this is bbc news with the latest headlines. breaking news in the last few minutes. police say at least twenty people have been killed including children — following a mass shooting at a pre—school in north eastern thailand. the royal college of nursing is balloting all its members across the uk for strike action — the first time in its history. liz truss travels to prague for a new european members group — could it pave the way for a changing relationship with the eu, even whilst the prime minister is under pressure at home? with rising mortgage rates and a debate about benefits, tell us what you're most worried about, as bills rise. do get in touch with me on twitter @geetagurumurthy multiple explosions rock the southern ukrainian city of zaporizhzhia

with the regional governor blaming russia. a warning that petrol prices could rise after global oil producer opec agrees it will reduce output. the home office suspends an immigration official and former met officer after a bbc investigation reveals he'd been posting racist content on whatsapp. hello, thanks for joining hello, thanks forjoining us. breaking news to bring in the last few minutes. police say that at least 20 people are dead, many of them children following a mass shooting at a preschool in north—eastern thailand. the report said the attack took place at a childcare facility in non bua lam

phu province. a recently dismissed police officer are said to have stormed the building and open file before escaping while some victims are said to be stabbed. the investigation is under way at the moment to try to find the attacker and the report are still coming in of this, there had been reported by the news agencies and all the agencies have been alerted to take action and apprehend the shooter according to the thai government. as you can imagine, a very tragic attack there in thailand. we will bring as much as we can as quickly as we can but we are hearing that potentially up to 30 people attacked, nearly 30 reportedly killed in fact after that mass shooting at a daycare child centre in north—eastern thailand. now,

here... hundreds of thousands of nurses across the uk are being asked if they're willing to walk out over pay. the royal college of nursing is balloting its members for strike action for the first time in the union's106—year history. the rcn wants a payrise of 5 percent above inflation, but no uk nation has offered close to that. 0ur correspondent, caroline davies has more. through the darkest days of the pandemic, the uk's nurses were some of the nation's heroes. now, they're being balloted to strike over pay. my love for it was to make a difference in people's lives. and that's why i am here. but then, sometimes when i look at it, it's like, is it really worth it? victoria is a mental health nurse in an nhs trust. after she came back from maternity leave, she went part time and receives universal credit because she says her pay wouldn't cover the cost of childcare if she worked full time. even now, she struggles.

sometimes you end up having not enough money to feed yourself, or even feed your children. if i'm going to work, and i'm... i'm making a difference in people's lives, ifeel like i should be able to be compensated and have enough pay for myself to sustain myself and even look after my children. the rcn is asking for a pay rise of 5% on top of inflation, something no uk nation has offered. the ballot will open today until the 2nd of november. nurses in northern ireland have been on strike before but, if this vote goes through, it will be the first time in the rcn's 106—year history that there's been a nationwide strike. not all nurses would walk out. some, whose work is considered to be life—preserving, or if it wasn't administered would lead to permanent disability,

will continue to work, too. but this strike is intended to disrupt, and it's likely to come at a time when winter pressures are starting to build. the rcn say they have no other choice. is this the right thing to do? this is about nurses trying to get people to listen to the dire straits they are in. the department of health and social care has said... scotland's health secretary suggested yesterday that he'd be making an improved offer. 0ther unions are also planning, or have started balloting their health workers. there may be anger over pay, but any form of strike will affect patient care. caroline davies, bbc news.

for more on how to manage the cost of living crisis and the latest financial turmoil, join us on friday at 11:30 for a special edition of your questions answered when we'll be exploring many of the issues around the cost of living — with our personal finance correspondent kevin peachey and a range of experts who'll form a panel to answer the questions you want answered. we'll focus on issues such as practical ways you can cut bills, what support is out there, the strain on food—banks and the difference it makes when certain benefits are linked to wages rather than to prices. email us at yourquestions@bbc.co.uk or tweet using the hashtag—bbc your questions. we would love to hear from you. liz truss will attend the first meeting today of the european political community — an informal summit bringing together the leaders of eu states with 17 other countries. at the gathering in prague, ms truss will call for unity to ensure that ukraine can win the war against russia. she'll also say it's time to confront other challenges, such as energy and migration. i'm joined now by our political correspondent damian grammaticas. this comes obviously as the prime minister faces enormous pressure at home butjust tells a bit about

minister faces enormous pressure at home but just tells a bit about this new grouping and what the uk is hoping to get from it. yes. new grouping and what the uk is hoping to get from it.— new grouping and what the uk is hoping to get from it. yes, this is an initiative _ hoping to get from it. yes, this is an initiative from _ hoping to get from it. yes, this is an initiative from the _ hoping to get from it. yes, this is an initiative from the french - an initiative from the french president emmanuel macron who said he wanted to have european countries and those all a0 odd countries, all the eu countries plus from the us you've got iceland, norway, you go round to turkey, switzerland and further east ukraine and even further east ukraine and even further east ukraine and even further east like azerbaijan to discuss and it was an idea boris johnson was not very keen on when he was prime minister but what has happened is the french have reshaped it a little bit, made it less eu so as individual countries in europe eating with their neighbours, that has reassured the uk but why has liz truss decided she wants to go and confirm that in the last few weeks is going there today? well, really, i think you have to look at the whole situation. european countries

under pressure, the uk absolutely under pressure, the uk absolutely under pressure, the uk absolutely under pressure as well given the energy situation, the war in ukraine, general security situation and is that the kind of dry for all these countries to be together? it will on the agenda in the uk will be interested in talking about support for ukraine, something france also in countries like ukraine have wanted to be in countries like ukraine have wan�* those je in countries like ukraine have wan�* those neighbours keeping of with those neighbours the keeping of a constant energy through those months ahead. immigration and migration is an issue the uk cares about and liz truss will be talking about and liz truss will be talking about on the sidelines as president

macron so the importance of all this is for the first time since brexit, six years or so, the uk is going back into discussing a forum in which issues can be discussed and broadly across europe, it is an informalforum, no one knows quite what this will become but the uk clearly has made the decision that, in this current climate, it is in its interest to be there in the beginning. its interest to be there in the beginning-— its interest to be there in the beaainnin. . ~ ., ~ its interest to be there in the beaainnin. ., ~' ., ~ ., beginning. thank you. thank you for “oininu us. beginning. thank you. thank you for joining us- what _ beginning. thank you. thank you for joining us. what do _ beginning. thank you. thank you for joining us. what do you _ beginning. thank you. thank you for joining us. what do you see - beginning. thank you. thank you for joining us. what do you see is - beginning. thank you. thank you for joining us. what do you see is the i joining us. what do you see is the significance of liz truss going to this meeting? could it provide an opportunity for a slightly different relationship with our european neighbours post—brexit? i relationship with our european neighbours post-brexit? i think the first thing to _ neighbours post-brexit? i think the first thing to say — neighbours post-brexit? i think the first thing to say is _ neighbours post-brexit? i think the first thing to say is the _ first thing to say is the alternative to liz truss being there would be liz truss being virtually the only european leader not to be there so it is important for her to be round the table with all those

other european leaders and that being said, there is a danger i think that the community turns into nothing more than a talking shop. aa national leaders in one room for one day implies that they will not really get into any great detail on theissues really get into any great detail on the issues they are confronting but symbolically the fact that liz truss has decided to go particularly given voiced by i oiced by i think by i think it's own that is important in its own right. the fact just the lhéeéfact she is just in the room our with with our european leaders with british ministers excluding effectivel from a lot of and meetings, -nm as uk when, as a block, regionally, the uk is globally on is facing pressure is globally on ukraine and other fronts? absolutely, and these european leaders face many common challenges so in that sense it is interesting as an initiative and there in mind that the greatest opportunity perhaps for many of these leaders at

this meeting will not be the set piece sessions or formal press conferences but the chances they will get during the afternoon to have bilateral meetings with key partners so we expect to liz truss to see president macron, to see the dutch prime ministerfor possibilities to dutch prime minister for possibilities to see the dutch prime ministerfor possibilities to see the president of the european commission and i expect it is that those bilaterals away from the cabinets were more serious business will be done rather than at the meeting. white patches of history and a very precarious position at home. how is that... is that going to affect how other countries treat? she is very new in the job. countries treat? she is very new in thejob. yeah, i do not think it will affect how other countries treat her because she is at the —— she is the prime minister of the united kingdom so it does give her an opportunity to come across as a stateswoman and someone dealing with the problems in an international stage, and i think other leaders will take her seriously because there are serious issues they want to discuss with her, notjust the ukraine more and european reactions

but the continuing stand—off over the northern ireland protocol and brexit. ~ ., , , , the northern ireland protocol and brexit. ~ . , , , ., brexit. waters president macron ho - in . brexit. waters president macron honing this _ brexit. waters president macron honing this body _ brexit. waters president macron hoping this body will— brexit. waters president macron hoping this body will achieve? . hoping this body will achieve? 0bviously hoping this body will achieve? obviously there is the eu, nato, there are so many groupings, aren't there? how does this fit into all there? how does this fit into all the others? i there? how does this fit into all the others?— there? how does this fit into all the others? ~' ., , , the others? i think there has been amon: the others? i think there has been among many _ the others? i think there has been among many european _ the others? i think there has been among many european leaders - the others? i think there has been among many european leaders a l the others? i think there has been - among many european leaders a desire to bring all european countries together in a form that was bigger than nato and bigger than european union. what will be interesting is whether this turns into an attempt by the european union to keep its neighbours happy, short of membership because many of the balkan states attempting are suspicious of this initiative and see this as an alternative. you have two sets of states, one who want to join and another keen not to join and whether our european global community manages to keep all countries happy remains to be seen. in terms of what you see from the liz truss government, new as it is, with regards to what they've said on brexit, we've seen interesting

changes from the likes of steve baker, referring to the northern ireland protocol. what are you hearing about the liz truss government approach to the eu in the immediate aftermath of this new leadership? they have obviously had a lot on their plates. i leadership? they have obviously had a lot on their plates.— a lot on their plates. i think you ut our a lot on their plates. i think you out your finger _ a lot on their plates. i think you put your finger on _ a lot on their plates. i think you put your finger on it, _ a lot on their plates. i think you put your finger on it, we - a lot on their plates. i think you | put your finger on it, we showed a lot on their plates. i think you i put your finger on it, we showed a change of tone, from steve baker and from the prime minister, and there's been a very warm tone adopted by the new foreign secretary and what we have not heard is any change in substance and the stand—off over the protocol is about substance rather than anything else i will have to see. i think talks are to resume today between james see. i think talks are to resume today betweenjames cleverley see. i think talks are to resume today between james cleverley and the european union and you will have to see whether the change of tone is accompanied by any shift in substance because that shift in substance because that shift in substance is what is required for that to be a deal. we substance is what is required for that to be a deal.— substance is what is required for that to be a deal. we talked about liz truss being _ that to be a deal. we talked about liz truss being in _ that to be a deal. we talked about liz truss being in a _ that to be a deal. we talked about liz truss being in a slightly - liz truss being in a slightly precarious position. there is always a concern by some money prime minister is out of the country that they've just at the conservative

party conference, and she facing a lot of critics within her own party. is it, in a way, dangerous to be out of the country looking at these bigger picture things when there was a massive economic challenge, huge crisis facing millions of people here? should you not be at home? well, i would not have thought so for two reasons, i'm pretty certain her staff would be in constant contact with london while she is overin contact with london while she is over in prague so she's not out of touch with what is going on at home, and secondly i think she will put a lot of emphasis on the energy crisis and what it means, and onjoint reaction so she will appear as if he is doing something about this economic crisis and i think it is worth bearing in mind that any paradoxical way, the mystic weakness can be international strength in the sense that she can say to other leaders, i am sense that she can say to other leaders, iam in sense that she can say to other leaders, i am in a sense that she can say to other leaders, iam in a precarious position at home, there's not much i can do to compromise so you need to cut me more slack because otherwise i will face problems with my domestic coalition so there are instances where having or being able

to argue you're under pressure at home might actually give you a tiny bit more leverage when dealing with foreign parties. bit more leverage when dealing with foreign parties-— foreign parties. thank you so much foreign parties. thank you so much for our foreign parties. thank you so much for your time _ foreign parties. thank you so much for your time today. _ foreign parties. thank you so much for your time today. and _ foreign parties. thank you so much for your time today. and let's - foreign parties. thank you so much for your time today. and let's go i foreign parties. thank you so muchj for your time today. and let's go to prague. and our correspondent jessica parkerjoins us from prague now. what is the mood, what is the expectation in terms of the european neighbours from what the uk's appearance might mean? yeah, i think in terms of expectations, _ appearance might mean? yeah, i think in terms of expectations, no _ appearance might mean? yeah, i think in terms of expectations, no one - appearance might mean? yeah, i think in terms of expectations, no one is - in terms of expectations, no one is really quite sure how today is going to pan out. it is worth bearing in mind that this is essentially a kind of political experiment, bringing together over a0 leaders in an unprecedented meeting including eu and non—eu leaders to talk about specific issues as we've been hearing. in terms of whether we will hearing. in terms of whether we will hear any solid outcomes later, i think that is possibly quite unlikely, they will have lots of conversations about energy and security, and migration, and the effort is to drop leaders together

in terms of bringing more cooperation to the european continent especially following russia's invasion of ukraine and for the united kingdom of course, liz truss only confirmed she was attending the summit late last week, we know she had been hostile to the idea previously saying she basically did not want this type of community to cut across the g7 or the defensive alliance of nato as well but now she is attending, she seems to be fairly all into the idea and is going to be saying things like she will be addressing the community, one of the first leaders to do so, that the threat of russia was left to fester for too long and i think there's a party of the uk trying to define its role in europe, having left the european union. and a lot of people here, i think including the french, have really championed this course, we are really pleased that the uk did, in the end, decide to turn up. maw; the end, decide to turn up. many thank you- _ the end, decide to turn up. many thank you. and _ the end, decide to turn up. many thank you. and just _ the end, decide to turn up. many thank you. and just an _ the end, decide to turn up. many thank you. and just an update on that tragic story coming to us from

thailand where we had about an attack on a preschool with the possibility of up to 30 people including many children killed. the local media and thailand are now reporting that the gunman killed himself and his wife and child. so, reports that the gunman has died, killing his wife and child, and that possibly up to 30 people have died, including many children. and that is an attack on the north—east of thailand, in a mass shooting, reportedly a knife attack also has taken place, with 20—30 children in this gun and knife attack according to the police in thailand. major oil producing nations have decided to reduce the amount of oil they produce. it's the biggest cut in production by the 0pec plus group in more than two years — and it's already pushed

up the price of oil. 0pec plus is the world's oil—producing cartel. it's made up of the 0pec group of 13 major oil producing countries — plus several other members they've decided to cut oil production by two million barrels a day from november — because of uncertainty in world markets president biden has called it �*short—sighted' and it's being seen as a blow to him because it's likely to push up petrol prices in the us and around the world. we can speak now to cornelia meyer, an indpendent energy analyst. she was at the opec + meeting, and joins us from vienna. hello, cornelia, thank you for joining us. hello, cornelia, thank you for joining us— hello, cornelia, thank you for “oininu us. ., ~' ., ., joining us. thank you for having me. can ou joining us. thank you for having me. can you exoiain _ joining us. thank you for having me. can you explain just _ joining us. thank you for having me. can you explain just what _ joining us. thank you for having me. can you explain just what this - joining us. thank you for having me. can you explain just what this might| can you explain just what this might mean for petrol prices as mag i mean for petrol prices as magi think there are two things mean for petrol prices as mag i think there are two things here. it is a 2 million cut, 2 million barrel cut, yes, but in reality, it's only about 850 — cut, yes, but in reality, it's only about 850 - 900,000

cut, yes, but in reality, it's only about 850 — 900,000 barrels because they cut from the quotas and the quotas... 0pec has ever fulfilled the quotas for the long time so the real cut is much smaller and it means for oil prices, they have gone up means for oil prices, they have gone up but let's not forget, over the past quarter, the third quarter, the fallen down by between 25—30% so they really come down and the price at the pump is not only dependent on the input, on the crude, it is also dependent on the refining capacity and that is also stretched. but dependent on the refining capacity and that is also stretched.- and that is also stretched. but for eo - le and that is also stretched. but for people watching _ and that is also stretched. but for people watching who _ and that is also stretched. but for people watching who are - and that is also stretched. but for| people watching who are thinking, how might this affect me, will they see an increase in prices? thea;r how might this affect me, will they see an increase in prices? they may see an increase in prices? they may see an increase in prices? they may see an increase _ see an increase in prices? they may see an increase in _ see an increase in prices? they may see an increase in prices. _ see an increase in prices? they may see an increase in prices. but - see an increase in prices? they may see an increase in prices. but part l see an increase in prices. but part of that is also what is going on in the refining segment and part of thatis

the refining segment and part of that is also if they have this price cap on russian oil which will come into effect, then we will have even less coming onto the market in terms of crude, so there is a clear upward tendency. of crude, so there is a clear upward tenden . �* �* , of crude, so there is a clear upward tenden . �* �*, ., tendency. and it's unpopular in the united states, _ tendency. and it's unpopular in the united states, can _ tendency. and it's unpopular in the united states, can you _ tendency. and it's unpopular in the united states, can you just - tendency. and it's unpopular in the united states, can you just explain j united states, can you just explain for us why? jae united states, can you 'ust explain for us why?— for us why? joe biden is going into mid-term elections _ for us why? joe biden is going into mid-term elections and _ for us why? joe biden is going into mid-term elections and prices - for us why? joe biden is going into mid-term elections and prices at l for us why? joe biden is going into i mid-term elections and prices at the mid—term elections and prices at the pumps are extremely important to him because that is a gauge for us voters on whether they like the current administration or not. so that, and the biden administration feels that 0pec has cited too much with russia, so they are worried about a russia— 0pec alliance, and the political discourse is getting

harsher and we can only hope that calmer voices will prevail.- calmer voices will prevail. thank ou ve calmer voices will prevail. thank you very much — calmer voices will prevail. thank you very much indeed _ calmer voices will prevail. thank you very much indeed from - calmer voices will prevail. thank - you very much indeed from speaking to us today. the ukrainian city of zaporizhzhia has come under missile attack, with multiple explosions heard just before dawn. and another three in the last 30 minutes. local officials said seven russian missiles had hit infrastructure and residential buildings. rescuers are searching for people trapped in the rubble. at least two people have been confirmed dead. zaporizhzhia is close to the front line and the capital of the province which russia has tried to annex. 0ther civilian sites have been hit across ukraine. including power stations, electricity transmission lines and residential buildings. they say russia is retaliating for recent setbacks on the battlefield. let's get the latest. i am joined by our correspondent hugo bachega. what is

going on? correspondent hugo bachega. what is auoin on? , ., ., correspondent hugo bachega. what is uaoinon? , ., , going on? yes, zaporizhzhia is under attack it again _ going on? yes, zaporizhzhia is under attack it again with _ going on? yes, zaporizhzhia is under attack it again with more _ going on? yes, zaporizhzhia is under attack it again with more explosions| attack it again with more explosions reported in the last half an hour. residents have been told by local officials to remain in shelters and bunkers, and we don't yet know the details of the areas that have been hit but obviously this comes hours after those attacks in the morning, attacks that happened at around 5am here and residential buildings were hit in the city of zaporizhzhia and we had an update from the governor and the last ten minutes so saying that now they are saying only one person has confirmed dead, seven people have been injured as a result of this attack that happened in zaporizhzhia. an entire block of flats has been completely destroyed and people are still being rescued from the rubble of this building, and the ukrainians, it is said, are now saying this is the way russia is responding to recent military defeat

ijy responding to recent military defeat by attacking civilian target, civilian infrastructure. we've seen over the last few weeks power stations, electricity lines, residential buildings are being attacked across the country and now we are seeing again a civilian area being hit in the city of zaporizhzhia which is very close to the front line in the south of the country and it has become a target by the russian forces, it has been frequent the targeted in recent weeks. i5 frequent the targeted in recent weeks. , ., , frequent the targeted in recent weeks. , ., weeks. is any of this near the nuclear plant? _ weeks. is any of this near the nuclear plant? what - weeks. is any of this near the nuclear plant? what is - weeks. is any of this near the nuclear plant? what is the i weeks. is any of this near the i nuclear plant? what is the latest weeks. is any of this near the - nuclear plant? what is the latest on the safety in that part of ukraine? yes, we should hearfrom the safety in that part of ukraine? yes, we should hear from the the safety in that part of ukraine? yes, we should hearfrom the head of the international atomic energy agency later today. the international atomic energy agency latertoday. he the international atomic energy agency later today. he is visiting kyiv today and the goal of this mission is to actually create a safety area around the zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. this bite the name, the zaporizhzhia complex is away from the city itself —— despite

the name. and there have been issues about the safety of this conflict because of fighting near the area. and yesterday, president putin said that russia was going to nationalise this power station. zaporizhzhia is one of the region's —— is one of the regions russia says they will annex and that is something that has been dismissed as illegal by ukraine, with no legitimacy, so this latest declaration by moscow is likely to escalate tensions even further when it comes to this nuclear power station. ., �* ., . ., , it comes to this nuclear power station. ., �* .. ., , ., ~ station. hugo bachega in kyiv, thank ou ve station. hugo bachega in kyiv, thank you very much- _ the home office has suspended an immigration official after a newsnight investigation revealed he'd been posting racist content on the messaging site whatsapp. rob lewis — a former metropolitan police officer —

is understood to have created the group, which also includes other ex—officers. the home office says it has a zero tolerance policy of discrimination, while the met said it would be ruthless in rooting out racists and misogynists from the force. newsnight�*s uk editor sima kotecha reports. a whatsapp group with several former metropolitan police officers on it. the content is vile — racist, misogynistic, homophobic, pornographic. it's so offensive we've chosen not to show it. and this one is... horrific. yeah. dave eden was a police officer for almost 30 years. he retired in 2010 and has been on the group since it started in 2016, as what he calls a silent observer. there is frequent use of the p word. there are references to black politicians which are extremely unpleasant, and the entire undertone

is one of racism and misogyny. throughout his career, he has collected evidence showing examples of prejudice in policing. if these are former police officers, why should we be worried? it doesn't matter whether they're retired or whether they're serving. we're introducing them into that culture and we're allowing it to continue. the founder of the group and the chief poster of racist content is rob lewis, a former metropolitan police officer. he has now been suspended from a role at the uk border force following this bbc investigation. i called him to ask why he was sharing such offensive material. i'm actually at work so i can't really give you the time. well, we've been speaking to a whistle—blower about a whatsapp group with serving and former diplomatic protection officers on it. hello? he's hung up. he did not respond

to our messages either. the home office told us these messages are vile and deplorable. we expect the highest standards of our staff and have a zero tolerance approach to anyone displaying racist, misogynistic, homophobic and discriminatory behaviour. the new met commissioner has previously acknowledged a problem with racism in the force. while there's no evidence to suggest this whatsapp group includes any current officers, the bbc has heard from serving police officers that racist content is still doing the rounds. this will be an uphill battle for the met to eliminate this culture. individuals need to be held accountable and made an example of to demonstrate to colleagues that these behaviours and ideologies have no place in the met. i fail to see any substantial improvement within the organisation. the met told us that these messages are abhorrent and have absolutely no place in policing or society where such behaviour is identified. it would be dealt with

robustly and the force would actively seek out those whose actions brought shame on it. they urged dave eden to talk to them, pointing out that he had declined when asked earlier this year. dave eden has now submitted the evidence he's gathered to an independent inquiry into the force. well, this group tells me that the culture of the metropolitan police hasn't changed. and in fairness, it's notjust this group, it's other groups. it's what i'm hearing out of the mouths of colleagues and what i'm witnessing all the time. sima kotecha, bbc news. i'm joined now by shabnam chaudhri, who served as a detective superintendent at the met police for 30 years until her retirement in 2019. thanks forjoining us. are you surprised by what has emerged in these reports? 0r surprised by what has emerged in these reports? or does this time with your own experience? i’m

these reports? or does this time with your own experience? i'm not at all surprised — with your own experience? i'm not at all surprised by _ with your own experience? i'm not at all surprised by what _ with your own experience? i'm not at all surprised by what i've _ with your own experience? i'm not at all surprised by what i've heard - with your own experience? i'm not at all surprised by what i've heard any l all surprised by what i've heard any reports. unfortunately i think this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. it is different to what i experienced in policing because what i experienced was disguised in the form of banter and a lot of it i was complicit in the because i wanted to be part and parcel of that group. what has happened in policing now is these groups, these officers who are racist, sexist and must implement misogynistic —— and misogynistic have embedded themselves within the social media and groups like whatsapp, and they will speak in any way that they please because they think they have a trusting grip around them. can think they have a trusting grip around them.— think they have a trusting grip around them. ., , ., , ., ., around them. can you explain from ou what around them. can you explain from you what you _ around them. can you explain from you what you experience _ around them. can you explain from you what you experience yourself l you what you experience yourself when you talk about banter? look, i mean, my experiences _ when you talk about banter? look, i mean, my experiences are - when you talk about banter? look, i mean, my experiences are going - when you talk about banter? look, i i mean, my experiences are going back 30 years ago and i addressed what was not banter was targeting of me by cm was not banter was targeting of me

by cid officers when ijoined the detective arena as a detective sergeant, comments, performance issues, a whole host of issues in order to get me notjust out of the cid office but out of policing. what i did at that particular time was i challenged some grossly offensive messages within the community's safety training session and race relations which came about as the result of a fierce inquiry. i dealt with that robustly challenging it, and i remained within service, i managed to get ahead of and had a fantasticjourney but equally i can understand why some police officers will not speak out because it is so scary that they will not have those safe spaces in order for them to be able to be the whistle—blowers. this particular officer, the only —— he did not pass it to the police, he passed it to the inquiry because maybe he does

not trust the met police to actually address those issues. you not trust the met police to actually address those issues.— not trust the met police to actually address those issues. you said under the new commissioner _ address those issues. you said under the new commissioner you _ address those issues. you said under the new commissioner you think - address those issues. you said under the new commissioner you think it i the new commissioner you think it will get worse, why do you say that? i think it will be a lot more exposed by a new commissioner, he made some promises and only time will tell. he is talking about covert operations and i would like to see a more robustly suspend offices for these type of behaviours and i think the issue isn'tjust a commissioner on the front line of officers, this is about supervision and the leadership of those whose victims report or can plainly report to leaders who then try to brush it under the carpet and those areas are where some of the challenges are set. ~ , ., . ~' where some of the challenges are set. ~ i. ., ~ ., where some of the challenges are set. ~ ., ~ ., ., set. when you talk about your own experience. _ set. when you talk about your own experience, that'll _ set. when you talk about your own experience, that'll probably - set. when you talk about your own experience, that'll probably strike | experience, that'll probably strike a chord with many people working in different of society in this country, do you think ultimately the police just reflects society or do you think it has a particular problem?

i think the police has a particular problem, but you have to remember that people coming into the police are normal members of the society, they would have come in with their own views, ideology, their own racist, sexist, misogynistic views, and as time goes on, what happens is that they revert to type. by that time it is more difficult for the organisation to expose them. i think that this type of behaviour, that sits in those whatsapp groups, is going to be a lot more difficult to expose. you have officers who were on the whatsapp groups post—sarah everard murder, who then came off, their behaviour is not going to suddenly change, they are not going to suddenly wake up one morning and say i am no longer racist or sexist, they will continue to behave in those ways, but they will do it in more subtle and aggressive ways, and that includes, as i have said before, senior officers. thank you

very much — before, senior officers. thank you very much for— before, senior officers. thank you very much for speaking _ before, senior officers. thank you very much for speaking out - before, senior officers. thank you very much for speaking out and i very much for speaking out and speaking to us today. time for the sport. good morning. manchester city's goal machine only needed the first half to demolish fc copenhagen in the champions league before he was given a rest after half time. it means city are almost through to the knock—out phase, while in contrast celtic, have it all to do, to rescue their hopes. they need to follow chelsea's lead after their brilliant return to form against the previous group leaders ac milan. andy swiss has the details. for chelsea, a big night against a big name, ac milan, and aftera stuttering start to their campaign, how they rose to the occasion. wesley fofa na's first how they rose to the occasion. wesley fofana's first chelsea goal settled the nerves, and after the break, things got even better. care emerick aubameyang made it two in a dramatic fashion before reece james

rounded off a comprehensive victory. at manchester city, meanwhile, all eyes were on the goal machine erling haaland, and with his very first touch against copenhagen, guess what the... scoring has rarely looked so simple, and another wasn't far away. 2a for eric harland in barely half an hour, fairto 2a for eric harland in barely half an hour, fair to say his manager was rather enjoying it. no hat—trick this time, though, as he was taken off at the break, but in his absence city strolled to a 5—0 win, the knockout stages beckon. in germany, it was a bad night for celtic. christopher nkunku gave leipzig the lead. after the break celtic levelled. but a mistake from keeper joe hart set up the first of two goals for andre silva, a 3—1win joe hart set up the first of two goals for andre silva, a 3—1 win for leipzig and for celtic, some serious

work to do. in the championship preston north end beat west brom 1—0, piling pressure on manager steve bruce. the baggies have won just one of their 12 league games so far this season with emil riis's first half goal being enough to seal a win for preston in this one. elsewhere in the division there were wins for middlesbrough, swansea and hull. manchester united travel to cyprus in the europa league tonight as the talk about the future of cristiano ronaldo intensifies. he was kept on the bench during sunday's 6—3 derby defeat to manchester city. united boss erik ten hag said after the game, that he didn't bring on the five—time ballon d'or winner "out of respect". saturday night's big fight between conor benn and chris eubankjunior is in serious doubt after the british boxing board of control refused to sanction it saying it wasn't "in the interests of boxing". it follows benn returning what is being called an "adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug". promoters say he has not been suspended and remains

free to fight in london because his b—sample has yet to be tested. however without the blessing of british boxing's governing body, the promoters will have to find another organisation to sanction it. as we stand right now, the british boxing board of control are not sanctioning the fight, that does not necessarily mean the fight is off, but certainly there is a process that we have to go through. as i said, conor benn is not suspended, this is quite fresh and we are dealing with it as we go, there is lots going on with the lawyers, but certainly i would like the british boxing board of control to be comfortable with the bout, the fighters are comfortable, but so does the governing body need to be. rugby union flanker sadia kabeya will make her world cup debut in england's opening match against fiji after the 20—year—old was selected to start the game in auckland. she's onlyjust come out of isolation after testing positive for covid on her arrival in new zealand. winger abby dow has been named on the bench after recovering from a broken leg during the six nations

just five months ago. the starting xv includes all four players who won the world cup in 201a. england's is the second game, of the competition in the early hours of saturday morning. that's all the sport for now. universities are being urged to do more for students with mental health problems. universities uk says institutions should be obliged to contact relatives, carers or friends if they have serious concerns about a student's wellbeing even without their permission. joining me now is dominic smithies from student minds, a mental health charity which supports students across the uk. thanks very much forjoining us. what are you most worried about? students might only be 18, 19 when they go to university, often the first time away from home, they are quite vulnerable, aren't they? absolutely, thank you for having me. definitely this guidance is going to be a huge step forward to the sector, in terms of information sharing, we know that it is a really

key aspect of having a whole university approach which is holistic in addressing student mental health. so, it's really positive, but what is concerning us is being mindful of the students who are not necessarily going to want to opt into this scheme. those who might not be on the radar of needing support, so there will be lots of vulnerable people and lots of work that we need to do. the basic problem _ of work that we need to do. the basic problem is _ of work that we need to do. the basic problem is that, i mean, my son hasjust started basic problem is that, i mean, my son has just started university this week so i am very aware of this, but there is no whole privacy issue, because they are legally adults, but obviously they have been living in a family setting, they are not used to be in by themselves, if there was any stress or worry about them, the universities are really a difficult position because they're not allowed to breach confidentiality, without the permission of the student, and the permission of the student, and the student might not necessarily want to reach out to their closest people but they need help?

absolutely. and it is definitely right that this guidance is so important because there is lots of careful considerations that need to be made in order to handle this correctly. in an ideal situation we would be empowering and encouraging students and young people to be reaching out to their wider support networks of their own accord, speaking to their family and loved ones and friends to get that support from wherever they can. this is guidance that is meant to be designed, with permission from the student, to get in touch with those trusted contacts in those emergency situations. it is really important to be mindful that the student population is incredibly diverse, not all students are those 18—year—old, fresh to university, suddenly learning to become an independent adult, there are mature students, potentially with partners, children of their own, and it is about broadly providing that wide support network to them and including their loved ones in that support pattern, while keeping privacy up at all times. isn’t

support pattern, while keeping privacy up at all times. isn't the obvious solution _ privacy up at all times. isn't the obvious solution to _ privacy up at all times. isn't the obvious solution to make - privacy up at all times. isn't the obvious solution to make sure l privacy up at all times. isn't the i obvious solution to make sure that there is notjust one legal person that the universities are allowed to contact, but there are maybe three orfour contact, but there are maybe three or four people, contact, but there are maybe three orfour people, and contact, but there are maybe three or four people, and that there is more adult supervision of students? because in a lot of institutions, there is relatively little? absolutely. the ideal situation is that we would be encouraging students to seek out support from their wider support networks of their wider support networks of their own accord, it could potentially be too much for a breach of privacy for universities to be showing potentially sensitive and private information with lots of people in their network and i think i really key part of this information sharing guidance is actually having that informed consent for students. we are asking for their permission in their first year when they are starting at university, the guidance encourages the universities to be encouraging students to review that annually, but as students, what that means is not going to be often very clear, consent means being very explicit in this case, this is the amount of

information that we would share... i think the ideal way to approach it is encouraging students to be in control of that information and controlling that narrative. so i think that it is good that it is limited just to emergency contacts and emergency situations. there are some universities _ and emergency situations. there are some universities which _ and emergency situations. there are some universities which seem - and emergency situations. there are some universities which seem to - and emergency situations. there are l some universities which seem to have had a worse record on student suicides, people must be more worried also about this generation because they have been through covid and a lot of pressure and isolation. should there not be more pressure on all universities to step up the pastoral care around everybody? absolutely. there is more to be done across the sector. we at student minds have been developing the university of mental health charter to provide exactly that guidance. good practice principles for the sector to learn and improve policies and strategies and practice. there is a lot more work to be done but there is good guidance being developed across the sector. can you

'ust live developed across the sector. can you just give me — developed across the sector. can you just give me one _ developed across the sector. can you just give me one good, _ developed across the sector. can you just give me one good, practical- just give me one good, practical thing that some universities do that works? because presumably the people that are most to of help often will not reach out, they will be stuck in a room on their own, slipping under the radar? ~ , , , ., , the radar? absolutely. there is lots of risk with — the radar? absolutely. there is lots of risk with this. _ the radar? absolutely. there is lots of risk with this. i _ the radar? absolutely. there is lots of risk with this. i think _ the radar? absolutely. there is lots of risk with this. i think sometimes | of risk with this. i think sometimes with information sharing, it is actually thejoined—up, with information sharing, it is actually the joined—up, cohesiveness which is good to be really important for universities. also joining which is good to be really important for universities. alsojoining up for universities. also joining up services for universities. alsojoining up services within the university, so, academics being able to talk to the counselling department, and being able to talk to any student facing staff, being able to contact gps and wider third sector support parties involved. information sharing is going to be a key aspect of having a good support package for students. dominic smithies from student minds, thank you very much indeed. and if you've been affected

by any of the issues raised in our discussion, there is information and advice on the bbc�*s action line. the address is bbc.co.uk/actionline. 0ur breaking news this hour of... police in northern thailand say that more than 30 people including 22 children have been killed in a shooting incident in a nursery school. local media reports say that the gunman has now killed himself after being hunted by the police. reports say the attack began when a man armed with a gun and a knife stormed into the childcare facility. the assailant is said to be a former police officer, who was recently dismissed from his job. police officer, who was recently dismissed from hisjob. and that police officer, who was recently dismissed from his job. and that is a police image and a police sign that had been issued when the hunt was still ongoing, we have only learned of this within the last hour

or so, learned of this within the last hour orso, but learned of this within the last hour or so, but we know that there has been a mass shooting in north—eastern thailand, over 30 people killed and over 20 children killed in that knife and gun attack. a public inquiry will hear this morning from parents who lost children in what's been called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the nhs. documents seen by the bbc show that 175 children were infected with hiv in the 1980s after being given contaminated blood products for the clotting disorder haemophilia. one of the parents giving evidence this morning has been speaking to our health correspondentjim reed. he's always been well—behaved. full of life, as usual, like little boys are, you know. linda's son, michael, was just a toddler when she was told he had haemophilia, a genetic disorder which stopped his blood clotting properly. he was always on the go.

he always wanted to keep busy. the haemophilia would stop him sometimes, but... ..he just learned to cope with it. in 1982, here at birmingham children's hospital, michael was switched to a brand—new treatment imported from the united states. but factor viii was made from blood donated by prisoners and other at—risk groups. whole batches were contaminated with hepatitis, and later hiv. the doctor, of course, he said, michael, is hiv positive. and he just came out with it as though he was talking about the weather outside. you know what i mean? 0n the way home, i had to tell my husband when we got in the car. and it was silent all the way home. we never spoke. it was such a shock, you know. how did michael react to being told that himself? did he speak to you about it? well, he went very quiet. he went very quiet. and he said he didn't want any family to know.

he never told his friends or anything. hejust wanted to be normal, see. there is now a danger that has become a threat to us all. michael was diagnosed with hiv, aged 16, in 1986, just as this hard—hitting tv campaign was launched. if you ignore aids, it could be the death of you. was he angry about what happened? yes. oh, yes, he was. i mean, i tried to be so positive for him — to think that he wasn't going to pass away. and even in the hospital, the woman had me on one side and she said, "you know, michael's going to die." and i said, "no, he's not," you know. sorry. it just seems like yesterday still. michael died a week

before his 26th birthday. he was one of 175 children infected with hiv after being given the same contaminated treatment. just couldn't believe what was happening, you know. today, linda will give evidence to the public inquiry into the disaster. i felt as though i needed to do it to help get to the bottom of it, because i think we all want to know why it was allowed to happen. that long—running public inquiry is nowjust months away from concluding. many families will finally be hoping for some answers decades after their loved ones were infected. jim reed, bbc news. last week, the us state of florida was hit by one of the most destructive storms it has ever faced. more than 100 people died and thousands of homes and businesses are still without power. president biden has now visited the state to see for himself the scale of the devastation. tom brada has this report.

fierce political rivals putting on a rare show of unity. presidentjoe biden and florida's republican governor ron desantis stood shoulder to shoulder, a united front as florida looked to rebuild from the hurricane that pummelled the state. we're the only nation that comes out of it better than we went into it. and that's what we're going to do this time around, come out of it better, because this is the united states of america. and i emphasise united. president biden and governor desantis sit at opposite ends of the political spectrum. mr desantis is an outspoken supporter of former president donald trump. he's also being touted as a likely presidential contender himself in 202a. but during this latest visit they largely set their differences aside. we are cutting through the red tape and that's from local government, state government, all the way up to the president, so we appreciate the team effort.

joe biden pledged federal support for a recovery effort that could cost billions of dollars. everything — everything this historic, titanic, and unimaginable storm just ripped it to pieces. you've got to start from scratch, got to move again, and it's going to take a lot — a lot of time, not weeks or months, it's going to take years for everything to get squared away. it remains to be seen how long the relationship remains civil, but their willingness to work together was appreciated by local residents who are still reeling from the impact of the storm. well, i think we're happy that the governor reached across the aisle and they're working together in unity for us. that's the most important thing. it's not about politics right now, it's about human life. and human life remains at the heart of ongoing relief efforts. rescuers are still going door to door, diligently checking for survivors. and the death toll is

expected to keep on rising. bipartisan efforts are welcome as florida bids to rebuild from the wreckage. but the scale of the challenge is immense. tom brada, bbc news. the coastguard in greece says that at least 15 would—be immigrants have died and dozens more are missing after two boats sank in separate parts of the country's maritime waters. the bodies of 15 people have been recovered off the eastern island of lesbos after their dinghy sank. eight are said to be safe but nearly 20 are missing. in southern greek waters, at least 60 migrants are missing after their boat smashed into rocks near the island of kythira. we are going to take a break for a minute to discuss something a bit lighter, poetry. today is national

poetry day. joining me to talk about this is former worcester poet laureate. national poetry day, what is the point of it?— is the point of it? well, poetry has not such a is the point of it? well, poetry has got such a long — is the point of it? well, poetry has got such a long heritage _ is the point of it? well, poetry has got such a long heritage in - is the point of it? well, poetry has| got such a long heritage in age-old got such a long heritage in age—old traditions of oral history, and it engages people not only with their own cultures but help them to understand so many others. so, national poetry day is a national celebration that brings those skills and traditions to the forefront of every day consciousness. reminding everyone of its relevance to every day. it is a medium which we can use to express ourselves, to emphasise with other people and situations and to highlight and support really important causes, it is also a great bridge for communities in times of social isolation that we are all experiencing. social isolation that we are all experiencing-_ social isolation that we are all experiencing. social isolation that we are all ex-ueriencin. �* ,, . ., experiencing. and you are the former worcester poet _ experiencing. and you are the former worcester poet laurie, _ experiencing. and you are the former worcester poet laurie, what - experiencing. and you are the former worcester poet laurie, what does - worcester poet laurie, what does that mean?—

worcester poet laurie, what does that mean? . , . ., that mean? that is correct. so, for 2020-21, 1— that mean? that is correct. so, for 2020-21, i was — that mean? that is correct. so, for 2020-21, l was an _ that mean? that is correct. so, for 2020-21, i was an ambassador- that mean? that is correct. so, for 2020-21, i was an ambassador in i 2020—21, i was an ambassador in worcestershire for poetry. and it gave me a free rein to build this remake of a community, bridging links with people. —— to build this remit. using poetry as a tool for both young and old, removing poetry from dusty bookshelves and libraries and bringing it into our every day. and what are you finding at the moment? 0bviously and what are you finding at the moment? obviously we have been through a pretty difficult two or three years, most of us, are you finding people are wanting to turn to poetry more because of that? yeah, more and more. ithink to poetry more because of that? yeah, more and more. i think people are realising there is a such a relevance, and for poetry, you can find out that you are not alone, you are not the only person who has felt the way you do, it is a way of bringing people together, it is a way making people think, and more and more people are returning to poetry. ma; and more people are returning to oet . y . ., and more people are returning to oet . g . . ., , poetry. my children are huge fans and like learning _ poetry. my children are huge fans and like learning poems - poetry. my children are huge fans and like learning poems and - poetry. my children are huge fans and like learning poems and havej

poetry. my children are huge fans - and like learning poems and have got lung young brains so they can learn very long pieces off by heart, for those of us who are older, it is supposed to be pretty good to help stave off dementia as well because you're engaging the brain? but; you're engaging the brain? any creative process _ you're engaging the brain? iffy} creative process is good, it's mental gymnastics and it is like any muscle, the more you exercise it, the easier it becomes. being creative is also really good for your mental and emotional well—being. your mental and emotional well-being— your mental and emotional well-being. your mental and emotional well-beina. . well-being. and which poets are rovin: well-being. and which poets are proving the _ well-being. and which poets are proving the most _ well-being. and which poets are proving the most popular - well-being. and which poets are proving the most popular with i proving the most popular with youngsters at the moment, are they wanting young, modern poets or are they still looking at the classics? it is a mixture. it all depends on their own personal interests and what message they want to get through. performance poetry especially around the midlands is huge at the moment, and there is a lot of young, emerging talent which is so exciting to see and getting everybody involved. it has no age barriers, it has no society barriers at all. �* ., .., , barriers, it has no society barriers atall. ., , ~ , at all. and of course in the western literary canon. _ at all. and of course in the western literary canon, there _ at all. and of course in the western literary canon, there are _ at all. and of course in the western

literary canon, there are certain - literary canon, there are certain poets that are studied, but across the world, for international literature, my background, in indian literature, my background, in indian literature, a lot of the great myths and texts are written almost in poetic form, are those being taught more to a wider audience across the uk? i more to a wider audience across the uk? 4' more to a wider audience across the uk? ~ ,., 4' more to a wider audience across the uk? ~ ,., ~ , .,, ., uk? i think so, i think people are becomin: uk? i think so, i think people are becoming more _ uk? i think so, i think people are becoming more aware _ uk? i think so, i think people are becoming more aware of - uk? i think so, i think people are becoming more aware of that. i uk? i think so, i think people are l becoming more aware of that. and uk? i think so, i think people are - becoming more aware of that. and in the uk ourselves, through our ancient history, we have a great tradition of this as well. you go right the way back to be a wolf and that epic tale was written in poetry, and my own culture, my mother is from finland, so, a lot of the nordic histories and legends were relayed through poetry. but! were relayed through poetry. and which are your — were relayed through poetry. and which are your favourite poets, when you're trying to encourage people, if you are talking to a group of youngsters or old folks, who do you recommend? filly. youngsters or old folks, who do you recommend?— recommend? oh, that is so difficult because there _ recommend? oh, that is so difficult because there are _ recommend? oh, that is so difficult because there are so _ recommend? oh, that is so difficult because there are so many - recommend? oh, that is so difficult because there are so many really i because there are so many really good ones. i know locally there is a fantastic lady based in birmingham who is called jemima hughes, and her poetry is so relevant to every day

situations, i am seeing more and more youngsters identifying with her and her style of delivery. there is and her style of delivery. there is a young man called matt windle who goes around, known as the poet with punch, he is great as well, here's a boxer, and he really relates to young people in schools as well. our current worcestershire poet laurie is actually the youngest one the county has ever installed, she is 23, rihanna leviton, she is doing fantastic work across nhs hospital trusts as well as with young people. and when they go into hospitals, or in olderfolks' homes, those settings, what is it, how is the best way to engage people, do you think? is it the spoken word and performing it?— think? is it the spoken word and performing it? definitely. because there is something _ performing it? definitely. because there is something very _ performing it? definitely. because there is something very special- there is something very special about a live performance, you feel the atmosphere, you feel the emotions, you can portray the emotions, you can portray the emotions much more. but we are more and more turning to technology as well so, a lot of our work is across

social media platforms, via video snippets as well which can be played everywhere. but that is not to minimise the importance of the actual written word as well where you can take your own time to reflect and immerse yourself. band reflect and immerse yourself. and finall on reflect and immerse yourself. and finally on the _ reflect and immerse yourself. and finally on the technological front, have you found any great poems written by machines rather than people? i written by machines rather than --eole? ., �* written by machines rather than ..eole? ., �* ., ., written by machines rather than --eole? ., �* ., ., , people? i haven't, although there is a theory that— people? i haven't, although there is a theory that if— people? i haven't, although there is a theory that if you _ people? i haven't, although there is a theory that if you allow _ people? i haven't, although there is a theory that if you allow enough . a theory that if you allow enough monkeys into a room with a keyboard, they could recreate the works of shakespeare, i haven't come across it myself yet!— it myself yet! thank you very much indeed! let's _ it myself yet! thank you very much indeed! let's catch-up _ it myself yet! thank you very much indeed! let's catch-up with - it myself yet! thank you very much indeed! let's catch-up with carol, l indeed! let's catch—up with carol, who has got the weather for us. this morning we have seen some hefty showers, in the north and west, some of them underway. that will continue during today. you can see where they

have been. across scotland in particular they have been heavy. looking at the isobars tells you it is going to be another windy day and the westerly wind will blow some of those showers towards the east during the day, and with another weather front coming, they will be more rain in the north later on. there is a lot of dry weather across southern and eastern parts of the country, however. some sunshine around. the showers continuing in the west. and then a weather front brings in some heavier rain across the north of northern ireland and scotland this afternoon. gusting winds up to 50mph with exposure in the north and the west. this evening and overnight, the rain tries to move north but a weather front coming in from the north—west will merge with it and all of this rain is going to come south—eastwards, squally winds around it, cooler and

showery behind it. it will not be as cold as last night. tomorrow, a band of squally rain continues on its way southwards. after a bright start in the south, showers will develop and then the rain arrives. behind that band of rain we are back into blustery showers. temperatures, 11-19. blustery showers. temperatures, 11—19. moving on, friday night into saturday, this ridge of high pressure builds in, keeping things fairly quiet. but on sunday, low pressure coming, bringing wet and windy weather into the north of the country. on saturday, we may well start off with some patchy mist and fog which will quickly lift under the high pressure, and then some sunshine.

moving into sunday, the system coming in across the north—west is going to bring strengthening winds and heavy rain which will be pushing south—eastwards during the day to all but the far south of england. some of it will still be remaining in the north on monday, but monday is looking quieter. but next week generally is looking more unsettled.

you think it has a particular problem? this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a former police officer armed with a gun and a knife kills at least 3a people including 23 children in thailand before shooting himself. this is the nursery where the attack was carried out in the largely rural part of the country. around five kilometres north of the —— 500 kilometres north of the —— 500 kilometres north of the —— 500 kilometres north of the capital bangkok. liz truss travels to prague for a new european members group — could it pave the way for a changing relationship with the eu, even whilst the british prime minister is under pressure at home. the royal college of nursing is balloting all its members

across the uk for strike action — the first time in its history. multiple explosions rock the southern ukrainian city