this is bbc news. the headlines. msps in the scottish parliament have passed legislation making it easier for people to legally change their gender in scotland. the gender recognition reform scotland bill is passed. applause ambulance workers announce they will stage two further strikes. there are warnings of a challenging day for hospitals today after a quieter than normal time during yesterday's strikes. vladimir putin says

military aide to ukraine willjust prolong the war. we follow one soldier as he fights for his country on the frontlines of the war in ukraine. and we will keep fighting until the end, it is our land, it is our blood. prime minister rishi sunak appoints veteran banker sir laurie magnus as his new adviser on ministerial behaviour. railfares in england are to rise by nearly 6 % from next march — even though ministers have capped the rise at less than inflation. good afternoon. msps in the scottish parliament have passed a law making it easier

for people to legally change their gender in scotland. msps voted by 86 to 39 in holyrood for the gender recognition reform bill, making scotland the first part of the uk to approve such a system. the bill, set to come into force next year, will lower the minimum age at which people can apply for a gender recognition certificate from 18 to 16. the bill was brought before the parliament by socialjustice secretary shona robison. she spoke in the chamber before the vote. every party in this chamber except one made a clear commitment to the reforms set out in this bill. at the last scottish election and at the one before that it was all parties. members from all parties in this chamber voted to support the general principles of the bill at stage one. at this final stage, i urge all members to vote in favour of these important reforms and for the bill and i moved a motion in my name. this was the reaction in the parliament as the results of the vote were announced. the result of the vote on motion 7312 in the name of shona robinson...

yes — 86. no - 39. and there were no abstentions and the motion is therefore agreed, and the gender recognition reform scotland bill is passed. applause. reaction in holyrood, certainly by those who believe this legislation should be parsed and enshrined in now. i am joined should be parsed and enshrined in now. iamjoined by should be parsed and enshrined in now. i am joined by lauren morse, explain exactly what this law means.

hello. the bill is about changing the project —— make the process people _ the project —— make the process people go— the project —— make the process people go through in order to obtain a gender— people go through in order to obtain a gender recognition certificate which _ a gender recognition certificate which changes the legal sects on their— which changes the legal sects on their birth — which changes the legal sects on their birth certificate. before we -et their birth certificate. before we get into— their birth certificate. before we get into the changes it is important to know_ get into the changes it is important to know what that means. it means you update — to know what that means. it means you update the birth certificate and you update the birth certificate and you enable people to get married or enter— you enable people to get married or enter civii— you enable people to get married or enter civil partnerships under what they are _ enter civil partnerships under what they are recognised gender is. it changes— they are recognised gender is. it changes things for tax purposes in some _ changes things for tax purposes in some cases and it changes a death certificate — some cases and it changes a death certificate so without one of these certificates, people can already change — certificates, people can already change their passport or driving licence and such as toilet spaces and things like that— such as toilet spaces and things like that but that is not what this is about — like that but that is not what this is about. the bill in scotland specifically for scottish nationals and people classed as ordinarily

residing — and people classed as ordinarily residing in scotland is make it an easier— residing in scotland is make it an easier process for them to obtain a gemier— easier process for them to obtain a gender recognition certificate. it will mean — gender recognition certificate. it will mean people no longer have to be 18, _ will mean people no longer have to be 18, they— will mean people no longer have to be 18, they can be 16 if they want to apply — be 18, they can be 16 if they want to apply. there is no requirement for a _ to apply. there is no requirement for a medical diagnosis and that is the medical condition, the sense of unease _ the medical condition, the sense of unease a _ the medical condition, the sense of unease a person feels when their gender— unease a person feels when their gender identity does not match their biological— gender identity does not match their biological sects. scotland will no longer _ biological sects. scotland will no longer have that in place. they will not be _ longer have that in place. they will not be required to live in that gender— not be required to live in that gender for two years, it will be six months _ gender for two years, it will be six months and — gender for two years, it will be six months and there will be a three—month reflection period before it becomes _ three—month reflection period before it becomes final. to give you an idea _ it becomes final. to give you an idea of— it becomes final. to give you an idea of the _ it becomes final. to give you an idea of the numbers in of certificates,, at the minute around 30 are _ certificates,, at the minute around 30 are issued every year. it is estimated _ 30 are issued every year. it is estimated there will be a tenfold

increase. — estimated there will be a tenfold increase, 250 up to 300, similar numbers— increase, 250 up to 300, similar numbers to _ increase, 250 up to 300, similar numbers to the republic of ireland which _ numbers to the republic of ireland which introduced a similar system in 2015 _ which introduced a similar system in 2015. ., , , which introduced a similar system in 2015. . y , ., 2015. really interesting, what has been the main _ 2015. really interesting, what has been the main criticism _ 2015. really interesting, what has been the main criticism of - 2015. really interesting, what has been the main criticism of the - been the main criticism of the change? been the main criticism of the chance? . , , ., been the main criticism of the chance? . , , ., change? the clip you played earlier, ou could change? the clip you played earlier, you could hear _ change? the clip you played earlier, you could hear the _ change? the clip you played earlier, you could hear the huge _ change? the clip you played earlier, you could hear the huge round - change? the clip you played earlier, you could hear the huge round of. you could hear the huge round of applause — you could hear the huge round of applause in the chamber but also before _ applause in the chamber but also before that, there were some unhappy people _ before that, there were some unhappy people and _ before that, there were some unhappy people and parliament had to be suspended because some people in the public gallery were not happy with the bill— public gallery were not happy with the bill going through and shouting out things like shame on you. this is something we have seen outside parliament — is something we have seen outside parliament in the last few days, played — parliament in the last few days, played out loudly on social media and that— played out loudly on social media and that has been hours of debate, 150 amendments debated in the scottish— 150 amendments debated in the scottish parliament over the last two days — scottish parliament over the last two days into the early hours of the morning _ two days into the early hours of the morning about this. specifically how it could _ morning about this. specifically how it could interact with the equality

act. scottish ministers and nicola sturgeon — act. scottish ministers and nicola sturgeon in particular say it does not affect— sturgeon in particular say it does not affect that at all, trans rights do not _ not affect that at all, trans rights do not impact on women's groups —— women's _ do not impact on women's groups —— women's rights but certain groups, jk women's rights but certain groups, jk rowling — women's rights but certain groups, jk rowling for example, say they are concerned _ jk rowling for example, say they are concerned that this legislation could — concerned that this legislation could give more rights to people who identify— could give more rights to people who identify as _ could give more rights to people who identify as a different gender, change — identify as a different gender, change the legal sex, without having protections in place for women in single _ protections in place for women in single sex— protections in place for women in single sex leases. this is strongly contested — single sex leases. this is strongly contested by the scottish government. even experts in the un cannot— government. even experts in the un cannot agree on this. one expert said she — cannot agree on this. one expert said she was concerned about the ease _ said she was concerned about the ease for— said she was concerned about the ease for people to change their sex could _ ease for people to change their sex could open— ease for people to change their sex could open the door to offenders to manipulate the system, or violent men i _ manipulate the system, or violent men i think— manipulate the system, or violent men i think she said. and another un expert—

men i think she said. and another un expert said _ men i think she said. and another un expert said changing identity could be just— expert said changing identity could be just a _ expert said changing identity could be just a fundamental right that people — be just a fundamental right that people have. —— changing gender identity — people have. —— changing gender identity. there is a lot of noise about— identity. there is a lot of noise about what it will centre on is how the act _ about what it will centre on is how the act changes in scotland and how it will— the act changes in scotland and how it will interact with the equality act. it will interact with the equality act~ it— it will interact with the equality act. it gets confusing because there are protected characteristics and gender— are protected characteristics and gender reassignment and sex. this will allow— gender reassignment and sex. this will allow people to more quickly change _ will allow people to more quickly change their legal sex and there are concerns— change their legal sex and there are concerns it — change their legal sex and there are concerns it will allow people to have _ concerns it will allow people to have greater access to single six spaces _ have greater access to single six spaces but as was stipulated in the scottish— spaces but as was stipulated in the scottish parliament today there are provisions— scottish parliament today there are provisions under the equality act which _ provisions under the equality act which. that happening if there is reasonable reasons, proportionate reasons _ reasonable reasons, proportionate reasons to — reasonable reasons, proportionate reasons to exclude people from those spaces _ reasons to exclude people from those spaces so _ reasons to exclude people from those spaces so for example, just because somebody— spaces so for example, just because somebody has a gender recognition certificate _ somebody has a gender recognition certificate it does not mean automatically they can maintain

access— automatically they can maintain access into a single six space like access into a single six space like a domestic— access into a single six space like a domestic refuge from violence. we do not _ a domestic refuge from violence. we do not know— a domestic refuge from violence. we do not know until —— how this will play— do not know until —— how this will play out _ do not know until —— how this will play out until this bill comes into action _ play out until this bill comes into action. there is a lot of questions around _ action. there is a lot of questions around this— action. there is a lot of questions around this one.— action. there is a lot of questions around this one. briefly, what are the implications _ around this one. briefly, what are the implications for _ around this one. briefly, what are the implications for england - around this one. briefly, what are the implications for england and i the implications for england and other parts of the uk?— the implications for england and other parts of the uk? there are still many _ other parts of the uk? there are still many more _ other parts of the uk? there are still many more questions - other parts of the uk? there are still many more questions than i still many more questions than answers— still many more questions than answers at the moment. just because this bill— answers at the moment. just because this bill has— answers at the moment. just because this bill has been voted through, the next — this bill has been voted through, the next month and what happens after christmas will be interesting. there _ after christmas will be interesting. there is— after christmas will be interesting. there is a — after christmas will be interesting. there is a month before it received royal— there is a month before it received royal assent in scotland and the uk government could do a number of things— government could do a number of things like — government could do a number of things like accepting these certificates elsewhere in the uk are more _ certificates elsewhere in the uk are more likely, within minutes of the bill passing, the secretary of state for scotland said they shared many of the _ for scotland said they shared many of the concerns that women's groups have over— of the concerns that women's groups have over this and are considering a number— have over this and are considering a number of— have over this and are considering a number of concerns to block this ref -- this— number of concerns to block this ref

—— this legislation going through, a section— —— this legislation going through, a section order to stop it going through— section order to stop it going through for instance, scotland does not have _ through for instance, scotland does not have the right to interfere with this. not have the right to interfere with this if— not have the right to interfere with this ifthat— not have the right to interfere with this. if that happens, this will be the first— this. if that happens, this will be the first time that has happened to my understanding which will be a strong _ my understanding which will be a strong split between the nations of the united kingdom. they have a month— the united kingdom. they have a month to — the united kingdom. they have a month to do that and after new year they have _ month to do that and after new year they have a — month to do that and after new year they have a month to decide if they will accept — they have a month to decide if they will accept the gender recognition certificate in england, wales and northern— certificate in england, wales and northern ireland. it will be interesting to see how this place out. interesting to see how this place out it— interesting to see how this place out. , ., ., , ., ,, out. it is not over yet. thank you very much- _ let's go live now to our scotland correspondent, james shaw who's inside the scottish parliament at holyrood . nicola sturgeon suggested this legislation six years ago, it follows two of the largest public consultations on the history of the scottish parliament. this is a

personal victory for her in many ways? personal victory for her in many wa s? , , , personal victory for her in many was? ,, , ., ways? yes, she said she was proud of this legislation _ ways? yes, she said she was proud of this legislation because _ ways? yes, she said she was proud of this legislation because she _ this legislation because she believed it would spread equality in scotland so in a sense it is the end of a journey, the end of that six year journey and there of a journey, the end of that six yearjourney and there have been some bumps along the way in that road, most —— not least the embarrassing debates we have had over the last few days in scotland. you are right in terms of how nicola sturgeon and the supporters of the legislation view it. if you can hear background noise at the moment, that is members of the scottish green party and their supporters celebrating because the aftermath of this vote was really interesting. we saw a former snp minister who was a strong opponent of the bill leaving by herself earlier, walking down this corridor onto the street and shortly after, supporters of the bill came down those stairs with

rainbow flags, really celebrating this moment which they say is very important, the first part of the united kingdom to vote through self identification of transgender people so it is an extraordinarily mixed story. on the one hand you have celebrations and on the other you have those people really worried about this bill, disappointed and as she put it as she left the chamber, a shame for the scottish parliament. we will leave it there, thank you. prime minister rishi sunak appoints veteran banker sir laurie magnus as his new adviser on ministerial behaviour.

thank you forjoining us. apologies for thejumper, thank you forjoining us. apologies forthejumper, it thank you forjoining us. apologies for thejumper, it is thank you forjoining us. apologies for the jumper, it is christmas. thank you forjoining us. apologies for thejumper, it is christmas. i forthejumper, it is christmas. i wish i could have worn one, we could have been matching. what do you make of this appointment? taste have been matching. what do you make of this appointment?— of this appointment? we were selling calendars for — of this appointment? we were selling calendars for a _ of this appointment? we were selling calendars for a charity _ of this appointment? we were selling calendars for a charity this _ of this appointment? we were selling calendars for a charity this morning i calendars for a charity this morning in the co—op and i do not think any of the people i saw today is the kind of person gets by the government to be the ethics adviser. i am sure he is a very nice person, sir laurie magnus, a0 years working in the city, a baronet, eton, oxford, all that kind of stuff. i am sure he would a magnificentjob but the real problem is the process is bust because he has taken the job on

the old prospectus which is the prospectus that lord geidt had to resign over because it does not allow the adviser on the ministerial interest to start an investigation unless the prime minister says yes. that has always been the problem with successive prime ministers, david cameron, theresa may, and borisjohnson of course. if the independent adviser on the ministerial code cannot say, prime minister i want to start an investigation because something is not right, it means the prime minister asjudge and jury not right, it means the prime minister as judge and jury in not right, it means the prime minister asjudge and jury in his own court and i do not think that right —— that works. every committee and has a common has been arguing that they should be a fully independent process with statutory powers. the real question is does sir laurie magnus know how to investigate? has he ever investigated anybody let alone somebody in a high—profile job such

as the dominic raab investigation which might come to him and there are two other outstanding investigations. when are we going to see a full list of ministerial interest? the last list... you would think every member of the comet should be able to go online and find out about the secretary of state or minister making decisions about opening a mine, what personal interest do they have? it is not published until may. it should be updated every week. we should not have to wait months to find out what is influencing a ministerial decision. i know rishi sunak said he wanted to get this sorted as soon as possible, it is taking him quite a long time because as i understand it, a lot of people turned the job down. i wish sir laurie magnus well and want to work with them because

ministers are members of the house of commons but ijust worry ministers are members of the house of commons but i just worry that the system is still broken.— system is still broken. right. do ou system is still broken. right. do you believe _ system is still broken. right. do you believe there _ system is still broken. right. do you believe there is _ system is still broken. right. do you believe there is any - system is still broken. right. do you believe there is any prime i you believe there is any prime minister who would independently allow an investigation into potential wrongdoing outside his or her purview? yes. did you really think rishi sunak would do that? sorry, no, idid think rishi sunak would do that? sorry, no, i did not think he was going to do that, he was out there for months watching the nonsense going on under borisjohnson. i am really fond of priti patel, we get on very well. but, the independent adviser investigating, forced the prime minister to agree to an investigation. there was an investigation. there was an investigation and at the end of that, the prime minister decided to bin it. as i understand it, if what

the independent adviser had decided about the conduct of priti patel as about the conduct of priti patel as a minister had happened in parliamentary processes, it would have gone through a much stricter process. i am certain about us and i have spoken to kier starmer, he will introduce a fully independent adviser on the ministerial code and thatis adviser on the ministerial code and that is what we need. interestingly, people used to work for theresa may are saying it is much better to have are saying it is much better to have a fully independent system which also needs to address the issue of ministers when they stop, they cannot just ministers when they stop, they cannotjust go off into jobs with knowledge they have just acquired as a minister. that also needs to be put on a statutory basis. so a minister. that also needs to be put on a statutory basis.- put on a statutory basis. so you have talked _ put on a statutory basis. so you have talked to _ put on a statutory basis. so you have talked to sir _ put on a statutory basis. so you have talked to sir keir - put on a statutory basis. so you have talked to sir keir starmerl have talked to sir keir starmer about this and it is public knowledge that he will have an independent adviser if he becomes prime minister and that is still a long way to go before that but if he

becomes prime minister, he will have an independent head of ethics that will be able to launch an investigation into potential wrongdoing?— investigation into potential wronaudoin? ., ., , wrongdoing? you are terrifying me that i wrongdoing? you are terrifying me that i might _ wrongdoing? you are terrifying me that i might have _ wrongdoing? you are terrifying me that i might have said _ wrongdoing? you are terrifying me that i might have said something l wrongdoing? you are terrifying me l that i might have said something out of order. a, , ., ., _ of order. maybe i got dazzled by our of order. maybe i got dazzled by yourjumper- — of order. maybe i got dazzled by yourjumper- l— of order. maybe i got dazzled by yourjumper. i thought - of order. maybe i got dazzled by yourjumper. i thought that - of order. maybe i got dazzled by yourjumper. i thought that is i of order. maybe i got dazzled by i yourjumper. i thought that is what yourjumper. i thought that is what you said. it yourjumper. i thought that is what ou said. . . , yourjumper. i thought that is what ou said. . ., , , yourjumper. i thought that is what ousaid. . ., , , ., you said. it certainly is what i said but i _ you said. it certainly is what i said but i am _ you said. it certainly is what i said but i am wondering - you said. it certainly is what i said but i am wondering if. you said. it certainly is what i said but i am wondering if i i you said. it certainly is what i - said but i am wondering ifi strayed said but i am wondering if i strayed too far. it is certainly the understanding i have of what kier starmer intends to do. after gordon brown's initial work... so starmer intends to do. after gordon brown's initial work. . ._ brown's initialwork... so he has not confirmed _ brown's initialwork... so he has not confirmed that? _ brown's initialwork... so he has not confirmed that? my - brown's initialwork... so he has- not confirmed that? my understanding from that conversation _ not confirmed that? my understanding from that conversation is _ not confirmed that? my understanding from that conversation is what - not confirmed that? my understanding from that conversation is what he - not confirmed that? my understanding from that conversation is what he is i from that conversation is what he is intending to do. i am probably about to be hung drawn and quartered now. no one will do that to you with that jumper on. it is not possible. even

if he has an independent ethics adviser, which you have indicated is potentially the case, which he still be the final arbiter on this issue? what i thought borisjohnson should have done in the priti patel case, again i say i like priti patel and lots of people disagree, he should have had the report and said i am publishing the report, you have found that is bullying and i have decided the following sanction is appropriate, i still have trust in her. so he received the report, it is an independent investigation and recommended sanctions and in the end the prime minister decides whether to go forward with it or not. but then the prime minister bears that scar on their back, that is the important point. when the independent investigator is not allowed to launch an investigation into the prime minister themselves

which is part of what led to lord geidt resigning, you have this... to quote abba, it is what i call the winner takes it all attitude to british pop —— politics. if you are prime minister you can do anything. we don't have enough checks and balances on the prime minister, we need more, it should be on a statutory basis and be fully independent and work closely with the standards committee in the house of commons. we agreed a new code of conduct for members last week. if you are about to set me off, can i say one thing? i thought you were reporting from kyiv earlier this year was absolutely outstanding and i am enormously grateful to you and manyjournalists i am enormously grateful to you and many journalists around i am enormously grateful to you and manyjournalists around the world who have taken great steps to make sure we get to hear the truth. that is very kind — sure we get to hear the truth. that is very kind of _ sure we get to hear the truth. that is very kind of you, _ sure we get to hear the truth. that is very kind of you, chris bryant,

thank you very much for that and i am sure the team out there in ukraine will be very pleased to say that so thank you very much indeed for that. we are still waiting for kier starmer�*s statement on his ethics adviser and whether he will be independent but we shall see. thank you very much indeed. and given yourjumper, merry christmas. and a very merry christmas to you as well. , �* , . ~ ambulance leaders that it respects a return to very high demand. latest figures for last week showed thousands of ambulances, one in four waited for an hour outside hospitals

to drop off patients, the worst figures in a decade and we have breaking news in relation to that because the union unison says it will stage two further strikes on january the 11th and 23rd. that is in that dispute over pay and staffing, that using the last couple of minutes. let us get the very latest from our correspondent. the day after the strike it is back to normal outside this accident and emergency unit. the normal outside this accident and emergency unit.— normal outside this accident and emergency unit. the strikes went on but i was within _ emergency unit. the strikes went on but i was within walking _ emergency unit. the strikes went on but i was within walking distance - emergency unit. the strikes went on but i was within walking distance so | but i was within walking distance so i but i was within walking distance so i managed — but i was within walking distance so i managed to hobble here. 20 but i was within walking distance so i managed to hobble here.- i managed to hobble here. 20 for ercent, i managed to hobble here. 20 for percent. that _ i managed to hobble here. 20 for percent, that is _ i managed to hobble here. 20 for percent, that is more _ i managed to hobble here. 20 for percent, that is more than - i managed to hobble here. 20 for| percent, that is more than 16,000 emergency ambulances waited for more than an hour before the unloaded passengers last week. yesterday's walk—out was the first in three decades, people were urged to only dial 999 if it was life threatening.

it seems they listened. it dial 999 if it was life threatening. it seems they listened.— dial 999 if it was life threatening. it seems they listened. it has been ve bus it seems they listened. it has been very busy the _ it seems they listened. it has been very busy the last _ it seems they listened. it has been very busy the last week _ it seems they listened. it has been very busy the last week or - it seems they listened. it has been very busy the last week or so, - it seems they listened. it has been very busy the last week or so, up l very busy the last week or so, up 20%_ very busy the last week or so, up 20% here — very busy the last week or so, up 20% here on _ very busy the last week or so, up 20% here on this time last year but yesterday— 20% here on this time last year but yesterday was quieter, demand was kinder— yesterday was quieter, demand was kinder to— yesterday was quieter, demand was kinder to us yesterday was quieter, demand was kinderto us and yesterday was quieter, demand was kinder to us and it is possible of course — kinder to us and it is possible of course that— kinder to us and it is possible of course that communities across wales have listened to the advice and sought — have listened to the advice and sought health care advice and other places _ sought health care advice and other laces. . ., . ., sought health care advice and other laces. _, . ., ., sought health care advice and other laces. . ., . ., ., ., places. the concern now and heading into the weekend _ places. the concern now and heading into the weekend is _ places. the concern now and heading into the weekend is of— places. the concern now and heading into the weekend is of a _ places. the concern now and heading into the weekend is of a league - into the weekend is of a league search. ~ ~' ., into the weekend is of a league search. ~ ,, ., , ,, search. we know the pressure will mind over the _ search. we know the pressure will mind over the next _ search. we know the pressure will mind over the next couple - search. we know the pressure will mind over the next couple of - search. we know the pressure will mind over the next couple of days| mind over the next couple of days because there is very likely to be some knock—on impacts including those people who did not come forward for treatment over the past couple of days and also rescheduling operations and outpatient appointments that could not take place during the strike days. hopes for a resolution though are nowhere to be found. some ambulance workers are due

out again next week. tomorrow, the rcn is expected to announce further strike dates by nurses. all that as these new nhs figures suggest a system buckling, turning to uniforms not usually seen on hospital forecourts. it's a shortage of beds and increased demand that seems to be behind thejump in ambulance delays. the hour—long wait figures are the highest of any recent winter. robin brant, bbc news. more than a million uk households with pre—payment energy metres failed to claim monthly energy support vouchers during the cold snap earlier this month. all households in britain are entitled to £a00 from the government's energy support scheme, with around 2 million customers receiving vouchers. energy suppliers say postal strikes may have caused delays and have said they will improve processes. i'm joined now by matt copeland, head of policy and public affairs at national energy action. thank you for being with us. the

suggestion all these people are missing out on help is pretty dire, isn't it? ,., ., , , , isn't it? good evening, yes, it is extremely _ isn't it? good evening, yes, it is extremely worrying. _ isn't it? good evening, yes, it is| extremely worrying. prepayment isn't it? good evening, yes, it is - extremely worrying. prepayment users are often the most vulnerable in society. a month ago we could believe that... people waiting for the colder weather but the cold snap we have had over the past few weeks means these low retention rates are worrying. it means people are not being able to access what they need. what is the way around us, is there any way this work could be offered rather than through the post which has been affected potentially by strike action?— strike action? yes, the post is definitely _ strike action? yes, the post is definitely a — strike action? yes, the post is definitely a worry _ strike action? yes, the post is definitely a worry but - strike action? yes, the post is definitely a worry but there i strike action? yes, the post is| definitely a worry but there are other things going on as well. we think so we are asking for energy suppliers and the energy regulator to look at this and do four things.

look at our supplier by supplier basis on redemption rates to see if there are differences. then once we know the differences, identify the barriers whether it is the postal system or something else. for example people's contact details might not be up—to—date which could cause difficulties. thirdly once we understand the barriers, break them down so going out to those households and getting them to update their contact details. fourthly we are aware there is a lack of awareness in households that the scheme exists so government regulators are trying to raise awareness and the prepaid community to make sure they can access the support they are due. 50 to make sure they can access the support they are due.— to make sure they can access the support they are due. so there are --eole support they are due. so there are people out — support they are due. so there are people out there _ support they are due. so there are people out there in _ support they are due. so there are people out there in desperate - support they are due. so there are| people out there in desperate need to did not know this facility was available? , ., , ,., , , to did not know this facility was available? , ., , , , , available? yes, absolutely. this is for a number _ available? yes, absolutely. this is for a number of _ available? yes, absolutely. this is for a number of reasons. -

available? yes, absolutely. this is for a number of reasons. prepaid l for a number of reasons. prepaid users are often disconnected from the energy market. their relationship might be with the post office or where they top up and they might not be aware this is available so it is important we get the message out there, whether it is energy suppliers promoting orjust family and friends, if you know someone have a chat with them and make sure they are aware.— someone have a chat with them and make sure they are aware. winter has barely begun. — make sure they are aware. winter has barely begun. do _ make sure they are aware. winter has barely begun, do you _ make sure they are aware. winter has barely begun, do you potentially - make sure they are aware. winter has barely begun, do you potentially see l barely begun, do you potentially see week a further problems the line in relation all this? i week a further problems the line in relation all this?— relation all this? i really hope not, i relation all this? i really hope not. i hope — relation all this? i really hope not, i hope the _ relation all this? i really hope not, i hope the action - relation all this? i really hope not, i hope the action taken l relation all this? i really hope. not, i hope the action taken on relation all this? i really hope - not, i hope the action taken on the back of the letter we have written to suppliers and the government this week but i am worried that those who are really struggling this winter, primarily prepaid users so if they cannot afford to pay, that is a real worry when it gets really cold. riff worry when it gets really cold. of course. thank you forjoining us. much more coming

up up but stay with us, the weather now. hello there has been a damp day for many of us today. another band of rain coming into the south—west tomorrow. a lot of cloud for england and wales, mist and fog patches showers in scotland and the risk of icy patches, quite cold. furthersouth, temperatures higher where we have a badge of courage. in the south—west, that moves north and east into england and wales and that either northern ireland in the afternoon. following that wet weather could be heavy for a time, we will have some sunshine, plus three in the south—west. mild here with temperatures in double figures. to the north it will be a cold day in scotland. that band of wet weather will continue to move north overnight into christmas eve bringing snow over the hills north of the central belt. following that, some sunshine and showers and a southerly wind which will leave us all in mild weatherfor

southerly wind which will leave us all in mild weather for christmas day. scotla nd scotland becomes the first part of the uk to approve a self identification system for those who want to change their gender. workers for the ambulance union announced they will stage two further strikes in january the 11th and 23rd. injanuary the 11th and 23rd. vladimir putin in january the 11th and 23rd. vladimir putin says military injanuary the 11th and 23rd. vladimir putin says military aid to the ukraine will prolong the war as the ukraine will prolong the war as the us seeks to provide a missile defence system. prime minister, rishi sunak, appoints the banker as his new adviser on ministerial behaviour. railfares in england are to rise by nearly 6% from next march even though ministers have capped the rise below the rate of inflation.

time for a sports round—up. just over a couple of hours to go now until kick off at the etihad stadium until manchester city and liverpool meet will stop it's both sides' first games after the world cup with city's players having more than double the minutes of liverpool's in qatar. both clubs will want the drama to stay there as tensions have risen and spilled off the field in recent seasons. so much so that the two have written a joint letter to fans ahead of the game, calling for an end to unacceptable behaviours. of course we want to be good. the players, the managers, everyone the spectators, but sometimes emotions and many things happen, and the people cannot behave like normal, like ice cold when you are disallowed add goal. the two clubs are looking forward, they make a statement, they are co—operating together so i think more you cannot do, how i say, rivalry, motion but with respect, and, inside that,

shout as loud as you can be, be a real support, and, both clubs can do _ that, so, and that makes a top show of these games. brazilian legend pele is to remain in hospital over the festive period as doctors continue to monitor his condition with his cancer having advanced. the 82—year—old — regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time — has been in hospital since the start of the month. last year, he had a tumour removed from his colon and has undergone regular treatment since. the hospital said he requires greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions because of the "cancer progression." england pacemanjofra archer is in line for his first international appearance in nearly two years after being included in their one—day squad to tour south africa early in 2023. the sussex seamer has been plagued by elbow and back injuries and hasn't played for england since march 2021. liam livingstone misses out through injury, mark wood has been rested whilstjoe root will play in the uae t20 league after being left out.

italy prop cherif traore has accepted an apology from benetton team—mates after he was given a rotten banana during the club's secret santa. in a social media post traore — who is black — revealed the present from an anonymous colleague drew laughterfrom other squad members. the club has made no mention of an investigation into traore's claim. urc have asked benetton what meaningful action will be taken as a result. this is a beautiful sport and it has been tarnished by things that need to be eradicated, that should not be relevant whatsoever, for too long we have been passive and been outraged a racism in sport, then we are moved on, we have to resist that urge now to move on. to stay on the course and we immediate to stop behaviour like this from continuing, frankly, because it is sickening.

the final day of the battle of the brits tennis between england and scotland. scotland have it all to do after england won the early doubles, dan evans and andy murray went the distance in their singles, murray recovering from a set loss but recovering from a set loss but recovering for the title. england need 5—1, andy murray will return with brotherjamie in the doubles. you are up to date. lots more on the website, and why notjoin hugh ferris. stay at 6:30pm. let's get more reaction now to the news that the scottish parliament has passed a law making it easier for people to legally change their gender in scotland. scotland is the first part of the uk to approve such a system. the bill, set to come into force next year, will lower the minimum age

at which people can apply for a gender recognition certificate from 18 to 16. joining me now to talk about this is the scottish greens msp for north east scotland, maggie chapman, and maren smith. it's great to see you both. thanks forjoining us. maggie, you are quoted as saying you are delighted to have finally passed this legislation, transit rights are human rights and you are proud that parliament has decided to bring scotland in line with international practice and this is a small but significant change. this is a significant change. this is a significant change. this is a significant change isn't it? it significant change isn't it? it might feel like a big change for some but we know that we have got a long way to go to ensure the rights of trans people and also the rights of trans people and also the rights of the wider lgbtqia plus community are respected in all aspects of

life. this is about the administrative process of changing the six marker on one's birth certificate. the overwhelming majority means that trans people will be able to, by process of self declaration, make a formal statutory declaration, make a formal statutory declaration able to change their six wind marker on them certificate. in some ways, that is a very small change to make. we have got a lot to do to ensure that we ban what our horrendous practices that are called conversion practices and, yes, this is a small step. it is not the end of the road by any means. married, ou of the road by any means. married, you provided _ of the road by any means. married, you provided written _ of the road by any means. married, you provided written evidence - of the road by any means. married, | you provided written evidence about survivors of sexual violence, self excluding in scotland. tell us about that and why you felt that was important in this debate. it’s

important in this debate. it's important — important in this debate. it's important in _ important in this debate. it's important in this debate. it's important in this debate. it's important in this debate because we haven't— important in this debate because we haven't heard enough from the women who are _ haven't heard enough from the women who are actually harmed by practices that will— who are actually harmed by practices that will turn female only spaces and services especially those for survivors, — and services especially those for survivors, but actually most women's and girls— survivors, but actually most women's and girls need our turn into mixed six environments. some women and -irls six environments. some women and girls will— six environments. some women and girls will have no choice but to exclude — girls will have no choice but to exclude from the services out of a self—defence mechanism. the committee was asked to talk to survivors— committee was asked to talk to survivors and refused saying it had no time _ survivors and refused saying it had no time. instead, it offered to read the written — no time. instead, it offered to read the written evidence we wanted to provide _ the written evidence we wanted to provide which is what we did. our group, _ provide which is what we did. our group, a — provide which is what we did. our group, a group of survivors, who has been _ group, a group of survivors, who has been compelled to self exclude from services _ been compelled to self exclude from services in _ been compelled to self exclude from services in scotland. this has been going _ services in scotland. this has been going on— services in scotland. this has been going on for— services in scotland. this has been going on for eight years now and we provided _ going on for eight years now and we provided a _ going on for eight years now and we provided a lot of evidence to the committee explaining why and how

survivors _ committee explaining why and how survivors are compelled to self exclude — survivors are compelled to self exclude. ,, , , . , ., exclude. single six wind spaces are auoin to exclude. single six wind spaces are going to become — exclude. single six wind spaces are going to become a _ exclude. single six wind spaces are going to become a free _ exclude. single six wind spaces are going to become a free for- exclude. single six wind spaces are going to become a free for all, - exclude. single six wind spaces arej going to become a free for all, that is the suggestion and in fact that is the suggestion and in fact that is not true. we is the suggestion and in fact that is rrot true-— is the suggestion and in fact that is not true. ~ ,, ., . , ., is not true. we know centres have been trans — is not true. we know centres have been trans inclusive _ is not true. we know centres have been trans inclusive for _ is not true. we know centres have been trans inclusive for over - is not true. we know centres have been trans inclusive for over a - been trans inclusive for over a decade. the gender recognition act that recognises what we passed today, that was passed in 200a. it is 18 years old. this idea that this is 18 years old. this idea that this is something new, something radical, something big and different isjust not true. trans people have been able to get a certificate for 18 years by the legislation was passed in 200a. the reforms were passed today make it by process of self identification and also enable younger people, 16 and 17—year—olds to do that. on the specific of

crisis centres, women's refuges and that sort of thing, as i have said, these centres across scotland have been trans inclusionary for over a decade. we also know that many crisis centres support people of all genders, notjust women. we know men suffer sexual violence and so do non—binary people. these crisis centres provide crisis sexual violence crisis support for all survivors. so violence crisis support for all survivors-— violence crisis support for all survivors. , , �* ., , survivors. so this isn't anything new? it survivors. so this isn't anything new? it might _ survivors. so this isn't anything new? it might not _ survivors. so this isn't anything new? it might not be _ survivors. so this isn't anything new? it might not be new, - survivors. so this isn't anything new? it might not be new, but| survivors. so this isn't anything i new? it might not be new, but as survivors. so this isn't anything - new? it might not be new, but as we found in our— new? it might not be new, but as we found in our support _ new? it might not be new, but as we found in our support today, - new? it might not be new, but as we found in our support today, there - found in our support today, there are substantial differences in trans inclusive _ are substantial differences in trans inclusive policies. you can offer parallel— inclusive policies. you can offer parallel services that will meet the needs— parallel services that will meet the needs of— parallel services that will meet the needs of all survivors or you can mix them — needs of all survivors or you can mix them if— needs of all survivors or you can mix them. if you bring male survivors— mix them. if you bring male survivors into the female only therapeutic environment, many female survivors— therapeutic environment, many female survivors will not be able to deal

with recovering from their trauma in these _ with recovering from their trauma in these situations. i understand that these situations. i understand that the official— these situations. i understand that the official position is that there are no— the official position is that there are no problems, which is why we provided — are no problems, which is why we provided the report with 60 pages worth— provided the report with 60 pages worth of— provided the report with 60 pages worth of evidence of the lived experience of our members and others are having _ experience of our members and others are having to— experience of our members and others are having to self exclude from the services _ are having to self exclude from the services. we explained our experience in trying to talk to rape crisis _ experience in trying to talk to rape crisis scotland in raising our concerns _ crisis scotland in raising our concerns. it is available on the websites— concerns. it is available on the websites that was responsible for this bill, — websites that was responsible for this bill, anyone can download it, it is published there and you can check— it is published there and you can check for— it is published there and you can check for yourself what we are talking — check for yourself what we are talking about here, not a theoretical problem. yes, it may not be new. _ theoretical problem. yes, it may not be new. as _ theoretical problem. yes, it may not be new, as we say, we have been having _ be new, as we say, we have been having this — be new, as we say, we have been having this issue for eight years and we — having this issue for eight years and we have been trying to raise our concerns— and we have been trying to raise our concerns for — and we have been trying to raise our concerns for eight years. but as long _ concerns for eight years. but as long as — concerns for eight years. but as long as we _ concerns for eight years. but as long as we are brushed aside and we are told _ long as we are brushed aside and we are told that there are no problems, it doesn't— are told that there are no problems, it doesn't matter if it is a new or an old _ it doesn't matter if it is a new or an old problem, if we are ignoring

it it is _ an old problem, if we are ignoring it it is never— an old problem, if we are ignoring it it is never going to be sold. we are abandoning some of our most vulnerable — are abandoning some of our most vulnerable women and girls for what? very briefly, maggie, your response? i think what that response fundamentally misunderstand is the process that actually happens in rape crisis centres and others. cross talk people don't walk into a free for all where there are lots of people, you get met at the door and taken into private spaces. i think it's really important to make that point, sorry to press this point, but we know that this legislation is about ensuring trans people get the rights that most of us take for granted, that most of us take for granted, that legal recognition of who they are. that is what that legislation is about. ., ., .,

are. that is what that legislation isabout. ., ., ., ., is about. you have that already. sor , i is about. you have that already. sorry. i can _ is about. you have that already. sorry. i can see _ is about. you have that already. sorry, i can see you _ is about. you have that already. sorry, i can see you shaking - is about. you have that already. | sorry, i can see you shaking your head there, there is clearly a reason why there are 150 amendments to this legislation and why it has taken six years. one suspects that you will both continue to lobby and push. taste you will both continue to lobby and ush. ~ ., you will both continue to lobby and push-_ thank _ you will both continue to lobby and push-_ thank you - you will both continue to lobby and push._ thank you very | push. we will not. thank you very much indeed _ push. we will not. thank you very much indeed for _ push. we will not. thank you very much indeed forjoining _ push. we will not. thank you very much indeed forjoining us. - push. we will not. thank you very much indeed forjoining us. just i push. we will not. thank you very much indeed forjoining us. just a | much indeed forjoining us. just a flavour of the intense debate concerning this legislation. let's get more now on the war in ukraine. it's ten months now since russian forces launched their attack on the country, and since the initial invasion, ukrainian troops have managed to recapture some of the territory held by russia. but families across the country are without power because of the attacks, while others have lost loved ones in the conflict. our correspondent, quentin sommerville, and camera—journalist, darren conway, have been to an undisclosed location near kupyiansk, in the country's east, where the fighting continues amid appalling winter conditions. when the enemy is on your doorstep,

sacrifices must be made. this is home for a platoon from ukraine's 92nd brigade. they have a few small rooms in an abandoned house. they're crammed in. meals are eaten standing up. not that senior lieutenant, eugene grabowski, gets to spend much time here. he's had only 2 hours sleep, but again needs to head out to the front. there's a russian counterattack under way. this war has shaken the world and ukraine, but the 22—year—old lieutenant hasn't wavered. he's been fighting since the war�*s very beginning, when his army veteran father was killed on the first day of the invasion. he didn't falter.

this was nine months ago, when i first met eugene at the start of a conflict that would transform him and his country. he just recently graduated. he and ukraine were ill prepared. today, eugene and his country bear the scars of lessons learned. there have been a lot of casualties in this war. you've lost a lot of people. do you fear death? the person who is not afraid is already dead. if you meet death with open arms, it will avoid you because death loves the brave. that's why i don't think about death. i only think about life. the lives of my comrades and the lives of those in my unit. these are the men who have eugene's back. we stand at the ready in this winter

wasteland exposed to russian firepower and the elements. they're trying to hold a russian breakthrough. there's hardly any cover here. so they move as fast as the cold allows, knowing that russian guns will soon find them. the enemy's positions are being hit by fire. they're trying to advance. but our artillery is helping our infantry with a counteroffensive. and we will keep fighting until the end. it's our land. it's our blood. time is up. the russians are targeting them. let's go. their aim for now is off, but it's closing in. artillery strikes a nearby tree line. eugene's comrades hit the trenches.

there's fierce fighting up ahead. the ukrainians have taken a lot of ground here. but for all the sophisticated weaponry and all the ammunition. this is what it comes down to in the end. men, mud and an enemy which is within rifle range. ukraine is still advancing here, but winter is coming and the next few months are going to be a slow, hard grind. but in these conditions, it's tough maintaining momentum when ukrainian soil turns into soup. regaining every step of territory is a slog. we need to work on that village over there.

it's one of only a couple of dozen villages still in russian control in kharkiv region. every day is a battle for the upper hand. the road they must travel is dangerous, pitted with russian hits and misses. in the freezing cold everything is an orphan. they've lost men in this route. and the bitterest months still lie ahead here. movement are supported.

a little bit to the right, on the corner over there, right behind the hanger. these are the daily battles the men face. today, some ground is won, but tomorrow it may be lost. and so it repeats as the casualties mount on both sides. there were many comrades who died, who i knew personally. they were ideological people who kept moving forward, who never stopped. but it's a war, so there is no time to be sad. some 13,000 soldiers have already died defending ukraine. and away from the front, millions more will spend a freezing winter in darkness because of russian missile attacks. and this christmas it will be candles for the fallen that light the homes of ukrainians. natalia had two heroes in her life. her first, her husband.

he was killed on the first day of the war as he defended the city. can you describe your husband to us? what kind of a man was he? a patriot. a real patriot of our country. he was a ukrainian. and natalia's trials are far from over. her other hero is her only child. she's eugene's mother, the young lieutenant fighting at the front, seen here with oleg, his father, who died in battle. she has given everything for ukraine. 18 months into this war, do you have a message for other ukrainian mothers?

i want to wish them to always believe that everything will be okay with our children and to always wait for them. mother's love is a big power. we need to believe that everything will be fine. surely. quentin somerville, bbc news archive. ——kharkiv. a bbc study has found that schools have strapped _ a bbc study has found that schools have strapped free _ a bbc study has found that schools have strapped free meal _ a bbc study has found that schools have strapped free meal vouchers. |

have strapped free meal vouchers. they found that schools could no longer afford to feed the scheme. with us now isjulie young. thank you forjoining us. your counsel, did it have this voucher scheme? taste did it have this voucher scheme? we did it have this voucher scheme? - did have the voucher scheme to begin with, £15 per week. bud did have the voucher scheme to begin with, £15 per week.— with, £15 per week. and that is now dro ed? with, £15 per week. and that is now dropped? yes- _ with, £15 per week. and that is now dropped? yes. we _ with, £15 per week. and that is now dropped? yes. we are _ with, £15 per week. and that is now dropped? yes. we are using - with, £15 per week. and that is now dropped? yes. we are using the - dropped? yes. we are using the hofida dropped? yes. we are using the holiday activity _ dropped? yes. we are using the holiday activity and _ dropped? yes. we are using the holiday activity and food - dropped? yes. we are using the - holiday activity and food programme. how does that compare? the holiday activity and food programme. how does that compare?— how does that compare? the holiday activi and how does that compare? the holiday activity and food _ how does that compare? the holiday activity and food programme - how does that compare? the holiday activity and food programme is - how does that compare? the holiday activity and food programme is open | activity and food programme is open to children who were eligible for free school meals. that provides a hot meal during the holidays and also activities around that because we want to make the money go twice as far as we can, if we can, so there will be dance, drama, sport activities, we've got some really fantastic partners across the borough and all of those can offer enrichment activities as well as somewhere warm during the cost of living crisis. some families are

really struggling with that, so somewhere warm and a hot meal that is nutritious and good for the children, as well. is is nutritious and good for the children, as well.— is nutritious and good for the children, as well. is your counsel convinced — children, as well. is your counsel convinced then _ children, as well. is your counsel convinced then that _ children, as well. is your counsel convinced then that the - children, as well. is your counsel convinced then that the holiday i convinced then that the holiday activity and food programme is better than death food voucher programme itself. if it better than death food voucher programme itself.— better than death food voucher programme itself. if it could find every child _ programme itself. if it could find every child then _ programme itself. if it could find every child then yes. _ programme itself. if it could find i every child then yes. unfortunately it's only open to children who are eligible for free school meal so a lot of children who are in relative polyp to limit poverty and eligible. if it were more universal then yes. i'm still struggling to understand the difference between the food voucher programme and the activity and food programme. the voucher programme and the activity and food programme.— voucher programme and the activity and food programme. the food voucher ro . ramme and food programme. the food voucher programme came _ and food programme. the food voucher programme came round _ and food programme. the food voucher programme came round during - and food programme. the food voucher programme came round during the - programme came round during the pandemic is a way of ensuring that children who are eligible for free school meals had some provision during the holidays. it doesn't cover the whole of the holidays, it never did and it certainly doesn't

now. it never did and it certainly doesn't now. for never did and it certainly doesn't now— for a - never did and it certainly doesn't| now._ for a six-week now. it never did. for a six-week holida , now. it never did. for a six-week holiday. we _ now. it never did. for a six-week holiday, we have _ now. it never did. for a six-week holiday, we have a _ now. it never did. for a six-week holiday, we have a four— now. it never did. for a six-week holiday, we have a four week - now. it never did. for a six-week. holiday, we have a four week cover during summerand at holiday, we have a four week cover during summer and at christmas, a one week cover. we try to work with partners to encourage stretching it further. the voucher scheme was successful for us, further. the voucher scheme was successfulfor us, we further. the voucher scheme was successful for us, we were very happy with it in that it was something to give to families. as i say, we try and make every pound count at least twice, i'm sure other councils do, so we issued vouchers for the markets because we know the market had suffered from footfall during the pandemic of core so it was about sustainability and introducing to a different way of shopping and built some relationship with the market and families using it, but the priority is for children to have something to eat during holiday times because if they need it during school term time, of course they need it in holiday time, too. do course they need it in holiday time, too. , ., ~'

course they need it in holiday time, too. i. ,, ., ., course they need it in holiday time, too. ,, ,, ., ., ., too. do you think there are going to families who _ too. do you think there are going to families who will _ too. do you think there are going to families who will be _ too. do you think there are going to families who will be struggling - families who will be struggling during this holiday period because they cannot access some of the schemes like this one? absolutely. we know that _ schemes like this one? absolutely. we know that one _ schemes like this one? absolutely. we know that one in _ schemes like this one? absolutely. we know that one in three, - schemes like this one? absolutely. we know that one in three, in - schemes like this one? absolutely. we know that one in three, in aprilj we know that one in three, in april this year, even before the cost of living crisis and the fuel increases, one in three children were living in relative poverty but missed out on free school meals because they went eligible. what i'm calling for its government to re—examine the threshold because it is far too low and it misses so many in need. we is far too low and it misses so many in need. ~ ., in need. we will leave it there. thank you _ in need. we will leave it there. thank you for— in need. we will leave it there. thank you forjoining _ in need. we will leave it there. thank you forjoining us. - he's one of the most popular and infleuntial artists of our time. now david hockney is pushing the boundaries once again, of what's possible in art. he's created a new immersive experience of his work, so visitors can see the world through, his eyes. our culture editor, katie razzall, has been to meet him. david hockney gets a first glimpse of his new show. colour is a joyful thing.

i want my art to be joyful. we're on an immersive journey, as the final tweaks are under way, with one of britain's best—loved artists. water is a surface that is elusive, in a way. all the patterns that you see are just on the surface. the show�*s called bigger & closer, not smaller & further away — 60 years of his life and art. have you just always been better at looking than the rest of us? i do look closely at things. i can look at a puddle and get pleasure out of them. most people think it's just raining, don't they? hockney has been painting on his ipad in recent years, most famously the arrival of spring in his home in normandy. this year we discovered he was back painting on canvas when this self—portrait was revealed, and there's much more

work still unseen. i have been doing paintings. how many? well, about a0. i painted my cook, the man who comes to do my feet, because he's a bit of a dandy. have you painted harry styles, is that right? yes. in person? yes. he came to see you? oh, yeah, all the paintings are done from life. he wanted me to paint him. he had a few little outfits, and i chose this yellow sweater. yellow is a hockney favourite. how many pairs of crocs have you got? i've only got one, actually. these are the only shoes he wears now, he says, deemed beautifully chosen by prince charles when they met, a rare outing for hockney. i'm usually drawing

or painting, yeah. i mean, it's all i want to do now. i mean, i'm 85. how much longer do i have? i'm a smoker. i might have five years, i don't know. yeah, i've had a very, very good life. i would say i live in the now. it's the now that's eternal, isn't it? eternal too, hockney�*s joyful art. katie razzall, bbc news. just a little breaking news before we see the weather. strong reaction to the suggestion that the taliban have prevented women from attending

universities in afghanistan. a number of muslim countries including saudi arabia and iran havejoined western nations in condemning tally actions and the us secretary of state says that afghanistan's women are being sentenced to a dark future without opportunity because of the ban on them attending university. a strong reaction there to the suggestion that the tally ban is preventing women from going to university in afghanistan. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello again. we've got another band of rain heading into the south west later tonight that will move northwards through tomorrow and into christmas eve. this thicker cloud has been moving through england and wales, bringing some rain, but this is the next feature arriving in from the atlantic. there is the rain that will move its way into the south—west later. ahead of it still a lot of cloud for england and wales, where we get the breaks there could be some mist and fog patches and we keep some more showers coming in scotland. they may be a little bit wintry over

the hills and with temperatures close to freezing there could be some icy patches as well. a milder night, though, as you head further south into that rain in the south—west. that quickly moves into wales, the south—east of england during tomorrow morning, through the midlands and then into northern england, northern ireland mainly through the afternoon. blustery wind and a few sharp showers in the south—west later. this is where we've got the milder air, damages in double figures. to the north of our band rained its going to be a cold day in scotland with a lot of cloud and if you shower is continuing as well. this band of rain is on that weather front, that continues northward overnight into christmas eve. it's moving into that cold air in scotland so there could be some snow, particularly over the hills to the north of the central belt, a couple of centimetres perhaps here and there. then that wintry weather moves northwards and away from much of mainland scotland, following that we are going to find some showers towards the west in particular, many parts many parts of the midlands, eastern england, likely to be dry with some sunshine, this is where it's milder,

temperatures of 11—12 . the winds are going to be picking up on christmas eve with some strongest winds through the irish sea. it is a southerly wind which is pushing milder air across the whole of the country in time for christmas day. if you are heading out for a walk, eastern parts of the uk, probably staying dry. showers continue to the west, some of them heavy, particularly in the north—west. maybe not quite as windy here on sunday, christmas day, but mild everywhere. that milder air is putting in scotland, 9 degrees in the central belt, 12 for parts of england and wales. to the north—west there are some cold air which may arrive in time to give us the chance of a white christmas across the far north—west of scotland after dark. wintry showers coming in here with a north—westerly wind sweeping down cold air for boxing day with wintry showers across northern parts of the uk, that cold air won't last too long, it gets milder again as we head into tuesday.

good evening. the pressure on emergency care in england is highlighted today, with figures showing around a quarter of ambulance patients last week waited more than an hour to be handed over to a&e teams in hospitals. that's a new high. there are now fears of a spike in demand following yesterday's strike action by ambulance workers. let's look at those figures in more detail. more than 16,000 ambulances — that's nearly a quarter — were delayed for over an hour outside a&es in england last week, the highest level for a decade. four in ten which arrived at a&e waited at least 30 minutes