this is bbc news with the latest headlines. towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more two—billion pounds as part of the governments levelling up strategy. the minster in charge of regional inequalities says the funding will deliver economic growth. we will take same for every part of the united country to be firing on all cylinders, but i've in a hurry to make sure we get money out of the door —— it will take time. so what does levelling up mean to you? if your area is getting funding, what difference do you think it will make? or if it isn't, we want to hear your reaction, too. get in touch @annitabbc and use the hashtag bbc your questions

another day of strikes — more than 1,000 ambulance staff in wales walk—out in a dispute over pay and conditions. meanwhile in england, nurses continue their strike action for a second day in a row. new zealand's prime minister— jacinda ardern makes a surprise announcement saying she'll stand down in less than three weeks�* time. a day of national strikes begins in france over plans to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. king charles asks for millions of pounds in profits from the crown estate to be used for the "wider public good" rather than for the royal family. the government has released details of projects which will benefit from its levelling—up fund,

which is intended to spread economic growth more widely across the uk. in all, £2.1 billion will be spent on regeneration projects. they span more than a hundred areas across the country. some of the biggest winners include a new eden project at morecambe bay — which gets £50 million. there's 50 million pounds for a new rail service in cardiff. and 45 million pounds to improve the port of dover. labour has called the money "a partial refund" on what it says the conservatives "have stripped out of communities". but on a visit to blackpool — which is getting funding for a new university campus — the levelling up secretary michael gove said the money would help grow the economy. i would help grow the economy. think it is importani action i think it is important we take action at every point, so we do need to make sure we are bearing down on inflation, that we do everything to

reduce prices, everything to support people through a difficult time, but we've also got to think aboutjobs, skills and education. so the investment we are making here, alongside investments that we are making elsewhere in lancashire and in the north—west, and across the northern midlands, that is designed to make sure people have a brighter future to look forward to. but a short while ago, the shadow levelling up secretary lisa nandy said the policy disadvantaged some communities there was always a political motivation around levelling up, it was an election slogan aimed at the key marginal is the tories wanted to win. in fairness to michael gove, i think he has come in and try to sort some of that out, but the truth is, this is not the right way to allocate money, creating winners and losers around the country, and ministers playing favourites with the projects they like the look of, rather than listening to local communities in every part of this country. communities in every part of this count . ~ ., ., , , ., , country. with more on this story, here is hannah _ country. with more on this story, here is hannah miller. _

blackpool, a town with a proud history, now promised transformational change as the government announces the latest list of places to get money for projects which it claims will spread opportunity more equally. but at this warm hub where last night around 100 families turned up for a hot meal and some company, many feel the rising cost of living is already having an impact on their children. michelle is a nurse had two daughters. reading books that i would not be able to go out and buy, you can't afford to do it any more. and everything being on ipads, i can't afford to buy them a new ipad or new computer. things like that which we all need, but you can't get to it any more. do you trust that the government will make areas like this better and improve chances for your daughters? not at the moment, i don't, no, to be honest. we are struggling to buy shopping, to buy new shoes when they need it because kids go through shoes like mad.

we can't do evenings out, we can't even afford go to play centres because it's just too expensive. nine—year—old jack is all too aware of the impact of rising bills. what have you got here, then? i made a mind map about things to save money. for stuff like have the heating on less often, you can have things like blankets and extra hot water bottles, and you can walk instead of taking the bus, and you can bulk cook to save money as well. and six—year—old cole is clear what would make his life better. it would be better if things get cheaper. then it's easier to get food in and we can meet and get drinks and we can drink. yeah! many here have little idea what levelling up means. have you ever heard the phrase levelling up? no. i've not heard of levelling up.

but the community trust that runs this hub say the new investment is welcome. i think we have seen an awful lot of support to areas in the past where we have almost looked and gone, don't forget about us up north. if this is a genuine opportunity for that type of support to come, then we are in the north of the country, we are where the need is. so let's level up and make sure the support is appropriate right across the country. among the 100 projects getting funding are eden project north and rugby clubs across northern ireland. cardiff gets money towards a new train line, and there will be a new ferry for one of britain's most remote islands in the shetlands. while campaigners say funding for better transport links will help, it won't solve long—standing issues. too many passengers are seeing services cancelled at short notice, or cancelled the night before, and that affects theirjourney getting into work or places of education.

what passengers want now is much more punctual, reliable services. investment in the future is great, but today they want to see their rail services much more reliable, much more punctual. the government says there will be another round of funding still to come in the future. but many question whether the money announced today will really be enough to brighten their prospects. we can speak now to our chief political correspondent nick eardley. good morning to you. depending on how you slice this levelling up cake, there are lots of different interpretations around, are at there? on how much difference it will make two areas or not. give us your analysis of it. fix, will make two areas or not. give us your analysis of it.— your analysis of it. a lot of it depends _ your analysis of it. a lot of it depends on _ your analysis of it. a lot of it depends on what _ your analysis of it. a lot of it depends on what you - your analysis of it. a lot of it depends on what you think. your analysis of it. a lot of it - depends on what you think levelling up depends on what you think levelling up is, because it is a catchphrase rather than a really well developed, defined proposal. so one of the things that is causing a bit of a debate today is the south—east of england is getting more than the

north—east of england. london is getting more than yorkshire. for some people who thought that levelling up was about rebalancing power, to take some of it away from the south of england and put it in the south of england and put it in the north of england, might scratch their heads a bit and wonder how that can be the case. the government would say in response, look, there are more people in the south of england in per capita they are getting more and there are pockets of deprivation in parts of the south of deprivation in parts of the south of england that really need extra cash to bring up standards of living and opportunity. but i think there is going to be a bit of a class today, actually, over whether the government has its priorities right. whether putting that money into london on the south—east of england is actually true to the spirit of that idea of levelling up. what do ou make that idea of levelling up. what do you make of _ that idea of levelling up. what do you make of the _ that idea of levelling up. what do you make of the critique - that idea of levelling up. what do you make of the critique from - that idea of levelling up. what doj you make of the critique from the labour party? i'm seeing this on social media reaction this morning,

lots of labour councillors, councillors from other parties saying actually these are funds that should be given directly to councils to spend in their areas, the areas they say they know best what is needed. �* , , ., ., , needed. it's been a debate that is -la ed needed. it's been a debate that is played out — needed. it's been a debate that is played out throughout _ needed. it's been a debate that is played out throughout the - needed. it's been a debate that is. played out throughout the levelling up played out throughout the levelling up process, actually, where the government is basically making decisions about where the cash should go, and the criticism we've heard from the labour party is that this creates a hungry game style system where different communities in different projects are battling it out to win the favour of ministers, to try and get funding for their projects. labour is suggesting a whole revamp of the system, which would mean that it is devolved and that it is for local councils to figure out where that cash should go, soul, look, that is absolutely part of the discussion as well about how exactly the projects that get money are decided, but the

argument here from the prime minister later that we will hear, ministers have been fanned out across the country to make the case for levelling up, to flag up what they think of the great opportunities that this is going to present. the case you will hear from the prime minister is that this money can be transformational, the levelling up project, boris johnson's has catchphrase, him that made it such a big thing in the 2019 election, richey sri lanka is going to say i'm picking up that mantle and wanted to be a big part of what my government is offering the country as well in the debate will be has the government got its priorities right —— rishi sunak. i'm nowjoined by marcusjohns. he is a research fellow at ippr north, a centre— left think tank for the north of england. thank you for your time today. what does levelling up mean to you? i think levelling up as a project is

principally about addressing regional inequalities through moving power and investment around the country to better serve those places that have been left behind in decades, really. today's allocations of the levelling up fund, well smoke outcome there might well cover many of the places that have secured their project, levelling up is on life support. today's allocation announcement won't change that and there are three key reasons why. the first is that the funding is simply too small to be transformational. it does not touch the sides on the money that was taken out of our region of the north of england since 2010 under austerity, let alone the decades of underinvestment before that, so our analysis today has found that today's announcement is worth about 37 pounds 50 for each person in the north of england, which takes the total allocation

today to £69. today money lost during austerity 3a stop even if you only look at council service spending, only one part of the money £400 per person lost every year since 2010, just too small. the second thing is it's not designed in a way that will really level up, it's competitive, which means places have spent a lot of resource putting this together only to lose, these are the local authorities delivering fundamental local services, spending resource only to have their projects turned down, and finally, they levelling up fun so far has been beset by problems. they have been a series of delays, delays get money out the door, delay starting projects, delays in the government setting up its own portalfor local authorities to submit their bids, this is that time of really high inflation were all those delays are costing cut the inflation were all those delays are costin: cu- ., ., i, ,

costing cut the analysis you give er costing cut the analysis you give per person _ costing cut the analysis you give per person does _ costing cut the analysis you give per person does that _ costing cut the analysis you give per person does that take - costing cut the analysis you give per person does that take into l per person does that take into account inflation?— per person does that take into account inflation? yes, when you look across _ account inflation? yes, when you look across the _ account inflation? yes, when you look across the period _ account inflation? yes, when you look across the period of - account inflation? yes, when you look across the period of the - look across the period of the levelling up fund, we think the levelling up fund, we think the levelling up fund on shared prosperity funds together have lost half £1 billion to inflation, one in every £13 of the levelling up fun, so these delays are literally costing money, and what can be delivered with a fund that is already too small is increasingly less. are you sa in: small is increasingly less. are you saying none _ small is increasingly less. are you saying none of— small is increasingly less. are you saying none of these _ small is increasingly less. are you saying none of these projects - small is increasingly less. are you saying none of these projects are| saying none of these projects are going to benefit the communities they are around? it is that what you're saying?— you're saying? many of these ro'ects you're saying? many of these projects will _ you're saying? many of these projects will benefit - you're saying? many of these projects will benefit the - projects will benefit the communities they are in, and i'm sure for the people directly impacted, they could indeed deliver kind of economic benefits. when we are looking at levelling up, as a project to address regional inequalities, to unlock regional growth, this fund is not going to be transformational, there's not enough of it to go around, it's not been targeted at the places in the most

need and when you look at somewhere like yorkshire and the humber, we think it is only received about £22 per person today to stop it as a place that has areas of significant need, yet money has been found, £19 million to be invested in richmond sure in regenerating a town centre there, which happens to be a prime minister post my constituency. it does not look like deprivation and it is being taken into account, so, yes, there will be benefits for the individual projects by the uk level, addressing regional inequalities, it will not be transformational. number ten sa s in will not be transformational. number ten says in england _ will not be transformational. number ten says in england 4596 _ will not be transformational. number ten says in england 4596 of _ will not be transformational. number ten says in england 4596 of the - ten says in england 45% of the funding it's going to the 20% most deprived local authorities, according to number ten. of say there are lots of different ways of analysing this money, but when people talk about levelling up, a lot of people might broadly think it means about a focus, focus on the north versus the south—east of england. when you compare those two areas, which part of england is

doing the best out of this levelling up doing the best out of this levelling up fund round to?— doing the best out of this levelling up fund round to? when you look at the figures. — up fund round to? when you look at the figures, the _ up fund round to? when you look at the figures, the north _ up fund round to? when you look at the figures, the north is _ up fund round to? when you look at the figures, the north is receiving i the figures, the north is receiving a slightly higher share, and this is to be welcomed, obviously, but we are talking about decades of underinvestment, and transport, economic infrastructure that have left the north�*s economy held back ljy left the north�*s economy held back by so many problems. when you look at what is happening with the trains in recent months, this is decades of underinvestment, so having a slightly higher share on this one fund isn't solving regional inequalities, does not go far enough. we need to see significant investment in the north of england, and other regions that have been left behind in recent decades, and power, this is far too much at the discretion of ministers where this money is being spent. we need the power to make these decisions pushed out and, given to local communities to level up for themselves and fix our regional inequalities.

the bbc�*s reality check team are examining to davis—mack levelling up figures right now and we will have their analysis later in the day. lots of different interpretations of how effective this money might be and where it is going to. if you want to let me know about what you think levelling up means in your area has money has on, we want to hearfrom area has money has on, we want to hear from you today, so get in touch with me on twitter. strike action continues today in england and wales. today sees the second day of nurses in england striking as part of a row over pay. and in wales, ambulance workers are taking part in industrial action, though emergency calls will be covered. for those in england, the advice is that if you are seriously injured or ill then call 999 as usual. if it's not urgent then call 111.

let's go live to brighton and speak to our health reporter katharine da costa. just tell us about the mood on day two of this action.— just tell us about the mood on day two of this action. yes, the second 12 hour strike _ two of this action. yes, the second 12 hour strike is _ two of this action. yes, the second 12 hour strike is under— two of this action. yes, the second 12 hour strike is under way - two of this action. yes, the second 12 hour strike is under way here . two of this action. yes, the second 12 hour strike is under way here at| 12 hour strike is under way here at the royal sussex hospital in brighton, the picket line is growing in size and volume. apparently there were several hundred nurses out on this picket line yesterday, expected to be matched again today. there are more than 50 nhs trusts across england are impacted by this two—day walk—out. it is expected to cause more disruption in the strikes last month, that's because more staff are involved and the days are back to back. emergency and urgent care is still being maintained, the biggest knock on effect is expected to be

for nonurgent operations, and outpatient appointments. thousands of patients will have already been contacted to let them know if their care has been postponed. the nurses union hadn't said there had been —— had said there had been a glimmer of hope last year when —— last week when the health secretary met with unions to discuss pay, but since then, nothing concrete has emerged, no formal offers have been made. there are further strikes that have been announced both by the rcn and gmb union which represents ambulance workers, and that will coincide on the 6th of february, and health leaders are critically concerned about widespread disruption. i have about widespread disruption. i have a nurse here, tina, who works in a&e. you've been a nurse for 40 years. just describe the pressure, how it has built this winter. this is the worst winter in history. the

nursing profession has got to the point of no return.— point of no return. patient safety is paramount. — point of no return. patient safety is paramount, and _ point of no return. patient safety is paramount, and that _ point of no return. patient safety is paramount, and that is - point of no return. patient safety is paramount, and that is being i is paramount, and that is being eroded — is paramount, and that is being eroded away. the nhs is being eroded away _ eroded away. the nhs is being eroded awa . ., ., ., away. you were telling me that now ou would away. you were telling me that now you would be _ away. you were telling me that now you would be treating _ away. you were telling me that now you would be treating patients - away. you were telling me that now you would be treating patients in i you would be treating patients in corridors and the department never fully empty. corridors and the department never fully empty-— fully empty. absolutely, years ago the department — fully empty. absolutely, years ago the department would _ fully empty. absolutely, years ago the department would empty - fully empty. absolutely, years ago the department would empty at i fully empty. absolutely, years ago - the department would empty at night, never it— the department would empty at night, never it is— the department would empty at night, never it is a _ the department would empty at night, never it is a constant 24—hour care, the nursing — never it is a constant 24—hour care, the nursing staff have to provide as care that _ the nursing staff have to provide as care that should be provided on the ward, _ care that should be provided on the ward. but _ care that should be provided on the ward, but obvious that patients can't, _ ward, but obvious that patients can't, don't have beds because of the lack— can't, don't have beds because of the lack of— can't, don't have beds because of the lack of social care as well. the government _ the lack of social care as well. the government is _ the lack of social care as well. iie: government is trying the lack of social care as well. tie: government is trying to bring in new legislation for minimum service requirements on strike days. what is your response? that requirements on strike days. what is your response?— your response? that would be lovely on any day- — your response? that would be lovely on any day. unfortunately _ your response? that would be lovely on any day. unfortunately the - your response? that would be lovely on any day. unfortunately the levels| on any day. unfortunately the levels they would _ on any day. unfortunately the levels they would put in place often we don't _ they would put in place often we don't have those required levels on a normal_ don't have those required levels on a normal day in the department or

the trust. — a normal day in the department or the trust, and that happens nationwide.— the trust, and that happens nationwide. ., ., ., , nationwide. the rcn and other unions are said they're _ nationwide. the rcn and other unions are said they're prepared _ nationwide. the rcn and other unions are said they're prepared to _ are said they're prepared to continue strikes well into the spring unless the government does discuss this current radio, notjust nick share's financial settlement. is there any danger you might lose public support of the strikes continue? eighti public support of the strikes continue? eigh- public support of the strikes continue? eigh public support of the strikes continue? eiuh- . ., continue? eight i have to say, we are doinu continue? eight i have to say, we are doing this. — continue? eight i have to say, we are doing this, nurses _ continue? eight i have to say, we are doing this, nurses do - continue? eight i have to say, we are doing this, nurses do not - continue? eight i have to say, we i are doing this, nurses do not choose to strike, _ are doing this, nurses do not choose to strike, we — are doing this, nurses do not choose to strike, we are doing this because of the _ to strike, we are doing this because of the undercuts, because of the underpayment, because of the underfunding. these cuts, the waiting — underfunding. these cuts, the waiting times etc are due to this, and this— waiting times etc are due to this, and this is— waiting times etc are due to this, and this is why we feel we have no choice _ and this is why we feel we have no choice but — and this is why we feel we have no choice but to strike. we want to make _ choice but to strike. we want to make sure — choice but to strike. we want to make sure we maintain our patient care, _ make sure we maintain our patient care, our— make sure we maintain our patient care, our patient dignity and our patient — care, our patient dignity and our patient safety. care, our patient dignity and our patient safety-— care, our patient dignity and our atient safe . ., ,, , ., , . patient safety. thank you very much. health leaders _ patient safety. thank you very much. health leaders very _ patient safety. thank you very much. health leaders very concerned i patient safety. thank you very much. health leaders very concerned that l health leaders very concerned that strike action is escalating, critically next month. they have asked for unions and the government to urgently get back round the

negotiating table and find a way out of this. let's speak to our wales correspondent hywel griffith, who's in pontypridd in south wales. tell us about the likely impact of the industrial action there across wales. ~ ~' ., wales. well, we know the unite members make _ wales. well, we know the unite members make up _ wales. well, we know the unite members make up about i wales. well, we know the unite members make up about a i wales. well, we know the unite i members make up about a quarter of the welsh ambulance workforce in wales, so they will probably be quite similar to the two previous strike days when the gmb union was out. we know that arrangements in place that workers are prepared to respond to the most urgent calls, but inevitably there will be a knock—on effect on people and patients around wales, so people have been warned to be extra cautious not to take extra risk on the strike days. in terms of what they want, you can hear, they say they want, you can hear, they say they have not been given a fair pay

deal. unite and the other unions of wales were around the table with the welsh labour government because of his labour that controls the service in wales, last week, and they were given a new offer. we don't know what that was worth in terms of pounds and pence are percentages but we do know it was a one—off cash offer, not a consolidated substantial part of their day ongoing, and it was not sufficient for any of the health unions, all of whom said they will continue with industrial and —— action. 0ut today, back on the 23rd, and then and its workers from the gmb union will be back alongside nurses from the rcn in what looks to be the biggest day of strike action so far. in terms of the welsh government, they say they appreciate the workers' feelings. they do want to come to an agreement to say they have given everything they can offer for that one—off cash offer and cannot afford a long—term

pay increase, and they say it is up to the westminster uk government to hand down more money down the m4 to cardiff bay, if they are able to offer any more. so at the moment it seems to be a stalemate and we are likely to have far more of these scenes over the coming weeks. of any ofthe thereby injure giving you any indication of what it would take what would be acceptable to them in terms of an offer to call off this industrial action?— terms of an offer to call off this industrial action? well, we know from the latest _ industrial action? well, we know from the latest figures _ industrial action? well, we know from the latest figures that i from the latest figures that inflation is still around 10% and therefore something that gets them close to 10% overall increase in their pay, at the moment is only 4%, so even if there was thousand pounds per worker cash offer on top for this year, that might get them there for this year but obviously it would not be sufficient for future years. so i think at the moment,

unfortunately, there are no signs of those negotiations in wales progressing in the welsh government say they need extra cash if they are going to be able to offer anything more to the ambulance workers. the new zealand prime minister, jacinda ardern, has made the surprise announcement that she is standing down. she'll leave her post at the start of february — and won't lead her party into 0ctober�*s general election. at an emotional news conference, she gave her reason, saying she just didn't have enough left in the tank to carry on. shaimaa khalil reports. holding back tears as she made this announcement. so today i am announcing that i will not be seeking re—election. in an emotional press conference that shocked the nation, jacinda ardern said there was no secret scandal behind her resignation, only that she no longer had the energy to go on as leader. i know what this job takes, and i know that i no longer have enough in the tank to do itjustice. ms ardern was the youngest head

of government in the world when she was elected prime minister in 2017, just 37 years old at the time. she soon became a global icon for progressive politics. she gave birth to her daughter niamh while in power, becoming the second woman in modern history to do so after pakistan's late leader benazir bhutto. the prime minister said that while the last five and a half years were the most fulfilling of her life, they also had their challenges. her premiership has been tested time and time again, especially by the christchurch terror attacks. the worst in new zealand's modern history. 51 people were killed and dozens of others were wounded when a gunman shot worshippers during friday prayers on march 15th in 2019. jacinda ardern grieved with the families. her decisiveness and empathy united the nation at the most tragic of times. she also steered the country through the covid—19 pandemic.

thanks to an early and strict lockdown, new zealand has had one of the lowest death rates globally. ms ardern won a landslide second term in 2020 but her popularity has slid as the public�*s trust in government steadily declined with a deteriorating economic situation. her centre—left labour party will elect a new leader and new prime minister on sunday. the country's general election will be held on october 14th, but the prime minister's last day in office is february 7th. shaimaa khalil, bbc news, sydney. she will be remembered as a leader who led a country through tough times, led with kindness and

compassion. ukraine has called on its western allies to speed up the supply of tanks to bolster its aging fleet. its foreign minister thanked the uk for what he called the �*brave and timely�* decision to offer challenger two tanks, but said ukraine needs more to meet its military objectives, and made a direct appeal to countries including germany, canada and poland for more support. meanwhile ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky says "several" theories are being investigated after a helicopter crash that killed the country's interior minister. 14 other people also died in the accident which took place in foggy weather in a suburb of kyiv, and set a kindergarten on fire. the head of the ukrainian police force will take over as acting interior minister. ferry services from dover to calais are suspended until this afternoon because of a national strike in france. officials in dover say services to and from dunkirk will be running as normal, but they've warned people travelling to france to arrive early, as the port and surrounding roads are expected to be busier than usual. the nationwide strikes in france

are in protest at plans to reform the french retirement age from 62 to 64. 0ur paris correspondent high schofield outlined the scale of disruption expected in france today. lots of trouble and disruption that that means public transport and schools primarily... may be also in key and sensitive sectors like electricity provision, the fuel depots and so on. we will have to see. the big picture, is always on these, occasions, as public transport. a lot of people will be avoiding travelling around the country and around paris today, and schools, a lot of parents will have problems finding provision for their children because of schools being

shut. the british actorjulian sands has been named as the hiker who went missing in california last week. the 65—year—old, who is best known for his role in the film �*a room with a view�*, went missing in the san gabriel mountains on friday. police say rescue teams are continuing to search for him. imran khan — the former prime minister of pakistan — has warned the country could face economic collapse if there isn�*t a general election soon. mr khan was ousted in a vote of no confidence last april. since then, he�*s pushed the government to bring the elections forward but his critics say his efforts are adding to the country�*s economic problems. he spoke to the bbc�*s caroline davies. the only way pakistan can get economic stability is through free and fair elections. free and fair elections where government backed by a popular mandate, and that is the beginning of getting economic stability. put beginning of getting economic stabili . .,, beginning of getting economic stabili . . ., , ., stability. put those elections are due to happen — stability. put those elections are due to happen the _ stability. put those elections are due to happen the share, i

stability. put those elections are due to happen the share, and i stability. put those elections are i due to happen the share, and what you are calling for is to have them earlier. what a difference, it is a few months, but the fact you�*re doing this could cause further economic damage. will you acknowledge that? actually, the dama . e acknowledge that? actually, the damage has _ acknowledge that? actually, the damage has been _ acknowledge that? actually, the damage has been done. - acknowledge that? actually, the damage has been done. it i acknowledge that? actually, the damage has been done. it will i acknowledge that? actually, the i damage has been done. it will only get worse, and the worrying pakistan is we could have a sri lanka type situation. ~ ., , ., , ., , is we could have a sri lanka type situation. ~ ., , ., ., situation. would you people out to rotest if situation. would you people out to protest if you _ situation. would you people out to protest if you don't _ situation. would you people out to protest if you don't get _ situation. would you people out to protest if you don't get the - situation. would you people out to protest if you don't get the agenda protest if you don�*t get the agenda you want to have been? taste protest if you don't get the agenda you want to have been?— protest if you don't get the agenda you want to have been? we to public rallies, we will— you want to have been? we to public rallies, we will do _ you want to have been? we to public rallies, we will do public— you want to have been? we to public rallies, we will do public rallies, i rallies, we will do public rallies, which is what political party state. there is still a threat hanging over you could be disqualified. what will you could be disqualified. what will you do if you are disqualify? there is absolutely _ you do if you are disqualify? there is absolutely no _ you do if you are disqualify? there is absolutely no case _ you do if you are disqualify? there is absolutely no case that - you do if you are disqualify? there is absolutely no case that can i is absolutely no case that can disqualify me. is absolutely no case that can disqualify me— is absolutely no case that can disqualify me. don't think it will ha--en? disqualify me. don't think it will happen? they _ disqualify me. don't think it will happen? they are _ disqualify me. don't think it will happen? they are trying - disqualify me. don't think it will happen? they are trying their i disqualify me. don't think it will i happen? they are trying their best, because i happen? they are trying their best, because i have _ happen? they are trying their best, because i have so _ happen? they are trying their best, because i have so many _ happen? they are trying their best, because i have so many court i happen? they are trying their best, because i have so many court cases they come up with every other day, there is a new case against me. and

i keep making impedance in courts. who would run the party, how would you operate if you are disqualify? we will cross the bridge when we come to it. we will cross the bridge when we come to it— come to it. there will be an election _ come to it. there will be an election issue _ come to it. there will be an election issue at _ come to it. there will be an election issue at some i come to it. there will be an i election issue at some point. how safe you currently feel?— safe you currently feel? well, i don't feel— safe you currently feel? well, i don't feel safe, _ safe you currently feel? well, i don't feel safe, the _ safe you currently feel? well, i don't feel safe, the answer i safe you currently feel? well, i don't feel safe, the answer is l safe you currently feel? well, i i don't feel safe, the answer is no, i don�*t feel safe, the answer is no, i don�*t. i will be a bit more careful, will have a bullet—proof screen, giving rallies, buti will have a bullet—proof screen, giving rallies, but i will have to... there is no question of me sitting inside. iwill go to... there is no question of me sitting inside. i will go out campaigning. sitting inside. i will go out campaigning-— sitting inside. i will go out campaigning. sitting inside. i will go out camaiuanin. . ~ , . now it�*s time for a look at the weather with carol... good morning. good morning to you as well. it has been a call start the day as well with widespread frost and the risk of ice on untreated services. we have been seeing significant snow coming on across the north of scotland and as a sink southwards what you find is a band

will fragment. we also have rain and sleet pushing out of saudi scotland and into north east england and wintry showers across northern ireland, north—west england, wales, the midlands and also the southwest. through the day, a lot of these will ease. many of us having a dry day with sunshine and strong winds in the far north of scotland, using a touch. through this evening and overnight we have clear skies and widespread frost again. as high—pressure bills in you will find many showers will ease and we would have mist and fog patches forming across western scotland, wales and especially northern ireland where it will be freezing fog and also widespread. that will be slow to clear tomorrow and it may linger in northern ireland but there will be a lot of dry weather, one or two showers are times in the north sea and those drifting under the coaster times as well but still tomorrow it�*s going to be wherever you are.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines... towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more £2 billion as part of the governments levelling up strategy. the minster in charge of regional inequalities says the funding will deliver economic growth. another day of strikes. more than 1,000 ambulance staff in wales walk—out in a dispute over pay and conditions. meanwhile in england, nurses continue their strike action for a second day in a row. new zealand�*s prime minister, jacinda ardern, makes a surprise announcement saying she�*ll stand down in less than three weeks�* time. a day of national strikes begins in france over plans to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. king charles asks for millions of pounds in profits from the crown estate to be used for the "wider public good" rather than for the royal family.

sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here�*sjohn. morning. its another busy day at melbourne park on day four of the australian open. novak djokovic is currently on court taking on the frenchman enzo couacaud. already safely through though is britains dan evans. that�*s after a heated confrontation between his opponent french player jeremy chardy and the umpire. he was left furious when she didn�*t call let on a break point in the first set when a ball fell out of his pocket, as rules dictate she should. evans won that point and the first set before taking it in three set and perhaps more importantly kept his pockets in check, the incident the big talking point after the match. i point after the match. was angry because she shou straightaway i was angry because she should stop straightaway and she said she didn�*t even see the ball. i don�*t know what she�*s doing because she doesn�*t call in or out, shejust she�*s doing because she doesn�*t call in or out, she just called the score

and if she doesn�*t watch the point, i know why she is in the chair. i think the rule should be if the balkans— think the rule should be if the balkans are your pocket, you lose the point — balkans are your pocket, you lose the point i— balkans are your pocket, you lose the point. i don't know why we give themm _ the point. i don't know why we give them... you're giving people the chance — them... you're giving people the chance he — them... you're giving people the chance. he missed the ball. i'm not using _ chance. he missed the ball. i'm not using a _ chance. he missed the ball. i'm not using a mac— chance. he missed the ball. i'm not using a mac i'm using this as an example — using a mac i'm using this as an example because it obviously happened today, but if you serve in the balkans of your pocket, why and is the _ the balkans of your pocket, why and is the worst — the balkans of your pocket, why and is the worst ever. elsewhere in the men�*s draw this morning, both the top two seeds are now out. following rafa nadal�*s exit, caspar ruud has also been beaten. the norwegian second seed was stunned by american world number 39jenson brooksby, beating ruud in four sets. jaco beach is currently leading 4—1. andy murray is back in action very shortly. there was plenty of drama in his opening match against matteoi berrentini, one he won in five tough sets, all with a metal hip, which had former players and pundits in awe.

john mccenroe said he had ultimate respect for murray�*s sheer guts and determination. he�*ll be out against thanasi kokkinakis in the next hour or so, a player murray mentored for a while. a late wondergoal from michael 0lise denied manchester united a tenth straight win in all—competitions as they drew 1—1 with crystal palace. things were looking good for erik ten hag�*s side after bruno fernandes had given them the lead shortly before the break, but 0lise�*s stunning free—kick in the first minute of injury time denied them all three points and the chance to go up to second in the table. we are controlling the game and one unlucky moment and that is top football. it can change the situation and you don�*t have time any more to react and sometimes it�*s any more to react and sometimes it�*s a disappointment but you have to take that and dropped two points but

we have to move on, make the best plan for us and give the players energy and be ready for the game because we go on sunday again. from leaving it late to scoring early. how about this from 19—year—old leeds forward wilfired gnonto. a stunning scissor—kick afterjust 26 seconds againsty cardiff, helped them into the fouth round of the fa cup. shades of paulo di canio abiut that goal, remember him? this the first of two goals for the italian. all of the age of 19 years. and ensure it is a name we will hear a lot more of. a brilliant goal from the 19—year—old italian. a brilliant goal from the 19—year—old italian. patrick bamford also scored two in the second half in a 5—2 win. we haven�*t got results and i have

tried to say that i can see in the process that things are clicking, things are coming together, that there is momentum growing. i have to continue to find a way to keep brewing belief, but the best way is good performances and you can see that the players are really on the right track, so a lot more work to do and the focus has to be totally on sunday. he do and the focus has to be totally on sunday-— do and the focus has to be totally on sunda . ., ., ,, ., on sunday. he would have liked what he saw. celtic are still nine points clear at the top of the scottish premiership after a 4—0 win against st mirren. rivals rangers had to come from behind against kilmarnock. it�*s the fourth time rangers have conceded first. fortunately for them alfredo morelos came to the rescue with two goals as they beat ten man kilmarnock 3—2. that�*s all the sport for now. and you can stay across all of the action in day four with andy murray in action to come and also at dan evans in the third round. you can follow it on the bbc sport website. another deadline for forming a devolved government

in northern ireland is about to fall as the deadlock over post—brexit trading arrangements continues. if the political parties at stormont can�*t agree to form an administration, the uk government will have a legal duty at midnight to call a snap assembly election. ahead of the deadline, the secretary of state for northern ireland, chris heaton—harris, is in dublin for talks. let�*s speak now to dr clare rice, research associate at the university of liverpool, specialising in northern irish politics. good to have you with us. the clock is ticking down to midnight cinderella —like but will we actually see anything happening today? actually see anything happening toda ? , . v actually see anything happening toda ? , ., �*, ., actually see anything happening toda? , , today? yes, that's an interesting . uestion. today? yes, that's an interesting question- it's _ today? yes, that's an interesting question. it's an _ today? yes, that's an interesting question. it's an extension i today? yes, that's an interesting question. it's an extension or. today? yes, that's an interesting question. it's an extension or an | question. it�*s an extension or an extension to the deadline the secretary of state rates for calling and election and insured, we don�*t see that there�*s going to be much change in momentum that will come from the sideline was perhaps suggested at the end of october deadline. i think ultimately, what

we will see is a lot of talking and hopefully discussion around how far this extension will be kicked out but in terms of any action beyond that, i don�*t think there�*s much motivation there for that. and not least due to a few different moving parts and several partners and play that mean there is no will or want essentially for an election. either by the parties within northern ireland or by the secretary of state himself. i5 ireland or by the secretary of state himself. , ., , .. , himself. is that because everyone involved essentially believe i himself. is that because everyone involved essentially believe that l involved essentially believe that if was another election, it would end up... with exactly the same and the deadlock will be there? yes. up. .. with exactly the same and the deadlock will be there?— deadlock will be there? yes, that's exactly right _ deadlock will be there? yes, that's exactly right and _ deadlock will be there? yes, that's exactly right and there's _ deadlock will be there? yes, that's exactly right and there's nothing i deadlock will be there? yes, that's exactly right and there's nothing to exactly right and there�*s nothing to suggest that perhaps a few seats might change that we would see within a future assembly that would not be any different to what we saw in the may election. there is little to be gained from it other than a more tension being created between the parties and a lot more frustration within the public to

have to go back to the polls once again, assuming that this will be an action that would be not lined up the council elections in may. there was no desire in may two here to have another election. thea;r was no desire in may two here to have another election.— was no desire in may two here to have another election. they may not want another — have another election. they may not want another election _ have another election. they may not want another election with _ have another election. they may not want another election with the i have another election. they may not want another election with the vast l want another election with the vast majority are frustrated and continue to be frustrated at the lack of a functioning government.- to be frustrated at the lack of a functioning government. yes, we are startin: to functioning government. yes, we are starting to see _ functioning government. yes, we are starting to see it _ functioning government. yes, we are starting to see it incrementally, i starting to see it incrementally, since arrangements came to an end of the end of october that increasingly there are just more and more problems starting to pile up on the table that ministers once they do get back in the post will have to stratify so it�*s not even once we do get them up and running that things willjust get them up and running that things will just effectively kick—start and pick up where they left off. there is a backlog of work that needs to be done so ultimately means i will start on the back foot wants to get going and we can even see this week there was a law that was held up because of the stalemate at stormont

so there are issues that are starting to pile up and that is not going to do anything for the public in terms of building confidence, not just in politicians but also in the way the institutions themselves are operating going forward. we way the institutions themselves are operating going forward.— way the institutions themselves are operating going forward. we are fast a- roachin: operating going forward. we are fast approaching the _ operating going forward. we are fast approaching the 25th _ operating going forward. we are fast approaching the 25th anniversary i operating going forward. we are fast approaching the 25th anniversary ofl approaching the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement, which helped cement the peace process in northern ireland. what do you think the future is at this point for the devolved government at stormont, and indeed the future of devolution in northern ireland? i indeed the future of devolution in northern ireland?— indeed the future of devolution in northern ireland? i think if we are for northern ireland? i think if we are fog focusing _ northern ireland? i think if we are fog focusing on — northern ireland? i think if we are fog focusing on the _ northern ireland? i think if we are fog focusing on the situation i northern ireland? i think if we are fog focusing on the situation at i northern ireland? i think if we are | fog focusing on the situation at the moment it is not optimistic and to see if there are options or solutions there. i do think there are options there and i would certainly like to look into the territory or realm of institutional reform to try and implement some sort of processes and institutional designs that might be able to prevent or at least mitigate these stop — start politics we have seen

over the recent years providing going forward but certainly i think the way things have happened so far is not working so something needs to change going forward. what is that is up to the politicians but certainly i would be surprised if this did not come to further discussion toward that end. doctor claire rice, — discussion toward that end. doctor claire rice, thank _ discussion toward that end. doctor claire rice, thank you _ discussion toward that end. doctor claire rice, thank you very - discussion toward that end. doctor claire rice, thank you very much. l it�*s four years since the us declared victory over the so—called islamic state in north—eastern syria. millions of people are in need of aid but agencies are struggling to get aid in, especially since russia and china blocked a un resolution to keep a border crossing from iraq open. the bbc has been to a remote village where locals rummage through rubbish from a nearby us military base to survive. lina shay—khouni has this report. the plight of people in syria�*s northeast. fouryears the plight of people in syria�*s northeast. four years since the end of a war that has devastated the

area, hungry young and old, scavenge for scraps and discarded waste near a us military base. a surveillance blimp watches overhead. translation: we find meat and food and we eat because we are hungry. we ate from the trash because what can we do�*s it�*s out of hunger. this girl is 12 and this boy was 15. both spend around 12 hours per day at the stump. they are looking for food to eat or plastic to sell to earn a few dollars. their small village is a two hour walk away. translation: it is extremely tiring when we go to the villages to get plastic. she would go and come back feeling hungry but we arrive on the brink of death from hunger. years of war

against the so—called islamic state has left the region in dire circumstances. a kurdish led administration governs this part of syria, but it receives little support to rebuild. most is given to the main refugee camps are missing remote communities like this. translation:. we cannot find bread so i give foot my family. his we cannot find bread so i give foot m famil . , , ., , my family. his brother used to fight alon . side my family. his brother used to fight alongside americans _ my family. his brother used to fight alongside americans against i my family. his brother used to fight alongside americans against the i alongside americans against the islamic state. he was recently injured on patrol. he is now the only breadwinner in his family of ii. translation:. the us should help us a bit. i don�*t like to rummage and i wish i had money so i don�*t have to do it. for

locals the us presence does provide stability and protects them from security threats. victims of a forgotten war. life—saving defibrillators are now available on the uk high street. more than 200 portable defibrillators, which can be used to help people having heart attacks are now available at 02 stores across the country as part of a joint scheme by virgin media 02 and the british heart foundation. i�*m joined now by gareth turpin, the chief commercial officer at virgin media 02. good morning to you and thank you very much forjoining us. why did you decide to do this and how did you decide to do this and how did you get involved?— you decide to do this and how did you get involved? good morning and thank ou you get involved? good morning and thank you very _ you get involved? good morning and thank you very much. _ you get involved? good morning and thank you very much. this _ you get involved? good morning and thank you very much. this is - thank you very much. this is something we are proud of and we have been working with the british heart foundation for a few years and were last year rolled out defibrillators into our virgin media

brands and we have trained more than 800 of our staff and an extensible step was be to put in our stores and people are really passionate about it and we know having one near people can save lives, literally save lives and we have seen with one of our teams with winning a month of having a training, we know the proximity to one can make a huge difference and we think this is something great for us is something we are proud of. by, something great for us is something we are proud of— we are proud of. a device in one of the manse — we are proud of. a device in one of the manse has _ we are proud of. a device in one of the manse has already _ we are proud of. a device in one of the manse has already helped i we are proud of. a device in one of| the manse has already helped save we are proud of. a device in one of. the manse has already helped save a life. i was about to ask you that. it's life. i was about to ask you that. it�*s obvious you very new but have any of those defibrillators been called into action yet? thea;r any of those defibrillators been called into action yet? they haven't et across called into action yet? they haven't yet across our _ called into action yet? they haven't yet across our stores _ called into action yet? they haven't yet across our stores and _ called into action yet? they haven't yet across our stores and hopefully | yet across our stores and hopefully they won�*t, but the purpose of them being there is to save lives and one of our team, that within a month of having his training he stopped and saw person and save their life by using a defibrillator in his van and the amnesty arrived and they said

this person would not be here if it hadn�*t been with you and the defibrillator and a something we�*re really proud of and he of course to be proud of and that�*s why we have dinner stores as well. fitter? be proud of and that's why we have dinner stores as well.— dinner stores as well. very well done to him- — dinner stores as well. very well done to him. as _ dinner stores as well. very well done to him. as every - dinner stores as well. very well done to him. as every member| dinner stores as well. very well i done to him. as every member of your staff in store trained in the use of these devices? mat staff in store trained in the use of these devices?— these devices? not yet, it's something _ these devices? not yet, it's something we _ these devices? not yet, it's something we are - these devices? not yet, it's something we are rolling i these devices? not yet, it'sl something we are rolling out these devices? not yet, it's - something we are rolling out but there is somebody trained in every single store and we have people trained across other stores who can trained across other stores who can train everybody else in health and well—being so they have started the process and now we're rolling it out across the of the estate. we have training in conjunction with the british heart foundation and my training is scheduled for next week and we have a competition for our stores will be given the time to get training is when they can and is something we can mandate across organisation. is something we can mandate across organisation-— organisation. is the cost of this board by virgin _ organisation. is the cost of this board by virgin media - organisation. is the cost of this board by virgin media 0t - organisation. is the cost of this board by virgin media ct in - organisation. is the cost of this . board by virgin media ct in buying board by virgin media 0t in buying these devices installing them and so forth? , ., , ,

these devices installing them and so forth? , , . ., forth? yes, absolutely. we have purchased _ forth? yes, absolutely. we have purchased the _ forth? yes, absolutely. we have purchased the devices _ forth? yes, absolutely. we have purchased the devices from - forth? yes, absolutely. we have purchased the devices from the | forth? yes, absolutely. we have - purchased the devices from the heart foundation and given a team is the time to take up the training and from a customer point of view, if you want to do that training you can go to the website and we have updated data for our customers as well is that anybody and our network can access the training for free. we did a story and with one of our colleagues demonstrating it on a cushion here in the studio. is this something you would encourage other companies to do? obviously the logic is if something like this rolls out on high streets, the potential there is amazing. on high streets, the potential there is amazinu. ~ , , ., ., is amazing. absolutely. from an employee _ is amazing. absolutely. from an employee point _ is amazing. absolutely. from an employee point of _ is amazing. absolutely. from an employee point of view - is amazing. absolutely. from an employee point of view and - is amazing. absolutely. from an employee point of view and the | employee point of view and the well—being of the public it could be a member of staff or anybody in passing, wejoined up with circuit which allows you to access where the nearest defibrillator is and we put hours and hours on the bands but the more out there there are of the more

lives can be saved. we know how critical it can be. we see many stories in the media about people needing one and also people being saved by them for the more out there the better. ., ~ , ., saved by them for the more out there the better. . ~' , ., ., the better. gareth, thank you for talkin: to the better. gareth, thank you for talking to us _ the better. gareth, thank you for talking to us and _ the better. gareth, thank you for talking to us and speaking - the better. gareth, thank you for talking to us and speaking with i the better. gareth, thank you for i talking to us and speaking with us. if you like jigsaw puzzles here's one for you. it is more than 100 feet long and it has spent more than 500 years buried in a riverbank 500 years buried in a river bank in south wales. we are talking about a sunken ship dubbed the welsh mary rose. it was discovered two decades ago. now its restoration has reached a key stage. tomos morgan has more. this is scale model so this gives you an idea of the size and scale. i'm about that height sol you an idea of the size and scale. i'm about that height so i will be dwarfed. at 30 metres long and when 25 tonnes, one is fully rebuild,

newport would have the only 15th century ship on exhibit anywhere in the world. but with 2500 individual pieces, the challenge now will be putting it back together. this one is basically a _ putting it back together. this one is basically a huge _ putting it back together. this one is basically a huge flat _ putting it back together. this one is basically a huge flat packed - is basically a huge flat packed jigsaw puzzle without instructions. we have a big challenge and this is as far as i know the largest attempt to reconstruct a wooden archaeological ship once it's been dry. it archaeological ship once it's been d . , ., archaeological ship once it's been dry. it started off as hundreds been a thousands — dry. it started off as hundreds been a thousands of— dry. it started off as hundreds been a thousands of people _ dry. it started off as hundreds been a thousands of people are - dry. it started off as hundreds beenj a thousands of people are queueing outside _ a thousands of people are queueing outside and its to see this. it's about— outside and its to see this. it's about dating back to the fourteen hundreds... the about dating back to the fourteen hundreds- - -_ about dating back to the fourteen hundreds... ., ., a ., , hundreds... the original wreck was found in 2002 _ hundreds... the original wreck was found in 2002 while _ hundreds... the original wreck was found in 2002 while building - hundreds... the original wreck was found in 2002 while building for i hundreds... the original wreck was | found in 2002 while building for the city's new arts centre in the wrench of the river erskine workers came across the remains of seven metres deepin across the remains of seven metres deep in mud. it has taken the best part of 20 years for each individual piece of wood salvaged to go through a lengthy process of sulking, waxing and drying so that it can be

reassembled safely. toby and his team believe it was built from the basque country would launched in 1449 basque country would launched in 14119 and involved in the lucrative wine trade between portugal and bristol. it felt wine trade between portugal and bristol. it fell into the water and is thought while being repaired in newport dock later that century. this is the wow moment.- newport dock later that century. this is the wow moment. much of the shi was this is the wow moment. much of the ship was dried — this is the wow moment. much of the ship was dried in _ this is the wow moment. much of the ship was dried in portsmouth - this is the wow moment. much of the ship was dried in portsmouth on - this is the wow moment. much of the ship was dried in portsmouth on a - ship was dried in portsmouth on a naval base which is home to the uk and possibly the world's most famous 16th century ship, the mary rose. the museum built around the naval vessel has been a major tourist attraction for the city and comparisons between these two ships can easily be drawn. each comparisons between these two ships can easily be drawn.— can easily be drawn. each wreck has not can easily be drawn. each wreck has got different — can easily be drawn. each wreck has got different things _ can easily be drawn. each wreck has got different things to _ can easily be drawn. each wreck has got different things to offer. - can easily be drawn. each wreck has got different things to offer. this i got different things to offer. this is a beautiful— got different things to offer. this is a beautiful big _ got different things to offer. this is a beautiful big ship— got different things to offer. this is a beautiful big ship of- got different things to offer. this is a beautiful big ship of a - got different things to offer. this| is a beautiful big ship of a certain period _ is a beautiful big ship of a certain period which _ is a beautiful big ship of a certain period which is _ is a beautiful big ship of a certain period which is a _ is a beautiful big ship of a certain period which is a worship, - is a beautiful big ship of a certain i period which is a worship, your ship is a smaller— period which is a worship, your ship is a smaller ship _ period which is a worship, your ship is a smaller ship but _ period which is a worship, your ship is a smaller ship but a _ period which is a worship, your ship is a smaller ship but a trading - is a smaller ship but a trading vessel— is a smaller ship but a trading vessel of— is a smaller ship but a trading vessel of a _ is a smaller ship but a trading vessel of a period _ is a smaller ship but a trading vessel of a period that - is a smaller ship but a trading vessel of a period that is i is a smaller ship but a trading l vessel of a period that is earlier and built— vessel of a period that is earlier and built in— vessel of a period that is earlier and built in a— vessel of a period that is earlier and built in a different - vessel of a period that is earlier and built in a different way, i vessel of a period that is earlier and built in a different way, sol and built in a different way, so the significance — and built in a different way, so the significance is—

and built in a different way, so the significance is our, _ and built in a different way, so the significance is our, they— and built in a different way, so the significance is our, they are - and built in a different way, so the significance is our, they are both l significance is our, they are both highly— significance is our, they are both highly significant. _ significance is our, they are both highly significant. this _ significance is our, they are both highly significant.— highly significant. this is such an amazin: highly significant. this is such an amazing project _ highly significant. this is such an amazing project and _ highly significant. this is such an amazing project and i _ highly significant. this is such an amazing project and i have i highly significant. this is such an amazing project and i have to i highly significant. this is such an| amazing project and i have to say through so even if it takes decades, i will see it through and come out on the governor and in me. i will finish this and retire. the on the governor and in me. i will finish this and retire.— finish this and retire. the final ieces of finish this and retire. the final pieces of wood _ finish this and retire. the final pieces of wood will _ finish this and retire. the final pieces of wood will be - finish this and retire. the final i pieces of wood will be transported from portsmouth back to newport today so that the building process of this, the worlds largest 3d jigsaw, can finally come after two decades, begin. king charles has asked that a surge in crown estate profits — as a result of deals for six offshore wind farms — be kept by the treasury for the "wider public good". the sovereign grant, which pays for the costs of working royals, is currently based on a quarter of crown estate profits — but king charles is proposing to reduce that proportion. i'm joined now by our royal correspondent sarah campbell. just explain and to be absolutely clear, what are the, what is a sobering grand? the

clear, what are the, what is a sobering grand?— clear, what are the, what is a sobering grand? the crown estate comrises sobering grand? the crown estate comprises huge — sobering grand? the crown estate comprises huge swathes - sobering grand? the crown estate comprises huge swathes of- sobering grand? the crown estate comprises huge swathes of land . sobering grand? the crown estate j comprises huge swathes of land in the uk and in this case, crucially, the uk and in this case, crucially, the sea bed of parts of the uk coast. in orderfor the the sea bed of parts of the uk coast. in order for the sovereign grant, that being the amount of tax payer funding that is given to cover the running costs of working members of the royal family and also palace refurbishments, the upkeep of palaces, so 25% of the profits from the crown estate currently go towards making up the sovereign grant and that makes any sense? if you can imagine these six leases for these wind farms are generated to fees of billions per year so that would be a huge upsurge in their profits which would mean a huge upsurge in the sovereign grant. so, the detail today is that buckingham palace has made it clear that as the king's wished rather those profits

going to fund the working members of the royalfamily, he instead wants us to go back to the treasury and effectively to be distributed, in his words, for the public good. it seems to me that everything we've heard from king charles so far, he has been very cognisant of the cost of living crisis, very careful almost to mention it in everything he has been saying.— almost to mention it in everything he has been saying. yes, i think you are riaht he has been saying. yes, i think you are right and — he has been saying. yes, i think you are right and if _ he has been saying. yes, i think you are right and if you _ he has been saying. yes, i think you are right and if you think _ he has been saying. yes, i think you are right and if you think back- he has been saying. yes, i think you are right and if you think back to i are right and if you think back to the christmas beach was very much a theme of his christmas message about theme of his christmas message about the cost of living crisis and understanding the difficulties that families are undergoing at the moment. —— a christmas speech. in his succession speech which was in september, he talked about the fact that he pledged his willingness to surrender the income from the crown estate again for the public good and this phrase the public good, and this phrase the public good, and this is his perhaps a first opportunity to put his money where his mouth is. i think contrary to that, and i think the statement from

the anti—monarchy group, republic, says this cynical pr to pre—empt a government decision to reduce the percentage calculation and i think their perspective is that the pr would be awful if all this came out that the king had had this massive influx of money from this windfall from the wind farm so he is pre—empting that in a way because that would be very difficult i think and people find it to understand. briefly, there may well also be subconsciously perhaps to move the discussion about the royals on from everything we have been talking about recently which is essentially harry and megan. i about recently which is essentially harry and megan-— about recently which is essentially harry and megan. i don't know but the timings _ harry and megan. i don't know but the timings of— harry and megan. i don't know but the timings of this. _ harry and megan. i don't know but the timings of this. the _ harry and megan. i don't know but the timings of this. the original i the timings of this. the original press release by the crown estate as opposed to buckingham palace so that or may not have been under their control but you are absently right. as far as they are concerned, they are carrying on business as usual and members of the royalfamily are carrying on business as usual and members of the royal family are out and about today and tomorrow and i'm sure they would much rather be talking about spare.

time for a look at the weather and get the latest from carol who has news on slow snow debts. we have seen quite a bit of snow in scotland. 31i centimetres in paris but also in other parts between five and nine bringing their total here two or three centimetres. all the wintry showers we have had will ease through the course of the day and will be sunshine but it is still going to feel cold. you can see the wintry showers that we have had across parts of england and wales. they cause disruption in manchester airport and another part of the country as well we have seen some of those wintry showers. northern ireland for example, a mix of rain, sleet and snow in the south—west pulling sleet and snow in the south—west putting away but heavier snow coming in across the far north of scotland where it's also rather windy. the wind here will ease go through the

day. whetherfrom producing the wind here will ease go through the day. whether from producing the snow and slipping sours and fragments and then we have this next system bringing in some rain and sleet. and that would be into north england from scotland. in north yorks moors will have snow. as a showers ease we will have snow. as a showers ease we will have snow. as a showers ease we will have dry and a bit of sunshine and these are our temperatures, 4—7 and these are our temperatures, 4—7 and so if you are about, you will need to wrap up warmly as it is going to feel cold. through this evening and overnight the temperature fall away rapidly and under clear skies and the ridge of high pressure building crosses and that means it will kill off a lot of the showers. there will be some mist and fog patches forming tonight across wales, western scotland and widespread mist and fog across northern ireland, which will be freezing with temperatures like this. we are looking at a widespread frost once again, the risk of ice and untreated surfaces, but with a lot of dry weather and a lot of sunshine under that ridge of pressure. you can see also some showers clipping the east coast of england at times. the mist and fog

lifting and it would be slow to clear and some of it may linger for much of the day across northern ireland. and although temperatures ostensibly are a bit higher, it still going to feel cold but you can see a change the wings. that's atlantic air that's going to come away and bring in some milder conditions across much of the country but it does not get into the far south—east until monday and possibly even tuesday. a bit of a change in the forecast as we go through the next few days and what you will find is that we have a lot of hot dry weather, some mist and fog to clear for the south but where we have the milder conditions, a lot of clout and also also some patchy rain.

this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. new zealand's prime minister— jacinda ardern — makes a surprise announcement saying she'll stand down in less than three weeks' time. a day of national strikes begins in france over plans to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more £2 billion as part of the government's levelling up strategy. the minster in charge of regional inequalities says the funding will deliver economic growth but labour criticises the strategy�*s bidding process.