this is bbc news i'm annita mcveigh — the headlines at 9 o'clock: in the next hour, the uk supreme court is expected to deliver its ruling on whether the scottish government can hold another independence referendum — without the consent of westminster. a shooting at a supermarket in the united states — the police say up to 10 people have been killed in the attack in virginia. on the market — manchester united's owners say they are considering selling the club, it's thought to be worth about two billion pounds. what do you think about the glazer family potenially putting manchester united up for sale after 17 years at old trafford? you can tweet me @annitabbc or use the hashtag bbc your questions.

the mother who stabbed to death the man accused of sexually assaulting her sons — tells us about her call for a change in the law and why she regrets her actions i bring life into the world. it never occurred to me that i would be guilty of taking life out of the world. a new study suggests getting pregnant within a few months of an abortion or miscarriage does not risk the health of the mother or baby — contrary to who advice. the uk's highest court will announce its ruling this morning in a case which could decide if there'll be another independence referendum in scotland. five judges in the supreme court

have been considering if the scottish parliament can pass a bill to hold a vote without the consent of westminster. our scotland correspondent, lorna gordon, reports. yes, we can. it's eight years since people in scotland voted on scottish independence. for eight years, the debate on the country's future has not gone away. the scottish government wants to hold a fresh vote. they have a pro—independence majority in the parliament here in edinburgh and have named their preferred date as october the 19th of next year. their proposed question, "should scotland be an independent country?" judges in the highest civil court in the uk have been asked to rule on whether msps at holyrood can go ahead with this without westminster�*s backing. the hearing is the tip of the iceberg. we also have more than 8,000 pages of written material to consider.

therefore, as is usual, it's likely to be some months before we give ourjudgment. butjust six weeks on, they are about to give their ruling. the five judges heard lawyers for the scottish government argue that because any referendum would be advisory, it could not in itself bring about scottish independence. lawyers for the uk government want the court to throw out the case and also argue an independence bill would cut across those powers specifically reserved to westminster. the 2014 referendum was not in doubt because of an earlier agreement for westminster to lend holyrood explicit authority to proceed. the westminster government unwilling to agree to a similar deal now. whatever today's ruling, the arguments are likely to continue. if the supreme court says no, the debate continues. certainly the snp will fight the next general election on the issue that we want scotland to become an independent country

and we're looking for a mandate to pursue that. and the truth is that in any event, scotland, more broadly beyond the political parties, will continue to discuss how it should be governed. this ruling could have significant political consequences for a country that remains divided on what its future should be. lorna gordon, bbc news, edinburgh. and lorna gordonjoins us now. good morning. not far away from the judgment by the supreme court in london. talk us through again what the options are. what might we hear from thejudges? that the options are. what might we hear from the judges?— from the “udges? that ruling due at 945 this from the judges? that ruling due at 945 this morning. _ from the judges? that ruling due at 945 this morning. there _ from the judges? that ruling due at 945 this morning. there are - from the judges? that ruling due at| 945 this morning. there are broadly speaking three potential outcomes of those five supreme courtjudges could go. the first is that they could go. the first is that they

could say the reference is rejected. that is a legal term for saying it is not within the remit of the court toissue is not within the remit of the court to issue an opinion. would mean the scottish government top law officer would not sign of a bill to go in front of msps here at the scottish parliament. but there is always the possibility that a backbench msp might choose to introduce a bill instead and there is a pro—independence majority at the scottish parliament at holyrood here in edinburgh. the second option is that it could be a win for the scottish government, that would be those five judges ruling scottish government, that would be those fivejudges ruling it scottish government, that would be those five judges ruling it is within the power of msps here to legislate for an advisory referendum on whether or not scotland would become an independent country. i think it is possible that may see blocking legislation introduced at westminster. and the third option as it could be a win for the uk

government when the judges could possibly say this is indeed an issue reserved to westminster. it is not within the powers of the parliament here to read legislate in this area. that is very broadly speaking there are three options, there are nuances to possible ruling, while it may provide legal clarity, the political debate is not going to go away. which brings me onto my next point, this is going to be illegaljudgment about the political debate whatever the outcome within the next hour, is very much and active.— very much and active. yes, you have to remember— very much and active. yes, you have to remember that _ very much and active. yes, you have to remember that on _ very much and active. yes, you have to remember that on this _ very much and active. yes, you have to remember that on this issue - very much and active. yes, you have to remember that on this issue on . to remember that on this issue on scotland opinion is split down the middle. it is evenly divided. and, of course, there are strong feelings on both sides. we will see pro—independence rallies here in towns and cities from as far north as orkney down to dumfries, from

skye to aberdeen later on today. those in favour of independence making their feelings known whatever the decision. nicola sturgeon has said she wants a legally binding and internationally recognised referendum. she will respect the ruling of the court today but she has also said that if they decide that this parliament is not within the confidence of the parliament here to legislate for an advisory referendum, she will in effect make the next general election, she will fight, the snp will fight the general election as a single issue, a de facto referendum on scottish independence. they can choose to do that. the parties in favour of the union could decide not to engage in that debate and fight on the issues which are devolved to the parliament here such as health and education. lots of complicated political decisions lie ahead and arguments like ahead and they are not going to

be put to rest by whatever the decision from the five judges is today. and? thank you very much, we will talk to you before the judgment. stay with us, at 945 this morning we will bring the ruling live from the supreme court. a gunman has killed up to 10 people in a walmart supermarket in the us state of virginia. details are still coming in but it's understood that a manager at the store in the city of chesapeake turned the gun on some of his co—workers. gareth barlow has this report. in virginia, the painful search for answers is already under way. police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries following a shooting at a walmart store, an employee thought to be the attacker who shot at colleagues before taking their own life. in a tweet, the firm wrote...

the incident happened in the city of chesapeake, a community that prides itself for its natural surroundings and wildlife, home to 250,000 people close to the atlantic coast. reacting on twitter, virginia state senator louisa lucas said she was... in a briefing to reporters, local law enforcement said the first call to police had been received at 10pm local time with teams responding to an active shooter situation. so we go inside, long story short, in the course of the next 30, 45 minutes, we are able to find multiple fatalities and multiple injured parties. with the chesapeake fire department we had rescue and tactical teams together to go inside to provide life—saving measures rapidly and quickly and then through the course of the investigation, we believe it was a single shooter and

we believe that shooter is deceased at this time. the shooting comes days after a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in colorado, killing five and wounding 17 and in a year when the country was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in uvalde, texas. gareth barlow, bbc news. one person has died and more than a dozen injured in two blasts at bus stops injerusalem. explosives experts are at the scenes with police and emergency services. two of those injured are in a critical condition. there's been an increase in violence this year and the european union's ambassador to israel said he was horrified by the attacks. our middle east corresondent tom bateman sent this update earlier two explosions, one of which took place in what is quite

a busy bus station on one of the main road entrances tojerusalem, the number one highway that links jerusalem to tel aviv. at that time of the morning, it would have been very busy with people heading to work. as you say, some of the images that we have from the scene so far are showing debris scattered across the streets and people running in the aftermath of the explosion. now, israeli officials and paramedics say that at least 12 people have been wounded in that blast. two of them are critically injured at the moment, being treated in hospital. and then we have a second explosion, another part ofjerusalem, not too faraway, but, again, itappears to be targeting a bus stop. pctures from that scene showing a bus with a shattered windscreen which looks like shrapnel damage at the front of the bus there and paramedics saying that three people have received minor injuries from that. now, as regards the first explosion, israeli media reporting at the moment say that the device that might have been left at the scene, there are reports of an electric bicycle that cctv cameras have picked up being left there and that may have been where

the device was hidden. there is no confirmation of that at the moment. that is being reported by israeli media but israeli police releasing a statement in the last 15 minutes or so saying that they describe this as a suspected palestinian attack. that there may be other devices at other bus stations, the police chief saying he expects to see police officers at bus stations not only injerusalem but up and down the country. now, the point about this as there have been... there has been a spate of deadly gun and knife attacks targeting israelis this year, more than 20 israelis killed. meanwhile, the israeli military has carried out waves of military raids into palestinian cities in the occupied west bank. we have seen a very big palestinian death toll this year as well with more than 130 palestinians being killed, many of them by israeli gunfire during those raids. so there has been this concern about escalating violence, about things continuing to slip

further out of control and while i say the wave of attacks has taken up place this year, the use of explosives injerusalem would be the most significant attack of its kind in many years. ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky says there were no more a two—day—old baby has been killed in a maternity unit. the doctor and the mother have been rescued from the mother have been rescued from the rubble. the the mother have been rescued from the rubble. , _, , ., , the rubble. the news comes as ukraine's _ the rubble. the news comes as ukraine's president _ the rubble. the news comes as ukraine's president says - the rubble. the news comes as ukraine's president says there | the rubble. the news comes as - ukraine's president says there were no more unplanned cuts to power supplies across his country on tuesday — country on tuesday — as it deals with waves of russian attacks on its infrastructure. our correspondentjessica parker sent this update from the ukraine capital kyiv.

desperately sad news about the newborn baby being held. what more do we know? the newborn baby being held. what more do we know?— do we know? the news started to emerue do we know? the news started to emerge in — do we know? the news started to emerge in the — do we know? the news started to emerge in the early _ do we know? the news started to emerge in the early hours - do we know? the news started to emerge in the early hours this - emerge in the early hours this morning. the ukrainian authorities are saying a rocket hit a maternity ward that is part of a wider hospital in a town just east of the city of zachary jack. and not far from the front line. very sadly, while the mother survived and was rescued from the rubble, hurt two—day—old baby are said to have died. we also know that a doctor is any serious condition. we have heard mixed reports whether there were one or two doctors in the ward at the time but we have been told by authorities one doctor is in a serious condition. rescuers have been on the scene over the few hours. in been on the scene over the few hours. ., , ., ., hours. in other news, we are hearing that the uk — hours. in other news, we are hearing that the uk are _ hours. in other news, we are hearing that the uk are sending _ hours. in other news, we are hearing that the uk are sending helicopters l that the uk are sending helicopters to ukraine for the first time. how will they be used? we

to ukraine for the first time. how will they be used?— will they be used? we are not exactly sure — will they be used? we are not exactly sure at _ will they be used? we are not exactly sure at the _ will they be used? we are not exactly sure at the moment . will they be used? we are not i exactly sure at the moment how will they be used? we are not - exactly sure at the moment how the helicopters could be used potentially for logistics or reconnaissance, potentially they are retired search and rescue helicopters. one has been delivered to ukraine and training has been carried out on how to maintain and fly these helicopters in the united kingdom. of course, it will be welcomed by the ukrainian authorities, but they have been pressing for some time for fighter jets which they are yet to get from allies supporting them with weapons. as well, it is worth noting the uk has been sending along with other countries winter clothing for soldiers. as we enter the cold months, you can see behind me, it is pretty cold here in kyiv, minus two degrees today and it is going to get colder, tempered chairs can hit —20. it will change the design —— the dynamic of the battlefield and present new challenges for soldiers

on the front line. in present new challenges for soldiers on the front line.— on the front line. in terms of protecting — on the front line. in terms of protecting infrastructure - on the front line. in terms of protecting infrastructure not| protecting infrastructure not targeted so far, what can they do? there been a sustained attack, a series of attacks on that critical infrastructure such as power supplies. infrastructure such as power su lies. infrastructure such as power suoplies-_ infrastructure such as power su lies. ., , ., ,, supplies. there has been a respite over the last _ supplies. there has been a respite over the last few _ supplies. there has been a respite over the last few days _ supplies. there has been a respite over the last few days and - supplies. there has been a respite over the last few days and focus i supplies. there has been a respite | over the last few days and focus on trying to repair the damage that they have to find the right parts in order to do that. no one is pretending that is easy. there are always calls for more help in terms of air defence systems to try and shoot down russian missiles. the situation here at the moment is a sense of getting ready, preparing for the winter should there be further missile strikes on energy infrastructure. we are already seeing power cuts in caveman, plant power cuts, you talk to people in the city, they will show you that they know around when their power will be shut off and families, businesses will then try and work

around that. there are emergency outages sometimes as well. the fear is good you see further missile strikes on energy infrastructure that could lead the situation to deteriorate further as we head into the colder months, december, january february. the colder months, december, january februa . ., ~ the colder months, december, january februa . . ~' , ., , the colder months, december, january februa . ., , . more than 11 million pensioners will start receiving additional payments to help with the cost of living from today. the extra £300 per household is being given in addition to regular winter fuel payments, meaning they will receive up to £600 towards their energy bills this winter. meanwhile, a million people on tax credits will also see a second cost—of—living payment arrive in their bank accounts over the next week. let's talk to the work and pensions secretary mel strike. thank you forjoining us this morning. if people are in doubt about how they will get this money or if they want to know if there is anything we need to do in order to receive these payments, what is your

advice? , ., , , advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone — advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone needs _ advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone needs to _ advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone needs to do _ advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone needs to do and - advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone needs to do and this i advice? there is nothing proactively that anyone needs to do and this is| that anyone needs to do and this is one of the real strength of the approach here. it is an automatic payment into pensioners bank accounts. they will go out over a period of two months and 1 million are going out to date. those are expecting to receive them should wait up to two months to be sure that they get it. in the event of, for some reason, there is a glitch or someone does not receive the payment they are entitled to, then they should go on to the government website and they will be advised to what to do. generally speaking, these payments including the other payments the government has been sending through to more vulnerable households have gone through efficiently. households have gone through efficientl . ., ., ., ~' efficiently. how far do you think the will efficiently. how far do you think they will go _ efficiently. how far do you think they will go given _ efficiently. how far do you think they will go given inflation - efficiently. how far do you think they will go given inflation and l efficiently. how far do you think i they will go given inflation and the of living crisis? in they will go given inflation and the of living crisis?— of living crisis? in line with other countries. _ of living crisis? in line with other countries. we — of living crisis? in line with other countries, we are _ of living crisis? in line with other countries, we are suffering - of living crisis? in line with other countries, we are suffering very| countries, we are suffering very high levels of inflation, all sorts of economic challenges, though times

are tough but what the government is determined to do is to make sure we focused support on those who need it the most. for example, we have already made £650 payments to the 8 million lowest income households. as you mentioned, we are providing an extra £300 to pensioners. there is a £150 payment gone out to disabled people. we are also providing the energy price guarantee meaning that for an average household, they will be saving £900 on their energy cost bills relative to what they would have been the case. it is bills relative to what they would have been the case.— bills relative to what they would have been the case. it is all very welcome. _ have been the case. it is all very welcome. but — have been the case. it is all very welcome, but how— have been the case. it is all very welcome, but how far, - have been the case. it is all very welcome, but how far, to - have been the case. it is all very welcome, but how far, to go - have been the case. it is all very. welcome, but how far, to go back have been the case. it is all very - welcome, but how far, to go back to the question, do you think that extra money is going to stretch and the current circumstances and will the current circumstances and will the government look at doing more if necessary? the the government look at doing more if necessa ? ., . ., ., necessary? the chancellor has made in his autumn _ necessary? the chancellor has made in his autumn statement _ necessary? the chancellor has made in his autumn statement further - in his autumn statement further commitment. the 600 and 50p payment that i refer to for this year, they

will be a £900 payment from april next year. —— £650 payment. we are providing for next year. we have done things in the labour market. the national living wage has gone up ljy the national living wage has gone up by the highest level in the history of the national living wage and that was something the chancellor announced recently as well. i want to talk about _ announced recently as well. i want to talk about strikes, _ announced recently as well. i want to talk about strikes, people - announced recently as well. i want to talk about strikes, people will. to talk about strikes, people will have been listening to the news yesterday about more rail strikes announced for next month and into january. we understand the transport secretary will be meeting union bosses tomorrow. is there is in your opinion going to be a unique opportunity to try to sort this out because we have a picture of escalating strike action not only from the rail union but elsewhere in other sectors. i from the rail union but elsewhere in other sectors-— other sectors. i think the real union should _ other sectors. i think the real union should re-engage - other sectors. i think the real union should re-engage with | other sectors. i think the real. union should re-engage with the other sectors. i think the real - union should re-engage with the real union should re—engage with the real employers and with network rail to try and find a way through. the

secretary of state is going to meet with union leaders tomorrow as part of that process, but it is essentially in negotiation between the railway employers and the unions. ~ ., , ., , the railway employers and the unions. ~ ., , ., unions. the rmt has said others have ste ed unions. the rmt has said others have stepped away — unions. the rmt has said others have stepped away from — unions. the rmt has said others have stepped away from those _ unions. the rmt has said others have| stepped away from those negotiations at short notice. we are hearing this from both sides. ih at short notice. we are hearing this from both sides.— from both sides. in essence, i do not thinkthe _ from both sides. in essence, i do not think the answer _ from both sides. in essence, i do not think the answer is _ from both sides. in essence, i do not think the answer is to - from both sides. in essence, i do not think the answer is to rush i from both sides. in essence, i do i not think the answer is to rush into strike action, particularly in december which will cause major disruption for millions of families during the festive period up and down the country. notjust in terms of seeing loved ones and friends and getting to work but serious requirements of transport for important medical appointments and so on. i think they need to come to a conclusion here that recognises the interest that the taxpayer has in any settlement, reflecting the difficult situation that we are in terms of the public finances, thinking about the future of the rail system which has already had

multiple millions of pounds of support through the pandemic to support through the pandemic to support thejobs of support through the pandemic to support the jobs of the workforce. and also, the passenger, through railfares in the and also, the passenger, through rail fares in the future features in what is agreed upon.— rail fares in the future features in what is agreed upon. given these discussions _ what is agreed upon. given these discussions have _ what is agreed upon. given these discussions have been _ what is agreed upon. given these discussions have been going - what is agreed upon. given these discussions have been going on l what is agreed upon. given these | discussions have been going on for so long there between the rmt and the employers, is the onus on the government to step in and become involved in these discussions and help get the solution? i involved in these discussions and help get the solution?— involved in these discussions and help get the solution? i know the secretary of _ help get the solution? i know the secretary of state _ help get the solution? i know the secretary of state is _ help get the solution? i know the secretary of state is meeting - help get the solution? i know the | secretary of state is meeting with the railway leaders tomorrow. i know he is very much in listening mode and he will want to understand in greater detail the various arguments that have been put on both sides. as i said, fundamentally an agreement has to be reached between the unions and the railway employers. what i feel and what the government feels is that a space pursuit between those various parties and that we should not be looking at the kind of

disruptive strikes through december and january which are currently being put on the table.- and january which are currently being put on the table. briefly, are ou being put on the table. briefly, are you concerned. _ being put on the table. briefly, are you concerned, as _ being put on the table. briefly, are you concerned, as the _ being put on the table. briefly, are you concerned, as the government| you concerned, as the government concerned any deal now with the rail union could set a precedent for other sectors who are about to take strike action or looking at taking strike action or looking at taking strike action?— strike action? there is clearly in need across _ strike action? there is clearly in need across the _ strike action? there is clearly in need across the public - strike action? there is clearly in need across the public sector i strike action? there is clearly in. need across the public sector and the economy, including the private sector, to have a firm i on making sure that we are living within our means in terms of where we are as an economy at the moment. we are not unique in that. we are right in the middle of a pack of all those countries suffering high inflation, low growth, external shocks that have happened. it is going to be a tough time. i totally recognise that. everybody has got to be realistic and that is what i would urge unions as well as the employers to do in this case. ? finally, the supreme courtjudgment that is

happening, within the next half hour, nicola sturgeon has alluded to respecting the outcome of that result whatever it is. irate respecting the outcome of that result whatever it is.— respecting the outcome of that result whatever it is. we do not know yet. _ result whatever it is. we do not know yet, obviously. _ result whatever it is. we do not know yet, obviously. will - result whatever it is. we do not know yet, obviously. will the i know yet, obviously. will the government at westminster respect the result? irate government at westminster respect the result? ~ ., government at westminster respect the result? ~ . ., ., ., the result? we are about to hear what the result _ the result? we are about to hear what the result is. _ the result? we are about to hear what the result is. i _ the result? we are about to hear what the result is. i think- the result? we are about to hear what the result is. i think it - the result? we are about to hear| what the result is. i think it would not be appropriate for me to start commenting on what the government's reaction may or may not be too that result depending on what the result is. i think we really have to... will the government respect the judgment of the highest court in the land? ., ., ._ , land? the government will always resect land? the government will always respect what _ land? the government will always respect what report _ land? the government will always respect what report has _ land? the government will always respect what report has to - land? the government will always respect what report has to say - land? the government will alwaysj respect what report has to say but we know the detail of what the supreme court comes forward with, it is not appropriate for me to provide commentary on how the government might respond. let us hear what it is and give the government time to assess whatever the judgment is and then clearly, the government will have something to say at that point.

thank you very much for your time today. the owners of manchester united football club — the glazers — say they're thinking about selling. some fans have protested against their ownership for years. it follows the announcement that cristiano ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect. joining me now is kieran maguire, who is a lecturer in football finance at the university of liverpool. good to have you with us this morning. what exactly do the glazers mean when they say they are exploring strategic alternatives? obviously cell is one of those. what else? ., , ., , ., obviously cell is one of those. what else? ., ., ., , else? the options are available is to live a else? the options are available is to give a minority _ else? the options are available is to give a minority stake _ else? the options are available is to give a minority stake in - else? the options are available is to give a minority stake in the - else? the options are available is| to give a minority stake in the club to give a minority stake in the club to an investor, perhaps a private equity fund that could introduce new ideas in terms of increasing revenue and better cost control at the club. the other alternative would be a sale. there are six glazers children who between them on the club and they would have to be a decision

because they have over 90% of the vote as far as making a final decision is concerned. the glazers bou . ht decision is concerned. the glazers bought the — decision is concerned. the glazers bought the club _ decision is concerned. the glazers bought the club back _ decision is concerned. the glazers bought the club back in _ decision is concerned. the glazers bought the club back in 2000 - decision is concerned. the glazers bought the club back in 2000 and | decision is concerned. the glazers i bought the club back in 2000 and 54 £790 million. what is it valued at night? i have heard at least two billion and higher assessments. ii billion and higher assessments. if we look at what happened in the market yesterday, the price of manchester united rose about 90%. that valued the club at 3.2 million. anyone coming and would have to be is epic in premium, if we look at the sale of chelsea football club as a benchmark, a price would be somewhere in the region of four to £4.5 billion. somewhere in the region of four to £4-5 billion-— £4.5 billion. that is a healthy return on _ £4.5 billion. that is a healthy return on their _ £4.5 billion. that is a healthy return on their initial - £4.5 billion. that is a healthy - return on their initial investment. where would the buyers come from? clearly, manchester united, its history, its global reach, there are bound to be a lot of interested buyers but where will the serious prospects come from? we

buyers but where will the serious prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle — prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle east. _ prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle east. we _ prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle east. we have - prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle east. we have got - prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle east. we have got the| out the middle east. we have got the world cup taking place in qatar at present, middle east ownership at paris saint—germain, newcastle, there is a high network in investment funds there. more probably, it is likely to be the us. we have seen the acquisition of chelsea, liverpoolare we have seen the acquisition of chelsea, liverpool are in a similar position to that of manchester united in the sense that the owners are open to suggestions. almost half of the premier league is now owned by american owners who believe fervently that the football product is vastly undervalued by the markets and they have the skills to unlock that further value and make further money from it. that further value and make further money from it— money from it. briefly, the glazers statement talks _ money from it. briefly, the glazers statement talks about _ money from it. briefly, the glazers statement talks about respecting l statement talks about respecting their fans. statement talks about respecting theirfans. what statement talks about respecting their fans. what do you think the fans would want to see? the toxic relationship _ fans would want to see? the toxic

relationship has _ fans would want to see? the toxic relationship has gone, _ fans would want to see? the toxic relationship has gone, it - fans would want to see? the toxic relationship has gone, it is - fans would want to see? the toxic relationship has gone, it is best i relationship has gone, it is best that there is an amicable parting of the ways between the fan base and the ways between the fan base and the glazers. the ways between the fan base and the glazers-— the ways between the fan base and the glazers. ., ~ i. , . ., the glazers. thank you very much for our the glazers. thank you very much for your thoughts — the glazers. thank you very much for your thoughts this _ the glazers. thank you very much for your thoughts this morning. - the glazers. thank you very much for your thoughts this morning. talking i your thoughts this morning. talking about the prospects of manchester united and it will be a story we are dealing with a lot throughout the day and the weeks and months ahead. stay with us because at 945 this morning we will be bringing you the ruling live from the supreme court, that ruling to you live from the supreme court on whether the scottish government can hold a referendum on independence without permission from westminster westminster has to give its consent if a bill is brought forward, there are three options, the court could rule it is legitimate for a referendum, a consultant to take place without the consent of westminster, it could say that

westminster, it could say that westminster consent is needed and there is a third option, they could rule that now it is not the time to rule. much more on that coming out. first it's time for a look at the weather with carol. hello again. today and tomorrow is looking wet and windy followed by sunshine and showers. today's rain is pushing northwards and eastwards, it is heavy and persistent. behind it, we'll see some sunshine and showers, the showers are blustery and also the risk of some thunder in them. through the irish sea, the english channel and the northern isles along the coasts, we are prone to gales at times. temperatures nine to about 12 degrees. through this evening and overnight, there goes the rain into the northern isles, there will be a lot of showers to start the night, some of them feeding overnight and under clear skies once again, it is going to be a chilly night and still blustery, still with potential for gales in the west and the south coast. as we head on into tomorrow, we start off on a dry and bright note, but more rain comes in from the west, this time, drifting eastwards. again, likely to be heavy and persistent.

windy along it and ahead of it, a windier day than today, with still a potential for some coastal gales. hello, this is bbc news, with annita mcveigh. welcome to viewers on bbc world news, who are joining us early today because of that ruling from the supreme court that we are expecting, on whether or not a scottish independence referendum can be held without the permission of the westminster government. first, we're going to get all the sport, and for a full round—up, from qatar, here'sjohn watson. many thanks and a very good morning

here in doha, we are in downtown doha where friends and families and as you can probably say, lots of football fans are gathering of football fans are gathering of football matches today forced many of whom are still reeling from that huge result yesterday, when we saw arabia beat argentina in their opening match of this world cup. a huge shock, one of the great world cup shocks yesterday. no such problems for the holders france, who got their tournament up and under way as i got past australia. given an early scare in that one when australia took the lead but they played some great free—flowing football, france, to get past australia in the end. two goals from giroud helped them yesterday which draws him level with thiery henry. another for the psg forward draws him level with thiery henry. anotherfor the psg forward kylian mbappe, another star of this tournament, as france got under way with a win. the big news today from the england camp in particular

revolves around the fitness of harry kane. some concerns over his ankle. he came off in the win over iran in the opening match, substituted in that game. he left the stadium with a little bit of strapping. our reporter alex howell is outside england's hotel complex in al wakrah. we understand he is heading for a scan today, the big question is will he be fit for the next england game to come on friday?— he be fit for the next england game to come on friday? good morning. i am here outside _ to come on friday? good morning. i am here outside the _ to come on friday? good morning. i am here outside the england - to come on friday? good morning. i am here outside the england team | am here outside the england team hotel complex, where there is a nervy wait for harry kane to have a scan today on that right ankle. he picked up an injury on it in the game against iran. he had treatment on it during the match. he came back on it during the match. he came back on and played to the latter part of the match before he was substituted. it looked like it was a precaution from the management team to save him for the game on friday. we were at

training yesterday i didn't see him out to training but none of the starting 11 were inside having a recovery session. but it is a big worry. harry kane is arguably england's's most important player, he is their talisman and captain was up he is their talisman and captain was upjust two goals he is their talisman and captain was up just two goals away from the all—time england men scoring record. england also have marcus rashford and callum wilson but neither of those have the same experience or goal record at this record. so gareth southgate will be hoping it is positive news and harry kane will be available for the game against usa on friday. ok. be available for the game against usa on friday-— usa on friday. ok, alex, at the encland usa on friday. ok, alex, at the england training _ usa on friday. ok, alex, at the england training base _ usa on friday. ok, alex, at the england training base with - usa on friday. ok, alex, at the england training base with the i england training base with the update. harry kane due to get the scan today. let's see how the matches are shaping up today. one game is due to get under way in the next hour, morocco taking on croatia. that is the first match of the day. croatia

finalist at the last world cup four years ago. germany againstjapan, spain against costa rica and belgium in action as well, much fancied belgium side who produced some really impressive results of late. away from doha... news of a potential sale for manchester united. the glazes would consider an offerfor the club which united. the glazes would consider an offer for the club which has been an extraordinary 24 hours, not least facing the news the club would be terminating the contract of cristiano ronaldo, who only recently made a return to the club. with the latest, we can hearfrom simon stone now. the reason the fans have been so against the glazer family since they took over as they leveraged £800 million worth of debt in order to buy the football club. many fans feel that that money would have been

better invested in the team and that is the reason why the club is lagging behind manchester city. i think the glazerfamily lagging behind manchester city. i think the glazer family will look at the amount chelsea were sold for in the amount chelsea were sold for in the summer and think that they could generate more money for manchester united. that is why they are looking at a potential sale of this football club right now. simon stone reporting there regarding the huge news. we can see the fans here in full voice ahead of the fans here in full voice ahead of the games to come today. if the action was anything to go by yesterday, you won't want to take your eyes off it today. you can probably see here, lots of fans are gathering and local qatari people enjoying the action, which really feels like the world cup now is in full flow. john, thank you very much. stay cool john, thank you very much. stay cool. john watson there. a mother who stabbed to death a man accused of sexually assaulting her three sons says

she regrets her actions — but has called for tougher controls on registered sex offenders who change their names. sarah sands was sentenced to seven and a half years for the manslaughter of 77—year—old michael pless—ted in 2014. our home affairs correspondent, june kelly has been hearing her story. sarah sands, back in silvertown in east london, where as a single mother, she made a home with herfamily... took everything from me. ..and where eight years ago, she stabbed to death a neighbour accused of sexually assaulting three young boys. she'd originally befriended michael pleasted, who was 77. what we can report for the first time is that all three children he was accused of abusing were her sons. they've now turned 18 and have waived their right to anonymity to speak publicly about seeing their mother go to prison. it was just like the little things you miss. when she was gone, obviously,

it's like near difficult to have come to her about like a certain problem. like, sometimes you just want to really tell your mum a problem. sarah, did you feel remorse? absolutely. and why did you feel remorse? i bring life into the world. it never occurred to me that i would be guilty of taking life out for the world. while he was awaiting trial for the offences against her boys, michael pleasted was allowed to live back on the estate. sarah sands was caught on cctv as she made her way to his flat. she says she wanted to appeal to pleasted to plead guilty and spare her sons the court ordeal. she was carrying a knife. she says, after he accused her children of lying, she stabbed him. she did this eight times. he bled to death. sarah sands was found guilty

of manslaughter rather than murder on the grounds that she'd lost control. her original sentence of three and a half years was deemed to be too lenient and was increased to seven and a half years. the offender took with her to the scene a knife, which was used in the infliction of fatal injuries when the jury was sure that at the time she intended to cause at least serious grievous bodily harm. the offender, having fatally stabbed the deceased, did nothing to assist him in that she did not call the emergency services. they absolutely have the right to demand answers from me. i had taken the law into my own hands. i had done that. after she killed him, it emerged that michael pleasted was already a convicted paedophile and had a long history of offending under his original name of robin moult.

sarah sands has nowjoined a campaign calling for tighter controls on sex offenders who change their names. they shouldn't be able to just come out, change their name. to them, it's like, "well, i'm not the person that touched those kids any more. my name is this person, and i'm a new man." and theyjust do it again. and despite what happened in their family, her sons also have this message. if you just are being abused or have been abused, try and talk. try and talk. the sooner you say it, the sooner you can potentially save more people from being in the same pain that you're feeling. june kelly, bbc news. survivors of an earthquake that struck indonesia's west java province have appealed for food and water. the authorities warn that heavy rains forecast for the weekend could worsen conditions. more than 250 people died in the quake, but at least 150 more are still missing. ade soekadis who is executive

director of the ngo mercy corps in indonesia told us about conditions on the ground. yes, and as you rightly mentioned, i think the current relief activities are ongoing. there are still quite a few, quite a lot of people missing under the debris, under the landslide. you know, the weather doesn't help as well because it's the rainy season. mind you, there are still after—shocks being felt and even until now, and also it makes it difficult for people to go back to their houses and also will probably also have landslides as well as more damage to the house. so in the hospital, they are overfilled with patients. they need to erect makeshift tents. some of the patients are being diverted to the provincial hospital, about 60 kilometres away from the area. but, yes, there are still unmet needs, especially in specific pockets within the area. the relief is not evenly distributed

among the affected areas. there are still some remote areas needing support and relief. so those are actually the key challenges, especially with this kind of situation right now. and with 150 still missing, some of whom could be trapped and they could be possibly rescued, couldn't they? is that the priority at the moment? yes. as a matter of fact, our local partners are part of the search and rescue team there on the ground. there are some landslides and also debris that needs to be cleared. we are not sure exactly whether they are still alive or not. but i guess with the current condition, we try and do it one step at a time and we hope that we can get to those people in time to be rescued. today, the supreme court in central london is holding a special session to clarify whether the scottish parliament can legislate for a referendum without that consent.

this is because first minister of scotland nicola sturgeon wants a referendum to be held on 19th october next year. however, the uk government has so far refused to give formal consent for the vote to go ahead. the decision is due to be delivered shortly, with the result potentially having huge implications for the future of the uk. joining us now is our scotland correspondent, lorna gordon. we arejoined now we are joined now by viewers on bbc world as well as our viewers on the bbc news channel. perhaps you could begin by taking us through the first of all of what the potential judgments are that the court could make today. yes, to compress it and save them very briefly, thejudgment yes, to compress it and save them very briefly, the judgment that could be read out in court in a couple of minutes' time by the court president could indicate, yes, this parliament does have the power to pass a referendum bill to uphold

what the scottish government calls an advisory referendum. it could say no, it does not have the power to pass a referendum bill because it is reserved for westminster. or they could say they are not saying, that the reference has been rejected. there is a slight nuance to that last option. they could give a non—binding opinion, even if they reject the reference, that would be recognising the importance of this issue. i think what is interesting to say ahead of the judgment it is has only taken six weeks to reach. there were two days of arguments backin there were two days of arguments back in october that they said they had 8000 pages of legal arguments to wade through as well. so i think the speed of this ruling and decision would indicate the judges speed of this ruling and decision would indicate thejudges recognise the importance and gravity of the decision they are making and also the time in that nicola sturgeon's scotland's first minister, would, if

a judgment when in her government's favour, would like to hold a referendum in october of next year. she has also previously said she wants this to be a legally recognised internationally recognised internationally recognised referendum. the gold standard for that of course was the way that the referendum, the first independence referendum, was held backin independence referendum, was held back in 2014. that was with the permission of the uk government. the two governments, the uk government and the scottish government signed the edinburgh agreement which allowed for a section 30 order, devolving the power to hold a referendum to the scottish parliament here. that is the gold standard. that is what nicola sturgeon would ideally like and she would like a decision today in the scottish government's favour, in order to provide legal clarity, if not political clarity because of course the political arguments will continue going forward. band course the political arguments will continue going forward.— continue going forward. and our viewers can _ continue going forward. and our viewers can see _ continue going forward. and our viewers can see the _ continue going forward. and our viewers can see the live - continue going forward. and our| viewers can see the live pictures from inside the supreme court now as

we await thatjudgment. whatever the legal ruling today, it is clear that the political debate is going to continue? and, actually, i'm going to pause and not get you to answer that because thejustices are coming in now and we are waiting to hear, as you have been explaining, the judgment being read by lord reed, the president of the supreme court. so let's listen. let's listen in. judgment in the matter of the reference _ judgment in the matter of the reference by— judgment in the matter of the reference by the _ judgment in the matter of the reference by the lord - judgment in the matter of the i reference by the lord advocate schedule — reference by the lord advocate schedule six. _ reference by the lord advocate schedule six, the _ reference by the lord advocate schedule six, the scotland - reference by the lord advocate schedule six, the scotland actl reference by the lord advocate - schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the _ schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the outset, — schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the outset, i_ schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the outset, i should _ schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the outset, i should say- schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the outset, i should say that- schedule six, the scotland act 1998. at the outset, i should say that we i at the outset, i should say that we are pleased that the court has been able to give judgment within a shorter time than i had indicated might be necessary. that is partly because the court is unanimous, which considerably shortens the time

required and partly because the judgment has been prioritised over less urgent matters. this is a brief explanation of the judgment handed down this morning. the full reasons for the court's decision are set out in the judgment itself. the scottish parliament was established by the united kingdom parliament at westminster in 1998, when it enacted the scotland act. the scotland act gives the scottish parliament limited powers. in particular, the scottish parliament has no power to legislate in relation to matters that are reserved to the united kingdom parliament at westminster. those reserved matters include fundamental aspects of the constitution of the united kingdom, including the union

of scotland and england and the united kingdom parliament. accordingly, if legislation would relate to the union, or to the westminster parliament, then the scottish parliament has no power to enact it. when the referendum on scottish independence was held in 2014, and order in council had been made under section 30 of the scotland act, so as to enable the scottish parliament to enact the necessary legislation. the order amended the definition of reserved matters in the scotland act by providing that the reservations of constitutional matters, including the union and the united kingdom parliament, were not to apply to the

2014 referendum legislation. the present case arises because the scottish government would like to introduce a bill into the scottish parliament which would provide for another referendum on independence, but the united kingdom government is unwilling to agree to the making of another order in council under section 30 at the present time. so in those circumstances, the scottish government wishes, if possible, to hold a referendum without an order in council and vote for without any modification of the definition of reserved matters. a lord advocate, who is the senior law officer in the

scottish government, has asked this court for a ruling on the question whether the proposed bill would relate to reserved matters and therefore be outside the powers of therefore be outside the powers of the scottish parliament. the advocate general for scotland, who is the scottish law officer in the united kingdom government, has asked the court not to decide the question on the basis that it does not fall within the scope of the procedure for referring questions to this court. or alternatively, on the basis that the court should decline to decide the question in the exercise of its discretion. the court has not asked and cannot be asked to express a view on the political question of whether scotland should become an independent country. its task is

solely to interpret the relevant provisions of the scotland act and decide whether the proposed bill would link to reserved matters. the court has decided that it does have the power to decide the question referred to it by the lord advocate. essentially, the court has interpreted the relative provisions according to the ordinary meaning of the words used and has decided on that basis that their provisions are wide enough to include this reference by the lord advocate. it's also consistent with the rule of law, that the lord advocate should be able to obtain an authoritative judicial decision on the legislative competence of the scottish parliament in advance of the introduction of a bill. the court also acts epps the lord

advocate' argument that it is in the public interest that the court should decide the question referred to it. the reference has been made in order to obtain an authoritative ruling on a question of law which has already arisen on a matter of public importance. the court to's answer will determine whether the proposed bill is introduced into the scottish parliament. the reference is not, therefore, hypothetical or premature. turning to the question itself, the answer turns on whether the provision of the proposed bill, which provides for a referendum on scottish independence, would relate to matters which have been reserved to matters which have been reserved to the united kingdom parliament. the scotland act requires that question to be determined by reference to the purpose of the

provision, having regard, among other things, to its effect in all the circumstances. previous decisions of this court established that a provision will relate to a reserved matter if it has something more than a loose or consequential connection with it. the purpose and effect of the provision may be derived from a consideration of both the purpose of those introducing the legislation and the objective effect of the legislation. its effect is not restricted to its legal consequences, that can include its practical consequences. applying that test, the reserved matters, which are relevant here, are the union of the kingdoms of scotland and england and the parliament of

the united kingdom. the latter reservation has previously been held to include the sovereignty of the united kingdom parliament. the purpose of the proposed bill is to hold a lawful referendum on the question of whether scotland should become an independent country. that is, on ending the union and ending the sovereignty of the united kingdom parliament in relation to scotland. the argument presented to the court by the lord advocate, that the court by the lord advocate, that the proposed bill does not relate to reserved matters, is essentially that because the referendum result would not automatically or directly bring about the end of the union, it follows that the legislation does not relate to the union. and because

the referendum result would not automatically or directly bring about the end of united kingdom parliament's sovereignty in relation to scotland, therefore the proposed bill does not relate to the united kingdom parliament. however, as already explained, the effects of legislation for the purpose of deciding whether it relates to reserved matter are not confined to its legal effects but include its practical effects. a lawfully held referendum would have important political consequences relating to the union and united kingdom parliament. its outcome would possess the authority in the constitution and political culture founded upon democracy of a democratic expression of the view of the scottish electorate. it would either strengthen or weaken the

democratic legitimacy of the union and of the united kingdom's parliament's sovereignty over pa rliament�*s sovereignty over scotland, parliament's sovereignty over scotland, depending on which a view prevailed, and it would either support or undermine the democratic credentials of the independence movement. it is therefore clear that the proposed bill has more than a loose or consequential connection with the reserved matters of the union of scotland and england and the sovereignty of the united kingdom parliament. the scottish national party, which the court permitted to intervene in proceedings, made further submissions based primarily on the right to self—determination in international law. they argue, in summary, that the limitations upon the powers of the scottish parliament, as laid down in the scotland act, should be restrictively interpreted in a way

which is compatible with that right to self—determination under international law. the court is unable to accept that argument. the snp rely on the judgment of the canadian supreme court in a case concerned with quebec. but in that case, the court held that the right to self—determination under international law only exists in situations of former colonies or where a people is oh pressed, as for example underforeign where a people is oh pressed, as for example under foreign military occupation, or where a definable group is denied meaningful access to government to pursue their political economic, culturaland government to pursue their political economic, cultural and social develop meant. the court found that quebec did not meet the threshold of the colonial people or an oppressed people, nor could it be suggested

that people in quebec were denied meaningful access to government to pursue their political, economic, cultural and social development. this same is true of scotland and the people of scotland. the snp also relied on the submissions of the united kingdom government to the international court ofjustice in a case concerned with kosovo. but those submissions are consistent with the quebec case. the government submitted that the right to self—determination under international law was normally limited to situations of a colonial type or those involving foreign occupation. that is not the position in scotland. for all these reasons which are set out more fully in the judgment, the court unanimously concludes that the proposed bill does relate to reserved matters. accordingly, in

the absence of any modification of the absence of any modification of the definition of reserved matters by an order in council under section 30 of the scotland act or otherwise, the scottish parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on scottish independence. the court will now adjourn. so that is the judgment from the uk supreme court, saying that the scottish government does not have the right to legislate without the consent of westminster for another independence referendum. that judgment, that complex judgment setting out the conditions these supreme courtjustices made in arriving at this ruling. so just to

repeat. breaking news, the uk supreme court saying that the scottish government does not have the right to independently set out a bill that would lead to another independence referendum. that that power or the consent has to come from westminster. now scotland correspondent lorna gordon is still with us and was listening to that judgment as well. i think most legal commentators had suggested that that was the way this judgment would go. we havejust heard was the way this judgment would go. we have just heard that from lord reed, the president of the supreme court. but clearly that doesn't end the discussion, the question around independence, does it? ida. the discussion, the question around independence, does it?— independence, does it? no, it does not. independence, does it? no, it does not- some — independence, does it? no, it does not. some legal— independence, does it? no, it does not. some legal clarity _ independence, does it? no, it does not. some legal clarity as _ independence, does it? no, it does not. some legal clarity as you - independence, does it? no, it does not. some legal clarity as you say i not. some legal clarity as you say in thatjudgment rate out by the court president, lasting a little

over ten minutes, he said at the beginning they had taken a shorter time than originally indicated, back in october he said it could take months to reach the decision, he said it was shorter because the judges were unanimous in their decision and they had prioritised reaching a judgment, one presumes because they recognise the importance and the gravity of the decision they were making. he set out in quite detailed language why they had come to this conclusion. he pointed out to start with that the scottish parliament was established by the uk parliament back in 1998 by the scotland act and the scottish parliament has no powers to legislate on matters reserved to the uk parliament at westminster including the union of scotland and england and the uk parliament. he did then go on to say that the judges had reached the conclusion that the dead have the power to

decide on this matter, that they accepted the reference that was