this is bbc news i'm ben brown. our headlines at five 20,000 ambulance workers in england and wales are striking for a second time over pay and staffing. health managers warn of the impact on the nhs — but unions say the most urgent cases will be covered. what's terrifying is that right now people not knowing whether when they called 999, they will get the treatment that they need. there is not a minimum level of service any day because they have broken the nhs. a man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering ellie edwards, killed when she was shot in a pub in wallasey on christmas eve.

domestic flights have resumed across the united states after being grounded because of a safety system failed. counter terrorism police investigate how scrap metal containing traces of uranium arrived at london's heathrow airport last month. and the conservative mp andrew bridgen is suspended from his party after appearing to compare covid—19 vaccines with the holocaust. good afternoon. ambulance workers in england and wales are striking over

pay for a second time. managers are warning the impact is likely to be worse than last month's stoppage, because now call handlers are also on strike. the prime minister says it's terrifying that people don't know what will happen if they call 999. but ambulance staff say they will leave picket lines to respond to all category one emergency calls — where there's a threat to life. 0ur health correspondent dominic hughes reports from manchester.. ambulances are still responding to life—threatening emergencies. but the picket lines outside ambulance stations across wales and almost all of england tell their own story. i always wanted to be a paramedic from being a child and i wanted to help people. for those like sam, a paramedic in manchester with two small children, striking was a tough decision but one she felt forced to take. it's hard, but at the end of the month i don't have any wages there. we don't have any savings. it is a struggle. our weekly food shop has gone up, our electricity has gone up.

it really is stretched at the moment. more than 20,000 ambulance workers are involved in a strike today, affecting all of wales and every region in england except the east and the isle of wight. the strike involves all staff who are members of the gmb or unison and includes paramedics and call handlers representing two thirds of all ambulance workers. in manchester, the industrial action started at 7am, but the timings vary across different parts of england and wales. 999 calls will still be answered, and ambulance crews are attending life—threatening emergencies. but the government says given the extreme pressure on the health service, facing one of the toughest winters in its history, this is the wrong time to take strike action. the nhs, as we can all see, is under massive pressure. we accepted in full the recommendations of what is an independent process, the pay review body process, and i think it's hugely regrettable.

the advice to patients is to think carefully before calling an ambulance but not to hesitate if it's a life—threatening emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke or seizure. at this hospital in plymouth, the army is helping with ambulance call—outs, and the service will undoubtedly be even more stretched today. are you going to wave it for me? back on the manchester picket line, paramedics like mark say the strike is about more than just pay but also the state of the wider health service. i've been in this job for 14 years, and i've seen it slowly decline. it's a case of we're not able to do ourjob properly because we're getting stuck in ambulances and we are not able to then provide for other people that need us. from the government point of view, i think sometimes they do play on our caring side, we are all in the job because we care, and most of us will still stay because it's a job that we love and a job that we've

been in for quite a few years and we need to be matched up with the pay that we deserve, really. the health service will see more strikes, with two days of industrial action by nursing staff next week and physiotherapists striking towards the end of the month. junior doctors are also voting on whether to take industrial action. so far, there is little sign of a breakthrough that could mean the dispute is resolved soon. jenny kumah is in plymouth for us jenny you have been trying to assess the impact of the strike. i am jenny you have been trying to assess the impact of the strike.— the impact of the strike. i am here at the university _ the impact of the strike. i am here at the university hospital - the impact of the strike. i am here at the university hospital in - at the university hospital in plymouth. it is a major trauma centre so if there are big incidents in the region it is does here. today, it has been relatively normal. there are times you come

here and there dozens of ambulances queuing to andover. there have been a handful of ambulances with military personnel helping to crew them. so far it has been steady. i have been speaking to patients and relatives. 0ne relative told me his mother had a stroke and he called 99 and the ambulance was there in 20 minutes. he told me he was happy his mother got the service she needed and he supported the strikes. another woman who was dropped off here, she had been at the minor injury units and had been directed to come up here because she had a few weeks to go and needed an x—ray. she was supportive of the strikers. things are busy or in the emergency department. earlier this morning, there was a weight of our own 90 minutes to see a doctor it it is about 2.5 hours. there are about a hundred patients now. the nhs tells

me the last strike they saw a drop in demand and they don't yet have a picture of the impacts of the strike so far. they have been taking measures. they put steps into mitigate the impacts. they will try to redeploy staff in areas where they expect high demand. they have been working with ambulance staff to make that handover more quick and efficient. that is the picture so far in plymouth.— efficient. that is the picture so far in plymouth. efficient. that is the picture so far in pl mouth. ., ~ g , ., far in plymouth. thank you jenny for that undate- — we know that physiotherapists are going to stage two strikes in the coming weeks but we are also just hearing that the uk civil servants union, the public services union, have announced that 100,000 civil concern ovens are to strike on february one in a dispute overjobs

pay and conditions. that is the public and commercial services union will stop the pcs which are striking, about 100,000 civil servants. another big strike happening on february one. 1a health unions plan to boycott the nhs pay review body for the next wage round. the unions — representing more than 1 million ambulance staff, nurses and other nhs workers in england — will not submit evidence to the review, which makes recommendations on wages. they are calling for direct talks with the government over pay. well in the commons the ambulance strike and the state of the national health service dominated the first prime minister's questions of the new year. and — after weeks of speculation — rishi sunakfinally said he has used private health care in the past, but he also said he is registered with an nhs gp. 0ur political correspondent ben wright was watching.

how are you going to end the strikes in the nhs, prime minister? - no end in sight to the strikes, an nhs understrain, and political heat on the prime minister. at the weekend, rishi sunak ducked questions about his own health care arrangements, refusing to say if he used a private gp. but as he faced the commons for the first time this year, mr sunak said he did use the nhs after all. i am registered with an nhs gp. i have used independent health care in the past, and i'm also grateful to the friarage hospital for the fantastic care they've given my family over the years. with ambulance staff striking today, net is planning a walk—out next week, labour's leader tried to pin the blame on the prime minister. in the 13 years of the last labour government, there were no national nhs strikes. if the prime minister had negotiated with the nurses before christmas, they wouldn't be on strike. if he had negotiated with the ambulance workers, they wouldn't be on strike either.

so why is he choosing to prolong the misery, rather than end these strikes? prime minister! mr speaker, we've always been clear that we want constructive dialogue with the unions. that is also why, when it comes to the issue of pay, we have accepted in full the independent recommendations of the pay review bodies. the honourable gentleman simply doesn't have a policy when it comes to this question. the political scrap over strikes is escalating. the government sketched out plans to enforce minimum levels of service during industrial action — an idea labour opposes. his response to the greatest crisis in the history of the nhs is to threaten to sack our nurses. his transport secretary says it's not the solution. his education secretary hopes it won't apply in schools. his own assessments say it could increase the number of strikes. the simple truth is,

you can't legislate your way out of 13 years of failure. this is a simple proposition, that no—one denies the unions freedom to strike, but it is also important to balance that with people's right to have access to life—saving health care at the same time. mr speaker, this shouldn't be controversial. but the plans won't have any impact on the current strikes. talks between unions and ministers over pay look stuck, so the disruption goes on. ben wright, bbc news, westminster. leaders of rail unions say a resolution to their ongoing dispute over pay, conditions and jobs is a long way off. however, rail company bosses say they are more optimistic about the prospect of a deal. mps have been questioning bosses from the rmt, aslef and tssa unions this morning — as well as representatives from network rail and the rail delivery group. they union leaders were asked by

the chair of the transport committee about the current state of the dispute let's say, on a scale of one to ten, whereas one, you remain on different planets, ten, i can go out and buy a hat for the wedding, where are we? mr whelan. thank you, chair. i think you can include zero on one to ten, we're further away than when we started. ok, that's clear. mrward? i wouldn't disagree with that. 0k, mr lynch? i wouldn't be able to say, it depends on discussions. i wouldn't use a scale, but we haven't got an agreement, and until we get an agreement, we're not close to it, really. rail bosses were also asked a similar question about the chances of a resolution with the unions

we wait and see the outcome of that. tss and arnett similar discussion tomorrow. we are further behind with as left. we made the offer at last friday we heard the reaction of as left. we need to do more to work with them and gets around the table. so that one is probably further behind than the other two at this moment in time.— behind than the other two at this moment in time. �* ., moment in time. attend for the same arou -. it moment in time. attend for the same grow it has— moment in time. attend for the same grow it has been — moment in time. attend for the same group. it has been resolved _ moment in time. attend for the same group. it has been resolved and - group. it has been resolved and that is good _ group. it has been resolved and that is good news. and as soon as we can resolve _ is good news. and as soon as we can resolve with — is good news. and as soon as we can resolve with our own team then that will resolve — resolve with our own team then that will resolve those two unions. for rmt 36% — will resolve those two unions. for rmt 36% of members that our employees voted yes for the deal, so we are _ employees voted yes for the deal, so we are short — employees voted yes for the deal, so we are short of the 50% that we

need _ we are short of the 50% that we need. there are a couple thousand people _ need. there are a couple thousand people we — need. there are a couple thousand people we need to change their vote so we'll— people we need to change their vote so we'll meet again with the rmt leadership yesterday after discussions and we are planning to meet _ discussions and we are planning to meet again— discussions and we are planning to meet again next week. so, at seven. mps also asked about proposals to introduce more driver only operated trains, where services do not have guards on board. union leaders said that was a red line for them. company, without a fight. we will never sign up to accepting d00. it will never happen while i'm the general secretary, it will never happen as long as the rmt exists. train drivers who do it hate it and feel it is unsafe, and we believe it is unsafe. prior to the pandemic, the whole industry was moving in a different direction. all the travelling public, all passenger focus want a visible and safe presence on every train. we have seen sexual assaults increase and county lines and drugs,

areas where people refuse to move at certain times of night. unfortunately, society hasn't got more polite and safer. and since then, the rail safety standards have designated that train drivers are lone workers. so, every role has to be reevaluated in light of us being lone workers. so, where this is no staff on stations, nobody in booking offices, and nobody in trains. we do not believe it is safe for the travelling public. also, we do believe you need everybody in all those positions to run a safe railway, and we will not be the supporting d00 if it comes forward as part of this deal. more on the strikes now and in scotland, exams are being rescheduled as secondary teachers strike in their dispute about pay. some preliminary exams have been affected. unions are asking for a ten % pay increase — the scottish government says that's unaffordable. it follows a strike by primary schools teachers yesterday — also over pay. 0ur scotland correspondent lorna

gordon has more on this. we are at st andrews roman catholic secondary school in glasgow. normally there would be 1800 students here at attending classes every day, but instead the school is shut for the day. that is because secondary school teachers are out on strike picket lines here telling me they are in it for the long haul. yeah, we really prepared. we'll come out as often as we need to in order to reach a better pay deal, and a fair pay deal. they've really been supportive, though, ourstudents are saying things like, "can you have a few of us across the picket line to support you, miss?" and they've just been wishing us luck even as we were in the classroom yesterday. there were talks earlier this week between the unions involved in this dispute in the scottish government. the minister in charge of the scottish government site of the scottish government side of the negotiations said she will leave no stone unturned in her attempts to resolve this dispute. teachers want a 10% pay rise.

at the moment the offer on the table is between 5% and 6.85% for the lowest paid. they say the offer would have to be substantially improved. they are hoping a new offer will be made to them over the next couple of days. nor gordon reports in there. the headlines on bbc news... 20,000 ambulance workers in england and wales are striking for a second time over pay and staffing. health managers warn of the impact on the nhs — but unions say the most urgent cases will be covered. domestic flights have resumed across the united states after being grounded because of a safety system failed. mp andrew bridgen is suspended from the conservative party after appearing to compare covid—19 vaccines with the holocaust.

a man has been arrested on suspicion of the death of ellie edwards. police arrested a 22—year—old man and eight 23—year—old woman on suspicion of murder and suspicion of assistant with the murder. both have been taken into question. a total of five people have been arrested in connection with the shooting. eight tori minister has been suspended after comparing the covert vaccine to the holocaust. 0ur health and disinformation which is here gave this update. disinformation which is here gave this update-— disinformation which is here gave this u date. �* �* . , ., this update. andrew bridge and began the pandemic—

this update. andrew bridge and began the pandemic would _ this update. andrew bridge and began the pandemic would concerns - this update. andrew bridge and began the pandemic would concerns about i the pandemic would concerns about lockdown. he prays the vaccine roll—out and encourage other people to get out and get a job after he had his. we have seen a shift over the past few months where he has moved to sort of baseless claims about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. we have seen that in the last few weeks, that rhetoric has been ramping up with inflammatory language we have seen which has perhaps triggered the suspension we have seen today. we don't do vaccines come with some side effects and there have been some rare and tragic cases of the most serious side effects. we have seen 60 that's included wills regarding the vaccines. that is out of more than a doses. we have to look at the risk and benefits together and know that these vaccines are protecting more than 80% production in the first instance against hospital ammunition. more than that for people after their

boosters although it does wean a little bit after the first job. boosters although it does wean a little bit after the firstjob. this is a vaccine that is providing protection against death and we have to set that against the much rarer instances of more severe side effects. the family of a british—iranian dual national sentenced to death in iran say that the authorities are preparing to execute him. the foreign office says it's repeatedly raised the case of alireza akbari with the iranian authroties, and are supporting his family. mr akbari, a former defence minister who denies spying for the uk, has been transferred to solitary confinement, which is seen as a sign that an execution is imminent. with me now is bbc persian reporter parham ghobadi.

thanks for being with us. tell us more about this case. what the iranians say about him and what his family fair is his imminent execution because he has been moved into solitary confinement. br; into solitary confinement. el: eminent. we interviewed into solitary confinement. by eminent. we interviewed his wife in the morning but she told us that by imminent it means tomorrow morning he might behind. the reason for that is that his family was asked to have the final meeting with him. that means the execution might be carried out really imminent. the other thing about him is that he was decades ago, he was a deputy in the ministry of defence in iran. he was also an adviser to one of the iranians talk senior national security members. who was involved in nuclear talks and the crackdown of the process. he was invited to iran, according to

his invitation, he visited the country in 2018 and 2019. he said in late 2019 he was arrested. we obtain an audio file which says white hearing authorities arrested him. i'm not sure we have that audio. let me ask you. the iranians are accusing him of spying, effectively for the uk. , , for the uk. exactly, they said he was slain for— for the uk. exactly, they said he was slain for mi _ for the uk. exactly, they said he was slain for mi six. _ for the uk. exactly, they said he was slain for mi six. in - for the uk. exactly, they said he was slain for mi six. in that - for the uk. exactly, they said he| was slain for mi six. in that audio file it says he exchanged some top information from a top security adviser. 50 information from a top security adviser. ,, ., information from a top security adviser. �* , ., adviser. so the british government a- ealinu adviser. so the british government appealing with _ adviser. so the british government appealing with the _ adviser. so the british government appealing with the arraignments i adviser. so the british government. appealing with the arraignments not to go ahead with this execution which looks like it is imminent, possibly tomorrow morning. the iranians likely to take any notice aren't they?—

aren't they? so, you can never accet aren't they? so, you can never accept what — aren't they? so, you can never accept what it _ aren't they? so, you can never accept what it iranians - aren't they? so, you can never accept what it iranians do - aren't they? so, you can never. accept what it iranians do because sometimes under international pressure date suspend the death sentence. they did so it last week in the case of two young irradiation protesters came public, but there are other cases where they had total disregard for the international appeal to stop and execution. so we cannot be sure 100%. the appeal to stop and execution. so we cannot be sure 100%.— cannot be sure 100%. the fact that he's a dual — cannot be sure 100%. the fact that he's a dual british, _ cannot be sure 100%. the fact that he's a dual british, iranian - he's a dual british, iranian national won't make much difference? 0ne national won't make much difference? one of the things is that we have to see in the context of iran british relation in the past few months. ever since the protests have swept the country, iranian countries have been accusing the uk of helping with the process. they have attacked the british embassy so we cannot be 100%

sure these two are lengths but it is a possibility. is sure these two are lengths but it is a possibility-— a possibility. is there a link between — a possibility. is there a link between his _ a possibility. is there a link between his case _ a possibility. is there a link between his case and the l a possibility. is there a link - between his case and the process that are going on at the moment? at the moment they have been asked to some of the protesters. thea;r the moment they have been asked to some of the protesters.— some of the protesters. they have executed at _ some of the protesters. they have executed at least _ some of the protesters. they have executed at least four _ some of the protesters. they have executed at least four protesters l some of the protesters. they have l executed at least four protesters so far. they have accused the uk of the aforementioned process. is this leverage on behalf of the iranian government on the british government? we are not sure about that but it can be linked. ladle government? we are not sure about that but it can be linked.— that but it can be linked. we will follow this _ that but it can be linked. we will follow this case _ that but it can be linked. we will follow this case in _ that but it can be linked. we will follow this case in the _ that but it can be linked. we will follow this case in the next - that but it can be linked. we will follow this case in the next few i follow this case in the next few hours. thank you parham forbidden us on that. the prime minister rishi sunak has been urged to help schools stop boys being "brainwashed" by controversial social media personality andrew tate. the british—american former professional kickboxer—turned influencer has amassed millions of followers across social media platforms. he was previously banned from various prominent social media platforms for expressing misogynistic views and hate speech. yesterday, a court in romania upheld the 30—day arrest of tate on charges of organised crime,

human trafficking and rape. the us aviation authorities say air traffic is getting back to normal, after domestic flights were grounded for several hours because of a computer glitch. the us federal aviation administration has this afternoon lifted an earlier order which stopped all departures after a computer glitch that prevented pilots being sent hazard alerts. the delayed and cancelled flights included some into and out of the uk. the investment bank, goldman sachs, has announced plans to cut up to 3000 200 jobs worldwide, in the face of falling profits. the cuts could affect around 6.5% of the bank's workforce. the bank is also reviewing its expenses — including bonuses and the firm's purchase of two private jets. the chief executive, david solomon, has repeatedly raised concerns about the bank's economic outlook in recent months.

sainsbury says people are shopping more in store because people want to see exactly what they are buying. soup supermarket has shown a rise in scales sales and that people were wanted to treat themselves over the christmas (pres)the supermarket giant sainsbury�*s says people are shopping more in—store, because — with the cost of living crisis — they want to see exactly what they're buying. the supermarket has reported a rise in sales over christmas — it says people were still keen to treat themselves over the festive period and while watching the world cup at home. our business correspondent emma simpson has been talking to sainsbury�*s chief executive simon roberts. people shopped carefully this christmas looking around for all the best deals on the market. they want to make their budget go as far as possible for obvious reasons. customers also wanted to enjoy this christmas as much as possible. it was the first time in three years we could get back together with family gatherings, celebrating christmas this time.

customers went all out for the big christmas dinner trading up and treating themselves but also they were careful where they did spend. and they shopped in store? absolutely, we had the biggest ever weeks before christmas, a record week and that period just before christmas when postal disruption was a concern for all of us, customers came in and in fact we had 50% more customers using stores to get their gifts for christmas and make sure they could get them for friends and families. and this is a reflection also of prices being more expensive? well what households and businesses want to see is inflation coming down. it will be the middle of the year before i think we see inflation start to level off and of course everyone is working hard to make that happen. but this time of year when we are waiting for the christmas bills to land, concern about mortgage payments going up, we need to keep our value as low as we can for customers.

we've had heavy rainfall spreading across the south of the country over the last few hours and it stays wet and windy through the night as well. more low—pressure systems push and in the towards the end of the week. these winter fronts are enhancing shower activity. this batch of rain pushing into words northern island in the first part of night and spreading across england and wales. when speaking up in the south through the channel. showers with winter nets over the hills will fade away tonight. it should be quieter with clear skies and lighter winds but it will be cold versus mother conditions in the south. in the south of the country there will be stripped rain and strong winds and a new era of low pressure in scotland and northern ireland with the gales developing it for island and

southwest and smells of rain with snow on the hills. a slice of something dry and bright through this part of the uk as you can see whales in the midlands and eastern england will be mild as well but wet and windy weather continues in the far south. see you later.

hello, this is bbc news with ben brown. the headlines. 20,000 ambulance workers in england and wales are striking for a second time over pay and staffing. health managers warn of the impact on the nhs, but unions say the most urgent cases will be covered. a man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering ellie edwards, killed when she was shot in a pub in wallasey on christmas eve. domestic flights have resumed across the united states after being grounded because of a safety system failed. counterterrorism police investigate how scrap metal containing traces of uranium arrived at london's heathrow

airport last month. and the conservative mp andrew bridgen is suspended from his party after appearing to compare covid—19 vaccines with the holocaust. and gavin has the latest sport for us this evening. hello. the last two quarter—finals of the league cup take place tonight, with nottingham forest at home to wolves before manchester city travel to southampton. much at stake for forest and wolves — with some potential silverware — and also for city. if they make it to the final and win, it would make their boss, pep guardiola, the most successful manager in the competition's history. he's currently level with alex ferguson, jose mourinho and brian clough with four wins. we won it because we want to do it, but it will not change my life. this competition has been amazing, so it's not. nothing special to have

the same with —— special to have the same with brian, alex, but less important that we try to... joao felix has said he's �*very excited' to have joined chelsea on loan for the rest of the season from spanish side atletico madrid. the portugal forward trained with the squad earlier today. arsenal and manchester united had been linked with the 23—year—old, but he favoured a move to the blues. he's the fourth player to sign for the club during the january transfer window. they're currently 10th in the premier league, ten points adrift of a top—four spot. i look at him and i see a confident person. _ i look at him and i see a confident person. a — i look at him and i see a confident person, a confident player. a player that's able _ person, a confident player. a player that's able to impose himself in the game _ that's able to impose himself in the game his— that's able to impose himself in the game. his personality, his attributes are that he can take the ball, attributes are that he can take the ball. he _ attributes are that he can take the ball, he can take it in tight spaces. _ ball, he can take it in tight spaces, make a difference, make some passes _ spaces, make a difference, make some passes i_ spaces, make a difference, make some passes. i think he complements what we have _ passes. i think he complements what we have as _ passes. i think he complements what we have as well, so he's a nice

addition — we have as well, so he's a nice addition and we're looking forward to working — addition and we're looking forward to working with him. sheffield wednesday have defended their stewarding after reports of overcrowding during saturday's fa cup tie against newcastle. the fa is looking into claims from newcastle fans there was a lack of stewarding before kick—off and that they were crammed in. wednesday say they have submitted "comprehensive observations" and say the number of stewards in the away end "exceeded requirements." 97 liverpool fans died after a crush in the same leppings lane end during the fa cup semi—final against nottingham forest. 0wen farrell is set to be available to start england's six nations campaign in their opener against scotland, despite being given a four—match ban for a dangerous tackle. the ban could be reduced to three games, pending his completion of a coaching programme. the 31—year—old will definitely miss saracens' european games with lyon and edinburgh and the premiership trip to bristol. however, there are questions over whether the third game for sarries is classed as �*meaningful�*. farrell was cited for making contact with gloucester forward jack clement's head with his shoulder in their match on friday. despite farrell's possible selection for the start

of the six nations, the new england head coach, steve borthwich, still has other selection headaches. back row tom curry is set to miss england's first two games, after suffering a hamstring tear. curry left the field after hurting his right leg during a tackle in sale's win over harlequins on sunday. curry, who has 45 caps and captained england for the first time in last season's six nations, will miss the matches against scotland and italy. luke cowan—dickie will also miss at least the start of the tournament with a "serious" ankle injury. and it's going to the wire in the master's first—round tie betweenjudd trump and ryan day at alexandra palace. and some good news for buffalo bills safety damar hamlin — he's been discharged from hospital, a week after suffering a cardiac arrest during an nfl game. the 24—year—old spent two days on a ventilator after collapsing on the field at the cincinnati bengals, following a tackle during the game, and required cpr in front of the stunned crowd and players. hamlin will continue his rehabilitation at home and with the bills. and it's going right to the wire. the players are playing a best

of 11 match for a place in the quarter—finals. trump won the masters in 2019, but looks in big trouble now. he's just gone 5—3 down. he's come back. 5—5 after this fantastic appearance. multiply for now. these are the life pictures —— all to play for. trumped up in the frame at the moment. first of six is the winning score you need for this first round match. the winner will face barry hawkins on friday. catch that over on bbc two and one bbc sport website. lots of speculation under naomi 0saka will feature at this year's tournament. she has confirmed she won't be as she is pregnant. the 25—year—old said she was looking forward to her child watching one of her matches in the future and confirm she hopes to play in melbourne next year. congratulations

to naomi. that is all the sport for now. more at 6:30 p:m.. 0k, gavin, looking forward to it. russia's defence ministry says fighting is continuing in soledar in eastern ukraine, despite earlier claims by the head of the russian mercenary group, wagner, that his forces had taken the town. ukraine for its part also insists the town hasn't fallen to the invading force. the town is seen as strategically significant, as it could be used by russian forces as a place from which to launch a fresh assault on the city of bakhmut, which has been the scene of fierce fighting for weeks. president zelensky has mocked the claims it's in russia's hands. the town is seen a strategically significant and it could be used as russian forces. it is thought to be a fresher source of a launch on the city of back live to moscow now with the bbc�*s will vernon. claims the bbc�*s will vernon. and counterclaims, but wha

is claims and counterclaims, but what is also very interesting is that there appears to be another change of leadership in the russian military. of leadership in the russian milita . ~ ., of leadership in the russian milita .~ ., ., of leadership in the russian milita . ~ . ., , ., of leadership in the russian milita . ~ . . , ., ., military. we had a statement from the russian _ military. we had a statement from the russian defence _ military. we had a statement from the russian defence ministry - military. we had a statement from the russian defence ministry this | the russian defence ministry this evening saying there's a new commander of russian forces in ukraine, the general who was already chief of staff here. the previous incumbent is now his deputy, and you'll remember the general is the man who was previously the overall commander, but also the man who gave that retreat order from the city of kherson, the only major city russia managed to take. there's already rife speculation here about why he was apparently demoted. maybe it was because the kremlin wasn't happy about setbacks on the battlefield.

we don't really know, but still it is stressing resell. white very interesting. will, we're coming up on the first anniversary of the war. how would you assess support or lack of support across russia? i know it's difficult to tell, but what is the level of support for this war for this continuing conflict, which is now entering this winter phase of a war of attrition?— a war of attrition? yes, it is difficult to _ a war of attrition? yes, it is difficult to say, _ a war of attrition? yes, it is difficult to say, you - a war of attrition? yes, it is difficult to say, you can't i a war of attrition? yes, it is i difficult to say, you can't really trust the polling. i think there's a kind of hard core minority of russians who watch estate tv, i believe every word and support the kremlin —— and believe every word. and truly believe they are fighting neo—nazis in ukraine. they are seen as a silent majority who want to

keep their heads down. they don't want to think or talk about ukraine. they don't really trust any of the news coming from ukraine whether it's from kremlin controlled state tv or more independent sources. but i think the kremlin will be very nervous coming up to that one year anniversary because it hasn't gone well for them in ukraine. anniversary because it hasn't gone well forthem in ukraine. i anniversary because it hasn't gone well for them in ukraine. i think there will be worry that one year on, people here will start to think, what have we achieved? we seem to have only lost things. interesting to see how that will be spun on state tv. ~ ., ., ., ., ,, to see how that will be spun on state tv. ~ ., ., ,, ., i. state tv. will, good to talk to you and thank you _ state tv. will, good to talk to you and thank you for _ state tv. will, good to talk to you and thank you forjoining - state tv. will, good to talk to you and thank you forjoining us - state tv. will, good to talk to you and thank you forjoining us from | and thank you forjoining us from moscow. joining me now to discuss this isjonathan katz, senior fellow and director of democracy initiatives at the german marshall fund, a us—based non—partisan think tank. give us your reading of where we are with ukraine as we head towards this

grim first anniversary next month and as we are just discussing, this war of attrition where both sides are slugging it out this winter, but not a lot of territory changing hands. ., not a lot of territory changing hands. . , ., , ., , hands. yeah, well, 'ust as the last seaker hands. yeah, well, 'ust as the last speaker said. — hands. yeah, well, 'ust as the last speaker said, the — hands. yeah, well, just as the last speaker said, the current - speaker said, the current situation on the ground, there is an ongoing what we call meat grinder situation because this is only one part of the front line. we really have to think back to where we were over ten months ago, to the invasion, russian gaze initially and what ukraine has done and ukrainians have done remarkably over the last ten months, the maintenance and the coalition that has formed in support that has been maintained of the western alliance, nato, the united states, you can partners. —— uk and

partners. while we see the situation in soledar and bakhmut playing out, we have to remember how far the ukrainians have come from where they were ten months ago, when many international communities felt that ukraine would collapse in a three day period in this onslaught. that hasn't happened, and i wouldn't take too much of what is happened right now in the small city of soledar to represent what has taken place and what will take place as you see increased support from the united states, and others including the tanks that are being discussed right now, fighting vehicles, patriot missile defence systems to support ukraine, and also, ukraine is an incrediblejob with ukraine, and also, ukraine is an incredible job with drone and missile attacks to protect their citizens. that has been extraordinary efforts in the middle

of the winter, so i don't look at this in the fog of war, one single battle. 0r this in the fog of war, one single battle. or that outcome to predict what will happen over the next several months in the winter and what is likely to be a spring offensive. what is likely to be a spring offensive-— what is likely to be a spring offensive. �*, ., ,, ., offensive. let's talk about the s - rinu offensive. let's talk about the spring because _ offensive. let's talk about the spring because this _ offensive. let's talk about the spring because this talk - offensive. let's talk about the spring because this talk of - offensive. let's talk about the spring because this talk of a l spring because this talk of a possible russian spring offensive, but also in a ukrainian spring offensive. the ukrainians are saying if they get the right weapons from the west, in terms of increased support and increased supplies, then they could recapture all the lost territory within a year. that offensive — territory within a year. that offensive weaponry - territory within a year. that offensive weaponry is - territory within a year. trust offensive weaponry is absolutely critical. the ram sign group. —— will meet atjanuary critical. the ram sign group. —— will meet at january the 20th. i think it is going to be quite critical to speed up the weapons

that ukraine needs, not only to be defensive, as we've seen. when you look at protecting against missile strikes and drone strikes, but to enable ukraine to go on the offensive as we're talking about right now. whether it's in the middle of winter, in the spring, or later, i don't think we need to dictate the timing for them to do what they think is right. but there has to be a decision made to provide the type of of ants weaponry that ukraine once that seems to be opening coming forward —— advanced weaponry. polish government speaking to providing the right type of tanks, so i think wejust need to see that opening of those additional offensive weapons that ukraine absolutely needs so it's not always on the defensive. but absolutely needs so it's not always on the defensive.— on the defensive. but always, the fear has been _ on the defensive. but always, the fear has been a _ on the defensive. but always, the fear has been a month _ on the defensive. but always, the fear has been a month western . on the defensive. but always, the - fear has been a month western allies and president biden, if the west

starts giving too many offensive weapons to ukraine, that will provoke putin. there could be some sort of tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield. are you saying the west will call his bluff and start giving ukraine those offensive weapons? it giving ukraine those offensive weaons? ~ giving ukraine those offensive weaons? ,, ., , weapons? it looks like that is happening. — weapons? it looks like that is happening. and _ weapons? it looks like that is happening, and we _ weapons? it looks like that is happening, and we have - weapons? it looks like that isj happening, and we have seen weapons? it looks like that is - happening, and we have seen steadily over... this is the ten month period we've seen where nobody thought himars will be in ukraine and be used by the ukrainians. leopard tanks, bradley fighting vehicles, ukrainians coming to the united states to be trained on a patriot system. things we once thought were not possible because of the concern about the type of escalation, the situation has changed. i think there's a lot of confidence in the ukrainians and the military to carry out the work that's being done and the backdrop is president biden and other leaders including in europe

believe that what's taking place in ukraine is a direct threat to the security of the transatlantic community. so, ithink security of the transatlantic community. so, i think there is grounds shifting and i it may shift forward. we've also seen the ground shift where the us, nato and other partners provided weapons they once thought we were never going to see the light of day in ukraine, and that has happened in the ukrainians continue to step up in a heroic way to show that they're quite capable to show that they're quite capable to fight the russians and to win the battle on the ground. that's why we've seen such an advance over the last several months. it's been in combination with partnership with ukraine in the west.— combination with partnership with ukraine in the west. jonathan, good to talk to you- _ the foreign secretary, james cleverly, is visiting belfast to meet northern ireland's political parties the culture secretary, michelle donelan, says the parthenon sculptures "belong here in the uk" and should not be returned to greece. the artworks, better known in the uk as the elgin marbles,

are currently in the british museum. reports have suggested the museum chairman, george osborne, is close to agreeing a deal with greece. ms donelan said this would be a slippery slope. i have been very clear on this. i've been very clear on this, that i don't think they should returned to greece. i completely understand why some people believe that they should be returned and i can sympathise with their view on it, but i think it opens a can of worms. it would be a slippery slope. you would end up with so many amazing artifacts under question of whether they should go back to another country. and it's very dubious over the ownership of certain stages of things. let's not forget that these are assets in our country that we've cared for, we've looked after,

we've allowed the world to see in the british museum. in the british museum — notjust british people, but the world — to have access to them. i think sending them back is a dangerous road to go down, but also one that is prohibited in law. we're not about to change the law to facilitate that. it's important that we stand up and protect our culture and any everyone around the globe to be able to see that here. our culture and media editor, katie razzall, has the story. what is the dispute between britain and greece?— and greece? they are these absolutely _ and greece? they are these absolutely beautiful, - and greece? they are these i absolutely beautiful, classical sculpture, part of a freeze of the parthenon temple in ancient times in athens. in the early 19th century, lord elgin, a british diplomat and soldier, he removes some of them, many of them, from athens, brought them back to the uk. he ended up selling them to the british government and they put them in the british museum. greece has always contested that he remove them

illegally. back then, he did a deal with the ottoman inquirer —— legally. for many years, decades, greece has been demanding that they are given back. they are absolutely beautiful, wonderful pieces of art. when i heard that there might be a deal coming, i thought i must remember to go back to the british museum and look at them again! they are stunning. museum and look at them again! they are stunning-— are stunning. there were reports in the --aer are stunning. there were reports in the paper that _ are stunning. there were reports in the paper that george _ are stunning. there were reports in the paper that george osborne - are stunning. there were reports in the paper that george osborne was thinking about some sort of loan deal, may be some sort of compromise with greece. what's the latest? he said with greece. what's the latest? he: said in the past that a deal as possible. there is then a report that they were very close to the deal and he had been having conversations with various greek politicians, including the prime minister. when i did the interview for the media show, michelle was very clear that the law would not

change. although people are very confused, other missions have been starting to send back bronzes for nigeria. the british museum is bound by laws that affects them, which say they can't pass over ownership. where there may be some wiggle room, george osborne, he's looking at a sort of cultural partnership where some of these could go back to greece to come here, and they sort of move around. some sort of exchange going on. having said that, i believe that would be a line in the sand for the greeks because the greeks think these are stolen. they don't accept that they're british and their red line would not be to say we'll take it back. it all say we'll take it back. it all becomes — say we'll take it back. it all becomes sort _

say we'll take it back. it all becomes sort of _ say we'll take it back. it all becomes sort of a - say we'll take it back. it all. becomes sort of a tug-of-war say we'll take it back. it all becomes sort of a tug—of—war between nations. the british government effectively saying they are british, is that what they're saying? what is that what they're saying? what michelle donelan _ is that what they're saying? what michelle donelan said _ is that what they're saying? what michelle donelan said is - is that what they're saying? twist michelle donelan said is they're part of our culture. she may have misspoken. i don't think she was expecting this question. but she said it would be a slippery slope if we handed things back, where will it end, type thoughts. but it has been a tug—of—war for all this time, a tug—of—warfor all this time, and the greek prime minister spoke today before he knew anything about michelle donelan's interview, and he said he dampened expectations and said he dampened expectations and said he dampened expectations and said he doesn't think repatriation is imminent. but he hopes he gets a second term and it might happen. watch this space. thank you very much indeed. tens of thousands of people in california have had to leave their homes after extreme storms brought heavy rain and flooding to large parts of the state. here in the los angeles neighbourhood of chatsworth, two vehicles plunged into this huge sinkhole that opened in the road.

two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. at least 17 people have died since the storms began, with officials warning the conditions could bring more landslides. 0ur north america correspondent, james clayton, reports. this is supposed to be a picturesque beach, but it's absolutely covered in detritus, wood, even entire trees, that have been swept into the sea by swollen rivers. a state of emergency has been declared here, and it isn'tjust the coast that's been hit. up in the mountains, the small town of felton has been under water as the local river burst its banks. karen hendrick realised the water was coming up to her house too late. she couldn't get out, stuck above the water as it rose around her home. is it scary when you're surrounded by floodwater like that? this was the first time that i was scared, yeah. in the past, i always thought, you know, "we'll get three,

four, even five feet of floodwater come through." this one didn't seem like it was going to stop. and i was imagining, you know, 10—12 feet of water, so that was pretty scary. 2a hours ago, the floodwater was about up here to my chest. it's now receded. but what it's left is this thick, glutinous mud, which has covered what is, in fact, a paved road. and of course, the mud hasn'tjust stuck to the streets. it's covered the inside of people's homes, too. audrey baxter is a student who lives in the town. she lost childhood memories. it'sjust something i used to read as a child, and it's alljust soaked all the way through. santa cruz isn't alone. many other areas across california are being deluged. floods, landslides and blackouts. it's left the governor of california scrambling for resources and worried about what's to come. have you ever seen anything like it? not at this scale. i mean, i've seenl isolated incidents. these experiences are unique in that

respect, they're novel, _ but they're also predictable because this is our- reality with this weather- whiplash and the extremes. and it's likely we'll see more of this in our future. - each weather system that hits california wouldn't do much damage by itself, but it's the insistent nature of the weather, storm after storm, that's pummeling this state. and with no end in sight, california is braced for yet more rain and more damage to come. james clayton, bbc news, santa cruz. shamima begum, the british schoolgirl who travelled to syria to join so—called islamic state, has admitted to being a member of terror organisation in a new interview with the bbc. she's now 23 years old, but was 15 when she ran away from her home in east london. she's been interviewed as part of a year—long investigation for the 5 live podcast i am not a monster. she says she was fed comprehensive instructions by members of the terror group islamic state, but also undertook her own detailed planning for the trip in 2015. let's take a look.

i'm curious about how you think people perceive you. as a danger, as a risk, as a potential risk to them, to their safety, to their way of living. do you understand why society has so much anger towards you? yes, i do understand, but i don't think it's actually towards me. i think it's towards isis, but when they think of isis, they think of me because i have been put on the media so much. but they only did that because you chose to go to isis. but what was there to obsess over? we went to isis, that's it, it was over. they wanted to continue the story because it was a story, it was the big story. but you do accept you joined a terrorist group? yes. i did. you can find that interview in �*i'm not a monster': the shamima begum story,

the second series of the award—winning podcast series on bbc sounds. a feature—length documentary is also due to broadcast on the bbc iplayer next month. around 100,000 civil servants are to strike next month for 2h hours on pay disputes. it's after the pcs union announced members and 124 government departments and other bodies will walk out on the 1st of february. we can talk now to the general secretary of that union, mark. thank you so much for being with us. 100,000 of your staff will walk out on that date. just tell us what will be affected.— walk out on that date. just tell us what will be affected. good evening. we've taken — what will be affected. good evening. we've taken this _ what will be affected. good evening. we've taken this decision _ what will be affected. good evening. we've taken this decision to - what will be affected. good evening. l we've taken this decision to members on strike because we've had significant strikes already in the borderforce. so far, the government has maintained its position that it will not put a penny on the table. we have the lowest pay offer anywhere of the public sector of 2%,

40,000 people using food banks, 45,000 civil servants claiming 45, 000 civil servants claiming benefits. 45,000 civil servants claiming benefits. today, it emerged that thousands of servants world get a because the wages increasing, which. .. because the wages increasing, which... a strike will affect every government department, including border security, the home office, the department for work and pensions, people in dcms, pays across museums and galleries, right across museums and galleries, right across the government network. people will stop work for 24 hours unless the government, at the meeting we're having tomorrow, agrees to put extra money on the table. ~ , ., agrees to put extra money on the table. ~ i. ., ,, ., agrees to put extra money on the table. ~ ., ,, ., ., , table. when you talk about money, ou've table. when you talk about money, you've been — table. when you talk about money, you've been asking _ table. when you talk about money, you've been asking for _ table. when you talk about money, you've been asking for 1096 - table. when you talk about money, you've been asking for 1096 in - table. when you talk about money, | you've been asking for 1096 in terms you've been asking for 10% in terms of a rise. in line with inflation, but we know in terms of what the government has been talking about, there's no way they will pay that. they say that is simply

unaffordable. they don't want to fuel inflation further by giving what they see it as inflationary pay rises. you're not to get that. what rises. you're not to get that. what the government _ rises. you're not to get that. what the government will _ rises. you're not to get that. what the government will never - rises. you're not to get that. twist the government will never come rises. you're not to get that. matt the government will never come on and admit to is their own workforce have been given 2%, lower than anywhere else. we have ten years in a row of pay less than regular inflation, and when we gave the government a dossier about the effect of low pay, the minister told me he was moved because it told a story of people skipping meals, people in despair, people worried about putting clothes on their children to go to school. yet we've been told it's 2%. we've asked for 10%. anything less means people are poor or at the end of the year. but our red line is the government must put money on the table. we can get into negotiations to see if the compromise can be found, but so far, they say not a penny is on the table and that's why the strikes are calling. in and that's why the strikes are

callinu. ., and that's why the strikes are callinu. . , , ., calling. in a few seconds, are there an talks calling. in a few seconds, are there any talks proposed _ calling. in a few seconds, are there any talks proposed or _ calling. in a few seconds, are there any talks proposed or planned? - calling. in a few seconds, are there any talks proposed or planned? is i any talks proposed or planned? is there any sign of any compromise on there any sign of any compromise on the horizon?— the horizon? we're meeting the government minister _ the horizon? we're meeting the government ministerjeremy - the horizon? we're meeting the i government ministerjeremy quinn tomorrow at nine o'clock. if he comes up with money, we can avert the strikes, but if not, the strikes will go ahead and we will escalate. do you think you will?— do you think you will? well, my colleagues _ do you think you will? well, my colleagues in other _ do you think you will? well, my colleagues in other parts - do you think you will? well, my colleagues in other parts say . do you think you will? well, my| colleagues in other parts say it's very frustrating that the government are talking at all but not producing any money, so if he follows what they've done, i'm not optimistic. hopefully he will see sense and recognise of his own work, he needs to find some money.— to find some money. good to talk to ou, mark to find some money. good to talk to you, mark serwotka. _ to find some money. good to talk to you, mark serwotka. you've - to find some money. good to talk to you, mark serwotka. you've been i you, mark serwotka. you've been watching bbc news. here's the weather with staff. we're likely to see some issues with flooding. particularly across more northern and western parts of

the country. another area of rain pushing through for the southern half of the uk overnight, and initially northern ireland and much of england and wales, heavy burst of rain. it lingers across the south and the southwest. further north, a bit quieter for much of scotland. it will be cold, subzero values here. 7-10 in will be cold, subzero values here. 7—10 in the south. thursday, that weather front affecting southern parts of the uk. it stays wet, windy across the far south. sunshine in between. it turns very windy with plenty of showers across scotland and northern ireland. temperatures ranging from 7—13 celsius.

handlers go on strike in england and wales. nhs bosses tell people not to call 999 unless it's a life—threatening emergency. what's terrifying is that right now, people not knowing whether, when they call 999, they will get the treatment that they need. i know there's a lot of controversy about us striking, and that we're not kind of getting those calls and getting to patients today, but in realistic terms, day—to—day, we're not getting to patients. and tonight more strikes are announced. 100,000 civil servants will take action on the 1st of february, among them border force staff and driving examiners. we will have the details. also on the

programme: fighting rages in eastern