this is bbc news with the latest headlines. ukraine's interior minister and his deputy are reported to be among 16 people killed in a helicopter crash in a suburb of kyiv. thousands of nurses have begun a two—day strike over pay — affecting a quarter of hospital and community health services in england. has your appointment been affected by strikes today or tomorrow? do get in touch to let me know — you can do that on twitter @annitabbc and use the #bbcyourquestions. inflation — the rate at which prices are rising — slows for a second month in a row , but remains close to a ao—year high.

there is still a long way to go in the battle against inflation for families up and in the country who are seeing food price inflation of nearly 17% and that is causing a massive hike in the cost of the weekly shop. church of england bishops won't back a change allowing priests to marry same—sex couples, sources tell the bbc. government plans to scrap thousands of eu—era laws by the end of this year will be challenged in the commons today. britain's emma raducanu is in second round action at the australian open tennis. she's up against the american coco gauff. welcome. we begin this morning with breaking news coming to us in the

last few minutes from ukraine. the country's interior minister denys monastyrskyy died in a helicopter crash in a suburb of kyiv. mr monastyrskyy was travelling with his deputy interior minister and a state secretary — they have all been killed in a helicopter crash next to a kindergarten in brovary, east of kyiv. 16 people have been killed in total, including two children according to national police. nine of them were on board. 22 people are in hospital, including ten children. it is understood two of the dead are children. this news coming into us in the last few minutes, no indications yet, as far as we are aware, of the cause of this crash. we've just received this from marquee of corresponding...

this is a devastating scene for ukraine and the country as a whole. around the corner of this residential block you can see the rotary blade of the helicopter, it is stuck on top of a vehicle. there are three orfour is stuck on top of a vehicle. there are three or four bodies under foil blankets and just across the way there is a kindergarten where there is smoke coming out of the roof. the cause is not clear, but we have learnt that ukraine's interior minister denys monastyrskyy is one of those 16 people who have been killed. he is a prominent figure in president zelensky�*s cabinet. we would often see him at major events, sadly, like this, across the country. the way to get around for officials, vips and emergency teams is via helicopter at low altitude. so this is a misty day, he would have been flying at low altitude, but we don't know the cause at this

stage. in times of war, it is not helpful to speculate, but it is a devastating blow for gf to lose such a prominent figure in ukraine's government at this stage. —— blow for kyiv. we are alsojust we are also just seeing that according to a ukraine national police spokeswoman nine people were on board the helicopter that crashed, but at least 16 people are known to have died, so clearly some of those who have died were on the ground when this helicopter came down, and as james was saying, unclear yet as to what the cause of this crash is. patients in england are being warned to expect major disruption to nhs services today and tomorrow, as thousands of nurses stage a two—day strike in a dispute about pay. the strike is by members of the royal college

of nursing, who want a pay rise 5% above inflation. the impact will vary depending on where you are — about one in every four hospitals and community health services in england will be affected. the strikes today and tomorrow follow two walk—outs last month. the biggest disruption is likely to be to pre—booked appointments for procedures like knee and hip replacements — as well as community nursing. but gp practices will run as normal — as will community pharmacies and dentists. the advice is for anyone who hasn't been contacted to go to their appointment as normal.this report from zoe conway. safe staffing saves lives! it's five weeks since nurses first went on strike this winter. yet there's no resolution in sight. in fact, the dispute is only intensifying. nurses are taking industrial action at even more nhs trusts today than they did before christmas. we want to make nursing a safe and sustainable profession for all.

we want our colleagues and the patients we care for to receive the care they deserve. nurses at 55 trusts in england are on strike today and tomorrow. next month, the industrial action will be more widespread, covering 73 trusts. 12 health boards and organisations in wales will also go on strike. a decision on further strikes in northern ireland will be taken in the coming weeks, while in scotland industrial action remains paused as negotiations continue. the advice for people who have medical appointments on strike days is to assume they're going ahead if the hospital hasn't been in touch. nhs leaders are warning that the strikes couldn't come at a more difficult time for the nhs, with emergency care under pressure and high rates of flu and covid. i think it's getting increasingly frustrating that no, no solution has been found to this strike action in the nhs. it's bad for patients,

it's bad for staff, it's bad for everyone. in a statement, the health secretary, steve barclay, said patients will understandably be worried by the prospect of further strike action. the previous two days of nurse strike saw around 30,000 elective procedures and outpatient appointments cancelled. and the department said the health secretary had constructive talks with the royal college of nursing and other unions about the 2023—24 pay process. and he looks forward to continuing that dialogue. there's more disruption on the way. the rcn says that next month nurses will stage their biggest strikes so far. and later today, the gmb union could announce as many as six new ambulance strikes. zoe conway, bbc news. we can speak now to our reporter sean dilley, who's at university college hospital in london. tell us a bit about the mood there

on the picket line and the likely impact of these two days of strike action. i impact of these two days of strike action. . ., , cheering hearing not just the hearing notjust the crowds but vehicles driving along one of the busiest roads in london. 0ut vehicles driving along one of the busiest roads in london. out the front here we have scores of nurses outside in the freezing cold weather, very much having their voices heard. this is one of the 55 trusts impacted by the rcn strike action, but you might be thinking how is this actually impacting the individuals who are out here obviously not being paid for their time? this is an intensive care unit nurse. you joined the nhs 11 years ago from india.— nurse. you joined the nhs 11 years ago from india. yes, given 2011 and started working _ ago from india. yes, given 2011 and started working in _ ago from india. yes, given 2011 and started working in imperial- ago from india. yes, given 2011 and started working in imperial college | started working in imperial college and then_ started working in imperial college and then i— started working in imperial college and then i worked in medway in kent and then i worked in medway in kent and now_ and then i worked in medway in kent and now i_ and then i worked in medway in kent and now i am here for the past year,

last yeah _ and now i am here for the past year, last ear. �* , ., and now i am here for the past year, last ear. �* ,, , ., and nowl am here for the past year, last ear. �* , ., ., and now i am here for the past year, last ear. �* i” , ., ., , and nowl am here for the past year, last ear. ., last year. are you proud to be an nhs nurse? _ last year. are you proud to be an nhs nurse? i _ last year. are you proud to be an nhs nurse? i am _ last year. are you proud to be an nhs nurse? i am very— last year. are you proud to be an nhs nurse? i am very proud - last year. are you proud to be an nhs nurse? i am very proud to l last year. are you proud to be an| nhs nurse? i am very proud to be last year. are you proud to be an - nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse and _ nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse and i'm _ nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse and i'm proud _ nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse and i'm proud of- nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse and i'm proud of what - nhs nurse? i am very proud to be an nhs nurse and i'm proud of what i i nhs nurse and i'm proud of what i do, nhs nurse and i'm proud of what i do. so— nhs nurse and i'm proud of what i do. so it_ nhs nurse and i'm proud of what i do. so it is— nhs nurse and i'm proud of what i do, so it is life changing what we do, so it is life changing what we do here, — do, so it is life changing what we do here, but today you can see we have, _ do here, but today you can see we have, for— do here, but today you can see we have, for a — do here, but today you can see we have, for a moment, do here, but today you can see we have, fora moment, left herjob do here, but today you can see we have, for a moment, left herjob and came _ have, for a moment, left herjob and came here _ have, for a moment, left herjob and came here to— have, for a moment, left herjob and came here to strike. have, for a moment, left her “ob and came here to strikefi came here to strike. when i ask why are ou a came here to strike. when i ask why are you a i'm — came here to strike. when i ask why are you a i'm asking _ came here to strike. when i ask why are you a i'm asking you _ are you a i'm asking you specifically, why are you shaking? i am striking for all our nurses, because — am striking for all our nurses, because we are unfairly paid by the government. it is not fair how our services _ government. it is not fair how our services are — government. it is not fair how our services are not valued, and that is why i_ services are not valued, and that is why i am _ services are not valued, and that is why i am here. services are not valued, and that is why i am here-— why i am here. what about the atients why i am here. what about the patients inside _ why i am here. what about the patients inside who _ why i am here. what about the patients inside who you - why i am here. what about the patients inside who you would | patients inside who you would ordinarily be treatinghow do you feel about them? i ordinarily be treatinghow do you feel about them?— feel about them? i think this is 'ust the feel about them? i think this is just the gist. — feel about them? i think this is just the gist, because - feel about them? i think this is just the gist, because we - feel about them? i think this is just the gist, because we are i feel about them? i think this is - just the gist, because we are trying to make _ just the gist, because we are trying to make it— just the gist, because we are trying to make it safer all the patients in the future, — to make it safer all the patients in the future, because if there are not not enough — the future, because if there are not not enough of us, then it is not going _ not enough of us, then it is not going to — not enough of us, then it is not going to be _ not enough of us, then it is not going to be safe for the patients

anyway — going to be safe for the patients anyway. if there is not the pay, we are having — anyway. if there is not the pay, we are having to strike, having to come up are having to strike, having to come up and _ are having to strike, having to come up and people are notjoining, they will not _ up and people are notjoining, they will not be — up and people are notjoining, they will not be enough nursing staff on the ground to look after the patients, which will be even worse. thats— patients, which will be even worse. that's why— patients, which will be even worse. that's why we are striking, so that it can _ that's why we are striking, so that it can be _ that's why we are striking, so that it can be safe. tell that's why we are striking, so that it can be safe-— it can be safe. tell me about you when you — it can be safe. tell me about you when you are _ it can be safe. tell me about you when you are at _ it can be safe. tell me about you when you are at home, - it can be safe. tell me about you when you are at home, the - it can be safe. tell me about you when you are at home, the costl it can be safe. tell me about you | when you are at home, the cost of living, what does all this mean, the cut in pay deal, for yourfood shopping and heating your home? 0bviously earlier 50 or £60 you can obviously earlier 50 or £60 you can do shopping but now we have to make the decision— do shopping but now we have to make the decision whether we buy this or not iry— the decision whether we buy this or not by this, — the decision whether we buy this or not by this, so we have to cut down on the _ not by this, so we have to cut down on the shopping list, because we simply— on the shopping list, because we simply cannot afford it. sol on the shopping list, because we simply cannot afford it. so i think that is— simply cannot afford it. so i think that is the — simply cannot afford it. so i think that is the main problem, that we have _ that is the main problem, that we have to _ that is the main problem, that we have to make the choice, either to buy have to make the choice, either to truy it _ have to make the choice, either to truy it or— have to make the choice, either to truy it or to — have to make the choice, either to buy it or to leave it out. | have to make the choice, either to buy it or to leave it out.— buy it or to leave it out. i wonder whether you _ buy it or to leave it out. i wonder whether you accept _ buy it or to leave it out. i wonder whether you accept there - buy it or to leave it out. i wonder whether you accept there is - buy it or to leave it out. i wonder whether you accept there is a - whether you accept there is a question of principle, you ask most people and they say our nurses worth

an extra £2000? most people probably say yes, an extra £5,000 would probably say yes, an extra million pounds they would probably say we cannot afford that pay rise, so presumably there comes a point where we say there is fair play, but it has to be affordable? the i did not aet our has to be affordable? the i did not get your question. _ has to be affordable? the i did not get your question. there has - get your question. there has to be a oint get your question. there has to be a point where — get your question. there has to be a point where we _ get your question. there has to be a point where we say _ get your question. there has to be a point where we say a _ get your question. there has to be a point where we say a pay _ get your question. there has to be a point where we say a pay rise - get your question. there has to be a point where we say a pay rise is - get your question. there has to be a point where we say a pay rise is not| point where we say a pay rise is not as necessarily a portable is two fold wanted to be? most people would want nurses to receive more money but 19% is what the royal college of nurses was originally asking for, now say maybe 10% would be enough. what would be enough? i now say maybe 10% would be enough. what would be enough?— now say maybe 10% would be enough. what would be enough? i press my rcn leadership and — what would be enough? i press my rcn leadership and will— what would be enough? i press my rcn leadership and will go _ what would be enough? i press my rcn leadership and will go by _ what would be enough? i press my rcn leadership and will go by what - what would be enough? i press my rcn leadership and will go by what they - leadership and will go by what they negotiate with the government —— i trust _ negotiate with the government —— i trust my— negotiate with the government —— i trust my leadership, but what we want _ trust my leadership, but what we want is _ trust my leadership, but what we want is for— trust my leadership, but what we want is for the government to listen to us— want is for the government to listen to us first, _ want is for the government to listen to us first, we need to stick with our leadership and we will definitely be led by whatever they say. definitely be led by whatever they say if— definitely be led by whatever they sa . , definitely be led by whatever they sa . y ., , ., say. if they need to listen to nurses here, _ say. if they need to listen to nurses here, there - say. if they need to listen to nurses here, there is - say. if they need to listen to i nurses here, there is certainly say. if they need to listen to - nurses here, there is certainly a voice. it is remarkably cold here but many of the nurses saying they are feeling the chill from the government. the government saying

that 19% pay rises certainly would continue to push inflation up. thank ou ve continue to push inflation up. thank you very much- _ let's talk to our chief political correspondent nick eardley. paramedics, train drivers, civil servants, university lecturers, nurses, of course, the list goes on of the sectors involved in industrial action. all the time we look for any indications that might be some sort of breakthrough, but it does seem that both the government and the unions are absolutely still dug in. are you hearing of any movement at all? hot dug in. are you hearing of any movement at all?— dug in. are you hearing of any movement at all? not on health service strikes. _ movement at all? not on health service strikes. obviously - movement at all? not on health service strikes. obviously all. movement at all? not on health | service strikes. obviously all the different sectors are slightly different, some of the government's responsibility, some are less the government was not responsible to and are about negotiations between the workforce and management, but in terms of the health service, you might remember that the star of last

week there was a bit of a sense of optimism, actually, after talks between the unions and the health secretary, that may be something could be worked out, a one—off payment or backdating next your plus might pay deal to try and end the logjam. gotta say, cannot see any progress on that at all, really. we are told the health secretary still wants to have constructive talks, but nothing formal nor otherwise has been put to the unions yet, a lot of people in government and number ten in the treasury, there isn't a proper proposal on the table being discussed by ministers. it does not fail to me like it is moving forward at all. in that sense. and because of that, all the strikes that are pencilled in at the moment in the health service look pretty certain to go ahead. i health service look pretty certain to go ahead-— health service look pretty certain to go ahead. i also want to talk to ou about to go ahead. i also want to talk to you about another _ to go ahead. i also want to talk to you about another story _ to go ahead. i also want to talk to you about another story that - to go ahead. i also want to talk to you about another story that is i you about another story that is really hitting the headlines in terms of politics today, after

brexit there was a cut—and—paste of lots of eu laws into uk law, and though the government wants to scrap those. tell our viewers why this has been so controversial? ii those. tell our viewers why this has been so controversial?— been so controversial? if you reasons. _ been so controversial? if you reasons, this _ been so controversial? if you reasons, this is _ been so controversial? if you reasons, this is retained - been so controversial? if you reasons, this is retained law| been so controversial? if you - reasons, this is retained law and the government has a bill going through parliament that basically means unless there is a conscious decision made to keep these laws, they will be scrapped by the end of they will be scrapped by the end of the year. it is not all eu law, secondary legislation, there is thousands of pieces of that. there is a lot of controversy at how quickly this is going, a real sense that it's being rushed among some parts of the political world, labour think the deadline should be pushed back, for example, but there is also a row brewing today about the power it gives ministers, because basically this bill would allow ministers to decide which laws to keep, which to get rid of and which might need a bit of a tweak if they are converted into uk law. there are are converted into uk law. there are a lot of politicians who are worried that frankly that gives ministers

carte blanche to do far too much. so there are opposition mps and also some conservative saying today that parliament needs to be given a much bigger say in this, they want a list of laws to be drawn up by september, for mps to make the final decision on which are converted into uk law and which are scrapped. i get the impression the government is absolutely adamant is want to move forward with this, there is a discussion about a cabinet yesterday, richey soon act has made it clear he thinks there are some real advantages to be got at by getting rid of what he sees, what he argues is bureaucracy that was in place when the uk was in the european union. he is promising, for example, that this will not have an impact on water's rates are anything like that. there are some real controversies over this —— workers' rights. the speed at which it is going, and also the power it gives

ministers. i'm nowjoined by antonia berelson. she is an east sussex based specialist nurse who is on the picket line in hastings. she was a labour councillor in hastings from 2018 to 2021 — but is no longer a member of the labour party. morning of the labour party. to you. tell us why you are out morning to you. tell us why you are out there on the picket line. why are you striking with mac good mornin: are you striking with mac good morning to _ are you striking with mac good morning to you. _ are you striking with mac good morning to you. the _ are you striking with mac good morning to you. the reason i are you striking with mac rrrc morning to you. the reason why i'm shaking is for patient safety, for continuation of the nhs and for a fair pay rise. continuation of the nhs and for a fair pay rise-— continuation of the nhs and for a fair pay rise. what do you see as a fair pay rise. what do you see as a fair -a fair pay rise. what do you see as a fair pay rise? _ fair pay rise. what do you see as a fair pay rise? are _ fair pay rise. what do you see as a fair pay rise? are your _ fair pay rise. what do you see as a| fair pay rise? are your expectations in line with what the royal college of nursing has been asking for, which is several percentage points above inflation?— above inflation? what we need to remember is _ above inflation? what we need to remember is that _ above inflation? what we need to remember is that we've - above inflation? what we need to remember is that we've had i above inflation? what we need to remember is that we've had over| above inflation? what we need to l remember is that we've had over 12 years of restrained pay, what would asking for is simply to restoration after many years of below inflation pay rise. it is simply not good

enough for us. we are struggling, working professionals, university educated working professionals in safety critical jobs and educated working professionals in safety criticaljobs and are simply not being able to pay the bills, having to go to food banks, it is simply not good enough. haifa having to go to food banks, it is simply not good enough. how worried are ou simply not good enough. how worried are you about — simply not good enough. how worried are you about the _ simply not good enough. how worried are you about the impact _ simply not good enough. how worried are you about the impact on _ simply not good enough. how worried are you about the impact on patients l are you about the impact on patients because of the strike? we know emergency cases will be looked after, of course, but there are people waiting on appointments like knee and hip replacement, a couple of examples were given earlier today, that would make a vast difference to their quality of life? absolutely. we are 10,000 nurses short. the only way waiting lists can be resolved is if we have enough staff. we are haemorrhaging staff. staff are leaving early rather than waiting to see the end of their retirement. we are not recruiting nurses to come in. this is a crisis created by the government. this is a political choice. they need to ensure we restore the nursing bursary, we need new nurses coming

in, and we need to look after the nurses that are already here. nurses are not striking just for pay, we are not striking just for pay, we are patient focused always. to health secretary steve barclay wrote this morning that he recognises the cost of living pressures on nhs staff and i know how hard they work, but he said if we provide unaffordable pay rises to nhs staff, we will take billions of pounds away from where we need it most, unaffordable pay hikes will mean cutting patient care and stoking the inflation that would make us all poorer. what is your response to those comments? this i poorer. what is your response to those comments?— poorer. what is your response to those comments? as i said again, this is all about _ those comments? as i said again, this is all about political _ those comments? as i said again, this is all about political choices. i this is all about political choices. what is the most important thing is we have a healthy population, because a healthy population means a working population. we all deserve a fair pay rise. during covid we saw who were the important workers, the government was very happy to stand on their doorsteps cutting, now it's about time they give us a fair pay rise, because that's what we

deserve. ., ~ rise, because that's what we deserve. ., ,, , ., rise, because that's what we deserve-— rise, because that's what we deserve. ., ,, , . . ., deserve. thank you very much. we are not auoin deserve. thank you very much. we are not going into — deserve. thank you very much. we are not going into the _ deserve. thank you very much. we are not going into the headlines. - deserve. thank you very much. we are not going into the headlines. we i not going into the headlines. we have so much news going on we are going to move on with our next story. inflation has slowed for a second month in a row, but the cost of living is still close to a a0 year high. the rate of price rises fell to ten point five % in the year leading up to december 2022, that's down from 10.7% in november. the reason for that drop is due to fuel prices falling, along with the price of clothes and footwear. however, that drop is offset by rising costs in the hospitality industry, particularly restaurants and hotels. there's also been a big jump in air fares and the cost of food also continued to rise. now, although some analysts believe the cost of living might slowly

be beginning to ease, that 10.5% figure is still way above the 2% the bank of england is supposed to be keeping inflation at. the chancellorjeremy hunt has welcomed the small dip in inflation, but said the government needs to stick to its plan to bring it down further. there is still a long way to go in the battle against inflation. any country anywhere in the world with inflation over 10% is seeing it at frankly dangerous levels for the stability of the economy. but for families up and down the country, the y are seeing food the country, they are seeing food price inflation of nearly 17%. that is causing a massive hike in the cost of a weekly shop. and what that really shows is, for us and other countries, the most important thing is to stick to a plan to bring down inflation. the prime minister has said that he wants to halve inflation in the coming year and for families and businesses, it's absolutely essential to stick to that plan. our head of statistics

robert cuffe is here. morning. i want to begin with food inflation, which is still really high. beginning with that, because we know that the price of food disproportionately affects people on lower incomes, so tells more about why food prices are still so high and why they are going up at such a rate? ., , ., , . rate? continued upward price ressure rate? continued upward price pressure with _ rate? continued upward price pressure with nearly - rate? continued upward price pressure with nearly 7096, i rate? continued upward price pressure with nearly 7096, as| rate? continued upward price i pressure with nearly 7096, as the pressure with nearly 70%, as the chancellor said a couple of minutes ago, the same old story has been for the last year, they were in ukraine has disrupted food supplies across the world. we are not receiving it in the cost of buying food in the grocery shop, but are also seeing on the other measures that are still driving prices up at the moment, the cost of eating out. i know that's not the key driver of what is happening to families are type overseeing it across the economy would people are buying food, seeing rises. the good news, the other hand, we are seeing petrol prices

coming down. a litre of petrol nearly 1.9 zero around july are now back down to about 1.50, so that is a driver of the slight fall we've seen this month, and it is miles away from what we would all think of as good inflation, we are still way above ten. ., as good inflation, we are still way above ten-— above ten. can we talk about the downward trend _ above ten. can we talk about the downward trend yet _ above ten. can we talk about the downward trend yet or _ above ten. can we talk about the downward trend yet or is - above ten. can we talk about the downward trend yet or is it i above ten. can we talk about the | downward trend yet or is it simply too early? irate downward trend yet or is it simply too earl ? ~ ., downward trend yet or is it simply too earl ? ~ . , downward trend yet or is it simply tooearl? . , ,, too early? we are seeing consistent ictures too early? we are seeing consistent pictures across _ too early? we are seeing consistent pictures across all _ too early? we are seeing consistent pictures across all leading _ pictures across all leading economies, we will all start to see return in november and december, heading down in the right direction. i think you can be pretty confident we are heading in the right direction, but the question is how quickly? direction, but the question is how uickl? , direction, but the question is how cuickl ? ~ , ., , quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? — quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? it _ quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? it is _ quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? it is it _ quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? it is it possible - quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? it is it possible to i quickly? absolutely. can you give us time scales? it is it possible to do i time scales? it is it possible to do that? ., ., 4' time scales? it is it possible to do that? ., ., ~ ., , time scales? it is it possible to do that? ., ., ~ , ., that? some of the fork as she would hear from the _ that? some of the fork as she would hear from the bank _ that? some of the fork as she would hear from the bank of _ that? some of the fork as she would hear from the bank of england i that? some of the fork as she would | hear from the bank of england would be saying inflation might have by the end of the year, but there is a worry because half of ten is not to, it is still a mile away, and the reason for that is inflation is not

just the electricity, fuel, food prices driven by the war, but are spreading across the economy, if you strip out the more variable effects, you're still saying inflation of around 6%, probably driven by wages and services and things like that. that's harder to bear down on. in terms of how people, how well off or otherwise people feel they are, that picture remains the broad picture remains tough for some then? even when inflation is coming down, prices are still going up. if inflation goes from 10% down to 6%, you are still 6% worse off than you wait a year ago and a year ago you were not feeling critically wealthy, so we are not out of the woods here by any stretch of the imagination. our head of statistics. the train drivers�* union, aslef, has announced two days of strikes next month. the action — on the first and third of february — will affect 15 rail companies. train drivers who are members of the rmt union will also be

striking on the same days. staff at 150 uk universities will also take industrial action on the first of february, the university and college union has announced. it's the first of 18 strike days planned in february and march — the other 17 dates will be confirmed next week. the union, which held strikes in november, rejected a pay offer last week. the philippinejournalist and nobel peace prize winner, maria ressa has been acquitted of tax evasion charges by a manila court. her news site, rappler, was also cleared of tax evasion. ms ressa, who was awarded the nobel prize alongside a russian journalist in 2021, is head of rappler, which earned a reputation for its in—depth reporting and tough scrutiny of the former president rodrigo duterte. she was convicted in 2020 for libel — and faces several other charges, which she says are politically motivated. she spoke to journalists outside the court.

today, facts win. truth wins. justice wins. a brazen abuse of power... voice waivers and meant to stop journalists from doing theirjobs, but these cases are where capital markets, where rule of law, where press freedom meet, right? so, this acquittal is notjust for rappler, it is for every filipino who has ever been unjustly accused.

the charity as irish uk says not enough people are doing enough to sue the —— as emma's uk says people are doing enough to stop dementia. the charity is advising people to take regular exercise, stop smoking and to stay mentally sharp socially active. the public spending watchdog has said some people employed by the government police intelligence services may not be able to do their work because the uk security betting agencies failing to meet its targets. the national audit office as many applications made last spring were not processed within the required timescale. the chairman of the conservative party has not denied a report he has agreed to pay millions of pounds in tax to settle a dispute with revenue and customs.

it comes after the sun on sunday claimed mr zahawi's representatives would pay a "seven—figure sum" to hmrc. a representative for mr zahawi did not issue a denial when asked by the bbc if it was true, and said his tax affairs "were, and are, fully up to date, and paid, in the uk". hmrc said it would not comment on the affairs of individual taxpayers. more international aid organisations have partially restarted their work in afghanistan after receiving assurances from the taliban government that women will be able to work in some sectors. the international rescue committee and care havejoined save the children in resuming a number of programmes, mostly in health and nutrition. there was global condemnation in december, when the tailiban ordered aid organisations not to let female staff work, saying they'd not adhered to their interpretation of islamic dress code. most aid agencies stopped their aid efforts as a result. here's david wright, spokesman for save the children international: the position of the taliban hasn't changed, so the ban still remains in place. we had been able to start some activities through local associations, with ministries in certain provinces, notably health and nutrition activities which are very important

because they are life—saving activities. they are absolutely essential. you know, you really want the humanitarian community operating at full throttle with all its capacity and capability to deal with the sheer amount of need in that country, and even if we were, we still wouldn't be able to deal with it all. bbc news has learned that leaders of the church of england will not propose marriage equality for same—sex couples when they meet next month. gay marriage has been legal in the uk since 2014, but after a five year consultation on the issue, it's understood that bishops won't back a change in teaching. our religious affairs

reporter harry farley. good morning. what are the bishop saying, not all of them came to the conclusion, saying voices said it should be a change in the church's teaching. should be a change in the church's teachinu. , teaching. there is disagreement within the church _ teaching. there is disagreement| within the church over this issue. i spoke to a number of bishops at the meeting yesterday finalising proposals which will then be taken to the church's synod, its parliament next month. these will be taken and voted on next month. from a number of bishops i've spoken to who have a range of views, they tell me they will be no change in the church's official teaching on marriage, that holy matrimony remains between one man and one woman. same sex couples cannot marry in church and that remains the position, they will not be able to marry in church, but however there will be prayers for, a range of players made available for police to offer same—sex couples, and that includes prayers asking for god's blessing on same—sex couples... that is being hailed as a move forward in some ways... it is a compromise

position, and it is certainly not going to please everyone, but it is some movement.— going to please everyone, but it is some movement. , , , some movement. some same-sex couples want a religious — some movement. some same-sex couples want a religious service, _ some movement. some same-sex couples want a religious service, want _ some movement. some same-sex couples want a religious service, want to _ some movement. some same-sex couples want a religious service, want to be - want a religious service, want to be married any religious service, and it does keep the church of england at odds with other churches who have at odds with other churches who have a different view on this. the scottish episcopal— a different view on this. iia: scottish episcopal church, a different view on this. tia: scottish episcopal church, the anglican church in scotland, they allow same—sex couples to marry in church, similarly the church of scotland, the presbyterian church, also allow same—sex couples to marry in church and similarly other anglican churches around the world in america and canada allow same—sex couples to marry. it is forcing most anglican churches around the world are still very conservative this issue, still marriage between a man and woman, so this is an outlier in the... , ., , the... this will not settle the sub'ect the... this will not settle the subject by — the... this will not settle the subject by a _ the... this will not settle the subject by a long _ the... this will not settle the subject by a long way. i the... this will not settle the i subject by a long way. certainly not. the proposals _ subject by a long way. certainly not. the proposals will- subject by a long way. certainly not. the proposals will be i subject by a long way. certainly i not. the proposals will be debated next month at synod, and from what

i'm hearing already, there is significant upset amongst lgbt campaigners within the church, the bishops have not gone further on this issue, so i know this issue certainly not going away. thank you very much- — now it's time for a look at the weather. good morning. we have seen quite a bit of snow in the last few days, in the highlands, sa centimetres. and in other parts of the country too, between two and seven centimetres. this morning, more snow, you can see it on the radar, particularly in the north and the west and close to the north sea coastline, we are looking at rain are asleep, if it edges in further, it will be snow. we continue with snow showers across scotland, northern ireland, wales and the southwest. a lot of dry

weather and a fair bit of sunshine and a risk of a sun untreated social services. it is windy in the west and east, temperatures higher but the wind chill will make it feel better if you are out and about. under clear skies tonight, widespread frost, at risk of ice, and further snow showers coming in across the and the west. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: ukraine's interior minister and his deputy are reported to be among 16 people killed in a helicopter crash in a suburb of kyiv. here — thousands of nurses have begun a two—day strike over pay — affecting a quarter of hospital and community health services in england. inflation — the rate at which prices are rising — slows for a second month in a row, but remains close to a 60—year high. church of england bishops won't back a change allowing priests to marry same—sex couples,

sources tell the bbc government plans to scrap thousands of eu—era laws by the end of this year will be challenged in the commons today sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's jon watson: good morning... defending champion, rafael nadal is out of the australian open after losing in the second round to world number 65 mackenzie mcdonald. he's been in poorform heading into the event and certainly struggled physically in melbourne today. the 36—year—old suffered what appeared to be a hip injury in the second set, crouching down, visibly in pain before seeking medical treatment. his wife was in tears. nadal showed his usual fight but was still in discomfort, losing in straight sets, his earliest exit at the australian open in seven years, as macdonald the world number 65

moves into the third round. the injury was too much for him, he was hobbling around at the injury was too much for him, he was hobblin- around at the back the injury was too much for him, he was hobbling around at the injury was too much for him, he was hobblin- around at the back of was hobbling around at the back of the court, but it was a sporting gesture that he wanted to finish the match, allow his opponent that win. but the way he left the court, he was walking so slowly, it felt like a funeral march towards the play area and there was utter silence, everyone was watching, no one said anything, you have to wonder where his mind is at. emma raducanu is currently in action against seventh seed coco gauff in melbourne. it was dubbed the �*blockbuster�* tie of the women's second round. it was certainly all action in the opening set. britain's former us open champion pushing her american opponent hard, but it was gauff who took it 6—3. raducanu was broken early in the second and gauff looked to

heading towards an easy win, but emma raducanu has not long broken back, it is level at 40 in the second set, so plenty of tennis still to come, emma raducanu looking to prevent coco gauff reaching the third round. now, liverpool no strangers to putting on a show themselves, haven't hit their usual heights this season. the holders are though into the fourth round of the fa cup, beating wolves 1—0 at molineux. they'll be joined by several other sides after a night of third round replays... asjoe lynskey reports. for liverpool, this was the third round relief. a breakthrough in a tough spell and a first win of the new year. for now at least, the smile is back. their gloom would lift in a match where briefly the lights went out. it's all happening tonight. when wolves resumed, they give liverpool a siting. their 19—year—old midfielder took this tie on by himself. oh, what a strike! harvey elliott! elliott last scored in october,

the same month his team last kept a top—flight clean sheet. but this time at molineux they were resolute. wolves�* few chances slipped by and liverpool could plan ahead. in the fourth round they face brighton, who beat them 3—0 at the weekend. you've got a smile on yourface at last. how much did you enjoy that? a lot, a lot. that's a pretty rare feeling. you're right, it feels like ages ago that we had that feeling that we win and play well. yes, we had to fight hard in the end, of course, that's the nature of the competition. forest green were in the third round for the first time in a decade. this was their first try at birmingham city. no waterlogged pitch this time. the team, bottom of league one, did this. could be a shooting opportunity here. oh, and it's an absolute peach of a strike! but a cotswold curler brought a fightback from the city boys. birmingham scored twice, then kept hold of their lead with an extraordinary save. and it's clawed away.

that's a sensational save from etheridge. and though forest green came close, the team with most regret were chesterfield, who went to championship west brom and got swept away. the non—league side were seconds from a win in the first game. but their moment was gone. a 4—0 win for the baggies in the replay. and for chesterfield, a cold and cruel night in the cup. joe lynskey, bbc news. now, it won't be lost on anyone watching the bbc�*s coverage of that was interrupted live on air gary lineker�*s facial expression at times said it all, as he was repeatedly interrupted by some suspect noises, chatting away to the studio team.. cue the investigation, and after some closer inspection by detective lineker and the team it transpired the sounds were coming from a hidden mobile phone taped to the back of a set.

the bbc later apologised to any viewers offended... and after discovering the device, gary explained after what had played out. when it started i did recognise that sound. i think we've all been done with that, when you open a whatsapp when it started i did recognise that sound. i think we've all been done with that, when you open a whatsapp or something, somebody has sent it through as a trick on a train, or when you're busy in people's company! it was quite difficult to cope with during the pre—match build—up. i thought maybe it had gone to one of the pundit�*s phones. and then i thought, no, it's too loud. it sounds like it's... then i obviously worked out that it was a prank. the perils of live tv, expertly handled as always. that's all the sport for now. back now to the breaking

news from ukraine. the interior minister and deputy are reportedly killed in a suburb in the east of kyiv. the regional governor has said at least 18 people are known to have died, we were told 16 earlier, at least 18 dead in this crash, including at least three children. the helicopter came down in a residential area, pupils were in a residential area, pupils were in the patio in the kindergarten, and had to evacuate the burning building. there was a fire in the built—up area, dozens of people have been taken to hospital, some pictures on social media to show the wreckage of the helicopter. let's

get more on this story. let's go live to kyiv and speak to viktoriia zhuhan from the bbc have you got any more details? we 'ust have you got any more details? - just heard information from the authors of the president that the minister of interior and his team where in the hot spot in the helicopter. what does that the minister of interior also oversees the work of the national guard of ukraine. and that is a unit that takes part in the military action on the front line. when the officers of the front line. when the officers of the president says that the interior minister and his team were at the hotspot, maybe they were going as close as the front line. and then there is other news that ukraine is about to set up a joint commission

to investigate the cause of this accident. �* , ., , to investigate the cause of this accident. �* , ., ., to investigate the cause of this accident. , ., ., ., accident. any indications as to what the cause might _ accident. any indications as to what the cause might be _ accident. any indications as to what the cause might be or— accident. any indications as to what the cause might be or is _ accident. any indications as to what the cause might be or is it - accident. any indications as to what the cause might be or is it too i the cause might be or is it too early to say? it the cause might be or is it too early to say?— early to say? it is too early to sa , early to say? it is too early to say. secondly. _ early to say? it is too early to say, secondly, we _ early to say? it is too early to say, secondly, we would i early to say? it is too early to | say, secondly, we would need early to say? it is too early to i say, secondly, we would need to court officials, and, you know, a statement by the press secretary of ukraine air force goes on that it was a french maid helicopter, but in order to establish what was the reason and what happened, they will work hard for longer than one or two days. it is kind of a hint that ukraine will not release any official statements in the next hours. , ., ., hours. tell us more about the interior minister, _ hours. tell us more about the interior minister, i _ hours. tell us more about the interior minister, i think- hours. tell us more about the interior minister, i think i i hours. tell us more about the interior minister, i think i am| interior minister, i think i am correct in saying the most high—profile ukrainian death since the start of the war. he high-profile ukrainian death since the start of the war.— high-profile ukrainian death since the start of the war. he is a member of president —

the start of the war. he is a member of president zelensky's _ the start of the war. he is a member of president zelensky's team - the start of the war. he is a member of president zelensky's team and i of president zelensky's team and government. when he was appointed in summer 2029, government. when he was appointed in summer2029, he government. when he was appointed in summer 2029, he said that he was invited tojoin this summer 2029, he said that he was invited to join this position summer 2029, he said that he was invited tojoin this position by president zelensky himself. now, the rest of the team that was with him on board, nine people belong to the ministry and among two people that we know who have died is a person who had recently enjoyed the ministry of interior but before that he was in the ministry of foreign affairs and one of the most recent cases that he was working on before joining the ministry of interior was the accident with iran shooting down a ukrainian plane. finally, the third member that we heard had died was a secretary of the ministry, so thatis was a secretary of the ministry, so that is a person who is also in a managing leading team of the whole ministry. the ministry of interior role in ukraine has grown since the start of the war. because not only

do they oversee the work of the national guard, the police belong there, and the police are usually there, and the police are usually the first to arrive at the scene when civilians suffer from the war and the documents potential russian war crimes. finally, the state service rescue service belongs to the ministry of interior and the normally show up at the scene where there is a rocket strike and they rescue people. there is a rocket strike and they rescue people-— there is a rocket strike and they rescue people. what more can you tell us about _ rescue people. what more can you tell us about those _ rescue people. what more can you tell us about those young - rescue people. what more can you tell us about those young children | tell us about those young children and the staff at the kindergarten affected by this crash? halli! and the staff at the kindergarten affected by this crash?— and the staff at the kindergarten affected by this crash? half of that number that _ affected by this crash? half of that number that we _ affected by this crash? half of that number that we heard _ affected by this crash? half of that number that we heard of _ affected by this crash? half of that number that we heard of people i affected by this crash? half of that l number that we heard of people who died, they were either children or staff in the kindergarten. we also know that many children have been taken to the hospital because they are wounded. i cannot tell you at least yet as to how the kindergarten was and how many children they would

be, but for many families in ukraine, in the suburbs, it is very important to have the kindergarten in a residential area because sounds like everyone had fled from ukraine, many, many people have come back and many, many people have come back and many people cross the polish ukrainian border daily and they tried to re—establish their lives which means that the kindergarten might have been pretty busy on this day. might have been pretty busy on this da . �* ~' . . might have been pretty busy on this da . �* ~ . ., , , might have been pretty busy on this da. , day. are ukrainian servers, thank ou ve day. are ukrainian servers, thank you very much — day. are ukrainian servers, thank you very much for _ day. are ukrainian servers, thank you very much for that _ day. are ukrainian servers, thank you very much for that update. i day. are ukrainian servers, thank| you very much for that update. of course, we will bring you more news on that helicopter crash in the eastern suburb of bovary near kyiv as we get more details. the government will be challenged in the commons today over plans to scrap thousands of eu—era laws by the end of the year. critics say the move would give too much power to ministers and civil servants — rather than to parliament. the government insists that removing regulations

would help to drive economic growth. let's now speak to alexandra mizzi, an employer lawyer and legal director at howard kennedy law firm. thank you very much forjoining us. in terms of employment law, what sorts of laws are we talking about included in this parcel of eu law? there is a host of legal protection for employees. there are regulations that protect contract terms in jobs when a business is sold or something is outsourced. there is protection for part—time and fixed time markers, the right to paid holiday, what limits on working time, limits on working time for children and young people and protection for agency workers, in particular the right to equal pay and terms after they had been working somewhere for 12 weeks. there is a wide range of rights that are reflected in

regulations and based on eu law that could potentially be repealed under this legislation. it seems unlikely that they will all be repealed en masse, it is more likely there will be some changes to the way they operate. at present, we do not have much information about what exactly is being proposed. it provokes uncertainty for individuals and businesses.— uncertainty for individuals and businesses. lets talk about the uncertainty. — businesses. lets talk about the uncertainty. if— businesses. lets talk about the uncertainty, if these _ businesses. lets talk about the uncertainty, if these laws i businesses. lets talk about the uncertainty, if these laws in i businesses. lets talk about the i uncertainty, if these laws in theory were repealed en masse, then something would need to replace them, one would assume, or is there any other equivalent uk law already in place that would serve the same purpose? in place that would serve the same --urose? ~ ., , in place that would serve the same --urose?~ . , , in place that would serve the same n-urose?~ . , , ., purpose? well, in many cases, no, because these _ purpose? well, in many cases, no, because these are _ purpose? well, in many cases, no, because these are regulations i purpose? well, in many cases, no, | because these are regulations which implement specific eu rights, paid holidays is a good one. , a good example. the working time regulations would be repealed automatically unless they are

specifically retained under the retained eu bill if it becomes law. at present, there is no other legislation that sets out specific rates on paid holiday. you would therefore need, i think it's inevitable that it will be replaced by something, but it also... one? could there be a gap between one of cloth being repealed and another form of law with regard to paid holiday to take that example coming in? in theory, yes, isuppose, although, again, one would hope that if the government is not able to complete the exercise of ascertaining which laws will be retained or repealed, one would hope that common sense will prevail and there be some sort of privation to bridge the gap. yes, it is possible there could be a period of time where those rights are not fully protected. where those rights are not fully rotected. ~ ., where those rights are not fully protected-—

where those rights are not fully rotected. ~ ., ~ ., , protected. would you like to see parliament _ protected. would you like to see parliament having _ protected. would you like to see parliament having full— protected. would you like to see parliament having full scrutiny i protected. would you like to see | parliament having full scrutiny of this process as we were indicating in the introduction? critics were saying it gives too much power to the government and civil servants. would you like parliament to give this due and proper scrutiny? i think where were talking about very important protections for working people, parliamentary scrutiny would be welcome, but i think the most urgent requirement at the moment is for there to be some certainty about what is actually proposed in terms of what is being kept, what has been changed and what is intended to be repealed altogether. because it is the lack of certainty and the fact that frankly, next december is not a lot of time, or very detailed regulations to be worked through. that is what i have been most concerned from campaigning groups and businesses.— concerned from campaigning groups and businesses. thank you very much.

leaal and businesses. thank you very much. legal director — and businesses. thank you very much. legal director at _ and businesses. thank you very much. legal director at howard _ kennedy law firm. more now on one of our top stories this morning — nurses in england have begun a two—day strike in their dispute about pay. it's likely to cause major disruption to health services. let's speak to our reporter simon dedman who's at colchester hospital. can you tell us about the mood on the picket line and what the impact will be on services at colchester? there are 50 nurses on the picket line outside the main entrance and on the main road outside the hospital. it has been in place now for more than two hours, until 7:30pm. inside the hospital, managers are assessing the impact to work out how many staff they have today and what procedures they are going to have to postpone. there is expected to be a big impact here at the east suffolk and north essex foundation trust, ipswich hospital also has a picket line as well as

clacton community hospital. the procedures that will be postponed would be things like hip replacement, hernia, emergency care, chemotherapy and dialysis will still take place. these are some of the reasons that nurses on this picket line have told me why they have decided to take industrial action today. i decided to take industrial action toda . ~' ., , today. i think the government needs today. i think the government needs to listen, patients _ today. i think the government needs to listen, patients will _ today. i think the government needs to listen, patients will be _ today. i think the government needs to listen, patients will be affected i to listen, patients will be affected and will _ to listen, patients will be affected and will continue to do so until the iesson— and will continue to do so until the lesson and — and will continue to do so until the lesson and give us something we can live with _ lesson and give us something we can live with. nurses are using food banks, — live with. nurses are using food banks, there are nurses here who have _ banks, there are nurses here who have been— banks, there are nurses here who have been referred to the local food banic _ have been referred to the local food banic that — have been referred to the local food bank. that is not acceptable in the zist bank. that is not acceptable in the 21st century britain. you bank. that is not acceptable in the 21st century britain.— 21st century britain. you cannot have a successful _ 21st century britain. you cannot have a successful nhs - 21st century britain. you cannot have a successful nhs if - 21st century britain. you cannot have a successful nhs if you i 21st century britain. you cannot have a successful nhs if you doj 21st century britain. you cannot i have a successful nhs if you do not fund and _ have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care— have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care for— have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care for it. _ have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care for it. it— have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care for it. it is— have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care for it. it is all- have a successful nhs if you do not fund and care for it. it is all very. fund and care for it. it is all very well— fund and care for it. it is all very well having _ fund and care for it. it is all very well having this _ fund and care for it. it is all very well having this sort _ fund and care for it. it is all very well having this sort of - fund and care for it. it is all very well having this sort of belief. fund and care for it. it is all very. well having this sort of belief that the nhs _ well having this sort of belief that the nhs is — well having this sort of belief that the nhs is the _ well having this sort of belief that the nhs is the envy— well having this sort of belief that the nhs is the envy of _ well having this sort of belief that the nhs is the envy of the - well having this sort of belief that the nhs is the envy of the world. | the nhs is the envy of the world. that is— the nhs is the envy of the world. that isjust — the nhs is the envy of the world. that is just a _ the nhs is the envy of the world. that is just a joke _ the nhs is the envy of the world. that isjust a joke nowadays. i the nhs is the envy of the world. that isjust a joke nowadays. thej that isjust a joke nowadays. the government— that isjust a joke nowadays. the government has— that isjust a joke nowadays. the government has to _ that isjust a joke nowadays. the government has to take - that isjust a joke nowadays. the government has to take on - government has to take on board that if we are _ government has to take on board that if we are going to provide _

government has to take on board that if we are going to provide adequate i if we are going to provide adequate and successful— if we are going to provide adequate and successful care _ if we are going to provide adequate and successful care for— if we are going to provide adequate and successful care for our - and successful care for our patients, _ and successful care for our patients, four— and successful care for our patients, four are - and successful care for our patients, four are people i and successful care for our i patients, four are people who and successful care for our - patients, four are people who could beat you _ patients, four are people who could beat you or — patients, four are people who could beat you or someone _ patients, four are people who could beat you or someone you _ patients, four are people who could beat you or someone you love, i patients, four are people who could beat you or someone you love, wel beat you or someone you love, we have _ beat you or someone you love, we have got _ beat you or someone you love, we have got to — beat you or someone you love, we have got to fund _ beat you or someone you love, we have got to fund it _ beat you or someone you love, we have got to fund it properly. - beat you or someone you love, we have got to fund it properly.- have got to fund it properly. there are nurses — have got to fund it properly. there are nurses who _ have got to fund it properly. there are nurses who have _ have got to fund it properly. there are nurses who have decided i have got to fund it properly. there are nurses who have decided not l have got to fund it properly.- are nurses who have decided not to strike today who felt they could not leave their patients. they are saying that they are expecting it to be a very tough day for them inside the hospital. in terms of advice for patients, unless you had been contacted by the hospital that your procedures have been postponed, you are advised to still come to the hospital, but they still still could be calling patients today saying they will have to postpone. this industrial action is not affecting gp practices, community pharmacies or dentists. but the rcn says unless there are significant movement from there are significant movement from the government, they will be back at places like colchester hospital next month with even bigger industrial action in england and also wales. thank you very much. we want to hear

from you, if your appointment has been affected by the industrial action by nurses, get in touch and let us know about that and your view on the strike action. use the hashtag bbc your questions, you can get in touch about any of the other stories we are covering today. i have a comment, my health appointments are affected all the time by underinvestment in the nhs, well done to the nurses saying enough is enough. we would love to hear your views today on that strike action, let us know if your appointments are directly impacted by it. jury selection has begun in california for a civil case against the tesla owner, elon musk. the case centres on two tweets which mr musk put out in 2018 which caused big fluctuations in the tesla share price.

the case is considering whether those tweets constituted fraud. it's being brought by investors who say the tweets were materially false and cost them billions of dollars. mr musk has already been fined twenty million dollars by the american stock market regulator — he denies having been deceitful. our north america correspondent david willis has been following story and gave this update elon musk said he could float tesla and acquire air privately, and that funding had been secured for that, $70 billion in funding that was necessary. those two tweets because the share price of the company to soar, only for it to plummet ten days later when it became clear that funding had indeed not been secured. now, that group of shareholders are suing elon musk and otherformer and

current directors of his life for undisclosed damages, claiming that basically the committed fraud in share price manipulation. what we have here is elon musk being sued by his investors for remarks that he made on social media platform that he himself later acquired to the chagrin of many of those same investors. now, too many people, you do not have to be a tesla investor to find that all a little bit bizarre but in the often wacky world of elon musk, it is just wednesday. madonna has announced a new tour this summer— to mark more than a0 years of hit songs. the best—selling female music artist in history used her instagram to share a video promoting the tour — which will take her to 35 cities, starting in canada injuly and ending in amsterdam in december.

canadian entertainment journalist will reid told us what he was hoping for. journalist will reid told us there's three shows here in canada, very excited about that. i think looking at it, there's a lot we can expect including the scale of it. it is a return to form for her in the sense of pre—covid 19, she had done theatre shows for her madame x tour, before that she hadn't done stadiums, arenas, rather, since 2016. so it's a return to the massive scale we know from madonna. also the return of the stage because it has been four years since she's toured. there's a lot to look forward to on that front, but also, a0 years of hits to cover. that's a lot. there's very few artists still touring compared to that. so there's a lot to fit into the show and of course, we know that madonna has set the precedent for a lot of the pop stars that we know today in terms of the scale of the show, the content of the show, the boundary pushing. so i think we can expect it to be competing with a lot of younger artists we see today that she has influenced and who have said that they have been influenced by her. a french nun who was officially recognised as the world's oldest living person has died — at the age of 118. lucile randon

was born ten years before the start of the first world war. she took holy orders in 19aa — at the age of a0 — and became known as sister andre. she lived through 21 us presidents and 30 british prime ministers — and she survived a covid infection last year. a spokesman said she died in her sleep at a nursing home in toulon in the south of france. she said she tried to live by the code that people should help each other and love each other. when she was asked about the secret of her longevity — she said, �*only god knows.�* now it�*s time for a look at the weather: good morning. once again to day we are looking at a of snow showers and the risk of ice on untreated surfaces. some disruption as possible. you may wonder how long it will last. forthe

possible. you may wonder how long it will last. for the next few days as we head into the weekend, something milderfrom the we head into the weekend, something milder from the atlantic comes our way moving into northern ireland, scotland, northern england and wales and eventually moving to the far south—east, but possibly not until monday. this morning, we have seen a lot of snow showers across the north and the west, still out at sea in the east. these snow showers are falling on frozen surfaces, hence the risk of ice. there will be a lot of dry weather today, a fair bit of sunshine, windy down the north sea coastline, out towards the west, temperatures will be a degree or so higher than yesterday, at all and when chilled, it will feel as cold, it will feel bitterly cold if you are heading out. this evening and overnight, clearskies, are heading out. this evening and overnight, clear skies, temperature falls away, low pressure coming down the north sea moves away, rain, sleet and snow coming in across

scotland, snow showers persisting across northern ireland, northern england, wales and the south—west. a widespread frost with temperatures below freezing for most, and once again, the risk of ice on untreated surfaces. thursday, the weather front looks like it will go past cornwall, bringing rain. the next weather front coming in across northern scotland will bring a mixture of rain, sleet and snow. the totals will be mounting up. a lot of dry weather iran, if you wintry flurries around cheshire, greater manchester, wales. and cornwell and northern ireland. but really, the emphasis is on a dry day, lighter winds and these are our temperatures, four to seven celsius. on friday, the high pressure tries to build a gross tonnes, more settled, stubborn fog first thing in the morning. there is a system in

the morning. there is a system in the south—west which introduces thicker cloud, some rain, but we are looking at light winds. these are our temperatures, 2 degrees in glasgow to 8 degrees in plymouth.

this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a helicopter has crashed into a kindergarten in a suburb of the ukrainian capital kyiv, killing 18 people — at least two of the dead are children. ukrainian police say the country�*s interior minister — denys monastyrsky — and his deputy are among those killed. it�*s a devastating blow for kyiv to lose such a prominent figure in ukraine�*s government at this stage. here in the uk — thousands of nurses have begun a two—day strike over pay — affecting a quarter of hospital and community health services in england. inflation — the rate at which prices are rising —

slows in the uk for a second month in a row, but remains close to a a0—year high.