this is bbc news. the headlines: ambulance workers go on strike today in a dispute over pay, as union leaders criticise the prime ministerfor not being willing to negotiate. every time the health secretary speaks, i've got my head in my hands. i have never seen such an abdication of leadership that i have from rishi sunak and the health secretary. members of the royal college of nursing in scotland reject a man who has admitted to the murder of a woman and three children, as well as the rape of one of the murdered children awaits sentencing. ukraine's president volodomyr zelensky is on his way to washington today in his first overseas trip since war broke out. it's early closing time for thousands of pubs this winter, hit by rising energy bills and staff shortages.

tens of thousands of ambulance workers, including paramedics and call handlers, are on strike in england and wales, as part of their dispute over pay and conditions. health officials warn patient safety is at risk, while the unions say ambulance crews will respond to life threatening emergencies. the industrial action began at midnight across wales, the west midlands and the north of england. then, from six o'clock this morning, it extended to the east midlands and the south. the east of england and the isle of wight are unaffected. and within the last hour, ambulance workers and paramedics in londonjoined picket lines. with the latest, here's our health correspondent, jim reed. when do we want it? now! paramedics early this morning on the picket line coventry. ambulance staff say this dispute is about pay, which hasn't kept up with inflation,

but also patient safety. we can spend four, five hours in the back of an ambulance sometimes waiting to go into the hospital. often we can hear over the radio there is a cardiac arrest and people we cannot get to. i have worked here 24 years and never seen it like this before. and all the experienced staff are walking. you can't replace that overnight. it is really stressful. as a result people have chosen other employment to go to. _ we are losing staff. ambulances were still leaving today to go to the most life—threatening emergencies. the situation will vary by region. most category one calls, such as someone not breathing or in cardiac arrest, will be responded to, as may some category two calls like strokes and serious burns. but other urgent problems, like a woman in late stage labour or an elderly person falling in their home, might not be answered or be delayed. the government has accused unions of making a conscious decision

to inflict harm on patients. the three unions striking today have refused to work with us at a national level. they've insisted on only having local arrangements in terms of the coverage of life—threatening and emergency calls. there is further uncertainty on the day because some of the emergency calls, whether they respond or not will be decided on the day in the call centres by members. unions reacted furiously to suggestions they are deliberately causing harm. every time the health secretary speaks, my head is in my hands. i have never seen such an abdication of leadership than i have from rishi sunak and the health secretary. we have negotiated locally all of the cover. category ones will all be answered. but the important thing to say is that this government has walked away from the negotiating table. this strike did not need to happen. 600 troops have been trained to step in and drive ambulances, although they are not allowed

to treat patients or use blue lights. in brighton the military could be seen, alongside paramedics bringing patients into hospital. this strike comes at a time when ambulance services are already under intense pressure. in gloucester this week, long queues of vehicles were stuck outside hospital because there was no space inside to unload patients. that same problem has driven up response times across the country, with eight services in england declaring critical incidents this week. this strike could not be happening at a worse time because of the pressures the nhs faces. that is why yesterday, in a letter to the prime minister and again today, we are appealing to both sides to try to find a way of coming to the table and avoiding further industrial action. ambulance staff in northern ireland also went on strike last week, while in scotland a new pay offer has just been rejected by one union, but a strike has not yet been called.

strike action here in liverpool and across most of the rest of england and wales will continue through the day. with no breakthrough in talks and signs the dispute is getting more heated, expect further disruption next week and perhaps into the new year. we can speak now to dr vin diwakar, medical director of nhs england. thank you forjoining us. you have advised members of the public to avoid risky activities. just expand on that advice please? i avoid risky activities. just expand on that advice please?— avoid risky activities. just expand on that advice please? i would give three key messages _ on that advice please? i would give three key messages to _ on that advice please? i would give three key messages to viewers - on that advice please? i would give three key messages to viewers and members of the public. number one is, if you have a life threatening illness and you are worried about it ring 999. you will be assessed by a trained call handler and they will work with you to determine what the most appropriate response will be in

order to get you the health you need. if you need an urgent ambulance because you have a life—threatening condition we will dispatch one as soon as we can. number two, dispatch one as soon as we can. numbertwo, if dispatch one as soon as we can. number two, if you have not got a life—threatening illness but you are unwell, there are other nhs services working as normal. general practice is working as normal and community pharmacies are working as normal. we would urge anybody who is concerned about the health to look at 111 online which can give you advice. and the third thing is the advice about what to do today because it's inevitable that they will be disruption today and that is firstly to be sensible and to make sure you checkin to be sensible and to make sure you check in on your loved ones and those that are vulnerable or off rail which you would be doing at this time of year anyway. what rail which you would be doing at this time of year anyway. what about alcohol, drinking, _ this time of year anyway. what about alcohol, drinking, christmas, - this time of year anyway. what about alcohol, drinking, christmas, people| alcohol, drinking, christmas, people going out for parties? the temptation to —— temptation is to let your hair down. you want people

to be careful. the let your hair down. you want people to be careful-— to be careful. the advice we are aaivin on to be careful. the advice we are giving on this — to be careful. the advice we are giving on this is _ to be careful. the advice we are giving on this is the _ to be careful. the advice we are giving on this is the same - to be careful. the advice we are giving on this is the same we i to be careful. the advice we are - giving on this is the same we would be giving up this time of year. what we are urging people not to do is not to get so drunk that you need an emergency department or that you need a blue light ambulance. of course it's christmas and we are not to go out and have their christmas drinks, what we are telling people is to be sensible, don't get intoxicated and don't put yourself intoxicated and don't put yourself in a position where you need emergency departments or inhabitants. we would be doing that at this time of year anyway. there are other activities _ at this time of year anyway. there are other activities that _ at this time of year anyway. there are other activities that are - are other activities that are inherently risky. driving a car, playing certain sports. how far should people be going to reduce the risk? i should people be going to reduce the risk? ., ., . , ., , risk? i would advice is the same as alwa s risk? i would advice is the same as always which _ risk? i would advice is the same as always which is _ risk? i would advice is the same as always which is if _ risk? i would advice is the same as always which is if you _ risk? i would advice is the same as always which is if you are - risk? i would advice is the same as always which is if you are worried l always which is if you are worried you have got a life—threatening problem you must ring 999. you will be assessed and we will dispatch an ambulance if you need one. of course

there will be situations in which people may have to wait longer than they normally would for a number that's at this time of year and they will be situations where if it is clinically safe to do so you may be advised to make your only to hospital whatever health care you require. so what we are really asking people to do is to be sensible, make sure you ring 999 if you have a life—threatening condition and remember that your general practitioner and your community pharmacy are open. {line community pharmacy are open. one final question. _ community pharmacy are open. one final question, how and when will you know whether people have heeded your advice? you know whether people have heeded our advice? ~ . , ., , your advice? what we should remember of course is it — your advice? what we should remember of course is it is — your advice? what we should remember of course is it is relatively _ your advice? what we should remember of course is it is relatively early - of course is it is relatively early in the day today so emergency services tend to be busier towards the evening and going into the night. what we are urging the public to do is the advice i have given. to continue to make sure you ring 999

if you have life—threatening illness, ring —— use ii—i online or contact your gp or pharmacy if you are concerned it's not life threatening. and just be sensible today and follow the advice we are always giving, particularly to make sure like in any christmas period, to check up on your loved ones, particularly those who are frail and vulnerable. . ~' , ., particularly those who are frail and vulnerable. ., ~ , ., ., , ., vulnerable. thank you for your time this afternoon. _ let's speak now to chris hopkins, political research director of savanta, which is a data and market research company. they've been looking at whether there's public support for strike action. tell us what you have looked at and what you found. we tell us what you have looked at and what you found.— tell us what you have looked at and what you found. we have been polling strikes since — what you found. we have been polling strikes since the _ what you found. we have been polling strikes since the summer— what you found. we have been polling strikes since the summer really - what you found. we have been polling strikes since the summer really when | strikes since the summer really when the railway— strikes since the summer really when the railway workers _ strikes since the summer really when the railway workers went _ strikes since the summer really when the railway workers went on - strikes since the summer really when the railway workers went on strike. . the railway workers went on strike. more _ the railway workers went on strike. more recently— the railway workers went on strike. more recently we _ the railway workers went on strike. more recently we have _ the railway workers went on strike. more recently we have focused - the railway workers went on strike. more recently we have focused onl the railway workers went on strike. i more recently we have focused on the nurses _ more recently we have focused on the nurses strike — more recently we have focused on the nurses strike. generally _ more recently we have focused on the nurses strike. generally speaking - nurses strike. generally speaking has always— nurses strike. generally speaking has always been _

nurses strike. generally speaking has always been relatively - nurses strike. generally speaking has always been relatively high . has always been relatively high levels — has always been relatively high levels of— has always been relatively high levels of support _ has always been relatively high levels of support for— has always been relatively high levels of support for workers . has always been relatively high - levels of support for workers going on strike _ levels of support for workers going on strike in— levels of support for workers going on strike in general. _ levels of support for workers going on strike in general. we _ levels of support for workers going on strike in general. we have - levels of support for workers going i on strike in general. we have found the net _ on strike in general. we have found the net sunport_ on strike in general. we have found the net support for— on strike in general. we have found the net support for most _ on strike in general. we have found the net support for most every- the net support for most every sector— the net support for most every sector striking _ the net support for most every sector striking but _ the net support for most every sector striking but none - the net support for most every sector striking but none morel the net support for most every. sector striking but none more so than _ sector striking but none more so than the — sector striking but none more so than the nurses. _ sector striking but none more so than the nurses. since _ sector striking but none more so than the nurses. since the - sector striking but none more so than the nurses. since the strike was announced _ than the nurses. since the strike was announced at _ than the nurses. since the strike was announced at the _ than the nurses. since the strike was announced at the end - than the nurses. since the strike was announced at the end of - than the nurses. since the strike - was announced at the end of november we have _ was announced at the end of november we have seen— was announced at the end of november we have seen an— was announced at the end of november we have seen an increase _ was announced at the end of november we have seen an increase in— was announced at the end of november we have seen an increase in the - was announced at the end of november we have seen an increase in the net- we have seen an increase in the net support— we have seen an increase in the net support for— we have seen an increase in the net support for nurses _ we have seen an increase in the net support for nurses going _ we have seen an increase in the net support for nurses going on - we have seen an increase in the net support for nurses going on strike l support for nurses going on strike whereas— support for nurses going on strike whereas we've _ support for nurses going on strike whereas we've seen _ support for nurses going on strike whereas we've seen a _ support for nurses going on strike whereas we've seen a decrease i support for nurses going on strike whereas we've seen a decrease inj whereas we've seen a decrease in almost _ whereas we've seen a decrease in almost every _ whereas we've seen a decrease in almost every other— whereas we've seen a decrease in almost every other sector. - whereas we've seen a decrease in almost every other sector. that . whereas we've seen a decrease in . almost every other sector. that just .oes almost every other sector. that just goes to— almost every other sector. that just goes to show— almost every other sector. that just goes to show that _ almost every other sector. that just goes to show that ultimately - almost every other sector. that just goes to show that ultimately the . goes to show that ultimately the public— goes to show that ultimately the public have — goes to show that ultimately the public have a _ goes to show that ultimately the public have a lot _ goes to show that ultimately the public have a lot of _ goes to show that ultimately the public have a lot of sympathy- goes to show that ultimately the i public have a lot of sympathy with the plight — public have a lot of sympathy with the plight of— public have a lot of sympathy with the plight of nurses _ public have a lot of sympathy with the plight of nurses and _ public have a lot of sympathy with the plight of nurses and health . public have a lot of sympathy with. the plight of nurses and health care workers _ the plight of nurses and health care workers they— the plight of nurses and health care workers. they do _ the plight of nurses and health care workers. they do believe _ the plight of nurses and health care workers. they do believe they- the plight of nurses and health care workers. they do believe they are i workers. they do believe they are essentiai— workers. they do believe they are essential and _ workers. they do believe they are essential and underpaid _ workers. they do believe they are essential and underpaid and - workers. they do believe they are essential and underpaid and theyl essential and underpaid and they tend to _ essential and underpaid and they tend to back— essential and underpaid and they tend to back their— essential and underpaid and they tend to back their right _ essential and underpaid and they tend to back their right to - essential and underpaid and they tend to back their right to strike. j tend to back their right to strike. who do— tend to back their right to strike. who do they— tend to back their right to strike. who do they blame _ tend to back their right to strike. who do they blame them? - tend to back their right to strike. who do they blame them? that. tend to back their right to strike. who do they blame them? that tends to differ by sector. _ who do they blame them? that tends to differ by sector. we _ who do they blame them? that tends to differ by sector. we have _ who do they blame them? that tends to differ by sector. we have on - to differ by sector. we have on really — to differ by sector. we have on really work _ to differ by sector. we have on really work as _ to differ by sector. we have on really work as a _ to differ by sector. we have on really work as a nurses. - to differ by sector. we have on really work as a nurses. for. to differ by sector. we have oni really work as a nurses. for the railway— really work as a nurses. for the railway workers— really work as a nurses. for the railway workers there _ really work as a nurses. for the railway workers there is - really work as a nurses. for the railway workers there is an - really work as a nurses. for the i railway workers there is an equal blame _ railway workers there is an equal blame between _ railway workers there is an equal blame between the _ railway workers there is an equal blame between the governmentl railway workers there is an equal. blame between the government and railway workers there is an equal - blame between the government and the rail unions _ blame between the government and the rail unions not— blame between the government and the rail unions. not much _ blame between the government and the rail unions. not much blame _ blame between the government and the rail unions. not much blame for- blame between the government and the rail unions. not much blame for the - rail unions. not much blame for the workers _ rail unions. not much blame for the workers themselves. _ rail unions. not much blame for the workers themselves. we _ rail unions. not much blame for the workers themselves. we have - rail unions. not much blame for the workers themselves. we have seen| rail unions. not much blame for the . workers themselves. we have seen an increase _ workers themselves. we have seen an increase in_ workers themselves. we have seen an increase in the — workers themselves. we have seen an increase in the propensity— workers themselves. we have seen an increase in the propensity of— workers themselves. we have seen an increase in the propensity of those - increase in the propensity of those more _ increase in the propensity of those more likely— increase in the propensity of those more likely to _ increase in the propensity of those more likely to start _ increase in the propensity of those more likely to start blaming - increase in the propensity of those more likely to start blaming the i more likely to start blaming the railway— more likely to start blaming the

railway union _ more likely to start blaming the railway union is _ more likely to start blaming the railway union is well _ more likely to start blaming the railway union is well within - more likely to start blaming the railway union is well within thel railway union is well within the government _ railway union is well within the government. the _ railway union is well within the government. the opposite - railway union is well within the government. the opposite is. railway union is well within the i government. the opposite is true railway union is well within the - government. the opposite is true for nurses _ government. the opposite is true for nurses the — government. the opposite is true for nurses. the public— government. the opposite is true for nurses. the public are _ government. the opposite is true for nurses. the public are twice - government. the opposite is true for nurses. the public are twice as - nurses. the public are twice as likely— nurses. the public are twice as likely to — nurses. the public are twice as likely to blame _ nurses. the public are twice as likely to blame the _ nurses. the public are twice asl likely to blame the government nurses. the public are twice as - likely to blame the government than they are _ likely to blame the government than they are the — likely to blame the government than they are the unions _ likely to blame the government than they are the unions and _ likely to blame the government than they are the unions and the - likely to blame the government than they are the unions and the nurses l they are the unions and the nurses themselves — they are the unions and the nurses themselves ib— they are the unions and the nurses themselves-— they are the unions and the nurses themselves. to what extent is it to do with how _ themselves. to what extent is it to do with how well _ themselves. to what extent is it to do with how well unions _ themselves. to what extent is it to | do with how well unions themselves explain the issues? i do with how well unions themselves explain the issues?— explain the issues? i think what we've seen _ explain the issues? i think what we've seen over _ explain the issues? i think what we've seen over the _ explain the issues? i think what we've seen over the last - explain the issues? i think what we've seen over the last few . explain the issues? i think what - we've seen over the last few months is he is _ we've seen over the last few months is he is a _ we've seen over the last few months is he is a very— we've seen over the last few months is he is a very good _ we've seen over the last few months is he is a very good media _ is he is a very good media communicator— is he is a very good media communicator and - is he is a very good media communicator and he - is he is a very good media . communicator and he doesn't is he is a very good media - communicator and he doesn't have is he is a very good media _ communicator and he doesn't have a negative _ communicator and he doesn't have a negative rating — communicator and he doesn't have a negative rating and _ communicator and he doesn't have a negative rating and alcohol. - communicator and he doesn't have a negative rating and alcohol. he - communicator and he doesn't have a negative rating and alcohol. he has. negative rating and alcohol. he has a pretty— negative rating and alcohol. he has a pretty neutral— negative rating and alcohol. he has a pretty neutral rating. _ negative rating and alcohol. he has a pretty neutral rating. let's - a pretty neutral rating. let's compare _ a pretty neutral rating. let's compare that _ a pretty neutral rating. let's compare that to _ a pretty neutral rating. let's compare that to liz- a pretty neutral rating. let's compare that to liz truss i a pretty neutral rating. let's compare that to liz truss at| a pretty neutral rating. let's . compare that to liz truss at the a pretty neutral rating. let's - compare that to liz truss at the end of her— compare that to liz truss at the end of her premiership _ compare that to liz truss at the end of her premiership when _ compare that to liz truss at the end of her premiership when it- compare that to liz truss at the end of her premiership when it was - compare that to liz truss at the end of her premiership when it was —50| of her premiership when it was —50 and k _ of her premiership when it was —50 and k starmer— of her premiership when it was —50 and k starmer is _ of her premiership when it was —50 and k starmer is around _ of her premiership when it was —50 and k starmer is around the - of her premiership when it was —50 and k starmer is around the zero . and k starmer is around the zero mark— and k starmer is around the zero markand— and k starmer is around the zero mark and rishi _ and k starmer is around the zero mark and rishi sunak _ and k starmer is around the zero mark and rishi sunak is - and k starmer is around the zero mark and rishi sunak is the - and k starmer is around the zero i mark and rishi sunak is the same. there _ mark and rishi sunak is the same. there is— mark and rishi sunak is the same. there is no— mark and rishi sunak is the same. there is no reason— mark and rishi sunak is the same. there is no reason to _ mark and rishi sunak is the same. there is no reason to believe - mark and rishi sunak is the same. there is no reason to believe it's. there is no reason to believe it's not mick— there is no reason to believe it's not mick lynch _ there is no reason to believe it's not mick lynch communicating . there is no reason to believe it's. not mick lynch communicating the plight _ not mick lynch communicating the plight of— not mick lynch communicating the plight of his — not mick lynch communicating the plight of his workers _ not mick lynch communicating the plight of his workers he _ not mick lynch communicating the| plight of his workers he represents guite _ plight of his workers he represents quite as— plight of his workers he represents quite as well— plight of his workers he represents quite as well as _ plight of his workers he represents quite as well as the _ plight of his workers he represents quite as well as the rcm. - plight of his workers he represents quite as well as the rcm. the - plight of his workers he represents. quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to _ quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to have — quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to have a — quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to have a lot _ quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to have a lot of _ quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to have a lot of sympathy- quite as well as the rcm. the public tend to have a lot of sympathy for. tend to have a lot of sympathy for nurses _ tend to have a lot of sympathy for nurses that— tend to have a lot of sympathy for nurses. that is— tend to have a lot of sympathy for

nurses. that is a _ tend to have a lot of sympathy for nurses. that is a result _ tend to have a lot of sympathy for nurses. that is a result of- tend to have a lot of sympathy for nurses. that is a result of the - nurses. that is a result of the pandemic _ nurses. that is a result of the pandemic the _ nurses. that is a result of the pandemic. the public- nurses. that is a result of the pandemic. the public in - nurses. that is a result of the . pandemic. the public in general nurses. that is a result of the - pandemic. the public in general does value _ pandemic. the public in general does value the _ pandemic. the public in general does value the nhs— pandemic. the public in general does value the nhs and _ pandemic. the public in general does value the nhs and the _ pandemic. the public in general does value the nhs and the contribution . value the nhs and the contribution the nhs _ value the nhs and the contribution the nhs makes _ value the nhs and the contribution the nhs makes to _ value the nhs and the contribution the nhs makes to society - value the nhs and the contribution the nhs makes to society in - value the nhs and the contribution the nhs makes to society in the i value the nhs and the contribution. the nhs makes to society in the uk. they also— the nhs makes to society in the uk. they also do— the nhs makes to society in the uk. they also do believe _ the nhs makes to society in the uk. they also do believe that _ the nhs makes to society in the uk. they also do believe that compared i they also do believe that compared to railway _ they also do believe that compared to railway workers _ they also do believe that compared to railway workers at _ they also do believe that compared to railway workers at least - they also do believe that compared to railway workers at least they- they also do believe that compared to railway workers at least they are | to railway workers at least they are very essential— to railway workers at least they are very essential and _ to railway workers at least they are very essential and important - to railway workers at least they are very essential and important to - very essential and important to everyday — very essential and important to everyday life _ very essential and important to everyday life and _ very essential and important to everyday life and therefore - very essential and important to| everyday life and therefore they very essential and important to - everyday life and therefore they do believe _ everyday life and therefore they do believe they— everyday life and therefore they do believe they are _ everyday life and therefore they do believe they are underpaid - everyday life and therefore they do believe they are underpaid or- everyday life and therefore they do. believe they are underpaid or should believe they are underpaid or should be valued _ believe they are underpaid or should be valued a — believe they are underpaid or should be valued a bit — believe they are underpaid or should be valued a bit better— believe they are underpaid or should be valued a bit better than— believe they are underpaid or should be valued a bit better than they - be valued a bit better than they currently— be valued a bit better than they currently are _ be valued a bit better than they currently are. to _ be valued a bit better than they currently are.— be valued a bit better than they currently are. to what extent are those views _ currently are. to what extent are those views about _ currently are. to what extent are those views about how— currently are. to what extent are those views about how you - currently are. to what extent are those views about how you have | those views about how you have individually been inconvenienced? individually been inconvenienced ? it's individually been inconvenienced? it's likely that a lot more people have been inconvenienced or affected by rail strikes than strikes by nurses. ~ , ,., y by rail strikes than strikes by nurses. ~ , ,., , , nurses. absolutely. there is sometimes _ nurses. absolutely. there is sometimes an _ nurses. absolutely. there is sometimes an over - nurses. absolutely. there is- sometimes an over exaggeration of the amount— sometimes an over exaggeration of the amount of— sometimes an over exaggeration of the amount of people _ sometimes an over exaggeration of the amount of people impacted - sometimes an over exaggeration of the amount of people impacted byl the amount of people impacted by really— the amount of people impacted by really strikes — the amount of people impacted by really strikes and _ the amount of people impacted by really strikes and often _ the amount of people impacted by really strikes and often in - the amount of people impacted by really strikes and often in some i really strikes and often in some cases— really strikes and often in some cases trains _ really strikes and often in some cases trains to _ really strikes and often in some cases trains to end up - really strikes and often in some cases trains to end up running. | really strikes and often in some . cases trains to end up running. but you are _ cases trains to end up running. but you are right, — cases trains to end up running. but you are right, at— cases trains to end up running. but you are right, at the _ cases trains to end up running. but you are right, at the moment - cases trains to end up running. butj you are right, at the moment given the amount— you are right, at the moment given the amount of— you are right, at the moment given the amount of rail— you are right, at the moment given the amount of rail strikes -

you are right, at the moment given the amount of rail strikes we - you are right, at the moment given the amount of rail strikes we havel the amount of rail strikes we have been _ the amount of rail strikes we have been completed _ the amount of rail strikes we have been completed to _ the amount of rail strikes we have been completed to healthcare - the amount of rail strikes we have i been completed to healthcare strikes and the _ been completed to healthcare strikes and the fact— been completed to healthcare strikes and the fact nurses _ been completed to healthcare strikes and the fact nurses are _ been completed to healthcare strikes and the fact nurses are doing - been completed to healthcare strikes and the fact nurses are doing a - and the fact nurses are doing a phased — and the fact nurses are doing a phased strike, _ and the fact nurses are doing a phased strike, more _ and the fact nurses are doing a phased strike, more people . and the fact nurses are doing a . phased strike, more people have and the fact nurses are doing a - phased strike, more people have been inconvenienced — phased strike, more people have been inconvenienced by— phased strike, more people have been inconvenienced by really _ phased strike, more people have been inconvenienced by really strikes - inconvenienced by really strikes than _ inconvenienced by really strikes than the — inconvenienced by really strikes than the strikes _ inconvenienced by really strikes than the strikes across - inconvenienced by really strikes than the strikes across the - inconvenienced by really strikes i than the strikes across the health care professionals, _ than the strikes across the health care professionals, but— than the strikes across the health care professionals, but if- than the strikes across the health care professionals, but if the - care professionals, but if the public— care professionals, but if the public started _ care professionals, but if the public started to _ care professionals, but if the public started to see - care professionals, but if the public started to see more i care professionals, but if the - public started to see more stories of people — public started to see more stories of people missing _ public started to see more stories of people missing appointments l public started to see more stories - of people missing appointments some catastrophes _ of people missing appointments some catastrophes because _ of people missing appointments some catastrophes because of— of people missing appointments some catastrophes because of healthcare i catastrophes because of healthcare workers _ catastrophes because of healthcare workers are — catastrophes because of healthcare workers are striking _ catastrophes because of healthcare workers are striking then _ catastrophes because of healthcare workers are striking then public- workers are striking then public support— workers are striking then public support could _ workers are striking then public support could start _ workers are striking then public support could start to - workers are striking then public support could start to wane. i workers are striking then publicl support could start to wane. but workers are striking then public- support could start to wane. but at the same _ support could start to wane. but at the same time _ support could start to wane. but at the same time i_ support could start to wane. but at the same time i think— support could start to wane. but at the same time i think the - support could start to wane. but at the same time i think the public. support could start to wane. but at| the same time i think the public are aware _ the same time i think the public are aware or— the same time i think the public are aware or there _ the same time i think the public are aware or there is _ the same time i think the public are aware or there is a _ the same time i think the public are aware or there is a perception- the same time i think the public are i aware or there is a perception among the public— aware or there is a perception among the public that— aware or there is a perception among the public that the _ aware or there is a perception among the public that the healthcare - the public that the healthcare professionals _ the public that the healthcare professionals —— _ the public that the healthcare professionals —— profession. the public that the healthcarej professionals —— profession is stretched _ professionals —— profession is stretched and _ professionals —— profession is stretched and that _ professionals —— profession is stretched and that is - professionals —— profession is stretched and that is one - professionals —— profession is stretched and that is one of. professionals —— profession is. stretched and that is one of the reason — stretched and that is one of the reason the _ stretched and that is one of the reason the unions _ stretched and that is one of the reason the unions are - stretched and that is one of the reason the unions are striking i stretched and that is one of the . reason the unions are striking and stretched and that is one of the - reason the unions are striking and i think— reason the unions are striking and i think they— reason the unions are striking and i think they may— reason the unions are striking and i think they may not _ reason the unions are striking and i think they may not end _ reason the unions are striking and i think they may not end up - reason the unions are striking and i think they may not end up seeing l reason the unions are striking and i think they may not end up seeing a j think they may not end up seeing a major— think they may not end up seeing a major difference _ think they may not end up seeing a major difference in _ think they may not end up seeing a major difference in the _ think they may not end up seeing a major difference in the level- think they may not end up seeing a major difference in the level of- major difference in the level of health— major difference in the level of health care _ major difference in the level of health care people _ major difference in the level of health care people are - major difference in the level ofl health care people are receiving anyway — health care people are receiving anyway so — health care people are receiving anyway so they _ health care people are receiving anyway so they full— health care people are receiving anyway so they full support - health care people are receiving. anyway so they full support could still remain — anyway so they full support could still remain high— anyway so they full support could still remain high and _ anyway so they full support could still remain high and that - anyway so they full support could still remain high and that blame i still remain high and that blame

could _ still remain high and that blame could continue _ still remain high and that blame could continue to _ still remain high and that blame could continue to be _ still remain high and that blame could continue to be levelled . still remain high and that blame could continue to be levelled at| still remain high and that blame i could continue to be levelled at the government — could continue to be levelled at the government-— could continue to be levelled at the rovernment. ., ,, , ., , . ., government. thank you very much and i were compliments _ government. thank you very much and i were compliments on _ government. thank you very much and i were compliments on your _ government. thank you very much and i were compliments on your christmas | i were compliments on your christmas jumper! it's looking quite acrimonious in the case of nhs and ambulance workers. we have seen hardening today of the rhetoric and positions becoming more entrenched. they have been some flashpoints between the unions and the health secretary today. one over this broader point of who is to blame and who would be to blame if there were any deaths resulting from the strike by ambulance workers. the union laying the blame at the government and steve backley pointing the finger to the unions. he wrote this morning the unions. he wrote this morning the unions. he wrote this morning the unions are taking a conscious choice to inflict harm on patients, something which the unions have described as insulting. you can see

this back—and—forth developing. then the specific point over whether the unions contingency planning by not agreeing a national deal of which emergency calls are going to be answered, the unions say that has always been agreed locally. but i think the main issue is they seem to be at loggerheads over this idea of reopening pay negotiations. the government is insisting it is not going to reopen negotiations on pay and the pay has been set by the independent body. the unions insist thatis independent body. the unions insist that is out of date and inflation has risen further. they are accusing the government of hiding behind those independent pay review bodies in order not to give higher pay rise. but i think you are starting to hear from the government and steve backley talking today about looking ahead to next year's pay deal and urging the unions to look ahead to next year rather than going backin ahead to next year rather than going back in time. you had one of the

unions today mentioning the idea of a lump sum bonus. so you could see where lines of communication can open between the unions and the government on this but certainly for the moment it is looking pretty acrimonious. it is worth remembering that each sector has its different dynamics and certainly i think we are seeing a very confrontational approach between the unions and the health workers but that's not necessarily how strikes across different sectors will play out. a man who admitted murdering a pregnant woman, her son and daughter and her daughter's friend, in derbyshire last year has been sentenced to a whole—life prison term. damien bendall had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but changed his plea in the past hours. detective inspector mark shaw has given a statement in the last few minutes. ., ., . ., minutes. the level of force and violence carried _ minutes. the level of force and violence carried out _ minutes. the level of force and violence carried out in - minutes. the level of force and violence carried out in these i violence carried out in these attacks _ violence carried out in these attacks was carried out with one intention— attacks was carried out with one intention and that was to take the lives _ intention and that was to take the lives of—

intention and that was to take the lives of those within the premises. they had _ lives of those within the premises. they had all come to trust damien bendall— they had all come to trust damien bendall and he shattered the trust. these _ bendall and he shattered the trust. these horrendous attacks on on the weapon— these horrendous attacks on on the weapon used would have left the persons — weapon used would have left the persons inside very quickly incapacitated. it's also difficult to comprehend the nature of the further— to comprehend the nature of the further attack on lacey which has been _ further attack on lacey which has been described in the courtroom this afternoon _ been described in the courtroom this afternoon. the families have had to endure _ afternoon. the families have had to endure more than 15 months of agony and heartache brett lee today they have been— and heartache brett lee today they have been given reassurance he will not cause _ have been given reassurance he will not cause further harm. as an investigation team we have nothing but admiration for the families in under— but admiration for the families in under way— but admiration for the families in under way within which have conducted themselves. both helping my detectives in respect of gathering the evidence and the way they have _ gathering the evidence and the way they have conducted themselves in they have conducted themselves in the court _ they have conducted themselves in the court hearings, i would like to thank— the court hearings, i would like to thank them for that. our corresponent, phil mackie is at derby crown court for us what has been happening there today?

this morning first of all we had a change of plea from damien bendall. he originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not murder. the four victims were terry harris, whose daughter lacey bennett, his sonjohn and lacey's friend who was on a sleepover on the night that damien bendall committed these murders. he changed his plea to murders. he changed his plea to murderfirst thing this murders. he changed his plea to murder first thing this morning murders. he changed his plea to murderfirst thing this morning of the rest of the day we had the prosecution opening the case and then sentencing from mrjustice sweeney which he gave damien bendall five whole life sentences. the four murders plus the rate of lucy bennett as well. this was a horrendous case. i can't go into too much of the detail. he killed them all with a hammer. it was an awful morning and afternoon for the families who were in court. they had not heard a lot of the details before stop they had already gone through hell and here they were having to hear some of the most

gruesome information about their loved ones. when mrjustice sweeney told damien bendall he was going to prison for the rest of his life there was no chance of parole cover several members of the family said yes. that is what they wanted. that is also what damien bendall�*s barrister said he wanted. we also heard more about his background. he had a long string of offences, some of them violent. he was actually serving a suspended sentence at the time of the murders. that was for arson. he has been sentenced to that within that life sentence again. he was called violent and controlling by the judge and we had some really very sad statements from members of the children's family. their victim impact statements which were read out. the thing that is most

memorable of all of those is angela smith who was lacey and john's grandmother and she said that when they were around she used to tell them that they were no monsters. how wrong i was, she said, in that victim statement. damien bendall sat throughout proceedings today with his head down and there was no reaction from him. his barrister said he was expecting and wanted a whole life sentence. he was a heavy drug user and some of those awful details from the night he committed those murders involved in using drugs, even selling off his partner's possessions the fearless habit and after he killed them he tookjohn's xbox in sheffield, so that the drugs, came back and used those drugs before calling the police who turned up at the house the next morning and made the gruesome discovery. so five whole life sentences for damien bendall

today. we have just life sentences for damien bendall today. we havejust seen life sentences for damien bendall today. we have just seen family members leaving code. nothing will bring their loved ones back but they got what they wanted which was that sentence. ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, is travelling to washington on his first trip abroad since the russian invasion in february. he'll address a joint session of congress and hold talks with president biden at the white house, where a new package of military aid will be announced. let's get the latest on the fighting. our correspondent, hugo bachega, has more from kyiv. this is president zelensky yesterday in bakhmut, meeting troops engaged in some of the fiercest battles in this war. today he'll be in washington, his first foreign trip since russia invaded in february. it's a trip full of security risks and was only confirmed hours before it was due to start. here is the president at a train station in poland, ahead of his flight to washington.

the us has been ukraine's most important ally in the war. it has committed tens of billions of dollars in aid and weapons, more than any other country. and there is more to come. president biden will announce a package with military aid, including patriot missiles. this is a sophisticated air defence system ukrainians say they need to defend their country from air strikes. russia's campaign targeting critical infrastructure has left millions of people without electricity, heating and water. this, as temperatures plummet below freezing. ukraine says russia is using winter as a weapon, trying to break ukrainian morale. but people here say they are determined to resist. 300 days into the war, ukraine is warning against complacency, saying russia, despite military setbacks still poses a major threat. for president zelensky, this visit is an opportunity

to speak to those criticising support for his country and make the case for even more help. in moscow, president vladimir putin said he would ensure the safety of people across russia, including in the ukrainian regions he claims to have annexed. he said the main nato countries were using all their military power against russia. hugo bachega, bbc news, kyiv. let's cross over to kyiv and speak to yulia mendel, former spokesperson to president zelensky and author of the book the fight of our lives: my time with zelenskyy, ukraine's battle for democracy, and what it means for the world. because of a power loss in the ukrainian capital, she isjoining us by candlelight and a mobile phone light. that paints a very vivid picture. just explain briefly what life is like on a daily basis at the

moment. ., ~ life is like on a daily basis at the moment. ., ,, , ., ., life is like on a daily basis at the moment. . ~' , ., ., . moment. thank you for having me. it not worse moment. thank you for having me. it got worse after _ moment. thank you for having me. it got worse after recent _ moment. thank you for having me. it got worse after recent russian - got worse after recent russian attacks — got worse after recent russian attacks. we don't have lights and there _ attacks. we don't have lights and there is— attacks. we don't have lights and there is a — attacks. we don't have lights and there is a lack of heating and water~ — there is a lack of heating and water. but i must say it makes ukrainians— water. but i must say it makes ukrainians only angry at russia. it does _ ukrainians only angry at russia. it does not — ukrainians only angry at russia. it does not give us any thought about giving _ does not give us any thought about giving up — does not give us any thought about giving up. it makes us angry and gives— giving up. it makes us angry and gives us— giving up. it makes us angry and gives us more power to resist. let�*s gives us more power to resist. let's talk about this _ gives us more power to resist. let's talk about this visit _ gives us more power to resist. let's talk about this visit by _ gives us more power to resist. let�*s talk about this visit by president zelensky to the united states. how is that being looked upon in ukraine? ., , ., is that being looked upon in ukraine? . , ., , ., . is that being looked upon in ukraine? . , ., . , ukraine? that is a historic visit in our minds- _ ukraine? that is a historic visit in our minds. there _ ukraine? that is a historic visit in our minds. there are _ ukraine? that is a historic visit in our minds. there are multiple i our minds. there are multiple reasons _ our minds. there are multiple reasons. let me say first that president _ reasons. let me say first that president zelensky never travels and he has _ president zelensky never travels and he has not _ president zelensky never travels and he has not travelled in ten months of invasion— he has not travelled in ten months of invasion but this big trip to the united _ of invasion but this big trip to the united states, one of the most

important allies in this battle. the political— important allies in this battle. the political elite here in ukraine is discussing any opportunities for peace — discussing any opportunities for peace. there is... the next two or three _ peace. there is... the next two or three months— peace. there is... the next two or three months in ukraine will be crucial— three months in ukraine will be crucial in — three months in ukraine will be crucial in this war. we don't of course — crucial in this war. we don't of course know how it will end and there _ course know how it will end and there are — course know how it will end and there are multiple scenarios but this is— there are multiple scenarios but this is something he keeps in mind and of— this is something he keeps in mind and of course he wants to talk about this with _ and of course he wants to talk about this with president biden. there are a lot of— this with president biden. there are a lot of questions that ukrainian and the — a lot of questions that ukrainian and the us have differences on. president — and the us have differences on. president zelensky wants to return crimea _ president zelensky wants to return crimea and believes ukraine has capacity— crimea and believes ukraine has capacity to that. but the joe biden administration thinks it is important not to escalate the war and irritate russia. this is a new

step— and irritate russia. this is a new step for— and irritate russia. this is a new step for the _ and irritate russia. this is a new step for the united states to be engaged in this war. ukraine desperately needs assistance because we are _ desperately needs assistance because we are afraid that russia can make an attempt— we are afraid that russia can make an attempt to attack ukraine and kyiv in— an attempt to attack ukraine and kyiv in january and february. we have _ kyiv in january and february. we have heard — kyiv in january and february. we have heard systems can arrive no earlier— have heard systems can arrive no earlier than— have heard systems can arrive no earlier than next week and i'm sure president _ earlier than next week and i'm sure president zelensky will try to speed up president zelensky will try to speed up this— president zelensky will try to speed up this process. i know also there is a personal reason for this meeting _ is a personal reason for this meeting. president zelensky really wanted _ meeting. president zelensky really wanted president biden to visit ukraine — wanted president biden to visit ukraine is another level of support and commitment of the us to stand with ukraine as much as needed. the last president visited ukraine was president — last president visited ukraine was president bush and it was before the financial— president bush and it was before the financial crisis in 2008. after ukraine — financial crisis in 2008. after ukraine was resisting russian attacks— ukraine was resisting russian attacks on russian aggression for multiple — attacks on russian aggression for multiple years. president zelensky

was talking a lot about how personal it was _ was talking a lot about how personal it was unimportant for him to see president — it was unimportant for him to see president biden in ukraine. but president — president biden in ukraine. but president zelensky wants to make a new platform on the summit for peace and he _ new platform on the summit for peace and he is _ new platform on the summit for peace and he is going to invite leaders here _ and he is going to invite leaders here and — and he is going to invite leaders here and i'm sure he'll be inviting president — here and i'm sure he'll be inviting president biden tojoin here and i'm sure he'll be inviting president biden to join this platform. so then they can really talk about — platform. so then they can really talk about how to achieve peace in ukraine _ talk about how to achieve peace in ukraine and what way are possible to do this— ukraine and what way are possible to do this and _ ukraine and what way are possible to do this and you must be sure that ukraine _ do this and you must be sure that ukraine wants peace more than anyone — ukraine wants peace more than anyone. this is a historic meeting that is— anyone. this is a historic meeting that is going to happen today and i'm that is going to happen today and i'm sure — that is going to happen today and i'm sure it— that is going to happen today and i'm sure it will be successful. why is president _ i'm sure it will be successful. why is president zelensky _ i'm sure it will be successful. twig is president zelensky yet to i'm sure it will be successful. "i1: is president zelensky yet to visit any of his other allies and those who have been supporting him closer to home? ~ , �* who have been supporting him closer tohome? , ~ ~'., .,, to home? absolutely. all ukrainians who understand _ to home? absolutely. all ukrainians who understand it's _ to home? absolutely. all ukrainians who understand it's only _ to home? absolutely. all ukrainians who understand it's only the - to home? absolutely. all ukrainians who understand it's only the united | who understand it's only the united states— who understand it's only the united states and — who understand it's only the united states and great britain was the

first to — states and great britain was the first to support us and even before the invasion they not only believed but great _ the invasion they not only believed but great britain was very clearly saying _ but great britain was very clearly saying ukraine will be able to defend — saying ukraine will be able to defend itself despite other countries. sol defend itself despite other countries. so i know great britain is appreciated not only the political way but we now that british — political way but we now that british people are standing for ukraine — british people are standing for ukraine. i don't know how the ukraine. idon't know how the decision— ukraine. i don't know how the decision was made by now the primary source _ decision was made by now the primary source coming to ukraine, rishi sunak. — source coming to ukraine, rishi sunak. and _ source coming to ukraine, rishi sunak, and i know they had very good and productive conversations. i am sure they— and productive conversations. i am sure they were talking about the visit of _ sure they were talking about the visit of president zelensky to great britain _ visit of president zelensky to great britain and it's up to the office of the president to decide when that will happen. we the president to decide when that will happen-— the president to decide when that willhauenl. ., ,, .., will happen. we appreciate your time and we hope — will happen. we appreciate your time and we hope the _ will happen. we appreciate your time and we hope the power _ will happen. we appreciate your time and we hope the power comes - will happen. we appreciate your time and we hope the power comes on i will happen. we appreciate your time i and we hope the power comes on soon. the body representing many of britain's pubs says a majority are considering cutting opening hours this winter because of staff shortages and rising energy bills. the british beer and pub association

says more than 85% of public houses are considering closing for at least one day a week. bbc analysis has also found that 331 food service firms, like cafes, pubs and catering companies, say they're going bankrupt, filing for insolvency in november. that's up 57% compared to the same time last year. in all, well over 6,000 hospitality firms have begun insolvency proceedings since 2020. with more, here's our business reporter, noor nanji. peter austen is a director at the bell at sapperton pub in the cotswolds. the figures that you have heard, what is your response? thea;r the figures that you have heard, what is your response?— what is your response? they are frightening _ what is your response? they are frightening for _ what is your response? they are frightening for the _ what is your response? they are frightening for the trade. - what is your response? they are frightening for the trade. i i what is your response? they are frightening for the trade. i don't| frightening for the trade. i don't think— frightening for the trade. i don't think we — frightening for the trade. i don't think we were _ frightening for the trade. i don't think we were surprised - frightening for the trade. i don't . think we were surprised especially after two — think we were surprised especially after two horrible _ think we were surprised especially after two horrible years _ think we were surprised especially after two horrible years with - after two horrible years with coronavirus _ after two horrible years with coronavirus and _ after two horrible years with coronavirus and now - after two horrible years with coronavirus and now we i after two horrible years withi coronavirus and now we have after two horrible years with i coronavirus and now we have a after two horrible years with - coronavirus and now we have a triple whammy— coronavirus and now we have a triple whammy of— coronavirus and now we have a triple whammy of this _ coronavirus and now we have a triple whammy of this as— coronavirus and now we have a triple whammy of this as well. _ coronavirus and now we have a triple whammy of this as well. it's - coronavirus and now we have a triple

whammy of this as well. it's quite i whammy of this as well. it's quite scary— whammy of this as well. it's quite scary especially _ whammy of this as well. it's quite scary especially for— whammy of this as well. it's quite scary especially for independent l scary especially for independent businesses _ scary especially for independent businesses-— scary especially for independent businesses. . ., ., ., businesses. what have you done to t and businesses. what have you done to try and short _ businesses. what have you done to try and short of _ businesses. what have you done to try and short of the _ businesses. what have you done to try and short of the business? i we have got bedrooms now above the pub and _ we have got bedrooms now above the pub and we _ we have got bedrooms now above the pub and we are — we have got bedrooms now above the pub and we are doing _ we have got bedrooms now above the pub and we are doing everything - we have got bedrooms now above the pub and we are doing everything we . pub and we are doing everything we can do— pub and we are doing everything we can do to _ pub and we are doing everything we can do to be — pub and we are doing everything we can do to be a — pub and we are doing everything we can do to be a community— pub and we are doing everything we can do to be a community hub as. pub and we are doing everything we i can do to be a community hub as well as a pub _ can do to be a community hub as well as a pub we — can do to be a community hub as well as a pub we are _ can do to be a community hub as well as a pub. we are having _ can do to be a community hub as well as a pub. we are having to _ can do to be a community hub as well as a pub. we are having to be - can do to be a community hub as well as a pub. we are having to be a - can do to be a community hub as well as a pub. we are having to be a lot. as a pub. we are having to be a lot more _ as a pub. we are having to be a lot more flexible _ as a pub. we are having to be a lot more flexible. if— as a pub. we are having to be a lot more flexible.— more flexible. if you are having to do that, a — more flexible. if you are having to do that, a pub _ more flexible. if you are having to do that, a pub in _ more flexible. if you are having to do that, a pub in high _ more flexible. if you are having to do that, a pub in high street i more flexible. if you are having to| do that, a pub in high street which is not necessarily surrounded by that gorgeous countryside you enjoy, it must be even harder for them. that gorgeous countryside you enjoy, it must be even harderfor them. it it must be even harder for them. it is harder for them. we are very lucky— is harder for them. we are very lucky being _ is harder for them. we are very lucky being out _ is harder for them. we are very lucky being out in— is harder for them. we are very lucky being out in the _ is harder for them. we are veryl lucky being out in the cotswolds is harder for them. we are very- lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you _ lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you are _ lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you are on — lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you are on the _ lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you are on the high _ lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you are on the high street - lucky being out in the cotswolds but if you are on the high street and i if you are on the high street and not able — if you are on the high street and not able to— if you are on the high street and not able to have _ if you are on the high street and not able to have bedrooms i if you are on the high street and not able to have bedrooms or. not able to have bedrooms or different _ not able to have bedrooms or different income _ not able to have bedrooms or different income streams - not able to have bedrooms or- different income streams coming in it really—

different income streams coming in it really is_ different income streams coming in it really is going _ different income streams coming in it really is going to _ different income streams coming in it really is going to be _ different income streams coming in it really is going to be difficult. - it really is going to be difficult. pubs_ it really is going to be difficult. pubs are — it really is going to be difficult. pubs are under— it really is going to be difficult. pubs are under a _ it really is going to be difficult. pubs are under a lot— it really is going to be difficult. pubs are under a lot of- it really is going to be difficult. i pubs are under a lot of pressure it really is going to be difficult. - pubs are under a lot of pressure at the moment — pubs are under a lot of pressure at the moment. we've _ pubs are under a lot of pressure at the moment. we've had _ pubs are under a lot of pressure at the moment. we've had a - pubs are under a lot of pressure at the moment. we've had a 39% - pubs are under a lot of pressure at- the moment. we've had a 39% increase in our— the moment. we've had a 39% increase in our operating — the moment. we've had a 39% increase in our operating overheads _ the moment. we've had a 39% increase in our operating overheads in— the moment. we've had a 39% increase in our operating overheads in the - in our operating overheads in the first 11_ in our operating overheads in the first 11 months— in our operating overheads in the first 11 months of— in our operating overheads in the first 11 months of this _ in our operating overheads in the first 11 months of this year. - in our operating overheads in the first 11 months of this year. and i in our operating overheads in the l first 11 months of this year. and we are yet— first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to — first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to be — first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to be had _ first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to be had by— first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to be had by the _ first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to be had by the depth - first 11 months of this year. and we are yet to be had by the depth of. are yet to be had by the depth of winter _ are yet to be had by the depth of winter 50— are yet to be had by the depth of winter so i— are yet to be had by the depth of winter. so i do— are yet to be had by the depth of winter. so i do feel— are yet to be had by the depth of winter. so i do feel very- are yet to be had by the depth of winter. so i do feel very sorry . are yet to be had by the depth ofi winter. so i do feel very sorry for people — winter. so i do feel very sorry for --eole. ., . ., . . people. how much of that increase can ou people. how much of that increase can you pass _ people. how much of that increase can you pass on — people. how much of that increase can you pass on to _ people. how much of that increase can you pass on to your— people. how much of that increase l can you pass on to your customers? people. how much of that increase i can you pass on to your customers? i don't think we can. it's our duty as a pub— don't think we can. it's our duty as a pub to _ don't think we can. it's our duty as a pub to give — don't think we can. it's our duty as a pub to give people _ don't think we can. it's our duty as a pub to give people that - don't think we can. it's our duty as a pub to give people that respite l a pub to give people that respite from _ a pub to give people that respite from the — a pub to give people that respite from the cost _ a pub to give people that respite from the cost of _ a pub to give people that respite from the cost of living _ a pub to give people that respite from the cost of living crisis. - a pub to give people that respite from the cost of living crisis. i. from the cost of living crisis. i was _ from the cost of living crisis. i was 39%— from the cost of living crisis. i was 39% increase _ from the cost of living crisis. i was 39% increase in _ from the cost of living crisis. ii was 39% increase in operating from the cost of living crisis. i- was 39% increase in operating costs does not _ was 39% increase in operating costs does not actually _ was 39% increase in operating costs does not actually reflect _ was 39% increase in operating costs does not actually reflect or - was 39% increase in operating costs does not actually reflect or include. does not actually reflect or include the cost _ does not actually reflect or include the cost of — does not actually reflect or include the cost of products _ does not actually reflect or include the cost of products so _ does not actually reflect or include the cost of products so i— does not actually reflect or include the cost of products so i am - does not actually reflect or include the cost of products so i am just . the cost of products so i am just talking _ the cost of products so i am just talking about _ the cost of products so i am just talking about things _ the cost of products so i am just talking about things like - the cost of products so i am just talking about things like our- the cost of products so i am just i talking about things like our other overheads— talking about things like our other overheads like _ talking about things like our other overheads like wage _ talking about things like our other overheads like wage costs. - talking about things like our other overheads like wage costs. so - talking about things like our other overheads like wage costs. so if l talking about things like our other. overheads like wage costs. so if we were _ overheads like wage costs. so if we were to _ overheads like wage costs. so if we were to reflect _ overheads like wage costs. so if we were to reflect the _ overheads like wage costs. so if we were to reflect the increased - overheads like wage costs. so if we were to reflect the increased costsi were to reflect the increased costs must _ were to reflect the increased costs must pubs — were to reflect the increased costs most pubs would _ were to reflect the increased costs most pubs would be _ were to reflect the increased costs most pubs would be charging - were to reflect the increased costs most pubs would be charging nine| were to reflect the increased costs . most pubs would be charging nine or £10 per— most pubs would be charging nine or £10 per bite — most pubs would be charging nine or £10 per bite or— most pubs would be charging nine or £10 per bite or £2530 _ most pubs would be charging nine or £10 per bite or £2530 for— most pubs would be charging nine or £10 per bite or £2530 for every - £10 per bite or £2530 for every single — £10 per bite or £2530 for every single mairi— £10 per bite or £2530 for every

single main course. _ £10 per bite or £2530 for every single main course. which - £10 per bite or £2530 for every single main course. which i - £10 per bite or £2530 for every . single main course. which i don't think— single main course. which i don't think it's — single main course. which i don't think it's fair _ single main course. which i don't think it's fair as _ single main course. which i don't think it's fair as possible. - single main course. which i don't think it's fair as possible. we. think it's fair as possible. we appreciate — think it's fair as possible. appreciate you talking to think it's fair as possiblem appreciate you talking to us. now it's time for a look at the weather with helen. good afternoon. a little bit of wintry sunshine out and about, but equally we have got a fair amount of heavy and thundery showers running to the western isles and the highlands of scotland. fewer east of the grampians. one or two running across northern ireland to the north west of england. we are clearing the cloud slowly in the south. the best of the sunshine is further north. temperatures are a little lower than they have been this week. just a tad above the average. overnight, temperatures will fall away. still some showers around and we could get within a degree or so of freezing in local frost hollers. you can see quite a bit of cloud coming into the south and west as well with more rain and that is really on the cards for tomorrow. a lot more cloud creeps in across much of england and wales. cloud covering the hills and outbreaks of rain and drizzle into parts of northern england.

but its northern england where we will see the brightest of the weather. just a few showers. not as many as today. temperatures a little bit lower. it will be milder than today where we have the rain further south. there is more online. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... ambulance workers go on strike today in a dispute over pay, as union leaders criticise the prime ministerfor not being willing to negotiate. every time the health secretary speaks, i've got my head in my hands. i have never seen such an abdication of leadership that i have from rishi sunak and the health secretary. a man who has admitted to the murder of a woman and three children, as well as the rape of one of the murdered children ukraine's president volodomyr zelensky is on his way to washington today in his first overseas trip since war broke out. ukraine's president volodomyr zelensky is on his way to washington today in his first overseas trip since war broke out. a man who has admitted to the murder

of a woman and three children, as well as the rape of one of the murdered children awaits sentencing. sport and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. some breaking news, a russian athlete has been stripped of the 400 metres gold she won on the basis of historical data from a moscow testing laboratory for subsea is already serving a four—year ban after being named in the investigation into cheating by russia. it means all three russian gold medals won at london 2012 have been taken away on doping grounds.

england's ahmed has pulled out of the auction for next year to concentrate on domestic cricket. despite the lower of a base price of at least £50,000 in the ipl auction, he has decided to continue to develop his skills at leicestershire instead. manchester city manager guardiola says alvarez�*s contra vision for argentina was amazing. the 22—year—old scored four goals for argentina, the 22—year—old scored four goals forargentina, including the 22—year—old scored four goals for argentina, including two in the 3-0 for argentina, including two in the 3—0 semifinal win over croatia. he was a substitute for the first two games in the tournament but started every game since and formed a formidable partnership with lionel messi en route to the final. pep guardiola says alvarez will be back

in a week. irate guardiola says alvarez will be back in a week. ~ . . , , guardiola says alvarez will be back inaweek. . . _ in a week. we are incredibly happy for him, congratulations _ in a week. we are incredibly happy for him, congratulations for - in a week. we are incredibly happy for him, congratulations for him, l for him, congratulations for him, and for argentina, the country, for lionel messi, a well—deserved champion, and alvarez is with us and we are delighted for him. it is amazing for the team. for the way they played and we have a world champion in our team. manchester ci take champion in our team. manchester city take on — champion in our team. manchester city take on liverpool _ champion in our team. manchester city take on liverpool in _ champion in our team. manchester city take on liverpool in the - champion in our team. manchester| city take on liverpool in the league cup tomorrow night. manchester united play tonight against burnley. charlton also have premier league opposition as they face brighton. leah williamson says arsenal are aiming to win the group tonight as they travel to zurich in the women's champions league. the gunners are currently top

of the group on goal difference from lyon, who have a tough match againstjuventus. arsenal need just a point to qualify but the 25—year—old says they're fully focused on getting all three. the work we have put in so far, the way the girls have played is incredible, so to top the group with this win would be great. i think teams getting through to the next round, it will be a tough game, but naturally, we want to get ourselves ready. you play every game to win. i think the influence comes for us, maybe, not necessarily with who we are going to play in the next round. england and harlequins forward shona brown will retire this season. her final performance for the red roses

came in the world cup final defeat to new zealand in november. a huge year of sporting achievements will be celebrated tonight at the sports personality of the year awards later. there are six candidates in the running to scoop the top prize at the ceremony later. but some awards have already been announced, including that of para—athlete olivia breen — who has been named the bbc wales sports personality of the year for 2022. in august, breen won commonwealth games gold as she beat her english rival sophie hahn in the t37/38 100 metres race in birmingham. members of the scottish parliament have restarted their debate on proposals, aimed at simplifying and speeding up the process which allows people

to legally change their gender. msps are considering more than 150 amendments to the planned legislation, which the scottish government says will ensure dignity for trans people, but critics argue, is a threat to women and girls. joining me now outside of the scottish parliament in edinburgh is colin macfarlane, director of nations at lgbtq+ charity stonewall. thank you very much forjoining us. how difficult have you found this debate because people clearly have very strongly held fields? it has very strongly held fields? it has been one of— very strongly held fields? it has been one of the _ very strongly held fields? it has been one of the most _ very strongly held fields? it hasj been one of the most contested pieces i think of legislation that the scottish parliament has looked out over the past six years and you are right, the debate has actually been quite toxic. unfortunately we have seen opponents to this bill whipping up moral panics about what the bill does, what it does not do, we have seen a huge amount of misinformation about what the bill does and doesn't do and sadly we have seen a lot of misinformation and moral panic about who trance people are and how they live their

lives, so it has been a difficult process but i am hopeful that today, msps will finally vote through this bill and badly will afford trans people in scotland the dignity and respect they deserve. this people in scotland the dignity and respect they deserve.— people in scotland the dignity and respect they deserve. as you say, it is a very difficult _ respect they deserve. as you say, it is a very difficult discussion, - respect they deserve. as you say, it is a very difficult discussion, but - is a very difficult discussion, but described —— describing your opponents as toxic is very unfair when they are being clear that they want to have a definition of what a woman is and they want to be able to express their concerns about safeguarding masses. where do you draw the line? how do you have single sex base —— based on biology, if people are allowed to self—declared what there'd —— gender is, which is different to sex? what is, which is different to sex? what this process _ is, which is different to sex? what this process does _ is, which is different to sex? what this process does is _ is, which is different to sex? what this process does is d _ is, which is different to sex? wrist this process does is d medical i the system of which you can change your legal gender and what that does is when you apply for a certificate,

that changes your legal sex in law underlines your legal sex with other documents... underlines your legal sex with other documents- - -_ documents... sorry, sorry, sorry, the sex and — documents... sorry, sorry, sorry, the sex and gender— documents... sorry, sorry, sorry, the sex and gender are _ documents... sorry, sorry, sorry, the sex and gender are different i the sex and gender are different things. you are allowed to self declare what your gender is, but it does not change your underlying biology, with —— which is what sex is based on. biology, with -- which is what sex is based om— biology, with -- which is what sex is based on-— is based on. what we are talking about is the _ is based on. what we are talking about is the system _ is based on. what we are talking about is the system to _ is based on. what we are talking - about is the system to demedicalise the system. about is the system to demedicalise the s stem. . , ., , the system. that is gender, not sex. it chan . es the system. that is gender, not sex. it changes your _ the system. that is gender, not sex. it changes your legal _ the system. that is gender, not sex. it changes your legal sex _ the system. that is gender, not sex. it changes your legal sex on - the system. that is gender, not sex. it changes your legal sex on your- it changes your legal sex on your birth certificate and allows that legal sex and birth certificate to be aligned with your other documents and that is what this process is about, streamlined —— streamlining and to demedicalise a process to allow trans people to have that in a fairer and more their system. harper fairer and more their system. how often should _ fairerand more their system. how often should people be able to

change their gender? i often should people be able to change their gender?— often should people be able to change their gender? i don't think we need to _ change their gender? i don't think we need to go _ change their gender? i don't think we need to go into _ change their gender? i don't think we need to go into arbitrary - we need to go into arbitrary ideas... ., , . ideas... now, if it is about... it is a question — ideas... now, if it is about... it is a question i _ ideas... now, if it is about... it is a question i am _ ideas... now, if it is about... it is a question i am asking - ideas... now, if it is about... it. is a question i am asking because ideas... now, if it is about... it- is a question i am asking because it is a question i am asking because it is about how you regard yourself, isn't it? it is about your own identity. how often should we be allowed to change that? what identity. how often should we be allowed to change that? what this rocess is allowed to change that? what this process is about _ allowed to change that? what this process is about is _ allowed to change that? what this process is about is about - process is about is about streamlining a really intrusive and dehumanising process that allows trans people do change their legal sex on their birth certificate, that is what this legislation is about, thatis is what this legislation is about, that is what this gender recognition reform bill is about. it is about allowing trans people to change their legal sex on their birth certificate to align that along with their other documents, so that they can live their lives with dignity, so they can get mid —— married, if they wish, be buried in their gender, the sex they say they are, they are allowed that didn't that is all this bill does, is change the legal definition and allow you have

a simpler streamlined humane process to change your legal sex and obtain a jacket —— gender recognition certificate. a jacket -- gender recognition certificate-— a jacket -- gender recognition certificate. ~ . ., certificate. what did you say to the uk government _ certificate. what did you say to the uk government that _ certificate. what did you say to the uk government that has _ certificate. what did you say to the uk government that has concernsl uk government that has concerns about how this legislation will interact with the equalities legislation, where there are different characteristics, such as sex, for example, that a woman is an aduu sex, for example, that a woman is an adult human female and that a man is an adult human male? how do you align those two?— align those two? there are two thins, align those two? there are two things. the _ align those two? there are two things, the equality _ align those two? there are two things, the equality and - align those two? there are two things, the equality and is - align those two? there are two things, the equality and is a i things, the equality and is a separate piece of legislation and thatis separate piece of legislation and that is not for a review. everything that is not for a review. everything thatis that is not for a review. everything that is in the characteristics stays the same. the reform bill does not impact on the equality and is a system about, as i said, changing the legal sex on the certificate and allowing you a humane process to allowing you a humane process to allow trans people a humane process to do that. the uk government does have concerns, we know they have

said that. but the simple system about how the uk government could maybe solve some of those issues is also follow the same procedure that scotland is looking at, which was actually uk government policy under the premiership of theresa may. irate the premiership of theresa may. we really appreciate you joining us from holly. thank you, we will follow the debate with interest. thank you. back to our top story today, thousands of ambulance workers in england and wales are taking strike action as part of a dispute about pay and working conditions. arron glenwright—cook is one of them. he's a paramedic and is on strike today in doncaster. thank you forjoining us today. what does this strike mean to you? there are a number— does this strike mean to you? there are a number of— does this strike mean to you? there are a number of issues _ does this strike mean to you? there are a number of issues at _ does this strike mean to you? there are a number of issues at play. - does this strike mean to you? it” are a number of issues at play. pay and conditions is certainly one of them. we have had real terms loss of pay over extended periods but i think more importantly, it is about raising awareness to the fact we are working on a medical system that has collapsed and we are unable to

provide emergency medical care because of the amount of time we are spending stick outside hospitals that are simple to full to receive the patients that we have brought. we are in a situation where we need people to become aware of that. the action we are taking today is allowing us actually to provide a better response to immediately respond to emergencies than we would be able to. . respond to emergencies than we would be able to. , . ., , ., be able to. there is an irony for some people — be able to. there is an irony for some people that _ be able to. there is an irony for some people that you - be able to. there is an irony for some people that you are - be able to. there is an irony for - some people that you are concerned about patient safety and yet going on strike potentially puts multiple at risk. how do you square that circle? i at risk. how do you square that circle? ., �* . ~' circle? i don't agree. ithink if ou had circle? i don't agree. ithink if you had spent _ circle? i don't agree. ithink if you had spent the _ circle? i don't agree. ithink if you had spent the last - circle? i don't agree. ithink if you had spent the last two . circle? i don't agree. i think if. you had spent the last two years like i have queueing outside hospitals, listening to your radio golf saying", "come any ambulance available? you would see that people are dying waiting for ambiences all

day everyday. we have made ourselves available for the most immediately life—threatening problems and we have able to respond to those within our appropriate target times. actually today, we have been preserving more lives than we would cost, without a doubt. haifa preserving more lives than we would cost, without a doubt.— preserving more lives than we would cost, without a doubt. how much of a -a rise cost, without a doubt. how much of a pay rise would — cost, without a doubt. how much of a pay rise would be _ cost, without a doubt. how much of a pay rise would be enough? _ cost, without a doubt. how much of a pay rise would be enough? i - cost, without a doubt. how much of a pay rise would be enough? i don't - pay rise would be enough? i don't think that is _ pay rise would be enough? i don't think that is my _ pay rise would be enough? i don't think that is my position - pay rise would be enough? i don't think that is my position as - pay rise would be enough? i don't think that is my position as a - think that is my position as a clinician to argue about. i think what we have lost in real terms over the last ten years is in the region of ten or 15%. but that is a discussion the unions need to be having with the government. it would be nice if the government was at least... sorry, we have lots of support. it would be nice if they were at least winning to open a discussion and so far, they have refused to engage. the government sa s it refused to engage. the government says it cannot _ refused to engage. the government says it cannot talk _ refused to engage. the government says it cannot talk about _ refused to engage. the government says it cannot talk about money, . says it cannot talk about money, evenif says it cannot talk about money, even if it is prepared to talk about other things. a lot of accusation flying backwards and forwards. what do you believe is necessary in terms of the changes that are required to make the job more appealing to more

people, so we can actually recruit enough staff?— enough staff? recruiting and retention is _ enough staff? recruiting and retention is a _ enough staff? recruiting and retention is a huge _ enough staff? recruiting and retention is a huge issue. - enough staff? recruiting and j retention is a huge issue. my enough staff? recruiting and - retention is a huge issue. my local ambulance station is struggling to retain experienced staff because they can go into jobs that are easier and pay them better. in terms of the sorts of changes that are needed, first of all we need some acknowledgement that the system is broken and is not working from the government. we need to be looking at putting actions in place to expand capacity in hospital. i think social care in the community needs to be a really high priority. lots of elderly, frail individuals stuck in hospitals because there is not a safe way to discharge them into the community. and so the knock—on effect is that ambulances are stuck outside hospitals with patients and they are not able to respond to the problems that arise it is complex, i am not a brittle theorist. but acknowledging those problems and recognising that is going to cost —— political theorist. recognising that is going to cost ——

politicaltheorist. recognising that is going to cost —— political theorist. taste recognising that is going to cost -- politicaltheorist. ...— political theorist. we have lost ou. we political theorist. we have lost you- we were _ political theorist. we have lost you. we were competing - political theorist. we have lost you. we were competing with - politicaltheorist. we have lost l you. we were competing with sirens and car horns. that was a paramedic on strike in doncaster. let's return to ukraine. president zelensky is visiting the us. it is his first foreign trip since russia invaded in february. the us has been ukraine's most important ally in the war, committing $50bn of humanitarian, financial and security assistance, far more than any other country. but there are concerns of a growing opposition to continued funds with some republicans saying zelensky couldn't count on a blank cheque. well, joining me in the studio to talk about it further is gop adviser and foreign affairs analyst, daniel berman. thank you forjoining us. a very important and symbolic visit by president zelensky to the united states, interesting he has chosen that as his first foreign trip since the war began. why is their growing opposition to the support that the

us is offering him? i opposition to the support that the us is offering him?— us is offering him? i think there are several— us is offering him? i think there are several aspects _ us is offering him? i think there are several aspects to _ us is offering him? i think there are several aspects to it. - us is offering him? i think there are several aspects to it. there l us is offering him? i think there i are several aspects to it. there has always been obviously a sense of contrariness and there is a need for an opposition to define clear position but there is also resentment. the biden administration has been seen as trying to politicise this. that this was a vindication of policies. and also a tendency to platform and promote anti—ukraine views within the gop to make this a democratic polity. that has alienated moderate republicans that have supported the war in ukraine. and it is also sending republican voters a message that the most andy —— anti—joe biden position you can get is scepticism on this. marjorie taylor greene has said that not another penny will go to

ukraine. how literally should president zelensky take that comment? he president zelensky take that comment?— president zelensky take that comment? , ., ., comment? he should pay more attention to _ comment? he should pay more attention to kevin _ comment? he should pay more attention to kevin mccarthy's . attention to kevin mccarthy's remarks on accountability. in this case, i think accountability means accepting an equal role for congress. i think one example of this is... president zelensky was not brought to washington in spring when borisjohnson went over to kyiv and other leaders did. there were no officials doing that. now that ukraine is perceived as a winner and the policy can be sold as a winner, joe biden is bringing president zelensky to washington. i think that influences this, that is either as a pf°p influences this, that is either as a prop for the biden administration? this is one of the challenges he has. he has to balance it out with

making republicans feel that he is an independent actor, representing ukraine, ratherthan an independent actor, representing ukraine, rather than representing a political tool of the biden administration.— political tool of the biden administration. . ., . ., , administration. given how much money has one administration. given how much money has gone into — administration. given how much money has gone into ukraine, _ administration. given how much money has gone into ukraine, wouldn't - administration. given how much money has gone into ukraine, wouldn't it - has gone into ukraine, wouldn't it be short—sighted to not keep funding it to some extent? because there is a risk that russia will come straight back and ride over all of the progress that ukraine has made. absolutely and i think that the vast majority of members of congress agree with that. and i think that is not necessarily where it is. there are significant questions, which i think even rishi sunak shares, he is doing an audit of the spending, which is what exactly are we paying for in terms of an end goal? where is the money going transparent, corruption issues, but it also means if we are fighting to get a boarder at the end of the day that is indefensible, that you have to do

this every ten years, and that actually may leave us worse off than when we started and there does not seem to be a lot of messaging from the administration as to what their actual goals are and i think they would love to hear that from the ukrainian president.— ukrainian president. republican adviser on foreign _ ukrainian president. republican adviser on foreign affairs - ukrainian president. republican i adviser on foreign affairs analyst, we will see if they do. thank you forjoining us. transpennine express is urging people not to travel on their rail services this day following problems on the network. they have come in for criticism for chaos on the network. we are joined by david sidebottom. thank you for joining us. tell us what the impact has been today. i joining us. tell us what the impact has been today.— has been today. i think the impact for passengers — has been today. i think the impact for passengers is _ has been today. i think the impact for passengers is a _ has been today. i think the impact for passengers is a familiar- has been today. i think the impact for passengers is a familiar story, | for passengers is a familiar story, albeit for a different reason, the crash of an it system, that enables

transpennine to get their drivers and their staff to the right place at the right time to run the services but the impact on passengers is the same as we have seen for many months now, which is severe delays when a train does arrive, it is packed, it is crowded, and it really impact on passenger ability to get to places of work and education and other important point —— appointments across the north. is —— appointments across the north. is it really fair to criticise any company when they have an it failure? nobody chooses that, it is not even something you can the plan ahead for, or predict is going to happen? fin ahead for, or predict is going to ha en? . ahead for, or predict is going to ha en? , ., ahead for, or predict is going to ha . en? , ., ., ahead for, or predict is going to hauen? , ., ., . happen? on its own, i would agree with ou happen? on its own, i would agree with you that _ happen? on its own, i would agree with you that these _ happen? on its own, i would agree with you that these things - happen? on its own, i would agree with you that these things happen l with you that these things happen whether it is in the banking system or something else, but if you were to speak to a transpennine express passenger today, whatever the reason, whether it is strikes, whether it is overtime bans by staff, whether it is about poor performance of the operator, it is the same issue. my train is arriving on and i cannot get to work and i

have to apologise to my tutor at university, whatever it might be, and that is the issue and has been for a period of time. passengers tell us they want a reliable and punctual railway, good value for money and just make it happen more often. across the north for many passages, it has not happened consistently for many months. that is a difficult — consistently for many months. that is a difficult mix _ consistently for many months. that is a difficult mix to _ consistently for many months. that is a difficult mix to achieve, something that is good with a good timetable, plentiful trains, something that is good with a good timetable, plentifultrains, but timetable, plentiful trains, but affordable, timetable, plentifultrains, but affordable, where does the money come from to make up that —— make go that happen? come from to make up that -- make go that happen?— that happen? government has been su ”ortin that happen? government has been supporting the _ that happen? government has been supporting the railway _ that happen? government has been supporting the railway for _ that happen? government has been supporting the railway for the - that happen? government has been supporting the railway for the last l supporting the railway for the last couple of years during the pandemic and coming out of it and one of the biggest shareholders in the railways is the fare—paying passenger and this is where the reliability hits hard. the number of passengers that have come back to our railway has been quite buoyant in some areas, increased numbers coming back, but

it is for those people that absolutely need to get to places of work, who are paying some of the highest prices for those journeys, they are not getting the service they are not getting the service they deserve. it was only a week ago that we heard in front of the transport select committee, the managing directors of transpennine express id new timetable was coming in in decemberand express id new timetable was coming in in december and would be delivered and make a difference. that has not had a fair and because of industrial action, except that and the it issue today, but it needs the timetable to be delivered because that is the contract between the passenger and the train operator, buying a ticket for a train at this time to get to this place at this time and hopefully on time as well, getting back to basics. there are issues involving industrial action that we know about today that comes on top of a series of long delays and problems for passengers across the north. daeid passengers across the north. david sidebottom. _ passengers across the north. david sidebottom, thank _ passengers across the north. david sidebottom, thank you _ passengers across the north. david sidebottom, thank you for - passengers across the north. david sidebottom, thank you for your time.

the family of a security contractor from gravesend who died after being injured in a crush at brixton 02 academy have paid tribute to their "selfless" loved one. gaby hutchinson was working as a security contractor that night and died in hospital in the early hours of monday. joining me now from the brixton 02 academy, where that incident took place, is newsbeat reporter charlotte simpson. so many people have been touched by this terrible incident, which of course because several deaths and also multiple injuries.— also multiple in'uries. absolutely and we have — also multiple injuries. absolutely and we have been _ also multiple injuries. absolutely and we have been speaking - also multiple injuries. absolutely and we have been speaking to i also multiple injuries. absolutely- and we have been speaking to gaby's family. they got in touch because they wanted people to hear about their life rather than their death. they shared —— they said there was no one more selfless than gaby and they were unapologetically it was a dream come true for gaby to become a security dog handler. in terms of the academy now, what we do know is

that it has cancelled the new year's eve event here, which the family say they are relieved because new year's eve would have been gaby's 24th birthday. we don't know any more about what this means for future events in january. about what this means for future events injanuary. and they have offered their condolences to both gaby's family and the family of the other woman who passed away. they cannot comment any further because of the police's ongoing investigation into what happened here. police are still asking people to come forward with any photos and any information that they can and submit them to a website. charlotte, for the moment, _ submit them to a website. charlotte, for the moment, thank _ submit them to a website. charlotte, for the moment, thank you _ submit them to a website. charlotte, for the moment, thank you very - submit them to a website. charlotte, i for the moment, thank you very much. let's take a look at the weather forecast. a little bit of wintry sunshine out and about, but equally we've got a fair rash of heavy and thundery showers running into the western isles, the highlands of scotland. fewer east of the grampians,

one or two running across northern ireland to the northwest of england. and we're clearing the cloud only slowly in the south, so the best of the sunshine is further north. temperatures are a little lower than they've been this week — just a tad above the average. now, through the evening and overnight, temperatures will fall away, still some showers around and we could get within a degree or so of freezing in local frost hollows. but you can see quite a bit of cloud coming in to the south and the west as well with more rain. that's really on the cards for tomorrow. a lot more cloud creeps back in across much of england and wales, cloud covering the hills and fog, outbreaks of rain and drizzle into parts of northern england, but its northern england, north west, where we'll see the brightest weather, just a few showers, not as many as today, but temperatures are a little bit lower, whilst it'll be milder than today where we have the rain further south. there's more online.

this is bbc news. the headlines: ambulance workers go on strike today in a dispute over pay as union leaders criticise the prime ministerfor not being willing to negotiate a man has been given a life sentence for murdering his pregnant partner and three children aged between 11 and 13. they had all by the nature of the relationship _ they had all by the nature of the relationship come _ they had all by the nature of the relationship come to _ they had all by the nature of the relationship come to trust - they had all by the nature of the i relationship come to trust damien bendall— relationship come to trust damien bendall and — relationship come to trust damien bendall and he _ relationship come to trust damien bendall and he shattered - relationship come to trust damien bendall and he shattered the - relationship come to trust damieni bendall and he shattered the trust. ukraine's president volodomyr zelensky is on his way to washington today in his first overseas trip since war broke out. it's early closing time for thousands of pubs this winter, hit by rising energy bills, and staff shortages. transpennine express has urged rail passengers not to travel after a software issue causes disruption across the network.

tens of thousands of ambulance workers, including paramedics some breaking news, sussex police have said a man's body has been found in the undercarriage of a flight from gambia in west africa to the uk. sussex police say the discovery was made at gatwick airport at 4am on december the 7th so it has taken a few days for them to tell us about this. the police investigation is under way of course and they are preparing a report for the coroner. the holiday company are

not going to comment because it is a police matter. the police statement said, we were called after the body of a man was found in the aircraft at gatwick aircraft arriving from gambia. officers are investigating a report will be prepared the coroner. gatwick have said this is terribly sad news and i were photographed to the family and friends of the person who died. we know nothing what about that person yet. that has just come in from sussex police. tens of thousands of ambulance workers, including paramedics and call handlers, are on strike in england and wales, as part of their dispute over pay and conditions. health officials warn patient safety is at risk, while the unions say ambulance crews will respond to life threatening emergencies. the industrial action began at midnight across wales, the west midlands and the north of england. then, from six o'clock this morning, it extended to the east midlands and the south. the east of england and the isle of wight are unaffected. and this afternoon, ambulance workers and paramedics in london

joined picket lines. with the latest, here's our health correspondent, jim reed. when do we want it? now! paramedics early this morning on the picket line coventry. ambulance staff say this dispute is about pay, which hasn't kept up with inflation, but also patient safety. we can spend four, five hours in the back of an ambulance sometimes waiting to go into the hospital. often we can hear over the radio there is a cardiac arrest and people we cannot get to. i have worked here 24 years and never seen it like this before. and all the experienced staff are walking. you can't replace that overnight. it is really stressful. as a result people have chosen other employment to go to. _ we are losing staff. ambulances were still leaving today to go to the most life—threatening emergencies. the situation will vary by region. most category one calls, such as someone not breathing or in cardiac arrest, will be responded to, as may some category two calls like strokes and serious burns.

but other urgent problems, like a woman in late stage labour or an elderly person falling in their home, might not be answered or be delayed. the government has accused unions of making a conscious decision to inflict harm on patients. the three unions striking today have refused to work with us at a national level. they've insisted on only having local arrangements in terms of the coverage of life—threatening and emergency calls. there is further uncertainty on the day because some of the emergency calls, whether they respond or not will be decided on the day in the call centres by members. unions reacted furiously to suggestions they are deliberately causing harm. every time the health secretary speaks, my head is in my hands. i have never seen such an abdication of leadership than i have from rishi sunak and the health secretary. we have negotiated locally all of the cover. category ones will all be answered. but the important thing to say is that this government has walked

away from the negotiating table. this strike did not need to happen. 600 troops have been trained to step in and drive ambulances, although they are not allowed to treat patients or use blue lights. in brighton the military could be seen, alongside paramedics bringing patients into hospital. this strike comes at a time when ambulance services are already under intense pressure. in gloucester this week, long queues of vehicles were stuck outside hospital because there was no space inside to unload patients. that same problem has driven up response times across the country, with eight services in england declaring critical incidents this week. this strike could not be happening at a worse time because of the pressures the nhs faces. that is why yesterday, in a letter to the prime minister and again today, we are appealing to both sides to try to find a way of coming to the table and avoiding

further industrial action. ambulance staff in northern ireland also went on strike last week, while in scotland a new pay offer has just been rejected by one union, but a strike has not yet been called. strike action here in liverpool and across most of the rest of england and wales will continue through the day. with no breakthrough in talks and signs the dispute is getting more heated, expect further disruption next week and perhaps into the new year. a little earlier, i asked the medical director of nhs england, dr vin diwakar, what advice he had for people during the strikes. i would give three key messages to viewers and members of the public. number one is, if you have a life threatening illness and you are worried about it, ring 999. you will be assessed by a trained call handler and they will work with you to determine what the most appropriate response will be in order to get

you the health care you need. if you need an urgent ambulance because you have a life—threatening condition, we will dispatch one as soon as we can. number two, if you have not got a life—threatening illness but you are unwell, there are other nhs services working as normal. general practice is working as normal and community pharmacies are working as normal. we would urge anybody who is concerned about their health to look at 111 online, which can give you advice. and the third thing is the advice about what to do today because it's inevitable that there will be disruption today and that is firstly to be sensible and to make sure you check in on your loved ones and those that are vulnerable orfrail, which you would be doing at this time of year anyway. what about alcohol, drinking, christmas, people going out for parties? after missing out in recent years, the temptation is to let your hair down. you want people to be careful?

the advice we are giving on this is the same as we would be giving at this time of year. what we are urging people not to do is not to get so drunk that you need an emergency department or that you need a blue light ambulance. of course it's christmas and we are not to tell people not to go out and have their christmas drinks, what we are telling people is to be sensible, don't get intoxicated and don't put yourself in a position where you need emergency departments or an ambulance. we would be doing that at this time of year anyway. there are other activities that are inherently risky. driving a car, playing certain sports. how far should people be going to reduce the risk? our advice is the same as always, which is if you are worried you have got a life—threatening problem you must ring 999. you will be assessed and we will dispatch an ambulance if you need one. of course there will be situations

in which people may have to wait longer than they normally would for an ambulance at this time of year and there will be situations where if it is clinically safe to do so you may be advised to make your own way to hospital or whatever health care you require. so what we are really asking people to do is to be sensible, make sure you ring 999 if you have a life—threatening condition and remember that your general practitioner and your community pharmacy are open. one final question, how and when will you know whether people have heeded your advice? what we should remember of course is, it is relatively early in the day today so emergency services tend to be busier towards the evening and going into the night. what we are urging the public to do is the advice i have given. to continue to make sure you ring 999 if you have life—threatening illness,

use 111 online or contact your gp or pharmacy if you are concerned and it's not life threatening. and just be sensible today and follow the advice we are always giving, particularly to make sure like in any christmas period, to check up on your loved ones, particularly those who are frail and vulnerable. let's speak now to chris grayer, he's one of the good samaritans we've heard about who are offering to help people get to hospital. thank you forjoining us. who are you helping and how many have you helped? you helping and how many have you heled? ., , . , you helping and how many have you heled? , ., , helped? nobody actually. i live some wa from helped? nobody actually. i live some way from the — helped? nobody actually. i live some way from the hospital— helped? nobody actually. i live some way from the hospital and _ helped? nobody actually. i live some way from the hospital and i _ helped? nobody actually. i live some way from the hospital and i just - way from the hospital and ijust thought that if anybody had an accident or a child needed to get to hospital this morning and during the day i am here at home and i have a

car that is reasonably capable of carrying few people and i put something on facebook offering my services to the community. suddenly i am on here talking to you guys about it. . i am on here talking to you guys about it. , ,, �* i am on here talking to you guys about it. , i. �* ., , ., about it. yes, you're on television. how much — about it. yes, you're on television. how much of _ about it. yes, you're on television. how much of a _ about it. yes, you're on television. how much of a response _ about it. yes, you're on television. how much of a response have - about it. yes, you're on television. how much of a response have you | about it. yes, you're on television. i how much of a response have you had to your idea? fish how much of a response have you had to your idea?— to your idea? an amazing response. from the local _ to your idea? an amazing response. from the local community. - to your idea? an amazing response. from the local community. my - from the local community. my daughter lives in amsterdam and she followed me up and said have you seen what's happened on your facebook page? it had obviously gone viral and loads of people have followed it. all i put on was if you are stuck and need a lift i am happy to help and i will take you free of charge and get you there quicker than you can because attacks are here to the hospital is about £40 and it will take 40 minutes to get there and 40 minutes to get back. if

i can cut down on costs and time for somebody i felt it would be a nice thing to do. in these economic times, yesterday i was behind somebody in the post office putting a few pounds on their electricity and gas prepaid cards and ijust thought she had two children with her and if one of those kids are in trouble tomorrow i was she going to manage? there isn't any help available immediately and i thought if i can do that then maybe that could help somebody in the same situation. . �* , . situation. so far then, it's a good sin i situation. so far then, it's a good sign i suppose — situation. so far then, it's a good sign i suppose that _ situation. so far then, it's a good sign i suppose that nobody - situation. so far then, it's a good sign i suppose that nobody has . sign i suppose that nobody has needed you. i sign i suppose that nobody has needed you-— needed you. i think so. just listening — needed you. i think so. just listening to _ needed you. i think so. just listening to the _ needed you. i think so. just listening to the previous - listening to the previous commentary, people might be taking it easy and maybe they are not in the pub since lunchtime. let's hope it stays that way. i am around until the end of the day and will be another days if and when this dispute carries on. do

another days if and when this dispute carries on.— another days if and when this dispute carries on. do people know how to net dispute carries on. do people know how to get in _ dispute carries on. do people know how to get in touch _ dispute carries on. do people know how to get in touch with _ dispute carries on. do people know how to get in touch with you - dispute carries on. do people know how to get in touch with you if- dispute carries on. do people know how to get in touch with you if they need you? mr; how to get in touch with you if they need ou? g , ., , ,., need you? my phone number is on the facebook page — need you? my phone number is on the facebook page which _ need you? my phone number is on the facebook page which is _ need you? my phone number is on the facebook page which is our— need you? my phone number is on the facebook page which is our local - facebook page which is our local facebook page which is our local facebook page, a little bit of stone, which is a community page where everybody puts bits of news on it. i didn't have any fear about putting that on because it's a nice town and people are decent and will understand and respect what i'm trying to do i hope. i understand and respect what i'm trying to do i hope.— understand and respect what i'm trying to do i hope. i am sure they will. trying to do i hope. i am sure they will- what — trying to do i hope. i am sure they will- what i _ trying to do i hope. i am sure they will. what i have _ trying to do i hope. i am sure they will. what i have learnt _ trying to do i hope. i am sure they will. what i have learnt about - will. what i have learnt about social media is a little tip, if you put something on the need to go back and check it because you create an expectation on people like to engage with you. it's a lovely idea. i hope you are not kept too busy this afternoon. thank you very much for talking to us. the headlines, and lets workers go on strike today in a dispute over pay as union leaders criticised the prime minister for not being willing to negotiate. a man has been given a life sentence

for murdering his pregnant partner and three children aged between 11 and three children aged between 11 and 13. ukraine president is on its way to washington today in his first overseas trip since war broke out. ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, is travelling to washington on his first trip abroad since the russian invasion in february. he'll address a joint session of congress and hold talks with president biden at the white house, where a new package of military aid will be announced. let's get the latest on the fighting. our correspondent, hugo bachega, has more from kyiv. this is president zelensky yesterday in bakhmut, meeting troops engaged in some of the fiercest battles in this war. today he'll be in washington, his first foreign trip since russia invaded in february. it's a trip full of security risks and was only confirmed hours before it was due to start. here is the president at a train station in poland, ahead of his flight to washington.

the us has been ukraine's most important ally in the war. it has committed tens of billions of dollars in aid and weapons, more than any other country. and there is more to come. president biden will announce a package with military aid, including patriot missiles. this is a sophisticated air defence system ukrainians say they need to defend their country from air strikes. russia's campaign targeting critical infrastructure has left millions of people without electricity, heating and water. this, as temperatures plummet below freezing. ukraine says russia is using winter as a weapon, trying to break ukrainian morale. but people here say they are determined to resist. 300 days into the war, ukraine is warning against complacency, saying russia, despite military setbacks still poses a major threat. for president zelensky,

this visit is an opportunity to speak to those criticising support for his country and make the case for even more help. in moscow, president vladimir putin said he would ensure the safety of people across russia, including in the ukrainian regions he claims to have annexed. he said the main nato countries were using all their military power against russia. our north america correspondent, anthony zurcher, told us what we can expect from the visit. it is symbolic. we are going to see a meeting at the white house between president zelensky and presidentjoe biden and after that they will have a joint press conference in the late afternoon and then president zelensky will address a joint session of congress which is an honour bestowed on foreign leaders from winston churchill on. it is a high—profile chance for the

ukrainian president to speak to not only the policymakers in washington but to speak to the american public. all of this comes as republicans are getting ready to take over the house of representatives. about 86 new members of congress coming in next year so this is a chance to make his case to a bunch of new faces who are going to determine ukraine policy in the new year. haifa going to determine ukraine policy in the new year-— the new year. how likely is that oli to the new year. how likely is that policy to continue _ the new year. how likely is that policy to continue as _ the new year. how likely is that policy to continue as we - the new year. how likely is that policy to continue as we have i the new year. how likely is that i policy to continue as we have seen it since last february? i policy to continue as we have seen it since last february?— it since last february? i think there are _ it since last february? i think there are definitely _ it since last february? i think. there are definitely indications that support for continued aid to ukraine is eroding in the us. more and more of the vote on funding in the past few months, we have seen republican members of congress voting against it particularly when it a stand—alone bill where they are just voting on ukraine aid rather than when it's tucked into a larger bill like the latest aid package they are debating this week which is about $45 billion in a new aid. if you look at public opinion polling,

but a third of americans now say they don't want to give any more aid to ukraine and that is very sharply divided along party and night lines. about half of republicans are saying they are done with supplying military and economic aid to ukraine. that is down from about 80% of republicans in march. so you are seeing a steady erosion particularly long patterson divides of conservative republican support for ukraine during the mid—term election campaignsjust ukraine during the mid—term election campaigns just last month and you saw more television adverts saying why is the us spending so much money on ukraine aid when they should be spending these billions of dollars on domestic concerns like securing the mexico border and fighting crime. transpennine express is urging people not to travel on their rail services today. it's after an it issue caused cancellations

and disruption across the network. they've apologised for the impact on customers but have come under criticism, among other rail operators across the north of england, for �*chaos' on the network. i'm nowjoined by andy burnham — mayor of greater manchester. what's gone wrong with the what�*s gone wrong with the trans— what's gone wrong with the trans— pennine express company because it's notjust pennine express company because it's not just this pennine express company because it's notjust this issue that is problematic?— notjust this issue that is problematic? notjust this issue that is roblematic? ., �*, , . problematic? no. it's 'ust a day after day. t problematic? no. it's 'ust a day after day. rush problematic? no. it's 'ust a day after day, it's just _ problematic? no. it'sjust a day after day, it's just misery - problematic? no. it'sjust a day after day, it'sjust misery of - problematic? no. it'sjust a dayj after day, it'sjust misery of the after day, it's just misery of the misery — after day, it's just misery of the misery this _ after day, it's just misery of the misery. this is _ after day, it's just misery of the misery. this is a _ after day, it's just misery of the misery. this is a new— after day, it's just misery of the misery. this is a new low- after day, it's just misery of the | misery. this is a new low today. after day, it's just misery of the - misery. this is a new low today. the excuse _ misery. this is a new low today. the excuse today— misery. this is a new low today. the excuse today is _ misery. this is a new low today. the excuse today is its _ misery. this is a new low today. the excuse today is its collapse - misery. this is a new low today. the excuse today is its collapse of- misery. this is a new low today. the excuse today is its collapse of the i excuse today is its collapse of the rostering — excuse today is its collapse of the rostering system. _ excuse today is its collapse of the rostering system. passengers - excuse today is its collapse of the rostering system. passengers i i excuse today is its collapse of the i rostering system. passengers i think are entitled — rostering system. passengers i think are entitled to— rostering system. passengers i think are entitled to say— rostering system. passengers i think are entitled to say what _ rostering system. passengers i think are entitled to say what is _ rostering system. passengers i think are entitled to say what is the - are entitled to say what is the back-up? _ are entitled to say what is the back-up? you _ are entitled to say what is the back—up? you can't _ are entitled to say what is the back—up? you can'tjust- are entitled to say what is the back—up? you can'tjust have| are entitled to say what is the| back—up? you can'tjust have a service — back—up? you can'tjust have a service that _ back—up? you can'tjust have a service that is _ back—up? you can'tjust have a service that is so _ back—up? you can'tjust have a service that is so fragile - back—up? you can'tjust have a service that is so fragile that. back—up? you can'tjust have a service that is so fragile that it| service that is so fragile that it 'ust service that is so fragile that it just implodes— service that is so fragile that it just implodes in— service that is so fragile that it just implodes in this way. i service that is so fragile that it just implodes in this way. this| service that is so fragile that it l just implodes in this way. this is critical— just implodes in this way. this is critical to— just implodes in this way. this is critical to our— just implodes in this way. this is critical to our economy. - just implodes in this way. this is critical to our economy. at - just implodes in this way. this is critical to our economy. at this i critical to our economy. at this time _ critical to our economy. at this time of— critical to our economy. at this time of year— critical to our economy. at this time of year we _ critical to our economy. at this time of year we need - critical to our economy. at this time of year we need people . critical to our economy. at this| time of year we need people to critical to our economy. at this i time of year we need people to get around _ time of year we need people to get around the — time of year we need people to get around the north _ time of year we need people to get around the north of— time of year we need people to get around the north of england - time of year we need people to get around the north of england and i time of year we need people to get. around the north of england and this company— around the north of england and this company are — around the north of england and this company are not— around the north of england and this companyare not up— around the north of england and this company are not up to _ around the north of england and this company are not up to it. _ around the north of england and this company are not up to it. that- around the north of england and this company are not up to it. that is- company are not up to it. that is the bottom — company are not up to it. that is the bottom line. _ company are not up to it. that is the bottom line.— company are not up to it. that is the bottom line. your counterpart in west yorkshire _ the bottom line. your counterpart in west yorkshire says _ the bottom line. your counterpart in west yorkshire says the _ the bottom line. your counterpart in west yorkshire says the issues i the bottom line. your counterpart in west yorkshire says the issues are i west yorkshire says the issues are entirely of the company's own making. entirely of the company's own makinu. ., , entirely of the company's own makinu. ., ., . , ,

making. how so? today patel this is the collapse — making. how so? today patel this is the collapse of _ making. how so? today patel this is the collapse of the _ making. how so? today patel this is the collapse of the system. - making. how so? today patel this is the collapse of the system. any i the collapse of the system. any company — the collapse of the system. any company can _ the collapse of the system. any company can have _ the collapse of the system. any company can have a _ the collapse of the system. any company can have a bit - the collapse of the system. any company can have a bit of- the collapse of the system. any company can have a bit of bad i the collapse of the system. any. company can have a bit of bad luck but not _ company can have a bit of bad luck but not to— company can have a bit of bad luck but not to the _ company can have a bit of bad luck but not to the point _ company can have a bit of bad luck but not to the point where - company can have a bit of bad luck but not to the point where the i company can have a bit of bad luck. but not to the point where the whole railway— but not to the point where the whole railway service — but not to the point where the whole railway service collapses. _ but not to the point where the whole railway service collapses. we - but not to the point where the whole railway service collapses. we are i but not to the point where the whole railway service collapses. we are ——| railway service collapses. we are —— over— railway service collapses. we are —— over 120 _ railway service collapses. we are —— over 120 trains — railway service collapses. we are —— over 120 trains cancelled _ railway service collapses. we are —— over 120 trains cancelled today. i over 120 trains cancelled today. that's _ over 120 trains cancelled today. that's not — over 120 trains cancelled today. that's not good _ over 120 trains cancelled today. that's not good enough. - over 120 trains cancelled today. | that's not good enough. people over 120 trains cancelled today. i that's not good enough. people are entitled _ that's not good enough. people are entitled to — that's not good enough. people are entitled to expect _ that's not good enough. people are entitled to expect better _ that's not good enough. people are entitled to expect better and - entitled to expect better and obviously _ entitled to expect better and obviously there _ entitled to expect better and obviously there is _ entitled to expect better and obviously there is a - entitled to expect better and obviously there is a commonj entitled to expect better and - obviously there is a common thread between _ obviously there is a common thread between the — obviously there is a common thread between the appalling _ obviously there is a common thread between the appalling standards i obviously there is a common thread between the appalling standards on trans- _ between the appalling standards on trans- pennine— between the appalling standards on trans— pennine express _ between the appalling standards on trans— pennine express and - between the appalling standards on trans— pennine express and avantil trans— pennine express and avanti west— trans— pennine express and avanti west coast — trans— pennine express and avanti west coast they— trans— pennine express and avanti west coast. they are _ trans— pennine express and avanti west coast. they are both - trans— pennine express and avanti west coast. they are both owned i trans— pennine express and avantii west coast. they are both owned by the same _ west coast. they are both owned by the same company _ west coast. they are both owned by the same company. their— west coast. they are both owned by i the same company. their management style has— the same company. their management style has alienated _ the same company. their management style has alienated the _ the same company. their management style has alienated the staff— the same company. their management style has alienated the staff and - style has alienated the staff and hence _ style has alienated the staff and hence things _ style has alienated the staff and hence things are _ style has alienated the staff and hence things are just _ style has alienated the staff andj hence things are just imploding. what _ hence things are just imploding. what i _ hence things are just imploding. what i am — hence things are just imploding. what i am clear— hence things are just imploding. what i am clear about _ hence things are just imploding. what i am clear about is - hence things are just imploding. what i am clear about is we i hence things are just imploding. i what i am clear about is we cannot possibly— what i am clear about is we cannot possibly go— what i am clear about is we cannot possibly go into _ what i am clear about is we cannot possibly go into 2023 _ what i am clear about is we cannot possibly go into 2023 in _ what i am clear about is we cannot possibly go into 2023 in the - what i am clear about is we cannot possibly go into 2023 in the way i what i am clear about is we cannot| possibly go into 2023 in the way we are finishing — possibly go into 2023 in the way we are finishing 2022. _ possibly go into 2023 in the way we are finishing 2022. l— possibly go into 2023 in the way we are finishing 2022.— are finishing 2022. i don't have the owners to put _ are finishing 2022. i don't have the owners to put those _ are finishing 2022. i don't have the owners to put those accusations i are finishing 2022. i don't have the owners to put those accusations to | owners to put those accusations to but if you are advising them on how to get themselves back in shape, what would you say? stop to get themselves back in shape, what would you say?— to get themselves back in shape, what would you say? stop giving us false promises. _ what would you say? stop giving us false promises. we _ what would you say? stop giving us false promises. we have _ what would you say? stop giving us false promises. we have been i what would you say? stop giving us false promises. we have been told| false promises. we have been told the december— false promises. we have been told the december timetable _ false promises. we have been told the december timetable change i false promises. we have been told i the december timetable change which happened _ the december timetable change which happened a _ the december timetable change which happened a week _

the december timetable change which happened a week ago _ the december timetable change which happened a week ago would _ the december timetable change which happened a week ago would bring i happened a week ago would bring stability— happened a week ago would bring stability and — happened a week ago would bring stability and is _ happened a week ago would bring stability and is now _ happened a week ago would bring stability and is now the _ happened a week ago would bring stability and is now the leaders i happened a week ago would bring | stability and is now the leaders we accepted _ stability and is now the leaders we accepted reductions— stability and is now the leaders we accepted reductions in— stability and is now the leaders we accepted reductions in the - stability and is now the leaders we l accepted reductions in the timetable to give _ accepted reductions in the timetable to give them — accepted reductions in the timetable to give them the _ accepted reductions in the timetable to give them the space _ accepted reductions in the timetable to give them the space to— accepted reductions in the timetable to give them the space to create i to give them the space to create that stability _ to give them the space to create that stability but _ to give them the space to create that stability but they— to give them the space to create that stability but theyjust - to give them the space to create that stability but theyjust don't| that stability but theyjust don't deliver~ — that stability but theyjust don't deliver~ they— that stability but theyjust don't deliver. they make _ that stability but theyjust don't deliver. they make promises i that stability but theyjust don't . deliver. they make promises they don't _ deliver. they make promises they don't deliver~ _ deliver. they make promises they don't deliver. that _ deliver. they make promises they don't deliver. that is— deliver. they make promises they don't deliver. that is why - deliver. they make promises they don't deliver. that is why there i deliver. they make promises they don't deliver. that is why there is| don't deliver. that is why there is very— don't deliver. that is why there is very little — don't deliver. that is why there is very little trust— don't deliver. that is why there is very little trust in _ don't deliver. that is why there is very little trust in the _ don't deliver. that is why there is very little trust in the trains - don't deliver. that is why there is very little trust in the trains nowi very little trust in the trains now and very— very little trust in the trains now and very little _ very little trust in the trains now and very little patience - very little trust in the trains now and very little patience left. i very little trust in the trains nowl and very little patience left. they have _ and very little patience left. they have to _ and very little patience left. they have to run — and very little patience left. they have to run a _ and very little patience left. they have to run a railway— and very little patience left. they have to run a railway or - and very little patience left. they have to run a railway or get - and very little patience left. they have to run a railway or get out l and very little patience left. they. have to run a railway or get out and admit _ have to run a railway or get out and admit they— have to run a railway or get out and admit they can't— have to run a railway or get out and admit they can't do _ have to run a railway or get out and admit they can't do it. _ have to run a railway or get out and admit they can't do it. this - have to run a railway or get out and admit they can't do it. this is - have to run a railway or get out and admit they can't do it. this is too i admit they can't do it. this is too important — admit they can't do it. this is too important to _ admit they can't do it. this is too important to the _ admit they can't do it. this is too important to the economy - admit they can't do it. this is too important to the economy for i admit they can't do it. this is too important to the economy for a l important to the economy for a company— important to the economy for a company to— important to the economy for a company to be _ important to the economy for a company to be protecting - important to the economy for a company to be protecting its. important to the economy for a l company to be protecting its own interests — company to be protecting its own interests above _ company to be protecting its own interests above the _ company to be protecting its own interests above the interests i company to be protecting its own interests above the interests of l interests above the interests of this part — interests above the interests of this part of— interests above the interests of this part of the _ interests above the interests of this part of the world _ interests above the interests of this part of the world and - this part of the world and particularly _ this part of the world and particularly the _ this part of the world and particularly the interests | this part of the world and l particularly the interests of this part of the world and - particularly the interests of people who live _ particularly the interests of people who live here _ particularly the interests of people who live here. they've _ particularly the interests of people who live here. they've had - particularly the interests of people who live here. they've had more l particularly the interests of people i who live here. they've had more than enough _ who live here. they've had more than enough chance. — who live here. they've had more than enough chance, they _ who live here. they've had more than enough chance, they have _ who live here. they've had more than enough chance, they have used - who live here. they've had more than. enough chance, they have used excuse after excuse, _ enough chance, they have used excuse after excuse, the — enough chance, they have used excuse after excuse, the pandemic, _ after excuse, the pandemic, industrial— after excuse, the pandemic, industrial action, _ after excuse, the pandemic, industrial action, no, - after excuse, the pandemic, industrialaction, no, this. after excuse, the pandemic, industrialaction, no, this is| industrialaction, no, this is absolutely— industrialaction, no, this is absolutely on _ industrialaction, no, this is absolutely on them. - industrialaction, no, this is absolutely on them. i- industrialaction, no, this is absolutely on them. i do: . industrial action, no, this is i absolutely on them. i do: the government— absolutely on them. i do: the government to _ absolutely on them. i do: the government to step - absolutely on them. i do: the government to step in - absolutely on them. i do: the government to step in here . absolutely on them. i do: the . government to step in here and absolutely on them. i do: the - government to step in here and put them _ government to step in here and put them on _ government to step in here and put them on immediate _ government to step in here and put them on immediate probation. i government to step in here and put| them on immediate probation. they did that _ them on immediate probation. they did that with — them on immediate probation. they did that with avanti _ them on immediate probation. they did that with avanti west _ them on immediate probation. they did that with avanti west coast i them on immediate probation. they did that with avanti west coast butl did that with avanti west coast but they have — did that with avanti west coast but they have not — did that with avanti west coast but they have not done _ did that with avanti west coast but they have not done it _ did that with avanti west coast but they have not done it with - did that with avanti west coast but they have not done it with trans— . they have not done it with trans— pennine — they have not done it with trans— pennine express. _ they have not done it with trans— pennine express. if—

they have not done it with trans— pennine express. if things - they have not done it with trans— pennine express. if things are i they have not done it with trans—l pennine express. if things are not battered — pennine express. if things are not battered by— pennine express. if things are not bettered by early— pennine express. if things are not bettered by earlyjanuary - pennine express. if things are not bettered by earlyjanuary they- bettered by earlyjanuary they should — bettered by earlyjanuary they should be _ bettered by earlyjanuary they should be out. _ bettered by earlyjanuary they should be out. so _ bettered by early january they should be out.— bettered by early january they should be out. , ., should be out. so if the improvement doesnt should be out. so if the improvement doesn't happen _ should be out. so if the improvement doesn't happen they _ should be out. so if the improvement doesn't happen they can _ should be out. so if the improvement doesn't happen they can be _ should be out. so if the improvement doesn't happen they can be stripped. doesn't happen they can be stripped of the contract but who steps in then? ., , of the contract but who steps in then? . , .. , of the contract but who steps in then? . , , ., of the contract but who steps in then? . , . , then? that is exactly what should be done. then? that is exactly what should be done- avanti — then? that is exactly what should be done. avanti west _ then? that is exactly what should be done. avanti west coast _ then? that is exactly what should be done. avanti west coast were - then? that is exactly what should be done. avanti west coast were put i then? that is exactly what should be i done. avanti west coast were put on probation _ done. avanti west coast were put on probation and — done. avanti west coast were put on probation and we _ done. avanti west coast were put on probation and we are _ done. avanti west coast were put on probation and we are about - done. avanti west coast were put on probation and we are about halfway. probation and we are about halfway through— probation and we are about halfway through that — probation and we are about halfway through that six—month _ probation and we are about halfway through that six—month period - probation and we are about halfway| through that six—month period now. the same _ through that six—month period now. the same should _ through that six—month period now. the same should be _ through that six—month period now. the same should be done _ through that six—month period now. the same should be done with - through that six—month period now. i the same should be done with trans— pehhihe _ the same should be done with trans— pehhihe express— the same should be done with trans— pennine express because _ the same should be done with trans— pennine express because they- the same should be done with trans— pennine express because they are . pennine express because they are looking _ pennine express because they are looking towards— pennine express because they are looking towards a _ pennine express because they are looking towards a contract - pennine express because they are| looking towards a contract renewal in may _ looking towards a contract renewal in may and — looking towards a contract renewal in may and as— looking towards a contract renewal in may and as things _ looking towards a contract renewal in may and as things stand - looking towards a contract renewal in may and as things stand we - looking towards a contract renewal| in may and as things stand we can't .et in may and as things stand we can't get to— in may and as things stand we can't get to me _ in may and as things stand we can't get to me and _ in may and as things stand we can't get to me and then— in may and as things stand we can't get to me and then have _ in may and as things stand we can't get to me and then have a - in may and as things stand we can't get to me and then have a debate i get to me and then have a debate theh~ _ get to me and then have a debate theh~ they— get to me and then have a debate then. they should _ get to me and then have a debate then. they should be _ get to me and then have a debate then. they should be put - get to me and then have a debate then. they should be put on - then. they should be put on probation _ then. they should be put on probation now— then. they should be put on probation now and - then. they should be put on probation now and if- then. they should be put on probation now and if they i then. they should be put on . probation now and if they have then. they should be put on - probation now and if they have not improved — probation now and if they have not improved we — probation now and if they have not improved we should _ probation now and if they have not improved we should be _ probation now and if they have not improved we should be clear- probation now and if they have not improved we should be clear that. improved we should be clear that they are — improved we should be clear that they are losing _ improved we should be clear that they are losing this _ improved we should be clear that they are losing this contract - improved we should be clear that they are losing this contract in i they are losing this contract in january. — they are losing this contract in january. what _ they are losing this contract in january. what should - they are losing this contract in| january. what should happen? they are losing this contract in - january. what should happen? will 'ust january. what should happen? will just took— january. what should happen? will just took at— january. what should happen? will just look at what _ january. what should happen? will just look at what happened - january. what should happen? will just look at what happened on - just look at what happened on northerh— just look at what happened on northern trains. _ just look at what happened on northern trains. they - just look at what happened on northern trains. they were - just look at what happened on northern trains. they were an| northern trains. they were an equally— northern trains. they were an equally difficult _ northern trains. they were an equally difficult place - northern trains. they were an equally difficult place going . northern trains. they were an i equally difficult place going back northern trains. they were an - equally difficult place going back a few years — equally difficult place going back a few years and _ equally difficult place going back a few years and they— equally difficult place going back a few years and they went _ equally difficult place going back a few years and they went into - few years and they went into operator _ few years and they went into operator of _ few years and they went into operator of last _ few years and they went into operator of last resort - few years and they went into operator of last resort or- few years and they went into . operator of last resort or public cohtrot— operator of last resort or public control and _ operator of last resort or public control and northern _ operator of last resort or public control and northern has - operator of last resort or public| control and northern has slowly improved~ — control and northern has slowly improved. they— control and northern has slowly improved. they are _ control and northern has slowly improved. they are certainly. control and northern has slowly - improved. they are certainly better than where — improved. they are certainly better than where they— improved. they are certainly better than where they were _ improved. they are certainly better than where they were and -

improved. they are certainly better than where they were and they- improved. they are certainly better than where they were and they are | than where they were and they are getting _ than where they were and they are getting better _ than where they were and they are getting better i_ than where they were and they are getting better. i think— than where they were and they are getting better. i think the - than where they were and they are getting better. i think the same i getting better. i think the same solution — getting better. i think the same solution should _ getting better. i think the same solution should be _ getting better. i think the same solution should be considered l getting better. i think the same. solution should be considered for trahs- _ solution should be considered for trans— pennine _ solution should be considered for trans— pennine express. - solution should be considered for trans— pennine express. we - solution should be considered for. trans— pennine express. we cannot have _ trans— pennine express. we cannot have the — trans— pennine express. we cannot have the north — trans— pennine express. we cannot have the north withengland - trans— pennine express. we cannot have the north withengland facing i have the north withengland facing another— have the north withengland facing another year— have the north withengland facing another year of— have the north withengland facing another year of chaos— have the north withengland facing another year of chaos liked - have the north withengland facing another year of chaos liked the i have the north withengland facing. another year of chaos liked the one we've _ another year of chaos liked the one we've just — another year of chaos liked the one we've just had~ _ another year of chaos liked the one we've just had-— another year of chaos liked the one we've just had. we've 'ust had. thank you very much for we've just had. thank you very much for our we've just had. thank you very much for yourtime- _ we've just had. thank you very much for your time. you _ we've just had. thank you very much for your time. you have _ we've just had. thank you very much for your time. you have a _ we've just had. thank you very much for your time. you have a train - we've just had. thank you very much for your time. you have a train to . for your time. you have a train to catch. i hope you manage to do so! ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, is travelling to washington on his first trip abroad since the russian invasion in february. with us now is mariia mezentseva, a ukrainian member of parliment, the head of delegation to the council of europe and a deputy head of the committee on european integration. we can't seal very well because of the power outage but we can hear you. thank you for talking to us. what are you hoping for from this trip from president zelensky to washington? is

trip from president zelensky to washington?— trip from president zelensky to washington? trip from president zelensky to washinuton? . , , . washington? is very timely and we 'ust saw washington? is very timely and we just saw president _ washington? is very timely and we just saw president zelensky - just saw president zelensky yesterday in the donbas area, the hottest _ yesterday in the donbas area, the hottest spot at the current phase of the russian war against ukraine. atready— the russian war against ukraine. already in — the russian war against ukraine. already in the morning we have seen the news _ already in the morning we have seen the news of— already in the morning we have seen the news of his travels to washington. i am expecting a lot from _ washington. i am expecting a lot from this— washington. i am expecting a lot from this trip. and we hope to start receiving _ from this trip. and we hope to start receiving additional financial support_ receiving additional financial support for the defence sector and the economy because the cost of running — the economy because the cost of running the country on monthly basis is from _ running the country on monthly basis is from five _ running the country on monthly basis is from five to $7 billion. to pay the salaries, to pay for our amazing army— the salaries, to pay for our amazing army and _ the salaries, to pay for our amazing army and so— the salaries, to pay for our amazing army and so on. of course i also think— army and so on. of course i also think he — army and so on. of course i also think he witt— army and so on. of course i also think he will put very high on the agenda _ think he will put very high on the agenda a — think he will put very high on the agenda a topic which we brought up recently— agenda a topic which we brought up recently in — agenda a topic which we brought up recently in london and berlin and

paris _ recently in london and berlin and paris which — recently in london and berlin and paris which is a tribunal for the crime — paris which is a tribunal for the crime of— paris which is a tribunal for the crime of aggression, so a special code _ crime of aggression, so a special code for— crime of aggression, so a special code for president putin and his closest — code for president putin and his closest counterparts and military officers — closest counterparts and military officers i— closest counterparts and military officers. i am sure the accountability gap should be bridged by a common international effort. in these _ by a common international effort. in these dark— by a common international effort. in these dark times which i am in right now as _ these dark times which i am in right now as well, — these dark times which i am in right now as well, it's a privilege to talk— now as well, it's a privilege to talk to— now as well, it's a privilege to talk to you _ now as well, it's a privilege to talk to you because the tactics of president — talk to you because the tactics of president putin have failed numerous times _ president putin have failed numerous times we _ president putin have failed numerous times. we definitely will survive this winter and i would like to say thank— this winter and i would like to say thank you — this winter and i would like to say thank you for your amazing volunteers who recently went to the kharkiv _ volunteers who recently went to the kharkiv region and many others bringing — kharkiv region and many others bringing generators. | kharkiv region and many others bringing generators.— kharkiv region and many others bringing generators. i want to get back onto the _ bringing generators. i want to get back onto the subject _ bringing generators. i want to get back onto the subject of - bringing generators. i want to get back onto the subject of the - bringing generators. i want to get back onto the subject of the trip l bringing generators. i want to get| back onto the subject of the trip to washington. we now there is a growing unease and impatience from the republican party butjust how

much money and support is being given to the us —— from the united states. how concerned are you that president biden is going to have to reduce the amount of help the ascending? this reduce the amount of help the ascending?— reduce the amount of help the ascendin: ? . , . , ., ascending? as a member of the friendship group _ ascending? as a member of the friendship group with _ ascending? as a member of the friendship group with the - ascending? as a member of the friendship group with the us - friendship group with the us congress i don't think they will be a reduction. there is already a particular— a reduction. there is already a particular amount being allocated within— particular amount being allocated within the highest budget numbers in the history— within the highest budget numbers in the history of the us defence budget~ _ the history of the us defence budget. 800 million for ukraine. we are sure _ budget. 800 million for ukraine. we are sure this trip will bring more. we see _ are sure this trip will bring more. we see already a very decisive attocation _ we see already a very decisive allocation which is a defence system which _ allocation which is a defence system which is _ allocation which is a defence system which is operating very effectively. we also _ which is operating very effectively. we also thank the uk for supporting in the _ we also thank the uk for supporting in the dimension of the military. 0f in the dimension of the military. of course _ in the dimension of the military. of course they— in the dimension of the military. of course they can be some erosions or

debates— course they can be some erosions or debates in— course they can be some erosions or debates in the house of representatives for instance but i may say. — representatives for instance but i may say, the sense i am getting from my recent _ may say, the sense i am getting from my recent trip to america a few weeks — my recent trip to america a few weeks ago, the support remains. we have created a special task force investigative commission for every penny— investigative commission for every penny and — investigative commission for every penny and every cent coming from abroad _ penny and every cent coming from abroad for— penny and every cent coming from abroad for our him —— humanitarian and military— abroad for our him —— humanitarian and military operations. what abroad for our him -- humanitarian and military operations. what would ou sa to and military operations. what would you say to the _ and military operations. what would you say to the republicans - and military operations. what would you say to the republicans in - and military operations. what would you say to the republicans in the i and military operations. what would j you say to the republicans in the us who think it's time to scale back that support? the idea that ukraine might try to recapture crimea. that is a whole different prospect. i is a whole different prospect. i would invite them to ukraine and i would _ would invite them to ukraine and i would write —— invite them to visit the recently—

would write —— invite them to visit the recently liberated areas so they can witness what is currently happening here and how the taxpayers money— happening here and how the taxpayers money is _ happening here and how the taxpayers money is working and contributing to peace _ money is working and contributing to peace settlements and to the victory — peace settlements and to the victory i_ peace settlements and to the victory. i am sure many colleagues who have _ victory. i am sure many colleagues who have done so a very persistent in their— who have done so a very persistent in their votes who have done so a very persistent in theirvotes and who have done so a very persistent in their votes and support.- in their votes and support. thank ou ve in their votes and support. thank you very much — in their votes and support. thank you very much for _ in their votes and support. thank you very much forjoining - in their votes and support. thank you very much forjoining us. - well, for more on this let's talk to dr stephen hall, lecturer and assistant proffesor in russian and post—soviet politics at the univeristy of bath. how will this visit by president zelensky to washington be received in the kremlin? i zelensky to washington be received in the kremlin?— in the kremlin? i think in terms of the kremlin _ in the kremlin? i think in terms of the kremlin we _ in the kremlin? i think in terms of the kremlin we saw— in the kremlin? i think in terms of the kremlin we saw today - in the kremlin? i think in terms of i the kremlin we saw today president putin met with many of his military representatives and various other people and political elites and he was very clear in terms of blaming

the west. he was very clear that this will simply not his fault. it's done by the west who is encroaching on russia. he talked about the fact he still believes that russians and ukrainians are the same people and that he is fighting nato. that nato is supporting the ukrainians. the defence minister mentioned that half the polish army is fighting in ukraine which is false. this is how president putin has been talking about what is happening in ukraine and in america, it doesn't really matter, nato is already in ukraine. what do you think president zelensky needs to say to those dissenting republican voices in the us? who think it's time to take stock of how much support they are getting from america. i much support they are getting from america. ~ . .

america. i think president zelensky has to be very _ america. i think president zelensky has to be very clear— america. i think president zelensky has to be very clear in _ america. i think president zelensky has to be very clear in terms - america. i think president zelensky has to be very clear in terms of- has to be very clear in terms of saying what ukraine has achieved so far with the weaponry and support of america and western countries have provided. that has been terrific in terms of the land they have taken back from the russian invasion. whether that can happen in crimea and further into the donbas remains to be seen but i think they can and this is certainly something i think the americans or president zelensky can save america. it's about symbolism as well. this is howl think it will play out when he talks to congress today. how much do how much do you how much do you think how much do you think voices how much do you think voices in how much do you think voices in america will be pushing president zelensky towards a peace deal? jae zelensky towards a peace deal? joe biden zelensky towards a peace deal? jre: biden has said zelensky towards a peace deal? jr9 biden has said eventually there will be a peace deal. we know that

generally wars end with negotiated peace. at the moment, it seems quite clear that president putin and ukraine does not want ideal, although you did mention the possibility of negotiations as well today, but there is going to be talk about what happens in 2023 and how america can help ukraine get to a stage where negotiations can actually happen but i still don't think that america is going to foes ukraine to negotiate.— think that america is going to foes ukraine to negotiate. doctor stephen hall, from ukraine to negotiate. doctor stephen hall. from the _ ukraine to negotiate. doctor stephen hall, from the university _ ukraine to negotiate. doctor stephen hall, from the university of— ukraine to negotiate. doctor stephen hall, from the university of bath, - hall, from the university of bath, thank you for your insight. good to talk to you. ijust thank you for your insight. good to talk to you. i just want to quickly return to the transpennine express story. they are urging people not to travel on their rail services today because of an it issue that has caused cancellations and disruption, coming in for quite and disruption, coming in for quite a lot of criticism. we have not

managed to speak to transpennine express on the bbc news channel, but their customer service operations director catherine o'brien has issued a statement, due to ace and rostering system issue, today we are experiencing a high level of unplanned cancellations and we know this will have a significant impact on customers travelling with us today and sincerely apologise for any disruption caused and she finishes by saying we are working hard internally to resolve the situation as soon is possible. some critics though, they are saying that there are some systemic problems with the company that need to be addressed urgently, over and above this it issue. that is the statement from transpennine express. let's take a look at the weather forecast now. good afternoon. we have had quite few showers in the north today. the cloud in the south with its showers

as slow to clear away. it is how it is looking now, some scattered showers in the south but the majority across the scottish highlands. easing away across northern ireland and northern england. we have seen some late sunshine. clearskies england. we have seen some late sunshine. clear skies overnight. there is the risk of some heavy rain pushing in the cross southern counties during the small hours. lots of spray and where we get the clear skies, temperatures could dip within three degrees of freezing and it looks like it will be a bright start for some parts. probably fewer showers than today but rather more cloud across england and while, drizzly rain, most of the low cloud over the hills. still mild.

this is bbc news. the headlines... ambulance workers go on strike today in a dispute over pay, as union leaders criticised the prime minister for not being willing to negotiate. a man has been given a life sentence for murdering his pregnant partner and three children aged between 11 and three children aged between 11 and 13. they had all come to trust him and he took the opportunity to shatter that trust. president zelensky of ukraine is on his way to washington in his first overseas trip since the war broke out. early closing time for thousands of times this winter, hit by rising energy bills and staff shortages. transpennine express has urged passengers not to travel after a software issue caused disruption across the network.

russia's natalya antyukh has been stripped of the 400 metre hurdles gold she won at london 2012 on the basis of historical data from a moscow testing laboratory. the 41—year—old is already serving a four—year ban after being named in a world anti—doping agency investigation into cheating by russia. it means all three gold medals won by russian track athletes at london 2012 have now been taken away on doping grounds. american lashinda demus has now been upgraded from the silver to gold medalfor that aoom hurdles race that took place 10 years ago. england's teenage rising star rehan ahmed has pulled out of the ipl auction for next year to concentrate on county cricket instead. the 18—year—old became england's youngest ever test debutant in the third match against pakistan and immediately impressed with 5 wickets in the second innings to help the visitors cruise to victory. but despite the lure of a base price in the ipls auction of at least £50,000, the leg spinner has decided to continue to develop his skills at his club leicestershire instead.

manchester city manager pep guardiola sastulian alvarez�*s contribution for argentina was amazing after he helped his country win the world cup on sunday. the 22—year—old scored four goals for argentina, including two in the 3—0 semifinal win over croatia. he was a substitute for the first two games at the tournament, one of which they lost to saudi arabia, but started every game since, and formed a formidable partnership with lionel messi en route to the final. guardiola says alvaraz will be back in a week's time. we are incredibly happy for him, congratulations for him, for personally for lionel messi and argentina the country, a

well—deserved champion, and he is with us and we are delighted that he played a lot and he was amazing for the team and the way they played and we have a world champion in our team. manchester city take on liverpool in the league cup tomorrow night as both teams return to domestic football. tonight, manchester united return against championship side burnley.blackburn rovers, who are third in the championship, play nottingham forest. charlton also have premier league opposition at the valley as they face brighton. a huge year of sporting achievements will be celebrated tonight at the sports personality of the year awards later. there are six candidates in the running to scoop the top prize at the ceremony later. the achievements will be celebrated in just a few hours' time. let's

find out a little bit more about the contenders and also what is happening at the venue. good evening and welcome — happening at the venue. good evening and welcome along _ happening at the venue. good evening and welcome along to _ happening at the venue. good evening and welcome along to the _ happening at the venue. good evening and welcome along to the beginning . and welcome along to the beginning of the build—up to the sports personality of the year. it has been a bumper yearfor sport in 2022 personality of the year. it has been a bumper year for sport in 2022 and all the big stars will be celebrated in salford this evening. we will have the stars arriving on the red carpet in just over half an hour and then later on from 6:45pm, the actual ceremony will start with the winner being announced around about nine o'clock this evening. it is of course a public vote for the main award. you mentioned six contenders, so let me remind you about those. jessica and a winning three medals at the world championships. and beth need of the england team, she was the player of the tournament. and

eve muirhead, the scottish curler, she has been trying for so long to win a gold—medal at the olympics and at the fourth time asking, was able to do that in beijing. and then we have ronnie o'sullivan at a6, he became the oldest ever world champion, winning a seventh world championship at the crucible. and then we have ben stokes, he was part of that england team that won the t20 cricket world cup a month ago. and he has been promoted to test captain as well and has overseen a change in fortunes for the test team. and then finally, we have jake wightman, who surprised everybody when he crossed the line in oregon to win the world championships in the 1500 metres and then in that busy summer of athletics, went on to

add a bronze medal at the commonwealth games and also an 800 metres silva at the european championships. plenty to choose from. lots of people can get their voting later on. all the details will be on the bbc and the build—up is starting and we will be here in the next hour and hopefully we will have some guests from the red carpet to bring you as well. j have some guests from the red carpet to bring you as well.— to bring you as well. i cannot wait for that. to bring you as well. i cannot wait for that- we _ to bring you as well. i cannot wait for that. we will _ to bring you as well. i cannot wait for that. we will catch _ to bring you as well. i cannot wait for that. we will catch up - to bring you as well. i cannot wait for that. we will catch up with - to bring you as well. i cannot wait| for that. we will catch up with you later. that is all the sport for now. a man who admitted murdering a pregnant woman, her son and daughter and her daughter's friend has been sentenced to a whole—life prison term. damien bendall killed his four victims with a claw hammer at a house in derbyshire in 2021. phil mackie was at derby crown court. this morning first of all we had a change of plea from damien bendall, he had originally beaded guilty to manslaughter but not murder. the four victims were terri harris, her daughter lacey bennett, her sonjohn

bennett and a friend connie grent who was on a sleepover. he changed his plea to mill —— murderfirst thing. the prosecution opened the case and then we had sentencing from mrjustice sweeney. damien bendall was given five whole life sentences. this was an horrendous case. i cannot go into too much of the detail. suffice to say, he called —— kill them all with a hammer. it was an awful morning and afternoon for the families. they had not heard a lot of the details before and had already gone through hell and here they were having to hear some of the most gruesome information about their loved ones. when mrjustice sweeney told damien bendall that he was going to prison for the rest of his life, there was no chance of parole, several members of the

family said yes! that is what they wanted. that is also what damien bendall�*s barrister said he wanted. we also heard more about his background, a long string of offences, some of them violent, he was serving a suspended sentence at the time of the murders for arson. he has been sentenced to that within the whole life sentences. he was called violent and controlling by the we heard some really very sad statements of members of the children's family and terri harris' family, their victim impact statements. the thing that is most memorable of all those things is angela smith, who was the grandmother of lacey bennett dan john, she said when they were around, she used to tell them there were no monsters and how wrong i

was, she said an adjective statement was, she said an adjective statement was not damien bendall, no reaction from him. his barrister said he was expecting and wanted a whole life sentence was he was a heavy drug user. he had been selling off his partner's child possibly has possessions. he sold genre possibly has xbox for drugs. five whole life sentences for damien bendall today. we have just five whole life sentences for damien bendall today. we havejust seen family members leaving court and it has been a horrible day today. nothing they said in their victim impact statements will bring their loved ones back but they got what they wanted, which was that sentence.

thousands of families workers in england and wales are taking strike action as part of a dispute about pay and working conditions. let's speak to the chief executive officer at the ambulance staff charity, which as its name supplied, supports those who work in the ambulance services. what sort of stresses are you seeing ambulance staff under at the moment? the you seeing ambulance staff under at the moment?— you seeing ambulance staff under at the moment? , , , , . , the moment? the stresses have been uuite the moment? the stresses have been quite enormous- _ the moment? the stresses have been quite enormous. and _ the moment? the stresses have been quite enormous. and that _ the moment? the stresses have been quite enormous. and that has - the moment? the stresses have been quite enormous. and that has been i quite enormous. and that has been for a number of years now. there are a range of stresses. there are mental health issues. we are seeing people facing financial problems. they are finding it very difficult. how do you support them when they come to you with these various

concerns?— come to you with these various concerns? ~ . . concerns? with the mental health service, concerns? with the mental health service. we _ concerns? with the mental health service, we have _ concerns? with the mental health service, we have been _ concerns? with the mental health service, we have been for - concerns? with the mental health service, we have been for the - concerns? with the mental health| service, we have been for the pass two years, been offering support. this calendar year alone, we are approaching a000 sessions with counselling support. that covers a whole range of conditions, including complex ptsd and other matters. that has been increasing year—on—year. in addition with financial matters, we have until recently been providing small financial grants to tide people over, to assist with paying rent, mortgage, and sometimes two people who cannot put food on the dash on the table in difficult circumstances was we have helped people claim state benefits. there

has been additional state benefits. to what extent have you seen these problems, the demand for your help, increase over time? i'm very sorry, we are having incredible problems with the sound. sorry, we could not hear you at the end but we understood the main points of what you were saying. thank you very much with joining us. sorry about that. the sound was all over the place. i thought this was a joke. bob dylan has been offered a cameo on coronation street after revealing he's a fan. the soap's producer said he envisioned the musician rolling into an open mic night at the rovers return, and doing a turn on the karaoke with characters ken barlow and rita sullivan.

he has told the press that he has been watched the series. joining me now is our reporter paul moss. i was brought up watching coronation street and those hours were sacred, silence descended on the house and we focused on it. j silence descended on the house and we focused on it.— we focused on it. i had no idea you were such — we focused on it. i had no idea you were such an _ we focused on it. i had no idea you were such an expert. _ we focused on it. i had no idea you were such an expert. and - we focused on it. i had no idea you were such an expert. and a - we focused on it. i had no idea you were such an expert. and a bob i we focused on it. i had no idea you i were such an expert. and a bob dylan fan as well- — were such an expert. and a bob dylan fan as well. you _ were such an expert. and a bob dylan fan as well. you have _ were such an expert. and a bob dylan fan as well. you have to _ were such an expert. and a bob dylan fan as well. you have to remember i fan as well. you have to remember that bob dylan is very secretive generally about anything to do with his life but he gave an interview to the wall streetjournal and the the wall street journal and the journalist the wall streetjournal and the journalist asking about his cultural influences. this is a may —— this is a man famously highbrow, the influence of herman melville on his writing stop, so i think this journalist was quite surprised when

he said this. my guess is the wall streetjournal reporter may not have known what coronation street was. but that was the answer he gave. and coronation street are very happy. the producer has said to —— to hear that bob dylan is a coronation street viewer blows my mind. he has already thought about how they would like to get involved. his idea is that the purpose having an open microphone night and bob dylan comes in off the street and wows them. i don't think that is very coronation street. i think they should be thinking in a far more soap opera way. my pinches going to be at one of the main characters, one of the long—running characters, discovers that his father is not really his father, he was adopted and his real father is bob dylan. bob dylan comes into the rovers return and they meet and they do a duet of maybe blowing in the wind and they disappear off into the sunset. jrlat

in the wind and they disappear off into the sunset.— in the wind and they disappear off into the sunset. not before he has ulled a into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint- _ into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint- i— into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint. i am _ into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint. i am not _ into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint. i am not sure - into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint. i am not sure if- into the sunset. not before he has pulled a pint. i am not sure if he i pulled a pint. i am not sure if he is fond of _ pulled a pint. i am not sure if he is fond of northern _ pulled a pint. i am not sure if he is fond of northern bitter - pulled a pint. i am not sure if he is fond of northern bitter at i pulled a pint. i am not sure if he is fond of northern bitter at all. | is fond of northern bitter at all. he won't be the first musical star to appear in corrie. did he won't be the first musical star to appear in corrie.— to appear in corrie. did you know that davy jones _ to appear in corrie. did you know that davy jones from _ to appear in corrie. did you know that davy jones from the - to appear in corrie. did you know. that davy jones from the monkeys that davyjones from the monkeys appeared in coronation street when he was a teenager? he was either sharples' grandson. cliff richard resort —— was in the show, playing himself. noddy holder. status quo played one of the bands at a wedding in one episode. theyjust loved coronation street. and there are also nonmusical stars. famous film stars, who have been in coronation street. jan stars, who have been in coronation street. :. n stars, who have been in coronation street. :, n ,, :, . street. ian mckellen. i know that because somebody _ street. ian mckellen. i know that because somebody just _ street. ian mckellen. i know that because somebodyjust shouted. street. ian mckellen. i know that| because somebodyjust shouted it street. ian mckellen. i know that i because somebodyjust shouted it in my year. because somebody 'ust shouted it in m ear. :. because somebody 'ust shouted it in m ear. . ,, . :, because somebody 'ust shouted it in m ear. :, ,, :, :, ,, :, my year. patrick stewart from star trek had a cameo _ my year. patrick stewart from star trek had a cameo role. _ my year. patrick stewart from star trek had a cameo role. ben - my year. patrick stewart from star i

trek had a cameo role. ben kingsley. if bob dylan accepts their offer, he is going to be following in a long line of great stars. bab is going to be following in a long line of great stars.— is going to be following in a long line of great stars. bob dylan likes to surrise line of great stars. bob dylan likes to surprise and _ line of great stars. bob dylan likes to surprise and shock _ line of great stars. bob dylan likes to surprise and shock people. i line of great stars. bob dylan likes to surprise and shock people. he l to surprise and shock people. h9: famously did not turn up to get his nobel prize. it might have been a wind—up but you wonder why coronation street came to mind. he has had an acting career himself. he has had an acting career himself. he has been a few films. pat garret and billy the kid was one that divided opinion. if it billy the kid was one that divided 0 - inion. . :. . billy the kid was one that divided 0 - inion. , . , ., opinion. if it is a wind-up, we have fallen for it- _ opinion. if it is a wind-up, we have fallen for it. thank— opinion. if it is a wind-up, we have fallen for it. thank you _ opinion. if it is a wind-up, we have fallen for it. thank you very - opinion. if it is a wind-up, we have fallen for it. thank you very much. | fallen for it. thank you very much. you are watching bbc news. the family of a security contractor from gravesend who died after being injured in a crash at brixton o2 academy have paid tribute to their

selfless loved one. gaby hutchinson was working as a security contractor and died in the early hours on monday. we have been speaking to gaby's family and they got in touch because they wanted to hear about their life rather than their death. they said there was no one more selfless than gaby and they were unapologetically themselves. they talked about how it was a dream come true for gaby to become a security dog handler was that was what they were doing when they were working here at the event. in terms of the o2 academy now, what we do know is that the academy has cancelled their new year's eve event, which the family say they are relieved because new year's eve would have been gaby's 2ath birthday. we don't know any more about what this means for the future in january. about what this means for the future injanuary. and they have offered their condolences to both gaby's family and the family of the woman who passed away. they cannot comment

any further because of the police ongoing investigation into what happened here. please still for people to come forward with any photos and any information that they have and submit them to a website they have created. charlotte simpson in brixton. people have travelled from all over the uk to make a dark and cold walk at glastonbury gaby this morning. it was for the wit to waltz —— winter solstice. the winter solstice celebrations on top of glastonbury tor this morning. this mother and daughter were not alone in arriving before sunrise, having travelled many miles to be here. ~ :. having travelled many miles to be here. ~ :, _, :, having travelled many miles to be here. ~ :, :, . , :, here. we have come from southampton, we come every — here. we have come from southampton, we come every year- _ here. we have come from southampton, we come every year. it _ here. we have come from southampton, we come every year. it is _ here. we have come from southampton, we come every year. it is like _ here. we have come from southampton, we come every year. it is like a - here. we have come from southampton, we come every year. it is like a new i we come every year. it is like a new year celebration for us. just welcoming new energy and new light.

throughout history, the winter solstice has had deep significance for many, as the dark nights begin to ebb away and there is a sense of renewal. those ancient beliefs live on in strike struck britain in 2022. it is aboutjoy actually. and life and vibrancy. celebration, love, and just being here with other humans! the days are going to get longer. it is a tovety— the days are going to get longer. it is a lovely celebration of life. it is a lovely celebration of life. it is a lovely celebration of life. it is a celebration of the year. it is a celebration of togetherness. it is also about the _ a celebration of togetherness. it is also about the time of year when we celebrate _ also about the time of year when we celebrate the — also about the time of year when we celebrate the time _ also about the time of year when we celebrate the time of _ also about the time of year when we celebrate the time of deep - also about the time of year when we celebrate the time of deep stillness| celebrate the time of deep stillness within— celebrate the time of deep stillness within us _ celebrate the time of deep stillness within us. ~ :. . celebrate the time of deep stillness within us. ~ . , ., celebrate the time of deep stillness within us. ~ . , . . , within us. what is it mean? it means connection where _ within us. what is it mean? it means connection where everyone - within us. what is it mean? it means| connection where everyone especially into dave has a v5 world feels like it is needed more than ever. j feel! it is needed more than ever. i feel it is needed more than ever. i feel it is needed more than ever. i feel it is a lovely _ it is needed more than ever. i feel it is a lovely to _ it is needed more than ever. i feel it is a lovely to do _ it is needed more than ever. i feel it is a lovely to do and _ it is needed more than ever. i feel it is a lovely to do and it _ it is needed more than ever. i feel it is a lovely to do and it predates

christmas, — it is a lovely to do and it predates christmas, so i think it is more important _ christmas, so i think it is more important-— christmas, so i think it is more imortant. , . :, , important. this was the ceremony this morning _ important. this was the ceremony this morning and _ important. this was the ceremony this morning and the _ important. this was the ceremony this morning and the leader- important. this was the ceremonyj this morning and the leader would not be anywhere else on the winter solstice. . . not be anywhere else on the winter solstice. , , ::, not be anywhere else on the winter solstice. , , .. , solstice. this is where we can bring in more left — solstice. this is where we can bring in more left of _ solstice. this is where we can bring in more left of the _ solstice. this is where we can bring in more left of the earth _ solstice. this is where we can bring in more left of the earth and - solstice. this is where we can bring in more left of the earth and we i solstice. this is where we can bring j in more left of the earth and we are spreading that love and light across the lay lines. right here in glastonbury. that is why it is such a sacred place of pilgrimage. rain was forecast. _ a sacred place of pilgrimage. rain was forecast, but _ a sacred place of pilgrimage. rain was forecast, but instead, the hundreds here soy intel sunshine through the somerset cloud, perhaps all that chanting and optimism had worked its magic. if you are cooking christmas lunch this year, and it all seems a bit overwhelming, how about cooking for overwhelming, how about cooking for over 250 diners? overwhelming, how about cooking for over250 diners? in overwhelming, how about cooking for over 250 diners? in sheffield, one dedicated volunteer has been serving up dedicated volunteer has been serving up a warm festive meal to hundreds of people for the last 15 years. and once again, gloria has rolled up

this leaves as preparations are well under way. —— her sleeves. under way. -- her sleeves. ~ :, -- her sleeves. welcome to sheffield. — -- her sleeves. welcome to sheffield, they _ -- her sleeves. welcome to sheffield, they are - -- her sleeves. welcome to sheffield, they are cooking. -- her sleeves. welcome to l sheffield, they are cooking up -- her sleeves. welcome to i sheffield, they are cooking up the christmas meals for people who are elderly and alone in the city. let's talk to mrs christmas, gloria, the organiser. you have been running this now for the last 15 years, why do you do it?— do you do it? there is a lot of --eole do you do it? there is a lot of people out — do you do it? there is a lot of people out there _ do you do it? there is a lot of people out there who - do you do it? there is a lot of people out there who have i do you do it? there is a lot of| people out there who have not do you do it? there is a lot of i people out there who have not got anyone _ people out there who have not got anyone and i am very lucky. i have a loving _ anyone and i am very lucky. i have a loving family — anyone and i am very lucky. i have a loving family. and ijust try to give _ loving family. and ijust try to give a — loving family. and ijust try to give a little back to society. i lost — give a little back to society. i lost my— give a little back to society. i lost my parents and i felt lonely when _ lost my parents and i felt lonely when i — lost my parents and i felt lonely when i was younger but i think everybody deserves some kind of happiness and they meet people, they io happiness and they meet people, they go home _ happiness and they meet people, they go home with a full stomach and hopefully— go home with a full stomach and hopefully a file may smile on their face _ hopefully a file may smile on their face. :, , _,, hopefully a file may smile on their face. :, , :, . , , face. how is it cost organiser be like this? _ face. how is it cost organiser be like this? there _ face. how is it cost organiser be like this? there have _ face. how is it cost organiser be like this? there have been i face. how is it cost organiser be like this? there have been van i face. how is it cost organiser be i like this? there have been van loads of drink and chocolate and all the ingredients to cook as well. that's

ri . ht. i ingredients to cook as well. that's right- i was _ ingredients to cook as well. that's right- i was very — ingredients to cook as well. that's right. i was very like _ ingredients to cook as well. that's right. i was very like doing - ingredients to cook as well. that's right. i was very like doing at i ingredients to cook as well. that's right. i was very like doing at this| right. i was very like doing at this time _ right. i was very like doing at this time due — right. i was very like doing at this time due to — right. i was very like doing at this time due to ill—health. i have had a lot of— time due to ill—health. i have had a lot of sadness over the last two years. — lot of sadness over the last two years. i— lot of sadness over the last two years, i lost my daughter suddenly at 47~ _ years, i lost my daughter suddenly at 47~ she — years, i lost my daughter suddenly at a7. she used to help me and she was my— at a7. she used to help me and she was my right — at a7. she used to help me and she was my right arm. unfortunately, i know— was my right arm. unfortunately, i know how — was my right arm. unfortunately, i know how much it helped —— meant to her, know how much it helped —— meant to her. so _ know how much it helped —— meant to her. so i _ know how much it helped —— meant to her. so i have— know how much it helped —— meant to her, so i have carried on. what know how much it helped -- meant to her, so i have carried on.— her, so i have carried on. what is it mean to _ her, so i have carried on. what is it mean to you — her, so i have carried on. what is it mean to you to _ her, so i have carried on. what is it mean to you to do _ her, so i have carried on. what is it mean to you to do this? - her, so i have carried on. what is it mean to you to do this? it i her, so i have carried on. what is i it mean to you to do this? it means a lot because _ it mean to you to do this? it means a lot because obviously, _ it mean to you to do this? it means a lot because obviously, i _ it mean to you to do this? it means a lot because obviously, i would i a lot because obviously, i would have _ a lot because obviously, i would have wanted somebody to give my parents _ have wanted somebody to give my parents a — have wanted somebody to give my parents a christmas to remember and as i parents a christmas to remember and as i say. _ parents a christmas to remember and as i say, most of all, a smile on the faces — as i say, most of all, a smile on the faces. and a full stomach. you are doinu the faces. and a full stomach. you are doing a — the faces. and a full stomach. gm. are doing a cracking job and we are looking forward to see how it goes and we will have more on this at 6:30pm in look north.— and we will have more on this at 6:30pm in look north. let's take a look at the weather _ 6:30pm in look north. let's take a look at the weather forecast. i 6:30pm in look north. let's take a look at the weather forecast. after the dramatic change in our weather this week, it looks as if we will stay primarily in this

south—westerly or westerly airstream of the atlantic with mild conditions continuing for the rest of the week and if i show you the satellite picture with a low pressure on there, this is the one driving our weather today, there, this is the one driving our weathertoday, but there, this is the one driving our weather today, but further weather fronts queueing up out in the atlantic to bring yet more rain. some brighter skies of the afternoon, having cleared the rain, but there are some heavy and thundery showers without brisk wind blowing into scotland and northern ireland and temperatures not too far away from average for this time of year. but lowerthan away from average for this time of year. but lower than they have been this week. and where we keep the cloud and bring in some more rain and drizzle over night, temperatures will hold up well we have the clear skies, you can see temperatures will dip within a degree of freezing. it is where we will see the brighter skies to thursday, scotland and northern ireland. but there is a lot of uncertainty as to how far north this rain and drizzle will come. a lot of murky, grey weather. may be the heaviest rain across southern

counties. but with the brightness further north, seven and 8 degrees. by further north, seven and 8 degrees. by the time we get to thursday evening and overnight, this band of heavy rain marching its way northwards crossing and and wales, grinding to a halt and we think northern ireland, part of north wales, eastern england, and then it will brighten it behind and will be mild. but a little colder further north. just a hint that colder is not too far away. on christmas eve, we may see have wintry heather —— weather over the hills. on christmas day, we could see wintry showers over the hills but some of the heavier ones coming down to lower levels and that is the cold air creeping further on boxing south day. if you want to keep up to date,

the app is a good source of information. forthe the app is a good source of information. for the majority community that mild weather continues into the christmas weekend with a likelihood of any snow in scotland.

this is bbc news i'm clive myrie. the headlines at 5 ambulance workers stage industrial action across many parts of england and wales in their dispute over pay — as union leaders criticise the prime ministerfor not being willing to negotiate a man has been given a life sentence for murdering his pregnant partner and three children aged between 11 and 13 in derbyshire they had all by the nature of the relationship come to trust damien bendall and he shattered the trust ukraine's president volodomyr zelensky will arrive in washington in the coming hours — his first overseas trip since war broke out. it's early closing time for thousands of pubs this winter hit by rising energy bills, and staff shortages.