this is bbc news, the headlines at 6pm: the president of fifa has expressed support for the lgbtq community and migrant workers, but hits back at western critics of the country's human rights record, accusing them of hypocrisy. i think for what we europeans have been doing in the last 3,000 years, around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people. rishi sunak has made his first visit to ukraine since becoming prime minister — and has pledged the uk's ongoing support for president zelensky. the head of the housing association in rochdale responsible for the mouldy flat blamed

for the death of two—year—old awaab ishak has been sacked. welcome once again. the day before the start of the football world cup, fifa's president, gianni infantino, has accused the west of "hypocrisy" in its criticism of qatar's human rights record. questions have been asked about whether the tournament should be held in a country where homosexuality is illegal, and there are concerns about the treatment of migrant workers. let's cross to qatar where my colleague lucy hocking is live for us. hello, everyone, and welcome to qatar. it is, of course, the eve of the football world cup, less than 2a hours we will see the opening world

cup match between qatar and ecuador and we have heard an extraordinary speech from gianni infantino, a passionate monologue which went on for over an error in which he includes western countries are for hypocrisy for criticising the human rights record of qatar. i have to remind you, male homosexuality is illegal here, qatari women are the permission of a man for lots of activities. and there was concern about what happened with the migrant workers who built a lot of the football infrastructure here. the world governing body has come under fire, fifa, for taking the world cup to qatar. they have been under intense criticism and ever since that bit was awarded. but mr infantino said he had a real difficulty understanding that criticism. he has come underfire since he has made these comments, it is all anyone is talking about here this afternoon, not yet the football, so let's have a listen to

what he had to say. of course, not qatari, african, ge, disabled or a migrant worker, but i feel like them because i know what it means to be discriminated —— gay, as a foreigner in a foreign country, is a child at school, i was bullied because i had red hair and i had these red, how do you call them? freckles. w' these red, how do you call them? freckles._ freckles. - freckles. freckles? freckles. freckles. _ freckles. freckles? freckles. freckles, so _ freckles. freckles? freckles. freckles, so i— freckles. freckles? freckles. freckles, so i was _ freckles. freckles? freckles. freckles, so i was bullied - freckles. freckles? freckles. freckles, so i was bullied for| freckles. freckles? freckles. - freckles, so i was bullied for that, plus i was italian, so i didn't speak good german. and what do you

do, then? you lock yourself down, you go into your room, you cry, and then you try to make some friends. and you try to speak, to engage. and you try to get these friends to engage as well with others. and others and others.— engage as well with others. and others and others. there has been a hue others and others. there has been a huge amount _ others and others. there has been a huge amount of— others and others. there has been a huge amount of criticism _ others and others. there has been a huge amount of criticism of- others and others. there has been a huge amount of criticism of these i huge amount of criticism of these comments by mr infantino, him comparing himself to a migrant worker when he earns hundreds of thousands of dollars a year as the head of fifa. migrant workers here in qatar earn any minimum wage and work ina in qatar earn any minimum wage and work in a very difficult conditions. it is one of the main conditions of this tournament so far. the fact he also compared himself to lgbtq plus people and their experience as well has drawn quite a lot of ridicule. 0ne has drawn quite a lot of ridicule. one of those has criticise is the

chief writer for the times, henry winter, i spoke to him earlier and had asked for his reaction to that press conference. he's embarrassed himself, he's embarrassed fifa, if that's possible, with fifa having a very low bar when it comes to these things. he's embarrassed football, and his comments about the workers here, i mean, it's insulting, and to have a go — fair enough, having a go atjournalists, we're thick—skinned, we can handle it, but if you actually look at the european countries who he was singling out, saying, 3000 years of hurt, to use a footballing expression, of shame, at least in countries like the uk, in terms of laws, constitution, culture, we have advanced, and i think the scrutiny of the qataris, it's illegal to be gay here, and the migrant workers have been treated so poorly. i mean, lucy, you are down on the corniche, and when i go down there early in the morning for a run and you see how they are already

toiling so hard in the early morning sun, and the treatment of them is wrong, and it's absolutely right that enlightened countries like the danes, and footballers like the danes, some of the english, the fa, one or two other countries and england fans as well, as well as the media, have been highlighting these things, but infantino is out of touch. just last week, qatar world ambassador attracted international condemnation for saying homosexuality was damaged in the mind. the uk's foreign secretary has also faced criticism for saying lgbt fans should comply when they are here with local laws. so on saturday afternoon, we have seen are two separate protest held outside the qatar embassy in london's mayfair, as a barry cafe reports. what qatar embassy in london's mayfair, as a barry cafe reports.— as a barry cafe reports. what do we want? day — as a barry cafe reports. what do we want? day rights! _

as a barry cafe reports. what do we want? day rights! the _ as a barry cafe reports. what do we want? day rights! the voices -- - as a barry cafe reports. what do we | want? day rights! the voices -- gay riahts. want? day rights! the voices -- gay rights- never— want? day rights! the voices -- gay rights. never again, _ want? day rights! the voices -- gay rights. never again, the _ want? day rights! the voices -- gay rights. never again, the facts - want? day rights! the voices -- gay rights. never again, the facts make| rights. never again, the facts make carl from arsenal's _ rights. never again, the facts make carl from arsenal's official - rights. never again, the facts make carl from arsenal's official gay - carl from arsenal's official gay supporter group. we wanted to make our voices heard. the comments that have been coming out of qatar in the last couple of weeks have highlighted our concerns we've had for a number of years now that the term it should not be held in a country like qatar.— term it should not be held in a country like qatar. these football fans told me _ country like qatar. these football fans told me why _ country like qatar. these football fans told me why they _ country like qatar. these football fans told me why they cannot - country like qatar. these football l fans told me why they cannot watch at the world cup this year.- at the world cup this year. because i feel this is — at the world cup this year. because i feel this is the _ at the world cup this year. because i feel this is the only _ at the world cup this year. because i feel this is the only way _ at the world cup this year. because i feel this is the only way i - at the world cup this year. because i feel this is the only way i can - i feel this is the only way i can make — i feel this is the only way i can make a — i feel this is the only way i can make a protest, so being here and getting _ make a protest, so being here and getting my— make a protest, so being here and getting my voice heard here and in all conscience, can't watch it. we are going — all conscience, can't watch it. we are going to— all conscience, can't watch it. we are going to the women's super league — are going to the women's super league game today, so arsenal are still playing in that and... i�*m still playing in that and... i'm auoin to still playing in that and... i'm going to also _ still playing in that and... i'm going to also try _ still playing in that and... i'm going to also try to _ still playing in that and... i'm going to also try to go to some non-league _ going to also try to go to some non—league football, _ going to also try to go to some non—league football, putting .

going to also try to go to some i non—league football, putting my money— non—league football, putting my money elsewhere. _ non—league football, putting my money elsewhere. david - non—league football, putting myl money elsewhere. david hancock non—league football, putting my. money elsewhere. david hancock is non—league football, putting my- money elsewhere. david hancock is a football _ money elsewhere. david hancock is a football fan _ money elsewhere. david hancock is a football fan and _ money elsewhere. david hancock is a football fan and a _ money elsewhere. david hancock is a football fan and a sports _ money elsewhere. david hancock is a football fan and a sports travel - football fan and a sports travel agent— football fan and a sports travel agent who _ football fan and a sports travel agent who has _ football fan and a sports travel agent who has been _ football fan and a sports travel agent who has been to - football fan and a sports travel agent who has been to every. football fan and a sports travel - agent who has been to every world cup since _ agent who has been to every world cup since italia _ agent who has been to every world cup since italia 90. _ agent who has been to every world cup since italia 90. but— agent who has been to every world cup since italia 90.— cup since italia 90. but this year, he will not _ cup since italia 90. but this year, he will not be _ cup since italia 90. but this year, he will not be travelling. - cup since italia 90. but this year, he will not be travelling. from . cup since italia 90. but this year, he will not be travelling. from a i he will not be travelling. from a football point _ he will not be travelling. from a football point of _ he will not be travelling. from a football point of view, _ he will not be travelling. from a football point of view, it - he will not be travelling. from a football point of view, it is - he will not be travelling. from a| football point of view, it is going to be different. i do not feel there will be any atmosphere there. there is a lack of fans, lack of passion. peter helped organise today's protest. he says it is important to highlight the human rights issues in qatar. ~ ., . , , qatar. where homosexuality can be unishable qatar. where homosexuality can be punishable by _ qatar. where homosexuality can be punishable by death. _ qatar. where homosexuality can be punishable by death. these - qatar. where homosexuality can be| punishable by death. these protests have succeeded in shifting the narrative away from purely football to the human rights issues which are so important for many qatari people. they can't protest, they would end “p they can't protest, they would end up in prison and being tortured, so we have a duty to protest on their past. we have a duty to protest on their ast. ., , we have a duty to protest on their ast. . , , ., we have a duty to protest on their l past-_ england past. cattle must legislate! england have their first _ past. cattle must legislate! england have their first match _ past. cattle must legislate! england have their first match on _ past. cattle must legislate! england have their first match on monday i have their first match on monday against iran, but these protesters

at least will not be watching. as much as fifa officials and qatari officials want people to focus on the football, all the talk is of these various controversies and you have to wonder how it is affecting all the players here in qatar as they prepare for their first matches. 0ur sports correspondent alex hull is worth me, who has been with the england team. do these things break through to the training camp and conversations that young english players are having questioning i have been embedded with the teen centre they landed here in qatar and every time they have had a camera in front of their face or a microphone, they have been asked about these issues. fifa arranued asked about these issues. fifa arranged a _ asked about these issues. f fag arranged a media session and teams could sign up and england signed up for migrant workers to come to training and any players met them and conor coady, who plays for everton, he was speaking about how the players were actually going into

that with an open mind and try to gain some understanding and just today, eric dier, who plays for tottenham, was speaking to the media about how it has taken the shine off the world cup for the players because every time they come out, when their young kids, they dreamt of playing in the world cup, but they are being asked about everything that is not to do with the football, so they said is disappointing, he has tried to edge himself about the issues that may educate themselves about the issues, but it has taken the shine off what is meant to be the greatest level term in the world. bud is meant to be the greatest level term in the world.— is meant to be the greatest level term in the world. and what i have noticed here _ term in the world. and what i have noticed here is _ term in the world. and what i have noticed here is the _ term in the world. and what i have noticed here is the temperatures l term in the world. and what i have | noticed here is the temperatures in the mid—30s during the day, how hot it still is, it is punishing. are the players are dealing with the heat question marks, better than others, some have pushed their training back. but others, some have pushed their training back.— others, some have pushed their trainin: back. �* . ., ., training back. but england have gone the other way. _ training back. but england have gone the other way, training _ training back. but england have gone the other way, training in _ training back. but england have gone the other way, training in the - the other way, training in the hottest part of the day, so i've been watching them train, going through their paces. but this is something the fa and england have been working on since 2017, preparing for these conditions. they

spoke to experts in other sports and other fields and they felt it was the best way to acclimatise for these conditions and the games and as the matches get closer, they will move the training sessions to mirror those games. move the training sessions to mirror those games-— move the training sessions to mirror those games. very briefly, how tired ou think those games. very briefly, how tired you think some _ those games. very briefly, how tired you think some of— those games. very briefly, how tired you think some of the _ those games. very briefly, how tired you think some of the players - those games. very briefly, how tired you think some of the players our. you think some of the players our quest might be a just, for we can, some of them, of some big matches? three games a week, for most, especially the england squad to play in the premier league, but eric dier said today, he was very good again, but he said the players feel very, very fresh, usually when the going to tournaments in the summer, they have played the whole season, but now somehow play between 15 had in 20 games, so they should be in peak fitness. it 20 games, so they should be in peak fitness. , , ., fitness. it will be interesting to see how it _ fitness. it will be interesting to see how it all— fitness. it will be interesting to see how it all plays _ fitness. it will be interesting to see how it all plays out - fitness. it will be interesting to see how it all plays out when i fitness. it will be interesting to i see how it all plays out when the matches get under way. lots of issues to keep across here in qatar, but for now, it is back to you in london.

package for ukraine, including anti—aircraft guns and technology to counter iranian—supplied drones. he told president zelenksy he knew it would be a difficult winterfor ukraine. it is deeply humbling to be with you in your country today. the courage of the ukrainian people is an inspiration to the world. in years to come, we will tell our grandchildren of your story, how a proud and sovereign people stood up in the face of an appalling onslaught, how you fought, how you sacrificed, how you prevailed. as prime minister of the united kingdom, i'm proud of how we stood with you from the very beginning, and i'm here today to say that the united kingdom will continue to stand with you. we will stand with you until ukraine has won the peace and security it needs and deserves, and then we will stand with you as you rebuild your great country.

this year alone we have provided £2.3 billion of military support, and we will do the same again next year. as you succeed in pushing back russian forces on the ground, your homes, your hospitals, your power stations are being destroyed by the air. so to help you defend yourselves, we are today providing new air defence support, including 120 anti—aircraft guns, radar and anti—drone equipment. we are extending our training for the ukrainian armed forces to include specialist expertise from uk medics and engineers, and we are stepping up our support to help you through the cold, hard winter ahead. rishi sunak. the boss of rochdale boroughwide housing, the housing association which rented the home of two—year—old awaab ishak who died due to the impact of mould in his home, has been removed from hisjob.

an inquest into awaab's death in december 2020 found it was due to a respiratory condition caused by mould in the one—bedroom flat. the board of rbh said it wasn't tenable for gareth swarbrick to stay on. 0ur correspondent samantha nanda has more on this. gareth swarbrick, who was the chief executive of rochdale borough housing, the housing association that rented the flat to awaab ishak�*s family, he has now been removed by the board. as little as 2a hours ago, yesterday, the board had given him his full backing. this is after a coroner concluded earlier in the week that the two—year—old had died in 2020 after exposure to mould in his home. his family had repeatedly raised the issue with the housing association, but no action was taken. in a statement today, the board of rbh, who had previously backed mr swarbrick, as i said, said they had removed him with immediate effect from his position as chief executive. they said they would now work

to appoint an interim chief exec. of their decision to back mr swarbrick as little as 2a hours ago, they said their original instincts were for him to stay on to see the organisation through this difficult period and to make necessary changes, but they now recognise that this was no longer tenable. a government source has also responded to the removal of gareth swarbrick today. they have said that they are welcoming it, because of his profound failings as this chief executive of rochdale borough housing, but there are still some very serious questions for the board to answer. government sources asked why they gave mr swarbrick their full backing after the coroner's report as recently as 2a hours ago, and also why they failed to answer basic questions about the state of their housing stock. the secretary of state for levelling up said he will continue to take a very close interest in rochdale borough housing and will stand up for tenants as necessary.

earlier today, a vigil was held in rochdale for two—year—old awaab, where they welcomed the news of mr swarbrick�*s removalfrom post, but many of the people who attended have been asking why it took so long. samantha nanda there. a search has resumed for a woman who is thought to have been swept away into a river as torrential rain battered parts of scotland yesterday. the wet weather is continuing to cause disruption to travel — with roads and rail services affected. robert townsend reports. this was the scene in fife after heavy rainfall brought severe flooding to parts of the road network. elsewhere, in dunfermline, commuters faced impassable conditions. whilst floodwaters also rose across parts of edinburgh. the past 2a hours have seen heavy rain and winds batter much of the east coast. residents, with the help of fire crews, tried their best to defend their homes against flooding, until the rising water levels proved too much. when the water started seeping

through the floorboards, through the tiles in the bathroom, initiallyjust come all the way through, and itjust spread into the bottom level of the house. what can you do? put down towels? well, that's not going to help. it's happened before, and i mean, it's really upsetting because it's uprooting my family again. for some, the conditions brought devastation to property. i'm back at square one. all these floors are going to have to come up now. that partition's going to have to come out, the plasterboards. for others, it was an anxious wait to see if they'd be spared the very worst of the weather. i've got a nine—month—old son, so, you know, - when you've got a baby in the house, it's much worse worrying _ about where are you going to go, i and all the things you need to take for him and stuff. rail travel has also been severely disrupted, with cancellations and speed restrictions across much of the network. sailings to and from shetland have faced cancellations, with supplies on supermarket shelves now running low. drivers have been urged to avoid unnecessaryjourneys where possible,

with some river levels still not thought to have reached their peak. what we are asking people to do is plan ahead, make sure themselves and the vehicle are prepared for the journey, take notice of the police scotland travel advice warning. with disruption expected to continue into the weekend, residents are being urged to follow official advice. robert townsend, bbc news. rugby league star kevin sinfield has completed his gruelling endurance challenge of running seven ultramarathons in seven days — raising money for those affected by motor neurone disease. he was inspired by his friend rob burrows — who suffers from mnd. this was the moment he entered old trafford at half time of the rugby league world cup final. a very special moment here at old trafford. heather small hasjust been singing search for the hero inside yourself. and as she finishes, that man there, kevin sinfield, who had so many special nights

here at old trafford as a player, is now walking to the centre circle, having run an ultramarathon every day for the last week, so 40 miles a day, to raise money for motor neurone disease in the name of his great, great friend and leeds rhinos legend rob burrow, who is suffering from motor neurone disease. kevin sinfield, congratulations, you made it. yeah, thank you, sally. that team is incredible. i think you all know why. rob burrow, weir, stephen derby, ed slater, the full mnd community, the full rugby league community have got behind the mnd community. i can't thank you enough.

kevin, you have done seven ultramarathons in seven days. you said you were just going for a run for a mate. what kept you going? that exact thought. it's all about friendship and the love for rob. cheering i know that everybody feels the same way that i do about rob burrow. he's an absolute champion, the way the burrow family have been so courageous and brave, we just wanted to be a great friend and if we can all try and be a bit of a better friend from time to time, i think we'll have a better place to live in. kevin sinfield there. north korean leader kimjong—un says his country is capable of detering any nuclear threat after testing another

intercontinental ballistic missile. the missile was fired from pyongyang airport and landed in the sea east of the korean peninsula. the north korean leader was joined at the launch by his eldest daughter, believed to be named kim chu—ae. this is the first time any of kim jong—un's children have appeared in public. donald trump has hit out at the us justice department for hiring a special counsel to investigate whether criminal charges should be brought against him. the us attorney general has appointed a former war crimes prosecutor as special counsel to handle investigations into the former us president. jack smith will rule on whether criminal charges should be filed against the former president relating to the removal of top secret documents to his florida residence and to the january 6th capitol riots. i've been going through these investigations and hoaxes and scams from the day

i came down the escalator at trump tower. and you'd really say, enough is enough, got to get back to work, got to prove that we have a great country again. because right now it's not great, right now it's a laughing stock all over the world. and we've sort of all had it, the people of the country have had it. train services between london, the west and the south—west of england have been disrupted today because of a strike by signallers in the thames valley. the row is separate to the ongoing national rail dispute — and a further walk—out is planned for monday. humans could stay on the moon for lengthy periods during this decade, a nasa official has told the bbc. 0rion is nasa's new exploration spacecraft and was onboard the artemis rocket which was launched on wednesday. howard hu, who leads the orion project, told the bbc that the launch was a "historic day for human space flight" and if the current artemis flight is successful then the next one would be with a crew. now it's time for a look at the weather with matt.

hello, it may have been a dry day across eastern parts of the country, particularly eastern scotland where that persistent rain really has been mounting up, but we're still feeling the effects of that rainfall. you can here river levels in cupar in fife earlier. and there are still parts of flood warnings in england and further into night is never a good thing, although it will not be quite as heavy or persistent as we have seen of late. it all comes courtesy of this band of cloud, pushing in from the west throughout today. it is starting to nudge at the cloud we have had in place in eastern scotland, eastern england out of the way, but outbreaks of rain, as we go through the night in many areas, could be cold enough for a bit of sleet and snow at the tops of the campaigns. as think tank later in the west, temperatures taking a dip, but up and down tonight depending on any clearer skies. as we start sunday, around 6-7 skies. as we start sunday, around 6—7 celsius will be typical for most. when still in eastern scotland to begin with, but it will shift, lingering and north of aberdeenshire, caithness and 0rkney through the day. a brighter in

shetland, but strong winds continue, elsewhere eastern scotland and england after the early morning rain, dry and bright radio, showers late into the evening, a mixture of sheraton sunshine. they could linger. could become heavy with hail and thunder as well and afternoon temperatures around 8—11 celsius. down a bit on what we saw on saturday for some. through sunday night into monday, some clearer skies for the time to have a cold start to north—eastern areas, then the system pushes its way in. there is a potential to the far south for some strong winds, sweeping rain across england, wales and northern ireland. that gets, it could be crucial. some chilly air here, many dry and bright, but we could see some sleet and snow on the tops of the hills. mixed in with that rain. the colder air is still there in scandinavia, feeding and across the far north of scotland as you go through to tuesday, so any weather system working its way into it could be wintry. 0rkney, shetland, parts of caithness, wintry showers throughout the day, even to lower

levels, and away from that, a quieter day by a large on tuesday. some showers dotted around, particularly towards the southend west, but some longer, drier spells for some of you, 7—10 celsius keeps those in the cool side. for the rest of the week, temperatures were left up of the week, temperatures were left up a little, for the band of rain sweeping through, some brighter moments, and breezy times as well. bye for now.

good evening. the head of fifa, world football's governing body, has hit back at western critics of qatar's record on human rights, calling their comments "hypocrisy". gianni infantino was speaking ahead of the men's football world cup which starts tomorrow. qatar has faced intense scrutiny from the west over issues including its treatment of women, gay rights and conditions for migrant workers. here's our sports editor dan roan. despite everything, kattar is determined to put on a show. a celebration two the opening of the fan park in doha tonight on the eve of the world cup. but fifa has come under fire of the world cup. but fifa has come underfire for bringing of the world cup. but fifa has come under fire for bringing the event here under human rights concerns and today the game's most powerful figure turned on his critics in an extraordinary speech.— figure turned on his critics in an extraordinary speech. today i feel a .

extraordinary speech. today i feel gay- today _ extraordinary speech. today i feel gay- today i _ extraordinary speech. today i feel gay- today i feel— extraordinary speech. today i feel gay. today i feel disabled. - extraordinary speech. today i feel gay. today i feel disabled. todayl extraordinary speech. today i feelj gay. today i feel disabled. today i feel a migrant worker because i know what it means to be discriminated. but that was just the start. he then appeared to liken his own experience as a redheaded child of immigrants in switzerland to migrant gay people in switzerland to migrant gay people in the middle east. $5 a in the middle east. as a foreigner in the middle east. as a foreigner in a foreign _ in the middle east. as a foreigner in a foreign country, _ in the middle east. as a foreigner in a foreign country, as _ in the middle east. as a foreigner in a foreign country, as a - in the middle east. as a foreigner in a foreign country, as a child . in the middle east. as a foreigner in a foreign country, as a child at| in a foreign country, as a child at school i was bullied because i had red hair. mounting scrutiny, especially in europe over its treatment of migrant workers and the lgbt community and then gianni infantino turned on the critics. i then gianni infantino turned on the critics. ., then gianni infantino turned on the critics. ~' ., then gianni infantino turned on the critics. ~ ., ., critics. i think for what we europeans _ critics. i think for what we europeans have _ critics. i think for what we europeans have been - critics. i think for what we | europeans have been doing critics. i think for what we - europeans have been doing in the last 3000 years around the world we should be apologising for the next 3000 years before starting to give moral lessons. it is 3000 years before starting to give moral lessons.— moral lessons. it is hypocrisy. is

it not hypocritical— moral lessons. it is hypocrisy. is it not hypocritical on _ moral lessons. it is hypocrisy. is it not hypocritical on the - moral lessons. it is hypocrisy. is it not hypocritical on the one - moral lessons. it is hypocrisy. is| it not hypocritical on the one had to say that fifa stands for equality and non—discrimination while at the same time supporting an event in a country which has discriminatory laws? ., , ., ., ., laws? the only weapon that we have is this, the ball, _ laws? the only weapon that we have is this, the ball, and _ laws? the only weapon that we have is this, the ball, and we _ laws? the only weapon that we have is this, the ball, and we have - laws? the only weapon that we have is this, the ball, and we have to - is this, the ball, and we have to try with this to engage.- try with this to engage. jenny infantino praised _ try with this to engage. jenny infantino praised qatar - try with this to engage. jenny infantino praised qatar for i try with this to engage. jenny i infantino praised qatar for recent labour reforms and said europe was in no position to criticise on migrant rights, but his comments have been condemned. i migrant rights, but his comments have been condemned.— have been condemned. i found it jaw-dropping _ have been condemned. i found it jaw-dropping to _ have been condemned. i found it jaw-dropping to listen _ have been condemned. i found it jaw-dropping to listen to. - have been condemned. i found it jaw-dropping to listen to. it i have been condemned. i found it jaw-dropping to listen to. it felt| jaw—dropping to listen to. it felt like it was a way to try and dismiss very legitimate human rights criticisms and to try and treat them as culture war issues rather than universal values that people oppose. as for fifa's let you turn with beer band at world cup stadium, gianni infantino was no less defiant. i think personally if for three hours a day you cannot drink a beer, you will survive.

a day you cannot drink a beer, you will survive-— will survive. gianni infantino intended just _ will survive. gianni infantino intended just than _ will survive. gianni infantino intended just than to - will survive. gianni infantino| intended just than to hit back against this tournament's critics amid a barrage of negative headlines in the build—up. but after that remarkable hour and a half long press conference on the eve of this tournament, once again the focus is away from the football. 0rganisers hope tonight's festivities will kick start the excitement, but right now this world cup seems more divisive than ever. gianni infantino's incendiary comments will be welcomed by the qatari authorities here who have been stung by recent criticism from the european media. but after yesterday's remarkable late u—turn over the beer being banned in stadium, i think others will now be questioning the credibility of the fifa president on the eve of the world cup. there are reports that delegates at the climate conference in egypt are close to reaching a deal over a fund to help

the countries worst hit by climate change. 0ur climate editor justin rowlatt is there. what's the latest? how close are they to a breakthrough in this deal? i how close are they to a breakthrough in this deal?— in this deal? i am really sorry to sa not in this deal? i am really sorry to say not as _ in this deal? i am really sorry to say not as close _ in this deal? i am really sorry to say not as close as _ in this deal? i am really sorry to say not as close as we _ in this deal? i am really sorry to say not as close as we thought. | in this deal? i am really sorry to i say not as close as we thought. they are discussing the final details of the deal in this room behind me here. we thought they would be done in the next half hour or hour or so, but if you grim faced negotiators have come out shaking their heads, saying it is probably hours away. the logjam was broken, lots of agreement on the key issue, but the last issue is raising the ambition on cutting carbon emissions and it seems that is a lot tougher than we expected. so we are waiting out here for news as it happens.— for news as it happens. justin, for now, for news as it happens. justin, for now. thank _ for news as it happens. justin, for now, thank you. _ rishi sunak has made his first visit to ukraine since becoming prime minister.

he held talks with president zelenksy, pledging £50 million in defence aid and said the uk would continue to stand by ukrainians as they face further attacks from russia. 0ur political correspondent ione wells reports. a warm reception on a snowy day in kyiv. i have got my coat for later. in footage released by the ukrainian government and number ten, rishi sunak can be seen laying flowers at a memorial for victims of the war. he met with emergency responders and announced a new package of air defence to help protect ukrainian civilians and infrastructure from russian air strikes. ukraine has faced months of intense russian aerial attacks, and forces there say there have been 148 missile strikes on critical services, leaving 10 million people without power. the prime minister's main message was to

confirm the uk's support for the country would continue. as prime minister of the uk i am proud of how we stood with you from the very beginning. and i am here today to say that the united kingdom will continue to stand with you. we will stand with you until ukraine has won the peace and security it needs and deserves. and then we will stand with you as you rebuild your great country. thank you very much, rishi. president zelensky thanked the prime minister for supporting his country and the dialogue they had. his visit comes after a difficult week for him and the chancellor who announced a range of tax rises and public spending squeezes. the uk's foreign aid and defence budget will not go up as planned yet, until the economic situation improves. ministers blamed the war ukraine forthe dire economic situation in the uk. 0pposition parties argue political decisions played a role, too. there is a clear desire to avoid

public fatigue with the conflict and demonstrate the positives of supporting ukraine, an easier message to sell, perhaps, than the economic headlines they face back home. ione wells, bbc news. the boss of a housing association has been sacked four days after a coroner found that a toddler died from exposure to mould in one of its properties. two—year—old awaab ishak, who lived in rochdale, died in december 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by the mould. gareth swarbrick apologised on thursday but had rejected calls to step down. 0ur correspondent sharon barbour reports. today, many from the rochdale community came together, to remember two—year—old awaab ishak and to put pressure on rochdale boroughwide housing. since the coroner's damning verdict that the mould in awaab's family home had contributed to his death, there have been calls for gareth swarbrick to go.

but he refused, saying he had the full backing of the board at rochdale boroughwide housing. but no longer. today the board took the decision to remove him from his post with immediate effect. in a statement, rochdale boroughwide housing said... for a family in grief, this offered some sense ofjustice. the fact that our rbh's chief executive had to be sacked as opposed to resign, for the family speaks volumes. however, they find it wholly unacceptable that the board expressed confidence

in him in the first place. the family still feel that much more needs to be done. a government source told the bbc that it welcomed gareth swarbrick�*s removalfrom office but said rochdale boroughwide housing still had very serious questions to answer. sharon barbour, bbc news. after five weeks, the rugby league world cup reached its climax this afternoon with two finals at old trafford. adam wild was watching all the action. this is rugby league's biggest occasion. the last dance, no second chances. for samoa to make it this far is, perhaps, surprising. australia charging into a first half lead — well, that shocked no one. even with all the pride and passion of samoa, this was painful. james tedesco taking a direct line. australia unstoppable, unbeatable, named world champions once more.

earlier, australia faced down their closest rivals