, but, of course, if ukrainians keep moving or they are nimble _ ukrainians keep moving or they are nimble or— ukrainians keep moving or they are nimble or indeed a uav or drones take out— nimble or indeed a uav or drones take out some of those artillery commander controls, then all of that artillery— commander controls, then all of that artillery means nothing if it is deafened in a blind. fine artillery means nothing if it is deafened in a blind.— artillery means nothing if it is deafened in a blind. one of the president's _ deafened in a blind. one of the president's adviser _ deafened in a blind. one of the president's adviser says - deafened in a blind. one of the president's adviser says the . deafened in a blind. one of the - president's adviser says the ukraine president�*s adviser says the ukraine is losing 200 soldiers a day, killed, and the donbas. gee think that figure is right? do you think it is sustainable? i�*m that figure is right? do you think it is sustainable?— that figure is right? do you think it is sustainable? i'm not can argue with ukrainian's _ it is sustainable? i'm not can argue with ukrainian's public _ it is sustainable? i'm not can argue with ukrainian's public losses. - it is sustainable? i'm not can argue with ukrainian's public losses. i - with ukrainian's public losses. i think— with ukrainian's public losses. i think they— with ukrainian's public losses. i think they have taken significant casualties. that is the nature of the russian war machine. it is ruthless, _ the russian war machine. it is ruthless, it's merciless and it is mass and _ ruthless, it's merciless and it is mass. and that is why it's always important — mass. and that is why it's always important in our line of work are supportive. _ important in our line of work are supportive, we have alliances, but

also, _ supportive, we have alliances, but also, you — supportive, we have alliances, but also, you know, ithink it supportive, we have alliances, but also, you know, i think it is still possible — also, you know, i think it is still possible for— also, you know, i think it is still possible for the ukrainians to push that track— possible for the ukrainians to push that back because ultimately, what we are _ that back because ultimately, what we are all— that back because ultimately, what we are all going to be assisting with is— we are all going to be assisting with is not— we are all going to be assisting with is notjust equipment but training, — with is notjust equipment but training, making sure we can bring inthat— training, making sure we can bring in that head — training, making sure we can bring in that bead fire capability which is now— in that bead fire capability which is now arriving and use that to push russia _ is now arriving and use that to push russia track— is now arriving and use that to push russia back so they can't do as much harm _ russia back so they can't do as much harm gt_ russia back so they can't do as much harm. , . ,, . . , �* harm. of the defence secretary ben wallace speaking — harm. of the defence secretary ben wallace speaking in _ harm. of the defence secretary ben wallace speaking in brussels. - harm. of the defence secretary ben wallace speaking in brussels. nowl wallace speaking in brussels. now it�*s time for a look at the weather. hello there. plenty of blue sky, warm sunshine again today for england and wales, which is where we�*ll see the heat peak tomorrow. further north and west, it�*s been cooler and cloudier. there�*s a weather front overnight tonight for northern ireland and scotland giving heavy, persistent outbreaks of rain. it will turn rather windy. further south, it�*s set to feel quite muggy — uncomfortable for sleeping. overnight lows, no lower than 15 or 16 degrees celsius into tomorrow morning. so, tomorrow, our cold front sinks southwards. it�*s a weakening feature — outbreaks of light, patchy rain and drizzle for the borders, northern england.

by the time we get to the afternoon, fresher conditions behind along with some sunny spells for scotland and northern ireland. but it�*s towards parts of england and wales where we see the heat peak, maybe 32, 33 degrees celsius in the london area. low cloud towards the coast of the south—west and south wales, perhaps. along with the sunshine comes some very high pollen levels, of course. the uv levels also high. the heat will break over the weekend with some thundery downpours.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines: an independent investigation into allegations of mistreatment in british gymnastics finds that physical and emotional abuse was "systemic" during a 12 year period up to 2020. boris johnson�*s former ethics adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious" position over an issue he believed would amount to a deliberate breach of the ministerial code. interest rates up again — to 1.25%, the highest in more than a decade. the transport secretary says next week�*s rail strikes have been

designed to inflict damage at the worst possible time. half of britain�*s rail lines will be closed when workers walk out on tuesday, thursday and saturday. hot and getting even hotter — britain�*s heatwave is expected to peak tomorrow with temperatures of 3a degrees celsius. sport now — and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. we will start with that gymnastics story. british gymnastics has accepted all the reccomendations and key finding of an independent report on the allegations of widespread abuse in the sport. the whyte review that was published today gathered testimonies from hundreds of gymnasts at all levels and and concluded that issues of physical and emotional abuse were "systemic", and that british gymnastics had "not only failed to prevent or limit such behaviours but had condoned some of them in the pursuit of national and international competitive success".

here is our sports news correspondent laura scott. they had 400 submissions _ correspondent laura scott. they had 400 submissions of _ correspondent laura scott. they had 400 submissions of evidence, - correspondent laura scott. they had 400 submissions of evidence, more| 400 submissions of evidence, more than 400, and that included 40% describing physical abuse in the sport. that included physical chastisement and the withholding of food, water and access to toilets during training sessions. 50% of those who came forward described emotional abuse in the sport. and a quarter reported excessive weight management. the review described what they refer to as the tyranny of the skills, which they said was coach lead and quite unnecessary. that has led to several athletes having issues with eating disorders and body image. there were several anecdotes that were covered in this report, including one former elite gymnast describing being made to stand on a beam for two hours because they were frightened of performing a skill. there was one genus who said they were deliberately dropped from equipment and dragged across the gym floor by

their arms. another who recalled that at the age of seven they were sat on by a coach. lastly, a parent reported to coaches at once pushing their child�*s likes down in a split. these were described as harrowing and distressing accounts by the funding bodies who commissioned this report. a former gymnast — and founder of the organisation, gymnasts for change — says she hopes that this is a turning point for the sport. today is an unprecedented opportunity to address the historic wrongs that have operated in gymnastics and to reform the sport that we love for the better. and we hope that today is going to bring about various recommendations that will be acted on by uk sports for england and british gymnastics to improve training conditions and competition conditions for gymnasts in the future. ryan peniston is still waiting to come on court at queens. ryan pennington is just

ryan pennington isjust starting his second round match at queens. the 26—year—old from southend is ranked 180th in the world and is the last british player in the draw. can we go live to queens? we cannot unfortunately. the defending champion matteo berrettini is through to the quarterfinals. he was pushed all the way. he lost the first set before coming through in three. you will now face another american, tommy paul, who knocked out stanislas wawrinka earlier today. some of the top women�*s players are playing at the birmingham classic the top seed jelena ostapenko was on court earlier. zhang is on court at the moment. you can follow all of this tennis from birmingham and queens, all the top players in the lead up to wimbledon, which

starts later this month, on the bbc sport website. perhaps they will tell you there who is playing! after the breakway liv golf tournament had its first event in hertfordshire at the centurion club last week, there�*s a saudi—backed women�*s tournament at the same course. there�*s $1 million in the prize money — and though funded by saudi arabia, this isn�*t a rebel tour event like the liv, that�*s causing a rift in the men�*s game. england�*s charley hull says that the big prize money on offer is actually good for the sport. what they have done for women�*s golf and the ladies european tour is pretty good. since we have been playing in saudi arabia, after the first event that we played, 1000 women started playing golf, signed up women started playing golf, signed up that day. it is helping women over playing golf. but i am not a politician, i am a golfer, ijust stick to the golf. that�*s all the sport for now.

third hearing investigating the attack on the us capitol will get under way shortly. it is attack on the us capitol will get under way shortly. it is expected to focus on president _ under way shortly. it is expected to focus on president trump's - under way shortly. it is expected to l focus on president trump's attempts focus on president trump�*s attempts to pressure mike pence to overturn the election results. let�*s speak to our washington correspondent. who are they likely to hear from in this hearing? are they likely to hear from in this hearin: ? ., ., are they likely to hear from in this hearin: ? ., , . ., ., are they likely to hear from in this hearin: ? ., . ., ., . hearing? today we are going to hear from those that _ hearing? today we are going to hear from those that were _ hearing? today we are going to hear from those that were close - hearing? today we are going to hear from those that were close to - hearing? today we are going to hear from those that were close to the i from those that were close to the former vice president mike pence. we will focus on the huge pressure that the vice president was under to overturn the election result. just a reminder, as vice president, mike pence was also the president of the senate. hisjob that pence was also the president of the senate. his job that day was a pretty ceremonial, constitutional one, which was to count the votes like a bank teller, that was it. he was under huge pressure by donald trump and his aides to throw out the election, to throw the election to

mr trump. what we are going to here is a little bit more about that plan, how that plan was advanced by someone called john eastman, donald trump�*s lawyer, his name will be mentioned a lot. also how mike pence and his team, who we will hear from, rejected a plan. nonetheless, the commission says a donald trump stoppers pursued the plan which ultimately led to the rights that we saw on january ultimately led to the rights that we saw onjanuary six and they ultimately led to the rights that we saw on january six and they say ultimately led to the rights that we saw onjanuary six and they say it also led to mike pence�*s life being in danger. also led to mike pence's life being in dancer. ~ ., also led to mike pence's life being in dancer. . . ., also led to mike pence's life being in dancer.~ . ., in danger. what reaction has there been from mike _ in danger. what reaction has there been from mike pence _ in danger. what reaction has there been from mike pence himself? i in danger. what reaction has there | been from mike pence himself? we know that donald trump has said that this is a witchhunt and a hoax. mike pence himself _ this is a witchhunt and a hoax. mike pence himself has _ this is a witchhunt and a hoax. mike pence himself has not _ this is a witchhunt and a hoax. m as: pence himself has not reacted so this is a witchhunt and a hoax. m «12 pence himself has not reacted so far to the commission itself, but he is not giving evidence today. we do not know if he will give evidence at any point. the commission has been pretty quiet on that, but he did speak out not so long ago and he said he was proud of upholding his constitutional duty that day and counting those votes in the way that

he did. and certifying forjoe biden. we will probably get a bit more of an insight into his thinking perhaps because there are three people who will give evidence, his former white house counsel, also a retired federaljudge, and his former chief of staff. we will either be giving live testimony of pre—recorded evidence. i think the fact mike pence is not talking to the commission probably does not mean anything given that his team are. i think that probably means that mr pence is fine about them speaking out about what happened. what is the public view of these hearings? how important do they think they are? for hearings? how important do they think they are?— think they are? for hearing one, which was _ think they are? for hearing one, which was shown _ think they are? for hearing one, which was shown on _ think they are? for hearing one, which was shown on prime-time| think they are? for hearing one, - which was shown on prime-time tv, which was shown on prime—time tv, there was about 20 million people that tuned in, which is not a bad amount. of course it is not the super bowl, for a political event it was quite a sizeable number. we are not sure what the tv ratings are so far, but it really depends who you

talk to about the public hearings if it matters to them or not. as far as the commission is concerned, for them it is important to have the official narrative out there about what happened. sometimes when you�*re talking to people, depending on which state you are in, they absolutely believe wrongly that donald trump won the election. what the commission is trying to do is put together this timeline, which they have done over the last 11 months, to show meticulously exactly what happened and set the narrative out there, put a mark down in history. also worth mentioning they cannot prosecute anyone, or they can do is make recommendations to the department ofjustice. once hearings conclude at some point in september. thank you very much. there�*s one week to go before the people of tiverton and honiton and separately wakefield go to the polls in two by—elections that will test the popularity of the prime minister and his government. we were in wakefield yesterday. shaun ley is in devon for us today. shaun.

i cannot beat being here, it is wonderful to come back home to the county. part of the county which, let�*s be honest, has not been that politically interesting, for most of the 30 years i have worked in journalism on and off in the west country. tiverton and taunton are the two big towns, there are other towns that might be familiar. axminsterfamiliar towns that might be familiar. axminster familiar because of its carpets. the constituency was all the way down to the coast. it is a huge constituency, from expert on the north practically to the sea in the north practically to the sea in the south. a very diverse constituency, lots of villages, lots of towns, lots of variety, but a conservative majority at the last election of 25,000. 60% of the vote. why do the liberal democrats think that they can take this seat when it was labour that finished second at the last general election? let�*s ask the last general election? let�*s ask the deputy leader of the liberal democrats. thank you very much for

talking to us. you are standing in very ably for your candidate who sadly is that a family funeral today. let me ask you that question, labour finished second last time, the liberal democrats certainly have a tradition in the west country, but not in tiverton and honiton. figs a tradition in the west country, but not in tiverton and honiton.- not in tiverton and honiton. as you sa , the not in tiverton and honiton. as you say. the liberal— not in tiverton and honiton. as you say, the liberal democrats - not in tiverton and honiton. as you say, the liberal democrats to - not in tiverton and honiton. as you say, the liberal democrats to have| not in tiverton and honiton. as you | say, the liberal democrats to have a very strong _ say, the liberal democrats to have a very strong history of being the key challenge _ very strong history of being the key challenge is to the conservatives across _ challenge is to the conservatives across the — challenge is to the conservatives across the south—west. here in this particular— across the south—west. here in this particular constituency, the closest we have _ particular constituency, the closest we have come to winning it in the past _ we have come to winning it in the past has — we have come to winning it in the past has been around 2000 votes, whereas— past has been around 2000 votes, whereas even when labour has been in second _ whereas even when labour has been in second it _ whereas even when labour has been in second, it has been many more thousands— second, it has been many more thousands of votes further. it is clear— thousands of votes further. it is clear right — thousands of votes further. it is clear right here right now that our candidate — clear right here right now that our candidate is the key challenge to the conservatives and will be fighting — the conservatives and will be fighting to win over the support and trust and _ fighting to win over the support and trust and votes of the people of tiverton — trust and votes of the people of tiverton and honiton. that trust and votes of the people of tiverton and honiton.— trust and votes of the people of tiverton and honiton. that is the dancer tiverton and honiton. that is the danger for _ tiverton and honiton. that is the danger for you. _ tiverton and honiton. that is the danger for you, labour _ tiverton and honiton. that is the danger for you, labour had - tiverton and honiton. that is the danger for you, labour had 1996 i tiverton and honiton. that is the l danger for you, labour had 1996 of dangerfor you, labour had i9% of the vote, you are just under 15%. that was at a point when you kind of consolidate out all of the pro—europe vote, whatever it is in this constituency, there is a danger

that you just split the vote and the conservatives edged back in. in the end, that would be a disappointment for you. end, that would be a disappointment foryou. i end, that would be a disappointment for ou. , i, , . end, that would be a disappointment for ou. , i, , i, for you. i trust the voters and i think the _ for you. i trust the voters and i think the vast _ for you. i trust the voters and i think the vast majority - for you. i trust the voters and i think the vast majority of- for you. i trust the voters and i | think the vast majority of voters for you. i trust the voters and i i think the vast majority of voters i believe _ think the vast majority of voters i believe voters can see what the choices — believe voters can see what the choices around here. either they continue — choices around here. either they continue voting for the conservatives, who continue to take people _ conservatives, who continue to take people for— conservatives, who continue to take people for granted, or they can vote for change. — people for granted, or they can vote for change, they can vote for the liberal— for change, they can vote for the liberal democrats who fighting for this area — liberal democrats who fighting for this area. richard will be a very strong — this area. richard will be a very strong local champion. people are sick and _ strong local champion. people are sick and tired of the taken for granted — sick and tired of the taken for granted by the conservatives. are ou takin granted by the conservatives. 22 you taking them granted by the conservatives. 2:2 you taking them for granted by the conservatives. 2.2 you taking them for a granted by the conservatives. 22 you taking them for a ride. you know what your critics say, they say look at the election in bucks last year, the liberal democrats who were enthusiastic supporters of hs two nationally campaigned against the ten back three development because of what is happening. down here, liberal democrats have always been very keen on public spending, a campaign on tax cuts, and also on supporting affordable housing, saying you have got to defend your heritage. they accuse you of being hypocrites. the heritage. they accuse you of being h ocrites. i, , i, , i,

hypocrites. the conservatives would because it is — hypocrites. the conservatives would because it is a _ hypocrites. the conservatives would because it is a sign _ hypocrites. the conservatives would because it is a sign of _ hypocrites. the conservatives would because it is a sign of how— because it is a sign of how desperate and scared they are of the liberal— desperate and scared they are of the liberal democrat challenge to you. what _ liberal democrat challenge to you. what we _ liberal democrat challenge to you. what we are hearing under doorstep from people in tiverton and honiton is they— from people in tiverton and honiton is they want to vote for a party that— is they want to vote for a party that has— is they want to vote for a party that has strong ideas on how to tackle _ that has strong ideas on how to tackle the — that has strong ideas on how to tackle the cost of living emergency. the liberal— tackle the cost of living emergency. the liberal democrats have led the way on _ the liberal democrats have led the way on that argument, being the first party— way on that argument, being the first party to propose a windfall tax and — first party to propose a windfall tax and emergency vat cut. just this week, _ tax and emergency vat cut. just this week, liberal democrat leader also called _ week, liberal democrat leader also called for— week, liberal democrat leader also called for the extension of the rural— called for the extension of the rural fuel— called for the extension of the rural fuel duty cut as well. these are the _ rural fuel duty cut as well. these are the kind of measures that i think— are the kind of measures that i think people in tiverton and honiton want to— think people in tiverton and honiton want to hear. liberal democrats is a key opposition party are the ones making _ key opposition party are the ones making that case. the conservatives continue _ making that case. the conservatives continue to — making that case. the conservatives continue to cover their ears, take people _ continue to cover their ears, take people for— continue to cover their ears, take people for granted and sit on their hands _ people for granted and sit on their hands it— people for granted and sit on their hands it is— people for granted and sit on their hands. it is really frustrating. it is the _ hands. it is really frustrating. it is the time _ hands. it is really frustrating. it is the time for people locally to have _ is the time for people locally to have their— is the time for people locally to have their say and make the government listen. just have their say and make the government listen.- have their say and make the government listen. just a few years a r o, the government listen. just a few years ago, the liberal— government listen. just a few years ago, the liberal democrats - government listen. just a few years ago, the liberal democrats had - government listen. just a few years l ago, the liberal democrats had every seatin ago, the liberal democrats had every seat in cornwall, the ad devon seat in an ever neighbouring constituency, now they do not have a single seat west of bath. if you were to win next week your, albeit it is a by election, would you see

that as a catalyst for winning back seats in the south—west and the general election? i seats in the south-west and the general election?— seats in the south-west and the general election? i think what we saw in the _ general election? i think what we saw in the local— general election? i think what we saw in the local elections - general election? i think what we saw in the local elections we - general election? i think what we saw in the local elections we had | saw in the local elections we had 'ust saw in the local elections we had just last — saw in the local elections we had just last month was that actually we are seeing _ just last month was that actually we are seeing a revival. the green shoots — are seeing a revival. the green shoots of— are seeing a revival. the green shoots of revival and some of these rural areas — shoots of revival and some of these rural areas. we did take somerset councik _ rural areas. we did take somerset councik we — rural areas. we did take somerset council. we have seen it in other areasi _ council. we have seen it in other areas. like — council. we have seen it in other areas, like cumbria, as well. we are starting _ areas, like cumbria, as well. we are starting to— areas, like cumbria, as well. we are starting to see those green shoots. as you _ starting to see those green shoots. as you say — starting to see those green shoots. as you say, we do not take votes for granted _ as you say, we do not take votes for granted. liberal democrats work incredihly— granted. liberal democrats work incredibly hard to win over the support— incredibly hard to win over the support of every single person. if we do _ support of every single person. if we do win— support of every single person. if we do win next thursday, it will be a very— we do win next thursday, it will be a very strong sign for a revival in this part — a very strong sign for a revival in this part of— a very strong sign for a revival in this part of the country and a strong — this part of the country and a strong message to borisjohnson and his conservatives, as well. strong message to boris johnson and his conservatives, as well.— his conservatives, as well. thank ou ve his conservatives, as well. thank you very much- — his conservatives, as well. thank you very much- i— his conservatives, as well. thank you very much. i should - his conservatives, as well. thank you very much. i should point - his conservatives, as well. thank| you very much. i should point out that last time there was a liberal here, he was the prime minister, lord palmerston back in the middle of the 19th century. this time, there are eight candidates standing. there is a list of the candidates. do not worry if you do not have time to read all of the names. you can

find details if you are in either wheatfield or tiverton and honiton of the polling times and all other information from the local councils. i will be your in just under information from the local councils. i will be your injust under an hour�*s time when i will be joined by the green party candidate. hour's time when i will be 'oined by the green party candidate]- hour's time when i will be 'oined by the green party candidate. thank you ve much. the green party candidate. thank you very much- 0n _ the green party candidate. thank you very much. on that _ the green party candidate. thank you very much. on that independent - very much. on that independent investigation into mistreatment of gymnasts. the whyte review, which extends beyond 300 pages and was co—commissioned by uk sport and sport england found that gymnasts well—being and welfare had not been at the centre of british gymnastics culture during a 12 year period up to 2020. and that there was a coach led culture of fear. we have just had reactions to her view from uk sport and sport england.- sport and sport england. today's re ort is sport and sport england. today's report is distressing _ sport and sport england. today's report is distressing and - sport and sport england. today's l report is distressing and harrowing to beat. and i think it is

appropriate to thank the gymnasts that have come forward and had the courage to share their stories. for that, i really thank them for doing so. i believe that their courage will affect change in the future. at uk sport, we do not accept the notion that there has been a priority across the system for medals over other things. i spent ten years of my career before i did thisjob in 2019 ten years of my career before i did this job in 2019 as chief executive of a national governing body of olympic sport. i never once during that time felt pressure to win medals at any cost. so what i accept is that the experiences of the gymnasts that have come forward are harrowing. i gymnasts that have come forward are harrowin. ~ , gymnasts that have come forward are harrowin. ~' , i, , harrowing. i think this review has hirrhlihted harrowing. i think this review has highlighted some _ harrowing. i think this review has highlighted some unacceptable i highlighted some unacceptable behaviour in the sport, unquestionably. the harrowing and distressing stories that are told

within— distressing stories that are told within it — distressing stories that are told within it and the evidence that is presented, the bravery of the athletes _ presented, the bravery of the athletes coming forward has to be also a _ athletes coming forward has to be also a deliverer of change. their stories— also a deliverer of change. their stories have been heard, and action now must— stories have been heard, and action now must be — stories have been heard, and action now must be taken to accept that the failures— now must be taken to accept that the failures of— now must be taken to accept that the failures of the past are being publicly— failures of the past are being publicly recognised and we have a chance _ publicly recognised and we have a chance now to enact change, to create — chance now to enact change, to create a — chance now to enact change, to create a better, i think the report makes _ create a better, i think the report makes clear that the vast majority of people — makes clear that the vast majority of people participating in gymnastics now have had a safe, welcoming, increasing experience. it is a fantastic sport enjoyed by thousands of people across the country. — thousands of people across the country, many of them young boys and girls _ country, many of them young boys and girls it _ country, many of them young boys and girls it is _ country, many of them young boys and girls it is a _ country, many of them young boys and girls. it is a great sport for them in so _ girls. it is a great sport for them in so many— girls. it is a great sport for them in so many ways. the job we have to do is _ in so many ways. the job we have to do is to— in so many ways. the job we have to do is to make — in so many ways. the job we have to do is to make sure the culture in the sport— do is to make sure the culture in the sport is— do is to make sure the culture in the sport is changed, it is already under— the sport is changed, it is already under way — the sport is changed, it is already underway, but the sport is changed, it is already under way, but it is changed even more _ under way, but it is changed even more to— under way, but it is changed even more to enable that experience to be a south _ more to enable that experience to be a south, welcoming, inclusive one,

where _ a south, welcoming, inclusive one, where the — a south, welcoming, inclusive one, where the interest of the participant are central in every case — plans to give private renters in england greater powers are being outlined by the government today. the renters reform bill will see "no fault" evictions abolished, meaning landlords won�*t be able to end tenancies without a reason. the decent homes standard will be extended to the private rented sector to prevent health and safety hazards in homes. it will also be made illegal for landlords or agents to place blanket bans on renting to families with children or those who receive benefits. under the new rules, tenants would have the right to request to keep pets in their home. vicky spratt, housing correspondent at the i newspaper, told me this legislation marked an important day for renters rights in england. it is really impossible to overstate the significance of these proposed changes. and i would remind everyone that we have been waiting for them since 2019. it was theresa may who first promised an end to section 21 evictions, also known as unfair,

no fault evictions. they are currently the leading cause of homelessness in this country. —— they are currently a leading cause of homelessness in this country. it is causing instability for the millions of people who rely on private landlords to keep a roof over their heads. we have been waiting years for this legislation to come through. of course, today�*s white paper is not yet law, we have got a long way to go, but the fact it has finally been published is a huge day for the millions of renters in this country. just how many renters are there in the private sector? it is thought there are around 4.4 million households who rent privately. that is around 11 million people. the data is a little bit patchy because it relies on something called the english housing survey. of course, the most vulnerable private renters, who are potentially living in illegal homes, in multiple occupation, aren�*t going to be responding to a survey like that. what is it going to do to try to hold onto how much rent costs? because some rental prices are just incredibly high, almost

beyond people�*s reach. definitely beyond people�*s reach in many parts of the country. one of the things we have seen with the housing market throughout the pandemic, this is a continuing trend, is that rents are hitting historic highs in many parts of the country. again, the data on this is a bit patchy. with house prices, we know how much they are bought and sold for, that is recorded by the land registry, but we rely on property websites like zoopla and rightmove to record rents, they are not completely accurate. what i am hearing week in, week out is that people�*s landlords are putting the rent up. i heard from a women two weeks ago who was having her rent put up by 30%. wages are not going up at that rate, so if your landlord puts rent up, what do you do? you either pay it or have to move. one of the significant things that is being proposed in the white paper is an end to what is known as rent review clauses. these are clauses in tenancy agreements which allow landlords to review rent and put it up. i think ending that would be

huge help to people, but of course it will not stop landlords saying they want to charge more. so i wait for more detail on that because i think one of the aspects of the cost of living that is not getting as much attention as it deserves is the cost of private rent. from the landlords�* perspective, they may see their costs going up as the remortgage properties. we know that the interest rates are going up, as well. surely they should have the right to house who they choose, shouldn�*t they, in a property that they own? this is a thorny question. i am sure landlords will have a very different perspective on it to the one i have. i think ultimately what we have to remember here is that there are currently more people in this country renting from a private landlord than living in social housing. that was not always the case. in the 1980s, there were more people living in social housing. we now have a very, very tricky situation where millions of people rely on private landlords, many of whom are private individuals, not the state,

not social workers, for their homes. of course those landlords face their own pressures, but ultimately they are housing providers. what we are talking about here is something so fundamental. if you cannot afford the roof over your head, what else are you going to be able to do in life? vicky spratt, thank you very much. the actor kevin spacey has appeared in court in london, charged with sexually assaulting three men. he was granted unconditional bail at westminster magistrates court, where he didn�*t enter a plea, though his lawyer said he strenuously denies the charges. our correspondent sarah campbell was outside the court. he is one of the most successful actors of his generation and the number of press who waited hours for his arrival at court reflected the worldwide interest in his case. despite attempts by the court staff to ensure a clear way in, there were chaotic scenes as the 62—year—old made his way to the front entrance. move to the side.

kevin spacey came to prominence in the i990s, winning two oscars, first for the usual suspects and then american beauty. on television he starred as the fictional us president underwood in the major netflix drama series house of cards. and although american by birth, he spent much of his time in the uk as the artistic director of london�*s old vic theatre between 2004 and 2015. he was given an honorary knighthood for his services to theatre in this country. his appearance in court one was brief. he was asked to confirm his name as kevin spacey fowler, and address, which he did. wearing a blue suit, he then listened intently as the five charges were read out. they are two counts of sexual assault against a man in london in 2005, one count of sexual assault and a further sexual offence against a second man in 2008, also in london. and finally, an alleged sexual assault against a third man

in gloucestershire in 2013. in court his lawyer said that mr spacey strenuously denied any and all criminality in his case. he was granted unconditional bail which means he can return home to america until his next court appearance, which is set for the morning of the 14th ofjuly at southwark crown court. sarah campbell, bbc news, westminster magistrates�* court. the heat is on across parts of the uk. the hot and sunny weather of these past few days is expected to hit a peak tomorrow, with temperatures in some parts likely to reach 3a celsius, pretty unusual forjune. an area of high pressure over the country has encouraged hot air to move in from the continent. people are being advised to drink plenty of water and to keep out of the sun at peak times. our correspondent duncan kennedy reports from sunny surrey. it is the heatwave that is rippling and rolling across much of the uk. as hot as herat, no wonder

the enjoyment factor is set to high for these women from reading. what is your view of this weather, which is going degrees today? to be reaching maybe 30 degrees today? fabulous. i'm going to enjoy the heat while it's here. just keep my fluids and have good company and it's brilliant. and families too are also taking in the sun, carefully. it can be too hot. we�*ve had to come out of london today, to try and get some air. it�*s going to be 31, i hear, tomorrow. now look at spain, where forest fires have broken out in the soaring heat. bone dry soil and vegetation are making it hard to keep the fires under control. and in the capital, the temperatures are past 30 degrees. translation: every summer it's getting worse and it's _ affecting us on every level. i find it hard to cope with the heat. it�*s very hard but we have to keep going.

there is no other way. across the border in france, it�*s also under this enormous heat blanket. temperatures here also way above 30. time to enjoy, but also be alert for the wider meaning of all this heat. translation: we are - experiencing global warming so this is inevitable. i think every year it's going to get hotter and hotter. i don't know if there is anything can be done. in the uk, temperatures could topple over the 30 celsius mark tomorrow, with warnings from health professionals and others to treat it seriously, alongside the fun and relaxation. duncan kennedy, bbc news, in surrey. here�*s some rubbish news for you. not more, i hearyou not more, i hear you cry! a wheelie—bin from hampshire�*s test valley council has mysteriously appeared in ukraine. it�*s unclear how the bin ended up over i2—hundred miles from home,

but the council say they�*re pleased to see their bins are �*well travelled�*. now it�*s time for a look at the weather. a very good afternoon to you. warm, dry, lots of sunshine again today across england and wales. it is cooler and cloudier across the north and west for much of northern ireland and scotland. although seeing some scope sunshine here at times. tomorrow, keep likely to peak for england and wales, hot and humid further north, again it is cooler and cloudier. again, there will be some sunshine around at times. let�*s take a look at earlier on today. plenty of sunshine here. as we head through this evening and overnight, it is going to feel really rather muqqy it is going to feel really rather muggy towards the south in particular. overnight lows dropping older than 15—16. particular. overnight lows dropping olderthan 15—16. out particular. overnight lows dropping older than 15—16. out towards western areas of scotland and northern ireland, some heavy persistent rain and wind is going to

start to pick up. ever cold front will sink southwards throughout the day, introducing mostly light patchy rain and drizzle, a weakening feature into northern england as we head through the afternoon. further north, some sunny spells, some pressure feeling air, not a bad —looking day. all about the heat across england and wales tomorrow, 32-33. across england and wales tomorrow, 32—33. quite cloudy towards coastal areas of south—west england and wales potentially. here are those temperatures for tomorrow. the low 30s. local834 temperatures for tomorrow. the low 30s. local 834 for most of us 32 f in 33 in london and east anglia. the only back to those sort of values by the end of the weekend, some much fresher air. very high pollen levels and the uv levels also very high. on saturday, with pressure feeling air towards the north meets that very warm air in the south and there are some very unstable air going on. there will be some heavy, thundery downpours around for many of us. pretty wet for some places, we hang onto that heat towards the south,

26-27. the onto that heat towards the south, 26—27. the heat not set to last into sunday. the focus for the showers is this time rather different. they are across the south, it is also quite windy. further north, there will be a lot of sunshine around, plenty of sunny spells, and it is feeling pressure by the time we get to sunday with temperatures generally speaking between 16—20. that heat not lasting.

this is bbc news. the headlines: an independent investigation into allegations of mistreatment in british gymnastics finds that physical and emotional abuse was "systemic" during a i2—year period up to 2020. i would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse. i was told to carry on as if i didn't know what happened, but i couldn't carry on. it was up to me to ring my dad to pick me up and take me to the hospital, where they told me i bit my foot in four places. the bravery of the athletes coming forward has to be changed. those stories have been hurt and action must be taken to accept the failures of the past are being publicly recognised. boris johnson�*s former ethics

adviser says he resigned last night because the prime minister put him in an "impossible and odious"