this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. excitement in birmingham as the opening ceremony for the commonwealth games takes place this evening. 72 nations and territories are taking part. security officials in kyiv say russian troops are being moved to kherson where ukrainian troops have been mounting a counter offensive. a woman is asking local authorities in the north of england why her child was taken from her at birth and given to a woman who later murdered him. how can someone hurt an innocent child? �* , how can someone hurt an innocent child? , , , , how can someone hurt an innocent child? , ,, �* child? just because they couldn't co -e with child? just because they couldn't cape with him — child? just because they couldn't cope with him doesn't _ child? just because they couldn't cope with him doesn't mean - child? just because they couldn't i cope with him doesn't mean you've got to kill them. british actor bernard cribbins, famous for his roles in doctor who and the original railway children, has

died at the age of 93. legal history will be made later today as broadcasters will air judges' sentencing remarks from crown courts in england and wales for the first time time following a change in the law. # everybody needs good neighbours...# and farewell to neighbours — after four decades teary—eyed fans in australia prepare to watch the show�*s final episode. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. the opening ceremony of the 22nd commonwealth games takes place in birmingham tonight. prince charles will represent the queen and 30,000 people will be inside the alexander stadium, with millions more watching around the world.

the show will include performances from local music and dance groups, emphasising the city's diversity. more than 5,000 athletes are set to compete over a packed 11 days. they will be representing 72 nations and territories. the queen's baton will also be a key part of that ceremony, after being carried for 294 days through commonwealth countries. athletes will compete in 19 sports and 280 medal events, which will include for the first time women's t20 cricket, three—on—three basketball, and three—on—three wheelchair basketball. also for the first time, there are more medals for women than for men and para events are all part of the main games. this report from tim allman. birmingham is ready to party. a veteran british comedian and local boy to boot, sir lenny henry was among those

carrying the queen's baton into victoria square. a multicultural city playing host to a multicultural games. 0ur parents came here in the �*50s and we walked cold streets and we stand on their shoulder so this is a kind of tribute to all of those people who travelled anywhere to have a better life and to watch people compete and have a lot of fun and to yell at a big bull in the stadium in birmingham. we can't wait. and this is what we can expect over the next 11 days. more than 5,000 athletes from 72 nations and territories competing in 19 different sports. there will be the largest ever number of events for women and para—sport athletes, and more medals will be given out to women than men. and the organisers say this will be the first multisport event that is carbon neutral. archive: the empire games open with pomp, ceremony, _ colour and the cheering... the games date back to the 1930s when they were known as the empire games. that colonial history may

complicate things a little but there is no doubt this is a popular global event that has found its niche in the world of modern sport. it is not the olympics, it is more a family friendly event but it does allow opportunities for advancing women in sport. we had the previous record. birmingham has just beaten us in terms of the number of women participating. ub40, another local favourite, have just released the official anthem, appropriately titled, champion. there should be plenty of them to look forward to in the coming days. tim allman, bbc news. the culture, media and sport secretary, nadine dorries, says the event will benefit the area in years to come. on a number of occasions, i've visited the new aquatics centre, i don't know if you've been there yet but it is quite special and that's going to be left for the community

and birmingham to enjoy. so it's notjust money the government has pumped into helping to put on a fantastic commonwealth games, it's also about what's left behind for birmingham as well. i'm joined now by baton holder, dr samara afzal thank you forjoining us. what did it mean to you when you found out you were going to be one of those carrying the pattern? goad you were going to be one of those carrying the pattern? good morning. it was carrying the pattern? good morning. it was exciting _ carrying the pattern? good morning. it was exciting when _ carrying the pattern? good morning. it was exciting when i _ carrying the pattern? good morning. it was exciting when i got _ carrying the pattern? good morning. it was exciting when i got the - it was exciting when i got the e—mail and i couldn't believe it, i showed my friends and family, it was such a huge honour and privilege to be able to hold it in my home city in birmingham.— be able to hold it in my home city in birmingham. be able to hold it in my home city in birminuham. ~ ., ., in birmingham. what were some of the back round in birmingham. what were some of the background things _ in birmingham. what were some of the background things that _ in birmingham. what were some of the background things that you _ in birmingham. what were some of the background things that you done - in birmingham. what were some of the background things that you done in - background things that you done in order to be chosen? i am background things that you done in order to be chosen?— order to be chosen? i am a gp. i worked during _ order to be chosen? i am a gp. i worked during the _ order to be chosen? i am a gp. i worked during the pandemic - order to be chosen? i am a gp. i. worked during the pandemic doing order to be chosen? i am a gp. i- worked during the pandemic doing a lot of education for the black, asian and minority ethnic

communities. i am a former county cricketer, i represented warwickshire and i do a lot of work actively getting south asian women into cricket and sport. what into cricket and sport. what difference _ into cricket and sport. what difference do _ into cricket and sport. what difference do you _ into cricket and sport. what difference do you think - into cricket and sport. what difference do you think the | into cricket and sport. what difference do you think the games might make to including various communities in sporty or otherwise perhaps historically have not been involved in the grassroots side of things? i involved in the grassroots side of thins? ~ ., involved in the grassroots side of thins? ~' ., ., , things? i think it will have a very beneficial effect _ things? i think it will have a very beneficial effect in _ things? i think it will have a very beneficial effect in getting - things? i think it will have a very beneficial effect in getting lots l things? i think it will have a very| beneficial effect in getting lots of people involved. i'm excited about women's cricket because it's the first time it is featuring in the commonwealth and there is a lot of publicity about the commonwealth games and people will get interested, they will watch, it will be on tv so it's a great promotion for all the commonwealth sports. what's key is the legacy left behind, what lasting impact this has on that sport. what would you like

to see, the long—term effects will be? i to see, the long-term effects will be? ., , to see, the long-term effects will be? ~ , to see, the long-term effects will be? ., , ~' , , to see, the long-term effects will be? «r, , be? i hope kids will be watching the names and be? i hope kids will be watching the games and whether _ be? i hope kids will be watching the games and whether its _ be? i hope kids will be watching the games and whether its athletics, i games and whether its athletics, hockey or cricket, it's fantastic it is in birmingham, which is a diverse community and a vibrant city and it is fantastic for everybody in birmingham that the games are being held here. i birmingham that the games are being held here. ., birmingham that the games are being held here. . . . ~ birmingham that the games are being held here. ., . a , held here. i imagined the cricket is one of the answers _ held here. i imagined the cricket is one of the answers but _ held here. i imagined the cricket is one of the answers but what - held here. i imagined the cricket is one of the answers but what are i held here. i imagined the cricket is. one of the answers but what are you most looking forward to seeing? cricket, definitely, i'm also looking forward to watching the hockey, possibly swimming, athletics is always good to watch. alexander stadium is fantastic as well. hopefully i can get there at some point. hopefully i can get there at some oint. ., h, hopefully i can get there at some oint. . . ., ,, point. thanks so much for speaking to us. point. thanks so much for speaking to us- enjoy — point. thanks so much for speaking to us- enjoy the _ point. thanks so much for speaking to us. enjoy the games! _ network rail says disruption

to trains around the uk, will continue this morning because of the knock—on effect of yesterday's strike action. several operators have warned that services will start later than usual and people are being advised to check before travelling. another walkout of drivers at seven companies is planned for saturday, and the aslef union has announced that its members at nine firms will strike on the 13th august. western military sources say a campaign by ukraine is �*gathering pace' to retake the russian—controlled city of kherson. a key bridge into the city has been hit by ukrainian forces. the city was the first in the war to fall to moscow's troops. uk defence officials say kherson is now �*virtually cut off from other occupied territories'. 0ur diplomatic correspondent paul adams is in the capital kyiv and has more now on the strategic significance for ukraine. it marks potentially the beginning of a significant reversal of fortunes for ukraine.

as you say, kherson was the first city of any consequence to fall at the beginning of the campaign. it is also a place where the russians have talked about conducting a referendum amongst the local population aboutjoining russia. obviously, a referendum that would be conducted in pretty sham conditions. for political and strategic reasons, it is an objective for the ukrainian military, it is a place where ukrainians feel they can begin to roll back russian advances. because of the way kherson is located on the north side of the dnipro river, connected to parts of russian —controlled territory, ukrainians feel by damaging them beyond operation, they can isolate the russian troops on that side of the river and ultimately, retake the city. i say ultimately, this could take quite a long time. the ukrainians are

certainly showing the ability to cause damage to russian logistics and supply routes and ammunition depots using their newly acquired western equipment. what they haven't yet shown their ability to do is retake significant areas of ground. that would be the next stage. if this proves as much of a turning point as it seems at this stage, do you think we might see a shift in military tactics oran approach to negotiations as a result? let's put negotiations on hold for a moment because i think it's going to take a lot more than that to force a kind of negotiated settlement but a change of tactics, maybe. we are seeing the russians apparently reinforcing and sending troops from the eastern donbas region across to the kherson area in an attempt to forestall any kind of ukrainian advance so it is having an effect. in the donbas, western

officials believe the russian campaign there which has been grinding forward for the last several months has reached a point at which it is not progressing at all. but at times like this, russia has the ability to remind everyone in ukraine that no—one is safe. this morning we had air raid sirens, if i look to the north i can see smoke still rising from a target, not quite sure what it was, that was hit early this morning so now and again you get reminders from russia that nowhere in ukraine is safe. i'm joined now by ed arnold, research fellow in european security at the royal united services institute thank you forjoining us. what do you think the key factors have been behind this turning point? b, key behind this turning point? a key factor is that _

behind this turning point? a key factor is that supply _ behind this turning point? a key factor is that supply from - behind this turning point? a key factor is that supply from the i behind this turning point? - factor is that supply from the west of longer range rocket systems to ukraine which are more accurate. they have a range to match russian systems and they are more difficult to target by russian artillery and really what we are seeing, is that ukrainians are starting to set the conditions for a large—scale counteroffensive around kherson. politically that is important because ukraine needs to show the west it is able to use the systems and take back significant territory but miller territory taking back kherson, it has strategic depth but it means the russians do not have a foothold across the river which means they are pushed further to the east which from a defensive position, it puts ukraine in a much better place. it position, it puts ukraine in a much better place-— better place. it is early days but how far do _ better place. it is early days but how far do you _ better place. it is early days but how far do you think _ better place. it is early days but how far do you think the - better place. it is early days but - how far do you think the momentum of this might continue and we might see similar developments like this in other cities? i

similar developments like this in other cities?— other cities? i think for now, the ukrainians _ other cities? i think for now, the ukrainians have _ other cities? i think for now, the ukrainians have to _ other cities? i think for now, the ukrainians have to focus - other cities? i think for now, the ukrainians have to focus on - other cities? i think for now, the - ukrainians have to focus on kherson, they have been fighting for a long time, their troops in the east are very tired, they have been fighting high intensity so actually ukraine, although it has these new systems in terms of infantry, it does not have troops that are fresh and are able to take the territory. what we are seeing from the ukrainians, they cannot use a hammer to destroy population centres, these are ukrainian cities so they need to be very careful how they go about it and the strikes on bridges, it's exactly that, forcing the russians to manoeuvre in certain ways and it's also cutting off potential reinforcements or withdrawal routes for the russians, who been focused around how they will take back the cities, albeit a model for what they might have to replicate in the east further down the line. h might have to replicate in the east further down the line.— might have to replicate in the east further down the line. i want to ask ou about further down the line. i want to ask you about a — further down the line. i want to ask you about a comment _ further down the line. i want to ask you about a comment from - further down the line. i want to ask you about a comment from the - you about a comment from the national security adviser who made a

speech you said the west risks entering a nuclear war because it's not talking enough to russia and china. what do you make of that? yes, the national security adviser was giving a threat update and what his main point was is that there is a risk of nuclear escalation and potentially war because that was de mey quest collectively is not speaking to both russia and china. through the cold war, there were multiple opportunities for dialogue through treaties and arms—control agreements to understand intense doctrine capabilities but russia's repeated violations of these have basically made those structures and systems completely moribund so it's difficult to understand what russia is trying to achieve. china is growing its nuclear arsenal and has shown a complete disdain for arms control so more effort is needed there for increased dialogue with china to try and understand what that means for people in the pacific

region. that means for people in the pacific reuion. ., ., that means for people in the pacific reuion. ., ~' ,, that means for people in the pacific reuion. ., ,, i. ., that means for people in the pacific reion, ., ~' y., ., y” police in bangladesh say they believe a father and son from cardiff who died while on holiday were poisoned. rafikul islam, who was 51, and his 16—year—old son mahiqul, died on their way to hospital after they were found unconcious. his wife and two other children are in intensive care. we can speak to our wales correspondent tomos morgan. what can you tell us? this all started on the monday evening. the family had been staying in an eastern city in bangladesh, they were there on a two—month holiday. after having food, they went to bed but the following morning, relatives came to the flat to try and make them and about 10am they didn't hear a sound so they raised the alarm, police entered the building and the family were taken in the afternoon to the hospital but as you mentioned

a 51—year—old, rafikul islam, and his 16—year—old son mahiqul died. the mother and daughter are in a critical condition and the other son is recovering but police there are continuing their investigation. they originally thought it might have been food poisoning but they think thatis been food poisoning but they think that is not the case of they are investigating something deeper and upon hearing the news, family here in cardiff, they live not far away from the city centre, have already begun making their way to bangladesh and the brother—in—law rafikul islam spoke to the bbc and expressed how shocking it was hearing the news about the family. we shocking it was hearing the news about the family.— shocking it was hearing the news about the family. we cannot believe this happened. _ about the family. we cannot believe this happened, we _ about the family. we cannot believe this happened, we cannot _ about the family. we cannot believe this happened, we cannot believe i this happened, we cannot believe this happened, we cannot believe this person is very friendly, very nice _ this person is very friendly, very nice guy — this person is very friendly, very nice guy. his son is very, very sweet — nice guy. his son is very, very sweet and _ nice guy. his son is very, very sweet and very friendly. everyone likes him — sweet and very friendly. everyone likes him. he sweet and very friendly. everyone likes him. ., , sweet and very friendly. everyone likes him. ~ , , ., sweet and very friendly. everyone likes him. ~ , ~ ,

likes him. he likes everyone. as i sa , the likes him. he likes everyone. as i say. the police — likes him. he likes everyone. as i say, the police are _ likes him. he likes everyone. as i say, the police are continuing i likes him. he likes everyone. as i l say, the police are continuing their investigation into what exactly happened but they have expressed the information letting us know that the postmortem into the deaths of rafikul islam and his son will take at least five days and also the mother and daughter are still in a critical condition in hospital. thank you. unions have reacted angrily to the decision by labour to sack the junior shadow transport minister sam tarry. it was after he joined striking rail workers on a picket line and did a number of unauthorised media interviews. several labour mps have also criticised the move, saying mr tarry was right to be championing the rights of workers. we're joined now by our political correspondent iain watson. why has the labour party taken this decision? 5ir why has the labour party taken this decision? . why has the labour party taken this decision? ,, ,, ., , , decision? sir keir starmer is very keen to portray — decision? sir keir starmer is very keen to portray his _ decision? sir keir starmer is very keen to portray his party - decision? sir keir starmer is very keen to portray his party as i decision? sir keir starmer is very keen to portray his party as an i keen to portray his party as an alternative government to the conservatives and he has argued that

governments do not stand on picket lines and try to resolve disputes, he has criticised the government for not resolving this dispute and he says he wants to see a fair settlement but he does not want to see his official spokespeople, the prominent people in the party, going out and being seen to be taking one side over another. that message went out. a view of the more junior people on his front bench team ignored that. they were reprimanded but no further action was taken. in the case of sam tarry who was the official spokesman on transport, in his case, he went one step further, did a range of media interviews and talked about things that went beyond his own brief. eat out for example about what he thought would be a fair pay settlement, an inflation proof pay settlement, he talked about inflation and a range of other things which the party leadership said this undermines collective responsibility, it means there will

be mixed messages that the public hearing, he's got to go but he said hearing, he's got to go but he said he was standing up for hard—pressed workers. he will continue to do so. his sacking will come at a political cost to the labour leader because as you were mentioning, some major trade unions have been criticising the actions which sir keir starmer has taken. and some of those including the unite trade union for example are big financial backers of the labour party. it could well be if they do not like what the labour party leadership is doing they may well get less financial support in the future as well as more criticism. there's also the possibility of more strikes and other areas, teachers, nurses and someone and questions asked as to whether the labour party leadership can hold the line and keep all of the prominent people away from the picket line if they are under pressure from some of their own membership to be seen to be standing shoulder to shoulder with those who are taking strike action. marat; shoulder to shoulder with those who are taking strike action.— are taking strike action. away from the labour leadership, _

are taking strike action. away from the labour leadership, looking i are taking strike action. away from l the labour leadership, looking ahead to tonight, the latest conservative leadership hustings, what can we expect? leadership hustings, what can we exect? , ., , , expect? this would be the first meetin: expect? this would be the first meeting of— expect? this would be the first meeting of conservative i expect? this would be the first meeting of conservative party | meeting of conservative party members, we've had tv between the candidates, they've gone to various parts of the country to campaign on their own behalf but would be happen seen other candidates facing the actual electorate because it is conservative party members not the wider electorate, not the rest of us, who get to vote for britain's next prime minister, effectively. their votes are absolutely crucial. what we are going to see tonight in leedsis what we are going to see tonight in leeds is perhaps around 1200 conservative party members who will be allowed to ask the candidates anything they like on any topic. there are some topics particularly relevant including railings in northern england between leeds and manchester and liverpool, and also what's being done to use a phrase of borisjohnson, to level up the country but they could be asked

questions on virtually anything and how they react to their own party members and the performance could be crucial because next week, starting on monday, ballot papers will start arriving on the doorsteps of conservative party members. i should also say people can watch this event virtually as well, they don't have to be there in the room. what both candidates say to the party members, how well it goes down with them, could be crucial and some of them begin voting as soon as next week. it's about judgment and it's about who voters can relate to and who voters think have walked in their shoes and understand their lives. and i believe the polling has shown, just the yougov polling just in the last couple of days, that voters do believe that liz truss is somebody who is more in touch with their lives and that was simply the point i was trying to make. you know, i don't think that you can be the richest man in the world, or woman, that doesn't stop you from being prime minister at all. but what you do have to do is be able to understand and relate to the lives

that people lead. and that's the point i was trying to make. that's the culture secretary, a big list tras supporter and she was doubling down on her criticism, her pointing out that rishi sunak who was rather well—dressed, £450 shoes he was wearing on a visit to the north—east of england, liz truss spent £4.50 on her earrings so she was suggesting she was more in touch with ordinary people and she was suggesting when you have the hustings tonight, that meeting of conservative party members, they will want to know who is most in touch especially with some of the newer voters that the party won over for the first time in 2019. many of the supporters of rishi sunak see that sort of intervention as trivialising the debate. lain trivialising the debate. iain watson, thank _ trivialising the debate. iain watson, thank you. -

after almost four decades and 9,000 episodes, australia is preparing to watch the final scenes from the set of its seminal television soap neighbours. theme plays. set in the fictional suburb of erinsborough, the finale stars fan favourites kylie minogue and jason donovan who got their big break on the soap. it'll be shown in the uk on friday night. let's speak to our correspondent shaimaa khalil, who's in melbourne, where the show is filmed, with fans. it's the end of an era! definitely the end of an era and we are in the very place where fans have gathered in the cold melbourne night, waiting, it's going to be about ten minutes before the last episode airs here. in australia. as you can see behind me, the ramsay street sign has been moved to the centre of the

city. i want to speak to some fans who have gathered here. good evening. can i get your names? 1 am evening. can i get your names? i am back. evening. can i get your names? i am back- naomi- — evening. can i get your names? i am back. naomi. michelle. _ evening. can i get your names? i am back. naomi. michelle. as— evening. can i get your names? i am back. naomi. michelle. as a - evening. can i get your names? i am back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. i back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. wh have back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. why have you _ back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. why have you come _ back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. why have you come here? - back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. why have you come here? it i back. naomi. michelle. as a bell. why have you come here? it is i why have you come here? it is freezing- _ why have you come here? it is freezing- i _ why have you come here? it is freezing. i love _ why have you come here? it is freezing. i love the _ why have you come here? it is freezing. i love the show. it's been around _ freezing. i love the show. it's been around for— freezing. i love the show. it's been around for 37 years, i feel like it's a — around for 37 years, i feel like it's a massive thing that the soap is finishing — it's a massive thing that the soap is finishing and i want to give at this end — is finishing and i want to give at this end it— is finishing and i want to give at this end it deserves, it's been really— this end it deserves, it's been really happy watching it for me. what _ really happy watching it for me. what are — really happy watching it for me. what are you excited about? how it ends, the what are you excited about? how it ends. the people — what are you excited about? how it ends, the people who _ what are you excited about? how it ends, the people who have - what are you excited about? how it ends, the people who have come i what are you excited about? how it l ends, the people who have come into it in the _ ends, the people who have come into it in the last _ ends, the people who have come into it in the last few— ends, the people who have come into it in the last few weeks _ ends, the people who have come into it in the last few weeks and _ ends, the people who have come into it in the last few weeks and months, i it in the last few weeks and months, leading _ it in the last few weeks and months, leading up— it in the last few weeks and months, leading up to — it in the last few weeks and months, leading up to the _ it in the last few weeks and months, leading up to the build—up _ it in the last few weeks and months, leading up to the build—up at - it in the last few weeks and months, leading up to the build—up at the i leading up to the build—up at the end _ leading up to the build—up at the end my— leading up to the build—up at the end. my favourite _ leading up to the build—up at the end. my favourite character, i leading up to the build—up at the end. my favourite character, is l leading up to the build—up at the i end. my favourite character, is net. what _ end. my favourite character, is net. what about — end. my favourite character, is net. what about you. _ end. my favourite character, is net. what about you, ladies? _ end. my favourite character, is net. what about you, ladies? what i end. my favourite character, is net. what about you, ladies? what do . end. my favourite character, is net. l what about you, ladies? what do you like most about it?— like most about it? probably all the drama that happens _ like most about it? probably all the drama that happens in _ like most about it? probably all the drama that happens in it. _ like most about it? probably all the drama that happens in it. you i like most about it? probably all the | drama that happens in it. you never know— drama that happens in it. you never

know what's— drama that happens in it. you never know what's going to happen next. you have _ know what's going to happen next. you have been watching it and your mum has been watching it? this is a generational thing. it’s mum has been watching it? this is a generational thing.— generational thing. it's a family thin , we generational thing. it's a family thing. we sit — generational thing. it's a family thing, we sit down _ generational thing. it's a family thing, we sit down every i generational thing. it's a family thing, we sit down every nightl generational thing. it's a family i thing, we sit down every night and watch _ thing, we sit down every night and watch it _ thing, we sit down every night and watch it scott _ thing, we sit down every night and watch it. scott and _ thing, we sit down every night and watch it. scott and charlene - thing, we sit down every night and watch it. scott and charlene was . thing, we sit down every night and i watch it. scott and charlene was my favourite _ watch it. scott and charlene was my favourite point, _ watch it. scott and charlene was my favourite point, then— watch it. scott and charlene was my favourite point, then getting - favourite point, then getting married _ favourite point, then getting married it— favourite point, then getting married. ., , favourite point, then getting married. . , ., favourite point, then getting married. ., ., ., favourite point, then getting married. ., ., married. it was great. how do you feel bein: married. it was great. how do you feel being here _ married. it was great. how do you feel being here tonight? - married. it was great. how do you feel being here tonight? it's i married. it was great. how do you feel being here tonight? it's fun, | married. it was great. how do you feel being here tonight? it's fun, i don't want — feel being here tonight? it's fun, i don't want it _ feel being here tonight? it's fun, i don't want it to _ feel being here tonight? it's fun, i don't want it to end, _ feel being here tonight? it's fun, i don't want it to end, but - feel being here tonight? it's fun, i don't want it to end, but tonight l feel being here tonight? it's fun, i| don't want it to end, but tonight is the night _ don't want it to end, but tonight is the night and _ don't want it to end, but tonight is the night and it— don't want it to end, but tonight is the night and it is— don't want it to end, but tonight is the night and it is all— don't want it to end, but tonight is the night and it is all over. - don't want it to end, but tonight is the night and it is all over. horat- the night and it is all over. how will that feel _ the night and it is all over. how will that feel for _ the night and it is all over. how will that feel for you? - the night and it is all over. how will that feel for you? i - the night and it is all over. how will that feel for you? i will i the night and it is all over. how| will that feel for you? i will have to watch it _ will that feel for you? i will have to watch it from _ will that feel for you? i will have to watch it from the _ will that feel for you? i will have to watch it from the start. i will that feel for you? i will have to watch it from the start. the i to watch it from the start. the girls _ to watch it from the start. the girls haven't _ to watch it from the start. the girls haven't seen _ to watch it from the start. the girls haven't seen it— to watch it from the start. the girls haven't seen it from i to watch it from the start. the girls haven't seen it from the. to watch it from the start. the i girls haven't seen it from the start so they— girls haven't seen it from the start so they can — girls haven't seen it from the start so they can see _ girls haven't seen it from the start so they can see what _ girls haven't seen it from the start so they can see what happens. i girls haven't seen it from the startl so they can see what happens. this will be an so they can see what happens. will be an emotional time so they can see what happens. tiiiii: will be an emotional time for so they can see what happens. will be an emotional time for so many people and many people in the uk watch it on friday but it's an emotional night for the start of the show. i spoke to stefan dennis replace paul robinson and i asked him why the show has enjoyed for as long as it has but how he feels about saying goodbye. i think it's all summed up in one

word, and that's entertainment, because it is, it's a show that takes the audience on a really good journey every single episode. the reason i sayjourney is because it's notjust a flat, monotonaljourney, it's a roller—coaster ride. you know, you'll get a tragic scene, with light—hearted entertainment or even a comedy scene. i think that's the success of the show. it's all the trimmings that go around it, all the good—looking actors and actresses, the wonderful sets, the beautiful locations, all the fantastic film work and all of that, but all of that culminates into what the audience sees, and that is half an hour of pure entertainment. we always tried to showj that we were in the sun, wallowing in the sun, getting a suntan. i in truth, half the time i we were being put in very light cotton shirts _ and we were freezing to death. and you could say hello| to your doctor who lived next door, you could call

him by his first name. i and he would sometimes come into your swimming pool, i you would sometimes go into his swimming pool. i all these things that didn't seem to happen in the uk. _ that was ian smith, better known as the much loved harold bishop and he was making a point about freezing to death and it is quite a cold night here in melbourne but people have gathered to say a final goodbye to australia's longest running soap opera. the last episode has been described by cast members as remarkable, memorable, epic, heartbreaking, heart—warming, entertaining but i think definitely everybody will agree on the fact that whatever happens, it's going to be emotional. that whatever happens, it's going to be emotional-— be emotional. absolutely, get ourself be emotional. absolutely, get yourself a _ be emotional. absolutely, get yourself a blanket _ be emotional. absolutely, get yourself a blanket and - be emotional. absolutely, get yourself a blanket and a i be emotional. absolutely, get yourself a blanket and a deck| be emotional. absolutely, get i yourself a blanket and a deck chair and enjoy! the veteran actor bernard cribbins has died at the age of 93. bernard cribbins, who narrated the wombles and starred

in the film adaptation of the railway children, was one of the most versatile and popular entertainers of his generation. he managed to be a favourite on children's tv while also starring in the bawdy carry on films. david sillito looks back on his life. good wives and private soldiers should be ignorant. and i'll keep it from your instruction, i warrant you. from classical theatre... morning, tobermory. you look hot. ..to the wombles, bernard cribbins seem to pop up everywhere. what about a nice drop of brandy in your tea? that's a very sound idea, lenny. when he appeared with peter sellers in two way stretch in 1960, he'd already been acting for 16 years. he'd started doing bit parts at 0ldham rep, aged 14. it was more fun than following his mum into the local mill. poopdecker is my name — albert poopdecker.

blessed with a face for comedy, he landed some notable film roles. one i must have and no offence on a day like this. haven't taken too great a liberty, have i, on a day like this? you know? perks in the railway children was perhaps his best known. dear mr perks, we love you quite as much as if you're an uncle of our own. hey! # there i was, digging his hole...# he also had two hit songs. we'll never manage by ourselves. but in many of his most famous roles, he was just a voice. i never realised before what hard work cooking is. whether it was the wombles... is this thejiffy plumbing service? buzby. .. mrs fluffytail is walking along the road with tufty... ..or tufty. so they all got safely to the shore. some swimming, some flying. and those that climbed along the rope brought the doctor's trunk and handbag with them. he was also the record holder for the greatest

number of jackanories. indeed, he was a mainstay of children's television over many years. doctor, what about you now? when he appeared in doctor who with david tennant, it was his second doctor. the first had been peter cushing 40 years before. still, that's fine. he had played every type of role — funny, friendly and down to earth for millions. he was a part of growing up. 0ur media and arts correspondent david sillitojoins me now in the studio. david, for many people he was a familiar face david, for many people he was a familiarface on david, for many people he was a familiar face on screens and the voice of their childhood? bier? familiar face on screens and the voice of their childhood? very much so, one of those _ voice of their childhood? very much so, one of those names _ voice of their childhood? very much so, one of those names you - so, one of those names you mentioned, and people would go, yes, bernard cribbins. and then you look at, what was he in? and you go, oh,

everything. the list is incredible, doctor who, the wombles, it is like a greatest hits of the most loved children's programmes over the last 60 years. i spoke to him on the 40th anniversary of the railway children and he talked about the fact that he had started work when he was 14 years old in 0ldham rep, and by the time he was in his midtwenties, he had done everything. he had been doing one show and then rehearsing for the next one, week after week after week, so he had this incredible bunch of skills, his great friend was eric sykes and they did variety together in the 1960s, which led him into his comedy music career if you're old enough to rememberjunior choice, it was on every week, even the adverts, so much stuff! busby, british telecom, you could not turn on the tv in 19705 you could not turn on the tv in 1970s and not hear his voice offers

he was so prolific but also really versatile, wasn't he? absolutely, and i think that is the skill you get from doing rep week after week after week. when he was taken on to do the wombles, they said, do we need another actor? he said no, no, i can do it all. 0k, need another actor? he said no, no, i can do it all. ok, that has saved us a lot of money! tufty club, the road safety adverts, he was the squirrel. you cannot overemphasise how much he was a part of life. but the thing was, was that there was no—one role he was totally identified with, so, each time you saw him in something else, yes, it absolutely made sense. when he was a very officious guest in fawlty towers, with the hotel inspectors, you absolutely believed he was that guest. you absolutely believed he was that cuest. ., you absolutely believed he was that . uest. ., ., , you absolutely believed he was that uest. ., , . you absolutely believed he was that cuest. . , . ., , guest. that was such a good episode, wasn't it? david, _ guest. that was such a good episode, wasn't it? david, thank— guest. that was such a good episode, wasn't it? david, thank you _ guest. that was such a good episode, wasn't it? david, thank you so - guest. that was such a good episode, wasn't it? david, thank you so much, i

wasn't it? david, thank you so much, speaking about the veteran actor bernard cribbins who has died at the age of 93. a potential visit to taiwan by the us house speaker nancy pelosi is stirring alarm in presidentjoe biden's administration. officials are concerned the trip may cross red lines for china and fears there's no potential exit path. beijing, which claims sovereignty over the island, has already issued harsh warnings, even suggesting a possible military response. against this backdrop, president biden is expected to call president xi on thursday for the first time in months. gareth barlow reports. this is taiwan. to beijing, it's the breakaway province that must become part of the country, if needs be, by force. to washington, it's the territory the us has pledged to help defend if it ever comes under attack. an island nation of 23 million at the centre of a struggle between two global superpowers. and it's the potential visit to taiwan by nancy pelosi, second in line to the us presidency, whom, if the trip goes ahead,

would be the highest ranking american politician to travel there in 25 years. that's close to creating a crisis. translation: we have repeatedly stated our solemn position - that we are firmly opposed to speaker pelosi's visit to taiwan. if the us pushes ahead and challenges china's bottom line, it will inevitably face firm countermeasures. the us side will bear all the consequences. even the biden administration has tried to dissuade the staunch china critic from undertaking the visit, which hasn't yet been officially announced but was planned for april. an administration fearful of the potential political fallout despite publicly pledging support to taipei. so, i think she feels strongly about supporting democracy in taiwan. she's not the only member of congress who feels that way. and i think also the administration,

whether under donald trump orjoe biden, there is growing support in the united states for taiwan and for its democracy. but i think there are some questions about whether this is the right time for nancy pelosi to go or indeed whether she should go at all. later on thursday, presidents biden and xi are due to hold a phone call, their fifth so far, each one taking place amid an ever more frosty and fractious relationship. the outcome of the call can hardly be expected to drastically improve that relationship, as domestically, neither side can afford to appear weak. but with the us bolstering its ability to combat chinese dominance on computer chips, with china making ever more stern threats, and with taiwan carrying out military drills, economically, politically, peacefully, a lot is on the line. gareth barlow, bbc news.

the united states says it's offered russia a deal aimed at freeing the american basketball star brittney griner and a former us marine paul whelan. secretary of state antony blinken says he plans to discuss the matter in a phone call with his russian counterpart sergei lavrov. it would be the first such contact since russia's invasion of ukraine. barbara plett—usher reports. hostage diplomacy is intruding on america's basketball courts. players in the washington mystics know brittney griner. they've competed against her. they respect her. they're shaken by her arrest. it was really sad and a bit scared because it felt i was really sad and a bit scared because it felt like it could be any of us. you know, i play overseas. the vast majority of wba players play overseas. and so seeing her in that type of position, it's... where she's kind of helpless was really unfortunate. griner pled guilty to a drug related charge, but says she didn't intend to break the law. the us claims she's been

wrongfully detained, which russia denies. but now, in a rare move, the state department has gone public about an offer to win her release and that of another american, paul whalen. we've conveyed this on a number of occasions and directly to russian officials. and my hope would be that in speaking to foreign minister lavrov, i can advance the efforts to bring them home. he wouldn't give details, but the administration did recently agree to a prisoner swap with the kremlin for this former us marine. that increased pressure from the families of other detainees. earlier, the president's point man for hostages told me their campaign was effective. i think the importance of the families coming up with their narrative to address what they're going through is actually very powerful for them. and i think it's also good and holding, i got to say, in creating situational awareness and at times holding the us government accountable. brittney griner�*s case has helped

shine a spotlight on an issue that's usually in the shadows. this mural recently unveiled highlights how many americans are in this fix. how many stories there are. such as matthew heath. he's been held in venezuela for nearly two years. matthew's been beaten over there so many times that both of his hands have been broken. he tried to take his own life and has been moved to a military hospital. my son is not going to survive if our government does not get him home. i don't know how much more he can endure. the return of any detainee would bring hope to others, but not dispel their desperate, agonising uncertainty. barbara plett usher, bbc news, washington. a safeguarding review of the events leading up to the murder of 13—month—old leiland—james corkill in cumbria will be published later today. he was killed last year by laura castle, a woman who had wanted to adopt him.

in herfirst interview, leiland—james' mother, laura corkill, said her son was wrongly removed at birth and would still be alive today if he had been left with her. you may find some of the details in this report by our special correspondent ed thomas distressing. mummy, please don't be sad, i miss you so much, too. i'm safe. it's so beautiful up here. but i do worry when i see you cry. the words of laura corkill read at the funeral of her son leiland—james. and what do you remember about him? his smile, his cheeky laugh, his big, bright eyes. murdered by the woman who promised to love and care for him. when he came home, it was in a wooden box. this is the first time laura corkill has told her story. how long have you been here for? six years. it starts with her son being removed by a social worker. that got done the day he died. taken at birth from his hospital cot.

i was in bits. i mean, i was in bits. what was leiland—james doing? crying. cumbria county council say they told laura they planned to remove leiland—james. she denies this. years before, laura suffered severe domestic violence, abuse that she says social workers feared would happen again — a so—called risk of future emotional harm. what should have happened to leiland—james? he would come home. absolutely. yeah, absolutely. aisha and rebecca support women who have faced domestic abuse. they offered social workers and plan to bring leiland—james home. they offered social workers a plan to bring leiland—james home. we did have e—mails going back and forth between us to see if we could work out a plan of support to see what we could offer. and was that negotiated, were you listen to?

both: no. leiland—james' fate was already determined. cumbria county council had identified him for adoption. i was expecting him to come home. this was the last photo of mother and son together. was this during contact? that was my last contact. covid ended all face—to—face meetings. what do these moments mean to you? precious. she would never hold leiland—james alive again. laura corkill says she repeatedly asked for leiland—james to come back home. inside, she told me she passed several parenting assessments. and one social worker, she says, told her she could get the baby's room ready for when he came back here. cumbria county council say in april 2020, they told laura the plan was for leiland—james to be adopted. and, injuly, the family courts agreed. they told us when a child is at risk

of harm, they have a duty to act. in august 2020, social workers placed leiland—james with this woman, laura castle. she would repeatedly beat him. she filmed him in distress. she bragged in messages how she had leathered him and called him the devil's spawn. ijust stood up like that. injanuary, 2021, she murdered leiland—james. he suffered catastrophic head injuries. how can someone hurt an innocent child? what, just because they could not cope with him does not mean you've got to kill them. sorry. before leiland—james died, a social worker refused to tell laura which hospital he was in. cumbria county council said, at the time, the extent of his injuries were not known. by the time i got down there he had already been dead. and eventually i went into his room. ijust wanted to pick him up.

they wouldn't allow me. did you say anything to him? that i loved him. he was my... my shining star. a review by cumbria county council into the decisions surrounding leiland—james' death will be published later. laura corkill was not asked to be part of it. i spent more time with leiland in death than in life. leiland—james is laid to rest close to laura's home. i loved him. millions and millions. tv cameras will film in some criminal courts in england and wales for the first time today.

we can go live now to the old bailey... we can go live now to the old baile ~ , ., we can go live now to the old bailey- - -_ we can go live now to the old baile ...~ ., bailey... when you a13 your mother videoed steve _ bailey... when you a13 your mother videoed steve assaulting _ bailey... when you a13 your mother videoed steve assaulting you, i bailey... when you a13 your mother videoed steve assaulting you, the i videoed steve assaulting you, the police were involved, and that resulted in your mother and steve separating. —— when you were 13. you also had a very difficult time at school due to your deafness and you were the victim of severe bullying. you were diagnosed with autism at a young age and went to school for autistic children, but you did not thrive there. your behaviour deteriorated further when your mother became involved in a same—sex relationship. you were in and out of care, and irreparably damaged by your early childhood experiences and by your learning disabilities. throughout your childhood and adult life, you had a very strong and

positive relationship with your maternal grandparents. you love and love your nan very much, and she loved and still loves you. her evidence at your trial was compelling and informative. you clearly displayed many of the recognised features of autistic spectrum disorder, and you lacked the ability to show empathy to others, with the exception of your nan... ~ ., others, with the exception of your nan... ~ . ,, others, with the exception of your nan... ~ ., i. ., others, with the exception of your nan... ~ ., ., , , nan... what you have been listening to there are — nan... what you have been listening to there are the _ nan... what you have been listening to there are the sentencing - nan... what you have been listening to there are the sentencing remarks| to there are the sentencing remarks from the judge sarah to there are the sentencing remarks from thejudge sarah munro qc, at the old bailey, and as you can see, the old bailey, and as you can see, the feed from the old bailey is delayed slightly, but those are the first pictures televised in what is quite a groundbreaking change in the way sentencing is reported. let's get more on that now from our legal

correspondent dominic casciani. dominic, first of all, explain why this decision has been made? this decision has _ this decision has been made? try 3 decision has been taken after nine years of negotiation with the government and seniorjudiciary, on the part of the major broadcasters, the part of the major broadcasters, the bbc, itn, sky news and the press association representing the newspapers more widely, to get cameras into some criminal courts, by that i mean the most senior courts, the old bailey, major crown courts, the old bailey, major crown courts centres around england and wales, on the basis that the broadcasters argued, if you want the public to understand how criminal courts work and the steps taken by judges to protect the public and to give just sentences to defendants where they are found guilty, let us film these comments thatjudges make when they send someone to prison. at the moment you've gotjudge there are munro qc, sentencing ben oliver, who is a 25—year—old man, it is an absolutely terrible story, but in

2021 killed his own grandfather but it has got a very complex background because of his own situation, he is on the asperger�*s disorder spectrum, he had lots of difficulties at school, and just in that clip there we heard the judge starting to talk about the circumstances and the background to the crime and how that will ultimately inform the decision she is going to take when she decides on what the sentence is for ben oliver. bud decides on what the sentence is for iten oliver-— decides on what the sentence is for ben oliver. �* . ., ., ben oliver. and dominic, what we are auoin to do ben oliver. and dominic, what we are going to do is — ben oliver. and dominic, what we are going to do is listen _ ben oliver. and dominic, what we are going to do is listen in _ ben oliver. and dominic, what we are going to do is listen in a _ ben oliver. and dominic, what we are going to do is listen in a bit _ ben oliver. and dominic, what we are going to do is listen in a bit more i going to do is listen in a bit more now, so let's have a listen to a bit more of what is being said byjudge sarah munro. more of what is being said by 'udge sarah munro.— more of what is being said by 'udge sarah mu.— sarah munro. upon your release, you were liven sarah munro. upon your release, you were given a — sarah munro. upon your release, you were given a flat _ sarah munro. upon your release, you were given a flat about _ sarah munro. upon your release, you were given a flat about seven - sarah munro. upon your release, you were given a flat about seven miles i were given a flat about seven miles away _ were given a flat about seven miles away from — were given a flat about seven miles away from where your grandparents lived _ away from where your grandparents lived. initially you were very houseproud and you did very well. until— houseproud and you did very well. until the _ houseproud and you did very well. until the pandemic hit. you later found _ until the pandemic hit. you later found out— until the pandemic hit. you later found out about the allegations of sexual— found out about the allegations of sexual abuse involving your grandfather, and you told your nan that you _ grandfather, and you told your nan that you could not love him anymore,

and that— that you could not love him anymore, and that indeed you hated him. however. — and that indeed you hated him. however, at that stage you did not e>

december. from that date onwards, you would _ december. from that date onwards, you would speak to your nan on the phone _ you would speak to your nan on the phone three or four times every hour~ _ phone three or four times every hour~ on — phone three or four times every hour. on sixjanuary phone three or four times every hour. on six january 2021, you phone three or four times every hour. on sixjanuary 2021, you rang your— hour. on sixjanuary 2021, you rang your name — hour. on sixjanuary 2021, you rang your name again, intent on killing yourself — your name again, intent on killing yourself. she tried to persuade you not to _ yourself. she tried to persuade you not to do— yourself. she tried to persuade you not to do so, but you called the rspca — not to do so, but you called the rspca and asked them to collect your pet ferret, _ rspca and asked them to collect your pet ferret, telling the operator that you — pet ferret, telling the operator that you were going to commit suicide — that you were going to commit suicide. the operator noted that you were speaking most bizarrely and making _ were speaking most bizarrely and making very little sense. that call was recorded and the jury heard the nature _ was recorded and the jury heard the nature of— was recorded and the jury heard the nature of the things which you were saying. _ nature of the things which you were saying, which were psychotic in nature — saying, which were psychotic in nature 0f _ saying, which were psychotic in nature. of particular concern is nature. of particular concern is your— nature. of particular concern is your assertion in that call that you'd — your assertion in that call that you'd been looking at child pornography and had exposed yourself. on that occasion, you were taken _ yourself. on that occasion, you were taken to— yourself. on that occasion, you were taken to hospital, but due to your autism _ taken to hospital, but due to your autism you — taken to hospital, but due to your autism you did not understand that you were _ autism you did not understand that you were expected to stay there and instead _ you were expected to stay there and instead you — you were expected to stay there and instead you took a taxi to your nan's — instead you took a taxi to your nan's house. she wanted you to stay

with her_ nan's house. she wanted you to stay with her but— nan's house. she wanted you to stay with her but you went back to your flat because of concern for your pet _ flat because of concern for your pet you — flat because of concern for your pet. you were in no fit state to be left unsupervised. your nan said that by— left unsupervised. your nan said that by then, quotes, we all knew he wasn't _ that by then, quotes, we all knew he wasn't welt — that by then, quotes, we all knew he wasn't well. and tried to get him an appointment, close quotes. on the 14th of— appointment, close quotes. on the 14th ofjanuary, you attempted suicide — 14th ofjanuary, you attempted suicide again, firstly by trying to hang _ suicide again, firstly by trying to hang yourself and then by drinking bath water contaminated with bleach. you were _ bath water contaminated with bleach. you were taken to a&e but released to the _ you were taken to a&e but released to the home treatment to. your nan described _ to the home treatment to. your nan described you on that day as, guotes. — described you on that day as, quotes, absolutely tormented. you were only _ quotes, absolutely tormented. you were only relaxed if you could linux to your _ were only relaxed if you could linux to your nan — were only relaxed if you could linux to your nan and hold her arm. your medication — to your nan and hold her arm. your medication was increased and your home _ medication was increased and your home treatment team was then changed from the _ home treatment team was then changed from the team which had been looking after you _ from the team which had been looking after you near your flat to the one near _ after you near your flat to the one near your— after you near your flat to the one near your grandparents. from 15th january. _ near your grandparents. from 15th january, you're never left your

nan's — january, you're never left your nan's address again until your arrest — nan's address again until your arrest for— nan's address again until your arrest for murder. you spend your days— arrest for murder. you spend your days with — arrest for murder. you spend your days with your nan and continued to speak— days with your nan and continued to speak about demons who were out to .et speak about demons who were out to get you _ speak about demons who were out to get you. about this time, your mother— get you. about this time, your mother told you that she would not have peace — mother told you that she would not have peace until your was dead. you also knew_ have peace until your was dead. you also knew by— have peace until your was dead. you also knew by then how unhappy he had made _ also knew by then how unhappy he had made your— also knew by then how unhappy he had made your grandmother. on the 18th january, _ made your grandmother. on the 18th january, you watched a film with your— january, you watched a film with your nan — january, you watched a film with your nan about an abused orphan and texted _ your nan about an abused orphan and texted your— your nan about an abused orphan and texted your mother about the effect that film _ texted your mother about the effect that film had had upon you. on the morning _ that film had had upon you. on the morning of— that film had had upon you. on the morning of the killing, 19th january. _ morning of the killing, 19th january, the carers came as usual to see to _ january, the carers came as usual to see to your— january, the carers came as usual to see to your grandfather's needs. when _ see to your grandfather's needs. when they had gone, your nan took him a _ when they had gone, your nan took him a biscuit and a cup of coffee. that— him a biscuit and a cup of coffee. that was— him a biscuit and a cup of coffee. that was the last time she saw him alive _ that was the last time she saw him alive she — that was the last time she saw him alive. she noted that you were jittery — alive. she noted that you were jittery and couldn't rest, you asked to lie _ jittery and couldn't rest, you asked to lie down — jittery and couldn't rest, you asked to lie down next to her, which you did. however, when she got up, you then went _ did. however, when she got up, you

then went downstairs, it was about 1130 _ then went downstairs, it was about 1130 or— then went downstairs, it was about 11.30 or11.45 then went downstairs, it was about 11.30 or 11.45 that morning. you selected — 11.30 or 11.45 that morning. you selected a — 11.30 or 11.45 that morning. you selected a knife from the kitchen and you — selected a knife from the kitchen and you went to your grandfather's room: _ and you went to your grandfather's room. you — and you went to your grandfather's room, you then cut his throat repeatedly with severe force, you stabbed _ repeatedly with severe force, you stabbed his mouth so that he could not cry— stabbed his mouth so that he could not cry out— stabbed his mouth so that he could not cry out and his eyes so that he could _ not cry out and his eyes so that he could not— not cry out and his eyes so that he could not look at you as you killed him _ could not look at you as you killed him he _ could not look at you as you killed him. he tried in vain to protect himself— him. he tried in vain to protect himself by— him. he tried in vain to protect himself by raising his right arm, he was utterly— himself by raising his right arm, he was utterly powerless. there were a total of— was utterly powerless. there were a total of 21s — was utterly powerless. there were a total of 215 tab wounds to wa5 utterly powerle55. there were a total of 215 tab wounds to the face, seven— total of 215 tab wounds to the face, seven to _ total of 215 tab wounds to the face, seven to the torso and obvious defence — seven to the torso and obvious defence injuries. he died very quickly— defence injuries. he died very quickly of— defence injuries. he died very quickly of massive blood loss. following the killing, you told your nan what _ following the killing, you told your nan what you had done, saying, guotes. — nan what you had done, saying, quotes. he — nan what you had done, saying, quotes, he can't hurt you any more, nanna~ _ quotes, he can't hurt you any more, nanna~ you — quotes, he can't hurt you any more, nanna. you also texted your mother saying. _ nanna. you also texted your mother saying, quotes, mum, i've killed grandad, — saying, quotes, mum, i've killed grandad, i— saying, quotes, mum, i've killed grandad, i love you. your nan called 999 and _ grandad, i love you. your nan called 999 and you — grandad, i love you. your nan called 999 and you sat with her. at one point _ 999 and you sat with her. at one point you — 999 and you sat with her. at one point you went upstairs and sat on

the windowsill. i'm satisfied that you had — the windowsill. i'm satisfied that you had it — the windowsill. i'm satisfied that you had it in mind tojump to your death— you had it in mind tojump to your death but— you had it in mind tojump to your death but your nan persuaded you to come _ death but your nan persuaded you to come in _ death but your nan persuaded you to come in and — death but your nan persuaded you to come in and you calmly sat with her until the _ come in and you calmly sat with her until the police arrived. you were entirely— until the police arrived. you were entirely cooperative. your nan told the police, — entirely cooperative. your nan told the police, quotes, we all wanted to kill him. _ the police, quotes, we all wanted to kill him, close quotes. that was a reference — kill him, close quotes. that was a reference to — kill him, close quotes. that was a reference to your grandad. while you were in— reference to your grandad. while you were in custody before your trial, there _ were in custody before your trial, there were — were in custody before your trial, there were numerous mental health assessments which resulted in a divergences of opinion as to the true nature and extent of your mental— true nature and extent of your mental illness. the psychiatrist instructed on your behalf for your trial had — instructed on your behalf for your trial had access to all your records and had _ trial had access to all your records and had greater expertise in determining the true position. in the light— determining the true position. in the light of the jury's verdict, i propose — the light of the jury's verdict, i propose to proceed on the basis that the defence experts dr coming and docked _ the defence experts dr coming and docked a _ the defence experts dr coming and docked a co—worker in the diagnosis of autistic— docked a co—worker in the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, depression and adjustment disorder.

the latter— depression and adjustment disorder. the latter as a result of finding out about — the latter as a result of finding out about the allegations of sexual abuse _ out about the allegations of sexual abuse by— out about the allegations of sexual abuse by the deceased. their view was that— abuse by the deceased. their view was that your diagnosed medical conditions substantially impair durability to form a rational judgment. you did not think that there _ judgment. you did not think that there was— judgment. you did not think that there was an alternative to killing your grandad, you did not think about— your grandad, you did not think about the — your grandad, you did not think about the consequences, you did not have the _ about the consequences, you did not have the skills to manage conflict or to _ have the skills to manage conflict or to see — have the skills to manage conflict or to see the bigger picture, due to your obsessional and tunnel vision. on your obsessional and tunnel vision. 0n the _ your obsessional and tunnel vision. on the other hand, you did understand that you were killing your grandad and had decided to do so. your grandad and had decided to do so this _ your grandad and had decided to do so this is _ your grandad and had decided to do so this is a — your grandad and had decided to do so. this is a complex sentencing exercise — so. this is a complex sentencing exercise. firstly, i have to apply the sentencing council guideline for this type _ the sentencing council guideline for this type of manslaughter. i begin by assessing the level of responsibility which you retained for the _ responsibility which you retained for the killing. there are three levels. — for the killing. there are three levels, high, medium and low. i have

decided _ levels, high, medium and low. i have decided that — levels, high, medium and low. i have decided that the level of responsibility retained by he was towards — responsibility retained by he was towards the very top of the medium level range, noting that there is an overlap _ level range, noting that there is an overlap between that range and the range _ overlap between that range and the range for— overlap between that range and the range for a — overlap between that range and the range for a high level of retained responsibility. i take that view because _ responsibility. i take that view because, unlike some cases of this kind, _ because, unlike some cases of this kind you _ because, unlike some cases of this kind, you were not psychotic, your autism _ kind, you were not psychotic, your autism was— kind, you were not psychotic, your autism was defined as a significant but not _ autism was defined as a significant but not severe, you made the determined decision to kill your grandad — determined decision to kill your grandad and you carried out the killing _ grandad and you carried out the killing in — grandad and you carried out the killing in a — grandad and you carried out the killing in a ferocious but controlled way, making conscious decisions — controlled way, making conscious decisions to attack his eyes and mouth— decisions to attack his eyes and mouth and knowing that you were killing _ mouth and knowing that you were killing him — mouth and knowing that you were killing him and why you were doing so. killing him and why you were doing so the _ killing him and why you were doing so. the relevance of your mental abnormality is that which was articulated by the psychiatrist called — articulated by the psychiatrist called on your behalf, as i have set out above — called on your behalf, as i have set out above. as the author of the presentence report states, quotes, because — presentence report states, quotes, because of— presentence report states, quotes, because of your past experiences,

you did _ because of your past experiences, you did not — because of your past experiences, you did not have the resilience or skills— you did not have the resilience or skills to — you did not have the resilience or skills to cope with these disclosures. and your emotional well—being plummeted. disclosures. and your emotional well-being plummeted.- well-being plummeted. you're watchinu well-being plummeted. you're watching bbc— well-being plummeted. you're watching bbc news, _ well-being plummeted. you're watching bbc news, and i well-being plummeted. you're watching bbc news, and it i well-being plummeted. you're watching bbc news, and it is l well-being plummeted. you're| watching bbc news, and it is at well-being plummeted. you're i watching bbc news, and it is at this point that we say goodbye to our viewers on bbc world. 1 point that we say goodbye to our viewers on bbc world.— point that we say goodbye to our viewers on bbc world. i then have to turn to consider— viewers on bbc world. i then have to turn to consider aggravating - turn to consider aggravating factors _ turn to consider aggravating factors. they are four. one, the vulnerability of your bedbound elderly — vulnerability of your bedbound elderly grandfather, two, the physical— elderly grandfather, two, the physical suffering inflicted upon him. _ physical suffering inflicted upon him, three, your previous offending, and four, _ him, three, your previous offending, and four, the — him, three, your previous offending, and four, the fact that you were on licence _ and four, the fact that you were on licence in — and four, the fact that you were on licence. in relation to mitigation, ifirstly— licence. in relation to mitigation, i firstly point out that your abnormality of mental functioning i5 abnormality of mental functioning is already— abnormality of mental functioning is already been accounted for in the reduction — already been accounted for in the reduction of the offence from murder to manslaughter. however, there is considerable additional mitigation in relation to your upbringing, your experiences — in relation to your upbringing, your experiences as a child and the fact

that other— experiences as a child and the fact that other member of your family, to your knowledge, wanted and on two occasions _ your knowledge, wanted and on two occasions set out to kill your grandfather due to the unproven allegations made against him. of further— allegations made against him. of further significance is your recent discovery— further significance is your recent discovery that he had hurt your beloved — discovery that he had hurt your beloved grandmother. in addition, it is to your— beloved grandmother. in addition, it is to your credit that you have always — is to your credit that you have always accepted your guilt and told the truth _ always accepted your guilt and told the truth about what you did and why _ the truth about what you did and why you — the truth about what you did and why. you have also expressed remorse _ why. you have also expressed remorse, telling the probation officer. — remorse, telling the probation officer, quotes, i'vejust made it worse _ officer, quotes, i'vejust made it worse, made the pain greater. there was ample _ worse, made the pain greater. there was ample evidence that you had tried _ was ample evidence that you had tried to _ was ample evidence that you had tried to seek help for your mental health— tried to seek help for your mental health problems and had done well whilst _ health problems and had done well whilst on _ health problems and had done well whilst on licence. it is unfortunate that the _ whilst on licence. it is unfortunate that the professionals did not identify— that the professionals did not identify the risk posed by you remaining in the community, and particularly by placing you with your— particularly by placing you with your grandparents. dr coming i5 your grandparents. dr coming is provided — your grandparents. dr coming is provided an addendum report which confirms—

provided an addendum report which confirms that a hospital order is not an— confirms that a hospital order is not an or— confirms that a hospital order is not an or option in your case, he describes— not an or option in your case, he describes you as a very damaged man who will require psychological work in the longer term. in my view, the mitigating — in the longer term. in my view, the mitigating factors balance out the aggravating factors, so that i do not add — aggravating factors, so that i do not add to— aggravating factors, so that i do not add to the notional term of 24 years _ not add to the notional term of 24 years i_ not add to the notional term of 24 years. i then have to consider dangerousness. the probation officer has accurately set out the relevant considerations and i agree with her assessment and the reasons for it. in assessment and the reasons for it. in my— assessment and the reasons for it. in myjudgment, you do present a significant — in myjudgment, you do present a significant risk to the public, occasioned by the commission of further— occasioned by the commission of further specified offences, due firstly— further specified offences, due firstly to— further specified offences, due firstly to your previous serious offending, secondly, the fact that there _ offending, secondly, the fact that there is— offending, secondly, the fact that there is evidence that you have a continuing — there is evidence that you have a continuing interest in illegal pornography, thirdly, the suddenness of your— pornography, thirdly, the suddenness of your deterioration, and fourthly, the seriousness and ferocity of the attack _ the seriousness and ferocity of the attack upon your grandfather. you therefore — attack upon your grandfather. you therefore fit the criteria for a

dangerous offender. section 285 of the sentencing act 2020 provides that as _ the sentencing act 2020 provides that as i — the sentencing act 2020 provides that as i have determined you meet the dangerous criteria, i then have to decide _ the dangerous criteria, i then have to decide whether the seriousness of the offence of manslaughter i5 to decide whether the seriousness of the offence of manslaughter is such as to _ the offence of manslaughter is such as tojustify the the offence of manslaughter is such as to justify the imposition of imprisonment for life. if i do conclude _ imprisonment for life. if i do conclude that it does, i then must impose _ conclude that it does, i then must impose such a sentence. in your case: _ impose such a sentence. in your case i_ impose such a sentence. in your case i do — impose such a sentence. in your case, i do consider that the seriousness of the offence justifies a life sentence, and that is the sentence — a life sentence, and that is the sentence i_ a life sentence, and that is the sentence i must there for impose upon _ sentence i must there for impose upon you — sentence i must there for impose upon you i— sentence i must there for impose upon you. i have already determined that the _ upon you. i have already determined that the notional determinate term would _ that the notional determinate term would be _ that the notional determinate term would be 24 years before credit for your plea _ would be 24 years before credit for your plea of guilty. in my view, you deserve _ your plea of guilty. in my view, you deserve full — your plea of guilty. in my view, you deserve full credit for your plea of guilty, _ deserve full credit for your plea of guilty, which was entered at the first reasonable opportunity after you were — first reasonable opportunity after you were deemed fit to plead. that plea reduces the notional determinate term to one of 16 years.

in setting the minimal term you must serve' _ in setting the minimal term you must serve i_ in setting the minimal term you must serve i must— in setting the minimal term you must serve, i must adopt a term which is two thirds _ serve, i must adopt a term which is two thirds of — serve, i must adopt a term which is two thirds of the notional determinate term, which is ten years and eight _ determinate term, which is ten years and eight months. would you stand up please? _ and eight months. would you stand up please? the _ and eight months. would you stand up please? the sentence i pass upon you is therefore _ please? the sentence i pass upon you is therefore one of life imprisonment with a minimum term of ten years— imprisonment with a minimum term of ten years and — imprisonment with a minimum term of ten years and eight months. from that term — ten years and eight months. from that term will be deducted the term you have _ that term will be deducted the term you have spent on remand, which is 553 days _ you have spent on remand, which is 553 days. that deduction results in a term _ 553 days. that deduction results in a term of— 553 days. that deduction results in a term of nine years and 63 days. those _ a term of nine years and 63 days. those numbers can be amended administratively, if my calculation is incorrect — administratively, if my calculation is incorrect. once you have served that term, — is incorrect. once you have served that term, you will be entitled to apply— that term, you will be entitled to apply for— that term, you will be entitled to apply for parole. however, you will not be _ apply for parole. however, you will not be released by the parole board unless— not be released by the parole board unless they conclude you no longer impose _ unless they conclude you no longer impose a _ unless they conclude you no longer impose a risk to the public. if you

are released will be on licence for the rest _ are released will be on licence for the rest of— are released will be on licence for the rest of your life. i imposed the appropriate surcharge. that concludes the sentencing remarks. so, concludes the sentencing remarks. so. we _ concludes the sentencing remarks. so, we have been watching the first televised sentencing from england and wales. i apologise, the sound was sometimes absent, there is nothing we can do about that, it's early days. with me now is our legal correspondent, dominic casciani. tell us what we have just seen. 1 think that's one of the most extraordinary things i've ever seen on television. we are used to seeing judges in dramas, and clips from american television, for many years it has been sensationalised, that is a perfect example of what i and other reporters see day in, day out. thisjudge, one of other reporters see day in, day out. this judge, one of the other reporters see day in, day out. thisjudge, one of the most experienced at the old bailey,

carefully and thoughtfully going through the complex exercise of what to do with a man called ben oliver, who in absolutely dreadful circumstances killed his own grandfather a few years ago. what thejudge said in grandfather a few years ago. what the judge said in the process of this, she essentially set out why the needs ofjustice need to consider the defendant's background, he was on the asperger�*s spectrum, and his background as a previous offender, have all of these things fed into his thinking when he decided he wanted to kill his grandfather, who he believed was a sex offender. it was a complicated case. when she had to take into account was how dangerous he would be in the future were she to give him some kind of finite sentence. in the everyday orders get simplified

by me and my colleagues, when we come out of court we'd just say, someone has hired three mike got ten years. here we have her saying, these are all the things i have to do, and this is the sentence, it would be a life sentence the minimum term of ten years and eight months, which is the term after spending some time on remand, but even after the end of that ten year and eight month sentence, he won't necessarily get out of prison, because of the need of the parole board to ensure that you can save to be released into the community. those kind of comments we take for granted in court, but they agonise about the sentence, and thejudiciary court, but they agonise about the sentence, and the judiciary hope that by broadcasting these cases, the public will understand how complex this is and the steps taken to keep the public safe. tell

complex this is and the steps taken to keep the public safe.— to keep the public safe. tell me more, to keep the public safe. tell me more. what _ to keep the public safe. tell me more, what is _ to keep the public safe. tell me more, what is the _ to keep the public safe. tell me more, what is the impact i to keep the public safe. tell me more, what is the impact going | to keep the public safe. tell me i more, what is the impact going to be? ., ~' more, what is the impact going to be? ., ,, , more, what is the impact going to be? ., ~ , , ., be? long term i think this will be a slow burn- — be? long term i think this will be a slow burn. there _ be? long term i think this will be a slow burn. there has _ be? long term i think this will be a slow burn. there has been - be? long term i think this will be a slow burn. there has been a i be? long term i think this will be a slow burn. there has been a big i slow burn. there has been a big debate between the broadcasters, led by bbc, itv, and the broadcasters commission, we've seen reports going back to 2010, but that's because the supreme court doesn't deal with witnesses and defendants, deals and points of law. it is often very dry, p0p points of law. it is often very dry, pop from major moments such as when the supreme court declared that borisjohnson had broken the law, it deals with appeal, and cases including criminal cases, their cases how far the judiciary are allowed to go, giving the public the

opportunity to go through the door and see these cases where judges are sitting there judging and see these cases where judges are sitting therejudging on and see these cases where judges are sitting there judging on appalling crimes, and you might have victims and the families of victims sitting in court, people directly affected by the circumstances in court, where they prepared to allow us to film those moments where judges are sentencing? the way played out, nobody in the judiciary and nobody in government, and i don't think anybody in the legal establishment, seriously thinks we should go down the american roots where you have things like the oj simpson style coverage, where back in 1995, for those of us old enough to remember it, it became nightly entertainment. it was a world away from a concept ofjustice, and thejudiciary it was a world away from a concept ofjustice, and the judiciary here so that if we are able to do film defendants, witnesses, victims, it would sensationalise the courts, potentially damaging the quality of

the evidence because people could play two cameras, they could collapse, they could find it too stressful, you could end up with miscarriages ofjustice. we stopped far short of that moment, but we haveis far short of that moment, but we have is a situation where judges have is a situation where judges have the opportunity for direct communication with the public, through the sentencing remarks, which will be left on youtube. what i imagine as most people won't see them, because they have busy lives, but the fact is they will be there, and i think it's going to be certainly a lot of thinking among the seniorjudiciary that once this stuff is on youtube, brooker�*s more frequently, particularly for younger people and people learning about the law and society, they can watch this. , , ., , law and society, they can watch this. , .,, . ., law and society, they can watch this., . .,, ,~ this. just to be clear, briefly, at the sentencing _ this. just to be clear, briefly, at the sentencing of _ this. just to be clear, briefly, at the sentencing of every - this. just to be clear, briefly, at the sentencing of every judge i this. just to be clear, briefly, at i the sentencing of everyjudge going to be automatically filmed now? ha. to be automatically filmed now? no. the wa it to be automatically filmed now? no. the way it will _ to be automatically filmed now? m7. the way it will work as it will be the most serious cases in the most

important criminal courts in england and wales. it's not going to be a common garden burglaries, all those kind of things. it's going to be the really, really serious cases. today is a test to see how it would look and feel going out, from now on the major broadcasters can apply and say, look, we like to broadcast the sentencing comments from this particular case.— particular case. thank you for explaining — particular case. thank you for explaining that. _ the opening ceremony of the 22nd commonwealth games takes place in birmingham tonight. prince charles will represent the queen and 30,000 people will be inside the alexander stadium, with millions more watching around the world. the show will include performances from local music and dance groups, emphasising the city's diversity. more than 5,000 athletes are set to compete over a packed 11 days. they will be representing 72 nations and territories. the queen's baton will also be a key part of that ceremony, after being carried for 294 days through commonwealth countries. athletes will compete in 19 sports and 280 medal events, which will include for the first time women's t20 cricket, three on three basketball 9and three

on three wheelchair basketball. also for the first time there are more medals for women than for men and para events are all part of the main games. our sports reporterjoe lynskey explains what's in store. they have waited four years for these 11 days. now the city in the centre is braced for the spotlight. birmingham is all set to stage 72 nations, fourfrom close to home. commentator: england have done it! they have snatched the gold medal. yes, he has got it. duncan scott from scotland. gold here in brisbane for wales. rhys mcclenaghan from northern ireland. well done, son. it's a bit unusual in that we are all used to competing in the same team and, all of a sudden, we are split up and it's like, oh, 0k. it's been a long time since i've

been in a scottish vest at such a big championships. so it's going to be great to have a big championships as this in great britain. not many people can really say that they've got a big championship on their back door. it is going to be an amazing feeling, and just got to stay concentrated and not let the emotions run through. the commonwealth games gives sport and para—sports the same platform. this year, women's t20 cricket is one new addition. and around from the bullring is the beach for the volleyball. events are spread around the west midlands, from warwick in the south to cannock further north. these games are mapped out to make a legacy. birmingham has builtjust one new venue for these commonwealth games and it is here in sandwell, one of the most diverse and densely populated parts of the city. this place has never had a resource like this before. but now it's got an aquatics centre. i feel extremely lucky because i don't think it will just affect us, it will affect future generations. in, like, 20 years' time, yeah, i was there, i saw this happen.

the centre has been stitched into smethwick in sandwell borough. by next year, it will be a multipurpose facility. for this community, it is a gateway to sport that, without the games, would not be here. ijoined smethwick swimming club when i was 11. we were fortunate to have pools close by, but nothing like we are going to have now. we've talked about this for a long time, we have dreamed about it. it is real now. and it is just going to give so many opportunities for youngsters from around here. for someone who has been involved in smethwick swimming for so long, what does it mean to you to have this venue at these commonwealth games? well, i'm speechless. itjust is so amazing. and the fact that this event is going to come to smethwick and people all around the world are going to be watching is just so amazing. it's usually something that

happens somewhere else. we feel an incredible responsibility for putting on a brilliant games for birmingham, the west midlands and the rest of the country, and, you know, showing what britain's is all about — a welcoming, inclusive society where everybody gets on. and, do you know what, it is a privilege to do that, but a responsibility, as well. it starts tonight at the alexander stadium, which has gone from local track to national emblem. in four years, there's been lockdowns and setbacks, but across this city, they are ready. joe lynskey, bbc news, birmingham. the leader of birmingham city council, labour councillor ian ward says the city is ready. this is an opportunity to be on the world stage, to demonstrate what the city and the people of birmingham have to offer, and this evening's opening ceremony will be broadcast to over a billion people around the world, so we will never have a better opportunity than this to transform the image of birmingham

and our reputation around the world, davyu has just heard from the people of smethwick, there is an immense amount of pride, and the people of birmingham are welcoming athletes, officials and the people from the 72 nations and the commonwealth and will never have a better opportunity than this. the games themselves have helped us leave over £1 billion of investment, transport infrastructure, for our population infrastructure, for our population in birmingham, so when we were told previously that we can afford it, the truth is, we can afford not to do this, because with the investment that we have seen into the city as a result of posting these games, it is far exceeded the money the city council has had to spend. that was the leader of— council has had to spend. that was the leader of birmingham - council has had to spend. that was the leader of birmingham city i the leader of birmingham city council. network rail says disruption to trains around the country will continue this morning because of the knock—on effect

of yesterday's strike action. several operators have warned that services will start later than usual and people are being advised to check before travelling. another walk—out of drivers at seven companies is planned for saturday, and the aslef union has announced that its members at nine firms will strike on the 13th august. unions have reacted angrily to the decision by labour to sack the junior shadow transport minister sam tarry. it was after he joined striking rail workers on a picket line. several labour mps have also criticised the move, saying mr tarry was right to be championing the rights of workers. we're joined now by our political correspondent david wallace lockhart. david, why has labour taken this decision? has sam tarry been sacked for being on the picket line or something else? it on the picket line or something else? , , ., , ., on the picket line or something else? , , ,, ., else? it depends who you speak to. keir starmer. _ else? it depends who you speak to. keir starmer, the _ else? it depends who you speak to. keir starmer, the labour _ else? it depends who you speak to. keir starmer, the labour leader, i else? it depends who you speak to. l keir starmer, the labour leader, was on the today programme, talking about how he didn't expect any front bench labour politicians to be on

picket lines. he didn't think that was thejob of picket lines. he didn't think that was the job of politicians are inspiring to remember aspiring to be the next government, however that was defied by sam tarry, the shadow transport minister, who not only went to the picket line but gave quite a lot of media interviews when he was there, tweeted lotta pictures of himself on social media, it was quite a high—profile appearance on the picket line, and when it came to his sacking yesterday from his role, a labour party spokesperson stressed it wasn't just the fact that he had gone and joined those pickets, it was what they called unauthorised media appearances, where he did seem to add points freelance on certain policy issues, such as how much of a pay rise some workers should be expecting. this has caused quite a big backlash in some corners of the

labour party. we've heard from a number of backbench mps, especially those on the left of the labour party, people like diane abbott and john mcdonnell, really criticising this decision to sack sam tarry, and the unions, important funders for the unions, important funders for the labour party, really not impressed by this happening. sharon graham who heads up the unite union saying the party is becoming more and more relevant to ordinary people. the gmb union, which is at times been quite close to keir starmer, saying this is a huge own goalfor labour starmer, saying this is a huge own goal for labour yesterday at a time in the conservative party is having a lot of internal factional warfare, perhaps managed to get some of that themselves. definitely an issue that keir starmer is going to have to deal with, though perhaps it's more important for him to signal, as he sees it, the sign that labour is ready for government and won't be

protesting, but will be taking part in the actual process of governing quite soon. in the actual process of governing quite soon-— quite soon. you mentioned the conservative _ quite soon. you mentioned the conservative party _ quite soon. you mentioned the conservative party leadership. | quite soon. you mentioned the i conservative party leadership. all eyes back on that this evening. first hustings in leeds. what can we expect? first hustings in leeds. what can we exect? ., �* , , first hustings in leeds. what can we exect? . �*, , ,, .«r expect? that's right, rishi sunak and liz truss _ expect? that's right, rishi sunak and liz truss will _ expect? that's right, rishi sunak and liz truss will be _ expect? that's right, rishi sunak and liz truss will be in _ expect? that's right, rishi sunak and liz truss will be in leeds, i expect? that's right, rishi sunak. and liz truss will be in leeds, they won't actually be on stage tomorrow debating one another, it will be a process of one of them to going on stage and the other one following, questions from local party members. this question of rail strikes and further strikes potentially expected across the country is one that has not escaped their attention, they are quite united in talking about the need, as the conservative 2019 manifesto said, for new legislation that could ensure that when it comes to things like essential services like public transport, even if workers want to strike, there would be a minimum service that legally

still has to be given, that is something liz truss has talked about this morning, she has been in leeds, and i think we can have a listen to what she had to say. i will put through legislation, making sure that essential services are provided on our railways. i think it's completely unfair on working people who are struggling to make ends meet at the moment to stop them being able to use transport services because of militant action by the unions. so i will legislate to fix that. an area that it rishi sunak and liz truss are probably more in tune with one another on down when it comes to other issues like the future of the economy and how the cost of living crisis at the moment should be addressed. that is where there is less consensus, liz truss is wanting immediate hefty tax cuts, rishi sunak saying that will just fuel inflation. i'm sure that is an issue they will be talking about plenty

this evening addressing conservative party members in the first of 12 hustings events.— party members in the first of 12 hustings events. half—year profits at british gas owner, centrica, have soared five—fold to £1.3 billion, boosted by rocketing energy prices which are putting uk households under mounting pressure. the company has also resumed payouts to shareholders, paying an interim dividend of 1p per share, after suspending them for three years. it comes as gas prices soar, fuelled by russia's war in ukraine. let's talk to our business correspondent caroline davies. how surprising is it that this payout to shareholders has redeemed at this particular time? i payout to shareholders has redeemed at this particular time?— at this particular time? i guess it de-ends at this particular time? i guess it depends on _ at this particular time? i guess it depends on who _ at this particular time? i guess it depends on who you _ at this particular time? i guess it depends on who you are - at this particular time? i guess it depends on who you are talking l at this particular time? i guess it i depends on who you are talking about who is surprised. if you are a customer who is about to hear that potentially their energy prices are going to go up, who has already seen their energy prices going up, the idea that an energy company is

making large amounts of profit would be surprising. if you look at how it structured like a given explanation of why we are seeing in this dividends being passed on to shareholders. is about centrica's what is called the upstream, getting profits from the north sea and passing it on to the market, this is where the profits come from and what they have such a surge in profits and the reason you are seeing earlier that there were gastritis —— gas price rises last year, but what is looked at in the downstream, that is looked at in the downstream, that is not the part of the business centrica says is making this profit, there are still making part of the profit but it's down 40% of what they were making a year ago. that's

where the profits are coming in, but if you are an energy per customer hearing their bills are going up, doesn't necessarily matter to you whether the profits are coming from the top part of the business of the bottom part of business, what you are really worried about is whether your bills are going to continue going up, and it must feel quite galling when you hear about the profits. figs galling when you hear about the rofits. �* , , ., galling when you hear about the rofits. �* , ,, , galling when you hear about the rofits. a , ,., ., profits. as you say, this comes at a time we are — profits. as you say, this comes at a time we are being _ profits. as you say, this comes at a time we are being warned - profits. as you say, this comes at a time we are being warned that i profits. as you say, this comes at a i time we are being warned that energy prices are going to go up and up. yes, and we have already had some backlash on this announcement. friends of the earth said earlier, clearly not everyone is struggling from energy prices. the government must impose tougher windfall taxes on energy firms. that is something the centrica boss has responded to and said, there in mind, over the next couple of years, we are expecting to pay a windfall tax are

probably over £600 million on a uk gas business off the back of the profits we are seeing. saying that money is going to go back into society. of course that is the big pressure, that hearing these profits coming in, yes, good news for shareholders, but whether the money will come back into the uk economy is something the people will be keeping a close eye on. western military sources say a campaign by ukraine is gathering pace to retake the russian—controlled city of kherson. a key bridge into the city has been hit by ukrainian forces. the city was the first in the war to fall to russian forces. uk defence officials say kherson is now virtually cut off from other occupied territories. our diplomatic correspondent paul adams is in kyiv and gave us this assessment of the situation around kherson. it does mark potentially the beginning of a significant reversal of fortunes for ukraine. as you say, kherson was the first city of any consequence to fall right at the beginning of the campaign.

it is also a place where the russians have talked about conducting a referendum among the local population aboutjoining russia. obviously, a referendum that would be conducted, really, in pretty sham conditions. so, for political and strategic reasons, it is an objective for the ukrainian military, it is a place where the ukrainians feel they can begin to roll back russian advances. because of the way kherson is located on the north side of the dnipro river, connected to parts of russian—controlled territory by these key bridges, ukrainians feel that by destroying those bridges, or damaging them beyond operation, they can isolate those russian troops on that side of the river and ultimately retake the city. i say ultimately — this could take quite a long time. the ukrainians are certainly showing the ability to cause damage to russian logistics and supply routes and ammunition

depots using their newly acquired western equipment. what they haven't yet shown their ability to do is to retake significant areas of ground. that would be the next stage of this. government figures show that more than 100,000 people fleeing the war in ukraine have received sanctuary in the uk through its visa schemes. figures from the home office and uk visas and immigration show that there have been almost 200,000 visa applications since the schemes were launched in march. police in bangladesh say they believe a father and son from cardiff who died while on holiday were poisoned. rafiqul islam, who was 51, and his 16—year—old son mahiqul, died on their way to hospital after they were found unconscious. his wife and two other children are receiving treatment. our wales correspondent

tomos morgan reports. the family had been staying sylhet, an eastern city in bangladesh. they were there on a two—month holiday. after having food, they went to bed but the following morning, relatives came to the flat to try and make them at about 10am, and they heard no sound, they couldn't get in, so they raised the alarm. police then entered the building in the afternoon, then the family were taken to the hospital, but as you mentioned there, rafiqul islam, 51—year—old, and his son, 16—year—old mahiqul, died by the time they got there. the mother and daughter are still in a critical condition, and the other son is recovering, but police there are continuing their investigation. they originally thought it might have been food poisoning, but now they think that is not the case, so they are investigating something deeper, and upon hearing the news, family here in cardiff, they live not far away from the city centre, have already begun making their way over to bangladesh, and mr islam's brother—in—law spoke to the bbc and expressed how shocking

it was upon hearing the news about mr islam and his son. we cannot believe this happened, i cannot believe — this person is very friendly, very nice guy. his son is a very, very sweet son, and very friendly. everyone likes him, and he likes everyone. as i say, the police are continuing their investigation in sylhet as to what exactly happened there, but they have expressed the information letting us know that the postmortem into the deaths of mr islam and his son will take at least five days, and also that the mother and daughter are still, as i mentioned, in a critical condition in hospital in sylhet. after almost 9,000 episodes and 37 years, australians have been watching the final episode of neighbours — the country's

longest—running soap opera. 0h, oh, you will have that song in your ear the rest of the day. set in the fictional suburb of erinsborough, some of the stars who made their names on the show have returned for the finale — including margot robbie, kylie minogue, jason donovan and guy pierce. the last episode will be shown in the uk on friday night. let's speak to our correspondent, shaimaa khalil who's in melbourne where the show is filmed with fans. they looked like some very enthusiastic fans wrapped up watching it behind you. absolutely, it is happening _ watching it behind you. absolutely, it is happening now, _ watching it behind you. absolutely, it is happening now, it _ watching it behind you. absolutely, it is happening now, it is _ watching it behind you. absolutely, it is happening now, it is being i it is happening now, it is being shown on the big screen. let me just me that as this frame to show you.

fans have gathered on a very cold melbourne night, huddled up in the blankets, they wanted to come here and mark that night and watch the last episode of neighbours on the big screen. i was just chatting to some of them. a mother and daughter came here to watch it together, it is in the family for generations. michelle watched from the beginning, and i asked what it felt like and she said, look, i'm excited to see what will happen, and how it will all end, but really i don't want it to end. it is an emotional night for the fans, but also for the stars as well. i caught up with a couple of the stars, ian smith, who plays harold common stefan dennis, who plays paul robinson, and i asked why they thought the show has enjoyed for as long as it has.

i think it's all summed up in one word, and that's entertainment, because it is, it's a show that takes the audience on a really good journey every single episode. the reason i sayjourney is because it's notjust a flat, monotonaljourney, it's a roller—coaster ride. you know, you'll get a tragic scene, with light—hearted entertainment or even a comedy scene. i think that's the success of the show. it's all the trimmings that go around it, all the good—looking actors and actresses, the wonderful sets, the beautiful locations, all the fantastic film work and all of that, but all of that culminates into what the audience sees, and that is half an hour of pure entertainment. we always tried to 5how| that we were in the sun, wallowing in the sun, getting a suntan. i in truth, half the time i we were being put in very light cotton shirts _ and we were freezing to death. and you could say hello| to your doctor who lived next door, you could call him by his first name. i and he would sometimes come into your swimming pool, i you would sometimes go

into his swimming pool. i all these things that didn't seem to happen in the uk. _ i must say, i agree with ian smith, it is freezing tonight in melbourne, and already we have seen lots of smiles, lots of laughs, some cheers as the show, the final episode of the show, is now under way. some of the show, is now under way. some of the cast members are asked to describe that finale in one word, and you got things like heart—warming, heartbreaking, surprising, surprising, memorable, epic, but i think everyone can agree that this finale is going to be emotionalfor the fans that this finale is going to be emotional for the fans and for the stars of the show, including the ones, of course come the big names that made a comeback.— ones, of course come the big names that made a comeback. en'oy the rest ofthe that made a comeback. en'oy the rest of the night, — that made a comeback. en'oy the rest of the night, stay h that made a comeback. en'oy the rest of the night, stay one, _ that made a comeback. enjoy the rest of the night, stay one, good - that made a comeback. enjoy the rest of the night, stay one, good to - that made a comeback. enjoy the rest of the night, stay one, good to talk i of the night, stay one, good to talk to you. clearly cold in melbourne.

what is the picture closer to home? hello again. for many of us today, it is going to be a fairly cloudy day. we've also got some showers and some showery outbreaks of rain moving from northern england into southern and central scotland. other showers developing across wales, a few into the south—west. a few in northern ireland and a few across the far north of scotland. but we'll also see some breaks in the cloud with some sunshine in parts of the west, east anglia and parts of the south—east, with top temperatures up to 23 degrees. tonight many of the showers will fade, but they'll pep up across north wales and also northern england and southern scotland, and under clear skies we could well see a touch of mist in some rural areas, but it's not going to be cold, temperatures 10 to 14 degrees. tomorrow, this rain in northern england and southern scotland pushes eastwards. there'll be more sunshine around tomorrow than today, but the wind will pick up later. across the north—west, the cloud will build and later again, we'll see some rain. but if anything, temperatures a little bit higher.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines: excitement in birmingham as the opening ceremony for the commonwealth games takes place this evening. legal history is made as broadcasters airjudges' sentencing remarks from crown courts in england and wales for the first time time — following a change in the law. security officials in kyiv say russian troops are being moved

to kherson where ukrainian troops have been mounting a counter offensive. british gas owner centrica resumes payouts to shareholders as uk households come under pressure from rising energy bills. a woman is asking local authorities in the north of england why her child was taken from her at birth and given to a woman who later murdered him. how can someone hurt an innocent child? just because they couldn't cope with him doesn't mean you've got to kill them. actor bernard cribbins famous for his many roles including in doctor who, the wombles and the original railway children, has died at the age of 93. # neighbours... # neighbours... # everybody needs good neighbours... and farewell to neighbours after four decades, fans and cast members pay tribute

as australia airs the soap�*s last ever episode. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's mike. good morning. 5,000 athletes are descending on birmingham over the next 12 days. the 2022 commonwealth games opening ceremony takes place this evening at the alexander stadium. peaky blinders creator steven knight is producing the event — duran duran headlining. organisers have given a taster of what to expect. we a taster of what to expect. are trying to tell a reall' story we are trying to tell a really big story and there is a big story to tell about this place. birmingham is an extraordinary place in the midlands, an extraordinary, pioneering place. it has an exciting history. we have these screens, we have black sabbath making an

appearance. some great younger artists performing. it is the story, it is 2500 volunteers who have made the show, 2000 in the cast. an audience of over a billion. i have never done anything on this scale. well the commonwealth games isn't the only major sporting event taking place in england. the euros final is on sunday at wembley. england will face germany in the final. that's after the eight—time champions beat france 2—i in milton keynes last night — jim lumsden reports. after england's mauling of sweden, attention shifted to milton keynes. he would be next in line for the lionesses. germany had the first real chance. after half—an—hour, germany were ahead. a

record—breaking goal. germany were ahead. a record-breaking goal. never been done before- _ record-breaking goal. never been done before. but _ record-breaking goal. never been done before. but the _ record-breaking goal. never been done before. but the lead - record-breaking goal. never been done before. but the lead didn't l done before. but the lead didn't last lona , done before. but the lead didn't last long. just — done before. but the lead didn't last long, just before _ done before. but the lead didn'ti last long, just before half-time, last long, just before half—time, france got a cruel ricochet. germany began to press and germany got another goal. 2i—macro it remained so it is germany for england at wembley on sunday. with what is likely to be a record crowd for women or men's euro match. i think both teams have pressure because both teams know what you can win that night. they have the whole nation behind them but it can also give energy. the whole england

nation is expecting them to win anti it in their own country. we are going to give our best to avoid that. within the last half hour, the four—time formula one world champion sebastian vettel, has announced that he'll be retiring at the end of the season. the german, who currently drives for aston martin, is one of the sport's most succesful drivers. he's won 53 races in his career and enjoyed his most prolific spell between 2010 and 2013 when he won all four of his world titles, back—to—back, for red bull. england's white ball cricketers got a much needed win — and in style — with a huge iii—run win over south africa at bristol, in the first of their t20 matches. there were 29 sixes in the game, with moeen ali reaching a half century in just 16 balls, the fastest ever by an england player, they made 249 from their 20 overs. and it was too much for south africa, they could only manage 193 in reply.

the two sides meet again this evening in cardiff. the guy soaked up the pressure when they needed to put pressure back on when they felt they had a chance to. i felt we were smart in the way we did that, we knew we had a lot of power and try to force it, which was nice to watch. we have been itching for that performance. at trent bridge we scored over 200 against india and then again today. really pleasing. that's all the sport for now. employers' lack of support for women experiencing menopausal symptoms is pushing highly skilled and experienced women out of work, a cross party group of mps has warned. the women and equalities committee has called on the government to act — by making menopause a protected characteristic under the law, and include a duty for employers to provide reasonable adjustments for women.

the committee wants greater rights and protections in the workplace, with calls to tackle what it calls "stigma, shame and dismissive cultures". their report found with most women going through the menopause between 45 and 55, around 4.5 million women aged between 50 and 64 are currently employed. they say women with at least one problematic menopausal symptom are 43% more likely to leave theirjobs by the age of 55. and that few women ask for adjustments like flexible working, with many saying they're worried about the reaction from their employer. joining me now is chair of the women and equalities committee, mp caroline nokes. good to have you with us and welcome to bbc news. good to have you with us and welcome to bbc newe— to bbc news. what would a protected characteristic— to bbc news. what would a protected characteristic mean _ to bbc news. what would a protected characteristic mean and _ to bbc news. what would a protected characteristic mean and what - to bbc news. what would a protected characteristic mean and what would . characteristic mean and what would it then give women? b, characteristic mean and what would it then give women?— it then give women? a protected characteristic _ it then give women? a protected characteristic allow _

it then give women? a protected characteristic allow people - it then give women? a protected characteristic allow people to - it then give women? a protected l characteristic allow people to bring tribunal cases and so at the moment we are seeing too many women forced to use disability discrimination legislation in order to bring a case and we are saying the government could consider making menopause a protected characteristic and its own right. it could consult on that. but the equalities act allows you to bring discrimination cases, but only under one ground. the menopause affects older women usually. so why not making it impossible to bring a case with two characteristics, making it easier to bring tribunal cases if they have been treated unfairly at work and discriminated against because of their menopausal symptoms. truth? against because of their menopausal s mtoms. ~ , ., . ~ , ., symptoms. why would that keep women in work? i know— symptoms. why would that keep women in work? i know that _ symptoms. why would that keep women in work? i know that is _ symptoms. why would that keep women in work? i know that is one _ symptoms. why would that keep women in work? i know that is one of— symptoms. why would that keep women in work? i know that is one of your - in work? i know that is one of your main focus is, you are concerned about the number of women leaving the workplace? b, about the number of women leaving the workplace?— the workplace? a tribunal case is when things _ the workplace? a tribunal case is when things have _ the workplace? a tribunal case is when things have gone _ the workplace? a tribunal case is when things have gone badly - the workplace? a tribunal case is i when things have gone badly wrong and that is not what we want to see.

we want to see employers introducing workplace menopause policies and implemented. notjust have a policy hiding in the filing cabinet. we want to see employers embracing the value and experience that older women bring to the workforce and making sure they are supported. so they make small adjustments and it can be about the uniform you are asked to wear, about providing desk fans. i want to see all employers signing up to the menopause pledge and make sure they are putting in the help and assistance women need and also beating down the stigma and that if do, making it something people are not afraid to talk about and they willingly go to their line manager, explained the problems they have and know they won't be discriminated against because of it. interesting, menopause, the other side of this is, it is inevitable and women have been going through it

for ever and some go through it experiencing no problems at all. is there a risk this might make it seem more of a problem than it actually is? particularly scare younger women thinking they have this complete nightmare down the road when they are older? i nightmare down the road when they are older? ~ , . . . are older? i think it is crucial we talk about _ are older? i think it is crucial we talk about it _ are older? i think it is crucial we talk about it now. _ are older? i think it is crucial we talk about it now. i _ are older? i think it is crucial we talk about it now. i think- are older? i think it is crucial we talk about it now. i think it - are older? i think it is crucial we i talk about it now. i think it should be talked about in schools and we break down the stigma. i absolutely accept the point there will be some women who sail through the menopause with no symptoms, but the evidence shows up to 900,000 women have left work altogether. we know from research done last year by standard chartered, many women, up to 50% of them are not taking promotions because of the menopause. that is serious, it is affecting people's economic well—being and affecting the economy as a whole. some people will not have negative symptoms, but

others will have serious symptoms and it is those women i want to make sure a protected and supported and informed about what they can expect. that is one of the big problems, we don't talk about the menopause because it has been to boot. we have to break that — because it has been to boot. we have to break that down. _ because it has been to boot. we have to break that down. caroline - because it has been to boot. we have to break that down. caroline nokes, i to break that down. caroline nokes, thank you forjoining us. the actor bernard cribbins has died at the age of 93. bernard cribbins — who narrated the wombles and starred in the film adaptation of the railway children — was one of the most versatile and popular entertainers of his generation. he managed to be a favourite on children's tv while also starring in the bawdy carry on films. david sillito looks back on his life. good wives and private soldiers should be ignorant. and i'll keep it from your instruction, i warrant you. from classical theatre... morning, tobermory. you look hot. ..to the wombles, bernard cribbins

seem to pop up everywhere. what about a nice drop of brandy in your tea? that's a very sound idea, lenny. when he appeared with peter sellers in two way stretch in 1960, he'd already been acting for 16 years. he'd started doing bit parts at 0ldham rep, aged ia. it was more fun than following his mum into the local mill. poopdecker is my name — albert poopdecker. blessed with a face for comedy, he landed some notable film roles. one i must have and no offence on a day like this. haven't taken too great a liberty, have i, on a day like this? you know? perks in the railway children was perhaps his best known. dear mr perks, we love you quite as much as if you're an uncle of our own. hey! # there i was, digging his hole...# he also had two hit songs. we'll never manage by ourselves. but in many of his most famous

roles, he was just a voice. i never realised before what hard work cooking is. whether it was the wombles... is this thejiffy plumbing service? buzby. .. mrs fluffytail is walking along the road with tufty... ..or tufty. so they all got safely to the shore. some swimming, some flying. and those that climbed along the rope brought the doctor's trunk and handbag with them. he was also the record holder for the greatest number of jackanories. indeed, he was a mainstay of children's television over many years. doctor, what about you now? when he appeared in doctor who with david tennant, it was his second doctor. the first had been peter cushing a0 years before. still, that's fine. he had played every type of role — funny, friendly and down to earth. for millions, he was

a part of growing up. the veteran actor bernard cribbins, who's died at the age of 93. as you could see in david sillito's piece, bernard cribbins voiced the character of the stop motion animated series "the wombles" in the 70s. songwriter and producer mike batt wrote and produced the theme tune. hejoins me now. thank you forjoining us, it is a sad day because so many people of different ages are so familiar with his work, what are your main memories of bernard cribbins? he was... memories of bernard cribbins? he: was... too many memories. he was a wonderful guy to be with, he was wonderful guy to be with, he was wonderful company. he was generous, he was great with kids which says a

lot about somebody. and he was very generous to me before we even had a hit with the womble. we work together, we made a record together, it wasn't a hit, and then we did the womble is. he voiced the show. he was rather mischievous and just a great, funny company to be with but he took his work very seriously and he took his work very seriously and he was a fine actor on all levels. i think he will be so badly missed. by both friends and the audiences who enjoyed his work. tell both friends and the audiences who enjoyed his work.— both friends and the audiences who enjoyed his work. tell us more about what it was like _ enjoyed his work. tell us more about what it was like when _ enjoyed his work. tell us more about what it was like when you _ enjoyed his work. tell us more about what it was like when you are - what it was like when you are working together in the room. he said he was wonderful company and very mischievous, what does that mean? he very mischievous, what does that mean? ., . ~' very mischievous, what does that mean? ., . ~ . ., , mean? he would make little comments and sometimes. _ mean? he would make little comments

and sometimes, in _ mean? he would make little comments and sometimes, in fact _ mean? he would make little comments and sometimes, in fact i _ mean? he would make little comments and sometimes, in fact i worked - mean? he would make little comments and sometimes, in fact i worked with i and sometimes, in fact i worked with him only a few years ago on a series that never saw the light of day, actually. he was voicing a few of the episodes and he was just funny. he just is the episodes and he was just funny. hejust is funny, the episodes and he was just funny. he just is funny, he the episodes and he was just funny. hejust is funny, he is naturally adhesive and, if that is the right word, and volunteers his goodwill with every word he speaks. and when he is on the microphone he becomes the character and he is great uncle bulgaria, ortobermory. hejust becomes the character like any good actor. he was a great actor, he didn'tjust do it because there was nothing else to do, he started, that was his vocation, he started it very early. he had a wonderful career. i

am surprised he wasn't knighted, but there you go. all i can say is i can't remember any time when i was in his company when i felt anything other than welcomed by him and his goodwill. other than welcomed by him and his aoodwill. . , . ., , , goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him. it goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him- it is _ goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him. it is ironic, _ goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him. it is ironic, he _ goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him. it is ironic, he had - goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him. it is ironic, he had such| goodwill. that is a lovely tribute | to him. it is ironic, he had such a face of a comedy but we never saw his face when he was doing the wombles. he said once that there was one womble that didn't appear very much, mcwomble the terrible. second cousin to uncle bulgaria. he made it look effortless, did you get a sense of how much preparation he put into his roles? i of how much preparation he put into his roles? .., , his roles? i did the records completely _ his roles? i did the records completely separately - his roles? i did the records| completely separately from his roles? i did the records - completely separately from the tv show being made. when i was working

on the records, we were not working together, but when he was doing his voice—overs, i wasn't involved either, but i do remember he told me he was hardly given a script at all for the wombles, he was given if you outlines and a couple of lines but pretty much all of it was ad—libbed. all the little things he would put in, i think i will go and do this. he put these things in which were not in the script, but theyjust made the character is human, but he made the character is human, but he made them womble—esk. he saw what they were doing and he made the script up as he went along. they weren't just saying

script up as he went along. they weren'tjust saying goodbye in a normal situation, they would mumble other stuff. . ~ , ., ., normal situation, they would mumble otherstuff. . ., ., other stuff. thank you for coming on bbc news to — other stuff. thank you for coming on bbc news to share _ other stuff. thank you for coming on bbc news to share your— other stuff. thank you for coming on bbc news to share your thoughts i other stuff. thank you for coming on | bbc news to share your thoughts and memories of bernard cribbins. thank you. memories of bernard cribbins. thank ou. . ~' memories of bernard cribbins. thank ou. . ~ , ., more now on one of our main stories — the situation in ukraine. the first lady of ukraine, olaina zelenska, has been speaking to my bbc world news colleague lucy hockings. olaina zelenska has played a key role for many ukrainians as the conflict with russia continues. she told us about the toll the russian invasion has had on the mental health of her nation. let's hear some of the interview now. translation: the whole of ukraine is under constant — translation: the whole of ukraine is under constant stress. _ translation: the whole of ukraine is under constant stress. there _ translation: the whole of ukraine is under constant stress. there was - translation: the whole of ukraine is under constant stress. there was a - under constant stress. there was a mass rocket attack last night, this morning on the ukrainian territory. it was the kyiv region in the east, and in the north of ukraine and we feel that constantly. every person lives in constant stress from the

24th of february. it does not relent. each and every one of us has to learn to live with that feeling, to learn to live with that feeling, to be strong and that is long—distance work. unfortunately, it is notjust advice we need, we need expert help. that is why we approach the world health organization for expertise and they are helping us with psychological interventions so we use proper tools, which haven't been already developed in the world to help people in ukraine. and the 15 million of ukrainians need to contact people for psychological help during the war. for example,

tts m, ptsd, and it might notjust concern soldiers. 70% of russian war machines used against the civilian population, including children and currently we are implementing the programme of psychological health on the national level and psychological support that will help us to overcome the possible consequences of this tragedy. this is our work, many countries are helping us including israel, the us and the world health organization are trying to find the best practices to help ukrainians and we have to build the system for every ukrainian to be able to get the support and receive

rapid support of their mental health. many of us have been feeling the heat lately — and it's not surprising because average temperatures in the uk have increased significantly. the latest annual climate report from the met office shows the uk is warming faster than the global average. here's our science correspondent victoria gill. looking out on a coastline that's transforming more quickly than ever. this latest met office climate report paints a stark picture of the direct impact that rising temperatures are having on landscapes like this. we know that ice sheets in greenland, in antarctica losing ice mass, and that mass goes to the ocean, increasing sea level. what impact is that going to have in our coastal communities, in places like this? of course, i have to say that coastline is always changing, theyjust do. but, climate change and specifically sea level rise

will enhance those changes. so, erosion and other processes, we will always have them, even if in a historical context. but the scale, rate and impact will change, and it will change dramatically quite soon. the rate of sea level rise, this report confirms, is accelerating, exposing more of our coastal communities to storm surges and flooding. many of us felt the heat recently, and we've seen the damage that extreme temperatures can do. but when it comes to climate change, nature, researchers say, can help us to adapt. back in 2018, seven square miles at the top of this moorland, this is winter hill behind me, was ablaze in a wildfire about this time of year. but the restoration work that's going on here is holding water in that moor.

so, it's helping to offset the impacts of climate change like flooding, but also restoring that peatland and that whole ecosystem. the flow of water here is slowed by these willow branches, which keep it up in the moorland rather than running off the hill and flooding towns. ok, so this is the leaky dam. so these are leaky dams, the natural flood management, which the aim is to hold the water, to slow it down. just to slow that flow. 0k. you can really, you can see it working and see the water flowing. you can, you get a really great view from top. 0h, 0k. let's go and have a look. conservation scientists have measured how climate change has damaged ecosystems, but they still say that we can prevent the worst effects. i think being defeatist isn't going to help anyone. so, we've got to try, and we know what we've got to do. we need those commitments from the powers that be to commit to ensuring we still strive to get a carbon zero future, to actually make sure that the right laws, the right things are put in place to support fighting nature decline and climate change.

we can protect coastal communities from rising seas, but the waves of climate change impacts are already hitting all of us. holding them back, scientists say, is becoming increasingly urgent. victoria gill, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather. hello again. many of us started off on a cloudy note today and many of us are going to hang on to that cloud. but there is some sunshine in the forecast and for the next few days it is going to warm up across the board. the highest temperatures, though, will be in the south and the east and it will be mainly dry. now, high pressure is edging farther east. we're starting to import the milder and warmer conditions from the near continent. but there is still a few showers in the forecast. and we've had some showery outbreaks of rain across northern england this morning moving into southern and central scotland. showers also breaking out in parts of wales, maybe into the south west as well.

it's in northern scotland bar a few showers that will see some sunshine, sunshine the west of northern ireland, parts of wales, parts of the south west of england and also the southeast and east anglia, temperatures up to 23 degrees. and for the opening ceremony of the commonwealth games this evening, well, it's looking like it should stay dry with temperatures about 20 degrees. so, feeling mild. as we head on through the evening and overnight, many of the showers will fade. some of the cloud will break, but we'll see the showers pop up across north wales, northern england and also southern scotland, where the cloud breaks. in rural areas, we will see some patchy mist form with overnight lows between about ten and 1a degrees. then into friday, we've got this area of low pressure starting to move in from the atlantic, bringing in strengthening winds to the north—west and also thicker cloud and some rain. but high pressure is still clinging on to the far south. so, we start off with the showery outbreaks of rain across southern scotland and northern england fizzling as it moves eastwards. there actually will be more sunshine around tomorrow than we're looking at today.

but don't forget the cloud building, the wind strengthening and eventually the rain coming in across the north—west, but warmer, 21 in belfast, in glasgow and up to 27 in london. as we head through saturday, the rain continues to push southwards and eastwards, but look how it fragments. and really by the time it gets into the south—east, it's not going to be much more than a band of cloud. showers follow on behind, variable amounts of cloud as well. and also some sunny skies with temperatures 16 to about 27. then as we head on into sunday and monday, again, temperatures continuing to be above average for the time of year. we've got 26 in london, driest in the south and east.

this is bbc news. the headlines: legal history is made as broadcasters airjudges' sentencing remarks from crown courts in england and wales for the first time. the first televised sentencing involved a man jailed for the manslaughter of his grandfather at the old bailey. the sentence i pass upon you is therefore one of life imprisonment, with a minimum term of ten years and eight months. excitement in birmingham as the opening ceremony for the commonwealth games takes place this evening. british gas owner centrica defends a decision to resume payouts to shareholders, as uk households come under pressure from rising energy bills. a woman is asking local authorities in the north of england why her child was taken from her at birth and given

to a woman who later murdered him. security officials in kyiv say russian troops are being moved to kherson where ukrainian troops have been mounting a counter offensive. ukraine's first lady olena zelenska highlights the diplomatic power of her role as she continues to drum up support for the war effort. translation: the first ladies have no opportunities - of political influence, but we have emotional impacts, and that gives us more for collaboration between the countries than many political aspects. and stars are paying tribute to actor bernard cribbins, famous for his many roles including in doctor who, the wombles and the original railway children — who has died at the age of 93. just a great funny, giggly company to be with, but he took his work

very seriously, and he was a fine actor on all levels, and i think he will be so, obviously he is so badly missed. tv cameras have filmed inside a criminal courts in england and wales for the first time. the major change in the law allows broadcasters to film judges sentencing serious criminals. broadcasting of entire trials will remain off limits though, and victims, witnesses and jurors will not be seen, unlike in the us and some other countries. the first broadcast from the old bailey in london, involved the case of ben oliver — who admitted killing his grandfather in a knife attack in south london last year.

let's hearfrom the judge, sarah munro. the sentence i pass upon you is therefore one of life imprisonment, with a minimum term of ten years and eight months. from that term will be deducted the term you have spent on remand, which is 553 days. that deduction results in a term of nine years and 63 days. those numbers can be amended administratively, if my calculation is incorrect. once you have served that term, you will be entitled to apply for parole. however, you will not be released by the parole board unless they conclude that you no longer impose a risk to the public. if you are released will be on licence for the rest of your life. i impose the appropriate surcharge. that concludes the sentencing remarks, and he may go down. our legal correspondent, dominic casciani, was watching the full broadcast and said it was one of the most extraordinary things he's ever seen on television. we are used to seeing judges

in dramas, and clips from american tv where, for many years courts have been sensationalised, that is a perfect example of what i and other reporters see day in, day out. thisjudge, one of the most experienced at the old bailey, carefully and thoughtfully going through the complex exercise of what to do with a man called ben oliver, who in absolutely dreadful circumstances killed his own grandfather a few years ago. what the judge said in the process of this, she essentially set out why the needs ofjustice required her to consider the defendant's background, the fact that he was on the asperger�*s spectrum, and his background as a previous offender, how all of these things fed into his thinking when he decided he wanted to kill his grandfather, who he believed was a sex offender. it was a complicated case, this. having taken that all into account she then had to make an assessment

about what's called dangerousness, about how dangerous he could be in the future were she to give him some kind of fixed, finite sentence. every day this stuff gets simplified down by me and my colleagues, when we come out of court we just say, someone has got ten years. here we have her saying, these are all the things i have to do, and this is the sentence, it would be a life sentence the minimum term of ten years and eight months, which is the term after spending some time on remand, but even after the end of that ten year and eight month sentence, he won't necessarily get out of prison, because of the need of the parole board to ensure that you can save to be released into the community. those kind of comments we take for granted when we sit in court, but they agonise about the sentence,

and the judiciary hope that by broadcasting these cases, the public will understand how complex this is and the steps taken to keep the public safe. the opening ceremony of the 22nd commonwealth games takes place in birmingham tonight. commonwealth games takes place prince charles will represent the queen and 30,000 people will be inside the alexander stadium, with millions more watching around the world. the show will include performances from local music and dance groups, emphasising the city's diversity. more than 5,000 athletes are set to compete over a packed 11 days. they will be representing 72 nations and territories. the queen's baton will also be a key part of that ceremony, after being carried for 294 days through commonwealth countries. athletes will compete in 19 sports

and 280 medal events, which will include for the first time women's t20 cricket, 3 on 3 basketball and 3 on 3 wheelchair basketball. also for the first time there are more medals for women than for men and para events are all part of the main games. our sports reporterjoe lynskey explains what's in store. they have waited four years for these 11 days. now the city in the centre is braced for the spotlight. birmingham is all set to stage 72 nations, fourfrom close to home. commentator: england have done it! they have snatched the gold medal. yes, he has got it. duncan scott from scotland. gold here in brisbane for wales. rhys mcclenaghan from northern ireland. well done, son. it's a bit unusual in that we are all used to competing in the same team and, all of a sudden, we are split up and it's like, oh, 0k. it's been a long time since i've

been in a scottish vest at such a big championships. so it's going to be great to have a big championships as this in great britain. not many people can really say that they've got a big championship on their back door. it is going to be an amazing feeling, and just got to stay concentrated and not let the emotions run through. the commonwealth games gives sport and para—sports the same platform. this year, women's t20 cricket is one new addition. and around from the bullring is the beach for the volleyball. events are spread around the west midlands, from warwick in the south to cannock further north. these games are mapped out to make a legacy. birmingham has builtjust one new venue for these commonwealth games and it is here in sandwell, one of the most diverse and densely populated parts of the city. this place has never had a resource like this before. but now it's got an aquatics centre. i feel extremely lucky because i don't think it will just affect us, it will affect future generations.

in, like, 20 years' time, yeah, i was there, i saw this happen. the centre has been stitched into smethwick in sandwell borough. by next year, it will be a multipurpose facility. for this community, it is a gateway to sport that, without the games, would not be here. ijoined smethwick swimming club when i was 11. we were fortunate to have pools close by, but nothing like we are going to have now. we've talked about this for a long time, we have dreamed about it. it is real now. and it is just going to give so many opportunities for youngsters from around here. for someone who has been involved in smethwick swimming for so long, what does it mean to you to have this venue at these commonwealth games? well, i'm speechless. itjust is so amazing. and the fact that this event is going to come to smethwick and people all around the world are going to be watching is just so amazing. it's usually something that happens somewhere else. we feel an incredible responsibility

for putting on a brilliant games for birmingham, the west midlands and the rest of the country, and, you know, showing what britain's all about — a welcoming, inclusive society where everybody gets on. and, do you know what, it is a privilege to do that, but a responsibility, as well. it starts tonight at the alexander stadium, which has gone from local track to national emblem. in four years, there's been lockdowns and setbacks, but across this city, they are ready. joe lynskey, bbc news, birmingham. let's speak now with dame louise martin, president of the commonwealth games federation. welcome to bbc news. big moment for birmingham, big moment forthe birmingham, big moment for the commonwealth. birmingham, big moment forthe commonwealth. what are you most looking forward to? filth. commonwealth. what are you most looking forward to?— looking forward to? oh, that's a very tricky _ looking forward to? oh, that's a very tricky question. _ looking forward to? oh, that's a very tricky question. actually, i looking forward to? oh, that's a - very tricky question. actually, more than anything, the opening ceremony tonight, because that will set the

scene for the rest of these games, and i haven't seen most of the ceremony, i've seen certain bits of it, but what it will do for the whole the birmingham and the west midlands, britain and the commonwealth, this will be something fantastic, and the tone, just everything, once we get through tonight, that's it, until we start the games. tonight, that's it, until we start the games-— tonight, that's it, until we start the names. , , ., the games. interesting use of the word tone. _ the games. interesting use of the word tone, because _ the games. interesting use of the word tone, because the _ the games. interesting use of the l word tone, because the federation which you are president of says there is a challenging history link to colonial roots, and the purpose of the commonwealth, the relevance of the commonwealth, the relevance of the commonwealth has been questioned. what does the commonwealth mean today? i questioned. what does the commonwealth mean today? i see the commonwealth _ commonwealth mean today? i see the commonwealth within _ commonwealth mean today? i see the commonwealth within the _ commonwealth mean today? i see the commonwealth within the federation, | commonwealth within the federation, we are one family, one big family, we are one family, one big family, we are one family, one big family, we are all speaking the same language and when we come together in sport that's what we see

ourselves as, one big family, many see the athletes from all over the commonwealth, 72 nations, big countries, small islands, everyone coming together, hugging each other, knowing they are back in the family fold again, that feeling is second to none, not so we have to portray. we are fully inclusive, we see people, it doesn't matter what you do as long as you enjoy your sport and do it well, and respect everybody else.— and do it well, and respect eve bod else. , , everybody else. are you suggesting the commonwealth _ everybody else. are you suggesting the commonwealth has _ everybody else. are you suggesting the commonwealth has to - everybody else. are you suggesting the commonwealth has to be - everybody else. are you suggesting the commonwealth has to be a - the commonwealth has to be a flexible and nimble organisation needs to shift its focus? i flexible and nimble organisation needs to shift its focus?- flexible and nimble organisation needs to shift its focus? i think we are nimble. _ needs to shift its focus? i think we are nimble, and _ needs to shift its focus? i think we are nimble, and i— needs to shift its focus? i think we are nimble, and i think— needs to shift its focus? i think we are nimble, and i think we - needs to shift its focus? i think we are nimble, and i think we are - are nimble, and i think we are moving, we have certainly moved our focus on the last few years, and what we're doing now is a strategic planning, increasing what we're doing, making sure we take everyone on thejourney doing, making sure we take everyone on the journey with us. you mentioned _ on the journey with us. you mentioned inclusivity. - on the journey with us. you mentioned inclusivity. i - on the journey with us. you mentioned inclusivity. i know rainbow banners are going to be waived during the opening ceremony,

aren't there is a focus on countries that still have anti—gay legislation. —— rainbow banners will be waved. do you know how many countries there are? i be waved. do you know how many countries there are?— countries there are? i don't know. what can be _ countries there are? i don't know. what can be done _ countries there are? i don't know. what can be done to _ countries there are? i don't know. what can be done to support - countries there are? i don't know. i what can be done to support lgbt communities within those countries? that is trying to make sure that the governments and the peoples in the countries realise that everybody is equal and treat them with respect, and what we are doing here is working with pride and pride house in birmingham, and in the federation we are working with all our cgas and bring them with us. but we are working with all our cgas and bring them with us.—

bring them with us. but we possible for a country — bring them with us. but we possible for a country that _ bring them with us. but we possible for a country that bans _ bring them with us. but we possible for a country that bans lgbt- bring them with us. but we possible for a country that bans lgbt to - bring them with us. but we possible for a country that bans lgbt to everi for a country that bans lgbt to ever host to commonwealth games? thea;r host to commonwealth games? they would have to — host to commonwealth games? they would have to fulfil _ host to commonwealth games? iie: would have to fulfil the host to commonwealth games? tie: would have to fulfil the criteria host to commonwealth games? tieg would have to fulfil the criteria we set, and it would all be taken into consideration. at this moment i couldn't say yes or no, but we have to work to make sure it is fully inclusive. to work to make sure it is fully inclusive-— to work to make sure it is fully inclusive. . ., ._ ., inclusive. here we are on the day of the opening — inclusive. here we are on the day of the opening ceremony, _ inclusive. here we are on the day of the opening ceremony, but - inclusive. here we are on the day of the opening ceremony, but i - inclusive. here we are on the day of the opening ceremony, but i must l inclusive. here we are on the day of. the opening ceremony, but i must ask you about legacy as well. what would success look like? i you about legacy as well. what would success look like?— success look like? ithink, at the moment. — success look like? ithink, at the moment. they — success look like? ithink, at the moment, they have _ success look like? ithink, at the moment, they have been - success look like? i think, at the - moment, they have been successful. the change in birmingham, the challenge birmingham had from 2019 to where we are now in the change and seeing what's been built on happened in birmingham, the change has been dramatic. they have taken to heart, and once the games are finished, birmingham and the west

midlands will be able to showcase what was left, and they were talking about sandwell before it, that pool will to me be the best legacy products from these games for the west midlands, because i've been around that venue, it is notjust a swimming pool it's a sport centre, an area for the asian ladies, and it's absolutely superb, and i must admit, when i was told that we had to build a new swimming pool three years ago, i said it would not done, i know from being a swimmer, you haveissues i know from being a swimmer, you have issues with leakages and having to make sure it's the right size, and i take my hat off, they did it early in its operational, they had a test event and it was a fantastic success. ., �* , ., , test event and it was a fantastic success. ., �* , . , , success. that's really interesting. lookinu success. that's really interesting. looking ahead, _

success. that's really interesting. looking ahead, how _ success. that's really interesting. looking ahead, how confident - success. that's really interesting. looking ahead, how confident are success. that's really interesting. - looking ahead, how confident are you about the future of the commonwealth?- about the future of the commonwealth? �* . , commonwealth? oh, i'm really confident about _ commonwealth? oh, i'm really confident about the _ commonwealth? oh, i'm really confident about the future - commonwealth? oh, i'm really confident about the future of i commonwealth? oh, i'm really. confident about the future of the commonwealth. as i keep saying, we are family, we all speak the same language. especially for the commonwealth games federation, it was announced yesterday will be having the youth games in 2023, we have two other countries wanting to do the youth games, and africans and asians were speaking to me yesterday on when they can host the games. everyone is talking about it, and this is what we want to do. talk to them, work with them, encourage them to host even ordinary competitions and international championships. in the past few minutes borisjohnson has been speaking in birmingham about the commonwealth games to a business forum. let's hear some of what he had to say. fantastic to see everybody here this morning, it's only a few hours until the commonwealth games begin, the biggest sporting event ever in the

west midlands, and you can feel the excitement here in this mighty city of birmingham, because the athletes are already here and that thousands from 56 countries, 72 nations and territories around the world, the venues are ready, sold out, million tickets already gone, fantastic new alexander stadium all done up and ready, and 1875 birmingham forged medals are nestling in the velvet cases ready to be draped around the perspiring necks of the exultant victories, and i tell you this, the nails of the organisers right now are going to be chewed down to the quick, because this is the moment also of maximum dread. all the transport system hold—up, will the rmt spoilsports make things pointlessly, pointlessly difficult? will the weather holds off or will poor during the opening ceremony?

already you can hear voices in some parts of the media of those who doubted the whole thing will be worth it, and people say, can we afford it? should we have done it, with the pressure on the cost of living? will there be a legacy from the £778 million of taxpayers money that's gone into these games? right now i want you to know i am supremely confident that the answer to that question is yes. a thousand times yes. network rail says disruption to trains around the country was expected this morning because of the knock—on effect of yesterday's strike action. several operators warned that services would start later than usual. another walk—out of drivers at seven companies is planned for saturday, and the aslef union has announced that its members at nine firms will strike on the 13th august. unions have reacted angrily to the decision by labour to sack the junior shadow transport minister sam tarry.

it was after he joined striking rail workers on a picket line. several labour mps have also criticised the move, saying mr tarry was right to be championing the rights of workers. here's the labour leader talking about the sam tarry situation this morning. sam tarry was sacked because he booked himself onto media programmes without permission and then made a policy on the hoof, and that cannot be tolerated in any organisation, because we have collective responsibility, so that was relatively straightforward. of course, as far as the industrial action is concerned, i completely understand the frustration of people, they seem prices go up, inflation through the roof, and their wages haven't gone up. we'll always be on the side of working people, but we needs to... this

we're joined now by the labour mp diane abbott. you know the rules, if you give unauthorised you know the rules, if you give unauthorise— you know the rules, if you give unauthorise: , , ., , unauthorised interviews, you will be sacked. rachel— unauthorised interviews, you will be sacked. rachel reeves _ unauthorised interviews, you will be sacked. rachel reeves last - unauthorised interviews, you will be sacked. rachel reeves last week i unauthorised interviews, you will be l sacked. rachel reeves last week gave an interview where _ sacked. rachel reeves last week gave an interview where she _ sacked. rachel reeves last week gave an interview where she said _ sacked. rachel reeves last week gave an interview where she said that - sacked. rachel reeves last week gave an interview where she said that we i an interview where she said that we weren't going to nationalise the railways and she was wrong. she was making up policy on the hoof, and she had to be corrected. so if it is good for rachel reeves to do that, i don't understand what the issue with sam tarry is. the don't understand what the issue with sam tarry is— sam tarry is. the issue is he went be ond sam tarry is. the issue is he went beyond his — sam tarry is. the issue is he went beyond his own — sam tarry is. the issue is he went beyond his own brief, _ sam tarry is. the issue is he went beyond his own brief, he - sam tarry is. the issue is he went beyond his own brief, he was - sam tarry is. the issue is he went i beyond his own brief, he was talking about things like inflation, rachel reeves is the shadow chancellor and was talking about her own grief, so thatis was talking about her own grief, so that is going beyond the issue of collective responsibility and giving out mixed messages to the public. rachel was actually treading on to

our transport shadow secretary of state is brief, lou hay, and it was lou hay who had to correct it. everyone knows sam tarry wasn't sacked for what he said in interviews, he was sacked because he went on a picket line, and that is extraordinary. it has always been the case that they can go on picket lines. john prescott went on the miners picket line in the 19805. surely williams went on a picket line. �* , ... , , surely williams went on a picket line. , , , . line. it's completely unprecedented. what is your— line. it's completely unprecedented. what is your evidence _ line. it's completely unprecedented. what is your evidence that _ line. it's completely unprecedented. what is your evidence that he - line. it's completely unprecedented. what is your evidence that he has i what is your evidence that he has been sacked for going picket line? i mean, come on! this is about giving interviews. it's obvious he was sacked for going on a picket line, and that is wrong. we are the labour party, the clue is in the name. we were set up by the trade unions, to

penalise shadow ministers for going and showing solidarity with trade unions, it is wrong.— unions, it is wrong. there is speculation _ unions, it is wrong. there is speculation sam _ unions, it is wrong. there is speculation sam tarry - unions, it is wrong. there is speculation sam tarry faces i unions, it is wrong. there is i speculation sam tarry faces a reselection battling his own constituency, so he could bolster left—wing union support for his fight, to such it sounds like people around keir starmer trying to smear around keir starmer trying to smear a sam tarry. around keir starmer trying to smear a sam tany-— a sam tarry. they need to look at the issue- — a sam tarry. they need to look at the issue. the _ a sam tarry. they need to look at the issue. the issue _ a sam tarry. they need to look at the issue. the issue is _ a sam tarry. they need to look at the issue. the issue is the - the issue. the issue is the importance of supporting working people. the other issue is making it quite clear where we stand. the government is saying there are only prepared to offer people in the public sector 5%. that's notjust railway workers, that's nurses, firemen, teachers. we need to make it clear that a 5% pay rise when inflation is heading up hire is a real terms pay cut. you inflation is heading up hire is a real terms pay cut.— inflation is heading up hire is a

real terms pay cut. you must leave it there, real terms pay cut. you must leave it there. really _ real terms pay cut. you must leave it there, really good _ real terms pay cut. you must leave it there, really good to _ real terms pay cut. you must leave it there, really good to talk- real terms pay cut. you must leave it there, really good to talk to. - sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's paul. how are you? good afternoon. 5,000 athletes are descending on birmingham over the next 12 days. the 2022 commonwealth games opening ceremony takes place this evening at the alexander stadium. peaky blinders creator steven knight is producing the event — duran duran headlining. organisers have given a taster of what to expect. we are trying to tell a really big story and there is a big story to tell about this place. birmingham is an extraordinary place in the midlands, an extraordinary, pioneering place. it has an exciting history. we have these screens, we have black sabbath making an appearance. some great younger artists performing. it is the story, it is 2500 volunteers who have made the show, 2000 in the cast.

an audience of over a billion. i have never done anything on this scale. well the commonwealth games isn't the only major sporting event taking place in england. the euros final is on sunday at wembley and england will be taking on the eight—time champions germany. that's after they beat france 2—1 in milton keynes. germany captain alexandra popp lead by example scoring twice. she's now the joint leading tournament scorer with england striker beth mead, on six goals. both teams have pressure because both teams know what you can win on that night, and they have the whole nation behind them but it can also give great energy, but for sure the whole inclination is expecting to win and win in their own country, and will give it our best to avoid

that. and the four—time formula one world champion sebastian vettel, has announced that he'll be retiring at the end of the season. the german, who currently drives for aston martin, is one of the sport's most succesful drivers. he's won 53 races in his career and enjoyed his most prolific spell between 2010 and 2013 when he won all four of his world titles, back—to—back, for red bull. and england's white ball cricketers got a much needed win — and in style — with a huge 41—run win over south africa at bristol, in the first of their t20 matches. there were 29 sixes in the game, with moeen ali reaching a half century in just 16 balls, the fastest ever by an england player. they made 249 from their 20 overs. and it was too much for south africa, they could only manage 193 in reply. the two sides meet again this evening in cardiff. that's all the sport for now.

some breaking news to bring you on fresh strike action: workers at felixstowe docks have voted overwhelmingly for strike action. there was a 92% yes vote among members of the unite union. they've rejected a 5% pay offer. felixstowe is the uk's largest container port, which is now set to come to a standstill next month. unite have said in a press release it will cause a— it will cause a standstill. felixstowe _ it will cause a standstill. felixstowe is _ it will cause a standstill. | felixstowe is responsible it will cause a standstill. - felixstowe is responsible for it will cause a standstill. _ felixstowe is responsible for nearly half of the uk's container trade. so you can see what an impact strike action would have. the union has not

given any date for the strike action. it centres over the 5% pay offer which comes at a time when profits are above £60 million, and shareholders are receiving dividends. so, the headline that unite union has said staff at the country's largest container port have voted to strike in a dispute over pay. no date has yet, but looking likely that it could be next month. more on that as we get it. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick.

a lot occurred around, we are seeing heavy rain across parts of northern england and into southern scotland some of this notjust heavy but thundery, an example earlier in the isle of man, pushing further north through scotland, not into the finals north and north—west, we are seeing sunny spells today, but patchy rain wales, south—west england, bright skies in south—east england, bright skies in south—east england, 18—20 for the top temperature today. central belt and southwards, because elsewhere, warmer tonight, vertically in scotland, and then tomorrow i'm a generous helping of sunny spells here and there. early rain in northern england in south—east scotland, it will feel warmer tomorrow, sunny spells particularly in south—east england, up to 28 degrees in london. rain heading into northern ireland during the evening.

this is bbc news. the headlines: legal history is made as broadcasters airjudges' sentencing remarks from crown courts in england and wales for the first time. the first televised sentencing involved a man jailed for the manslaughter of his grandfather at the old bailey the sentence i pass upon you is therefore one of life imprisonment, with a minimum term of ten years and eight months. excitement in birmingham as the opening ceremony for the commonwealth games takes place this evening. british gas owner centrica defends

a decision to resume payouts to shareholders, as uk households come under pressure from rising energy bills. a woman is asking local authorities in the north of england why her child was taken from her at birth and given to a woman who later murdered him. employers' lack of support for women experiencing menopausal symptoms is pushing highly skilled and experienced women out of work, a cross party group of mps has warned. the women and equalities committee has called on the government to act — by making menopause a protected characteristic under the law, and include a duty for employers to provide reasonable adjustments for women. the committee wants greater rights and protections in the workplace, with calls to tackle what it calls 'stigma, shame and dismissive cultures'. their report found with most women going through the menopause

between 45 and 55, around ir.5 million women aged between 50 and 64 are currently employed. they say women with at least one problematic menopausal symptom are 43% more likely to leave theirjobs by the age of 55. and that few women ask for adjustments like flexible working, with many saying they're worried about the reaction from their employer. joining me now is sharon macarthur, who set up miss menopause — which educates employers and employees about the menopause. thank and employees about the menopause. you for havi what thank you for having you with us. what do you make of these recommendations, do you recognise them? ~ , . , ., them? absolutely, anything that disels the them? absolutely, anything that dispels the myth _ them? absolutely, anything that dispels the myth about - them? absolutely, anything that i dispels the myth about menopause them? absolutely, anything that - dispels the myth about menopause in the workplace will be helpful. when we talk about protected characteristics, all the women may not become mothers, but they will go

through the menopause. that is in terms of disclosure or pregnancy, why not menopause? i absolutely welcome what they are saying in the workplace. with processes and policies, they can only be helpful and useful, but to point out to employers, none of this stuff should be new to you as an employer, because even have been dealing with this stuff, certainly through the pandemic. when you think about menopause in the workplace, think about the work you have been doing around mental health and well—being. that is enabling employees to work to any mental health issues and menopause is no different. the only different about menopause is the scale. i5 different about menopause is the scale. , ., , ., different about menopause is the scale. , ., , ., scale. is it only a problem for employers? _ scale. is it only a problem for employers? i _ scale. is it only a problem for employers? i am _ scale. is it only a problem for employers? i am thinking - scale. is it only a problem for i employers? i am thinking about husbands, partners, doctors, wider society, what do you think? absolutely, rebecca. my mission is

to educate everybody. it is a holistic approach that is needed so we need to educate young people, so it is no longer a stigma. i have good reports that is happening and certainly more menopausal women were choosing to educate their own family members, friends and colleagues about their own experience. we need more education in the medical world, so from a gp point of view, and medical practitioners who need to educate from an appraisal —— menopausal women, what is happening to them. a lot of women believe they have early onset alzheimer's. some of the most profound feedback i have had over the years has been from men who have come along to some of the work i have done. quite unexpectedly found they are telling me that perhaps learning about the stuff may help save their marriage. my message is learning about menopause cannot harm anybody, but it can help everybody. harm anybody, but it can help everybody-— harm anybody, but it can help everybody. harm anybody, but it can help eve bod . ~ ., . , ., everybody. women have been going throu~h everybody. women have been going throu . h the everybody. women have been going through the menopause _ everybody. women have been going through the menopause for - everybody. women have been going through the menopause for years i

everybody. women have been going. through the menopause for years and many women go through the menopause without experiencing any symptoms at all. i wonder, without experiencing any symptoms at all. iwonder, is without experiencing any symptoms at all. i wonder, is there any kind of risk in shining a spotlight on it in the way we are today in that it makes it sound much more scary than it actually is, especially for young women who might be thinking, oh, my goodness, i have got this terrible nightmare approaching down the road? that thing to say, each and every person is going to have a menopause like them self. that's what makes it incredibly difficult. sharon was born in 1968 and will have a menopause like this, and you manage it like that, the world would be marvellous. but menopausal women are like live, living experiments. the stories you hear about the menopause are exactly that, stories about other people's experience, nobody can predict your own. it is understanding what it might be, understanding what it might be, understanding the sentence you might have. you might be part of what i

call the 20% club icka 20% have little or no symptoms, but the majority of women will be affected in the some way. whether it is mentally or physically, i believe it is the gift that keeps on giving if you choose to let it, so my message is let's not choose to let it, let understand what this life event is all about and enable women to manage their menopause and get out the other side. their menopause and get out the otherside. forthose their menopause and get out the other side. for those employers come and show there is no way your good employees will leave the workplace out of ignorance. which is what is happening at the moment. menopause educator and — happening at the moment. menopause educator and founder _ happening at the moment. menopause educator and founder of _ happening at the moment. menopause educator and founder of miss - educator and founder of miss menopause, great to talk to you, thanks. police in bangladesh say they believe a father and son from cardiff who died while on holiday were poisoned. rafiqul islam, who was 51, and his 16—year—old son mahiqul, died on their way to hospital

after they were found unconcious. his wife and two other children are receiving treatment. our wales correspondent tomos morgan reports the family had been staying sylhet, an eastern city in bangladesh. they were there on a two—month holiday. after having food, they went to bed but the following morning, relatives came to the flat to try and make them at about 10am, and they heard no sound, they couldn't get in, so they raised the alarm. police then entered the building in the afternoon, then the family were taken to the hospital, but as you mentioned there, rafiqul islam, 51—year—old, and his son, 16—year—old mahiqul, died by the time they got there. the mother and daughter are still in a critical condition, and the other son is recovering, but police there are continuing their investigation. they originally thought it might have been food poisoning, but now they think that is not the case, so they are investigating something deeper, and upon hearing the news, family here in cardiff, they live not far away

from the city centre, have already begun making their way over to bangladesh, and mr islam's brother—in—law spoke to the bbc and expressed how shocking it was upon hearing the news about mr islam and his son. we cannot believe this happened, i cannot believe — this person is very friendly, very nice guy. his son is a very, very sweet son, and very friendly. everyone likes him, and he likes everyone. as i say, the police are continuing their investigation in sylhet as to what exactly happened there, but they have expressed the information letting us know that the postmortem into the deaths of mr islam and his son will take at least five days, and also that the mother and daughter are still, as i mentioned, in a critical condition in hospital in sylhet.

half—year profits at british gas owner, centrica, have soared five—fold to £1.3 billion boosted by rocketing energy prices which are putting uk households under mounting pressure. the company has defended its decision to resume payouts to shareholders, paying an interim dividend of 1p per share, after suspending them for three years. it comes as gas prices soar, fuelled by russia's war in ukraine. i asked our business correspondent caroline davies how surprising it was that the dividends have resumed at this time. if you are a customer who is about to hear that potentially their energy prices are going to go up, who has already seen their energy prices going up, the idea that an energy company is making large amounts of profit would be surprising at this point. if you look at how the company is structured, that could give an explanation about why we're seeing these profits and we're

seeing these profits and why we're seeing these dividends being passed on to shareholders. this is about centrica's what is called the upstream, where they are extracting and getting hold of this energy and particular thing from the north sea and they are then selling that onto the market. and that is, according to centrica, where where most of these profits come from. that's why they've had such a surge in profits and the reason you were saying earlier about the fact that we've seen gas prices rising from last year, but then massively increased during the course of the war in ukraine and russia's invasion there. what most people will understand about british gas is what's known as the downstream, the part where peopleir the part where people gas from the company. now according to again from centrica, that is not the part of the buisness which is making this level profit, they still made a profit but it was down 43% of what they were making a year ago. that's where the profits are coming in, but if you are an energy customer hearing their bills are going up, it doesn't necessarily matter to you whether the profits are coming from the top part of the business of the bottom part of business, what you are really worried about is whether your bills

are going to continue going up, and it must feel quite galling when you hear about the profits being made. good news perhaps for pension holders and shareholders. but as you say, this comes at a time we are being warned that energy prices are going to go up and up? yes, and we have already had some backlash on this announcement. friends of the earth said earlier, clearly not everyone is struggling from energy crisis. these bumper profits will be greeted with disbelief by the millions of people across the uk who are faced with rocketing energy prices. the government must impose tougher windfall taxes on energy firms. that is something the centrica boss has responded to and said, bare in mind, over the next couple of years, we are expecting to pay a windfall tax of probably over £600 million on a uk gas business off the back of the profits we are seeing. saying that money is going to go back into society. of course that is the big pressure, that hearing these profits coming in, yes, good news for shareholders, but whether the money will come back into the uk economy is something

that people will be keeping a close eye on. new figures released this morning reveal 1,330 people lost their lives to drug misuse in scotland in 2021. that's1% lower than 2020 — which makes it the first year since 2013 in which drug misuse deaths have not increased. however, it is still the second highest annual total on record. western military sources say a campaign by ukraine is 'gathering pace' to retake the russian—controlled city of kherson. a key bridge into the city has been hit by ukrainian forces. the city was the first in the war to fall to russian forces. uk defence officials say kherson is now 'virtually cut off from other occupied territories'. the first lady of ukraine, olena zelenska, has been speaking to my bbc world news colleague lucy hockings. olena zelenska has played a key role for many ukrainians as the conflict with russia continues.

she told us about the toll the russian invasion has had on the mental health of her nation. let's hear some of the interview now. translation: the whole of ukraine i is currently in constant stress, i for example, there was a mass rocket attack last night, and this morning, on the ukrainian territory. it was the kyiv region, and in the east and in the north of ukraine, and we feel that constantly. every person lives in constant stress from the 24th of february. that does not relent. so, each and every one of us has to learn to live with their feeling, to be strong, and that is a long—distance work. unfortunately, it's not just advice we need.

we need expert help. that's why we approach the world health organization for expertise, and they are already helping us with psychological interventions, so we use proper tools which have been already developed in the world in order to help people in ukraine, and the ministry of health care, and the 15 million of ukrainians need to contact people for psychological help during the war. for example, ptsm, ptsd, and that might notjust concerned soldiers. 70% of russian war machine is used against the civilian population, including children, and currently we are implementing a programme of psychological health

on the national level, and psychological support that will help us to overcome the possible consequences of this tragedy. this is already at work, as i said, many countries are helping us, including israel and the us, and the un, and the world health organization, by trying to find the best practices to help ukrainians, and we have to build a system for every ukrainian to be able to get the support and to receive rapid support of their mental health. breaking news and it concerns the gender identity development, run by the tavistock and portland nhs

trust. there has been another interim report of the dame hilary cass review into gender services. it says the contract with the trust will be brought to what is being called a managed close, but will support two new services, one of which will be based in the north west of england and one based at two hospitals in london, including great ormond street. we will have more on that developing story and what it means for gender services in the one o'clock news. after almost 9,000 episodes and 37 years, australians have watched the final episode of neighbours — the country's longest—running soap opera. # neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours... set in the fictional suburb of erinsborough, some of the stars who made their names on the show have returned for the finale — including margot robbie, kylie minogue, jason donovan and guy pierce.

the last episode will be shown in the uk on friday night. i'm nowjoined by ben fenlon, a neighbours super—fan and one half of the neigh—bens. i have to start by asking you what is that? ., , ., , is that? that is me and my friend iten and we _ is that? that is me and my friend ben and we decided _ is that? that is me and my friend ben and we decided to _ is that? that is me and my friend ben and we decided to set - is that? that is me and my friend ben and we decided to set up - is that? that is me and my friend ben and we decided to set up a l ben and we decided to set up a youtube channel and we talk about neighbours and compete who is the biggest superfan. tell neighbours and compete who is the biggest super fan.— biggest super fan. tell me, what does it involve _

biggest super fan. tell me, what does it involve - kept - biggest super fan. tell me, what does it involve - kept you i watching, what what kept you watching? watching, what what kept you watchinu? , ., , , . , watching, what what kept you watchinu? , ., _ ., , watching? obviously i am very loyal, but i think watching? obviously i am very loyal, but i think the _ watching? obviously i am very loyal, but i think the characters _ watching? obviously i am very loyal, but i think the characters kept - watching? obviously i am very loyal, but i think the characters kept me, i but i think the characters kept me, kept me drawn into the show. we had karl and susan kept me drawn into the show. we had karland susan in kept me drawn into the show. we had karl and susan in the 905 he stayed with the show for 28 years, that regular daily dose of escapism, sitting down and forgetting my troubles and just getting absorbed into the goings—on in ramsay street. that is what kept me going. it is sad to say, almost like family, like

friends. it is going to be a real hole in my life to have the show and. ~ ., ., hole in my life to have the show and. ~ ., . i. hole in my life to have the show and. ~ ., . yr, ., , hole in my life to have the show and. ., . ., , ., and. what are your thoughts today as the show comes _ and. what are your thoughts today as the show comes towards _ and. what are your thoughts today as the show comes towards its - and. what are your thoughts today as the show comes towards its final - the show comes towards its final episode? it the show comes towards its final e - isode? , ., the show comes towards its final eisode? , ., ., the show comes towards its final eisode? , ., . ., episode? it is a real mix of emotions. _ episode? it is a real mix of emotions, very _ episode? it is a real mix of emotions, very sad - episode? it is a real mix of emotions, very sad it - episode? it is a real mix of emotions, very sad it is i episode? it is a real mix of- emotions, very sad it is coming to an end, but also very excited to see the last episode and see what happens. as you said, we know kylie and jason and margot robbie are coming back, but we don't know what is going to happen. excited with the side of sadness as well. part is going to happen. excited with the side of sadness as well.— side of sadness as well. part of bein: a side of sadness as well. part of being a super— side of sadness as well. part of being a super fan, _ side of sadness as well. part of being a super fan, you - side of sadness as well. part of i being a super fan, you sometimes side of sadness as well. part of - being a super fan, you sometimes get being a superfan, you sometimes get to meet some of the cast, so tell me how that has happened and what have been your biggest adventures? i did the whole been your biggest adventures? i c c the whole backpacker thing around australia and when you go backpacking around australia, you have to see the sydney opera house, go to the outback and go to ramsay street. i did that, i went a couple of times and met some of the cast. they host neighbours nights for

backpackers and you meet people like harold, ian smith, carl kennedy, toady and it was really surreal to see those people you see every day on television in real life. they are all lovely, they really celebrate their fans and are grateful for our support. did their fans and are grateful for our su ort. , , ., their fans and are grateful for our su ort. , _, . their fans and are grateful for our su ort. , ,, ., ., their fans and are grateful for our su--ort., ., ., , support. did you want to compete in a ruiz and support. did you want to compete in a quiz and beat— support. did you want to compete in a quiz and beat the _ support. did you want to compete in a quiz and beat the actor _ support. did you want to compete in a quiz and beat the actor who - support. did you want to compete in a quiz and beat the actor who playsl a quiz and beat the actor who plays paul robinson, who i am sure is cold stefan dennis?— stefan dennis? stefan dennis, that's it. iwent stefan dennis? stefan dennis, that's it- i went head _ stefan dennis? stefan dennis, that's it. i went head to _ stefan dennis? stefan dennis, that's it. i went head to head _ stefan dennis? stefan dennis, that's it. i went head to head on _ stefan dennis? stefan dennis, that's it. i went head to head on the - it. i went head to head on the subject of neighbours and thrashed him. if he had known a bit more about kylie and her musical career, maybe he would have beat me, but that was a very surreal moment last year to see him and go head to head like that. ~ ., ., year to see him and go head to head like that. ~ ., . . ., . , like that. what an extraordinary sto , it like that. what an extraordinary story. it has _ like that. what an extraordinary story, it has been _ like that. what an extraordinary story, it has been so _ like that. what an extraordinary story, it has been so nice - like that. what an extraordinary story, it has been so nice to - like that. what an extraordinary| story, it has been so nice to talk to you, thank you for coming on bbc news. ., ~ to you, thank you for coming on bbc

news. ., ,, , ., the actor bernard cribbins has died at the age of 93. bernard cribbins — who narrated the wombles and starred in the film adaptation of the railway children — was one of the most versatile and popular entertainers of his generation. he managed to be a favourite on children's tv while also starring in the bawdy carry on films. david sillito looks back on his life. earlier i spoke with songwriter and producer mike batt who wrote and produced its theme tune. he told me of the many memories of working of with bernard cribbins. he was a wonderful guy to just be with, he was wonderful company. he was generous, he was great with kids which says a lot about somebody. and he was very generous to me before we even had the hit with the wombles. we worked together, we even made a record together, which wasn't a hit,

but and then we did the wombles. i sang them, and he, of course, voiced the show. seriously and he was a fine actor on all levels. giggly company to be with, but he took his work very seriously and he was a fine actor on all levels. i think he will be so — well, he obviously is — so badly missed, will be badly missed by so many, both friends and the audiences who enjoyed his work. tell us more about what it was like when you were working together in the room. you said he was wonderful company and very mischievous, what does that mean? well he would make little comments and sometimes... in fact i worked with him only a few years ago on a wombles series that never saw the light of day, actually. he was voicing two or three of the episodes and he was just funny. hejust is funny, he is naturally effusive and —

if that's the right word — and volunteers his goodwill with every word he speaks. and when he is on the microphone he becomes the character, and he is great uncle bulgaria, or whatever, or tobermory. he just becomes the character like any good actor. he was a great actor, he didn'tjust do it because there was nothing else to do, he started... that was his vocation, he started it very early. he had a wonderful career. i'm surprised he wasn't knighted, actually, but there you go. all i can say is i can't remember any time when i was in his company when i felt anything other than welcomed by him and the recipient of his goodwill. that is a lovely tribute to him.

it is ironic, he had such a face for comedy but we never saw his face when he was doing the wombles. i was amused to read that he said once that there was one womble that didn't appear very much, macwomble the terrible, who apparently was the scottish one, the second cousin to great uncle bulgaria. i'd certainly forgotten about him. he made it look effortless, didn't he? did you ever get a sense of how much preparation he put into his roles? well, i did the records completely separately from the tv show being made. when i was working on the records, we weren't working together, but when he was doing his voice—overs, i wasn't involved either, but i do remember, i do know, and he told me he was hardly given much of a script at all for the wombles, he was given a few outlines and a couple of lines, but pretty much all of it was ad—libbed.

so, he would be going... it was all the little things he would put in, "hm, i think i will go and do this. hm...ah! hm, that's funny. " he put these things in which were not in the script, but theyjust made... i nearly said they made the characters human, but they made them womble—esque. he inhabited, as i said before, he inhabited the characters, and he added — he pretty much made up the scripts as he went along, just because he saw what they were doing. people don't just say, "hello," "goodbye," they say, "hello, oh, i don't know what i'll do here. maybe i'lljust do this... you know, he was brilliant at that kind of stuff. vanessa feltz has announced she will be leaving radio 2 next month. she will also be stepping down from her radio london breakfast show

after nearly 20 years. in recently released bbc figures, feltz was one ofjust three women in the top ten highest paid on—air presenters, with her salary of around £400,000 putting her in eighth place. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. have seen rain in parts of scotland today. the further north you all the more likely it is you will stay dry and get to see some sunny spells where in south—west scotland has seen some heavy and thundery rain. high pressure edging away and into that we brought a week by the disturbance which is giving a lot of cloud and patchy rain and showers from parts of south—west england, wales, north—west england and eastern most parts of northern ireland but especially through the rest of the day, edging north to

scotland although not reaching the far north—west, with sunny spells here. hazy brightness into the south—eastern part of england as well. the opening ceremony of the commonwealth games in birmingham, it is likely to stay dry despite the cloud around and temperatures edging down from 20 degrees. into tonight, there will be a lot of cloud producing patchy rain in places, especially into northern england, parts of scotland and maybe into the south. clear spells developing elsewhere and temperatures a touch higher overnight and that is most noticeably so into scotland. tomorrow there will be more in the way of sunny spells around, cloudy start in northern england, southern and south—east scotland, outbreaks of rain clearing eastwards and for scotland and northern england, there will be further scattered showers following. there is the chance of a shower anywhere else, but many places will be staying dry, broken cloud, sunny spells and it will feel warmer. centraland cloud, sunny spells and it will feel warmer. central and south—eastern england mid to upper 205 in places.

northern ireland in the evening, cloud thickening with outbreaks of rain and rain pushing into scotland overnight and into saturday morning. low pressure well to the north of scotland driving is weatherfronts around it during saturday. weakening as they do so, so cloud and a few splashes of rain. a mixed picture on saturday and no one getting a wash—out. bright or sunny spells towards eastern scotland early on in the south—east of england, it will feel warm. this system is in no hurry to clear away on sunday. there is a big football match happening and sunday at wembley. if you are following that one, it is a case of when it comes to the weather, of watch this space.

birmingham prepares for the start of the commonwealth games, with the opening ceremony taking place here at alexander stadium tonight. more than 5,000 athletes from 72 nations and territories will take part over 11 days of competition, with excitement building ahead of tonight's event. i'm from here, i'm from birmingham, 50, for my family and for myself, its history in the making. we'll look at what's in store and hear what people in the region think of the games being held here. the other headlines on the bbc news at one... a mother whose baby was murdered by the woman trying to adopt him tells the bbc he'd still be alive if he'd been left with her.

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