this is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. russian—occupied regions in ukraine hold votes on whether to join the russian federation — kyiv says it's a sham which is doomed to fail. the kremlin organises rallies to support its policy of calling up reserves to fight in ukraine — our correspondent samples the mood in moscow. this is not a spontaneous display of love for vladimir putin and his policies. it is a highly choreographed affair designed to give the impression that the whole country is behind the president. here in the uk — a dramatic change in economic direction — the biggest tax cuts in half a century — in a bid to kickstart growth.

more than seventy migrants die after their boat sinks off the coast of syria — our correspondent is with the rescue operation. and the first woman to win the booker prize twice — the celebrated author dame hilary mantel — has died at the age of 70 officials in four russian—occupied regions of ukraine have been holding self—declared referenda — on whether to become part of the russian federation. the kremlin supports the votes — just as it did after the annexation of crimea — the ukrainian territory which was invaded in 2014. but the government in kyiv and western countries have condemned the referenda — saying they are just a sham, and that they will never be recognised.

these are the four areas where voting is being held. they include occupied parts of luhansk and donetsk in the east, and zaporizhzhia and kherson, in the south — and cover around fifteen percent of ukraine's territory. votes are are expected to run until tuesday, and the result seems almost certain to go in moscow's favour. the international community does not recognise the validity of the process. as you can see, these pictures, filmed in russian—occupied donetsk, show how polling cards are being taken to people in their own homes — with a yes or no answer on the ballot paper — and this form, at least, was not filled in in secret. meanwhile russia is continuing to mobilise its reserve troops — which isn't going entirely smoothly. with the latest — here's our russia editor — steve rosenberg. it was the moment the kremlin tried to show the people still back to their president and what he is doing

in ukraine. within days, vladimir putin is expected to annex a huge swathe of ukrainian territory. there is international condemnation but at home, the official picture is they trust putin. many of the people here though, did not trust us. we asked the simple question, why have you come to this rally was smacked there was a certain reluctance to answer. but they had something to say on the subject of mobilisation. the but they had something to say on the subject of mobilisation.— sub'ect of mobilisation. the call up is subject of mobilisation. the call up is whirrin: subject of mobilisation. the call up is whirring everyone _ subject of mobilisation. the call up is whirring everyone with _ subject of mobilisation. the call up is whirring everyone with relativesl is whirring everyone with relatives of fighting age, natalia says. flat of fighting age, natalia says. not vieira, i would of fighting age, natalia says. not vieira, iwould be much happier of fighting age, natalia says. not vieira, i would be much happier if my son _ vieira, i would be much happier if my son got — vieira, i would be much happier if my son got wounded fighting in ukraine — my son got wounded fighting in ukraine and died of alcoholism here, she says _ ukraine and died of alcoholism here, she says. fighting is a proper man's 'ob. this is not a spontaneous display of love for vladimir

putin and his policies. it is a highly choreographed affair, designed to give the impression that the whole country is behind the president. in ukraine today, in those areas occupied by russian troops, self—styled referendums began onjoining russia. the west has denounced the votes as a sham, a smoke screen for annexation by moscow. back in russia, more goodbyes, more men called up to fight in ukraine. there's growing concern here that the scale of mobilisation is far greater than the kremlin had let on. emotions are running high. "why have you taken our sons?", a mother is heard asking this officer. when he tells the audience that his own son isn't eligible for the call—up, listen to the reaction. groans, shouts

for the president, this could become a problem. vladimir putin once promised russians stability. now, he's sending them to the front line. persuading russians to keep the faith in him won't be easy. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. vladimir putin's decision to mobilise military reservists, has led to what appears to be a mass attempt to leave russia — by people who would be subject to being called up. this was the scene at the southern russian border with georgia — which was itself invaded by russian forces in 2008 — those who had crossed reported long queues on the russian side of people wanting to leave. and there were reports of similar scenes at land crossings in kazakhstan and mongolia — and also here, to the north west of russia in finland. journalists asked some of the young men who were leaving russia why they had decided to do so.

it is just insane, it isjust insane, like, all my friends are in danger and so, i immediately decided to come back and it is crazy. for freedom, immediately decided to come back and it is crazy. forfreedom, russia from putin. it's crazy. it's crazy that so many people start to hate russia and. that so many people start to hate russia and-— russia and. when putin made his seech, i russia and. when putin made his speech. i just _ russia and. when putin made his speech, ijust packed _ russia and. when putin made his speech, ijust packed my - russia and. when putin made his speech, ijust packed my bags . russia and. when putin made his| speech, ijust packed my bags and directly— speech, ijust packed my bags and directly 90 — speech, ijust packed my bags and directly go to finland and in russia, _ directly go to finland and in russia, we don't have flight tickets i’ilht russia, we don't have flight tickets right now. — russia, we don't have flight tickets right now, so i have a visa and i found _ right now, so i have a visa and i found some _ right now, so i have a visa and i found some cheap flights from helsinki — found some cheap flights from helsinki to istanbul and so, yeah, that was— helsinki to istanbul and so, yeah, that was my plan and i made it

really— that was my plan and i made it really fast. well as the war in ukraine has caused a rise in energy prices and impacted the cost of living in many parts of the world — here in the uk, the finance minister kwasi kwarteng has announced the biggest tax cuts for half a century. this is the first unveiling of economic plans under the new uk government led by liz truss. among the measures, the higher rate of income tax of 45% is to be abolished. a planned rise in corporation tax from i9% to 25% has been cancelled — that's the tax businesses pay on their profits. and the rules which cap bankers' bonuses to twice their annual salary have been scrapped. but the markets have not reacted well and the pound fell to a 37—year low against the dollar. it fell more than 3% against the dollar, dropping belowi point 09 dollar. the opposition labour party has called the government �*desperate gamblers in a casino — chasing a losing run'. chris mason reports.

technically, this wasn't even a budget. in reality, and said that blue booklet, the biggest tax cuts in 50 years. i blue booklet, the biggest tax cuts in 50 years— in 50 years. i now call the chancellor _ in 50 years. i now call the chancellor of _ in 50 years. i now call the chancellor of the - in 50 years. i now call the l chancellor of the exchequer in 50 years. i now call the - chancellor of the exchequer to in 50 years. i now call the _ chancellor of the exchequer to make a statement. he chancellor of the exchequer to make a statement-— a statement. he told them peace it is all about — a statement. he told them peace it is all about strengthening - a statement. he told them peace it is all about strengthening the - is all about strengthening the economy stop the growth is not as high as it should be. this has made it harder to pay for public services requiring taxes to rise. we need a new approach for a new era. focused on growth _ new approach for a new era. focused on growth. and over the medium term is to reach_ on growth. and over the medium term is to reach a _ on growth. and over the medium term is to reach a trend rate of growth of 25%~ — is to reach a trend rate of growth of 2.596. ., , , is to reach a trend rate of growth of2.5%. ., , , ., ., ., ., is to reach a trend rate of growth of2.5%. ., , ,., ., ., ., , ., . of 2.596. raises a national insurance and corporate _ of 2.596. raises a national insurance and corporate techs _ of 2.596. raises a national insurance and corporate techs are _ of 2.596. raises a national insurance

and corporate techs are being - and corporate techs are being scrapped and then, the big reveal of income tax and those are more than £150,000 a year and will pay much less. �* ., ., ., . less. i'm not going to cut the additional — less. i'm not going to cut the additional rate _ less. i'm not going to cut the additional rate of _ less. i'm not going to cut the additional rate of text - less. i'm not going to cut the additional rate of text today, | less. i'm not going to cut the i additional rate of text today, mr speaker — additional rate of text today, mr speaker. i'm going to abolish it altogether. 0n speaker. i'm going to abolish it altogether. on april the 23rd, we will have — altogether. on april the 23rd, we will have a — altogether. on april the 23rd, we will have a single high of a tax of 40%_ will have a single high of a tax of 40% whion— will have a single high of a tax of 40% which will simplify the tax system — 40% which will simplify the tax system and make and have more enterprise — system and make and have more enterprise and work and incentivise growth _ enterprise and work and incentivise growth and — enterprise and work and incentivise growth and benefit the whole economy and old _ growth and benefit the whole economy and old country. and growth and benefit the whole economy and old country-— and old country. and there is an income tax _ and old country. and there is an income tax work _ and old country. and there is an income tax work for _ and old country. and there is an income tax work for everyone i and old country. and there is an i income tax work for everyone and wales and northern ireland. n income tax work for everyone and wales and northern ireland. i can wales and northern ireland. i can announce that _ wales and northern ireland. i can announce that we _ wales and northern ireland. i can announce that we will— wales and northern ireland. i can announce that we will cut - wales and northern ireland. i can announce that we will cut the basic rate of— announce that we will cut the basic rate of income tax to 19p in april 2025 _ rate of income tax to 19p in april 2025 one — rate of income tax to 19p in april 2023. one year earlier. that means the tax _ 2023. one year earlier. that means the tax for— 2023. one year earlier. that means the tax for over 130 million people injust— the tax for over 130 million people injust a _ the tax for over 130 million people injust a few the tax for over 130 million people in just a few months' the tax for over 130 million people injust a few months' time. also the tax for over 130 million people in just a few months' time.- in just a few months' time. also in immediate — in just a few months' time. also in immediate tax _ in just a few months' time. also in immediate tax cut _ in just a few months' time. also in immediate tax cut than _ in just a few months' time. also in immediate tax cut than the - in just a few months' time. also in immediate tax cut than the stamp | immediate tax cut than the stamp duty of england and northern ireland. but some of the measures announced, ministers know are not

popular, including moving the cap on bakehs popular, including moving the cap on baker's bonuses. so, why do it? taste baker's bonuses. so, why do it? we need global banks to make jobs here and invest— need global banks to make jobs here and invest here and pay taxes here in london~ — and invest here and pay taxes here in london~ in — and invest here and pay taxes here in london. in london. not in paris, not in _ in london. in london. not in paris, not in frankfurt and not in new yori

throughout _ there has been one person there throughout. the _ there has been one person there throughout. the prime _ there has been one person there throughout. the prime minister. | throughout. the prime minister. opposition— throughout. the prime minister. opposition parties— throughout. the prime minister. opposition parties here - throughout. the prime minister. opposition parties here were - throughout. the prime minister. . opposition parties here were some distance from impressed too. and opposition parties here were some distance from impressed too. and new ear, distance from impressed too. and new year. stretches — distance from impressed too. and new year, stretches credibility _ distance from impressed too. and new year, stretches credibility beyond - year, stretches credibility beyond breaking point. tax cuts for the rich, bonuses for the bankers and corporation tax for companies will somehow be float, magically, britain's sinking economy. thea;r somehow be float, magically, britain's sinking economy. they have asked the income _ britain's sinking economy. they have asked the income tax _ britain's sinking economy. they have asked the income tax which - britain's sinking economy. they have asked the income tax which means i asked the income tax which means million _ asked the income tax which means million will — asked the income tax which means million will be handed the best part of £55,000 in a tax cut which is almost — of £55,000 in a tax cut which is almost double the medium salary for people _ almost double the medium salary for people and will stop by people intent — people and will stop by people intent this afternoon rdrill people and will stop by people intent this afternoon will become the new investment _ intent this afternoon will become the new investment zones - intent this afternoon will become the new investment zones for - the new investment zones for targeted help. iasked if the new investment zones for targeted help. i asked if he felt he was taking a big gamble. i targeted help. i asked if he felt he was taking a big gamble.— was taking a big gamble. i don't think it's a _ was taking a big gamble. i don't think it's a gamble _ was taking a big gamble. i don't think it's a gamble at _ was taking a big gamble. i don't think it's a gamble at all- was taking a big gamble. i don't think it's a gamble at all in - was taking a big gamble. i don't think it's a gamble at all in my l think it's a gamble at all in my view, — think it's a gamble at all in my view, the _ think it's a gamble at all in my view, the gamble sticking to the course _ view, the gamble sticking to the course we — view, the gamble sticking to the course we were on. he had a tax system — course we were on. he had a tax system of—

course we were on. he had a tax system of a _ course we were on. he had a tax system of a 70 year high and higher since _ system of a 70 year high and higher since the _ system of a 70 year high and higher since the late 40s and that wasn't sustainable. what we had to do is have _ sustainable. what we had to do is have a _ sustainable. what we had to do is have a reboot, rethink and what were doing _ have a reboot, rethink and what were doing is— have a reboot, rethink and what were doing is pushing growth and incentivising investment. and critically. _ incentivising investment. and critically, people on lower incomes keep more — critically, people on lower incomes keep more of the money that they earn _ keep more of the money that they earn. �* , , ., ., i. keep more of the money that they earn. �* ,, ., earn. but is being fair to you as chancellor? _ earn. but is being fair to you as chancellor? what _ earn. but is being fair to you as chancellor? what we _ earn. but is being fair to you as chancellor? what we did - earn. but is being fair to you as chancellor? what we did this i chancellor? what we did this morning. _ chancellor? what we did this morning, reducing _ chancellor? what we did this morning, reducing taxes - chancellor? what we did this | morning, reducing taxes right chancellor? what we did this - morning, reducing taxes right across the income _ morning, reducing taxes right across the income bracket. ill take it into custody— the income bracket. ill take it into custody a — the income bracket. ill take it into custody a brother four to 2023. the energy intervention also has managed to help _ energy intervention also has managed to help people face but was potentially a very difficult winter in terms — potentially a very difficult winter in terms of bills. you potentially a very difficult winter in terms of bills.— in terms of bills. you think the economy _ in terms of bills. you think the economy is — in terms of bills. you think the economy is in _ in terms of bills. you think the economy is in recession? - in terms of bills. you think the economy is in recession? thel in terms of bills. you think the - economy is in recession? the bank of encland economy is in recession? the bank of england said — economy is in recession? the bank of england said there _ economy is in recession? the bank of england said there was _ economy is in recession? the bank of england said there was a _ economy is in recession? the bank of england said there was a recession i england said there was a recession in that— england said there was a recession in that it _ england said there was a recession in that it was shallow and hopefully we can— in that it was shallow and hopefully we can rebound and grow. no, i said that there _ we can rebound and grow. no, i said that there was technically a recession. we've had two quarters of

very little _ recession. we've had two quarters of very little negative growth and i think— very little negative growth and i think these measures are going to help us— think these measures are going to help us drive growth. | think these measures are going to help us drive growth.— help us drive growth. i don't think it's a bleak— help us drive growth. i don't think it's a bleak picture. _ help us drive growth. i don't think it's a bleak picture. if— help us drive growth. i don't think it's a bleak picture. if you - help us drive growth. i don't think it's a bleak picture. if you look i help us drive growth. i don't think it's a bleak picture. if you look at | it's a bleak picture. if you look at unemployment, that is a 50 year low and you would appreciate that. if you look at some of things you're doing and science intact, that is also very positive stump with their great things, that's what i said in my statement, a great story. we have a treat my statement, a great story. we have a great policy _ my statement, a great story. we have a great policy to — my statement, a great story. we have a great policy to steer _ my statement, a great story. we have a great policy to steer us _ my statement, a great story. we have a great policy to steer us through - a great policy to steer us through that and — a great policy to steer us through that and we can actually grow the economy— that and we can actually grow the economy and we would like to see. some _ economy and we would like to see. some financial statements from governments can feel inconsequential, easily forgotten. today's was not one of them. this is a big change of direction from a new chancellor and new prime minister and not want to prove that it can work. the bodies of 71 people have been found after the boat they were travelling in sank off syria's coast. in the syrian city of tartus. twenty survivors are being treated in a hospital

in the syrian city of tartus. officials said lebanese, syrian and palestinian nationals — including women and children — were believed to be among as many of 150 people who were on board when the boat sank on thursday. it is not clear what caused the accident. a rescue attempt is ongoing. our correspondent lina sinjab is in lebanon, a few kilometres south from where the boat carrying the migrants sank. she told me about the rescue operation. we are now at the syrian lebanese border where some of the bodies just arrived using ambulances of the red cross on thursday and carrying around a little bit more migrants sank off the shore of the city and the search is still ongoing and dozens of been found and we can see

now that some of the bodies are still arriving into devastating seeing here at the border with families in waiting anxiously for news about their loved ones and perceived bodies of their relatives and some are still waiting and some are among the fortunate that they're waiting for the rescue. but this is the devastating situation that not only lebanese but palestinians who live in lebanon and syrians live in lebanon will take to the sea and talk about the families talking to the people one person told me that the people one person told me that the dead ones are the lucky ones because they have escaped this horrible life we are living here in set that we are not living, we are already dead. we have reached the level below zero. this is an unbearable life and even after this catastrophic event that happened between yesterday and today, with a

big number of deaths, people will still take to the streets and still risk their lives because they've got nothing to lose. they are already living in miserable conditions. the united states says it will ease internet restrictions on iran, to expand access to services curbed by the iranian government in an attempt to stamp out protests. the us treasury said it wanted to increase internet freedom, despite other sanctions washington has in place against on iran. it comes as the number of people known to died in protests in iran following the death of a young woman in custody, after she was arrested for allegedly wearing a hijab in an improper way. protests have spread to more than 80 cities and towns. demonstrators have rejected the police's claim that mahsa amini had suffered "sudden heart failure". stay with us on bbc news, still to come: the world of literature has been remembering the author, dame hilary mantel, who's died aged 70.

we'll look back at her life and work. benjohnson, the fastest man on earth is flying home to canada in disgrace. all athletes should be clean going into the game. i'm just happy that justice is served. it is a simple fact that this morning these people - were in their homes, _ tonight those homes have been burnt down by serbian soldiers and police. all the taliban positions along here have been strengthened presumably in case americans invaded. it's no use having a secret service which cannot preserve its own secrets against the world. and so the british government has no option but to continue this action even after any adverse judgment in australia.

the concorde would cross the atlantic faster than any plane than ever before, breaking the record by six minutes. welcome back to bbc news. let's turn to the united nations general assembly now — the annual event in new york, at which world leaders from all nations — and those who represent some other international organisations — are invited to speak to a global audience. on thursday, we heard the israeli prime minister hair lapid, say he would back an agreement with the palestians for a two—state solution — with some conditions. on friday, it was the turn of the palestinian president mahmoud abbas to speak at the un general assembly on friday. mr abbas said mr lapid's call for a two—state solution was a "positive development" but the possibility of reaching a just solution to the israeli—palestinian conflict is regressing.

our trust in the possibility of achieving a piece based onjustice and international law is unfortunately regressing. because of the israeli occupation policies, israel, it is ignoring the resolutions of the international legitimacy has decided not to be our partner and did these processes. and he is through their current policies which are premeditated and deliberate in destroying the two state solution. you can read up on the background to the situation in the middle east on our website. you can find our special section devoted to israel and the palestinians — just log on to bbc.com/news hurricane fiona — the weather

system which has already caused widespread damage in several carribean nations — has caused power cuts in bermuda. these pictures were filmed by an unmanned ship at sea as it swept past the island. the storm brought gusts in excess of 103 miles per hour — that's around 165 kilometres per hour — and heavy rain. the hurricane is set to gather more strength as it moves towards eastern canada. the celebrated author dame hilary mantel, widely regarded as one of the greatest british novelists of the century, has died at the age of 70. she was best—known for her trilogy of historical novels about the rise and fall of thomas cromwell in tudor england, which began with wolf hall. her publisher, harper collins, said she died "suddenly yet peacefully" surrounded by close family and friends. our culture editor katie razzall looks back on her life.

of 50 years old and the same thick set body. it cromwell, why are you such a person? her trilogy about the life of henry viii's fixer became about after winning award series. intrigue and violent that readers can feel and taste. she won the booker price twice but the first woman to do so. she had been writing his story contemporary fiction for years before finding popular acclaim. i years before finding popular acclaim. , ., ., , . ., ., acclaim. i hesitated for such a long time before — acclaim. i hesitated for such a long time before beginning _ acclaim. i hesitated for such a long time before beginning to _ acclaim. i hesitated for such a long time before beginning to write - acclaim. i hesitated for such a long time before beginning to write this| time before beginning to write this book. actually, for about 20 years. the young hilary mantell wanted to be up every step but her lack of connections and she struggled with all her life, saw her turn to writing instead. the loss of

humanities gain.— writing instead. the loss of humanities gain. any time any character was _ humanities gain. any time any character was the _ humanities gain. any time any character was the best - humanities gain. any time any character was the best and - humanities gain. any time any - character was the best and anybody couid've _ character was the best and anybody could've done. she is a classic rider— could've done. she is a classic rider in— could've done. she is a classic rider in the _ could've done. she is a classic rider in the footsteps of dickens and george eliot, but she was writing — and george eliot, but she was writing in— and george eliot, but she was writing in ourtime. she really and george eliot, but she was writing in our time. she really is that important. get writing in our time. she really is that important.— that important. get everything settled. others _ that important. get everything settled. others have _ that important. get everything settled. others have been - that important. get everything i settled. others have been paying tribute. settled. others have been paying tribute- the _ settled. others have been paying tribute. the shakespeare - settled. others have been paying i tribute. the shakespeare company settled. others have been paying - tribute. the shakespeare company of her novels are been miles is cromwell, he he said she was extraordinary. with the greatest riders of our time. recognition of her talents brought mantell a dame hood for services to literature she typed my recent years of her hope for the future.— typed my recent years of her hope for the future. there's so much i to do. it's for the future. there's so much i to do- it'sjust — for the future. there's so much i to do- it'sjust a _ for the future. there's so much i to do. it'sjust a question _ for the future. there's so much i to do. it'sjust a question of— for the future. there's so much i to do. it'sjust a question of how - for the future. there's so much i to | do. it'sjust a question of how much do. it's just a question of how much stamina have a god. what time i got left? ,, ., left? she died from a stroke in a | hospital in exeter with her family hospital in exeter with herfamily beside her.

the author dame hilary mantel who's died at the age of 70. earlier, i spoke to senior lecturer in english at loughborough university, barbara cooke. she described her as one of the greats. she said that she always wanted and that trilogy of books to express how people are like us today in many ways and also that fundamental difference to the same but not exactly the same and she did that through very detailed research and she cared very much about the subject and said you can really feel yourself there and that is because she did her homework and she was very quickly to develop those who supported her in particular someone called mary robertson who she would turn to when she needed those details and would make her work, live. ~ . details and would make her work, live. . ., ., ., 4' details and would make her work, live. ~ ., ., ., ,, ., details and would make her work, live. ~ ., ., ., live. we heard he took her a long time, live. we heard he took her a long time. about _ live. we heard he took her a long time, about 20 _ live. we heard he took her a long time, about 20 years, _ live. we heard he took her a long time, about 20 years, she - live. we heard he took her a long l time, about 20 years, she thought about writing. find

time, about 20 years, she thought about writing-— time, about 20 years, she thought about writing. and now we have the books with us _ about writing. and now we have the books with us and _ about writing. and now we have the books with us and i'm _ about writing. and now we have the books with us and i'm so _ about writing. and now we have the books with us and i'm so glad - about writing. and now we have the books with us and i'm so glad that l books with us and i'm so glad that we do. you can see the amount of effort that is gone into them, all 20 years of thinking and this trilogy of works and she didn'tjust write about the tutor period but a historical fiction but there's also a very talented rider and the memoir too. and ., ,, ~' a very talented rider and the memoir too. and ., i. ,, , a very talented rider and the memoir too. and ., i. ~ , , ., , too. and would you think she stands in the pantheon _ too. and would you think she stands in the pantheon of _ too. and would you think she stands in the pantheon of english _ too. and would you think she stands in the pantheon of english riders - in the pantheon of english riders never heard or compared to dickens, for example. is she going to be but of the greats? is that our future generations will see her? i of the greats? is that our future generations will see her? i think she already _ generations will see her? i think she already is _ generations will see her? i think she already is one _ generations will see her? i think she already is one of— generations will see her? i think she already is one of the - generations will see her? i think she already is one of the greats| generations will see her? i think i she already is one of the greats and every so often in every profession, there is some in a class of their own if you can tell these people, because the amount of respect they

command, biographers respect her, historians respect her, riders of fiction respect or two because she deal of those things and brought them together so beautifully as only she could and she really is in a class of her own. so, yes, i'm sure we'll be saying her name for many years to come. in we'll be saying her name for many years to come-— we'll be saying her name for many years to come. in her influence and other riders. _ years to come. in her influence and other riders, how _ years to come. in her influence and other riders, how would _ years to come. in her influence and other riders, how would you - years to come. in her influence and other riders, how would you assess that? i other riders, how would you assess that? 4' other riders, how would you assess that? ~ ., , ., , ., ., that? i think what she has done for historical fiction _ that? i think what she has done for historical fiction is _ that? i think what she has done for historical fiction is that _ that? i think what she has done for historical fiction is that she - historical fiction is that she change the type of people that we write about and read about and she said that she likes to read about people who came from nowhere. and historical period of the two doors is so glamourous and so over—the—top if these enormous personalities and here we have someone writing about someone who is really not very glamourous at all. you're such a person, you played the clip. she's really changed the landscape in this area of history that we think we know so well by looking about those undiscovered people in looking at other personalities and that's

really opened up the field of historical fiction for everyone for the matter. historical fiction for everyone for the matter-— historical fiction for everyone for the matter. ., ., ., . “ the matter. you are watching bbc news. to the matter. you are watching bbc news- to stay _ the matter. you are watching bbc news. to stay with _ the matter. you are watching bbc news. to stay with us. _ hello. the autumn equinox happened on friday and saturday is going to be ourfirst full day of autumn. the skies are pretty clear the moment and the weekend, how's it looking? actually not too bad. there will be a few showers around, but predominantly sunny spells. so, this is what it looks like out there right now. yes, a few showers around, but generally clear across most of the uk through the early hours of saturday, and the temperatures ranging from close to freezing in the scottish glens, around 10 in liverpool and 12 degrees in the south. now, recently in the southeast, it has been pretty cloudy and wet because of a stubborn weather front, but the thinking is that weatherfront should be out of the picture in the english channel and across france early on saturday morning. but there is a possibility it could be cloudy, if not damp,

in the extreme southeast. elsewhere across the country, we're waking up to sunny spells, and i think through the course of the afternoon, we'll see showers developing — quite well scattered across england and wales. but in scotland and northern ireland, it should be a predominantly dry day. here, temperatures will range from 12 degrees in the northern isles, 16 in glasgow, in the south, still around 18. that was saturday, this is sunday's weather forecast. a lot of sunshine, particularly across england and wales, but watch this cold front sweep into northern and western scotland later in the day. the winds will increase, and that heralds a change, a change into next week. we'll have a look at that in a second. first, i want to update you on hurricane fiona, which has just passed to the west of bermuda and it is heading towards nova scotia and also newfoundland, and the effects of this storm are likely to be very significant around the canadian maritimes. when the storm hits, it'll no longer be a truly tropical hurricane. it'll sort of turn into more of a mid—latitude weather system,

but the strength of the wind will still be blowing at hurricane force, and waves around coastal areas are forecast to reach 10, even 12 metres of ferocious weather there, the other side of the atlantic. but over in our neck of the woods, we are expecting a colder plunge of air on monday following a cold front. if you look at the forecast here, 13 degrees in aberdeen and edinburgh probably as well, and cardiff, mid—teens expected and similar values there in london. have a good weekend.

this is bbc news. i'm ben brown with the latest headlines. russian officials are staging self—styled referendums in the pound has hit a 37—year low against the dollar after the uk government announced the biggest tax cuts in 50 years. london's main share index also fell and there was a sell off and there was a selloff of government bonds. russian officials are staging self—styled referendums in four occupied regions of ukraine on whether they should become part of the russian federation. western countries say the votes are illegal and a step towards the annexation of ukrainian territory. in moscow, there have been pro—kremlin rallies designed to show public support for the self—declared referendums. it comes as russia continues calling up reserves to fight in ukraine.