hello, i'm kasia madera, this is outside source. hold me to account says britain's prime minister. rishi sunak sets out pledges on the economy, migration and health care. the cost of living, too high, waiting times in the nhs, too long. illegal migration, far too much. we'll be analysing the detail in his promises. also on the programme... kevin mccarthy's latest bid to become house speaker falls short — as he fails to win over republican rebels for the fourth time. and the battle for bakhmut — we'll have a special report from the ukrainian city facing some of the fiercest fighting. pretty much every second, you hear

the sound of artillery fire. you can tell every minute that this is a city that is being intensely fought over. we start here in the uk, where the prime minister rishi sunak has set out his priorities for 2023 in his first major speech of the year. let's have a listen to some of what he had to say. first, we will have inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security. second, we will grow the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunity right across the country. third, we will make sure our national debt is falling so that we can secure the future of public services. fourth, nhs waiting lists

will fall, and people will get the kjaer they need more quickly. fifth, we will pass new laws to stop small boats, sunak making sure that if you come to this country sunak illegally, you are detained and swiftly removed. rishi sunak spent the first few weeks of his premiership last autumn trying to restore stability after the turmoil of liz truss�* government. but apart from his speech upon taking office, and one on foreign policy last year, he hasn't made many big statements about what he wants to do in the job. so let's take a closer look at his five areas of focus. first, halving inflation to ease the cost of living and give people financial security. but according to the independent office for budget responsibility, inflation is due to fall by more than half anyway. the latest consumer price index

figure for inflation is io.7%. the obr expects it to fall to 3.75% by the fourth quarter of this year — well below half its current level. here's one economic expert on mr sunak�*s economic goals. it is not obvious what the government will do to achieve them. i think they are not going to get to growth this year. we will be lucky to be growing by 2024, so there is not much specific in that moment that prime minister said about inflation is reallyjust repeating the bank of england's on ford cap —— forecast, inflation we all expect to have by the end of year. not really a pledge, but a statement the forecast. this is partly the result of high rises in energy, fuel, and food prices not being repeated again this year. rishi sunak�*s second and third pledges, growing the economy by creating better—paid jobs and opportunity across the country. and seeing the national debt fall to secure the future of public services, do not have a timeframe attached.

here's pauljohnson again. what he said about getting the national debt down, welcome it's certainly not going to be following in the next year or two, on budget and responsibility projections, may be lucky to be going down in four or five years�* time. fourth on the prime minister�*s key promises list — cutting nhs waiting lists. more than 7m people are currently waiting for care in england, that�*s one—eighth of the population. the bbc�*s political editor was at the conference the health service is under extraordinary pressure right now, and some people watching this this afternoon might say, "is that it? "how soon will things improve in the nhs this winter?" mr sunak said half a billion pounds have been put into what�*s known as early discharge to help discarge some 13,000 people currently stuck in hospitals. he added the goverment will be rolling out a system to treat people at home and that there is a plan

to reduce elective surgery waiting times. most experts believe it will be 2024 before the overall numbers start falling — although progress is being made on the long waits of over 18 months. in an open letter to the health secretary the general secretary of the royal college of nursing, says rishi sunak�*s speech suggests he is "detached from the reality" of what is happening in the nhs. the final of the prime ministers pledges was to pass new laws to stop small boats — making sure that those who come to the uk illegally are detained and swiftly removed. we can speak to former education secretaryjustine greening. what do you make of these five pledges by the prime minister? is he, as some critics suggest, detached from reality? i he, as some critics suggest, detached from reality? i think rishi sunak was always _ detached from reality? i think rishi sunak was always going _ detached from reality? i think rishi sunak was always going to - detached from reality? i think rishi sunak was always going to have - detached from reality? i think rishi sunak was always going to have to | sunak was always going to have to set out some clear details around to what he is trying to do now he is a number ten. what he is trying to do now he is a numberten. i what he is trying to do now he is a number ten. i think people understood that in a sense when he came into number ten, it was about saving the economy and stopping the boats, as it were, from capsizing, thatis boats, as it were, from capsizing, that is not the same as working at

the direction of where we are going to take britain, and i think he was starting to try and set that up today, but i think he will need to come back to more details, how he is going to achieve these priorities, i think you have to set out more details fundamentally and how he is going to be able to get into that next election campaign whenever it comes in 2024, probably. saying that he is delivering on the manifesto that people elected the conservatives to britain, which predominantly was around notjust brexit but especially levelling up. so we will have to have to have more of that, i think i�*m in the coming months if he is really going to set out that vision for britain. but why aren't we hearing _ out that vision for britain. but why aren't we hearing those _ out that vision for britain. but why aren't we hearing those details - out that vision for britain. but why i aren't we hearing those details now? aren�*t we hearing those details now? there is a lack of detail, when it comes to inflation, he�*s repeating what the bank of england is forecasting, why aren�*t we getting the details now, time frame growth? i agree. i would like to see much more detail, particularly around that second priority on economic growth, better paid jobs across the

country, at the core of how we deliver levelling up. what is interesting exactly the main announcement that trialed before was unmasking but that�*s not explicitly one of these cat statement key priorities but that is very much part of how he sees driving forward the economy. it is one thing setting up the economy. it is one thing setting up these priorities, it�*s another thing setting out a plan and how you are going to deal with them. i think thatis are going to deal with them. i think that is the next stage, and at least today we have some clarity for once, really, around where mr sunak and his administration are really going to be focusing, and it�*s worth also saying that the nhs priority of cutting wait times is obviously crucial for everyone, cutting wait times is obviously crucialfor everyone, so i think this is a good step forward today, but in a sense, there is going to need to be more flesh on the bones if he is going to bring people with him on this agenda. he if he is going to bring people with him on this agenda.— if he is going to bring people with him on this agenda. he picked up on the oint him on this agenda. he picked up on the point about maths, _ him on this agenda. he picked up on the point about maths, and - him on this agenda. he picked up on the point about maths, and this - him on this agenda. he picked up on the point about maths, and this is i the point about maths, and this is this idea that pupils up until the age of 18 should be taught to max.

you are a former education secretary. when it comes to the education system in this country, is they seriously the real metaphor that? union bosses when it comes to teaching union bosses, potentially teachers are more likely to strike because of what rishi sunak has said because of what rishi sunak has said because they are so overwhelmed by the situation right now.— the situation right now. clearly, maths is very — the situation right now. clearly, maths is very important - the situation right now. clearly, maths is very important for - the situation right now. clearly, maths is very important for our| maths is very important for our economy and rishi sunak is right to highlight it. the big challenge for me is what is happening in the first 12 years of the education system from 4—16 and fixing what is clearly going wrong for too many young people in those years, means that they are coming out without the levels of numeracy that you need, and we also need to distinguish between this point that rishi sunak made, practical maths that we all need for our lives versus an economy that also needs maths science, and i think they are not the same challenge is, and they don�*t

therefore need the same solutions in a sense. things like apprenticeships at the moment, if you haven�*t got a good maps gcs e, you cannot get on an apprenticeship. removing that as an apprenticeship. removing that as a barrier, allowing people to perhaps study for maps as mr sunak is suggesting when they are older but allowing them to get on an apprenticeship would be for many employers, they could really drive more levelling up through the apprenticeships they are offering. i think there is a broader reform of maps that should go alongside what rishi sunak is saying today, and i think that again when i say we need to see more details, that�*s what i would like to see in the coming weeks ahead. much more of an overall strategy so that these aren�*t just piecemeal priorities that don�*t hang together as a whole. it is crucial that he brings out a strategy on how he is going to live levelling up. from education secretary for the conservative party, thank you. thank ou.

drama continues to unfold in washington where in the past hour, the republican representative kevin mccarthy has lost the fourth round of votes to be elected speaker of the house of representatives. it�*s the first time in a century that the house has failed to elect a speaker in its opening session. these are live pictures from capitol hill. this was the reaction from president biden. this is the fifth round of voting, which is under way right now. we believe that with at least eight votes cast against kevin mccarthy, the reuters news agency is reporting that it appears that it lost its fifth round of voting, absolutely unprecedented in the past century. so this will now potentially, once this round of voting will finish, well then go into yet another round of voting. this is the live scene now where that boat is taking place

and we will continue to keep an eye. that is the fifth round that is taking place. this is the result of the fourth round of voting, all three nominees failed to win a majority vote. democratic nominee representative hakeem jeffries garnered the most votes with 212. kevin mccarthy had 201 votes. in republican candidate, receiving 20 votes. president biden has given his reaction. the speaker is one of the most importantjobs in us politics. as leader of the house, they control the legislative agenda and timetable in congress�*s lower body, as well as who sits on the huge number of committees. the speaker is also second in line

to succeed the us president, behind the vice president — should both be unable to serve due to death, removalfrom office, or are unable to fulfil their duties for health reasons. without a speaker, the house cannot be run effectively, which means its core functions, like passing bills or raising the debt ceiling will be hampered. a speaker is elected in the house of representatives through a public vote where members say aloud the name of the person they are voting for. the speaker must win a majority vote to get the role. that number is 218. so far mccarthy has fallen short on all occasions. voting will continue until someone wins a majority. this is what mccarthy had to say to reporters after tuesday�*s votes. members are talking, we are walking through, we will find a way to get there, and this is a healthy debate.

it might not happen on the day we want it, but it will happen. how lona want it, but it will happen. how long are you — want it, but it will happen. how long are you willing _ want it, but it will happen. how long are you willing to - want it, but it will happen. how long are you willing to continue this battle? we long are you willing to continue this battle?— this battle? we are not that far awa . this battle? we are not that far away- we _ this battle? we are not that far away- we only _ this battle? we are not that far away. we only need _ this battle? we are not that far away. we only need 11 - this battle? we are not that far away. we only need 11 more . this battle? we are not that far i away. we only need 11 more votes this battle? we are not that far - away. we only need 11 more votes to win, so i think from the whole perspective, if you talk to everybody can it�*s not that far away. i think everybody comes together, so it will depend. for the next few minutes, we�*re going to take a look at why kevin mccarthy is struggling to win, starting with this take from one republican political consultant. what we see with kevin mccarthy and these house republicans is a combination of what was a very disappointing election cycle that left mccarthy with a very small margin in orderto left mccarthy with a very small margin in order to be elected speaker, and that small margin right now is preventing him from being able to accomplish his goal. so just how small is the margin? after november�*s midterm elections, the democrats retained control of the senate but the republicans took back control of the house. they now hold 222 seats, that�*s just four clear of the 218 which gives them a majority.

democrats hold 213. so mccarthy can only afford to lose four votes from his own party, since he needs a majority vote in the house to become speaker. and this is where the problem lies. that�*s because up to 20 republican rebels voted against kevin mccarthy on tuesday�*s votes. some of the members of that group include: andy biggs of arizona. matt gaetz of florida. matt rosendale of montana. ralph norman of south carolina. let�*s hear from julie in manchester, a reporter at the us politics website, the hill. a lot of these republicans say they just want anyone but kevin mccarthy. they don�*t trust them. they say he has given to me concessions in the past. you know, when i�*m talking

about this rules package, the first order of business to be passed through the house, kevin mccarthy says or has very much offered a number of concessions to these conservative republicans and they say, no, we want someone else. bob good has said that they would never back down. many members who oppose kevin mccarthy has close links to donald trump. and some of them are wary of mccarthy�*s previous stance towards the former president following the capitol riots in 2021. donald trump and kevin mccarthy have traditionally been close political allies. here they are back in 2018 at donald trump�*s private resort in florida when mr trump was president. but the relationship between the two turned sour after trump supporters stormed the us capitol building following his defeat in the 2020 election. this is what mr mccarthy said a week later.

they quickly made amends, travelling to meet trump at his more like a resort in florida just a few weeks later. since then, the two have become allies again with donald trump voicing support of mccarthy�*s bedford speaker. he posted on his truth social media website ahead of wednesday�*s vote saying... trend�*s message failed to win over the republican rebels as 20 votes were cast against mccarthy again on wednesday. matt gaetz — one of mccarthy�*s opponents and a trump ally tweeted... shortly after the fourth round of voting ended, i spoke to a former senior aide to two republican members of congress. aide to two republican members of concress. ~ ., , aide to two republican members of concress. ~ . , ., , congress. what is at play here is that this is _ congress. what is at play here is that this is a _ congress. what is at play here is that this is a faction _ congress. what is at play here is that this is a faction of today's i that this is a faction of today�*s republican party that is so

antiestablishment, they don�*t want to rest until they are done decimating what they consider to be the establishment portion of the republican party, kevin mccarthy is the figurehead. this faction has knocked only increased its power in the era of trump. now they feel emboldened to hold, essentially, the leaders of the party hostage to their demands. people ask what are their demands. people ask what are their demands? they don�*t seem that great. they seem like the kind of demand that one would make if they were part of this washington, dc swamp, as they themselves have called that. they want to be had some certain committees, they want certain promises made around campaign money and certain other legislative pieces, there is no real policy points here, that is something that real distinction from backin something that real distinction from back in 2009 with the tea party famously came in and really put its grip on washington and the establishment here in washington. it's establishment here in washington. it�*s a very different time, but not too far off, again, from the people who are antiestablishment. keoin

who are antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has _ who are antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already _ who are antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already conceded a lot. as each is going to have to move away and someone else will become high that nick has speaker? he: certainly doesn't want to move away certainly doesn�*t want to move away he said he will see this to the end, whatever the steaks. i get a sense from people that i�*ve spoken to on capitol hill today and yesterday, people who i have called friends and colleagues, i myself have served republican members of the house of representatives as a senior aide, and i can tell you people are shocked, flustered, they know kevin well, i know him from years of watching his rise in the house of representatives as a leader. he wants to see this all the way through. all the way through could be weeks and days, and that really puts us in a constitutional crisis of sorts, actually. the new congress is not yet soaring and nancy pelosi gave up the second session of our previous congress yesterday. it really begs the question of when are they going to start getting the work done for the people. this is a ceremonial momentous, strategists like me that two or three ballots and mccarthy would have it. we didn�*t think we�*d end up where we

are today, but mccarthy has called trump, newt gingrich, he�*s enlisted current congress yesterday. it really begs the question of when are they going to start getting the work done for the people. this is a ceremonial momentous, strategists like me that two or three ballots and mccarthy would have it. we didn�*t think we�*d end up where we are today, but mccarthy has called trump, newt gingrich, he�*s enlisted current people still objecting to mccarthy. he has tried to get everybody on his side, but it�*s looking like it is still not helpful. 12 votes against mccarthy at the moment. keeping an eye on that. now to ukraine, where a battlefield commander has told the bbc the fighting in the eastern town of bakhmut is of rare ferocity the city is in the donetsk region of the donbas. almost all of its 70,000 occupants have fled. russia is battling to capture bakhmut, in the hope that it will lead to the fall of sloviansk and kramatorsk, two key cities in the donbas still under ukrainian control. the bbc�*s yogita limaye, imogen anderson, sanjay ganguly and mariana matveichuk have been in the city at the start of the new year to speak to military units and local people. munitons explode. this is what the merciless bombardment of a city looks like. munitions explode.

and how it sounds. explosions echo. once a quiet place known for sparkling wine, bakhmut is now a byword for war, and ukraine�*s resistance. russia is using all its might to try and take this city. we drove past abandoned buildings, 90% of the people have fled. this is what you can see everywhere in bakhmut — destruction. on the other side of the road you can see apartment blocks that are completely destroyed. you can tell every minute that this is a city that is being intensely fought over. and over the past few

months of fierce battle, even though it�*s at an important road intersection, it is the symbolic importance of this fight but has become greater then its strategic location. bakhmut is the home anatoly has known all his life. we see him barely react when a shell lands a few hundred metres away. shell explodes. he has come to an aid centre, a lifeline for those still here. why don�*t you leave, we asked him. translation: l have - nowhere to go, i am alone. who would want to take an 86—year—old? here at least sometimes, when the soldiers throw away food orsoup, ifind itand eat it. and i get free bread in my whole life, i�*ve never seen anything like this. tetiana used to be a midwife before the war.

now she is a volunteer. translation: | stay - because i'm needed here. of course i�*m scared. i�*ve been caught in shelling three times. i suffered a concussion. but what use would i be hiding in a basement? people stay for different reasons. munitions explode. the explosions don�*t stop, but no—one flinches. it�*s as if they�*ve become numb. running from bombs every day, repeated trauma, without an end. this person told us she and her daughter live like mice, running out quickly to get bread. walking to this centre for a bit of food is a risk they take to survive. outside, we met alexey, the mayor of bakhmut. we can�*t show his location. "it is myjob, my life, my fate, to stay here. "i won�*t leave the people, and i trust that ukraine�*s "military won�*t allow my city

to fall," he said. we went to see ukrainian defence, taken to a location we can�*t disclose. underground, to one of their command centres in the city. the heart of the military operation. fewjournalists have been here. this is a live feed from drones beyond the eastern edge of bakhmut, where russian forces are stationed. the men here are trying to locate the target. for an assault team that has just gone out. this commander told us this is the toughest battle he�*s ever fought. translation: we haven't seen enemy troops like this before. _ their soldiers openly advance under

fire, even if they're littering the ground with their bodies, even if only 20 are left of their 60 men. it is very difficult to hold against such an invasion. a few weeks ago we had to withdraw from the eastern approaches to the city to save our soldiers. they showed us this video, the east of the city on new year�*s morning under russian attack. in the fields outside bakhmut, we see the daily grind to keep a hold on it. the winter makes it harder to camouflage guns and men. we watch them fire soviet—era weapons. soldiers tell us they work well and do the job, but modern equipment would help push through the deadlock on the ground. on the other end isn�*tjust the russian military, there are also thousands of mercenaries from

the private wagner group. they expect incoming fire, so we retreat to a bunker. why does it feel like it is deadlocked on the ground? "it is stuck for many reasons. "the winter makes it harder to use equipment. "we also have a shortage of weapons and ammunition," 21—year—old oleksandr replies. back to positions they go. each side trying to wear the other down... ..in this battle of endurance. yogita limaye, bbc news, bakhmut. stay with us here on bbc news. i will be back very shortly.

hello there. it�*s been quite as wet today in comparison to yesterday, and actually, we have seen some glimpses of sunshine. they have been fairly limited. this was loose and can do a little early around. most of the breaks and the crowd had been out to the west across eastern scotland and eastern england. but you can see where that shari outbreaks of rain from a weak whether friend sit through the scottish borders, northern ireland and across to northern england at the moment. they will tend to ease as we go through the evening hours and overnight. with some clear skies, temperatures will fall away a little further in comparison to the night just little further in comparison to the nightjust past. it is going to be mailed by the time of year, but mostly single figures across the country. so, slightly fresher start to thursday morning. they should be some early morning sunshine as well. it will, however, quickly cloud over

from the west and eventually we will see more wet and windy weather pushing into northern ireland and western scotland in particular. there will be some showers ahead of that main band of rain as well. temperature is unlikely to peak between 9—13 is in excess there will between 9—13 is in excess there will be some showers ahead of that main band of rain as well. temperature is unlikely to peak between 9—13 tanak celsius. so, still pretty mild january. now, as we move through thursday into friday on the southern flank of the slow, we are going to see some gale force gusts of wind, perhaps severe gales for a time. the rain is pushing direct quite a pace, but it does mean that during the early hours of friday morning, wet and windy, particularly along that southern flank of the low. the rain eases away from the southeast first thing. so on the whole, friday will start off relatively quiet. on the cliffside in scotland with low single figures here, 8—9 tanak celsius down to the south. friday on the whole should be drier, sunnier and probably the best day of the week the steps i hope you can get out and make the most of it because we are likely to see a significant change once again into the weekend.

at those temperatures, again, not bad for the time of year, 8—12 celsius on the whole. but the low pressure is set to return not only for saturday but into saturday. you can see how many isobars on the chart as well, that means the wins will always remain a feature. to drive those showers do act quite a pace, but it is going to stay pretty windy with showers or longer spells of rain at times, but, stale, relatively mild. that�*s it. take care.

hello, i�*m kasia madera, this is outside source. hold me to account says britain�*s prime minister. rishi sunak sets out pledges on the economy, migration and health care. the cost of living to high, waiting times in the nhs too long, illegal migration for too much. kevin mccarthy�*s latest bid to become house speaker falls short — as he fails to win over republican rebels for the fourth time. europe enjoys some out of season sunshine — but behind all the smiles — climate concerns grow. nice weather for nice weatherfor biking nice weather for biking but we know the planet is burning and so, at the

same time, we�*re scared. and, the world health organization asks china for better data about the current wave of coronavirus infections. temperatures forjanuary have reached record highs in a number of nations across europe. sojust how high are we talking about? national records have been broken in eight countries — and regional records in three others. in belarus on the first of january, the temperature reached a record high of 16—point—four degrees celsius. more than four degrees above average. on the same day in poland, it was 18—point—nine degrees. again, four degrees higher than the previous record for the month. and in bilbao, spain, it reached 25—point—one degrees. that�*s ten degrees above average for the time, and would in fact be normal for the region in the summer. local people are concerned about why

the temperature is so warm. it's it�*s not normal for us to have good weather like this. it rains a lot here, it�*s very cold but it�*s january and it feels like summer, you know. it�*s january and it feels like summer, ou know. 3 , . january and it feels like summer, ou know. i, , january and it feels like summer, ouknow. h, , , you know. it's pleasant but it is also kind of— you know. it's pleasant but it is also kind of scary _ you know. it's pleasant but it is also kind of scary and _ you know. it's pleasant but it is also kind of scary and yeah, - also kind of scary and yeah, vacationing here. it�*s also kind of scary and yeah, vacationing here.— also kind of scary and yeah, vacationin: here. �* , . . vacationing here. it's nice weather for bikin: vacationing here. it's nice weather for hiking but— vacationing here. it's nice weather for biking but we _ vacationing here. it's nice weather for biking but we know _ vacationing here. it's nice weather for biking but we know the - vacationing here. it's nice weather for biking but we know the planetl vacationing here. it's nice weather. for biking but we know the planet is burning _ for biking but we know the planet is burning and — for biking but we know the planet is burning and so— for biking but we know the planet is burning and so we're _ for biking but we know the planet is burning and so we're enjoying - for biking but we know the planet is burning and so we're enjoying it- for biking but we know the planet is burning and so we're enjoying it at. burning and so we're enjoying it at the same — burning and so we're enjoying it at the same time, _ burning and so we're enjoying it at the same time, we _ burning and so we're enjoying it at the same time, we are _ burning and so we're enjoying it at the same time, we are scared. - so, why are places like poland, where the average temperature at this time is normally closer to zero, so hot at the moment? here�*s an expert from the institute of meteorology and water management. a conveyor belt of air from the southwest is brought these temperatures about and notjust in poland where the records reach such

highs but also in germany and central europe in general. this record temperatures in many places not recorded in the history of our measurements and in our region, the record from was also beaten by more than three celsius. in switzerland, temperatures hit 20c, and the warm weather�*s affected ski resorts across the alps. look, the snow is really wet. it is no longer constant, it�*s like in spring. the snow actually has to bind and that does not work with a lot of water. in recent years, heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and have lasted longer because of human—induced climate change. however, warm winter events such as these do not have the same impact on humans as summer heatwaves, which can result in large numbers of excess deaths. the world has already warmed by about 1.1 degrees since the industrial era began.

and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions. chloe brimacombe, a climate scientist in the uk, looks at the impact of extreme heat on crops and agriculture in different countries. we know that all of the main crops are declining and so, it�*s grown predominantly in europe and we have maize or corn and that is an southern american northern american also parts of africa that�*s particularly affected and bigger decline and also main staple foods in asia. petteri taalas is the secretary—general at the world meteorological organisation. can you expalin a direct cause behind these hihg temperatures in europe this year? —— explain. there is a component from climate

change and also i�*ve been using, if you give a sportsman doping, they can perform at higher intensity and we have been dumping the atmosphere ljy we have been dumping the atmosphere by inserting carbon dioxide and that is why we are seeing more of this kind of conditions.— is why we are seeing more of this kind of conditions. climate change but this is not _ kind of conditions. climate change but this is not across _ kind of conditions. climate change but this is not across the - kind of conditions. climate change but this is not across the board i kind of conditions. climate change | but this is not across the board and all of the areas because we are expecting quarter temperatures and snow in scandinavia and russia, areas around there we were expecting temperatures to drop by —20 degrees ljy temperatures to drop by —20 degrees by the weekend and so, i�*m wondering what�*s causing that huge discrepancy between warm areas in cold areas a bit further east. fine between warm areas in cold areas a bit further east.— bit further east. one is the overall warmin: bit further east. one is the overall warming of _ bit further east. one is the overall warming of the — bit further east. one is the overall warming of the arctic _ bit further east. one is the overall warming of the arctic which - bit further east. one is the overall warming of the arctic which has i bit further east. one is the overall i warming of the arctic which has been

favouring this incident that we can see the cold and russia at the moment and some parts of the world where we can see this and western europe recently. and this is partly caused by the warming of the arctic air. ., ., ~ . . ., ., air. the warming of the arctic area, ou are air. the warming of the arctic area, you are saying _ air. the warming of the arctic area, you are saying this _ air. the warming of the arctic area, you are saying this is _ air. the warming of the arctic area, you are saying this is due _ air. the warming of the arctic area, you are saying this is due to - you are saying this is due to climate change. are these the week of signs that we need to be listening to?— of signs that we need to be listenin: to? ., ., , listening to? so, what we have been observin: listening to? so, what we have been observing last _ listening to? so, what we have been observing last year, _ listening to? so, what we have been observing last year, this _ listening to? so, what we have been observing last year, this extreme i observing last year, this extreme temperature in europe and china, and usa, extreme flooding in pakistan and in africa and europe and china and in africa and europe and china and usa, they are all signs that we are moving in the wrong direction and this negative trend will

continue and there is more urgency to cut the emissions of carbon dioxide and fossil fuels. if to cut the emissions of carbon dioxide and fossil fuels.- to cut the emissions of carbon dioxide and fossil fuels. if you are lookin: at dioxide and fossil fuels. if you are looking at these _ dioxide and fossil fuels. if you are looking at these high _ dioxide and fossil fuels. if you are i looking at these high temperatures, well above average for these areas at the moment, with which should effectively be winter, but can be expected in the summer months but shallow what will happen is breaking records many countries like the uk and the glaciers melting and records many countries like the uk and the glaciers melting— and the glaciers melting and these are happening _ and the glaciers melting and these are happening more _ and the glaciers melting and these are happening more and _ and the glaciers melting and these are happening more and more - and the glaciers melting and these - are happening more and more frequent and there�*s even a chance of hitting the paris agreement and on temporary basis and or permanently.—

basis and or permanently. secretary general of the _ basis and or permanently. secretary general of the world _ basis and or permanently. secretary general of the world meteorologicalj general of the world meteorological organisation, thank you. the continued fallout from ukrainian forces which killed dozens of russian conscripts, moscow has now raised its official death toll from 63 to 89. it's raised its official death toll from 63 to 89. it�*s also blamed the unauthorised use of mobile phones by soldiers for allowing ukrainian forces to locate their base. my colleague has the story. ukraine launched a strike against russian forces and hours later, ukraine�*s defence ministry posted this video on twitter with a single word. surprise. the target was in the city of the russian occupied region and russian troops were stationed inside this college building it took a

direct hit, the building was completely destroyed. this was a satellite image before the attack and this is afterwards. the bbc cannot confirm the death toll but ukraine initially said 400 russians died in moscow said it was 63. but on tuesday, i changed. —— that change. the death toll is increased 89. i5 -- that change. the death toll is increased 89.— increased 89. is the largest ever acknowledged _ increased 89. is the largest ever acknowledged and _ increased 89. is the largest ever acknowledged and russians - increased 89. is the largest ever acknowledged and russians are | acknowledged and russians are claiming that this is not the full story. the national commentator has claimed the number of dead and wounded is in the many hundreds. and however many men died, we know they were conscripts. thea;n however many men died, we know they were conscripts-— were conscripts. they been mobilised as art of were conscripts. they been mobilised as part of the — were conscripts. they been mobilised as part of the conscription _ were conscripts. they been mobilised as part of the conscription wave - as part of the conscription wave back— as part of the conscription wave back in— as part of the conscription wave back in september, these are men who did not_ back in september, these are men who did not even_ back in september, these are men who did not even go to the front line yet and — did not even go to the front line yet and lost lives. for the reasons why the death toll was so high as russian _ why the death toll was so high as russian explosives.—

why the death toll was so high as russian explosives. many decisions housin: so russian explosives. many decisions housing so many — russian explosives. many decisions housing so many soldiers _ russian explosives. many decisions housing so many soldiers in - russian explosives. many decisions housing so many soldiers in the - housing so many soldiers in the location — housing so many soldiers in the location near— housing so many soldiers in the location near the _ housing so many soldiers in the location near the front - housing so many soldiers in the location near the front line - housing so many soldiers in the location near the front line and | location near the front line and near_ location near the front line and near ammunition _ location near the front line and near ammunition storages - location near the front line and near ammunition storages that detonated _ near ammunition storages that detonated following _ near ammunition storages that detonated following this - near ammunition storages that. detonated following this ukrainian attack _ detonated following this ukrainian attack. ., , , ., detonated following this ukrainian attack. ., ,, ., ., detonated following this ukrainian attack. ., , , ., ., ., , attack. the men appear to have been house close — attack. the men appear to have been house close to _ attack. the men appear to have been house close to ammunition _ attack. the men appear to have been house close to ammunition in - attack. the men appear to have been house close to ammunition in the - house close to ammunition in the ministry of defence tweeted that this incident highlighted how unprofessional practices have resulted and russia�*s high casualty rate and the death toll have provoked fury from some pro—war commentators and russia. once at the tragedy... and how ukraine knew that the men were there. it is tragedy. .. and how ukraine knew that the men were there.— the men were there. it is already obvious that _ the men were there. it is already obvious that the _ the men were there. it is already obvious that the main _ the men were there. it is already obvious that the main reason, i obvious that the main reason, despite — obvious that the main reason, despite the _ obvious that the main reason, despite the restriction, - obvious that the main reason, despite the restriction, was i obvious that the main reason, l despite the restriction, was that the personnel— despite the restriction, was that the personnel within _ despite the restriction, was that the personnel within the - despite the restriction, was that the personnel within the range i despite the restriction, was that. the personnel within the range area of enemy— the personnel within the range area of enemy fire — the personnel within the range area of enemy fire power— the personnel within the range area of enemy fire power turned - the personnel within the range area of enemy fire power turned on - the personnel within the range area of enemy fire power turned on andl of enemy fire power turned on and used _ of enemy fire power turned on and used mobile — of enemy fire power turned on and used mobile phones. _ of enemy fire power turned on and used mobile phones. but- of enemy fire power turned on and used mobile phones. but my- of enemy fire power turned on and i used mobile phones. but my precious at the _ used mobile phones. but my precious at the soldiers — used mobile phones. but my precious at the soldiers used _ used mobile phones. but my precious at the soldiers used mobile _ used mobile phones. but my precious at the soldiers used mobile phones i at the soldiers used mobile phones which _ at the soldiers used mobile phones which give — at the soldiers used mobile phones which give weather— at the soldiers used mobile phones which give weather location - at the soldiers used mobile phones which give weather location but - at the soldiers used mobile phones| which give weather location but this is been _ which give weather location but this is been met— which give weather location but this is been met with _ which give weather location but this

is been met with scepticism. - such an intervention is significant. is very critical of the defence ministry when someone like this says critical things like that, people listen. �* ., listen. but the location was identified — listen. but the location was identified and _ listen. but the location was identified and ukraine - listen. but the location was identified and ukraine than | listen. but the location was - identified and ukraine than made the strike. the use the us open system which is a video tweeted by ukraine. this launcher can file six missiles in quick succession and they do not often miss. in quick succession and they do not often miss-— in quick succession and they do not often miss. there are very accurate and if in fact _ often miss. there are very accurate and if in fact forward _ often miss. there are very accurate and if in fact forward fired - often miss. there are very accurate and if in fact forward fired and - often miss. there are very accurate and if in fact forward fired and hid l and if in fact forward fired and hid in ammunition dump, that would explain _ in ammunition dump, that would explain the large mind of explosions and the _ explain the large mind of explosions and the large amount of casualties. while _ and the large amount of casualties. while the _ and the large amount of casualties. while the death tolls in certain, the role of western weapons and it is not. nor is the increase in pressure on putin�*s forces. more

information is on our website and still to come, the stars of the 19605 film romeo and juliet sue paramount picture5. they say they were tricked into appearing naked as teenagers. british mu5icians were responsible for all of the top ten be5t—5elling singles in the uk last year, for the first time since records began. harry style5 topped the chart, while it sheeran and kate bush also featured. our mu5ic correspondent, mark savage, has the details. # you know it's not the same as it wasl # as it was...# with 180 million 5tream5,

harry styles�* as it was became the bestselling song of last year. it was closely followed by this... # my bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone... # ..ed sheeran�*s bad habits. already the biggest seller of 2021, it clung on as the second—biggest tune of 2022. # i�*ll sing it loud in case you don�*t already know # pack up your stuff and go, go, go... # newcomer cat burn5 was the highest charting female artist, with her break—out hit, go, becoming the year�*s fourth most popular song. and kate bush came 5ixth with this, from 1985. # be runnin' up that road # be runnin' up that hill # be runnin' up that buildin'... # running up that hill, which went viral last summer after featuring in the netflix 5how stranger things. and 2022 was the first year that all of the top ten uk singles were by british arti5t5. the bpi, which represents the recorded music industry, 5aid mu5ic consumption rose by 4% in 2022, making it the eighth year in a row that listening has increased. # it's me... # customer5 spent more

money on vinyl than cd5 for the first time since 1987, with taylor swift�*5 midnight the year�*s biggest 5eller. but new music is increasingly being crowded out by cla55ic5. # money, money, money... # six of last year�*s top ten albums were greatest hits collections by the likes of eltonjohn, little mix and abba. mark savage, bbc news. # in a rich man�*s world...# this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story is? the prime minister has pledged to ease problems in the national health ea5e problems in the national health service and cut inflation and grow the economy. kevin mccarthy has lost a fourth vote as he attempts to be elected speaker in the us house of representatives.

the world health organization has again asked china for better data about the current wave of coronavirus infections. ca5e5 5urged after beijing abruptly reversed its zero—covid policy in december. the who also says it�*s concerned about the risk to life in china. here�*s the director—general: we continue to ask china for more reliable data for ho5pitalisation5 and deaths a5 reliable data for ho5pitalisation5 and deaths as well as more real—time sequences. they�*re concerned the risk to life in china and has reiterated the importance of vaccination, including posting against hospitalisations and businesses and deaths. with the easing of restrictions, infections have soared. these are images from a hospital in shanghai, which appears to be overwhelmed, with patients on trolleys in corridors. international health experts are predicting at least a million covid deaths in china this year. so far beijing has reported five or fewer deaths a day since the policy u—turn.

here�*sjonathan cheng — china bureau chief with the wall streetjournal — on the current number of cases and deaths: i think it is pretty murky right now and i don�*t know if they know for sure how many infections are across china as many people are testing at home on testing kits and you know the number of deaths are probably a better sense of that poor they�*re telling the world is that there have only been roughly a dozen deaths from covid—19 since they changed the policy about three weeks ago and thatis policy about three weeks ago and that is almost surely a gross understatement and we do not know to what degree. the who�*s director of health emergencies, dr michael ryan, says government statistics do not reflect the real scale of the outbreak in china: we know there are difficulties in other countries and recording hospital related admissions and use of ic facilities but again, we

believe the current numbers being published from china under represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions and in terms of hospital admissions and in terms of hospital admissions and in terms of acu admissions and in terms of deaths. and we would like to see more data and on a more geographic basis and will continue to endeavour and we look forward to getting more information on that from our colleagues. eu health officials have been meeting to consider whether to impose europe—wide restrictions on arrivals from china. these are among countries which have already announced new checks, including the uk, which is introducing mandatory pre—departure tests for arrivals from china from tomorrow, january fifth. but beijing says covid restrictions should not be used for political purposes. here�*s foreign ministry spokesperson mao ning: china�*s foreign ministry spokesperson, mao ning china always believes that pandemic prevention measures taken by all countries should be scientific and appropriate, and should not be used as an opportunity to engage in political manipulation. also critical is

the international air transport association, which represents 300 airlines around the world. it�*s director general willie walsh says "it is extremely disappointing to see this kneejerk reinstatement of measures. that have proven ineffective over the last three years." in china itself, the authorities say they�*re sending vital medical supplies to hospitals in rural areas, where vaccination rates are patchy, ahead of an expected wave of coronavirus infections in the countryside. drugs and oxygen monitors are being sent to grassroots health clinics. our asia pacific editor, celia hatton, says the first wave of covid infections may have past its peak in china�*s biggest cities but the situation is still grave: were still also getting reports that have been inundated with absolutely exhausted medical staff and nursing homes filled with vulnerable elderly people who haven�*t fully been vaccinated in those nursing homes having to shield at those nursing

homes and to live on site and effectively maintain a bubble. and so, many parts the country have a real fear of the spread of this virus. the actors who played the title roles in the 1968 hollywood adaptation of romeo and juliet are suing the film�*s studio over alleged sexual abuse they say they suffered on set. this is leonard whiting and olivia hussey, photographed in 2018. they are now aged 72 and 71 respectively. here they are in 1967 during the filming of romeo and juliet, aged 16 and 15. their allegations centre around this man, the late director franco zeffirelli. the pair allege that while on set, mr zeffirelli pressured them into nudity on camera.

in the lawsuit, filed in santa monica superior court on friday, the two actors allege that they were initally given guarantees that they would be able to wear flesh—coloured underwear in scenes with nudity, then when it came to shoot a main nudity scene he told them �*the picture would fail�* if they did not perform completely nude. and gave a false promise to use camera angles that would not show nudity. in fact, the film�*s cinematic release showed both whiting�*s naked buttocks, and hussey�*s naked breasts. now over 50 years later they�*re suing the film�*s studio paramount. here�*s their business manager. we�*ve summed it up as a betrayal first by him doing the actual filming of the scene and the trust that they had for franco was betrayed and the point to the willingness of paramount to see that

in those images and then distribute them. following the death of franco zeffirelli in 2019, and the actors are now attempting to hold the studio accountable for its alleged role. the detailed allegations against them submitted to court say the studio, "were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating indecency and exploitation of minors for profit". for this, they are seeking over $500m in damages the suit has only been made possible by a 2019 state level law in california that temporarily waived the statute of limitations of historic sexual abuse claims. here�*s university of miami professor and expert in sexual assault law tomorrow lave to explain. other than murder, there is a period of time in which people must file

this in this expanded that and what it said was between january this in this expanded that and what it said was betweenjanuary one, 2020, january one, 2023, people who had suffered from crimes many years in the past could file and so one thing that is interesting is these people filed under the very last possible day. paramount have yet to respond to the allegations. however, the plaintiffs will likely have to address recent comments made by olivia hussey defending nudity in the scene. in one 2018 interview with variety she said "it was needed for the film". in another interview with fox, she said "it wasn�*t that big of a deal. in the middle of shooting, i just completely forgot i didn�*t have clothes on". the court filing says whiting and hussey have suffered emotional damage and mental anguish for decades as a result of the way they were treated. let�*s get more from gene maddaus, reportewr for variety magazine who joins us from la.

what kind of impact will that have on these claims?— what kind of impact will that have on these claims? when it comes to the oint on these claims? when it comes to the point of — on these claims? when it comes to the point of an _ on these claims? when it comes to the point of an actual _ on these claims? when it comes to the point of an actual trial, - on these claims? when it comes to the point of an actual trial, you - the point of an actual trial, you could see a defence of how damage where you really as recently as 20 teenagers saying that it was no big deal and he was needed for the scene is tastefully done an artistic presentation and now proclaiming that we�*ve suffered on the psychological trauma but how some stance of could that have been in and outs severe could that be if you�*re praising the scene only a few years ago? in you're praising the scene only a few ears aio? , ., years ago? in terms of the damages sou . ht, years ago? in terms of the damages sought. it's — years ago? in terms of the damages sought. it's a _ years ago? in terms of the damages sought. it's a very — years ago? in terms of the damages sought, it's a very large _ years ago? in terms of the damages sought, it's a very large sum - years ago? in terms of the damages sought, it's a very large sum but - sought, it�*s a very large sum but explained to us how that works because the film was very successful. it because the film was very successful.— because the film was very successful. ., , ., , ., successful. it was a big hit and i think at this — successful. it was a big hit and i think at this stage, _ successful. it was a big hit and i think at this stage, the - successful. it was a big hit and i think at this stage, the number| successful. it was a big hit and i i think at this stage, the number is a placeholder, it�*s picked out of thin air and i placeholder, it�*s picked out of thin airand i don�*t placeholder, it�*s picked out of thin air and i don�*t know if it means that much but they�*re claiming that

they had psychological trauma, they had medical bills, they had therapist bills, they lost income because they were not offered the roles that they think they should have gotten, that kind of thing. and it will be ultimately, eventually up to a jury to decide what the damage actually should be but you put a number in there in the complaint at the startjust to get peoples attention, really. itand the startjust to get peoples attention, really.— the startjust to get peoples attention, really. the startjust to get peoples attention, reall . �* , ., attention, really. and can you tell us, that is — attention, really. and can you tell us, that is the _ attention, really. and can you tell us, that is the director? _ attention, really. and can you tell us, that is the director? know, i us, that is the director? know, there've been _ us, that is the director? know, there've been a _ us, that is the director? know, there've been a couple - us, that is the director? know, there've been a couple of - there�*ve been a couple of allegations in the past that he had made unwanted advances towards young men and this came out as recently as 2017, 2018 and there�*s an actor that said he had pursued him and gripped him or something along those lines. there is this allegation generally about franco, i don�*t know if olivia

hussey or whiting announced that they had been victimised for this lawsuit and i think that adds a new wrinkle to it. in lawsuit and i think that adds a new wrinkle to it— wrinkle to it. in terms of the wave ofthe wrinkle to it. in terms of the wave of the statute _ wrinkle to it. in terms of the wave of the statute of _ wrinkle to it. in terms of the wave of the statute of limitations, - of the statute of limitations, briefly, does this explain how this impacts this? 50. briefly, does this explain how this impacts this?— impacts this? so, ordinarily, they would not appear— impacts this? so, ordinarily, they would not appear to _ impacts this? so, ordinarily, they would not appear to bring - impacts this? so, ordinarily, they would not appear to bring this - would not appear to bring this lawsuit because all the stuff i�*ve been back in 1967 as of the statute of limitations expired. there is a lot in california that comes out of the catholic clergy people have suffered abuse many decades ago and are unable to pursue lawsuits against the church and state legislature have temporarily suspended that and created a three year window which expired over the weekend to bring these lawsuits to eliminate the statute of limitations temporarily and there been a number of lawsuits about the boy scouts,

the catholic church and so on. thank ou for the catholic church and so on. thank you for this — the catholic church and so on. thank you for this and _ the catholic church and so on. thank you for this and thank _ the catholic church and so on. thank you for this and thank you _ the catholic church and so on. thank you for this and thank you for- you for this and thank you for watching outside source. hello there. it�*s not been quite a sweat today in comparison to yesterday and actually, we have seen some glimpses of sunshine there been fairly limited and this was canned a little earlier on and most of the break from the cloud have been out to the west across eastern scotland in eastern england but you can see where the shower outbreaks of rain from the weather fronts and through the scottish borders in northern ireland and across northern england. they will tend to ease as we go through the evening hours and overnight and with some clear skies, temperatures will fall away a little further in comparison to the night and it�*s still going to be milder for the time of year but mostly single figures across the country. slightly fresher start to thursday morning in this prison early morning sunshine as well and quickly cloud

over the west and we should see more wet and windy weather pushing into northern ireland and weston scotland in particular and there will be shadow side of the main band of rain well. temperatures will peak between pretty mild for early on injanuary. a5 pretty mild for early on injanuary. as he moved to thursday and friday on the southern half of the slocum were going to susan gill for his gust of winds and severe gusts for a time. the wind is pushing it a by pays but does mean that during the early hours of friday morning the wet and windy particularly on the southern flank in the rain eases away from the southeast first thing in on the whole, friday will start off relatively quiet and on the cool side of scotland, most single figures eight or 9 degrees and freddie on the whole should be dry and sunny here and probably the best of the week and so, i hope they will make the most of it because likely

to see a significant change once again to the weekend but those temperatures again not bad for the time of year, eight to 12 celsius on the whole. but blood pressure is set to return not only for saturday put into saturday and see how many isobars on the chart as well and the winds will always remain a feature to drive their showers through a quite a pace and it�*s going to stay pretty windy with showers and longer spells of rain at time but still relatively mild. that�*s it, take care.

hello, i�*m kasia madera with outside source. kevin mccarthy�*s latest bid to become house speaker falls short as even the president weighs in on the drama in congress. that�*s not my... it�*s taken so long in the way they�*re dealing with one another. not even the endorsement of donald trump could clinch the deal for the californian congressman. so, what now? also in the programme — "hold me to account," says britain�*s prime minister. rishi sunak sets out pledges on the economy, migration and healthcare. and the battle for bakhmut — we�*ll have a special report from the ukrainian city facing some of the fiercest fighting.

every second you hear the sound of fire, you can tell every minute this is a city that is being intensely fought over. we start in the us and in washington, where it�*s emerged within the past few minutes that kevin mccarthy has failed in his bid to become speaker of the house of representatives. here is the moment when the fourth round result was announced. the fifth round of voting has ended just a few minutes ago. kevin mccarthy needs to get 218 votes and in that fifth round, another nominated person received 20 votes. kevin mccarthy needs to not lose four votes in order to go through.

he�*s not done that, so he will be going to a sixth round. let�*s go straight to capitol hill. will grant is there. potentially, we�*re looking at a sixth round, but there�*s increasing calls or conversations about perhaps kevin mccarthy removing himself for this? well, it seems to have _ removing himself for this? well, it seems to have descended - removing himself for this? well, it seems to have descended into - removing himself for this? well, it seems to have descended into a i seems to have descended into a complete stalemate. it�*s becoming perilously close to that definition of insanity. doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. of course, between these rounds of voting, there is conversations taking place, there are conversations between kevin mccarthy�*s camp on the other side. whatever�*s being put on offer simply isn�*t sufficient. one would expect it to go down to a sixth round unless something significant

changes. either he makes concessions to the democrats on the other side or he stands down altogether and somebody else is put forward. but he�*s made it very clear that he�*s not prepared to do that, so that would be pretty surprising. yes, as you were. ibts would be pretty surprising. yes, as ou were. �* , ~ would be pretty surprising. yes, as ou were. ~ , s , you were. as you were, well, but we are talking — you were. as you were, well, but we are talking about _ you were. as you were, well, but we are talking about something - you were. as you were, well, but we are talking about something that - you were. as you were, well, but we j are talking about something that was meant to have been a stamping of this position. we�*ll go into why it�*s so important soon, but in terms of the national nations now, the dealing that is going on. kevin mccarthy has conceded a lot and no caucus is holding firm.— mccarthy has conceded a lot and no caucus is holding firm. yeah, he has conceded a — caucus is holding firm. yeah, he has conceded a lot. _ caucus is holding firm. yeah, he has conceded a lot. i'm _ caucus is holding firm. yeah, he has conceded a lot. i'm not _ caucus is holding firm. yeah, he has conceded a lot. i'm not sure - caucus is holding firm. yeah, he has conceded a lot. i'm not sure there's| conceded a lot. i�*m not sure there�*s any ace left up his sleeve. we saw president trump weighed in on the

early hours of the morning via issuing a statement on �*s truth social, urging republicans in the house to back kevin mccarthy and put the situation to bed. that hasn�*t worked. whether or not because his influence is waning or this simply doesn�*t come down to individuals. this isn�*t really about kevin mccarthy or donald trump or even those people who are casting their votes. it�*s kind of a broader vision of what people think the gop should be and they�*re 10% on one side who want to very different person at top. someone who isn�*t they consider a member of the establishment, more aligned to their position of trying to drain the swamp, as the rhetoric was used. obviously, roughly 90% of those who elected into the house as

republican on the other side. while neither side is prepared to back down, the situation continues. will. down, the situation continues. will, thank ou down, the situation continues. will, thank you for— down, the situation continues. will, thank you for bringing _ down, the situation continues. will, thank you for bringing us up to date. will grants there. we�*ll monitor the situation as we�*re expecting. arguably the sixth round of voting to take place, but as will was saying, a lot of people commenting on this. president biden has been giving his reaction. president biden has given his reaction to the votes. president biden there. discussing in his words, it�*s a bit embarrassing. let�*s talk about the role of the speaker. this is one of the most important jobs in us politics. a5 leader of the house, they control the legislative agenda and timetable in congress�*s lower body, as well as who sits on the huge number of committees.

the speaker is also second in line to succeed the us president, behind the vice president should both be unable to serve due to death, removalfrom office, or are unable to fulfil their duties for health reasons. without a speaker, the house cannot be run effectively, which means its core functions, like passing bills or raising the debt ceiling, will be hampered. a speaker is elected in the house of representatives through a public vote where members say aloud the name of the person they are voting for. the speaker must win a majority vote to get the role. that number is 218 when all members are present in the room. so far, mccarthy has fallen short on all five occasions. voting will continue until someone wins a majority. for the next few minutes, we�*re going to take a look at why kevin mccarthy is struggling to win, starting with this take from one republican political consultant. what we�*re seeing with kevin

mccarthy and these house republicans is a culmination of what was a very disappointing election cycle that left mccarthy with a very small margin in orderto left mccarthy with a very small margin in order to be elected speaker. that small margin right now is preventing him from being able to accomplish his goal. so, just how small is the margin? after november�*s midterm elections, the democrats retained control of the senate but the republicans took back control of the house. they now hold 222 seats — that�*s just four clear of the 218 which gives them a majority. democrats hold 213. so, mccarthy can only afford to lose four votes from his own party, since he needs a majority vote in the house to become speaker. and this is where the problem lies. that�*s because around 20 republican rebels voted against kevin mccarthy on every vote so far. let�*s now hear from julia manchester, who�*s a reporter at the us politics website, the hill. a lot of these republicans say they 'ust a lot of these republicans say they just want— a lot of these republicans say they just want anyone but kevin mccarthy, they don't— just want anyone but kevin mccarthy, they don't trust him, they say he

has given— they don't trust him, they say he has given too many concessions in the past — has given too many concessions in the past. talking about this rules package — the past. talking about this rules package which would be the first order— package which would be the first order of— package which would be the first order of business to be passed through— order of business to be passed through the house, kevin mccarthy says or— through the house, kevin mccarthy says or has — through the house, kevin mccarthy says or has offered concessions to these _ says or has offered concessions to these conservative republicans, and they say— these conservative republicans, and they say no, they want someone else. one of the members of the rebel group, representative bob good, said they would "never back down". shortly after the fourth round of voting ended, i spoke to rina shah, political strategist, and former senior aide to two republican members of congress. what's at play here is that this is a faction — what's at play here is that this is a faction of— what's at play here is that this is a faction of today's _ what's at play here is that this is a faction of today's republican i a faction of today's republican party — a faction of today's republican party that _ a faction of today's republican party that is— a faction of today's republican party that is so _ a faction of today's republican - party that is so antiestablishment. they don't— party that is so antiestablishment. they don't want _ party that is so antiestablishment. they don't want to _ party that is so antiestablishment. they don't want to rest _ party that is so antiestablishment. they don't want to rest until- they don't want to rest until they're _ they don't want to rest until they're down— they don't want to rest until they're down decimating - they don't want to rest until. they're down decimating what they don't want to rest until- they're down decimating what they consider— they're down decimating what they consider the — they're down decimating what they consider the establishment - they're down decimating what they consider the establishment portion of their— consider the establishment portion of their party, _ consider the establishment portion of their party, and _ consider the establishment portion of their party, and they _ consider the establishment portion of their party, and they see -

consider the establishment portion of their party, and they see kevin i of their party, and they see kevin mccarthy— of their party, and they see kevin mccarthy as — of their party, and they see kevin mccarthy as the _ of their party, and they see kevin mccarthy as the figurehead. - of their party, and they see kevin mccarthy as the figurehead. this| mccarthy as the figurehead. this faction _ mccarthy as the figurehead. this faction has — mccarthy as the figurehead. this faction has not _ mccarthy as the figurehead. this faction has not only— mccarthy as the figurehead. this faction has not only increased i mccarthy as the figurehead. this faction has not only increased its power _ faction has not only increased its power in — faction has not only increased its power in the _ faction has not only increased its power in the trump _ faction has not only increased its power in the trump era. - faction has not only increased its power in the trump era. they. faction has not only increased its. power in the trump era. they feel emboldened — power in the trump era. they feel emboldened to— power in the trump era. they feel emboldened to hold _ power in the trump era. they feel emboldened to hold the _ power in the trump era. they feel emboldened to hold the leaders l power in the trump era. they feell emboldened to hold the leaders of the party— emboldened to hold the leaders of the party hostage _ emboldened to hold the leaders of the party hostage to _ emboldened to hold the leaders of the party hostage to their- emboldened to hold the leaders of i the party hostage to their demands, and people — the party hostage to their demands, and people have _ the party hostage to their demands, and people have asked _ the party hostage to their demands, and people have asked what - the party hostage to their demands, and people have asked what they i and people have asked what they are. they don't— and people have asked what they are. they don't seem — and people have asked what they are. they don't seem really _ and people have asked what they are. they don't seem really that _ and people have asked what they are. they don't seem really that great. - they don't seem really that great. they don't seem really that great. they seem — they don't seem really that great. they seem like _ they don't seem really that great. they seem like the _ they don't seem really that great. they seem like the kind _ they don't seem really that great. they seem like the kind of- they don't seem really that great. l they seem like the kind of demands that one would _ they seem like the kind of demands that one would make _ they seem like the kind of demands that one would make if— they seem like the kind of demands that one would make if they - they seem like the kind of demands that one would make if they are - that one would make if they are part of this— that one would make if they are part of this washington, _ that one would make if they are part of this washington, dc _ that one would make if they are part of this washington, dc swamp, - of this washington, dc swamp, as they themselves _ of this washington, dc swamp, as they themselves have _ of this washington, dc swamp, as they themselves have called - of this washington, dc swamp, as they themselves have called it. i of this washington, dc swamp, asi they themselves have called it. we want to— they themselves have called it. we want to be — they themselves have called it. we want to be heads _ they themselves have called it. we want to be heads of— they themselves have called it. we want to be heads of committees, l they themselves have called it. we i want to be heads of committees, they want to be heads of committees, they want certain— want to be heads of committees, they want certain promises— want to be heads of committees, they want certain promises made _ want to be heads of committees, they want certain promises made around i want certain promises made around campaign _ want certain promises made around campaign money— want certain promises made around campaign moneyand _ want certain promises made around campaign money and certain - want certain promises made around campaign money and certain otherl campaign money and certain other legislative — campaign money and certain other legislative pieces, _ campaign money and certain other legislative pieces, but _ campaign money and certain other legislative pieces, but there's - campaign money and certain other legislative pieces, but there's no. legislative pieces, but there's no real policy— legislative pieces, but there's no real policy points _ legislative pieces, but there's no real policy points here. - legislative pieces, but there's no real policy points here. that's i real policy points here. that's something _ real policy points here. that's something that _ real policy points here. that's something that the _ real policy points here. that's something that the real- real policy points here. that's - something that the real distinction from back— something that the real distinction from back in— something that the real distinction from back in 2009, _ something that the real distinction from back in 2009, when- something that the real distinction from back in 2009, when the - something that the real distinction from back in 2009, when the tea i from back in 2009, when the tea party— from back in 2009, when the tea party came — from back in 2009, when the tea party came and _ from back in 2009, when the tea party came and put _ from back in 2009, when the tea party came and put its _ from back in 2009, when the tea party came and put its grip - from back in 2009, when the tea party came and put its grip on i party came and put its grip on washington _ party came and put its grip on washington and _ party came and put its grip on washington and the _ party came and put its grip on - washington and the establishment here in_ washington and the establishment here in washington. _ washington and the establishment here in washington. it's _ washington and the establishment here in washington. it's a - here in washington. it's a very different— here in washington. it's a very different time. _ here in washington. it's a very different time. not _ here in washington. it's a very different time. not too - here in washington. it's a very different time. not too far- here in washington. it's a very different time. not too far offl here in washington. it's a very- different time. not too far off from the people — different time. not too far off from the people who _ different time. not too far off from the people who are _ the people who are antiestablishment.| the people who are antiestablishment. n ., , antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already conceded _ antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already conceded a _ antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already conceded a lot. - antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already conceded a lot. is - antiestablishment. kevin mccarthy has already conceded a lot. is he l has already conceded a lot. is he going to have to just move away? he going to have tojust move away? he certainly doesn't want to. he says

he'll see — certainly doesn't want to. he says he'll see that _ certainly doesn't want to. he says he'll see that through _ certainly doesn't want to. he says he'll see that through the - certainly doesn't want to. he says he'll see that through the end. i l he'll see that through the end. i .et he'll see that through the end. i get a _ he'll see that through the end. i get a sense _ he'll see that through the end. i get a sense from _ he'll see that through the end. i get a sense from people - he'll see that through the end. i get a sense from people i've - he'll see that through the end. i - get a sense from people i've spoken to on— get a sense from people i've spoken to on capitol — get a sense from people i've spoken to on capitol hill— get a sense from people i've spoken to on capitol hill today _ get a sense from people i've spoken to on capitol hill today and - to on capitol hill today and yesterday. _ to on capitol hill today and yesterday, people - to on capitol hill today and yesterday, people who - to on capitol hill today and yesterday, people who i i to on capitol hill today and i yesterday, people who i have to on capitol hill today and - yesterday, people who i have long called _ yesterday, people who i have long called friends _ yesterday, people who i have long called friends and _ yesterday, people who i have long called friends and colleagues - yesterday, people who i have long called friends and colleagues — - called friends and colleagues — i served _ called friends and colleagues — i served two— called friends and colleagues — i served two republican - called friends and colleagues — i| served two republican members called friends and colleagues — i. served two republican members of called friends and colleagues — i- served two republican members of the house _ served two republican members of the house - _ served two republican members of the house - and _ served two republican members of the house - and people _ served two republican members of the house — and people are _ served two republican members of the house — and people are shocked, - house — and people are shocked, flustered. — house — and people are shocked, flustered, and _ house — and people are shocked, flustered, and they— house — and people are shocked, flustered, and they know - house — and people are shocked, flustered, and they know kevin i house — and people are shocked, i flustered, and they know kevin well. i flustered, and they know kevin well. i know _ flustered, and they know kevin well. i know him _ flustered, and they know kevin well. i know him from _ flustered, and they know kevin well. i know him from watching _ flustered, and they know kevin well. i know him from watching his - flustered, and they know kevin well. i know him from watching his rise i flustered, and they know kevin well. i know him from watching his rise as| i know him from watching his rise as a leader~ _ i know him from watching his rise as a leader~ he — i know him from watching his rise as a leader. he wants _ i know him from watching his rise as a leader. he wants to— i know him from watching his rise as a leader. he wants to see _ i know him from watching his rise as a leader. he wants to see this all. a leader. he wants to see this all the way through _ a leader. he wants to see this all the way through. but _ a leader. he wants to see this all the way through. but all - a leader. he wants to see this all the way through. but all the - a leader. he wants to see this all the way through. but all the way| the way through. but all the way through— the way through. but all the way through could _ the way through. but all the way through could be _ the way through. but all the way through could be weeks - the way through. but all the way through could be weeks and - the way through. but all the way. through could be weeks and days, the way through. but all the way - through could be weeks and days, and that really— through could be weeks and days, and that really puts — through could be weeks and days, and that really puts us _ through could be weeks and days, and that really puts us in _ through could be weeks and days, and that really puts us in a _ that really puts us in a constitutional- that really puts us in a constitutional crisis i that really puts us in a constitutional crisis of| that really puts us in a - constitutional crisis of sorts. that really puts us in a _ constitutional crisis of sorts. the new congress _ constitutional crisis of sorts. the new congress is _ constitutional crisis of sorts. the new congress is not _ constitutional crisis of sorts. the new congress is not yet - constitutional crisis of sorts. the new congress is not yet sworn i constitutional crisis of sorts. the new congress is not yet sworn inj constitutional crisis of sorts. the - new congress is not yet sworn in and nancy— new congress is not yet sworn in and nancy pelosi — new congress is not yet sworn in and nancy pelosi gaveled _ new congress is not yet sworn in and nancy pelosi gaveled our— new congress is not yet sworn in and nancy pelosi gaveled our second - nancy pelosi gaveled our second sessioh — nancy pelosi gaveled our second sessioh it — nancy pelosi gaveled our second session. it really— nancy pelosi gaveled our second session. it really begs _ nancy pelosi gaveled our second session. it really begs the - nancy pelosi gaveled our second i session. it really begs the question of when _ session. it really begs the question of when will— session. it really begs the question of when will they— session. it really begs the question of when will they start _ session. it really begs the question of when will they start getting - session. it really begs the question of when will they start getting the i of when will they start getting the work done — of when will they start getting the work done for _ of when will they start getting the work done for the _ of when will they start getting the work done for the people. - of when will they start getting the work done for the people. this . of when will they start getting the i work done for the people. this was supposed _ work done for the people. this was supposed to— work done for the people. this was supposed to be _ work done for the people. this was supposed to be a _ work done for the people. this was supposed to be a ceremonial- work done for the people. this was - supposed to be a ceremonial moment. strategists _ supposed to be a ceremonial moment. strategists like — supposed to be a ceremonial moment. strategists like me _ supposed to be a ceremonial moment. strategists like me thought _ supposed to be a ceremonial moment. strategists like me thought two - supposed to be a ceremonial moment. strategists like me thought two or- strategists like me thought two or three _ strategists like me thought two or three ballots — strategists like me thought two or three ballots and _ strategists like me thought two or three ballots and mccarthy- strategists like me thought two or three ballots and mccarthy would i three ballots and mccarthy would have it _ three ballots and mccarthy would have it but — three ballots and mccarthy would have it. but mccarthy _ three ballots and mccarthy would have it. but mccarthy has - three ballots and mccarthy would have it. but mccarthy has called i have it. but mccarthy has called trump, — have it. but mccarthy has called trump, he — have it. but mccarthy has called trump, he called newt- have it. but mccarthy has called | trump, he called newt gingrich, have it. but mccarthy has called - trump, he called newt gingrich, even enlisted _ trump, he called newt gingrich, even enlisted marjorie _ trump, he called newt gingrich, even enlisted marjorie taylor—

trump, he called newt gingrich, even enlisted marjorie taylor greene, - trump, he called newt gingrich, even enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he i enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he has tried _ enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he has tried to — enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he has tried to get _ enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he has tried to get everybody - enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he has tried to get everybody on - enlisted marjorie taylor greene, he has tried to get everybody on his i has tried to get everybody on his side but — has tried to get everybody on his side but it's— has tried to get everybody on his side but it's looking _ has tried to get everybody on his side but it's looking like - has tried to get everybody on his side but it's looking like it's- side but it's looking like it's still— side but it's looking like it's still not _ side but it's looking like it's still not helpful. _ here in the uk, the prime minister rishi sunak has set out his priorities for 2023 in his first major speech of the year. let�*s have a listen to some of what he had to say. first, we will have inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security —— back to. second, we will grow the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunity right across the uk —— halve. third, we will make sure our national debt is falling so that we can secure the future of public services. fourth, nhs waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly. fifth, we will pass new laws to stop small

boats making sure that if you come to this country illegally, you are detained and swiftly removed. rishi sunak spent the first few weeks of his premiership last autumn trying to restore stability after the turmoil of liz truss�* government. but apart from his speech on taking office, and one on foreign policy last year, he�*s made few big statements about what he wants to do in the job. so, let�*s take a closer look at his five focus areas. first, halving inflation to ease the cost of living and give people financial security. the latest consumer price index figure for inflation was 10.7%. that was for last november. the independent office for budget responsibility expects it to fall to 3.75% by the fourth quarter of this year below half the current level. here�*s one economic expert on mr sunak�*s economic goals. it's not obvious what the government's going to do to achieve them. i think we're not going

to get growth this year. we'll be lucky to be growing by 2024, so there's not much specific in that. what the prime minister said about inflation is reallyjust repeating the bank of england's own forecaster on inflation, inflation we all expect to halve by the end of this year. so, it's not really a pledge, it'sjust a restatement of a forecast. this is partly the result of steep rises in energy, fuel, and food prices not being repeated again this year. rishi sunak�*s second and third pledges, growing the economy by creating better paid jobs and opportunity across the country and seeing the national debt fall to secure the future of public services, do not have a time frame attached. here�*s pauljohnson again. will in most experts believe that it

will be 2024 before the overall numbers start falling. in an open letter to the health secretary,... letter to the health numbers start falling. in an open letter to the health the prime minister�*s pledge was to stop small boats, making 5ure sure that those who come to the uk illegally are detained. here�*s former education secretaryjustine greening. what he is trying to do now that he's _ what he is trying to do now that he's in — what he is trying to do now that he's in numberten, i what he is trying to do now that he's in number ten, i think people understood — he's in number ten, i think people understood that in a sense, it was about— understood that in a sense, it was about saving the economy and stopping — about saving the economy and stopping the boat from capsizing. that's— stopping the boat from capsizing. that's not — stopping the boat from capsizing. that's not the same as working out the direction of where we're going to take _ the direction of where we're going to take britain. i think he was trying — to take britain. i think he was trying to— to take britain. i think he was trying to set that out today, but i think you — trying to set that out today, but i think you will need to come back to more details. and i think he has to

set out _ more details. and i think he has to set out more details on how he's going _ set out more details on how he's going to — set out more details on how he's going to get into that next campaign whenever it comes in 2024. saying that he's— whenever it comes in 2024. saying that he's delivering on the manifesto that people elect the conservatives to achieve for britain, _ conservatives to achieve for britain, which predominantly was around _ britain, which predominantly was around not — britain, which predominantly was around notjust brexit, but especially levelling up. we'll have to have _ especially levelling up. we'll have to have more of that on the coming months _ to have more of that on the coming months if— to have more of that on the coming months if he's really going to set out that— months if he's really going to set out that vision. but months if he's really going to set out that vision.— months if he's really going to set out that vision. but where are we hearing those _ out that vision. but where are we hearing those details now? - out that vision. but where are we i hearing those details now? there's out that vision. but where are we - hearing those details now? there's a hearing those details now? there�*s a lack of detail and when it comes to inflation, he�*s repeating the black of —— bank of england. i inflation, he's repeating the black of -- bank of england.— of -- bank of england. i agree, i would like _ of -- bank of england. i agree, i would like to _ of -- bank of england. i agree, i would like to see _ of -- bank of england. i agree, i would like to see much - of -- bank of england. i agree, i would like to see much more - of -- bank of england. i agree, i - would like to see much more detail, particularly — would like to see much more detail, particularly around the second priority— particularly around the second priority on economic growth. it's at the core _ priority on economic growth. it's at the core of— priority on economic growth. it's at the core of how we deliver levelling up what's— the core of how we deliver levelling up. what's interesting is the main announcement before was on masks. that's— announcement before was on masks. that's not— announcement before was on masks. that's not explicitly one of those

priorities, — that's not explicitly one of those priorities, but that very much as part of— priorities, but that very much as part of how— priorities, but that very much as part of how he sees driving forward the economy. it's one thing sending out these priorities. it's another thing _ out these priorities. it's another thing setting out the plan on how you're _ thing setting out the plan on how you're going to deal with them, but ithink— you're going to deal with them, but i think that — you're going to deal with them, but i think that is the next stage and at least — i think that is the next stage and at least today, we have some clarity for once _ at least today, we have some clarity for once around where mr sunak and his administration are really going to be _ his administration are really going to be focusing. it's also worth saying — to be focusing. it's also worth saying that the nhs priority is obviously crucial for everyone. so, ithink— obviously crucial for everyone. so, i think this — obviously crucial for everyone. so, i think this is — obviously crucial for everyone. so, i think this is a good step forward today, _ i think this is a good step forward today, but— i think this is a good step forward today, but in a sense, there will need _ today, but in a sense, there will need to— today, but in a sense, there will need to be — today, but in a sense, there will need to be more flesh on the bones if he's _ need to be more flesh on the bones if he's going to bring people with him on _ if he's going to bring people with him on this. if he's going to bring people with him on this-— stay with us on outside source — still to come... we are going to the front city where ukrainian defenders in the donetsk region are fierce things —— facing some of the fiercest fighting so far.

the japanese people are in mourning following the death of emperor hirohito. thousands converged on the imperial palace to pay their respects when it was announced he was dead. good grief! after half a century of delighting fans around the world, charlie brown and the rest of the gang are calling it quits. the singer, paul simon, starts his tour of south africa tomorrow in spite of protests and violence from some black activist groups. they say international artists should continue to boycott south africa until majority rule is established. around the world, people have been paying tribute i to the iconic rock starl david bowie, who sold 140 million albums in a career that spanned half a century. l his family announced . overnight that he died of cancer at the age of 69. the world�*s tallest skyscraper opens later today.

the burj dubai has easily overtaken its nearest rivals. this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story is that kevin mccarthy has lost a fourth vote as he attempt to be elected speaker in the us house of representatives. —— a fifth vote. britain�*s prime minister pledges to ease problems in the national health service as well as cutting inflation and growing the economy. now to ukraine, where a battlefield commander has told the bbc the fighting in the eastern town of bakhmut is of rare ferocity, with russian forces seeking to advance over ground littered with dead. almost all of its 70,000 occupants have fled. russia is battling to capture bakhmut, in the hope that it will lead to the fall

of sloviansk and kramatorsk, two key cities in the donbas still under ukrainian control. our correspondent yogita limaye has been on the front line in bakhmut the bbc�*s yogita limaye, imogen anderson, sanjay ganguly and mariana matveichuk have been in the city at the start of the new year to speak to military units and local people. this is what the merciless bombardment of a city looks like. munitions explode. and how it sounds. explosions echo. once a quiet place known for sparkling wine, bakhmut is now a byword for war, and ukraine�*s resistance. russia is using all its might to try and take this city. we drove past abandoned buildings. 90% of the people have fled. this is what you can see everywhere in bakhmut — destruction. on the other side of the road,

you can see apartment blocks that are completely destroyed. we�*re walking all over shards of glass, pretty much every second you hear the sound of artillery fire. you can tell every minute that this is a city that is being intensely fought over. and over the past few months of fierce battle, even though it�*s at an important road intersection, it is the symbolic importance of this fight but has become greater then its strategic location. bakhmut is the home anatoly has known all his life. we see him barely react when a shell lands a few hundred metres away. shell explodes. he has come to an aid centre, a lifeline for those still here. "why don�*t you leave?" we asked him. translation: i have - nowhere to go, i am alone. who would want to

take an 86—year—old? here at least sometimes, when the soldiers throw away food orsoup, ifind itand eat it. and i get free bread in my whole life, i�*ve never seen anything like this. tetiana used to be a midwife before the war. now she is a volunteer. translation: i stay - because i'm needed here. of course i�*m scared. i�*ve been caught in shelling three times. i suffered a concussion. but what use would i be hiding in a basement? people stay for different reasons. munitions explode. the explosions don�*t stop, but no—one flinches. it�*s as if they�*ve become numb. running from bombs every day, repeated trauma, without an end. this person told us she and her daughter live like mice, running out quickly to get bread. walking to this centre

for a bit of food is a risk they take to survive. outside, we met alexey, the mayor of bakhmut. we can�*t show his location. "it is myjob, my life, my fate, to stay here. "i won�*t leave the people, and i trust that ukraine�*s "military won�*t allow my city to fall," he said. we went to see ukrainian defence, taken to a location we can�*t disclose. underground, to one of their command centres in the city. the heart of the military operation. fewjournalists have been here. this is a live feed from drones beyond the eastern edge of bakhmut, where russian forces are stationed.

the men here are trying to locate the target for an assault team that has just gone out. this commander told us this is the toughest battle he�*s ever fought. translation: we haven't seen enemy troops like this before. _ their soldiers openly advance under fire, even if they're littering the ground with their bodies, even if only 20 are left of their 60 men. it is very difficult to hold against such an invasion. a few weeks ago, we had to withdraw from the eastern approaches to the city to save our soldiers. they showed us this video, the east of the city on new year�*s morning under russian attack. in the fields outside bakhmut, we see the daily grind to keep a hold on it. the winter makes it harder to camouflage guns and men.

we watch them fire soviet—era weapons. soldiers tell us they work well and do the job, but modern equipment would help push through the deadlock on the ground. on the other end isn�*tjust the russian military, there are also thousands of mercenaries from the private wagner group. they expect incoming fire, so we retreat to a bunker. why does it feel like it is deadlocked on the ground? "it is stuck for many reasons. "the winter makes it harder to use equipment. "we also have a shortage of weapons and ammunition," 21—year—old oleksandr replies. back to positions they go. each side trying to wear the other down...

..in this battle of endurance. yogita limaye, bbc news, bakhmut. the team at the beginning of the year. lots more on ukraine on our website. ijust want year. lots more on ukraine on our website. i just want take this moment to take you to capitol hill in washington to show you what is happening on the ground there, where there is a vote taking place. hopefully we can see some of the images there. republican kevin mccarthy has lost five rounds of voting because the politicians they are trying to put him in, or not trying to, as speaker of the us house of representatives. a small group of antiestablishment hardliners are trying to derail the vote and president biden has come out and said that this is an embarrassing situation for the

country. there is a stalemate that we continue to monitor across bbc news. hello then. it�*s not been quite as wet today in comparison to yesterday. actually, we have seen some glimpses of sunshine. they have been fairly limited. this was loose in kent a little earlier on. most of the breaks in the cloud have been out to the west, across eastern scotland and eastern england. but you can see where the showery outbreaks of rain from a week, outbreaks of rain from a weak weather front sits through the scottish borders, northern ireland and across to northern england. at the moment, they will tend to ease as we go through the evening hours and overnight and with some clearer skies, temperatures will fall away a little further in comparison to the nightjust past. it�*s still going to be mild for the time of year, but mostly single figures across the country. so, a slightly fresher start to thursday morning. there should be some early

morning sunshine as well. it will, however, quickly cloud over from the west and eventually, we�*ll see more wet and windy weather pushing into northern ireland and western scotland in particular. there will be some showers ahead of that main band of rain as well. temperatures are likely to peak between 9—13 degrees, so still pretty mild for early on injanuary. now, as we move through thursday into friday, on the southern flank of this low, we are going to see some gale force gusts of winds, perhaps severe gales for a time. the rain is pushing through at quite a pace, but it does mean during the early hours of friday morning, it�*s wet and windy, particularly along that southern flank of the low. the rain eases away from the southeast at first thing. so, on the whole, friday will start off relatively quiet on the cool side in scotland with low single figures here, on the cool side in scotland with low single figures here, 8—9 degrees down to the south. friday on the whole should be drier, sunnier

and probably the best day of the week, so i hope you can get out and make the most of it because we�*re likely to see a significant change once again into the weekend. but those temperatures, again, not bad for the time of year — 8—12 celsius on the whole. but low pressure is set to return not only for saturday, but into saturday. you can see how many isa bars on the chart as well. that means the winds will always remain a feature. it�*ll drive those showers through at quite a pace, but it�*s going to stay pretty windy with showers or longer. with showers or longer spells of rain at times, but still relatively mild. that�*s it. take care.

coming up, we�*ll have all the headlines and news at the top of the hour. now, we bring you this programme. the world of door—to—door sales and selling on the street has been rebooted for the social media age. young people are being promised big money, glam work trips abroad and the chance to work with some of the biggest brands in the uk. but the reality can be very different. i�*m lora jones and, for the past year, i�*ve been investigating the dark side of the direct sales industry. are young people chasing a dream they can never achieve? just, like, chews you up and spits you out. i probably blew about £2,000 in, like, road trips and stuff. wow! and i don't think i made that in the whole three months