hello, i'm kasia madera. this is outside source. president zelensky arrives in washington as the united states confirms it will provide ukraine with patriot missiles this is the scene live in washington as the ukrainian leader prepares to meet president biden on his first trip outside ukraine since the russian invasion. thousands of ambulance workers are on strike in england and wales — the british health secretary says unions have made �*a conscious choice to inflict harm on patients�* it is a point when the system is already facing very significant pressure. that is the point at which the trade unions have chosen to

take industrial action. and elon musk says he'll step down as twitter�*s chief executive officer when he finds someone "foolish enough to take the job". ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, is in the united states. it is his first trip abroad since russia invaded in february. he's expected to be welcomed by president biden at the white house shortly, amid photos and handshakes. but what concrete help will he get from his biggest supporter on the battlefield 7 these are the latest pictures , as volodymyr zelensky arrived in the united states. in addition to holding talks with the us president at the white house, he's expected to give a speech to congress later. details of his journey were kept

secret until the last minute, given the security risks involved, but this was mr zelensky seen earlier at a polish train station. the strength and resilience and defence capabilities adding i would also have a speech at congress and number of bilateral meetings. within just the last hour he confirmed his arrival in the united states seen next year we must return the ukrainian flag and freedom to our entire land, to all our people. there's a reason the us is the ukrainian president's first point of call abroad. the amount of us military aid given to ukraine is huge. the us has given far more than other countries — ahead of germany, the uk, poland and canada. these figures don't include humanitarian or other assistance. the military hardware includes new patriot missiles —

a sophisticated air defence system that will help ukraine to protect its cities from missiles and drones that russia has used to target critical infrastructure. the attacks, which officials say are designed to break ukrainian morale, have left millions without electricity and heating as temperatures across the country plummet below freezing. president zelensky, however, is unlikely to get the longer—range weapons he's been calling for, to hit russian targets away from the front lines. let's cross life to these images from western where we are witnessing president zelensky it will be meeting president biden and the first lady. this is president zelensky is first international trip outside of ukraine since russia's full scale invasion on the 24th of

february earlier this year. this has been a trip that has been shrouded in secrecy, understandably because of the huge security risk. early on we were privy to some images of president zelensky who is arriving at right now at the white house. as he arrived at eight train station in eastern poland and then made his way to the united states. so we are witnessing a historic moment as ukraine's president meets president biden. and doctorjoe biden the first lady. on his first trip outside of ukraine since russia's full scale invasion of ukraine on the 24th of february. we are expecting president zelensky to address a joint session of congress.

and he will be discussing further aid or the and he will be discussing further aid orthe ukrainian and he will be discussing further aid or the ukrainian war efforts. but as i was there and send you us has already assisted and sent huge amounts of assistance and we know they will be delivering the advance patriot air defence system as part of a new $2 billion package of military assistance to ukraine. in his address to congress later, mr zelensky may use the strikes on infrastructure to ask for more weapons. but he will find some republicans who have voiced criticism about the level of us support. here's democratic representative in california, brad sherman, on what mr zelensky can expect. the big decision has already been made.

the major bill to fund the us government. nearly $2 trillion or approaching that. it is likely to pass in the law this week. it's got the 45 billion for ukraine in it. and while every part of the bill was at least somewhat controversial, the part for ukraine is less controversial than others. there is a last—ditch attempt by republicans in the house to try and blackmails republicans in the senate to vote against it. i think that would be unsuccessful, and i think the bill will be lost and i think the bill will be law by the end of the week. and officials say that the us and ukrainian leaders will announce a new package of security assistance, worth nearly two billion dollars. the former us ambassador to nato kurt volker told the bbc that the first transfer of a patriots to ukraine would be gratefully received: it's very good news that is going to be patriot missiles. ukrainians are suffering from the russian air attacks on their cities and their

civilians and civilian infrastructure. anything we can do to help them would be very welcome. the welcome being discussed for the sissy. welcome to the programme. we saw that historic image. the first trip abroad of president zelensky to the us. there is a reason behind that. joining me now is emily harding senior fellow at the centre for strategic and international studies we should be honoured that he would come here and use this relationship. i know that is an important trip for him because he does need to shore up what could be slipping support in congress. i don't think that slip very fiercely i think there is bipartisan support behind president zelensky. but it is a good time for him to speak to president biden and

thisjoint session of him to speak to president biden and this joint session of congress. you think that it's — this joint session of congress. you think that it's not _ this joint session of congress. you think that it's not slipping as much as we are hearing about? what about on the fringes of the republican and democratic parties.— democratic parties. those voices on the frin . es democratic parties. those voices on the fringes are _ democratic parties. those voices on the fringes are very _ democratic parties. those voices on the fringes are very loud _ democratic parties. those voices on the fringes are very loud and - democratic parties. those voices on the fringes are very loud and very i the fringes are very loud and very opinionated but i think they are mostly seen what they are saying to make a point and that is we do have a high bill for our defence department here at home. in addition, there are questions as to how fast we are drawing out our own stocks. but those voices are fringe voices and the vast majority of lawmakers in washington understand this is a fight between authoritarianism in russia and democracy here in the us and the west. we are supporting ukrainians were pushing back this quest from russia. in were pushing back this quest from russia. , ., , , russia. in terms of the spending that we know — russia. in terms of the spending that we know the _ russia. in terms of the spending that we know the spending - russia. in terms of the spending that we know the spending bill l that we know the spending bill revealed will include around 45 billion us dollars for ukraine. how

are people back in the united states viewing the amounts that the us is spending on supporting ukraine. i think anytime use the where the source of the b is a big number but comparison to what we heard from those who are fighting this war is themselves it is a small drop in the bucket. one of our senators here likes to talk about how fighting and husband ukrainians is expensive but the only thing more expensive is fighting the war ourselves. this is the kind of thing where if we support the ukrainians then it could prevent future wars. and that is definitely important and worth the bill. ., ., ~ ., ., ., bill. can we talk about the hardware in terms of — bill. can we talk about the hardware in terms of what _ bill. can we talk about the hardware in terms of what is _ bill. can we talk about the hardware in terms of what is being _ bill. can we talk about the hardware in terms of what is being offered - bill. can we talk about the hardware in terms of what is being offered to | in terms of what is being offered to ukraine? president zelensky it wants long—range missiles and that is not going to happen. talk us through the picture at messiah this very sophisticated air defence system that ukraine will get from the west. the patriot system is the one

mitchell has used for many years. it is battle tested and you do have to train the people who are going to use it. that training could be accomplished barreled relatively quickly. because the russians have been so ruthless with their attacks on the ukrainian population this is a good system to put in ukrainian cities to prevent them from this onslaught against russia.- onslaught against russia. emily thank ou onslaught against russia. emily thank you for— onslaught against russia. emily thank you for talking _ onslaught against russia. emily thank you for talking us - onslaught against russia. emily thank you for talking us through all of that. and of course that initial reaction thereto president zelensky arriving and being greeted in the white house by president kennedy. so what do people on the ground hope will come from their leader's visit to washington? here's the view of some residents in kramatorsk, in eastern ukraine: i think it is better when president zelensky and biden talk in person rather than over the phone.

i think this will help. as the united states is one of our main partners, after his trip tobakhmut, which is my home city, i hope zelensky will be able to share his experiences about what is going on there. how our city is being ruined. how our people, both civilians and serviceman, are being killed. i think no one in the us can remain careless, and that support will only grow. not surprisingly president zelensky�*s visit to washington, and the additional military aid for kyiv, are not welcomed in moscow. here is the kremlin's spokesperson. arms deliveries continue. the range of supplied weapons is expanding. all of this, of course, leads to an aaggravation of the conflict. and, in fact, does not bode well for ukraine. meanwhile president vladimir putin has said there is no limit on russian military spending as the war in ukraine approaches its eleventh month. but he admitted problems during the recent mobilisation of reservists and said his defence minister sergei shoigu should take on board the criticism. he blaimed the west for what was happening on the battlefield.

and he insisted russian forces would win. it is well known that today the military potential and capacities of almost all major nato countries are being used. nevertheless, our soldiers, sergeants and officers are fighting for russia bravely and resiliently. they are achieving their goals bit by bit and without doubt, all of these goals will be achieved on all russian territory. sergei shoigu echoed his boss, pointing the finger for the conflict at western nations in general, and the us in particular. today russian military personnel are being confronted by the combined western forces in ukraine. the united states and its allies are pumping the kyiv regime with weapons, training soldiers, providing intelligence, sending advisers and mercenaries, and wage and an information and sanctions war against us.

and waging and an information and sanctions war against us. so both those comments were pretty hawkish. but speaking at a meeting with top military brass, the russian leader also reflected on the destruction caused by the conflict. we have always, and you know my opinion, considered ukrainians a brotherly people. i still think the same. what is happening now is a tragedy sub or common strategy, of course. it is not the result of our politics. on the country. , it is a result of politics of other countries.— result of politics of other countries. ,, ., , countries. so russia's leaders there. countries. so russia's leaders there- we _ countries. so russia's leaders there. we will _ countries. so russia's leaders there. we will return - countries. so russia's leaders there. we will return to - countries. so russia's leaders - there. we will return to washington where president zelensky has arrived at the white house. barbara plett usher who is at the white house. (os dtl i guess seen that image of very merciless gait is a historic moment

notjust come into united states first. . �* , , notjust come into united states first. , first. that's right. the visit says a lot and the — first. that's right. the visit says a lot and the location _ first. that's right. the visit says a lot and the location says - first. that's right. the visit says a lot and the location says a - first. that's right. the visit says | a lot and the location says a lot. his first visit outside the ukraine since the star warts. he came from the front lines to the white house. he was wearing, he didn't dress up for the visit, he wasn't wearing a suit and tie. he was wearing dark green trousers and sweatshirt sort of military style. he is caring that image into the white house, into the place which is the centre of his morse profit supporter. and the power that has really been galvanising and leading other countries in supporting ukraine in opposition to russia's invasion. the images are quite important that he is standing next to president biden. they greeted at the white house and would be meeting now for a wild and in a few hours they will be speaking together to the press again addressing jointly the nations

journalists. so, to spend that message that the us is continuing to support ukraine. joint resolve, really, as the war drags on and looks like it could go on for some time. the americas that we are going to be there and notjust going to be there but increase our support. that's what this visit is shown. the ima . e is that's what this visit is shown. the image is usually important but so is the financial aid package and military hardware. bring us up—to—date on the latest with that. yes, the white house has announced it is going to be upgrading the air defence system for ukraine. they are going to be given a patriot missile battery which is the americans most sophisticated brown ground based system. it shoots down ballistic missiles and cover an area of, a wide region area. this is something that the ukrainians have been asking forfor

that the ukrainians have been asking for for some that the ukrainians have been asking forfor some time. the that the ukrainians have been asking for for some time. the americans have been reluctant because they don't have that many of them and do send him around the world to different conflict zones. also it takes a lot of training for people to use them and the ukrainians has to use them and the ukrainians has to be trained. but the white house was convinced because of the bombing campaign by russia against civilian infrastructure. this was announced today. i should say, it should will make a difference and provide a security blanket for a certain area but it is not going to be a game changer because there is only one battery. one pager missile battery been sent so he can be effective all around the country but it is a strong signal that the united states is willing to put its best equipment to use in ukraine's defence yes, once again the symbolism important. we will come back to washington once you get more images. barbara thank you.

tens of thousands of ambulance workers are staging a one—day strike across england and wales. it's part of a series of mass walk—outs, including by nurses, railway workers and border control forces, taking place across the uk this winter. we know that ambulance workers — including paramedics and call handlers from three unions — the gmb, united and unison — want pay increases to keep up with the rising cost of living. earlier this year, nhs staff in england and wales received an average pay rise of 4.75%, in line with the recommendation of an independent pay review body. the government said it will not deviate from this offer. but the unions have said this isn't enough. the inflation rate in the uk was 10.7% for november. the unions haven't set a specific figure but argue that any offer needs to be high enough to prevent a recruitment crisis. so let's take a quick look at the geographical areas affected. the industrial action began at midnight uk time across wales, the west midlands

and the north of england. then from six o'clock in the morning, it extended to the east midlands and the south. the east of england and the isle of wight are unaffected. and from midday, ambulance workers and paramedics in london joined picket lines. officials have warned that patient safety is at risk. here's the uk health secretary. the system will be under very significant pressure today i think people can see that in terms of the fact that the trade unions are not covering all of the urgent cause which can become very serious. we are centre people to have that in mind into considering what activities they do today. and this is what what the national medical director of nhs england, stephen powis had to say:"|t�*s the season of parties, pre—christmas, so do enjoy yourself but obviously don't get so drunk" "that you end up with an unnecessary visit" to a hospital emergency room. but the unions said ambulance crews would respond to life

threatening emergencies. these include category one calls — classed as the most life—threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest. however, conditions which are serious but notjudged to be immediately life—threatening, which could include people who may be having a stroke, may not be immediately attended to by emergency teams. urgent problems that fit into category three, such as women in late—stage labour, will not be prioritised. to cover the walk—outs, about 750 armed forces have been drafted in by the government to help in england. they are driving patients with less urgent conditions to and from hospital. but they are not being sent on call—outs involving critical care, nor are they providing any clinical care. here's the uk health secretary again. it is the trade unions that are taking this strike action at a point of maximum pressure for the nhs. in

doing so, they are not giving an undertaking to cover all of life their name and emergency responses as a national level. writing in the telegraph newspaper, mr barclay also said: (gfx)"ambulance unions have taken a conscious choice to inflict harm on patients." but the unions have accused mr barclay of telling "a blatant lie". here's one of its leaders. every time the hud secretary speaks i have my head in my hands. i have never seen such an abdication on of leadership from riches to go back and the hud sec. was up the category ones will all be answered and the

category two would be trash. the important thing to say here is this government has walked away from the negotiation table. distracted not need to happen. we've also heard from a head of another union participating in the stirke. staff are essential to the nhs. all we are sent to them is to protect nations by looking after your staff. here's one of the paramedics who participated in the strike. we need more money in the nhs so we can recruit people because those are leaving to get better paying jobs. sot)

the british prime minister had this to say on the nhs. we have put billions of pounds of funding into the nhs and i think that represents a clear commitment from the government to the nhs to make sure it is funded well.

sojust how committed is the government to the nhs? we know that they are giving the health serivce an extra 3.3 billion pounds next year. but nhs bosses say they are facing a seven billion pounds shortfall next year because of inflation. and on top of that the nhs is also suffering from staff shortages with one in ten posts being vacant and this can't be solved by money alone. what do the general public think about the strike? let's hearfrom some residents in london. it's also about every time this industrial action takes place it has

all sorts of knock on effects. we

in the atlantic and the cord is not too far away and keeping a close eye on that but for this evening, heavy showers to in the north and the wind tends to turn towards the north as we go through the night and some heavy rain potentially pushing across southern areas and standing water on the area and were following behind and so on the whole, probably

quite a bit of cloud on western areas of england and england and wales relatively mild but chilly, chilly or night elsewhere and we will pick up a few more frosts overnight in the coming few nights before thursday, the best of the brightness will be in the north and probably a few shops that we have seen today will be more sunshine coming to scotland and northern ireland northern england except in the north of the court northerly in the north of the court northerly in the south, quite a bit of cloud for many parts of england and wales and uncertain how far will heaviest rain will be in grade drizzling your fog and eight or nine injust about above average. and before friday, there will always be close by and we will see heavier pushing their way and as we head towards friday morning there was a slow moving band with the ground situation that we could see some local flooding and moving through friday, the court erred starting to date down from the north much milder and brighter

towards the south and where that core there and that mild air is, we could see some snowfall and possibly lower levels low—pressure system and christmas day starts to move away and we'll get some wintry showers. that cold air, that arctic air that is still with us and being in the blue still doesn't mean we'll get snow but the chance of cold air will return southwards with time and if you want to keep up—to—date on the forecast where you are, you can use the app and at the moment, it looks as though the court is likely in the north before the greatest chance of some snowfall. but some uncertainty but do stay tuned for the forecast.

hello, i'm kasia madera. this is outside source. welcoming volodymyr zelenskyy to the white house the ukrainian president's first trip outside ukraine since the russian invasion. protests in afghanistan as a new taliban to create denies women students entry to universities. thousands of ambulance workers are on strike in england and wales and the british secretary since unions have made a conscious choice to inflict harm on patients. an elon musk says he will step down his twitter as chief executive officer when he finds someone foolish enough to take the job on.

more on our top story: president — volodymyr zelensky — in washington on his first trip abroad since russia invaded in february. abroad since russia in the last half hour, he's been welcomed by president biden at the white house and will later address a joint session of congress. us leaders are expected to announce a new package of military support for ukraine, including patriot air defence missiles. let's speak now tojill sinclair, canada's representative to the ukraine defence reform advisory board. she joins us live from ottawa. we know in terms of military support and financial support, they are giving them the most international

to ukraine but talk us through what we can expect to hear from volodymyr zelenskyy, what is that he really wants but shallow thank you for having me. what does volodymyr zelenskyy need his weapons, weapons and weapons. increasingly sophisticated and capable to enable ukraine to continue this extraordinary fight. in ukraine to continue this extraordinary fight. ukraine to continue this extraordina fitht. , , ., extraordinary fight. in response to russia's legal— extraordinary fight. in response to russia's legal invasion. _ extraordinary fight. in response to russia's legal invasion. weapons i extraordinary fight. in response to i russia's legal invasion. weapons and sustained political support. fits we sustained political support. as we are watching _ sustained political support. as we are watching volodymyr - sustained political support. as we | are watching volodymyr zelenskyy sustained political support. as we are watching volodymyr zelenskyy and joe biden together inside the white house and under state just how historic these images are, the first time ukraine's leader has left the country since the 24th of february when russia launched a full—scale invasion of ukraine, ijust wonder, the imagery is not lost on us but as

you say, they need weapons and they need continued support, is there appetite across the united states given but so many countries are facing in the cost—of—living crisis is there appetite. let's hear into what the president is saying. i mean that sincerely. _ what the president is saying. i mean that sincerely. inspiring _ what the president is saying. i mean that sincerely. inspiring not - what the president is saying. i mean that sincerely. inspiring notjust - that sincerely. inspiring notjust us, but the world with their courage and how they are showing resilience and how they are showing resilience and resolve for the future. in the american people are probably with them, democrats and republicans, together with their allies in europe, japan of the places and making sure they have the financial, humanitarian and security assistance and we will talk about that today. we will continue to strengthen ukraine's ability for air defence and that is why we are going to supply ukraine with this in training

theirforces more supply ukraine with this in training their forces more accurately. together, our partners are also going to talk and will support ukraine and adjust peace. and we stand with the people of ukraine and by the way, we have a famous thing that occurs once a year and we pick a man of the year and you are the man of the year. in the united states of america. we have lots to talk about in the floor is yours. it is a great honour for me to be here and your— is a great honour for me to be here and yourjournalists, we thank you so much _ and yourjournalists, we thank you so much for— and yourjournalists, we thank you so much for and i really wanted to come _ so much for and i really wanted to come here — so much for and i really wanted to come here earlier but the president knows _ come here earlier but the president knows this— come here earlier but the president knows this but i couldn't because the situation was so difficult and

now, _ the situation was so difficult and now. i_ the situation was so difficult and now, i have control of the situation due to _ now, i have control of the situation due to all_ now, i have control of the situation due to all the support and because of your— due to all the support and because of your support, i understand that we are _ of your support, i understand that we are very— of your support, i understand that we are very important topics that we will discuss — we are very important topics that we will discuss in ukraine and in europe — will discuss in ukraine and in europe and from energy to the battlefield but i really, all my appreciations from my heart, the heart _ appreciations from my heart, the heart of— appreciations from my heart, the heart of ukrainians. from our nations— heart of ukrainians. from our nations and all associations for your— nations and all associations for your big — nations and all associations for your big support and leadership in many— your big support and leadership in many countries helped us and are helping _ many countries helped us and are helping now because the war is not oven _ helping now because the war is not over. anyway, but that is your leadership, thank you, first of all. thank— leadership, thank you, first of all. thank you — leadership, thank you, first of all. thank you very much, mr president. thank— thank you very much, mr president. thank you _ thank you very much, mr president. thank you for—

thank you very much, mr president. thank you for the support, and thank you from _ thank you for the support, and thank you from just ordinary people and americans. — you from just ordinary people and americans, i really appreciate and i think— americans, i really appreciate and i think it's _ americans, i really appreciate and i think it's really difficult to understand what it means musee appreciate but you really have to feel it _ appreciate but you really have to feel it and — appreciate but you really have to feel it and thank you so much, it is a great honour to be here. and that is the _ a great honour to be here. and that is the place — a great honour to be here. and that is the place where all the details we had _ is the place where all the details we had so — is the place where all the details we had so many phone calls. and i want _ we had so many phone calls. and i want to— we had so many phone calls. and i want to give — we had so many phone calls. and i want to give you something and one luy want to give you something and one guy is— want to give you something and one guy is a _ want to give you something and one guy is a real— want to give you something and one guy is a real hero, real captain and he asked _ guy is a real hero, real captain and he asked me — guy is a real hero, real captain and he asked me to pass this award and

he asked me to pass this award and he will— he asked me to pass this award and he will understand he is the captain and yes, _ he will understand he is the captain and yes, he — he will understand he is the captain and yes, he is a brave and he said you're _ and yes, he is a brave and he said you're very— and yes, he is a brave and he said you're very brave president and i want _ you're very brave president and i want to— you're very brave president and i want to give you this for military merit _ want to give you this for military merit that _ want to give you this for military merit. that is from heaven and i have _ merit. that is from heaven and i have the — merit. that is from heaven and i have the list and here is the translation. | have the list and here is the translation.— have the list and here is the translation. ., , ., ., translation. i have his name and i could contact _ translation. i have his name and i could contact them? _ translation. i have his name and i could contact them? yes, - translation. i have his name and i could contact them? yes, yes. i could contact them? yes, yes. undeserved — could contact them? yes, yes. undeserved but _ could contact them? yes, yes. undeserved but much - could contact them? yes, yes. - undeserved but much appreciated, thank you. . he undeserved but much appreciated, thank you- -—

thank you. . he said that many of his brothers _ thank you. . he said that many of his brothers are _ thank you. . he said that many of his brothers are safe _ thank you. . he said that many of his brothers are safe because - thank you. . he said that many of his brothers are safe because of. thank you. . he said that many of i his brothers are safe because of you so, his brothers are safe because of you so. thank— his brothers are safe because of you so, thank you. we his brothers are safe because of you so. thank you-— so, thank you. we have a tradition here and l — so, thank you. we have a tradition here and i will— so, thank you. we have a tradition here and i will give _ so, thank you. we have a tradition here and i will give it _ so, thank you. we have a tradition here and i will give it to _ so, thank you. we have a tradition here and i will give it to him. - so, thank you. we have a tradition here and i will give it to him. my l here and i will give it to him. my sun who fought in iraq had a command coin, you see those coins on the battlefield. i will make sure he gets one of those. thank you, thank you. i appreciate it. what a great honour. thank you, press. extraordinary image, volodymyr zelenskyy with joe biden volodymyr zelenskyy with joe biden volodymyr zelenskyy offering to the us president in metal that one of his soldiers had received. volodymyr zelenskyy had been to a city very much on the front mind were ukrainian and russian forces fought a fierce battle for many months and

that was a metal and one of the soldiers fighting on the front line being handed in the white house and the oval office to president biden and absolutely extraordinary scene and absolutely extraordinary scene and bearing in mind this was the first trip abroad by ukraine's leader since the full—scale invasion of ukraine on the 24th of february and it's visit that's been kept very much for understandable reasons, under wraps, very, very tight security and we saw images of volodymyr zelenskyy at a train station in eastern poland and then he made the journey to washington, to the white house we saw those scenes offering is heartfelt thanks and admin support that the united states has been offering, that huge package of military assistance,

financial but also hardware assistants, missile—defense and it will be sent to ukraine. much more i will be sent to ukraine. much more i will begin images from this historic meeting and we will bring them to you here. on bbc news. now to the latest on twitter and its billionaire owner elon musk. he says he will abide by the result of a poll of twitter users — and step down as ceo of the online platform — or "chief twit" as he describes himself — once he's appointed a replacement. he's tweeted: "i will resign as ceo as soon as i find someone foolish enough to take thejob! after that, i willjust run the software & servers teams." it follows the result of his own poll on the site, asking his 122 million followers whether he should step down. more than 17 million voted, with the result overwelmingly, yes. it's less than two months since elon musk walked into twitter

headquarters with a kitchen sink, tweeting "let that sink in" after buying the social media platform for mt billion dollars with a promise to uphold free speech. a week later, he'd laid off about half the workforce. the first some staff knew about it was when they couldn't log into emails. they then received confirmation emails that they'd lost their jobs. elon musk reinstated some controversial high—profile accounts — such as those of donald trump and the far—right us politician marjorie taylor greene — and introduced a subscription fee for a new blue tick service. here are the thoughts of our north america business correspondent samira hussain: if he is going to step down. which he says he will as soon he finds a replacement. just what happens to him next is it is a bit unclear. but it doesn't seem very likely that he will step away from any kind

of running of the company. yes, he says he's going to deal with more of the computer and back channel those kind of things. but really, how much control will he really relinquished? but really, how much control will he really relinquish? is itjust going to be someone who takes over as the head of twitter in name but not in reality? i think that is what a lot of analysts are suspecting. that he will still have his hand in a lot of ceo business. and let's get some analysis from a tech commentator on the outcome of the poll: i'm not surprised in the least. clearly, there are lots of people who are upset with the things he has been doing at twitter and the constant changes back and forth. look, everybody has to go through the process of debating different sides of things. the issue is, you don't usually make all of that public. you don't make every step along the way public. and that's what he is doing. and it's just really kind of exposing someone, exposing him as not being someone who really has a clear sense of things.

and is being whipsawed back and forth by whims. now among elon musk�*s other businesses of course is tesla. its share price has dived in recent months, with investors to suspending some journalists covering the social media firm. the founder and chief executive of the centre for countering digital hate when it comes to elon musk is the head of twitter, and a brief analysis, what is your brief analysis of how he has fared? he is your brief analysis of how he has fared? . . . , is your brief analysis of how he has fared? , ., ., , ., fared? he is at a very tough time because he _ fared? he is at a very tough time because he made _ fared? he is at a very tough time because he made a _ fared? he is at a very tough time because he made a lot _ fared? he is at a very tough time because he made a lot of - fared? he is at a very tough time l because he made a lot of promises fared? he is at a very tough time - because he made a lot of promises to a lot of people, advertisers want to keep the plant from a welcoming platform in which advertisers can keep their brand safe and toward users that he is going to try his best to ensure that he keeps to the rules that the platform already has of community standards and responsibilities that we expect others to abide by let's be frank,

he put up the bat signal very early on to also to people saying that this platform is not going to welcome back people who spread racism, conspiracy theories, misinformation and a hate of all kinds and that is been the headline, and so rapidly it has caused a lot of advertisers and users to share away from using it. haifa of advertisers and users to share away from using it.— away from using it. how can he realistically _ away from using it. how can he realistically give _ away from using it. how can he realistically give that _ away from using it. how can he realistically give that element i away from using it. how can he l realistically give that element of free speech but also continue with control. so you don't have hate crimes and so you do not incite hatred on the platform? i crimes and so you do not incite hatred on the platform?- crimes and so you do not incite hatred on the platform? i think it is 'ust hatred on the platform? i think it is just having _ hatred on the platform? i think it isjust having rules _ hatred on the platform? i think it is just having rules that - hatred on the platform? i think it isjust having rules that we - hatred on the platform? i think it isjust having rules that we all. is just having rules that we all recognise that we have responsibilities for. community standards and responsibility that's also reciprocal right that if you do not spread misinformation, i should be able to expect that others won't use it and i will not be targeted

with this if i do or if they do. there will be sanctions involved in constitutional legal systems and the basis of how we both society and how we build communities and the fact that he's failed to enforce this and why he's done that, this isn't about free speech but it's about cutting costs is desperately cutting costs and a platform that he did not want to buy, six months trying to buy twitter and when he was finally forced to do so after his initial forced to do so after his initial force to the court, but he is desperately tried to the cost by removing enforcement staff met company but what is what is left is in the cost by removing enforcement staff met company but what is left is and he warned advertisers, a place where there are no consequences for hate speech would be a health scape and he is presiding over the descendent of twitter into a health scape and i think that this, and he called this a poisoned chalice and it's a child's that he himself is poison.

is there anyone else truly does he that role on now? the; is there anyone else truly does he that role on now?— is there anyone else truly does he that role on now? as long as he is on her, ensuring _ that role on now? as long as he is on her, ensuring that _ that role on now? as long as he is on her, ensuring that any - that role on now? as long as he is| on her, ensuring that any decisions by the person in charge of the platform will be in his interests and frankly, with his shyness and inability to distinguish between this and his personal interests that is a real problem when it comes to platforms that democratic significance because of the space in which the public civil society, politicians, journalists engage in discourse they can be valuable for the conduct of a democracy but the ability to enforce those rules and going so far as to ban journalists were critical of him and hold them accountable, are the x of the tyrant, not a democrat. —— acts. latte tyrant, not a democrat. -- acts. we appreciate _ tyrant, not a democrat. —— acts. we appreciate your thoughts, lots more

to come on outside source. to stay with us. the protests in afghanistan after new taliban decree denies female students interest university. 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 hundreads of pubs and food and catering companies, say they're going bankrupt. noor nanji reports the drinks are flowing at the barn pub near rugby, but it might be an early night. it's shutting at 8pm tonight instead of ten. one of a range of measures it's taking to keep going.

but then, sadly, that didn't happen so we were busy predominantly thursday to sunday. so we've reflected that by closing our kitchen monday, tuesday, wednesday, and then just staying open as normal for the weekends. if no—one's come in, etc, our staff have got the choice, if they know there's no regulars coming in, that they can close early because at the end of the day it does cost quite a bit of money to keep this building heated, etc. we're all used to popping into our local pub at any time of day and ordering a drink or some food. but for pubs like this one, the cost of staying open all day are rising. many pubs also don't have enough staff to keep the doors open. the barn pub is not alone. a new survey from the british beer and pub association, seen by the bbc, found 86% of pubs are considering reducing trading hours over the winter. 85% are considering closing completely on one or two days of the week. it's warned that more support is needed otherwise many more businesses will be forced to close, notjust temporarily, but for good. these are really difficult times for our pubs. they're making extremely difficult decisions. they want to stay open

and provide that warm place for their consumers to come into this winter, but at the same time, they're experiencing soaring inflation and eye—watering energy bills, and these costs are really eradicating any profitability whatsoever. for now, the message is clear — get your last orders in early here. noor nanji, bbc news. joe biden is welcomed volodymyr zelenskyy outside. two afghanistan, hundreds of young women have been stopped from entering university campuses after the taliban suspended higher education for female students. these pictures posted on social

media shows queues of female students at the gate of kabul university, after being denied access to their classrooms. and this is the scene injalalabad where dozens of women have been protesting agains the move. the news has caused despair, particularly young women, in the country. translation: my my classmates informed me of us being banned from universities, i cried a lot. i had all of my study materials but i could not study. i've been awake until this morning and we did not sleep at all. when the sun was we thought there was no light for women in afghanistan any more. since the taliban have closed all the routes towards this. last ni . ht, all the routes towards this. last nitht, i all the routes towards this. last night. i saw _ all the routes towards this. last night. i saw an _ all the routes towards this. last night, i saw an announcement on social— night, i saw an announcement on social media and i thought it might be take _ social media and i thought it might be fake but then, after the bbc confirming it and i believed it. i still wanted to make sure that i went to — still wanted to make sure that i went to the university but the

taliban did not allow the student to the building. a part of the governments team in negotiating with the taliban. and said the international community should take immediate action against the taliban. i think the international community should make their conditional, first human rights and establishing based on the will of the people. second, sanction, targeted section of taliban leader in the financial support is inside and outside country. support is inside and outside count . ., ., country. third, travel ban on taliban- _ country. third, travel ban on taliban. this _ country. third, travel ban on taliban. this is _ country. third, travel ban on taliban. this is not - country. third, travel ban on taliban. this is not a - country. third, travel ban on | taliban. this is not a common practice — taliban. this is not a common practice and any other muslim country. — practice and any other muslim country, why would the taliban be allowed _ country, why would the taliban be allowed to — country, why would the taliban be allowed to travel and private jets to different capitals. third, i think— to different capitals. third, i think the _ to different capitals. third, i think the world should unite. i think— think the world should unite. i think afghanistan is once again being _ think afghanistan is once again being played as a game between different powers and the more i see, the islamic— different powers and the more i see, the islamic country should not allow

taliban— the islamic country should not allow taliban to _ the islamic country should not allow taliban to misrepresent their religion — taliban to misrepresent their religion because sooner or later, this radicalisation of views and misrepresentation of religion to get to any— misrepresentation of religion to get to any border. a misrepresentation of religion to get to any border-— to any border. a un special and afghanistan _ to any border. a un special and afghanistan insist _ to any border. a un special and afghanistan insist the _ to any border. a un special and afghanistan insist the change i to any border. a un special and - afghanistan insist the change needs to come from within the country in the world needs to consider this an emergency. the the world needs to consider this an emergency-— the world needs to consider this an emergency. the richeson i called it an emergency _ emergency. the richeson i called it an emergency is — emergency. the richeson i called it an emergency is because _ emergency. the richeson i called it an emergency is because we - emergency. the richeson i called it an emergency is because we we - emergency. the richeson i called it. an emergency is because we we have used this term rightly —— reason and relation to the humanitarian crisis in afghanistan. i wanted to draw attention to the crisis of education for girls and women in this country because only when we used strong terms like that, it seems that anyone takes any notice. benjamin netanyahu has only a couple of hours left to announce a new government, which could be the most far—right ever in israel. the leader of the likud party is hoping to become

prime ministerfor a third time. he's been locked in talks with leaders of ultra—nationalist and religious parties — who he formed a bloc with — that won a majority of seats in last month's election. i'm joined now from jerusalem by the bbc�*s yolande knell. how close is the? we believe that he is very close — how close is the? we believe that he is very close indeed _ how close is the? we believe that he is very close indeed it's _ how close is the? we believe that he is very close indeed it's quite - is very close indeed it's quite surprising that after benjamin convincing election victory on the 1st of november taking 6420 seats and ending a cycle that saw israel keep returning to the polls, but the people thought that benjamin netanyahu it announces new government quite quickly after this ideological party and is ultra—national and ultra—orthodox jewish allies. but coalition talks have been quite strung out and still, israeli media will see you

don't have to ask for another short extension under israeli law but getting close to the local timeline, the clock is ticking. but getting close to the local timeline, the clock is ticking.— the clock is ticking. but i'm as if the clock is ticking. but i'm as if the do the clock is ticking. but i'm as if they do not _ the clock is ticking. but i'm as if they do not make _ the clock is ticking. but i'm as if they do not make the _ the clock is ticking. but i'm as if they do not make the deadline? the clock is ticking. but i'm as if - they do not make the deadline? they can be granted _ they do not make the deadline? they can be granted an _ they do not make the deadline? iie: can be granted an extension they do not make the deadline? "iie: can be granted an extension of they do not make the deadline? iiez1: can be granted an extension of four days and has been generally seen as something that mr benjamin netanyahu is reluctant to do and as soon as next week, we know that there has been several announcements of coalitions in the past few weeks in these negotiations, ministers have already been assigned and is quite controversial to get these intentions and the ones responsible are those who were far red politicians and convicted of racism in the past and actions against palestinians and another ultranationalist leader that would

see him take over among other things and his party take over the civil administration which approves settlement construction and the west bank and controls many important aspects of palestinian lives. and there's legislation that has been rushed through in recent days and legislation includes some who have tried to change the laws so that the head of an orthodox party will serve as a cabinet minister despite the fact that he is currently gotta suspended sentence for tax offences and all of us is leading to criticism and debates of the society about whether or not democratic institutions are being undermined. thank you very much for talking us through that. training is life and is expected to announce that he has formed the countries most right wing ever government and that coming up

in the next few hours. stay with us on outside sources including that historic visit to washington by volodymyr zelenskyy. the time being, things are watching. good evening. it's been another day where we have seen a cluster of showers in the north and the west. a brisk wind, some of those showers happy with the thunder and lightning as well. but the generally mild weather it will continue for the next few days. that means more rain for some, most of the snowjust over that scottish mountains. you can see why we have these bands of cloud. these weather fronts waiting in the atlantic to push in. the cold air is not too far away so we will keep a close eye on that. this evening, the heavy showers still with us in the north. the wind tends to turn towards the north as we go through the night. some heavy rain, potentially, pushing across the southern areas. so, spray and standing water

on the faster routes and more following behind. on the whole, a bit of cloud in the southern and western areas of england and wales and relatively mild but surely. i think a chillier night elsewhere. we will pick up a few more frosts overnight in the coming a few nights. for thursday, the best of the brightness will be in the north, probably fewer showers than we have seen today. a bit more sunshine coming through scotland, northern ireland, northern england. not windy except in the north with that cold northerly. in the south, a bit of cloud for many parts of england and wales. uncertain how far it will come but it looks like the heaviest rain will be in the south. it would be quite grey and drizzly, hill fog elsewhere and just eights and nines. so, just a little bit above average. then through thursday night into friday this weather front is always close by and it looks like we will see something again heavier pushing its way into. as we head towards friday morning.

that's a slow moving band of rain again, the concern with the ground saturation that we could see some local flooding and it grinds to a halt then as we move through friday. the cold air starting to dig down from the north. much milder and brighter towards the south. and where that cold air and that mild air meet we could see some snow initially over the hills, possibly at lower levels as that low pressure system into christmas day starts to move away and we get some wintry showers. so, that cold air is there, that cold arctic web, of air is still with us. being in the blue doesn't mean we will see some snow but there is a chance the cold air will return southwards with time. so, if you want to keep up—to—date on the forecast where you are, of course, you can use the app. at the moment, though, it looks as if the coldest air is likely in the north and therefore the greatest chance of some snowfall. but there is uncertainty so as ever please do stay tuned to the forecast.

hello, i'm kasia madera. this is outside source. joe biden has welcomed the ukrainian president to the white house on his first trip outside of ukraine since the russian invasion. protests in afghan statement thousands of ambulance workers are on strike in england and wales — the british health secretary says unions have made �*a conscious choice to inflict harm on patients' ukraine's president,

volodymyr zelensky, is in the united states. it is his first trip abroad since russia invaded in february. he's expected to be welcomed by president biden at the white house shortly, amid photos and handshakes. but what concrete help will he get from his biggest a short while later, he arrived at the white house, to flag standing side by side, the us and ukraine. president biden and his wife next the ukrainian leader before shaking hands and posing for a few photos. within the last half hour, we have had these images from inside the white house ahead of a meeting in the oval office, which is scheduled to last for around two hours. president biden said the

ukrainian people where an inspiration and vowed to strengthen support for their struggle with russia. he the support for their struggle with russia- h— support for their struggle with russia. h ~. ~ .., , .,, russia. he the american people, democrats _ russia. he the american people, democrats and _ russia. he the american people, democrats and republicans, - russia. he the american people, - democrats and republicans, together with our allies in europe, japan and other places, to make sure you have the financial humanitarian and security assistance that's needed. we will talk about that today, and we will continue to strengthen ukraine's ability to defend itself, particularly air defence, and that is why we are going to be providing ukraine with a patriot missile. president zelensky responded by telling president biden of the appreciation from my heart that he feels for the united states. i understand that there are a lot of important topics that need to be discussed, and so many challenges in ukraine, in europe, and from energy tayla the battlefields, but really

all of my appreciation for my heart from the heart of ukraine from our strong nations, of the appreciation to you for your biggest support and leadership because many countries helped us and are helping now. that historic meeting in the oval office of president biden. as the discussions between the two presidents continued from the ukrainian leader then referred to his visits to the front nine city just yesterday and said that a captain there asked him to pass his military medal onto president biden as he is a very brave president. joe biden thanked volodymyr zelensky and said that he wants to contact the captain to send a gift in return. let's cross over to the white house to speak to our colleagues. she

joins us live now. barbara, a lot of symbolism and what we've just witnessed. symbolism and what we've 'ust witnessedfi symbolism and what we've 'ust witnessed. , ., , . witnessed. yes, the oval office meetint witnessed. yes, the oval office meeting sitting _ witnessed. yes, the oval office meeting sitting in _ witnessed. yes, the oval office meeting sitting in front - witnessed. yes, the oval office meeting sitting in front of- witnessed. yes, the oval office meeting sitting in front of a - meeting sitting in front of a roaring fire, exchanging greetings and pleasantries, and both of them sounding very heavy for the other, mr zelinski saying that the ukrainian people really appreciated us support and that it was because of us support that they were able to defend themselves. president biden saying that the ukrainians inspired the world, they were in inspiration and that the us was prepared to continue to support them, accusing the russians of making a weapon out of winter, he said. so that is the beginning of their meetings. they will be going into private meetings now, talking about, as mr biden said, this upgrade and military assistance, they upgraded air defence system, patriot missile

defence system, patriot missile defence that the americans are going to be getting to the ukrainians, especially after those bombing attacks from the russians on civilian infrastructure, and then they are going to appear together at a joint news conference standing side by side, sending the message that the us is resolute with ukraine, especially as both of them know, the war is dragging on and they are heading into much more difficult days as the winter continues.— difficult days as the winter continues. ., ., ., , , continues. barbara, when volodymyr zelensky makes _ continues. barbara, when volodymyr zelensky makes that _ continues. barbara, when volodymyr zelensky makes that joint _ continues. barbara, when volodymyr zelensky makes that joint address i continues. barbara, when volodymyr zelensky makes that joint address to j zelensky makes thatjoint address to congress a little bit later, what kind of reception can be expect? on the fringes of the democratic and republican party, there is some concern as to the amount being spent. i concern as to the amount being sent. ~' ., ., spent. i think he will get a warm welcome from _ spent. i think he will get a warm welcome from the _ spent. i think he will get a warm welcome from the people - spent. i think he will get a warm welcome from the people there. spent. i think he will get a warm - welcome from the people there. there will certainly be a full house on the side of the democrats. not all the side of the democrats. not all the republicans, it seems, are going to attend. there are a number of republicans who have voted against military aid or billions of dollars

of assistance to ukraine. they say that that money would be better spent at home and that this kind of support isn't sustainable. there will be republicans there, though, who do support this effort. there is a bipartisan support for it, so you will have both of those elements, but mr zelinski is going to try to convince them to continue that aid as republicans will be taking over the house next year.— as republicans will be taking over the house next year. thank you very much. well. — the house next year. thank you very much. well, and _ the house next year. thank you very much. well, and his _ the house next year. thank you very much. well, and his address - the house next year. thank you very much. well, and his address to - much. well, and his address to congress later, as we were discussing that with barbara, mr zelinski may use the air strikes by russia on the infrastructure in ukraine to ask for more weapons. as discussed there, he's found republicans placing criticism for us support. here is brad sherman on what mr zelinski can expect. the big decision has already been made. the major bill to fund the us government. nearly $2 trillion or approaching that. it is likely to pass

in the law this week. it's got the 45 billion for ukraine in it. and while every part of the bill was at least somewhat controversial, the part for ukraine is less controversial than others. there is a last—ditch attempt by republicans in the house to try and blackmails republicans in the senate to vote against it. i think that would be unsuccessful, and i think the bill will be law by the end of the week. officials say that us and ukrainian leaders will announce a new package of security assistance rate nearly $2 billion, and the farmer us ambassador told the bbc that the first transfer of patriots to ukraine would be gratefully received it's very good news that it's going to be patriot missile us. ukrainians are barely suffering from these air attacks and their cities, and civilian infrastructure, so anything we can do to help them with their defence is going to be very welcome. let's discuss this further with john, the senior director of the

atlantic council and former us ambassador to ukraine between 2003-2006. ijust ambassador to ukraine between 2003—2006. ijust want ambassador to ukraine between 2003—2006. i just want to put this into context for us, patriot air defence system, a battery, is it enough for ukraine given the barrage of air strikes that we have been seeing recently? it is of air strikes that we have been seeing recently?— of air strikes that we have been seeing recently? it is a great step forward, seeing recently? it is a great step forward. but _ seeing recently? it is a great step forward, but it's _ seeing recently? it is a great step forward, but it's not _ seeing recently? it is a great step forward, but it's not nearly - seeing recently? it is a great step l forward, but it's not nearly enough. if the administration or willing to give the ukrainians longer range missiles, we've limited their ability to hit with our high precision weapons to 85 km. they would be able to destroy the basis for which iranian drones are bringing terror on ukrainian cities. but they were reluctant to provide that, a serious mistake. explained to us the reluctance _ that, a serious mistake. explained to us the reluctance in _ that, a serious mistake. explained to us the reluctance in providing . to us the reluctance in providing that. is that because they are concerned about the potential damage that that type of hardware could do within russia itself? ila that that type of hardware could do within russia itself?— within russia itself? no come ukrainians — within russia itself? no come ukrainians have _ within russia itself? no come ukrainians have said - within russia itself? no come ukrainians have said that - within russia itself? no comej ukrainians have said that they

within russia itself? no come - ukrainians have said that they would not use american weapons to strike at russia. the massive attacks with iranian drones is coming from crimea, i territory occupied by russia, with a longer range fires come missiles, they could destroy that base which means that could no longer be used to launch drones which would give them some relief from this attack, this barbaric attack on the infrastructure. so why the reluctance _ attack on the infrastructure. so why the reluctance then? _ attack on the infrastructure. so why the reluctance then? and _ attack on the infrastructure. so why the reluctance then? and if - attack on the infrastructure. so why the reluctance then? and if you - the reluctance then? and if you could also talk us through this huge spending package that the us will be providing for ukraine, 45 billion. is there a likelihood, is there a chance in your opinion that us politicians potentially could vote against it? politicians potentially could vote a . ainst it? ., politicians potentially could vote atainst it? ., , ., , against it? ok, two questions there. one, the administration _ against it? ok, two questions there. one, the administration has - against it? ok, two questions there. one, the administration has been i one, the administration has been consistently slow and has a ten tap saying yes to legitimate ukrainian weapons requests. they will say no many times before they finally say yes. that's true now. i should've

sent these last summer. so they are saying no and again to these longer—range missiles, which someday they may yet say yes to. but they allow putin to intimidate them, which is a mistake, a serious mistake, the biden administration deserves credit for sending the substantial aid to be provided, that aid has prevented putin from having aid has prevented putin from having a winning ukraine which is wonderful, but if we gave them more advanced weapons, ukraine would win this war faster, which would be good for everyone, including the united states. as for the aid package, as their previous segments mentioned, there is the populist wind of the republican party, which is not understand we have a vital interest in stopping ukraine and put in. the smart way to defend american interest is to give and the money to defeat putin, because he's coming with allies and we will have to defend it with american blood. the money was spent you ukraine is not

to get to the ukrainian people commits the smart and economical way to defend the united states. tbthd to defend the united states. and 'ust in a to defend the united states. and just in a minutes, _ to defend the united states. and just in a minutes, in terms of what you are witnessing, you wear the farmer us ambassador to ukraine, when you see volodymyr zelensky in the white house, the first country for this president to visit since the start of the war, just your thoughts. the start of the war, 'ust your match the start of the war, 'ust your thou:hts. . _, thoughts. welcome in the united states is the _ thoughts. welcome in the united states is the crucial _ thoughts. welcome in the united states is the crucial supporter i thoughts. welcome in the united states is the crucial supporter of| states is the crucial supporter of ukraine. if you have support was less than it desk in support would be less, and as mentioned, we provided a great deal of assistance and again, the biden administration should be credited for that. so it is natural that volodymyr zelensky came here and i think bob wanted him to come, because they wanted him to take a victory lap at the american people for sending the patriots and that makes perfect sense it's also, by the way, very good message to moscow that american support for ukraine is only going to get greater, so you will lose this war it's time to stop the blatant

aggression against the cleaning people. aggression against the cleaning --eole. , ., aggression against the cleaning -eo-e._, ., ., people. john, fascinating to get our people. john, fascinating to get your insights. _ people. john, fascinating to get your insights, and _ people. john, fascinating to get your insights, and at _ people. john, fascinating to get your insights, and at least i people. john, fascinating to get| your insights, and at least given your insights, and at least given you are the former us ambassador to ukraine between 2003—2006. thank you for your time tonight. thank you. so what do people on the ground in ukraine will help from zelinski's thank you visit to washington. i think it is better when president zelensky and biden talk in person rather than over the phone. i think this will help. as the united states is one of our main partners, after his trip tobakhmut, which is my home city, i hope zelensky will be able to share his experiences about what is going on there. how our city is being ruined. how our people, both civilians and serviceman, are being killed. i think no one in the us can remain careless, and that support will only grow. that lady from the city, the medal

that was get to president biden was from a captain there. vladimir putin is watching all of this and saying that there is no limit on russian military spending is a whirring ukraine approaches its 11th month. but he admitted problems during the recent mobilisation of reservists and said his defence minister sergei shoigu should take on board the criticism. he blaimed the west for what was happening on the battlefield. and he insisted russian forces would win. translation: it is well known that today the military potential- and capacities of almost all major nato countries are being used. nevertheless, our soldiers, sergeants and officers are fighting for russia bravely and resiliently. they are achieving their goals bit by bit and without doubt, all of these goals will be achieved on all russian territory.

stay with us here an outside source. still to come... thousands of ambulance workers are on strike in england and wales. the world of music has been paying tribute to george michael who has died from suspected heart failure at the age of 53. he sold well over 100 million albums in a career spending more than three decades. the united states troops have been trying to overthrow the dictatorship of general manuel noriega. the pentagons in its principal objective to capture him and taken to the united states to to face drug charges. united states to to face drug chart es. ., ., united states to to face drug chartes. . ., , .~' united states to to face drug chartes. ., ., , a .,, charges. the hammer and sickle was hastily taken — charges. the hammer and sickle was hastily taken away, _ charges. the hammer and sickle was hastily taken away, in _ charges. the hammer and sickle was hastily taken away, in its _ charges. the hammer and sickle was hastily taken away, in its place, i hastily taken away, in its place, the russian flag was wasted over what is now no longer the soviet union but the commonwealth of independent states. dar; union but the commonwealth of independent states.— union but the commonwealth of independent states. day broke slowly over lockerbie _ independent states. day broke slowly over lockerbie over _ independent states. day broke slowly over lockerbie over the _ independent states. day broke slowly over lockerbie over the cockpit i independent states. day broke slowly over lockerbie over the cockpit to i over lockerbie over the cockpit to pan am's — over lockerbie over the cockpit to pan am's made of the seas nose down in the _ pan am's made of the seas nose down in the soft— pan am's made of the seas nose down in the soft earth. you can see what

happens _ in the soft earth. you can see what happens when a plane eight stories high. _ happens when a plane eight stories high. a _ happens when a plane eight stories high, a pitch wives falls from 30.000 _ high, a pitch wives falls from 30,000 feet. the— high, a pitch wives falls from 30,000 feet. the christmas has returned to _ 30,000 feet. the christmas has returned to albania _ 30,000 feet. the christmas has returned to albania after - 30,000 feet. the christmas has i returned to albania after communist band, thousands went to midnight mass where there were anti—communist riots ten days ago. welcome, you are watching outside source live from the bbc news room. our main story is thatjoe biden has welcomed the ukrainian president to the white house on his first trip outside of ukraine since the full—scale russian invasion. let's turn to afghanistan, where hundreds of young women have been stopped from entering university campuses a day after the taliban suspended higher education for female students. these are some of the pictures posted on social media which showed lines of female students at the gate of kabul

university after being denied access to classrooms. this is the scene where dozens of women have been protesting against this move. the news has caused despair particularly among young afghan women. translation: on my classmates informed me _ translation: on my classmates informed me that _ translation: on my classmates informed me that we _ translation: on my classmates informed me that we would i translation: on my classmates informed me that we would be i translation: on my classmates i informed me that we would be banned from universities, i cried a lot, i had all of my study materials ready but i couldn't study. all of us were awake until this morning and we didn't sleep at all. in the sun rose, without there is no life for women in afghanistan any more since the have closed all the routes towards this stopped so that's next towards this stopped so that's next to my sign announcement on social media. i thought it might be fake, but then he heard the bbc confirming it. i believe that. i still wanted to make sure and this morning i went to make sure and this morning i went to the university, but the taliban and did not allow us to enter the

building. and did not allow us to enter the buildint. ., ., building. the view of female students- — building. the view of female students. a _ building. the view of female students. a permanent i building. the view of female i students. a permanent women's building. the view of female _ students. a permanent women's rights campaigner and former afghan mp. also part of the government's team negotiating with the taliban and says that the international community should take immediate action against them. first community should take immediate action against them.— action against them. first of all, i think the international _ action against them. first of all, i j think the international community should make their engagement conditional. in tangible progress on women's rights and human rights and establishing a government based on the will of the people. second, sanction, targeted sanctions on taliban leaders and financial supporters inside and outside country. third, the travel ban on taliban. if the women of afghanistan cannot travel, this is not a common practice in any other muslim country. i've the taliban be allowed to travel in private jets to different capitals? i think the world should unite. i see that afghanistan is once again being played as a game between different powers. the islamic countries should

not allowed taliban to misrepresent their religion because sooner or later that's radicalisation of the use and misrepresentation of religion could get to any border. the ., . ., �* the turning to richard bennett, he sa s that the turning to richard bennett, he says that change _ the turning to richard bennett, he says that change needs _ the turning to richard bennett, he says that change needs to - the turning to richard bennett, he says that change needs to come i the turning to richard bennett, he i says that change needs to come from within the country, but the world needs to consider this an emergency. we back the reason i called it an emergency is that we have used this term rightly in relation to the humanitarian crisis in afghanistan so i wanted to draw attention to the crisis _ so i wanted to draw attention to the crisis of— so i wanted to draw attention to the crisis of education for girls and women — crisis of education for girls and women in _ crisis of education for girls and women in this country because only when _ women in this country because only when we _ women in this country because only when we use strong terms like bats it seems— when we use strong terms like bats it seems that anyone takes any notice — it seems that anyone takes any notice 50_ it seems that anyone takes any notice. ,, ., , ., ., ,., it seems that anyone takes any notice. , ., ., ., notice. so why are the taliban doing this because — notice. so why are the taliban doing this because my _ notice. so why are the taliban doing this because my kid _ notice. so why are the taliban doing this because my kid is _ notice. so why are the taliban doing this because my kid is the _ notice. so why are the taliban doing this because my kid is the bbc's i this because my kid is the bbc's correspondent. this this because my kid is the bbc's correspondent.— this because my kid is the bbc's correspondent. this is their belief, this is their — correspondent. this is their belief, this is their belief _ correspondent. this is their belief,

this is their belief system. - correspondent. this is their belief, this is their belief system. they i this is their belief system. they believe and has all —— have always believed that women in afghanistan are not second—class citizens, third class citizens. we saw them, we saw those images of afghan women in the 90s being whipped, being beaten, being shot at point—blank range in stadiums, horrified the world, and yet the world to believe that this was taliban to these policies are showing that actually that isn't the case. ., , ., ., , ., case. now, tens of thousands of ambulance _ case. now, tens of thousands of ambulance workers _ case. now, tens of thousands of ambulance workers are - case. now, tens of thousands of ambulance workers are staging l case. now, tens of thousands of| ambulance workers are staging a one—day strike across england and wales. it's part of a series of mass walk—outs including nurses, railway workers, border control forces, all taking place across the uk this winter. we know that ambulance workers including paramedics and call handlers from three unions, the gmb, unite and unison all want to pay increases to keep up with the cost of living. earlier this year, nhs staff in england and wales received an average pay rise of

4.75% in line with the recommendation of an independent pay review body. the government said it will not deviate from this author but the unions have said that it isn't enough. the inflation rate in the uk was 10.7% for november. the unions have been set a specific figure, but they argue that any offer needs to be high enough to prevent a recruitment crisis. officials have warned that patient safety is at risk. here is the uk's health secretary. the safety is at risk. here is the uk's health secretary.— safety is at risk. here is the uk's health secretary. the system will be under significant _ health secretary. the system will be under significant pressure _ health secretary. the system will be under significant pressure today. i under significant pressure today. and people can see that in terms of the fact that the trade unions are not covering all of the urgent calls which themselves can become very serious. we are seeing two people to have that in mind in terms of when they are considering what activities they are considering what activities they do stop at the unions have said that ambulance crews would respond to life threatening emergencies, and these include category one because classed as the most life—threatening situation such as cardiac arrest.

however, conditions which are serious but notjudged to be immediately life—threatening which could include people who may be having a stroke may not be immediately attended to by emergency teams. problems that fit into category three, such as women in late stage labour, for example, will not be prioritised. to cover the walk—outs come around 750 armed forces have been draughted and by the government to help in england. they are driving patients with less urgent conditions to and from hospital, but they are not being sent out on call—outs involving critical care, norare sent out on call—outs involving critical care, nor are they providing any clinical care. here is the uk's health secretary again. it is the trade union that is taking that strike _ is the trade union that is taking that strike action at a point of maximum _ that strike action at a point of maximum pressure for the nhs and in doing _ maximum pressure for the nhs and in doing so— maximum pressure for the nhs and in doing so will— maximum pressure for the nhs and in doing so will not give an undertaking to cover all life—threatening emergency responses at a national level. life-threatening emergency responses at a national level.— at a national level. writing in the tele . ra - h at a national level. writing in the telegraph newspaper, _ at a national level. writing in the telegraph newspaper, he - at a national level. writing in the telegraph newspaper, he also i at a national level. writing in the | telegraph newspaper, he also said that ambulance unions have taken a

conscious choice to inflict harm on patients. at the unions have been accused them of telling a blatant lie. he is one of its leaders. every time the health _ lie. he is one of its leaders. every time the health secretary - lie. he is one of its leaders. every time the health secretary speaks | lie. he is one of its leaders. es time the health secretary speaks at that may had in my hands. i have never seen such an abdication of leadership than i have from rishi and the health secretary. we have negotiated locally all of the category ones all going to be answered. category two will be triage, but the important thing to say here is that this government has walked away from the negotiating table. the strike did not need to happen. 50 table. the strike did not need to ha. ten. , ., table. the strike did not need to ha en. , ., .., table. the strike did not need to hauen. , ., , happen. so just how committed is the covernment happen. so just how committed is the government to _ happen. so just how committed is the government to the _ happen. so just how committed is the government to the nhs? _ happen. so just how committed is the government to the nhs? well, - happen. so just how committed is the government to the nhs? well, we i happen. so just how committed is the i government to the nhs? well, we know that they are giving the health service an extra £3.3 billion next year, but nhs bosses say they are facing a £7 billion shortfall next year because of inflation, on top of that, the nhs is also suffering from staff shortages with one in ten posts being vacant. this can't be solved by money alone. it's essentially a blame game between the

government and the unions. let's hearfrom the chief government and the unions. let's hear from the chief executive of the nhs confederation. now, this is a body that represents health managers. body that represents health managers-— body that represents health manaters. , , ~ ., body that represents health manaters. ,, ~ ., , managers. this strike could not be ha -tenin managers. this strike could not be happening at _ managers. this strike could not be happening at a _ managers. this strike could not be happening at a worse _ managers. this strike could not be happening at a worse time - managers. this strike could not be | happening at a worse time because managers. this strike could not be i happening at a worse time because of the pressure is the nhs basis and thatis the pressure is the nhs basis and that is why yesterday the message from the prime minister, and again today, were appealing to both sides today, were appealing to both sides to find a way of coming to the table and avoiding further industrial action, because it's notjust about the impact today, which could be substantial, but it's also about every time this industrial action takes place that has knock on effects, thousands of operations cancelled as a result of the action taken by nurses. we cannot afford to drift into winter industrial action. earlier, i spoke to roy, a former nhs trust boss and also an independent health policy analyst. the co ambulance is outside a&e, and that the c0 ambulance is outside a&e, and that is— the co ambulance is outside a&e, and that is because the ambulance crews cannot— that is because the ambulance crews cannot hand their patients over to a85 _

cannot hand their patients over to a85 they— cannot hand their patients over to a&e. they can't do that because a&e is full. _ a&e. they can't do that because a&e is full. a85 _ a&e. they can't do that because a&e is full, a&e is full because they can't _ is full, a&e is full because they can't move patients onto the words come _ can't move patients onto the words come about— can't move patients onto the words come about 40% of people taken to hospital— come about 40% of people taken to hospital by ambulance and up on the wards _ hospital by ambulance and up on the wards the _ hospital by ambulance and up on the wards. the words are fall because about— wards. the words are fall because about a _ wards. the words are fall because about a quarter of the people in hospital in beds at the moment our elderly— hospital in beds at the moment our elderly people who are medically capable — elderly people who are medically capable of being discharged, but not medically— capable of being discharged, but not medically fit enough to look after themselves. they depend on the help from social— themselves. they depend on the help from social care will stop now, social— from social care will stop now, social care _ from social care will stop now, social care is a sort of cinderella sister— social care is a sort of cinderella sister to— social care is a sort of cinderella sister to the nhs. social care is 160.000 — sister to the nhs. social care is 160,000 vacancies and they have trouble _ 160,000 vacancies and they have trouble recruiting because they are paying _ trouble recruiting because they are paying about £9 30 an hour and that people _ paying about £9 30 an hour and that people who do those jobs can go to a local supermarket and earn more money _ local supermarket and earn more money it — local supermarket and earn more money it is— local supermarket and earn more money. it is that congestion in the system _ money. it is that congestion in the system that is causing the backlog in the _ system that is causing the backlog in the car— system that is causing the backlog in the car park. system that is causing the backlog in the car park-— system that is causing the backlog in the car park. when you have got the health — in the car park. when you have got the health secretary _ in the car park. when you have got the health secretary talking - in the car park. when you have got the health secretary talking about| the health secretary talking about ambulance unions making a conscious decision to inflict harm, i wonder

if you would just give us an understanding ofjust how conflicted those out on the picket line today are. how conflicted they where to decide to go on strike. this are. how conflicted they where to decide to go on strike.— decide to go on strike. this is a hue decide to go on strike. this is a huge moral— decide to go on strike. this is a huge moral and _ decide to go on strike. this is a huge moral and ethical - decide to go on strike. this is a| huge moral and ethical dilemma decide to go on strike. this is a i huge moral and ethical dilemma for all health workers going on strike. it is the antithesis of everything that they do believe in, but they've got to the point now where they feel they are not being listened to, the value of their income has been eroded by inflation and there is not much else they can do. they are in a difficult position, and i think the secretary of state speaking but that inflammatory way doesn't help him at the end of the day, we know this will be resolved by talking about a table, and it is better if we can do it in some kind of good faith rather than insulting each other. regularly, a former nhs trust boss. now independent health policy adviser. lots more on that strand our website, just remind you about our website, just remind you about our main street, president volodymyr zelensky in that historic visit to

the united states, his first trip abroad since russia invaded in february being welcomed by the president of the united states. do get in touch with me. good evening. it's been another day where we have seen a cluster of showers in the north and the west. a brisk wind, some of those showers happy with the thunder and lightning as well. but the generally mild weather will continue for the next few days. that means more rain for some, most of the snowjust over the scottish mountains. but you can see why we have these bands of cloud. these weather fronts waiting in the atlantic to push into. the cold air is not too far away so we will keep a close eye on that. this evening, the heavy showers still with us in the north. the wind tends to turn towards the north as we go through the night. some heavy rain, potentially, pushing across the southern areas as well.

so, spray and standing water on the faster roots and more following behind. on the whole, a bit of cloud in the southern and western areas of england and wales and relatively mild but chilly. i think a chillier night elsewhere. we will pick up a few more frosts overnight in the coming a few nights. for thursday, the best of the brightness will be in the north, probably fewer showers than we have seen today. a little bit more sunshine coming through scotland, northern ireland, northern england. not as windy, except in the north with that cold northerly. in the south, i think quite a bit of cloud for many parts of england and wales,. uncertain how far it will come but it looks like the heaviest rain will be in the south. it would be quite grey and drizzly, hill fog elsewhere and just 809 celsius. so, just a little bit above average. then through thursday night into friday this weather front is always close by and it looks like we will see it something again heavier pushing its way into. as we head towards friday morning. that's a slow moving band of rain again, the concern with the ground saturation that we could see some localflooding, and it grinds to a halt then if we move through friday. the cold air starting to dig down from the north.

much milder and brighter towards the south. and where that cold air and that mild air meet, we could see some snow fall initially over the hills, possibly at lower levels as that low pressure system into christmas day starts to move away, and we get some wintery showers in. so, that cold air is they, that cold arctic air still with us. being in the blue doesn't mean we will see some snow but there is a chance the cold air will return southwards with time. so, if you want to keep up—to—date on the forecast where you are, of course, you can use the app. at the moment, though, it looks as if the coldest air is likely in the north and therefore the greatest chance of some snowfall. but there is uncertainty, so as ever, please do stay tuned to the forecast.

welcome you watching bbc news. we're new up—to—date with our main headline. on his first trip aboard

since russia invaded president zelensky is meeting joe biden in washington. the us has announced another package of military aid for ukraine, including a patriot missile defence system. meanwhile, president putin has said there is no limit to the amount of money russia will spend on its war in ukraine. he said the government was providing everything the army asked for. hundreds of young women in afghanistan have been stopped from entering university campuses by armed guards a day after the taliban banned them from higher education. the world health organization has said it's concerned about the surgeon covid infections in china, the who said it was helping beijing to focus on vaccinating people most at risk but called on the government to provide more information. you are watching bbc news without coming up now it is time for review 2022 the year in health. dominic hughes has the story of how the uk has continued to adapt in the wake of

covid. and how