this is bbc news with the latest headlines. thousands of pupils in england, wales and northern ireland are receiving their a—level, t—level, and b—tec results this morning after sitting the first formal exams since the pandemic. this year, we'll see probably a tighter set of results than the last year. not quite where we were in 2019 but we're heading back to those pre—pandemic assessment grade boundaries. the university admissions service says the number of students who have secured places at universities this year is the second highest on record — we're live at their headquarters in cheltenham highest on record — we're live at their headquarters in cheltenham. we'd love to hear how you got on today, how your child has got on and what's next. get in touch with me

on twitter @annitabbc and use the hashtag #bbcyourquestions. a 44—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of thomas o'halloran on a mobility scooter in west london. rail workers are on strike once again in their dispute over pay — causing widespread disruption to the network across england and wales. only about 20% of the usual train services are running around the country and finishing much earlier than normal as the latest wave of strikes hit the railways. and a winning streak for emma raducanu, who picked up where she left off after beating serena williams — to thrash victoria azarenka in cincinatti.

good morning and welcome to bbc news. pupils across england, wales, and northern ireland are getting their a level, t—level, and btec exam results. we are rooting for you. these students are the first cohort to sit exams since before covid—19. grades reached record highs last year during the pandemic when they were determined by teachers, and while this years by teachers, and while this year's when they were determined by teachers, and while this year's results are 2% lower than that, they're19% higher than 2019's results, which is widely agreed to be a more useful comparison. competition for university spots this september is expected to be among the toughest yet. there are more 18—year—olds as a population bulge works it way through the system — and a greater proportion — 44 % across the uk — applied to university this year. 105,830 students have been accepted into university or college — that's the second—highest on record.

it's thought almost 40% of students are likely to use the clearing system to get a place on a course but more than half of those getting results today are not applying to university. school leavers in england looking for an alternative to university should be aware that deferring for a year means facing a stiff financial penalty — go to university this year and you will be repaying your student loan for 30 years — go in 2023 and that rises to a0 years. the education secretary, james cleverly, explains why there won't be as many top grades this year... what we know is the best place for children to learn is in a classroom and the best way of assessing that learning is through exams. so, we've decided to go back to an exam—based system, that was our plan, that's what's happened. but we also know that we need to get those grades back to be a fair and accurate reflection of the work that the students have put in. but we are doing that

progressively, so, this year, we'll see probably a tighter set of results than last year. not quite where we were in 2019 but we are heading back to those pre—pandemic assessment grade boundaries. our correspondent elaine dunkley is at a sixth form college in west bromwich for us this morning. i always approve of a life that involves a dog. these students have gone through so much, elaine, to get to this point today —— approve of a live. to this point today -- approve of a live. , ., , to this point today -- approve of a live. , . , ., ., u, to this point today -- approve of a live. , . , ., ., _, ., live. they really have a welcome two central st michael _ live. they really have a welcome two central st michael sixth _ live. they really have a welcome two central st michael sixth form - live. they really have a welcome two central st michael sixth form in - central st michael sixth form in west bromwich, this is body therapy dog and we could all do with a body today. i cannot tell you the wave of emotion that happens on results day —— this is buddy. i will let buddy go over here, more treats. first national exams in three years and then speak to some of the students about how they have got on. jamie,

you have had your result, how are you have had your result, how are youin? you have had your result, how are you in? i you have had your result, how are ou in? ., you have had your result, how are ou in? . ., , _ you have had your result, how are you in?_ howi you in? i am thrilled. happy. how difficult because _ you in? i am thrilled. happy. how difficult because the _ you in? i am thrilled. happy. how difficult because the journey - you in? i am thrilled. happy. how difficult because the journey beeni difficult because the journey been comedy pandemic, what kind of disruption have you based? online learning. ——journey disruption have you based? online learning. —— journey being, the pandemic. learning. -- “ourney being, the pandemic._ pandemic. interrupted in face learnina pandemic. interrupted in face learning which _ pandemic. interrupted in face learning which i'm _ pandemic. interrupted in face learning which i'm better- pandemic. interrupted in face learning which i'm better at i pandemic. interrupted in face l learning which i'm better at and then_ learning which i'm better at and then obviously itjust learning which i'm better at and then obviously it just derailed everything. then obviously it 'ust derailed everythingh then obviously it 'ust derailed everything. right up until that moment where _ everything. right up until that moment where you _ everything. right up until that moment where you went - everything. right up until that moment where you went into | everything. right up until that i moment where you went into the everything. right up until that - moment where you went into the exam and heard for the first time turn over your papers, you may begin, there was disruption. issues around like teachers, covid, those things, and i have the result, are you glad you had exams?— and i have the result, are you glad you had exams?_ and | and i have the result, are you glad - you had exams?_ and now you had exams? very happy. and now ou have. you had exams? very happy. and now you have- were _ you had exams? very happy. and now you have. were you _ you had exams? very happy. and now you have. were you concerned - you had exams? very happy. and now you have. were you concerned about. you have. were you concerned about the pressure on places at university? i the pressure on places at university?— the pressure on places at universi ? ., , ., university? i was wondering if i didn't aet university? i was wondering if i didn't get my _ university? i was wondering if i didn't get my place _ university? i was wondering if i didn't get my place if _ university? i was wondering if i didn't get my place if i - university? i was wondering if i didn't get my place if i was - university? i was wondering if i | didn't get my place if i was able university? i was wondering if i i didn't get my place if i was able to -et didn't get my place if i was able to get in _ didn't get my place if i was able to get in through clearing and i'm glad i get in through clearing and i'm glad i -ot get in through clearing and i'm glad i got the _ get in through clearing and i'm glad i got the place to begin with. congratulations, how did you get on with your exams and how helpful was the advanced information? in

february you were helped to focus on some of the topics, was it useful? at first glance it seemed useful but when _ at first glance it seemed useful but when we _ at first glance it seemed useful but when we thought _ at first glance it seemed useful but when we thought about _ at first glance it seemed useful but when we thought about what - at first glance it seemed useful but when we thought about what it - at first glance it seemed useful but when we thought about what it wasi when we thought about what it was telling _ when we thought about what it was telling us, — when we thought about what it was telling us, it— when we thought about what it was telling us, it wasn't _ when we thought about what it was telling us, it wasn't really- when we thought about what it was telling us, it wasn't really useful. telling us, it wasn't really useful at alt _ telling us, it wasn't really useful at alt we — telling us, it wasn't really useful at alt we did _ telling us, it wasn't really useful at all. we did fine _ telling us, it wasn't really useful at all. we did fine without - telling us, it wasn't really useful at all. we did fine without it. - telling us, it wasn't really useful. at all. we did fine without it. how did ou at all. we did fine without it. how did you get _ at all. we did fine without it. how did you get on? — at all. we did fine without it. how did you get on? i _ at all. we did fine without it. how did you get on? i did _ at all. we did fine without it. how did you get on? i did well, - at all. we did fine without it. how did you get on? i did well, i - at all. we did fine without it. how did you get on? i did well, i am . did you get on? i did well, i am roud of did you get on? i did well, i am proud of myself. _ did you get on? i did well, i am proud of myself. you _ did you get on? i did well, i am proud of myself. you rang - did you get on? i did well, i am - proud of myself. you rang everyone has told them? _ proud of myself. you rang everyone has told them? congratulations. - proud of myself. you rang everyone | has told them? congratulations. we have followed you over the summer, haven't m3 praise, you want to go into the ref. —— we have followed you, haven't we, praise. i into the ref. -- we have followed you, haven't we, praise. i decided the raf was _ you, haven't we, praise. i decided the raf was an — you, haven't we, praise. i decided the raf was an amazing _ you, haven't we, praise. i decided the raf was an amazing way - you, haven't we, praise. i decided the raf was an amazing way to i the raf was an amazing way to combine — the raf was an amazing way to combine those two and i decided to pursue _ combine those two and i decided to pursue that option. and then go to university— pursue that option. and then go to university if — pursue that option. and then go to university if it doesn't work out. cameron, — university if it doesn't work out. cameron, come forward, you have done your diploma. lots of other options, notjust your diploma. lots of other options, not just university, your diploma. lots of other options, notjust university, lots of vocational courses. you have done your diploma, what are you hoping to go on to do? pm your diploma, what are you hoping to go on to do?—

go on to do? an apprenticeship. i believe it will _ go on to do? an apprenticeship. i believe it will give _ go on to do? an apprenticeship. i believe it will give me _ go on to do? an apprenticeship. i believe it will give me a - go on to do? an apprenticeship. i believe it will give me a better. believe it will give me a better oimmunity— believe it will give me a better opportunity but _ believe it will give me a better opportunity but perhaps - believe it will give me a better opportunity but perhaps than i believe it will give me a better. opportunity but perhaps than uni believe it will give me a better- opportunity but perhaps than uni but i opportunity but perhaps than uni but i believe _ opportunity but perhaps than uni but i believe i_ opportunity but perhaps than uni but ibeiieve i can— opportunity but perhaps than uni but i believe i can do— opportunity but perhaps than uni but i believe i can do more _ opportunity but perhaps than uni but i believe i can do more as _ opportunity but perhaps than uni but i believe i can do more as an- i believe i can do more as an apprentice _ i believe i can do more as an apprentice than _ i believe i can do more as an apprentice than i _ i believe i can do more as an apprentice than i can- i believe i can do more as an apprentice than i can add - i believe i can do more as an apprentice than i can add to| i believe i can do more as an- apprentice than i can add to uni. let's _ apprentice than i can add to uni. let's stick— apprentice than i can add to uni. let's stick to _ apprentice than i can add to uni. let's stick to some _ apprentice than i can add to uni. let's stick to some more - apprentice than i can add to uni. . let's stick to some more students. straight a's, you did really well, how much relief was there when you opened the envelope? titer? how much relief was there when you opened the envelope? very relieved, i was opened the envelope? very relieved, i was shocked. _ opened the envelope? very relieved, i was shocked, i _ opened the envelope? very relieved, i was shocked, i thought _ opened the envelope? very relieved, i was shocked, i thought i _ opened the envelope? very relieved, i was shocked, i thought i would - opened the envelope? very relieved, i was shocked, i thought i would do l i was shocked, i thought i would do not so _ i was shocked, i thought i would do not so well— i was shocked, i thought i would do not so well with all the struggles i was going — not so well with all the struggles i was going through. but to get 000, the hard _ was going through. but to get 000, the hard work paid off.— the hard work paid off. what's the next step? _ the hard work paid off. what's the next step? -- _ the hard work paid off. what's the next step? -- but _ the hard work paid off. what's the next step? -- but to _ the hard work paid off. what's the next step? -- but to get - the hard work paid off. what's the next step? -- but to get aaa. - the hard work paid off. what's the next step? -- but to get aaa. i i next step? —— but to get aaa. i can't get an apprenticeship to do a soiicitor~ _ can't get an apprenticeship to do a solicitor. now i will go to the university of birmingham. congratulations. you are going to nottingham, you did an as—level, how did that go? a, nottingham, you did an as-level, how did that no? �* , . . did that go? a new experience. we didn't have — did that go? a new experience. we didn't have exams _ did that go? a new experience. we didn't have exams for _ did that go? a new experience. we didn't have exams for over - did that go? a new experience. we didn't have exams for over the - did that go? a new experience. we didn't have exams for over the last | didn't have exams for over the last two or— didn't have exams for over the last two or three — didn't have exams for over the last two or three year— didn't have exams for over the last two or three year years. _ didn't have exams for over the last two or three year years. different i two or three year years. different experience — two or three year years. different experience at _ two or three year years. different experience at different _ two or three year years. different. experience at different environment. very stressful — experience at different environment. very stressful at _ experience at different environment. very stressful at the _ experience at different environment. very stressful at the beginning - experience at different environment. very stressful at the beginning but . very stressful at the beginning but it is now— very stressful at the beginning but

it is now done _ very stressful at the beginning but it is now done. if— very stressful at the beginning but it is now done.— it is now done. if you hadn't have assed it is now done. if you hadn't have passed this _ it is now done. if you hadn't have passed this year _ it is now done. if you hadn't have passed this year you _ it is now done. if you hadn't have passed this year you couldn't - it is now done. if you hadn't have | passed this year you couldn't have progressed, you would have to resit? that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress— that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress next— that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress next year. _ that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress next year. to— that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress next year. to get - that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress next year. to get to - that's right, we need a minimum of d to progress next year. to get to our l to progress next year. to get to our universities. _ to progress next year. to get to our universities-— universities. how are you feeling? lots of you _ universities. how are you feeling? lots of you have _ universities. how are you feeling? lots of you have not _ universities. how are you feeling? lots of you have not had - universities. how are you feeling? lots of you have not had any - universities. how are you feeling? | lots of you have not had any sleep whatsoever. immanuel, that smile has not left your face, how are you feeling, you are going to york university to do business and finance. . , university to do business and finance. ., , ., , _ ., , ., finance. really happy, to be fair. glad to have _ finance. really happy, to be fair. glad to have it _ finance. really happy, to be fair. glad to have it over _ finance. really happy, to be fair. glad to have it over and - finance. really happy, to be fair. glad to have it over and done - finance. really happy, to be fair. l glad to have it over and done with. did you _ glad to have it over and done with. did you think a lot about it over the summer?— did you think a lot about it over the summer? ., ., �* , ., .., the summer? yeah, that's all i could think of, to — the summer? yeah, that's all i could think of, to be _ the summer? yeah, that's all i could think of, to be fair. _ the summer? yeah, that's all i could think of, to be fair. results - the summer? yeah, that's all i could think of, to be fair. results day, - think of, to be fair. results day, the next — think of, to be fair. results day, the next big thing, as i said before _ the next big thing, as i said before it _ the next big thing, as i said before. it was the big thing. that's all i before. it was the big thing. that's all i had _ before. it was the big thing. that's all i had to— before. it was the big thing. that's all i had to think about this summon _ all i had to think about this summer-— all i had to think about this summer. ., ., ., ~ ., summer. congratulations. all of you. i won't summer. congratulations. all of you. iwon't aet summer. congratulations. all of you. i won't get tired _ summer. congratulations. all of you. i won't get tired of— summer. congratulations. all of you. i won't get tired of saying _ summer. congratulations. all of you. i won't get tired of saying this - i won't get tired of saying this today, for those who didn't get the grades they thought they were going to get on for whatever reason, and it has been an incredibly tough three years, don't give up hope, there are plenty of options, plenty

of opportunity, speak to your friends and family, go into your six form i speak to your colleges. ucas have said they had lots of places they can match you up with but the main thing is to stay optimistic and flexible. there is lots of guidance across the bbc.— flexible. there is lots of guidance across the bbc. thank you and thank ou to all across the bbc. thank you and thank you to all those _ across the bbc. thank you and thank you to all those fantastic _ across the bbc. thank you and thank you to all those fantastic student - you to all those fantastic student at that sixth form college in west bromwich. i say this every year when we cover exam results days, so brave to come on camera and talk about their results in a short while after getting them. lots of advice and lots of people to have conversations with if you are not quite sure what is happening next. one of those places is ucas headquarters. let's go to ucas headquarters and our reporter navtej johal. it looks terribly calm behind you but it will be one of the busiest days of the year for everyone working at ucas.— days of the year for everyone working at ucas. that's right, not 'ust one working at ucas. that's right, not just one of — working at ucas. that's right, not just one of but — working at ucas. that's right, not just one of but the _ working at ucas. that's right, not just one of but the busiest - working at ucas. that's right, not just one of but the busiest day - working at ucas. that's right, not just one of but the busiest day of| just one of but the busiest day of the year. somebody described this to me as their christmas day, the day they look forward to, the day they

trained towards every year. they have 270 staff a day, some of them answering inquiries and speaking to students. some students have called up students. some students have called up just to confirm have actually got the result i needed to get to university because it looks like i do? yes you do and there are wonderful. otherstudent wonderful. other student disappointed with wonderful. otherstudent disappointed with what they have got and having to navigate their options, thinking about clearing out what to do next. as you have heard, more students going to university than 2019, a record number of applicants this year. the second highest number of students getting a university place than ever before pie from last year, 2021. the most ever who have sat an exam to get to this point. lots to talk about and think about, let's speak to somebody at the sharp end of it all, edward from nottingham trent university, vice chancellor and a trustee of ucas. can ijust get a reaction first of all to the results to date. we know there have been more students who have a place at

university than they did in 2019, the last time they sat exams, what do you make of that?— do you make of that? great news sto and do you make of that? great news story and congratulations - do you make of that? great news story and congratulations to - do you make of that? great news story and congratulations to all i story and congratulations to all those _ story and congratulations to all those young people who have the great _ those young people who have the great and — those young people who have the great and got their first choice university. really pleased for them. my commiserations to the students who have _ my commiserations to the students who have yet got the grades they need _ who have yet got the grades they need to— who have yet got the grades they need to get into their first choice university— need to get into their first choice university but they have lots of options — university but they have lots of options. to make sure they go to a great _ options. to make sure they go to a great university, do a great course and get _ great university, do a great course and get a — great university, do a great course and get a greatjob. there is no need _ and get a greatjob. there is no need to— and get a greatjob. there is no need to be _ and get a greatjob. there is no need to be despondent. there are things— need to be despondent. there are things you — need to be despondent. there are things you can do right now to sort out that— things you can do right now to sort out that situation. you things you can do right now to sort out that situation.— out that situation. you will be s-ueakin out that situation. you will be speaking to — out that situation. you will be speaking to students, - out that situation. you will be i speaking to students, university, today. some quite worried and concerned about whether they can go. some who never thought about going to nottingham trent university before but now are considering it. what is your advice to students and parents and guardians, how do they deal with this? thea;r parents and guardians, how do they deal with this?— deal with this? they should think carefully about _ deal with this? they should think carefully about what _ deal with this? they should think carefully about what is _ deal with this? they should think carefully about what is importanti carefully about what is important for them — carefully about what is important for them in terms of course, location _ for them in terms of course, location and other factors such as do you _ location and other factors such as do you want to be involved in this particular—

do you want to be involved in this particular sport? once you have your university— particular sport? once you have your university chosen, you will get an enail— university chosen, you will get an e-maii from _ university chosen, you will get an e—mail from ucas and through clearing — e—mail from ucas and through clearing plus, telling you what the options _ clearing plus, telling you what the options are you might want to consider— options are you might want to consider based on your previous choices— consider based on your previous choices of— consider based on your previous choices of university. once you have done _ choices of university. once you have done that, _ choices of university. once you have done that, talk to your adviser at your— done that, talk to your adviser at your school— done that, talk to your adviser at your school or college, they will - ive your school or college, they will give you — your school or college, they will give you great knowledge and experience they have got about how the system works. ring up university, nottingham trent, whichever one it might be and have a conversation. add your qualifications are ready and they will make — qualifications are ready and they will make you an offer on the phone there _ will make you an offer on the phone there and _ will make you an offer on the phone there and then —— have your qualifications. lots of universities make _ qualifications. lots of universities make offers lower then you might have seen— make offers lower then you might have seen on the prospectus or oniine, — have seen on the prospectus or online, don't be put off by that. have _ online, don't be put off by that. have that— online, don't be put off by that. have that conversation with them. good _ have that conversation with them. good advice. your university among others has been receiving calls from students and parents even before today, throughout this summer, requesting may be to get onto a different course or talk about the clearing process. it has been very competitive this year, hasn't it? it

has. it is always competitive but particularly this year, that is right — particularly this year, that is right. lots of students do better than _ right. lots of students do better than they— right. lots of students do better than they expected and want to change — than they expected and want to change university for that reason. 50% more — change university for that reason. 50% more activity in pre—clearing before _ 50% more activity in pre—clearing before today to 50% more than normal? — before today to 50% more than normal? small numbers but still high _ normal? small numbers but still high it— normal? small numbers but still high. it will be a lively clearing day—to—day, to day, lots of calls being _ day—to—day, to day, lots of calls being made and changing their choices— being made and changing their choices or making new choices. don't panic _ choices or making new choices. don't panic but _ choices or making new choices. don't panic. but don't deliver. consider your— panic. but don't deliver. consider your options and make the call to the university you want to go to buy lunch _ the university you want to go to buy lunch time — the university you want to go to buy lunch time. a the university you want to go to buy lunch time-— the university you want to go to buy lunch time. �* ., ., , .,, ., . lunch time. a lot of people watching at home will — lunch time. a lot of people watching at home will be _ lunch time. a lot of people watching at home will be struggling _ lunch time. a lot of people watching at home will be struggling with - lunch time. a lot of people watching at home will be struggling with the i at home will be struggling with the cost of living crisis. parents, family, students. for lots of them, they will be wondering that it costs tens of thousands of pounds for many of them to go to university because of them to go to university because of tuition fees let alone the living costs. in this time of economic hardship, what are you doing to support students? that hardship, what are you doing to support students? at nottingham trent, we have _ support students? at nottingham trent, we have frozen _ support students? at nottingham trent, we have frozen all- support students? at nottingham trent, we have frozen all of- support students? at nottingham trent, we have frozen all of our. trent, we have frozen all of our additional— trent, we have frozen all of our additional costs that students might incur at—

additional costs that students might incur at last year's prices, catering _ incur at last year's prices, catering outlets, subscriptions for sports _ catering outlets, subscriptions for sports clubs, those sorts of things. we are _ sports clubs, those sorts of things. we are holding the price is the same as they— we are holding the price is the same as they were last year in recognition of the pressure will students — recognition of the pressure will students are going to face. i am sure _ students are going to face. i am sure the — students are going to face. i am sure the government is thinking about— sure the government is thinking about when they can put their package — about when they can put their package of measures to alleviate the impact _ package of measures to alleviate the impact of— package of measures to alleviate the impact of inflation and we have a new prime — impact of inflation and we have a new prime minister. some consideration will be given to students, how big the maintenance loans— students, how big the maintenance loans are _ students, how big the maintenance loans are for instance. the lots —— lots of _ loans are for instance. the lots —— lots of things _ loans are for instance. the lots —— lots of things probably won't benefit — lots of things probably won't benefit students, they don't pay council — benefit students, they don't pay council tax and by large they don't pay income — council tax and by large they don't pay income tax to any great extent, other— pay income tax to any great extent, other factors will need to be played in to support students a diameter of the government is thinking about that _ the government is thinking about that. . . the government is thinking about that. ., _ ., that. thanks, a busy day for universities _ that. thanks, a busy day for universities and _ that. thanks, a busy day for universities and it _ that. thanks, a busy day for universities and it had - that. thanks, a busy day for| universities and it had ucas. that. thanks, a busy day for- universities and it had ucas. -- i am sure the _ universities and it had ucas. -- i am sure the government - universities and it had ucas. —— i am sure the government is thinking about— am sure the government is thinking about that — am sure the government is thinking about that. ,, ., , am sure the government is thinking about that. ,, ._ , ., about that. stay flexible and consider your _ about that. stay flexible and consider your options. - about that. stay flexible and i consider your options. thanks. about that. stay flexible and - consider your options. thanks. we will be back _ consider your options. thanks. we will be back with _ consider your options. thanks. we will be back with you _ consider your options. thanks. we will be back with you next - consider your options. thanks. we will be back with you next our. - consider your options. thanks. we | will be back with you next our. stay with us for more advice from ucas headquarters —— in the next hour.

and at 11:30 this morning, we'll be answering your questions on a level, t level and btec exam results for students in england, scotland, and northern ireland. get in touch with the hashtag bbcyourquestions — or you email yourquestions@bbc. co. uk. if you have received your results this morning or perhaps your child has received their results, we would love to hear from you, what is your story, what happens next, have you got a place at university, are you going through clearing, are you looking for an apprenticeship? we would love to get a picture of what is happening, get in touch with me on twitter. it is 9:15am. a man has been arrested this morning on suspicion of murder, following the fatal stabbing of thomas o'halloran, on a mobility scooter in greenford, west london. our correspondent, tim muffett, reports from greenford.

what is the latest you can tell us on this investigation? brute what is the latest you can tell us on this investigation?— what is the latest you can tell us on this investigation? we heard this news shortly — on this investigation? we heard this news shortly before _ on this investigation? we heard this news shortly before 7am _ on this investigation? we heard this news shortly before 7am this - news shortly before 7am this morning. aaa—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of 87—year—old thomas o'halloran. we understand that the arrest took place at an address in southall in west london in the early hours of this morning. detective chief inspectorjim eastwood who is leading this investigation, said he would like to thank the public for their overwhelming support following this horrific incident. following the release of a cctv image yesterday, the investigation is now progressing at pace. mr o'halloran's family have been updated with the development and continues to be supported by specially trained officers. there have been many tributes to the 87—year—old grandfather. residents at neighbours that we have been speaking to have said what a kind and gentle and friendly man he was —— and neighbours. he was familiar, often

seen on his mobility scooter, often seen on his mobility scooter, often seen busking outside of greenford tube station not far from where i am. often with a collecting tin, raising money for good causes such as the war in ukraine. there has also been reaction from the west of ireland, which is where he was originally from in county clare. the community there say they are deeply shocked by his death. in news this morning that a 44—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the tragic events on tuesday afternoon.— following the tragic events on tuesday afternoon. tim, thanks for that update- _

the latest round of rail strikes has begun which will affect rail services today and saturday on public transport in london tomorrow. passengers are being told not to travel by train today unless absolutely necessary. today's walk—out means only 20% of train services will be running at over 40,000 british railway workers strike over ongoing pay and conditions. friday's strike takes place on both the london underground and london overground in separate disputes over pensions and pay. the wider uk network should expect disruption due to the knock—on effect of thursday's industrial action. and on saturday, more widespread disruption as the rmt and tssa go on strike again. the effect on services is expected to be the same as 18 august, although some services will run on one of the days but not the other. again, disruption is likely to continue into sunday

morning. our correspondent hannah miller is at euston station. this dispute could go on and on and on, the departure board is showing trains up to 1130. normally there would be trains leaving every five minutes also passengers looking hopefully in case there train would come and they could be waiting for some time. it is a three—way dispute. you have the unions and on the other and network rail and the train operating companies. but then there is also the role of the government, who don't particularly want to get involved. at the same time, they are insisting on reforms to the way that the railway is run. this is the sixth time rail unions have walked out sincejune. earlier, i spoke to mick lynch, the general secretary of the rmt and i have asked him why it is all still going on. we haven't got an offer that we can consider as a reasonable offer. we haven't got an acceptable package. and that's because the train companies and network rail have been blocked from making those offers by grant shapps.

it's obvious now that grant shapps is locked into a cycle where he's got to appease two really right—wing candidates for prime minister in the tory party election. and if he wants to protect that position, he's got to show then that he's some kind of steely, right—wing militant, which is what the whole party is becoming. so we need to unlock that. i think there's a political dimension to it now, which is unfortunate because this is an industrial relations matter aboutjobs, conditions, pay and pensions. there is a deal to be done. i spoke to a senior negotiator from network rail this morning on this picket line. he came along and said hello. we've got a decent relationship with them. we could build a solution if we were allowed to. but, at the minute, the politics of the conservative party leadership election, i fear, is stopping this dispute being resolved. it's worth saying that network rail did previously make a pay offer of 4% this year plus another 4% next year contingent on some reforms going ahead. when i spoke to the ceo of network rail, andrew haines, who was not at all calling for the

government to get more involved, he suggested politicising the situation has the potential to make it even worse. i think the problem is that we'vel put a very good deal on the table that gives guarantee ofjobs to everyone that wants it, i that deals with a lot - of the long—standing issues and is 8% pay rise over two years but that hasn't - been put to my staff. the rmt have refused to put that to a referendum - and that's the problem _ because if they had the chance to vote on that, we believe they'd except it. - when we put a similar deal to a different union, - that got a very strong endorsement. that's the way to unlock this, that's the way to i get rid of this huge frustration for passengers today. - the department for transport issued a statement today saying it is time to get off the picket lines and back around the negotiating table. unions say they have been bad at negotiating table for really quite some time, now. —— been round. with this strike today and another one played on the national rail network

for saturday, the knock—on impact of thatis for saturday, the knock—on impact of that is that we are now at the start of four days, really, of disruption to the mail services and no sign of this dispute coming to an end. thank ou ve this dispute coming to an end. thank you very much- _ it's notjust london affected of course — our transport correspondent katy austin is at a station in norwich this morning. what is it like there? this dispute feels pretty intractable, is that how it seems to you, at this stage? it does feel that way, yes. i am at knowledge station today, there are some trains departing this morning but this is a dispute affecting the whole country stop like lots of other places, the train started later than normal and we actually spoke to people who turned up here, who had forgotten the strike was happening and it will affect their journey to work the day, then right after work from home. we spoke to one person on an internship who said she has got to go to work from train

but she is having to be an hour later, she is not very happy about. trying to do an internship and a family trying to get down to an airport to go on a long awaited holiday and they have had to really double—check that any trains will be running from here today to make sure they can still go stock lots of other places including great yarmouth on the coast here in east anglia, they haven't got any trains today. that is really disruptive for a lot of passengers around the whole country. both commuters and those travelling for leisure as well. the reason it is so disruptive on the national scale is the rmt union workers who are on strike and they include some from network rail, who control the signals. even if your train company in that area wasn't involved in the dispute, you just can't run the number of trains you normally would if you haven't got signalling staff. as you were saying, the dispute feels fairly intractable at the moment. it all boils down to the fact that the rail industry is under pressure to save

money at the moment. rail bosses say they want to give a pay rise, but they want to give a pay rise, but the economic challenges facing the railway with lower fare revenue mean that changes and modernisations have to happen to pay for that. the rail unions on the other side say they want to keep pushing for a pay deal that really reflects the increased cost of living. they say that jobs terms and conditions need to be protected. there has been one significant development over these disputes. some managers in the ds a union agreeing a deal with network railfor the next couple union agreeing a deal with network rail for the next couple of years. after they put it to those members involved in that particular group and accepted that offer. network rail says it was the rmt union to do that with its members but they haven't done any type done so and rejected a similar deal injuly. since the strike day we saw injuly, we are now on to the fifth national

day of strike action —— but they haven't done so. there hasn't been a lot of movement in terms of talks and negotiations to solve this dispute. things are even less advanced when it comes to negotiations between the unions and the train companies. at norwich, we are here partly because this area has also been hit repeatedly by train drivers�* strike involving a different union, aslef union. repeated strikes on the greater anglia train network, one of those companies affected by train drivers�* strikes. a passenger point of view, this has been a summer of train disruption stop at the moment, there isn�*t much sign of the disputes being solved to potentially prevent more in future. ict. being solved to potentially prevent more in future.— more in future. kt, thank you, our transort more in future. kt, thank you, our transport correspondent _ more in future. kt, thank you, our transport correspondent in - more in future. kt, thank you, our. transport correspondent in norwich. —— katie austin. one of the directors of the energy regulator, ofgem, has quit because of changes to the way the energy price cap is set. christine farnish said she felt the regulator had not

"struck the right balance between the interests of consumers "and interests of suppliers". the watchdog thanked ms farnish "for her many "years of devoted service" ukrainian officials are warning that the situation at the russian—occupied zaporizhia nuclear power station "is approaching critical". emergency workers have been staging drills and practising cleaning operations in the event of radioactive contamination. russia took control of the nuclear plant — which is the biggest in europe — in early march. our correspondent hugo bachega in kyiv has the latest what is happening around the zaporizhzhya nuclear power complex will be at the top of the agenda when antonio guterres, the un chief, meets president zelensky later today. mr guterres has called for the creation of a demilitarised zone around this facility in the south of ukraine. and for days we�*ve been talking about tensions around this nuclear facility, tensions that have raised fears of a catastrophe. russia and ukraine trading accusations of who is to blame for shelling the complex. the ukrainians have accused russia

of turning this military facility into a military base, using it to launch attacks against ukrainian targets, perhaps knowing that the ukrainians are unlikely to retaliate. the russians have rejected those accusations. they say russian troops are there protecting the plant. now, as you said, president zelensky yesterday during his evening address said attempts would be made to send un inspectors to this complex. now, it�*s not clear how that could happen without the russians agreeing to it. the russians have occupied this plant since the beginning of march. the ukrainians say they�*ve deployed 500 soldiers to the area of this complex. but zaporizhzhya will likely dominate the talks there between mr guterres and president zelensky. and briefly, another topic that will be on the agenda during those

meetings is the grain deal. the president of turkey, president erdogan, will also be in lviv for those conversations. i think the idea is that they�*re going to be trying to expand this grain deal. mr guterres was personally involved in negotiating the details of this deal. so i think it will be an opportunity to celebrate a rare diplomatic breakthrough in this conflict. heavy rain in london yesterday caused widespread flooding across the city. the downpours meant transport was affected with some underground stations having to shut amid the flash floods. the environment agency has issued 17 flood alerts across england, with up to 100mm of rain possibly falling in some areas. on that note... now it�*s time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello, again. after the deluge of rain

we had yesterday in parts of the southeast, it�*s much drier here today. in fact, the cloud continuing to break up with some sunshine coming through and just the odd shower. but we�*ve had rain across northern ireland, scotland, northwest england and wales. but we�*ve had rain across northern ireland, scotland, northwest england and wales. that�*s going to continue to push slowly southwards and eastwards. you could catch the odd heavy burst and then behind it, we�*ll see a return to some showers. temperatures 15 to 25 with quite a brisk wind. the winds easing tonight as a weather front continues to push southwards, taking its rain with it. clear skies follow on behind with a few showers across scotland and northern ireland here. fresher with temperatures 11 or 12 degrees, but still quite muggy as we push down towards the southeast. now, into tomorrow quite early, we lose our weather front. for many, it�*s going to be dry with some sunshine. but showers already in western parts of northern ireland and scotland will develop more widely here and temperatures 15 to about 25.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... results are out for hundreds of thousands of students. this year, we'll see probably a tighter set of results than the last year. not quite where we were in 2019 but we're heading back to those pre—pandemic assessment grade boundaries. the university admissions service says the number of students who have secured places at universities this year has fallen from their pandemic peak — but is still higher than 2019. a 44—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of thomas o�*halloran on a mobility scooter in west london. rail workers are on strike once again in their dispute over pay — causing widespread disruption to the network across england and wales.

sport now, and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here�*s chettan. good morning. england will be hoping theirfortunes improve — and the weather — when they resume on 116 for six on day two of the second test against south africa. play was cut short at lords yesterday because of rain. former captain andrew strauss has been telling us he�*s confident england can turn things around and has been impressed with the leadership team of captain ben stokes and head coach brendon mccullum it's it�*s been transformational. both him and ben stokes, new leadership, a very clear message. really, a message of go out there and express yourself and try and entertain the crowd. and don�*t worry so much about winning or losing. that will take care of itself, if you go out and play the cricket you are capable of. all in red there, in memory of the ruth strath foundation, looking to raise money for that charity and hoping everybody who comes today

wears at least a bit of red or a full suit, like andrew was in. in munich, there�*s been more medal success for great britain�*s athletes — as they took gold and bronze in the final of the men�*s 400 metres. nobody was catching matthew hudson smith as he defended his european title. and there was also success for his team—mate alex haydock—wilson — as he just managed to secure third place and win bronze. but there was no such luck for victoria ohuruogo in the women�*s event. she narrowly missed out on bronze — byjust over two tenths of a second. missing out on the medals, to her frustration this time round. the european championships continue in munich this morning with the athletics underway. and good news for great britain�*s jake wightman, who came first in the men�*s 800m heat to secure his place in sunday�*s final. wightman is coming off the back of a brilliant summer after winning gold at the wrold championshps in eugene in oregon, and bronze at the commonwealth games. and in the pool, it was all about ben proud — as he won the men�*s 50m freestyle at the european aquatics championships.

the victory completes a stunning treble — he also won gold at the world championships injune, and again at the commonwealth games earlier this month. golfer patrick reed has filed a $750 million defamation lawsuit against the american television network the golf channel and its commentator brandel chamblee. in his filing, the american golfer — who joined the controversial saudi backed liv golf series injune — says "calculated, malicious, false and reckless attacks" have caused him major damages, and cost him several multi—million—dollar sponsorship deals. chamblee and the golf channel have yet to respond to reed�*s accusations. there was a classic all—british battle at the cincinatti open yesterday — but eventually, it was cameron norrie who came out on top. he beat former world number one andy murray in the second round but had to come from behind. murray taking the first set 6—3.

but norrie fought back, winning the next two — in a match that lasted over two and a half hours. a good win for the wimbledon semi finalist. and a win too for emma raducanu, who�*s loving being back in the us. she picked up where she left off after beating serena williams — to thrash victoria azarenka in cincinatti. raducanu winning 6—0, 6—2. she�*ll playjessica pegula for a place in the quarter finals tonight. anthonyjoshua insists he�*s ready to get the job done when he faces oleksandr usyk in their world heavyweight rematch on saturday night. the pair came face to face yesterday injeddah in saudi arabia — with usyk dressed in traditional ukrainian clothing. joshua lost his world heavyweight belts last september in london — with usyk winning convincingly on points. joshua says that won�*t happen again this time. iam going i am going to listen to my corner.

i�*ve listened to them for the last eight months of training with them. now it�*s about instinct. and i�*ve got to go in there wanting myself, garcia, angel, mccracken, my mum, my father can�*t wind this for me. it�*s just me. that�*s all the sport for now. is more details emerging in our top story today. exam results have just been published for hundreds of thousands of pupils across england, wales and northern ireland. around 36.4% of pupils got a* and a grades in a levels. it�*s a slight fall on the record high from last year, but this is the first time since 2019 that grades have been based on public exams because of the pandemic. this year�*s competition for university spots is expected to be among the toughest yet. there are more 18—year—olds as a population bulge works it ways through the system and a greater proportion — 44% across the uk —

applied to university this year. btec and the first t—level results are also out today. with me now is our education correspondent sean dilley. lets begin with those stats on the a levels. so, 36.4%. that�*s quite a lot higher than the 25.4% who received a* and as in 2019, the last time we had a normal year. why is that? , , time we had a normal year. why is that? , y �* , time we had a normal year. why is that? , , �*, time we had a normal year. why is that? _ that? firstly, let's kick off and sa a that? firstly, let's kick off and say a massive _ that? firstly, let's kick off and say a massive congratulations| that? firstly, let's kick off and i say a massive congratulations to that? firstly, let's kick off and - say a massive congratulations to you if you are picking up your results today. enjoy it, it will be a fantastic day for you. a, today. enjoy it, it will be a fantastic day for you. a rite of passage- _ fantastic day for you. a rite of passage- who _ fantastic day for you. a rite of passage. who doesn't - fantastic day for you. a rite of. passage. who doesn't remember fantastic day for you. a rite of - passage. who doesn't remember that? just en'o passage. who doesn't remember that? just enjoy the — passage. who doesn't remember that? just enjoy the day- _ passage. who doesn't remember that? just enjoy the day. this _ passage. who doesn't remember that? just enjoy the day. this disparity, - just enjoy the day. this disparity, some people might see it, statistically, was actually expected. as you say, pre—pandemic in 2019, there were traditional exams. there are traditional exams now, but there are key differences. for the past two years, teachers

would assess the grade, and that is what would determine your results. this year, there are differences to try to hit the mid point, the government must go say, between the 2019 results and now. critically, the points to remember is that there have been some more lenient boundaries introduced to try to offset the very large gap in what was called grade inflation, if people remember, from last year�*s coverage, so hopefully they return to pre—pandemic levels. what coverage, so hopefully they return to pre-pandemic levels.— coverage, so hopefully they return to pre-pandemic levels. what sort of im act will to pre-pandemic levels. what sort of impact will that _ to pre-pandemic levels. what sort of impact will that have _ to pre-pandemic levels. what sort of impact will that have on _ to pre-pandemic levels. what sort of impact will that have on students? i impact will that have on students? quite a bit in some ways, and none in others. the statistics would suggest it would be huge, but in reality, that�*s very unlikely. universities, the clearing service, they are saying don�*t panic, because although the number of top grades might be lower in one sense, they know that there is going to be a difference in the way that exams were done. the other thing is that it�*s very likely, both because of the population of 18—year—olds being higher than it ordinarily would be, remember as well that last year

there were higher education institutions offering all sorts of incentives for people to defer. also, next year, student loans change. the period over which people pay them will be longer. so may be people who would ordinarily consider a gap year are competing. i will just say, just to offset, ucas are offering 7300, or advertising, just say, just to offset, ucas are offering 7300, oradvertising, i should say, jobs. offering 7300, or advertising, i should say, jobs.— offering 7300, or advertising, i should say, jobs. should say, “obs. there are lots of o tions should say, “obs. there are lots of options out — should say, jobs. there are lots of options out there. _ should say, jobs. there are lots of options out there. let's _ should say, jobs. there are lots of options out there. let's talk - should say, jobs. there are lots of options out there. let's talk abouti options out there. let�*s talk about the btec and t—level exams, just a word on what t—levels are, the newest type of exam? word on what t-levels are, the newest type of exam?- word on what t-levels are, the newest type of exam? they sound really interesting _ newest type of exam? they sound really interesting full _ newest type of exam? they sound really interesting full stop - newest type of exam? they sound really interesting full stop if - newest type of exam? they sound really interesting full stop if you i really interesting full stop if you have done a t—level this year, a technical level qualification, you can say that you have formed part of history. this is england only, we should stress. they are quite different to the btec, that the audience will be familiar with, in terms of more vocational study. t—levels blend classroom, traditional learning, with external exams and placements in industry. one t—level is equivalent to three a—levels, which means too things,

that people would qualify for higher education, and 71% of those t—level students who have applied for their choice of higher education have already had offers.— already had offers. they are obviously — already had offers. they are obviously highly _ already had offers. they are obviously highly valued? - already had offers. they are i obviously highly valued? very already had offers. they are - obviously highly valued? very highly valued and very _ obviously highly valued? very highly valued and very different _ obviously highly valued? very highly valued and very different as - obviously highly valued? very highly valued and very different as well. i valued and very different as well. it's valued and very different as well. it�*s one of those things, pandemic or no pandemic, it isjust one of those ways of blending traditional classroom experience with getting out into health services and building, for instance. fiiq out into health services and building, for instance. 0k, what about people — building, for instance. 0k, what about people who _ building, for instance. 0k, what about people who have - building, for instance. 0k, what about people who have not - building, for instance. 0k, what about people who have not gotl building, for instance. 0k, what - about people who have not got what they were hoping for today, who are feeling a bit disappointed and confused, not sure what to do next. what is the advice? take confused, not sure what to do next. what is the advice?— what is the advice? take a breath. there is no — what is the advice? take a breath. there is no hurry _ what is the advice? take a breath. there is no hurry to _ what is the advice? take a breath. there is no hurry to do _ what is the advice? take a breath. there is no hurry to do anything i what is the advice? take a breath. there is no hurry to do anything at| there is no hurry to do anything at all. listen to some of the media coverage we will have for you on bbc news, of course. listen to what people are saying about the fact that grades are different for everybody. it�*s notjust different for you. there are options out there. i don�*t know if you have seen on your own social media, mine was painted with a plethora of employers saying if you didn�*t get the grades you want and you want to enter the

workplace, come and work for us. one other bit of advice, this one is personal, yourfamily will other bit of advice, this one is personal, your family will be so proud of you today. milk it for everything it is worth. within reason, you can get anything you want. take your time and look at your options, whether that is getting into work straightaway or looking at other courses.- looking at other courses. you're talkin: looking at other courses. you're talking about — looking at other courses. you're talking about what _ looking at other courses. you're talking about what is _ looking at other courses. you're talking about what is on - looking at other courses. you're talking about what is on social. talking about what is on social media, there is always more than one way to get you want to be? i media, there is always more than one way to get you want to be?— way to get you want to be? i speak as somebody _ way to get you want to be? i speak as somebody who _ way to get you want to be? i speak as somebody who did _ way to get you want to be? i speak as somebody who did a _ way to get you want to be? i speak as somebody who did a different i as somebody who did a different route to a—levels, anything is possible. route to a-levels, anything is ossible. ., , route to a-levels, anything is possible-— route to a-levels, anything is ossible. ., , ., . ., ,, possible. really good advice. thank ou so possible. really good advice. thank you so much- _ possible. really good advice. thank you so much. sean _ possible. really good advice. thank you so much. sean dilley, - possible. really good advice. thank you so much. sean dilley, our- you so much. sean dilley, our education correspondent. and at 11:30 this morning we�*ll be answering your questions on a—level, t—level and btec exam results for students in england, scotland and northern ireland. get in touch with the hashtag #bbcyourquestions — or you can email yourquestions@bbc. co. uk. in spain, firefighters continue to battle wildfires that have led to the evacuation of thousands of residents.

in one instance, a train service running between valencia and zaragoza narrowly avoided being engulfed by fire. sylvia lennan—spence reports. flames rip through the land as firefighters shout "run, run", scrambling for their lives. the might of mother nature here in spain combined with the impact of climate change presenting a terrifying threat to communities facing the flames. as the fire spread, north—west of valencia, ten passengers were hurt, three seriously when they tried to escape a train caught up in a sweeping fire. this thermal image showing flames encroaching on the tracks. translation: when they came out of the tunnel, they found the fire i was coming in front of them so the driver stopped the train. the injured were in bad condition, the passengers were scared, we gave them water and did

everything we could for them. hundreds of homes have been evacuated, with more than 2,000 people moved from the region. firefighters fear as much as 6,000 hectares of land has been ravaged by the fire. another blaze, also near valencia, started by lightning late on saturday has devastated an area twice as large. more than 25,000 hectares left smouldering, a reminder of the power of the flames. but while this fire may be out, the summer fire season still has several months left to go. sylvia lennan—spence, bbc news. three children�*s homes have closed and two more have been rated inadequate following a bbc investigation. ofsted re—inspected homes run by calcot services for children in southern england after the bbc found that children in its care had reported safeguarding failings. calcot doesn�*t accept the allegations but says an independent review will address

issues raised by ofsted. noel titheradge has been investigating this story for months and hejoins me now. first of all, tell our viewers what you found out? in first of all, tell our viewers what you found out?— first of all, tell our viewers what you found out? injune, we revealed that ouni you found out? injune, we revealed that young people — you found out? injune, we revealed that young people in _ you found out? injune, we revealed that young people in the _ you found out? injune, we revealed that young people in the care - you found out? injune, we revealed that young people in the care of i that young people in the care of calcot services for children had reported being groomed for sex, given alcohol and assaulted by staff. we also learned that the company had failed to fully report an allegation of child on child sexual abuse, and had not provided some dedicated care, paid for by local authorities. we also discovered that the company had a profit margin of 36% last year. that is more than double level is already considered excessive by a government watchdog. the investigation led to calls for radical reform of the system by the children�*s commissionerfor system by the children�*s commissioner for england, system by the children�*s commissionerfor england, and also the reinspection of all calcot children homes. these had previously all been rated good or outstanding.

no ofsted has re—inspected them and rated five inadequate, three of which are closed. had rated five inadequate, three of which are closed.— which are closed. had staff previously _ which are closed. had staff previously raised _ which are closed. had staff previously raised concerns| which are closed. had staff - previously raised concerns question not previously raised concerns question no | , previously raised concerns question no i , ., previously raised concerns question 110 r , ., ., previously raised concerns question no- , ., ., ., ., not yes, we have now learned that five whistle-blowers _ not yes, we have now learned that five whistle-blowers had _ not yes, we have now learned thati five whistle-blowers had contacted five whistle—blowers had contacted ofsted about concerns as early as april 2021. ofsted says it doesn�*t directly investigate whistle—blowing concerns, but that action against calcot was already under way. calcot says a number of factors, including built—up investment, made its profits appear bigger than they really were. it said it makes the relevant reports to authorities, staffs its homes correctly and prioritised the safeguarding of children in its care. the government says it is investing in raising standards in children�*s homes. a new scheme is being launched by the government to provide extra support forjob—seekers with autism and learning disabilities. the fund will support more than 2,000 adults across england and wales, helping them to move into and progress in work.

the plans will cost 7.6 million pounds and follow a series of pilots joining me now is fazilat haddi who is the head of policy at the charity disability rights uk. thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today. tell us about these pilots. how well did they work? element think the pilots worked very well, they got people into work. as the government says, they have now done some tweaks. i think the fact there has been pilots makes it quite surprising that this programme that they are announcing todayis programme that they are announcing today is so unambitious. why does it only cover 24 local authorities? why is it only 7.6 million? we know the unemployment rate for people with autism and people with learning disabilities is shockingly low. we

think it is 22% of autistic people, 6% for people with learning disabilities. at this time of a cost of living crisis, surely the government should be more ambitious in supporting disabled people into work? ., ~ , ., ., ., work? talked us through, fazilat, the key barriers _ work? talked us through, fazilat, the key barriers to _ work? talked us through, fazilat, the key barriers to people - work? talked us through, fazilat, the key barriers to people with i the key barriers to people with autism and learning disabilities getting into work and staying in work. what more can employers do to facilitate that? you work. what more can employers do to facilitate that?— facilitate that? you are right, every group _ facilitate that? you are right, every group of _ facilitate that? you are right, every group of disabled i facilitate that? you are right, l every group of disabled people facilitate that? you are right, i every group of disabled people will face different barriers, depending on their— face different barriers, depending on their particular impairment. obviously. _ on their particular impairment. obviously, people with learning disabilities and autistic people have _ disabilities and autistic people have such a wide range of impairments. i think that is why it is really— impairments. i think that is why it is really important that the government involves disabled people in setting _ government involves disabled people in setting up these programmes, so

that people really understand the barriers — that people really understand the barriers. barriers could be things like needing a bit more time to train, _ like needing a bit more time to train, do — like needing a bit more time to train, do on—the—job training, so that— train, do on—the—job training, so that people _ train, do on—the—job training, so that people can actually learn on the job — that people can actually learn on the job. and actually then be brilliant _ the job. and actually then be brilliant at it. an adjustment might mean _ brilliant at it. an adjustment might mean a _ brilliant at it. an adjustment might mean a different way of recruiting people. _ mean a different way of recruiting people. so— mean a different way of recruiting people, so you are not doing the usual— people, so you are not doing the usual bait— people, so you are not doing the usual bait interview process, you are thinking about other ways of actually— are thinking about other ways of actually gleaning what people can do and what _ actually gleaning what people can do and what they can deliver. so, it's really— and what they can deliver. so, it's really hard — and what they can deliver. so, it's really hard to generalise. but if you start — really hard to generalise. but if you start with the person and think about— you start with the person and think about the — you start with the person and think about the job you want doing, then think— about the job you want doing, then think about creative ways of supporting them through that recruitment process and into work. autistic— recruitment process and into work. autistic people and learning disabled people have so much to add to the _ disabled people have so much to add to the workforce. but we just need to the workforce. but we just need to be _ to the workforce. but we just need to be a _ to the workforce. but we just need to be a bit— to the workforce. but we just need to be a bit more flexible, a bit more — to be a bit more flexible, a bit more creative and may be leave some of our _ more creative and may be leave some of our routine, formulaic

interviewing and job inductions behind — interviewing and job inductions behind. is interviewing and “ob inductions behind. ., ., ., ., behind. is a general population, of course, behind. is a general population, of course. we — behind. is a general population, of course. we are _ behind. is a general population, of course, we are ever _ behind. is a general population, of course, we are ever more - behind. is a general population, of course, we are ever more aware i behind. is a general population, ofi course, we are ever more aware of autism and learning disabilities, of neuro diversity issues and so forth. in your experience, with these pilots, have people going into businesses, customers, users of whatever the businesses might have been, found it a really good experience?— been, found it a really good exerience? ~ , , ,, been, found it a really good exerience? ~ , ,, experience? absolutely. i think both for the experience? absolutely. i think both forthe person _ experience? absolutely. i think both for the person themselves, - experience? absolutely. i think both for the person themselves, you i experience? absolutely. i think both i for the person themselves, you know, work brings— for the person themselves, you know, work brings us income, but it brings social— work brings us income, but it brings social connection, it brings us a self worth _ social connection, it brings us a self worth. you can't underestimate how much— self worth. you can't underestimate how much work it can bring. not all disabled _ how much work it can bring. not all disabled people can work, but for those _ disabled people can work, but for those of— disabled people can work, but for those of us that can, it's amazing. and i_ those of us that can, it's amazing. and i am — those of us that can, it's amazing. and i am sure we are a diversity and richness _ and i am sure we are a diversity and richness to— and i am sure we are a diversity and richness to the workforce, and our colleagues — richness to the workforce, and our colleagues will begin to recognise that we _ colleagues will begin to recognise that we bring in something different and unique. and that richness will make _

and unique. and that richness will make the — and unique. and that richness will make the business succeed. gk, make the business succeed. 0k, fazilat haddi, — make the business succeed. 0k, fazilat haddi, head _ make the business succeed. oi, fazilat haddi, head of make the business succeed. oil, fazilat haddi, head of policy at disability rights uk. fazilat, saying she would like the scheme to be rolled out beyond the 24 authorities in england and wales, in which it will be launched, and more funding as well. ambulance services across england and wales are booking taxis to take tens of thousands of patients who call 999 to hospital. figures obtained by the bbc, show the practice is increasing as trusts struggle with rising call volumes and handover delays. nhs trusts says the most life threatening cases are prioritised and the proportion of patients affected is small, but some argue there should be enough ambulances to help all urgent cases. nikki fox reports. ambulances queueing outside a busy hospital to off—load patients. an increase in demand and lack of social care means scenes like this are becoming more common, and the consequence, fewer are on the road to respond

to other urgent calls. when andrew developed excruciating stomach pain, his wife dialled 999. i wanted help. i was in so much pain, wracked in pain, vomiting too. i vomited several times during the evening. i didn�*t know if it was appendicitis, i didn�*t know what it was. i felt terrible, like i was dying. the 73—year—old from norwich was told it could be 15 hours until an ambulance arrived. the trust says it was classed as a less urgent call, but andrew says the clinician on the phone told him he needed to be seen and booked him a taxi. he said to me, you need to get to hospital. he said the ambulance service is in so much disarray, it�*s unbelievable. but he said, what i�*m going to do for you, he said, i�*m going to get a taxi for you. and this situation is not unique. in the year up to the end ofjanuary, more than 23,000 patients in england and wales whose cases were classed as urgent were booked taxis in place of ambulances.

a small proportion of nearly seven million calls received, but includes a three—day—old baby and a 103—year—old. we were contacted by one manager at a taxi firm used in the east of england. his name is being withheld to protect him. it's very unfair on the customer who needs to get to the hospital. it's also extremely unfair on the driver, because he has no training to deal with that sort of situation. he's a self—employed taxi driver whose only training is to drive a car. he's got no first aid training, no emergency medical treatment training. he's probably not even aware of what he was getting involved in at that particular time. he also told us he had been asked to pick up covid—positive patients but refused. however, a separate taxi company in great yarmouth has a different view. if they phone up for a taxi to take somebody from home to an a&e department, nine times out of ten, that�*s a quicker option than an ambulance, so we are more than happy to help out. nhs england told us these figures account forjust 0.3%

of ambulance call—outs. emergency ambulances are sent to life—threatening calls, and taxis are only used to transport other patients when it is clinically appropriate. while the welsh ambulance service added, a taxi is only used for red calls after an ambulance resource has arrived at the scene and clinically assessed the patient. i was gobsmacked, really, to think, in this day and age, they are using taxis to transport emergency cases to hospital like that. if that�*s the only resource that they have got now, yeah, it�*s not great at all, is it? as services are stretched, prioritising ambulances for the most life—threatening patients is important, but those like andrew are worried that even if it is assessed as being safe, there should be enough resources to send to any case that is classed as urgent. nikki fox, bbc news.

farmers and scientists say we can expect wonkier vegetables on the supermarket shelves this winter. the hot weather and lack of rainfall in parts of england has stressed crops which may affect the look of some produce. but the national farmers union says they�*ll still taste the same and is urging supermarkets to sell more wonky veg. it�*s no secret that the recent heatwave and subsequent dry weather has caused havoc — from wildfires, to damaged crops, and fields suffering after scorching hot temperatures. but animals are finding it tough too — not only to survive during the heat but also to find enough water to hydrate themselves. one farmer in suffolk is so worried, she�*s been putting out trays of water and even caught some visitors on camera. debbie tubby has more. this hare is wary, but thirsty. it normally wouldn�*t drink out of a container but there is no

moisture in the grass. this jay is trying to cool off. a badger, brazen about enjoying a possibly life—saving drink. even a fox has come to this man—made watering home. i kind of thought it might be a goshawk and i�*ve never seen one to photograph. i didn�*t know they were on the farm. which is really nice. all of them have been caught on camera by sue cross, who is so concerned about their welfare after weeks of no rain she has been putting water out for them to drink. i think the wildlife needs water. the ponds have dried up, the river is very low. and they are using the water trays that are out, so it obviously is making a difference. she lives on a 600—acre farm near bury st edmunds. just go over there. there�*s probably about three on the other side of this hedge here. she now spends all day everyday refreshing and refilling 70 trays of for the wildlife which calls this farm home.

she is a farmer, but her hobby is wildlife photography. her priority now is keeping them alive and capturing them instead on hidden cameras. oh, wow, this is a first. a tawny owl. that�*s amazing. you see things you haven�*t seen before. a camera card full every day to get through and see it, but it�*s a nice thing to do in the evening. some are so desperate for water they don�*t mind who they drink with. this rat is possibly dinnerfor this polecat, once on the brink of extinction, but it needs a drink first. we�*ve got to do things differently. things have got to change. without water and moisture — it is moisture which is the main thing we need — things are going to struggle. it�*s a big wake—up call. all creatures great and small. amazing pictures, but many will question whether we should be seeing this at all.

now it�*s time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello, again. after the deluge of rain some of us had yesterday, today is going to be a lot quieter. we do have some weather fronts coming in from the atlantic, though. they�*re bringing in thicker cloud and some rain. most of this rain will be light and quite brisk winds today as well. now, we still have a fair bit of cloud across parts of scotland, northwest england, wales, southwest england and northern ireland. that�*s where we�*ve got the rain. and as the rain moves through, we�*ll see some showers return to the north and west. but in the south and the east, the cloud should break. there�*s an isolated chance of a shower. and we�*re looking at temperatures roughly 16 to 26 degrees north to south. now through this evening and overnight, our weatherfront continues to push steadily southwards. there�*ll be clear skies following on behind with some showers coming in across the northwest of scotland and northern ireland. the wind easing as we go through the course of the night and it will feel fresher in the northern half

of the country. come south, the temperatures don�*t fall away too much and it will still be quite muggy across the far south east of england. so into tomorrow, quite smartly, we lose our weather front. it takes its cloud and remnants of rain with it. then we have a lot of dry weather, but you can see some showers coming in across the northwest on a brisk wind across the northwest. for the rest of us, it�*s just going to be a breezy day. we say goodbye to the cloud and spots of rain, hello to all this sunshine. and again, some fair weather cloud developing as we go through the day. but the showers in scotland and northern ireland becoming more widespread. we mightjust catch one across northern england. temperatures if anything, just a degree or so lower than what we�*re looking at today. into saturday, then another weather front comes in across northern ireland, northern england and scotland, bringing in some heavier and more persistent rain. and behind that, we will see a return to sunshine and showers come south of that weather front, which is decaying. and again, a lot of dry weather in saturday, a fair bit of sunshine, but we could see some showers develop as temperatures rise into the mid 20s.

now, a bit of a change to the forecast on sunday because this clutch of fronts is coming in a bit slower than we expected. but it will sunday later in the day, overnight and into monday, bring some rain from the west across the east and it will be noticeably breezy as well. so on sunday, we start off with a lot of dry and bright weather. the rain comes in later and then it crosses us all during the course of monday with highs up to 25.

this is bbc news with the latest headlines. thousands of pupils in england, wales, and northern ireland the uk�*s university admissions service says the number of students is higher than the last time exams were taken but is lower than the peak. thousands of pupils in england, wales, and northern ireland are receiving their a—level, t—level, and b—tec results this morning after sitting the first formal exams since the pandemic. i was very shocked, i thought i was going to not do so well. i was very glad that i did so well this year. this year we will see probably a tighter set of results than last year. not quite where we were in 2019. but we are heading back to those pre—pandemic

assessment grade boundaries.