this is bbc news, these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a drought is expected to be declared in many parts of england today with more days of extreme heat and dry weather to come. i think it is going to be really busy. we've got another two weeks of predicted dry weather, and we're saying it is going to be another four days of extreme hot weather. with that, i would be expecting a few phone calls this afternoon, this weekend. hundred of firefighters from across the eu join efforts to combat a huge wildfire in france's gironde region — as europe's record summer heatwave continues. donald trump says he won't oppose the release of the warrant relating to the fbi's search of his home. the uk's economy shrank between april and june according to official estimates.

the uk is to host the 67th eurovision after it was decided the 2022 winners ukraine could not. the shortlist for which cities has been announced. birmingham. glasgow. leeds. liverpool. manchester. newcastle. and sheffield. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. much of europe has faced weeks of baking temperatures as a heatwave continues to sweep across the continent. in england, a drought could be declared —

covering much of the country — by the end of friday. people may see restrictions on how they use water at home and at work. a drought is defined by a lack of water due to extreme weather that has been built up over time. the four stages are �*normal�*, �*prolonged dry weather', �*drought�* and �*severe drought�* — with england currently sitting in the second stage. if it's declared, water companies would be asked to introduce temporary bans on hosepipe use for watering gardens, cleaning cars orfilling paddling pools. yorkshire water is the latest firm to announce a ban. restrictions come into force in kent and sussex, and are already in place in parts of hampshire, the isle of wight and in pembrokeshire and a small part of carmarthenshire. hundreds of firefighters from at least seven eu countries are joining efforts to combat a huge wildfire in the gironde region of southwestern france.

danjohnson dan johnson on the danjohnson on the ongoing dry weather here in the uk. england's green and pleasant land is now looking pretty dry and parched, after weeks of hot weather and so little rain. and later today, a drought�*s expected to be declared in some parts of the country. golfers have had it rough. this cornwall course has a stream feeding its greens, but that's running dry and the fairways are already baked. and there's so little water, even the fish are struggling. the environment agency has been rescuing fish from the river mole in surrey, moving them to deeper, cooler pools. i think it's going to be really busy. we've got another two weeks of predicted dry weather, and we're saying it's going to be another four days of extreme hot weather. with that, i would be expecting a few phone calls this afternoon. this weekend. we've alreadyjust this morning had reports of a couple more ponds that have just dried out. and they're asking for help with rescuing fish and moving fish.

and the water shortage means more hosepipe bans. southern water customers have lived with one for a week already. south east water starts today. welsh water will bring one in next week, and thames water's expected to follow. yorkshire water is the latest company to announce a ban, starting later this month. we don't know, and can't be certain, that it will rain, so that's why we take action now. that allows us then to apply for drought permits and drought orders, which mean we can reduce some compensation flows from reservoirs. it means we can abstract more water from rivers during the winter, and that will all allow us to sustain water supply into next year, but also help the recovery. and when we see some rainfall, that willjust speed up the process and will enable us to lift the hosepipe ban more quickly. farmers are also having it tough. fires have broken out, destroying crops and machinery. the fire brigade havejust turned up, so i think we should be all right.

and this grassland fire was sparked by a discarded bottle. the fire service is ready to respond to more of that over the next few days, as temperatures won't quite break records again, but will get close. dan johnson, bbc news. alastair chisholm is from the chartered institution of water and environmental management. how bad is the situation across the uk? it's quite bad. it's along the lines of what we were starting to see or what we did see in 1976. this is now being thought of as the worst drought since 1976. we've had other droughts in intervening years that haven't been as acute as this. and that's really to do with the pace that this has come on because we have seen the really dry weather, extremely dry weather, plus that extreme heat which has just met the conditions are really intense and this has come about really quite quickly. in practical terms, what does it

mean for businesses and families? well, firstly, in terms of households, if they are affected bya hosepipe ban, i mean, it is what it says on the tin, really, don't use your hosepipe to wash your car, water your gardens and that kind of thing. it also sends out a strong signal to water users everywhere to be much more aware of what you are using, whether that is slightly profligate use and you could bear down on it a little bit. having it at the front of your mind is really important and it is quite easy to save quite a lot of water by being a bit careful. businesses, i think the worst hit businesses obviously will be farmers, they are really struggling in the south and east at the moment, i think. and those conditions are likely to continue, as we understand it, for probably the

rest of this month. the outlook looks dry to october. so, that is not going to be an improving situation for them, unfortunately. for other businesses, it's limited impacts at the moment — the restrictions on business use for water come in if there are higher levels of drought status announced. at the moment, we are talking about this officially being declared a drought but there are higher tiers of drought status that we could go into in coming weeks if the conditions prevail. hundreds of firefighters from at least seven other eu countries are joining efforts to combat a huge wildfire in the gironde region of southwestern france. italy, greece and sweden have sent water—bombing planes. the fires have spread even more quickly than the ones that hit the area injuly. the un has warned that high temperatures are likely to become more common in northern europe, and a more coordinated effort is needed to slow down the rate of global warming. here's azadeh moshiri.

europe is still burning, and so the consequences are getting worse. firefighters in france have had to arm themselves with equipment from six eu nations as they try to battle what they are calling a monster blaze in south—western france. it has forced at least 10,000 people to flee their homes. translation: we must continue more i than ever to fight against climate . change and also continue to adapt to it. we will begin the stage of a new national climate change plan this autumn. france is not alone in its struggles. spain's forests and homes are in flames in galicia, and central portugal has lost thousands more hectares to the fires. districts across the country have now received a red alert for extreme fire risk. and all these farmers can do is watch as their

livelihoods go up in flames. but that is not all, droughts caused by high temperatures are happening across europe, with the european drought 0bservatory measuring 47% of the eu is under a drought warning, and 17% is already on red alert. the financial cost is on full display in germany, where these baking temperatures have drained germany's rhine river, a key commercial route for the country. lower water levels mean shipping boats are carrying lighter loads and struggling to sail through, driving up costs when the german economy is already facing challenges, due to its reliance on russian gas. the united kingdom is witnessing its driest period since 1976, and two pictures tell the tales. these were the green fields of cambridge last year. this is what it looks like now, scorched with the uk's

environment agency warning it is causing problems for wildlife and river users. and things aren't better in cooler parts of the world. a new report has warned that the arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet and scientists say this has implications that reach far beyond the arctic itself. the changes that we are seeing in the arctic don'tjust stay in the arctic, there is emerging research that has come out that has shown that the warming arctic is having impacts on weather systems that actually traverse into lower latitudes where we live. weather events that were once relegated to a list of rare occurrences are now becoming more common and more severe. scientists are urging governments to finally heed their warnings and dramatically reduce global emissions. azadeh moshiri, bbc news.

0ur correspondentjenny hill is where the water on the rhine used to be. good morning to you from the riverbed of the mighty rhine. we should be underwater here and get the water levels have dropped so significantly that it has simply dried out. behind me, you can see there is an island in the river. usually, people say they cannot get to the island without the use of a boat but the water level is so low, you can see someone picking their way over a stone bridge which has now been exposed. it is worth pointing out the water levels drop here every year, that is not unusual but this time it is happening more frequently, people tell us, and it is happening earlier in the year. usually, the dry season is september, october. whilst the levels are very low, they have not reached a record low set in 2018 but people here are extremely worried that the forecasters say they will drop further and the record will be

surpassed. from here, you can see a section of the river which is still navigable for the vessels which fetch and carry to the power plants and industrial complexes that line this river. we have seen one or two this river. we have seen one or two this morning, several last night, inching their way very slowly through a channel there. this section of the rhine has become impossible for some of the larger vessels, some others are still getting them throw but the companies that run them say they are having to lighten the load is so they sit high up lighten the load is so they sit high up in the water and as i say, the forecast is that the water levels will drop further in the coming days, that is adding to concerns that the ryan —— the rhine will become impossible for many more of those metals. it is a commercial problem for those companies, they say at some point it is not worth their time aren't money to send very likely laden barges to and from the companies that lined the river bank. it is of course of huge concern, not just because of the ecological

damage that is being done here but experts say the german economy could suffer significantly as a result, too, and that is before you get to the much, much bigger picture, which is that, as i say, people are worried this is happening more often, it is happening extremely more drastically, what does that say about the climate change they believe is behind these shifts and what will happen in the years to come? donald trump has said he won't oppose the release of the warrant that allowed the fbi to search his florida home on monday. the attorney general merrick garland has asked a court to unseal the legal document, saying it was in the public interest. the release may reveal the reason for the unprecedented raid. the washington post is reporting that the fbi were looking for classified documents related to nuclear weapons. here's our north america correspondent peter bowes. the sprawling estate that donald trump calls home, the scene of a monday morning visit by federal agents with a search warrant. nearby streets were soon occupied by supporters

of the former president, protesting at his treatment by the justice department. senior republicans chimed in, demanding that the authorities justify their decision. now, that's exactly what america's attorney general is attempting to do. merrick garland said he was asking a judge to authorise the release of the search warrant, along with a receipt left at the trump property for what was taken away. the department filed the motion to make public the warrant and receipt, in light of the former president's public confirmation of the search, the surrounding circumstances and the substantial public interest in this matter. thank you very much. the search is believed to be part of an investigation into the handling much of our work is conducted by necessity out of the public eye. we

do that necessity out of the public eye. - do that to protect the constitutional rights of all americans and to protect the invent —— the integrity of our investigations. federal law, long—standing rules and our ethical obligations prevent me from providing further details as to the basis of the search at this time. the search is believed to be part of an investigation into the handling of presidential papers that were removed from the white house when donald trump left office. the washington post newspaper is reporting that classified documents relating to nuclear weapons were among the items fbi agents were searching for. there's been no official confirmation of this, or anything to do with the search. ina in a statement, donald trump said not only would he not oppose the release of documents related to what he called the breaking of his home in bore da, he was encouraging their immediate release. he added he believed they had been drawn up by a possible future pedicle opponents who had a strong and powerful vested

interest in attacking him. this unprecedented political weaponisation of law enforcement is inappropriate and highly unethical. by inappropriate and highly unethical. by any standards, this has been an extraordinary week in america. this sagais extraordinary week in america. this saga is farfrom over extraordinary week in america. this saga is far from over but many of the former president's supporters but who believe his claim that he is the victim of a witchhunt think it will increase the likelihood that donald trump will run for office again. and it may even boost his chancesin again. and it may even boost his chances in 202a. peter bowes gwen bbc news,. let's talk to dan lieberman from cbs news in the us. what is the latest, dan? the us general attorney said he did personally approve the decision to seek a search warrant of drum's florida state and thejustice department does not take matters lightly. agents were looking for classified documents that may have illegally been taken from the white

house and investigators first subpoenaed those records in the spring, 15 boxes of presidential records removed by federal authorities earlier in the year and returned to the national archives. we have learnt that former trump advisers have been questioned in recent months about how the former president dent dealt with sensitive materials and classified documents during and after his presidency. we have also learned that his legal team are discussing whether to release video and still images of that search. the sources familiar with the strategy tell is that before executing the warrant, the fbi requested private security cameras to be shut off. the sources say tram's team refused to comply. are you expecting potentially to see this warrant today?— this warrant today? well, after the justice department _ this warrant today? well, after the justice department moved - this warrant today? well, after the justice department moved to - this warrant today? well, after the | justice department moved to unseal that warrant used by agents to search tram's home, the trump legal

team has until 3pm eastern time here in the us to decide whether it was to oppose the motion. former president trump did take to social media channels to say he encourages the release of the documents, he described as related to the un—american unwarranted and unnecessary break—in at his home in palm beach but again, 3pm eastern time is the deadline, we may very well see the worried later today but well see the worried later today but we don't know, the legal team could still decide against it. the united states and china have both called for un experts to be allowed to visit ukraine's zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. it follows renewed shelling at the facility — with ukraine and russia blaming each other for the attack. the head of the un nuclear watchdog, rafael grossi, told the security council yesterday that fighting near the plant has sparked a "grave crisis". 0ur correspondent in kyiv — hugo bachega — told us what's happening at the plant today: the situation remains extremely tense at the zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and this level of military activity has obviously

raised fears of a catastrophe. for days, russia and ukraine have traded accusations of who is to blame for shelling the complex, the latest round of accusations happened yesterday, hours before the meeting at the un security council. the background to this is that ukrainian officials have accused russia of turning this nuclear facility into a military base, using it to launch attacks against ukrainian targets, knowing that ukrainian forces are unlikely to retaliate. yesterday at the un there were more calls for russia to allow international monitors to visit the complex. we heard from the un secretary general calling for a demilitarised zone around the region and we heard from the russian ambassador to the eu essentially rejecting the accusations against russia, saying russian troops

are there to protect the nuclear complex. official figures out this morning show that the uk economy shrank between april and june. the figures — from the office for national statistics — show it contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter of the year. the bank of england has forecast that the uk will fall into recession towards the end of this year — and the downturn will last for the whole of next year. labour says the government needs a "serious plan" for the economy. the chancellor, nadhim zahawi, has been reacting to those figures this morning. let's hear what he had to say. there is no doubt these are challenging times. i think what the numbers show today is that the contraption is partly because of some of the covid activities, actually, reducing, but also, we'll resilience in the private sector, which, actually, in many ways, bodes well. but nevertheless, they

are challenging times. our business reporter, noor nanji is with me. until cut these figures. we had to figures released today, the quarterly figure from april to june, where the uk economy shrank by 0.1% but we also had the monthly figure forjune where the economy fell by 0.6%. starting with a monthly figure, a big part of the reason for the drop there was because of the platinum jubilee bank holiday which meant two fewer working days so two fewer days of producing goods and services, that was always expected and some economists were expecting a sharper drop injune so this number was not as bad as some were predicting. moving on to the quarterly figure, the 0ns said the full there was due in part to the covid health activity is winding down, things like test and trace and their vaccination programme as well,

but at the same time, there were areas like tourism and bars and entertainment which showed stronger growth. in terms of reaction from the chancellor who did acknowledge this is a challenging time for the economy, he said there is resilience in the private sector. but labour, we should say, has accused the conservatives of losing control of the economy, the shadow chancellor rachael reeves said the conservatives leadership contenders need to stop playing to the gallery and start coming up with a serious plan to get the economy back on track. . . , plan to get the economy back on track. . ., , ., ., track. there are a number of other countries grappling _ track. there are a number of other countries grappling with _ track. there are a number of other countries grappling with similar . countries grappling with similar problems. countries grappling with similar roblems. , ,., countries grappling with similar roblems. , ., , problems. yes, some of these forces are ulobal problems. yes, some of these forces are global in — problems. yes, some of these forces are global in their— problems. yes, some of these forces are global in their nature _ problems. yes, some of these forces are global in their nature and - problems. yes, some of these forces are global in their nature and it - problems. yes, some of these forces are global in their nature and it is - are global in their nature and it is important to recognise these pressures, such as shoring energy prices, food, fuel as well, rising living costs, that is something many countries are dealing with are not just the uk. the war in ukraine has pushed up energy prices further so all of that is having an impact but having said that, we have still got growth in places like france and

italy and canada so these figures from the uk should be seen in that light. now, it is going to be a worrying time. in the uk, you've got inflation at a a0 year high and last week the bank of england warned the uk are set to full into recession later this year and that would last all of next year as well. we are not there yet but these numbers can be seen as something of a precursor to that. some breaking news to bring you. a 33—year—old man has been detained in hospital under the mental health act following an incident in anfield yesterday. police were called at 5.35pm to arkles lane to a report of a man walking towards the junction with priory road and onto ince avenue, shouting at people and carrying what was described as a machete. it was reported he assaulted a number of people, causing some slash wounds. all the victims attended hospital. none are believed to have sustained life—threatening injuries. no new measures have yet been agreed to tackle rising energy bills in the uk, following crisis talks between the government and energy sector bosses. conservative leadership candidate,

rishi sunak has acknowledged that he might need to borrow to fund his plans to help the most vulnerable with energy bills. his rival, liz truss, ruled out a windfall tax on energy companies. earlier i spoke to our political correspondent — david wallace lockhart — and began by asking him what liz truss has been saying about that windfall tax. it sounds like it is not something that liz truss want to carry on, we know there are many economic plans that the uk government, when it was under rishi sunak as chancellor and liz truss was in the cabinet, made decisions that liz truss now would like to reverse, such as a planned rise in corporation tax as well. obviously, the leadership contest is becoming dominated by the cost of living question and the support that might be made available for people to deal with the rising energy bills in the months ahead. what we do know is that the uk government under boris

johnson is saying it is not our place to make majorfiscal decisions when a new prime minister will be in place a number of weeks. however, for many people, weeks more of uncertainty about exactly what help they will get is quite difficult because we simply don't know who the prime minister is going to be. we have heard from the chancellor this morning, he was talking about how his job at the moment is split between two roles, essentially, there has been 37 billion pounds the uk government says of support outlined so far, he is trying to ensure people get that so, for example, every household across the uk will, as of october, start getting £a00 in instalments of their energy bills, but he also talked about the fact that he wanted to present the next prime minister with policies, with options on the cost of living, and he spoke like that earlier today. my message to the viewers as we are looking at all the options of what additional help we need to bring in later on in the

winter months, in december and january, worked those up so they are ready to go from the 5th of september when the prime minister walks into number ten. the policy, i understand it is being looked at and you talked about it earlier, victoria, the idea of extending the when full tax on energy companies. currently, it applies to oil and gas companies but could, theoretically, be extended to electricity generators, that would be an option presented to the next prime minister. we know where liz truss stands on that issue, she is against the idea of windfall taxes, certainly i guess the idea of extending them, in a hustings event last night she said profit is not a dirty word. rishi sunak is promising more help with people's bills, he was to cut vat off energy bills for everyone, he wants to supply more targeted support to the most vulnerable and he has acknowledged in an article in the times this morning that that

may involve one—off borrowing because that is going to cost billions and billions of pounds. if you live in birmingham, glasgow; leeds, liverpool, manchester, newcastle or sheffield, then you have a one in seven chance of hosting the world's biggest music event next year — the eurovision song contest. it's being held in the uk — which came second in may — after it was decided it was too dangerous to host the contest in ukraine. the shortlist of 7 cities was announced on radio 2 this morning. all right, so we know there are seven cities on the shortlist. 0k, scott is opening the gold envelope. scott, who are they? in alphabetical order... the seven cities shortlisted to host the 2023 eurovision song contest are... birmingham.

glasgow. leeds. liverpool. manchester. newcastle. and sheffield. and that is it. that was really tense! so those are the seven cities who could be hosting eurovision next year. earlier i spoke to several of our correspondents around the uk to get a sense of how its various cities will welcome the contest next year. well, we were heaving a sigh of relief because i've gathered everybody here on the waterfront and, yes, liverpool made it to the shortlist. i'm joined by two eurovision fans who got down very early this morning. jamie and oliver. liverpool, i think it is in

with a shout, isn't it? there are six competitors. it is. the fact we are on the shortlist i think is great for liverpool already, i think that is brilliant. i think what liverpool can offer perhaps more than other cities is the musical history and the fact it is one of the first cities in the uk people around the world think of when it comes to pop. maybe that can be something that goes in our favour. one thing about the eurovision song contest that people who haven't experienced it is how massive it is and it is a big, big practical problem. what is kind of amazing is there are all these northern cities, cities across the uk, with all of these hotel rooms, the arenas and so on, kind of reflects, especially liverpool, how much has changed. kind of reflects, especially last time we didn't have the arena, we didn't have, and of course the capital of culture was the catalyst for that back in 2008, and it is hopefully may be reflective of why we have a good chance of hosting the contest. ., ., ., we have a good chance of hosting the contest. ., . ., , ., contest. down on the waterfront, you could imagine —

contest. down on the waterfront, you could imagine of _ contest. down on the waterfront, you could imagine of the _ contest. down on the waterfront, you could imagine of the eurovision - contest. down on the waterfront, you could imagine of the eurovision fans | could imagine of the eurovision fans gathered. could imagine of the eurovision fans cathered. ~ , , , gathered. absolutely, there is so much space _ gathered. absolutely, there is so much space here, _ gathered. absolutely, there is so much space here, and _ gathered. absolutely, there is so much space here, and the - gathered. absolutely, there is so i much space here, and the transport will be _ much space here, and the transport will be so _ much space here, and the transport will be so easy. in other cities in the past, — will be so easy. in other cities in the past, some of the facilities have _ the past, some of the facilities have been more spread out but here in liverpool— have been more spread out but here in liverpool you've got the arena, the convention centre, but ensure euro_ the convention centre, but ensure euro village right here on the peer. it euro village right here on the peer. it would _ euro village right here on the peer. it would be — euro village right here on the peer. it would be a great location for it. and i_ it would be a great location for it. and i think— it would be a great location for it. and i think liverpool sort of prides itself that it can party. yes. and i think liverpool sort of prides itself that it can party.— itself that it can party. yes, 110%. you speak — itself that it can party. yes, 11096. you speak to _ itself that it can party. yes, 11096. you speak to any _ itself that it can party. yes, 11096. you speak to any scouser, - itself that it can party. yes, 11096. | you speak to any scouser, adopted itself that it can party. yes, 11096. - you speak to any scouser, adopted or born here, _ you speak to any scouser, adopted or born here, and you know what liveruool_ born here, and you know what liverpool is all about, it is a party — liverpool is all about, it is a party city, _ liverpool is all about, it is a party city, night life is great, and we would — party city, night life is great, and we would be so pleased to welcome people _ we would be so pleased to welcome people from europe, australia, all over it isa it is a long way to go yet, sometime in the autumn when we find out which of the cities. i am adopting liverpool at least this morning, hopefully... we will talk to our

culture reporter in glasgow now. what was the reaction there? daoid what was the reaction there? david mi . ht what was the reaction there? david miaht be what was the reaction there? david might be cheering _ what was the reaction there? david might be cheering on _ what was the reaction there? d: c might be cheering on liverpool but what was the reaction there? li: c might be cheering on liverpool but i am definitely cheering on glasgow. no secret to hosting huge international events, it had the commonwealth games in 201a and the massive climate change conference cop26in massive climate change conference cop26 in november last year. glasgow has been the favourite to host what is the world's largest live music event for a while but it is one of seven cities shortlisted. what city officials will have to do over the next couple of weeks is convinced the bbc and eurovision bosses, the european broadcasting union, that it has the funds, infrastructure and passion and hotels for the thousands who travel from across the world to attend next year in may, 2023. but the competition is fierce. six of the competition is fierce. six of the other cities all doing the same

thing. it costs a lot as well. i was in turin earlier this week, twinned with glasgow, and that is where eurovision was held this year, and city officials said they spent more than £10 million on the event, but crucially, they were able to get it back seven times over in tourism, people staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, visiting museums. but it will cost a lot and they said it would be quite difficult to justify now with the cost of living crisis in italy. we heard from the leader of the glasgow city council this morning and she said she would be speaking to the uk government to talk about funding the eurovision song contest because of the sheer amount it costs to put on. let’s song contest because of the sheer amount it costs to put on.- amount it costs to put on. let's go back to the — amount it costs to put on. let's go back to the hot _ amount it costs to put on. let's go back to the hot weather _ amount it costs to put on. let's go back to the hot weather the - amount it costs to put on. let's go back to the hot weather the uk - amount it costs to put on. let's go back to the hot weather the uk is l back to the hot weather the uk is experiencing at the moment. an amber warning is in place for parts of england and wales, with temperatures forecast to hit 37 degrees. this weekend could see the current wales record august temperature — of 35.2 set in 1990 —

being exceeded. 0ur wales correspondent tomos morgan is in barry. tell us what it is like there. beautiful morning here. as you can see already people flocking to the beach, at around 9am this morning, half full by 10am. this is an extraordinary period of dry weather we have had across the uk across the south—east of england and parts of wales. an amber warning in place for extreme heat across large parts of england, south—east especially, and around a third of wales coming up as far west i would say a little bit further from where we are here in barry island. we are hearing a trout is expected to be declared later for parts of south and east england —— a drought. there will be stricter

measures for using water in households. five water companies in parts of wales and in england have already announced hosepipe bans and some are already in force. they are bringing them in because using the hose pipe is far more wasteful than actually watering your plants and using a hosepipe to fill up for example a paddling pool is very wasteful as well. in this type of extraordinary dry where we have not had much rainfall in large parts of the country, we need to conserve water. we know this is all a part of climate change, we know the uk's temperature has increased by almost a degree over the past three decades, so the measures are being brought into. make sure we conserve water we have in this extraordinary dry weather, but people still making the most of it after a difficult two years, making the most of the warm, dry weather. years, making the most of the warm, dry weather-—

africa's population is expected to double by 2050 — making up more than a quarter of the world's people — and housing is already a challenge. in congo—brazzaville, the growing population means land is becoming scarce in the capital city, so people are moving into the hills to build homes on inexpensive tracts of lands. but that construction, along with the country's heavy rainfall, is eroding the soil, creating dangerous ravines that put homes and lives at risk. nick loomis reports from brazzaville. emile lives here at the edge of a giant ravine that has already swallowed his living room and nearly his bedroom as he was sleeping during a heavy downpour in 2018. translation: | felt it l when the living room fell and i felt the walls crack. bam, bam! and i said, oh, it is over. the door wouldn't open and i yelled and yelled until people came to help me.

the 80—year—old retired teacher refuses to leave while the rest of the house still stands. he has planted bamboo and other vegetation to keep the soil intact and there has been no further damage in the past four years. translation: the water follows a different path now and when it| rains there is no further erosion. but when it rains very hard, i can't sleep. i get up and go outside to make sure there are no problems. it is one of about 130 ravines in brazzaville. in 2018, the government set up a task force to address the erosion problem. with a budget of 1.7 million us dollars. we reached out to several ministers to ask if this is enough to confront the issue that we have so far received no response. local people say they have to rely on outside help or seek their own solutions. this site was transformed from a ravine to a concrete canal with funds from an american church. other communities rely on makeshift solutions and the advice of volunteer experts. translation: there are emergency measures, otherwise _

the erosion would continue. the population cannot wait for city hall or other authorities to intervene. they have to act collectively to resolve the problems facing these neighbourhoods. the? resolve the problems facing these neighbourhoods.— resolve the problems facing these neighbourhoods. they have limited the damage. _ neighbourhoods. they have limited the damage. they _ neighbourhoods. they have limited the damage, they did _ neighbourhoods. they have limited the damage, they did not - neighbourhoods. they have limited the damage, they did not have - neighbourhoods. they have limited the damage, they did not have the | the damage, they did not have the financial_ the damage, they did not have the financial means, but they found materials — financial means, but they found materials to make something to limit the progression of the threatening their homes. we the progression of the threatening their homeo— the progression of the threatening their homes. we asked the housing exerts to their homes. we asked the housing experts to evaluate _ their homes. we asked the housing experts to evaluate his _ their homes. we asked the housing experts to evaluate his home. - their homes. we asked the housing experts to evaluate his home. he i their homes. we asked the housing l experts to evaluate his home. he has taken some — experts to evaluate his home. he has taken some good _ experts to evaluate his home. he has taken some good measures - experts to evaluate his home. he has taken some good measures but - experts to evaluate his home. he has taken some good measures but the l taken some good measures but the problem _ taken some good measures but the problem is — taken some good measures but the problem is the depth of the ravine. there _ problem is the depth of the ravine. there is_ problem is the depth of the ravine. there is bamboo holding the soil in place _ there is bamboo holding the soil in place but— there is bamboo holding the soil in place. but when it disappears, the house _ place. but when it disappears, the house will— place. but when it disappears, the house will be threatened from that site. house will be threatened from that site what — house will be threatened from that site. what worries me is the fact you want— site. what worries me is the fact you want to _ site. what worries me is the fact you want to stay here because you

are risking — you want to stay here because you are risking your life.— are risking your life. before the exerts are risking your life. before the exoerts leave. _ are risking your life. before the experts leave, they _ are risking your life. before the experts leave, they urge - are risking your life. before the experts leave, they urge him i are risking your life. before the | experts leave, they urge him to agree to move if there is any further erosion.— agree to move if there is any further erosion. ., ., , , ., further erosion. you are very brave. his determination _ further erosion. you are very brave. his determination to _ further erosion. you are very brave. his determination to protect - further erosion. you are very brave. his determination to protect what i further erosion. you are very brave. j his determination to protect what is left of his home is clear but he may eventually have little choice but to leave. as the us fiercely debates abortion rights, one country within the european union is reviewing its own strict rules. that is the mediterranean island nation of malta. abortion there is completely banned and can technically carry a jail term, but no one one's faced criminal charges for years. pro—choice campaigners say malta's old laws are increasingly at odds with modern reality. our correspondent, jessica parker, reports from this predominantly catholic country that lies miles off mainland europe. they sing hymns.

hymns ring out across a city square for the feast of saint sebastian. in malta, tradition runs deep. i'm against abortion, totally. joseph is farfrom alone in his views. he will talk about it, but for many, it is taboo. this lady, if she had had the abortion, they are not here, look, beautiful children. malta is the only eu country with a total ban, but a review has been announced after an american tourist, andrea prudente, was evacuated to spain to terminate an unviable pregnancy. it put this place under the spotlight for strict rules that do not always match the reality. despite malta's ban on abortion, women do still manage to get them.

whether that is by travelling abroad or, increasingly, ordering pills online. we are going to meet a woman who did that last year. she is speaking to us anonymously because she broke the law. i was scared. i was googling this from the bathroom on my phone. maria, not her real name, found help from an organisation outside of malta where a doctor reviewed her case. you obviously ordered these pills online, had them arrive at your house, but you knew that what you were doing was... illegal. how does that feel? i had this fear of being caught. i did not know what the police would do. i thought maybe they would be searching for people googling the word abortion, and then you get paranoid. your thoughts get carried away into really bad thoughts. under the surface, activists calculate that more than 350 abortion pill packs were sent to malta last year. it is very much a well— known secret.

maya is a pro—choice activist. her mother is andrea prudente's lawyer. the government review is expected to be limited, potentially only to avoid a repeat of the prudente case, but these two hope conversations are opening up. anything is better than what we have now. i feel bad for countries like poland when you see a regression in legislation. i really strongly feel like the same in america, because i know that they have a right. i cannot imagine what it must be like to have a right and it is taken away from you. we do not have that right, so anything can be better than the status quo. others support the status quo, arguing doctors do act in extreme cases. at the moment, we are thankfully one of the few countries that protects - both the mother and the child. so you want the law to stay the same? i think by the review of the law, i think it will be good to raise awareness when mothers are faced

with life—threatening conditions. on this island, you literally stumble into its catholic culture. if change is coming, it is likely at a slow beat. jessica parker, bbc news, in malta. the bbc approached the maltese minister for health for an interview but received no response. the extreme weather is affecting some countries which were already suffering the consequences of climate change. since january 2021, one million people have been internally displaced in somalia and the number of people starving could reach seven million in the coming months, nearly half the population of the country. let's go live to mogadishu and speak to the norwegian refugee council's country director for somalia, mohamed abdi.

i hope you can hear us ok. thank you for talking to us. tell us what the situation is like at the moment. thank you for having me on your programme. the situation in somalia now is the worst humanitarian situation in many years. currently, over1 million people have been displaced from their homes to urban areas in search of assistance because of the drought. this year three quarters of a million have been displaced. we are seeing families that have lost all of their livestock, some have lost their crop because of lack of rain. it is predicted that the situation is going to get worse. approximately...

inaudible if we do not do anything about the situation tare if we do not do anything about the situation , ., , situation we might start seeing deaths. what _ situation we might start seeing deaths. what is _ situation we might start seeing deaths. what is being - situation we might start seeing deaths. what is being done - situation we might start seeing deaths. what is being done by| situation we might start seeing i deaths. what is being done by the government? _ deaths. what is being done by the government? unfortunately, - deaths. what is being done by the government? unfortunately, the i government? unfortunately, the government _ government? unfortunately, the government of — government? unfortunately, the government of somalia... - government of somalia... inaudible the current situation, it is just recovering the current situation, it is 'ust recovering from a long internal conflict. recovering from a long internal conflict- i'm — recovering from a long internal conflict. i'm sorry, _ recovering from a long internal conflict. i'm sorry, the - recovering from a long internal conflict. i'm sorry, the line - recovering from a long internal i conflict. i'm sorry, the line keeps freezina. conflict. i'm sorry, the line keeps freezing- i— conflict. i'm sorry, the line keeps freezing. iwill_ conflict. i'm sorry, the line keeps freezing. i will try _ conflict. i'm sorry, the line keeps freezing. i will try and _ conflict. i'm sorry, the line keeps freezing. i will try and persist - freezing. i will try and persist because it is important to hear what you have to say. if the government is not doing enough because of internal conflict, what are you asking for from people around the world? ~ ., asking for from people around the world? ~ . ., ., asking for from people around the world? . . . . ., ., world? what we are asking for from the international _ world? what we are asking for from the international community - world? what we are asking for from the international community is - the international community is organisations like the refugee council and others on the front line affected by drought, to give them

food and water... i affected by drought, to give them food and water. . ._ affected by drought, to give them food and water... i am really sorry, the line is — food and water... i am really sorry, the line is so _ food and water... i am really sorry, the line is so poor, _ food and water... i am really sorry, the line is so poor, but _ food and water... i am really sorry, the line is so poor, but we - the line is so poor, but we absolutely appreciate your time. from the norwegian refugee council, thank you very much. i apologise for the technical problems. an armed man who held the bank hostage for more than six hours in beirut because he could not withdraw his savings has been held as a hero by the public. the suspect ended his standoff after negotiating with officials to receive $35,000 of his savings upfront. as he was escorted away by police, crowds gathered outside the bank in support. lebanon banks have limited how much money people can access amid a deep economic crisis. samsung's billionaire vice chairman has been granted

a presidential pardon, after he was convicted of bribery and embezzelement. lee jae—yong had already been freed from jail but the move allows him to take a greater role in the running of the company, which is the south korea's biggest. the government defended the pardon saying it would help with the post—pandemic recovery of the economy. mcdonald's has announced plans to reopen outlets in ukraine — after it closed its restaurants across the country following russia's invasion in march. the fast food chain says it hopes the move will help restore a "small but important sense of normalcy". it shut the restaurants after the invasion in march. it has continued to pay the wages of more than 10,000 employees there. now it says there will be a phased reopening over the next several months as it is deemed safe. the company says it is working with suppliers and contractors to ensure the restaurants are ready.

the fast food chain is not the only company signalling its support for ukraine in this way. kfc, and other western brands have stores reported to be opened in the country. the ukrainian economy has been severely damaged by the war, exports disrupted, infrastructure destroyed, businesses forced to close. we starting businesses even in a limited capacity would be extremely helpful —— re—starting. the imf expects the economy of ukraine to shrink by 35% this year. while mcdonald's is returning to work in ukraine, it has sold most of its restaurants in russia to a local franchise owner. three decades after opening in moscow in what was a powerful symbol of the post—cold war era.

the birth mother of seven—year—old tony hudgell won't be released from prison today as planned, after thejustice secretary dominic raab used new powers to refer her case to the parole board. tony was so badly abused at the hands of his parents, who were both jailed for ten years in 2018, that he needed to have both legs amputated. tim muffett reports. a truly remarkable boy. his legs had been amputated following injuries caused by sustained physical abuse by his birth parents jailed in 2018 for ten years. his birth mother jodie stimpson had been due for release on licence today. but his adoptive parents have campaigned for tougher sentences for child abusers. the justice secretary tougher sentences for child abusers. thejustice secretary dominic raab, seen here with the family, yesterday issued this statement. tony endured a horrific and systematic campaign

of abuse from his birth parents and we are to do possible to prevent another child suffering at their hands. i have referred the case to the parole board under new powers designed to keep prisoners incarcerated for longer when their release would put public safety act risk. tony's mum gave her reaction to the news. he risk. tony's mum gave her reaction to the news-— to the news. he has daily issues with all of— to the news. he has daily issues with all of his _ to the news. he has daily issues with all of his injuries _ to the news. he has daily issues with all of his injuries he - to the news. he has daily issuesl with all of his injuries he received from them. even dominic raab said, there is not a severe case like his. for them to walk free after five years is not right.— years is not right. tougher sentencing _ years is not right. tougher sentencing for _ years is not right. tougher sentencing for child - years is not right. tougher sentencing for child abuse | years is not right. tougher l sentencing for child abuse in england and wales came into force in june and has become known as tony's covered two law.

the parole board hearing means she will not be released in the near future. anthony smith, his birth father, is due for release on licence in september. tim muffett, bbc news. john gilroy, the post world war 2 artist, liked a drink or two. in fact, he's best known for his advertising posters for guinness. and this unique murale in the bar of a hotel in county durham is an indirect result. gilroy was one of the most popular artists of the last century and now this work has been restored by specialists. and the mural, in case you were wondering, was his way of paying the bill. danny savage has the story. ina in a traditional english bar in the hills of county durham, a unique work of art. a mural of dickensian

frivolity created by an artist who liked a drink.— liked a drink. why did he do it? leaend liked a drink. why did he do it? legend has _ liked a drink. why did he do it? legend has said _ liked a drink. why did he do it? legend has said he _ liked a drink. why did he do it? legend has said he had - liked a drink. why did he do it? legend has said he had run - liked a drink. why did he do it? legend has said he had run upl liked a drink. why did he do it? | legend has said he had run up a barbell basically for the gen he had drunk here and he cannot remember painting the spider on the well —— the bar bill for the gin. painting the spider on the well -- the bar bill for the gin.— the bar bill for the gin. famed for turnin: to the bar bill for the gin. famed for turning to can's _ the bar bill for the gin. famed for turning to can's into _ the bar bill for the gin. famed for turning to can's into the - the bar bill for the gin. famed for turning to can's into the instant i turning to can's into the instant neckin turning to can's into the instant neck in —— famed for turning toucans into the instantly recognisable bird. he even caricatured himself as the zookeeper. to bird. he even caricatured himself as the zookeeper-_ the zookeeper. to think this is his first mural. _ the zookeeper. to think this is his first mural, incredible. _ the zookeeper. to think this is his first mural, incredible. in - the zookeeper. to think this is his first mural, incredible. in the - the zookeeper. to think this is his first mural, incredible. in the last| first mural, incredible. in the last few weeks. _ first mural, incredible. in the last few weeks, given _ first mural, incredible. in the last few weeks, given special - first mural, incredible. in the last few weeks, given special access | first mural, incredible. in the last| few weeks, given special access to the restoration so it can last another century. i would love it if he was to walk in, order a drink,

lasted quite well. that to me would be perfect, job well done. feel—good factor in a room, should be feeling it? , , , , . ., , ., it? definitely, especially the wall behind us. _ it? definitely, especially the wall behind us, people _ it? definitely, especially the wall behind us, people up— it? definitely, especially the wall behind us, people up dancing, i behind us, people up dancing, drinking, — behind us, people up dancing, drinking, pub environment but very jolly _ drinking, pub environment but very jolly once — drinking, pub environment but very jolly. once you see other people having _ jolly. once you see other people having fun, even if in a painting, you feel— having fun, even if in a painting, you feel happier yourself.- you feel happier yourself. gilroy did not just _ you feel happier yourself. gilroy did notjust make _ you feel happier yourself. gilroy did notjust make up— you feel happier yourself. gilroy did notjust make up the - you feel happier yourself. (1: it'rry did notjust make up the characters, they were staff, customers, regulars at the time. they have had quite the makeover. who is the ancestor on the wall? my grandpa. which one? this one with the _ wall? my grandpa. which one? try 3 one with the top hat. we did not know he had a cane until it was restored. ., ., know he had a cane until it was restored-— know he had a cane until it was restored. ., ., , , ., restored. the man who pushed for the restoration has _ restored. the man who pushed for the restoration has been _ restored. the man who pushed for the restoration has been added _ restored. the man who pushed for the restoration has been added to - restored. the man who pushed for the restoration has been added to the - restoration has been added to the scene. ., , ., restoration has been added to the scene. .,, ., ., ., scene. people no longer say to me, ou are scene. people no longer say to me, you are no — scene. people no longer say to me, you are no oil _ scene. people no longer say to me, you are no oil painting, _ scene. people no longer say to me, you are no oil painting, because i scene. people no longer say to me, | you are no oil painting, because now i you are no oil painting, because now i can— you are no oil painting, because now i can say, _ you are no oil painting, because now i can say, yes, — you are no oil painting, because now i can say, yes, i am. you are no oil painting, because now i can say. yes. i am-_ i can say, yes, i am. years of

cigarette — i can say, yes, i am. years of cigarette smoke _ i can say, yes, i am. years of cigarette smoke had - i can say, yes, i am. years of| cigarette smoke had damaged i can say, yes, i am. years of- cigarette smoke had damaged the original, but that will no longer be a problem in this lovely old bar. danny savage, bbc news, county durham. despite warnings about the extreme heat we're experiencing, there's still some fun to be had. up to 50,000 people are expected in newquay this weekend for the annual boardmasters festival. including one of my teenage sons! it's one of the uk's biggest events and combines both music and surfing competitions. jemma woodman has been to see how it's going so far. arriving in their thousands into newquay train station, a long weekend of surf, sounds, and this year, plenty of sun ahead. you're putting on the suncream already. yeah! i burn very easily, so, yeah, got to be prepared. extra train carriages have been laid on for what is devon and cornwall�*s biggest festival, with these campers avoiding saturday's train strike. laden with supplies, more than 50,000 festivalgoers will head to watergate bay, demanding a stepped up police presence. we work with the people of the town,

with the people at the event, and we try and be the glue in the middle to make sure everyone has a nice, safe time. here at the grounds there are new features, like a ferris wheel. but with temperatures forecast to hit the 30s, what will really be in demand is drinking water. and there are concerns at how the heat will impact festivalgoers. there is a big risk if people don't take plenty of fluids and take shade opportunities and wear a hat, that they may become dehydrated. for traders, of course, it's an opportunity. usually we sell a lot of hoodies and like, cardigans and like, i over things for in the evenings. you might not need that this year. well, i was thinking we might, but it's going to be very late i in the evening that people get cold. boardmasters has had its fair share of challenges. last year, despite a covid testing policy, there was a massive spike in cases, complaints of 16—hour traffic queues on leaving, inadequate sanitation. but this year those issues have been addressed. we do get random things thrown at us, stuff we can't predict, especially in the sort of slightly

unbelievable last couple of years. but we've got an amazing team here who adapt and work through those problems as best we can. and so far it's been running really, really well. and we've got a beautiful forecast ahead. of course, if people do need to cool off, there is one massive water supply and that's the ocean, with many expected to head down and take a dip. gemma woodman, bbc news. stargazers across the uk were treated to the fourth and final supermoon of the year last night. look at that. a supermoon is a full or new moon that appears when it's at the closest point to earth. stargazers don't need any special equipment to view it apart from a camera to take amazing images like these. the next supermoon is not expected untiljuly next year. the latest headlines at the top of

the hour. have a good rest of the day and night. good morning. this week's weather may have been perfect if you were away with friends and family on the coast, but it does not suit all. the heat is expected to peak on saturday and then we will start to see some slightly fresher conditions arrive. but for the time being, we still have the amber extreme heat warning. starting with blues

skies and sunshine. patchy rain and drizzle in northern and western isles. the risk of a little bit of cloud lingering on the east coast having an impact on the feel of the weather. elsewhere, the blue sky and sunshine will continue and so too will be a hit, peaking generally across england and wales, possibly as high as 36 somewhere close to the south midlands. even temperatures in western scotland away from the cloud and northern ireland, mid 20s. we keep the risk of some low cloud into the northern isles, potentially running in off the north sea coast in the night. elsewhere temperatures holding up, very warm and sultry for getting a good night's sleep. in repeat mode for the start of the weekend. once again, a lot of sunshine unexpected, going to turn very hot across much of england and wales. lots of sunshine in northern ireland and western scotland. early morning cloud hopefully starting to burn away. just northern and western isles again staying a little bit cloudier and fresher. temperatures likely to peak with highs of 37, just shy of 100 farenheit.

if that is too much, too oppressive, take a look at this. moving into the latter stages of sunday, into next week, low—pressure starting to build, we could see thundery downpours developing. as with the nature of the showers, where they are going to hit, very hit and miss at the moment. certainly worth bearing in mind, we could start to see a change in monday with sharp, thundery downpours and a noticeable difference to the feel of the weather. take care.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11: a drought is expected to be declared in many parts of england today with more days of extreme heat and dry weather to come. yorkshire water is the latest firm to announce it's introducing a hosepipe ban, while restrictions come into effect today across kent and sussex. cannot be certain that it will rain, so that is why we take action now. that allows us to apply for the permits and drought orders. many part of europe are experience extreme heat pressures, too. hundreds of firefighters from across the eu join efforts to combat a huge wildfire in france's gironde region while rivers are drying up in germany. the riverbed of the mighty rhine, just look at it. we should be under water here,

and yet the water levels have dropped so significantly that it is simply dried up. behind me you can see there is actually an island in the river. usually people here say they cannot get to the island without the use of a boat. the uk's economy shrank between april and june according to official estimates. seven cities across the uk make a shortlist to host the eurovision song contest after organisers decided it couldn't be held in ukraine. iam in i am in glasgow, we will bring you more on next year's eurovision song contest. good morning and welcome to bbc news. a drought expected to cover many parts of england could be declared later today. it means we may see restrictions over how we use water

at home and at work. a drought is defined by a lack of water due to extreme weather that has been built up over time. the four stages are "normal", "prolonged dry weather", "drought" and "severe drought" — with england currently sitting in the second stage. if it's declared, water companies would be asked to introduce temporary bans on hosepipe use for watering gardens, cleaning cars orfilling paddling pools. yorkshire water is the latest firm to announce a ban. restrictions come into force in kent and sussex, and are already in place in parts of hampshire, the isle of wight and in pembrokeshire and a small part of carmarthenshire. the ongoing dry weather, along with last month's record—breaking heat, has drained rivers and reservoirs, and raised the risk of wildfires. here's dan johnson. england's green and pleasant land is now looking pretty dry and parched, after weeks of hot weather and so little rain.

and later today, a drought�*s expected to be declared in some parts of the country. golfers have had it rough. this cornwall course has a stream feeding its greens, but that's running dry and the fairways are already baked. and there's so little water, even the fish are struggling. the environment agency has been rescuing fish from the river mole in surrey, moving them to deeper, cooler pools. i think it's going to be really busy. we've got another two weeks of predicted dry weather, and we're saying it's going to be another four days of extreme hot weather. with that, i would be expecting a few phone calls this afternoon. this weekend. we've alreadyjust this morning had reports of a couple more ponds that have just dried out. and they're asking for help with rescuing fish and moving fish. and the water shortage means more hosepipe bans. southern water customers have lived with one for a week already.

south east water starts today. welsh water will bring one in next week, and thames water's expected to follow. yorkshire water is the latest company to announce a ban, starting later this month. we don't know, and can't be certain, that it will rain, so that's why we take action now. that allows us then to apply for drought permits and drought orders, which mean we can reduce some compensation flows from reservoirs. it means we can abstract more water from rivers during the winter, and that will all allow us to sustain water supply into next year, but also help the recovery. and when we see some rainfall, that willjust speed up the process and will enable us to lift the hosepipe ban more quickly. farmers are also having it tough. fires have broken out, destroying crops and machinery. the fire brigade havejust turned up, so i think we should be all right. and this grassland fire was sparked by a discarded bottle. the fire service is ready to respond to more of that

over the next few days, as temperatures won't quite break records again, but will get close. dan johnson, bbc news. let's speak to one of those affected by a potential hosepipe ban from thames valley water. darren clift owns a garden centre in sussex. good to have you with us. how will this affect you and your business? the initial band that kicks in today really affects more of the domestic side of things than the commercial. unfortunately we should still be able to care for our plants on site. most of our water on site comes from large water storage tanks rather than the mains anyway. but obviously it will have an effect on sales. if you think you're buying a new plant, you think you're buying a new plant, you know it will need a lot of water when you first planted. i think people will think twice about that. nobody will be buying hosepipes and watering accessories, bits and pieces like that, so i think we will

see a drop in sales of plants and plant —related accessories in the coming weeks. in plant -related accessories in the coming weeks-— plant -related accessories in the cominu weeks. , ., ., , coming weeks. in terms of how been re arina coming weeks. in terms of how been preparing for — coming weeks. in terms of how been preparing for this. — coming weeks. in terms of how been preparing for this, obviously - coming weeks. in terms of how been preparing for this, obviously were i preparing for this, obviously were dry, warm weather has been with us for some time now, what have you been doing to try to mitigate against the worst of these effects you have outlined?— against the worst of these effects you have outlined? really, if you're t in: to you have outlined? really, if you're trying to store _ you have outlined? really, if you're trying to store water, _ you have outlined? really, if you're trying to store water, the _ you have outlined? really, if you're trying to store water, the planning | trying to store water, the planning has to happen quite early on. as i say, we have water storage tanks on our site which helps us store rainwater when it is wet in the early months of the year. we have been practising what we preach, what we are promoting to our customers to get water wise earlier in the year. we did not know what was to come, but we always see to people store water well you have got it. we will promote drought tolerant plants, took to people about water storage, helping to reduce water loss. we are speaking as loudly as we can to our customers to help them keep their plants watered but stay within the rules of the hosepipe ban. in terms

of practical — rules of the hosepipe ban. in terms of practical advice _ rules of the hosepipe ban. in terms of practical advice for _ rules of the hosepipe ban. in terms of practical advice for people, - rules of the hosepipe ban. in terms of practical advice for people, it i of practical advice for people, it is all very well telling people in advance to store water and all the rest of it, but if people are now in a situation where they are worried about the garden, plants dying, even plants indoors because of the heat, they do not want to break the rules, they do not want to break the rules, they do not want to use water unnecessarily, but can they do to try to give their plants the best chance of survival?— try to give their plants the best chance of survival? there are a few simle chance of survival? there are a few simple tips — chance of survival? there are a few simple tips that — chance of survival? there are a few simple tips that will _ chance of survival? there are a few simple tips that will always - chance of survival? there are a few simple tips that will always help. i simple tips that will always help. it is always best to water your plants early in the morning or later in the evening. once you hit the heat of the day, more of that water will be evaporated rather than getting through to the plant. beyond that, i think it is, as i say, you can dig water storage crystals into your soil which will help retain water for the plant when we needed. also mulching, putting things like bark over the of your soil reduces the amount of water that will evaporate away as you water. one of the important things to bear in mind, as well, as we have a lot of

what is called grey water. we are running bass, showers, washing up water, all different uses of water in the house that actually, generally speaking, is perfectly reasonable to take out and give to your plants. that will mean you are not using more water, you are not running the taps specifically to water your plants where you might want to be more sparing, you are recycling something you have had another use for. ii recycling something you have had another use for.— recycling something you have had another use for. if we start seeing ersistent another use for. if we start seeing persistent high — another use for. if we start seeing persistent high temperatures - another use for. if we start seeing persistent high temperatures like | persistent high temperatures like this and dry weather like this year after year, are there any types of lights and shrubs and so on that you think could be threatened, that you simply would not be able to survive in this country any more? it is ossible in this country any more? it is possible that _ in this country any more? it is possible that the _ in this country any more? it 3 possible that the nature of people's gardens make up may change ever so slightly over the coming years. there are obviously plants that require more water and less water. i am not sure we'll be filling our gardens with cacti straightaway, but in the same respect, i do think people will think carefully about

the plants they choose. we may see a gradual shift in the more common plants and people's gardens over the coming decade. plants and people's gardens over the coming decade-— coming decade. darren, thank you very much- _ coming decade. darren, thank you very much. darren _ coming decade. darren, thank you very much. darren clift, _ coming decade. darren, thank you very much. darren clift, who - coming decade. darren, thank you very much. darren clift, who owns coming decade. darren, thank you i very much. darren clift, who owns a garden centre in sussex, thank you. hundreds of firefighters from at least seven other eu countries are joining efforts to combat a huge wildfire in the gironde region of southwestern france. italy, greece and sweden have sent planes that can drop water bombs on the flames. the fires have spread faster than the ones that hit the area injuly. the un has warned that high temperatures are likely to become more common in northern europe, and a more coordinated effort is needed to slow down the rate of global warming. azadeh moshiri reports. europe is still burning, and so the consequences are getting worse. firefighters in france have had to arm themselves with equipment from six eu nations as they try to battle what they are calling a monster

blaze in south—western france. it has forced at least 10,000 people to flee their homes. translation: we must continue more i than ever to fight against climate i change and also continue to adapt to it. we will begin the stage of a new national climate —— we will begin debates of a new national climate change plan this autumn. france is not alone in its struggles. spain's forests and homes are in flames in galicia, and central portugal has lost thousands more hectares to the fires. districts across the country have now received a red alert for extreme fire risk. and all these farmers can do is watch as their livelihoods go up in flames. but that is not all, droughts caused by high temperatures are happening across europe, with the european drought observatory measuring a7% of the eu is under a drought warning,

and 17% is already on red alert. the financial cost is on full display in germany, where these baking temperatures have drained germany's rhine river, a key commercial route for the country. lower water levels mean shipping boats are carrying lighter loads and struggling to sail through, driving up costs when the german economy is already facing challenges, due to its reliance on russian gas. the united kingdom is witnessing its driest period since 1976, and two pictures tell the tales. these were the green fields of cambridge last year. this is what it looks like now, scorched with the uk's environment agency warning it is causing problems for wildlife and river users. and things aren't better in cooler parts of the world. a new report has warned that the arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet and scientists say

this has implications that reach far beyond the arctic itself. the changes that we are seeing in the arctic don'tjust stay in the arctic, there is emerging research that has come out that has shown that the warming arctic is having impacts on weather systems that actually traverse into lower latitudes where we live. weather events that were once relegated to a list of rare occurrences are now becoming more common and more severe. scientists are urging governments to finally heed their warnings and dramatically reduce global emissions. azadeh moshiri, bbc news. let's get more on the situation in germany — and our correspondent jenny hill reports from a riverbed where the rhine river used to flow. good morning to you from the riverbed of the mighty rhine. just look at it, we should be under water here and yet the water levels have dropped so significantly

that it has simply dried out. behind me, you can see there is an island in the river. usually, people here say they can't get to the island without the use of a boat but the water level is so low, you can see someone picking their way over a stone bridge which has now been exposed. it's worth pointing out the water levels here drop every year, it's not unusual in that respect but what is different this time it that it is happening more frequently, people here tell us, and it has happened earlier in the year. usually, what they call the dry season is september, october. whilst the levels are very low, they have not yet reached the record low set in 2018 but people here are extremely worried that the forecasters say they will drop further and the record might be surpassed. from here, you can see a section of the river which is still navigable for the vessels which fetch and carry to the power plants and the industrial complexes that line this river. we have seen one or two this morning, several last night,

inching their way very slowly through a channel there. this section of the rhine has now become impassable for some of the larger vessels, others are still getting through but the companies that run them say they are having to lighten the load is so that they sit higher up in the water and, as i say, the forecast is that the water levels will drop further in the coming days, that is adding to concerns that the rhine will become impassable for many more of those vessels. it is also, of course, a commercial problem for those companies, they say at some point it becomes simply not worth their time or money to send very lightly laden barges to and from the companies that lined the river bank. it is of course of huge concern, notjust because of the ecological damage that is being done here but experts say the german economy could suffer significantly as a result, too, and that is before you get to the much, much bigger picture, which is that, as i say, people are worried this is happening more often, it's happening extremely more drastically —

what does that say about the climate change they believe is behind these shifts and what will happen in the years to come? the latest official figures show the uk economy shrank between april and june. the figures — from the office for national statistics — show it contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter of the year. the bank of england has forecast that the uk will fall into recession towards the end of this year — and the downturn will last for the whole of next year. labour says the government needs a "serious plan" for the economy. the chancellor nadhim zahawi has been reacting to those figures this morning. let's hear what he had to say. there is no doubt these are challenging times. i think what the numbers show today is that the contraction is partly because of some of the covid activities, actually reducing, but also, we'll resilience in the private sector, —— but also, real resilience

in the private sector, which, actually, in many ways, bodes well. but nevertheless, they are challenging times. let's speak to our business reporter noor nanji who's with me. talk us through the figures. two sets of figures _ talk us through the figures. “ii-op sets of figures today, the quarterly figure for the three months from april tojune, which showed a contraction of 0.1%, but there was also the monthly figure just for june which showed a contraction of 0.6%. starting with the monthly figure, a big reason for the drop was due to the platinum jubilee bank holiday. that meant two fewer working days, which means two fewer days of producing goods, two fewer days of producing goods, two fewer days of producing services. that was always going to have an impact. some economists were predicting a sharper contraction than we are to be sore. this number was actually better than expected. moving onto the quarterly figure. the office for national statistics, they see a lot of this was down to a reduction in the covid

health activities, things like test and trace and the vaccination programme being wound down. to some extent, that was offset by strength in tourism and entertainment and in bars, as well. look at some of the reaction we heard from the chancellor nadhim zahawi, he said that clearly it is a challenging time for the economy, but he also pointed to areas of resilience in the private sector. but labour has said that the conservatives are essentially losing control of the economy and the shadow chancellor says the leadership contenders need to start coming up with a serious point to get britain's economy back on track. other countries are grappling with similar problems, how are they doing? a lot of these forces are global in their nature, things we have spoken a lot about, soaring energy prices, fuel, food prices, all of that putting a strain on the cost of living and on household budgets. the war in ukraine has played a part in

that, too, by pushing energy prices up that, too, by pushing energy prices up higher. that was always going to have an impact. so we should look at these numbers against that context. but we should say that in france, italy and canada, they are still seeing growth. so the uk's economic performance should be measured against that. for households it will be a worrying time. last week we had the bank of england predicting that we will fall into a recession later this year that will last for all of next year. we are not there yet, but these numbers can be seen as something of a precursor to that. thank you very much. donald trump has said he won't oppose the release of the warrant that allowed the fbi to search his florida home on monday. the attorney general merrick garland had asked a court to unseal the legal document, saying it was in the public interest. the release may reveal the reason for the raid many say is unprecedented. the washington post is reporting that the fbi were looking for classified documents related to nuclear weapons.

our north america correspondent peter bowes reports. the sprawling estate that donald trump calls home, the scene of a monday morning visit by federal agents with a search warrant. nearby streets were soon occupied by supporters of the former president, protesting at his treatment by the justice department. senior republicans chimed in, demanding that the authorities justify their decision. now that's exactly what america's attorney general is attempting to do. merrick garland said he was asking a judge to authorise the release of the search warrant, along with a receipt left at the trump property for what was taken away. the department filed the motion to make public the warrant and receipt, in light of the former president's public confirmation of the search, the surrounding circumstances, and the substantial public interest in this matter. mr garland confirmed he personally approved the decision to seek a search warrant,

but he could not say why. much of our work is, by necessity, conducted out of the public eye. we do that to protect the constitutional rights of all americans and to protect the integrity of our investigations. federal law, long—standing department rules, and there our ethical obligations prevent me from providing further details as to the basis of the search at this time. the search is believed to be part of an investigation into the handling of presidential papers that were removed from the white house when donald trump left office. the washington post newspaper is reporting that classified documents relating to nuclear weapons were among the items fbi agents were searching for. there's been no official confirmation of this, or anything to do with the search. in a statement, donald trump said not only would he not oppose the release of documents related to what he called the breaking

of his home in florida, he was encouraging their immediate release. he added that he believed they had been drawn up by possible future political opponents who had a strong and powerful vested interest in attacking him. this unprecedented political weaponisation of law enforcement is inappropriate and highly unethical. by any standards, this has been an extraordinary week in america. this saga is far from over. but many of the former president's supporters, who believe his claim that he's the victim of a witch hunt, think it'll increase the likelihood that donald trump will run for office again, and may even boost his chances in 202a. peter bowes, bbc news. dan lieberman from cbs news in the us has the latest. us attorney general merrick garland said he did personally approve the decision to seek a search warrant of trump's florida estate, adding that the justice department

does not take matters lightly. as peter mentioned, agents were looking for classified documents that may have illegally been taken from the white house. investigators first subpoenaed those records this spring. these were 15 boxes of presidential records removed by federal authorities earlier in the year and returned to the national archives. cbs has learned that former trump advisers have been questioned in recent months about how the former president dealt with sensitive materials and classified national documents during and after his presidency. we also learned that trump's legal team is discussing whether to release video and still images of search. two sources familiar with the former president's legal strategy tell us that before executing the warrant, the fbi requested a private security cameras at mar—a—lago to be shut off. the sources say trump's team refused to comply.

the prime minister has been speaking on the cost of living crisis in the last few moments. i on the cost of living crisis in the last few moments.— last few moments. i think it is crucial to _ last few moments. i think it is crucial to understand - last few moments. i think it is crucial to understand that, i last few moments. i think it is| crucial to understand that, first last few moments. i think it is i crucial to understand that, first of all, we realise for a long time that things were going to be tough. that is why we put in place a lot of measures already stop the money has started to come through. i think it is very important for people to understand most people have not yet received the help that the government has already allocated. over the course of the next couple of months, you will see about 8 million households get another £326, you will see everybody in october get help with the energy support scheme. that was £a00 full stop i think people have not seen the money coming in, and it is coming. let me just finish. another £a00 to help everybody. plus £150 to help the one

in ten who are disabled. they have not seen that yet. it is coming in. but there are two key pinch points, and there are other funds coming but there are two key pinch points, and there are otherfunds coming in, £300 to help pensioners in... but the choice — £300 to help pensioners in... but the choice is _ £300 to help pensioners in... but the choice is heat or eat for millions of people.- the choice is heat or eat for millions of people. there are two inch millions of people. there are two pinch points _ millions of people. there are two pinch points ahead. _ millions of people. there are two pinch points ahead. they - millions of people. there are two pinch points ahead. they are - millions of people. there are two pinch points ahead. they are in i pinch points ahead. they are in october and in the new year, in january. i am describing the cash thatis january. i am describing the cash that is already coming through. do you think it is enough? no. - that is already coming through. do you think it is enough? no. what l that is already coming through. do you think it is enough? no. what i | you think it is enough? no. what i am sa in: you think it is enough? no. what i am saying is _ you think it is enough? no. what i am saying is what _ you think it is enough? no. what i am saying is what we _ you think it is enough? no. what i am saying is what we are - you think it is enough? no. what i am saying is what we are doing i you think it is enough? no. what i am saying is what we are doing in | am saying is what we are doing in addition is trying to make sure that, by october, byjanuary, there is further support. what the government will be doing, whoever is the prime minister, is making sure there is extra cash to help. it is too late to _ there is extra cash to help. it is too late to be _ there is extra cash to help. it is too late to be waiting for the new

people. you should be acting now. people watching this, they want the conservative government to do something. things are desperate for people. they are worried. the something. things are desperate for people. they are worried.— people. they are worried. the cash is startin: people. they are worried. the cash is starting to _ people. they are worried. the cash is starting to come _ people. they are worried. the cash is starting to come through - people. they are worried. the cash is starting to come through now. it| is starting to come through now. it will continue to come through over the weeks and months ahead. people are sa in: the weeks and months ahead. people are saying it — the weeks and months ahead. people are saying it is _ the weeks and months ahead. people are saying it is not _ the weeks and months ahead. people are saying it is not enough. _ the weeks and months ahead. people are saying it is not enough. it - the weeks and months ahead. people are saying it is not enough. it is i are saying it is not enough. it is not enough. in are saying it is not enough. it is not enough-— are saying it is not enough. it is not enough. are saying it is not enough. it is not enou:h. ., ., . ., not enough. in addition, what we are doinu is not enough. in addition, what we are doing is making _ not enough. in addition, what we are doing is making sure _ not enough. in addition, what we are doing is making sure we _ not enough. in addition, what we are doing is making sure we have - not enough. in addition, what we are doing is making sure we have the i doing is making sure we have the fiscal... we have the cash to help people more at those two key points, in october and injanuary. whoever it is, whether it is a man or women, you're going to find that the new leader, the new prime minister... people want something right now. with great respect, the cash is not only coming in right now but more is already due to come through. what we are talking about is extra cash for october and then forjanuary. roger

fundamentally got to do is make sure that you do some things to fix the energy markets. that is what we were doing yesterday. what energy markets. that is what we were doing yesterday-— doing yesterday. what did you get from that? you _ doing yesterday. what did you get from that? you will— doing yesterday. what did you get from that? you will have - doing yesterday. what did you get from that? you will have to - doing yesterday. what did you get from that? you will have to wait i doing yesterday. what did you get i from that? you will have to wait and see, buti from that? you will have to wait and see. but i am _ from that? you will have to wait and see, but i am encouraged _ from that? you will have to wait and see, but i am encouraged by - from that? you will have to wait and see, but i am encouraged by some l from that? you will have to wait and | see, but i am encouraged by some of the things we are seeing from energy companies about the more they can do to help consumers with staggering repayments, making sure that some of the renewable companies and nuclear companies, for instance, are making quite a lot of money at the moment, they can do more, we think, to help their customers. the other thing you need to do is make sure that we undo the mistakes of the past and have a... notjust go for our own hydrocarbons in the north sea. again, we gave clear, clear commitments to those companies we need to get on with it. do commitments to those companies we need to get on with it.— need to get on with it. do you understand — need to get on with it. do you understand how _ need to get on with it. do you understand how people i need to get on with it. do you understand how people feel? | need to get on with it. do you - understand how people feel? people have not got any money. what

understand how people feel? people have not got any money.— have not got any money. what you also need to _ have not got any money. what you also need to do _ have not got any money. what you also need to do is _ have not got any money. what you also need to do is ensure - have not got any money. what you also need to do is ensure that i have not got any money. what you also need to do is ensure that you | also need to do is ensure that you undo the tragic mistakes of the past and have nuclear capacity. what this government is doing is now green lighting nuclear energy when for the whole of the period of the labour government, not a single nuclear power plant was started or commissioned. we are doing stuff in the short term, in the medium term, and in the long term. if you ask what we are doing, let me just tell you, what we have done, thanks to the decisions that this government took, we have a robust economic situation in which actually we have record, virtually record low unemployment, here in north wales, you're got an amazing company that employs about 5000 people... they have come out of this pandemic in a position... let me finish. in a position... let me finish. in a position where they are actually able to increase their output of

wings by 50% in the next couple of years. i will make the final point. this is going to drive jobs and growth for the future. that will enable us, that will put us in a strong position to continue to do what we have done throughout the pandemic and beyond, which is to find the cash to help people in the way that this government has done. let me repeat, we are putting 37 million in now, that money will continue to arrive in the course of weeks and months ahead. there will be more announcements in september, goes well address the key pinch points in october and injanuary. one final question. the blue wall seats, due think you have let them down because has not been much levelling up?— down because has not been much levellin: u? ~ . ., ,, levelling up? what has happened in wales alone. _ levelling up? what has happened in wales alone, it _ levelling up? what has happened in wales alone, it has _ levelling up? what has happened in wales alone, it has been _ levelling up? what has happened in wales alone, it has been an - levelling up? what has happened in wales alone, it has been an era i levelling up? what has happened in wales alone, it has been an era of. wales alone, it has been an era of fantastic investment in infrastructure. look at what we are

doing on the a north wales railway. we are looking at improvements to the station. another 600 police here in wales than there were before i became prime minister. you are seeing colossal investments. as i say, just in this factory, half of the airline passenger wings in the world are made. it is a fantastic thing. world are made. it is a fantastic thin. ., ., world are made. it is a fantastic thin _ ., ., ., world are made. it is a fantastic thin. ., ., ., i. world are made. it is a fantastic thin. ., ., ., ., thing. you do not feel you have let wales down? _ thing. you do not feel you have let wales down? what _ thing. you do not feel you have let wales down? what has _ thing. you do not feel you have let wales down? what has also - thing. you do not feel you have let i wales down? what has also happened is that thanks — wales down? what has also happened is that thanks to _ wales down? what has also happened is that thanks to the _ wales down? what has also happened is that thanks to the support - wales down? what has also happened is that thanks to the support that i is that thanks to the support that this government gave the airline industry during a very difficult time, £8 billion we put in, they are now coming out of it in a strong position, this incredible factory, many of his workers live in wales, are going to be increasing their output by 50% to 2025. that is an

amazing story. and it is because of that robust economic success that we are in a position to help people, as we have helped them throughout the pandemic. we have the cash, we have the fiscal firepower to do it, whether you use more cash payments, whether you use more cash payments, whether you use more cash payments, whether you do it through universal credit, there will be a mixture of things that we will do. so credit, there will be a mixture of things that we will do. so people do not need to — things that we will do. so people do not need to worry? _ things that we will do. so people do not need to worry? everybody i things that we will do. so people do not need to worry? everybody can i things that we will do. so people do i not need to worry? everybody can see putin's were — not need to worry? everybody can see putin's were in — not need to worry? everybody can see putin's were in ukraine _ not need to worry? everybody can see putin's were in ukraine has _ putin's were in ukraine has triggered global energy spikes. nobody is going to pretend that the situation is anything other than very, very tough. but medium term, long term, we are in a very strong position. and we will continue to try more and more renewable energy. we are going to go to 50 gigawatts of wind by 2030. we are already one

of wind by 2030. we are already one of the biggest producers of offshore wind in the world. went is now cheaper in this country than onshore wind. we will build a nuclear reactor every year rather than one every decade. we will fix our energy problems. yes, of course people are finding it tough now, i understand that. that is why we are helping them with everything that we can do fiscally, helping them with the tax system, helping them with benefits, helping them with grants. but over the long term, the energy problems of this country will start to improve. basically because we have taken the long term decisions that were necessary. i am very, very proud, i am were necessary. i am very, very proud, iam proud were necessary. i am very, very proud, i am proud that we have rectified some of the mistakes of the previous labour administration. it was a bit much hearing from the current labour leader gordon brown seeing whatever he said. he was in power when they failed to build those nuclear reactors? it was those guys.

those nuclear reactors? it was those cu s. ~ , ., those nuclear reactors? it was those iu s, . ., , , those nuclear reactors? it was those guys. will you answer rishi sunak's calls is back — guys. will you answer rishi sunak's calls is back he _ guys. will you answer rishi sunak's calls is back he has _ guys. will you answer rishi sunak's calls is back he has been _ guys. will you answer rishi sunak's calls is back he has been texting i calls is back he has been texting you to try to get in touch with you. i am looking forward to... that is one of those westminster questions that doesn't change the price of fish. there are plenty of things that do change the price of fish, not least the price of energy, but thatis not least the price of energy, but that is not one of them. the price of energy, we are going to bring down by investment in british supply, in renewables, in nuclear and all the other things. i will not pretend that things are easy for people right now. you are right to push me because we are doing everything that we can. but there is more money coming, more money coming anyway, as a result of the decisions we have taken, there will be further help coming in october and in the new year. i think over the medium term, the future is very bright. the prime minister speaking a short time ago to our colleagues at itn. let's cross to westminster and speak

to our political correspondent david wallace lockhart. essentially, david wallace lockhart. out of all of that, i took essentially, out of all of that, i took that the prime minister is saying that we are on this, trust us to help with the cost of living crisis but did not give any specifics of what is being done. that's right, and he also seems to be saying that there will be more announcements to come but it will be my successor as prime minister who will be giving them. the uk government, the current uk government, the current uk government headed by borisjohnson, their position has been that it is not for them to currently make big financial decisions because in a few weeks' time there will be a new government with a new prime minister so they don't want to tie the hands of their successor who said a big cost of living decisions are up to whoever wins the conservative leadership contest, rishi sunak or liz truss. but borisjohnson was saying that there will be announcements in september, september the 5th is the date for the new prime minister, that will help with what he said were the key

pinch points of october and january, the months where new price caps for energy prices would take effect, so there is an element of borisjohnson seemingly saying that his successor will deal with this. the big question is, and what we don't have the entire detail on is what exactly will those policies be. if we were to look at rishi sunak, he is saying that he will not only scrap vat on energy bills for everyone but will also provide more targeted support for more vulnerable households. he has admitted today that it will cost billions of pounds and said he would be willing, if you can't find efficiencies within government to borrow on a one—off basis to fund that, crucially though, we don't know how much people would be getting. liz truss, the other leadership contender, her plans a bit more vague on this front. she is saying she will cut taxes for people the minute she gets into office and that will put money back in peoples

pockets. there is a big question about well, you don't pay much tax already and if you don't pay any tax at all, how does it help you? she has not ruled out the idea of further, more targeted support, but we don't quite know exactly what we would be getting from either leadership candidate in order to help with future energy bills, but borisjohnson the really help with future energy bills, but boris johnson the really saying help with future energy bills, but borisjohnson the really saying that there will be something to come and stressing the action that the uk government has taken so far, and we do know that there will be starting in october, £a00 for six months coming off everybody�*s bills, not £a00 every month, it will be over that period, and there will be more targeted support for vulnerable households as well.— targeted support for vulnerable households as well. david, those outside the _ households as well. david, those outside the westminster - households as well. david, those outside the westminster bubble | households as well. david, those i outside the westminster bubble will have heard the warnings from financial experts like martin lewis saying the energy crisis we face is now working to a crisis on the scale of the pandemic and at times of

national emergency politicians reach across the divide and governments of national unity are formed. is there not any way for what the two leadership candidates, plus the current prime minister, to get their heads together and say households are facing pressure and can we not amongst the three of us agree what can be —— can be done now to alleviate those pressures to then be enacted by whoever wins the contest? it's a common view we've heard from people within politics and outside of politics, like the confederation of politics, like the confederation of british industry who said, why can't borisjohnson sit down right now with rishi sunak and liz truss, because one of them will be the next prime minister, and agree on what to do, and in principle, that sounds like a great idea. the only problem is once it hits the reality of this leadership campaign, it doesn't really work. that is because rishi sunak and liz truss are slugging it out right now with incredibly different views of how to tackle this issue. rishi sunak is saying he wants to give payments and wants to

cut taxes right now because he doesn't think it is the right time and he wants to provide more targeted payments towards the most vulnerable. liz truss is saying she wants to cut taxes right now and things that will stimulus the economy and she would prefer not to give, as she calls them, hand—outs, although she is not entirely ruling it out. the problem is if you sat them down around a table and they both have these very different positions, what ultimately could they agree on is actually the substance of what the conservative party is having this leadership contest on at the moment, and liz truss, when she was asked about this at a hustings party event earlier this week, she said it sounded like a bizarre idea and called it a kangaroo committee because fundamentally this is what the leadership contest is about and it's unclear if any sitting down around a table would come up with a concrete plan that they would be happy to sign up to. plan that they would be happy to sin u- to. , plan that they would be happy to sign up to-_ plan that they would be happy to sinuto. , , ' ., ,, sign up to. interesting stuff. thank ou, sign up to. interesting stuff. thank you. david. —

next year's eurovision song contest will be held in either birmingham, glasgow, leeds, liverpool, manchester, newcastle or sheffield. those are the seven that made it onto the shortlist which was announced this morning. the contest is moving to the uk, which came second in may, after it was determined that it is too dangerous to host the contest in ukraine. let's speak to our culture reporter daniel rosney who's in glasgow. daniel, people are looking for any kind of clue or hint as to which city it might be. do we read anything into the fact that you are in glasgow? brute anything into the fact that you are in glasgow?— anything into the fact that you are in glasiow? ~ , ., �* ., in glasgow? we definitely don't read an hini in glasgow? we definitely don't read anything into — in glasgow? we definitely don't read anything into that. _ in glasgow? we definitely don't read anything into that. this _ in glasgow? we definitely don't read anything into that. this is _ in glasgow? we definitely don't read anything into that. this is one - in glasgow? we definitely don't read anything into that. this is one of- anything into that. this is one of the seven shortlisted cities and we probably won't know for six weeks exactly where we will host the eurovision song contest 2023 and it will be the first time in a generation that it is in the uk not since 1998 since it was in birmingham have we hosted the event

on the seven remaining cities will be scored on a set of criteria that the bbc have put out this morning and they include having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the song contest. behind me now it would be the hydro arena where glasgow once the hydro arena where glasgow once the eurovision song contest to be. glasgow is no stranger to hosting international events as it was the commonwealth games in 201a and the cop26 conference back in november last year, and the second set of criteria are the commitments that can be made by city or region is to host the event including the financial contribution. we have been hearing from the premise about the cost of living crisis and people worried about the energy bills skyrocketing in the next couple of months. the bbc will have to pay at least £8 million to host the competition and that is expected to be matched by the winning bidder. officials insuring, where the song contest was hosted back in may, they paid around £10 million —— in turin.

some council officials have said they will be looking to the uk government forfunding they will be looking to the uk government for funding for this because it is simply difficult to justify in the current cost of living crisis to spend that much money on an event, but what the deputy mayor of turin told the bbc is that it cost £10 million but they were able to get that back seven times over in the hospitality sector, people staying in hotels, drinking and eating in restaurants, and the final criterion is that the strength of the cultural offer which includes scheme and local and regional activity as well as including ukrainian culture and music. the uk is hosting the world's largest live music event because it cannot be held in ukraine and as sam ryder said, cannot be held in ukraine and as sam rydersaid, it cannot be held in ukraine and as sam ryder said, it is ukraine's party, but it is our house. in the city that wins will have to show to the bbc and eurovision organisers that it can reflect ukrainian culture as well as british.— it can reflect ukrainian culture as well as british. daniel, thank you very much- _

we can speak to tv critic scott bryan. more than £10 million. good morning. more than £10 million. good morning. more than £10 million. good morning. more than £10 million to host this for a tv show. is it worth it? there are arguments _ for a tv show. is it worth it? there are arguments for _ for a tv show. is it worth it? there are arguments for and _ for a tv show. is it worth it? there are arguments for and against. i i are arguments for and against. i think four, the fact that this is one of the world's biggest live tv events in one of the most technically complicated but it has such an appeal. this gives the opportunity for the bbc to really have a massive event, really show off the best it can possibly do. the challenge is of course the cost, coming at a time when the bbc is making £285 million worth of cuts off the back of the licence fee and there are cuts coming to existing services and if you are looking at timing, this is probably not the time that the bbc wanted. so much so that graham norton himself during last year's that graham norton himself during last yea r�*s contest that graham norton himself during last year's contest when it looked as if we were set to win said, quote, someone at the bbc is getting

nervous. i reckon right now they probably are. i nervous. i reckon right now they probably are-— nervous. i reckon right now they irobabl are. , ., ., , probably are. i suppose on that side of thin i s probably are. i suppose on that side of things with _ probably are. i suppose on that side of things with the _ probably are. i suppose on that side of things with the cost _ probably are. i suppose on that side of things with the cost and - probably are. i suppose on that side of things with the cost and the i probably are. i suppose on that side of things with the cost and the host| of things with the cost and the host city having to contribute to the cost as well they will look to make as much of the cost back as they can and i suppose the temptation is that those with bigger arenas might stand a stronger chance because you can sell more tickets, but presumably there is a risk in that as well, because you don't want to host the world's biggest music event and have empty seats. this world's biggest music event and have empty seem-— world's biggest music event and have empty seate— empty seats. this is the challenge. eve one empty seats. this is the challenge. everyone is — empty seats. this is the challenge. everyone is going _ empty seats. this is the challenge. everyone is going through - empty seats. this is the challenge. everyone is going through this. - empty seats. this is the challenge. i everyone is going through this. the stadiums in terms of capacity. i feel because there has been so much love for eurovision and attention for it in the last few weeks, the fact that the announcement was simulcast on bbc breakfast and radio to suggest it will be a national massive moment in the uk with solidarity with ukraine, so i can imagine that where ever it ends up it will be a huge surge of popularity and i think that will also give the opportunity for the

city to showcase and provide a different side to it that we might not really associate it with. it's only going to be seen as people might be surprised at the extent that it takes over a city. it's not the case that they turn up on the day and set up the stadium and it's ready to go. they pretty much have to secure the stadium where ever it will be between three to six weeks and it's one of the most complicated broadcast in the world because of the amount of delegates and amount of performances and there's all of the rehearsals thrown in, so it's going to be a huge national moment and i think it will be really interesting to see how it plays out, because as your previous reporter was talking about, we've not had this opportunity for 25 years. scott, it would be mean to put you on the spot and say which of the seven cities stands the best chance, but i'm going to anyway. what is your take? but i'm going to anyway. what is yourtake? i but i'm going to anyway. what is your take?—

but i'm going to anyway. what is our take? ~' .. ., your take? i feel like the fact that i am in london _ your take? i feel like the fact that i am in london does _ your take? i feel like the fact that i am in london does not - your take? i feel like the fact that l i am in london does not necessarily give any indication that it will be in london because they did not make the shortlist. i had a backing towards darlington, the underdog, but it didn't make the shortlist either. it's an interesting selection. tim davey, the director—general, i think he is pointing towards it being in an area where it has not had many events for some time with the bbc and it something of the bbc reflecting the regions and nations. an interesting prospect is leads because they will be doing the uk city of culture next year and they put themselves forward for european city of culture but then we left the eu, so they are already doing an event anyway and are properly keen to make it an even bigger one. {lila are properly keen to make it an even biner one. , ., bigger one. 0k, scott, we shall wait and see. bigger one. 0k, scott, we shall wait and see- we — bigger one. 0k, scott, we shall wait and see. we shall _ bigger one. 0k, scott, we shall wait and see. we shall speak— bigger one. 0k, scott, we shall wait and see. we shall speak about - bigger one. 0k, scott, we shall wait and see. we shall speak about this i and see. we shall speak about this in the coming months. thank you very much.

staying on the subject of ukraine — and mcdonalds has announced plans to reopen its outlets across the country — after it shut them following russia's invasion in march. the american fast food giant says it hopes the move will help restore a "small but important sense of normalcy" in the country. michelle fleury reports. mcdonald shut its restaurants in ukraine after russia's invasion in march and since that time it's continued to pay the wages of its more than 10,000 employees there. now the burger giant says there will be a phased reopening over the next several months as it is deemed safe. the company said it is working with suppliers and contractors to ensure the restaurants are ready. and the fast food chain is not the only company singling in its support for ukraine in this way. kfc, nike and zara are amongst other western brands who stores are reported to be openin brands who stores are reported to be open in the country. the ukrainian economy has been severely damaged by the war. exports disrupted, key infrastructure destroyed and businesses forced to close. so restarting businesses, even in a

limited capacity, would be extremely helpful. the international monetary fund expects ukraine's economy to shrink by 35% this year. but while mcdonald's is returning to work in ukraine, it has sold most of its restaurants in russia to a local franchise owner. roughly three decades after the golden arches first opened its door in moscow in what was a powerful symbol of the post cold war era. let's go back to the the hot weather that the uk is experiencing at the moment. an amber warning is in place for parts of england and wales, with temperatures forecast to hit 37 degrees. this weekend could see the current wales record august temperature of 35.2, set in 1990, being exceeded. our wales correspondent tomos morgan is in barry. an amber warning an amberwarning in an amber warning in place for extreme heat across lots of parts of england and the south—east seeing around a third of wales coming up as

far west i would say, a little bit further than where we are today in barry island due to last for the next three or four days. we also know and we are hearing a drought is expected to be declared later in parts of south and east england. that will mean that water companies can bring in stricter measures when it comes to using water in your household and we also know that around five water companies in parts of wales and england have announced hosepipe bans or one or two of them are already in force. and the reason they are bringing hosepipe bans in is using hosepipes is far more wasteful than watering your plants and also using the hosepipe to fill up and also using the hosepipe to fill up a paddling pool or something wasteful as well, so in this time of extraordinary dryness where we have not had much rainfall in large parts of the country, we need to conserve the water as well. and we know that this is all a part of climate change and we know that the uk's temperature has increased by almost

1 temperature has increased by almost i degrees over the past three decades so these measures are being brought into force to make sure we can conserve the water we have in this extraordinary dry spell. nevertheless, a number of people still making the most of it after what has been a difficult two years and making the best of dry and warm weather. as the us fiercely debates abortion rights, one country within the european union is reviewing its own strict rules. that is the mediterranean island nation of malta. abortion there is completely banned and can technically carry a jail term — but no one one's faced criminal charges for years. pro—choice activists say malta's old laws are increasingly at odds with modern reality. our correspondent, jessica parker, reports from this predominantly catholic country that lies miles off mainland europe. they sing hymns. hymns ring out across a city square for the feast of saint sebastian. in malta, tradition runs deep.

i'm against abortion, totally. joseph is farfrom alone in his views. he will talk about it, but for many, it is taboo. this lady, if she had had the abortion, they are not here, look, beautiful children. our malta is the only eu country with a total ban, but a review has been announced after an american tourist, andrea prudente, was evacuated to spain to terminate an unviable pregnancy. it put this place under the spotlight for strict rules that do not always match the reality. despite malta's ban on abortion, women do still manage to get them. whether that is by travelling abroad or, increasingly, ordering pills online.

we are going to meet a woman who did that last year. she is speaking to us anonymously because she broke the law. i was scared. i was googling this from the bathroom on my phone. maria, not her real name, found help from an organisation outside of malta where a doctor reviewed her case. you obviously ordered these pills online, had them arrive at your house, but you knew that what you were doing was... illegal. how does that feel? i had this fear of being caught. i did not know what the police would do. i thought maybe they would be searching for people googling the word abortion, and then you get paranoid. your thoughts get carried away into really bad thoughts. under the surface, activists calculate that more than 350 abortion pill packs were sent to malta last year. it is very much a well— known secret. maya is a pro—choice activist. her mother is andrea prudente's lawyer. the government review is expected to be limited, potentially only to avoid a repeat

of the prudente case, but these two hope conversations are opening up. anything is better than what we have now. i feel bad for countries like poland when you see a regression in legislation. i really strongly feel like the same in america, because i know that they have a right. i cannot imagine what it must be like to have a right and it is taken away from you. we do not have that right, so anything can be better than the status quo. others support the status quo, arguing doctors do act in extreme cases. at the moment, we are thankfully one of the few countries that protects - both the mother and the child. so you want the law to stay the same? i think by the review of the law, i think it will be good to raise awareness when mothers are faced with life—threatening conditions. on this island, you literally

stumble into its catholic culture. if change is coming, it's likely at a slow beat. jessica parker, bbc news, in malta. the bbc approached the maltese minister for health for an interview but received no response. more than thirty people have been injured — at least one seriously — after a rollercoaster accident at a theme park in germany. the incident happened at the legoland resort near the town of gunzburg in bavaria. it's not yet known why two carriages collided — but an investigation is under way. tim allman has this report. the crash happened at around quarter to two in the afternoon local time. a place normally devoted to joy and excitement, now the setting for a terrifying and potentially life—threatening incident. dozens of people were on board the fire dragon right when things went terribly wrong. in a statement, legoland germany

explained that one train stopped, a second train did not stop completely for until now unknown reasons and made an impact with the first train. the staff immediately followed well rehearsed safety procedures and guests were evacuated from the trains. according to local media, three helicopters were deployed to the scene and more than a dozen people were sent to hospital. fire crews had to help some who were still trapped in the right. according to the lego website, fire dragon is suitable for children aged six and older if accompanied by an adult. an eight—year—old can, if they are tall enough, go on it by themselves. a spokesman for the park thanked all emergency personnel and wished everyone a speedy recovery. an official investigation is under way. the park will reopen, but for now, fire dragon remains closed. tim allman, bbc news.

despite warnings about the extreme heat we're experiencing, there's still some fun to be had. up to 50,000 people are expected in newquay this weekend for the annual boardmasters festival. it's one of the uk's biggest events and combines both music and surfing competitions. jemma woodman has been to see how it's going so far. arriving in their thousands into newquay train station, a long weekend of surf, sounds, and this year, plenty of sun ahead. you're putting on the suncream already. yeah! i burn very easily, so, yeah, got to be prepared. extra train carriages have been laid on for what is devon and cornwall�*s biggest festival, with these campers avoiding saturday's train strike. laden with supplies, more than 50,000 festivalgoers will head to watergate bay, demanding a stepped up police presence. we work with the people of the town, with the people at the event, and we try and be the glue in the middle to make sure everyone has a nice, safe time. here at the grounds there are new features,

like a ferris wheel. but with temperatures forecast to hit the 30s, what will really be in demand is drinking water. and there are concerns at how the heat will impact festivalgoers. there is a big risk if people don't take plenty of fluids and take shade opportunities and wear a hat, that they may become dehydrated. for traders, of course, it's an opportunity. usually we sell a lot - of hoodies and like, cardigans and like, overthings for in the evenings. | you might not need that this year. well, i was thinking we might, but it's going to be very late - in the evening that people get cold. boardmasters has had its fair share of challenges. last year, despite a covid testing policy, there was a massive spike in cases, complaints of 16 hour traffic queues on leaving, inadequate sanitation. but this year those issues have been addressed. we do get random things thrown at us, stuff we can't predict, especially in the sort of slightly unbelievable last couple of years. but we've got an amazing team here who adapt and work through those problems as best we can. and so far it's been running really, really well. and we've got a beautiful

forecast ahead. so.. of course, if people do need to cool off, there is one massive water supply and that's the ocean, with many expected to head down and take a dip. jemma woodman, bbc news. stargazers across the uk were treated to the fourth and final supermoon of the year last night. a supermoon is a full or new moon that appears when it's at the closest point to earth. stargazers don't need any special equipment to view it — apart from a camera to take amazing images like these. the next supermoon is not expected untiljuly next year. now it's time for a look at the weather with louise. good morning. this week's weather mi . ht good morning. this week's weather miaht have good morning. this week's weather might have been _ good morning. this week's weather might have been perfect _ good morning. this week's weather might have been perfect if - good morning. this week's weather might have been perfect if you - good morning. this week's weather| might have been perfect if you were away with friends and family along the coast but it does not suit all,

does it? i can tell you that the heater is expected to peak on saturday and then we will start to see some slightly fresher conditions arrive, but, for the time being, we still have the amber extreme heat warning and these are the areas it will be affecting across england and wales. we started the day to day pretty much with clear blue skies and sunshine, just the far north of scotland once again seeing some cloud and a little bit of patchy rain and drizzle across the northern and western isles. also the risk of and western isles. also the risk of a little bit of cloud just lingering on the east coast and that could have an impact on the feel of the weather, but elsewhere, the blue sky and sunshine is going to continue and sunshine is going to continue and so too will the heat. peking generally across england and wales, the high 20s, possibly as high as 36 somewhere close to the south midlands and even temperatures in western scotland away from the

cloud, mid 20s here. we keep the risk of some low cloud into the northern isles and potentially running into the north sea coast tonight and also where the temperatures will hold up and it will be a warm, sultry nights are getting a good night's sleep and then we are in repeater mode for the start of the weekend, so a lot of sunshine expected and it will turn very hot across england and wales, lots of sunshine in northern ireland and western scotland and any early morning cloud will hopefully start to burn away will stop just the northern and possibly western isles staying that the claudia and fresher, but temperature is likely to peak with highs of 37 celsius, just shy of 100 fahrenheit. so if thatis just shy of 100 fahrenheit. so if that is too much or too oppressive for you, take a look at this. as we move into the latter stages of sunday into next week, low pressure will build and we could see some thundery downpours developing. as with the nature of the showers, where they will hit is very hit and miss at the moment but it is certainly worth bearing in mind that

we could start to see a change into monday with some sharp, thundery downpours and a noticeable difference with the feel of our weather. take care.

this is bbc news. the headlines: a drought is expected to be declared in many parts of england shortly with more days of extreme heat and dry weather to come. a drought is formally dei yorkshire water is the latest firm to announce it's introducing a hosepipe ban, while restrictions come into effect today across kent and sussex. we cannot be certain that it will rain, so that is why we take action now. that allows us to apply for the permits and drought orders. many part of europe are experience extreme heat pressures, too. firefighters are being drafted in to tackle a huge wildfires in france, while rivers are drying up in germany. the riverbed of the mighty rhine, just look at it. we should be under water here, and yet the water levels have dropped so significantly that it is simply dried up.

behind me you can see there is actually an island in the river. the uk's economy shrank between april and june according to official estimates. seven cities across the uk make a shortlist to host the eurovision be held in ukraine. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. we welcome to bbc news. start this hour with some breaking we start this hour with some breaking news. the uk government has officially declared a drought. that means that water companies have certain powers to ask or expect people to restrict their use of water. things like hosepipe bans, we know some of those have already come into effect in certain areas of

england. and with the hot, dry weather to continue and the low amounts of rainfall in the last weeks and months, it has now formally, the government has now formally, the government has now formally declared a drought. however, the national drought group is advising that water supplies will remain resilient, and are saying that it will agree to further collaborative work across areas that are impacted. we can get more from our correspondent now, danjohnson. england's green and pleasant [and is now looking pretty dry and parched, after weeks of hot weather and so little rain. and later today, a drought�*s expected to be declared in some parts of the country. golfers have had it rough. this cornwall course has a stream feeding its greens, but that's running dry and the fairways are already baked. and there's so little water, even the fish are struggling.

the environment agency has been rescuing fish from the river mole in surrey, moving them to deeper, cooler pools. i think it's going to be really busy. we've got another two weeks of predicted dry weather, and we're saying it's going to be another four days of extreme hot weather. with that, i would be expecting a few phone calls this afternoon, this weekend. we've alreadyjust this morning had reports of a couple more ponds that have just dried out. and they're asking for help with rescuing fish and moving fish. and the water shortage means more hosepipe bans. southern water customers have lived with one for a week already. south east water starts today. welsh water will bring one in next week, and thames water's expected to follow. yorkshire water is the latest company to announce a ban, starting later this month. we don't know, and can't be certain, that it will rain, so that's why we take action now. that allows us then to apply for drought permits and drought

orders, which mean we can reduce some compensation flows from reservoirs. it means we can abstract more water from rivers during the winter, and that will all allow us to sustain water supply into next year, but also help the recovery. and when we see some rainfall, that willjust speed up the process and will enable us to lift the hosepipe ban more quickly. farmers are also having it tough. fires have broken out, destroying crops and machinery. the fire brigade havejust turned up, so i think we should be all right. and this grassland fire was sparked by a discarded bottle. the fire service is ready to respond to more of that over the next few days, as temperatures won't quite break records again, but will get close. dan johnson, bbc news. just to recap, the uk government formally declaring a drought for

parts of england, specifically parts of the south—west, parts of southern and central england, and the east of england to be moved into drought status. to go through the technical definition of that, a drought is a lack of water due to extreme weather that has been built up over time. the four stages are normal, prolonged dry weather, drought, and severe drought, with england currently sitting in the second stage. when it is declared, water companies have to introduce temporary bans on the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning cars or filling hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning cars orfilling paddling pools. let's talk more about what drought is, why it's been declared, and what it means for us. joining me is tom oliver, professor of applied ecology at the university of reading. beyond the colloquial definition, what does this mean for us? obviously a drought is about a shortage of water, but there are different types of drought. there is

a meteorological drought, this is less than average rainfall. in southern england, we have had over 150 days with little or no rain. in july and august, that has been particularly severe with less than 10% of what we would normally have. that means less water going into the ecosystem, so we get a hydrological drought. a lack of water in our soils, in our ground water, and in rivers and lakes. that leads to impacts on us. this is where it comes to the third definition of drought, which is an agricultural drought. that is significant negative impact on crops. we have seen images of crops burning in fields, even before that wilting effects affecting potatoes, may be “p effects affecting potatoes, may be up to 50% or a potato crop not able to be yielding. even staple crops, like maize, which we normally expect to be drought tolerant, suffering. also effects on ecosystems. our final definition is an ecological drought. when we get water drying up

in streams, fish, molluscs are left high and dry. even before the water goes completely, we get the concentration of toxins, nutrients flowing in, how to lead to algae growth, which is toxic to the fish. that creates loss of wildlife populations. on land, populations do not like these very prolonged dry conditions we have been having. insect populations decline, especially when we have got habitats degraded or lost. that means knock—on effects, birds that we keep those insects, like blackbirds in our garden, they will suffer. a whole cascade of effects on our ecosystems. of those four droughts, in southern england we have got all four at the moment. in in southern england we have got all four at the moment.— in southern england we have got all four at the moment. in terms of how ruickl we four at the moment. in terms of how quickly we can _ four at the moment. in terms of how quickly we can get — four at the moment. in terms of how quickly we can get out _ four at the moment. in terms of how quickly we can get out of— four at the moment. in terms of how quickly we can get out of a _ four at the moment. in terms of how quickly we can get out of a drought l quickly we can get out of a drought situation, what are we looking at? do we need rainfall in the next couple of weeks, do we need rainfall in the next couple of months? and how much would be enough for them to lift that drought warning? find

how much would be enough for them to lift that drought warning?— lift that drought warning? and some of these areas, _ lift that drought warning? and some of these areas, where _ lift that drought warning? and some of these areas, where the _ lift that drought warning? and some of these areas, where the rivers - lift that drought warning? and some of these areas, where the rivers are| of these areas, where the rivers are recharged from ground water, it can be significant amounts of rain needed. if we have a drier winter, there may still be drought conditions in spring, if we have a very dry spring will stop it is very hard to predict. we are expected to get some rain in the future. one thing that makes things worse is the way we extract water, we take water out of those rivers. so the environment agency estimates that 28% of ground water sources, the underground aquifers, are being used unsustainably. around 10—20% of rivers, we are taking water out of them. that has a big negative impact on wildlife. we are also leaking water. over 3 billion litres of water. over 3 billion litres of water a day are lost from england and wales. our water infrastructure system... climate change was not a surprise, we know it is coming, but we have not responded effectively. the system, we can talk about private, public ownership, but from

an agricultural and ecological perspective, the water infrastructure system is broken. it is creaking, leaking, are not fit for dealing with climate change. tam for dealing with climate change. tom oliver, professor _ for dealing with climate change. tom oliver, professor of _ for dealing with climate change. tom oliver, professor of applied ecology, thank you for speaking to us on bbc news. we can cross over to nottingham where our correspondent navtej johal is there for us. this was going to happen. but it is significant, particularly... this news about the drought is not a surprise, the east midlands, which is where i am, this announcement has come, particularly regarding the amount of area it covers... unfortunately we seem to have some sound issues with the line. we will return to him as soon as we can. let us recap that breaking news that within the last few minutes the uk

government has declared a drought for parts of southern england, south—west england, the east of england, parts of central england, as well. when we just recap, parts of the south—west, parts of southern and central england, and the east of england being moved into drought status. that being announced by the government within the last few minutes. that gives water companies, obliges water companies to introduce hosepipe bans for things like washing cars, watering gardens, filling paddling pools. it is because we have had the driestjuly on record, as the uk enters the second heat wave, of course we saw record—breaking temperatures in july. although the temperatures are not expected to reach quite the high is that they reached last month, we are currently in a period of a four—day heatwave up with an amber weather warning in force. that means

there is warning of a risk to the health of vulnerable people, also a risk of travel disruption. as we were hearing from professor of ecology, tom oliver, just a moment ago, it is having an effect on agriculture as well. the growing of crops, the feeding of livestock, all of that having an impact on farmers around the country. just to recap that breaking news, parts of southern, central and eastern england have now all been declared to be in drought. the official definition, a lack of water due to extreme weather that has been built up extreme weather that has been built up over time. and when defining drought, there are four stages. there is a normal, prolonged dry weather, there is drought, and there is severe drought. england had currently been sitting in the second stage, which was prolonged dry weather, parts of england have now been moved up into the third stage,

declaring them to be in drought. so thatis declaring them to be in drought. so that is the latest we are hearing from the government. no new measures have yet been agreed to tackle... moving on to another story. no new measures have been agreed yet to tackle rising energy bills following crisis talks between the government and energy sector bosses. conservative leadership candidate rishi sunak has acknowledged he may need to borrow to help the most vulnerable with his energy plans. liz truss has rolled out a windfall tax on energy companies. the prime minister has been speaking on the cost of living crisis. let's hear what he had to say. everybody can see putin's were in ukraine has triggered global energy spikes.

nobody is going to pretend that the situation is anything other than very, very tough. but medium term, long term, we are in a very strong position. and we will continue to try more and more renewable energy. we are going to go to 50 gigawatts of wind by 2030. we are already one of the biggest producers of offshore wind in the world. offshore wind is now cheaper in this country than onshore wind. we will build a nuclear reactor every year rather than one every decade. we will fix our energy problems. yes, of course people are finding it tough now, i understand that. that is why we are helping them with everything that we can do fiscally, helping them with the tax system, helping them with benefits, helping them with grants. but over the long term, the energy problems of this country will start to improve. basically because we have taken the long term decisions that were necessary. i am very, very proud, i am proud that we have rectified some of the mistakes of the previous labour administration. it was a bit much hearing from the current labour leader gordon brown seeing

whatever he said. —— leader gordon brown saying whatever he said. who was in power when they failed to build those nuclear reactors? it was those guys. will you answer rishi sunak's calls? he has been texting you to try to get in touch with you. i am looking forward to... that is one of those westminster questions that doesn't change the price of fish. there are plenty of things that do change the price of fish, not least the price of energy, but that is not one of them. the price of energy, we are going to bring down by investment in british supply, in renewables, in nuclear and all the other things. i will not pretend that things are easy for people right now. you are right to push me, because we are doing everything that we can. but there is more money coming, more money coming anyway, as a result of the decisions we have taken, there will be further help coming in october and in the new year. i think over the medium term,

the future is very bright. let's cross to westminster and speak to our political correspondent david wallace lockhart. forfamilies struggling for families struggling with their energy bills and the cost of living, they will have been listening out for any specific measures of health thatis for any specific measures of health that is on the way. i did not seem like anything concrete. m0 that is on the way. i did not seem like anything concrete. no specific measures from _ like anything concrete. no specific measures from boris _ like anything concrete. no specific measures from boris johnson. - like anything concrete. no specific| measures from boris johnson. that like anything concrete. no specific. measures from boris johnson. that is measures from borisjohnson. that is no surprise, really, because he has adopted the position that even though we are facing these rising costs, we know they are coming, in energy bills, the price cap is likely to rise again in october and next january, likely to rise again in october and nextjanuary, he is saying it is not his place with just a few weeks left in office to be making majorfiscal decisions. you think that is for the next prime minister, liz truss or rishi sunak, to do that. however, what borisjohnson does seem to be saying in that interview is a couple of quite interesting things. just before the clip we played, he was askedif before the clip we played, he was asked if the current levels of support that the government has

already given, which will start feeding through to bills in the months coming ahead, would be enough. he said no. you made it quite clear that he thought further help would be needed. he said there would be further announcements in september when a new prime minister takes office that month to help with what he called pinch points in october and january when the price cap is expected to go up, when a unit of electricity will get more expensive. he does seem to be saying, even though he will not be prime minister, whoever succeeds him will bring more measures into place in order to help people. what could they be? rishi sunak has been painting a picture of what you would be doing, and essentially he says he will cut vat on everyone's energy bills, that will save everyone money. on top of that, he is talking about more targeted support for the most vulnerable. what we do not know is how much that would be. of course that could be the key question at that could be the key question at that point, when it comes to people who may struggle to pay these bills. a bit more vague from liz truss. we

know that she is not ruling out the idea of more direct support, but she has said that she does not like the idea of what she calls hand—outs and she would prefer to help people and ease their financial pressures through tax cuts. but of course tax cuts can leave big questions unanswered because what about people who do not pay tax already, what about people who pay very little tax, what about pensioners etc? so an issue that i do not think will go away in this leadership campaign, which still has a few weeks to run, something both candidates will keep getting pressed on, but the interesting thing, borisjohnson interesting thing, boris johnson seeming interesting thing, borisjohnson seeming to concede that what has been announced so far will not be enough and also seeming to say that his successor will be putting something in place.- his successor will be putting something in place. his successor will be putting somethin: in lace. ., ~ something in place. david, thank you very much- — sport — and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. let's start with the european

aquatics championships in rome. there could be another medal for great britain this evening. lauren cox, greg butler, jacob peters and anna hopkin were fourth fastest in qualifying for the next four by 100 metre medley. tom dean was third in his heat of the men's100 metre freestyle. that put the commonwealth silver medallist into the semifinals this evening, along with matt richards also qualifying from their heats were greenbank and williams in the 200 metre backstroke. away from the 200 metre backstroke. away from the aquatics championships. it is day two of the multisport european championships in munich. it has been a busy morning for great britain's rowers. tom george will be hopeful of claiming a medal tomorrow after they cruised through to the final of they cruised through to the final of the men's pair. great britain had their work cut out in the quad sculls after this issue with an or.

remarkably, harry risk, george born at the other spot back to finish third to secure a place in tomorrow's final. elsewhere, edwards celebrated her birthday as they finished third in their doubles semifinal to make it through to the medalfinal. and paralympian medal final. and paralympian benjamin medalfinal. and paralympian benjamin prichard was in fine form as he comfortably won his singles sculls race to reach the final tomorrow. there were plenty of medals up for grabs in the track cycling today. but great britain will not be winning one of them in the women's team sprint, that is after a nasty —looking crash during the heat when they went down towards the heat when they went down towards the end of the first lap. thankfully both riders were able to get up and leave the track themselves. meanwhile, the men's team have qualified for the bronze medal team

sprint race. great britain last night won theirfirst sprint race. great britain last night won their first medal of the championships. it came in gymnastics. alice kinsella took the silver medal in the women's all—around event. kinsella picked up two gold medals at the recent commonwealth games in birmingham. nicely done. that is all this sport for now. official figures out this morning show that the uk economy shrank between april and june. the figures from the office for national statistics show it contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter of the year. the bank of england has forecast that the uk will fall into recession towards the end of this year and the downturn will last for the whole of next year. labour says the government needs a "serious plan" for the economy. earlier i spoke to our business reporter noor nanji who told me there were two sets of figures to analyse.

there was the quarterly figure for the three months from april to june, which showed a contraction of 0.1%, but there was also the monthly figure just forjune which showed a contraction of 0.6%. starting with the monthly figure, a big reason for the drop was due to the platinum jubilee bank holiday. that meant two fewer working days, which basically means two fewer days of producing goods, two fewer days of producing services. so that was always going to have an impact. in fact, some economists were predicting a sharper contraction than what we saw, so this number was actually better than expected. moving onto the quarterly figure. the office for national statistics, they say a lot of this was down to a reduction in the covid health activities, things like test and trace and the vaccination programme being wound down. to some extent, that was offset by strength in tourism and entertainment and in bars, as well. looking at some of the reaction, we heard from the chancellor nadhim zahawi, he said that clearly it is a challenging time for the economy, but he also pointed to areas of resilience in the private sector.

but labour has said that the conservatives are essentially losing control of the economy and the shadow chancellor, rachel reeves, says the leadership contenders need to start coming up with a serious point to get britain's economy back on track. other countries are grappling with similar problems, similar pressures to the ones that you referred to. how is the uk doing in comparison with them? well, it's right, a lot of these forces are global in their nature, things we have spoken a lot about, soaring energy prices, fuel, food prices, all of that putting a strain on the cost of living and on household budgets. the war in ukraine has played a part in that, too, by pushing energy prices up higher. that was always going to have an impact. so we should look at these numbers against that context. but we should say that in france, italy and canada, they are still seeing growth. so the uk's economic performance should be seen against that. for households it will be a worrying time. last week we had the bank of england predicting that we will fall

into a recession later this year that will last for all of next year. we are not there yet, but these numbers can be seen as something of a precursor to that. let's return to our breaking news that a drought has been declared for parts of england following the driest summer for 50 years. the areas in the south—west, southern and central england, and the east of england will be affected. our correspondence is in nottinghamshire. correspondence is in nottin . hamshire. , , ._ correspondence is in nottinuhamshire. , , ., nottinghamshire. this news may have not come as — nottinghamshire. this news may have not come as a — nottinghamshire. this news may have not come as a surprise. _ nottinghamshire. this news may have not come as a surprise. there - nottinghamshire. this news may have not come as a surprise. there has - not come as a surprise. there has been speculation for many days now that a drought would officially be declared in parts of england, but it still is significant. particularly in regards to the area it covers. it is devon and cornwall, the south of england, the east, south east, and you're in the east midlands where i am. let's speak to someone from the

environment agency who has been in the meeting where this announcement was made. first of all, what does this mean, what does declaring a drought actually mean for people's everyday lives?— drought actually mean for people's everyday lives? obviously are to be d over everyday lives? obviously are to be dry over this _ everyday lives? obviously are to be dry over this summer, _ everyday lives? obviously are to be dry over this summer, but - everyday lives? obviously are to be dry over this summer, but the - everyday lives? obviously are to be l dry over this summer, but the reason why the _ dry over this summer, but the reason why the environment agency has declared — why the environment agency has declared a drought is because it brings— declared a drought is because it brings people together, angling trust. _ brings people together, angling trust, farming groups, environmental groups. _ trust, farming groups, environmental groups. so— trust, farming groups, environmental groups, so that we can understand the collective impact. we are seeing this as _ the collective impact. we are seeing this as moving beyond the normal dry summer— this as moving beyond the normal dry summer to _ this as moving beyond the normal dry summer to something where water is scarce _ summer to something where water is scarce. water supplies are safe for everyone _ scarce. water supplies are safe for everyone at — scarce. water supplies are safe for everyone at home, but it means there is not _ everyone at home, but it means there is not enough water for the environment, farming, and people at home _ environment, farming, and people at home |_ environment, farming, and people at home. . , environment, farming, and people at home. . . . environment, farming, and people at home. . ' environment, farming, and people at home. ., , , ., home. i was that effete stomach affect people — home. i was that effete stomach affect people at _ home. i was that effete stomach affect people at home? - home. i was that effete stomach affect people at home? think i home. i was that effete stomach i affect people at home? think about where the water _ affect people at home? think about where the water comes _ affect people at home? think about where the water comes from, - affect people at home? think about where the water comes from, when j affect people at home? think about - where the water comes from, when you turn on _ where the water comes from, when you turn on tap. _ where the water comes from, when you turn on tap, turn on issuer, that is coming _ turn on tap, turn on issuer, that is coming out — turn on tap, turn on issuer, that is coming out of— turn on tap, turn on issuer, that is coming out of rivers like this that could _ coming out of rivers like this that could he — coming out of rivers like this that could be used by farmers growing crops _ could be used by farmers growing crops it — could be used by farmers growing crops it is — could be used by farmers growing crops. it is about thinking about all of— crops. it is about thinking about all of our— crops. it is about thinking about all of our day—to—day use of water

in these _ all of our day—to—day use of water in these really dry times. in other words, in these really dry times. in other words. will _ in these really dry times. in other words, will hosepipe _ in these really dry times. in other words, will hosepipe bans- in these really dry times. in other words, will hosepipe bans be - in these really dry times. in other| words, will hosepipe bans be and, well we to ration water?— words, will hosepipe bans be and, well we to ration water? there are already hosepipe _ well we to ration water? there are already hosepipe bans _ well we to ration water? there are already hosepipe bans and - well we to ration water? there are already hosepipe bans and parts . well we to ration water? there are | already hosepipe bans and parts of the country. other areas may change in the _ the country. other areas may change in the future. but even if there was not a _ in the future. but even if there was not a hosepipe ban, you do not need a hosepipe _ not a hosepipe ban, you do not need a hosepipe ban to decide whether you use a _ a hosepipe ban to decide whether you use a hose _ a hosepipe ban to decide whether you use a hose pipe, just think about where _ use a hose pipe, just think about where your— use a hose pipe, just think about where your water comes from. it comes— where your water comes from. it comes from _ where your water comes from. it comes from the environment. this is about— comes from the environment. this is about raising — comes from the environment. this is about raising awareness and making people _ about raising awareness and making people understand this has been a long. _ people understand this has been a long, exceptionally dry period. in the south—east, july was the driest since _ the south—east, july was the driest since we _ the south—east, july was the driest since we have been recording rain, since _ since we have been recording rain, since 189l~ — since we have been recording rain, since 1891. there may be some storms next week— since 1891. there may be some storms next week and a bit of rain next week. _ next week and a bit of rain next week. but— next week and a bit of rain next week, but this is weeks worth of dry weather— week, but this is weeks worth of dry weather and it is weeks worth of rain that— weather and it is weeks worth of rain that we will need before the situation — rain that we will need before the situation starts to recover. it situation starts to recover. drought has been declared, how does that actually affect me? what impact will be pudsey from the speculation today? it will be pudsey from the speculation toda ? . . . will be pudsey from the speculation toda ? ., , , ., today? it means we will be doing more monitoring, _ today? it means we will be doing more monitoring, the _ today? it means we will be doing i more monitoring, the environment agency— more monitoring, the environment agency will be checking more

intensively, if wildlife is in distress. _ intensively, if wildlife is in distress, i will be going out with the team — distress, i will be going out with the team this afternoon to put oxygen— the team this afternoon to put oxygen into an area to help support fisheries _ oxygen into an area to help support fisheries. farmers may have restrictions on their crop growing in the _ restrictions on their crop growing in the most affected areas. but all of us _ in the most affected areas. but all of us should be thinking about how we use _ of us should be thinking about how we use water. as i say, that water comes— we use water. as i say, that water comes from — we use water. as i say, that water comes from the environment and comes from where _ comes from the environment and comes from where farmers might need it to your server— from where farmers might need it to your server -- — from where farmers might need it to your server —— grow our food. if this— your server —— grow our food. if this weather— your server —— grow our food. if this weather continues, of course there _ this weather continues, of course there may— this weather continues, of course there may be more hosepipe bans, yorkshire _ there may be more hosepipe bans, yorkshire announced one today, another— yorkshire announced one today, another bumper companies have announced that across the country. there _ announced that across the country. there may— announced that across the country. there may be more. the storms next week— there may be more. the storms next week might _ there may be more. the storms next week might be sharp and intense, but it is weeks— week might be sharp and intense, but it is weeks of rain we will need to recover~ — it is weeks of rain we will need to recover~ this _ it is weeks of rain we will need to recover. this trout will go on for a long _ recover. this trout will go on for a long time — recover. this trout will go on for a long time to— recover. this trout will go on for a long time-— recover. this trout will go on for a lona time. ., , , ., _, long time. to put this into context, we know that _ long time. to put this into context, we know that so _ long time. to put this into context, we know that so much _ long time. to put this into context, we know that so much of _ long time. to put this into context, we know that so much of england, | we know that so much of england, eight out of the 1a areas across england are covered by this drought, so in terms of context of that, how serious is this how worried should we be? we serious is this how worried should we be? ~ . .

serious is this how worried should we be? ~ ., , ., , we be? we have seen droughts in the last 50 years. — we be? we have seen droughts in the last 50 years. the _ we be? we have seen droughts in the last 50 years, the last _ we be? we have seen droughts in the last 50 years, the last one _ we be? we have seen droughts in the last 50 years, the last one at - we be? we have seen droughts in the last 50 years, the last one at this - last 50 years, the last one at this sort of— last 50 years, the last one at this sort of level was 2012. everyone talks _ sort of level was 2012. everyone talks about the 1976 trout will stop the difference between now and 1976, the difference between now and1976, although— the difference between now and 1976, although the summers have been as dry, although the summers have been as dry. 1976 _ although the summers have been as dry, 1976 the winter before was really _ dry, 1976 the winter before was really dry. _ dry, 1976 the winter before was really dry, so that is why we have -ot really dry, so that is why we have got quite — really dry, so that is why we have got quite healthy ground water is. however. — got quite healthy ground water is. however, if we have a dry winter ahead. _ however, if we have a dry winter ahead. that _ however, if we have a dry winter ahead, that could cause some problems— ahead, that could cause some problems for next year. in ahead, that could cause some problems for next year. in terms of the impact — problems for next year. in terms of the impact of _ problems for next year. in terms of the impact of all _ problems for next year. in terms of the impact of all of _ problems for next year. in terms of the impact of all of this, _ problems for next year. in terms of the impact of all of this, how - problems for next year. in terms of the impact of all of this, how long i the impact of all of this, how long are you expecting this drought to continue for? the are you expecting this drought to continue for?— are you expecting this drought to continue for? ~ ' . ., , continue for? the met office told us this morning — continue for? the met office told us this morning that _ continue for? the met office told us this morning that we _ continue for? the met office told us this morning that we will— continue for? the met office told us this morning that we will see - continue for? the met office told us this morning that we will see some l this morning that we will see some storms— this morning that we will see some storms at— this morning that we will see some storms at the beginning of next week _ storms at the beginning of next week. that will be welcome, it will be welcome to remove some of the heat. _ be welcome to remove some of the heat. some — be welcome to remove some of the heat, some of the demand for water, but it— heat, some of the demand for water, but it will— heat, some of the demand for water, but it will not be enough. farmers need _ but it will not be enough. farmers need water— but it will not be enough. farmers need water to take their crops out of the _ need water to take their crops out of the ground for the rest of the year. _ of the ground for the rest of the year. and — of the ground for the rest of the year, and we need a lot of water to recharge _ year, and we need a lot of water to recharge ground water levels and reservoirs — recharge ground water levels and reservoirs. that means we need probably— reservoirs. that means we need probably above average rainfall for the autumn and rest of the winter. put this _ the autumn and rest of the winter. put this into — the autumn and rest of the winter. put this into context for us in terms of how dry, hot weather has

been the summer? in comparison to 2012, in comparison to 1976, is this the driest, most extreme you have seen? �* . .,, , the driest, most extreme you have seen? a , ., ., the driest, most extreme you have seen? ~ . , ., ., ., seen? across the whole of england, jul was seen? across the whole of england, july was the — seen? across the whole of england, july was the driest _ seen? across the whole of england, july was the driest since _ seen? across the whole of england, july was the driest since 1935. - seen? across the whole of england, july was the driest since 1935. in - july was the driest since 1935. in the south—east of england, it is the driest _ the south—east of england, it is the driest it— the south—east of england, it is the driest it has— the south—east of england, it is the driest it has been since we started recording — driest it has been since we started recording. the only comparison we had since _ recording. the only comparison we had since 1976, the winter was fairly— had since 1976, the winter was fairly normal and reservoirs were topped _ fairly normal and reservoirs were topped up — fairly normal and reservoirs were topped up. people need to make sure they use _ topped up. people need to make sure they use water wisely today and keep one eye _ they use water wisely today and keep one eye on _ they use water wisely today and keep one eye on how their winter will pan out. one eye on how their winter will pan out at_ one eye on how their winter will pan out. �* ., ., ., ~ ., out. at the moment, we do not know when the drought _ out. at the moment, we do not know when the drought will— out. at the moment, we do not know when the drought will be _ out. at the moment, we do not know when the drought will be officially - when the drought will be officially declared as over. what is your advice to people at home? if declared as over. what is your advice to people at home? if you are in an area with _ advice to people at home? if you are in an area with a _ advice to people at home? if you are in an area with a hosepipe _ advice to people at home? if you are in an area with a hosepipe ban, - in an area with a hosepipe ban, please — in an area with a hosepipe ban, please adhere to that. but just think— please adhere to that. but just think about where the water is coming — think about where the water is coming from. when you turn on a tap, the water— coming from. when you turn on a tap, the water comes out of rivers like this. _ the water comes out of rivers like this. it _ the water comes out of rivers like this, it comes out of ground water. that is— this, it comes out of ground water. that is useful for the environment and also _ that is useful for the environment and also useful for farmers who

could _ and also useful for farmers who could he — and also useful for farmers who could be set to grow and harvest their— could be set to grow and harvest their crops _ could be set to grow and harvest their crops-— their crops. john, thank you. for their crops. john, thank you. for the time being, _ their crops. john, thank you. for the time being, no _ their crops. john, thank you. for. the time being, no announcement their crops. john, thank you. for - the time being, no announcement as to when this trout will be over. that announcement made just a few moments ago. —— when this drought will be over. we moments ago. -- when this drought will be over-— will be over. we can speak now to a shee- will be over. we can speak now to a shee and will be over. we can speak now to a sheep and arable _ will be over. we can speak now to a sheep and arable farmer. _ will be over. we can speak now to a sheep and arable farmer. what - will be over. we can speak now to a i sheep and arable farmer. what impact is having on yourfarm? sheep and arable farmer. what impact is having on your farm?— is having on your farm? everything is having on your farm? everything is startin: is having on your farm? everything is starting to _ is having on your farm? everything is starting to struggle _ is having on your farm? everything is starting to struggle a _ is having on your farm? everything is starting to struggle a bit. - is having on your farm? everything is starting to struggle a bit. our. is starting to struggle a bit. our grass is not growing at all, livestock, we are having to feed them extra food. on some of our land, crop yields have been reduced because of the dryness we had earlier in the year, then the dryness as we are approaching harvest. it is unprecedented, certainly in my career. knock-on effects on _ certainly in my career. knock-on effects on the — certainly in my career. knock-on effects on the produce _ certainly in my career. knock-on effects on the produce that - certainly in my career. knock-on effects on the produce that you | effects on the produce that you make, that we all rely on, what effect is it having on that? it is

make, that we all rely on, what effect is it having on that? it is a cumulative _ effect is it having on that? it is a cumulative effect. _ effect is it having on that? it is a cumulative effect. we _ effect is it having on that? it is a cumulative effect. we have - effect is it having on that? it is a cumulative effect. we have a - effect is it having on that? it is a - cumulative effect. we have a harvest that has been affected in europe and america, so this is a climate change thing as well as a local thing. with the livestock, people are starting to market their animals earlier so that they can reduce the amount of livestock they have got on their grassland. we may have a slight reduction in price forfarmers early on in the season, but later on those animals will be taken out of the production chain, so prices could likely rise later on in the year. presumably you need water to keep the animals alive and keep them healthy and keep them in a fit state to produce offspring.— to produce offspring. water is an essential ingredient, _ to produce offspring. water is an essential ingredient, whether- to produce offspring. water is an essential ingredient, whether it | to produce offspring. water is an | essential ingredient, whether it is the soil or our animals. most farmers are pretty practical people and they come up with practical solutions. we expect a dry period, what we do not expect is the dry period to last this long. for

vegetable farmers, it is a particular challenge. any drought restrictions, they will really impact on what they can grow going forward or the yields of what they have got now is, or in some cases where crops has to be weighted to lift them, to effectively harvest them, that is another problem. there are lots of different things coming along that are causing as issues. we are in the middle of a four—day extreme weather warning, for parts of england and wales on the met office warning and exceptional risk of fire spreading over the weekend and they are advising people to avoid using things like disposable barbecues, but i suppose on a farm you have machinery you have to use that in itself could pose a fire risk, and i understand you had a problem with that yourself. yes. risk, and i understand you had a problem with that yourself. yes, my son, he problem with that yourself. yes, my son. he has — problem with that yourself. yes, my son. he hasiust _ problem with that yourself. yes, my son, he hasjust started _ problem with that yourself. yes, my son, he hasjust started farming - problem with that yourself. yes, my son, he hasjust started farming on| son, he hasjust started farming on his own account and his pride and joy his own account and his pride and joy combine, he's had a fire and that's been out of action and he had

to hire another one. we are always at risk of fire with harvesting because the crops are dry and the machinery run so hot, so effectively when the dust is falling on exhaust pipes and those areas, effectively it is burning off all the time. but this isjust it is burning off all the time. but this is just unprecedented. it is burning off all the time. but this isjust unprecedented. i'm sitting in a field of straw and i've been careful where i parked my truck and i'm thinking, oh, my god, what happens if somebody comes out here and drops a cigarette or has a disposable barbecue. the view is fantastic, but we are really, really conscious of than we've seen a lot of fires already the area caused by those unexpected things that people don't expect to happen, so please be careful. how much of this hot, exceptionally dry weather can you withstand before it starts to cause you real issues in terms of viability as a farmer? harvesting the crops this year, we are ahead of schedule, so we are probably running

14 schedule, so we are probably running 1a or 16 days ahead of normal. my problem now is normally at this time of year i would be cultivating my soil and getting them ready to plan my next year's crops but i dent go out because in the action of moving the soil, and we have quite a few flint or ironstone, there is a huge fire risk. so at the moment we are not topping or cultivating and we are stocked. when we finished harvesting we will have a bit of a lull on the arable side but there's always that we can't go fencing or put posts on the ground and there's lots ofjobs put posts on the ground and there's lots of jobs you put posts on the ground and there's lots ofjobs you can't do. we are having to adapt but farmers are good at adapting. that's what we do. really appreciate you speaking to us this our, thank you very much indeed. let's find out the details of what is going on with the weather and for that we canjoin is going on with the weather and for that we can join elizabeth. there is some wet weather in the

forecast but not for many until we get into the start of next week and even then the showers might not necessarily be everywhere and they will be fairly hit or miss across much of the country. and until then the heat is set to continue and will peak today tomorrow, blue skies and sunshine for the majority of the uk and we have the weather warning in place for extreme heat for most of sunday as far north as the pennines and eastern wales and down towards the south—west of england, parts of devon and cornwall where we saw 32 celsius yesterday and it could be even warmer today. the heat is uncomfortable for many, dangerous for some but not hot everywhere with weather fronts running up for some but not hot everywhere with weatherfronts running up to for some but not hot everywhere with weather fronts running up to the north west of scotland and aberdeenshire 30 celsius yesterday but cool and cloudy today with more of an easterly breeze and lots of strong sunshine with temperatures rising steadily into the low 30s, maybe 35 celsius for parts of the midlands and out towards the west of london, hampshire and sussex always possible. overnight tonight it will

be warmer across the board and we will see cloud towards the north sea facing coast and temperatures will dip into the mid teens in celsius for many and it could be a tropical night for the isle of wight where we did not see temperatures dip below 20 degrees and there is a real head start on those temperatures for tomorrow. tomorrow is likely to be the warmest day for many and there is more sunshine tomorrow across mainland scotland and again there will be cloud towards the north sea facing coast which could lap on shore at times and limit the temperatures but for most, blue skies, strong sunshine, and temperatures locally could get as high as 36 or 37 celsius again in the same sort of places. but it is all change on sunday. the high pressure starts to move east, low—pressure spills from south and that humid more moist air will help spark off some heavy, thundery showers and eventually we will see fresher air coming in from the west as well, so the chance of some thunderstorms on sunday and into the

start of next week and on sunday most of the thunderstorms will be towards the north and west, so some wet weather but further south on sunday, the heat hangs on and it's more likely to be dry across southern england and wales but it will turn fresher for all as we head through next week and some of those heavy, thundery downpours could cause their own problems on the showers will be hit or miss and not everywhere and there could be some localised flooding with cold, hard, dry ground, of course. that is the forecast. . millions of people face restrictions on their water use as a drought is officially declared across parts of england. parts of the south west, central and east of england have been moved into drought status by the department of enviroment, food and rural affairs earlier today, yorkshire water became the latest firm to announce it's introducing a hosepipe ban,

while restrictions come into effect today across kent and sussex. many part of europe are experience extreme heat pressures too — firefighters are being drafted in to tackle a huge wildfires in france while rivers are drying up in germany. the uk's economy shrank between april and june according to official estimates. we can bring you an update on the nhs, and the nhs has unveiled its winter plan ahead of an expected increase in demand and pressure on its services and the nhs in england and there are 7000 more hospital beds to help tackle the anticipated intense pressure on the system this winter with temporary unit set up at

other sites and more monitoring of patients at home in so—called virtual wards and there are also plans to speed up the discharge from hospital patients who are medically fit. we hospital patients who are medically fit. ~ ., , hospital patients who are medically fit. . ., , ., ., ., fit. we are 'ust hearing now that the nhs fit. we are 'ust hearing now that the ms in — fit. we are just hearing now that the nhs in england _ fit. we are just hearing now that the nhs in england unveiling - fit. we are just hearing now that the nhs in england unveiling its| the nhs in england unveiling its winter plan ahead of an expected increase in demand for services and pressures. we were hearing earlier this week about the pressure is the nhs is already facing and it seems strange to be talking about that in the summer but these things have to be planned for well in advance and we can return now to news about the hot weather that the uk is experiencing at the moment. an amber warning is in place for parts of england and wales, with temperatures forecast to hit 37 degrees . this weekend could see the current wales record august temperature — of 35.2, set in 1990 — being exceeded. our wales correspondent tomos morgan is in barry. of england and the south—east seeing

around a third of wales coming up as far west i would say, a little bit further than where we are today in barry island due to last for the next three or four days. we also know and we are hearing a drought is expected to be declared later in parts of south and east england. that will mean that water companies can bring in stricter measures when it comes to using water in your household and we also know that around five water companies in parts of wales and england have announced hosepipe bans or one or two of them are already in force. and the reason they are bringing hosepipe bans in is using hosepipes is far more wasteful than watering your plants and also using the hosepipe to fill up a paddling pool or something wasteful as well, so in this time of extraordinary dryness where we have not had much rainfall in large parts of the country, we need to conserve the water as well. and we know that this is all a part of climate change and we know

that the uk's temperature has increased by almost1 degrees over the past three decades so these measures are being brought into force to make sure we can conserve the water we have in this extraordinary dry spell. nevertheless, a number of people still making the most of it after what has been a difficult two years and making the best of dry and warm weather. next yea rs next years eurovision song cash test will be held in manchester, leeds, glasgow, sheffield, birmingham, and they have made it to the shortlist announced this morning on the contest is being moved to the uk which came second in may after it was deemed to be too dangerous to host the contest in ukraine, currently defending itself against the russian invasion. joining us now is pauljordan who did his phd on the politics of eurovision, and in terms of the politics, which city is best placed out of the seven? l

politics, which city is best placed out of the seven?— out of the seven? i don't know if out of the seven? i don't know if ou can out of the seven? i don't know if you can see _ out of the seven? i don't know if you can see i— out of the seven? i don't know if you can see i have _ out of the seven? i don't know if you can see i have my _ out of the seven? i don't know if you can see i have my team - out of the seven? i don't know if - you can see i have my team scotland t—shirt and i am biased because my phd was done in glasgow and my mum and dad are from there and in case you are wondering, the dog might stop barking and is at my feet and let's hope it keeps cool. well, keeps him quiet.— let's hope it keeps cool. well, keeps him quiet. unless he starts sinrain , keeps him quiet. unless he starts singing. unless — keeps him quiet. unless he starts singing, unless that _ keeps him quiet. unless he starts singing, unless that would - keeps him quiet. unless he starts singing, unless that would be - keeps him quiet. unless he starts. singing, unless that would be quite something. your heart is with glasgow, but talk is through what those making the decision will be looking at. what are the key factors in deciding who will host the best possible version of the contest? they will be looking at three things, the capacity of hotels, venue availability as well as infrastructure and the close proximity to an international airport and there is a logistical challenge in terms of the venue, because a lot of concerts are booked in advance as you have celine dion touring, magic mike, those things need to be cancelled or rescheduled and it's not that simple because

eurovision, yes, it's one night of the year, the grand final, the semifinals and those rehearsals and the stage time in terms of building the stage time in terms of building the set and rehearsal time involved in lighting and rigging and all of those things, you are looking at about six or eight weeks, so it's notjust for a week in the run—up to the live show, you are looking at quite a significant chunk of time and for any venue that is the big commitment and challenge but it shows you so many cities want to host this and it's a great event but also we should not lose sight of the fact that ukraine should be hosting this and we are stepping in and as i saw on twitter the other day, we are hosting a party for ukraine and the party is ukrainian and it is in our gaffe. in party is ukrainian and it is in our raffe. . party is ukrainian and it is in our raffe, ., , , party is ukrainian and it is in our raffe. ., , , ., party is ukrainian and it is in our raffe. . . . ., ., party is ukrainian and it is in our raffe, ., , , ., ., ,., gaffe. in that sense, how do you think it can _ gaffe. in that sense, how do you think it can best _ gaffe. in that sense, how do you think it can best be _ gaffe. in that sense, how do you think it can best be done - gaffe. in that sense, how do you think it can best be done in - gaffe. in that sense, how do you think it can best be done in a - gaffe. in that sense, how do you | think it can best be done in a way that involves ukraine and features ukraine and acknowledges that, actually, it was ukraine that won this year? actually, it was ukraine that won this ear? . actually, it was ukraine that won this ear? , ., ~ ., ., this year? there will be a ukrainian flavour, this year? there will be a ukrainian flavour. like _ this year? there will be a ukrainian flavour, like it _

this year? there will be a ukrainian flavour, like it could _ this year? there will be a ukrainian flavour, like it could be _ this year? there will be a ukrainian flavour, like it could be that - flavour, like it could be that ukrainians they have artistry through the postcard images and we don't know. and let's get the host city sorted and then they will discuss it but we have said the bbc have said there will be a ukrainian flavour and that is only right and fitting. flavour and that is only right and fittinr. ., ., ., , .., fitting. you mention the logistical challen . es fitting. you mention the logistical challenges and _ fitting. you mention the logistical challenges and the _ fitting. you mention the logistical challenges and the fact _ fitting. you mention the logistical challenges and the fact that - fitting. you mention the logistical challenges and the fact that the l challenges and the fact that the host city might have to say to some big names booked in to do concerts, sorry, clear out, we need the stadium. it's very expensive to host. what are the benefits of a city requesting this. why should they bother? it is city requesting this. why should they bother?— city requesting this. why should they bother? it is very expensive but television _ they bother? it is very expensive but television production - they bother? it is very expensive but television production is - but television production is expensive and it costs around 50 million to host eurovision and the costs of that are met with the european broadcasting union is, sponsorship, and that is shared out amongst host countries as well and the host cities want it. turin saw a

68% increase in tourism and that is massive and you look at people staying in hotels, taxis, bars, venues and this is a huge tourism drive and the fact that so many countries have these bidding processes and so many cities want to be part of it shows that they see value. it is event tourism, essentially.— value. it is event tourism, essentially. value. it is event tourism, essentiall . ~ ., ., essentially. we will not find out until the autumn _ essentially. we will not find out until the autumn which - essentially. we will not find out until the autumn which city - essentially. we will not find out until the autumn which city is i until the autumn which city is chosen to host, but presumably, when it happens, things like hotel costs go through the roof and air b&b costs go through the roof. absolutely and as someone who has been to eurovision many times, people book out several cities and hope for the best and have refundable policies. these things happen. the key is making sure it is in a city that can host it and people will do what they want and have their b&b and other options and have their b&b and other options and have hotels. these things do cost

money but ultimately it's a choice whether you go to it or not. i think whatever city hosting, whether liverpool, manchester, glasgow, birmingham, they will hopefully be some hospitality and it will be a brilliant celebration but also a nod to ukraine as well. paul brilliant celebration but also a nod to ukraine as well.— to ukraine as well. pauljordan, doctor eurovision, _ to ukraine as well. pauljordan, doctor eurovision, thank - to ukraine as well. pauljordan, doctor eurovision, thank you i to ukraine as well. pauljordan, | doctor eurovision, thank you for joining us. donald trump has said he won't oppose the release of the warrant that allowed the fbi to search his florida home on monday. the attorney general merrick garland has asked a court to unseal the legal document, saying it was in the public interest. the release may reveal the reason for the unprecedented raid. the washington post is reporting that the fbi were looking for classified documents related to nuclear weapons.

here's our north america correspondent peter bowes. the sprawling estate that donald trump calls home, the scene of a monday morning visit by federal agents with a search warrant. nearby streets were soon occupied by supporters of the former president, protesting at his treatment by the justice department. senior republicans chimed in, demanding that the authorities justify their decision. now that's exactly what america's attorney general is attempting to do. merrick garland said he was asking a judge to authorise the release of the search warrant, along with a receipt left at the trump property for what was taken away. the department filed the motion to make public the warrant and receipt, in light of the former president's public confirmation of the search, the surrounding circumstances, and the substantial public interest in this matter. mr garland confirmed he personally approved the decision to seek a search warrant, but he could not say why. much of our work is, by necessity, conducted out of the public eye. we do that to protect the constitutional rights of all americans and to protect

the integrity of our investigations. federal law, long—standing department rules, and our ethical obligations prevent me from providing further details as to the basis of the search at this time. the search is believed to be part of an investigation into the handling of presidential papers that were removed from the white house when donald trump left office. the washington post newspaper is reporting that classified documents relating to nuclear weapons were among the items fbi agents were searching for. there's been no official confirmation of this, or anything to do with the search. in a statement, donald trump said not only would he not oppose the release of documents related to what he called the break in of his home in florida, he was encouraging their immediate release. he added that he believed they had been drawn up by possible future political opponents who had a strong and powerful vested interest in attacking him.

"this unprecedented political weaponisation of law enforcement is inappropriate and highly unethical." by any standards, this has been an extraordinary week in america. this saga is far from over. but many of the former president's supporters, who believe his claim that he's the victim of a witch hunt, think it'll increase the likelihood that donald trump will run for office again, and may even boost his chances in 202a. peter bowes, bbc news. dan lieberman from cbs news in the us has the latest. us attorney general merrick garland said he did personally approve the decision to seek a search warrant of trump's florida estate, adding that the justice department does not take matters lightly. as peter mentioned, agents were looking for classified documents that may have illegally been taken from the white house. investigators first subpoenaed those records this spring. these were 15 boxes of presidential

records removed by federal authorities earlier in the year and returned to the national archives. cbs has learned that former trump advisers have been questioned in recent months about how the former president dealt with sensitive materials and classified national documents during and after his presidency. we also learned that trump's legal team is discussing whether to release video and still images of search. two sources familiar with the former president's legal strategy tell us that before executing the warrant, the fbi requested a private security cameras at mar—a—lago to be shut off. the sources say trump's team refused to comply. as the us fiercely debates abortion rights, one country within the european union is reviewing its own strict rules. that is the mediterranean island nation of malta. abortion there is completely

banned and can technically carry a jail term — but no one one's faced criminal charges for years. pro—choice activists say malta's old laws are increasingly at odds with modern reality. our correspondent, jessica parker, reports from this predominantly catholic country that lies miles off mainland europe. they sing hymns. hymns ring out across a city square for the feast of saint sebastian. in malta, tradition runs deep. i'm against abortion, totally. joseph is farfrom alone in his views. he will talk about it, but for many, it is taboo. this lady, if she had had the abortion, they are not here, look, beautiful children. malta is the only eu country with a total ban, but a review has been announced

after an american tourist, andrea prudente, was evacuated to spain to terminate an unviable pregnancy. it put this place under the spotlight for strict rules that do not always match the reality. despite malta's ban on abortion, women do still manage to get them. whether that is by travelling abroad or, increasingly, ordering pills online. we are going to meet a woman who did that last year. she is speaking to us anonymously because she broke the law. i was scared. i was googling this from the bathroom on my phone. maria, not her real name, found help from an organisation outside of malta where a doctor reviewed her case. you obviously ordered these pills online, had them arrive at your house, but you knew that what you were doing was... illegal. how does that feel? i had this fear of being caught. i did not know what the police would do.

i thought maybe they would be searching for people googling the word abortion, and then you get paranoid. your thoughts get carried away into really bad thoughts. under the surface, activists calculate that more than 350 abortion pill packs were sent to malta last year. it is very much a well— known secret. maya is a pro—choice activist. her mother is andrea prudente's lawyer. the government review is expected to be limited, potentially only to avoid a repeat of the prudente case, but these two hope conversations are opening up. anything is better than what we have now. i feel bad for countries like poland when you see a regression in legislation. i really strongly feel like the same in america, because i know that they have a right. i cannot imagine what it must be like to have a right and it is taken away from you. we do not have that right, so anything can be better than the status quo. others support the status quo, arguing doctors do

act in extreme cases. at the moment, we are thankfully one of the few countries that protects - both the mother and the child. so you want the law to stay the same? i think by the review of the law, i think it will be good to raise awareness when mothers are faced with life—threatening conditions. on this island, you literally stumble into its catholic culture. if change is coming, it's likely at a slow beat. jessica parker, bbc news, in malta. the bbc approached the maltese minister for health for an interview but received no response. some breaking news, a pensioner accused of charging the death of a

baby boy through careless driving has been found not guilty by reasons of insanity, finding that her undiagnosed dementia had affected her by the jury. this undiagnosed dementia had affected her by thejury. this happened in cambridgeshire onjanuary the 22nd last year. sheila robertson, who is 75, was driving home from a shopping trip, turned into the path of a van and the van veered onto the pavement where it hit a woman and her five—month—old son, killing that five—month—old son, killing that five—month—old baby boy and causing serious injuries to the woman. as we say, the breaking news, the pensioner in question charged with causing a baby boy's death through careless driving has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. the jury guilty by reason of insanity. the jury is deciding her undiagnosed dementia had affected her. let's recap the other main story. a drought declared for parts of england following the driestjuly on record in some places. the measures

will affect parts of the southwest, southern and central england and the east of england. the declaration will allow tighter controls to be placed on the domestic and commercial use of water. john curtin is from the environment agency. water supplies are safe for everyone here at home but it means there's not enough water for the environment farming and people at home. hagar not enough water for the environment farming and people at home.- farming and people at home. how will it affect everyday _ farming and people at home. how will it affect everyday lives? _ farming and people at home. how will it affect everyday lives? just - farming and people at home. how will it affect everyday lives? just think - it affect everyday lives? just think about where _ it affect everyday lives? just think about where the _ it affect everyday lives? just think about where the water _ it affect everyday lives? just think about where the water comes - it affect everyday lives? just think| about where the water comes from when you turn on a tap and have a shower or a bath. when you are using water, that comes out of rivers like this that could be used for the environment and could be used by a farmer trying to grow crops for the food we need so it's thinking about all of our day to day use of water in these really dry times. in other words, in these really dry times. in other words. will _ in these really dry times. in other words, will hosepipe _ in these really dry times. in other words, will hosepipe bans- in these really dry times. in other i words, will hosepipe bans becoming end? will we have to ration water in some there are all ready hosepipe bans in the country and there will be other areas that may change but evenif be other areas that may change but even if there wasn't a hosepipe ban. you don't need to have one to decide

whether you use a hosepipe. think about where the water comes from, comes from where farmers might be raising food and it's about raising awareness and making sure the people know it's been a long, exceptionally dry period and in the south—east, july was the driest in recorded rainfall since 1891, and there might be some storms next week and a bit of rain but this week's worth of dry weather and it will be wreaked —— weeks of rain before we recover the situation. . weeks of rain before we recover the situation. , . . situation. . jane will be here with the bbc news — situation. . jane will be here with the bbc news at _ situation. . jane will be here with the bbc news at one _ situation. . jane will be here with the bbc news at one o'clock- situation. . jane will be here with the bbc news at one o'clock in l situation. . jane will be here with the bbc news at one o'clock in aj situation. . jane will be here with - the bbc news at one o'clock in a few minutes but now time for a look at the weather with elizabeth. more blue sky and sunshine for the majority as we head through the day to day on the heat is likely to peak today tomorrow with temperatures rising steadily into the lower mid 30s in celsius and that met office weather warning is in place for extreme heat, an amber warning, the second highest level of alert and stretches across england as far

north as the pennines into south—west england, devon and cornwall and highs of 32 celsius yesterday and into eastern parts of wales. the heat will be uncomfortable for many and could be dangerous for some but it's not hot everywhere. whether france are running out to the far north—west of scotland, cooler and cloudier here and a caller feeling scotland, cooler and cloudier here and a callerfeeling day scotland, cooler and cloudier here and a caller feeling day across aberdeen, 30 celsius yesterday but a drop in temperature with easterly wind, but blue sky and sunshine for the rest of us and temperatures rising into the low 30s, may be 3435 degrees for the midlands and perhaps hampshire and sussex. overnight tonight, a warmerfeeling night across the board and some cloud running on shore from the north sea facing coasts and temperatures will generally be in the mid teens in celsius and we could see a tropical night towards the isle of wight with temperatures no lower than 20 degrees and also possible for the south coast of england and wales. a head start on the temperatures for tomorrow. more sunshine tomorrow across mainland scotland and plenty

of blue sky and sunshine for the rest of the country as well and temperatures could be as high as 36 or 37 celsius, most likely for the south—west midlands and the cotswolds and oxfordshire and perhaps towards hampshire, sussex and west of london again but all change on sunday. the high pressure moves away in the south and it introduces the possibility of some thunderstorms as we had throughout the day on sunday and also into the start of next week, along with some fresh feeling air. so on sunday, most of the thunderstorms as the heat holds on in the south of england and for much of wales as well although there is the chance of one or two showers breaking out, but generally still hot and we draw in the fresh air into the south —— start of next week and watch out the showers that will be everywhere but they could be flash flooding and there are localised warnings in place.

drought is declared in many parts of england — after the driestjuly in 50 years. the public and businesses are urged to use water wisely and the announcement gives water companies more power to restrict supplies. this is an exceptional summer and we can all think about how we use our water. when you turn on a tap, have a shower, that water is coming from the environment, from rivers like here. there's extreme heat elsewhere in europe too — firefighters are tackling huge blazes in france, and rivers are drying up in germany. we'll have the latest on the measures here, and find out how other countries are coping with the also this lunchtime: the economy shrank by 0.1%

in the three months tojune — with forecasters warning recession is still likely later in the year.